Planet Rugby's player-by-player breakdown of the 42-28 win over Scotland hands out eights to Pollard, Damian Willemse, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and a returning Embrose Papier — the standouts in a performance that was dominant without being flawless. Pollard's rating is the headline verdict: after a quiet end to his Bulls season and real questions about his place in the squad, his aerial game, kicking, and general control earned him man of the match. Papier's return after six years in the wilderness gets similarly glowing treatment, with his try — leaving both Fagerson brothers clutching air — the moment of the match. The piece also flags where the cracks appeared: a dip in intensity from the Bomb Squad replacements allowed Scotland back into the game, Ruan Nortje's accuracy faded late, and Hooker failed an HIA. If you want the full granular breakdown across all 23, the original ratings are worth the read.
Pollard silences critics, Papier dazzles on return — Bok player ratings vs Scotland
Planet Rugby rates Pollard and a returning Papier as the standout performers in the 42-28 win over Scotland, while flagging a Bomb Squad intensity dip that let the Scots back in.
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.
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.
Erasmus explains Papier recall after eight-year Springbok absence
Rassie Erasmus has recalled Embrose Papier to the Springbok squad for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, citing the scrumhalf's standout URC season with the Bulls. Papier will start alongside Handré Pollard, eight years after the pair last combined for the Boks against the same opponents at Murrayfield.
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.