World Rugby has been ridiculed: From former Italian international lock Carlo del Fava to former All Blacks wing Jeff Wilson, to former England international Andy Goode, there has been ridicule at world rugby’s officials for the straight red card given to the Springboks lock Franco Mostert in Turin, Italy, writes Mark Keohane.

Mostert was shown a straight red card, as the second tackler, for what match officials deemed was an intentional shoulder to the head of Italian flyhalf Paolo Garbisi, who never went for an HIA and was up and running a few seconds after taking the tackle of Ethan Hooker and the secondary hit from Mostert.

Below is a collection of X feeds, which also showcased the inconsistency in all this weekend’s internationals when it came to shoulders to the head. In some instances, like James O’Connor taking one to the head in Dublin, it was play on. Others, like in Cardiff in Wales’s match against Japan, it was a yellow with a bunker referral to see if it was a red.

Same incidents, all different interpretations and applications.

World Rugby is a joke at the moment with its head contact policies that lack all consistency and all common sense.

If player welfare is indeed the reason, then why not send the victim of any head contact for an HIA?

Thomas Ramos, against the Boks last weekend, never went for an HIA and played the entire match. Garbisi never went for one in Turin and played the entire game.

It is a joke.

South Africans are justified in feeling aggrieved.

In my Sunday Times match review, I wrote that Justice, in the quality of the Springboks, triumphed over injustice, in the form of incompetent match officials, in Turin as the Springboks won for the 19^th time in 20 Tests against Italy.

These Boks have a spirit that can’t be bought or manufactured. It is inherent because of an environment that has been nurtured over the past nine years.

Jared Wright posted this: Brilliant stat via @StatBoy_Steven

‘Since the introduction of the 20-minute red card, the Springboks have been given a full red card 3 times: July 12 vs Italy: Wiese in the 12th minute November 8 in France: Lood de Jager in the 40th minute November 15 in Italy: Franco Mostert in the 12th minute In 178 minutes combined in those matches after being shown the red card, they have conceded just 17 points and just 1 try, and won all 3.’

Screenshot

FRENCH V FIJI RED GOES UNPUNISHED

O’CONNOR GETTING SMASHED GOES UNPUNISHED

A COLLECTION OF INCONSISTENCIES FROM THE WEEKEND

WALES V JAPAN – ANOTHER INCONSISTENCY TO MOSTERT’S 

WALES’S JOSH ADAMS INTENTIONAL THUGGERY GOES STRAIGHT TO BUNKER REVIEW

MARK KEOHANE ON BOKS 32-14 WIN v ITALY

Some X comments

https://x.com/AndyGoode10/status/1989727007467360333?s=20

https://x.com/PlanetRugby/status/1989701468635451731?s=20

https://x.com/SARugbymag/status/1990034224963854816?s=20

https://x.com/jaredwright17/status/1989700599630204977?s=20

https://x.com/SportyBetZA/status/1989747718961447247?s=20

https://x.com/SSRugby/status/1989681762075570494?s=20

https://x.com/mark_keohane/status/1989756004096168227?s=20

https://x.com/SSRugby/status/1989692773055041607?s=20

Photo: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

Rassie Erasmus gave a coaching tactical and substitution master class as the Springboks beat Italy in Turin, writes Mark Keohane.

What next for World Rugby and the Boks? 12 v 15?

The Boks were too strong for France in Paris, winning 32-17 despite playing for 30 minutes 14 versus 15.

In Turin, the Boks were down to 14 players after Franco Mostert’s straight red in the 11th minute.

It was a shocking call and for 10 minutes the Boks were 13-15 when Marco van Staden was sin-binned, but this was a win down to sheer heart, guts, determination from the players and Erasmus’s tactical appreciation of the match, his knowledge of his players and his understanding that change comes in the moment and not once the damage could be done, and then it being too late.

These Boks have ticker, but they also have a rugby genius at the helm, who is three moves ahead of the opposition.

Italy were brave and resolute. They were in the face of the Boks and physically they did not take a step back. They have improved immeasurably, but the reality is that for all the fire in their belly they are now three wins from 10 matches this season, including three successive defeats against the Boks in 2025.

There was the 42-24 reverse in Pretoria and week later they were done 45-0.

For 31 minutes there was no score in Turin, but what made that so significant is that Italy had so much of the ball, territory and a one-player advantage, but had nothing to show for it.

The Boks, showing their class, scored first through a Handre Pollard penalty after his successful drop goal was ruled out because of an earlier infringement and then Van Staden scored a game changing try on the 39th minute.

Given that the Boks entered the Italian 22 for the first time after 30 minutes, it was a massive moment in the match.

Italy, as they have done all season, did not go away, but they were just not good enough to handle 13 Boks, when gifted a two player advantage.

For the Boks, Damian Willemse was class at fullback and Kwagga Smith made the most impact off the bench.

Van Staden was everywhere and Ruan Nortje, off the bench early to give balance to the remaining players, just gets better at Test level and Grant Williams and Manie Libbok added the last quarter glitz to the first hour grind.

The Boks won under such adversity, which emphatically states their class as the sport’s No 1 team.

FOR ALL SPRINGBOKS REACTION, GO TO SA RUGBY MAGAZINE

HOW KEO AND ZELS CALLED THE BOKS WIN

Razor Robertson’s players may have worn black at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, but they were an insult to the great All Blacks teams that have visited Rugby’s headquarters, writes <strong>Mark Keohane. </strong>England crushed them.

