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!
Look at who might have 100+ caps by the 2027 RWC.
Rassie is bringing the youngsters through, but he's also giving the OGs room to add to their experience.
Reasonable to expect Etzebeth, Kolisi, DDA, PSDT, Kriel, Marx, Pollard to head to next RWC with 100+ caps.
Rassie is bringing the youngsters through, but he's also giving the OGs room to add to their experience.
Reasonable to expect Etzebeth, Kolisi, DDA, PSDT, Kriel, Marx, Pollard to head to next RWC with 100+ caps.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Look at who might have 100+ caps by the 2027 RWC.
Rassie is bringing the youngsters through, but he's also giving the OGs room to add to their experience.
Reasonable to expect Etzebeth, Kolisi, DDA, PSDT, Kriel, Marx, Pollard to head to next RWC with 100+ caps.
Rassie is bringing the youngsters through, but he's also giving the OGs room to add to their experience.
Reasonable to expect Etzebeth, Kolisi, DDA, PSDT, Kriel, Marx, Pollard to head to next RWC with 100+ caps.
Interesting to hear recently how Pienaar, Smit and Teichmann all rated Kolisi as the greatest Bok captain.
Kolisi (67*) in on course to break Smit's record as Bok captain (83).
Already level with Teich re 72% win-record.
Kolisi (67*) in on course to break Smit's record as Bok captain (83).
Already level with Teich re 72% win-record.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Interesting to hear recently how Pienaar, Smit and Teichmann all rated Kolisi as the greatest Bok captain.
Kolisi (67*) in on course to break Smit's record as Bok captain (83).
Already level with Teich re 72% win-record.
Kolisi (67*) in on course to break Smit's record as Bok captain (83).
Already level with Teich re 72% win-record.
Take all the big games the Boks have played in this golden era. Tally the marquee wins (RWC playoffs, Lions Tests, All Blacks Tests, Rugby Champs deciders, record-breakers, drought-enders etc).
Now, look at the most used players, and who's at the top, with 28/30 marquee wins🧐
Now, look at the most used players, and who's at the top, with 28/30 marquee wins🧐
November 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Take all the big games the Boks have played in this golden era. Tally the marquee wins (RWC playoffs, Lions Tests, All Blacks Tests, Rugby Champs deciders, record-breakers, drought-enders etc).
Now, look at the most used players, and who's at the top, with 28/30 marquee wins🧐
Now, look at the most used players, and who's at the top, with 28/30 marquee wins🧐
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…
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
Willemse injury forces Kolbe to drop back. Will be good to see how he goes at 15 (and maybe Sacha later in the game).
Thought Porthen might play off the bench, but he's being backed to fire from the start. Look at the experience around him!
Bench split: Is it a 5-3 or a 4-4?😉
Thought Porthen might play off the bench, but he's being backed to fire from the start. Look at the experience around him!
Bench split: Is it a 5-3 or a 4-4?😉
October 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Willemse injury forces Kolbe to drop back. Will be good to see how he goes at 15 (and maybe Sacha later in the game).
Thought Porthen might play off the bench, but he's being backed to fire from the start. Look at the experience around him!
Bench split: Is it a 5-3 or a 4-4?😉
Thought Porthen might play off the bench, but he's being backed to fire from the start. Look at the experience around him!
Bench split: Is it a 5-3 or a 4-4?😉
Nche back in the starting XV, and Williams should provide some impact from the bench.
Mbonambi back in the 23 for the first time since the Test against Aus in Joburg.
Mbonambi back in the 23 for the first time since the Test against Aus in Joburg.
September 30, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Nche back in the starting XV, and Williams should provide some impact from the bench.
Mbonambi back in the 23 for the first time since the Test against Aus in Joburg.
Mbonambi back in the 23 for the first time since the Test against Aus in Joburg.
Nice blend of youth and experience for the Test against Argentina in Durban – both in the starting XV and on the bench.
Hooker and Moodie rewarded for their outstanding performances in Wellington. Morné van den Berg gets his first run (from the bench) since the Italy series
Hooker and Moodie rewarded for their outstanding performances in Wellington. Morné van den Berg gets his first run (from the bench) since the Italy series
September 23, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Nice blend of youth and experience for the Test against Argentina in Durban – both in the starting XV and on the bench.
Hooker and Moodie rewarded for their outstanding performances in Wellington. Morné van den Berg gets his first run (from the bench) since the Italy series
Hooker and Moodie rewarded for their outstanding performances in Wellington. Morné van den Berg gets his first run (from the bench) since the Italy series
Players in the 26-29 and 25> age groups should get more opportunities over the next two years.
