Top story

Ox fired up for World Cup challenge

Loosehead prop Ox Nche will lay it all on the line to help the Springboks defend the Webb Ellis Cup, and is relishing the set-piece battle with Scotland and Ireland.

Handre Pollard loads up to pass the ball in Cardiff.

Pollard ready to face Scotland?

Jacques Nienaber is confident Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am will be fit for the World Cup, after the injured Springboks were named on a standby list for the global tournament.

Eben backs Orie to fill Lood’s boots

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is confident Marvin Orie can slot in at No 5 for the world champions in France in the absence of regular second-row partner Lood de Jager.

Kolisi feared for World Cup spot

Siya Kolisi’s name was among those chosen to travel to France but the Springbok skipper has admitted he feared he would miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Nienaber backs ‘best 33’ for RWC glory

Head coach Jacques Nienaber is confident the Springbok squad selected to defend the World Cup in France can bring the Webb Ellis Cup back home.

South Africa's flanker and captain Siya Kolisi (1st row 6th R) poses for a photograph with the South Africa Rugby World Cup squad in Johannesburg on August 8, 2023. - South Africa Rugby World Cup squad conists of: Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert, Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie.

Boks unveil surprise picks for World Cup

The Boks will travel to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with four scrumhalves, a former Ireland lock and their oldest debutant after a trio of key players were ruled out.

South Africa's Handre Pollard looks on during the rugby Championship match against Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 18, 2021. - -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Pollard, Am out of World Cup

The Springboks will reportedly travel to France without the services of at least two of their 2019 World Cup winners.

Moodie ‘punches his ticket’ to France

Canan Moodie is hoping that his “special” performance against Argentina on Saturday was enough to clinch a spot in the Springbok squad chosen to defend the World Cup.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by TOM SANDBERG/PPAUK/Shutterstock/BackpagePix (12609483cl) Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa leads his side in the national anthem during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK England v South Africa, Autumn Nations, Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, London, UK - 20 Nov 2021

World Cup squad: No place for Mapimpi

Makazole Mapimpi is the shock omission from SA Rugby mag’s 33-man squad chosen in anticipation of the announcement of the Springbok squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - AUGUST 05: Damian Willemse of South Africa runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup 2023 warm up match between Argentina and South Africa at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on August 05, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Boks spoil Buenos Aires party

The Springboks rebounded from a poor first half to claim an eighth straight victory over Argentina in a World Cup warm-up in Buenos Aires on Saturday.