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Ten good men have been chosen to referee at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. All of them are men right at the top of the refereeing tree, chosen from thousands of referees worldwide. Here are just some of their refereeing credentials.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball feels the Bulls and Stormers' losses should be clear indicators that the Boks' World Cup plans are heading off-course.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder may play captain Richie McCaw, back from a foot injury, off the bench in the encounter with the Chiefs.

Hurricanes assistant coach Alama Ieremia said the first opponents on their South African tour, the Cheetahs, play like New Zealand teams.

New Zealand inside centre Sam Tuitupou has signed a two-year contract to join Sale Sharks from Munster.

London Wasps have signed former All Blacks and Crusaders lock Ross Filipo from Top 14 side Bayonne on a two-year contract.

The Hurricanes will be without three key All Black - Cory Janes, Aaron Cruden and Conrad Smith - on their two-match tour of South Africa.

Easter is coming and Super Rugby ploughs on. Several referees will be away from home at this time. Family men like Stuart Dickinson and Mark Lawrence will be far from home. It's not always easy.

Loose forward Liam Messam has re?signed with the NZRU and Chiefs. He will play his rugby in New Zealand through until the end of 2013.

The Crusaders dismantled the defending-champion Bulls by having a better "attitude", according to stand-in captain Kieran Read.

The Crusaders showed their championship credentials when they easily disposed of a very poor Bulls team 27-0 Timaru on Saturday.

The Brumbies ended a five-match losing streak when they edged the Hurricanes 17-16 in a Super Rugby arm-wrestle in Canberra on Saturday.

The Highlanders flyhalf Colin Slade said he must showing something special if he wants to win back an All Black jersey this year.

All Black Cory Jane, who is awaiting the arrival of his third child, will not travel with the Hurricanes to Canberra to face the Brumbies.

All Black Pita Alatini could easily have fled his adopted home town in northern Japan after it was destroyed by a massive earthquake and tsunami and returned to his native New Zealand.

The Highlanders held out, in the face of a late Cheetahs rally, to record a fortuitous 24-21 victory at Carisbrook in Dunedin on Friday.

The International Rugby Board has appointed referees to matches, in competitions, including the Tri-Nations, and warm-up friendlies, from May to August.

The International Rugby Board has announced the names of the 10 referees, seven assistant referees and four television match officials who will make up the match officials for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

All Black Cory Jane maymiss the Hurricanes' encounter with the Brumbies, as his wife is expecting a child any day now.

The Brumbies bolstered their bench ahead of their Super Rugby crunch match against the Hurricanes on Saturday. The starting XV is unchanged

Rugby's premier age-grade competition will be played in South Africa next year after the International Rugby Board awarded the hosting rights to the IRB Junior World Championship 2012 to the South African Rugby Union (SARU).

The Crusaders were dealt a blow ahead of their Super Rugby match with the Bulls, when Dan Carter was forced to cry off with a injury.

The Lions have pushed NZ Sevens star James Kamana straight into their starting XV for the encounter against the Sharks.

The top referees in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are refereeing in this year's Super 15, one of the rugby world's most demanding competitions. Who are they?

Newcastle Falcons have revealed their latest recruit, Kiwi back row forward Richard Mayhew, who will join them for the 2011-12 campaign.

Plans to spend NZ$1.9m on a giant plastic canoe to showcase Maori culture at this year's World Cup was labelled wasteful and "ridiculous".

New Zealand Sevens star Declan O'Donnell has been named as player who stand accused of assaulting two men in a Hamilton pub brawl.

Josh Bekhuis replaces Tom Donnelly in the only change to the Highlanders starting XV to play the Cheetahs at Carisbrook on Friday.

Highlanders wing Fetu'u Vainikolo is the latest Kiwi to sign a contract to play in the northern hemisphere with Irish club Connacht.

Newcastle Falcons have bolstered their back division with the signing of 27-year-old centre Jamie Helleur from Auckland for the new season.

Ashley Johnson will start at No.8 and Davon Raubenheimer moves to flank when the Cheetahs face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

All Black Sonny Bill Williams will have a fundraising boxing match for Christchurch on Sunday June 5 to support the beleaguered city.

This week's statistics, the Sydney match not withstanding, tell you that the scrums are getting much, much better with fewer collapses and resets. The statistics also tell you lots of mosts and leasts/fewest - ball in play time, tries, penalties, penalties goaled, stoppages. Then, too, they will tell how each team fared this weekend at line-outs - and guess which player conceded most penalties.

Bulls stalwart Danie Rossouw returns from paternity leave to take up a spot on the bench against the Crusaders this weekend.

It's the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup this weekend with some of the best referees in the world in action - as is the case with the Super 15.

The Crusaders will be without lock Sam Whitelock, while flyhalf Dan Carter is also 'doubtful' for the crunch encounter with the Bulls on Saturday.

All Black flyhalf Dan Carter has reportedly been offered NZ$2.2 million a season to play in Europe as French clubs vie for his signature.

The embattled Hurricanes could not keep up with the champion Bulls as they went down 26-15 in Napier on Saturday.

The Blues held on tight to beat the spirited Cheetahs 29-22 and secure the vital bonus point in Whangarei on Saturday.

The Waratahs saw off a spirited second half performance from the Chiefs for a 23-16 win in their Super Rugby encounter in Sydney on Friday.

The Highlanders bounced back in timely fashion, handing the Brumbies' their fifth loss in a row with a 26-20 win on Friday.

Blues centre and Northland captain Jared Payne will head for Ireland later this year, having signed to play for Irish club Ulster.

Wallaby centre Adam Ashley-Cooper will start on the wing for the Brumbies in their match against the Highlanders at Invercargill on Friday.

Injuries have forced Blues coach Pat Lam to make two changes to his team for their clash with the Cheetahs in Whangarei on Saturday

All Black wing Hosea Gear is back in the Hurricanes team for their clash with the champion Bulls at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday.

The hurdles are many, but SANZAR CEO Greg Peters said the door is not shut on taking Kiwi Super Rugby teams to foreign markets in future.

Quinton Immelman of the Western Province has been appointed by SA Referees to referee the Varsity Cup Final between the University of Cape Town (Ikeys) and the University of Pretoria (Tukkies). The match will be played in Pretoria on Monday, 11 April 2011.

The International Rugby Board has announced the pools and fixtures for the first three rounds Junior World Championship to be played in Northern Italy in June this year. South Africa and England, the Under-20 Six Nations champions, are in the same pool and meet on Day 3. Australia may find France a handful while New Zealand seem well set to win their pool.

All Black Colin Slade will make his first Super Rugby appearance for the Highlanders, when they host the Brumbies in Invercargill on Friday

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has axed veteran Tana Umaga in one of two changes to the team to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

World Cup organisers said Wednesday the South Island cities of Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill would each host an extra pool match.

All Black wing Sitiveni Sivivatu will leave New Zealand after this year's Rugby World Cup and join with French Top 14 club Clermont.

Former Springbok and Sharks prop Adrian Garvey has taken up the challenge of riding the gruelling Cape Epic. He gives us his account after day one...

There are here some statistics from Round 6 of Super 15. You can see the great match with the small number of stoppages, the number of tries scored, the number of penalties conceded, who has scored fewest tries, who has goaled most penalties, and so on.

It's spring up north and so matches become more tense and referees need to be more alert and in the south, where autumn is setting, there is plenty to keep referees on their toes as competitions settle into a business mode.

Crusaders flyhalf Matt Berquist will join Irish giants Leinster next season on a one year deal with the option to extend his stay.

Dan Carter's 22-point return for the Crusaders in their 44-28 win over the Sharks makes him Super Rugby's leading points scorer.

The League-like shoulder charge by Crusaders star Sonny Bill Williams on Sharks No.8 Ryan Kankowski on Sunday was not a 'red card' offence.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball writes that John Smit's form remains a worry for the Springboks.

The Crusaders are sweating over the fitness of Dan Carter, Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock ahead of their Round Eight match against the Bulls.

Dan Carter lead the way as the Crusaders produced a sublime first-half performance in a 44-28 win over the Sharks on Sunday.

The Blues bounced back from trailing at half-time to edge the Chiefs 16-13 in their Super Rugby encounter in a wet Hamilton on Saturday.

Blues coach Pat Lam said his side showed in their 16-13 win over the Chiefs it wasn't just a dry ground team that can only play expansively.

The Crusaders team to play the Sharks on Sunday shows two changes - Wyatt Crockett at loosehead prop and Zac Guildford on the left wing.

The Ospreys have revealed that they have signed Crusaders and Samoa scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i.

There are two changes to the Crusaders team to play the Sharks in the historic Super Rugby match at Twickenham on Sunday.

Two Japanese players have pledged to join a training camp next week, despite having their family homes washed away by the devastating earthquake and tsunami, the team's coach said.

The International Rugby Board has underlined its commitment to the development of the world?s top female referees with the announcement of its first-ever Women?s Referee Panel seeking to ensure that the world's top female referees will have regular opportunities to officiate international men?s and women?s matches.

Crusaders' coach Todd Blackadder will spread the gospel of Super Rugby to the northern hemisphere when they face the Sharks on Sunday.

The Rebels bounced back from a 17-point deficit to score a resounding 42-25 win over the Hurricanes in Melbourne on Friday.

All Black captain Richie McCaw believes northern hemisphere sides will be formidable opponents at the World Cup, despite a poor Six Nations

The only change to the Blues team, that will face the Chiefs on Saturday, is the return of Joe Rokocoko on the left wing.

Steve Walsh of Australia, who refereed the match between Scotland and Ireland on Saturday, will referee the Super 15 match between the Crusaders of New Zealand and the Sharks of South Africa at Twickenham on Sunday.

The Red Cross Earthquake Appeal will score big from the Crusaders v Sharks showdown on Sunday. #5 from each ticket go to the appeal.

The Crusaders revealed the remaining venues for their 'home' games and Wellington, headquarters of the Hurricanes, gets a slice of the pie.

The Chiefs, despite ending the Sharks' unbeaten run last week, are determined to raise the bar when they take on the Blues on Saturday.

Former Crusaders No.8 Thomas Waldrom could qualify to play for England after discovering that his grandmother was born in the country.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has named an unchanged team to play the newest franchise, the Rebels, in Melbourne on Friday.

The South African referees have announced the referees for the semifinals of the Varsity Cup and the final Varsity Shield league fixtures to be played on Monday, 28 March 2011.

A record crowd of 55,000 expected for Sunday's historic Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and Sharks at Twickenham.

The Blues have shown that they could well be Super Rugby title contenders this season, after they initially snuck under the radar.

All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter believes the earthquake has given New Zealand extra motivation to win this year's World Cup.

The European Rugby Cup has named the referees appointed to the quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup in the second weekend of April. The four referees for the Heineken Cup quarters are Nigel Owens, Alain Rolland, Romain Poite and Wayne Barnes.

David Campese tipped the All Blacks to turn home advantage into victory at the World Cup, but said the Wallabies could upset the odds.

We give some statistics from the matches. You can find out who was penalised most this weekend and over the whole tournament, who kicked most, who passed least, who scored most/fewest tries, which game had most action - that sort of thing.

The All Blacks could swop their iconic silver fern for a red fern at the World Cup in a symbolic gesture to quake-hit Christchurch.

Highlanders star marquee playmaker Colin Slade is closing in a return to full match fitness to boost the Southerners ranks.

After all the hype and tension, excitement and disappointment of the Six Nations, things are quieter this week.

It was an excited group of Crusaders who headed out to London, for their historic ever Super Rugby match with the Sharks on Sunday.

Georgia duly beat their great rivals Russia 15-9 on a rainy day in Sochi, east along the Black Sea from Georgia. They ended the European Nations Cup ('Six Nations B') as the top side.

Highlanders flyhalf Robbie Robinson faces disciplinary action from the franchise, after he spent time in a police cell on Sunday.

There were first wins for the Cheetahs and the Force this weekend. In fact for the Cheetahs it was their first Super Rugby win abroad. We give some stats from the matches. If you want to know the leasts and the mosts, a lot of them are here - tries, penalties, sanctionary treatment, tries, penalty goals. That sort of thing. Some are a bit of a surprise, like which team has conceded the lowest average of penalties.

Chiefs flyhalf Stephen Donald, back-up to Dan Carter at the All Black, will spend the next month on the sideline with a back injury.

The Blues scored 21 points in a 13-minute blitz in the final quarter to record a comprehensive 41-17 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Crusaders showed their class on Saturday, where they turned it on in the second half to record a 44-13 victory over the Highlanders.

The Chiefs ended the table-topping Sharks' unbeaten Super Rugby run with a 15-9 win in dour conditions in Hamilton on Friday.

Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore and Ma'a Nonu all become Super Rugby centurions in the same match and will be presented with a greenstone mere.

The encounter between the Crusaders and Sharks at Twickenham is proving to be a big hit, with 16,000 tickets selling in the first 30 hours.

In this year of the World Cup, Georgia have proved themselves the best of Europe's second tier as the European Nations Cup (Six Nations B) enters its last round. None of the other five countries can catch Georgia.

A last-minute try by Argentinian XV reserve wing Rodrigo Ponce De Leon gave the touring SA Under-20 team an 8-7 defeat in their opening tour match played at the Lawn Tennis Club in Santiago del Estero on Wednesday night.

Argentinian star Juan Martin Hernandez faces a race to be fit in time for the World Cup, which begins in September, after a surgeon said on Wednesday he would be out of action for up to five months.

Blues coach Pat Lam has made several changes to the side to face the Hurricanes, with Tony Woodcock to play his 100th game for the Blues.

Tom Donnelly returns from injury, but Jamie Mackintosh is a doubtful starter for the Highlanders team to play the Crusaders in Saturday.

Kahn Fotuali'i and Zac Guildford are in the Crusaders Super Rugby matchday squad for the first time this season.

Ulster have signed All Black prop John Afoa from the Super Rugby outfit the Blues in a deal commencing after the World Cup in New Zealand.

Cory Jane (50 games), Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore (100 each) will reach significant milestones when the Hurricanes play the Blues on Saturday.

The Highlanders came unstuck at Newlands, leaving only the Sharks and the Stormers unbeaten - up till now, that is. Our statistics are more detailed. If you want to find the match with the fewest stoppages, it's here also the team most penalised in a match and least penalised in the competition so far, the team that has scored most tries, how your team did in line-outs and scrums and a lot more.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster made two changes to his starting XV to take on the Sharks in a home game in Hamilton on Friday.

On Saturday Romain Poite of France was happily refereeing the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham, the oldest Test match, when, with 22 minutes to go, he pulled up in distress with a calf injury. His assistant and compatriot Jerome Garces replaced him. Once they had sorted out the communications system, the replacement was seamless.

Super Rugby log leaders the Sharks will play their final tour match against the Crusaders at Twickenham in London on March 27.

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw is making slow progress following his foot surgery and is facing a longer period on the sidelines.

We give some statistics from the three matches in Round 4 of the 2011 Six Nations.

Lions' Kiwi fullback James Kamana has been suspended for three weeks after a SANZAR judicial hearing found him guilty of dangerous play.

Prime Minister John Key said on Tuesday that as hopes dimmed New Zealanders must be realistic about Christchurch hosting World Cup matches.

The Lions' New Zealand fullback James Kamana will appear at a SANZAR judicial hearing on Tuesday, after being cited for a dangerous tackle.

Two of the three derbies in the European Nations Cup, a.k.a Six Nations B, went as expected but the one in Madrid produced a shock result, both in who won and in the size of the victory.

It's the end of this year's Six Nations with England poised for a Grand Slam and the angry Irish keen to frustrate them. And England Under-20 and England Women are likely to do in like manner. There is the possibility of a triple Grand Slam. The referees who have the decisive matches are Bryce Lawrence, Mathieu Raynal and Sarah Corrigan.

SANZAR has announced the match officials for Weeks 5-8, which takes us to 9 April 2011.

There is understandable upset in the Irish camp about the try scored by Mike Phillips of Wales that helped Wales top beat Ireland 19-13. The try should not have been allowed on three accounts.

Veteran All Black lock Ali Williams injured his hamstring whilst playing for the Blues against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

All Black flyhalf Stephen Brett kicked a last-minute penalty to earn the Blues a 22-22 draw against the Force in Perth on Saturday.

All Black lock Ali Williams received some good news. His hamstring injury is unlikely to keep him sidelined for more than a month.

The Hurricanes, after a break of three weeks from the game, came back to edge the Chiefs 29-26 in Wellington on Saturday.

A defensive effort of epic proportions saw the Stormers end the Highlanders' unbeaten run, when they recorded a 18-6 victory on Friday.

There are just derbies this weekend in the European Nations Cup which some call the Six Nations B. Neighbour plays neighbour.

Speedster Tim Nanai-Williams will start at fullback for the Chiefs against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

Sean Maitland scored four tries as the Crusaders ran riot and thrashed the Brumbies 52-10 at Trafalgar Park, Nelson, on Friday.

Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson believes the Stormers possess more than enough strike power.

The English Rugby Union has turned down a request from the Crusaders to host their Super Rugby match against the Sharks at Twickenham.

The Hurricanes team to play the Chiefs in a Round Four Super Rugby match in Wellington on Saturday features two debutantes.

Loose forward Peter Saili has been ruled out, as Blues coach Pat Lam brought back his big name stars to face the Western Force on Saturday.

Highlanders midfielder Matt Saunders is returning home from South Africa, following the sudden death of his father on Tuesday.

Six Nations rugby have announced the citing commissioners for the last two weeks of the 2011 Six Nations for both Seniors and Under-20s.

The Chiefs were dealt a cruel blow when their captain, Mils Muliaina, was ruled out for at least a month.

The Highlanders team to play the Stormers this Friday shows one change from the XV that ended the Bulls' 20-match home run last week.

Several Crusaders players have met and thanked 300 Australian police men and women for coming to Christchurch and helping out.

Andre Watson, South Africa's refereeing boss, has expressed his concern in the use (overuse?) of yellow cards (sin bin) for players who infringe at the tackle.

There have been changes to the referees for this weekend's Super 15 matches.

Western Force centre, Rory Sidey, has been suspended for three weeks after a SANZAR judicial hearing found him guilty on the charge of dangerous tackling during the Force's match with the Sharks on Saturday.

It's back to Six Nations and AER-FIRA Tests this week in addition to big competitions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Stuart Dickinson of Australia has refereed 46 Tests matches and mop re Super Rugby matches than any other referee, 88 or more Super Rugby matches. He is certainly resilient - and still enjoying it, despite the slings and arrows that go with the job.

The Chiefs recorded their first win of the season, as they brought the Rebels down to earth with a big bang in Hamilton on Saturday. rugby365.com brings you all the drama.More Saturday action... | Super Rugby at a glance | Global news

Racing Metro's injury-prone Argentinian star Juan Martin Hernandez suffered a serious right knee injury during Saturday's Top 14 clash against Bourgoin, his club revealed.

Japan's Rugby Union chiefs have turned down a plea from coach John Kirwan to bring back Christian Loamanu for his World Cup squad, despite an indefinite ban on the player for alleged marijuana use.

There were thrilling finishes in Melbourne and Bloemfontein and at Newlands. Statistics tell us lots of mosts and leasts but do not capture those thrilling finishes

Eddie Jones says judging Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies's aptitude for Test rugby can only take place once opposition teams have properly analysed them.

Shane Young, a Grade 8 pupil at Hoerskool Stellenberg in Cape Town, had the day of his life at rugby on Saturday and it was thanks to a referee - a top referee.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball says the axing of Os du Randt just six months before the World Cup is a mistake from Peter de Villiers and SARU.

We give some statistics from the matches. Which team had the ball in its possession longest? Who kicked most? Who passed most? Who tackled most? Whose scrums were messiest? You can find out all that and more.

February has sped away and we are already into the mad March days/ There are no Tests to start it all but lots of hectic activity that will grab the imagination, especially in the third round of the unpredictable Super 15.

Wellington sports stars are uniting to help support and raise funds for Christchurch after the recent earthquake.

Waratahs captain Phil Waugh will give new meaning to the phrase 'putting your body on the line' when he lines up against the Crusaders.

Last year's Vodacom Cup losing finalists - the Free State Cheetahs - ended round one in first position on the South Section log after they got off to the perfect start with a 55-19 win over the Falcons at the Free State Stadium on Friday.

In the third round of the European nations Cup, sometimes called the Six nations B, log-leaders Georgia scraped home against Portugal in Lisbon. In the other two matches Romania smashed Russia and Spain smashed Ukraine.

The Lobos of Portugal play the Lelos of Georgia in Lisbon on Saturday, the only two unbeaten teams in the European Nations Cup, sometimes referred to as the Six Nations B.

This is our silly question for this week to see how we get on with the laws of the game. Last week's was taken from a real match; this one is entirely hypothetical.

From the last two rounds of the Six Nations we published details of scrums and ball-in-play time. Now we are doing the same for the first round of the Super 15, and Super 15 does not come off all that well.

More than a dozen players who competed in pre-season Super Rugby and Vodacom Cup matches, as well as in the Varsity Cup were selected in the South Africa Under-20 squad that will travel to Argentina.

Last week we quoted an incident from the Sevens match in Las Vegas when Kenya played Samoa in the final of the Plate competition. Samoa were leading but the enthusiastic Kenyans were fighting back and scored a try under the posts.

The International Rugby Board has appointed citing commissioners for the senior and Under-20 Six Nations matches this weekend.

Crusaders scrumhalf Andy Ellis has pointed to a misguided defensive strategy as the big factor in his team's loss to the physical Blues.

The Hurricanes' All Black utility back Cory Jane may escape official sanction for his rant over Australian referee Stuart Dickinson.

'Canes centre Ma'a Nonu will miss his opportunity to go head-to-head with rival Sonny Bill Williams after he was suspended for one week.

The new Super 15 started off with seven matches, for which we give some statistics. They enable people to see some details - like who was in trouble, who was most/least penalised, who won the line-outs, who messed up the scrums and who scored points.

Most attention will be on the Six Nations and the Super 15 and so on top referees.

The first round of the Super 15 kicked off in Wellington on Friday morning - a dull match - and then a one-sided match in Melbourne but after that the first round perked up with a cracker in Auckland. And Europe awaits another outbreak of Six Nations.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) said Saturday it had brokered an agreement between the Fiji's Rugby Union and government which should keep the Pacific island nation in this year's World Cup.

The Southern Kings received a significant boost with confirmation that they will participate in the 2011 IRB Nations Cup tournament.

The second round of Six Nations matches was played this weekend. Again we look at how the scrums went and how long the ball was in play.

The IRB's Pacific Rugby Cup kicks off in Australia this weekend with a new format. The teams taking part will be the A Teams of Fiji, called the Fiji Warriors, Tonga and Samoa plus three teams from Australia and three teams from New Zealand.

There was an unusual occurrence at the Sevens in Las Vegas recently, a city where taking a chance is commonplace.

Peter Grant's continuing stay in Japan has been causing anxiety in the Stormers' ranks where he would be welcomed back with open arms. His stay has been extended because his team is doing too well.

Two referees have had to withdraw from the first round of Super 15 matches this weekend - Bryce Lawrence who was to have refereed the first match of 2011 Super Rugby and Steve Walsh who was to have refereed the last match of the weekend. Both are injured.

Steve Walsh, the Test referee once of New Zealand, now of Australia, has been forced to withdraw from the Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham on 26 February.

We give some statistics from the matches. There are lots of interesting questions to get answered: who scored most tries or fewest tries or most penalties or fewest penalties; who has been most penalised; who had the ball in their possession most; who kicked most and who passed most; which players were penalised and conceded points. That sort of thing.

What a thriller in Dublin! It was a splendid match with a result that was tough on the Irish who scored three tries to one. In Moscow Portugal, who are not going to the World Cup, had a famous victory over Russia who are. And in the Magners League there was a massive shock for Munster. And then there was that tough Final in Las Vegas which South Africa won.

What a thriller in Dublin! It was a splendid match with a result that was tough on the Irish who scored three tries to one. In Moscow Portugal, who are not going to the World Cup, had a famous victory over Russia who are. And in the Magners League there was a massive shock for Munster. And then there was that tough Final in Las Vegas which South Africa won.

Portugal continued on their happy, giant-killing way with a victory over Russia in the second round of the European Nations Cup, nicknamed the Six Nations N..

Super 15 starts while Six Nations rests. But there is a lot on to keep referees fit and active.

Namibia played the Blue Bulls, the reigning Vodacom Cup champions, 17-12 in the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.

Japan coach John Kirwan believes banned Brave Blossom Christian Loamanu deserves a "second chance" to play at this year's World Cup, despite an indefinite ban he earned for marijuana use.

Round 1 raised some eyebrows when Portugal beat Romania, which means that Russia, bound for the World Cup though they are, cannot take the Lobos lightly. But then the match is in Moscow.

The Lions added another scalp to their pre-season collection, as the Johannesburg-based franchise ran rampant to beat Tucuman 82-19 on Wednesday.

Tonga's prime minister says this year's World Cup will not be a real competition because "unfair" eligibility rules prevent Pacific nations from fielding some of their best players.

Namibia get their season under way with a match in Windhoek against the Blue Bulls, preparation for the Vodacom Cup in which the Welwitchias will be taking part and in the long term for the World Cup.

SANZAR has announced the match officials for the first four weeks of Super Rugby 2011. Bryce Lawrence of New Zealand will blow the whistle to start the new, bigger Super Rugby tournament in this World Cup year.

