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Western Province centre Juan de Jongh has been called up to the Springbok squad in the place of the injured JP Pietersen.

A last-minute try by wing Jason Griffiths gave Hawston a tense victory over neighbours Hermanus in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday,

The dearth of quality tighthead props has moved Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer to look beyond the usual suspects.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes the new-look Currie Cup will provide the perfect environment to forge a tougher forward pack.

Winners are rewarded and so did we when we named our famous Team of the Tournament.

Struisiesdag 2012 has come and gone, and what a successful day it was.

SACS secured their second win of the season over rivals Rondebosch, winning 26-6 at Rondebosch on Saturday.

Asherville beat Spandau 18-7 in their FNB Classic Clash in front of an excited crowd of over 10 000 in Graaff-Reinet on Saturday.

The players may want to take control, but the Waratahs board have decided they will appoint a new coach.

The quarterfinals of the Beeldtrofee have just been played and on Saturday 18 August the semifinals will be played. It's the tough end of the competition

The Reds have locked away three critical pieces of their backline.

Burglars ransacked the home of Chiefs coach Dave Rennie while his side was winning a maiden Super Rugby title in Hamilton, he has revealed.

All Black mentor Steve Hansen has nipped in the bud the coaching rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, ahead of their opening Rugby Championship match.

In-form Sharks loose forward Ryan Kankowski would definitely have featured in the Springbok mix if he was not heading to Japan.

These are the results of some of the full fixtures played this past weekend.

The All Blacks will play a warm-up match against Auckland and Counties-Manukau in preparation for the inaugural Rugby Championship.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has said he takes full responsibility for out-of-form flyhalf Morné Steyn.

The Springbok squad announced on Saturday shows that Heyneke Meyer is still very much in survival mode, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

With the Olympics in full swing in London, we thought we would take a quick glance back.

Affies  won the 109th match against neighbours Pretoria Boys High by 36 points to 20 after being only 5-3 up at half-time.

Departing captain David Pocock left the Western Force on a high after he was named Western Force Player of the Year at the club’s annual awards evening on Saturday night.

Newly crowned Super Rugby champions the Chiefs will celebrate their historic victory with a parade through central Hamilton on Monday.

The Wallabies are brainstorming on how to solve the Rubik’s cube that is All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.

Tygerberg were made to work hard but ultimately deserved their 22-20 win away to Swartland in Malmesbury on Saturday 4 August 2012.

The jubilant Chiefs sense they are on the verge of something special after claiming their breakthrough Super Rugby title.

Defending First Division champions the Boland Cavaliers picked up their first win of the season in spectacular style.

Siyamthanda Kolisi is currently enjoying widespread favour and approval ... and deservedly so.

The All Blacks selectors dropped two, added one and hedged their bets on the injured in a squad of 28 players.

In Paarl on Saturday the Faure Street Stadium was packed with a  tense and enthusiastic crowd for the Interschools which Paarl Gim won 16-9.

There were some great clashes in all of our divisions, including FNB Classic Clashes in Graaff-Reinet, Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Pacaltsdorp and Paarl.

It may not be everybody's cup of tea, but Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is adamant he named the best 30, fit, players.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is confident 'most' of his players will be fit for the opening Rugby Championship Test.

Dave Rennie became the first rookie coach to win a Super Rugby title when he guided the Chiefs to a 37-6 win over the Sharks in Saturday's Super Rugby Final.

Pat Cilliers and Siya Kolisi were the only new faces in a 30-man Springbok squad named by coach Heyneke Meyer for the Rugby Championship.

Sharks coach John Plumtree voiced his disappointment and frustration following his team’s 37-6 loss to the Chiefs in Saturday’s Super Rugby Final.

Chiefs tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna has been cited for a dangerous tackle in the Super Rugby Final against the Sharks in Hamilton on Saturday.

After their unlikely charge into the final, the Sharks' Super Rugby fairytale came to a brutal end in Hamilton where they were blown off the park.  

The Chiefs turned the screws and never let up to canter to their first Super Rugby title in dominant fashion in Hamilton on Saturday.  

The Chiefs' first Super Rugby title was built on what their captain Craig Clarke describes as their "trademark" defensive commitment.  

The taxing travel factor ultimately took its toll on the Sharks and diluted their potency in Saturday’s decider in Hamilton.

The Chiefs claimed their first Super Rugby title with a resounding 37-6 victory over the Sharks in Hamilton on Saturday.

A late try by Clayton Blommetjies helped the Blue Bulls to a 27-26 win over the Golden Lions.

On Saturday, Pacaltsdorp play host to George High in an FNB Classic Clash.

Argentinian flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez will return for the Pumas after a three-year absence.

Asherville and Spandau, lively rivals at the Collie Koeberg Stadium in the lovely Karroo town of Graaff-Reinet, meet in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

EThekwini municipal manager Sbu Sithole will approach the Sharks to open discussions about the team possibly moving to the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Wallaby and Reds playmaker Quade Cooper will make his comeback from suspension in the Brisbane club competition this weekend.

