Victor Matfield used the Rivals podcast to make the case that Damian de Allende remains the most underrated player in world rugby despite another dominant showing against England — the man-of-the-match mix-up with Willemse, he argues, doesn't change what de Allende's work-rate and go-forward actually deliver. Matfield was equally emphatic about Willemse's performance at 15, calling it among the best he's seen from him. His third talking point was Jasper Wiese, who he believes deserves recognition among the world's elite eighthmen for the consistency of his carries and the platform he creates for Libbok to operate. With Erasmus rotating heavily for the Scotland clash — Pollard in for Libbok, Fassi at 15, Willemse shifting to 12 — Matfield also offers a brief read on how the gameplan shifts depending on which 10 starts.
Matfield singles out De Allende and Wiese as rugby's most overlooked match-winners
Matfield makes a strong case on the Rivals podcast that De Allende, Willemse, and Wiese are all underappreciated on the world stage — and touches on how the Libbok/Pollard selection shapes the Boks' attacking identity.
Quan Horn at 10, Du Toit's return, and an 18-point Bok win predicted — Boks v Barbarians preview
Quan Horn's surprise start at fly-half headlines a Boks v Barbarians preview that also tracks Du Toit's comeback, Kolbe's kicking duties, and whether the Barbarians can make a better fist of it than last year's 54-7 Cape Town hammering. An 18-point Bok win is predicted.
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
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.
Five Boks in Round One Team of the Week as Willemse Claims Player of the Weekend
South Africa dominate Planet Rugby's Round One Team of the Week with five selections, headlined by Willemse's Player of the Weekend on his 50th cap and strong showings from Marx, both Du Toits, Kriel and a debut-making De Villiers.