All News

Australia will focus on improving their scrums ahead of their Rugby Championship showdown with South African next week.

The First Division will resume on Friday following seven rounds of matches in June and July, which served as the Qualifier for the Currie Cup.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) is to change its name to World Rugby, the global governing body for the sport announced Thursday.

Andrew Hore is returning to the game, at first-class level, after cutting his retirement short to join the Southland Stags.

The Rugby Championship has a bye but provincial competitions in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and the professional competitions in France race ahead. And everywhere there are highly trained referees doing their best.

Jaco Taute has been named in the WP midfield for their upcoming clash against the Bulls as he looks to evolve his game.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies and Brumbies back Pat McCabe regards himself as 'extremely fortunate', despite being forced to quit the game.

BREAKING NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union have made a dramatic about-turn on its foreign policy, with the introduction of 'flexible contracts'.

INTERVIEW: The Pumas are determined to prove they belong among the premier teams in South Africa when they take on the Sharks.

Waikato fullback Albert Nikoro kicks a massive 59-metre penalty goal.

Stephen Moore will Captain the Brumbies in 2015 after coach Stephen Larkham unveiled his new skipper on Wednesday.

OPNION: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at what may simply be beyond the capability of a single human being.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has been forced to reshuffle his backline ahead of the visit by the Sharks to Nelspruit on Friday.

The Sharks team shows just a couple of changes for their trip to Nelspruit this week and a Friday date with the Pumas.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has defended the special treatment given to serial code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams.

Griquas were able to name an unchanged starting XV for their central-unions Currie Cup derby with the Free State Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Cheetahs have opted to look internally to solve their second row crisis.

Tournament organisers are confident a brewing row between the RFU and Premiership clubs won't overshadow next year's World Cup.

BREAKING NEWS: Wallaby back Pat McCabe has retired from the game after fracturing his neck for a third time.

Assistant coach Paul Anthony has defended the way the Sharks have continued to play the same kicking game.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup-winning Bok Kobus Wiese speaks to rugby365 about his concerns, following SA's opening Rugby Championship matches.

BREAKING NEWS: Australia turned to 22-year-old Western Force centre Kyle Godwin as they look to turn their Rugby Championship campaign around.

It's almost the end of the rugby season for schools in South Africa. There are fewer matches and then most of them are in the old Cape Province - friendly matches of school against school for fun, friendship and honour, not for trophies.

Queen’s College and Dale College did battle against one another, in an FNB Classic Clash, on Saturday 23 August in Queenstown. The 173rd match between these proud Border Schools was a thriller.

Nathan Sharpe has warned the wounded Australians that they will have to 'blow up' the Springbok's rolling mauls if they are to be competitive.

The Kings have announced their team to take on the Lions on Saturday with no captain named while Luke Watson sits out with a concussion.

Michael Hooper was named as the Waratahs Players’ Player of the Year, for the second year running in the club's annual awards evening on Tuesday.

English Premiership clubs are threatening to play through the World Cup next year unless are compensated over 140 million Pounds.

A number of Seven regulars have missed out on the beginning of the Springboks Sevens training as they remain occupied with Currie Cup duty.

Alastair Kellock will lead Glasgow Warriors for the 2014/15 season after being named club captain for the ninth year in a row.

There are far fewer matches this week but still some interesting enough for changes to be made.

French Top 14 side Castres have parachuted in Western Force's Chris Tuatara-Morrison on a three month deal as cover for the injured Sitiveni Sivivatu.

BREAKING NEWS: Tournament hosts England will have an additional advantage, as they bid to win the 2015 World Cup.

The FNB Classic Clash between Cambridge and Hudson Park was indeed a close encounter of great tension, which Cambridge won 17-15 on Saturday.

They both entertain and often take centre stage ... one in Rugby Union and the other Hollywood.

NORTH-SOUTH DERBY: Western Province will never disrespect or underestimate any Blue Bulls team, no matter how much they are struggling.

To play Dan Carter or Aaron Cruden? It should be an easy question to answer. However, it is a rather tricky poser for All Black coach Steve Hansen.

In a Premier Interschools match at Agter-Paarl the home side, Boland Landbou, beat Oakdale of Riversdale 13-6 on Saturday.

Another week, and another spirited performance from SACS, but the mighty Paarl Boys’ High sealed a comfortable 30-9 win.

BREAKING NEWS: Victor Matfield is over his injury problems and will rejoin the Springbok squad when they get together for their Australasian tour. 

Hilton College have decided that, starting in 2015 and for 'for the foreseeable future' they will not be playing rugby against Glenwood.

NEWS: Centre Michael van der Spuy is the only injury worry for Western Province, ahead of Saturday's away meeting against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.

In a surprise semifinal of Die Burger's schools competition, the Wolramme pulled a surprise in beating the Kwaggas 17-10. That decides the finalists for the Big Schools.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings' prospected of ending their Currie Cup losing streak was dealt another cruel blow on Monday.

Former Australian captain James Horwill will return to action after a seven week lay-off when he runs out for Brisbane City in the NRC.  

Western Province have laid down the marker as the team to beat after overcoming the Lions - for the Cape boys it means big representation

OPINION: Many reputations were destroyed in Auckland and Salta, many others were enhanced. It was a weekend of big statements.

Ewen McKenzie has no more excuses with regards to a selection policy that has seen him let down in many aspects

In an FNB Classic Clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday, Grey College, ranked No.1 on the FNB top 20, beat Paul Roos, ranked No.2, 25-20. Grey College stay top.

BREAKING NEWS: The Blue Bulls received a timely boost ahead of their big north-south derby, a Currie Cup encounter with Western Province.

There were no real surprises in the Currie Cup this round with all the matches going as expected.

The Springboks were dealt another blow to their struggling scrum with replacement tighthead prop Frans Malherbe fracturing his ankle.

Vir die sesde keer vanaf 2009 het Framesby vir Nico Malan van Humansdorp gewen, hierdie keer 25-10 in Port Elizabeth.

Is this the most spectacular fail ever? ABBA must be cringing at the sound of this.

Hoërskool Brackenfell and Hoërskool Tygerberg met in an FNB Classic Clash at Brackenfell on Saturday and played to a 22-all draw.

OPINION: In a weekend of close calls for Springbok and Sharks fans, the demand for explanations has been met with the cliches of 'character building'

The NZRU suspended all pre-match fireworks, as authorities investigate an accident before the weekend's All Blacks versus Wallabies Test.

The All Blacks said they had relaxed their rules to clear the way for super code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams to slot straight back into the team.

The Eastern Province Kings will be looking to avenge the demolishing defeat they suffered at the hands of the Lions recently.

COACH'S VIEW: Blue Bulls mentor Frans Ludeke believes their 30-25 victory over the EP Kings at the weekend was the perfect remedy to their woes.

REACTION: Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan was in a generous mood, despite his team's heartbreak Currie Cup loss to the Sharks.

FROM THE COACH'S BOX: Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson said his second-half changes helped the team retain their unbeaten run.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann knows exactly where things went wrong for his team at the weekend.

COACH'S VIEW: Western Province coach Allister Coetzee feels star loose forward Nizaam Carr is in desperate need of some down time.

French and European champions Toulon went on a nine-try rampage at the weekend in a 60-19 mauling of promoted La Rochelle.

