Springboks

Kolisi: SA spirit, mental prep key to Lions series victory

In this excerpt from ‘Two Sides’, the 2021 British & Irish Lions series documentary, captain Siya Kolisi reveals the doubt that shadowed the Springboks leading up to the Test series.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 2: Bryan Habana of South Africa dives for his 2nd try during the second test match between South Africa and England held at Loftus Versfeld stadium on June 2, 2007 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Watch: The best of flyin’ Bryan

Bryan Habana is known as one of the fastest rugby players to ever play the game. This World Rugby compilation showcases some of his best work in a Springbok jersey.

Speed king: Chavhanga, Kolbe in the blocks

Having overtaken Bryan Habana in the race to decide the fastest Springbok over 50 metres, Tonderai Chavhanga now takes his mark against another SA ‘ace of pace’.

North to make Wales return against Boks

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named a 33-man squad for the three-Test series against the Springboks in South Africa in July.

Bok dark horse champing at the bit

A lack of time on the paddock for the Springbok back three in 2022 opens the gates for Dillyn Leyds to bolt, writes DEVIN HERMANUS.

Watch: Nkosi, the raging bull

Big things are expected from Springbok flyer Sbu Nkosi at the Vodacom Bulls next season, like this barnstorming touchdown against Argentina.

Rassie’s role holds no water with big bosses

Rugby chiefs have approved a trial to limit opportunities for non-playing personnel to access the pitch after Rassie Erasmus operated as a water-carrier to pass on advice.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 31: Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks director of rugby acting as a water carrier talks to his captain Siya Kolisi during the 2nd test match between South Africa Springboks and the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rassie side-steps World Rugby

Rassie Erasmus is considering changing his job title to work around World Rugby’s new rules barring him from being the Springboks’ water-carrier.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 14: Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa Springbok head coach, acts as a water carrier during the match between South Africa A and the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium on July 14, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

World Rugby freezes ‘water boy’ Rassie

Rassie Erasmus’ days as the Springboks’ water carrier are reportedly over, under World Rugby’s expected new rules barring him from taking the field.

Watch: Elton lets one fly off the boot

This pinpoint crosskick from Elton Jantjies for an epic Springbok breakout try is what the veteran flyhalf does when he’s not changing aeroplane lightbulbs.