JP Pietersen has pushed back on criticism of Ma'a Nonu's selection for the Sharks' tour match against the All Blacks, and his explanation is more pragmatic than romantic. With Esterhuizen and Hooker both on Springbok duty and pre-season injuries thinning the squad further, the Sharks are effectively running Jurenzo Julius and Nonu as their only available centres. The 44-year-old isn't displacing a young prospect — he's plugging a hole that doesn't otherwise have a body in it. Pietersen also notes that Nonu, signed in a leadership and mentorship role, has integrated quickly and been actively working with Julius, Litelihle Bester and others on All Blacks preparation specifics — film, mindset, physical readiness. The piece frames Nonu's debut as emotionally loaded too: it'll be his first time lining up against the jersey he won back-to-back World Cups in.
Pietersen silences Nonu critics with a simple squad reality check
Pietersen's defence of Nonu's selection cuts through the sentiment — with Esterhuizen and Hooker unavailable and injuries biting, the Sharks simply don't have the centre depth to leave him out.
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.
Hansen's Right to Back Himself — But the Boks' Five-Match Streak Tells a Different Story
Jean de Villiers acknowledges Hansen's logic but argues last year's results and performances make it hard to see the All Blacks closing the gap on the Boks — and the panel get genuinely animated over what a 2-2 series tiebreaker would even look like.
Springbok Recall! Relive Phepsi Buthelezi's 2025/26 Season
#SharksRugby #PhepsiButhelezi #Springboks
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.
All Blacks' loosehead crisis hands Springboks a ready-made weapon in Greatest Rivalry Series
Jeff Wilson has publicly identified loosehead prop as the All Blacks' most dangerous weakness ahead of four consecutive Tests against the Springboks — with Williams likely out, Tu'ungafasi's future uncertain, and the remaining options short on caps and experience. Set against the depth Erasmus has built across the prop positions, this piece maps out why scrum time could be where the Greatest Rivalry Series is decided.