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INTERVIEW: New Zealand are already focussed on the bigger picture, the World Cup, but will continue top work hard at winning each Test.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at South Africa's record against Australia in Brisbane.

NEWS:Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of his team's meeting with Wales in a World Cup warm-up match. 

INTERVIEW: World Cup hopeful Sam Burgess shrugs off the debate about whether he should play in the back row or at centre.

Scrumhalf Morgan Parra hopes to be part of a French trap for an unsuspecting England, as they look to upstage the World Cup hosts.

Argentina have made seven changes to the team that humiliated South Africa last weekend for a Test rematch in Buenos Aires Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at the Springboks' lack of direction.

NEWS: The All Blacks have restricted fallout from last week's loss to Australia to just three changes for the return bout in Auckland.

Here we give some of the results of teams apart from the 1st XV, large numbers of boys who get a chance to play.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks into claims by COSATU that the Springbok team is selected by a 'racist' establishment.

Samoa became the first team to announce their 31-man World Cup squad, made up of predominantly European-based players and will be led by London Irish flank Ofisa Treviranus.

Francois Maartens will lead a full strength HS Punt side onto the rugby field for their Classic Clash against Langenhoven Gymnasium.

Langenhoven Gymnasium's Ruan Steyn will want to captain the side to victory number 12 over rivals HS Punt when the sides meet in a Classic Clash on Saturday.

REPORT: A crowd of about 2500 spectators were treated to a spectacle of running rugby as Hawston pipped Swartberg 15-5 in a Classic Clash.

REPORT: Klein Nederburg and New Orleans had to settle for a share of the spoils in their Classic Clash in Paarl on Saturday.

The Springboks are likely to play a more conservative style of rugby against Argentina in an indication of what is to come at the World Cup.

Glenwood High School of Durban have been invited to take part in the Sanix 2016 Tournament in Fukuoka Japan, in April-May 2016.

New recruit Fred Zeilinga will make his first start for Free-State when they go head-to-head with Western Province on Saturday.

Australia are now amongst the favourites for the upcoming World Cup with an impressive victory over the All Blacks, in Sydney last week.

Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has named the same run-on side that beat Free-State last weekend for Friday’s Currie Cup clash against Griquas in Pretoria.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer says that he is committed to transformation and hopes to keep his job for as long as possible.

Pumas coach MJ Mentz has named an unchanged side to face the Golden Lions on Saturday in Round Two of the Currie Cup at Ellis Park.

The one played a flying superhero. The other is a flying All Black wing.

All Blacks wing sensation Waisake Naholo declared himself back in the running for a World Cup berth after a rapid recovery from a broken leg using traditional Fijian medicine.

Leinsterman Zane Kirchner and flyhalf Pat Lambie will start for the Springboks in a new-look team against Argentina on Saturday.

EP Kings coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has kept the changes to a minimum as his team prepare for their second Currie Cup game against the Sharks on Saturday.

NEWS: Glasgow scrumhalf Henry Pyrgos will captain a 25-man Scotland squad for Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin.

The big match this weekend is at Eden Park. New Zealand hold the Bledisloe Cup but Australia won the first leg.

REPORT: In a tough, physical encounter in George on Tuesday, the South African Schools team beat France Under-18 12-5.

On lush Outeniqua Park with mountains in the background, Wales Under-18 beat Italy Under-18 32-10 in the 2nd round of the six-team international series.

If Goldstones wrote its autobiography one day, this match would feature prominently for it was an excellent rugby match.

The Eastern Province Kings have suffered two new injuries after their hapless display against the Lions in their Currie Cup opener at the weekend.

Western Province coach John Dobson was in an unforgiving mood on Monday, despite a big win and a clean bill of health.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann has named a virtually unchanged team for their Currie Cup Round Two encounter with the Pumas.

In a truncated version of the Rugby Championship some players had just one game to show Rugby365 what they have got.

The South African Rugby Union has responded to the claims by the Congress of South African Trade Unions that the Springbok team is 'too white'.

REPORT: Hoërskool Outeniqua continued their dominance over Hoërskool Oudtshoorn when they emerged 70-12 winners in their Classic Clash on Monday.

REPORT: A second-half blitz helped Gill College thrash Hoërskool Cradock 44-0 in their Classic Clash in Somerset East on Saturday.

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Springbok defence coach John McFarland says that the players will have a big point to prove against Argentina in Buenos Aires.

In what has been a dark period for the Springboks, one shining light has been Lodewyk de Jager who has the valuable ability to play both lock positions.

With the Springboks in crisis mode, will Heyneke Meyer turn to his old stalwarts Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez to lead the side?

EXCLUSIVE: It was a long weekend, so for some schools it is a chance to play rugby with zest, for others a chance for a break.

Rugby League convert Sam Burgess will have a chance to book his place in the England's World Cup squad.

NEWS: Argentina have retained the squad that stunned South Africa at the weekend, except for injured centre Jerónimo De la Fuente.

NEWS: Ireland flank Tommy O'Donnell will miss next month's World Cup after suffering a dislocated hip.

The Blue Bulls were given a clean bill of health on Monday, following their 57-19 demolition of the Free State Cheetahs in the opening round of the Currie Cup at the weekend.

World Rugby on Monday confirmed what everybody had expected - Ireland is the new No.2 and South Africa slumped to their lowest ranking in Heyneke Meyer's tenure.

PREVIEW: Monday is Kwaggadag in George when Hoërskool Outeniqua welcome Hoërskool Oudtshoorn in their Classic Clash.

PREVIEW: There will be no love lost when Gill College welcome rivals Hoërskool Cradock for their Classic Clash in Somerset East on Saturday.

Hoër Volkskool captain Dirk Louw said he was lost for words when he was named captain of school's first team. 

Springbok scrum coach Pieter de Villiers says they will ask World Rugby for 'clarity' on some of referee Romain Poite's scrum calls.

New Zealand have vowed not to be bullied at the breakdown by Australia when they face off in the Bledisloe Cup decider.

REACTION: According to the New Zealand media the All Blacks deserved to lose the game while Australia have become "genuine World Cup contenders".

NEWS: Long-serving All Blacks Sevens captain DJ Forbes has stepped aside to improve his chances of being selected for Rio 2016.

Backs Sebastien Tillous-Borde and Frederic Michalak have been left out of the French squad for next weekend's World Cup warm-up against England.

Four Wallabies squad players released for the World XV match against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday August 15.

The Springboks have slipped three places down the world rankings due to be published by World Rugby on Monday.

As if suffering a first round loss to the Pumas wasn't bad enough, the Sharks were dealt more harsh news as a number of players went down injured.

Namibia recorded an emphatic 46-13 win over Kenya in a Africa Cup match at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday. 

