Ben Youngs is arguing that France need to beat the Springboks in Paris this year — not just for the result, but for what it would do to their mental landscape heading into a home World Cup. The implication is that without a meaningful win over South Africa, psychological barriers could undermine France when the tournament pressure peaks. It's an interesting frame: the Boks as a psychological benchmark rather than just a fixture on the schedule.
Youngs: France need a Bok scalp before their home World Cup
Ben Youngs argues France must beat the Springboks in Paris before the World Cup — not just for the points, but to clear any psychological barriers that could haunt them when the home tournament pressure peaks.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
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.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Rassie's Nations Championship reckoning: the July squads that will shape RWC 2027
A demographic deep-dive into the seven leading RWC 2027 contenders argues the Nations Championship compresses the selection cycle by a year, placing Erasmus at the sharpest decision point: defend the title with the 2023 spine or finally acknowledge the cost of carrying an ageing pack into Australian conditions.
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.