World Cup

Duane Vermeulen in action against the All Blacks at Twickenham

Boks primed for ‘massive’ title battle

Assistant Deon Davids anticipates an epic showdown between the Springboks and the All Blacks in the World Cup final on Saturday, noting the rich history between the teams.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 21: Kwagga Smith and RG Snyman of South Africa celebrate following the team's victory during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Bok bench heroic in salvaging semi-final

While England plotted one of the great World Cup upsets, holding a nine-point lead on the Boks in the final quarter of the semi-final, HARRY JONES extols the Bomb Squad for detonating the plan.

James Small Jonah Lomu 1995 RWC Ross Kinnaird Getty Images

When big Jonah had a Small problem

In an extract from No Rules – The James Small Story, former Springbok centre Japie Mulder explains how they stopped All Blacks wing Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup final.

On this day: All Blacks leave it to Beaver

On 23 October 2011, replacement flyhalf Stephen Donald kicked a match-defining penalty as New Zealand beat France to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

South Africa's head coach Nienaber Jacques waits for the start of the pre-World Cup Rugby Union match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on August 19, 2023

Boks hitting the books for World Cup final

After the Springboks edged England to set up a World Cup final with New Zealand, Jacques Nienaber’s coaching staff and players have plenty to think about before the battle for a record fourth title.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 21: Ox Nche of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2023 semi final match between England and South Africa at Stade de France on October 21, 2023 in Paris, France.

‘Wrecking ball’ Ox earns World Cup plaudits

Ox Nche was called “the most destructive loosehead in the world” after the loosehead prop’s influential performance in that last-gasp World Cup semi-final victory over England.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jacques Nienaber, coach of South Africa hugs Siya Kolisi, captain of South Africa during The Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Argentina at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on September 24, 2022 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

Kolisi hails ‘special coach’ Nienaber

Siya Kolisi says Ireland will be “lucky” to have Jacques Nienaber as the World Cup final marks the head coach’s final match in charge of the Springboks.

The Springboks face down the haka from the All Blacks

Boks expect shootout in final

The Springboks are bracing for a high-scoring end-to-end World Cup finale against old rivals the All Blacks, following a gritty semi-final victory over England.

New Zealand referee Ben O'Keeffe (L) signals a penalty to South Africa during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 21, 2023.

Ex-England captain: Ref won Boks the game

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio claims referee Ben O’Keeffe “won” the World Cup semi-final for the Springboks with a late penalty decision.

South Africa's fly-half Manie Libbok (C) is seen on the bench after he was substituted by South Africa's fly-half Handre Pollard (unseen) during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between England and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 21, 2023.

Nienaber: Libbok can still face All Blacks

Jacques Nienaber says that Manie Libbok understands why he was substituted in the first half of the Springboks’ World Cup semi-final win and “will take it on the chin”.