WP head coach John Dobson was happy with his team's Currie Cup opening win over Griquas, but he has highlighted a few areas for improvement.  

NEWS: Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has suffered yet another injury setback in the lead up to the World Cup in England in September.

The Springboks' first defeat to Argentina has left coach Heyneke Meyer at the lowest point of his tenure with the World Cup looming.

The original Pumas team from 1965 played an important role in Argentina's first victory against the Springboks in Durban on Saturday.

Joe Schmidt admits he is facing some tough decisions after Ireland’s impressive 35-21 World Cup warm-up win over Wales in Cardiff.

The Springboks ended their Rugby Championship campaign with a shock 25-37 defeat to Argentina to finish the campaign without a win.

Argentina recorded their first ever victory over South Africa, and what a performance it was, as they outshone their opponents in every aspect.

New Zealand missed out on claiming the Rugby Championships, but they still have a chance to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Australia claimed their first victory over New Zealand since 2011, and with it, the Rugby Championship trophy thanks to the impact of their substitutes.

REACTION: Coach Steve Hansen said his world champion All Blacks would bounce back from their 'off-night'.

Wallaby coach Michael Cheika played down his team's 27-19 victory against New Zealand on Saturday, which also won them the 2015 Rugby Championship.

Argentina recorded their first ever win over South Africa, when they beat them 37-25 in their Rugby Championship outing in Durban Saturday.

REPORT: Australia, as they did four years ago, won the Southern Hemisphere championship and a World Cup year.

Ireland sent out an early warning to their rivals ahead of the World Cup with a comfortable 35-21 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

The Blue Bulls ran rampant in Bloemfontein on Saturday as they scored an impressive 57-19 win over a hapless Free State Cheetahs.

Sevens Springbok Albertus Smith scored a hat-trick as the Golden Lions recorded an emphatic 51-14 win over the Eastern Province Kings.

NEWS: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt is hoping that Tommy O'Donnell will be fit for the World Cup after the player was seriously injured their warm-up match against Wales.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika played down his team's 27-19 victory against New Zealand on Saturday on Saturday.

Hoërskool Outeniqua captain Niel Otto is expecting Hoërskool Oudshoorn to throw everything at them in their Classic Clash on Monday.

Adriaan Coetzee will lead out Hoërskool Oudtshoorn's first team out for their Classic Clash against Hoërskool Outeniqua on Monday.

Union High School captain Phillip Nel is expecting another physical encounter when his team faces Hoër Volkskool in a Classic Clash.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir is a major doubt for next weekend's World Cup warm-up against England due to a knee injury.

NEWS: Chris Ashton was one of seven players axed from England's World Cup training squad on Friday.

The Pumas caused the first upset of the season when they beat the Sharks 33-24 in a six-try Currie Cup thriller in Nelspruit on Friday.

REPORT: Western Province got the defence of their Currie Cup title off to a perfect start.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has put the emotions of his comeback aside as he focuses on proving he deserves his place in the team.

The All Blacks upped the psychological pressure on the Wallabies on Friday ahead of their Rugby Championship decider.

INTERVIEW: New Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais spoke to Jan de Koning about 'culture changes' and things that are 'foreign' to the players.

Marcelo Bosch knows that Argentina will have to be at their absolute best if they are to record their first victory over the Springboks.

The winner of the match in Sydney on Saturday, between Australia and New Zealand, will be a double winner.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland and his Ireland counterpart Joe Schmidt have picked vastly contrasting routes to the World Cup

In a World Cup year it is understandable that the Currie Cup will get a substantially reduced portion of the spotlight.

On the face of it the clash between the Springboks and the Pumas at Kings Park is a dead rubber, but there is a bit more to it than that.

Juan Martin Hernández was recalled as Argentina made 11 changes to the starting line-up to face South Africa.

Jamie Heaslip will captain Ireland in their first pre-World Cup warm-up match, against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais opted for a youthful squad for his Currie Cup coaching debut on Saturday.

The Wallabies are to pit David Pocock and Michael Hooper against All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw in Sydney on Saturday.

Argentina wing Juan Imhoff says the focus for his team this week has been to make better use of the opportunities they create.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has opted for continuity over experimentation this weekend in their last home game before the World Cup.

The saga of Jaque Fourie's availability for the Springboks seems to be over with Heyneke Meyer admitting that he will probably not be required going forward.

Having walked a long road to get back in the frame, Pieter-Steph du Toit knows that he has to make every moment he gets in the Springbok jersey count.

NEWS: Former Namibian Under-20 players, scrumhalf Damien Stevens and loose forward Wian Conradie, will make their senior debuts.

NEWS: Michael Hooper and David Pocock have both been named in Australia's starting line-up for the Rugby Championship decider.

Hurricanes flyer Nehe Milner-Skudder will make his Test debut for New Zealand in the Rugby Championship decider against Australia.

Sevens Springbok Ruhan Nel will make his debut for Griquas at centre, when they host Western Province in the Currie Cup season-opener in Kimberley on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what awaits the Springboks in the final round of the Rugby Championship.

Saracens loose forward Nick de Jager has left the club to join the Blue Bulls ahead of the start of the Currie Cup season.

Jean de Villiers will captain the Springboks when South Africa host Argentina at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

Golden Lions coach Johann Ackermann has dismissed the notion that he is playing in the Currie Cup competition with a Super Rugby team.

Daniel Froneman will be looking to lead Selborne College to victory over Dale College in a Classic Clash, with the derby itself dating back as far as 1892.

Niel Marais will run the show for Free State when they kick off their Currie Cup against the Bulls in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

New recruit Joe Pietersen will line-up at fullback for the Sharks as they open their Currie Cup campaign against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Friday.

Wallaby scrumhalf Nick Phipps will go heat-to-head with arguably the best scrumhalf in the world - Aaron Smith, and he is cautious of the challenge. 

There will be changes to the Springbok team as Heyneke Meyer looks at his options ahead of the World Cup, but how much is he willing to gamble?

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the Springbok captaincy options at the World Cup.

Seasoned midfielder Stefan Watermeyer will lead the Pumas in the opening round of the Currie Cup, when they host the Sharks in Nelspruit on Friday.

Pumas loosehead prop Marcos Ayerza says he regards the Springboks as the most physical team in the world.

Scott Williams will captain Wales against Ireland on Saturday, leading a team that contains four uncapped players.

The Eastern Province Kings' stuttering build-up to the Currie Cup season had another wobble on Tuesday.

The Pumas have made two key signings ahead of the start of the Currie Cup competition.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann wasted no time in drafting in Springbok training squad member Franco Mostert for their opening match of the Currie Cup season.

Flank Rynhardt Elstadt is back in the mix from a broken leg and will start at No.6 for Western Province in their Currie Cup opener against Griquas.

