Victor Matfield used the Rivals podcast to make a strong case for two Boks who don't always get their due. He called Damian de Allende — man of the match in the 45-21 win over England — probably the most underrated player in world rugby, pointing to his go-forward and work rate as the engine that puts South Africa on the front foot. Damian Willemse drew equal praise, with Matfield describing it as one of the best games he's seen from the fullback. Jasper Wiese got a similar endorsement — Matfield argued he's forcing his way into the conversation as one of the best in the world, given how consistently he makes metres and generates momentum. With Erasmus rotating heavily for the Scotland clash — ten changes, Pollard in at 10 for Libbok — Matfield also touched on how the tactical identity shifts depending on who starts at flyhalf, while insisting the Boks won't abandon their structural strengths regardless.
Matfield: De Allende the most underrated player in world rugby, Wiese now among the best
Matfield singles out De Allende, Willemse and Wiese as the standout performers from the England demolition — making the case that at least two of them remain chronically undervalued by the wider rugby world.
Willemse credits Jantjies, Bok mentors after reaching 50-Test milestone at Ellis Park
Damian Willemse marked his 50th Test cap with one of his finest Springbok performances as South Africa opened their Nations Championship campaign with a 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park, crediting mentors including Elton Jantjies, Handré Pollard and several Bok greats for shaping his game across multiple positions.
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what
Why 'Gazza' Willemse is the insurance policy Bok fans should trust
Rich maps the 2022 injury-to-opportunity parallel to argue that Libbok and Willemse provide Erasmus real cover at 10 — and that Bok fans fretting about Feinberg-Mngomezulu's absence are underselling the depth already in the system.
Syndesmosis injury could keep Feinberg-Mngomezulu out for three months
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu faces a three-month absence after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Stormers' URC quarter-final win over Cardiff, potentially ruling him out of the Nations Championship Tests and part of the All Blacks series.
Papier earns first Springbok start in eight years against Scotland
Embrose Papier earns his eighth Springbok cap and first start in eight years against Scotland, rewarded for a standout Bulls season that saw him score nine tries.