Champs on track for RWC defence
The Springboks still have room for improvement, yet wing Canan Moodie and prop Ox Nche believe the world champions are set to peak at the right time at the World Cup.
The Springboks still have room for improvement, yet wing Canan Moodie and prop Ox Nche believe the world champions are set to peak at the right time at the World Cup.
David Havili is fired up to resume his midfield rivalry with Damian de Allende on Friday as the All Blacks centre closes in on a first appearance since recovering from a hamstring injury.
New Zealand have vowed to pick the best team available for their last warm-up game against the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday night.
The Springboks have the opportunity to go into the World Cup as the world’s number three side after the record-breaking win in Cardiff saw them climb the official rankings.
Warren Gatland was not too disconsolate after watching Wales concede eight tries in a record home defeat to the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.
France beat Fiji in Nantes on Saturday in a World Cup warm-up days after influential flyhalf Romain Ntamack was ruled out of the tournament.
Rassie Erasmus is considering leaving the Springboks after being placed on a reported shortlist of candidates for a top job in Irish rugby.
Handre Pollard is back in full training and even getting reps at inside centre as one of his teammates has confirmed the Bok flyhalf is ready to play at the World Cup.
Siya Kolisi says a no-nonsense approach at training allowed him to play without fear after making his first appearance for the Springboks after knee surgery. DYLAN JACK reports.
The Springboks’ mauling of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday was secondary to Siya Kolisi’s triumphant return to Test rugby after a long injury lay-off, writes MARK KEOHANE.