The Sharks may have recorded an impressive pre-season win over the Golden Lions, but Director of Rugby Gary Gold is making sure his team stays grounded.

Blue Bulls loose forward Arno Botha will miss the opening month of the Currie Cup competition due to a knee strain.

Gill College captain Wian Greeff wants to finish the local league on high this year with a win over rivals Hoërskool Cradock.

Hoërskool Cradock captain Ruben Nortjie says the highlight of his career so far was being selected to be part of his school's first team squad.

Klein Nederburg captain Daylin Edwards will be looking to help his side emulate their 2014 feat when they defeated rivals New Orleans in a Classic Clash.

There were some big matches this past weekend which have affected the Schools Top 20 and there are some schools not playing at all.

Dale College captain Siyamthanda Mgubo is eyeing the school's 100th victory over old foes Selborne College when the sides lock horns in a Classic Clash.

Pat Lambie says that he does not mind whether he plays at flyhalf or fullback for the Springboks, as long as he gets some gametime.

Whether Handre Pollard is fit or not, this weekend is the perfect time to give Pat Lambie a run at flyhalf for the Springboks.

Springbok utility Frans Steyn has been released from the national team's training squad following the death of his brother.

Bergrivier ended two-year losing streak when they beat Weltevrede 23-20 in a Classic Clash on Saturday and maintained their impressive form this season.

REPORT: A hat-trick by openside flank Byron Ferreira helped Welkom Gimnasium thrash rivals Goudveld Hoërskool 66-6 in their Classic Clash on Saturday.

A number of key Springboks could make their comeback against Argentina this weekend, provided they get through the week unscathed.

Flyhalf Handré Pollard is in doubt for South Africa's final Rugby Championship outing, against Argentina in Durban on Saturday.

Four Wallabies feature in the Melbourne Rising squad after head coach Zane Hilton named his 33 man group for the 2015 National Rugby Championship.

Former Kansas City Chiefs footballer and now rugby crossover Taylor Gentry is set for a trial at the Sharks.

All Black flank Same Cane is not phased by the Wallabies possibly adopting the double-fetcher approach when the two sides meet on Saturday.

This weekend saw Glenwood play host to the Witbulle from Pretoria, Affies. This game had all the makings of an epic battle with both teams leaving nothing to chance out on the field.

NEWS: Rob Simmons will miss this Saturday's Rugby Championship decider between the Wallabies and All Blacks.

There were several big match this weekend but not as big as the Interschools in Paarl where Boys' High bucked the trend and beat Gim.

Argentina arrived in South Africa on Sunday without powerful tighthead prop Ramiro Herrera.

Argentina presents South Africa with two more chances to fine-tune their World Cup strategy.

NEWS: Cardiff Blues wing Tom James has been released from Wales' World Cup training squad due to injury.

NEWS: Australian Michael Hooper's one-week suspension for a striking offence was confirmed Sunday

Kane Douglas hasn't played since March. Yet he remains resolute in his belief that he can be part of Australia's World Cup campaign.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Patrick Osborne are the main additions to the New Zealand squad for their Rugby Championship decider in Sydney on Saturday.

REPORT: It has always been keenly contested and this time Paarl Boys' High beat Paarl Gim 16-10 on a great afternoon for rugby at Faure Street in Paarl.

NEWS: Karmichael Hunt is set for a fiery courtroom showdown with the alleged drug lord at the centre of football's cocaine crisis.

REPORT: For the sixth year in a row Oakdale of Riversdale beat Marlow of Cradock, this time a palindromic 51-15 in a Classic Clash.

NEWS: Wallabies duo David Pocock and Michael Hooper walked away with the top honours at their respective Super Rugby team award ceremonies.

NEWS: George North says Wales' World Cup training camp in Qatar is the hardest thing he has ever experienced in pre-season.

NEWS: Ospreys have managed to secure the services of 20-year-old lock Rory Thornton, his first professional contract with the region.

Joe Pietersen left his mark on the game as the Sharks completed their Currie Cup pre-season preparations with a 33-29 win over the Golden Lions.

The Blue Bulls completed their pre-season Currie Cup preparations with a comprehensive 50-3 thrashing of Japan's Eagles on Friday.

Goudveld Hoërskool and Welkom Gimnasium will continue their rivalry when they meet for their annual Classic Clash in Welkom on Saturday.

PREVIEW: Weltevrede will host Bergrivier in a Classic Clash on Saturday, with the visitors hopeful of ending a two-year losing streak.

The Australian Rugby Union and SANZAR are heading for a public stand-off over the 'slap-on-the-wrist' handed down to Wallaby flank Michael Hooper.

NEWS: The 2019 World Cup is set to remain in Japan, for now, despite a major U-turn in the plans over a new stadium.

Utility back Matt Giteau is one of three changes to the Australian squad that will clash with the All Blacks in Sydney on August 8.

The Brumbies have signed speedster Aidan Toua from newly promoted French outfit Sporting Union Agen Lot-et-Garonne on a two-year deal.

The Australian Rugby Union and Queensland Reds have secured the services of 14-Test lock Kane Douglas until the end of the 2018 season.

INTERVIEW: Jan de Koning listened as Jannie du Plessis chatted about the rejuvenation of the Springbok front row.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks if South Africa should risk youth or rely on experience?

NEWS: Wallaby flank Michael Hooper was found guilty of punching, but won't miss any game time.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at another incident in the hotly contested Springboks versus All Black Test.

NEWS: Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit will follow the same route as Jean de Villiers.

Welkom Gimnasium captain Zander Wasserman will be hoping his team can continue their 'dream' season when they face rivals Goudveld Hoërskool. 

NEWS: The Reds have re-signed Japanese No.8 Hendrik Tui for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Several Springbok Sevens squad members have been released to play in the upcoming Currie Cup, which kicks off next week. 

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at the Springboks' inability to clear the final hurdle.

It's a great occasion when Marlow of Cradock - an area known for its sheep farming - meet Oakdale of Riversdale in a FNB Classic Clash in Cradock, as they will on Saturday, August 1.

The players and officials have moved on, but referees on either side of the  Indian Ocean have taken to the public domain to settle a debate.

Allistair Afrika will be looking to continue Weltevrede's fine Classic Clash form by claiming a third consecutive victory over Bergrivier on Saturday.

Marlow captain Andre Kritzinger will be looking to defy the odds and overcome a five year winless streak when he leads his team against Oakdale in a Classic Clash in Craddock on Saturday.

The Springboks played the All Blacks, and there were six uncontested scrums, apparently because the Springboks had no suitable substitute.

REPORT: Kroonstad was painted red when Rooiskool ran in five tries to thump Blouskool 36-3 in a Classic Clash on Saturday.

Rugby is on the go again and so is the SchoolsTop 20. Not all of the Top 20 schools have been in action but we have made changes.