The coach feted as the Knight in Shining Armour never arrived on a stallion. Instead he has come on a donkey, such has been his lack of impact with the All Blacks.

The Springboks, in Johannesburg and Cape Town, showed up the conservative lack of intent with Robertson’s selections and game plan in winning back to back Tests in 2024.

In 2025, the Boks humiliated the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington, New Zealand, scoring 36 unanswered points.

Argentina also felled Robertson’s All Blacks , in Wellington in 2024 and winning easily in Buenos Aires in 2025.

At Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, every critique of Robertson’s conservatism in selection and indifference in style of play and consistency in performance, was again on display.

The All Blacks scored two early tries to lead 12-0 before 20 minutes, but lost the last hour 33-7. It could – and should – have been more.

This was a dominant England and the only time I can recall England being so in control was in the 19-7 World Cup semi-final in 2019. Back then the only question was how did the All Blacks get seven points and how did England only get 19?

On Saturday, how did England only get 33?

Robertson was gifted the All Blacks job on the basis of seven successive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, but Test rugby is not Super Rugby, and Robertson has been the biggest disappointment in his lack of vision and lack of delivery in the biggest Tests.

Since his opening Test in 2024, a one point win against England in Dunedin, his teams have underwhelmed and scraped wins.

The highlight was the 24-17 win at Eden Park against the Springboks in 2025, when the All Blacks led 14-0 after 15 minutes and then hung on for the last 65 minutes. A week later they lost in record-breaking fashion.

Robertson’s All Blacks have gone nowhere in two seasons and walloping Wales next Saturday won’t mask the stagnation of the All Blacks under Robertson.

England’s win was just their ninth in history against the All Blacks in 47 starts, but given the state of the All Blacks they should demand playing them a few times every year while Robertson is in charge. They will quickly move that figure into double figures.

England, 10 wins in succession, are easy on the eye and look very good.

They will be tested more in the Six Nations than they were by Australia, Fiji and the All Blacks, but unlike Robertson’s All Blacks, their graph is on the up.

KEO’S ACCUMULATOR: I GAVE ALL BLACKS HISTORY TOO MUCH CREDIT

⌚️ Henry Pollock chipping through the loose ball to set up Tom Roebuck for the try to seal England’s victory over the All Blacks at the Allianz 💪🤩
#Breitling
#DefiningMoment
@Breitling
pic.twitter.com/UiQnbzbGwm

Quilter Nations Series (@QuilterNations)
November 15, 2025

Siya Kolisi is the Springbok dream the late President Nelson Mandela refused to give up on, but it took 30 years to come to fruition, and fittingly it did so in the city of Love, Paris, writes Mark Keohane.

In Paris, last Saturday night, Springbok rugby’s baton was finally passed, 30 years after Nelson Mandela’s memorable and mighty gesture to wear the Springboks No 6 jersey at the 1995 World Cup final at Ellis Park.

Siya Kolisi, wearing the same No 6 jersey, took Madiba’s baton of reconciliation and confirmed the Springboks as a nation’s sporting love child and not outcast.

Kolisi’s story, in the context of South Africa post-apartheid, is rich, raw and far more personal.

Kolisi’s toughness was born on the streets of Zwide, in the Eastern Cape. Rugby was his escape but it did not mean he initially would board that train of hope.

His mentality was that of any teenager but it needed tough love to put him on that train, and the toughest of love from mentors and coaches to keep him on that train.

Hilton and Kendra Houghton were parents to him when he arrived in Cape Town. They took him in as a son, opened their home to him and gave him a room and initially represented his business interests and gave him comfort and love. They did this when he was 18 years-old and not the revered 34 year-old of today.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, then the Director of Rugby at the Stormers, loved the fight and passion of the young Kolisi and refused to give up on the potential of their rugby partnership, even though other coaches may have ended it before the first whistle.

Kolisi missed his Stormers debut because he had gone out the night before with friends, got into a street fight with gangsters to protect his friends and had been hurt so badly that he could not play the game the next day.

Erasmus was livid that he had gone out, but loved that he had fought to protect his friends.

A father/son relationship revelled in adversity and it was one that would take shape in 2018 when Erasmus, in his first season as Springboks coach, appointed Kolisi as his captain.

If not for Erasmus and his faith and trust in the player, then there is no Siya Kolisi story in 2025

“He’s been on the tough side of being a South African. He knows hunger and he knows poverty. He knows struggle and he knows survival. His story is an inspiration because it speaks to so many young boys and girls in South Africa,” said Erasmus.

Erasmus easily compliments Kolisi but, behind closed doors, he is as comfortable delivering a harder message.

“Siya Kolisi is not bigger than South Africa. South Africa is bigger than Siya Kolisi,” he barked at Kolisi at a team meeting pre the 2023 World Cup quarter-final. His message to Kolisi and the senior players was simple: Shape up or ship out.

“We’ve come a long way as coach and player and as coach and captain. It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve seen his growth as a leader and a human being. He’s done it tough and not without mistakes,” said Erasmus. “He knew his journey could be bigger than him because it could be about the dreams and hopes of so many kids. Now it is.”

Former Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer picked Kolisi for the Springboks, but with Schalk Burger the incumbent, it took Kolisi 14 Tests to get a start.

“He was popular and so eager to learn from the likes of Schalk and Duane Vermeulen, but I knew he would become a Springbok captain and a real statesman.” said Meyer.

Robbie Fleck, when the Stormers coach, selected Kolisi as his captain.