Australian media were unanimous in their description of the All Blacks' dominant performance against the Wallabies in Eden at the weekend - it was a "massacre".

The third round of the NPC will be boosted with the presence of 10 All Blacks.

Wallaby captain Michael Hooper vowed that Australia would bounce back from their thrashing by the All Blacks at the weekend.

Saturday it seems was the day of really close encounters.

INJURY UPDATE: Australian wing Pat McCabe's long history of neck injuries had another chapter added to the sad saga.

BREAKING NEWS: New Zealand paid a dear price for their impressive 51-20 demolition of Australia in Auckland at the weekend.

REACTION: Argentina captain Agustin Creevy bemoaned the fact that his team did not have the nous and fortitude to close out the game against SA.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Springbok captain Jean de Villiers praised the impact made by the South African replacements in Salta at the weekend.

OPINION: You can use any number of clichés - the great escape, get-out-of-jail free, etc. Take your pick.

OPINION: Take bow Argentina. You have arrived on the Rugby Championship stage as a real contender, not just a pretender.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa produced a powerful final quarter to sneak a fortuitous 33-31 win over Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

REPORT: The Sharks recorded a dramatic 19-16 win over the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday to go to second place on the Currie Cup standings.

REPORT: The England Under-18 team on Saturday handed the South African Schools side their first defeat in four years.

REPORT: Western Province overtook the Golden Lions at the top of the Currie Cup standings, after a 27-14 win in a thrilling encounter on Saturday.

The Blue Bulls were made to work hard for their first win against the Kings in a scrappy game at Loftus on Saturday, coming out 30-25 victors.

Toulouse clinched a four-try, bonus-point 35-6 win over Castres to make it two wins in two outings of the new French Top 14 season.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Both All Black coach Steve Hansen and the defeated Wallabies praised the skill of the World Cup holders Saturday.

Former Lions captain Josh Strauss will lead out the Glasgow Warriors against the Harlequins in a pre-season match at Scotstoun.

In what is one of the great upsets in recent NPC history, Northland have rewritten the history books with a 35-5 victory over Wellington

OPINION: The Wallabies arrived at Eden Park in Auckland with hope and desire. They left the stadium a demoralised bunch.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie may be hurting following their 33-15 loss to the Pumas but was happy with the intensity his side showed.

It may have been a game of two halves but Jimmy Stonehouse is ecstatic that his scrum was able to suck the life out of the Griquas

OPINION: The Wallabies were swamped by an All Black wave of Tsunami-like proportions at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

New Zealand rugby is claiming its second referee apology in a week, with Craig Joubert admitting he was wrong in ruling the late Waratahs penalty in the Super Rugby Final.

The All Blacks have silenced their critics by blowing away the Wallabies 51-20 in Auckland on Saturday.

Jean de Villiers has said that he is hoping that his team can dominate in the forwards like they are used to ahead of Saturday's game.

In a hard-fought battle in Nelspruit it was the Pumas who were able to absorb pressure and turn the tide to beat the Griquas 33-15 on Firday.

The All Blacks and Wallabies accepted a challenge issued by Springbok great Joost van der Westhuizen, to take an "ice bucket challenge".

Jacques Kallis and Martin Corry went head-to-head in a cross-code challenge!

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has been forced to withdraw young flyhalf Jaco van der Walt from his side to face WP in their Currie Cup clash.

Outeniqua High lock Eduard Zandberg will lead the SA Schools team in the final match of the Under-18 Series against England in Stellenbosch.

In a season that has had its ups and downs Queens captain Avela Jubase is hoping the lessons learnt will mean a strong finish when they face off against Dale.

Dale have been the surprise package of the Eastern Cape this year with captain Sibusiso Ngcokovane proud of his team for pulling off a number of unexpected victories.

Kabous Voges has plenty of experience behind him having played 40 games for the First team, but even as an old head, he is still excited about the upcoming Classic Clash.  

WRAP: The defending NPC Premiership champions, Canterbury, recorded their second straight bonus point victory to shoot top of the table.

Cambridge captain Lusanda Badiyana is hoping to lead his team to repeat their feat of beating Hudson Park earlier this season when the two schools meet in an upcoming FNB Classic Clash.

There will be no underestimating Brackenfell this weekend fromTygerberg's captain as his team knows that in a Classic Clash, everything will be thrown at them.

Argentina and South Africa have been buoyed by the weather forecast, as they prepare for a Rugby Championship second-round match.

Hudson Park captain Piwe Mdyesha is expecting a tough encounter when he leads his charges into battle against Cambridge in an FNB Classic Clash.

The All Blacks and Wallabies sought pre-match talks with referee Romain Poite on Friday, ahead of their highly anticipated return Rugby Championship Test.

rugby365 EXCLUSIVE: We have another weekend of wall-to-wall action - Rugby Championship and Currie Cup drama!

FEATURE: rugby365 puts Argentina centre Marcelo Bosch in the spotlight ahead of their first Rugby Championship home match of the season.

Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu says South Africa deserves to have a Springbok team representative of its rainbow nation.

For their FNB Classic Clash on 23 August 2014, Nick Malan go up from Humansdorp to take on Framesby. Both are schools enthusiastic about rugby.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: It has been 28 long years since Australia last won at Auckland's Eden Park. That is a very long time between drinks.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: It could be a tough visit for South Africa, when they face Argentina in Salta on Saturday. Paul Dobson previews the match.

On Saturday 23 August, Cambridge High School will be hosting the First National Bank sponsored Classic Clash against Hudson Park. This will be the fourth year that First National Bank will be sponsoring this fixture. Last year, Hudson Park hosted the match.

Irish international flyhalf Jonathan Sexton is closing in on a new four-year contract with French Top 14 side Racing Metro.

The Currie Cup is into the full swing of things with many teams already pushing for the trophy while others are looking to survive.

INTERVIEW: It is not panic stations yet, but some drastic changes were required to bring about a positive change in the Bulls' fortunes.

Go to Argentina when the Springboks are there and see the obvious Argentinian affection for them. A little bit of history tells you why this is so. To rugby Argentina South Africa has been a generous uncle.

A more composed Graeme ran out victors 21-14 in Muir’s final fixture for the 2014 season. Hosts Graeme narrowly led 10-7 at the break.

Paul Roos captain Michael Meyer will be hoping to lead his charges to victory in a tough encounter against Grey College in Bloemfontein.

PLAYER INTERVIEW: The boyish smile on the face of Juan Hugo Smith masked the trauma that he endured in the past four years.

Grey captain Alex Jonker feels honoured to be playing in, and hosting, an FNB Classic Clash against Paul Roos as he knows their opponents are a tough outfit.

In three semifinal matches three finalists were decided for Die Burger's annual competition for 1st XVs in the southern part of South Africa, its distribution area.

It may not be panic stations just yet, but Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludele made some dramatic alterations to his winless team.

It started 123 years ago and continues this year with the FNB Classic Clash in Queenstown on Saturday when Dale College come up to Queen's College. It is as pure and enthusiastic a schools' encounter as you will meet anywhere.

BREAKING NEWS: SARU appointed an attorney to examine allegations of attempts to fix the result of matches in Boland club leagues.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has named a revamped loose trio in the side to take on Western Province in a top-of-the-table Currie Cup match.

