With just over a week until EPCR competition returns, the annual EPCR Club Conference reaffirmed that the club game remains central to the sport’s global future.

Representatives from Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup clubs, joined by influential figures from across the international and professional landscape, convened for two days of discussion and strategic alignment on 24-25 November, reinforcing the message that club rugby is the beating heart of the game.

Established in 2023, this forward-looking forum brings together leaders from across the club rugby ecosystem to share insights, confront shared challenges and identify new opportunities for growth.

This year’s edition once again demonstrated EPCR’s commitment to a truly collaborative model – one that champions open dialogue, collective problem-solving and a united approach to ensuring a sustainable, successful future for the club game.

The conference was led by EPCR Chairman Dominic McKay, who said: “Three years ago when we outlined our new strategy, we wanted clubs to be at the heart of our decision making, and the EPCR Club Conference is an important element in this. Over the last few days, we’ve been joined by representatives from our 42 clubs, eight unions and three leagues, as well as World Rugby. Bringing together these key stakeholders is an opportunity to further strengthen relationships and ensure alignment behind a shared vision for the sport’s future.

“To navigate both the challenges and opportunities ahead, we must continue to work closely and constructively together. Collaboration enables us to make informed decisions for players, supporters and the wider rugby ecosystem. It is the foundation on which we will build the next era of club rugby.

Club rugby is the beating heart of the game. The Club Conference reflects our collective commitment to strengthening these foundations, enhancing the experience for all involved, and ensuring our clubs and competitions continue to thrive.”

The programme highlighted a record-breaking 2024/25 EPCR season, celebrating both on- and off-pitch achievements during its landmark 30th anniversary year. Standout moments included 1.5 million fans attending matches in person – with more than 110,000 at the Finals Weekend in Cardiff – and an economic impact of over €50 million for the host city. The season also delivered record television audiences and a major surge in YouTube viewership, with more than 91 million viewers and a target of reaching 100 million this season. Additionally, two new partners joined the EPCR family: JAECOO and Groupe Apicil.

Investec also reflected on its second season as title partner of rugby’s biggest international club competition, taking a deep dive into the commercial landscape of sport and the opportunities within rugby. This was followed by insights from UK & Ireland broadcaster Premier Sports on its first year working with EPCR competitions, with both partners encouraging open discussion with the clubs.

Abey Mokgwatsane, Chief Marketing Officer at Investec said: “Investec really values being part of this club conference because it brings us closer to the federations that are running the clubs and that are driving the fan engagement, it brings us closer to the broadcasters and it brings us closer to the best practices that makes this competition what it is, which is the best club rugby competition in the world.

“Collaboration is important to make sure you can maintain your world-class credentials, we find that talking to people in different facets of this ecosytem, only enriches what we are able to do as a brand. It drives those partnerships for success.

“What Investec is really looking forward to this season is more fan engagement and more stories. We believe that club rugby is where legends are born. How we tell those stories and engage fans with those stories is something we really look forward to.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming season and beyond, EPCR reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic pillars: sustainability, innovation and expansion, alignment and knowledge-sharing, delivering brilliant rugby, and elevating the narrative of the sport.

Jacques Raynaud, EPCR CEO said: “We are now firmly progressing through EPCR’s long-term strategy, which has delivered record engagement and unprecedented sponsor interest – demonstrated most recently by our signing of Emirates at the level of Premium Partner as Official Airline Partner for the next five years.

“We’re also excited by innovations that fans can expect this season, including Italian-language commentary on EPCR TV for our growing Italian audience, a new in-house fan-friendly ticketing platform, updated TV graphics, and a refreshed digital gaming experience.

“Our focus remains on innovation, responsible growth, and creating long-term value for the entire rugby ecosystem.”

Throughout panel sessions and interactive workshops, attendees explored a range of priorities: commercial growth and financial sustainability, optimising competition formats, boosting stadium attendance, expanding broadcast and digital audiences, enhancing player welfare, and improving the fan experience through ongoing innovation.

Ian Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer at Munster Rugby – who won their first Champions Cup title 20 years ago in 2006, and their second in 2008 – said: “The club conference is really important. Firstly it’s great to have the review of last season and understand what we achieved. But more importantly, we have so little opportunity to engage with our peers and colleagues from the French league and the Premiership, so it’s a good opportunity to spend time together talking about the collective issues we all have to face.

“I don’t think anyone has any doubt about what the Investec Champions Cup means to Munster. It’s the thing that probably we’re best known for all around the world, especially the amazing away days when the Red Army show up. The amount of travelling support we have shows the importance our supporters attach to the competition. And for the players, you can really detect the change in the mood at our training ground when the Champions Cup rolls around.

“This year is the 20th anniversary of our first win and I know it will give an even greater incentive for the current squad and coaching staff to emulate what was achieved back in 2006 this season.

“The conference also showcased two remarkable club stories. Bath Rugby reflected on their historic treble last season and their promotion to the Investec Champions Cup, while Union Bordeaux Bègles celebrated their first-ever EPCR title.”

Jean Baptiste Machenaud, Deputy General Manager at Union Bordeaux Bègles said: “These two days allow us to meet our counterparts from different clubs and different countries, so we always learn from each of them and then prepare for this competition together. We know we’ll challenge each other on the field, but we also know we can collaborate off the field.

“The Investec Champions Cup is important to us. It allowed us to win our first title in UBB’s history. So today, we have stars on our logo, but we also have stars in our eyes when we talk about this competition.”

Tarquin MacDonald, Chief Executive at Bath Rugby said: “The club conference is extremely important. This is about working together to understand the impact we have with the competition and how through collaboration we can create more value for the club, the competition, sponsors and most importantly, the fans.

“It’s the pinnacle of the game, there is so much history and heritage bound up in the champions cup and the challenge cup, they are great competitions. Every player, every club wants to be crowned the best in Europe and I don’t think that will ever change.

“We kick-off with a really fantastic game against Munster. It’s one step at a time. if we can put on a great performance at home and come away with the win, we’ll see where we go from there.