There were three matches in the opening round of the Six Nations and the scrums were of interest in terms of the International Rugby Board's determination to clean up the scrums.

Japan coach John Kirwan wants to bring back Christian Loamanu for his World Cup squad even though the winger has received a lifetime ban for drug use.

the Six Nations go into their second week while the southern lands wait on tiptoe for it's the last weekend before the Super 15 starts.

The International Rugby Board has explained the role it is playing in the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU). It is only a supporting role, for the IRB has not taken over the running of the union.

REBELS 2011

Argentinean provincial side Tucuman have named a strong squad to take on the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly.

The International Rugby Board has announced the referees for the Junior World Trophy in Georgia in May/June this year.

We give some statistics from the first round of Six Nations matches. You can see who was penalised most and who was penalised least; who passed most, who passed least; who kicked most, who kicked least, who had possession longest, who tackled most and who missed most tackle, who had possession shortest, and so on.

The Six Nations started with three fascinating matches - French flair was back, England were more expansive and Italy were oh-so close.

The Waratahs have started their quest for a first-ever Super Rugby title on the right note, with a 41-13 victory over a Fijian selection at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday.Stormers will 'man up' against the Sharks | Veteran hooker eyes B&I Lions tour

In the first Round of the European Nations Cup, sometimes refereed to as the Six Nations B, Portugal, not for the first time, beat Romania in Lisbon The other two matches went as predicted

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball says Lionel Cronje shouldn't be surprised at his lack of opportunities in pre-season, but that does not excuse the Western Province/Stormers' management of him over the past year.

Of the six teams in the European Nations Cup, a.k.a Six Nations B, only Ukraine will not have been to the World Cup by the end of the year. Romania, Georgia, Portugal and Spain have been and Russia are going this year for the first time. This FIRA-AER competition will be a tight one.

The International Rugby Board has concerns about the state of rugby in Namibia, one of the teams for their 2011 Rugby World Cup and are taking steps to see what needs doing.

Six Nations starts this Friday with the six senior teams in action, and around it there are several other national teams making it a big weekend for players and referees.

Harlequins beat London Wasps - two London sides but playing in Abu Dhabi. There is a champion in Japan and a massive score in Spain. The Top 14 matches were played on Wednesday and Thursday.

New Zealand hero Sean Fitzpatrick announced on Saturday that he has become an adviser to the national Rugby Union in Georgia, an ex-Soviet republic seeking to become a force in the world game.

Coaches from the Six Nations participating Unions have thrown their support behind the IRB?s commitment to address scrum issues at the elite level of the game.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball believes the spin put on in media release this week doesn't cover up the shortcomings in the flawed manner in which key Springboks are being managed.

The entire group of 29 trialists will have another opportunity to further stake their claim for SA Under-20 colours on Thursday when the Baby Boks take on Western Province at their High Performance Centre in Bellville at 16.00.

The International Rugby Board has formally acknowledged that it has "concerns" over the ongoing stand-off between the Fijian Rugby Union and the country's military government.

Paddy O'Brien, the International Rugby BVoard's refereeing boss, and Tim Gresson the chairman of the IRB's judicial panel, have senbt out a memorandum on high tackles, a follow-up, as oit were, to their memorandum on tip/spear tackles. What followsd is the memorandum.

In the Heineken Cup Toulouse, desperate for a home quarterfinal, play London Wasps, stinging after a surprise defeat in Glasgow had robbed them of their chance of making the quarters. There is a dramatic moment early in the second half when the referee flashed red.

The 2011 Varsity Cup and the new Varsity Shield are upon us. SA Referees has made the appointment to these early matches. As has become traditional most of the matches are on Monday evenings.

SA Referees have announced the appointments to Round One of the 2011 Vodacom Cup; to be played on Saturday, 26 February. The competition includes a team from Namibia and a team from Argentina.

The South African national rugby selectors have cut the SA Under-20 squad from 40 players down to 30.

Things are calmer this weekend after last weekend's boisterous time in Europe. There is an interesting match in the LV= Cup, the Anglo-Welsh competition. London Wasps are playing Harlequins in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The big decisions of this weekend were who would play whom where in Europe's quarterfinals.

The International Rugby Board has threatened to expel Fiji, preventing its participation at this year's World Cup, because the nation's military regime has attempted to depose the entire Fiji Rugby Union.

South African Under-20 coach Dawie Theron on Saturday said that South African junior rugby is in a healthy state and added that there is talent and depth to consistently excel on the international stage in the future.

The Blue Bulls referees are getting geared up for the coming season with courses in Pretoria and up in Limpopo. There will be laws seminars (2011 application and interpretation) for all coaches and referee.

Former Test referee, Glenn Wahlstrom has been elected chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union in succession to Ken Baguley.

The Melbourne Rebels made it two from two in their short history, following up their debut win against Tonga with a 54-0 victory against the same opponents at the Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Centre in Morwell on Friday.

The South African referees organised their annual camps at Konka near Rustenburg this year. The first of these camps were for referees on the top two panels and was a huge success.

London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua will leave the club at the end of the current season, but highly-rated Welsh flyhalf Steven Shingler has signed a two-year contract with the Premiership outfit.   Major injury setbacks for England and Wales

It's the last of the pool rounds for the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. This will decide the quarterfinalists in each. The quarterfinals take place on the second weekend in April.

This is the second last round of the pool matches in the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. After next week end eight teams from each competition will go through to that competition's quarterfinals.

The latest addition to Super Rugby, the Melbourne Rebels, sounded an early warning with a hard fought 43-13 win over a committed Tonga at a sunbathed Olympic Park in Melbourne in Saturday.   Coetzee striving for 'complete rugby' | Super Rugby at a glance

Lyndon Bray, the former Test referee and currently New Zealand's refereeing boss, has been appointed to the new role of game manager of the newly-established SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby) organisation based in Sydney. Bray is thrilled at the appointment.

The Western Province Referees' Society is offering a course for beginners referees that is both theoretical and practical.

The International Rugby Board is staying on the sidelines for now, but still keeping a close watch on the ongoing stand-off between the Fijian Rugby Union and the country's military government.

After trials, the Fijian Rugby Union has named the Air Pacific Fiji Warriors squad of 28 players to tour Australia later this month.

The Fijian lottery cash crisis deepened on Wednesday when Fiji Rugby Union chairman Bill Gavoka stepped down in the face of mounting pressure.

Fiji's military regime on Tuesday demanded that Rugby Union chiefs in the Pacific nation quit en masse if the sport wanted government funding for this year's World Cup in New Zealand.Lions still chasing a Beast | Club v country row and other World Cup news

In the absence of clips because clever people were on holiday, we have been doing some law discussion. The clips will soon be back. There are a few interesting incidents from England's Premiership and France's Top 14.

The Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup have another short burst this weekend and the next. There are several top matches demanding top referees.

The clubs in Europe were again busy - some in search of honours, some to avoid dishonour - and then they break off again for another Heineken/Amlin burst. The weather is less severe but still tries are rare.

Newcastle Falcons are pondering the possibility of a complaint against the referee's performance in the match between Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks in Newcastle on Friday evening.

In 2008 Phillip Bosch of the Eastern Province Referees' Society, an experienced provincial referee, refereed a schools match between two of the top rugby schools in the Eastern Province - Daniel Pienaar and Grey. Attacked by a spectator, Bosch stopped the match early.

Towards the end of last year the International Rugby Board introduced a new procedure for making replacements/substitutions in rugby, bringing it closer to soccer's way of working.

The new year is rattling along. In the North clubs are busy; in the South players are gathering for preparation. The referees in the North continue to be active; the referees in the South, like their teams, are getting themselves mentally and physically prepared.

Ring out the old, ring in the new. So wrote Tennyson about the New Year but it must have seemed all the same to the players as they ignored parties in the warmth for conflicts in the cold at this time of celebration.

Hot on the heels of our photo gallery from Wednesday, we continue the countdown to 2011 by taking a look at some more top photos from the past rugby season; the second half of 2010.

Jamie Cudmore, Clermont's tough Canadian lock, has again been cited for foul play and will not play this weekend against Bourgoin.

It is not quite a chicken-or-egg situation but the sequence of events is important in three incidents taken from recent matches. What happens after decisions is also important.

As the year shakes off Christmas festivities and sinks into more to welcome the New Year, there is not a lot of rugby but there are still referees in required to be circumspect about their dietary habits. France's Top 14 is the busiest in the world with two rounds in a week - a rude shake-up.

George Gregan is about to leave Japan but another Wallaby veteran is heading there. George Smith, apparently, is heading for the Sanyo Wild Knights.

Rounds Five and Six of the 2010/11 Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup will end the pool rounds of the two competitions and the European Cup (ERC), which organises the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup, has announced the names of the referees for those two rounds.

