Saffas Abroad: Top 14 back with a bang

Arno Botha’s Lyon and Jeremy Ward’s Stade Francais earned convincing wins on their domestic return as South Africa’s foreign legion impressed in the Top 14. Prop Carlu Sadie and centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg started for Investec Champions Cup holders Bordeaux Begles...

Bulls acquire Lions pivot on loan

The Vodacom Bulls have strengthened their flyhalf stocks ahead of the second phase of the URC and the beginning of the Investec Champions Cup. The Pretoria-based side has secured the services of Kade Wolhuter on a loan deal from the Lions, keeping him at Loftus...

Springboks tighten grip at top of world rankings

The Springboks have strengthened their position as the world’s No 1 side. Following Saturday’s brutal 24-13 takedown of Ireland in Dublin, the Boks gained 0.88 points to move to 93.94, widening the gap over the second-placed All Blacks, who remain on 90.33 despite...

Mallett: Boks wanted to hurt Ireland

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett says South Africa’s demolition job at scrum time was the defining force behind their 24-13 win over Ireland in Dublin. The outspoken pundit described the Bok pack’s performance as both ruthless and deeply personal. Speaking on the...

All Blacks greats blown away by Bok power

All Blacks legends Jeff Wilson and Mils Muliaina say the Springboks’ suffocating physicality and composure under pressure were the decisive factors in Saturday’s win over Ireland in Dublin. They also hailed the world champions as “clearly the No 1 team in the world”....

Rassie left with skeleton crew for Wales clash

Rassie Erasmus will be working with scraps for Saturday’s clash against Wales in Cardiff. The Springbok coach confirmed that only 24 or 25 players will make the trip after a mass exodus from the touring squad. Speaking after the Boks’ 24-13 win over Ireland at the...

Contepomi labels Curry a bully

Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has accused England flanker Tom Curry of “bullying” behaviour following a heated tunnel confrontation at Twickenham on Sunday. The flashpoint came after Curry’s 76th-minute tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia left the fullback with a suspected...