Planet Rugby's Monday hot-and-not wrap covers the opening round of the Nations Championship, and there's plenty of Springbok relevance. Damian Willemse's 50th Test was one of the standout individual performances of the weekend — the piece notes the debate over his omission from the official player-of-the-match award versus De Allende, suggesting someone simply got their Damians confused. Meanwhile, the unexpected starring roles for Paul de Villiers and Cameron Hanekom — thrown in after the late withdrawals of Etzebeth and Kolisi — are highlighted as a sign of Erasmus's depth management, with De Villiers having already retained his spot for the Scotland Test. On the cold side, England's 17-0 start and familiar tactical stodginess under Borthwick draws sharp criticism, with the piece suggesting he should 'fall on his own sword' if a fifth consecutive defeat becomes six against Fiji. Elsewhere, Cam Roigard's claim to being the world's best player in form is assessed, Fiji's extraordinary offloading numbers (32 vs Wales, next best was France with 12) are unpacked, and Argentina's baffling inconsistency gets another airing.
Willemse shines, De Villiers impresses, but England's Borthwick problem deepens
Willemse's 50th Test standout, De Villiers and Hanekom's impressive emergency cameos, and the growing Borthwick crisis headline Planet Rugby's Nations Championship round-one wrap — with Fiji's jaw-dropping offload numbers and Roigard's world-class form also in focus.
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what
Erasmus satisfied with alignment camps but warns proof must come on the field
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks are in a good place after more than 60 players attended two alignment camps, but insists the results must now translate onto the field as SA Rugby prepares to name a training squad within two weeks.
Rassie Erasmus & Mzwandile Stick | Springbok and SA 'A' team announcements | 16 June 2026
Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick announced the Springbok and SA 'A' teams on Tuesday, ahead of Saturday's season-opening double-header in Gqeberha, when the Boks will face the Barbarians at 15h00, preceded by the 'A' team's match against
Buthelezi and Sadie called up as Springbok camp gets underway in Johannesburg
Phepsi Buthelezi and Carlu Sadie have joined the Springbok training squad in Johannesburg, with on-field preparations underway ahead of the 20 June double-header in Gqeberha. The Nations Championship squad is set to be announced on 21 June.
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.