“It’s been a privilege this season, and as we close the chapter on 2024/25 season, we open the chapter on 205/26 and who knows what that will bring.”

EPCR action returns with Round 1 from 5–7 December. As clubs make their final preparations, rivalries spark back to life and supporters gear up to cheer on their teams, the anticipation is already building for another unforgettable season.

Fans are also looking ahead to the EPCR Finals Weekend in Bilbao on 22–23 May 2026, the pinnacle of international club rugby. Demand has been exceptional, with over 50% of tickets already sold before the 2025/26 season has even begun.

Click HERE for all Investec Champions Cup fixtures.

Click HERE for all EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures.

Jurie Matthee knows what a big shadow the likes of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse and the departed Manie Libbok cast at the Cape Town club, but he is ready to make his own mark in the Stormers No 10 jersey.

He has racked up 52 points so far this season from two tries, ten penalties and six conversions to help the DHL Stormers win their opening five league matches.

The prolific fly-half will once again be a key man for the Cape Town-based outfit when they take on Munster Rugby in a top-of-the-table clash at Limerick’s Thomond Park on Saturday evening.

Last season, he was vying for the No 10 jersey with both Libbok and Feinberg-Mngomezulu. With the former having joined Japanese club Kintetsu Liners and the latter away on Test duty, Matthee has really grabbed his chance this term.

The 25-year-old says having worked with the two Springbok stars has really helped develop his own game.

“It’s an opportunity to measure yourself every single day against the guy that’s playing in front of you,” he said.

“You have the privilege of seeing your competition, knowing what they do. It’s quite cool.

“I learned a lot from Manie. The way he kicks the ball with both feet is quite incredible and there’s also his natural ability to go to space. The way he kicked is something specifically I learned from.

“I have been training with Sacha now for a couple of years and what he does on a rugby pitch is incredible.

“He has been playing amazing and is having a great run. He is playing good rugby and is obviously inspiring.

“I have learned a lot from those two guys.

“It’s a very privileged position to be in at the Stormers. You have all these world class players around you. There’s always something you can learn from them.”

As for his own international ambitions, the Western Province product says: “I want to play at the top level, that is my dream.’

“I want to get there, that’s where I want to go.

“How to get there is just playing a lot of rugby now over the next couple of years. You have got to play to become one of the better guys in our industry. It’s our currency.

“You can maybe put pressure on yourself, especially having dreams to play for the Springboks. But I think the best way to get there is just to express yourself and enjoy your rugby.

“I obviously want to get there, but for now it’s just about expressing yourself and getting confident in what you are doing and what decisions you are making as the game driver.”

With Feinberg-Mngomezulu lining up for South Africa against Wales in Cardiff this weekend, Matthee is set to continue as the playmaker for the table-topping Stormers against Munster in a battle between the two unbeaten sides in the league.

“It’s going to be almost Test match-like in wet conditions,” he said.

“I think we are well prepared for what’s ahead. It’s going to be a physical battle, but we are ready for it.

“It’s about getting the momentum right, ending up on the right side of the pitch and scoring points on the board.

“It’s an opportunity to play against quality players and measure yourself against them.

“But, whatever they bring, we will be looking to execute from our side and do what we’ve prepped for.”

The former Stellenbosch University student added: “It’s been a very good start to our season, five wins on the trot. We couldn’t be happier.

“It’s quite satisfying to get the results. You can’t complain too much.

“It’s been so fun implementing a game model that gets us over the line. Everybody has had smiles on their faces.

“Now it’s Thomond Park and we are ready for the conditions and ready to react to what we see and whatever the day brings.”

Sponsorships within South African rugby continue to flourish, with mobile phone giants Samsung the newest arrivals at South African rugby’s carnival of on-field and off-field success.

The partnership forms part of a wider agreement between Samsung and SA Rugby, creating a unified presence across the Vodacom URC in South Africa and the national teams. For the Vodacom URC, the collaboration brings world-class technology directly into the match-day and digital fan experience.

Samsung’s involvement will introduce a range of new touchpoints for supporters, both inside stadiums and online. Central to this will be Samsung’s flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which leads the partnership’s focus on AI-enhanced imaging and next-generation connectivity. The full Galaxy ecosystem including Galaxy S Series, Z Series, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Ring will also be integrated across activations to elevate how supporters capture and share their match-day moments.

A standout innovation will be Samsung’s AI-powered stadium crowd-cam, a world-first initiative that blends live match footage with fan-generated content in real time. Supporters’ reactions, celebrations and moments of passion will be captured and enhanced instantly, transforming the way fans become part of the Vodacom URC story.

Martin Anayi, CEO of the United Rugby Championship, said: “The South African teams have added immense strength, diversity and global interest to the Vodacom URC, and their success has deepened the connection between the competition and the South African rugby community. Partnerships like this one with Samsung are vital to that growth. Their investment in the Vodacom URC in South Africa reflects a shared belief in innovation, excellence and the power of technology to bring fans closer to the sport they love. We look forward to working with Samsung to continue building the profile of the Vodacom URC and enriching the fan experience across the region.”

Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa, said: “Through the power of Galaxy devices and Galaxy AI, we’re enabling fans to connect to rugby in ways that feel immediate, personal and deeply immersive. Samsung’s ecosystem brings supporters closer to the action, whether they’re in the stadium or watching from home, and our shared commitment to innovation and progress makes this partnership a natural fit with the Vodacom URC.”

Keo & Zels were as emphatic as the Boks scrum against Ireland that the STECO Power Play was every time the Boks packed down to scrum Ireland into the Aviva turf in Dublin.

STECO is all about power, precision, sustainability and quality, and Keo & Zels, on their Rugby Podcast, said every member of the Boks pack combined to make the collective that much more powerful than any individual effort.

They acknowledge the individual try-scoring genius of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the individual merits of Cobus Reinach, the relentlessness of Canan Moodie and the power of Damian de Allende.