A major study of Rugby Union players points to a potential link between frequent concussion and brain function, the project's lead researcher said Tuesday.

They just love to 'hate' each other, but that is only on the field. It is, without doubt, the greatest rivalry in the game - New Zealand versus South Africa.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

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With two consecutive Craven Week tournaments representing SWD to his name, Christo Hamman will lead a strong Oakdale side against Marlow.

NEWS: Blue Bulls prop Morné Mellett has been ruled out for the next six months at least.

After a dismal Super Rugby season the Sharks have gone through a major revamp allowing a new crop of players to step up.

South Africa will be without Jannie du Plessis and Francois Louw when they face Argentina in Durban next Saturday.

Bergrivier SS have not tasted victory over Weltevrede SS in two years and will look to captain Corneil Solomons to guide his troop to that elusive win.

INTERVIEW: The All Blacks are nervously looking over their collective shoulders at a much-improved Springbok team, as the World Cup looms.

Jaco Kriel will lead a Golden Lions 29-man squad travelling to Pietermaritzburg for a warm-up match against the Sharks on Friday, July 31.

INTERVIEW: Springbok captain Jean de Villiers may still have a bit to go before he is back to his best, but he is making great leaps.

New Zealand increase their cushion at the top of the world rankings after beating .rivals South Africa. We bring you video highlights of the weekend's action.

NEWS: Welsh International Thomas Rhys Thomas has been named Newport Gwent Dragons captain for the coming 2015-16 season.

NEWS: Wallaby lock Rob Simmons is confident that he will be given the all clear to face the All Blacks despite nursing a wrist injury.

England defence coach Andy Farrell refused to downplay the excruciating difficulty of England's schedule across the Atlantic over the past fortnight.

OPINION: All four teams feature in this round of Rugby365's Rugby Championship Team of the Week.

International rugby returns to Perth with the Wallabies announcing Tests against Argentina and South Africa at the home of the Western Force, nib Stadium.

The Australian Rugby Union announced the teams many of the Wallabies representatives will be aligned to for the 2015 National Rugby Championship season.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer is far from hitting the panic button, despite his team's winless start to the Rugby Championship. Jan de Koning reports.

REACTION: All Black coach Steve Hansen pointed to a period midway of the second half as the match-defining moment in their win over the Springboks.

REACTION: South Africa fell foul of a law that was introduced for player safety, when they lost 20-27 to New Zealand. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: New Zealand's come-from-behind win over South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday has come at a price. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer must have upset lady luck something terrible. Jan de Koning reports from Ellis Park.

NEWS: Australia flank Michael Hooper has been cited for alleged foul play during Saturday’s 34-9 Rugby Championship victory over Argentina in Mendoza.

Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper has come under criticism for a tweet laden with foul language targeted at an unknown critic after the clash with Argentina on Saturday.

NEWS: Newly re-signed Wallabies flyer Henry Speight has admitted he is "pinching himself" after agreeing his new three-year contract.

NEWS: Australia coach Michael Cheika sung New Zealand's Praises after their Rugby Championship victory over South Africa on Saturday at Ellis Park.

REPORT: Western Province claimed a hard-fought 21-18 win over the Eastern Province Kings in their final pre-season hit-out ahead at Port Elizabeth.

The Wallabies scored two late tries to secure a 34-9 bonus-point victory over Argentina in Mendoza.

The All Blacks showed their class by overtaking the Springboks at the death to claim victory at Ellis Park.

The Springboks saw victory slip out of their grasp in the final stages once again as they slumped to defeat against the All Blacks.

REPORT: Griquas qualified for Currie Cup Premier Division after they got the better of SWD Eagles winning 41-21 in the final round of qualifying.

NEWS: Andy Farrell says the England coaches have gauged a great deal about their 45-man training squad over a pivotal week in Glendale, Colorado.

REPORT: A 75th minute Richie McCaw helped the All Blacks secure a tense 27-20 victory over the Springboks in Johannesburg.

NEWS: World Rugby Junior Player of the Year James Chisholm has signed a dual contract which will see him join London Scottish on loan.

SARU has announced a South African Schools team and a South African Schools A team. We have arranged the 52 players by team, province and school.

If you find yourself in Kroonstad this time of the year, there is only one rule - you are either red or blue.

With history on their side, Rooiskool captain Duncan Horak will be determined as ever to maintain his side's stranglehold over arch-rivals Blouskool.

Stephen Jones believes All Black centre Regan King still has a lot to offer and can influence the region's next generation.

Australia do not want a repeat of last year's trip to Mendoza when they clash with Argentina on Saturday.

Jan de Koning looks at a Test that is part of the biggest rivalry in the game - South Africa versus New Zealand, at the iconic Ellis Park stadium.

NEWS: Leinster confirmed that a suitable agreement has been reached to release Wallabies lock Kane Douglas from his contract with the province.

NEWS: The Australian Men's Sevens will play a number of matches in its off-season schedule as the squad prepares for the crucial Oceania Olympic Qualification tournament.

NEWS: Mike Petri will earn his 50th cap Friday as the Eagles continue their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup campaign at Bonney Field against Japan.

NEWS: In what can only be described as incredible, Chiefs Assistant Coach Andrew Strawbridge has been discharged from Waikato Hospital.

NEWS: Twelve Western Province players were named in the SA Schools squad for the International Series in August.

For most it is just a fading, distant memory. For Heinrich Brüssow South Africa's early exit from the 2011 World Cup has become a driving force.

All Black veteran Ma'a Nonu does not see Damian de Allende as the soft underbelly of the Springbok defensive line.

NEWS: Hoërskool Aliwal-Noord captain Altus Geldenhuis said his team has been working hard on their fitness after the school holidays.

NEWS: Hoërskool Hangklip captain Johan Barnes is expecting his team to give everything they got when they run out against Hoërskool Aliwal-Noord.

NEWS: England Sevens head coach Simon Amor will take charge of Great Britain's Sevens team ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympics Games.

The Finals of Small, Medium and Large Schools take place at the Izak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday, 25 July 2015.

On Saturday there will be 25 Maritzburg College teams trekking from Pietermaritzburg up over the Berg to play Affies.

Western Province coach John Dobson has selected a powerful combination for their pre-season clash against the EP Kings in Port Elizabeth.

NEWS: James Short says he is relishing the challenge that awaits him after signing for Exeter Chiefs from Premiership rivals London Irish.

NEWS: In the second match of their Cape Town tour, the Pumas had to battle a strong winds to beat the Boland Cavaliers 38-19 at the Boland Stadium.

NEWS: Wallabies wing Henry Speight will join Australia's Sevens programme as part of a new three-year deal announced by the Australian Rugby Union on Thursday.

