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'Tonyball, ageing warriors and worrying growth' - What the Springboks learned from the Rugby Championship
Rassie Erasmus continues to strengthen his player pool and diversify his game plan, but there is room for improvement ahead of a massive northern tour.
www.rugbypass.com
My in-depth review of the Springboks' Rugby Championship campaign, for @RugbyPassPlus
– Young guns come of age
- Older warriors rage against the light
– Tonyball 🤝 Totalball
– 5-3 split in vogue, but...
– Platform set for 5/5 in Europe this November?
www.rugbypass.com/plus/tonybal...
– Young guns come of age
- Older warriors rage against the light
– Tonyball 🤝 Totalball
– 5-3 split in vogue, but...
– Platform set for 5/5 in Europe this November?
www.rugbypass.com/plus/tonybal...
Incredible fightback by Argentina!
Looked to be dead and buried after 56 mins, 21-0 down, but hit back to win 33-24!
Attack asked questions throughout, but only really started to find space late in the game.
Brilliant win for the Pumas. Vamos!
Looked to be dead and buried after 56 mins, 21-0 down, but hit back to win 33-24!
Attack asked questions throughout, but only really started to find space late in the game.
Brilliant win for the Pumas. Vamos!
November 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Incredible fightback by Argentina!
Looked to be dead and buried after 56 mins, 21-0 down, but hit back to win 33-24!
Attack asked questions throughout, but only really started to find space late in the game.
Brilliant win for the Pumas. Vamos!
Looked to be dead and buried after 56 mins, 21-0 down, but hit back to win 33-24!
Attack asked questions throughout, but only really started to find space late in the game.
Brilliant win for the Pumas. Vamos!
Been wondering about the Marco selection all week... Boks have started to use their starting hooker (MM) for 65-75 mins this season... so Grobbies can play a similar amount of time in Turin and then Marco moves to 2?
Looks like a 6-2, but still potential for a 4-4 bench split!
Looks like a 6-2, but still potential for a 4-4 bench split!
November 13, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Been wondering about the Marco selection all week... Boks have started to use their starting hooker (MM) for 65-75 mins this season... so Grobbies can play a similar amount of time in Turin and then Marco moves to 2?
Looks like a 6-2, but still potential for a 4-4 bench split!
Looks like a 6-2, but still potential for a 4-4 bench split!
As we saw in Paris, rumours of the Bomb Squad's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
After a shaky start to 2025, the Boks have (re)found their bench mojo.
But the dynamic has evolved with Louw and Libbok becoming regulars, and Andre the Giant playing the hybrid role.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
After a shaky start to 2025, the Boks have (re)found their bench mojo.
But the dynamic has evolved with Louw and Libbok becoming regulars, and Andre the Giant playing the hybrid role.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Louw, Esterhuizen key to Bomb Squad redemption
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli looks at the evolution of the Springboks Bomb Squad in 2025.
rugby365.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:04 AM
As we saw in Paris, rumours of the Bomb Squad's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
After a shaky start to 2025, the Boks have (re)found their bench mojo.
But the dynamic has evolved with Louw and Libbok becoming regulars, and Andre the Giant playing the hybrid role.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
After a shaky start to 2025, the Boks have (re)found their bench mojo.
But the dynamic has evolved with Louw and Libbok becoming regulars, and Andre the Giant playing the hybrid role.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
From the outset, this game shaped like 2023 RWC QF: poor start, momentum with French.
But France faded and Boks grew in belief.
15-point win in Paris, and with 14 men, after all the things that have been said this past week...
The scoreboard makes the statement
But France faded and Boks grew in belief.
15-point win in Paris, and with 14 men, after all the things that have been said this past week...
The scoreboard makes the statement
November 8, 2025 at 10:12 PM
From the outset, this game shaped like 2023 RWC QF: poor start, momentum with French.
But France faded and Boks grew in belief.
15-point win in Paris, and with 14 men, after all the things that have been said this past week...
