Pinned
Trophies, consistency and a nod to the future — why the Springboks of 2025 are a class apart | Daily Maverick
<p>Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks have challenged the widely held perceptions of South African rugby through their groundbreaking innovations and results across a landmark 2025 season.</p>
www.dailymaverick.co.za
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
One of the most noticeable improvements by the Stormers this season has been the performance of their bench – and the selection/management of subs by Dobson.
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
One of the most noticeable improvements by the Stormers this season has been the performance of their bench – and the selection/management of subs by Dobson.
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow.
Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant
Stormers come back from a 15-point deficit to beat Munster at Thomond Park.
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Stormers come back from a 15-point deficit to beat Munster at Thomond Park.
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest.
Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches.
Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland
What a year for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
November 29, 2025 at 5:14 PM
What a year for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points.
When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf??
Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.
Big win in Cardiff caps a monumental year for the Boks.
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
November 29, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Big win in Cardiff caps a monumental year for the Boks.
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall.
Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking.
50 players used, including 8 debutants.
All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥
Wales completely outclassed in Cardiff, but the Boks stuck to their task.
11 tries, and zero points conceded.
11 tries, and zero points conceded.
November 29, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Wales completely outclassed in Cardiff, but the Boks stuck to their task.
11 tries, and zero points conceded.
11 tries, and zero points conceded.
Esterhuizen enjoying a rare start at centre today, yet continuing to play like a hybrid.
Monster carries beyond the gainline, two breakdown penalties.
One of the Boks' best today, and over the course of 2025
Monster carries beyond the gainline, two breakdown penalties.
One of the Boks' best today, and over the course of 2025
November 29, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Esterhuizen enjoying a rare start at centre today, yet continuing to play like a hybrid.
Monster carries beyond the gainline, two breakdown penalties.
One of the Boks' best today, and over the course of 2025
Monster carries beyond the gainline, two breakdown penalties.
One of the Boks' best today, and over the course of 2025
Boks forced Wales to make 102 tackles in that first half...
"Only" 28 points and 4 tries scored, but platform has been set for that 7-1 bench to do some big damage in the 2nd half
"Only" 28 points and 4 tries scored, but platform has been set for that 7-1 bench to do some big damage in the 2nd half
November 29, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Boks forced Wales to make 102 tackles in that first half...
"Only" 28 points and 4 tries scored, but platform has been set for that 7-1 bench to do some big damage in the 2nd half
"Only" 28 points and 4 tries scored, but platform has been set for that 7-1 bench to do some big damage in the 2nd half
Surprising yet deserved win for the Lions against the Bulls at Loftus – and in the end, it was emphatic.
43 points and 6 tries for the Lions – away from home. Three URC wins in a row now.
By contrast, Bulls have lost three of their last four.
43 points and 6 tries for the Lions – away from home. Three URC wins in a row now.
By contrast, Bulls have lost three of their last four.
November 29, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Surprising yet deserved win for the Lions against the Bulls at Loftus – and in the end, it was emphatic.
43 points and 6 tries for the Lions – away from home. Three URC wins in a row now.
By contrast, Bulls have lost three of their last four.
43 points and 6 tries for the Lions – away from home. Three URC wins in a row now.
By contrast, Bulls have lost three of their last four.
Bulls' game management has been shocking... some great work to beat the Lions defence, and then it breaks down in the next phase via poor decision-making or handling
November 29, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Bulls' game management has been shocking... some great work to beat the Lions defence, and then it breaks down in the next phase via poor decision-making or handling
Cheswill Jooste providing the Bulls with a much needed spark in the latter stages of this derby at Loftus. Massive future.
November 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Cheswill Jooste providing the Bulls with a much needed spark in the latter stages of this derby at Loftus. Massive future.
Had a good chat re all things Springboks with @bencoles.bsky.social on the Rugby Bunker.
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
How the Springboks can win a third straight Rugby World Cup | The Rugby Bunker
YouTube video by The Rugby Bunker
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Had a good chat re all things Springboks with @bencoles.bsky.social on the Rugby Bunker.
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...
Unsurprising that Boks have gone with a 7-1 bench split, given who's left on tour – but interesting that Porthen is listed as loosehead cover.
Missing about 20 players due to various injuries, suspensions and Reg 9 recalls – but still a strong and balanced Bok side
Missing about 20 players due to various injuries, suspensions and Reg 9 recalls – but still a strong and balanced Bok side
November 27, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Unsurprising that Boks have gone with a 7-1 bench split, given who's left on tour – but interesting that Porthen is listed as loosehead cover.