Matt Stevens, a British and Irish Lions and England prop, will make his first Currie Cup start for the Sharks against the Free State Cheetahs.

The defending champion Sharks may be unbeaten after two rounds, but they are looking to become a lot more clinical in the Currie Cup competition.

Two strong Northern Suburbs teams, Hoërskool Tygerberg and Hoërskool Brackenfell, meet at Brackenfell on Saturday in an Interschools which the older Tygerberg has tended to dominate. Not that that will diminish the enthusiasm for the occasion.

This is it. This is the big one, the one that will grab the interest of the national - 1 vs 2 in an FNB Classic Clash. Yes, on Saturday Grey College will play Paul Roos Gymnasium in Bloemfontein.

Argentina have made two changes to the starting team for the return Rugby Championship match against South Africa in Salta Saturday.

All Black coach Steve Hansen said referee Jaco Peyper admitted to him that he made a series of blunders during last week's Test draw with Australia.

The Springboks made three changes to the starting XV, with two effecting the line-outs - which already appeared weak in Pretoria.

The All Blacks have made three changes for the Test against the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday including a start for Ryan Crotty.  

At Botanics in Graaff-Reinet on Saturday Union High played Hoër Volkskool in an FNB Classic Clash. For the second year in a  row the match ended in a draw which probably pleased Union High more than their neighbours.

BREAKING NEWS: Juan Smith will complete a remarkable return to the Test arena when he runs out for the Springboks against Argentina in Salta.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia's tight forwards are determined to silence critics who still take pot-shots at their much-maligned scrum.

The Springboks on Tuesday honoured the life of young Argentinean rugby player Mateo Uriburu.  

SF Niewoudt has signed with the Kings, but his focus is on leading Framesby in their FNB Classic Clash against Nico Malan.

In a bid to add more grunt up front, the Eastern Province Kings coach Carlos Spencer has made four changes to the pack for Saturday's match.

On Saturday  Hoër Landbouskool Boland near Paarl will have its 21st annual Interschool meeting with Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale near Riversdale.  The 1st XV match is a Premier Interschools match and so will be televised live.

The Cheetahs were forced into making numerous changes for their Currie Cup crunch encounter with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

The new brand of Western Province rugby has got Demetri Catrakilis excited as he looks to become the team's attacking provider.

Following a career threatening knee injury, Sharks wing Tonderai Chavhanga is aiming to make the most of his second chance.

Wales prop Adam Jones pointed to the stalemate between the WRU and the Welsh regions as the reason behind his decision to leave the Ospreys.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's top-of-the-log Currie Cup clash with the Golden Lions at Newlands.

South Africa will be confronted by 20,000-odd hostile Argentineans when they arrive at the Estadio Padre Ernesto Martearena in Salta on Saturday.

The Griquas have included former Golden Lions midfielder Gideon le Grange on their bench against the Pumas, after he returned to SA from Treviso.

Former Stormers scrumhalf Dylon Frylinck could make his Currie Cup debut for the Pumas on Friday after being included on the home side's bench.

The Italy Under-19 side which beat the South Western Districts XV 38-21 at Outeniqua Park in George was unrecognisable from the side beaten 45-12 in Cape Town by a Western Province XV on Friday.

We have eight sets of results from schools matches this week as the season dribbles to an end though there are still big matches to come, including several Interschools.

Franklin Eland, one of last week's Test-ticket winners, shares with us the experience.

Veteran World Cup-winning All Black lock Brad Thorn will play for English Premiership giants Leicester Tigers, Richard Cockerill announced on Tuesday.

Welsh prop Adam Jones has advised Ospreys Rugby that he will not be re-signing and instead has signed a contract with rivals Cardiff Blues.

By half-time at Outeniqua Park in George SA Schools were leading Wales 26-3 and at the final whistle won 40-15 after a dreary second half.

Blue Bulls prop Dean Greyling was suspended for one week after he was found guilty of foul play in their Currie Cup match against the Golden Lions.  

The Springboks have landed in Argentina with no injury concerns, but Meyer will be forced to ponder the likes of fit-again Pat Lambie and Juan Smith.

VIDEO: Former Springbok coach Ian MacIntosh and World Cup-winning former Bok hooker Gary Botha share their views.

Although he may not have been heavily involved with the Shark's Super Rugby campaign Jacques Botes is feeling Jake White's influence in the Currie Cup.

Wales Under-18 play SA Schools at Outeniqua Park in George on Tuesday. Coach Allan Lewis has made changes.

Scotland wing Lee Jones has made his loan move to Glasgow Warriors Edinburgh permanant asfter signing a new one-year deal with the club.

There are changes at the top this week after stability there for some time as the season nears the end. 

EXCLUSIVE: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann spoke to Jan de Koning about a change in captain ahead of this week's big game.

The EP Kings have had to delay their team announcment with a bout of flu tearing through the camp after Luke Watson was withdrawn from Saturday's match because of the illness.

Western Province's evolution has started reaching all aspects of their game with Allister Coetzee starting to see dividends from his training park 'Red Sessions'.

It is the second round of The Rugby Championship and SANZAR will be hoping for much better weather than was experienced in Sydney and Pretoria in the first round.

With Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino likely to miss Saturday's clash Andrew Mehrtens has tipped Australia to break their Eden Park jinx.

In an attempt to overcome the All Blacks, the Wallabies have named an unchanged 23-man line-up for Saturday’s second Rugby Championship Test.

After a marathon trip of 22 hours the Springboks arrived in Buenos Aires, determined to produce an improved performance.

With the absence of South African prop Schalk Ferreira Toulouse have called o the services of Tongan international Kisi Pulu.

Western Province, for the first time in almost two seasons, came away from a match without an injury following their 41-17 win over the Blue Bulls on Saturday.  

The Eastern Province Kings will be without the services of their Springbok prop CJ van der Linde when they head to Pretoria this week.

This week there are the semifinals of Die Burger's rugby competition for schools.

The Schools selectors have retained only two players and made a further two positional changes for the team’s second outing.

OPINION: It would seem that selecting from just four teams would make things easy. Not so for the rugby365 selectors, who had a tough Monday.

With a couple of mighty impressive performances it is unsurprising to see the Lions and Western Province so well represented in rugby365's team of the week.

Lyon's South African prop Wian Du Preez and French flank Pierrick Gunther were both due to undergo operations on Monday.

England international James Haskell has extended his contract with the London Wasps and will captain the team this season.

IN THE NEWS: The New Zealand media is an unforgiving animal, pouncing at the very first sight of a potential weakness.

The Cheetahs have paid the price for a bruising win against the Griquas on Saturday with Luan de Bruin, Elgar Watts and Johannes Prinsloo injured.

Grey PE saw off a late Selborne comeback to win a tense FNB Classic Clash 20-18 in East London on Saturday.

Queen’s College travelled to East London to do battle against Cambridge in East London. The hosts, who have had an impressive run, would have fancied their chances against Queen’s but it was not to be in this tightly contested affair, which Queen's won 34-7.

Two men of Glenwood have been called on to respond to distress signals from national teams.

Australia will continue to look for try-scoring opportunities, but using the boot to win matches is becoming an increasingly more prominent option.

