Playing Selector: Bok tight-five predictions

Ahead of this Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final in Tokyo, CRAIG LEWIS and JOHN GOLIATH pick the Bok tight five they’d like to see play against Japan.

Boks have ammunition to end Japan fairytale

Depriving Japan’s dangerous back three of possession will be a key priority for the Boks in this Sunday’s quarter-final, and places extra importance on the accuracy of their kicking and defensive game, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks are right to be wary of Japan

Japan’s progression from 2015 miracle workers to 2019 giant slayers is a success story that should be celebrated, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Waiting game for in-limbo Boks

With the Boks bunkering down in Kobe as typhoon Hagibis looms, the big focus will be on the outcome of Sunday’s battle between Scotland and Japan if it goes ahead, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Under-fire officials in a spot of bother

The game is being brought into serious disrepute over confusion surrounding refereeing inconsistencies at the tackle point, and there’s no clear solution in sight, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

The time for tolerance is now

The Makazole Mapimpi and Eben Etzebeth incidents have revealed the ugly underbelly of a sport still divided by some along racial lines, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Bok selection shake-up a good thing

Rassie Erasmus’ bold selections this week should serve as a timely reminder that long-serving ‘first-choice’ players cannot rest on their laurels, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Japan result crucial for World Cup

A World Cup pool phase facing criticism for predictability received a much-needed shot of life with Japan’s stunning result over Ireland on Saturday, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks needed more than just Kolbe magic

Cheslin Kolbe starred in Yokohama, but his efforts were largely in vain as the Boks were ultimately outsmarted by the opportunistic All Blacks in Saturday’s World Cup opener, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks must back Kwagga

The Springboks should deploy Kwagga Smith as an impact player off the bench in next Saturday’s World Cup opener against the All Blacks, writes CRAIG LEWIS.