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Samoa secured the final berth at the 2027 World Cup in Australia after a pulsating  draw against Belgium in Dubai on Tuesday. The Samoans have played at every World Cup except the inaugural edition but were pushed hard by a Belgium side targetting their first appearance. The 13-13 stalemate saw Samoa finish top of the […]

Simon Zebo believes Ireland possess the structure and shape needed to trouble the Springboks in Dublin on Saturday. Ireland have won four of their last five Tests against South Africa, and Zebo told Planet Rugby that their attacking structure naturally challenges the Bok defensive system. RECENT MEETINGS: Ireland have the Boks’ number “Ireland have the

Cheslin Kolbe says South Africa will need absolute clarity and composure to finally crack Ireland in Dublin, as the Springboks prepare for another brutal showdown at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. The Bok winger admitted the fixture has become one of the sport’s fiercest modern rivalries, even if the squad hasn’t dwelled on the history.

Springbok tighthead Thomas du Toit says Ox Nche’s historic World Rugby Player of the Year nomination is long-overdue recognition. Nche became the first prop to make the shortlist since the inception of the award in 2001, and Du Toit – who has packed down beside him several times last year and this season – could

Thomas du Toit says the Springboks expect Ireland’s trademark structure and precision in Dublin on Saturday, but insists the fixture is not a “grudge match”. With the Boks still searching for a first win at the Aviva Stadium under Rassie Erasmus and following on from last year’s drawn two-Test series in South Africa, the prop

Keith Wood says Rassie Erasmus’ tactical innovations may ultimately strengthen the case for reducing substitutions in Test rugby. Under Erasmus, the Springboks’ now-famous Bomb Squad – the 6-2 or 7-1 forwards-heavy bench split – has become a major competitive weapon. The Bok coach has also pushed the boundaries with hybrid players, most notably Andre Esterhuizen,

Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese heads into Saturday’s Test against Ireland with a ringing endorsement from someone who knows him better than most. Former Leicester Tigers teammate Harry Wells says the Bok powerhouse remains one of the most destructive forwards he has ever played with. Wells, the England lock who shared a changing room with

Springbok powerhouse Ox Nche has become the first prop to be nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award, which was introduced in 2001. Nche is one of four nominees announced for the 2025 award on Tuesday, joining Bok teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx, as well as France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Who gets your vote for the 2025 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award? READ: Four Boks crack Player of the Year nods Who should be crowned 2025 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year? Fabian Holland Ethan Hooker Henry Pollock Joseph Suaalii ResultsVote Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images The post POLL: Pick your 2025

Eddie Jones believes Japan’s inclusion in the Nations Championship will be “a springboard” to the 2027 World Cup, giving them regular top-level Tests. Japan and Fiji were officially confirmed on Monday as the two invitational sides in the 12-team Nations Championship – a Sanzaar and Six Nations joint venture ratified by World Rugby last year.