“I love his passion, his rawness and his intent. His teammates responded to his energy and influence and I also rated his game,” said Fleck.

Stormers coach John Dobson was inspired by the subtle nuances of Kolisi’s play and the work that the television cameras don’t follow.

“His second effort in the tackle and at the breakdown is phenomenal. He’s the best there is,” said Dobson.

Stormers centurion and Springbok Scarra Ntubeni is Kolisi’s best friend. They arrived in Cape Town together as 18 year-olds and no one knows Kolisi’s story better than Scarra.

“I’d go to Siya as a friend and tell him I was done with rugby. He’d give me tough love and tell me to quit … and not to come back one day crying that I wasn’t prepared to fight back,” said Ntubeni. “He has had his own struggles off the field and was prepared to own them and fix them. He is a great friend and an inspiration.”

Kolisi, under Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber’s mentorship, has prospered in the national jersey. They have always promoted humility over arrogance and team over individual.

It sits comfortably with Kolisi.

“It is always bigger than one player and the team because the team plays for the country, and that country is every culture and race. We play for South Africa and for South Africans because we are South Africans.”

Kolisi gets symbolism and he lives symbolisms. He has embodied the baton passed from Madiba; one of hope, unity, toughness and authenticity.

Meyer described him as statesman and most South African rugby fans on social media this week spoke of him as a superhero, but Kolisi has known too much hardship and darkness to know that he is as much sinner as he is superhero.

Madiba and the late and incomparable Muhammad Ali always laughed off the ‘Saint references’ and both would say that they were more ‘sinner than saint’ because they lived the reality of a mortal and not the romance of an immortal.

Kolisi, in his autobiography, is transparent about his battles and he speaks of indulgence and mistakes. His marriage breakdown to Rachel (Kolisi) stunned the nation, but both have publicly attempted to safeguard their kids and promoted the virtues of co-parenting.

Kolisi, the most inspirational captain in Springboks history, is the sport’s most influential ambassador.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander, in honouring Kolisi, spoke of legacy more than milestone and of a nation’s gratitude to Kolisi.

“Thank you for the 100 games of heart, honour and hope,” said Alexander.

KEO & ZELS: SELFLESS SIYA’S BOKS MUST BE SAVOURED

*This article appeared in the Sunday Times

The match officials should be red carded for getting it so wrong with the Lood de Jager straight red-card sending off, writes Mark Keohane.

De Jager was shown a straight red card for an action deemed to be premeditated foul play, through the intervention of the assistants and Television Match Official after referee Angus Gardner initially waved play on for a collision that happened right in front of him in real time.

Gardner was insistent initially that he did not think it warranted a red card, when the TMO intervened and asked him to have a look at the contact. Gardner felt there was mitigation as France’s fullback Thomas Ramos’s knees were on the ground from him taking an earlier tackle. This rendered him half his height if he ordinarily was going into a tackle.

De Jager, who is two metres tall, had to adjust and lower his tackle attempt, which he did. In real time, his right arm is wrapping and his left arm is going in for the wrap and hit, which ordinarily, if Ramos had stayed upright, would have been near his ribs.

As it was Ramos stopped De Jager’s left arm from the wrap by blocking the arm with his left arm.

In real time, speed of the game, there was no direct contact to the head but a secondary motion from a secondary tackle. In real time it is a rugby collision, but when slowed down to freeze frame motion it looks like attempted murder, depending where and when one wants to freeze the point of contact.

Ramos milked attention to the collision and then showed no signs of pain in his verbals straight afterwards.

THE BREAKDOWN: LOOD DID NOT DESERVE RED CARD

The three match officials and TMO then convinced themselves that on the freeze frames De Jager had committed a crime and had to be banished from the field of play, not to be replaced after 20 minutes by another player.

The way the new bunker referral works is that a player is yellow carded but the referee asks for it to be reviewed as a possible red card offence. This is what should have happened. In this instance, even if upgraded to a red card, then the player can still be replaced. If sent straight from the field by way of a red card, the team plays one man down for the remainder of the game.

The incident was deemed so brutal that De Jager was shown red, but Ramos, supposedly buried into the Stade de France turf, rose like Lazarus and resumed as if nothing had happened.

Ramos was not even sent for an HIA, the necessary head assessment for concussion, and completed the match.

Ironically, there was an early intervention to remove De Jager from the field of play because his gum guard had supposedly shown he had taken a blow to his head.

De Jager, captain Siya Kolisi and the rest of the forwards who were waiting to complete a line out, looked as perplexed as De Jager on the call.

It was a strange call, made even more bizarre when there was no consideration or thought even given to Ramos needing to have his HIA test.

The contradictions in the application of what constitutes a blow to the head continues to make a mockery as it asks the question of when is it based on player safety or when have the match officials just got it wrong?

The Boks, having a penalty overturned to go 16-14 up on half-time, then played 30 minutes of the second half a player down, and still triumphed 19-3 in those 40 minutes.

It was a remarkable Boks performance.

KEO’S TAKE ON THE BOKS WIN AGAINST FRANCE IN PARIS

AFRICA PICKS: HOW THE TEAM FARED ON THE ACCUMULATOR 

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was the Player of the Match against France, but he dedicated everything to the influence of Springboks captain and South Africa’s 9th Test Centurion Siya Kolisi in Paris, writes Mark Keohane.

The Boks won 32-17 after trailing 14-6 midway through the first half.

Paris is the city of love for the Springboks and the Stade de France has become a spiritual home and a fortress for the Boks.

