Wynona Louw's post-match breakdown of the Boks' 29-24 win at FNB Stadium identifies the scrum as the defining story of the match — not just as a tactical weapon but as a psychological statement. Wilco Louw's work at tighthead and a Marx try born from a dominant scrum-to-maul sequence are singled out as the clearest evidence that George Bower's pre-match bravado backfired spectacularly. Louw also credits the Boks for not going into their shell despite the weight of the occasion — two consecutive home losses to New Zealand at altitude and a series that needed winning — instead bringing the sort of physicality, aerial contest (Ethan Hooker as standout), and breakdown pressure that kept the All Blacks' wide threats in check when it mattered. Kolisi's record 55th Test win as captain gets a deserved mention, with Louw noting his on-field impact this season has matched the leadership mythology. On the debit side, Cam Roigard's head-clutching theatrics after the penalty try incident draws sharp criticism — the kind of soccer-style simulation Louw argues has no business in rugby's culture of respect.
Scrum dominance, Kolisi's record, and Roigard's theatrics: Third Test hits and misses
A hits-and-misses breakdown of the third Test that centres on Bok scrum dominance as both a physical and psychological weapon, Hooker's breakout display, Kolisi's captaincy record, and pointed criticism of Roigard's theatrical antics late in the first half.
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.
Kolisi treats Barbarians clash as a full Test match ahead of Gqeberha opener
Siya Kolisi insists the Springboks are treating Saturday's Barbarians clash in Gqeberha as a full Test match, with internal competition, positional battles and the season opener's importance all cited as the camp's driving forces.
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.
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.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.