The scoreboard makes the statement
But France faded and Boks grew in belief.
15-point win in Paris, and with 14 men, after all the things that have been said this past week...
The scoreboard makes the statement
Kolisi made the sacrifice after De Jager's red card. PSDT's decision-making thereafter was game-shaping.
Boks had French on the run. PSDT turned down 3 pts to go for the throat.
Forwards and maul stood tall – and some crucial individual finishing by Reinach, Williams, SFM
Boks had French on the run. PSDT turned down 3 pts to go for the throat.
Forwards and maul stood tall – and some crucial individual finishing by Reinach, Williams, SFM
November 8, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Kolisi made the sacrifice after De Jager's red card. PSDT's decision-making thereafter was game-shaping.
Boks had French on the run. PSDT turned down 3 pts to go for the throat.
Forwards and maul stood tall – and some crucial individual finishing by Reinach, Williams, SFM
Boks had French on the run. PSDT turned down 3 pts to go for the throat.
Forwards and maul stood tall – and some crucial individual finishing by Reinach, Williams, SFM
Magnificent fightback by the Boks in Paris!
Game was sliding away from them after the red card and a limp 1st half – but players and coaches made some key adjustments in the second stanza to win the game emphatically.
Gave the French a lesson about finishing at the death.
Game was sliding away from them after the red card and a limp 1st half – but players and coaches made some key adjustments in the second stanza to win the game emphatically.
Gave the French a lesson about finishing at the death.
November 8, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Magnificent fightback by the Boks in Paris!
Game was sliding away from them after the red card and a limp 1st half – but players and coaches made some key adjustments in the second stanza to win the game emphatically.
Gave the French a lesson about finishing at the death.
Game was sliding away from them after the red card and a limp 1st half – but players and coaches made some key adjustments in the second stanza to win the game emphatically.
Gave the French a lesson about finishing at the death.
Disappointing half for Boks – even without red card.
Too reactive. Not winning scraps, not controlling gainline. France smart kicking game and game management.
French very loose re discipline early on... Boks didn't cash in.
Interesting to see how Bomb Squad showdown plays out
Too reactive. Not winning scraps, not controlling gainline. France smart kicking game and game management.
French very loose re discipline early on... Boks didn't cash in.
Interesting to see how Bomb Squad showdown plays out
November 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Disappointing half for Boks – even without red card.
Too reactive. Not winning scraps, not controlling gainline. France smart kicking game and game management.
French very loose re discipline early on... Boks didn't cash in.
Interesting to see how Bomb Squad showdown plays out
Too reactive. Not winning scraps, not controlling gainline. France smart kicking game and game management.
French very loose re discipline early on... Boks didn't cash in.
Interesting to see how Bomb Squad showdown plays out
Nine wins on the bounce of England... kind of disappointing that the Boks won't play them this November, would have been a good test for both teams... very interesting to see how the All Blacks go in London next week, Borthwick will have something up his sleeve
November 8, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Nine wins on the bounce of England... kind of disappointing that the Boks won't play them this November, would have been a good test for both teams... very interesting to see how the All Blacks go in London next week, Borthwick will have something up his sleeve
Star-studded Italy a very different side to the one that toured SA in July.
Showed against Aus that they have the ability to beat the top teams.
Boks mustn't sleep on the Azzurri ahead of next week's match – even though they will have to rotate between France and Ireland games.
Showed against Aus that they have the ability to beat the top teams.
Boks mustn't sleep on the Azzurri ahead of next week's match – even though they will have to rotate between France and Ireland games.
November 8, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Star-studded Italy a very different side to the one that toured SA in July.
Showed against Aus that they have the ability to beat the top teams.
Boks mustn't sleep on the Azzurri ahead of next week's match – even though they will have to rotate between France and Ireland games.
Showed against Aus that they have the ability to beat the top teams.