But when it came to their weeks Springboks STECO Test moment, it was the Boks scrum that won the day, with the Boks feeding the scrum in 12 of the 16 scrums, and winning eight penalties on the 12 put ins. There were also more scrums on resets.

Ireland lost two players to yellow cards because of repeated scrum infringements and conceded a penalty try just before halftime to trail 19-7.

WORLD MEDIA REACTS TO POWER OF THE BOKS SCRUM

The general consensus, post the match, was that Ireland should have lost more players to the sin-bin for deliberate professional fouls at scrum time.

The Boks won 24-13; their first win at the Aviva Stadium during Rassie Erasmus’s eight years at the helm of the Springboks. It was also only the second time the Boks had played at the Aviva Stadium since Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber took charge of the Boks in 2018.

Ireland, who beat the Boks 13-8 in Pool Play at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, France, also beat the Boks 25-24 in Durban in 2024, a week after losing 27-20 to the hosts in Pretoria in the opening Test of the July internationals.

IRISH LOCK GETS SLAP ON WRIST FOR RED CARD OFFENCE

STECO IS GIVING YOU BACK YOUR POWER

The Powerful Bok scrum earns this week’s @STECO_Global #PowerPlay award! pic.twitter.com/5Cbpy9tHJt

SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) November 25, 2025

The world’s media lauded the dominance of the Springboks in Dublin against Ireland and were awed at the physicality of the world champions and No 1 team in the sport.

A summary of how the global rugby media reacted to the Springboks 24-13 win in Dublin.

The Boks scored four tries to one.

The Irish Times – Gerry Thornley

Thornley framed it as “the one that got away” for Ireland and a long-time-coming statement win for South Africa. He highlighted the Boks’ scrum dominance and physical edge, but also the surreal card chaos and inconsistency around Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s high shot versus the multiple Irish cards, leaving Ireland feeling hard done by while still acknowledging South Africa as clearly in control. The Irish Times

Irish Examiner – Simon Lewis

Lewis hit the same two big notes: Ireland’s “ill discipline” and the Springboks’ set-piece power. Ireland’s yellow-card avalanche and James Ryan’s 20-minute red created an unwinnable scenario against a pack as dominant as this Bok eight. He stressed that, even with 12 men, Ireland showed guts, but the champions were ruthless enough to end their Dublin drought. Irish Examiner

Sunday Independent (Ireland / Independent.ie cluster) – Edward Elliot & Indo Sport team

On the UK Independent (closely echoing the Indo line), Edward Elliot’s match report headlined the game as “cards, chaos and carnage” and said Ireland “paid a heavy price for ill-discipline” as South Africa ended a 13-year wait for an Aviva win. The coverage zeroed in on the five Irish cards, the decisive scrum penalty try, and Sacha’s solo effort that effectively killed the contest, while stressing that Ireland’s late fight only reduced the margin, not the gap. The Independent

On Independent.ie (Irish), the locked match piece – “Springboks’ scrum power proves unstoppable for Ireland after flurry of yellow cards” – is clearly framed around the same themes: scrum dominance, card carnage, and Boks in control. The Independent

Sunday Times (Ireland)

• Boks physically and tactically superior at scrum time,

• Ireland’s indiscipline fatal.

The Rugby Paper (UK) – John Fallon

Fallon’s match coverage in The Rugby Paper described a “scrum masterclass” from the Springboks and a self-inflicted implosion from Ireland. His tone was that of respect for Ireland’s resilience but little doubt about who was boss: the world champions used the set-piece to squeeze, strangle and finally break Ireland, leaving Farrell with more questions than answers two years out from 2027. The Rugby Paper

The Guardian – Brendan Fanning

Fanning’s Guardian match report ran under the headline “South Africa make heavy weather of victory over indisciplined Ireland”. He called it “a truly crazy event”, stressing how four Irish players were binned in the first half, Ryan’s card was upgraded to red, and the Boks only really converted their scrum supremacy when Ireland were down to 13. His core critique: a team this dominant at set piece should win far more comfortably – but they still reminded Ireland of the gap in power when it really mattered. The Guardian

The Telegraph (UK)

The Telegraph’s live coverage and write-up is trailed with the line that Ireland’s future questions “come to the boil” after a “plucky defeat” in which the scrum was “utterly dominant” in South Africa’s favour and Ireland were reduced to 12 men. From the available blurb, the angle is:

• Ireland’s card-fuelled collapse at the set piece,

• South Africa’s ruthless exploitation of that edge,

• and the uncomfortable question of whether Ireland are slipping behind the Boks again in raw physicality and depth. The Telegraph+1

French Rugby & European Press

L’Équipe (France)

L’Équipe’s live commentary and report framed it as a “demonstration de force” by the double world champions, noting that after conquering Paris and Rome this November, the Boks had now imposed themselves in Dublin as well. They highlighted:

• a monstrous scrum and maul,

• Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s class with ball in hand,

• and an Irish side that remained combative but simply couldn’t live with the Springboks’ power and pressure over 80. L’Équipe

Midi Olympique / Rugbyrama

Midol and Rugbyrama carried pieces and social posts casting the Boks as “seemingly invincible”, talking of South Africa “continuing their festival in the north” with another statement win. The tone is almost admiringly fatalistic: this Bok side, in French eyes, has turned Europe into its playground – Dublin now joining Paris and Marseille as venues where they impose their will.

