New Zealand made a big statement in a World Cup year following their 35-20 win over South Africa in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Junior Springbok head coach Bafana Nhleko praised his South African U20 squad's effort on Friday when they outplayed England to win the bronze final of the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championships, with France taking the title for a third successive time by beating Ireland in the final.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and hooker Bongi Mbonambi made it clear on Friday that they expected a massive battle against the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday in the second round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but they said they were ready for the challenge.
Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth look set to play against New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on Saturday despite the death of his father.
The Junior Boks are excited and keen to deliver a performance that will leave a legacy for the 2023 team when they face England at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town in the World Rugby U20 Championship third place playoff on Friday.
The father of Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth has passed away ahead of South Africa's Rugby Championship encounter against New Zealand on Saturday.
Springbok scrum-half Faf de Klerk has warned his side to be fully focused when they face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on Saturday.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has made five changes to his starting line up to face the Springboks in their upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
South Africa loose forward Kwagga Smith says he is expecting an "epic" battle against New Zealand in their next Castle Lager Rugby Championship at the Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Damian Markus will earn a first start for the Junior Springboks against England on Friday, while SA U20 head coach Bafana Nhleko was also forced to make a few changes due to injuries for their World Rugby U20 Championship third place playoff at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.