Boks’ next best bet – bookies

There aren’t many punters ready to bet on New Zealand being stopped at the World Cup but local bookmakers suggest that the Springboks are the biggest threat to stop Kiwi domination.

Recap: Your weekend in rugby

A look back at some of the biggest stories that happened in the world of rugby over the past weekend. Catch up with the news here.

‘Both Boks and Italy will be desperate’

Matt Proudfoot discusses Italy’s smart forward approach, why both teams will be desperate on Friday and the Boks’ adaptation at the breakdown.

‘Italy forward challenge on par with All Blacks’

Assistant coach Matt Proudfoot says the Italy pack will push the Springboks to the limit in what will be a knockout game in Shizuoka. JON CARDINELLI in Omaezaki reports.

Kriel back in Boks selection frame

The Springboks hope to have a fully-fit squad available for Friday’s World Cup match against Italy after a positive update around Jesse Kriel’s fitness.

Smith: Cheetahs have not won anything yet

Franco Smith has cautioned against raised expectations for the Cheetahs following their 48-14 win over last season’s finalists the Glasgow Warriors.

Cardiff comeback downs Kings

The Southern Kings suffered a 27-31 defeat by the Cardiff Blues in Port Elizabeth on Saturday to open their PRO14 account on a disappointing note.

Rassie: Boks were far from perfect

Rassie Erasmus says although the Springboks ticked a couple of boxes in their victory over Namibia, there is still a lot of work to be done before they take on Italy on Friday.

Towering De Jager bags MOM award

Check out the sweet moment towering lock Lood de Jager receives his Man of the Match award from a young girl less than half his size.

Rassie: Japan a ‘scary’ playoff prospect

Rassie Erasmus has reiterated his view about Japan as a World Cup playoff threat in the wake of the host nation’s upset win against Ireland. JON CARDINELLI in Toyota reports.