The New Zealand team to face the Springboks in the Rugby Championship on Saturday at Ellis Park contains two Test debuts among other changes.

The Wallabies made seven changes to their starting line-up for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Mendoza this weekend.

Joe Schmidt has signed a contract extension that will see the New Zealander remain as head coach of Ireland until at least June 2017.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has, by his own admission, taken one of his biggest gambles to go for two openside flanks.

The Springboks were forced to make an injury-enforced change to the team for Saturday's Rugby Championship match against New Zealand.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand are past masters of the 'subdue and penetrate' tactics. Jan de Koning reports from Johannesburg.

Framesby and Grey High, who provided the bulk of the players for the Eastern Province Craven Week team, will clash in the feature match of the weekend.

Towards the end of the Craven Week there was talk of possible change. But it seems that the worst fears will not be realised.

Former Black Rams flyhalf Louis Fouché has been named in the Blue Bulls touring squad to Japan for their match against the Eagles on Friday, July 31.

With the arrival of Jano Vermaak at Newlands, Western Province are faced with too much depth at scrumhalf and one No.9 possibly has to go.  

NEWS: Heinrich Brüssow will start for the Springboks on Saturday at Ellis Park when they clash with New Zealand for the 90th time.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what lies in store for the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have signed Irish international prop Jamie Hagan for two Super Rugby seasons.

INTERVIEW: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, like most South Africans, seems to see the lighter side of power outages in the country.

Schalk Burger's comeback from a life-threatening disease to captain the Springboks is a fairytale, a real-life drama that is scrip-ready for Hollywood.

Schalk Burger will become the 55th Springbok captain on Saturday when he leads South Africa against New Zealand at Ellis Park.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings and New Zealand coach Carlos Spencer have parted ways, the team announced on their official website.

Griffons Under-19 representative Jan-Louis du Plessis will lead an experienced Blouskool side in their massive Classic Clash against Rooiskool.

NEWS: Former Stormers lock De Kock Steenkamp will finally get the chance to feature for the Ospreys when the new season starts.

NEWS: Springbok lock Bakkies Botha believes Flip van der Merwe can add value to the Springbok cause this season.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the questionable tactics of the Springboks in Brisbane.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have strengthened their squad for the 2016 season with the signing of lock Culum Retallick from the Blues.

OPINION: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will announce an interim captain for South Africa on Tuesday. Jan de Koning looks at the candidates.

USA have released former captain Todd Clever from their Pacific Nations Cup squad over "multiple squad conduct violations."

NEWS: Australia have turned to Argentina's scrum maestro Mario Ledesma to change the perception that they are pushovers at scrum time.

NEWS: Bulls duo Jurgen Visser and Callie Visagie will miss the tour to Japan at the end of the month due to injuries.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen will have some big selection decisions to make this week, as his team prepares to take on South Africa.

New Zealand may have their eyes on the big prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, but they know there's a tricky hurdle awaiting them at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Scarlets new recruit Morgan Allen says the prospect of a new challenge with the west Wales side is something he is looking forward to.

NEWS: Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker Matthew Rees has signed a new contract with the Cardiff Blues.

NEWS: With only three fit locks left in the Springbok squad to face the All Blacks, Heyneke Meyer has called up Flip van der Merwe.

Western Province hooker Michael Willemse will be out of action for eight to ten weeks, after suffering an ankle injury against the Pumas at the weekend.

NEWS: Bath centre Ben Williams has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect due to an ongoing shoulder injury.

The Rugby Championship kicked off in emphatic fashion with New Zealand and Australia cleaning up and it showed in Rugby365's Team of the Week.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers could make an earlier than expected return to the team and face New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Springbok team's ever-growing sickbay ahead of the international season.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Springbok team's build-up to the international season and the World Cup.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at all the Super Rugby coaches heading out the exit door.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what the future holds for Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at how much is left in South Africa's Super Rugby talent pool.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what is happening in the Free State capital.

rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what awaits the Sharks in Wellington this week.

The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed the signing of All Blacks looseforward Adam Thomson for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Wallabies back Matt Giteau will miss Australias's next Rugby Championship Test in Argentina with a sternum injury picked up against South Africa.

Craven Week 2015 ended in Stellenbosch on Saturday and on Tuesday the South African Schools selectors will be announcing their SA Schools team.

Western Province are the only unbeaten team at the 52nd Craven Week which ended in Stellenbosch on Saturday afternoon.

The Pumas were too strong for the Western Province XV at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre, walking away with a 19-6 victory on Saturday.

Griquas maintained their slender one point lead in the Currie Cup qualifying race, thanks to their 57-33 win over the Falcons in Kempton Park on Saturday.

REPORT: Samoa and Japan got their Pacific Nations Cup campaigns on the perfect start when they claimed victories over The United States and Canada respectively.

REPORT: Namibia defeated Russia 45-5 in Windhoek on Saturday to clinch the Friendship Series 2-0 after the hosts also won the first Test a week ago.

NEWS: Reports suggest that Wallaby star Quade Cooper has pulled out of a big-money move to France.

REACTION: Springbok coach, Heyneke Meyer remained diplomatic in his views of the TMO handing Tevita Kuridrani a try to hand the Wallabies victory.

INJURY REPORT: Australia's scrumhalf Will Genia and wing Rob Horne have been ruled out of Australia's next Rugby Championship Test in Argentina.

Victor Matfield and Marcell Coetzee are both doubtful for the Springboks' clash with the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

Western Province took top honours at Craven Week in style as they beat EP 95-0 at the Markötter Sports Complex at Paul Roos Gymnasium.

The Springboks saw victory over the Wallabies slip from their grasp in dramatic fashion in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Wallabies may have left it late, but they did just enough to secure a tough victory over the Springboks in Brisbane.

NEWS: The Waratahs have appointed former Wallaby prop Cam Blades as their forwards coach for the 2016 season.

REPORT: Australia got their World Cup build-up off to a winning start, a second-half comeback gifting them a 24-20 win over South Africa.

It was a tough match to watch  because after a while the game became a bit deformed as the home side broke records in beating Eastern Province 95-0.

Adriaan Jacobs, also known as AJ,has been appointed to referee the most prestigious schools match of the year - the last match of the 2015 Craven week.

Leon Kruger is a wise rugby man with years and years of involvement in the game, including playing, coaching and selecting. His voice on rugby is always worth listening to.

On Saturday Western Province and Eastern Province meet in the final match of the 2015 Craven Week, being played at Paul Roos Gymnasium.

NEWS: Wales and Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones has been released from Wales' World Cup training squad after suffering a ruptured pectoral muscle.

REACTION: Ace flyhalf Dan Carter has put the brakes on praise for the All Blacks 39-18 demolition of Argentina on Friday.

