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Junior Bok pipeline is starting to deliver where it matters
Cardinelli makes the case that franchises are deliberately fast-tracking Junior Bok talent — with Moyo, Ahmed, Giliomee and others getting real responsibility early — and that this pipeline shift has meaningful implications for both URC competitiveness and Erasmus's post-2027 planning.
SA rugby's next generation is earning their stripes — not just filling in
Cardinelli argues that beyond the early URC results, the more telling story is how franchise coaches are giving Junior Bok graduates real senior exposure — with Moyo, Ahmed and others not just filling in for absent Boks but establishing themselves as genuine options for both their franchises and Erasmus's longer-term planning.
Stormers set for near-full Springbok contingent against Sharks
Norman Laker confirms the Stormers will have near-full Springbok availability for Saturday's URC derby against the Sharks in Cape Town.
All Blacks forward coach takes scrum lessons from Boks — but won't be 'walking around'
Jason Ryan's honest debrief on the RGR series loss credits the Boks' set-piece as world-best, flags seven costly scrum penalties, and points to Barrett's return as key to an All Blacks response in the Bledisloe Cup — while wryly dismissing the 'walking around' controversy.
Lions building a hybrid-player squad — and Van Rooyen thinks it's the future of rugby
Van Rooyen is building the Lions around positional versatility — deliberately mirroring Rassie's hybrid-player philosophy — and the opening two URC wins are early validation of the approach.
All Blacks carrying Bok-inflicted scrum damage into Bledisloe
Jason Ryan admits the Boks exposed real set-piece frailties in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series — frailties the All Blacks are still managing as the Bledisloe looms.
All Blacks forward coach won't sugarcoat the Springbok series — and wants a physical statement against Australia
Jason Ryan has acknowledged the All Blacks were outmuscled by the Springboks across the series and is demanding a forward-led statement performance in the Bledisloe opener, with urgency at the breakdown and in the carry identified as the critical battleground against Australia's jackalling threats.
Sharks and Lions shine while Stormers self-destruct at the line-out
The Sharks and Lions bagged five points apiece with dominant home wins over Leinster and the Ospreys respectively, while the Stormers imploded in Edinburgh through a catastrophic line-out display — winning just 12 of 21 throws — in a loss the piece squarely attributes to self-destruction rather than Edinburgh's quality.
Lions and Sharks shine while Stormers self-destruct at the line-out
The Lions and Sharks impressed at home while the Bulls and Stormers came up short in Europe — the Stormers' line-out collapse against Edinburgh drawing the sharpest criticism in this round-two review.
Sharks top the log, but the real test arrives this weekend
Rich argues the SA franchises' tour results flatter to deceive in both directions — the Sharks' Leinster scalp is legitimate, the Stormers' and Bulls' losses are overstated given who was missing. Saturday's derbies are framed as the first genuinely revealing test of the season.
Savea ruled out until Super Rugby return as Rennie backs Barrett to remain relevant
Ardie Savea faces surgery and a potentially delayed Super Rugby return after his shoulder dislocation in Soweto, while Rennie has backed Beauden Barrett to continue contributing — primarily at fullback — despite falling behind Mo'unga and the injured Ruben Love in the first-five pecking order.
Rennie doubles down on All Blacks' high-ball approach despite Bok beatings
Rennie defends the All Blacks' retreat-and-link aerial tactic despite the Springboks dismantling it, arguing the system works against deeper kickers and that New Zealand are close to making their new high-tempo style stick.
Bok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on a high
The Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, with co-head coach Franzel September highlighting disciplined defence and set-piece control despite front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki. The squad returns home on Tuesday ahead of two Tests against Ireland in Cape Town.
Bok Women blank Spain 20-0 to end WXV Global Series tour on high note
The Springbok Women beat Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series tour, despite losing two props to injury and playing in extreme heat, with Ireland in Cape Town next on the agenda.
Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 to close WXV Global Series tour
The Springbok Women closed their WXV Global Series tour with a 20-0 shutout of Spain in Seville, overcoming front-row injuries to Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki while maintaining set-piece dominance and full discipline throughout.
Springbok Women shut out Spain to end European tour with seventh straight win over hosts
The Springbok Women beat Spain 20-0 in Seville to end their WXV Global Series European tour, recording a seventh straight win over the hosts through tries from Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele and Jakkie Cilliers.
Springbok Women shut out Spain 20-0 in Seville despite injury disruptions
The Springbok Women beat Spain 20-0 in Seville in a WXV Global Series clash, keeping the hosts scoreless despite losing captain Babalwa Latsha to an ankle injury and having replacement prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki stretchered off. Tries from Catha Jacobs and Aseza Hele, along with Jakkie Cilliers' boot, secured the win.
Rennie doubles down on Bok scrum critique — and wants World Rugby to rip up the rulebook
Rennie is pressing World Rugby to strip back scrum laws rather than add to them, arguing the brake foot has made refereeing harder while South African tightheads continue to angle and shear unpunished. He wants a simple mandate — scrum square — and believes the All Blacks can handle the Boks' power if the laws are applied cleanly.
All Blacks lose Ruben Love to ankle surgery for remainder of international season
Ruben Love requires ankle surgery and is ruled out for the rest of the 2025 international season after sustaining the injury in South Africa, ending a breakout year in which he had established himself as the All Blacks' first-choice fly-half.
Springbok muscle drives Sharks past Leinster in Kings Park classic
The Sharks dismantled Leinster through scrum dominance — Du Toit, Nche, and Koch all winning key penalties — while returning Springboks Esterhuizen, Van der Merwe, and Etzebeth were central to a 26-20 win that also secured a bonus point.