Rassie has also signaled his intentions by inviting three SA U20 players (Hlekani, Pead, Jooste) to train with the Boks.
E Louw and Hanekom also set to return from injury in '26
Rassie has also signaled his intentions by inviting three SA U20 players (Hlekani, Pead, Jooste) to train with the Boks.
E Louw and Hanekom also set to return from injury in '26
September 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Players in the 26-29 and 25> age groups should get more opportunities over the next two years.
Rassie has also signaled his intentions by inviting three SA U20 players (Hlekani, Pead, Jooste) to train with the Boks.
E Louw and Hanekom also set to return from injury in '26
Rassie has also signaled his intentions by inviting three SA U20 players (Hlekani, Pead, Jooste) to train with the Boks.
E Louw and Hanekom also set to return from injury in '26
So much was made about difference in selection between Auckland and Wellington, but the sheet below, with the age-group colour coding shows an interesting pattern.
Forward packs drawn from similarly old age groups.
Backline a lot younger in Welly, but bench is actually older.
Forward packs drawn from similarly old age groups.
Backline a lot younger in Welly, but bench is actually older.
September 16, 2025 at 2:58 PM
So much was made about difference in selection between Auckland and Wellington, but the sheet below, with the age-group colour coding shows an interesting pattern.
Forward packs drawn from similarly old age groups.
Backline a lot younger in Welly, but bench is actually older.
Forward packs drawn from similarly old age groups.
Backline a lot younger in Welly, but bench is actually older.
Look at the balance of past RWC squads.
2019 was the start of the journey, but in 2023 the balance between youth and experience was excellent.
In the 2027 projection, there are twice as many players aged 33 and older.
That balance needs to be addressed
2019 was the start of the journey, but in 2023 the balance between youth and experience was excellent.
In the 2027 projection, there are twice as many players aged 33 and older.
That balance needs to be addressed
September 16, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Look at the balance of past RWC squads.
2019 was the start of the journey, but in 2023 the balance between youth and experience was excellent.
In the 2027 projection, there are twice as many players aged 33 and older.
That balance needs to be addressed
2019 was the start of the journey, but in 2023 the balance between youth and experience was excellent.
In the 2027 projection, there are twice as many players aged 33 and older.
That balance needs to be addressed
Consider what the 2027 RWC squad might look like.
I had a crack at predicting a 34-man squad – see how many older players would be front-runners?
This won't actually happen, though – Rassie wants a younger side at the next RWC.
So what needs to happen over the next two years?
I had a crack at predicting a 34-man squad – see how many older players would be front-runners?
This won't actually happen, though – Rassie wants a younger side at the next RWC.
So what needs to happen over the next two years?
September 16, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Consider what the 2027 RWC squad might look like.
I had a crack at predicting a 34-man squad – see how many older players would be front-runners?
This won't actually happen, though – Rassie wants a younger side at the next RWC.
So what needs to happen over the next two years?
I had a crack at predicting a 34-man squad – see how many older players would be front-runners?
This won't actually happen, though – Rassie wants a younger side at the next RWC.
So what needs to happen over the next two years?
Rassie Erasmus named 80+ players in the wider Bok squad earlier this year.
Group those players by projected age in 2027 (33+, 30-32, 26-29, 25>) and you see how he's planning for the future – and how many older guys are still in the mix.
Still the case 8 games into 2025 season
Group those players by projected age in 2027 (33+, 30-32, 26-29, 25>) and you see how he's planning for the future – and how many older guys are still in the mix.
Still the case 8 games into 2025 season
September 16, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Rassie Erasmus named 80+ players in the wider Bok squad earlier this year.
Group those players by projected age in 2027 (33+, 30-32, 26-29, 25>) and you see how he's planning for the future – and how many older guys are still in the mix.
Still the case 8 games into 2025 season
Group those players by projected age in 2027 (33+, 30-32, 26-29, 25>) and you see how he's planning for the future – and how many older guys are still in the mix.
Still the case 8 games into 2025 season
The NZ series was always going be a watershed in this RWC cycle.
So where do the Boks stand, in terms of developing the next generation and balancing the scales ahead of 2027?
I took a look at some ages, caps and projections to gain a better idea of how they're tracking 🧵
So where do the Boks stand, in terms of developing the next generation and balancing the scales ahead of 2027?
I took a look at some ages, caps and projections to gain a better idea of how they're tracking 🧵
September 16, 2025 at 2:54 PM
The NZ series was always going be a watershed in this RWC cycle.