Rugby fixtures were shot to smithereens by the cold weather, and so there are few to record.

The moment of truth has arrived, with the announcement of the rugby365.com Team of the Year for 2010 - a selection which is always eagerly-anticipated, and debated, by us and our loyal readers. Rugby players and Christmas Day | Jake White picks his World XV

The referee awards a scrum. Then suddenly blows sharply on his whistle and says to a player: 'Don't scream at me. Scream at me like that again and you are off.' Then he penalises the player's side.

With Christmas upon us, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to hand out a few well-timed presents; most of which have the upcoming 2011 rugby season in mind. Famous Christmas babies | Rugby's Christmas deaths... | Jake White's World XV

Have you ever wondered what professional rugby players get up to over the festive season? rugby365.com got in touch with a few of them to get an idea of how they will be spending Christmas Day. Feature: Some Christmas gift suggestions...

Wellington Rugby have revealed that Andre Bell has been re-appointed as coach of the Wellington Lions, after taking up the role on a temporary basis in August of this year - following the departure of Jamie Joseph to the Highlanders.

The clamour in the public domain to have Peter de Villiers removed as Springbok coach is growing at an alarming rate. As a tumultuous 2010 winds down, Jan de Koning looks at the merits of keeping the current coaching structure in place.

A white Christmas is with Europe and still some serious. Some of it is scheduled, some rescheduled from last weekend's deep snow. It has been an uncomfortable time and yet had advantages for at least one referee.

Australia will play Samoa in July, their first afternoon Test on Australian soil in six years - opening their 2011 season and build-up to the World Cup. rugby365.com brings you the latest news. Bok captain is 'good to go' | McCaw to miss post-WC mass exodus?

The snow won even more matches this weekend, including the last match of Hong Kong's European tour. There will be attempts to reschedule some of the matches as early as this week.

The Russian national team will be heading to New Zealand early in the New Year for a taste of provincial rugby as part of their build-up to World Cup 2011.

Waikato Rugby Union revealed that head coach Chris Gibbes and assistant coach Scott McLeod have re-signed with the union for a further two years.

The Otago Rugby Union has opted to retain Phil Mooney as head coach, despite a disastrous 2010 season which saw them finish last in the NPC and relegated to the second tier championship next year.

James Apollis, referee and long-serving referees' administrator, died suddenly at his home in Bellville early in the morning of Monday, 13 December 2010.

Japan have more time than any previous World Cup hosts to get ready for their 2019 hosting and they are already in action. Their latest venture is to host the sixth Pacific Nations Cup, also an IRB tournament, in 2011.

The International Rugby Board has announced that Georgia will be hosting the Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2011. The tournament will run from 24 May to 5 June.

As Christmas comes, there is little relaxation for the referees in Europe with three international club competitions on the go. And Hong Kong play two more matches on their tour.

The fixtures for the 2011 Varsity Cup have been announced; with the tournament kicking-off in Bloemfontein in February of next year when Shimlas host UCT in a repeat of one of last season's semifinals.

New Zealand needed a penalty in the last second of the match to win the IRB Sevens in George. In the Heineken Cup probably the most exciting result was Aironi's first win of the season and that over mighty Biarritz.

All Black legend John Kirwan says he wants to see a competition involving top club and regional teams from East Asia, New Zealand and Australia set up ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Too much Sonny is no good | Kiwi boss fighting for his life | News...

The IRB's Sevens series is under way. Those who watch carefully will notice some differences from the laws in the 15-man game.

Jan Taljaard provides us with a record of the time ball is in play during some of the Tests played in Europe during November.

Rugby Union's Oceania chief has accused his Celtic counterparts of running scared by refusing to tweak international eligibility rules to strengthen Pacific Island teams.Visit our comprehensive Heineken Cup and Challenge Cup sites

Players and fans alike know that Rugby Union and ice hockey are contact sports, and skating allows you to show off your elegant moves. But what if you combined them?

Former All Black and Auckland representative, Lawrie Knight has been elcted as the new President of the Auckland Rugby Union.

Jake White answers this week's questions on why the All Blacks are consistently better than the Springboks and why they produce better flyhalves, and also chooses his 2010 World XV. Brussow is good to go and other news from around the globe

Bert Woolley, a Test referee 40 years ago, died in Durban in the early hours of the morning of 7 December 2010 at the age of 92.

Two of the referees for European competition this week have been replaced.

Despite Peter de Villiers's claims that the year was a success, 2010 was anything but memorable for the Springboks. Grant Ball argues why...

The European Cup matches are back in a action for a quick fortnight. And there is a Test as Hong Kong set out on a European tour.

Snow was the winner in most cases this weekend and the loser was rugby football in the Four Home Unions with only few matches played.

The snow has forced the cancellation of all but three Magners League matches and to make refereeing travel easier, the referees have been shifted around.

The International Rugby Board has made known the referees appointed to the Six Matches in February and March 2011. Ten referees have been appointed to the 15 matches.

We give some statistical totals for the three-week period when the International Board. Test window was open. There may be some easy ones - most tries scored and fewest tries, most penalties conceded and fewest penalties, most penalties scored and most penalty attempts missed, line-out throws and failures. And you can see who the most penalised player is.

John Dobson, who has coached FNB UCT since the 2008 Varsity Cup, is the new WP Vodacom Cup and Under-21 coach.

Argentina face the daunting task of joining the top three Rugby Union teams in the world, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, in an expanded Tri-Nations from 2012.Bulls prop answers Bok SOS | Giteau punts England's World Cup cause | News

The Australian performance in Paris was dazzling, the performance of the month, if not of the year. We have some stats from the match and five other November Tests.

Fiji and Tonga will meet in home and away Tests next year in the build-up to the World Cup in New Zealand.

There are five referees new to the Sevens circuit for this season's which starts in Dubai - Aso Akihisa, Federico Anselmi, James Matthew, Luke Pearce and Naipolione Locoloco.

The rugby365.com Team of the Week is testament to the gap between the hemispheres as the southern powers put their northern rivals to the sword with convincing victories. Under-fire Lievremont defiant | Johnson wants a 'smarter' England | More news

Felipe Contepomi has claimed his Argentina side are 'miles away' from where they need to be in the run up to World Cup 2011, following a 9-29 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball says Peter de Villiers wouldn't be the first international coach fired in the year before a World Cup.

The Tests are gone and Christmas is coming but in between there is a lot of activity, especially in icy Europe. Away from icy Europe the IRB's Sevens Series kicks off in warm Dubai.

A penalty two minutes from time gave Canada a 23-20 victory over Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday as the Canadians ended their European tour.

Samoan skipper Mahonri Schwalger believes his team are building the foundations for a successful World Cup campaign next year and emulate Argentina's stunning third-placed finish at the 2007 edition.

A flawless display by Jonathan Sexton eased Ireland to an end-of-year 29-9 win over an off-colour Argentina at in Dublin here on Sunday in their final year-end test.

Ireland beat 2007 World Cup semifinalists Argentina 29-9 in a dour one-off Test at Lansdowne Road on Sunday. rugby365.com reports on the final year-end Test.Deans: 'There is some way to go' | Under-fire Lievremont defiant | News

There were exciting matches as the IRB closed its Test window. Australia broke a record, Dan Carter broke a world record and Mirco Bergamasco equalled a world Recrod. And Roimania made it to the World Cup. It was big weekend. Most of this in icy weather.

The United States narrowly missed out on a sweep of their 2010 Test matches, going down in a nail-biter against Georgia.

The young Spanish Leones surprised Namibia with a 33-20 win in Estadio Principes in Palma, Mallorca on Saturday afternoon.

Youngster Ruaridh Jackson emerged as the home-town hero as Scotland recorded a dramatic 19-16 triumph over the brave Samoans at Pittodrie Aberdeen on Saturday.

Romania are the 20th - and last -team to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup's final tournament in New Zealand, as they beat Uruguay 39-12 at the Stadionul National Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest.

Mirco Bergamasco kicked eight penalties as Italy beat Fiji 24-16 in Modena on Saturday to end their year-end international series with a victory.

Mirco Bergamasco kicked eight penalties as Italy beat Fiji 24-16 at Stadio Braglia, in Modena, on Saturday to end their year-end international series with a victory.

Brian O'Driscoll believes Ireland's final year-end Test against Argentina at the Lansdowne Road on Sunday will be played with an intensity that is usually reserved for games against local rivals.

Tonga beat the French Barbarians 28-27 at the Stade Des Alpes in Grenoble on Friday night.

After seeing offd Namibia last weekend, Portugal play their second World Cup qualified team, Canada, in Lisbon on Saturday.

