Latest News & Developments
duane vermeulen
Springboks Mobi-Unit coach Duane Vermeulen excited by emerging No 8 talent in SA
Duane Vermeulen, a double World Cup winner, expressed enthusiasm for the emerging No 8 talent in SA, including Evan Roos, Cameron Hanekom and Francke Horn.
Springboks don’t want to put Duane Vermeulen incarnate Cameron Hanekom in a ‘box’
After Cameron Vermeulen retired from the game after winning his second World Cup medal in France in 2023, many people have talked up Cameron Hanekom as a like-for-like replacement.
Scotland vs Springboks: The chess match within the Test match
Normally when the Springboks played Scotland almost everyone could predict a clash of contrasting styles. But this Sunday could be very different.
Boks are prospering under the Great Duane
Former Springbok legend Duane Vermeulen, now in a coaching role, offers unique insights into the upcoming Scotland clash, discussing team evolution and his transition from player to mentor.
Why Springboks captain Siya Kolisi will sit next to Rassie Erasmus in the coach’s box against Argentina
Coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi will have surgery on his fractured nose after the Rugby Championship.
Bullish Elrigh Louw can stake big claim for Springboks’ No 8 jersey against Wallabies
This Saturday, in the Springboks’ second Rugby Championship match against the Wallabies in Perth, Elrigh Louw will have his second crack at the No 8 position.
‘Watch this space!’ Springboks’ Duane Vermeulen hints at more tricks after viral lineout
This past Saturday saw the Springboks’ forwards produce an outrageous lineout variation against the Wallabies that almost broke the internet.
Springboks want to give referees ‘better pictures’ after breakdown penalties in Rugby Championship openers
The referees targeted the breakdown in the Rugby Championship openers to help teams get quick ball on attack, and had no mercy for players trapped on the wrong side of the rucks.
Springboks vs Ireland | This unlikely rugby rivalry is rather personal
For supporters of the Springboks and Ireland this Test series means a lot more than just bragging rights. It seems to have become deeply personal.
Evergreen Deon Fourie can still bring a warrior spirit to the Springboks’ effort
Deon Fourie was one of the notable names missing from the first Springbok alignment camp of 2024.
Duane Vermeulen: From doing sister’s ponytails to Springbok great
Mike Greenaway reflects on Duane Vermeulen’s career in this chapter from his best-selling book, The Fireside Springbok.
There’s only one Duane Vermeulen . . . One of the greatest ever Springboks calls it a day
Duane Vermeulen’s illustrious Springbok career spanned 76 Tests over 11 seasons, starting 68 of those Tests in the No 8 jersey which he made his own.
COMMENT: The best is yet to come for Rassie Erasmus
Despite two Rugby World Cup titles on his CV, Rassie Erasmus may not be even close to reaching his potential in terms of what he can do for Springbok rugby, writes IOL Sport’s Mike Greenaway.
Rassie Erasmus’ return as Bok coach sets SA up for hat-trick of World Cup titles
Yet more good news for Springbok fans is the confirmation in weekend reports that Rassie Erasmus is to return to the role of head coach that has just been vacated by Jacques Nienaber.
Why the Springboks’ age of domination could only be just beginning
Thanks to their experimentation, even in a Rugby World Cup year, Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and the assistant coaches have built up a formidable squad of over 50 players.
Springbok player ratings: Pieter-Steph du Toit sensational in Boks’ World Cup final win
Pieter-Steph du Toit was deservedly named man-of-the-match after helping the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup title in Paris on Saturday.
Brace yourselves … Ricardo Loubscher predicts another heart-stopping arm-wrestle between Springboks, All Blacks
Former Springbok assistant coach and fullback Ricardo Loubscher believes it will be tight but that South Africa will eventually reign supreme in tomorrow’s World Cup final against the All Blacks.
Springboks gamble with 7-1 bench as record breaking duo Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk start final
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made only two changes to his starting team for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final, recalling the 2019 final halfback pairing of Handré Pollard and Faf de Klerk.
COMMENT: Why Springboks must start Kwagga Smith in World Cup final
Kwagga Smith will keep the All Black defence busy if he starts for the Springboks in Saturday’s World Cup final, writes Ashfak Mohamed.
COMMENT: Why the Springboks can’t afford to lose Bongi Mbonambi for Rugby World Cup final
The Springboks coaches will be waiting with baited breath as World Rugby investigates Bongi Mbonambi for the alleged use of a racial slur during their win over England. A player they can ill afford to lose.
Springboks ratings: Bomb Squad’s Handre Pollard, Ox Nche, RG Snyman defuse England
The Springboks nudged over the line to make the World Cup final, but it was a struggle and some players fared better than others.
Springboks’ weather prediction for Paris . . . Lot’s of physicality with 100% chance of England kicking
Mzwandile Stick says that the Springboks can definitely not look back at the 2019 Rugby World Cup final to give them any help if they want to beat England.
No more tinkering … Springboks’ Jacques Nienaber goes with unchanged side for England Rugby World Cup semi
The selection is the most experienced in Springbok history – with a combined total of 895 caps – with 15 of the 23 having played against England in the Rugby World Cup final four years ago in Japan.
Here’s where the Springboks need fresh blood for their Rugby World Cup semi-final against England
‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ might be an expected refrain when your team have just won a World Cup quarter-final against the host nation.
Springbok Player Ratings: Full marks for Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse shine against France
IOL Sport's Leighton Koopman rates the Springboks' individual performances after they sealed a famous semi-final berth against France at the Rugby World Cup.