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Papier earns first Springbok start in eight years against Scotland
Embrose Papier earns his eighth Springbok cap and first start in eight years against Scotland, rewarded for a standout Bulls season that saw him score nine tries.
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.
Free State and WP lead the charge on explosive Craven Week opening day
Free State crushed the Limpopo Blue Bulls 66-41, with flyhalf Zachary Walbrugh scoring 31 points, while Western Province overran Eastern Province 42-25 in the second half on a 41-try opening day of the FNB U18 Craven Week in Gqeberha.
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.
Springbok Women target back-to-back over USA with 'next job' focus at Loftus
The Springbok Women train in Johannesburg ahead of Saturday's second Test against the USA at Loftus, with assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt pointing to second-half corrections and tactical refinements as priorities, while Byrhandré Dolf misses out due to a compulsory player welfare rest period.
Springbok Women targeting back-to-back wins over USA as focus shifts to Loftus
The Springbok Women return to training focused on a second consecutive win over the USA Eagles at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt highlighting improved game management and multi-phase play as key growth areas. Byrhandré Dolf is unavailable due to a mandatory rest period, while the squad benefits from altitude acclimatisation and familiarity with Loftus. The team will be announced on Thursday.
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.
Junior Boks face Wales in decisive U20 Championship pool decider
The Junior Springboks meet Wales in a winner-takes-all Pool A clash at the U20 Championship in Tbilisi on Tuesday, with both sides unbeaten after two rounds. Captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and prop Oliver Reid have emphasised responsibility and trust as the South Africans seek to maintain the standards that have carried them to the top of the standings.
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.
Junior Boks target Pool A top spot in decisive Wales clash
The Junior Springboks face Wales in a decisive Pool A clash at the Junior World Championship on Tuesday, with both teams unbeaten and a semi-final place going to the pool winner.
Bok Women dismantle USA 34-21 but De Bruin targets second-half discipline ahead of Loftus decider
The Springbok Women beat the USA 34-21 at Ellis Park, building a 34-0 lead before conceding three late tries. Coach Swys de Bruin praised the first half as the best he has seen from the side but flagged second-half communication breakdowns to address ahead of the Loftus Versfeld decider on Saturday.
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.