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Erasmus defends Pollard despite URC final struggles as England test looms
Rassie Erasmus has dismissed concerns over Handré Pollard's form following the flyhalf's subdued display in the Bulls' 36-7 URC final defeat to Leinster. The Springbok coach insisted franchise performances do not dictate Test selection, pointing to Pollard's unblemished record in the green and gold since 2018. With England arriving at Ellis Park on 4 July, Erasmus remains confident in the 32-year-old's ability to deliver when it matters most.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu absence leaves Erasmus with flyhalf conundrum ahead of England
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's unavailability for the opening Nations Championship fixtures has forced Rassie Erasmus to recalibrate his playmaking options. With Handré Pollard anchoring the squad, the head coach must decide whether to blood uncapped Vusi Moyo or deploy utility backs in the 10 jersey against England and Scotland. The 46-man selection suggests a two-tier approach across the July window.
Kolisi flags defensive lapses despite Boks' 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians
Kolisi praised the Springboks' overall execution in their 80-31 season-opening win over the Barbarians but singled out missed first-time tackles and the resulting offload opportunities as the one area that let the invitational side into the game during the first half.
Cullen to leave Leinster in 2027 as Nienaber's future draws scrutiny
Leo Cullen will leave Leinster at the end of the 2026-27 season, with the province already searching for his successor. Jacques Nienaber's contract expires at the same time, intensifying questions about his next destination.
Embrose Papier returns to Springbok fold as Rassie Erasmus names 46-man Nations Championship squad
Scrumhalf Embrose Papier has been recalled to the Springboks' 46-man squad for the Nations Championship after a lengthy absence from the international setup. The selection comes as Rassie Erasmus casts a wide net ahead of fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales, with six uncapped players also included. Papier's return offers fresh depth at nine as South Africa begin preparations for their title defence.
De Klerk and Koch join Barbarians for Wales clash after Nations Championship snub
Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch, both left out of the Springbok Nations Championship squad, have joined the Barbarians for their match against Wales at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Siyaya concussed, Ahmed red-carded but Stick pleased with SA 'A' shutout of Zimbabwe
Zekhethelo Siyaya is in a race against time for the U20 World Championship after suffering a concussion against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha, while Yaqeen Ahmed's yellow card was upgraded to red — but Mzwandile Stick was largely satisfied with SA 'A''s shutout performance, singling out fullback Luan Giliomee for special mention.
Erasmus credits SA Rugby pipeline after Boks rout Barbarians 80-31
Erasmus praised the composure and maturity of five uncapped players after the Springboks beat the Barbarians 80-31 in Gqeberha, crediting SA Rugby's pipeline for the depth available, while playing down franchise form as a selection concern following the Bulls' heavy URC Final loss to Leinster.
Doping panel decision reveals how Ntlabakanye's prescribed medication defence unfolded
The written decision of the doping panel that heard Asenathi Ntlabakanye's case sets out how a doctor's clearance of his prescribed medication underpinned his defence.
Norton among six uncapped players as Papier and Engelbrecht return in 46-man Nations Championship squad
Riley Norton and five other uncapped players are included in the Springboks' 46-man Nations Championship squad, alongside the return of scrumhalf Embrose Papier.
Mostert ankle injury clouds Springbok season opener despite 80-point romp
Franco Mostert's ankle injury has emerged as the principal concern from the Springboks' 80-31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha, with Rassie Erasmus admitting worry ahead of scans. The lock's departure compounds a second-row crisis already depriving South Africa of RG Snyman, Lood de Jager and Salmaan Moerat. Despite the points haul, Erasmus highlighted defensive lapses and discipline issues that must be addressed before the Nations Championship begins in a fortnight.
Van der Merwe hat-trick headlines 12-try Barbarians rout in Port Elizabeth
The Springboks opened their 2026 international season with an 80-31 victory over the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. Edwill van der Merwe claimed a hat-trick as the hosts ran in 12 tries, though the invitational side proved far more competitive than in last year's 54-7 defeat in Cape Town. The first half delivered non-stop entertainment before South Africa pulled clear in the final quarter.
Erasmus and Stick flag defensive lapses and Mostert injury concern despite dominant Gqeberha double-header
The Springboks beat the Barbarians 80-31 and SA 'A' shut out Zimbabwe 40-0 in Gqeberha, but Erasmus and Stick both identified defensive lapses, discipline and cohesion as work-ons ahead of the Nations Championship, with Franco Mostert's ankle injury the most immediate concern.
Erasmus and Stick take positives but flag work-ons after Gqeberha double-header
Erasmus and Stick both identified discipline and execution as areas requiring improvement despite comfortable victories for the Springboks (80-31 vs Barbarians) and SA 'A' (40-0 vs Zimbabwe) in Gqeberha, with the Nations Championship two weeks away. Mostert's ankle injury is a concern heading into the England series.
Norton shines on debut as Mostert injury adds to Boks' second-row headache
Franco Mostert's ankle injury in the Barbarians win has added to South Africa's lock crisis, but Eben Etzebeth is confirmed fit and 20-year-old Riley Norton impressed on his senior debut, scoring his first try in a commanding 80-minute display.
Erasmus and Stick see promise but identify clear work-ons after Gqeberha double-header
Rassie Erasmus and Mzwandile Stick took positives from Saturday's wins over the Barbarians and Zimbabwe respectively but identified discipline, defensive consistency and execution as areas needing improvement ahead of the Nations Championship. Franco Mostert's ankle injury is an added concern for Erasmus.
Stick defends Ahmed after red card in SA A's 40-0 rout of Zimbabwe
SA A coach Mzwandile Stick says Yaqeen Ahmed was unlucky to receive a red card during an otherwise strong performance in the 40-0 win over Zimbabwe.
Rassie fears lock injury setback after Barbarians rout
Rassie Erasmus welcomed the Springboks' 80-31 win over the Barbarians but expressed concern over a possible lock injury sustained during the match.
Van der Merwe hat-trick and Horn audition headline 12-try Springbok rout of Barbarians
Edwill van der Merwe scored a hat-trick and Sacha Horn caught the eye at flyhalf as the Springboks ran in 12 tries against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, though the visitors' five-try haul and a 35-26 halftime scoreline highlighted defensive and disciplinary concerns for Rassie Erasmus.
Springboks open 2026 campaign with 80-31 demolition of Barbarians in Port Elizabeth
The Springboks opened their 2026 international season with an 80-31 win over the Barbarians in Port Elizabeth, scoring 12 tries including a hat-trick from Edwill van der Merwe and a debut try for 20-year-old lock Riley Norton.