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Springboks eye Twickenham final as Stick warns of Welsh breakdown threat
Mzwandile Stick has confirmed the Springboks are targeting the Nations Championship Final at Twickenham on 29 November, while warning of Wales's breakdown and set-piece threat ahead of Saturday's Kings Park encounter. Siya Kolisi has returned to training after his hamstring issue, and no changes to the 23 are expected.
Stick and Du Toit warn against underestimating Wales ahead of Durban Test
Mzwandile Stick and Pieter-Steph du Toit have urged full respect for Wales ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship Test in Durban, acknowledging defensive and kicking deficiencies from last week while confirming four debutants — Carlu Sadie, Ruben van Heerden, Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams — will earn their first caps.
Stick hails 'mature' Moyo and Somerset East's Williams ahead of Test debuts against Wales
Mzwandile Stick has praised uncapped debutants Vusi Moyo and Jaco Williams ahead of Saturday's Test against Wales in Durban, saying selection is driven by how players handle the Springbok system rather than URC minutes, and comparing Williams' Somerset East origins to Makazole Mapimpi's rise.
Ireland eye World Rugby summit as Springboks face Wales rankings trap
South Africa's grip on top spot in the World Rugby rankings enters precarious territory this weekend, with the Springboks unable to improve their rating against Wales yet vulnerable to a slip that could hand the summit to Ireland. Andy Farrell's side can leapfrog both New Zealand and the reigning world champions if results align in their favour across Saturday's Nations Championship fixtures.
Burger backs Moyo to thrive in Springbok debut against Wales
Former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger believes rookie fly-half Vusi Moyo will be comfortable making his Test debut against Wales in Durban on Saturday, despite minimal top-level experience. The 19-year-old has been surrounded by experienced campaigners including Cobus Reinach, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel.
Marx dismisses favourites tag ahead of physical Wales test at Kings Park
Malcolm Marx has dismissed the favourites tag ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash with Wales at Kings Park, warning of a confrontational physical battle and backing uncapped debutant Carlu Sadie, his former Lions scrumming partner, to seize his Test opportunity.
Nations Championship Round Three: Springboks host Wales in Durban as first-leg climax looms
The Springboks host Wales in Durban on Saturday, 18 July in the final round of the Nations Championship's first leg, with the north and south level at six wins apiece heading into the weekend.
Springboks risk losing top World Rugby ranking spot this weekend
South Africa's number one World Rugby ranking is under threat this weekend, with a defeat to Wales in Durban combined with a New Zealand win over Ireland by more than 15 points enough to return the All Blacks to the summit. Ireland can go as far as top spot themselves with a big win at Eden Park and a Springbok loss. Australia, meanwhile, risk dropping out of the top 10 for the first time since the rankings were introduced in 2003 if they lose heavily to Italy in Schmidt's farewell.
Moyo Set for Springbok Debut as Wales Arrive in Durban Seeking Redemption
Vusi Moyo will make his Springbok debut at flyhalf when South Africa host Wales in Saturday's Nations Championship clash at Kings Park. The 20-year-old, who has just one Sharks appearance to his name, has been guided through the week by Handré Pollard and will lead the Boks as they chase an 11th consecutive victory. Wales, still rebuilding under Steve Tandy, arrive eager to erase memories of their record 73-0 defeat in Cardiff.
Sharks speedster Jaco Williams set for Springbok debut
Sharks winger Jaco Williams is set for a Springbok debut, with highlight footage from the Sharks showcasing the speedster's attributes ahead of his first Test call-up.
Rennie rules out Mo'unga for Springbok series, confirms squads already set
Dave Rennie has ruled Richie Mo'unga out of New Zealand's 44-man squad for the four-test 'Greatest Rivalry' series against the Springboks, citing eligibility rules, while confirming the All Blacks have already mapped out their squads for all four tour fixtures ahead of the opening test in Johannesburg on 22 August.
Van Heerden credits Stormers revival ahead of long-awaited Springbok debut
Ruben van Heerden will make his Springboks debut against Wales in Durban on Saturday, capping a career resurgence that began when he returned from Exeter Chiefs to join the Stormers in 2023. The 28-year-old lock credited the Cape Town coaching staff with restoring the confidence that had ebbed during a difficult spell in England. He is one of four uncapped players set to earn their first Test caps in the Nations Championship fixture.
Van Heerden credits Stormers move with turning Test dream into reality
Lock Ruben van Heerden, set to debut against Wales in Durban on Saturday alongside three other uncapped players, credits his move from Exeter to the Stormers in 2023 with revitalising his career and ultimately bringing him into Rassie Erasmus' Nations Championship squad.
Sharks clip highlights what Springbok debutant Jaco Williams brings to the table
A Sharks clip has put the spotlight on Springbok debutant Jaco Williams ahead of his anticipated Test debut.
Owens rules Roos try should have been disallowed after restart infringement
Former Test referee Nigel Owens has stated that Evan Roos's try in the Springboks' 42-28 victory over Scotland should have been ruled out. Owens judged that Boan Venter's actions in carrying Cobus Wiese forward whilst the lock was airborne prevented Scotland from defending legally, warranting a penalty against the hosts.
Italy to appeal Quesada ban as coach becomes first sanctioned under World Rugby's new referee-abuse process
The Italian Rugby Federation will appeal Gonzalo Quesada's two-Test ban — the first issued under World Rugby's new Match Official Abuse Sanction Process — which rules him out of Italy's Tests against Australia and the Springboks.
Stormers XXIII coach leans on Ntubeni experience for Currie Cup opener
Tom Dawson-Squibb says Ntubeni is a key presence as the Stormers XXIII begin their Currie Cup campaign on Friday as self-described underdogs.
Moyo ready to fire on Springbok debut against Wales, Pollard's guidance a key factor
Twenty-year-old Vusi Moyo makes his Springbok debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday, bolstered by Handré Pollard's counsel and Rassie Erasmus's praise for his kicking, physicality and composure.
Quesada becomes first coach banned under World Rugby's new ref-abuse process, will miss Springbok Test
Gonzalo Quesada has been handed a two-match ban — the first issued under World Rugby's new Match Official Abuse Sanctioning Process — for his post-match criticism of referee Luc Ramos after Italy's 47-17 loss to New Zealand, ruling him out of Tests against Australia and the Springboks.
Van Heerden's long road to Bok debut runs through Cape Town
Ruben van Heerden, 28, makes his Springbok debut against Wales at Kings Park on Saturday, with his move from Exeter Chiefs to the Stormers — where he developed into a No 5 and lineout leader after Marvin Orie's departure — proving the catalyst for his belated international call-up.