Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named 11 changes to his squad to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, with RG Snyman earning his 50th Test cap for South Africa.
Bafana Bafana have dropped two places in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Springbok prop Thomas du Toit and scrumhalf Grant Williams shot down talk by the local media that the Boks could approach Saturday’s Test against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium as a grudge match.
Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe emphasised the importance of capitalising on their point-scoring opportunities when the Boks line up against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, if they want to break their 13-year losing run against the Irish at the Aviva Stadium.
It took him nine tournaments and two seasons – during which he was part of two HSBC SVNS tournament wins – to finally come to terms with rugby sevens and his Blitzbok role, and now, David Brits cannot wait for the new season to start for him to give it his best shot.
Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has labelled captain Temba Bavuma as one of the best batters in the world over the past two years.
Springboks quartet Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Ethan Hooker have been nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Awards for 2026.
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth said the Boks are looking forward to Saturday’s Castle Lager Outgoing Tour showdown against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and added that it would be a “nice opportunity” to try to change their fortunes in Dublin, where they last won a Test in 2012.
Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster believes South Africa have the squad that are capable of going all the way to win the Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
Experienced utility back Damian Willemse said the Springboks must be dialled in and ready for anything Ireland throw at them when the teams cross paths at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday in the penultimate Test of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour.