Kriel injury a blow to Bok depth

Rassie Erasmus may be forced to play Frans Steyn and Damian de Allende in tandem if first-choice No 13 Lukhanyo Am breaks down in the coming weeks, writes JON CARDINELLI in Omaezaki.

Daily wrap: Italy match is do or die

We look at what happened in Omaezaki on Tuesday as the Springboks build toward their next World Cup clash with Italy.

Boks seriously locked and loaded

Lood de Jager deservedly gets another start for Springboks, but having so many locks in the 23-man squad and only two reserve backs for the Italy clash is quite bizarre, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Barnes to ref Bok game

Referee Wayne Barnes will be in charge of the Springboks’ vital Pool B match against Italy at Shizuoka Stadium on Friday.

Erasmus: Willemse will slot in easily

Rassie Erasmus has highlighted Damian Willemse’s versatility as a key factor that led to his call-up to the Bok squad as a replacement for Jesse Kriel.

Boks receive Kriel blow, Willemse called up

The Springboks have taken another injury blow with the news that Jesse Kriel has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup.

Pollard: We’ve prepared for all scenarios

Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard opens up to the media on the importance of the kicking game plan and set-piece execution in the coming weeks, while Steven Kitshoff highlights why the Boks must neutralise the Italy pack.

Boks need diversity in attack

The Springboks need to adopt a two-pronged approach in attack if they want to go deep into the tournament, writes former Bok hooker JAMES DALTON.

Mbonambi: We know how important this game is

Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi opens up about the challenges posed by the Italian pack, while prop Frans Malherbe offers insight into the communication between front rankers and referees.

Boks bench split may cause injury headache

Rassie Erasmus admits that he may be forced to play a loose forward in the Bok backline if there are more than two injuries against Italy on Friday.