England were crowned champions after beating first-time finalists Canada 21-9 in an enthralling Women's World Cup 2014 title decider.

BREAKING NEWS: The embattled Blue Bulls have been dealt a double blow, with two key players ruled out for at least the next month.

There has been plenty of activity in the rugby365 SuperBru pool after Round 2!

The Kings will be left scratching their heads on how to improve after suffering back-to-back defeats in the opening two rounds of the Currie Cup.

England ended a run of three straight final defeats with a 21-9 victory over Canada to be crowned women's World Cup champions on Sunday.

OPNION: After a wet and slushy arm-wrestle against the Argentineans at Loftus this past Saturday, two things - or rather people - stood out.

Grey College showed why they are the top-ranked team in South Africa this year when they beat Maritzburg College 46-20 in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.

Hosts Rondebosch Boys’ High School scored with two minutes remaining to beat the South African College High School (SACS) 28-22. The match was played in warm and sunny conditions and although the match had an exciting end both teams would not have been happy with their skills levels on the day.

At Brug Street in Paarl, the home team had to withstand a huge onslaught in the first half before subduing a committed Tygerberg 36-14 on Saturday.

The Bulls have been on the recieving end of two large defeats in the early stages of the Currie Cup, leaving left Frans Ludeke with a lot of problems to fix.

Western Province have put their blistering start to the Currie Cup campaign down to their ability to turn defense into attack in a blink on an eye.  

The Griquas will have a hollow feeling after coming from behind to pressure the Cheetahs in their 27-34 defeat to the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.  

The Cheetahs seem to be slowly shaking off the early season jitters after overcoming a spirited Griquas team 34-27 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.  

Late though it may be in the season, there were still some mighty matches, including three involving international teams at City Park in Cape Town.

FROM THE BOK CAMP: It may not have been pretty and it was a close call, but SA showed their ability to adapt to conditions and still come out winners.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Argentina are looking to Salta next week to exact revenge against South Africa in Round Two of the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies' task of retrieving the Bledisloe Cup has become even tougher after drawing their opening match with the All Blacks in Sydney.

The Manawatu Turbos defeated Northland 28-23 to open their NPC campaign, a victory that comes with the extra cherry of being on the road.

England flyhalf Toby Flood made a memorable Top 14 debut for Toulouse, scoring all their points in a 20-19 victory over Oyonnax.

New Zealand were counting the cost of their drawn Rugby Championship opener against Australia and could be without three key players next week.

REACTION: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper believes he made the right call at the right time, despite it costing his team a likely victory.

REACTION: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on Saturday said he was very pleased with a tough 13-6 win over Argentina in Pretoria.

REACTION: The All Blacks missed out on a world record winning streak, but it is injuries - not the record - that concern them most.

OPINION: They may not have got the win but, the Argentineans will be happy to pick up the bonus point away from home against the South Africans.

OPINION: A lot will be said about the weather, but in the end a win is a win and the Springboks will be happy with a victorious start.

South Africa got their Rugby Championship campaign off to a winning start by beating Argentina 13-6 in a scrappy encounter in Pretoria on Saturday.

The All Blacks missed out on a world record winning streak when they were held to a 12-all draw by the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship opener.

The Cheetahs survived a late scare from the Griquas who scored two tries in the final 10 minutes but still fell short 34-27.

The Golden Lions cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup table with a nine-try (60-19) rout of the Eastern Province Kings at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Western Province ran riot to keep their 100 percent Currie Cup record intact, beating the Blue Bulls 41-17 at Newlands on Saturday.

The Wallabies showed plenty of character to fight back in wet conditions in Sydney, but had to settle for a 12-12 draw with the All Blacks.

BEAKING NEWS: Lions captain Warren Whitely has been called up to the Springbok squad in place of Willem Alberts.

A 12-12 draw with the Wallabies in Sydney saw the All Blacks fall short of claiming the outright record for consecutive Tier One Test victories.

REPORT: Australia denied New Zealand a world record when they held them to a 12-all draw in a wet and dreary Sydney on Saturday.

Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson lauded his side's second-half showing in their 34-17 Currie Cup win over the Pumas in Durban on Friday.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse felt his team were beaten by themselves, rather than the Sharks in Friday's 17-34 Currie Cup loss in Durban.

The NPC defending Premiership champions Canterbury put together a near complete performance in beating Auckland 48-9 in Christchurch on Saturday.

Defending champions Toulon began life after Jonny Wilkinson with a battling 29-15 victory at Bayonne on the opening day of the new Top 14 season.

A penalty two minutes into injury time gave England Under-18 a 24-21 win over Wales Under-18 at City Park in Cape Town on a windy Friday afternoon after Wales had seemed on the way to victory.

A Western Province XV played Italy Under-19 at City Park in Cape Town  and beat them 45-12 on Friday afternoon.

The Sharks, coming from behind and scoring 21 points in the final quarter, recorded a 34-17 win over the Pumas in their Currie Cup encounter on Friday.

REPORT: South African Schools beat France Under-18 by 28-13 in a scrappy match at windy City Park in Cape Town on Friday.

On loan Stormers' wing Sailosi Tagicakibau has left the London Irish after nine years at the Madejski Stadium.

It will not be easy to go from Parow to Paarl and take on the power of Paarl Boys' High, one of the best rugby sides in South Africa.

The selection of Handre Pollard on his inside and Damian de Allende on his outside is providing the Springbok captain with a reason to get excited.

Amy Perrett of Australia has been appointed to referee the Final of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Paris on Saturday.

FEATURE: rugby365 puts Argentina fullback Joaquín Tuculet in the spotlight ahead of his his first Rugby Championship match.

The Cheetahs are still without two of their star performers in the front row but that has not stopped coach Rory Duncan from focusing that as a strength.

We have a clip of one of the greatest tries ever scored in a women's World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Kings coach Carlos Spencer is an open book, ensuring the Lions know exactly what to expect when the two sides meet Saturday.

Tongan international Steve Mafi has left the Leicester Tigers to join the Western Force after representing Australia at Under-20 and schoolboy level.

Newlands Stadium in Cape Town has all but run out of time to comply with safety standards that were put in place in 2011.

England Under-18 have named their side to take on Wales in the opening game of their tour to South Africa at City Park, Cape Town.

The Wallabies say they will target rookie centre Malakai Fekitoa as they set out to end 11 years of Bledisloe Cup misery against the All Blacks.

Glenwood’s Jaco Coetzee has been selected to captain the SA Schools team for 2014 against France, Wales and England.

Clermont can avenge last season's European Cup semifinal mauling at the hands of Saracens when the two sides clash in the opening round.

New Zealand suffered a late setback, with All Black centre Conrad Smith having pulled out of this weekend's Rugby Championship opener against Australia.

Paul Dobson runs the rule over the Rugby Championship Test between South Africa and Argentina at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

World Cup holders New Zealand are chasing a record-breaking 18th consecutive win, while Australia want to end their Bledisloe Cup misery.

Maritzburg College go up to Bloemfontein to take on Grey College, a daunting task though not too daunting to the brave men from the land of Zulu warriors. But the fact is that Grey College are daunting opponents no matter who you are.

In some cases again we find one school dominate the other. The divide between schools seems to be getting wider.