New Zealand & Global

NZ Herald – AFP report

The Herald ran an AFP match report: South Africa’s first win in Dublin since 2012 after a 24–13 victory over an “ill-disciplined Ireland side that at one point was reduced to 12 men.” It underlined:

• tries by Willemse, Reinach and Feinberg-Mngomezulu plus a penalty try,

• Ireland’s courage in keeping the scoreline respectable,

• and the personal milestone for Rassie Erasmus finally winning at Lansdowne Road, something he hadn’t done even as Munster coach. NZ Herald

South African Print & Online

Rapport – Louis de Villiers (Netwerk24)

De Villiers’ column “Bok-stutte wys hul spiere in Dublin-orgie van kaarte” (“Bok props flex their muscles in a Dublin orgy of cards”) sums up Rapport’s mood. He revels in the Bok front row’s destruction of Ireland’s scrum and embraces the madness of the yellow-card storm, effectively arguing:

• chaos or not, this was a deeply satisfying, forward-dominated away win,

• and a reminder that in the trenches, the Boks remain unmatched. Netwerk24

Sunday Times (South Africa) – Mark Keohane

In the Sunday Times, Mark Keohane’s column “Boks shake off Irish monkey” (as flagged in SA Rugby Mag’s wrap) celebrates the end of the Dublin hoodoo. His core beats:

• Ireland were “brave”, but the Boks were “brutal”,

• the scrum and collision dominance finally aligned with the scoreboard,

• and Rassie’s world champions have reclaimed the psychological high ground in what’s now the sport’s premier rivalry. SA Rugby magazine

SA Rugby Magazine (sarugbymag.co.za)

SA Rugby Mag’s online coverage led with pieces like “Boks break Dublin deadlock” and “Boks crush ill-disciplined Ireland”, plus a deep-dive analysis referencing Keo’s pre-game call that the Boks would win by 11. The tone is unapologetically triumphant:

• Dublin “belonged to the Boks” for the first time in 13 years,

• Ireland’s aura at Lansdowne took a serious dent,

• and the win validated Rassie’s decision to go full strength and target this fixture as the unofficial World Cup rematch that 2023 never gave them. SA Rugby magazine+1

Rugby365

Rugby365’s match report (and sidebar pieces) emphasised that the Springboks “ended their Dublin drought despite chaotic scenes” – focusing on:

• the Boks’ dominance at scrum time and in the collisions,

• the unprecedented five Irish cards to one South African,

• and questions over Matthew Carley’s consistency, even while acknowledging that Ireland’s discipline invited trouble and the better team still won.

Planet Rugby

Planet Rugby’s early reaction came via their news and social channels: “Springboks too strong for ill-disciplined Ireland” and “five Irish cards in chaotic Dublin Test.” Their line is simple and punchy:

• South Africa bullied Ireland at the set-piece,

• ill-discipline wrecked any hope of a home win,

• and the result re-asserts the Boks as the team to beat heading towards 2027. Planet Rugby

RugbyPass 

RugbyPass ran player ratings and reaction pieces with the headline flavour of “Ireland player ratings after ruthless Springboks dismantle Andy Farrell’s men” and similar. The ratings hammered Ireland’s discipline and scrum, while giving big numbers to Malcolm Marx, Boan Venter, Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. The key RugbyPass take:

• this was a statement win from the Boks,

• Ireland’s supposed set-piece improvements were “exposed” under real pressure,

• and the contest showed there’s still a gap in depth and physicality between the sides. rugbypass.com

Keo.co.za – Mark Keohane 

On Keo.co.za and its AfricaPicks crossover piece, Keohane doubled down after calling Boks by 11 in the build-up. His reaction article, effectively a victory lap, framed the win as:

• Rassie’s Boks reasserting themselves as the sport’s true No 1,

• Ireland’s Lansdowne aura being shattered in 80 ugly, beautiful minutes,

• and confirmation that the rivalry is now tilted back towards South Africa, with Dublin no longer a graveyard but another green-and-gold hunting ground. SA Rugby magazine+1

Other Significant Angles

Several other outlets pushed similar themes that echo across your requested titles:

• ESPN (Tom Hamilton): “Cards, chaos and a challenge answered” – Boks reminded Ireland of the gap in a bruising win, ending a 13-year wait in Dublin. ESPN.com+1

• Daily Maverick (SA): “Springboks end Dublin drought against ill-disciplined Ireland” – very much in line with the Irish Examiner / ESPN story-arc. Daily Maverick

Quick Summary of the Global Mood

Across the spectrum – Irish, UK, French, Kiwi and South African:

• Everyone agrees the game was utterly chaotic: a once-in-a-decade card-fest.

• Irish writers strike a balance between feeling aggrieved at some decisions and admitting their side’s indiscipline and scrum issues cost them.

• Neutral & global outlets (ESPN, AFP/NZ Herald, L’Équipe) frame it as a clear, deserved Bok win driven by set-piece domination, against an Ireland who never quite folded but were outgunned.

• South African outlets are openly celebratory: the “Dublin curse” is gone, the rivalry is reset, and Rassie’s Boks have just walked into Ireland’s fortress and kicked the door down.

*Courtesy of ChatGPT 5.1 & all verified references

The All Blacks, France and England won the big three match-ups this weekend, outside of the heavyweight battle in Dublin between the Springboks and Ireland. The reaction was peculiar as France was roasted for scoring 48 points and Wales was complimented for only conceding 52. The rugby world has officially gone mad, writes Mark Keohane.

England are the next world champions, despite spending minutes 79 to 83 defending their line from defeat against Argentina, the Wales can only find positives in shipping 52 points and France were given a pounding for the way they played in scoring 48 points against the Wallabies.

Australia, for the first time in 70 years, could not win a match on their end of season tour, and, despite beating the British & Irish Lions in the third and final Test and shocking the Springboks with 38 unanswered points in a 38-22 win at Ellis Park in the opening match of the Castle Rugby Championship, they then won just two from their remaining 10 matches, beating the Pumas and beating Japan 19-15.

Their defeats were against the Springboks in Cape Town, the Pumas in Australia, the All Blacks, in Auckland and Perth, against England, Italy, Ireland and France.

Joe Schmidt’s two-year tenure ended with a 21 percent win record against the sport’s Top 10 ranked teams.

