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.
The Springboks will host England, Scotland, and Wales in July 2026 as the new Nations Championship launches with a northern invasion of the southern hemisphere, where every match will count as teams aim to finish the season as the top Test side on the planet.
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.
Bongi Mbonambi and Ntuthuko Mchunu will join the Springboks in Ireland on Sunday as national coach Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team prepare for their final two clashes of the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour, against Ireland and Wales.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus praised the team’s fighting spirit to beat Italy in their Castle Lager Outgoing Tour Test at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, despite receiving an early red card for the second week in a row, and said they are doing everything they can to avoid losing players on the field due to mistakes.
The Springboks had to dig deep to secure a 32-14 victory over Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick made it clear on Friday that the Boks would not underestimate Italy going into Saturday’s Castle Lager Outgoing Tour match, and said the hosts pose immense dangers within their pack and backline.