Tale of the Tape: Boks vs Baa Baas

The ninth episode of the Springboks-Barbarians story will play out in Cape Town on Saturday when Rassie Erasmus’ men host the legendary invitational outfit, and history promises a cracking contest. The world champions face the Baa Baas for the first time since 2016 –...

Dobson: Malherbe out for long, but not forever

Frans Malherbe is central to the Stormers’ long-term plans, even though the timing of his return to play is a grey area. Stormers boss John Dobson has calmed fears that veteran Springbok tighthead Malherbe is considering retirement, despite the two-time World Cup...

Italy hammer Namibia ahead of Bok series

Italy prepared for their two-Test series against the Springboks with a big win over Namibia in Windhoek on Friday. The Azzurri scored 11 tries in a 73-6 victory, including a hat-trick from fullback Jacopo Trullo and two penalty tries. Namibia briefly rallied with two...

Stick: Baa Baas clash helps us to beat All Blacks

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Barbarians’ unpredictability is just what the world champions need in preparation for what they’ll face later this season, reports DEVIN HERMANUS. Saturday’s clash at Cape Town Stadium – the first between the teams in...

Captain Kriel ‘didn’t see it coming’

A “nervous” Jesse Kriel is honoured to lead the Springboks on Saturday for the first time, in the absence of Siya Kolisi due to injury, and an easy call by the coaches, reports DEVIN HERMANUS.  The 31-year-old centre, who has 79 caps and two World Cup medals, steps up...