Schmidt targets final flourish

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has brought nine ‘fresh’ players into his match-day squad with the aim of claiming a historic series win in South Africa, writes JON CARDINELLI in Port Elizabeth.

Combrinck can provide balance

Allister Coetzee would do well to back Ruan Combrinck ahead of Lwazi Mvovo in the series decider against Ireland on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI in Port Elizabeth.

Boks must share kicking load

The Springboks’ ability to find grass with their attacking kicks will hinge on their communication as much as their decision-making and execution, writes JON CARDINELLI.

‘Boks will miss Duane’

Ireland are expecting a different sort of challenge from the Springboks now that Duane Vermeulen has been ruled out of the decisive third Test. JON CARDINELLI reports from Port Elizabeth.

Ireland want grandstand finish

Andrew Trimble says Ireland are determined to cap a long and trying season with a historic series win in South Africa. JON CARDINELLI reports from Port Elizabeth.

Duane blow for Boks

Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has been ruled out of the series-deciding third Test against Ireland due to an elbow injury. JON CARDINELLI reports from Port Elizabeth.

Kitshoff set for Test debut

Allister Coetzee says there’s a strong chance that rookie prop Steven Kitshoff will make his Test debut for the Springboks against Ireland on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI reports from Port Elizabeth.

Coetzee’s back-row blues

Allister Coetzee may be forced to change his starting back row for the third Test. That said, an unforced back-row change is overdue, writes JON CARDINELLI in Port Elizabeth.

Coetzee must make plan clear

The Springboks need to show some intelligence and character in backing their game plan from the outset of a contest, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Coetzee: Boos didn’t bother Boks

Allister Coetzee believes the Springboks showed their physical and mental worth in the second half of the Test against Ireland at Ellis Park. JON CARDINELLI reports from Johannesburg.