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Blue Bulls' coach Frans Ludeke has come out in support of referee Marius van der Westhuizen's puzzling late penalty against the Lions.

Johan Ackermann described his team's 36-26 defeat to the Blue Bulls as 'the most boring game of rugby' he has seen for a long time.

Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini will miss next weekend's Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies after being suspended by SANZAR on Sunday.

Sharks' coach Brad Macleod-Henderson admitted that indiscipline was a "very big" factor in their shock loss to the Griquas in Durban on Saturday.

Pumas' coach Jimmy Stonehouse says it is way too early to brand his side as one of the favourites in this year's Currie Cup competition.

It will require a monumental effort to down the All Blacks, but Heyneke Meyer believes the Boks can win for the first time in New Zealand in five years.

The All Blacks were counting the cost of their 28-9 victory over Argentina as Sam Whitelock and Liam Messam were ruled out of next week's Test.

Clermont got back to winning ways at home following last week's shock 21-20 reverse to Montpellier by cruising past Racing-Metro 32-6 in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

Namibia Under-19 beat Kenya Under-19 52-17 in Windhoek on 31 August 2014 to qualify for the IRB's  Junior World Trophy in Portugal next year.

Ireland wing Andrew Trimble ran in a last-gasp try to earn Ulster a share of the spoils in a 32-all draw at Scarlets.

Saracens kicked off their Premiership campaign in controversial fashion as David Strettle's hat-trick sealed a dramatic 34-28 victory over Wasps.

Argentina were left frustrated by a disallowed try which they believe could have change the course of their Rugby Championship Test, against New Zealand.

The Blue Bulls kept alive their Currie Cup play-off dreams with a deserved 36-26 win over the Golden Lions in Pretoria on Saturday.

POST-MATCH REACTION: The All Blacks gave their forwards credit for a convincing win over Argentina Saturday.

Francois Brummer slotted a drop-goal after the full-time hooter to secure a famous 21-18 Currie Cup win for Griquas over the Sharks.

POST-MATCH REACTION:  South African veteran Bryan Habana's historic 100th Test ended in heartbreak and controversy.

Tomas Lavanini of Argentina has been cited for alleged foul play during a Rugby Championship match against New Zealand at the weekend.

REACTION: South African captain Jean de Villiers admitted his team was guilty of 'going to sleep' and allowing Australia a late winner.

The Pumas continued their remarkable Currie Cup form with an impressive 31-17 Round Five win over the Free State Cheetahs.

REACTION: The All Blacks defied wet, greasy conditions and repelled Argentina's feared forward power for a bonus-point 28-9 win.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee said he was pleased with the way his side ground out a "workmanlike" 49-14 bonus-point win over the EP Kings.

The Wellington Lions continued their winless run in the National Provincial Championship this season by going down 31-30 to Auckland.

Following a 14-49 defeat to Western Province, Eastern Province Kings coach Carlos Spencer says his side were severely punished for their errors.

The Wallabies left it late to claim a dramatic 24-23 victory over the Springboks in Perth on Saturday.

The Springboks managed to snatch a 24-23 defeat from the jaws of victory against Australia in Perth on Saturday.

A late try from Rob Horne saw the Wallabies pip the Springboks 24-23 in a tense match in Perth on Saturday.

Jan de Koning rates the Argentinean players after their 9-28 loss at the hands of New Zealand in their Rugby Championship outing in Napier.

Jan de Koning rates the New Zealand players after their 28-9 win over Argentina in a Rugby Championship outing in Napier on Saturday.

The All Blacks scored four unanswered tries in a clinical 28-9 victory over Argentina in wet conditions in Napier on Saturday.

The Wallabies have made one changed to their bench for their clash with the Springboks with Brumbies hooker Josh Mann-Rea replacing Saia Fainga'a.

George North's finishing masterclass sucked the life out of a new-look Gloucester and ensured Northampton Saints picked up where they left off.

DAILY WRAP: Alan Solomons' Edinburgh team created history on the opening day of the Pro12 season.

European Professional Club Rugby will not be organising a third tier European competition.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province cemented their place at the top of the Currie Cup standings with a 49-14 rout of the EP Kings.

Two legends share their thoughts on which players to look out for at next year's World Cup.

Argentina are planning to field a full-strength Test side when they join the Southern Hemisphere's prestigious Super Rugby competition in 2016.

Northland flyhalf Dan Hawkins produced the kick of the season when launching a match-winning conversion from the sideline to beat Hawke's Bay 23-21 in Whangarei on Friday.

The All Blacks are wary of the rapid development of Argentineans going into Saturday's Rugby Championship Test in Napier.

New Zealand may be sitting pretty and safe in first place, but South Africa's second place on the IRB rankings is under threat from Australia.