Boks mustn't sleep on the Azzurri ahead of next week's match – even though they will have to rotate between France and Ireland games.
Impressive start by Fiji in London, but discipline letting them down at the end of the half, with that reckless challenge in the air, followed by a try conceded where Ravutaumada would have been.
England rattled, interesting to see how/whether they change tactics in 2nd
England rattled, interesting to see how/whether they change tactics in 2nd
November 8, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Impressive start by Fiji in London, but discipline letting them down at the end of the half, with that reckless challenge in the air, followed by a try conceded where Ravutaumada would have been.
England rattled, interesting to see how/whether they change tactics in 2nd
England rattled, interesting to see how/whether they change tactics in 2nd
Wallabies growing into the game in Udine, after a shaky start. Starting to control gainline and breakdown
Some encouraging signs for Italy, though, re their kick-chase – Monty Ioane has been outstanding under the high ball.
Some encouraging signs for Italy, though, re their kick-chase – Monty Ioane has been outstanding under the high ball.
November 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Wallabies growing into the game in Udine, after a shaky start. Starting to control gainline and breakdown
Some encouraging signs for Italy, though, re their kick-chase – Monty Ioane has been outstanding under the high ball.
Some encouraging signs for Italy, though, re their kick-chase – Monty Ioane has been outstanding under the high ball.
Seemed like Scotland might take 40-50 after the 1st half...
Brilliant fightback by the Scots in front of the vocal Murrayfield faithful. All Blacks made to pay for discipline yet again this season.
Finishing will be the talking point: D-Mac's acrobatic finish, and Graham's miss
Brilliant fightback by the Scots in front of the vocal Murrayfield faithful. All Blacks made to pay for discipline yet again this season.
Finishing will be the talking point: D-Mac's acrobatic finish, and Graham's miss
November 8, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Seemed like Scotland might take 40-50 after the 1st half...
Brilliant fightback by the Scots in front of the vocal Murrayfield faithful. All Blacks made to pay for discipline yet again this season.
Finishing will be the talking point: D-Mac's acrobatic finish, and Graham's miss
Brilliant fightback by the Scots in front of the vocal Murrayfield faithful. All Blacks made to pay for discipline yet again this season.
Finishing will be the talking point: D-Mac's acrobatic finish, and Graham's miss
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Kolisi will win his 100th cap in Paris on Sat – and become the first Springbok loose forward to reach the milestone.
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
How Siya Kolisi has emerged from the shadows to become South Africa's GOAT
A national icon, the Springboks captain deserves all the plaudits coming to him after a stellar career in the spotlight
www.rugbypass.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Kolisi will win his 100th cap in Paris on Sat – and become the first Springbok loose forward to reach the milestone.
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Kolisi will win his 100th cap in Paris on Sat – and become the first Springbok loose forward to reach the milestone.
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
How Siya Kolisi has emerged from the shadows to become South Africa's GOAT
A national icon, the Springboks captain deserves all the plaudits coming to him after a stellar career in the spotlight
www.rugbypass.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Kolisi will win his 100th cap in Paris on Sat – and become the first Springbok loose forward to reach the milestone.
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Where does he rank among SA's all-time loose forwards?
Where does he rank among SA's all-time players?
These numbers tell the story👇
www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
Siya Kolisi's story is important: where he comes from and what he's done off-the-field since winning the RWC.
But does he get enough credit as a player?
There's so much chat about GOAT teams and players... where does Siya rank?
I did some digging on the eve of his 100th Test…
But does he get enough credit as a player?
There's so much chat about GOAT teams and players... where does Siya rank?
I did some digging on the eve of his 100th Test…
November 7, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Siya Kolisi's story is important: where he comes from and what he's done off-the-field since winning the RWC.
But does he get enough credit as a player?
There's so much chat about GOAT teams and players... where does Siya rank?
I did some digging on the eve of his 100th Test…
But does he get enough credit as a player?
There's so much chat about GOAT teams and players... where does Siya rank?