Hawston play Hermanus in what should be an intriguing and fiercely-fought FNB Classic Clash between two evenly-matched sides on Saturday.

Northampton Saints on Friday announced the signing of New Zealand utility back James Wilson ahead of the 2012/13 season.

Former Springbok coach Jake White on Friday again showed just why he was able to turn the bumbling Brumbies into play-off contenders.

Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis says his personal milestone is secondary to the greater cause of the team on Saturday.

Hoërskool Outeniqua leave George and climb over the Outeniqua Pass into the Karoo to play their FNB Classic Clash with Hoërskool Oudtshoorn.

Wallaby back rower Matt Hodgson was on Friday named new captain of the Western Force.

Western Force lock Nathan Sharpe has hailed the technical skills and people management of new coach Michael Foley.

The International Rugby Board has announced the appointment of Joël Jutge as IRB high performance match official manager.

Both Maritzburg College and Glenwood come off losses in Pretoria and would like nothing more than to get a win under the belt at Goldstones this Saturday.

Asherville have had a great season so far and their captain Sastri Prince is determined to cap it off with a victory over Spandau on Saturday.

Believe it or not, life goes on as usual despite the intense focus on the Boishaai vs Gim clash at Faure Street on Saturday 4 August 2012.

EXCLUSIVE: In Part Two of our interview with Ross van Reenen we reveal how few players earn a decent income from the game in South Africa.

If the Final can produce the sort of match that occurred in both semifinals, it will be a great Final, a match to remember, a showpiece for Super Rugby.

This is the big one, what you mean when you say Interschools - Paarl Boys' High vs Paarl Gimnasium, Boishaai vs Gimmies, Galpil vs Bloedwors.

Toulon's England international flank Steffon Armitage has had a doping ban lifted temporarily.

Craig Corbett, captain of Paarl Boys High, says no quarter will be asked and none given when they lock horns with rivals Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday.

Outeniqua captain Tinus Vermeulen's experience as skipper will stand his team in good stead when they face Oudtshoorn away from home on Saturday.

Former Cheetahs prop WP Nel took a big step towards settling in to his new club Edinburgh after his 'initiation' on Thursday.

After being beaten by George last year Pacaltsdorp captain Michael-Angelo Damons is determined to set the record straight this weekend.

Three talented all-Ireland League players have been given the opportunity to display their talents at Connacht after being awarded development contracts with the province.

On a day of high drama, the Lions have learned that another of their talented young players has crossed the Jukskei river to join the Blue Bulls.

Hawston captain Roland Swart will need all of his experience when he leads an inexperienced team out against Hermanus on Saturday.

Willie John McBride is a giant of the game, but he is famous for so more than on-field achievements.

George captain Joshwin Cornelius is looking to make it a FNB Classic Clash double against Pacaltsdorp this weekend.

The Eastern Province Kings will look to retain their unbeaten record in this year's expanded eight-team First Division.

Spandau captain Eric Job has played in the first team for four years and has never lost to Graaff-Reniet rivals Asherville.

The Sharks are the most successful Super Rugby franchise never to have won the title, with this their fourth Super Rugby Final.

Oudtshoorn captain John-Henry Schmitt says his team will be fuelled by passion and emotion when they play Outeniqua on Saturday.

Welsh glamour outfit Ospreys have decided to pay their bills, so they can continue to play rugby.

French-bound Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo is vowing to score the try that will see him go joint top of Super Rugby's try-scoring table.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has become the first debutant coach in 12 years to reach a Super Rugby Final

Paarl Gimnasium captain Handré Pollard will make a timely return from injury to lead out him team against rivals Paarl Boys High on Saturday.

Paul Jordaan has been tasked with the job of looking after Sonny Bill Williams on Saturday.

Steve Walsh will be refereeing his second Super Rugby Final this weekend, same person, same name, different nationality.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union have cut the final piece of the umbilical cord of their New Zealand 'babies'.

The Tasman Makos ranks were boosted considerably ahead of their pre-season firmly with Canterbury on Friday.

The Chiefs have named an unchanged team to play the Sharks in the Super Rugby Final in Hamilton on Saturday.

The one polices the breakdown for the Stormers. The other is a policeman on Police Academy.

It is always an amazing and great feeling to see the Glenwood boys "pour" into Pretoria and then all arrive supporting each other in the games at Affies.

Former Bok coach Jake White says the globe-trotting Sharks face a monumental battle toppling the Chiefs.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee hopes to 'ease back' veteran Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger through the Currie Cup competition.

JP Pietersen says he has never felt stronger, and he knows that will need every ounce of that strength against a physical Chiefs outfit this weekend.

Die Blou Bulle het die jaarlikse onder-13 Noordelike Bondedag vir Laerskole die naweek by Midstream in Centurion aangebied.

Player power have already cost two coaches their jobs in Australia and now they also want to 'appoint' the new coaches.

London Irish on Wednesday confirmed the departure and arrival of a host of players ahead of the 2012/13 Premiership season.

