Test Rugby

OITA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 19: Taniela Tupou of Australia makes a break during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter Final match between England and Australia at Oita Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Oita, Japan.

Australia, England primed for battle

Australia and England are gearing up for a “gladiatorial” forwards battle in the second Test in Brisbane on Saturday with the clash between big props Taniela Tupou and Ellis Genge shaping as pivotal.

Andre Esterhuizen during the Springboks Training at St Stithians College in Johannesburg on the 28 June 2022 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Biggar: Esterhuizen doesn’t weaken Boks

Wales captain Dan Biggar says the inclusion of Premiership star Andre Esterhuizen in the Bok midfield at the expense of Damian de Allende won’t make the world champions easier to beat.

Nyakane: Bok silent bullies to hurt Wales

Veteran prop Trevor Nyakane says the Springboks want to “inflict pain” on Wales in an expected bruising battle at ‘Die Begrafplaas’ in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Wales change one for Bok ‘aerial’ duel

Faced with an overhauled Springbok team for the Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday, Wales coach Wayne Pivac has made just one alteration to his starting lineup.

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02: Handre Pollard of the Springboks warming up during the 2022 Castle Lager Incoming Series, 1st test match between South Africa and Wales at Loftus Versfeld on July 02, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.

Wales on red alert for ‘in-form’ Bloem Boks

Captain Dan Biggar says a heavily changed Springbok lineup featuring several ‘in-form’ players has made Wales more cautious of the challenge they will face in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

One Bok in fans’ Greatest XV

A highly influential and decorated Springbok is the only South African selected by supporters in a star-studded lineup.

epa07966458 Joe Marler of England (L) reacts with team mates after the Rugby World Cup final match between England and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama, Japan, 02 November 2019. EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON EDITORIAL USE ONLY/ NO COMMERCIAL SALES / NOT USED IN ASSOCATION WITH ANY COMMERCIAL ENTITY

Marler doubles down on England win

Joe Marler has made another bizarre bet, this time ahead of the clash between Australia and England in Brisbane on Saturday.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Jack van Poortvliet of England fends off Jordan Petaia of the Wallabies while running in for a try during game one of the international test match series between the Australian Wallabies and England at Optus Stadium on July 02, 2022 in Perth, Australia.

England name youthful backline for Wallaby rematch

Eddie Jones has handed debuts to two backline players as England look to bounce back from their series-opening defeat by Australia in the second Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Marcell Coetzee and Siya Kolisi during the Springboks Training at St Stithians College in Johannesburg on the 28 June 2022 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Coetzee savouring Springbok reunion

It has taken three years for Marcell Coetzee to earn his 31st Test cap and the experienced loose forward says his time away from the Springboks has only made him more eager to represent his country.

Edwards: Shuffled Bok team is ‘disrespectful’ towards Wales

Wales great Gareth Edwards says the Springboks have disrespected the touring Dragons by fielding a ‘second-string’ lineup for the second Test of the series in Bloemfontein on Saturday.