Boks embrace pressure ahead of Wales showdown

Duane Vermeulen believes that the pressure of playing in a World Cup semi-final will bring the best out of the Springboks. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

Ratings: Kolisi’s captain’s innings, Mapimpi shines

After a competitive first half, the Springboks eventually overpowered Japan to book their place in the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup. JOHN GOLIATH rates the Boks’ performance in the quarter-final.

Typical Bok strengths were key to victory

The Springboks’ quarter-final was won on brutal, dominant defence. The next focus will be on improved execution, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks have benefited from clear communication

Rassie Erasmus’ honesty and clarity of thinking have been a boon for the Boks over the last ’17 weeks’ of World Cup-centred preparations, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Stars aligning for Siya’s Springboks?

There is an eerie similarity between what unfolded at the 2007 World Cup and what’s happening 12 years later in Japan. And that is good news for the Springboks, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

‘We’ve been honest from the outset’

Rassie Erasmus on telling eight players that they won’t feature in the quarter-final, while Matt Proudfoot comments on his valuable coaching stint in Japan.

Three key facets of play for Boks

CRAIG LEWIS looks at three key areas of the game that will be decisive in this Sunday’s quarter-final between the Springboks and Japan in Tokyo.

Five tells in Japan’s poker game

Japan have been the most talked-about team at the Rugby World Cup after progressing to the quarter-finals as surprise winners of Pool A.

Etzebeth breaks his silence

Eben Etzebeth insists in court documents that he did not have a firearm in his possession and was not involved in assaulting anyone during the alleged Langebaan incident.

Polarising De Allende the Boks’ go-to man

Damian de Allende’s role in the Springboks’ match strategy is going to become even more important as the Rugby World Cup heads into the playoffs, writes JOHN GOLIATH.