Sports

John Kirwan has challenged All Blacks coach Dave Rennie to show the same willingness to take risks as Springbok counterpart Rassie Erasmus. Erasmus is one of the most influential and innovative figures in world rugby, constantly testing the bounds of what is possible as the game evolves. Speaking on the Rivals podcast, Kirwan said Erasmus’ […]

Barbarians coach Scott Robertson has praised the Springboks’ blend of youth and experience ahead of Saturday’s clash in Gqeberha. The former All Blacks boss expects a stern examination from a Bok team featuring both established stars and exciting young talent. “Any player who puts a Bok jersey on deserves it,” Robertson said. “I like the

Barbarians flyhalf Tomás Albornoz says neutralising the Springboks’ pack will be key to victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday. MORE: André eyes ‘powerhouse’ Baa-Baas centre pairing A first time Baa Baa Tomás Albornoz looks ahead to tackling the back-to-back World Champions @Springboks But hey, the bigger they are the harder they fall

Victor Matfield says Canan Moodie will be crucial to the Vodacom Bulls’ efforts to blunt Leinster’s attack in Friday night’s URC final at Croke Park. While the Bulls will back their powerful scrum to provide a platform in Dublin, Matfield believes their ability to contain Leinster’s potent backline could prove decisive. “The player who stands

Five uncapped players have the chance to make a big impression for the Springboks against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday. Junior Boks lock Riley Norton and Bordeaux Bègles tighthead prop Carlü Sadie are the only two players in the starting lineup who have yet to make their Test debuts. The uncapped players among the replacements

Nick Mallett believes Stormers flank Paul de Villiers has the qualities to become a fixture in the green and gold. The opensider has been named on the Springbok bench for Saturday’s season opener against the Barbarians in Gqeberha and arrives in the national set-up with a growing reputation as one of the country’s most effective

James Slipper’s international career may not be over after all. The veteran Wallabies prop is reportedly set to be recalled to Australia’s squad for next month’s Tests against Ireland, France and Italy, less than a year after bringing the curtain down on a remarkable Test career. Slipper retired from international rugby following his 151st appearance

Jake White believes this Vodacom Bulls side is better placed than any of its predecessors to finally get over the line in a URC final. The former Bulls coach, who guided the Pretoria-based outfit to three title deciders in the competition, says the current squad is stronger, more experienced and far better equipped than the

After an underwhelming Leinster stint, it’s time for Rieko Ioane to step up and deliver in Friday night’s Vodacom URC final at Croke Park. Leinster recruited the All Blacks back for the 2025-26 season as a replacement for Jordie Barrett and comparisons were inevitable. It was an unenviable position for the 29-year-old Ioane. Barrett’s six-month

A Vodacom URC title in Dublin on Friday night would be a fitting final chapter for Willie le Roux. The 36-year-old Vodacom Bulls and Springbok fullback recently marked his 400th first-class game, while in 2025 he became only the eighth Springbok to reach 100 Test caps. While the double World Cup winner has largely avoided