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988 items · Springboks · Reports
Kirwan accuses Erasmus of instructing franchises to avoid Springbok tactics
Former All Blacks wing John Kirwan has claimed Rassie Erasmus told South African provincial sides to play nothing like the Springboks during New Zealand's tour matches. The All Blacks legend suggested the directive was designed to deny the tourists proper preparation ahead of the Test series.
Alexander wants midweek games axed and composite teams introduced if SA hosts RGR Tour again
SARU President Mark Alexander wants midweek provincial games scrapped and composite teams introduced if South Africa hosts another RGR Tour, citing a 14,000-crowd in Durban and poor Lions ticket sales as evidence that the current format does not work outside of Test weekends.
All Blacks must get everything right to beat Springboks, says Fitzpatrick
Sean Fitzpatrick, captain of the only New Zealand side to win a Test series in South Africa, warned the current All Blacks must produce a near-flawless performance to match that feat when the four-Test series begins at Ellis Park on Saturday. The 1987 World Cup winner said discipline and execution would be critical against the world champions.
Magnetic two-piece trophy unveiled for Springboks–All Blacks series
SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby have revealed a world-first trophy for the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, which begins on Saturday. The trophy comprises two halves held together by magnetism, with each nation retaining one piece should the series be drawn.
Two-piece magnetic trophy unveiled for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series
SA Rugby and New Zealand Rugby have unveiled a split, magnetic two-piece trophy for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, with the winner of the four-Test tour taking both halves and each nation retaining one if the series is drawn.
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry trophy unveiled in Johannesburg — two halves held together by magnets
A new trophy for the Springbok-All Black Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series was unveiled in Johannesburg on Wednesday — two magnetically joined aluminium halves, each representing one nation, with the winning side claiming both after the final Test in Baltimore on 12 September 2026. If the series is drawn, each union keeps one half.
Greatest Rivalry trophy revealed ahead of Springbok-All Black series
The bespoke Greatest Rivalry trophy — designed in two magnetic halves, with each nation retaining one should the series finish level — was unveiled in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday's series opener at Ellis Park.
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry unveils split trophy held together by magnets
The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series has revealed a world-first trophy split into two magnetic halves, symbolising the bond between the Springboks and All Blacks.
Williams eyes bragging rights over All Blacks-supporting family at Ellis Park
Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams says facing the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday carries extra personal motivation, with close family members and his wider community backing New Zealand — an allegiance rooted in the apartheid era that remains strong in parts of South Africa.
Boland target De Klerk as defensive priority ahead of Cheetahs clash
Boland have sharpened their defensive focus on Faf de Klerk ahead of their Currie Cup trip to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Marx: 'We're not just representing ourselves' ahead of All Blacks opener
Malcolm Marx says the Springboks cannot lean on last year's Wellington win as they prepare for Saturday's RGR series opener against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with Rassie Erasmus set to name his matchday team on Thursday.
Jones reveals franchise intel shaping Springbok prep for All Blacks
Felix Jones says regular contact with South Africa's franchise coaches has reinforced the Springboks' read on the All Blacks, with maul conversion near the line and lineout-related officiating emerging as the key shared frustrations from recent franchise encounters against New Zealand.
Umaga warns All Blacks of 'relentless wave' from Springbok pack at Ellis Park
All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga has acknowledged the challenge his side will face from the Springboks' powerful pack when the teams meet at Ellis Park on Saturday. The former New Zealand captain also warned that South Africa's attacking game has evolved beyond their traditional set-piece dominance.
All Blacks legend claims Springboks 'undercooked' ahead of Ellis Park Test
Former New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall believes the Springboks will enter Saturday's opening Test at Ellis Park lacking match sharpness compared to the All Blacks. Marshall suggested South Africa's conservative approach against Argentina was designed to conceal tactics whilst giving returning players minutes, but warned the hosts must sharpen up considerably to compete.
Nations Championship Finals Weekend hits 100,000 tickets sold with 100 days to go
Over 100,000 tickets have been sold for the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium in London (27–29 November), with South Africa and New Zealand the only unbeaten teams heading into the Northern Series.
Marx rejects Ellis Park fortress talk: 'Whole of South Africa is our stronghold'
Malcolm Marx has dismissed the notion of singling out Ellis Park as a Springbok fortress ahead of Saturday's Test against New Zealand, insisting the entire country serves as the national side's stronghold. The hooker, whose 27 tries make him the most prolific forward in Bok history, emphasised the team's responsibility to 64-million South Africans regardless of venue.
Marx: 'The whole of South Africa is our fortress'
Malcolm Marx dismisses venue-specific fortress talk ahead of the Ellis Park Test, calling all of South Africa home ground, while flagging the breakdown and scrums as key battlegrounds against the All Blacks.
Boks flag All Blacks breakdown brutality and lineout tactics ahead of Ellis Park clash
South Africa's franchises have warned the Springboks about New Zealand's aggressive ruck clearouts and defensive lineout tactics following the All Blacks' tour victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls. Assistant coach Felix Jones confirmed that tucked shoulders at the breakdown and illegal maul disruption were consistent themes in feedback from local coaches. The concerns add edge to Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park.
Erasmus deploys Peyper in pre-series mind games as All Blacks push tempo narrative
Rassie Erasmus brought SA Rugby law adviser Jaco Peyper to a pre-match press conference to counter All Blacks accusations that the Springboks deliberately slow the game down. With Dave Rennie's side having beaten France, Italy and Ireland in the Nations Championship before victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls on tour, the war of words has escalated ahead of Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park. Referee Matt Carley will not meet either coaching team beforehand.
Rennie unmoved as Erasmus and Peyper push back on time-wasting accusations ahead of Ellis Park Test
Dave Rennie has responded with scepticism to Rassie Erasmus and Jaco Peyper's rebuttal of time-wasting accusations, with both head coaches declining a pre-match meeting with referee Matthew Carley on the issue ahead of Saturday's opening Test at Ellis Park.