Wales

Cheetahs to take URC gap?

The Free State Cheetahs could benefit from a proposal to cut the number of sides from Wales competing in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by TOM SANDBERG/PPAUK/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12609483cl) Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa leads his side in the national anthem during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK England v South Africa, Autumn Nations, Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK - 20 Nov 2021

Kiwi scribe: Boks have ‘golden chance’ in 2022

New Zealand-based rugby writer Ben Smith says the Boks have “a golden opportunity” in 2022 to finally live up to their status at the world’s No 1-ranked team.

Feisty Elstadt is fit and firing for Bok recall

Springbok hard man Rynhardt Elstadt’s recent spell on the Toulouse sidelines has made him hungrier than ever to play Test rugby as he prepares to showcase his physicality in a rerun of last season’s Top 14 and European Champions Cup finals at home against La Rochelle on Saturday.

GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 14: Jaden Hendrikse of South Africa during the Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Gqeberha, South Africa.

Reinach injury: Should Hendrikse take the gap?

With Cobus Reinach ruled out of the upcoming series against Wales, DYLAN JACK mulls who the Springboks might call on to serve as Faf de Klerk’s scrumhalf deputy.

Lions stars doubtful for another crack at Boks

With a casualty list that reads like a battlefield fallout, Wales are now sweating the availability of four British & Lions 2021 tourists for the July series against the Springboks.

Bok coach: Kolbe can play 10

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will consider Cheslin Kolbe at flyhalf if regulars Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies are unavailable for selection. DYLAN JACK reports.

Springboks set up camp for 2022

The Springboks will get their preparations for a testing international season underway on Sunday as head coach Jacques Nienaber and his management team host the first of two alignment camps this weekend.

Watch: Darts champ shows how to rugger

Darts champion Gerwyn Price shows how it’s done from the back of an impressive rolling maul in muddy Wales, before making it big on the oche.

Welsh coach: URC results a ‘reality check’ for Bok series

If the performances of the Welsh sides against SA teams in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is a barometer, the “gulf in power” will be too great for Wales to beat the Springboks in the three-Test series in July, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.

NELSPRUIT, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 21: Fourie du Preez of South Africa during the 2nd test match between South Africa and Wales at Mbombela Stadium on June 21, 2014 in Nelspruit, South Africa.

Quiz! Can you name the last Springbok team to host Wales in 2014?

In July the Springboks will welcome Wales to South Africa for the first time since 2014. Test your rugby knowledge by naming the previous Springbok team to face Wales on home soil.