Gatland: Niggly training sessions tougher than warm-up matches

British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has suggested a couple of recent training sessions have been “tougher” than some of the warm-up games they played.

Williams to start for Sharks, Bosch at 10

Grant Williams and Curwin Bosch will form the Sharks halfback combination when the Durban-based side face the Cheetahs on Saturday afternoon after a protracted delay in Currie Cup action.

Reinach close to kicking down Bok door

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber has acknowledged there is very little that separates the three World Cup-winning scrumhalves in the national squad. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Jones: Surreal to be captaining Lions after injury

Alun Wyn Jones says that to captain the British & Irish Lions in the first Test against the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday will be “very special”.

Ill-discipline costs Lions as Griquas claim victory

The Griquas surged to a 41-31 win over the Lions on Wednesday in a match that ended with the hosts playing with just 13 men at Ellis Park.

Watch: ‘Lions can’t kick the ball down Kolbe’s throat’

Coach Warren Gatland says the British & Irish Lions are expecting an aerial bombardment from the Springboks, but reiterates they’ve had conversations about ensuring they don’t kick on to Cheslin Kolbe.

Dynamic Ox offers trump card for Boks

The decision to start prop Ox Nche against the British & Irish Lions is a standout feature of a Springbok forward unit packed with mobility, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Lions star: We’re all aware of Kolbe’s skills, threats

British & Irish Lions wing Anthony Watson says there is much more to the Springboks than huge forwards and brilliant tactical kickers, singling out Cheslin Kolbe as a huge threat.

Bok coach: Why we trust Kwagga at No 8

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber says Kwagga Smith will bring different skills at eighthman, but believes it’s not actually all that dissimilar to what Duane Vermeulen offered in the role, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Kolisi cleared to captain Boks, Kwagga to start at 8

Siya Kolisi has overcome a Covid-19 setback and will lead the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions in the highly anticipated first Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.