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1,232 items · Springboks · Reports
Sharks name six-man leadership group for 2026/27 season
JP Pietersen has retained Andre Esterhuizen as Sharks captain for 2026/27, adding Emile van Heerden, Nick Hatton and Vincent Tshituka as co-captains, while Vincent Koch and Phepsi Buthelezi take on dedicated club captain roles centred on culture and off-field standards.
Dobson plans careful management of Feinberg-Mngomezulu through October
John Dobson says Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will not start all four of the Stormers' October matches as the club manages the return of its Springbok players.
Malherbe decision likely delayed until January as Dobson names 56-man Stormers squad
John Dobson expects a decision on Frans Malherbe's future to drag into January, with the veteran prop absent from the Stormers' 56-man URC and Champions Cup squad after more than a year out with chronic neck and back problems. Dobson also confirmed scrumhalf Imad Khan suffered an ACL injury against the All Blacks and is targeting an April return.
Kolisi and Kolbe headline 56-man Stormers squad as Nel named captain for 2026/27
The Stormers have named a 56-man squad for 2026/27 featuring 15 Springboks, with Ruhan Nel as club captain and high-profile returnees Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Wilco Louw back in Cape Town. The season opens with URC away fixtures against Connacht in Galway and Edinburgh.
Erasmus and the Unfinished Business: Why Consistency Between World Cups Defines This Springbok Era
When Rassie Erasmus took charge in 2018, the Springboks were ranked sixth and reeling from 11 defeats in 25 matches. The 2019 World Cup triumph in Yokohama restored pride, but history warned against complacency. No previous Springbok World Cup-winning side had maintained dominance in the years between tournaments. Now, as the 2026 cycle unfolds, Erasmus faces the challenge that eluded his predecessors: sustaining excellence when the Webb Ellis Cup is not at stake. The question is no longer whether the Boks can peak for a global tournament, but whether they can redefine what it means to reign.
Erasmus Warns of 'Different Challenge' as Springboks Touch Down in Australia
Rassie Erasmus has acknowledged the threat posed by a resurgent Wallabies side as the Springboks arrived in Australia following their 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks. The world champions face a one-off Test in Perth on 27 September against an Australian outfit buoyed by their own series win in Argentina. Player management will be critical after a demanding travel schedule that has taken the squad from Baltimore to Sydney via Dallas.
Springboks arrive in Australia with player management front of mind ahead of Perth Test
The Springboks have arrived in Terrigal ahead of the September 27 Test against the Wallabies in Perth, with Rassie Erasmus prioritising player recovery after a gruelling run of matches and long-haul travel, while warning that a confident Wallabies side will present a different challenge to Argentina and the All Blacks.
Erasmus braces Springboks for fired-up Wallabies in Perth
Rassie Erasmus has warned his Springbok squad to expect a completely different challenge when they face Australia in Perth on 27 September. The world champions arrived in New South Wales on Wednesday following their series victory over the All Blacks, and will begin preparations for a one-off Test that doubles as reconnaissance ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Erasmus emphasised the Wallabies' recent form and anticipated a determined performance in front of their home crowd.
Rassie warns Boks of fired-up Wallabies ahead of Perth clash
Rassie Erasmus is bracing the Springboks for a fired-up Wallabies side in Perth on 27 September.
Springboks touch down in Australia with Perth Test firmly in sight
The Springboks have arrived in Terrigal, Australia, and will begin training on Friday ahead of their one-off Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth on 27 September, with Erasmus citing player recovery and a fully committed Wallabies side as the key considerations this week.
Springboks base in Terrigal ahead of Perth Test as Erasmus flags Wallabies threat
The Springboks have arrived in Australia and based themselves in Terrigal ahead of their 27 September Test against the Wallabies at Optus Stadium in Perth, with Erasmus warning of a different challenge to those posed by Argentina and the All Blacks.
Van der Merwe fit and available as Munster prepare for URC opener
Marnus van der Merwe has recovered from the calf injury he brought to Munster and is available for selection ahead of their URC opener against Glasgow Warriors, with his return also welcome news for Springbok hooker depth.
Springboks' series triumph masks persistent attacking shortcomings despite 3-1 win
South Africa's 3-1 series victory over New Zealand showcased the world champions' trademark resilience, but exposed lingering issues in converting pressure into points. After falling behind at Ellis Park, the Springboks relied on their set-piece dominance to grind out three consecutive wins, though matches remained tight deep into second halves. Individual brilliance from Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse papered over cracks that may yet prove costly in tighter contests.
Erasmus reflects on Greatest Rivalry revival after Springboks claim series
Rassie Erasmus has spoken about the significance of the revived Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, which the Springboks won 3-1 after matches on home soil and a finale in Baltimore. The head coach drew on memories of the isolation era and the 1996 All Blacks tour to South Africa, emphasising the series rekindled the intensity that defines Test rugby between the two nations. Erasmus also acknowledged the competitive edge extended beyond the pitch, with both coaching camps and media outlets fully engaged throughout the campaign.
Kirwan slams officiating after All Blacks fall to Springboks in Baltimore decider
Sir John Kirwan has criticised the refereeing in Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry finale, claiming a controversial incident involving Cameron Hanekom and Kurt-Lee Arendse represented a 14-point turnaround. The All Blacks legend spent nine minutes of the Rivals podcast dissecting the decision that allowed Arendse's 70-metre try to stand.
Springboks cement dominance as All Blacks slip a length behind world champions
South Africa's 3-1 series victory over New Zealand in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series has underlined the gulf between the two nations, with the Springboks demonstrating superiority in power, intelligence and creativity. The world champions recovered from an opening defeat in Johannesburg to win three consecutive matches, culminating in a commanding 43-28 triumph before a record crowd of more than 68,000 in Baltimore. New Zealand's media have acknowledged their side now trails the Boks by a significant margin.
Bleskop: Rassie and management team shave heads after Baltimore victory
Rassie Erasmus, scrum coach Daan Human, the broader Springbok management team and captain Siya Kolisi all shaved their heads after the 43-28 win over the All Blacks in Baltimore, with Erasmus describing it as "the prize of a bet" — the details of which have not been revealed.
Springboks and Springbok Women fixtures: 2026–27 schedule in full
A full rundown of the 2026–27 Springbok and Springbok Women fixture schedule, including the Nations Championship, WXV, and a third Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium.
Erasmus dedicates Baltimore triumph to South Africans as Boks clinch Greatest Rivalry series
Rassie Erasmus delivered an emotional tribute to supporters back home after the Springboks sealed the inaugural Greatest Rivalry series with a 43-28 victory over New Zealand in Baltimore. Speaking before a record US crowd of 68,173, the head coach acknowledged the team's methods might annoy rivals but insisted making South Africans happy remains the sole motivation for the world champions.
Wallabies call up uncapped McLaughlin-Phillips for Springbok test as Petaia returns
Australia have named uncapped Western Force flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in their squad for the 27 September Rugby Championship test against South Africa in Perth, with Jordan Petaia also returning to the fold for the first time since 2023.