Gregor Townsend reportedly considered a 7-1 forward-heavy bench split ahead of Scotland's Test against the Springboks on Saturday, before pulling back from the more aggressive call. The piece suggests some disappointment at the conservative choice, while arguing that Scotland's bench depth remains a genuine weapon Townsend will lean on to chase the win.
Townsend nearly went 7-1 against the Boks — and still might hurt them off the bench
Townsend flirted with a 7-1 bench split against the Boks before stepping back — but Scotland's replacements are still framed as a key threat in Saturday's Test.
Erasmus explains Papier recall after eight-year Springbok absence
Rassie Erasmus has recalled Embrose Papier to the Springbok squad for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, citing the scrumhalf's standout URC season with the Bulls. Papier will start alongside Handré Pollard, eight years after the pair last combined for the Boks against the same opponents at Murrayfield.
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.
Erasmus: 'We don't see the Nations Championship as a competition'
Erasmus says the Boks won't adjust their approach to chase Nations Championship log points — each Test is treated as a standalone match, with squad rotation across the window as the priority over competition standings.
Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara among first Barbarians confirmed for Springbok clash
Duhan van der Merwe, TJ Perenara, Tomás Albano, Andrew Kellaway and Santiago Arata are among the players confirmed for the Barbarians' June 20 clash with the Springboks in Gqeberha, which opens South Africa's 2026 international season.
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets under way in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok camp in Johannesburg, with the Stormers players also reporting in after their URC semifinal in Ireland. The squad for the Nations Championship will be announced on 21 June.