Victor Matfield has singled out JJ van der Mescht as the player most likely to catch the rugby world off guard during the Nations Championship. The 127kg Northampton lock struggled to impose himself during four seasons at Stade Français but has been a different animal in the Premiership, earning an alignment camp call-up. Matfield draws a direct comparison to RG Snyman — seeing Van der Mescht as a ball-carrying, offloading enforcer who could fill that bench-impact role while Snyman is sidelined for the year. Matfield also welcomed Embrose Papier's inclusion after what he considers an overdue recognition of the Bulls scrumhalf's consistent form. On the omission of older heads like Willie le Roux, Matfield reads it as rotation rather than retirement — consistent with Erasmus's known habit of cycling players back in when needed rather than closing the door permanently.
Matfield tips Van der Mescht as Bok wildcard — and backs Papier's long-overdue call
Matfield backs Van der Mescht — a resurgent Northampton lock he likens to Snyman — as Erasmus's big 2025 wildcard, while welcoming Papier's call-up and downplaying the absence of veterans like Le Roux as tactical rotation rather than the end.
Record-breaking Papier back on Springbok radar as Bulls close in on Van der Westhuizen milestone
Embrose Papier is back on the Springbok radar after Rassie Erasmus's management contacted the Bulls scrumhalf following injuries to Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach, with Bulls coach Johan Ackermann confirming the development ahead of Papier's record-breaking 170th appearance for the franchise, which moves him past Joost van der Westhuizen.
Bulls dismantle Munster 45-14: Bok depth tells, Hanekom stakes Bomb Squad claim
A detailed breakdown of the Bulls' dominant 45-14 win, analysing why Bok-laden depth made Munster irrelevant, and why Hanekom is now in the frame to replace Kwagga Smith in the Bomb Squad.
Papier backs improved decision-making and kicking game for Springbok recall after eight-year absence
Embrose Papier has discussed the improvements in his decision-making, kicking and game management that earned him a place in the Springboks' second alignment camp — his first national involvement since 2018 — after a standout 2025/26 season with the Bulls.
Papier opens up on eight-year Bok exile and what earned him his alignment camp return
Embrose Papier has detailed the tactical and mental growth that earned him a place in the Springboks' second alignment camp after an eight-year absence from the national setup, with nine tries this season underlining the form that brought him back into Erasmus' thinking.
Burger: Roos earns his Bok recall — but the soft-skill weakness is real
Burger endorses Roos's Bok recall but flags a genuine soft-skill concern, while De Villiers uses Papier and Horn to argue Erasmus's selection culture consistently rewards sustained URC form.