World Cup

Wallabies to back ‘Pooper’ combo, Boks have unlikely fan

The SA Rugby magazine team rounds up some of the interesting news snippets making headlines around the world.

Erasmus: Massive respect for ABs

Rassie Erasmus on the respect the Springboks have for the All Blacks, while Jacques Nienaber speaks about the Boks’ balanced approach ahead of the World Cup opener.

‘All Blacks have opened new can of worms’

Springbok defence coach Jacques Nienaber has highlighted the threat of the new All Blacks attacking system ahead of the showdown in Yokohama on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

Boks unchanged for opener

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named an unchanged match-day 23 for their World Cup clash with the All Blacks in Yokohama on Saturday.

Smith: All Blacks will learn from Wellington draw

All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith says the team will heed the lessons from their draw with the Boks in Wellington ahead of the World Cup opener on Saturday.

Stats and facts: Springboks vs All Blacks

Stats and facts for the Pool B World Cup opener between the Springboks and All Blacks in Yokohama on Saturday.

Kolbe: Overseas stint was beneficial

Cheslin Kolbe on how the back three will handle conditions this Saturday, while Francois Louw lauds the professionalism in the Bok camp.

Gatland: Wales squad shocked by Howley news

Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted the squad has been left shocked after assistant Rob Howley was sent home for breaching World Rugby betting regulations.

Rassie: Continuity in selection is key

Coach Rassie Erasmus hopes the match-day 23 he selected for the Springboks’ World Cup opener will have enough firepower to overcome the All Blacks on Saturday.