In 1999 it was Jannie de Beer’s five drop goals that sent England packing in the World Cup quarter-final.

In the 2007 World Cup, it was England in the Pool Stages, Argentina in the semi-final and England in the final.

In the 2023 World Cup, it was France in the quarter-final, England in the semi-final and New Zealand in the final.

Since 2005’s defeat to France in Paris, the Boks have won five in succession against France. They have beaten France nine times in their last 10 Tests since 2010. It is 20 years since France now beaten the Boks in Paris.

There is a reason the Boks could win three play-off matches by a point each time in 2023. There is a reason why they could not play for 20 months during Covid and beat the British & Irish Lions and seal a 2-1 series win in the 239th minute of 240 over three Tests in 2021.

There is a reason why they have won back to back World Cups in 2019 and 2023.

There is a reason why they have won back to back Castle Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.

There is a reason why they won back to back Tests against the Wallabies in Australia.

There is a reason why they won back to back Tests against the All Blacks in South Africa in 2024 and a year later hammered the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington, New Zealand. This is the biggest defeat in New Zealand’s history.

There is a reason they put 67 points past Argentina in Durban en-route to the 2025 Rugby Championship title.

There is a reason why they have lost just four in their past 26 Test matches.

There is a reason why they are the world’s best team and in the conversation for the greatest ever, alongside Richie McCaw’s 2011 and 2015 back to back All Blacks winners.

There is a reason why Siya Kolisi has played 100 Tests and been at the helm for 68 of them and won 47 of them.

There is a reason why Rassie Erasmus has the best ever head coach winning record for a Boks coach who has been in charge for more than 20 Tests.

There is a reason why the Boks, since Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber returned from Ireland in 2018, have dominated world rugby   since 2019.

It seems unreal that in their first year, they won just seven from 14 Tests with an inherited squad they had to improve or cull.

In Paris, the Boks were out of this world in managing the play 14 against 15 after Lood de Jager’s red card.

De Jager’s sending off, just before half-time was a shocker of a call. The current law would support a yellow card, but not an outright red for the last 41 minutes of the match. The Boks, having been awarded a penalty to go ahead 16-14, trailed 14-13 at the break.

Yet despite being a player down until the 60th minute, having just 33 percent of possession and field position, they conceded just one penalty to the French fullback Tomas Ramos, who screamed decapitation after being tackled by De Jager.

Ramos did not even leave the field for a minute for a concussion Test.

The decision was a farce, as was the Boks not being awarded a penalty try for a deliberate French knock on when Jesse Kriel would have walked in a for try; alternatively handed the try to an unmarked Cheslin Kolbe on his outside.

These frustrations aside, the Boks were just immense in their fight for Kolisi and for victory.

Kolisi was sacrificed at halftime to allow for the introduction of rugby’s first hybrid Test player Andre Esterhuizen, a centre now playing as a a flank when necessary at Test level. Estehuizen did both roles in Paris, when the Boks were down 14 to 15, and he was all power.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu got the MVP, with an all-round wonderful display, but he would be the first to admit that this was a 23 player collective, if not a squad player collective, including those sitting in the stands.

Erasmus’s substitutions were that of a rugby Doctor, in timing, precision and certainty.

He was forced to implement his worst-case scenario of having one of his front line starting locks and line out caller in De Jager red carded before half-time. The response was revolutionary and so calm that it muted talk of risk in his 23.

Each player knew his role.

Hooker Malcolm Marx was extraordinary among the individuals, and he was my choice for the MVP, but that individual accolade has no merit within this Boks set-up.

They play for each other and they play for South Africa.

In Paris, on this spectacular night when the Boks scored three second half tries to a solitary French penalty in winning 32-15, they played for the captain who sacrificed his night on 40 minutes because it is always about what is best for this team and not what matters to any individual.

THE KEO & ZELS PODCAST. HOW THE DUO SAID BOKS WOULD FRY THE FRENCH

This was Siya’s night and the biggest tribute his teammates could give him was to win the second half with him on the sidelines, not because of injury but because the team needed a different kind of balance to survive and triumph 14 against 15.

The magnitude of Erasmus’s decision, no emotion and only match specific, Kolisi’s acceptance, no emotion and only match specific, was a summary of what makes the duo so spectacular as a combination and also of what makes these Boks so good and so loved.

SA RUGBY MAGAZINE – ALL THE NEWS FROM BOKS WIN IN PARIS

AFRICA PICKS – IF YOU TOOK KEO’S ADVICE ON A BOK WIN YOU WERE A WINNER

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi returns to the Stade de France for his own Centurion coronation two years after the collective coronation of winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This is an occasion never to be forgotten in the history of Springboks rugby, writes Mark Keohane.

Rassie Erasmus coaches the Boks for the 50th time.

Kolisi plays for the 100th and captains them for the 68th time, second only to the 2007 World Cup-winning captain John Smit.

Kolisi has led the Boks to 48 wins in 67 Tests at 71.6 percent. Of all the Springboks leaders, who captained the Boks for more than 30 Tests, only Gary Teichmann (26/36) has a better win percentage. His is 72.2.

Smit won 54 from 83 @65% and Jean de Villiers won 24 from 37 @64.9%.

*Victor Matfield won 17 from his 23 Tests as captain for 73.9%.

Kolisi’s journey has been remarkable, with back to back World Cup wins in 2019 and 2023, four successive Test wins against the All Blacks, back-to-back Castle Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025 and the most trophies won by a Springboks captain in 2024.

