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Predicted Bok XV for Johannesburg: Experience up front, with the real intrigue on the bench
A predicted Bok XV for Johannesburg that favours experience in the run-on side, with the real selection intrigue centred on the bench — particularly Porthen over Louw at tighthead and Esterhuizen as the tactical shape-shifter who unlocks bench flexibility.
Four heads, one mythical Bok XV: Leboeuf and Grant Williams to start, Pollard vs Feinberg the sharpest debate
Three Megafoon shows combined to pick their mythical Bok Test 1 XV, with the Feinberg vs Pollard debate and South Africa's lineout consistency emerging as the most contested issues.
Refreshed and lighter, Ioane is primed to cause the Boks problems in midfield
Ioane has rediscovered his best form on tour — lighter, faster and shifted to his preferred centre role by Rennie — making him a genuine midfield threat heading into the Test series against the Springboks.
Marx linked with Bulls return as Papier and Moodie face uncertain futures in Pretoria
The Bulls are in early discussions with Malcolm Marx over a return to South Africa, while Rapport reports that Embrose Papier and Canan Moodie are both likely to leave Pretoria after June 2027, with Sale Sharks among the clubs chasing Papier and Japanese outfits circling Moodie.
Predicted XV: Erasmus likely to shelve the surprises for All Blacks opener
A position-by-position predicted XV for Johannesburg, with the tightest calls at 10, tighthead bench cover, and the loose forward slots — and the argument that Erasmus will keep his maverick tendencies in check for the series opener.
Andrews tips Greatest Rivalry series to end level
Andrews tips the four-Test Bok-All Blacks series to finish all square — the piece explores his reasoning.
NZ media bullish on All Blacks' Test readiness after Bulls rout — Ioane and Barrett forcing their way back into the frame
NZ rugby media read the Bulls win as a genuine mentality shift ahead of Ellis Park, with Paul highlighting the scrum and Segner as key Test positives, and Knowler making the case for Ioane and Barrett to force their way back onto the bench.
Marx linked with Bulls return as Ackermann reunion looms
The Bulls have held preliminary discussions with Malcolm Marx about a return to South African rugby, with the Springbok hooker currently playing for Kubota Spears in Japan.
Fleck backs Libbok to start at 10 against the All Blacks
Robbie Fleck makes the case for Libbok at flyhalf for Saturday's Test against the All Blacks.
McKenzie doubt clouds All Blacks' first-test XV as Mo'unga held back
Rennie flags real doubt over McKenzie for the Ellis Park test opener while confirming Mo'unga — despite arriving excited — won't be risked until the Lions midweek match. The All Blacks leave Loftus encouraged by scrum improvements but under no illusions about the step up the Boks will demand.
Ackermann: All Blacks' attacking-from-deep won't fly against the Boks
Ackermann flags that the All Blacks' habit of attacking from deep — profitable on the franchise tour — will be exploited rather than tolerated by the Springboks, and points to patience with ball in hand as the tactical lever that decides the series opener.
Taylor confident All Blacks have built the mental resilience to handle Bok pressure
Taylor flags the Bulls match as proof the All Blacks are learning to 'nail moments' under pressure — exactly the currency the Springboks will demand next weekend. His forward pack assessment is measured but optimistic ahead of the series opener.
Coetzee savours try against All Blacks despite heavy Bulls defeat at Loftus
Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee scored against the All Blacks at Loftus on Saturday — his first appearance against New Zealand since 2014 — describing the moment as one for the memory bank despite the Bulls' 19-50 defeat.
Pumas host Griffons, Griquas welcome SWD as WSL 2 semi-final line-up confirmed
The Pumas will host the Griffons and Griquas will meet SWD in the WSL 2 semi-finals after the final round confirmed the top four, with the Leopards eliminated following a 60-10 thrashing by the Valke.
1996 revisited: How the All Blacks capitalised while the Boks imploded
Borchardt revisits 1996 and argues the All Blacks' historic series win in South Africa was as much a product of Springbok internal chaos as New Zealand's ruthless focus — a cautionary tale worth revisiting.
All Blacks wingers shine in Loftus rout as Bulls ship fifty ahead of Springboks series
New Zealand ran in eight tries to defeat the Vodacom Bulls 50-19 at Loftus Versfeld, completing their warm-up fixtures unbeaten. Leroy Carter's hat-trick and Rieko Ioane's all-round display headlined a clinical performance, while the All Blacks scrum delivered its most complete showing of the tour. Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee acknowledged the gulf in class, though the home side rallied with three second-half scores after trailing 24-0 at the interval.
Coetzee reminds Rassie, Barrett finds his groove, and All Blacks scrum makes a statement
Carter's hat-trick cements his Test case, Barrett looks reborn at fullback, and the All Blacks scrum finally fires — but the standout Springbok subplot is Coetzee turning back the clock and planting a thought in Rassie's mind.
All Blacks arrive in Johannesburg sharp, healthy and dangerous
A strong All Blacks warm-up performance at Loftus — 50 points, three halves without conceding — has the author framing the Greatest Rivalry opener as genuinely wide open, with Rennie's side looking sharp, healthy and tactically coherent against a Bok team riding a 12-game winning streak.
All Blacks complete clean sweep of SA franchises with 50-19 demolition of Bulls at Loftus
The All Blacks beat the Bulls 50-19 at Loftus to complete an unbeaten pre-Test tour of South Africa, having also defeated the Stormers and Sharks, ahead of next Saturday's first Test at Ellis Park.
Pumas and Griquas host semi-finals as Leopards pay the price for Valke demolition
The WSL 2 semi-finals are set: Pumas host Griffons and Griquas host SWD, after the Leopards were eliminated following a 60-10 hammering by the Valke in the final round.