Author: Springbokfans

Steven Kitshoff is a South African loosehead prop, born in 1993, and one of the finest scrummagers in world rugby. He was central to South Africa’s 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squads, regularly deployed as the spearhead of Rassie Erasmus’s feared Bomb Squad bench. Kitshoff has earned over 80 Test caps for the Springboks…

Lood de Jager is a South African lock, born in 1993, and one of the most accomplished lineout operators in world rugby. He was a key figure in South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad before suffering a serious shoulder injury that interrupted his career. He has earned over 65 Test caps for the Springboks…

Japan defeated South Africa 34-32 at the Amex Stadium in Brighton on 19 September 2015, in the greatest upset in Rugby World Cup history. Karne Hesketh scored the winning try with the very last play of the game as Japan chose to run for the corner rather than kick for a draw. The result, known…

François Steyn is a South African utility back, born in 1987, who earned over 60 Test caps and is one of the few players to appear in two Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok squads — in 2007 and 2019. He is famous for his extraordinary long-range kicking ability, most memorably a stunning penalty from close to…

Damian de Allende is a South African centre, born in 1992, renowned for his ferocious ball-carrying, hard-edged defence, and ability to create space for teammates. He was a central figure in South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and has earned over 75 Test caps for the Springboks. His physicality and consistency have made him…

Rassie Erasmus is South Africa’s Director of Rugby and the architect of back-to-back World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, making South Africa the first nation to win four Rugby World Cup titles. Born in 1972, he played as a flanker for the Springboks before becoming the most innovative and successful coach in the sport’s…

Handré Pollard scored all 12 of South Africa’s points in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, kicking four penalties with supreme composure. New Zealand scored a try and added penalties to reach 11 points, but South Africa held on to win 12-11 in the tightest final in World Cup history. It was the defining performance…

South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, played at the Stade de France in Paris on 28 October 2023. It was the tightest final in World Cup history, with Handré Pollard kicking four penalties to score all 12 Springbok points. The victory made South Africa the first nation to…

South Africa lead the all-time Test series against England with 26 wins from 43 Tests, with England winning 15 and 2 Tests drawn. The Springboks have been particularly dominant in recent years, including a nervy 16-15 semifinal victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. South Africa hold the edge both home and away…