Jasper Wiese spoke candidly ahead of the Italy Test in Turin, and the interview covers two threads worth reading in full. First, the tactical: Wiese flags Italy's breakdown poaching — Zuliani specifically — and their maul game as the genuine threats the Boks identified after last year's first Test at Loftus, where South Africa was bullied in both areas. The coaching staff have made those vulnerabilities a training focus this week. Second, the bigger-picture framing: Wiese draws a direct line between this three-week Nations Championship block — Italy, France, Ireland in consecutive weeks — and RWC preparation, describing the format as a play-off stress-test. His admission that "this group still have a lot to prove" is notable candour from a player who also carries personal unfinished business after his red card in the second Italy Test last season.
Wiese eyes Italian redemption as Boks use Nations Championship as RWC audit
Wiese pinpoints Italy's breakdown poaching and maul as the Boks' tactical focus in Turin, while framing the Nations Championship block as a critical RWC readiness audit — and admits this squad still has something to prove.
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.
Henry joins Rennie's selection panel as All Blacks build toward four-test Springbok series
Dave Rennie has appointed Graham Henry as an All Blacks selector, with the 2011 World Cup-winning coach joining a three-man panel alongside Rennie and Neil Barnes as New Zealand prepare for a four-test Rugby Championship series against the Springboks.
Henry joins All Blacks selection panel as Rennie builds for Springbok tour
Dave Rennie has added Graham Henry to the All Blacks selection panel ahead of a home test series and an eight-match South Africa tour, while confirming Richie Mo'unga is unlikely to be available for the Springbok tests due to his failure to commit to a new NZR contract.
Nations Championship Round 1: Boks set the benchmark, Japan turn heads
Louw's Nations Championship round-one review crowns the Boks as the weekend's benchmark-setters and flags Japan's Italy upset as the competition's first real surprise — while taking aim at the scheduling call that denies Japan a home fixture against Ireland.
World Rugby scraps home weighting from rankings calculations ahead of Nations Championship
World Rugby removes home weighting from rankings calculations from July 1, responding to the growing number of international matches played at neutral or out-of-country venues. South Africa remain top of the men's rankings on 93.94 points.