Morne Steyn has come out firmly in Chris Smith's corner ahead of the Lions' URC quarterfinal against Leinster, calling him the best flyhalf in the country right now and expressing disappointment that he wasn't included in the Springbok alignment camp. Steyn, who played alongside Smith at the Bulls, points to the composure Smith has brought to the Lions backline as central to their historic first playoff campaign — a view echoed by coach Ivan van Rooyen's 'main character energy' label. Smith sits second on the URC points-scoring chart with 154 points, in a tight race with Feinberg-Mngomezulu for the golden boot. Attack coach Ricardo Loubscher, meanwhile, is candid about the tactical work needed to crack Leinster's linespeed after it strangled the Lions' attack in their recent meeting, noting that the Lions created chances but failed to convert — execution and in-the-moment decision-making are the stated priorities going into Saturday.
Steyn backs Smith as SA's best flyhalf — and wants Erasmus to notice
Steyn names Chris Smith the best flyhalf in South Africa and flags his Bok omission as a missed opportunity, while the Lions coaching staff acknowledge they need sharper execution against Leinster's linespeed in their URC quarterfinal.
What Bordeaux's Champions Cup demolition of Leinster means for SA's URC finals hopes
Rich uses Bordeaux's physical demolition of Leinster as a lens on SA's URC finals prospects — arguing the Stormers cost themselves and their SA counterparts dearly by failing to secure second place, while flagging a scrumhalf depth problem that extends beyond the URC and straight into Erasmus's Bok planning.
Ntlabakanye handed 18-month ban that rules him out of 2027 Rugby World Cup
Lions tighthead Asenathi Ntlabakanye has been handed an 18-month doping ban running from 13 May 2026, with the suspension ending on the day of the 2027 Rugby World Cup final after he tested positive for Anastrozole and self-declared the use of anabolic steroid DHEA.
Bulls land seven signings including Bosch and Abrahams ahead of 2026/27 season
The Bulls have signed seven players for next season, including Springbok fly-half Curwin Bosch from CA Brive on a three-year deal and Thaakir Abrahams from Munster on two years, with Luan Giliomee, Hakeem Kunene, Dylan Maart, Sango Xamlashe and Mawande Mdanda also coming aboard as the club undertakes a major squad overhaul.
The Lekker Rugby Pod: Has the URC Forged a Genuine SA-Ireland Rivalry?
Pat McCarry argues the URC has given the SA-Ireland rugby rivalry genuine club-level roots, with MVA predicting a Bulls-Stormers final at Loftus and McCarry warning the Lions and Connacht are the teams no one wants to face in the playoffs.
Stephen Donald: Robertson copied the Boks — Rennie must go back to All Blacks DNA
Stephen Donald backs Hansen's anti-copycat argument, saying Robertson erred by chasing the Springbok blueprint rather than New Zealand's tempo-based strengths — and expects Rennie to correct that course ahead of a blockbuster four-Test series in South Africa.