There is not much between Ireland and Argentina down the years, and that is how it could be this Sunday when the two teams meet at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, a city where the Pumas have not won in six attempts.

It is the last qualifying match for the 2011 World Cup - Romania vs Uruguay in Bucharest. The winner will get a ticket for New Zealand next year.

Italy's South African-born lock Carlo Del Fava believes the Azzurri must maintain their strong defensive showings in Test matches this month if they are to beat Fiji in Modena on Saturday.

The United State's smashing defence will take on hosts Georgia in Tblisi on Saturday in what should be a highly physical and lively affair between two rising nations.

Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen looked ahead to Scotland's final November Test against Samoa on Saturday and demanded "same again please" from his teammates.

For the team to play Argentina on Sunday, there are five changes from the one which played with so much spirit against New Zealand last weekend.

Scotland hope to build on last weekend's 21-17 victory against the world champion Springboks with a big win against the very physical Samoa on Saturday in Edinburgh.

Beaten in Lisbon last weekend, Namibia now head for the island of Mallorca, their backs to the wall. There is nothing riding on the match except confidence.

Fiji have made six changes to the side that secured a historic draw with Wales last week, as they look to end their tour on a high when they clash with Italy on Saturday.

Samoan Sevens star Mikaele Pesamino's proposed move to Sale Sharks has suffered yet another setback.

Dawie Theron, the new SA Under-20 coach, on Thursday said he was looking forward to work with SARU in an attempt to further develop South Africa?s rugby talent.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has made three changes to his side ahead of what is likely to be a physical encounter with Fiji in Saturday's Test match in Modena.

Former FNB UCT star Pieter Engelbrecht has been named in the SA Sevens squad for the opening two rounds of the 2010/11 IRB Sevens World Series - in Dubai and George.

The International Rugby Board, determined to stamp out spear tackles, have made amendments to their laws in the interest of player safety.

Samoa have made one change for their one-off Test against Scotland in Aberdeen on Saturday, with Toulouse's Census Johnston coming in at tighthead prop in place of Anthony Perenise.

US Eagles outside centre Paul Emerick was cleared to play following a disciplinary hearing which arose as a result of the player being cited following the match between Scotland A and the USA last week.

Traditional provincial rivalries will be prominent in next year's National Provincial Championship as provincial rugby bosses chose local derbies in the first ever match selection web conference this week.

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has made three changes to his starting XV to play against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has challenged his team to step up their performance in Saturday's final year-end Test against Samoa at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen.'Spoilt child' gets his French recall | Scots bullied Bok bullies | Other world news

The South African Rugby Union has announced the appointment of Griquas coach Dawie Theron as the head coach of the SA Under-20 team for the next three years.

Fijian-born All Blacks wing Joe Rokocoko has called for smaller countries such as those in the Pacific Islands to be offered more exposure against rugby's elite to aid their development.

Gordon D'Arcy is looking forward to meeting his former Leinster team-mate Felipe Contepomi when Ireland face Argentina at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, but is well aware of the threat the Pumas pose. Irish injuries mounting as Pumas loom | Frustrated Ferris

It's the last weekend of the International Rugby Board's window of opportunity for Test matches. The most important on the long term will be played in Bucharest with Alain Rolland as the referee. He refereed the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and now the final qualifying match for the 2011 World Cup.

The rugby365.com Team of the Week is dominated by the All Blacks this week, after they once again showed why they are ranked the best team in the world against a spirited Irish side. Ireland pay the price for brave display | Deans questions scrum calls

Five rugby players with Argentine club side San Miguel were killed in a road accident on Sunday as they were travelling to compete in a sevens competition,

There was a wonderful, stylish match in Dublin, a hard clash in London, rain domination in Edinburgh, blushes for the Welsh in Cardiff, friend against friend in Montpellier and hard work in Florence.

The use of Pat Lambie as a substitute shows exactly why South Africa doesn't produce many flyhalves, rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball writes.

Leinster backs Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney have both been ruled out of Ireland's final November international against Argentina.

Inspired by the boot of Morgan Parra, France took revenge for a 41-13 Buenos Aires mid-year thrashing by edging out Argentina 15-9 in Saturday's one-off year-end Test at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier.

Martin Johnson believes England's gritty victory over Samoa will stand his side in good stead as they attempt to end their four-year losing streak against South Africa.Report: England struggle against Samoa | 'That is Test rugby' | More news

In the second test ever between the two countries Georgia beat Canada 22-15 at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tblisi on Saturday.

The rain came down at Murrayfield and South Africa came down a peg or two, their Grand Slam tour a damp squib while in Dublin the All Blacks continued on their seamless way. In Florence the Australian scrum was again a mess while Fiji beat Wales 16-all.

Georgia and Canada meet in a friendly in Tblisi on Saturday afternoon. It is the second Test ever between the two countries.

Scotland paid a dear price for their inspired 21-17 win over South Africa at the weekend.

At the at Estadio Universitario in Lisbon on Saturday Portugal beat the touring Namibians 24-12 after leading 12-9 at half time.

The United States Eagles fell at the hands of Scotland 'A' in the third match of their November at Galashiels.

England maintained their unbeaten record against Samoa, overcoming a rugged display by the South Pacific islanders to win 26-13 in a bruising battle at Twickenham on Saturday.

The fall-out over Wales' 16-all draw against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, described by coach Warren Gatland as "embarrassing", has already claimed one victim.Match report: Fiji the victors in draw | Wales 'warm up' against England | News

Touring Tonga beat Italy A 16-9 at Stadio Vittorio Pozzo in Biella on Friday night. The visitors led 16-0 at half-time.

England manager Martin Johnson said he was pleased with the way his side had "grittily slugged it out" to maintain their unbeaten record against Samoa.

In its second tour match Canada were too strong for Spain, winning 60-22 in Madrid on Saturday afternoon in the first-ever test between the two countries.

This century's history suggests a victory for Argentina over France in Montpellier on Saturday. After all the Pumas have won seven of the nine matches between the two sides this century.

Canada travel East for their match against Georgia in Tblisi. Both teams are qualified for the 2011 World Cup and are using every opportunity to prepare.

England manager Martin Johnson has warned his team against complacency as they bid to build on the record victory over Australia against Samoa in London Saturday.

Italy 'A' team coach Gianluca Guidi has been able to call on the services of a host of stars with European experience for the encounter with Tonga at the Vittorio Pozzo stadium in Biella on Friday.

Fiji did it again against Wales. They outplayed and out-spirited their more illustrious opponents in Cardiff on Friday to earn a 16-all draw. rugby365.com reports.Relive the drama -minute-by-minute | Wales 'warm up' against England | News

"Look after the pence and the pounds will look after themselves." Your mother told you that many years ago, and perhaps it applies to scrumming as well. We are starting from the top instead of from the bottom and continually treat symptoms instead of root causes.

The United States Eagles are coming off an away win against Portugal in Lisbon and will look to do the same against Scotland 'A' on Friday.

France's dynamic scrumhalf Morgan Parra is determined to set aside memories of probably his worst performance for the national side, when he starts against Argentina in Montpellier on Saturday.  Samoa turn on the style | Easter takes charge | World news

Backing up the challenge laid down by their Siva Tau, Samoa won the battle on the field and the hearts of the Kingsholm faithful with a stylish 66-25 win over the Combined Services on Wednesday.

Toulouse lock Patricio Albacete will make his return to Argentina's starting XV for the one-off Test against France in Montpellier this weekend.

Euphoria and the associated public hype may have followed England's convincing 35-18 win over Australia, but coach Martin Johnson has made every effort to quell the ecstasy of the English media and public.

Samoa named an unchanged starting XV to play England at Twickenham on Saturday, following last weekend's 10-20 loss to Ireland in Dublin.

Namibia have gathered their players from near and far for their two-Test trip to Europe, in which they play Portugal and Spain/.

Argentinian captain Felipe Contepomi would love to lead his side to a repeat against France on Saturday of what he believes was the perfect match - June's 41-13 humiliation of the Six Nations Grand Slam champions.

French sporting icon Sebastien Chabal gets what could be his last chance to prove he is an international No.8 on Saturday against Argentina and he is determined to seize it with both hands.

Harlequins No.8 Nick Easter will lead the England side for the first time in a Test match against Samoa at Twickenham this weekend. rugby365.com reports.Palmer to raise the bar | It's time for the Varsity game | Other news

In-form England lock Tom Palmer has urged the side to make sure they use last weekend's dramatic 35-18 victory over Australia as a springboard to further success and not let it be a glorious one-off.

Even within the current process of scrumming, better scrumming can be achieved. In the rain and the wet in Limerick on a miserable Tuesday night, two packs proved that there is no excuse for the blight of rotten scrumming.

