The Springboks will be without powerhouse No 8 Jasper Wiese for a significant chunk of the upcoming season after he was hit with a six-match ban for foul play.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was pleased with the foundation laid at the national team's second in-person alignment in Cape Town on Wednesday and Thursday.
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa has spoken out against the alleged nepotism at the South African Rugby Union (SARU), reminding SA sports federations about ethical leadership.
The Springboks will kick off their second in-person alignment camp in Cape Town on Wednesday, a month before their opening clash of the season against Wales.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander says the latest internal audit of SARU's transformation goals paints a picture of a sport tracking firmly in the right direction.
A late try from Springbok star Damian de Allende sent Saitama Wild Knights into the Japan Rugby League One final with a 20-17 win over Yokohama Canon Eagles on Saturday.