The weather looks set to play a big part in the Perth Test on Saturday with the Springboks already planning to revert to the centuries old physical game plan that they are famous for.

New Zealand are downplaying their heavy favouritism tag for Saturday's Round Three Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.

Paul Dobson previews the Rugby Championship Test between Australia and South Africa in Perth on Saturday, a crucial game in the competition.

There are plenty more rematches in Round Five of the Currie Cup as the Provincial showpiece continues to throw up some mouth-watering grudge matches.

EXCLUSIVE: Former Springbok captain John Smit spoke to Jan de Koning about what it takes to win a World Cup.

PREVIEW: Castres's trip to Montpellier on Friday will not just pit two potential Top 14 title rivals against each other.

BREAKING NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster revealed that Jonathan Sexton has signed a contract with the IRFU.

PREVIEW: The 2014/15 Pro12 season kicks off with two games on Friday.

South Africa are expecting a fierce physical forwards battle as they look to protect their lead in the Rugby Championship against Australia.

The First Division teams will be looking to build momentum with an eye on possible semifinal places when they take to the field this weekend.

INTERVIEW: Lions coach Johan Ackermann earmarked defence as a key area for his team ahead of their Currie Cup crunch match with the Bulls.

As the curtain comes down on the season we give our last few 'Other results'.

There will be two contests underway when the English Premiership season starts - the battle for the title and places in England's World Cup squad.

Another bumper weekend awaits with Rugby Championship and Currie Cup action!

Sevens Springbok Jamba Ulengo will make his Currie Cup debut for the Blue Bulls against the Golden Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.  

Jan Botha, a coach at Hoërskool De Aar, has been suspended for six months for playing overage players in a match against schools Vaalharts.

The Sharks will have a new-look tight five as part of a number of changes for their clash with Griquas in Durban.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bryan Habana speaks about what it means to him to become the fourth player to feature in 100 Tests for South Africa.

The Golden Lions will have flyhalf Jaco van der Walt back for their trip to Loftus Versfeld to face the Blue Bulls on Saturday.

 Kuswag School's 1st rugby team is making history in 2015!

Argentina made two changes for Saturday's Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand, as they chase their first win in the Southern Hemisphere competition.

Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna has been suspended for five weeks, for pushing referee Glen Jackson last Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: New Zealand's forwards are 'excited' by the prospect of taking on the renowned Argentinean scrum.

BREAKING NEWS: After a long apprenticeship Beauden Barrett will on Saturday get his first start as an All Blacks playmaker.

Blue Bulls U21 lock Marvin Orie was handed a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle in the team's Under-21 match against Western Province.

FROM THE PUMA CAMP: Argentina feel they must produce the 'perfect' game if they are to break their Rugby Championship duck.

The EP Kings stats do not make for happy reading according to coach Carlos Spencer who is primarily concerned with the poor attack to defence ratio.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Johan Goosen moved to France to adapt his game and hopes it will help him earn a World Cup spot with the Springboks.

New Zealand were dealt a cruel blow when starting flyhalf Aaron Cruden was ruled out of the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse refrained from making too many changes to the side which upset defending Currie Cup champions, the Sharks.

Jimmy Stonehouse has received a lot of praise for the way his team have impressed this season, but he does not put it down to anything revolutionary.

The Free State Cheetahs have made a couple of changes to their team ahead of the crucial Currie Cup Round Five encounter with the Pumas.

The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players Fund pledged its support to the two young players who suffered serious neck injuries this past weekend.

Griquas wasted no time in recalling Springbok Hilton Lobberts to their starting trip ahead of their Currie Cup Round Five encounter with the Sharks.

Jan Serfontein has been named out of position for the Springboks' match against the Wallabies but Heyneke Meyer has a plan to fit in his best two centres.  

Pat Howard has been named in the Western Province No.11 jersey for Friday's Currie Cup clash against the EP Kings at Newlands.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bernard Foley's Test career may be in the infancy stages, but he is ready for one of his most daunting challenges.

Bryan Habana is SA's fourth centurion. We bring you some interesting stats and facts.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bryan Habana will on Saturday become the fourth Springbok and 33rd player overall to play in 100 Tests.

Glenwood's annual Sevens takes place at the Durban school on Saturday, 6 September. 20 teams of 12 players each will be taking part

Landboudal is a portmanteau name for Hoër Landbouskool Jacobsdal, a school in the Southern Free State.  It reviews its season.

Former England international wing James Simpson-Daniel's injury-plagued career came to a sad conclusion as he was forced to retire because of an ankle problem.

Sibusiso Sithole called for the Sharks to score more tries and collect valuable bonus points in their drive for a place in the play-offs.

