Japan is no country for tired men
The World Cup warm-up between Japan and South Africa highlighted the importance of fitness and smart bench management at a tournament staged in punishing heat, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Rassie’s picks are bold and balanced
Rassie Erasmus could not have selected a much stronger 31-man squad for the World Cup in Japan, writes JON CARDINELLI in Johannesburg.
RWC squad debate a sign of progress
The fact that Rassie Erasmus is spoiled for choice on the eve of the World Cup goes to show how far this Springbok side has come, writes JON CARDINELLI.
How Rassie boosted Bok depth: Part 2
JON CARDINELLI looks at the forwards used by the Springboks since 2018 and why Rassie Erasmus faces a healthy selection headache ahead of the World Cup squad announcement.
RWC squad: Will Rassie balance the scales?
JON CARDINELLI identifies the frontrunners for World Cup selection as well as the factors that could influence Rassie Erasmus’ thinking.
Brains trust at heart of Bok success
Rassie Erasmus’ meticulous planning and attention to detail allowed the Springboks to tick all of the relevant boxes across an important Rugby Championship campaign, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Boks must kick on in buildup to RWC
Game management and goal-kicking will separate the top teams in the final round of the Rugby Championship and at the World Cup, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Bok B side has key role to play
The Rugby Championship will reveal whether the Springboks have the strength in depth to be a force at the World Cup, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Bulls surprise, Sharks disappoint
The Vodacom Bulls showed signs of progress while the once-hyped Sharks were mercilessly exposed in the quarter-final matches staged in Australasia, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Boks still losing player tug of war
The decision to play and ultimately risk Handré Pollard this week is not in the Springboks’ World Cup interests, writes JON CARDINELLI.