Sarel Pretorius, back from his stint with the Waratahs in Sydney, will be on the bench for the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

This year, the 20th year of Super Rugby, there will be a brand new Super Rugby winner. Neither the Chiefs nor the Sharks have won it before.

After the matches last weekend and on Tuesday, the quarterfinals of the Beeldtrofee have been announced. They will be played on 4 August 2012.

The Golden Lions have stuck with their tried and trusted to face the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup warm-up match in Johannesburg on Friday.

The Chiefs will look to become the sixth team to win a Super Rugby championship, a victory that could see the balance of NZ power shift North.

Sonny Bill Williams has rated this weekend's Super Rugby Final against the Sharks in Hamilton as the biggest game of his career.

EXCLUSIVE: Just 30 of SA's vast number of professional players will be able to sustain some sort of a living after they stop playing the game.

The Wallabies have been dealt a significant blow with the news that powerful centre Pat McCabe has been ruled out through injury for at least a month.

Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen is expected to make his return from injury in the Cheetahs' Currie Cup clash with the Sharks in Durban next month.  

Michael Foley has officially signed a three-year deal as coach of the Western Force just a day after resigning from his post with the Waratahs.

It's the 20th Super Rugby Final this weekend and, for the second time, Steve Walsh is the referee.

The second round of Southern Suburb derbies starts this weekend as Rondebosch Boys' High School plays host to the South African College High School (SACS).

Edinburgh have signed 31-year-old British and Irish Lion hooker Andy Titterrell on a one year deal.  

Queen’s College put on what was arguably one of their finest performances of the season to beat a gallant Selborne College 26-17.

The top was pretty steady this weekend as the top four teams won - Paarl Boys' High with difficulty as they beat Wynberg by four kicks to two.

Blades and the Rugby Panel team are backing the Sharks to do a Cameron van der Burgh.

In their FNB Classic Clash at home in Riversdale, Oakdale beat visiting Marlow of Cradock 39-10 on Saturday.

They might have taken the tough road to the top of the Super Rugby pile, but Sharks coach John Plumtree expects his team to stay there.

In Saturday's FNB Classic Clash in Kroonstad the Rooiskool beat the Blouskool 45-0 to continue their domination of the popular fixture. It was a record victory.

Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has revealed that he would happily hand the captaincy to David Pocock if coach Jake White asked him to.

Welkom Gimnasium beat neighbours and rivals Goudveld 29-19 in a well-contested FNB Classic Clash at Welkom Gim on Saturday.

Chiefs scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow believes that his team's defence will have to set the tone in their final showdown with the Sharks.

No Tests this week! It seems so unusual in modern rugby but there is a massive match in Hamilton with Steve Walsh to referee it.

The Blue Bulls are expecting a host of key players to return from injury in the next few weeks to bolster their resources for the Currie Cup.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley has resigned from his post with the Sydney franchise and is expected to take over at the Western Force.

During the weekend, 26 of the brightest young girl prospects assembled for a Sevens training camp in Cape Town.

A hat-trick from wing Remu Malan saw Outeniqua record a comfortable 39-8 victory over Framesby in George on Saturday .

The final fixture of Muir’s 2012 season was a tight affair as they narrowly went down 31-32 to Graeme in a highly physical encounter.

Jeppe surprised Johannesburg with their 28-13 victory over KES in their FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. They sent a report.

Hosts HTS Drostdy led the South African College High School (SACS) 16-3 at the interval before holding on for a 19-18 win.

Although he would have learned a lot in recent weeks, how many changes can we expect to see in Heyneke Meyer's Rugby Championship squad?

Former All Black coach Graham Henry is facing widespread criticism after making claims of match fixing in an authorised biography.

We give some schools results from around SA which include teams other than the First XVs from matches played on Saturday.

It was again slim pickings for our weekly Super Rugby selection, as we only had four teams from the semifinals.

On Saturday at Newton Park in Wellington, Bergrivier beat neighbours and rivals Weltevrede 35-15 in their FNB Classic Clash.

The Sharks will have to play the Super Rugby Final against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday without centre Tim Whitehead.

Waratahs chairman Edwin Zemancheff has stepped down after two years at the helm of the professional arm of the New South Wales union.

The likely return of Pat Lambie and the amazing form of French flyhalf Frederic Michalak hold the key for the Sharks ahead of the Super Rugby Final.

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles is the only new face in a 28-man All Blacks training squad for the Rugby Championship.

Australia's Steve Walsh will oversee the Super Rugby Final in Hamilton on Saturday - on merit.

The one is a Bok centre who's heading to Japan. The other tried to steal Princess Fiona from Shrek.

The one broke plenty points-scoring records. The other broke some cartoon ladies' hearts.

Sharks coach John Plumtree believes New Zealand need the Super Rugby Final more than South Africa.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes that the Sharks gruelling travel schedule will not cost them in the Super Rugby Final.

Sonny Bill Williams is expected to be named in the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship, although he will only be available for two matches.