INTERVIEW: John Smit, who lead SA to World Cup glory in 2007, spoke to Jan de Koning about the ages of some of the current Springboks.

New Zealand may have good reason to be cautious about the threat posed by Argentina in their Rugby Championship match in Napier on Saturday.

This is our final Schools Top 20 for 2014 which looks at the season as a whole, and it took a lot of thought.

Carlos Spencer announced that Steven Sykes will once again captain the side as regular skipper, Luke Watson, is still recovering from a concussion.

Nizaam Carr's role in the WP loose trio seems tailored made for the No.8, but in saying that, he is not averse to getting stuck in as a gritty No.6.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Experts have warned players not to rely on neck-braces to stop spinal injuries, but to focus on prevention.

Both are outrageously popular, very entertaining and have their own cult following.

Waikato prop Ben Tameifuna has been cited for acting against the spirit of good sportsmanship, after referee Glen Jackson was allegedly shoved.

Western Province suffered a major blow with Seabelo Senatla out for two weeks which has led many to ask, who will fill those jet-shoes?

COACH'S VIEW: Australian coach Ewen McKenzie made some bold selections to his starting XV, but it is his bench he hopes packs the biggest punch.

INTERVIEW: South Africa's pride has been dented and the Springboks are going all out to restore their reputation as a fearsome scrummaging unit.

BREAKING NEWS: Australian coach Ewen McKenzie axed Kurtley Beale ahead of his team's Rugby Championship encounter with South Africa.

EXCLUSIVE: All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden spoke to Jan de Koning about the next stage in the World Cup holders' Rugby Championship campaign.

Two tragic incidents this past weekend again highlighted the risks of a contact sport like rugby - at both elite and grassroots level. Jan de Koning reports.

Op Saterdag,  9 Augustus 2014 pak die twee skole mekaar op die rugbyveld in die jaarlikse FNB Classic Clashes. Al die spelers word aan die skoolhoofde voorgestel en die vonkelwyn word geskink.

United States hooker Phil Thiel will fill in for the absent South African Schalk Brits while he is with the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

Munster have secured the services of Argentinian hooker Eusebio Guinazu on a four-month contract as cver for Mike Sherry.

After experiencing a severe neck injury against the Blue Bulls, Western Province Under-21 lock JD Schickerling underwent successful surgery.

The defending champion Sharks have been dealt a massive injury blow that could potentially trip up their Currie Cup campaign.

The Pumas provided the upset of the weekend when they defeated the Sharks and as such have been rewarded handsomely in rugby365's team.

Blue Bulls Under-21 lock Marvin Orie will appear before a SARU disciplinary committee in Pretoria on Tuesday after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

 Seabelo Senatla will miss this Friday's clash against the Eastern Province Kings at Newlands, after picking up an ankle strain against the Blue Bulls last weekend.

The Blue Bulls have suffered a major set back with two fullbacks, Jesse Kriel and Jurgen Visser set to miss the clash against the Lions in Pretoria.

On Friday the 10th annual Traditional Schools Rugby Luncheon was again successfully hosted at the Salt Rock Hotel on the KZN North Coast.

Round Four of the Currie Cup is done and, with it, Round Four of Rugby365's SuperBru Pool.

Racing Metro's Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his jaw in the weekend win over Toulon.  

Brodie Retallick is getting excited to lock horns with the physical Argentinean Tomas Lavanini in Saturday's Test in Napier.

James Slipper is gearing up for a massive challenge in the set-pieces despite the Springboks' poor showing against Argentina.

The Springboks are holding off making any tactical plans against the Wallabies until their coach announces what is expected to be a much changed team.

Auckland and Tasman played out a 16-16 draw at Eden Park to close proceedings on the third round of the NPC.

EKSKLUSIEF: Wêreldbeker-wenner Kobus Wiese praat met Jan de Koning oor die balans tussen jeug en ervaring. (English version included!)

On Friday, 5 September 2014, the 46th playing of the Villager Sevens takes place at the Brookside club, starting at 14.00.

Wynberg Boys’ High 1st XV completed a season double over traditional rivals the South African College High School (SACS).

Junior Springbok lock JD Schickerling lock suffered a serious neck injury playing for WP Under-21 against the Blue Bulls Under-21 on Saturday.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie said their focus has shifted from making the play-offs to ensuring their place in next year's Currie Cup.

Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan says that one-on-one tackling will be a focus for his team ahead of their clash with the Pumas next week.

The three finals of Die Burger competitions were played in Cradock on Saturday and produced a major surprise in the final for Big Schools.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer expects higher standards in Australia than his side achieved against Argentina.

Eastern Province Kings coach Carlos Spencer was a frustrated man after his team suffered their fourth straight loss in the Currie Cup.