KEO ON THE BOKS WIN IN DUBLIN

All Blacks 52–26 Wales, Cardiff

New Zealand

• NZ Herald – Liam Napier
  Napier called it a “late flourish” that eases pressure but doesn’t rewrite a turbulent All Blacks year. The 52–26 looks emphatic, but his piece stresses that beating an 11th-ranked Wales side with two wins in 22 is “no barometer of world dominance,” even if seven tries and a strong bench finish restored some polish to the season. NZ Herald

• 1News (Patrick McKendry)
  Framed as a response performance after the Grand Slam dream died against England. McKendry talks about the All Blacks “turning on a late flourish” in Cardiff, turning a tight contest into a blowout and highlighting the wing combination of Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece as the difference once the game opened up. 1News

• Reuters
  The wire leads on Tom Rogers becoming the first Welshman to score a hat-trick against New Zealand – “heroics in vain” – as the All Blacks still run away 52–26 and stretch their streak to 34 straight wins over Wales. It notes the two Welsh yellow cards as the turning point and underlines how Japan’s win in Tbilisi locks Wales into 11th for the World Cup draw. Reuters

• RugbyPass – Wales player ratings
  RugbyPass is relatively kind on Wales: they “were very much in the match in the first half,” only trailing by three on 35 minutes, but physically overwhelmed when the All Blacks rolled their bench. Their line is that the scoreboard is ugly but there were genuine signs of life, with Rogers and Rees-Zammit getting strong write-ups. RugbyPass

UK & Welsh reaction

• The Guardian – match report & live
  The report (“Tom Rogers makes hat-trick history in vain…”) calls this a “spirited but ultimately unsuccessful” Welsh performance. Rogers’ hat-trick is framed as a symbol of a new, more ambitious Wales, but the piece is ruthless about the ill-discipline: two yellows in quick succession gave the All Blacks the space to run in three late tries and kill any notion of an upset. The Guardian+1

• The Independent – Harry Latham-Coyle / Luke Baker
  The Indy live says “a valiant Wales faded to a 52–26 defeat” and leans on the 72-year wait narrative – no win over New Zealand since 1953. They talk up the atmosphere, Rogers’ history-making hat-trick and another highlight-reel finish from Rees-Zammit, but ultimately file it under “encouraging but still a gulf in class.” The Independent

• Newstalk ZB / NZ Herald ‘World media reacts’
  That round-up pulls in WalesOnline’s line that this was “the first time in a long while they offered some hope,” and the Daily Telegraph’s description of Wales as “rather heroic in this defeat,” while still conceding that seven decades of All Black dominance is the cold reality. The overall tone: moral victory in effort, brutal reality on the scoreboard. newstalkzb.co.nz

• Planet Rugby – 5 takeaways
  Planet Rugby focuses on the All Blacks’ attack finally clicking, but labels one “dismal” facet – their defence still leaking soft points – as a concern heading into 2026, even on a night when they scored seven tries. Planet Rugby

Bottom line:
NZ media see it as a necessary but limited corrective to a messy year; Welsh and English writers talk about “hope” and “heroics in defeat” but everything is framed against the brutal 34-match losing streak.

France 48–33 Australia, Paris

French & neutral

• Reuters
  The wire sets it up as a high-tempo, chaotic Test where France’s attacking quality and bench power finally broke Australia in the last 20. Six French tries, Thomas Ramos running the show with boot and ball, but plenty of mention of French “indiscipline and defensive lapses” that kept the Wallabies in touch. Reuters

• RugbyPass – France player ratings
  RugbyPass calls the second-half a “joy to behold” and says the 48–33 win gives Fabien Galthié “breathing space heading into the new year.” It notes this is a third straight win over the Wallabies, with the backline – Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey, Ramos – getting the big scores in their ratings. RugbyPass

• SuperSport
  SuperSport describe it as a “lacklustre 48–33 win” that closes a “turgid” French autumn and quickly pivots to the return of Antoine Dupont and defending the Six Nations. The theme is: result good, performance still short of 2022–23 heights. SuperSport

Australian & Southern Hemisphere reaction

• The Australian
  Brutal. They call it “the worst European tour since 1958” and underline the milestone: a winless four-Test tour and a record 10 Test defeats in a calendar year. The piece laments the same recurring issues – discipline, lineout failures, late-game fatigue – while acknowledging bright sparks like Max Jorgensen and Fraser McReight. The Australian

• Rugby.com.au (Nathan Williamson)
  The official site tries to find the silver lining: “much-improved Wallabies fight but fall.” The attack structure and tempo under Joe Schmidt get praise, and there’s a sense that the 48–33 loss shows growth compared to earlier hidings… but the last-quarter fade, defensive lapses and basics still draw criticism. Rugby.com.au

• ABC News
  ABC goes heavy on the history – “historic Test loss” and “unwanted record” dominate the copy. The 10th defeat of 2025 and the first winless European tour in 67 years are presented as a line in the sand moment for Rugby Australia. ABC

• Rugby365 (via AAP)
  Rugby365 carry a wire piece headlined around “apologetic Wallabies.” Harry Wilson’s post-match apology to fans and insistence they will “be better” becomes the emotional hook, with the site framing it as a crestfallen but united squad at the end of a brutal 22-week, 15-Test slog. Rugby365

Bottom line:
France: relieved, talking about flair and depth but still concerned about discipline.
Australia: almost uniformly grim – lots of “effort” talk, but everything is filtered through record defeats, a winless tour and what it means for 2027.

Japan 25–23 Georgia, Tbilisi (last-minute win)

News wires & mainstream

• Reuters (carried by The Star, Straits Times, others)
  Reuters sets the scene: Georgia ahead late, then “ill-discipline let the Georgians down in the final minute” as Lee Seung-sin nails a last-kick penalty for a 25–23 win. The key angle is the World Rugby rankings shake-up – Japan up to 12th, Georgia down to 13th, and the result locking Japan and Wales into the second seeding band for the World Cup draw. Reuters+2The Star+2

• The Star (Malaysia)
  Runs the Reuters copy with extra emphasis on Georgia’s late penalty concession and Japan’s composure under pressure, calling Lee’s kick “a nerve-shredding winner” and framing the result as bigger for rankings than for the match itself. The Star