So where do the Boks stand, in terms of developing the next generation and balancing the scales ahead of 2027?
I took a look at some ages, caps and projections to gain a better idea of how they're tracking 🧵
So where do the Boks stand, in terms of developing the next generation and balancing the scales ahead of 2027?
I took a look at some ages, caps and projections to gain a better idea of how they're tracking 🧵
Plenty of changes ahead of the do-or-die clash at the Cake Tin.
Wiese returns at 8 as expected, but Rassie has made some big calls in the backs, with brand new midfield and back-three combinations, as well a different half-back pairing.
Has kept the faith in the 5-3 split
Wiese returns at 8 as expected, but Rassie has made some big calls in the backs, with brand new midfield and back-three combinations, as well a different half-back pairing.
Has kept the faith in the 5-3 split
September 8, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Plenty of changes ahead of the do-or-die clash at the Cake Tin.
Wiese returns at 8 as expected, but Rassie has made some big calls in the backs, with brand new midfield and back-three combinations, as well a different half-back pairing.
Has kept the faith in the 5-3 split
Wiese returns at 8 as expected, but Rassie has made some big calls in the backs, with brand new midfield and back-three combinations, as well a different half-back pairing.
Has kept the faith in the 5-3 split
Interesting to note which of the current Bok players have beaten the All Blacks – and where.
29/36 squad members have beaten the All Blacks.
13 have won in NZ (2018).
Only one current squad member is yet to win v NZ.
Six are yet to play against the ABs.
29/36 squad members have beaten the All Blacks.
13 have won in NZ (2018).
Only one current squad member is yet to win v NZ.
Six are yet to play against the ABs.
September 5, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Interesting to note which of the current Bok players have beaten the All Blacks – and where.
29/36 squad members have beaten the All Blacks.
13 have won in NZ (2018).
Only one current squad member is yet to win v NZ.
Six are yet to play against the ABs.
29/36 squad members have beaten the All Blacks.
13 have won in NZ (2018).
Only one current squad member is yet to win v NZ.
Six are yet to play against the ABs.
Rassie's Boks have fought back to save the rivalry.
Results show how they have taken the lead over an eight-year period (W7, D1, L5).
Since the start of 2023, the Boks have dominated the rivalry, winning 4/5 matches.
Significant numbers, ahead of monumental series in NZ
Results show how they have taken the lead over an eight-year period (W7, D1, L5).
Since the start of 2023, the Boks have dominated the rivalry, winning 4/5 matches.
Significant numbers, ahead of monumental series in NZ
September 5, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Rassie's Boks have fought back to save the rivalry.
Results show how they have taken the lead over an eight-year period (W7, D1, L5).
Since the start of 2023, the Boks have dominated the rivalry, winning 4/5 matches.
Significant numbers, ahead of monumental series in NZ
Results show how they have taken the lead over an eight-year period (W7, D1, L5).
Since the start of 2023, the Boks have dominated the rivalry, winning 4/5 matches.
Significant numbers, ahead of monumental series in NZ
The Boks have a 4 from 26 win-record in New Zealand since 1996. They haven’t won at Eden Park or claimed a series victory in the country since 1937.
But draw a line between 2018 and the fixtures that came before, and a different narrative is made clear.
But draw a line between 2018 and the fixtures that came before, and a different narrative is made clear.
September 5, 2025 at 7:24 AM
The Boks have a 4 from 26 win-record in New Zealand since 1996. They haven’t won at Eden Park or claimed a series victory in the country since 1937.
But draw a line between 2018 and the fixtures that came before, and a different narrative is made clear.
But draw a line between 2018 and the fixtures that came before, and a different narrative is made clear.
What Rassie's Boks have achieved v NZ often gets taken for granted.
These Boks KNOW they can beat the ABs – because they've already done so at home, away, and in big matches on neutral soil.
🧵on the distinction between knowledge and hope, ahead of a monumental series in NZ
These Boks KNOW they can beat the ABs – because they've already done so at home, away, and in big matches on neutral soil.
🧵on the distinction between knowledge and hope, ahead of a monumental series in NZ
September 5, 2025 at 7:23 AM
What Rassie's Boks have achieved v NZ often gets taken for granted.
These Boks KNOW they can beat the ABs – because they've already done so at home, away, and in big matches on neutral soil.
🧵on the distinction between knowledge and hope, ahead of a monumental series in NZ
These Boks KNOW they can beat the ABs – because they've already done so at home, away, and in big matches on neutral soil.
