The All Blacks’ weapon for Bok scrum war

New Zealand-based journalist Gregor Paul suggests a fit-again Tyrel Lomax could be key to the All Blacks nullifying the Springboks’ set-piece power at Ellis Park on Saturday.  This weekend is the first of four Tests in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, and Paul...

‘Underappreciated Pollard harshly labelled’

Former England players Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson believe there is a lack of appreciation for what Handré Pollard can still offer the Springboks. Pollard has started just five of the Boks’ 18 Tests since the beginning of 2025 as Rassie Erasmus has continued to...

Williams taking nothing for granted

Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams has revealed a personal edge to Saturday’s Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park, writes CLINTON VAN DER BERG. Williams admitted he has family members who are All Blacks supporters, and that facing them, if selected, would carry...

Boks shed light on Siya, Ox injuries

Assistant coach Felix Jones has delivered a fitness update on Siya Kolisi and Ox Nché, and revealed what the Springboks learned about the All Blacks from SA’s URC clubs. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports. Jones confirmed both are on course to be available for selection for...

Lakai amped for ‘one of the toughest games’

Loose forward Peter Lakai says he is fully aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting the All Blacks on Saturday, with the Springboks bringing a physical and set-piece dominant game that has few equals in world rugby, writes CLINTON VAN DER BERG. Having spoken with...

Goldie: Ellis Park can be overwhelming

Jeff Wilson has urged the All Blacks to feed off the energy at Ellis Park on Saturday as they prepare to face the Springboks in front of a sold-out crowd. New Zealand have won six of their 16 Tests against the Boks at the Joburg venue, which has traditionally provided...

All Blacks brace for Bok ‘big bang’

All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga has described the Springboks as a side built on continuity and self-belief rather than reliance on outside factors. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports. Asked after training in Johannesburg on Tuesday whether the All Blacks’ warm-up...

Marshy: Boks arrogant, undercooked

Justin Marshall says the Springboks have earned the right to strut, but reckons it’s the All Blacks who head into Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener better prepared. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby: Australia & New Zealand podcast, Marshall,...