Rugby punditry & opinion

• RugbyPass – “Eddie Jones’ Japan raid fortress for vital win”
  RugbyPass goes much more tactical: Georgia’s early control through Tedo Abzhandadze off the tee, then Japan’s response via Dylan Riley’s try and 11 points from Lee before the chaotic finale. The narrative is “vital win” in a hostile Tbilisi, but also that Japan made it harder than it needed to be. RugbyPass

• AllThingsRugby – opinion
  That piece is almost grumpy in tone: “even a win… can’t wash over disappointing 2025 for the Brave Blossoms.” It notes Japan’s healthy 5–2 head-to-head over Georgia, argues that slipping behind them in the rankings earlier in the year was the real red flag, and suggests this escape shouldn’t distract from a flat season overall. All Things Rugby | Rugby Union

• Social media / rankings chatter
  Rugby analysts on X frame it as a huge rankings swing – “big result for Japan in Tbilisi” and specifically credit Seungsin Lee’s last-minute penalty for flipping Japan and Georgia on the ladder. X (formerly Twitter)

Bottom line:
Global wires treat it as a big rankings story and a World Cup draw subplot; rugby nerds see it as papering over cracks in Eddie’s Japan while cruelly punishing Georgian ill-discipline at home.

Scotland 56–0 Tonga, Edinburgh

Scottish & international media

• The Scottish Sun
  The Sun goes for the scoreboard: “Scots score EIGHT tries” to end a “tricky year.” They hammer Tonga’s discipline – four cards including a 20-minute red – and celebrate Duhan van der Merwe becoming Scotland’s all-time leading try-scorer. But even in a 56–0, they talk about “a lull” and inconsistency, and flag questions over Gregor Townsend’s future. The Scottish Sun

• ESPN
  ESPN echo the big themes: eight tries, Tonga “ill-disciplined”, van der Merwe back ahead of Darcy Graham in the try charts, and the game as a much-needed mood shift after a “disappointing autumn” that included blowing a 21–0 lead to Argentina. ESPN.com

• SuperSport
  SuperSport call it a “56-0 hammering” and emphasize Scotland rounding off the series by finally cashing in on their attacking structure. The angle is less on crisis and more on Scotland restoring some credibility after narrow and painful losses earlier in November. SuperSport

• RugbyPass – player ratings
  RugbyPass say Tonga “presented them a golden opportunity” to right the wrongs of that dire Argentina loss – and Scotland took it. Their ratings praise the physicality and tempo, with big marks for van der Merwe, Ashman and Horne, while noting that Scotland were “wasteful” during one long scoreless period despite the numerical advantage. RugbyPass

Player & camp reaction

• The Offside Line – Sione Tuipulotu interview
  Tuipulotu refuses to get carried away: he talks about “doing the talking on the pitch” rather than promising the world, and acknowledges that a 56–0 over Tonga doesn’t erase the frustration of the autumn. Rugby News from The Offside Line

• RugbyPass – Tuipulotu quoted again
  In a separate piece he’s even more blunt: “I’ll be honest” – he calls the series “frustrating” and says Scotland aren’t close to where they want to be, even with a big win and a record-breaking winger. RugbyPass

Bottom line:
Scoreboard says rout, and everyone notes Tonga’s discipline meltdown and Duhan’s record. Scottish voices, though, are almost defensive – this was a necessary reset, not proof that deeper issues are fixed.

England 27–23 Argentina, Twickenham (frantic finale)

English press

• The Times – live/Will Kelleher
  The Times’ live report paints it as a near-shambles turned salvage job. England race 17–0 ahead on Max Ojomoh’s home-debut brilliance and an Immanuel Feyi-Waboso finish, but then “invite pressure” with missed kicks, a clunky attack and discipline issues. Argentina storm back to 23–20 before Henry Slade’s try and a late George Ford penalty cling on for 27–23. The line is: unbeaten autumn intact, but attacking fluency and reliance on Ford’s boot remain concerns. The Times

• The Guardian – live blog/report
  Similar story in the Guardian: “England edged out Argentina 27–23” after conceding 20 unanswered points. They praise Ojomoh’s composure and Itoje’s defensive work, but note that England’s attack went into its shell once the initial strikes landed. The frantic finish – Argentina line-out inside the 22 in added time, fluffed – is described as a reminder that England are still learning how to close out big games. The Guardian

• The Times – preview ‘This is England’s World Cup final – don’t mess it up’
  The pre-match column framed this fixture as a psychological “final” after beating the All Blacks. The message: avoid the 2019 trap of emotional peak then post-All Blacks drop-off. In that context, today’s narrow win will be filed as job done, but only just. The Times

• The Guardian – Robert Kitson, ‘Beating Pumas could open pivotal chapter…’
  Kitson’s preview is all about 2027: he draws a line back to England v Argentina in 2000 as the seed of the 2003 champions, and suggests this Pumas clash could play a similar role. He notes Argentina’s recent scalps (All Blacks, B&I Lions) and argues that getting over the line – however scrappy – is a key staging post for Borthwick’s project. The Guardian

Pumas / Americas angle

• Americas Rugby News (preview)
  ARN’s guide talked up an Argentina side that has been “beating big teams all year” and pitched this as a 50-50 clash. That pre-game framing will only be reinforced by what actually happened: England hanging on and Argentina one clean line-out away from an historic Twickenham heist. Americas Rugby News

Bottom line:
English media: relieved, mildly critical, but happy to sell it as part of an 11-match hot streak and a 2027 build.
Neutral/Americas view: confirmation that Los Pumas are a genuine tier-one menace who nearly nicked another big scalp.

Quick snapshot of the weekend’s narratives

• All Blacks v Wales – Result expected, tone more nuanced: NZ press says “good, not great; flaws remain.” Welsh/UK press cling to signs of progress beneath a 34-match losing streak.

• France v Australia – Scoreline fun, post-match mood split: France happy enough but still scratching heads; Australian media basically stage an intervention about a historically bad year.

• Japan v Georgia – One kick that changes rankings, seeds and headlines. Japan get their result; pundits warn it can’t mask a flat 2025, while Georgia are left ruing one moment of ill-discipline.