David Pocock has revealed that the opportunity of being coached by Jake White was a major part of his decision to join the Brumbies.

Strand added another impressive scalp to their collection when they withstood a late rally by hosts Hugenote to run out 17-13 winners.

Sharks coach John Plumtree cited the improved influence of his senior players as crucial to the team's charge into the Super Rugby Final.

Weakened teams are a common facet of modern rugby, often because of competition between club and country interests.

The EP Kings broke away from the chasing pack in the national first division by handing the Griffons their first defeat of the season in Welkom.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has named a new 36-man training squad for the Rugby Championship which will gather in Sydney on Wednesday.

Despite the bitter disappointment of a second consecutive home semifinal defeat Stormers coach Allister Coetzee believes his team is improving.

Former All Black coach Graham Henry reveals he suspected match-fixing after his team's shock loss to France in the quarterfinals of the 2007 World Cup.

A new Super Rugby champion will be crowned in Hamilton next Saturday!

Keegan Daniel says his team of Sharks are determined to do something that has never been done before.

Blue Bulls prop Pierre Schoeman will captain the South African Schools team in three internationals next month.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers struggled to hide the bitter disappointed of his team's third successive Super Rugby play-off loss.

The Sharks made the critics eat the words as they upstaged the Stormers 26-19 in the Super Rugby semifinal on Saturday.

The hapless Western Force have been dealt a crippling blow with the news that captain David Pocock will depart Perth.

Bulls forward and former Saints lock Juandre Kruger convinced Gerrit-Jan van Velze that Franklin's Gardens is the place for him.

Taking over a team that won seven titles in a 10-year period, Todd Blackadder has been unable to replicate Robbie Deans' feats.

It may just be patriotism or it could be a genuine belief in his vanquishers' ability to go all the way.

There are a host of returning and new faces in the Wellington Lions' wider training squad for 2012.

When Dale of King William's Town play ancient rivals Selborne on Saturday, 4 August, they will wear pink - pink jerseys and pink shorts.

Here are a couple of one-liners to start your weekend with!

Taranaki comfortably fended off King Country 67-16 to succeed in their first Ranfurly Shield defence of the year.

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw admitted his team could not handle the heat when the Chiefs turned up the pressure.

The Chiefs had the right attitude as they booked their place in the Super Rugby Final for only the second time on Friday.

The Stormers may have their critics, but they are backing their conservative style to please the crowd by securing a home final.

New Blues coach John Kirwan has moved quickly to improve the quality of his team after a disastrous Super Rugby campaign.

According to King Edward VII captain Kyle Brink, the KES team will look to run the ball in their Classic Clash against Jeppe on Saturday.

Rooiskool captain Francois van Biljon has never lost a game against their rivals Blouskool and is determined to keep it that way on Saturday.

Seven international players, including star British & Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts, will line up for Cardiff against the Cheetahs next week.

Marlow captain Melville Gravett will lead out a full-strength side for their FNB Classic Clash with Oakdale on Saturday.

Hoerskool Kroonstad skipper Willem Botes is hoping for a cohesive effort from his team in their clash with Afrikaanse Hoerskool on Saturday.

The Chiefs held off a strong second-half surge by the Crusaders to advance to a Super Rugby Final for the second time.

Bergrivier are the favourites heading into Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against Weltevrede. But captain El-Shaun Davids won't rest on his laurels.

Welkom Gimnasium are in safe hands in terms of leadership - and line-out ball - as they look ahead to their big Welkom derby against Goudveld.

It's the match of the year in Kroonstad - Afrikaanse Hoërskool Kroonstad vs Hoërskool Kroonstad - Rooiskool vs Blouskool.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says Australia needs a five-week mid-season break in next year's Super Rugby schedule.

Goudveld captain Gerhard van der Merwe will be a key man for his side in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against local rivals, Welkom Gim.

Tom Carter committed his future to the Waratahs, signing a contract that will see him in blue in 2013.

It is semifinal time in Super Rugby and as usual we bring you all the drama LIVE right here!

On Saturday the two Welkom rivals meet in an FNB Classic Clash - Hoërskool Goudveld and Welkom Gimnasium.

Bergrivier and Weltevrede meet in an FNB Classic Clash, two schools with great enthusiasm for their rugby and enjoying big and lively support.

Oakdale captain Piet Strauss is keen for his team to repeat their famous victory over Marlow last year when the two teams meet on Saturday.

Jeppe captain Andrew Acton may still be in Grade 11, but he will not be taking a backward step against KES on Saturday.

The sheep farmers of Cradock head down to the mixed farmers of Riversdale for an FNB Classic Clash - Marlow against Oakdale.

It will be a clash of contrasts when the Stormers host the Sharks in their Super Rugby semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

Tickets for the clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks in Soweto go on sale next week.

Sonny Bill Williams may make an unexpected swansong for the world champion All Blacks in the Rugby Championship following Conrad Smith's injury.

