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Perth defeat a learning exercise, not a crisis, insist Springbok camp
The Springboks' 42-38 loss to Australia in Perth has prompted vastly different reactions from inside and outside the camp. While some supporters questioned Rassie Erasmus' rotation policy after 13 changes to the starting XV, former assistant coach Gary Gold and milestone man Jasper Wiese both framed the defeat as valuable preparation for the 2027 World Cup. The loss came at the end of an intense four-Test series against New Zealand.
Kolisi returns to Stormers fold for Edinburgh clash
Siya Kolisi starts at openside for the Stormers against Edinburgh on Friday — his first appearance for the franchise in over five years — as the Stormers look to end their tour with a win before four successive home URC fixtures.
Esterhuizen captains Bok-heavy Sharks as Leinster visit Kings Park
Andre Esterhuizen captains a Bok-heavy Sharks side against URC defending champions Leinster at Kings Park on Saturday, with Du Toit and Van der Merwe starting and Etzebeth and Nche on the bench.
Kiss frustrated but measured as Paisami ban stands for Bledisloe Tests
Les Kiss says Paisami's four-match ban for the dangerous tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu "could have been a little bit less" but the inside centre misses both Bledisloe Cup Tests, with Jock Campbell called up and Len Ikitau facing a fitness test on Friday.
Cape Town Sevens tickets slashed to pre-Covid prices ahead of December event
Cape Town Sevens tickets for the 5-6 December event at DHL Stadium go on sale on 2 October at pre-pandemic prices, ranging from R180 (unreserved upper tier) to R500 (lower tier, halfway), as the Blitzboks bid for a third successive home title.
Springboks to face All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch for first time since 2016 in full 2027 Rugby Championship
Dave Rennie has confirmed the Springboks will face the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch during the 2027 Rugby Championship — South Africa's first Test in Christchurch since 2016 — with a full four-nation tournament returning after this year's hiatus.
Paisami handed four-Test ban after Perth incident
Hunter Paisami has been banned for four Tests for a contrary tackle in the Springboks match in Perth, ruling him out of the Bledisloe Cup opener in Auckland and further disrupting Australia's midfield options.
Paisami appeal fails: four-week ban confirmed after dangerous tackle on Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Hunter Paisami has been handed a four-week ban, confirmed after a failed appeal, for his dangerous tackle on Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu during Australia's win over the Springboks in Perth, ruling him out of both Bledisloe Cup Tests against the All Blacks.
Doris fitness cloud hangs over Ireland's November clash with Springboks
Ireland captain Caelan Doris faces a race against time to be fit for the November Nations Championship, including the clash against South Africa, after surgery recovery took longer than expected.
Wiese sees World Cup value in Perth defeat despite 42-38 heartbreak
Jasper Wiese, capped for the 50th time in the 42-38 loss to Australia in Perth, says the defeat delivered valuable World Cup lessons around conditions and logistics, while debutant Bok captain Johan Esterhuizen admitted the team should never have needed to mount a 25-point comeback.
Dweba closing in on Exeter return after missing first two fixtures
Rob Baxter says Joseph Dweba is in full training and close to returning for Exeter after missing their first two matches of the season, with Tommy Wyatt also back available ahead of Saturday's trip to Bath.
Bulls tighthead depth to face first real test against Munster in Limerick
The Bulls' makeshift tighthead stocks face their first serious examination against Munster in Limerick on Saturday, with Francois Kloppers expected to start and Mornay Smith's fitness uncertain after a twisted ankle. Johan Ackermann has flagged the scrum as a priority work-on following a mixed second-half performance in the 47-13 win over Zebre.
Springboks' Rugby World Cup three-peat bid now just over a year away
The Springboks' bid for a historic third straight Rugby World Cup title is now just over a year away.
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.
Bulls name 55-man URC squad with 15 Springboks and wave of new signings
The Bulls have named a 55-man squad for the 2026/27 URC season featuring 15 Springboks, with new signings including Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, Hanro Liebenberg, Hakeem Kunene, Dylan Maart and Sango Xamlashe. They open away to Zebre in Parma next weekend.
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.
Bevan switches to fly-half as Wales name team for WXV opener against Springbok Women
Keira Bevan starts at 10 as Wales take on the Springbok Women in their WXV opener in Cardiff on Friday.
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.