Erasmus, in making six changes to the starting XV from the 61-7 Japanese conquerers, has welcomed back Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit in the forwards and picked a new loosened and tighthead combination in Boan Venter and Thomas du Toit. In the backs, he has moved Cheslin Kolbe from fullback to right wing, shifted Kurt-Lee Arendse from right wing to left wing and picked Damian Willemse to start at 15.

There is no place in the match 23 for winger Ethan Hooker or loose-forward Kwagga Smith.

AFRICA PICKS: PREDICT THE RIGHT SCORE & WIN A SPRINGBOKS JERSEY

It says everything about the depth of the squad that one of Test rugby’s standout players in his first year of internationals, Hooker, does not make the 23 and Smith, consistently influential for the Boks, watches from the stands in Paris.

Pre Erasmus’s confirmation of his 23, Zels and myself unpacked the depth of the current Boks on our rugby podcast Keo & Zels.

Zels was emphatic: “This is not the time to rotate. You need your best team, and everyone knows who that is.”

I agreed, emphasising that while the Springboks took some time to find their rhythm against Japan, the foundation was laid for a big performance in Paris.

Up front, the Bok pack remains the most feared in world rugby.

Wilco Louw was singled out by both for his dominant performance — not only in the scrums, but with a “flashy” winger-style try that lit up the game against Japan.

BOK FANS CELEBRATE KING KOLISI

Both Zels and I felt that Andre Esterhuizen would make the 23 as a flank/midfielder, given the investment in his skill set as a hybrid player.

Erasmus, who turned 53 on Wednesday, did not disappoint us and picked Esterhuizen.

Loosehead Ox Nche is injured and won’t play again for the Boks this year.

Rugby value bets on every Autumn International Test

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will start at flyhalf for the fifth successive Test, with Manie Libbok his cover. Handre Pollard, the double World Cup winner, is once again in the stands.

“France can’t match the Boks at the gainline — not for 80 minutes,” he said.

I addded that the Boks know how to win in Paris.

“They’ve done it before, in their last three Tests against France at the Stade de France, and this group won the 2023 World Cup quarter-final, semi-final and final at the Stade de France. It is their spiritual World Cup home, given John Smit’s 2007 Springboks, won the World Cup final as the same venue.

Brilliant Boks charge into Paris

The Boks have beaten France eight out of nine times in the past 15 years.

The 2025/26 EPCR season kicks off on 5 December, as the road to Bilbao 2026 Finals begins.

• 50% of tickets already sold for the Bilbao Finals, with fans urged to act fast and secure their tickets before it’s too late.
• Trevor Nyakane (Hollywoodbets Sharks): “It’s almost like you’re playing Test rugby week in week out.”
• Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints): “Credit to Bordeaux they were a class outfit in that final and hopefully this year we can use it as fuel.”
• Maxime Lucu (Union Bordeaux Bègles): “It’s a competition that is a now fully part of the culture of French clubs but also French fans.”
• Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby): “The history of (the Investec Champions Cup) is why fans are so passionate about it and people are so eager to win.”

The wait is nearly over for fans of international club rugby across Europe and South Africa, with just one month to go until the return of the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup. The journey to the 2026 Finals in Bilbao begins on Friday 5 December, as the clubs kick off what promises to be another unforgettable season of elite international rugby.

The Investec Champions Cup opens under Friday night lights with two blockbuster fixtures: Sale Sharks v Glasgow Warriors at CorpAcq Stadium and Aviron Bayonnais v DHL Stormers at Stade Jean Dauger. In the EPCR Challenge Cup, Ulster Rugby will host Racing 92 at Affidea Stadium, as the sides look to make an early statement in the competition.

Test rugby in club colours

With the Quilter Nations Series underway, international form showcases the playmaking, passion and skill we can expect when club rugby returns. Many of the stars who shine for their countries throughout November will soon be back in club colours, ready to chase European glory.

Steve Borthwick’s England claimed an eighth consecutive Test win at the weekend against Australia, featuring players from Investec Champions Cup sides Sale Sharks, Bath Rugby, Saracens, Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers, Bristol Bears and Harlequins, alongside EPCR Challenge Cup contenders Exeter Chiefs.

Northampton Saints’ Henry Pollock proved key, making a memorable impact from the bench. Looking ahead to the Investec Champions Cup, the standout rising star from the 2024/25 club and international season said:

“Last year we had an amazing run up to the Final and then didn’t quite get over the line. But I’m proud of how we showed fight in the game and credit to Bordeaux they were a class outfit in that final and hopefully this year we can use it as fuel.”

Scotland Make their mark

Scotland kicked off their international fixtures in emphatic fashion, storming to a record-breaking 85–0 victory over the USA Eagles at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. Points-scorers included Edinburgh Rugby’s Dylan Richardson, Duhan van der Merwe, and Darcy Graham who ran in a hattrick of tries, while Glasgow Warriors’ Jamie Dobie – who also took a hattrick – Kyle Rowe, Stafford McDowall, George Horne, Ollie Smith, and Adam Hastings also got their names on the scoreboard.

Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) summed up the draw of the Investec Champions Cup.

“Everyone wants to play in the Investec Champions Cup. If you want to be the best team, if you want to be one of the best players, then you have to challenge yourself against the best.”