All Black stars Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams have been omitted from the squad named Saturday for next weekend's Test against South Africa.

Coach Michael Cheika said he is looking for halves Quade Cooper and Will Genia to provide the variation to trouble the Springboks.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen appealed for World Rugby to change the laws and allow defending sides to collapse line-out drives.

INTERVIEW: South Africa plan to counter Australia's brutality with speed and guile. If it sounds like somebody playing a practical joke, it is not.

Looseforward Zana Botes will make his senior debut for Namibia on Saturday in the second test of the friendly series against Russia.

OPINION: Andrew Duncan rates the All Blacks following their 39-18 trouncing of the Pumas in Christchurch on Friday.

OPINION: Despite being outdone by the All Blacks it was a valiant effort from a Pumas side that will stand them in good stead. Andrew Duncan rates them.

REPORT: Defending champions New Zealand put down a massive World Cup marker when they pummelled a paltry Argentina 39-18.

In amazing news, Chiefs Assistant Coach and Manu Samoa Technical Advisor Andrew Strawbridge has been transferred to a ward and is in a stable condition.

South Africans are being urged to ditch formal dress each Friday ahead of the 2015 World Cup and wear the green and gold of the Springboks instead.

NEWS: France head coach Philippe Saint-Andre is focusing on physicality in his team's preparation for the 2015 World Cup in England.

Jan de Koning says the significance of the World Cup can't be ignored, as he looks at Australia's encounter with South Africa.

In the final match on Day Four of Craven Week on the Markötter Field at Stellenbosch, Eastern Province ended beating KwaZulu-Natal 23-22.

NEWS: Springbok captain Jean de Villiers will start at inside centre for a Western Province XV in their pre-season friendly against the Pumas.

Fear of missing out on the World Cup rather than protect an unbeaten record against Argentina is the driving force within the All Blacks camp.

NEWS: Marland Yarde is working hard to make to make England's World Cup squad after playing just two matches for the national team in the last year.

INTERVIEW: Matt Giteau's selection has added a 'fear factor' to the Australian team ahead of their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa.

The Falcons pulled away from Griquas in the second half to pick up a 34-21 victory at Craven Week in Stellenbosch on Thursday.

NEWS: The Sharks will be looking for a perfect balance in their game as they look adopt a more attacking approach in this year's Currie Cup.

REPORT: REPORT: Hawke's Bay got their Ranfurly Shield challenge off to a winning start when they saw of Heartland side Horowhenua-Kapiti 50-16

South Western Districts proved too strong for the Golden Lions, picking up a 28-19 victory in their Craven Week clash.

Report: A Gevanhier Blom hat-trick inspired EP Country Districts to stage a comeback against Zimbabwe and trounce Zimbabwe 51-20 on Day Four.

Preview: Griquas and Leopards, the two front runners on the Currie Cup qualifying log, face crunch matches this coming Saturday.

NEWS: Critically ill Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge is awake and talking but still remains in a serious condition at Waikato Hospital. 

REPORT: The Leopards bagged their first win of the 2015 Craven Week when they edged Griquas CD 18-17 in the first game of Day Four in Stellenbosch.

The pressure is on Dan Carter to reignite his running game against Argentina on Saturday as New Zealand embark on their title defence.

NEWS: Matt Giteau, Quade Cooper and Will Genia return to the Wallabies' starting line-up for an epic encounter against the Springboks.

NEWS: The Pumas will have a number of their Super Rugby stars available when they head to the Western Cape to tackle Western Province.

NEWS: Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks has joined the rush of players who have opted to move to Cape Town.

In the main match of Day Three of the 52nd Craven Week in Stellenbosch Western Province were much, much too good for the Griffons, winning 65-5.

NEWS: Schalk Burger has already entered the realm legends, having come back from near death to reclaim his place in the Springbok team.

Boland came from behind to pick up a 20-15 victory over Border in a tight Craven Week clash on Wednesday.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais named six Springboks in the team to play the EP Kings in a friendly match in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

One is a comical genius, the other has a comical pass.

The Blue Bulls proved too strong for the Pumas as they notched a 35-17 victory at Craven Week in Stellenbosch on Wednesday.

NEWS: Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade said it should be the last year of selection headaches for the Rugby Championship.

Corne Krige talks about how to get on the back of a Springbok jersey.

REPORT: Free State bounced back from their day one defeat to beat Namibia 43-19 on Wednesday at the Craven Week in Stellenbosch.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at the remarkable recovery of Springbok captain Jean de Villiers.

REPORT: The Limpopo Blue Bulls recorded their first victory of the 2015 Craven Week when they defeated Border CD 34-20 on Wednesday.

Just as it seemed Israel Dagg's All Black career was on thin ice, Steven Hansen refused to freeze-out the experienced fullback.

Manual Carizza makes a long awaited return to the Argentina starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against New Zealand in Christchurch.

NEWS: The Australian Rugby Union has retained the services of Waratahs' enforcer Will Skelton with the signing of a two-year contract extension.

NEWS: Schalk Burger is back in the Springboks' starting line-up for Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against Australia.

INTERVIEW: Jannie du Plessis, one of the many victims of South Africa's poor Super Rugby campaign, has silenced at least some of his critics.

NEWS: Try-scoring machine Waisake Naholo will make his All Black debut against Argentina in Christchurch on Friday.

REPORT: What a marvellous match! Eastern Province won but South Western Districts also won, just by being part of this great occasion.

NEWS: French-based loosehead prop JC Janse van Rensburg will join the Stormers ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

KwaZulu-Natal came away 18-16 victors in an ebb and flow encounter over the Golden Lions in Stellenbosch on day two of the Craven Week.

NEWS: A hat-trick by flank Janco Cloete helped Griquas to an impressive 28-14 victory over the Leopards on Day Two of the Craven Week.

The Blue Bulls of the past have always been known for a boring brand of rugby dominated by forward play, however new coach Nollis Marais has a different idea.

REPORT: The Falcons got their Craven Week off the ideal start when they ran in seven tries to beat Eastern Province Country Districts 43-27.

All 31 players in the Springbok tour squad were given the green light to be considered for selection for their Rugby Championship opener against Australia.

Every Wallaby player in Michael Cheika’s 31-man squad will be vying to prove themselves, ahead of this weekend’s upcoming Test against the Springboks.

News: A late comeback saw Griquas Country Districts open their 2015 Craven Week campaign with a 17-12 win over Zimbabwe on Day Two

INTERVIEW: Heyneke Meyer may already have evolved the Springbok team much further than most haters would like to admit. Jan de Koning reports.

REPORT: The old foes met in Stellenbosch on the opening day of the 2015 Craven Week, and Western Province beat the Blue Bulls 20-13.

