Rassie told us not to sleep on Italy last season – so the recent win against Scotland is hardly a surprise... ... but it also casts the 2027 RWC playoff race in a new light. Why the Italy clash in Adelaide is the key to a less gruelling playoff draw rugby365.com/countries/it...

Seahawks crush the Patriots 29-13 in #SuperBowlLX . Offence managed the game superbly, converted all 5 field goal attempts. First touchdown in the 4th took the game away from the Pats. Defence dominated throughout – Pats scored first points in 4th. Clinical and deserved win 👏

Hard to comment on game at Twickers. Eng will be disappointed they didn't put 60+ on Wales... Wales conceded 4 yellows and just avoided conceding 50 pts again (after leaking 50+ v SA, Arg, NZ, Eng in 2025. Judgement reserved re England, but Wales set to struggle again in 2026

What an absorbing contest in Rome. Italy's aerial/kicking game was on point in monsoon conditions, although Scots won a lot scraps in the 2nd half. Frantic finish, but Italy D held their nerve under pressure. Azzurri on the rise!

Important pen at the end of that half for Italy, after Scotland clawed their way back. Eight-point lead for Italy going into HT. Massive advantage given the torrential conditions in Rome (and given Scotland's recent form in 2nd half)

Big statement by Italy, striking first. Well worked too – smart kicking to get out of their half, and then the grubber by Brex to create the try for Lynagh

Bielle-Biarrey asking lots of questions in that 1st half... France trying to unleash the winger in 2m of space – love the intent but says a lot about where the Irish defence is at. No physicality or edge from Ireland D. Attack caught behind gainline too. Big score loading

What will rugby look like without scrums and mauls? And what is the end result of a relentless drive towards more ball-in-play time? My @dailymaverick.co.za column on law proposals, unintended consequences, and the ongoing quest to lock in a global calendar www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

What will rugby look like without scrums and mauls? And what is the end result of a relentless drive towards more ball-in-play time? My @dailymaverick.co.za column on law proposals, unintended consequences, and the ongoing quest to lock in a global calendar www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

On JPP, the Sharks' resurgence, and how the Hendrikse brothers may fit into the Springbok picture this coming Test season. rugby365.com/opinion/hend...

My first Bok analysis of the year for @dailymaverick.co.za unpacks: 🗓️ The unique 2026 schedule 🤹‍️How Rassie could manage resources across FOUR consecutive Tests vs NZ (and flight to USA) 👶 2nd row concerns/ gulf in experience between older and younger locks www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

Back to back bonus-point wins for the Sharks against one of the URC's form teams. Helluva statement, playoff hopes are alive. Zero log points for the Stormers (and 66 points conceded) in two matches. Will go into the break with plenty to rectify after a great start to the comp

Relatively few kicks at Kings Park (Sharks 11 Storm 12) in 1st half, given sweaty conditions. Game in the balance at 14-17. Sharks must translate wealth of possession into more points/reduce turnovers. Stormers need more discipline (10 pens in 1H), must win more territory

Bulls leapfrog the Lions on the URC log after banking a 52-17 win at Ellis Park. Sharp attacking and defensive performance boosts Bulls' overall PD, too – they're out of the negative space. Sure a sign as any they're turned a corner in recent weeks

The Stormers, Bulls and Sharks may have to narrow their focus when travel demands increase in the first two rounds of the European knockouts. rugby365.com/tournaments/...

Home teams have won 26/36 Champs Cup matches (72%) — and in 17/36 (47%), the margin of victory was 20+. French teams have lost by 20+ in 8 matches (more than any other nation). SA teams/Boks need to give more, but tournament itself is a mess www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

Bulls and Sharks are scrapping for survival – but Stormers are in a position of strength. 4th Champs Cup pool clash is do or die, but don't be surprised if they push for 5 points (and a better playoff draw) or if they favour a "build an innings" approach rugby365.com/tournaments/...

Stormers have used 41 players in 10 games, while Bulls (46) and Sharks (51) have used more. Selection and management strategies – similar to those used by the Boks – have contributed to the Stormers' early season success. Analysis for Daily Maverick www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

My latest column for Rugby 365: Why the SA franchises have failed to meet the most modest of Champions Cup expectations since 2022, and how the Stormers could provide a concrete sign of progress in 2026. rugby365.com/tournaments/...

Big match-ups galore in the north-south derby. So much hinges on the packs. Unsurprising to see both coaches picking a 6-2 bench. Stormers' Bomb Squad may be the difference. Game management of SFM and Pollard also in the spotlight. Looking forward to watching this one live!

There's a different energy around the north-south derby this season... Always a massive match in isolation, but here's why it's a biggie in the context of the respective campaigns: rugby365.com/tournaments/...

The Stormers have cracked the Bomb Squad code, as their 2nd half stats confirm. Meanwhile, the Bulls have leaked twice as many points as they've scored in the 2nd stanza... An analysis on the SA teams' benches and Bomb Squads for Rugby365 rugby365.com/tournaments/...

Stormers have ticked all the boxes across their first 8 games, but have room to improve. By using 40 players and rotating team/mixing up combos, Dobson has improved the chances of his side navigating the congested schedule and peaking at the business end of the season. rugby365.com/tournaments/...

