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2,962 items · Springboks
How New Zealand's voluntary exclusion of Māori players amounted to self-imposed apartheid
Jamie Wall argues that New Zealand voluntarily excluded Māori players from South Africa tours decades before apartheid was formalised, and that the backlash over the 1976 series did not shift New Zealand public opinion as much as liberal commentators assumed.
How New Zealand voluntarily enforced apartheid — before apartheid existed
Jamie Wall argues that New Zealand's exclusion of Māori players from South Africa tours was a voluntary act that predated apartheid itself — and that domestic political will to end it was far weaker than the liberal press of the era suggested.
The All Blacks still sell out South Africa — but the tour structure got it wrong
Sold-out venues from Cape Town to Baltimore prove the rivalry's magnetism is undiminished, but the columnist argues the tour structure squandered an opportunity — overpriced warm-up games excluded the fans who'd have filled those grounds, the fourth Test in the US is a money-grab, and the real series should have been settled entirely in South Africa.
Ignore the warm-ups — only two matches matter heading into Ellis Park
A sharp pre-match guide arguing that only the Boks' win over England and the All Blacks' win over Ireland are relevant form guides — everything else was managed preparation. Breaks down how both Erasmus and Rennie deliberately shielded their first-choice combinations, and why the real test of both squads begins at Ellis Park.
Mo'unga ruled out of Ellis Park Test as Rennie eyes McKenzie fitness
Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga will not feature in the All Blacks' opening clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park next Saturday, despite arriving in Gauteng to replace the injured Billy Proctor. The head coach remains hopeful that Damian McKenzie will recover in time for selection, though the utility back is less certain than fellow injury concerns Cam Roigard and Will Jordan.
Mo'unga ruled out of first Test as McKenzie fitness clouds All Blacks backline
Richie Mo'unga has been ruled out of the first Springboks Test at Ellis Park, with Ruben Love set to start at fly-half. Damian McKenzie remains a fitness doubt, while Will Jordan and Cam Rogiard are expected to be available after returning to training.
All Blacks put down a marker with 50-19 demolition of the Bulls
The Bulls were undercooked, but the All Blacks' 50-19 win carried genuine warning signs for the Boks — scrum dominance, a dangerous backline and composure under pressure all featured ahead of Saturday's Ellis Park clash.
Ackermann backs patient Boks to exploit All Blacks
Ackermann shares a knowing take on how the Boks can exploit the All Blacks — patience is the theme, with the full piece unpacking the tactical detail behind it.
All Blacks put 50 on the Bulls — but plenty still to fix before the Bok Tests
Fortune's player-by-player breakdown of the All Blacks' Loftus win highlights Carter, Ioane and Numia as form players heading into the Bok series, while flagging Ratima's kicking, Moorby's defence and a largely anonymous bench as areas Rennie needs to address.
Mo'unga ruled out of first Test as McKenzie fitness in doubt ahead of Ellis Park
Richie Mo'unga has been ruled out of the All Blacks' first Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park, with Dave Rennie also flagging Damian McKenzie as a doubt. Ruben Love is in line at fly-half, while Codie Taylor impressed with two tries in the 50-19 tour win over the Bulls.
All Blacks' Loftus demolition job carries a Saturday warning
The All Blacks' comfortable Loftus win was built on an underdone Bulls side, but the scrum dominance and backline structure on show carry a real warning for the Boks ahead of Saturday's Ellis Park Test — the piece breaks down the key moments that will matter when the real thing kicks off.
Bulls fall into the pace trap as All Blacks roll on
The Bulls were the latest SA side to fall to the All Blacks, and this piece breaks down the tactical pace trap that undid them and what New Zealand's perfect tour record genuinely signals.
All Blacks tour complete: What Rennie learned from a 50-19 dismantling of the Bulls
A breakdown of what the All Blacks' 50-19 win over the Bulls confirmed ahead of the Springbok Tests — improved discipline, a more consistent scrum, and an attack system that's clicking — plus what it means for Rennie's Test selection puzzle.
Erasmus Pleased with Recovery as Boks Shift Focus to All Blacks Series
The Springboks completed two days of training in Johannesburg on Saturday as preparations intensified for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand. The squad, which returned from Argentina in two groups earlier in the week, spent most of the week on recovery sessions before resuming field work on Friday. Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw will rejoin the national squad on Sunday after featuring for the Vodacom Bulls.
Erasmus flags 'World Cup knock-out' intensity of RGR series as Grobbelaar and Louw set for Sunday return
Rassie Erasmus has likened the four-Test RGR series against the All Blacks to World Cup knock-out rugby, with the full Springbok squad now reassembled and Bulls duo Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw rejoining on Sunday ahead of the Ellis Park opener on August 22.
Springboks complete alignment camp ahead of RGR series opener against All Blacks
The Springboks completed a two-day alignment camp in Johannesburg on Saturday ahead of the RGR series opener against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on 22 August, with Grobbelaar and Louw released to the Bulls before rejoining the squad on Sunday.
Louw and Grobbelaar released for Bulls duty before rejoining Springboks
Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar will feature for the Vodacom Bulls against New Zealand on Saturday evening before returning to the Springbok squad ahead of the opening Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test. Rassie Erasmus confirmed the pair will rejoin the national set-up on Sunday as the Boks complete their preparations for next Saturday's clash with the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
Springboks enter final Test-week preparations for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener
The Springboks have moved into full Test-week preparations for next Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener against New Zealand at Ellis Park, with Grobbelaar and Louw rejoining the squad from the Bulls on Sunday.
Five Bulls players who could make life uncomfortable for the All Blacks at Loftus
The Bulls, unlike the Sharks, have the personnel to genuinely test New Zealand at Loftus — Papier's game-breaking ability, Rudolph's breakdown dominance, le Roux's experience and Bosch's long-awaited return are the specific weapons the piece identifies as reasons to expect a real contest.
Springboks complete pre-RGR camp in Johannesburg ahead of All Blacks series opener
The Springboks completed their pre-RGR camp in Johannesburg on Saturday, with Rassie Erasmus confirming the squad is recovered and ready ahead of the All Blacks series opener at 10bet Ellis Park on 22 August.