Test Rugby

Watch: Fassi dots down on Bok debut

On this day in 2021, Aphelele Fassi marked his Test debut with a sensational try as the Springboks returned to action after lockdown with a victory over Georgia at Loftus Versfeld.

Watch: ‘Rassie’ remix heats up series

A remix of Ireland’s rugby anthem, Zombie, by comedian Radioraps has fired Springbok fans up for the first Test of the series on Saturday.

YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 26: Codie Taylor of New Zealand is tackled by Manu Tuilagi of England during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Semi-Final match between England and New Zealand at International Stadium Yokohama on October 26, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

All Blacks braced for ‘bloody tough’ England

Veteran hooker Codie Taylor said New Zealand are expecting a ’bloody tough’ opening Test against England, as the All Blacks begin a new era under Scott Robertson.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 23: RG Snyman of South Africa in a hug with Peter O'Mahony of Ireland after the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images)

Monty: Boks-Ireland banter part of ‘warfare’

Springbok icon Percy Montgomery and former Ireland scrumhalf John Robbie are relishing the off-field sparring that has spiced up the impending two-Test series in South Africa.

Murray: We’re not here for one win

Test centurion Conor Murray says Ireland are in South Africa hunting a clean sweep of the Springboks in a two-Test series that kicks off with a showdown at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Bismarck: Boks have a point to prove

Bismarck du Plessis has warned that talk around South Africa’s recent record against Ireland will only fire up the Springboks for the two-Test series.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28: Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa embraces Willie Le Roux of South Africa following their victory in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images)

Rassie reinstates Willie and Cheslin

Rassie Erasmus is set to deploy World Cup winners Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse as the Springbok back three against Ireland in Pretoria on Saturday.

Rassie selects Ireland squad

Rassie Erasmus has started the mind games ahead of the first Test against Ireland by predicting the visitors’ lineup for the clash at Loftus Versfeld.

Boks shift gear into ‘Ireland mode’

The Springboks wrapped up their training camp in Pretoria on Friday in preparation for the opening Test of the Incoming Series against Ireland next Saturday.

DOMONT, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 19: Handre Pollard of South Africa during the South Africa men's national rugby team training session at Stade Omnisports des Fauvettes on September 19, 2023 in Domont, France. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Pollard the perfect 10 to punish Irish

The team options for Rassie Erasmus are plentiful but the key pick for the Springboks against Ireland is at flyhalf, and that must be Handre Pollard, writes MARK KEOHANE.