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Japan beat South Africa 34–32 at the Brighton Community Stadium on 19 September 2015, in what is universally regarded as the greatest upset in rugby history. Japan trailed 29–32 deep into injury time before wing Karne Hesketh scored in the corner to complete a stunning comeback. The match has been known ever since as the…

South Africa have never lost to Italy in Test rugby, winning all their meetings since their first encounter in 1995 — approximately 17 Tests as of 2024 (the previously cited figure of 14 is outdated). Italy have yet to register a single win against the Springboks, making it one of the most one-sided records between…

South Africa lead the all-time test series against Ireland 24–13 with 1 draw, from their first meeting in 1906. Ireland enjoyed their strongest-ever run against the Springboks during the 2016–2023 era, winning several consecutive tests and climbing to world number one, but South Africa’s overall dominance in the series remains intact. The two teams have…

South Africa beat New Zealand 15–12 in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, played on 24 June at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. The match was level at 12–12 at full time before Joel Stransky kicked a drop goal in extra time to seal South Africa’s first World Cup title. Stransky scored all 15 of South Africa’s…

Malcolm Marx is a South African hooker widely regarded as one of the best in the world, combining destructive ball-carrying with reliable lineout throwing and ferocious defence. He has earned over 60 caps for the Springboks since his debut in 2016 and was a key member of the squads that won the Rugby World Cup…

Willie le Roux is a South African fullback who earned over 80 caps for the Springboks and was a key member of their 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squads. Renowned for his attacking instincts, composure under pressure and ability to create danger from deep, he has been one of the most consistent Springbok backs…

Schalk Burger was a South African flanker who earned 86 caps for the Springboks between 2003 and 2015. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2004 and was a key member of South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning squad. Known for his ferocious defending, explosive ball-carrying and relentless physicality, he was one…

Francois Pienaar captained South Africa to their first Rugby World Cup title in 1995, leading the Springboks through one of sport’s most celebrated and politically resonant triumphs. He earned 29 caps for South Africa and is immortalised by the image of President Nelson Mandela — wearing the number 6 jersey — presenting him with the…

Joost van der Westhuizen was a South African scrumhalf who earned 89 caps for the Springboks and scored 38 test tries, making him one of the most prolific try-scorers ever to play the position. An electric runner and fierce competitor, he was a defining figure in South Africa’s 1995 Rugby World Cup victory at home.…

Morne Steyn is a South African fly-half who earned over 70 caps for the Springboks and is immortalised by two identical, heartbreaking moments for the British & Irish Lions. In 2009 he kicked a long-range penalty in the final minutes of the series decider to seal a 2–1 series win, then in 2021 he came…