EXCLUSIVE: The gold medal in his possession says he is a winner. Now Cornal Hendricks hopes to transfer his Sevens form onto the 15-a-side stage.

There is a huge feast of rugby on this weekend with the Currie Cup and Rugby Championship all playing out on Friday and Saturday.

Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado has been drafted into the France elite squad of 30 for the upcoming season, in preparation for the 2015 World Cup.

Round Two of the Currie Cup should see some of the rust and jitters falling, away as the teams start to look for some dominance.

Selborne have exceeded expectations this season, and captain Tango Balikile hopes to cap it all off with a win over Grey High this weekend.

TRANS-TASMAN WAR: The mind-games, ahead of Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney on Saturday, kicked off in a big way on Thursday.

The Golden Lions received a bulletin of good news on Thursday when it was revealed that star flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff may still feature this season.

Erwin Ittershagen-Strauss will be happy to be leading an extremely experienced team out against Union High in their Classic Clash on Saturday.

FEATURE: Last year Santiago González Iglesias thought his days as a member of Argentina's elite squad was numbered when he missed the June cut.

It may not have been the best season for Joshua Harpur and the boys from union high, but the captain is determined to make things right come the weekend

Allister Coetzee has been forced to rethink his No.2 selection after Tiaan Liebenberg  and Siyabonga Ntubeni were ruled out on Monday and Tuesday respectively.  

The Final has been decided with Canada and England set to contest for the trophy after coming through two very different semifinals

Jonathan Francke was found not guilty at a disciplinary hearing of executing a dangerous tackle in the Currie Cup match between the Griquas and Sharks

England scored a major coup by signing Tom Tombleson from Super Rugby champions the Waratahs as strength and conditioning coach.

Johan Ackermann has largely stuck to his guns with the only change for the Lions against the Kings coming at flyhalf with Marnitz Boshoff out injured.

BREAKING NEWS: Argentine coach Daniel Hourcade named three rookies in his team to face South Africa in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

The Pumas are preparing themselves for a pacey backline threat and a physical force in the forwards when they head to Durban to face the Sharks.

Canada will face England in the final of Women's World Cup on Sunday at the Stade Jean Bouin after they enjoyed contrasting semifinal victories in the French capital.

A win at Goldstone's is always special, even if it is by a point as Glenwood did in their 21-20 victory over Maritzburg College on Saturday.

New Springbok centre Damian de Allende is the perfect fit for the type of outside centre that South African coach Heyneke Meyer wants.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie has opted for a traditional split of five forwards and three backs on the bench, for the Rugby Championship season-opener.

NEWS: New Zealand received a timely boost ahead of their opening Rugby Championships and Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia on Saturday.

FEATURE: Brutal is the word most associated with big north-south derbies, but 'expansive' could be the biggest menace at Newlands on Saturday.

Volkskool and Union High are neighbours in Graaff-Reinet who meet in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday in the Jewel of the Karroo, Graaff-Reinet, a lovely down amidst mountains.

COACH'S VIEW: A change in management and mindset means Argentina will pose a difficult challenge for the Springboks on Saturday.

Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan welcomes back his two experienced players for a Currie Cup encounter against the Griquas.

For an FNB Classic Clash between top teams Grey High go up the coast from Port Elizabeth meet Selborne College in East London.

Russia will look to post a convincing victory over Uruguay in the first leg of their 2015 World Cup play-off in Siberia.

Scarlets confirmed that the region's new assistant coach Wayne Pivac will take over the reins as head coach in West Wales.

Wales captain Sam Warburton is set to miss Cardiff's pre-season friendly as a result of the long-running dispute between the WRU and the regional sides.

rugby365 brings you some interesting statistics and facts about the Springboks!

BREAKING NEWS: Despite the dark cloud of fraud allegations hanging over his head, Jurie Roux has been re-appointed as SARU CEO.

The French Top 14 competition gets underway this coming weekend and, as usual, there has been plenty of player movement in the off-season.

All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu is to miss three-and-a-half-months of the forthcoming season after undergoing a shoulder operation.

On Saturday Langenhoven Gimnasium will wander down the glorious Robinson pass with stunning views over the bay and with aloes to form a guard of honour on their way from Oudtshoorn to Van Riebeeck Stadium for their interschools, and FNB Classic Clash, with Hoërskool Punt.

Toulon open the defence of their Top 14 crown against Bayonne, with a sprinkling of foreign talent making up for the absence of Jonny Wilkinson and Joe van Niekerk.

INTERVIEW: Injuries and disciplinary hearings disrupted the Griquas' build-up as they look to bounce back from a first-round Currie Cup loss.

Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson named discarded Springbok Patrick Lambie on the bench for his Currie Cup Round Two encounter with the Pumas.

BREAKING NEWS: Damian de Allende will make his Springbok debut when South Africa open their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina.

Port Natal Skool received an invitation to be part of the inaugural Clifton College Sevens tournament that took place at Riverside Sports grounds on Saturday.

NEWS: Stand-out New Zealand Under-20 player Damian McKenzie has signed with the Chiefs Super Rugby team for the next three years.

Grey High skipper Johann van Niekerk has urged his team to make the most of their FNB Classic Clash with Selborne this weekend.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at an incident that caused some consternation where it should not have - a try by Pumas against the the Cheetahs.

INTERVIEW: Sharks fullback SP Marais admits he is suffering a dip in form, attributing it to a loss of confidence when he lost his place in the team.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke wasted no time to name fit-again flank Jacques du Plessis in his starting line-up to face Western Province.

It was Struisiedag in Oudtshoorn when Hoërskool Outeniqua came to the ostrich capital of the world to play Hoërskool Oudtshoorn in an FNB Classic Clash and won 59-10.

IN THE NEWS: SARU Chief Executive Jurie Roux has formally been implicated in allegations of fraud at the University of Stellenbosch.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse opted for continuity in selections for Friday's Currie Cup Round Two encounter with the Sharks in Durban.

The Under-18 teams of England, France, Wales have arrived in South Africa for the annual international series against the SA Schools.

The finals of European rugby's two new club competitions will both be staged in London, organisers announced Tuesday.

The arrival of players like Israel Folau, Ben Smith and Willie le Roux has changed to the role of fullback according to Percy Montgomery.

Blue Bulls prop Dean Greyling was cited following the Currie Cup match between the Golden Lions and the Blue Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday.  

Langenhoven will head to Punt in the hope of picking up a victory on their rivals' home ground for the first time since 2010.

There were some excellent results for schools this past weekend and yet only few changes to the Top 20.

Describing their opening loss to Western Province as "first game jitters", EP Kings coach Carlos Spencer named an unchanged starting line-up.

INTERVIEW: Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann has not hesitated to throw no-name brand players or youngsters in at the deep end.

It has taken Juan Smith 28 "dark" months to return to the Springbok fold and he says he would play in any position to be in contention for the World Cup.  

The IRB has upheld the 16-week suspension handed to South African Women’s captain Mandisa Williams for allegedly striking and making contact with a player’s eye

There will be a buzz in Mossel Bay, not because the town attracts tourists all year round but because of  the FNB Classic Clash between Hoërskool Punt and Langenhoven Gim.

Sharks assistant coach Paul Anthony says that young prop sensation Thomas du Toit adapted quickly against the Griquas to fix up his scrumming woes.

