Every story on the wire.
1,234 items · Springboks · Reports
Porthen turns heads with destructive run against England in fourth Test
Twenty-two-year-old prop Zach Porthen impressed off the bench in his fourth Test, running powerfully against England at Ellis Park in the Nations Championship.
Erasmus dismisses Scotland focus as Boks eye 2027 World Cup depth
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed South Africa's team selection for Saturday's Test against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld is driven entirely by World Cup planning rather than the immediate challenge. The Springbok coach dismissed suggestions that a strong Bulls contingent signals provincial continuity, insisting the July internationals serve as crucial depth-testing ahead of the 2027 tournament in Australia.
Papier relishing chance to reunite with Pollard at Test level
Embrose Papier says reuniting with Handré Pollard in the Springbok halfback pairing for the match against Scotland is a special opportunity.
Willemse denied man-of-the-match award after broadcaster error in milestone appearance
Damian Willemse delivered a commanding performance on his 50th cap for South Africa but was denied the man-of-the-match award after a communication error by broadcaster SuperSport saw the gong mistakenly presented to Damian de Allende. The full-back starred in the Springboks' 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park, dominating the aerial contest and executing a stunning 50:22 kick.
Erasmus explains Papier recall after eight-year Springbok absence
Rassie Erasmus has recalled Embrose Papier to the Springbok squad for Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, citing the scrumhalf's standout URC season with the Bulls. Papier will start alongside Handré Pollard, eight years after the pair last combined for the Boks against the same opponents at Murrayfield.
Etzebeth ruled out until Argentina as Erasmus manages concussion carefully
Eben Etzebeth will miss the Springboks' incoming Nations Championship fixtures as the coaching staff adopt a cautious approach to his concussion recovery. Rassie Erasmus confirmed the lock is targeting a return against Argentina on 8 August, with Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche both expected back sooner.
Nche cleared for All Blacks tour as Etzebeth given extended concussion lay-off
Ox Nche will be fit for the All Blacks tour after scans eased initial fears over a knee injury, while Eben Etzebeth remains sidelined for the incoming Nations Championship matches as the Boks manage his concussion history carefully. Kolisi is expected back against Wales.
Erasmus backs Pollard return despite Bulls struggles as injury crisis forces rotation
Handré Pollard will make his first Springbok appearance of 2025 against Scotland on Saturday after missing the opening fixtures through franchise commitments and selection. The fly-half's recall comes amid a mounting injury list that has forced Rassie Erasmus into 10 changes from the side that defeated England. The head coach has defended Pollard's recent form for the Bulls, insisting the double World Cup winner remains a trusted option despite criticism of his performances in the latter stages of the URC season.
Rassie backs Papier-Pollard combination ahead of Loftus clash
Rassie Erasmus is backing the Papier-Pollard half-back partnership to deliver at Loftus on Saturday.
Etzebeth ruled out until Argentina fixture as Kolisi's return offers Springbok boost
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed Eben Etzebeth is sidelined until the 8 August Argentina fixture, while Siya Kolisi's fitness outlook is improving.
Erasmus promises experimentation as Boks prepare for Scotland test
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed he will field a new-look Springbok side against Scotland in Pretoria, with the head coach signalling that the emphatic win over England has created space for rotation. The Scots, fresh from victories over England and France in the Six Nations, are expected to pose a genuine threat despite the Boks' dominant form. Erasmus indicated that less experienced players will be given opportunities in the home leg of the Nations Championship.
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Wrong Damian collects the award as broadcaster blunder mars Willemse's milestone night
A SuperSport broadcast error saw Damian de Allende collect the man of the match award intended for Damian Willemse, who delivered a standout performance in his 50th Test as the Springboks defeated England 45-21 at Ellis Park.
Hanekom's Springbok return sweeter after career-threatening injury scare
Cameron Hanekom earned his second Springbok cap against England after overcoming a career-threatening hamstring injury, stepping into the starting XV at late notice following the pre-match withdrawals of Kolisi and Etzebeth.
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.
Willemse credits Jantjies, Bok mentors after reaching 50-Test milestone at Ellis Park
Damian Willemse marked his 50th Test cap with one of his finest Springbok performances as South Africa opened their Nations Championship campaign with a 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park, crediting mentors including Elton Jantjies, Handré Pollard and several Bok greats for shaping his game across multiple positions.
Kolbe marks 50th cap with try and 15 points in Nations Championship rout
Cheslin Kolbe reached the half-century milestone for the Springboks in style, scoring a try and converting five kicks as South Africa opened their Nations Championship campaign with a 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park. The wing, who earned his 50th cap alongside Damian Willemse, paid tribute to head coach Rassie Erasmus for reviving his Test career in 2018. England, meanwhile, extended their winless run to five matches as discipline and aerial contests proved costly.
Kolbe reaches 50 caps in style as Boks down England 45-21
Cheslin Kolbe celebrated his 50th Test cap with a try and five conversions in the Springboks' 45-21 Nations Championship win over England, with Damian Willemse also reaching the milestone in the same match.
Erasmus admits Australia flashbacks as Boks survive England fightback at Ellis Park
Rassie Erasmus conceded memories of last year's collapse against Australia surfaced when England cut the Springboks' 17-0 lead to 17-14 at half-time in Johannesburg. The world champions ultimately prevailed 45-21 in their Nations Championship opener, despite losing Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth before kick-off.
Erasmus admits Australia flashbacks at half-time as Boks' system absorbs Kolisi and Etzebeth withdrawals
Rassie Erasmus revealed that Australia flashbacks surfaced at half-time when England closed the gap to 17-14, before the Boks ran out 45-21 winners in their Nations Championship opener, with Kolisi and Etzebeth absences handled by a system Erasmus says is being deliberately stress-tested ahead of the World Cup.