South Africa Rugby

Stories about the South African rugby team

Australia left licking their wounds after mauling by the Springboks

Joe Schmidt must somehow rebuild his young squad’s shattered confidence as they brace themselves for the second Test against South Africa this weekend at Perth's Optus Stadium

Matt Williams: Joe Schmidt’s biggest problem in Australia stems from the Kiwis who came before him

New trial laws in the Rugby Championship could make the sport more entertaining

Wallabies face true test of rediscovered mettle against heavy-hitters South Africa

Australia have made a bright start to coach Joe Schmidt’s reign but will learn more about their standing in two Tests against the Springboks

By the numbers: the key questions facing Ireland after dramatic South African tour

Who can make up for Dan Sheehan’s lost impact? Do Ireland need to adapt their possession-based attack? Where are the props?

The Counter Ruck end-of-season special!

The Counter Ruck Podcast

Gerry Thornley: Ireland win in South Africa a reminder that Andy Farrell is a true original

Ireland’s victory over Springboks in Durban after a long season was fitting reward for an authentic coach

Owen Doyle: Brutal and compelling Test was great to watch – but who’d want to play it?

South Africa v Ireland: In their reimagining of the game, it’s very doubtful that this is what World Rugby have in mind

Ireland v South Africa: ‘When you get a win like that it makes your summer. It’s not an exaggeration’

Ireland stalwart James Ryan salutes the impact of Ireland’s last-gasp victory over world champions South Africa courtesy of a magical moment from Ciarán Frawley

Five things we learned from Ireland’s victory over South Africa

A confidence to back themselves was evident as the game counted down to Frawley’s kick

‘It was the best of times ... but became the worst’: How the South African media reacted to Ireland’s win

Hero Ciarán Frawley talks about the ‘ugliest drop goal’ of his life

South Africa 24 Ireland 25 - Frawley’s drop goal hands Ireland a famous victory

Leinster outhalf strikes with the last kick of the game to level the Test series in Durban

Ireland need to tap into their usual standards of energy and accuracy

All forms of kicking against South Africa needs to be precise, and it needs to be well thought out

Jack Crowley impresses early on in his journey to becoming Ireland’s go-to man

The outhalf has plenty of room for improvement but has already shown enough qualities to mitigate the loss of Johnny Sexton

Pieter-Steph du Toit, the battling Bok who keeps putting his body on the line

Inspired by his grandfather, the South African flanker says he’s living his dream - and aims to add a series win over Ireland to his two Rugby World Cup medals

How South Africa’s new attack can inspire Ireland to click back into gear

Ireland used to be a team renowned for their wide attacking threat - South Africa took that mantle last weekend

Ireland v South Africa showcased a rugby loophole that is a sure-fire recipe for injury

Ireland and South Africa's second Test may show further evidence that Springboks are getting better and rugby is still not as safe as it should be

South Africa vs Ireland: Caelan Doris named captain as Peter O’Mahony drops to bench

Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Conor Murray and Rónan Kelleher all come into the starting XV for the second Test

Rassie Erasmus names unchanged side and expects another tight clash with Ireland

Team that will line out in Durban will be the most experienced starting line-up in Springbok history

Ireland summon Heffernan and Doak as Sheehan and Casey are ruled out of second South Africa Test

Conor Murray says there are ‘plenty of positives’ from the first Test, and they are not walking around ‘with our heads down’

Talking points around Springboks victory focus on television match official

‘It’s fine margins,so they have to be very clear. It’s a big Test match so you’d rather have one replay too many than two too little’

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