The combined services rugby team are preparing to take on Samoa in their first international match in years and is an opportunity to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

The South African Referees' Association has announced the names of the various panels of referees. There are no changes to the National Panel.

Argentina will be without injured centre Rafael Carballo and lock Manuel Carizza in Saturday's Test against France.

Samoan hooker Ti'i Paulo has escaped suspension, despite being found guilty of foul play in a November 9 tour match against Irish side Connacht.

What ever is being done to clean up the scrumming mess, it's not working. The slower engagement sequence is not working. Penalising is not working. Perhaps they are starting from the wrong end of the problem.

The European Cup has announced the referees for Rounds 3 and 4 of the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Racing-Metro powerhouse Sebastien Chabal is to get a run at No.8 for France as coach Marc Lievremont recalled a host of his Six Nations Grand Slam winners for the Test against Argentina in Montpellier on Saturday. French focus on tactics, not revenge

Kees Lensing, Namibia's powerful loosehead prop who has captained his country has caused surprise by hanging up his boots at the age of 32.

Six Nations Grand Slam champions France must focus entirely on their tactics for Saturday's one-off Test match with World Cup semifinalists Argentina and not revenge, their captain Thierry Dusautoir said.

The rugby365.com Team of the Week is understandably dominated by players from England and New Zealand this week, after their utterly convincing victories putting Australia and Scotland to the sword respectively. Boks banish 'slam' talk | Scotland left limping

Ireland lock Donnacha Ryan has been cited for allegedly stamping on an opponent during Ireland's 20-10 win over Samoa in Dublin on Saturday.

It was, you may say, as busy weekend. All the top tier countries were involved, and we give statistics from all those matches. Unfortunately the statistics for the matches in Nantes and Verona are not as full.

Leicester centre Anthony Allen was called into the England squad on Monday ahead of this weekend's Test at home to Samoa.

France coach Marc Lievremont on Sunday reacted to the disappointing 34-12 victory over Fiji by making eight changes to his squad ahead of the one-off Test against Argentina in Montpellier next weekend.

The Southerners continue to invade the North with teams from Argentina, Australia, Fiji, Namibia, New Zealand, Samoa and South Africa. And then the north American sides are joining the rush to Europe while the IRB's window of Test opportunity is open.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball says the Springboks are making it a welcome habit of winning close games, just like great sides of the recent past.

A late penalty gave Uruguay a 21-all draw with Romania in their World Cup qualifier in Montevideo on Saturday.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi said his team would need to be more clinical when they face France next week following their 22-16 victory over Italy in Verona.

Italy's miserable home run against Argentina continued on Saturday as the Pumas won for the fifth successive time 22-16 at the Bentegodi stadium in Verona.

The United States of America ran in three tries in Lisbon as they defeated Portugal 22-17 in the first IRB ranking test of their November Tour.

Japan's preparations for the 1919 Rugby World Cup took a step forward with the naming of a president, some highly placed persons and a general manager for the organising committee.

The International Rugby Board has announced the dates, pools and venues for the IRB Junior World Championship 2011 in Italy, which sees the hosts up against the defending champions in the pool stage.

There is just one place left for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the first step towards filling it will be taken when Uruguay meet Romania in Montevideo on Saturday in the first leg of a two-legged race.

Canada play the second match of their European tour when they meet Spain in Madrid on Saturday.

Following a tough fought tour-opening loss to professional English club Saracens, the United States are prepared to take on Portugal in the first ranking test of the November Tour.

The chief executive of rugby's governing body believes it is a question of "when, not if" the sport's World Cup is held in the United States.

November has started with several Tests, including matches between the SANZAR countries and the Six Nations counties. We give some stats from Week 1.

Saracens were convincing 20-6 winners against the United states Eagles in the city of London in their midweek clash on Tuesday.

At the annual IRB High Performance Referees meeting at the Lensbury Club in South London on Monday, attended by the world?s top referees and referee managers, the emphasis was - again - on consistency as momentum builds towards Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Despite Extra-time's regular compiling artist, Howie Kahn, sampling the delights of New York, we have managed to put together an ambrosial column for you this week.

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball writes that the lack of praise for forwards coach Gary Gold in the aftermath of the Boks' win has been deafening.

United States Eagles head coach Eddie O'Sullivan has relied heavily on domestic players for the team that will face Saracens in a midweek tour match on Tuesday.

Colin High, formerly an international referee and much involved in refereeing has received the IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service 2010 at a special presentation during a conference of top refereeing men at the Lensbury Club in Teddington.

It's mainly international matches and referees that attract our attention this week, most notably a match in Montevideo on Sunday which has further ramifications.

Steve Borthwick will lead Saracens when international rugby hits the city of London on Tuesday, as Saracens face the United States Eagles at the Honourable Artillery Company grounds.

As the southern hemisphere invades the north, the rugby365.com Team of the Week returns with the Tri-Nations teams each claiming a northern scalp and dominate our selections. Ireland to pay for Bok loss | Wales recall fiery Powell for Bok visit

Left wing Alisi Tupuailai scored a hat-trick to lead Japan to a 75-3 victory over Russia in a Test match at the Prince Chichibu stadium ion Tokyo on Saturday.

Canada won the opening match of their European tour with a 43-12 victory over the Black Devils of Belgium in the mud on a wet Brussels afternoon, the first-ever Test between the two countries.

Canterbury won the NPC for the third straight year after downing Waikato 33-13 in the final in Christchurch on Friday.

Peter Borlase, who on Friday helped Canterbury win their third successive NPC title, will join up with Irish giants Munster next week.

Belgium and Canada meet on the international rugby field in Brussels on Saturday - the first such match between the two countries.

The Brave Blossoms of Japan face the Russian Bears at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Tokyo on Saturday.

Jonathon White of Auckland has been appointed to referee his first Final of New Zealand's provincial championship, now called the ITM Cup when Canterbury host Waikato. It is also the first time these two teams have met in a Final.

Provincial rugby organised in a competition in New Zealand is relatively young and finals date back only to 1992 - not that anybody will be less enthusiasm as they head for Westpac Stadium in Wellington this Saturday when Wellington play Canterbury in the third final of the Air New Zealand Cup.

The International Rugby Board is pleased with the outcome of their increased emphasis on certain aspects of law application - the tackle and offside at kicks in particular.

Eastern Province Kings No.8 JJ Gagiano heads the growing list of professional players from around the globe that will bolster the United States Eagles for their first international tour in four years.

There is one change to the Canterbury team to play Waikato in Friday's NPC Final in Christchurch.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes named an unchanged starting XV for his team's NPC Final against Canterbury in Christchurch on Friday.

How could Jake White solve the Springbok woes? Which player would Jake White like to have in his team? All these questions and more are answered by the World Cup-winning coach himself...

The Sharks outplayed Western Province to win Saturday's Currie Cup Final 30-10. We give some statistics from this match in Durban.

Why does Danie Rossouw get preferential treatment when other players also need a break? rugby365 columnist Grant Ball asks some questions of Peter de Villiers's latest Springbok touring squad.

It's a big weekend this week as the Big Three of the South head North. It is also the Final of New Zealand's ITM Cup. Big referees are now in action.

There was loads of emotion as the South African season came to an exhausting end with three finals and promotion-relegation matches while New Zealand decided on finalists, but the big match of the weekend was the thriller in Hong Kong.

What a thriller in Hong Kong when a last minute try and conversion gave Australia a 26-24 victory over New Zealand. We give some statistics.

BJ Botha, writing for iafrica.com, takes a look at this weekend's Currie Cup Final between the Sharks and Western Province... and picks his winner.

Waikato have been bolstered by the inclusion of explosive All Black wing Sitiveni Sivivatu in the starting line-up for their NPC semifinal against Auckland on Saturday.

Canterbury will host the final of the 2010 ITM Cup in a bid to win three consecutive titles for the first time after beating Wellington 57-41 in Christchurch on Friday.

The Brumbies have signed the franchise's first international development player, Fijian-born wing Henry Speight - on a two-year deal ahead of next year's Super 15 season.

The USA Eagles will welcome back their talismanic captain Todd Clever from injury for their year-end tour of Europe.

Despite all the excitement over this coming weekend's Currie Cup Final - between the Sharks and WP - don't forget about Monday's SA Rugby Awards. Extra-time hasn't...

The Wellington Lions' drive to dethrone defending champions Canterbury, when they meet in the first of the NPC semifinals on Friday, has been clouded in controversy.

Craig Joubert will referee his first Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday, one of 25 referees to referee a final since the first final in 1939. It is the 50th Currie Cup Final.