Muir College of Uitenhage has sent in three reports of victories - over the King's School, Macclesfield, Despatch and Victoria Park.

 Queen’s College and Hangklip Hoerskool, clashed for the 50th game between these two schools which saw Queen’s win the local derby  61-7.

Leinster Rugby have signed rugby league player Ben Te'o from the South Sydney Rabbitohs as an option in the centres.

The Rugby Championship kicks off in Sydney with Wallabies against All Blacks which doubles as a Bledisloe Cup match. And in Pretoria the Springboks play the determined Pumas. The referees are Jaco Peyper and Johnny Lacey.

Allister Coetzee faces a different type of dilemma ahead of his clash with the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday with a bevy of players returning from injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The appointment of Agustín Creevy as Argentinean captain for the Rugby Championship caught many by surprise.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie opted for Kurtley Beale ahead of Bernard Foley as flyhalf for their opening Rugby Championship Test .

Diamonds are found often in dry places and for Hoërskool Diamantveld there has been a seven-match rugby drought in its competition with archrivals Hoërskool Noord-Kaap. Diamantveld broke the drought and won 24-12, thus taking charge of Kimberley.

COACH'S VIEW: Springbok forwards coach Johan van Graan expected an open and fierce encounter between South Africa and Argentina.

There was again a big crowd for an Interschools match at Faure Street Stadium in Paarl, some 12 000 spectators, for the passionate interschools clash between Klein Nederburg and New Orleans.

South African captain Jean de Villiers remains on track to lead his country in the opening round of the Rugby Championship - against Argentina.

The Pumas first victory since returning to the Currie Cup is a massive step in the right direction for Jimmy Stonehouse's men.

Griquas outside centre Jonathan Francke has been cited, following his team's heartbreaking 24-31 loss to the Sharks in Kimberley at the weekend.

Western Province will welcome back the services of six players when they take on the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: The first round of the Currie Cup produced an amazing collection of excitement, entertainment and even an upset.

The path from Varsity Cup to running out in the Green and Gold took all of four months for the impressive Teboho Mohojé who piles credit onto those around him.  

The 2014 Currie Cup has started with a bang and with it, the Rugby365 SuperBru Pool.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and Springbok sponsor ASICS give our loyal readers a chance to win Test tickets for free.

Blue Bulls loose forward Jacques du Plessis has recovered from his broken jaw and will be available for selection for the remainder of the Currie Cup.

Marlize Jordaan of South Africa, appointed as a referee to the Women's Rugby World Cup has been out injured with damage to her ankle ligaments but she is nudging her way back

The Lions have been dealt a huge blow with Springbok flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff ruled out of the entire Currie Cup season with a fractured arm.

Met die Suidelike Halfrond se kampioenskap wat eerskomende Saterdag begin, kyk Jan de Koning na die meriete van drie Springbok afrigters.

With the Southern Hemisphere's championship getting underway this coming Saturday, Jan de Koning looks at the merits of three Springbok coaches.

Experienced Reds hooker Saia Faingaa has been called into the Wallabies squad after an injury to Tolu Latu caused more headaches for Ewen McKenzie.

Join the special Currie Cup prediction pool, where they are raising funds for Joost van der Westhuizen and his J9 Foundation, and win.

England, Ireland and host nation France finished top of their respective pools and will be joined in the semifinals of Women's Rugby World Cup by Canada.

England have assembled a large training squad that will undergo strength and conditioning assessment in preparation for when New Zealand tour England in November.

Talented All Black and Super Rugby centurion Hosea Gear has signed with the Chiefs for the 2015 Super Rugby season.  

It may well have ended closer than the score of 34-26 seems as twice just before the end Pretoria Boys High were held up over the line but in reality Affies were in control of this match, played at Affies in Pretoria, a Premier Interschools match.

New head coach of the Free State Cheetahs has said that he is 'not too disappointed in his teams 21-28 loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.

The Bulls will be left feeling like they have been here before with the same problems from Super Rugby creeping into their Currie Cup campaign.

Stellenberg of Durbanville beat Brackenfell High 46-24 in an exciting, free flowing match at Hoërskool Stellenberg.

In February 2011 Juan Smith tore his Achilles tendon, an injury that almost ended his career. Last week he made a remarkable return to the Boks.

In what is the oldest schoolboy derby in South Africa, SACS came close to making themselves living legends by pushing Bishops to the limit on Saturday.

South African Schalk Ferreira has been ruled out for at least five months after rupturing a bicep tendon in Toulouse's friendly victory over Biarritz on Saturday.  

The Griquas red card that was a match defining one that put the them on the backfoot from the outset according to coach Hawies Fourie.  

Jimmy Stonehouse praised his team's intensity in their surprise 28-21 victory over the Cheetahs at the Mbombela Stadium after a long time out of the Currie Cup.

The Golden Lions' 41-13 defeat of the Blue Bulls at Ellis Park could prove costly after star flyhalf Marnitz Boshoff left the field with an arm injury.

Several of South Africa's top schools were again in action and there were five Classic Clashes.

Sam Cane has declared himself fit to play ahead of the All Black's Rugby Championship opener with Australia this coming weekend.

If Christian Leali'ifano is to secure his spot back in the starting line-up for the Wallabies he will have to put his kicking boots back on.

Although Western Province emerged from Port Elizabeth with an away win and a bonus point, coach Allister Coetzee says there is plenty still to work on.

The Wallabies have made two changes to their Rugby Championship squad with Paddy Ryan and wing Tom English  joining the squad.  

England, Ireland and host nation France finished top of their respective pools and will be joined in the semifinals of Women's World Cup by Canada.

REPORT: The Pumas marked their return to the Currie Cup with a hard-earned 28-21 win over the Free State Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Saturday.

REPORT: The Golden Lions put down a big marker at the start of the Currie Cup season, when they smashed the Blue Bulls 41-13 at Ellis Park on Saturday.

REPORT: The Sharks held on in the face of a furious second-half comeback by Griquas to score a Currie Cup 31-24 win in Kimberley on Saturday.

All Black coach Steve Hansen lifted the lid on a seemingly trivial statistic in New Zealand's final Rugby Championship pre-seasson hit-out.

The Reds have launched a recruitment drive in Fiji as they look to rebound from a disappointing Super Rugby season.

WP captain Juan de Jongh was delighted to return home with a maximum haul of five points from their opening Currie Cup match of the season.

Despite being outplayed by WP, EP Kings captain Luke Watson said there were many positive aspects to the team's return to the Currie Cup.

Wales Under-18 head coach Allan Lewis will take a squad of 26 to South Africa on Monday to take part in an eight day international tournament in Cape Town, George and Stellenbosch.

In their first Currie Cup match of the season Griquas host the Sharks, the Currie Cup champions and they are making a full day of it.

Western Province managed to weather the Easter Provnce Kings first half resistance to overcome the home team 35-16 in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

The Currie Cup starts this week and we should all shout Alleluia. It is a great competition dating back to 1892. It is the lifeblood of South African rugby in a way that Super Rugby never will be. And so a pox on those who seem intent on watering it down, if not washing it away altogether.

Scotland will become the first top-tier nation to host a match on an artificial pitch, when they takes on Tonga during the year-end Tests in November.