I did some digging on the eve of his 100th Test…
Rassie pushing forward with the youth/balance project, in one of the biggest games of the year against France!
Bok match 23 breakdown by age:
33+: 5
30-32: 8
25-29: 9
Younger than 25: 1
By caps:
50+: 7
21-49: 11
10-20: 3
0-10: 2
Bok match 23 breakdown by age:
33+: 5
30-32: 8
25-29: 9
Younger than 25: 1
By caps:
50+: 7
21-49: 11
10-20: 3
0-10: 2
November 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Rassie pushing forward with the youth/balance project, in one of the biggest games of the year against France!
Bok match 23 breakdown by age:
33+: 5
30-32: 8
25-29: 9
Younger than 25: 1
By caps:
50+: 7
21-49: 11
10-20: 3
0-10: 2
Bok match 23 breakdown by age:
33+: 5
30-32: 8
25-29: 9
Younger than 25: 1
By caps:
50+: 7
21-49: 11
10-20: 3
0-10: 2
Lineout/maul royal rumble on the cards at the Stade de France this Saturday!
Libbok selection is a vote of confidence in both ML and SFM re goal-kicking and management...
Esterhuizen at 21 instead of 23.. Could be a very interesting 6-2 with 2 locks and a make-shift flanker
Libbok selection is a vote of confidence in both ML and SFM re goal-kicking and management...
Esterhuizen at 21 instead of 23.. Could be a very interesting 6-2 with 2 locks and a make-shift flanker
November 6, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Lineout/maul royal rumble on the cards at the Stade de France this Saturday!
Libbok selection is a vote of confidence in both ML and SFM re goal-kicking and management...
Esterhuizen at 21 instead of 23.. Could be a very interesting 6-2 with 2 locks and a make-shift flanker
Libbok selection is a vote of confidence in both ML and SFM re goal-kicking and management...
Esterhuizen at 21 instead of 23.. Could be a very interesting 6-2 with 2 locks and a make-shift flanker
Tests in France amount to emotional marathons – as we saw when the Boks battled Les Bleus in 2022 and 2023.
While the Boks are a better team in 2025, they must heed the lessons of the last two encounters if they are to prevail in Paris this Saturday.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
While the Boks are a better team in 2025, they must heed the lessons of the last two encounters if they are to prevail in Paris this Saturday.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Boks’ emotional marathon in Paris a litmus test for Kolisi’s trend-setting side
Head coach Rassie Erasmus will take charge of the Springboks for the 50th time this weekend, while skipper Siya Kolisi will win his 100th Test cap.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
November 5, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Tests in France amount to emotional marathons – as we saw when the Boks battled Les Bleus in 2022 and 2023.
While the Boks are a better team in 2025, they must heed the lessons of the last two encounters if they are to prevail in Paris this Saturday.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
While the Boks are a better team in 2025, they must heed the lessons of the last two encounters if they are to prevail in Paris this Saturday.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wessels and Nche have been ruled out of the big tour clash against France.
Changes the loosehead picture, and possibly the bench dynamic, against a French team that loves a 7-1 split.
I took a closer look ahead of Rassie's big (and early) reveal on Monday
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Changes the loosehead picture, and possibly the bench dynamic, against a French team that loves a 7-1 split.
I took a closer look ahead of Rassie's big (and early) reveal on Monday
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Bok bench conundrum: Will Rassie stick or twist?
OPINION: The make-up of the Springbok forward contingent may be more important than the selection at flyhalf for the key tour fixture against France this Saturday.
rugby365.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Wessels and Nche have been ruled out of the big tour clash against France.
Changes the loosehead picture, and possibly the bench dynamic, against a French team that loves a 7-1 split.
I took a closer look ahead of Rassie's big (and early) reveal on Monday
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Changes the loosehead picture, and possibly the bench dynamic, against a French team that loves a 7-1 split.
