Zimbabwe coach Piet Benade has been quietly building a World Cup programme around proximity to South African rugby — and the 40-0 loss to SA 'A' in Gqeberha last weekend was entirely part of the plan. Benade, who played for WP and the Pumas, has been methodically seeking out South African opposition at every level: club rugby in Louis Trichardt, training against the Bulls U20s, and now a run against the SA 'A' side. His view is that the Sables extract value precisely by offering value in return — useful warm-up opponents for South African teams, genuine competitive exposure for Zimbabwe. With the Nations Cup coming in July (Tonga, USA, Canada) and a first World Cup appearance since 1991 on the horizon in Australia 2027, Benade is making the case that a strong Zimbabwean programme is in South African rugby's interest too.
Zimbabwe's World Cup preparation runs through South Africa
Zimbabwe's Piet Benade explains how structured exposure to South African opposition — from club level up to SA 'A' — is central to the Sables' World Cup preparation, and why he hopes the relationship deepens.
Mchunu recalled as Springboks squad swells to 44 ahead of Argentina Test
Ntuthuko Mchunu has been recalled to the Springboks squad, taking the Johannesburg training group to 44 players as Erasmus prepares to name his Argentina travelling party later this week.
Rennie's All Blacks are playing catch-up before a ball is kicked in the Test series
Rennie's All Blacks carry a telling experience deficit into South Africa — 59% of the squad haven't toured here this cycle — and Cardinelli breaks down why the warm-up schedule, altitude adjustment and Savea's delayed integration make this a genuine race against the clock before the first Test at Ellis Park.
Erasmus splits the squad: Argentina gets a proper team, but the All Blacks prep starts now
Erasmus is running a deliberate two-track operation — a full-strength group heads to Argentina while a separate contingent stays home to prep for the All Blacks, with player management decisions like resting Du Toit already pointing to where the real priority lies.
Louw returns to Springbok fold for Scotland Test in emotional farewell to Loftus
Wilco Louw returns to the Springbok matchday squad for Saturday's Test against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, his first appearance in green and gold since being left out against England while recovering from illness. The match also marks his emotional first Test since the death of his father in April, and his final game at Loftus before returning to the Stormers.
Louw relishes Loftus return as Boks brace for physical Scotland test
Wilco Louw starts at loosehead for the Springboks against Scotland at Loftus on Saturday, relishing his return to the venue in green and gold while cautioning that Scotland's direct forward play — on show in last week's win over Argentina — makes for a stern test.