Jon Cardinelli

Injuries forced Schmidt to gamble

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt selected Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne in midfield because of a dearth of available alternatives, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

Matfield must win lineout battle

The Springboks will dominate the scrum and breakdown this Saturday but Victor Matfield’s performance at the lineout will be key to a big victory, writes JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

Hougaard, Pollard must deliver

Heyneke Meyer admits that the northern hemisphere conditions will demand a sharper tactical display from South Africa’s attack-minded halfbacks, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

Meyer: Coenie has key role to play

Heyneke Meyer says Springbok prop Coenie Oosthuizen is up there with the best impact players he’s ever coached, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

‘Fresh’ Boks are dangerous

The Springboks are mentally as well as physically prepared to make some big statements over the next four weeks, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Pienaar blow for Boks

Ruan Pienaar has been ruled out of the Springboks' end-of-year tour campaign and will be replaced by scrumhalf Jano Vermaak, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

Springbok set piece has point to prove

Victor Matfield says the set-piece battle against Ireland will reveal how far this Springbok side has progressed, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.

Tuesday is D-Day for Pienaar

Ruan Pienaar has come through a fitness test but a final decision on his involvement in the Springboks' touring campaign will be made on Tuesday, reports JON CARDINELLI in Dublin.