The national First Division has been thrown wide open after SWD ended the Leopards’ winning streak in George on Friday.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee said that his team's transformation from defence to attack has been the secret in their unbeaten run.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke says his side showed encouraging signs in their defeat to Western Province that they are on the right track.

There are precious few schools results this week as there were few matches. Next week there will be none.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen expects experienced centre Ma'a Nonu to be fit for the Test against Argentina in Napier on Saturday.

South African hooker Craig Burden was shown a yellow card for a shoulder charge in Toulon's first defeat of the season to Racing-Metro.

The ARU has provided financial assistance to secure the services of code-hopper star Karmichael Hunt's switch to the Reds.

A thrilling match saw Lions and Kings swap the lead many times until the visitors finally made it count in the late stages, coming out 41-22 winners.

Western Province were made to work extremely hard for their 23-18 victory in Pretoria after the Bulls scored late to make it a tight finish.

The Griquas were shown their second red card of the season as they went down bravely at home to the Cheetahs 36-25.

Rondebosch, beaten 52-14 at Rondebosch in June, went over to Bishops for the last matches of the season and Bishops were forced to come from behind to win 22-21, the difference a kick worth three versus a kick worth two.

With the Pumas having kept their home record in tact, Jimmy Stonehouse will be targeting away victories following their 32-22 victory over the Sharks.

Waikato have won their second match of the NPC with a tight 22-16 victory over North Harbour in wet conditions at QBE Stadium.

Richard Graham has called for people to halt their pre-judgments of returning Wallaby star James O'Connor who was recently unveiled as a Red.

Victor Matfield says the only way to fix the creaking Springbok scrum is by putting in the work on the training field.

Two late tries saw the Pumas surge past the Sharks to claim a 32-22 bonus-point victory in Nelspruit on Friday.

The annual Glenwood Sevens will be played on Saturday, 6 September 2014. There will be 19 schools taking part.

Flyhalf Joshua Stander will earn a first senior start for the Blue Bulls in their Currie Cup encounter with Western Province in Pretoria on Saturday.

Last year's Finalists, Wellington are close to crisis after their second straight loss this time against Manawatu

Griquas earmarked the line-outs and mauls as key areas of their Currie Cup Round Four encounter with the FS Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: WP are heading to Pretoria like an unstoppable juggernaut, but the Bulls are not going to step aside and gift them a free pass.

Springbok call ups, and late injuries have forced Lions coach Johan Ackermann into three changes for their game against the Kings in Port Elizabeth.

The three finals of Die Burger Rugby Competition for High Schools will take place on Saturday 30 August in Cradock.

The worst kept secret in Australian Rugby was confirmed by the ARU with former Rugby League and AFL star Karmichael Hunt joining the Reds.

The battle of the No.7s will be massive this weekend at Loftus as hard-man Michael Rhodes looks to push back the man-mountain Jacques du Plessis.

The Australian at the helm of the IRB insisted the global governing body's change of name is more than a cosmetic exercise.

Zac Guildford is looking to put his past alcohol-fuelled misdemeanours behind him and launch a new chapter in his impressive career with Clermont.

rugby365's Paul Dobson looks into an ugly incident involving parents and a schoolboy, which is being investigated by the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

World Cup-winning former Springbok captain John Smit spoke exclusively to rugby365 about the requirements to win the 2015 World Cup.

The bitter civil war between the Welsh Rugby Union and the country's four professional regional teams appeared to be at an end.

Wynberg go a short distance up the Peninsula to SACS for their return match for 2014, the match that ends the season for both sides.

BREAKING NEWS: Willem Alberts has been ruled out South Africa's Rugby Championship tour to Australia and New Zealand.

Arch rivals the Bulls and WP will team up against Motor Neuron Disease!

On Saturday, Rondebosch will make the short distance along Tullyallen Road from Rondebosch to Bishops for the second match between the neighbourly rivals this year, a Premier Interschools match.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Veteran Sharks loose forward Jacques Botes will break new ground in the Currie Cup competition on Friday.

The Rugby Championship takes a break but there is still plenty of excitment as the Currie Cup carries on full-steam!

The pools within the Currie Cup have become apparent in Round Four as everyone gets ready to replay their opponents from two weeks ago.

Joshua Stander could earn a first start for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup when the home team face Western Province at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions are expecting a vicious backlash from the Eastern Province Kings when the two sides meet in Port Elizabeth.

Ben Mowen, after just three months in the post gave up his shot at captaining the Wallabies in the World Cup on the back of some Jake White advice.

Johan Ackermann has made another bold selection at flyhalf with Andries Coetzee coming in due to a number of injuries at the pivot position.

Jaco Taute will make his first Currie Cup start in Western Province colours, after being named at inside centre for Saturday's meeting with the Bulls.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.