Brilliant Boks charge into Paris

Strong French representation, Wales ready to return and Ireland look to improve

Meanwhile, France will field a team including strong representation from current TOP 14 leaders and six-time Investec Champions Cup winners Stade Toulousain, as well as numerous key players from reigning Investec Champions Cup title holders Union Bordeaux Bègles. Damian Penaud – last season’s Investec Player of the Year, who was awarded the title after a record-breaking season where he scored 14 tries, including two in the final victory over Northampton Saints, will be back for France alongside his club captain Maxime Lucu, who reflected on last season’s triumph:

“It was a moment of huge pride and happiness as it was the first title for the club. It’s a competition that is a now fully part of the culture of French clubs but also French fans.”

Wales also open their Autumn internationals next weekend, with Bristol Bears lightning-fast winger Louis Rees-Zammit getting the call up after returning from the NFL. Welsh Captain and Ospreys’ back row Jac Morgan is also back after the summer tour with the British and Irish Lions.

Ireland fell 26–13 to the All Blacks in their opening Autumn fixture, but Andy Farrell’s side can rely on strong depth from Leinster Rugby, Munster Rugby, and Ulster Rugby as they prepare to face Japan and gain valuable minutes before the EPCR season begins.

Powerhouse performances from the South

The Springboks also impressed as they opened their Autumn tour with a commanding 61–7 win over Japan at Wembley, featuring points from DHL Stormers’ Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Wilco Louw, Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Siya Kolisi and Andre Esterhuizen, and Vodacom Bulls’ Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Trevor Nyakane (Hollywoodbets Sharks) captured the intensity of the Investec Champions Cup.

“It’s almost like you’re playing Test rugby week in week out. You get the best of the best in one competition.”

The Road to Bilbao 2026 Finals begins

The countdown is now officially on. The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup return on Friday, 5 December, marking the first steps on the road to the Bilbao 2026 Finals, 22-23 May – and with over 50% of tickets sold for the summer blockbuster weekend, fans are urged to act now and secure their place before it’s too late.

With the world’s top clubs and players set to collide, anticipation is building. Leinster Rugby’s Joe McCarthy summed it up:

“The history of (the Investec Champions Cup) is why fans are so passionate about it and people are so eager to win. I think that’s what makes it special.”

The Steco  moment from the Springboks’ 61‑7 demolition of Japan belonged to Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu — and everyone on Keo & Zels agreed.

As Keo said straight after the match, “Sacha FM, he’s our Steco. We agreed on that — that second try where he just skinned them.”

It was pure brilliance.

The young flyhalf took the ball with defenders closing fast, bent the defensive line on the outside, stumbled, regained his feet, and still outran the cover to score.

Zels described it perfectly: “When he touches the ball, it’s like the other team goes into half‑speed.”

That moment summed up what makes Feinberg‑Mngomezulu special — vision, calm, acceleration, and the rare ability to make everything around him slow down. It wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement that the next generation of Bok playmakers is already here.

Keo called it “La Freak in the nicest possible sense,” marvelling at how the 22‑year‑old turned what looked like a broken play into a finish worthy of a winger. It was creativity and control rolled into one — the kind of moment sponsors love and supporters replay all week.

KEO & ZELS SHOW

Sacha FM’s brilliant try against Japan is our @STECO_Global #Powerplay of the week! pic.twitter.com/11yZZ13Nqe

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) November 4, 2025

Beyond the flash, the try also symbolised how the Boks have evolved. They respected Japan up front, built pressure, then unleashed flair at the perfect moment — a complete, balanced performance. The PowerPlay captured that duality: structured dominance leading to spontaneous magic.

So, for this week, the Steco PowerPlay goes to Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, the man whose class lit up Saitama and whose confidence is fuelling South Africa’s northern tour.

Steco gives you ALTERNATIVE POWER SOLUTIONS

Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi has the perfection playing opportunity for the South African-powered Barbarians FC against the All Blacks XV, writes Mark Keohane. 

Stormers rugby boss John Dobson and his Bristol equivalent Pat Lam will guide the Barbarians against Jamie Joseph’s All Blacks XV and 17 South African-born players feature among the match 23, with six Stormers players, including hooker Andre-Hugo Venter.

But it is big Bongi, a larger than life presence in the Boks journey to back to back World Cups, who will want to make a statement against the men in black.

WIN A SPRINGBOKS JERSEY WITH AFRICAPICKS

Mbonambi, when at his best, among the sport’s best in the past decade, did not make the Springboks squad for the five-Test tour up north, which starts with a hit-out against Japan at Wembley on Saturday.

Brentford Stadium in London is not quite Wembley but it does give Mbonambi and Huge-Venter a precious hit-out and a possible call-up to the Springboks for the remainder of November.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels has been banned for eight weeks and will miss the tour. Mbonambi was named among the standby list of players by Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus and must be favoured to join the Boks on Monday as they prepare for the one-off Test against Italy.

Evan Roos, the in-form Stormers No 8, is also on that standby list. Roos will start at No8 for the Barbarians.

Former Bull and current Leicester captain Hanro Lienbernberg with captain the side from flank, with Ernst van Ryn (lock), and Bernard Janse van Rensburg (centre) two more South African players who can make a statement as big as they do weekly in the English Prem.

Zels and I chatted on the Keo & Zels podcast about the importance of the match for Mbonambi, whose form has been indifferent with the Sharks in the URC.

BARBARIANS STUN ALL BLACKS IN 1973

One-Test Springbok Rob du Preez starts at No 10. Du Preez has been a standout at Sale Sharks and there will be plenty of interest in the performance of SA under 20s flanker Batho Hlekani and Bulls lock Cobus Wiese.

The match kicks-off 15.15 (SA time) on Saturday.

