Top dogs deliver on emotional weekend for SA rugby
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a closer look at the South African franchises' performance in the opening round of the European tournaments.
OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a closer look at the South African franchises' performance in the opening round of the European tournaments.
SUNDAY WRAP: Record six-time winners Toulouse survived an early red card to edge Exeter 43-40 in the Champions Cup on Sunday before Northampton beat Cardiff 28-12 to end the English wait for a win on the opening weekend of the competition.
Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen has praised La Rochelle and the rugby community for their incredible support following Hyron Andrews’ death, saying their compassion showed what rugby stands for.
REACTION: The ability to retain their composure, despite being down to 13 men, allowed the Stormers to blow English Premiership outfit Bristol Bears away at the weekend.
WRAP: Marcus Smith shrugged off a first half sin bin to help Harlequins to a 57-19 bonus point win over Vannes in Pool Three of the European Challenge Cup.
REACTION: Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has praised the progress 20-year-old Cheswill Jooste has made since stepping up to senior rugby.
REACTION: The Sharks produced a remarkable finish in France on Saturday, with Litelihle Bester’s try after the final hooter securing a 40-33 Challenge Cup win over Lyon.
OPINION: Australia's 21-43 Bledisloe Cup defeat to New Zealand in Sydney again showed that context should be added to their win over South Africa and that rugby's greatest rivals remain the main contenders one year out from Rugby World Cup 2027.
READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Challenge Cup Round One encounter between Aviron Bayonnais and the Cheetahs at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne.
The Cheetahs fought back to lead Bayonne but fell to a narrow 29-27 defeat in a thrilling Challenge Cup clash in France.
MATCH REPORT: A huge first 50 minutes set up the Eagle women to hold on for an impressive but also too-close-for-comfort 36-27 win over Italy in Mansfield, Texas.
REACTION: New Zealand coach Dave Rennie hailed his team's "character and courage" after two decisive victories over Australia put their 3-1 series defeat to world champions South Africa in the rearview mirror.