Jeppe host old rivals King Edward VII in an FNB Classic Clash at Jeppe High School on Saturday afternoon.

The only two unbeaten sides in the national First Division square off on Saturday when the Griffons host the EP Kings in Welkom.

Moving Willem Alberts to lock paid off handsomely for Sharks coach John Plumtree last week, but how will he cope in the second row at Newlands?

There is a full schedule of matches this coming Saturday, several of them pretty attractive in the lead-up to next week's Interschools.

Leicester Tigers have signed Australian scrumhalf Pat Phibbs along with loose forward Brett Deacon ahead of the new Premiership season.

New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence will not be refereeing Test matches 'in the forseeable future', and perhaps never again.

Toulon's England international flank Steffon Armitage has protested his innocence after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Reds have taken four of the five Australian Super Rugby awards, with captain Will Genia named player of the year.

All the hype is about Sonny Bill Williams. However, the Chiefs have a far more potent weapon.

Jan de Koning previews the Super Rugby semifinal between the Chiefs and Crusaders in Hamilton on Friday.

Sharks No.8 Ryan Kankowski believes that a convincing start is essential if his team are to beat the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers rates flyhalf Peter Grant as the most valuable player for the table-topping Cape side this season.

The Stormers' unrivalled consistency has put them in pole position this weekend, but will they crash and burn against the Sharks?

As the quarterfinals of the 2012 Beeldtrofee loom, we give the recent results in the various Northvaal provinces.

Hoërskool Secunda se 0nder-15 rugby span het Saterdag weer die Pumas se groot skole trofee gewen.

Canadian flyer Taylor Paris has checked into Scotstoun and has his sights set on winning a place in the Glasgow Warriors first XV.

In their FNB Classic Clash in Aliwal North on Saturday, Aliwal-Noord beat Hangklip of Queenstown 21-10 where the visitors had been expected to win.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the starting line-up ahead of the Super Rugby semifinal.

Afgelope Saterdag het die Pumas groot skool finale plaas gevind by die Hoërskool Standerton.

Loose forward Duane Vermeulen will not feature for the Stormers in the Super Rugby semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

The team that tops the Super rugby table is not necessarily the team which wins the Super rugby title.

Johann Sadie has been bleating about a lack of game time and wanting to play an expansive game.

The All Blacks were dealt a cruel blow with the news that ace centre Conrad Smith has been ruled out for most of the Rugby Championship.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made a number of changes to the pack for Friday's all-New Zealand Super Rugby semifinal.

Morné Steyn may be the Springbok incumbent, but Peter Grant may well be a better bet at No.10 for South Africa.

The Stormers feel they have the 'muscle' to measure up to the Sharks' all-Springbok front row.

In a close contest, Daniël Pienaar of Uitenhage surprised the strong Grey High School side by beating them 18-14 on Saturday.

The racial divide is certainly not confined to rugby or to South Africa, but it does exist in rugby and in South Africa.

Stormers loose forward Duane Vermeulen remains on the doubtful list, but he was back on the training pitch on Tuesday.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is playing a waiting game ahead of the Super Rugby semifinal encounter with the Stormers.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw may hog the spotlight, but it is still more about the team for the Crusaders.

There were matches to cause upheavals in the FNB Top 20 this week, the first since before school holidays and Craven Week.

Does this hit by Jean de Villiers on Charl McLeod qualify for tackle of the season?

Edinburgh head coach Michael Bradley confirmed that flyhalf Greig Laidlaw will return as club captain for the 2012/13 Pro12 and Heineken Cup season.

In their FNB Classic Clash in Bethlehem last Saturday afternoon, Bethlehem Voortrekker beat neighbours Witteberg 74-5.

The 2012 Beeldtrofee matches in Northvaal are at the qualifying rounds which will be followed by the quarterfinals.

The Chiefs and Crusaders will not rush to South Africa should they have to play the Super Rugby Final in the Republic.

The Sonny Bill Williams Rugby Union roadshow could come to an abrupt end in Hamilton on Friday.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee knows exactly how the Sharks will look to attack his team in their semifinal at Newlands on Saturday.

The Crusaders team that beat the Bulls in last weekend’s qualifier will get another chance to prove they are finals quality this Friday.

It is official. Johann Sadie will become a Cheetah next year. His transfer from the Bulls was confirmed on Tuesday.

The Sharks are almost certain to travel to Cape Town this week without their star Springbok Patrick Lambie.

Wallaby utility back Kurtley Beale was granted bail on Tuesday to attend 'mediation', after appearing in court charged with common assault.

On Saturday, Glenwood played Kirkham Grammar School from Lancashire, England, a match which Glenwood won 33-5.

The one knows his rugby laws. The other knows his Kung Fu laws.

The one coaches the All Blacks - no jokes! The other was Batman's nemesis - the Joker.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee is still holding out hope that loose forward Duane Vermeulen could feature in the Super Rugby play-offs.

All eyes will be on Cape Town and Hamilton this weekend and Steve Walsh and Craig Joubert, the referees in the Super Rugby semifinals.