It is one of the oldest matches in the rugby world, Bishops vs SACS and it's on again on Saturday morning.

INTERVIEW: Griquas will not rely on home ground advantage, but rather the quality of their game to secure them another Currie Cup upset over the Sharks.

This is no trivial match between Maritzburg College and Glenwood, both strong teams, both vying for top spot in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Siege of Kimberley was famous in South African history. This FNB Classic Clash between Diamantveld and Noord-Kaap in the diamond capital of the world is not a siege but a battle for top spot amongst Kimberley schools.

All Black prop Tony Woodcock will undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the international season, coach Steve Hansen said Friday.

In an FNB Classic Clash Hoërskool Outeniqua goes up from George over the Outeniqua mountains and into the Karroo to play against Hoërskool Oudtshoorn in the land of the ostriches.

Big No.8 Athenkosi Zozi is hoping to disappoint the crowd at Zweliyandila when he leads the Ntsonkotha team in their FNB Classic Clash.

Gehard Holezhausen is a captain that takes pride in his work, seeing it as another position to fill on the field as he motivates and encourages.  

Le Roux Baard will be riding high after appearing in the Craven Week final this year and will be hoping to rise to similar heights in his teams Classic Clash against Oudtshoorn.

JP du Plessis will be hoping that homegroud advantage will be the thing that turns the tide for Oudtshoorne as they tackle Outeniqua in their Classic Clash.

The Highlanders ended weeks of media speculation by revealing that Aaron Smith has re-signed with them for two more years.

If there is someone who knows how to deal with the pressure of captaincy it is Nardus Bosman who has lead not only his school, but his province.

TRANS-JUKSKEI DERBY: The Golden Lions' reputation as scrum monsters will be put to the test by the Blue Bulls at Ellis Park on Saturday.

George High captain Deveron Lindoor expects a physical, yet exciting, game when his side travels to face Pacaltsdorp.

BREAKING NEWS: Fijian flyer Nemani Nadolo has extended his stay with the Crusaders, it was announced on Friday.

It's a massive match in Pretoria when these two big boys' schools meet in a Premier Interschools match on Saturday - Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool  and Pretoria Boys High.

COACH'S VIEW: With his distinctive, broad Scottish accent Richard Gray made his point about the importance of the breakdown in winning games.

Last week Boys' High and Gimmies had their Interschools at the stadium in Faure Street, This week, as is the custom, the Interschools, an FNB Classic Clash, is between New Orleans and Klein Nederburg, two other Paarl schools where rugby is important.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie piled the pressure on his forwards as he looks to end New Zealand's decade-long stranglehold on the Bledisloe Cup.

Marlize Jordaan remains on the injured list for the appointment of referees to Round 3 of the Women's World Cup taking place in Paris.

Marlize Jordaan remains on the injured list for the appointment of referees to Round 3 of the Women's World Cup taking place in Paris.

INTERVIEW: The Sharks are hepped up about the new breed of players likely to come through in the upcoming Currie Cup season.

The Currie Cup kicks off  in an extended format this weekend with four big local derbies to get us back into the swing of things.

The opening round of the Currie Cup welcomes an extended roster of teams with the EP Kings, the Pumas and Griquas rounding off the eight unions.

Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter will use pre-season as a chance to experiment a new role for imposing Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke named Burger Odendaal at inside centre for his side's opening match of the Currie Cup season against the Lions.

Former South African Under-20 player Harold Vorster will make his Currie Cup debut in the Lions' midfield, when they take on the Blue Bulls.

Dale College in King William's Town is celebrating its 150th birthday this year and the celebrations are centred on the Reunion Day this Saturday. 

Rookie scrumhalf Cameron Wright will make his Currie Cup debut for the Sharks when they travel to Kimberley to take on Griquas on Saturday.

The Kings are not allowing the occasion of their return to the Currie Cup on Friday against Western Province to get the better of them.

The Golden Lions moved quickly to fill the midfield void left in the wake of a series of injuries and the departure of other key backs.

HOT TOPIC: The vexed issue of 'canned hunting' has put a group of Crusaders players in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

It is time for a new tournament and also time for those arm-chair coaches to get out their note-books and start predicting results!

INTERVIEW: The Lions are gearing for a massive backlash from the Blue Bulls when they meet in the opening round of the Currie Cup on Saturday.

Welsh region Cardiff Blues revealed that Wales centre Owen Williams is making "positive progress" after sustaining a serious neck injury.

YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING: The Springboks are eager for a victory over the All Blacks, a feat that has escaped them over the last two years.

We brought you our Team of the Tournament, but we are not done yet with the accolades and dispraise in the wake of the 19th edition of Super Rugby.

The Free State Cheetahs will rely heavily on a handful of senior players during their Currie Cup campaign.

It's the biggest game of the year for Cradock and captain Ruben Van Zyl wants his players to enjoy every moment they can in the build-up to the encounter.  

You asked for it and here it is - a chance for readers to name their Team of the Tournament!

We bring you highlights of Round Two at the Women's World Cup, including Ireland's victory over four-time defending champions New Zealand.

REPORTS: Ireland produced one of the shocks of Women's World Cup history by beating four-time world champions New Zealand.

Gill College will be hoping to make it three wins in a row when they take on Hoerskool Cradock in an FNB Classic Clash.

Everything will be on the line when Pacaltsdorp host George High in an FNB Classic Clash as both sides have won four matches after playing each other eight times.

Utility back Solomoni Rasolea has become the ltest player to commit to the Western Force by signing a two-year contract extension.

Exeter Chiefs newcomer and Namibian international Chrysander Botha said the chance of playing in the Premiership was an opportunity he could not turn down.

On Saturday Cradock High School again play Gill College of Somerset East in an FNB Classic Clash.

Nathan Charles is approaching his likely run-on Test debut for Australia with the same determination he applied to the other obstacles in his life.

Die FNB Classic Clash tussen Oakdale en Marlow Landbou wat gespeel is op Saterdag 2 Augustus op Riversdal was 'n mooi vertoonvenster vir skole rugby.

Charlton Moses will be looking to call on all of his experience when he leads Klein Nederburg in their FNB Classic Clash with New Orleans this weekend.

The All Blacks named flyhalf Colin Slade as replacement for the injured Dan Carter for the New Zealanders' Rugby Championship campaign.

Jade Adams says that being named captain of New Orleans this year has been the high-point of his rugby thus far.

INSIDE THE SPRINGBOK CAMP: Jean de Villiers may be under an injury cloud, but if he is cleared to play it will be at No.12.

BREAKING NEWS: Experienced international forward Juan Smith has been drafted into the Springboks' squad preparing for the Rugby Championship.

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: Veteran forward Jacques Botes is confident the Sharks can defend their Currie Cup crown.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas may be without a handful of players, but still managed to name a settled team for their Currie Cup opener.

The release of Eben Etzebeth and Frans Malherbe is a timely boost for the WP coach who can utilize the Springboks for his benefit and their own.

INTERVIEW: Lions coach Johan Ackermann described as his "worst week of the year", the horrendous list of injuries suffered by his team in training.

In their FNB Classic Clash in sunny Bethlehem on Saturday, Voortrekker outshone Witteberg to the tune of 57-14.

