The Springboks squad is preparing for the return of its leading players after demonstrating an impeccable start in three matches of the Rugby World Cup. Captain Siya Kolisi, who was replaced by the injured Paul de Villiers, is expected to return for the match against Argentina in a couple of weeks.
After three victorious rounds in the World Cup, the Springboks team will have time to rest so that coach Rassie Erasmus and his staff can analyze the successful campaign and prepare for the trip to South America in August. In the match against Wales, played at Kings Park in Durban, the team achieved a convincing victory with a score of 43:0, during which four young players debuted and established themselves as candidates for the national team before the series against New Zealand.
Despite many senior players, including Kolisi, Etzebeth, De Jager, Ox Nche, Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, being absent due to injuries at the start of the tournament, the world champions managed to win against England, Scotland, and Wales, taking the leading position in the Southern Hemisphere table. Now the team's focus will shift to the match against Los Pumas and the 'Great Rivalry' series, while the World Cup will resume in November.
Rassie Erasmus noted that the team scored 15 points in the World Cup, ranking first after games against England and Scotland, both of whom are in the world's top five. He admitted that the priority was building squad depth, not just achieving clean victories in the tournament. Erasmus stated that the tournament would be suspended and would take place again in November, as many events will occur between these periods, and they need to fix many things.
The coach added that they have not yet used their best squad of 23 players in the recent games. Based on experience, he believes that in the year leading up to the World Cup, it is necessary to ensure depth up to the fourth player in each position. Nevertheless, he is satisfied with the results of the three matches.
According to Erasmus, the team managed to provide valuable game experience to every player in the squad, except those on injury lists, in the matches against England, Scotland, and Wales. Previously, the international season began with a tough test from the Barbarians team. Now the focus is on ensuring that returning players reach the intensity required for national team matches before the 'Great Rivalry' arrives in South Africa.
Erasmus expressed satisfaction with the talents discovered by the coaching staff, noting that Paul de Villiers showed three outstanding performances at flanker in Kolisi's absence. Flyhalf Visi Moyo, tighthead Carlu Seydi, and winger Jaco Williams also impressed in the match against Wales. He emphasized that despite preparations for the 2027 World Cup, the team still has the 'Great Rivalry' and hopes that new players will emerge with good performance against Argentina.
Stars from the show 'The Real Housewives of Durban,' Sorisha Naidoo and Jojo Robinson, came to support the Springboks team during the National Championship match. The team secured a convincing victory over Wales with a score of 43:0 at the Kings Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday, July 18th.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Sorisha Naidoo, as well as show participant Jojo Robinson, were among the notable fans enjoying the atmosphere at the event with their families. Naidoo shared a series of photos on Instagram where she was dressed in green and gold Springbok attire next to her loved ones. In the caption, she thanked the organizers for hosting them.
Jojo Robinson also shared her impressions of the match day with her followers, posting a series of pictures with her husband Calven Robinson as they soaked up the atmosphere at the packed stadium. She expressed admiration for the team, writing that nothing unites them as strongly as their favorite rugby team.
In another post, Robinson noted the unparalleled energy of South African fans, stating that the South African atmosphere is unique. She congratulated the team and emphasized that watching the game was unforgettable.
Kings Park Stadium was full of dedicated Springboks fans as South Africa demonstrated another dominant performance in the debut National Championship. The 2026 tournament is a new biennial international rugby union competition designed to consolidate the global rugby calendar into one competitive league. The tournament includes six Six Nations teams, four Rugby Championship teams, as well as Fiji and Japan.
The Springboks had an impressive home campaign, achieving clear triumphs over Northern Hemisphere rivals. Their winning streak began with a 45:21 triumph over England at Ellis Park on July 4th, followed by a 42:28 victory over Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on July 11th, and concluded with a confident 43:0 win over Wales in Durban on July 18th.
The Springboks team confidently defeated Wales with a score of 43-0 at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park stadium in Durban on Saturday. The match was marked by Wales' sloppy play, which involved numerous handling errors due to the slippery pitch.
The Springboks quickly took the lead, scoring in both halves within the first 14 minutes of the match. The score first became 7-0 after number eight Jasper Wiese made a powerful break, and debutant Wusi Moyo converted the kick. The hosts then doubled their advantage: scrumhalf Kobus Reinach, playing his 52nd test match, scored his 20th test try by breaking through the dominant Springboks scrum machine. Moyo maintained his perfect kicking record, bringing the score to 14-0.
Despite territorial superiority, the Springboks faced challenges, including handling errors, and were unable to increase the score for the next twenty minutes. Hooker Jesse Kriel eventually scored in the final minutes of the first half, increasing South Africa's lead to 19-0 at halftime. In the second half, the Springboks demonstrated stronger play, scoring four more tries and once again preventing Wales from scoring.
The 43-0 result secured an overwhelming victory for South Africa and marked the second consecutive test match where Wales failed to score against the Springboks. Argentina will be the team's next opponent.
The Junior Springboks team is preparing for the U20 Rugby World Cup final against France in Tbilisi on Saturday evening. In addition to striving to win a second consecutive title, the players also plan to pay tribute to the late former South African U18 national player, Lukobo Makwedini.
The South Africans will wear black ribbons during the decisive match as a sign of respect for Makwedini. He passed away on July 10th after training with his French club AS Béziers Hérault. This emotional gesture comes amid the current champions' attempt to retain their trophy won last year.
Captain Siphosethu Mnebelele emphasized that despite the mourning, the team's focus remains on the upcoming competition. He stated: 'We are well prepared for the final match, and we are all happy to represent South Africa in the final.'
Three changes were made to the Junior Boks squad for the final in Tbilisi. One player, who plays as a hooker and is participating in the U20 World Cup for the second time, noted that the scale of the event has not been a distraction for him. He added: 'Essentially, it's a new group, and our focus is only on the game and nothing else. Our goal is to be ready to face a very strong French team that has shown its abilities by reaching the final.'
Midfielder Yaqeen Ahmed believes that South Africa's success in the tournament is due not only to talent but also to the culture formed within the team. He highly praised the work of the coaching and medical staff, noting that they create a favorable environment for all players. Ahmed stressed that the readiness of every team member to contribute, regardless of whether they are in the main squad, has been a defining characteristic of the Junior Boks campaign.
He explained that daily joint work is a team effort: those not playing in the squad help the coaches prepare the main players. The team constantly motivates and improves in every session, whether it is a training or technical meeting. Ahmed concluded: 'We have 80 minutes left in this campaign, and we will give it our absolute best. Personally, I am very grateful to be part of this group representing our country and the Junior Boks.'
The final is scheduled for Saturday at 18:30 South African time, and South Africa aims to win its second consecutive U20 Rugby World Cup title.