• Scotland v Tonga – Score looks like a statement, Scottish voices treat it as damage control and a reset rather than proof of arrival.

• England v Argentina – Perfect autumn on paper, scratchy reality on the pitch. England bank the win; everyone else files it under “Pumas are coming” heading to 2027.

• Africa Picks: Our Boks call gives you the cash
• Sourced by ChatGPT 5 and verified by Keo.co.za – the ultimate weekend wrap

The Boks won by 11 points in Dublin, and the No 11 is often called a “master number” in numerology, and is thought to represent intuition, insight, and enlightenment. Add power and brutality and you have a summary of what happened at the Aviva Stadium against Ireland on Saturday night, writes Mark Keohane.

This was an assault.

If it was a boxing match, Ireland would have been counted out by the referee at halftime.

In rugby terms, this was not going to happen as the Irish spirits refused to yield to a knock out and the referee, deducting points throughout, refused to send Ireland to the corner on a TKO.

There can be no complaints in Dublin or anywhere in Ireland. The hosts were beaten up physically, lost by four tries to one, and should have finished the game in single player figures.

Ireland’s James Ryan should have had a straight red card and not the kindness of bunker review on his awfully malicious and cheap off the ball clenaout on the head of Boks hooker – and World Rugby Player of the Year – Malcolm Marx.

The record books will show the Irish got one bunker red and four yellow cards and the Boks got one. The Boks’ yellow card, in the 78th minute, was for celebrating a turnover. WTF!

It was an interesting call, to say the least, but the Boks refused to yield and kept Ireland scoreless in the last two minutes, when every call went Ireland’s way.

So much in Dublin has been made of Rassie Erasmus’s Golden Generation of Springboks never having won in Dublin between their RWC title wins in 2019 and 2023, which included a 2-1 home series win against the British & Irish Lions in 2021, with all three Tests played in Cape Town behind closed doors.

The Boks, back to back World Cup winners in 2019 and 2023, back to back Castle Rugby Championship winners in 2024 and 2025, Lions series winners in 2021, have also won in Italy, in Argentina, in Scotland, in Australia, in New Zealand, in Wales, in England at the Allianz in Twickenham, in Japan in the 2019 WRC and in France in the 2023 RWC.

The only country Erasmus’s boys had not won was in Dublin, courtesy of a three point defeat (19-16) in 2022.

Ireland, who have never advanced beyond a RWC quarter-final in 10 tournaments, held onto the Dublin win as justification as to why they should be considered the best team in the world.

That all ended on Saturday night and now Ireland’s claim to being the world’s best is to win the RWC, which would mean making history in going beyond the last eight in Australia in 2027.

Ireland has nothing left in bragging rights when it comes to the Boks, and they have a long wait until they meet the Boks in Dublin in November in 2026 in the inaugural Nations Championship.

For those South Africans working and living in Dublin, enjoy the next 12 months.

HOW KEO CALLED THE BOKS WIN ON AFRICA PICKS

The scoreline of 24-13 was kind to Ireland and the rugby gods were generous in allowing Ireland to leave the Aviva with scoreline respectability, even if the state of play should have read 30-plus points, and not the 11 differential.

The Irish were brave and they ripped up the law book to defend their try line. Their scrum was humiliated and on another night they may have ended up with no forwards on the field.

They will cry foul for the cards, but every single one was justified and there were more that should have gone against them.

They played for damage control and the Boks played to bury the hyped talked about ghosts of the Aviva.

The Boks won at the Aviva for the first time in 13 years, but it may be 13 years before Ireland ever threatens the Boks at the Aviva, such was the one-sided nature of the contest.

Ireland, when they review the match tape, will wonder how they did not concede 40-plus points, and the Boks, once the beers and brandy have settled, will wonder how they did not score 40-plus points.

For South Africa, the score will not matter, just the fact that Dublin was downed, not as smoothly as a Guinness, but with the brutality these boys put away a double brandy.

Boks by 10- plus 1.

KEO & ZELS INSISTED BOKS WOULD WIN IN SAYING RASSIE’S COWBOYS WOULD GUN DOWN IRELAND 

READ SA RUGBY MAG DIGITAL FOR ALL REACTION TO THE BOKS 24-13 WIN v IRELAND IN DUBLIN

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the playmaker the Springboks have not had at No 10 in their last four Tests against an Ireland team, who have found a way to win in three of those matches, writes Mark Keohane.

For all the dominance of the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus and for five of those years, from 2019 to 2023 Jacques Nienaber and Erasmus, Ireland is the one team that has matched the Boks minute for minute, try for try and big moment after big moment.

Respect is due to the Irish because they are the one side that has no inferiority complex when it comes to Erasmus’s all-conquering back to back World Cup winners and back to back Castle Rugby Championship winners.

Erasmus and Nienaber only played one Test against Ireland in Dublin since returning from Munster, Ireland to coach the Boks in 2018.

It was in 2022 and Ireland won 19-16.

A year later, at the Stade de France in Paris, Ireland won 13-8 and the teams drew a two-test series in South Africa in 2024, with the Boks winning 27-20 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and losing with the final kick of the game 25-24 in Durban.

Those four Tests are the only historical relevance to Saturday’s match-up in Dublin because the core of the players remain from 2022, on both sides, as does the coaching leadership.

Erasmus, after the win in Pretoria, said the squad felt they had got ‘a monkey off our backs’ in beating Ireland, but Dublin, even though it has only been over one Test and 80 minutes in 2022, sits more like a Gorilla on the backs of the Boks than a Monkey.

Earlier this season the Boks stumbled at Eden Park in Auckland, losing 24-17 to the All Blacks, having found themselves 14-0 down within the opening 10 minutes. It was a massive disappointment for the squad as there was such belief they could be the history-makers to end the All Blacks unbeaten run at 50 Tests at Eden Park; a run that now sits at 52.

Dublin carries a similar kind of mission. Win there and then this squad, many of whom are into their eight International season together, would have conquered every team in their own respective backyards.

