Columns

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 16: Sam Cane of the All Blacks leads the haka during the International Test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Ireland at Sky Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Wellington, New Zealand.

‘Unknown factor’ makes All Blacks dangerous

The rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks will enter unfamiliar territory next week as the New Zealanders go into the Rugby Championship opener with their backs against the wall, writes DYLAN JACK.

James Small was larger than life

Former Springbok wing James Small made a big impact, on and off the field, writes @SimonBorchardt.

Cut and paste Kurt-Lee for Kolbe

Kurt-Lee Arendse ticks all the right boxes to replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe for the Springboks and make the green and gold No 14 jumper his own, writes DEVIN HERMANUS.

Willemse, Hendrikse to spark Bok evolution

The rise of Damian Willemse and Jaden Hendrikse was the high of a rollercoaster series victory against Wales, and these two talents are primed to make the Springboks untouchable at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writes ZELIM NEL.

Rassie Erasmus during the Springboks Press Conference on 24 January 2020 at Southern Sun Hotel, Pretoria , Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Rassie smiling after Bok loss

Rassie Erasmus is many things after the Springboks surrendered their first home loss against Wales, but surprised isn’t one of them, writes ZELIM NEL.

Boks need answers at flyhalf, fullback

A thrilling victory against Wales at Loftus Versfeld served the powerful Springbok juggernaut yet another warning that the gearbox is long overdue for a service, writes ZELIM NEL.

Roos puts heat on Wiese to torch Dragons

Wales are first on the menu for the Springboks in 2022 and, with Duane Vermeulen absent, Jasper Wiese is on the clock to prove he can fill the No 8 jersey, writes ZELIM NEL.

Bulls coach Jake White during the post match press conference after the United Rugby Championship 2021/22 Grand Final between Stormers and Bulls held at Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa on 18 June 2022

Jake fluffs his lines as SA flourishes

Jake White is a World Cup winner, but he reacted to defeat in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship like it was his first rodeo, writes ZELIM NEL.

SA rugby’s Cinderella men deserve a shot

The 2022 Currie Cup final being decided by the country’s smaller unions is a fairytale opportunity for hardworking local players with title aspirations, writes DEVIN HERMANUS.

All-SA final but Ireland the big URC winners

While the Stormers and Bulls eliminated Irish contenders from the semi-finals, the Emerald Isle stands to benefit most from the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, writes ZELIM NEL.