Planet Rugby's predicted lineup for the first Test against the All Blacks goes with a largely conservative starting XV — Willemse at fullback after cementing the role during the Nations Championship, Libbok at 10 ahead of a misfiring Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Pieter-Steph du Toit captaining in Kolisi's likely absence. The more interesting analysis is in the bench selections, where the piece argues Erasmus will suppress his maverick instincts in game one but still engineer tactical flexibility. Porthen over Louw at tighthead is the bold call — framed around the theory that World Rugby's scrumlaw changes have reduced Louw's edge, making Porthen's broader carrying game more valuable. Esterhuizen's inclusion is flagged as the key mechanism: if fit after his head knock, he effectively gives Erasmus both a 6-2 and 5-3 option off the bench in a single selection.
Predicted Bok XV for Johannesburg: Experience up front, with the real intrigue on the bench
A predicted Bok XV for Johannesburg that favours experience in the run-on side, with the real selection intrigue centred on the bench — particularly Porthen over Louw at tighthead and Esterhuizen as the tactical shape-shifter who unlocks bench flexibility.
Erasmus: winning stays non-negotiable, whatever the World Cup build-up demands
Erasmus has made his 2025 season intent explicit: rotation and World Cup-building happen inside a framework where winning remains the non-negotiable baseline. The piece breaks down what that means for squad management, the veterans' standing, and why the All Blacks series carries extra weight.
Erasmus welcomes clarity on Tony Brown's post-2027 departure: 'We've made the mistake in the past'
Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 after his Springbok contract expires at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early clarity as SA Rugby looks to avoid the contractual uncertainty that complicated preparations for France 2023.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Why 'Gazza' Willemse is the insurance policy Bok fans should trust
Rich maps the 2022 injury-to-opportunity parallel to argue that Libbok and Willemse provide Erasmus real cover at 10 — and that Bok fans fretting about Feinberg-Mngomezulu's absence are underselling the depth already in the system.
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.