Planet Rugby rates all 19 Springbok forwards across the four-Test series, and the conclusions are broadly positive — with a few sharp warnings. Malcolm Marx (9/10) and Ox Nche (9/10) draw the highest marks, Nche dubbed 'the most valuable prop in Test rugby' for his scrum dominance throughout. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese also earn 9s, with Wiese's 199 metres from 55 carries and 43 tackles singled out as central to turning the series around after the Ellis Park loss. The piece identifies the hooker backup as the standout structural concern: Jan-Hendrik Wessels's cameo is described as 'worryingly light,' reinforcing that South Africa's depth behind Marx remains thin. Marco van Staden's yellow card in the opening Test cost him his series, effectively handing Cameron Hanekom a run that the youngster at least made something of. The analysis also revisits the 6/2 bench split debate — crediting it as a tactical masterstroke in the wins, while noting that Arendse's early concussion in Johannesburg exposed its vulnerability when the backline reshuffled poorly.
Springbok forwards rated across the Greatest Rivalry series: Marx and Nche lead the way, hooker depth a concern
Marx and Nche are the standout performers in Planet Rugby's player-by-player breakdown, but the piece flags thin hooker cover behind Marx as a genuine Bok vulnerability — and revisits the series-long tension around the 6/2 bench split.
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.
Expect the unexpected: KEO's predicted 23 for England — and why Erasmus might ignore it
KEO maps out a full predicted 23 for the England Test, but the piece is really about whether Erasmus prioritises the win or uses July as an extended All Blacks audition — and why the answer shapes every tight selection call from loosehead cover to the No 8 shootout.
Why Erasmus chose Norton over Van der Mescht — and what it reveals about Bok lock priorities
Erasmus explains the Norton-over-Van der Mescht call as a tactical fit decision rather than a quality judgment — the piece breaks down the Bok lock crisis and how the coaching staff are navigating it.
Rassie's Bomb Squad reset: Who fills the Snyman and Smith void?
Cardinelli breaks down how the enforced absences of Snyman and Smith force Erasmus to reimagine the Bomb Squad, with Paul de Villiers earmarked for a key role and the flyhalf pecking order wide open heading into the Nations Championship.
Springboks open 2026 campaign with 80-31 demolition of Barbarians in Port Elizabeth
The Springboks opened their 2026 international season with an 80-31 win over the Barbarians in Port Elizabeth, scoring 12 tries including a hat-trick from Edwill van der Merwe and a debut try for 20-year-old lock Riley Norton.