With the Rugby Championship series level after the All Blacks' Ellis Park win, Rennie escalated his concerns about the Bok scrum from press-conference needle to a formal approach to World Rugby, arguing South Africa were 'walking around' rather than scrumming square. It's a calculated attempt to put the officials on notice ahead of the Cape Town Test. Du Toit's response was measured but firm — the Boks will keep doing what they do, let the referee call what he sees, and back themselves to be rewarded. The piece also flags a stat that sharpens the stakes for South Africa: they haven't lost back-to-back Tests at home since 2015.
Rennie goes to World Rugby over Bok scrum — Du Toit unmoved
Rennie escalated his scrum complaints to World Rugby before the Cape Town Test, but Du Toit — drafted onto the bench for this one — was unfazed, insisting the Boks operate within the laws and will back their set-piece to deliver again.
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.
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.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.