Analysis
Autumn Nations Series
How England's 'Pom Squad' are catching up with the Springboks
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Contributors
Jon Cardinelli
@jon_cardinelli
Jon is an award-winning writer and editor who specialises in long-form features and analyses. He was the Chief Rugby Writer at SA Rugby magazine between 2013 and 2020, and now contributes to Daily Maverick, RugbyPassPlus, Rugby World, and The42 on a regular basis.
67 Articles
Latest
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8
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Analysis
How the Springboks’ No 10 options will keep the All Blacks guessing
With three strong fly-half contenders, the Springboks' unpredictability makes life harder for their Rugby Championship opponents.
Jon Cardinelli
10 Aug 2025, 9:23
60
Analysis
Springboks in need of a rebuild with prop stocks depleted
Rassie Erasmus accepts that the old order in the front row has to change as a raft of call-up for the 2025 Tests show
Jon Cardinelli
25 Jun 2025, 0:00
16
Opinion
Opportunity knocks for 'new warriors' in Springboks squad
Juarno Augustus and Marnus van der Merwe could be the breakout Boks in 2025 as Rassie Erasmus layers yet more depth upon on his So…
Jon Cardinelli
20 May 2025, 2:05
9
Analysis
How the Springboks are looking east for a World Cup three-peat
A growing number of South African stars plying their trade in Japan - or returning home - could help Rassie Erasmus achieve the un…
Jon Cardinelli
19 Mar 2025, 2:27
Analysis
The Springbok selection experiment is far from over
Rassie Erasmus has named an extended alignment camp which shows the Springboks intend to freshen up an ageing squad
Jon Cardinelli
27 Feb 2025, 7:44
64
Analysis
Why the Boks are the kings of clutch...and Ireland aren’t far off
The ability of South Africa and Ireland to out-score teams in the final quarter shows why they ahead of the rest.
Jon Cardinelli
08 Nov 2024, 3:19
6
Exclusive
How Aphelele Fassi found the freedom to fly
The gifted full-back has refined his rough edges and is thriving from working with a reborn Springbok backline
Jon Cardinelli
13 Oct 2024, 2:10
2
Analysis
Why Rassie Erasmus should cull some Boks veterans for 2027
The South African kingpin knows he must rejuvenate his squad, but which ageing warriors will be cut loose?
Jon Cardinelli
19 Sep 2024, 4:54
14
Analysis
Rassie Erasmus and his 'B' teams continue to divide and conquer
The Springbok mastermind has built vast depth and his bold selection policy often pays off.
Jon Cardinelli
25 Aug 2024, 12:14
24
Analysis
How can Rassie Erasmus evolve his deadly Bomb Squad?
The Springbok supremo is exploring ways to develop his power-laden bench further.
Jon Cardinelli
11 Jul 2024, 4:07
9
Analysis
How the Springboks may deploy young guns in mid-year Tests
Rassie Erasmus has fitness concerns over key players but a wealth of options to blood against Wales and Ireland
Jon Cardinelli
16 Jun 2024, 3:45
8
Analysis
Who will play No 10 for the Springboks against Wales?
With several established stars set to be unavailable, opportunity knocks for a newcomer to steer the Springboks.
Jon Cardinelli
16 May 2024, 11:43
2
Interview
Kwagga Smith: 'My work-rate rather than my size will define me'
Raised on a farm, Kwagga Smith's attributes and impact regularly see him top South Africa's 'battle-stats' in big matches.
Jon Cardinelli
29 Apr 2024, 6:46
2
Opinion
Sacrifice for silverware: The pros and cons of South Africa’s treble ambition
Ireland boast a better win percentage but Rassie Erasmus would prefer losses between World Cups if he can lift the Webb Ellis Cup
Jon Cardinelli
02 Apr 2024, 4:55
76
Analysis
Bok to the future
New-look South Africa will be more than bomb squads and box kicks as they chase a three-peat.
Jon Cardinelli
04 Mar 2024, 7:07
16
Analysis
Box-office coaching hires show the scale of South Africa's ambition
Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery are statement recruits by Rassie Erasmus' Springboks
Jon Cardinelli
14 Feb 2024, 3:10
44
Analysis
Much-maligned Willie Le Roux has a lot more to give
The wily full-back has his critics, but even at 34, his influence burns as bright as ever.
Jon Cardinelli
25 Jan 2024, 2:03
6
Opinion
South African teams confront club v country conflict in never-ending season
The four franchises may struggle to realise their potential until the global calendar is restructured.
Jon Cardinelli
11 Jan 2024, 1:00
11
Exclusive
Handre Pollard: 'Manie has made such a positive impact for the Boks'
The South African double-World Cup winner believes his injury-enforced lay-offs have given him the mental toughness to succeed
Jon Cardinelli
04 Dec 2023, 9:54
18
Exclusive
How South Africa's Bomb Squad waged war on the rugby world
The Springboks' back-to-back World Cup victories were built on iron set-piece foundations
Jon Cardinelli
23 Nov 2023, 6:11
21