Gavin Rich's piece builds a compelling case that Ntuthuko Mchunu is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting props in South African rugby. Back-to-back man-of-the-match performances at DHL Stadium — including a try and a scrum masterclass that got Cardiff's tighthead yellow-carded and eventually forced off injured against the Stormers — have made him a crowd favourite in Cape Town. Hlungwani's remarks are the real hook: that Mchunu is still improving, and significantly so, which is a daunting prospect for anyone due to face the Stormers. The piece also traces his unusual development path — converted from No. 8 on the advice of Sean Everitt, drawing inevitable Beast Mtawarira comparisons — and makes the argument that his three Bok caps represent a floor, not a ceiling, with a serious international run likely once he stays fit through a full Springbok window.
Mchunu's scrum dominance is making him impossible to ignore
Mchunu has been dismantling opposing scrums and collecting MoM awards at DHL Stadium, and his coach says there's still plenty more to come. Rich frames him as a future Bok regular and draws the Beast Mtawarira comparison with some justification.
Jake White wants SA Rugby to bring back the overseas selection ban
Jake White is calling for SA Rugby to reinstate overseas selection restrictions, arguing the current policy has enriched the Springboks while leaving franchises structurally unable to compete in the Champions Cup against far wealthier European clubs.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
Janse van Rensburg at the top of England's centre pecking order — and what it means for the Boks
Borthwick's centre headache has a new frontrunner: Janse van Rensburg is rated the likely starter at 12 for England's Tests against Fiji and Argentina, though he's ineligible for the opener against the Springboks. The piece ranks all options at 12 and 13, with Freeman locked in outside and Slade unlucky to be on the fringes.
Rennie's word for his All Blacks reset: 'Brutality'
Martin Devlin reports that Dave Rennie has told New Zealand media his All Blacks reset centres on 'brutality' over flair — and that Rennie privately selected Richie Mwanga for the tour opener despite NZR eligibility rules blocking him, a conflict Devlin says NZ rugby has yet to resolve.
McCloskey admits 'Zombie' has gotten under Irish skin — and Bok fans know it
McCloskey openly admits the Springbok fanbase's 'Zombie' takeover has gotten under Irish skin, framing it as part of a rivalry that's grown noticeably edgier since South Africa joined the URC.