London Welsh have been given a boost ahead of the club's first-ever Premiership campaign.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is adamant that the Aussie just don't have enough talent to sustain five Super Rugby franchises.

The pickings were slim, so it was obvious that two teams dominated our weekly Super Rugby selection.

Three of the top four referees in Super Rugby have come from SA, after it was confirmed that Craig Joubert and Steve Walsh will referee the semifinals.

The Crusaders will definitely be without their All Black No.8 Kieran read when they face the Chiefs on Friday.

On a cold and wet morning in Stellenbosch, the South African College School (SACS) succumbed to a familiar fate.

The Crusaders will have to go another week without their inspirational All Black No.8 Kieran Read.

Sunday was a special day to be a South African!

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee will be hoping for plenty of positive news on Monday.

The Chiefs are determined to prove they deserve their ranking as New Zealand's No.1 team.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie admitted he threw plans A, B and C at the Sharks - without success.

The Western Force, after a dismal 2012 Super Rugby campaign, are looking to poach a coach from fellow Australian side, the Waratahs.

The arrival of John Kirwan as the new Blues coach is already reaping rewards.

In several parts of South Africa it is still winter in a sporting sense and rugby goes on. We bring you the latest weekend scores...

Defending First Division champions the Boland Cavaliers slumped to their fourth successive defeat.

Eight Reds players have been added to the Wallaby group that will gather in Sydney on Tuesday.

Despite the constant rain and a strong wind, Paarl Gym and Outeniqua still managed to turn on a pulsating display of great schoolboy rugby.

Bulls wing Bjorn Basson has undergone surgery in New Zealand after he sustained a tear to his intestines during his side's loss to the Crusaders.

Waterkloof’s coaches Jan Mollentze, Burger Lindeque and Naas Botha have really taken time to nurture and develop Waterkloof’s first team.

In a lively match on a cloudless Goldstones day, Affies beat Maritzburg College 33-7 in a Premier Interschools match.

Reds captain Will Genia pointed to his team's error rate as their worst enemy in their loss to the Sharks in Brisbane.

The seven-time champion Crusaders showed what "finals footy" is all about by knocking the Bulls out in Christchurch.

Bulls captain Pierre Spies said that his team were simply unable to cope with the relentless pressure exerted by the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Noord-Kaap took five sides down from Kimberley to Port Elizabeth to play Framesby and came away victorious.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel was especially pleased with his team's uncompromising physicality in their victory over the Reds.

The Sharks put on a powerful display in Brisbane to beat the Reds 30-17 and knock the defending champions out in fine style.

The Crusaders turned on the class in Christchurch to beat the Bulls 28-13 and book their spot in the Super Rugby semifinals.

Brett Gosper has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the International Rugby Board by the global governing body's executive committee.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive, following the revelation that Johann Sadie wants out of his Bulls contract.

A woman was appointed to the board of the ARU for the first time, in a move officials said would help grow the game beyond its traditional area of support.

Jake White speaks about what could have been at the Brumbies this year.

It is the first round of Super Rugby's play-off matches and as usual we put it all together in one neatly packaged page - previews, reports and LIVE coverage!

London Irish stalwart Declan Danaher has been named club captain for the 2012/13 season.

After what he described himself as an 'amazing summer', Exeter Chiefs flyhalf Ignacio Mieres is already back at Sandy Park.

The one stars in the Big Bang Theory. The other produced a big bang at the 2011 RWC.

Bethlehem Voortrekker skipper Oelof Stander is aware of the pressures and emotions ahead of Saturday's FNB Classic Clashes encounter with Witteberg.

Hangklip captain Armand Pieterse is determined to get revenge when his team take on Aliwal North in their Classic Clash on Saturday.

Regular Witteberg captain Christo van der Nest will not be able to lead his team into battle but he will be supporting his team from the sidelines.

Aliwal North captain Glen van Pletzen is expecting a tough physical onslaught from Hangklip in their FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

Powerful Hurricanes loose forwards Faifili Levave and Jack Lam have both chosen to re-sign with the Wellington franchise for 2013.

The Sharks have it all to do on Saturday as they take on the defending champion Reds at their fortress in Brisbane.

The Reds have replaced star playmaker Quade Cooper with 24-year-old utility back Ben Lucas for their play-off with the Sharks in Brisbane on Saturday.

Maritzburg College will host Affies in a Premier Interschools game on Saturday, the new initiative of Megapro under ex-Bok captain Tiaan Strauss.

The Bulls will aim to scale their own Everest when they front up to the Crusaders in the first of this year's Super Rugby play-offs matches.

It's Hoërskool Hangklip's turn to travel from Queenstown to Aliwal north to play Hoërskool Aliwal-Noord in an FNB Classic Clash.

On Saturday Witteberg march two kilometres or so across Bethlehem to rivals and near-neighbours Voortrekker for an FNB Classic Clash.

Bulls centre Johann Sadie is reportedly unhappy at Loftus Versfeld and has been given permission to look for another province to play for.

