Gavin Rich argues that the real pressure points in Round 2 of the Nations Championship sit with England, France, and to a lesser degree Australia — not with the Springboks, who earned the right to experiment after their 45-point demolition of England. Borthwick is the most exposed, now five defeats deep and facing what Rich pointedly describes as a de facto home game against Fiji in Liverpool. A sixth loss would likely be terminal. France, meanwhile, welcome back their Top 14 finalists and travel to Brisbane near full strength, which raises the stakes significantly for Schmidt's Wallabies — a team Rich sees as genuinely promising but prone to defensive lapses at decisive moments. In Pretoria, Rich frames Scotland as a useful litmus test ahead of the Greatest Rivalry Series: their fast-ball, mobile-pack game mirrors what Rennie's All Blacks will try to impose on the Boks next month. Rich also takes a pointed swipe at World Rugby for stripping Fiji and Japan of genuine home venues, calling it a structural flaw that undermines the competition's credibility despite an otherwise positive opening weekend.
Nations Championship Round 2: Borthwick on the brink as France eye full strength return
Rich identifies Borthwick, Galthié, and Schmidt as the coaches under real heat in Round 2, while Erasmus has the luxury of managing his squad after last week's comprehensive win. The piece also flags Scotland at Loftus as a meaningful preview of what the All Blacks will attempt in next month's Greatest Rivalry Series.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
James Doleman to referee South Africa v England as World Rugby confirms Nations Championship officials
James Doleman will referee South Africa v England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Andrew Brace and Pierre Brousset as assistants, as World Rugby confirms the full list of officials for the July leg of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
World Rugby scraps home weighting in first rankings overhaul since 2003
World Rugby will eliminate home weighting from its rankings points calculation from July 1, 2026 — the first major change to the system since its 2003 introduction — citing the surge in Tests played at neutral venues, including the Springboks vs All Blacks Baltimore clash.
Erasmus satisfied with alignment camps but warns proof must come on the field
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks are in a good place after more than 60 players attended two alignment camps, but insists the results must now translate onto the field as SA Rugby prepares to name a training squad within two weeks.