Whitelock backs Stormer for Baa Baas clash

Barbarians assistant coach Sam Whitelock expects Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden to make his mark against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports. Van Heerden, who is coming off a standout season in the Vodacom URC, is expected to...

Irish legend relishing final Bok challenge

Barbarians prop Cian Healy plans to do his “homework” before scrumming down against Springbok debutant Asenathi Ntlabakanye at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. SIMON BORCHARDT reports. The first match of the Springboks’ 2025 season marks the end of Healy’s decorated...

Tshituka on his ticket to join Bok heroes

Vincent Tshituka’s “race” to make his Springbok bow against the Barbarians on Saturday represents the culmination of a long-held dream for the Sharks loose forward, reports DEVIN HERMANUS. Saturday’s historic clash represents everything Tshituka envisioned during his...

How Daan’s farm whipped Asenathi into shape

Rassie Erasmus has revealed the behind-the-scenes conditioning work that has earned Asenathi Ntlabakanye his Springbok debut against the Barbarians on Saturday, reports DEVIN HERMANUS. Speaking during Tuesday’s team announcement conference in the buildup to the Cape...

Les Bleus lock in Saffa for New Zealand tour

Lock Jacobus van Tonder has been included in a youthful France squad, captained by centre Gael Fickou, for their tour of New Zealand in July. Perpignan’s Van Tonder represented the Cheetahs at age-group level and was named in the SA Schools A side in 2016, before...