Ireland, who won 19 in succession at the Aviva Stadium before losing to the All Blacks in 2024, also got whipped by France in the Six Nations last season.

For the most the Aviva has proved a fortress and the respect of the occasion, from both sides, is emphasised by how little click bait headlines there has been in the build-up.

It has been the most dignified of days, with Erasmus heaping praise on Ireland and Irish coach Andy Farrell being as flattering of the Boks in response.

Players on both sides have said little and those who have spoken at media conferences have talked up the magnitude of the occasion and the virtues of their opposition.

The Boks, like Ireland, have said they have to be at their best to win.

Even the dark world of social media has been more an ocean of calm and reverence.

Ireland’s faithful can simply state three wins from four, one in Dublin, one in Paris and one in Durban when backing their side, while the Boks supporters comeback is to remind Irish fans of the 2023 World Cup, the 2019 World Cup, the 2007 World Cup and the 1995 World Cup, all won by the Springboks.

Statistically, half a point separates the two teams over the four Test matches, with Ireland’s 19.25 edging the Boks 18.75. In four matches, Ireland has scored 77 points to South Africa’s 75 and seven tries to six.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was among the substitutes in Pretoria and Durban and if the Boks are to win in Dublin, he needs to be starting at No 10.

Pollard, who kicked eight penalties in Durban, also started at No 10 in Pretoria, while Damian Willemse started at No 10 in Dublin 2022 and Manie Libbok started at No 10 in Paris in 2023. In both those defeats, the missed penalties and conversions proved costly for the Boks.

Ireland have earned the right to be favourites in Dublin, even though the bookies have the Boks as favourites.

AFRICA PICKS: PREDICT THE SCORE IN DUBLIN AND WIN WITH THE BOKS

Springboks World Cup winners Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Pollard, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi have all been part of those match day squads who have come second in three of the four match-ups.

Those are some power names and among the best to have ever played for the Springboks. They are also among the best in the world.

WHY KEO IS BACKING THE BOKS

There will be another opportunity in Dublin in 2026 when the Boks play a league match against Ireland in the inaugural Nations Championship, but for some of the big name veterans, this may be their last hurrah to get that elusive win in Dublin.

KEO & ZELS: RASSIE ON RED ALERT FOR DUBLIN DELIGHTS

SA RUGBY MAG: IRELAND HAVE THE BOKS NUMBER

Ireland 19 Springboks 16
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 2022
Ireland held of a late charge by the Boks to underline their status as the No 1-ranked team in world rugby. In a tight game featuring two tries apiece, the Boks missed seven points off the kicking tee which proved crucial in the end.

Stade de France, Paris, 2023
A truly thunderous affair which lit the torch paper on the 2023 World Cup. The game was played before a crowd of over 78,000. It was epic. It was brutal. And it ended in a third consecutive win for the Irish over their southern hemisphere rivals. It was also Ireland’s 28th win out of their last 30 matches.

South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Wiese. Subs: Fourie, Nche, Nyakane, Kleyn, Snyman, Van Staden, Smith, Reinach.

Ireland: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Kelleher, Furlong, Ryan, Beirne, O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris. Subs: Sheehan, Bealham, Kilcoyne, Henderson, Baird, Murray, Crowley, Henshaw.

Springboks 27 Ireland 20
Loftus Versveld, Pretoria, 2024
Part of an incoming two-Test tour, the Springboks managed to bag a first win against Ireland since 2016. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted afterwards that it felt great to finally get the win as “they really had our number”. Still, it was a tight contest decided on a couple of marginal calls involving the TMO. The Boks showed early season rustiness against an Ireland team who a few months earlier had claimed another Six Nations crown but managed to hold out for an important victory.

South Africa: W le Roux; C Kolbe J Kriel, D de Allende KL Arendse; H Pollard, F de Klerk; O Nche, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, F Mostert; S Kolisi (capt), PS du Toit, K Smith. Subs: M Marx, G Steenekamp, V Koch, S Moerat, RG Snyman, M van Staden, G Williams, S Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Sin-bin: Arendse, 73

Ireland: J Osborne; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, C Casey; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; T Beirne, J McCarthy; P O’Mahony (capt), J van der Flier, C Doris. Subs: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, C Murray, C Frawley, G Ringrose.

Sin-bin: Kelleher, 78

Springboks 24 Ireland 25
King’s Park, Durban, 2024
An absolute humdinger which was decided by a last-minute drop goal by Ciaran Frawley. The win saw the series spoils shared and was a fitting way to celebrate Ireland coach Andy Farrell’s 50th match in charge. A flawless Handre Pollard slotted eight penalties to peg back Ireland, but two late Frawley drop goals proved decisive. The first one on 70 minutes got Ireland to within two, and then the final crushing blow right on the hooter to give Ireland another win in the latest instalment of an epic rivalry.

Like Rassie Erasmus, the boys are at peace with the fact the Boks will be a man down in Dublin long before half time.

It was a moment of wing wizardry from Canan Moodie, combined with the pace and precision of Grant Williams that made for the STECO Power Play against Italy in Turin.

Moodie, starting in the Springboks No 13 jersey, found himself on the left wing and he turned on the Moodie charm in turning Italian winger Louis Lynagh inside out, beating him with pace on the outside and then throwing a glorious inside pass to the advancing Grant Williams.

The Boks scrum half, introduced in the last quarter, is said to be the quickest player in the Boks squad. He also played two matches on the wing in the 2023 World Cup. Williams, once the pass had been gathered, was lethal in finish. He stepped a few players and accelerated for the try of the match.

Keo & Zels, in their Monday podcast, rated this combination try as their STECO Power Play of the Test match, won 32-14 by the Springboks.

AFRICA PICKS: BETTING LESSONS FROM THE WEEKEND’S INTERNATIONALS

MOODIE ON BOKS WIN

There’s no stopping Canan Moodie and Grant Williams 😮‍💨

📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/w9ypBhWTAt

Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 15, 2025

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.

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*This article appeared in the Sunday Times