I took a closer look ahead of Rassie's big (and early) reveal on Monday
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Big statement by the ABs in the fourth quarter. Saved their best for last.
Ireland blew it. In control for most of the game, but let the advanrage slip.
Ireland blew it. In control for most of the game, but let the advanrage slip.
November 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Big statement by the ABs in the fourth quarter. Saved their best for last.
Ireland blew it. In control for most of the game, but let the advanrage slip.
Ireland blew it. In control for most of the game, but let the advanrage slip.
Scrappy game in Chicago. High error rate on both sides
Interesting to see how Farrell and Robertson respond/tweak tactics... this is a massive moment for both teams in the ANS.
Interesting to see how Farrell and Robertson respond/tweak tactics... this is a massive moment for both teams in the ANS.
November 1, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Scrappy game in Chicago. High error rate on both sides
Interesting to see how Farrell and Robertson respond/tweak tactics... this is a massive moment for both teams in the ANS.
Interesting to see how Farrell and Robertson respond/tweak tactics... this is a massive moment for both teams in the ANS.
Spicy first quarter in Chicago.
Red card for Beirne justified, but All Blacks let Ireland off the hook... and leaked 10 points.
Then Jordan comes to the party and Savea finishes. Game on.
Red card for Beirne justified, but All Blacks let Ireland off the hook... and leaked 10 points.
Then Jordan comes to the party and Savea finishes. Game on.
November 1, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Spicy first quarter in Chicago.
Red card for Beirne justified, but All Blacks let Ireland off the hook... and leaked 10 points.
Then Jordan comes to the party and Savea finishes. Game on.
Red card for Beirne justified, but All Blacks let Ireland off the hook... and leaked 10 points.
Then Jordan comes to the party and Savea finishes. Game on.
Boks got what they needed from that game against Japan.
Good opportunity for some players to shake off the rust, and adjust to NH conditions, before the big one against France next week.
Big shifts by De Jager and KLA at Wembley
Good opportunity for some players to shake off the rust, and adjust to NH conditions, before the big one against France next week.
Big shifts by De Jager and KLA at Wembley
November 1, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Boks got what they needed from that game against Japan.
Good opportunity for some players to shake off the rust, and adjust to NH conditions, before the big one against France next week.
Big shifts by De Jager and KLA at Wembley
Good opportunity for some players to shake off the rust, and adjust to NH conditions, before the big one against France next week.
Big shifts by De Jager and KLA at Wembley
Sacha providing a few hot touches in the wet at Wembley, and the Bok set piece doing the business against Japan...
But Boks will feel like they left a few more points on the field.
Lot of mauling by the Boks in 1st half, wonder how that will tell against Japan in 2nd.
But Boks will feel like they left a few more points on the field.
Lot of mauling by the Boks in 1st half, wonder how that will tell against Japan in 2nd.
November 1, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Sacha providing a few hot touches in the wet at Wembley, and the Bok set piece doing the business against Japan...
But Boks will feel like they left a few more points on the field.
Lot of mauling by the Boks in 1st half, wonder how that will tell against Japan in 2nd.
But Boks will feel like they left a few more points on the field.
Lot of mauling by the Boks in 1st half, wonder how that will tell against Japan in 2nd.
Felt like Aus were hanging on before that brilliant read and intercept by Potter... game on in the 2nd half!
England so dominant at the tackle, gainline, and in the air, but haven't converted that into (enough) points...
...and this Wallabies side loves a late surge...
England so dominant at the tackle, gainline, and in the air, but haven't converted that into (enough) points...
...and this Wallabies side loves a late surge...
November 1, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Felt like Aus were hanging on before that brilliant read and intercept by Potter... game on in the 2nd half!
England so dominant at the tackle, gainline, and in the air, but haven't converted that into (enough) points...
...and this Wallabies side loves a late surge...
England so dominant at the tackle, gainline, and in the air, but haven't converted that into (enough) points...
...and this Wallabies side loves a late surge...