Missing about 20 players due to various injuries, suspensions and Reg 9 recalls – but still a strong and balanced Bok side
Missing about 20 players due to various injuries, suspensions and Reg 9 recalls – but still a strong and balanced Bok side
Reposted by Jon Cardinelli
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Trophies, consistency and a nod to the future — why the Springboks of 2025 are a class apart | Daily Maverick
<p>Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks have challenged the widely held perceptions of South African rugby through their groundbreaking innovations and results across a landmark 2025 season.</p>
www.dailymaverick.co.za
November 26, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Trophies, consistency and a nod to the future — why the Springboks of 2025 are a class apart | Daily Maverick
<p>Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks have challenged the widely held perceptions of South African rugby through their groundbreaking innovations and results across a landmark 2025 season.</p>
www.dailymaverick.co.za
November 26, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time.
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC
www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...
Epic 2-0 series win for the Proteas in India.
Been an incredible year for the Test side, winning the WTC (against Aus) and now winning in India.
Conrad and the leadership group – Bavuma has been great – deserve credit. Team looks like it's growing while winning.
Been an incredible year for the Test side, winning the WTC (against Aus) and now winning in India.
Conrad and the leadership group – Bavuma has been great – deserve credit. Team looks like it's growing while winning.
November 26, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Epic 2-0 series win for the Proteas in India.
Been an incredible year for the Test side, winning the WTC (against Aus) and now winning in India.
Conrad and the leadership group – Bavuma has been great – deserve credit. Team looks like it's growing while winning.
Been an incredible year for the Test side, winning the WTC (against Aus) and now winning in India.
Conrad and the leadership group – Bavuma has been great – deserve credit. Team looks like it's growing while winning.
Boks' front-row depth looking good 2 years out from the RWC.
Still some old heads in the mix, but Rassie has blooded 8 front-rankers since 2024, while Steenekamp, Louw, TDT have had more game time.
Interesting to see how pecking order changes when the big guns return in 2026
Still some old heads in the mix, but Rassie has blooded 8 front-rankers since 2024, while Steenekamp, Louw, TDT have had more game time.
Interesting to see how pecking order changes when the big guns return in 2026
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Boks' front-row depth looking good 2 years out from the RWC.
Still some old heads in the mix, but Rassie has blooded 8 front-rankers since 2024, while Steenekamp, Louw, TDT have had more game time.
Interesting to see how pecking order changes when the big guns return in 2026
Still some old heads in the mix, but Rassie has blooded 8 front-rankers since 2024, while Steenekamp, Louw, TDT have had more game time.
Interesting to see how pecking order changes when the big guns return in 2026
The Boks forced Ireland to concede more penalties at the scrum and maul than most teams concede across all departments in the average Test.
Why the performance in Dublin was one for the ages, and why the Bok pack may be even stronger in 2026.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Why the performance in Dublin was one for the ages, and why the Bok pack may be even stronger in 2026.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Irresistible force: Why the Bok scrum is a national treasure
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a look at a powerful Springbok that destroyed the Irish in Dublin over the weekend.
rugby365.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The Boks forced Ireland to concede more penalties at the scrum and maul than most teams concede across all departments in the average Test.
Why the performance in Dublin was one for the ages, and why the Bok pack may be even stronger in 2026.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Why the performance in Dublin was one for the ages, and why the Bok pack may be even stronger in 2026.
rugby365.com/countries/so...
Terrific fightback by the Pumas, but not to be.
England finish their ANS campaign with 4/4, and extend their winning run to 11 matches.
With respect, the Boks should beat Wales, and finish 2025 with 12 wins from 14.
Boks v England in SA on 4 July 2026 is going to be massive
England finish their ANS campaign with 4/4, and extend their winning run to 11 matches.
With respect, the Boks should beat Wales, and finish 2025 with 12 wins from 14.
Boks v England in SA on 4 July 2026 is going to be massive
November 23, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Terrific fightback by the Pumas, but not to be.
England finish their ANS campaign with 4/4, and extend their winning run to 11 matches.
With respect, the Boks should beat Wales, and finish 2025 with 12 wins from 14.
Boks v England in SA on 4 July 2026 is going to be massive
England finish their ANS campaign with 4/4, and extend their winning run to 11 matches.
With respect, the Boks should beat Wales, and finish 2025 with 12 wins from 14.
Boks v England in SA on 4 July 2026 is going to be massive
Proteas attempting to steal the Boks' thunder this weekend, via a magnificent 1st inns total of 489 in Guwahati.
Brilliant batting by Muthusamy, Jansen and others to strengthen SA's grip on this game and series.
243 for the last four wickets... lower order doubled the score🔥
Brilliant batting by Muthusamy, Jansen and others to strengthen SA's grip on this game and series.
243 for the last four wickets... lower order doubled the score🔥
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Proteas attempting to steal the Boks' thunder this weekend, via a magnificent 1st inns total of 489 in Guwahati.
Brilliant batting by Muthusamy, Jansen and others to strengthen SA's grip on this game and series.
243 for the last four wickets... lower order doubled the score🔥
Brilliant batting by Muthusamy, Jansen and others to strengthen SA's grip on this game and series.
