Rassie: Willie’s ‘calm head’ is needed

Rassie Erasmus says the calming influence of Willie le Roux is crucial for the Boks’ back three despite the criticism the fullback has received recently.

Barrett brothers: We could’ve headed home

Brothers Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett have revealed that they were granted compassionate leave after their grandfather Ted passed away a week before their victory over Ireland.

Bench split will boost Boks’ prospects

Rassie Erasmus believes that the 6-2 bench selection tactic will improve the Springboks’ chances of beating Wales and peaking in the subsequent World Cup final. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

‘Set piece will be massive’

Bok centre Damian de Allende on his improved form during the World Cup while Lood de Jager highlights the importance of the set-piece battle against Wales.

Rassie: Gatland an absolute legend

Rassie Erasmus on Wales coach Warren Gatland and how the 6-2 split on the bench will boost the Bok defence during Sunday’s semi-final.

Kolbe injury piles pressure on back three

Cheslin Kolbe’s aerial skills will be missed as much as his attacking edge when the Springboks battle Wales in the World Cup semi-final, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Hansen: Barrett over Cane strategic

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the inclusion of utility forward Scott Barrett over regular openside flank Sam Cane is tactical and not based on form.

Hansen: No time for mind games

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says that there is no point in getting involved in mind games ahead of Saturday’s semi-final against England.

Bongi: Rassie broke mental shackles

Bongi Mbonambi believes that the Springboks’ transformation over the past two seasons is down to Rassie Erasmus’ honest and open player management approach. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

Analysis: Magic Mo’unga vs balanced Barrett

Will Richie Mo’unga’s running game or Beauden Barrett’s all-round wizardry be the difference in the all-New Zealand semi-final? JON CARDINELLI analyses a key match-up.