World Cup

Canan Moodie of South Africa during the 2022 Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina held at Kings Park in Durban on 24 September 2022

Moodie braced for Pumas bombardment

Canan Moodie says the backing of fellow Springbok wings Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse has primed him for an aerial assault against Argentina on Saturday.

Franco Mostert of South Africa and Damian de Allende of South Africa during the 2022 Castle Lager Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina held at Kings Park in Durban on 24 September 2022

Boks put aside World Cup hopes

There’s less than a week to go until the World Cup squad is named, but Franco Mostert says the Springboks are staying united in their mission to sink a fired-up Argentina on Saturday.

100 up for Halfpenny, Plum debut for Wales

Leigh Halfpenny will make his 100th Test appearance, while Taine Plumtree is in line for a debut for Wales in the World Cup warm-up against England in Cardiff on Saturday.

South Africa's lock Jean Kleyn warms up prior to the Rugby Championship first round match between South Africa and Australia at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria on July 8, 2023.

Kleyn ‘very close’ to Ireland recall

Munster’s Jean Kleyn was set for a recall to Ireland’s World Cup training squad before switching allegiance to South Africa, according to Paul O’Connell.

Siya Kolisi (captain), Ox Nche, Mbongeni Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane of South Africa sing national anthem before the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour first test between South Africa and BI Lions at Cape Town Stadium on 24 July 2021 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Nienaber: ‘No-nonsense’ Bongi demands respect

Jacques Nienaber says Bongi Mbonambi’s ability to communicate with the referee is a big reason why the veteran hooker has been appointed Springbok captain against Argentina.

Bongi Mbonambi and Joseph Dweba during the 2023 Castle Lager Rugby Championship Springbok training session at Loftus Stadium Field B in Pretoria on 20 June 2023

Boks missing the hook

The Springboks are gambling with their World Cup title defence prospects by going all-in on Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx and not fully investing in support at hooker.

Argentina's wing Mateo Carreras (L) tackles South Africa's centre Lukhanyo Am during the Rugby Championship final-round match between South Africa and Argentina at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 29, 2023.

Mallett: Pumas have claws out for Boks

Nick Mallett has predicted a “very, very tough” game for the Springboks in Buenos Aires after the escape act against Los Pumas at Ellis Park.

New Zealand's Caleb Clarke poses for a selfie with fans during the Rugby Championship and 2023 Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on July 29, 2023.

All Blacks leapfrog Les Bleus

New Zealand’s recent resurgence has seen the All Blacks climb above World Cup hosts France into second place on World Rugby’s latest Test rankings.

Road to World Cup starts now

With just over a month to go until the World Cup, the Springboks and pool opponents Ireland and Scotland will step up their preparation for the global showpiece this weekend.

South Africa's Piter Steph du Toit tackles Argentina's Juan Cruz Mallia during the South Africa vs Argentina rugby union match Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on September 24, 2022.

Argentina fullback cited for Williams hit

Argentina could be without Juan Cruz Mallia for the World Cup warm-up against the Springboks on Saturday after it was confirmed that the fullback has been cited for his hit on Grant Williams.