Stormers loose forward Duane Vermeulen trained on Thursday and is likely to start in the semifinal next week if he is passed fit.

Defending First Division champions the Boland Kavaliers will have their work cut out for them when they tackle the unbeaten Griffons this weekend.

England captain Chris Robshaw will join Martin Johnson, Pat Lam and Warren Gatland in English Rugby's first Hall of Fame.

The Sharks may be in Brisbane, but the homefires are still burning at Kings Park where one of the suites caught fire on Thursday.

Nope, not the release of a new thriller, just an ominous observation regarding the major attractions for many Western Cape schools rugby aficionados.

The Sharks know that they will have to "get everything right" if they are to knock the defending champion Reds out in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Beeldtrofee matches are reaching the knock-out stage. We give the fixtrures for 1st XVs for 21 July 2012.

Crusaders flyhalf Dan Carter has faced the Bulls often enough in the last decade to know what it takes to down the highly repected Pretoria side.

Utility forward Deon Fourie may want to play down his role, but he has truly become the Stormers' very own 'energizer bunny'.

According to coach Ewan McKenzie the Reds are intent on taking care of business no matter who plays against the Sharks in Brisbane this weekend.

Playing knock-out rugby is about getting the basics right and winning the big moments, just like in Test matches.

It has become very clear that all of South Africa's flyhalves have their different strengths and weaknesses.

We have had it in Super Rugby of late and it seems to have caused some confusion in how a referee should act after contact in play.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke is expecting a big impact from Springbok openside flank Deon Stegmann in Christchurch on Saturday.

Rugby365.com wishes Madiba a very happy 94th birthday.

The second rugby term is starting in parts of the country and it may be worthwhile just to recall what a group of primary school heads did to encourage good manners.

France's Top 14 kicks off inj the middle of August after several friendly matches which kick off on 20 July.

The Sharks will deploy battering ram Willem Alberts at lock for the crucial playoff clash with the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

Newport Gwent Dragons loose forward Lewis Evans will be leading from the front as he takes over the captaincy of the Welsh side for the coming season.

Scrumhalf Nick Runciman has re-joined Premiership newcomers London Welsh for a second spell after a season with Gloucester.

New Bulls loose forward Grant Hattingh has revealed that he turned down an offer from Western Province to sign with the Bulls.

The Reds are considering lodging an appeal against SANZAR's judicial ruling to suspend flyhalf Quade Cooper over a dangerous tackle charge.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes for the crunch clash with the Bulls, but star no.8 Kieran Read is still unavailable through injury.

Sharks coach John Plumtree believes his team can push on strongly having reached the playoffs, but playing away from home will be tough.

The Bulls have been boosted by the return of Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe for their playoff clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Two-time Olympic medalist Darren Campbell has been hired to give advice to the players from French rugby giants Biarritz on their physical fitness.

Two issues, unknown in the distant past, have caused upset at Craven Week - the issue of performance-enhancing drugs and the issue of overage players.

New Italian Pro12 side Zebre have added South African No.8 Andries Van Schalkwyk to their squad ahead of next season.

The SARU U18 Programme gives the National U18 squads of SA, England, France and Wales a chance to meet in a beautiful, rugby-mad part of the world.

The ever reliable Peter Grant has been quietly brilliant for the Stormers this season and surely deserves a shot at the big time with the Boks.

There were some school matches during the holidays when most of the concentration was on national weeks around the country.

Everybody knows that defence wins World Cups, just ask Jake White or Allister Coetzee, but does it win Super Rugby titles?

Lions captain Josh Strauss recently remembered where he'd left his razer, but what do you think of the results?

Outgoing Blues coach Pat Lam has suggested he was hung out to dry by the powers that be at the Auckland-based franchise.

It's a long road to Brisbane for the Sharks this week, but coach John Plumtree and his team are just relieved to still be alive in the competition.

The South African Rugby Union will, hopefully, bring an end to the protracted Super Rugby participation saga next month.

SANZAR has announced the dates and times for the Super Rugby semifinals, to be played in the second week of the 2012 Super Rugby play-offs.

Former All Black winger John Kirwan has been appointed the new coach of the Blues, taking over from the embattled Pat Lam.

No Duane Vermeulen or Schalk Burger, but Eben Etzebeth will return.

EXCLUSIVE: All Black legend Dan Carter says 'living like a Crusader' is what sets them apart from their Super Rugby rivals.

It's the hunting season and the targets are the young bucks of South African rugby. It is an intense time for talent scouts and likely to grow more intense.

Eastern Province Rugby Union President Cheeky Watson has admitted that dealing with SARU is a tricky business.

It may have been too little too late, but the Hurricanes certainly contributed to an exciting finish to the Super Rugby competition's league season.

Super Rugby's regular season has ended in dramatic fashions, which decides the first round of play-offs for teams coming fourth to sixth.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has questioned how often referees are going upstairs rather than going with their gut when making a call on a try.