Sharks showed some fight to get past Saracens. Bulls way too passive in their first two Champs Cup matches (96 points, 15 tries conceded). Sharks v Bulls in Durbs next week is going to be massive in the context of both teams' seasons.

Two years out from the World Cup and the Springboks are still getting better! Harry Jones, Bernard Jackman and Jon Cardinelli explain why this team feels different. @haribaldijones.bsky.social @joncardinelli.bsky.social @huwgriffinrugby.bsky.social youtu.be/5iwRJgUXqY8

Had a blast chatting all things Springboks with the effervescent Harry Jones and one of the game's sharpest minds Bernard Jackman. Been a season to remember, but the Boks are building towards something bigger, re depth and game plan. They're not yet at their peak. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iwR...

My latest analysis on where the SA franchises stand at a stage of the season where most clubs play 10 weeks in a row. Stormers best placed to build/rotate after a successful start to the season, whereas the other franchises are in a hole @dailymaverick.co.za www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

Victory in Bayonne marked a magnificent 7th win for the Stormers. Have turned things around in 3 months. Balance between kicking/attack the most noticeable improvement. Management of squad/bench has also caught the eye. This team looks like the real deal rugby365.com/tournaments/...

After leading 33-22 at HT, the Bulls lost the 2nd half 24-0! Discipline and game management let them down, but has to be a concern that overseas teams are outscoring them in the last 40... at altitude! UBB never stopped working, deserved win for the champs.

Lions begin their Challenge Cup campaign with a home loss to Benetton – second win for the Italian side against the Lions this season

Storm grind out a gritty win in Bayonne. Big start to the Champs Cup in France for the Cape side, and 7/7 this season. Scrum was titanic

Boks (narrowly) avoid drawing Australia in the 2027 RWC pool phase. Boks will be favourites to top Pool B – but given how Italy and Georgia have improved, these matches should provide SA with a good physical test ahead of the four-round playoffs.

This is easily the finest set of SA players of all time, and currently jousting with THAT ABs side for the GOAT title. But when you look at the Bok's most consistent combo (Rassie and coaches) you start to wonder if they're also approaching GOAT status www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

Check out my full analysis for a breakdown of South Africa's rise to the top of attacking charts rugby365.com/countries/so...

Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team: – Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025 – The Tonyball shift – The kick-chase double down Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team 🧵

Took a closer look at how the Boks became Test rugby's most potent team: – Scoring progression from 2018 to 2025 – The Tonyball shift – The kick-chase double down Not just the world's leading attacking side in 2025, but the most complete all-court team 🧵

One of the most noticeable improvements by the Stormers this season has been the performance of their bench – and the selection/management of subs by Dobson. Big win for the players in Limerick tonight, but coaches should also take a bow. Stormers Bomb Squad has been brilliant

Stormers come back from a 15-point deficit to beat Munster at Thomond Park. Massive shift by the pack, kept them in the contest. Stormers stretch their winning run in the URC to 6 matches. Big result for the SA team in Limerick, a week after the Boks' victory over Ireland

What a year for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Nine Test tries for the Boks this season, and 100+ points. When last was the Boks' leading try-scorer for the season their flyhalf?? Goes to show how special SFM is, and how well/differently the Boks are playing at the moment.

Big win in Cardiff caps a monumental year for the Boks. 12/14 Test wins, and 13/15 overall. Rugby Champs, Freedom Cup titles retained, as well as No 1 ranking. 50 players used, including 8 debutants. All while alternating between an ambitious and pragmatic game plan🔥

Wales completely outclassed in Cardiff, but the Boks stuck to their task. 11 tries, and zero points conceded.

Esterhuizen enjoying a rare start at centre today, yet continuing to play like a hybrid. Monster carries beyond the gainline, two breakdown penalties. One of the Boks' best today, and over the course of 2025

Boks forced Wales to make 102 tackles in that first half... "Only" 28 points and 4 tries scored, but platform has been set for that 7-1 bench to do some big damage in the 2nd half

Surprising yet deserved win for the Lions against the Bulls at Loftus – and in the end, it was emphatic. 43 points and 6 tries for the Lions – away from home. Three URC wins in a row now. By contrast, Bulls have lost three of their last four.

Bulls' game management has been shocking... some great work to beat the Lions defence, and then it breaks down in the next phase via poor decision-making or handling

Cheswill Jooste providing the Bulls with a much needed spark in the latter stages of this derby at Loftus. Massive future.

Had a good chat re all things Springboks with @bencoles.bsky.social on the Rugby Bunker. Been a great year for Rassie's men, but there's still room to grow in the lead-up to 2027. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOAy...

Unsurprising that Boks have gone with a 7-1 bench split, given who's left on tour – but interesting that Porthen is listed as loosehead cover. Missing about 20 players due to various injuries, suspensions and Reg 9 recalls – but still a strong and balanced Bok side

Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time. Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

Boks have won 11/13 in 2025, and are on track to finish with an 86% record for the 1st time. Wins v NZ, France, Ireland will be savoured, but worth celebrating how Rassie has juggled resources and kept his development promise with a view to the 2027 RWC www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...