BARBARIANS – 15 Max Mallins, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Fitz Harding, 6 Hanro Liebenberg (c), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Ernst van Rhyn, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Oli Kebble.
Bench: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Alistair Vermaak, 18 Jack Aungier, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Brad Webber, 22 Dan du Plessis, 23 Rhyno Smith.

Rassie Erasmus continues to entertain with his Bok selections, writes Mark Keohane.

Wilco Louw comes off the bench at tighthead and Pieter-Steph du Toit does not make the match 23 for Saturday’s Springboks Test against Japan at Wembley. Forgive me, but this is not the Springboks best, but a hit-out for the biggest Tests against France and Ireland in November.

The Boks will win – and win well.

There’s enough into match 23 to tell you who plays agains France, in a fortnight from Saturday.

Louw shows he is the ultimate team man to front, accept, and be secondary, for this match, to a national teammate, who is not the starting No 3 at his club.

Zachary Porthen, the SA juniors leader, is a player with heaps of potential.

To even consider him a better starting option than Louw, the injured Neethling and Frans Malherbe, and Thomas du Toit, is a laugh.

He will play on Saturday and possibly not again on tour.

Yes, an investment, but right now he is a Rassie toy.

For the rest, most of the line-up is what I expect to see against France and Ireland, the big two Tests of this five-Test November adventure.

Zels, for two years, has called for Cheslin Kolbe to start at 15. Injuries have agreed to this.

The rest is standard fare.

Eben Etzebeth will return for Paris and Dublin, as will most the playing 23.

Franco Mostert, such a servant for the Boks, since 2018, gets a start at Wembley. He needs big game or a fond farewell from Test rugby.

For the rest, Erasmus has entrusted the core of those players who won the Springboks a historic back to back Castle Rugby Championship.

Siya Kolisi starts in his 99th Test and a win, as captain, makes him the most successful in the history of Springboks rugby.

Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel start in the midfield, and there is no place in the match 23 for Bulls utility back Canan Moodie.

This is a proper Boks 23 and Portman could not have wished for a more joyful introduction to Test rugby.

He gets to start with one of the best Boks packs in history, dovetailed with one of the most accomplished Boks backlines.

Keo & Zels talk Boks selections

Rassie: Why I picked Zach

The Stormers are unbeaten, the Lions are unpredictable, and the Bulls continue to frustrate. Round 5 of the URC told us plenty.

John Dobson’s Stormers capped off their European tour with a come-from-behind 31–16 win over Benetton in Treviso. Down 16–8 at half-time, the Cape side showed grit and control in the second half. Flyhalf Jurie Matthee was the star, racking up 21 points – a standout performance in a game that could easily have slipped away.

Munster remain the only other unbeaten side, edging Connacht 17–15 in a gritty Irish derby in Limerick. Flanker Jack O’Donoghue scored the match-winner 12 minutes from time, and his side survived a late Connacht surge to bank the four points.

The Lions, meanwhile, turned heads in Joburg with a high-octane 49–31 win over previously unbeaten Ulster. It was 12 tries of chaos at altitude, and while Ulster winger Robert Baloucoune grabbed a hat-trick, it was the Lions who ran riot and reminded everyone of their attacking threat when they click.

The Bulls? A night to forget. Glasgow outmuscled them 21–12 in a brutal affair at Scotstoun. The Bulls led 12–7 into the final quarter but were outplayed in the closing stages. Franco Smith’s side took control with a penalty try and a score from former Bull Nathan McBeth – back from the bin and straight over the line.

The Sharks finally broke their duck, beating the Scarlets 29–19 in Durban. Relief more than elation, but a win’s a win. Edwill van der Merwe and Phepsi Buthelezi were key in front of a Kings Park crowd desperate for something to cheer.

Elsewhere, Leinster crushed Zebre 50–26, Cardiff pipped Edinburgh 20–19 with a long-range penalty from Ioan Lloyd, and the Dragons and Ospreys settled for a 19–19 draw that left both teams disappointed.

After five rounds, it’s the Stormers and Munster who lead the pack. The Lions entertain. The Bulls need consistency. The Sharks – finally – have something on the board.

Now, we pause for the Test window. But when the URC returns, expect the battle for playoff spots to hit another gear.

The question is a simple one. The referee saw nothing, the Television Match Official saw nothing, so what did the Welsh judiciary see to convict and sentence Bulls utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels to a nine match suspension? asks Mark Keohane

Surely, a decision can only be reached on what was seen and not what one player says and the other opposes?

The judicial process at the URC has been inconsistent, at best, and a shocker at worst.

None has quite reached this level, with a player sent to the gallows on the basis of an allegation from an opposing player that cannot be confirmed through any visual evidence.

This is a low point in the league’s history and it sets a precedent for any allegation screamed from a player during any game.

Welsh rugby is at its lowest point in its storied history, and an all-Welsh Judicial Committee’s handling of this situation is consistent with the worst of Wales’s record 18 successive Tests defeats.

JAN-HENDRIK WESSELS (CITING)

The Disciplinary process related to Jan-Hendrik Wessels citing in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 4 game against Connacht Rugby on Friday, October 17 has resulted in a nine game suspension.

The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Vodacom Bulls player No 2 (Jan-Hendrik Wessels), for an act of foul play in the 18th minute under Law 9.27 – A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship. This includes grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.

The (all Welsh) Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Declan Goodwin (Chair, Wales), Simon Thomas (Wales) and Leah Thomas (Wales) were satisfied that an act of foul play had occurred and found the incident met the Red Card threshold, with entry of low-end warranting a 12 week suspension. The Panel reduced the suspension by three weeks (25% mitigation) due to the Player’s good conduct prior to and at the hearing and good record which results in a nine game suspension.