The Pumas will be hoping their super star speedster, Rosko Spekman, will be fit to take on the Cheetahs in their first Currie Cup game.

After two years of Welkom Gimnasium victories in this Welkom derby, Hoërskool Goudveld struck back with a resounding 36-18 in their FNB Classic Clash on a warm, sunny day at Welkom Gimnasium on Saturday.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie put up a brave face in the wake of the latest injury setback, as they build towards the Rugby Championship.

There were some big results this past weekend, and as a results some changes to the top 10 of the Top 20.

Carlos Spencer's main focus is to keep the EP Kings relaxed this week as the team makes a return to Currie Cup rugby after years in the wilderness.

A new-look Western Province team will head to Port Elizabeth to open their Currie Cup campaign against the Eastern Province Kings on Friday.

BREAKING NEWS: Two members of the Springboks' Rugby Championship squad have been released for Currie Cup duty.

Coenie and Caylib Oosthuizen will not be available for the Cheetahs first Currie Cup match against the Pumas on Saturday in Nelspruit.

Joe Marler has taken over the reins from regular England captain Chris Robshaw at Harlequins in a bid to relieve the pressure on Robshaw.

Jaco Taute has been ear marked as a potential centre option for WP should captain Juan de Jongh get called up to the Springboks.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) said it will toughen its stance with Top 14 clubs over their assessing of whether players are concussed during a match.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter will be sidelined for at least half of the Rugby Championship after cracking a fibula in the Super Rugby Final.

In stark contrast to public perception Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer does not have a propensity for a one-dimensional kicking game.

In an FNB Classic Clash in Kroonstad on Saturday, the Rooiskool  was, as expected, far too strong for the Blouskool. 

Super Rugby has rushed to its Final and it was a glorious Final in Sydney - great crowd, weather and match as two teams ran at each other. And Craig Joubert was there to referee it.

The Blue Bulls will be without Bjorn Basson and Morné Mellett for the opening weekend of the Currie Cup competition.

Fourie du Preez's absence at this year's Rugby Championship will be Heyneke Meyer's biggest setback as he looks to his back-up scrumhalves to impress.

SA will appeal against the 16-week suspension handed to captain Mandisa Williams, for making contact with an Australian player's eye.

Juan de Jongh has been named as Western Province captain for the upcoming Currie Cup season with Pat Cilliers as his  vice-captain.

The Waratahs claimed their first Super Rugby crown with a one-point win and that is exactly the margin in rugby365's famous Team of the Tournament.

Newly installed Sharks captain Lubabalo Mtembu has received his coach and his team mate's backing ahead of their first Currie Cup match

Glenwood travelled up to the capital, Pretoria, this weekend to take on the mighty Afrikaanse Hoër Skool (Affies). Having not beaten Affies at their home since 2008, the Green Machine were ready to rewrite the history books.

Ryan Kankowski's former agent has launched a lawsuit against the Sharks player for a claim of R340 000 in commission allegedly due.

Crusaders powerful wing Nemani Nadolo was at the receiving end of racial slurs on Sunday evening during a night out with teammates

Paul Roos came to the Piley Field Rees Field in Rondebosch and beat Bishops 36-14 on Saturday, scoring five tries to two.

Having sat out the tail end of last season through injury, Rhys Webb has declared himself fit and ready for the new campaign.

Tatafu Polota-Nau has been ruled out of the Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand, leaving the Australians dangerously thin on hookers.

Ireland hooker Rory Best will take over from the retiring South Africa Johann Muller as the new captain of Ulster.

The Western Force’s retention drive has continued with Chris Alcock the latest to re-sign with the club for its 10th season of Super Rugby in 2015. 

South African Womens captain Mandisa Williams has been banned for 16 weeks following an eye gouging incident in South Africa's 3-26 loss to Australia.

It was a fantastic weekend as the Women's World Cup got underway at French Rugby HQ in Marcoussis.

COACH'S CORNER: The Eastern Province Kings will make their return to the Currie Cup competition and it will be a grand occasion.

EXCLUSIVE: In part three of his interview with SA Sevens coach Neil Powell, Jan de Koning looks at Rio 2016.

For the very first time this season Grey College of Bloemfontein lost a match - to their namesakes, Grey High School of Port Elizabeth.

We all know that there are more teams at a school than the 1st XV and for that reason we bring the scores of all the teams which we can get.

OPINION: Michael de Vries looks at the players on Springbok contracts that didn't make the Rugby Championship squad.

Argentina can't afford defensive frailties to slip into their game when they start their Rugby Championship campaign in South Africa.

Samoan players' affinity for and predisposition to dangerous tackles came back to haunt their team in the Women's World Cup.

Defending champions New Zealand got their women's World Cup defence off to a strong start at French Rugby HQ in Marcoussis.

Argentina will arrive in South African this week with a new coach and a new captain, as they look to end their drought against the Springboks.

REACTION: Former Crusaders great Andrew Mehrtens has been praised for his crucial role in securing their downfall.

Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie will be sweating over the availability of Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

Boland Landbou came from behind in the last ten minutes to draw 17-all with the South African College High School (SACS). The game was played on a chilly and overcast morning out on the farm near Wellington.

Russia will play Uruguay in a two-legged play-off for the final spot at the 2015 World Cup.

REACTION: Michael Cheika has spoke repeatedly about 'building a dynasty' at the Waratahs, but he has already left his own mark on the game.

POST-MATCH REACTION: All Black captain Richie McCaw admitted he pushed the envelope once too often and it cost his team.

Grey College have lost. It was their first defeat this season and when they bent the knee it was to Grey - Grey High School in Port Elizabeth.

They went in as the more likely underdogs and emerged triumphant - by a point, but what a difference a point makes.

Bernard Foley has said that he put everything he had into his final penalty kick which pushed the Waratahs to their first ever Super Rugby title.

Todd Blackadder has said that in a game of such tight margins, the late penalty awarded against Richie McCaw could have gone either way.

Sharks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach is one of two uncapped players to be named for the Springbok Rugby Championship squad.

The Waratahs have won their first ever Super Rugby title by holding off a rampaging Crusaders side 33-32 in Sydney on Saturday.

There is nothing shy about Glenwood. last week they played Grey Bloem and this week they are playing Affies in their Pretoria home.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has released his Currie Cup squad that includes seven players who are still eligible for the Under-21 team.

In Port Alfred, a place for sea, river and holiday, there will be the serious matter of an FNB Classic Clash on Friday when Alexandria High plays Ukhanyo High.

The Super Rugby Final is here and it is set to be a monumental clash as the Waratahs take on the Crusaders in Sydney.

It is the first week of August. That means that the Interschools will break out in Paarl - not an interschools THE Interschools, the original one, the prototype, the biggest in the world - Galpil vs Bloedwors, Paarl Boys' High vs Paarl Gimnasium at Faure Street.

The 12 teams participating in Women's Rugby World Cup have arrived in France and are all set for kick-off in Paris.

The highly decorated Welkom Gim captain, Nick Fortuin, hopes that his youthful and inexperienced team will be fired up enough to overcome Goudveld.  

Jacques Potgieter's decision about his playing future came as an epiphany, realising that he would be foolish to return to the Bulls.

The inaugural National Rugby Championship in Australia kicks off in less than a months time with the new teams starting to build up their squads.