World Cup Tour Tales: Week 3 (Omaezaki)

JON CARDINELLI reflects on conversations about Nelson Mandela on a far-flung Japanese beach and a sleepy town with terror at its core.

Kriel injury a blow to Bok depth

Rassie Erasmus may be forced to play Frans Steyn and Damian de Allende in tandem if first-choice No 13 Lukhanyo Am breaks down in the coming weeks, writes JON CARDINELLI in Omaezaki.

Boks on right mental track

A do-or-die mindset will shape the Springboks’ physical and tactical approach between now and the end of their World Cup campaign, writes JON CARDINELLI in Omaezaki.

World Cup Tour Tales: Week 2 (Nagoya)

JON CARDINELLI reflects on a week of free sake, traditional dining experiences and locals with a taste for Springbok rugby.

Boks have plenty to gain from Namibia clash

The Springboks’ execution of a more versatile approach will be in the spotlight when they battle Namibia on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI in Nagoya.

Ireland loom large for Boks

The Springboks have four weeks to sharpen their aerial and kicking skills ahead of a likely quarter-final showdown with Ireland, writes JON CARDINELLI in Nagoya.

Brits experiment points to change of gear

Rassie Erasmus may follow through with his plan to start Schalk Brits at No 8 in the next World Cup clash with Namibia, writes JON CARDINELLI in Nagoya.

Big defeat prompts questions about tactics, selections

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be under pressure to alter his game plan and selection strategy following New Zealand and Ireland’s big World Cup wins, writes JON CARDINELLI in Nagoya.

World Cup Tour Tales: Week 1 (Tokyo)

JON CARDINELLI reflects on a week of wrong turns, wrong stadiums and the fan experience on the opening weekend of the World Cup in Japan.

All Blacks hand Boks brutal lesson

The All Blacks punished the Springboks on the counter-attack and in the air to claim a 23-13 win in the Pool B opener on Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI at the Yokohama Stadium.