NEWS: Unión Argentina de Rugby has confirmed that their final home match against South Africa, on August 15, will be played at Vélez Sarsfield.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning chatted to Jean de Villiers about his comeback and future plans - including playing for Western Province.

REPORT: The Griffons upset provincial rivals Free State with a convincing 41-27 victory in a Craven Week try-feast at Stellenbosch.

Border did just enough to beat the Pumas 32-28 in a classic Craven Week game in Stellenbosch which could have gone either way.

NEWS: Boland ran in eight tries to demolish the Limpopo Blue Bulls 52-7 on the opening day of the Under-18 Craven Week in Stellenbosch.

According to former English centre and World Cup-winner Mike Tindall, only the All Blacks stand in the way of England winning the World Cup.

NEWS: Namibia started their Under-18 Craven Week campaign with a convincing 38-14 win over Border Country Districts on Day One.

Controversial flyhalf Quade Cooper looks likely to occupy the flyhalf position for Australia on Saturday's Rugby Championship fixture against South Africa.

Argentina Prop Marcos Ayerza is expecting a traditional dominating scrum performance when they clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.

NEWS: Chiefs Assistant Coach  Andrew Strawbridge’s condition took a small but not unexpected backwards step last night in Hospital.

INTERVIEW: Victor Matfield admitted to being "nervous" before leading South Africa to a 46-10 win over a World XV at Newlands at the weekend.

INTERVIEW: With his midfield headaches now solved, Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer can start working on his World Cup secret weapon.

NEWS: Six players are in line to make their Rugby Championship debut when Argentina face New Zealand in the tournament opener.

Jaco Peyper is back from the South Pacific. He refereed the Super Rugby Final in Wellington, New Zealand.

NEWS: France's men's Sevens team will be present at the Rio Olympics next year, after booking their place on Sunday in Exeter, England.

WRAP: The Leopards moved to within a point of Currie Cup qualifier log leaders Griquas thanks to a gritty 24-20 win over the Griffons.

Sunday's Rapport reports that the Sharks have made an offer to Curwin Bosch, the Grey High Schools rugby player that every province would like to have.

NEWS: The Lions duo of Francois de Klerk and Elton Jantjies were among the most significant names to miss the cut when the Springbok squad.

REPORT: Namibian continued their build-up to the World Cup with an impressive 39-19 win over Russia in Windhoek at the weekend.

There has been a really positive development for Chiefs assistant coach and Samoan technical advisor Andrew Strawbridge.

INTERVIEW: Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will play together one more time, before walking off into the sunset together. Jan de Koning reports.

OPINION: An out of sorts World XV lost by 36 points to the Springboks to put a slight damper on Bakkies Botha's final match. Tauriq Ebrahim rates them.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim rates the Springboks following their 46-10 victory over the World XV at Newlands on Saturday.

REPORT: The Springboks got their World Cup preparations off to an ideal start when they ran in seven tries to easily overcome the World XV 46-10.

NEWS: Christian Lealiifano's chances of representing Australia in this year's World Cup is still very much alive, according to Stephen Larkham.

NEWS: Australia are likely to send a team to play a Pacific test in the future, Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver says.

Chiefs Assistant Coach and Manu Samoa Technical Advisor Andrew Strawbridge remains in critical condition at Waikato Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

New Sharks recruit Joe Pietersen described his move to Durban as a career move in the hope of joining a successful team.

REPORT: After trailing in the opening half, the Maori All Blacks came back to defeat an impressive Fijian team 27-26 at ANZ Stadium in Suva.

INTERVIEW: A journey that started 17 years ago will have come the full circle when South Africa host a World XV at Newlands on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Warren Whiteley has no intention of trying to replicate the bruising, brutal style of Duane Vermeulen.

The top schoolboy players in the country will look to make their mark at Paul Roos in the grand spectacle of school rugby, the Craven Week.

Rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll takes on tennis journyman Tim Henman in a skills challenge.

Worcester Warriors have taken one of their most significant steps yet on their journey to establish themselves as a successful Premiership Club.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of tighthead prop Paddy Ryan from French side Libourne on a two year deal.

NEWS: Brumbies prop Jean-Pierre Smith will return to Cape Town from Australia and will form part of Western Province's Currie Cup squad.

NEWS: England head coach Stuart Lancaster has culled five players from his original wider squad for their next training camp in Denver.

The Springbok front row resources will have to be managed carefully to get the best out of them according to Gurthrö Steenkamp.

NEWS: The NZRU revealed a packed 10-match programme for the 2017 B&I Lions tour, including three Tests between the Lions and All Blacks.

NEWS: The New Zealand Barbarians have named a strong squad to face the Maori All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday, July 18. 

NEWS: Critically ill Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge was flown back to New Zealand on Friday on an air ambulance flight from Samoa.

It is the start of a two-month build-up to the World Cup, but with just five matches the margin for errors is minimal. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika started to show his World Cup hand when he reduced his squad to just 31 players on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his journey to select an all-time World XV. He is at No.8!

NEWS: Maties lock Janco Venter will earn his fifth test cap for Namibia against Russia on Saturday after he was called up as a late replacement for Nico Esterhuyse.

INTERVIEW: Jean de Villiers is so crucial to SA's World Cup cause that his return to full match fitness is a carefully calculated five-match comeback.

The main match of the final day of the Girls Under-18 tournament, taking place at Glenwood High School in Durban, will be between Western Province and Border.

NEWS: Western Province took the top honours at the Academy Week at the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark as they defeated the Blue Bulls 36-24.

NEWS: The Golden Lions emerged as the top team at the U16 Grant Khomo Week after overcoming a tense battle with KwaZulu-Natal for a 31-24 victory.

Robbie Deans says that he will not be tempted to leave his job in Japan, despite the number of coaching vacancies in South Africa.

NEWS: Scarlets lock Tom Price is looking forward to having an opportunity to stake a claim for a starting berth in the famous scarlet jersey.

After declaring himself unavailable for Springbok selection, Flip van der Merwe seems to have changed his mind.

NEWS: The Leopards return to action this weekend against the Griffons in the Currie Cup Qualifier race with a mission to close the gap on Griquas

NEWS: Fijian coach John McKee named, what he termed, a very powerful team to take on New Zealand's Maori team in Suva on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen said he is feeling positive after undergoing surgery on his neck in Durban on Wednesday.

Dylan Hartley gives his first interview as England captain.

EXCLUSIVE: Bulls coach Nollis Marais spoke to Jan de Koning about the 2016 Super Rugby season and what to expect.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

Welkom by rugby365 se eerste Afrikaanse potgooi. Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim laat die kollig op die Wereldbeker val.

INTERVIEW: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will name his 30-man Rugby Championship team on Friday.

NEWS: Bakkies Botha will captain the World XV against South Africa at Newlands on Saturday.

