Springbok duo Thomas du Toit and Grant Williams insist that Saturday’s clash against Ireland is not a grudge match, despite the high-stakes nature of the upcoming showdown at the Aviva Stadium — a venue where the four-time world champions are yet to win under head coach Rassie Erasmus.
SA Rugby President Mr Mark Alexander congratulated Springboks Pieter-Steph du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Ethan Hooker on their nominations for prestigious World Rugby Awards for 2026.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has hinted that both Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager will be available to face Ireland on Saturday, revealing that Mostert will face a disciplinary hearing. At the same time, de Jager will also appeal his suspension.
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says the Boks are looking forward to Saturday’s 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.
Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) and Ntuthuko Mchunu (prop) 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.
On a grey, gloomy evening in Turin, the Springboks did battle against a motivated and confident-looking Italy in a tantalising prospect with much to offer.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick have thrown their full support behind Ethan Hooker and Marco Van Staden as they prepare to make the most of their opportunity and show their worth against Italy on Saturday.
As the Springboks gear up for their clash against Italy, a refreshed and relatively unfamiliar lineup will take centre stage at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.