‘We know what’s coming’

Wallabies forwards coach Tom Donnelly expects a typical physical onslaught from the Springboks in Perth on Sunday despite changes in personnel. Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the starting XV that beat the All Blacks in Baltimore, with only lock Eben Etzebeth...

Rassie hopes it doesn’t get sticky Down Under

Fans shouldn’t expect the Springboks to come flying out the blocks on Sunday, warns Rassie Erasmus, but the team will be hungry to play after “idling for a hell of a long time”. The Bok coach addressed the media on Tuesday from Terrigal after naming André Esterhuizen...

Bobo picks Bok bolter

Former Springbok centre Gcobani Bobo believes the upcoming URC season could propel a young South African star into the Bok mix ahead of next year’s World Cup. With Rassie Erasmus continuing to expand his player pool ahead of the 2027 showpiece in Australia, Bobo...

Hatton: Sharks developing new DNA

No 8 Nick Hatton says the Sharks are still shaping their identity as JP Pietersen’s men look to build on last season’s revival. Pietersen took over from John Plumtree last December with the Sharks languishing in 14th place on the URC log with just one win from six...

Zas eyes special W in milestone outing

Speedster Leolin Zas is relishing the opportunity to join the Stormers’ centurion ranks and mark the occasion with a big victory in Galway. The 30-year-old entered the 2026-27 campaign on 99 appearances and is set to reach the century milestone against Connacht on...

Ackers wary of ‘hungry’ Zebre

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann is refusing to let a stacked squad and a new campaign create any illusions about Saturday’s URC season opener in Parma. Zebre, he warns, will be waiting for his side with real hunger of their own. “They will be excited to start well at home...

Snyman excited for injection of Spead

Stormers attack guru Dawie Snyman has welcomed scrumhalf reinforcements André Warner and Haashim Pead, who will add experience and depth to the club. André Warner has joined the team on a six-month loan from Major League Rugby outfit, the Seattle Seawolves. The Lions...

Connection key for Sharks attack coach

New Sharks attack coach Scott Mathie has revealed the “biggest thing” he wants to see from his team heading into Saturday’s URC opener against the Ospreys at Kings Park. The 43-year-old has returned to Durban after a two-season stint as an attack coach at Edinburgh,...

Stormers clued up on Connacht threat

Assistant coach Dawie Snyman says Connacht’s identity under Stuart Lancaster makes them a dangerous URC season-opening challenge for the Stormers on Friday. Snyman spoke from Galway ahead of the round-one clash at The Sportsground, where the Cape visitors are keen to...