🧵on the distinction between knowledge and hope, ahead of a monumental series in NZ
Rassie saving some big guns for the final 20, but one of the biggest surprises is the 5-3 split.
Still wonder if there might be a secret 6-2 in there somewhere (DDA to flank?)
Overall, plenty of tactical options between kicking, chasing and playing with width
Still wonder if there might be a secret 6-2 in there somewhere (DDA to flank?)
Overall, plenty of tactical options between kicking, chasing and playing with width
September 4, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Rassie saving some big guns for the final 20, but one of the biggest surprises is the 5-3 split.
Still wonder if there might be a secret 6-2 in there somewhere (DDA to flank?)
Overall, plenty of tactical options between kicking, chasing and playing with width
Still wonder if there might be a secret 6-2 in there somewhere (DDA to flank?)
Overall, plenty of tactical options between kicking, chasing and playing with width
Interesting back row, to combat Boks' power game.
Newell favoured at 3 to battle Nché at scrum.
Vaa'i at 5 instead of 6. Brilliant at lineout v SA last year, but Lood's presence could change things
Narawa should expect a few bombs.
Bench seems a bit light on experience...
Newell favoured at 3 to battle Nché at scrum.
Vaa'i at 5 instead of 6. Brilliant at lineout v SA last year, but Lood's presence could change things
Narawa should expect a few bombs.
Bench seems a bit light on experience...
September 4, 2025 at 3:55 AM
Interesting back row, to combat Boks' power game.
Newell favoured at 3 to battle Nché at scrum.
Vaa'i at 5 instead of 6. Brilliant at lineout v SA last year, but Lood's presence could change things
Narawa should expect a few bombs.
Bench seems a bit light on experience...
Newell favoured at 3 to battle Nché at scrum.
Vaa'i at 5 instead of 6. Brilliant at lineout v SA last year, but Lood's presence could change things
Narawa should expect a few bombs.
Bench seems a bit light on experience...
Cape Town Stadium never fails to deliver - and fortunately the rain stayed away for SA v Aus.
Gritty contest that demanded more of the Boks' traditional strengths. Wallabies proved Ellis Park was no fluke, they are back.
Epic occasion, and a hard-earned result.
Gritty contest that demanded more of the Boks' traditional strengths. Wallabies proved Ellis Park was no fluke, they are back.
Epic occasion, and a hard-earned result.
August 24, 2025 at 6:41 AM
Cape Town Stadium never fails to deliver - and fortunately the rain stayed away for SA v Aus.
Gritty contest that demanded more of the Boks' traditional strengths. Wallabies proved Ellis Park was no fluke, they are back.
Epic occasion, and a hard-earned result.
Gritty contest that demanded more of the Boks' traditional strengths. Wallabies proved Ellis Park was no fluke, they are back.
Epic occasion, and a hard-earned result.
Vamos! Argentina have done the Boks a massive favour by beating the All Blacks in BA.
Two wins in NZ remains the target for the Boks, but one loss won't sink their campaign.
That said, Aus v Arg series could also shape title race.
Only 2 log points separate No 1 and 4.
Two wins in NZ remains the target for the Boks, but one loss won't sink their campaign.
That said, Aus v Arg series could also shape title race.
Only 2 log points separate No 1 and 4.
August 24, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Vamos! Argentina have done the Boks a massive favour by beating the All Blacks in BA.
Two wins in NZ remains the target for the Boks, but one loss won't sink their campaign.
That said, Aus v Arg series could also shape title race.
Only 2 log points separate No 1 and 4.
Two wins in NZ remains the target for the Boks, but one loss won't sink their campaign.
That said, Aus v Arg series could also shape title race.
Only 2 log points separate No 1 and 4.
Shock result in Jozi, injuries, and squad management ahead of NZ tour would have factored into these selections...
Given the conditions in CT, Pollard at 10 and 6-2 bench (2 locks) will be key to a SA (BP?) win.
Really interested to see how a very different back row holds up
Given the conditions in CT, Pollard at 10 and 6-2 bench (2 locks) will be key to a SA (BP?) win.
Really interested to see how a very different back row holds up
August 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Shock result in Jozi, injuries, and squad management ahead of NZ tour would have factored into these selections...
Given the conditions in CT, Pollard at 10 and 6-2 bench (2 locks) will be key to a SA (BP?) win.
Really interested to see how a very different back row holds up
Given the conditions in CT, Pollard at 10 and 6-2 bench (2 locks) will be key to a SA (BP?) win.
Really interested to see how a very different back row holds up