Wessels wired for Bok baptism of fire
Jan-Hendrik Wessels said the step-up to Test level will be big, but the young front-ranker is thrilled about making his Springbok debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Portugal fired up to ‘shock’ Boks
Portugal captain Tomas Appleton and fullback Manuel Cardoso Pinto are relishing the “dream” opportunity of facing the Boks on Saturday.
Beauden starts for rejigged All Blacks
The All Blacks make 11 changes to face Fiji in San Diego on Friday, with Beauden Barrett at fullback, a debut for centre Billy Proctor and five uncapped players on the bench.
Alaalatoa to captain new-look Wallabies
Joe Schmidt named his third Australia captain in as many Tests with Allan Alaalatoa in charge against Georgia, while winger Darby Lancaster will debut among 10 starting XV changes.
Marx back for Rugby Champs?
Malcolm Marx’s leg injury is not as severe as it was feared and there are renewed hopes the Springboks will have the hooker back for the Rugby Championship.
Rassie: This is no Bok ‘B-team’
Rassie Erasmus is adamant that the 23-man Springbok squad selected for the historic Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein is not a “B-team”.
Watch: Portugal fry Flying Fijians
Portugal sent a message of intent at the 2023 World Cup with a historic first tournament win in their final pool match against Fiji.
Season over for Marx?
Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Malcolm Marx suffered a broken leg in the defeat to Ireland in Durban which could keep him on the sidelines for a prolonged period.
Rassie backs rookies to right the wrongs
Rassie Erasmus has backed the seven debutants to see the Springboks bounce back from a disappointing result against Ireland when they tackle Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Moerat to captain new-look Boks
Salmaan Moerat will captain the Springboks for the first time as seven players are set to make their Test debuts in the historic first-ever clash with Portugal in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