Fixtures Jan-Hendrik Wessels is unavailable for:

Glasgow Warriors v Vodacom Bulls, 24 October 2025 Vodacom URC

South Africa v Japan, 1 November 2025, Castle Lager Outgoing Tour

France v South Africa, 8 November 2025, Quilter Nations Series

Italy v South Africa, 15 November 2025, Quilter Nations Series

Ireland v South Africa, 22 November 2025, Quilter Nations Series

Vodacom Bulls v Lions, 29 November 2025 Vodacom URC

Vodacom Bulls v Bordeaux Begles, 6 December 2025, Investec Champions Cup

Northampton Saints v Vodacom Bulls, 14 December 2025, Investec Champions Cup

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Vodacom Bulls, 20 December 2025 Vodacom URC

The Player and the Club have the right to appeal.

*PLEASE APPEAL AND EMBARRASS THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS WOEFUL WELSH BIAS

On what basis did they make their finding?

In all other instances, the finding is supported with a report that speaks to the visuals. This one does not.

AFRICAPICKS: YOUR BETTING GUIDE TO THE URC

Rapport’s Hendrik Cronje was on the money in highlighting the contradiction in application of the charge, where there is precedent.

😊 pic.twitter.com/24WJjf2JyV

— Hendrik Cronjé (@hendrikcronje71) October 23, 2025

Via Rugbypass 👇 https://t.co/7PuamlUFU7 pic.twitter.com/9BY2exkYRE

— Hendrik Cronjé (@hendrikcronje71) October 23, 2025

It just got tougher !! We now have to beat them on the field. and in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop Kak

— Johan Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 23, 2025

Frans Steyn and the new Toyota Hilux Legend 55 carry a similar status and legacy in being world-class and winners, writes Mark Keohane.

Steyn is an iconic rugby figure in South Africa and the sport internationally and thanks to a collaboration with Toyota Hilux Legend 55 and the Keo & Zels show, we get to showcase and celebrate a player who won the World Cup, in 2007, as a 20 year-old and won the 2019 World Cup as a seasoned veteran.

Photo: Ross Land/Getty Images

Steyn spent half his career playing in France but finished his playing career at the Toyota Cheetahs, then immediately was appointed Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs and has extended his role to head coach of the Cheetahs, who played in the SA Cup, Currie Cup and will from December play in the EPCR has taken charge of the Cheetahs as head coach.

In celebrating the arrival of the @ToyotaSA Hilux Legend 55, we salute one of South Africa’s most legendary players — Frans Steyn, double World Cup winner and Bok great.#Toyota #Legend55 #ToyotaBakkiesSA #NotJustABakkie pic.twitter.com/EwJ2y3gvQs

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 21, 2025

The Cheetahs are in a action on Sunday, 26th October against Georgia’s Black Lion in the second of a two-match Toyota Challenge Series.

Black Lion won last Friday’s match 39-38.

Steyn’s career is one of excellence and quality and it is fitting that the lad who made Grey College’s rugby fields in Bloemfontein his own as a schoolboy is now in charge of making the Cheetahs a professional force in rugby once again.

He played 78 matches for the Springboks, Steyn won the World Cup on two occasions in 2007 and 2019, and is the second South African player to have won the tournament twice, as well as the youngest World Champion in the history. He also won The Rugby Championship (previously named Tri Nations) twice.

RUGBY WORLD: 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FRANS STEYN

Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

Years Team Apps (Points) 2009–2012 Racing Métro 92 59 (159) 2014–2015 Toshiba Brave Lupus 11 (47) 2015–2016 Toshiba Brave Lupus 10 (65) 2016–2020 Montpellier 102 (228) 2020–2022 Cheetahs 1 (0) Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 2006–2009 Sharks 18 (70) 2013 Sharks 2 (0) 2021–2023 Free State Cheetahs 18 (87) Super Rugby Years Team Apps (Points) 2007–2009 Sharks 38 (78) 2012–2014 Sharks 30 (167) 2015 Sharks 7 (38) 2020 Cheetahs 5 (0) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2004–2005 South Africa U20 10 (64) 2006–2014 Springbok XV 3 (9) 2006–2022 South Africa 78 (168) 2007–2014 Barbarians 2 (0) Coaching career Years Team 2025- Cheetahs

hide Medal record Men’s Rugby Union Rugby World Cup 2007 France Squad 2019 Japan Squad

Willie le Roux rolled back the years in Galway, delivering a moment of pure class that changed the tempo of a tightly contested clash between the Bulls and Connacht. He is Keo & Zels’ STECO PowerPlay of the week!

In the 20th minute, with the Bulls trailing and the Irish crowd in full voice, le Roux sparked a sweeping counter-attack. Fielding a high ball with calm precision, he accelerated into space, using his awareness and timing to leave Bundee Aki grasping at thin air. A sharp pass to Sebastian de Klerk down the left touchline opened the game wide. But le Roux wasn’t done — he tracked the play beautifully and received the return pass to finish what he started.

It was intelligent rugby. Efficient, effective, and above all, powerful in its impact.

For that, Willie le Roux earns this week’s STECO PowerPlay of the Week.

Willie le Roux was back to his best against Connacht — and his brilliant try is the @STECO_Global #PowerPlay of the Week! pic.twitter.com/Vd3cvnHVBB

— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 21, 2025