NEWS: The Maori All Blacks team to play Fiji in Suva on Saturday features two sets of brothers in the starting fifteen and nine new caps in total.

NEWS: Manu Samoa technical advisor and Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge is fighting for his life in a Samoan hospital.

INTERVIEW: Injured Springbok flank Willem Alberts is another classic example of the need for better player management. Jan de Koning reports.

NEWS: The Crusaders have signed Chiefs flyhalf Marty McKenzie to fill the gap left by the departing Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor.

INTERVIEW: It will make many purists choke on their coffee, but Jesse Kriel is being  likened to a South African great like Danie Gerber.

The Grant Khomo Week for Under-16 teams ends in Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 9 July 2015 when the Golden Lions play KwaZulu-Natal in the prestigious main match.

The appointments of match officials for each of the matches on the first two days of the 2015 Craven Week, hosted by Paul Roos in Stellenbosch, have been announced.

NEWS: World Cup-winning centre Jaque Fourie has withdrawn from the Springbok team due to a lack of fitness.

Los Pumas at their best in 2007 - Is this the best team try at a World Cup? 

NEWS: Scarlets flyhalf Aled Thomas says he is looking forward to the new challenges ahead and working alongside Welsh legend Stephen Jones.

Although Jesse Kriel is playing at outside centre on Saturday, JJ Engelbrecht says the Springbok door has not been closed on him.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Springboks' ever-growing sickbay ahead of the international season.

REACTION: The All Blacks expressed relief to have come out on top 25-16 against a fired up Samoa on Wednesday.

NEWS: Newcastle Falcons have confirmed the signing of Alex Rogers into the club's squad, following his impressive performances last year.

On Thursday's final day of the 2015 Academy Week in Vanderbijlpark, Jaco Kotze of the Free State will referee the main match, between Western Province and the Blue Bulls.

All Black captain Richie McCaw has sent out a warning to Samoa's World Cup opponents after the islanders gave New Zealand a scare on Wednesday.

Jean de Villiers will make his comeback to international rugby from the bench for the Springboks when they take on the World XV on Saturday.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled Martyn Phillips as the new Group Chief Executive of the governing body.

Western Province coach John Dobson plans to emulate the New Zealand teams' breakdown approach as one of many new coaching strategies.

REPORT: New Zealand were given an almighty scare by Samoa, before recording a hard-earned 25-16 win in their one-off Test.

The Under-18 Girls Tournament has its second day on Wednesday, 8 June 2015 at Glenwood High School in Durban.

NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer looks set to make a few brave calls when he names his team to face a World XV.

NEWS: Saracens loose forward Jacques Burger will captain Namibia in the first Test of the two-match series against Russia on Saturday.

NEWS: The Golden Lions and KwaZulu-Natal will line up in the main match at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week at the Bridgton Sports Grounds.

NEWS: Western Province, the Blue Bulls, KwaZulu-Natal CD, the Griffons and Griquas CD secured back-to-back victories on Day Two.

KwaZulu-Natal, the Golden Lions and the Limpopo Blue Bulls on Tuesday established themselves as the top teams at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week.

NEWS: The Springboks were dealt another blow ahead of the World XV clash on Saturday after flyhalf Pat Lambie suffered a head knock.

The Sharks have confirmed that Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee has re-signed with them for a further two years.

Bakkies Botha won't play for the Springboks at the World Cup, but he can make a contribution to their preparations this weekend.

Harlequins' home ground the Stoop will play host to an international Test match for the first time between Fiji and Canada on September 6.

EXCLUSIVE: It sounds like a cliché being dredged up before every World Cup - a minnow wanting to be competitive and win.

Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit, on Tuesday confirmed his departure from the Sharks at the end of his contract, which expires in October 2015.

One acts in world class movies, the other acts in BIC razor commercials

NEWS: The Chiefs have responded to their lock exodus with the signing of second row Dominic Bird from the Crusaders for two years. 

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels' retention program continues to reap dividends, with front rowers Pat Leafa and Tim Metcher re-committing to the team.

The Hurricanes have re-signed young flyhalf Otere Black for a further two years with the likeliness of Beauden Barrett missing part of the 2016 campaign.

In the second round of the international Under-18 series, England Under-18 thrashed the South African Schools A team 33-3 on lush Outeniqua Park in George on Tuesday.

There have been changes to both the SA Schools team to play France in George on Tuesday and the SA Schools A team to play England, two tough matches. Italy have also changed for their match against France.

King Edward VII School received Jeppe for the big Johannesburg derby to end the season and beat them 24-0.

Sunday is Women's Day and so Monday is a holiday, which means a long weekend and in some places rugby takes a back seat to prolonged idleness. Still there were several big matches, including five FNB Classic Clashes.

The annual rugby match between rival schools Pretoria Boys High and the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) generates more interest than most Currie Cup matches across the road at Loftus Versfeld, and yesterday’s encounter at Brooks Field was no different.

Selborne and Dale, Fish and Cats, have been playing each other for 123 years, and are still doing it with enthusiasm - marvellous rugby where all the players on the field try to run with the ball without fear or constriction. As expected Selborne won comfortably, as  44-13 suggests, but at no stage were Dale bowed.

Glenwood het Baai-toe gereis om kragte te meet met Hoërskool Framesby en wen toe die wedstryf 25-19.

Klein Nederburg will play hosts to New Orleans in a Classic Clash on Saturday in an encounter that is sure to attract thousands of spectators.

On a beautiful, cloudless day with Table Mountain and Devil's Peak rising in splendour the South African Schools A side beat Italy Under-18, 29-14 after leading 9-7 at half-time.

Monday is Kwaggadag in George when Hoërskool Outeniqua welcome Hoërskool Oudtshoorn in their Classic Clash.

This was the third match between these two teams. Each had won once and England's 15-7 victory at City Park in Cape Town meant they now lead 2-1 for 2015.

In the this match in the International Under-18 Series at City Park in Cape Town, South African Schools beat Wales Under-18 42-11 on Friday afternoon, scoring five tries to one. At half-time the score was only 13-6.

On Saturday Jeppe go over the hill to King Edward VII School for what is probably Johannesburg's most intense derby.

There will be no love lost when Gill College welcome rivals Hoërskool Cradock for their Classic Clash in Somerset East on Saturday.

Getting from one school to another is a walk across a road. They are that close. Close neighbours make for keen rivalries, whicxh exist, but also for good friendships, which also exist.

The Currie Cup kicks off. For South Africans this is a greatest local competition, dating back to 1890.

Six teams from five countries will be in action in the international Under-18 tournament in the Cape.

The Rugby Championship takes a break this weekend, but lots of international matches follow as we head towards the Rugby World Cup.

Australia and New Zealand take victories into the second round of SANZAR's Rugby Championship.