243 for the last four wickets... lower order doubled the score🔥
Disappointing that Boks didn't convert more chances.
But here's some context, re Bok tries for and against in recent matches v Ireland:
0-1 in Durban (2024)
3-3 in Pretoria (2024)
1-1 in Paris (2023)
2-2 in Dublin (2022)
0-4 in Dublin (2017)
Tonight: 4-1 to Boks
Massive
But here's some context, re Bok tries for and against in recent matches v Ireland:
0-1 in Durban (2024)
3-3 in Pretoria (2024)
1-1 in Paris (2023)
2-2 in Dublin (2022)
0-4 in Dublin (2017)
Tonight: 4-1 to Boks
Massive
November 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Disappointing that Boks didn't convert more chances.
But here's some context, re Bok tries for and against in recent matches v Ireland:
0-1 in Durban (2024)
3-3 in Pretoria (2024)
1-1 in Paris (2023)
2-2 in Dublin (2022)
0-4 in Dublin (2017)
Tonight: 4-1 to Boks
Massive
But here's some context, re Bok tries for and against in recent matches v Ireland:
0-1 in Durban (2024)
3-3 in Pretoria (2024)
1-1 in Paris (2023)
2-2 in Dublin (2022)
0-4 in Dublin (2017)
Tonight: 4-1 to Boks
Massive
Deserved recognition for Marx – and he had some stiff competition from Du Toit and Nché, who've also had massive seasons.
November 22, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Deserved recognition for Marx – and he had some stiff competition from Du Toit and Nché, who've also had massive seasons.
Boks had something like 11 22 entries. Could gripe about poor conversion rate in the 2nd half.
But their game plan was always spot on: Keep Ireland pinned in their own 22, and SQUEEZE.
Credit to Ireland for fighting back, but this is a massive win for Bok players and coaches
But their game plan was always spot on: Keep Ireland pinned in their own 22, and SQUEEZE.
Credit to Ireland for fighting back, but this is a massive win for Bok players and coaches
November 22, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Boks had something like 11 22 entries. Could gripe about poor conversion rate in the 2nd half.
But their game plan was always spot on: Keep Ireland pinned in their own 22, and SQUEEZE.
Credit to Ireland for fighting back, but this is a massive win for Bok players and coaches
But their game plan was always spot on: Keep Ireland pinned in their own 22, and SQUEEZE.
Credit to Ireland for fighting back, but this is a massive win for Bok players and coaches
Men of the Match award should go to the Bok scrum combo in the 1st half. Scrummed Ireland to smithereens.
Great lineout contest, but Boks will be pretty happy with their showing at this set piece and maul early on, given Ireland's strength in this department.
Great lineout contest, but Boks will be pretty happy with their showing at this set piece and maul early on, given Ireland's strength in this department.
November 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Men of the Match award should go to the Bok scrum combo in the 1st half. Scrummed Ireland to smithereens.
Great lineout contest, but Boks will be pretty happy with their showing at this set piece and maul early on, given Ireland's strength in this department.
Great lineout contest, but Boks will be pretty happy with their showing at this set piece and maul early on, given Ireland's strength in this department.
The Boks bury their Dublin bogey!
First win in the Irish capital since 2012, and the first for Rassie Erasmus' side.
Not as convincing as it should have been – given 1st half dominance – but an 11-point win is still a big statement.
First win in the Irish capital since 2012, and the first for Rassie Erasmus' side.
Not as convincing as it should have been – given 1st half dominance – but an 11-point win is still a big statement.
November 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM
The Boks bury their Dublin bogey!
First win in the Irish capital since 2012, and the first for Rassie Erasmus' side.
Not as convincing as it should have been – given 1st half dominance – but an 11-point win is still a big statement.
First win in the Irish capital since 2012, and the first for Rassie Erasmus' side.
Not as convincing as it should have been – given 1st half dominance – but an 11-point win is still a big statement.
What a shift by the Bok forwards in the first 40.
Dominating the scrums&lineouts. Carley is punishing the Irish accordingly.
Ire not helping themselves re poor discipline. Bok aerial game working a treat.
Visitors have a great chance to build a score in 2nd half.
Dominating the scrums&lineouts. Carley is punishing the Irish accordingly.
Ire not helping themselves re poor discipline. Bok aerial game working a treat.
Visitors have a great chance to build a score in 2nd half.
November 22, 2025 at 6:45 PM
What a shift by the Bok forwards in the first 40.
Dominating the scrums&lineouts. Carley is punishing the Irish accordingly.
Ire not helping themselves re poor discipline. Bok aerial game working a treat.
Visitors have a great chance to build a score in 2nd half.
Dominating the scrums&lineouts. Carley is punishing the Irish accordingly.
Ire not helping themselves re poor discipline. Bok aerial game working a treat.
Visitors have a great chance to build a score in 2nd half.