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2,956 items · Springboks
Kieran Read backs Rennie over Rassie in Springbok scrum row
Read largely supports Rennie's reading of the scrum debate, explaining how SA's leftward shear tactically neutralises the All Blacks' hooker and exposes their tighthead — while noting the technique sits in a grey zone that referees struggle to police.
Burger identifies Springbok attack as lingering weakness ahead of Soweto decider
Former Springbok Schalk Burger has highlighted South Africa's faltering attack as an area requiring urgent attention before Saturday's series decider against New Zealand at FNB Stadium. Despite winning the second Test 33-26 in Cape Town, the Springboks were outscored four tries to three and relied heavily on Cheslin Kolbe's boot to secure victory.
Arendse eyes defensive improvement as Boks prepare for FNB decider
Kurt-Lee Arendse says the Springboks have addressed defensive lapses ahead of Saturday's series-deciding third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, with Cheslin Kolbe stepping in at fullback for the injured Damian Willemse.
Smit reads Rennie's scrum accusation as tactical misdirection
Smit argues Rennie's accusation about Bok scrum-time gamesmanship was itself a piece of gamesmanship — misdirection to protect the All Blacks from closer inspection.
SACAA launches compliance review of Airlink Cape Town flyover as Johannesburg repeat scrapped
The SACAA has opened a compliance review of Airlink's low formation flyover at DHL Stadium on 29 August, with Flightradar24 data suggesting the lead aircraft passed within 12.5–14 metres of the stadium's highest point. Airlink has defended the operation but cancelled the planned third flyover, scheduled for the 5 September Johannesburg test, citing poor weather.
Read calls for 6-2 bench and Darry inclusion as All Blacks head into series decider
Kieran Read wants Rennie to go 6-2 for the series decider, bring in Darry to neutralise the Boks' aerial kick-off game, and match South Africa's forward-bench firepower — even if it's a risky call in the backs.
SACAA opens compliance review into Airlink Cape Town flyover as Johannesburg repeat scrapped
The SACAA has opened a compliance review into the Airlink double flyover at DHL Stadium during the second Springboks-All Blacks Test, while Airlink has cancelled a planned repeat at the Johannesburg decider on 5 September due to forecast poor weather.
Airlink flyover cancelled for third Springbok-All Blacks Test after SACAA investigation
Airlink has pulled its FNB Stadium flyover for the third Springbok-All Blacks Test after the SACAA launched an investigation into the Cape Town flyover from the previous weekend.
Van den Berg relishes FNB homecoming as Boks target All Blacks shutdown
Morne van den Berg will return to FNB Stadium on Saturday, the venue where he made his Emirates Lions debut in 2020, as the Springboks face New Zealand in the third Test with the series locked at 1-1. The scrumhalf, who played the final 25 minutes in Cape Town last weekend, described his first outing against the All Blacks as a defensive masterclass and emphasised the importance of team systems over individual battles. With close to 90,000 supporters expected, Van den Berg said the squad is buzzing ahead of the Johannesburg clash.
SACAA probe grounds Airlink flyover plan for Soweto test
Airlink has withdrawn its application for a flyover at FNB Stadium on Saturday after the SACAA launched a compliance investigation into the controversial low-level pass over DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 29 August.
Van den Berg relishing first Test at FNB Stadium ahead of All Blacks decider
Morne van den Berg is relishing the chance to play his first Test at FNB Stadium when the Springboks face the All Blacks in the series decider on Saturday, with the Lions scrumhalf set to earn his ninth cap from the bench.
Van den Berg relishing Soccer City Test after All Blacks baptism
Morne van den Berg reflects on his All Blacks debut in Cape Town and looks ahead to Saturday's decider at Soccer City, where he will play his first Test in his home city while remaining unbeaten in nine Springbok appearances.
Krappie's message: slow the ruck, slow Roigard
Van den Berg argues the Roigard threat is best neutralised through forward pressure rather than individual marking — and reflects on settling into a more aggressive Bok defensive system after his injury comeback.
Krappie's game plan to neutralise Roigard
Van den Berg is bench-bound but ready — his preparation for Roigard is built around slowing the All Blacks' service and strangling the tempo Roigard thrives on.
Smit calls Rennie scrum claims 'clever ploy' as Human defends Springbok dominance
Former Springboks captain John Smit has described All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's scrum allegations as a tactical distraction following South Africa's 33-26 victory in Cape Town. The accusations, which prompted an expletive-laden response from Rassie Erasmus, have dominated the build-up to Saturday's series decider in Soweto. Springbok scrum coach Daan Human defended his pack's legality whilst expressing frustration at referee Angus Gardner's handling of the set-piece.
Human rejects All Blacks' walking accusation: 'I can't ever cheat'
Springboks scrum coach Daan Human has rejected Dave Rennie's walking accusation, insisting South Africa have scrummaged legally throughout his six-year tenure and will adapt to referee Nika Amashukeli in Saturday's third Test in Johannesburg.
Smit: Rennie's scrum attack was a deflection — and the third Test is the real series decider
Smit argues Rennie's scrum allegations were a calculated deflection from New Zealand's own scrum-collapse tactics, and tips the Springboks to deliver a standout performance in Soweto — the match he considers the genuine series decider.
Grobbelaar signs long-term Bulls extension through to 2030
Johan Grobbelaar has signed a contract extension with the Bulls keeping him at Loftus Versfeld until 2030, with the Springbok hooker having already clocked over 100 appearances for the franchise since his senior debut in 2017.
Kieran Read: Rassie is the 'absolute king' of working the refs
Read frames Rassie's post-Cape Town noise as calculated ref-influencing rather than genuine outrage, calling him the 'absolute king' of the tactic — and offers a sharp insight into how officials subconsciously treat the world's top teams when 50/50 calls arise.
Grobbelaar signs long-term Bulls extension through to 2030
Johan Grobbelaar has signed a Bulls contract extension through to 2030, locking in one of the franchise's key forwards — and a Springbok squad regular — for the long term.