The EP Kings will be relying on a host of Varsity Cup stars - mainly from Shimlas - to bolster their resources ahead of the 2011 season.

Dana Teagarden of the USA is about to make rugby history. She is the first woman to be appointed by the International Rugby Board to referee a senior men's Test. It is a huge breakthrough for women referees.

The Currie Cup Final and the last of the year's Bledisloe Cup matches dominate this weekend's matches. Craig Joubert Referees the Currie Cup Final, Alain Rolland the Bledisloe match in Hong Kong. The busy referee is Cristian Raduta of Romania.

The International Rugby Board is introducing a trial, new way of making substitutes during a match. This experiment will apply to the upcoming November Tests.

Andre Watson, South Africa's refereeing boss, has sent a letter to referees on the difficult matter of yellow cards which can have such an big effect on a match and its outcome. The communication to his match officials is below.

If you like playing in sunshine, there were places to avoid this weekend where rain and hail tortured the north. New Zealand sorted out semifinalists in the ITM Cup and South Africa started the agony of promotion/relegation.

The year 2010 has been a successful one for Western Province for they have reached finals of a sort in all nine competitions/tournaments they have taken part in - from Under-13 Craven Week to Currie Cup.

Auckland joined Canterbury on Sunday in booking themselves a home NPC semifinal next weekend after a final week of round robin matches that has had officials reaching for the tie-breaker regulations.

For the first time since 2007 Auckland are in the semifinals of New Zealand's provincial competition, the ITM Cup, and they will have a home semi because they ended in second place after they beat Tasman 49-10 at Eden Park despite being without their All Blacks.

The Wellington Lions have guaranteed themselves a spot in the NPC semifinals after a 27-14 win over Southland in Invercargill in Saturday.

Maties captain Lourens Adriaanse walked off with the Western Province Club Player of the Year Award at a function held in Claremont on Tuesday evening.

Seven teams will wrestle for NPC semifinal places in this last week of round robin play, with current frontrunners and Ranfurly Shield holders Canterbury the only team confirmed to host one of the play-offs.

In today's edition of Extra-time we look at the bizarre bee invasion in Durban at the weekend, as well as a bad injury-break and, of course, some more picture funnies.

Bay of Plenty lock Culum Retallick has been suspended for two weeks and West Coast prop Blair Mirfin for a similar period, following hearings before New Zealand Rugby Union judicial officer Bruce Squire in Wellington on Wednesday.

There were two semifinals in the 2010 Currie Cup in 2010. We give some statistics from each match.

Bees came to the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday just when the Currie Cup semifinal between the Sharks and the Blue Bulls was about to kick-off. This led to a delay in the kick-off of three-quarters of an hour with a referee in the middle to decide if and when the match could proceed.

The full extent of scrumhalf Piri Weepu's horrific ankle injury has been revealed by the All Blacks coaches, after he was ruled out of New Zealand's end-of-year tour of Hong Kong and Europe.

It's a surprise that this weekend is so ordinary - at least on the surface but there are still many close encounters, many matches to bring the best out of referees.

All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore knows he won't just walk back into the starting line-up, despite winning a recall to the squad without having played a match since May.

Francois Louw's omission from the Springbok squad is another mistake by the Bok selectors and coach Peter de Villiers, writes rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball.

The South African Rugby Union needs to give the Springbok Sevens side all the help necessary if they're to challenge seriously for Olympic Gold in 2016, writes Grant Ball in his new rugby365.com column.

It is semifinal time in the Currie Cup and lots of anxious dancing about because a semi means so much for the teams, not least financially.

New Zealand took gold at the Commonwealth Games. In South Africa there were big winners and losers as the season rises to its climax.

Craig Joubert at 32 becomes the youngest referee to referee a Currie Cup Final on 30 October 2010. For any South African referee this match is special. Joubert looks to the final of the Currie Cup, as he answers questions put to him by rugby365.com.

Alain Rolland of Ireland, the 2007 World Cup Final referee, has again withdrawn from his Heineken Cup appointment through injury.

The South African Rugby Referees Association on Tuesday announced its appointments to the Finals to be played on 30 October 2010. Craig Joubert will referee the Final.

South African Referees announced on Tuesday that Craig Joubert would referee the Currie Cup Final on 30 October 2010, regardless of who the finalists are or where it will be played.

Our new Extra-time feature has attracted plenty of attention in its first week of existence. Some readers, however, seem unsure about just what we're trying to do...

The Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup have started with great international activity while domestically South Africa has decided its semifinalists for the Currie Cup. The last, crucial league match at Newlands drew a crowd of over 45 000.

Stu Berry has arrived in Delhi where he is to referee the Sevens at the Commonwealth Games. This is his first report on his experiences.

The Commonwealth Sevens ends, the domestic competitions in South Africa are on the fringe of ending and European Rugby goes into a second round. There are referees whizzing all over the place.

Auckland ITM Cup head coach Mark Anscombe has been appointed as coach of the New Zealand Under-20 team for their 2011 campaign.

Welcome to the second edition of rugby365.com's new bi-weekly feature, Extra-time. This time we tackle weight issues, some more - erm - bad tackles and some, well, 'skills' from Down Under in Australia.

Former Springbok coach Jake White looks at how refereeing decisions impact matches, but says that teams shouldn't complain as that's the nature of the game.

Engela Pretorius has been elected as the first female to chair a referees' society in South Africa, following her election by the Border Referees' Society. The election took place on Sunday, 3 October 2010.

Welcome to rugby365.com's new bi-weekly feature, Extra-time, where we scour the internet to find you some funny bits and bobs... and also some serious moments - all of which help to make this great game of rugby union such a popular sport.

Injuries to referees Alain Rolland of Ireland and Nigel Owens of Wales have forced their withdrawals from the opening round of the European Rugby Cop's competitions, which has led to other changes.

Europe's international competitions for clubs and regions starts this week - always tough and interesting. In South Africa the Currie Cup's league matches come to an exciting end.

A new course for the development of referees is to be introduced at Stellenbosch University next year.

This weekend all seven of France's Top 14 matches will be refereed by referees from the other Six Nations countries, not France.

New South Wales have produced a winner of its main competition, the semifinalists of the Currie Cup are decided, and there were surprises in the Magners League.

There are few changes since the last panels were announced in April. The most notable change is the return of Steve Walsh after a two-year absence.

The first British Army soldier killed in Afghanistan this year was a Fijian who played for the army's Sevens team, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Monday.

A national lottery organised to fund Fiji's participation at this year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand could instead deepen its financial problems as it faces a fine of F$125,000 (US$82,500) for discounting tickets.

Having already touched on the first half of the 2011 rugby season, Jan de Koning - in Part Two of his 2011 season preview - takes a look at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. 2011 preview - Part One | Our YouTube moments of 2010 | P Divvy's REAL rating...

It is a World Cup year - a time when nothing else really matters. Or does it? rugby365.com editor Jan de Koning takes a look at what we can expect from 2011... gazing into his crystal ball along the way. YouTube moments of 2010 | How does Div rate on this scale?

As the 2010 rugby year comes to a close, we take a look back at some of the best photos that have made the past season such a joy to watch.

As the 2010 rugby season continues to wind down at a rapid rate, we thought we would take a look back at some of our favourite YouTube clips of the season; some serious, some not so funny and some not even involving a rugby ball!

So, it's almost the end of 2010, which means the end of yet another exciting rugby year. There have been highs - and lows - and plenty more to look back at. We bring you the real winners of 2010 with rugby365.com's Annual Awards. Our Top 10 YouTube clips!

To many it is a great blessing for a baby to share a birthday with the Christ Child. For many it is a burden - two presents merged into one. For some it is seen as destiny, for others an accident. It would seem accidental or incidental that some played international rugby - not many but some.

It is some times said of an awkward person: 'He'll probably die during Christmas dinner.' There are international rugby players who may not have been quite as inconvenient but who died on Christmas Day, probably not deliberately!

A late try by replacement hooker Hikairo Forbes, followed by Trent Renata's nerveless conversion, saw Waikato claim a dramatic 38-37 ITM Cup semifinal win over Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday.

Visitors Samoa avenged their loss in the Pacific Nations Cup - in June - when they roared back from a 10-point deficit to beat Japan 13-10 in a hard-fought Test match played in Tokyo on Saturday.

The flyhalf battle between Pat Lambie and Willem de Waal in this weekend's Currie Cup Final in Durban represents two vastly contrasting styles, writes rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball.

It's edition six of Extra-time, and we have trawled through an old feature for today's headline act...

It's Currie Cup semifinal weekend... so Extra-time is mainly geared towards those two semifinals - in Durban and in Cape Town - and you cannot blame us, really!