Wallaby tighthead prop Sekope Kepu believes that his Waratahs understudy Paddy Ryan will shine if given an opportunity at Test level.

You can accuse Stormers coach Allister Coetzee of many things, but witless he is certainly NOT!

The Reds will have to take on the Sharks in their play-off this weekend without flyhalf Quade Cooper who has been handed a one-week ban.

Both of the 2012 Super Rugby Qualifiers this Saturday will be refereed by South African referees; Jaco Peyper and Jonathan Kaplan.

Test wings Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner were named in a 27-man Australian training squad ahead of next month's inaugural Rugby Championship.

The Stormers, who have won the SA conference for a second successive year, are happy to 'win ugly' if it means they can take home the real trophy.

The Bulls are not concerned that their scrum will be exposed against the All Black-laden Crusaders.

Stirling Mortlock, one of the most durable and competitive players in the history of the sport, were as combative as ever in his final match at the weekend.

The seven-time champions Crusaders could be boosted by the return of All Black No.8 Kieran Read.

The Sharks have been dealt a double blow ahead of their long haul to Brisbane and a Super Rugby play-off date with the Reds.

SARU dismissed as 'speculation' reports that they offered the Southern Kings a cash payment to get out of the Super Rugby race.

In 2013 the 50th Craven Week will take place and it will be - for the first time - in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Brumbies were left pondering how their runaway Super Rugby train derailed in the last regular season stop at the weekend.

A beautiful clear sky and a slightly less intimidating temperature greeted players and spectators to the second day of the Swartland Winter Festival.

The Griffons remain the surprise early front-runners in the expanded First Division competition, after picking up their third successive five-point haul.

The Reds will know on Monday if their Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper will be available for the Super Rugby play-offs.

The defending champion Reds will have 'revenge' on their minds when they take on the Sharks on Saturday.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley believes that it will take "significant sacrifice" for his team to become competitive in Super Rugby.

Reds coach Ewan McKenzie cited his side's fighting spirit as the most crucial factor in securing a home play-off match.

The Hurricanes and Brumbies were left heartbroken as the top three South African teams came up with the goods on Saturday to book play-off spots.

The Bulls scored four tries on their way to a 37-20 victory over a brave Lions side which earned them a spot in the Super Rugby play-offs.

The South African Schools selectors on Saturday announced a group of 50 players to take part in a trial match on 28 July, 2012.

The Sharks scored 28 unanswered second-half points to beat the Cheetahs 34-15 in Durban and secure a Super Rugby play-off spot.

Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper has been cited for his dangerous tackle on Waratahs inside centre Berrick Barnes in their Super Rugby clash on Saturday.

The Stormers saw off the challenge of a spirited Rebels side who they edged out 26-21 at Newlands to finish on top of the Super Rugby standings.

The Blue Bulls marched to an emphatic 47-0 victory over the Golden Lions in the final match of the 2012 Craven Week on Saturday.

The Reds dramatically secured top spot in the Australian conference with a 32-16 bonus-point victory over the Waratahs in Brisbane on Saturday.

The final day of Craven Week in Port Elizabeth saw victories for the Griffons, Namibia, SWD, Limpopo and Western Province with the final still to come.

The Crusaders scored four first-half tries on their way to a 38-24 victory over the Force in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Blues produced their best performance of the season to beat the Brumbies 30-16 in Canberra on Saturday.

Instead of appointment by the SA Schools executive committee, as happened in the past, those wanting management posts with SA Schools are to apply.

From time to time you hear somebody say how many Springboks Craven Week has 'produced', as if it were part of an assembly line.

Australian great Michael Lynagh said Friday he expected the Crusaders would win the Super Rugby tournament.

With the Under-19 and U21 provincial competitions kicking-off this weekend, Western Province have announced a raft of new junior signings.

On Saturday the main match to end the 2012 Craven Week is between the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions - both unbeaten and both in good form.

Hooker Dane Coles is adamant he did score the try that secured the Hurricanes an upset 28-25 win over the Chiefs on Friday.

Newport Gwent Dragons revealed the signing of back row forward Hywel Stoddart on a one-year contract for the 2012/2013 season.

England scrumhalf Danny Care was a relieved man after being informed he will not face prosecution over an alleged sexual assault.

The IRB is investigating a verbal broadside from Samoa's prime minister in which he accused "idiot" referees of racial bias.

The Fiji Rugby Union said Friday that the national team's northern hemisphere tour would go ahead in November.

There were several surprising results to liven up the spirits of those spectators who braved the Arctic conditions on the first day of the Swartland Winter Festival in Malmesbury on Thursday 12 July 2012.

The struggling Western Force will be allowed an additional foreign player next season to help them become more competitive.

A last-minute try from hooker Dane Coles earned the Hurricanes a dramatic 28-25 victory over the Chiefs in a classic derby in Wellington on Friday.

The Stormers are determined to find their killer instinct and start putting teams away.

The Rebels have recalled big loosehead prop Rodney Blake for their clash with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

South Africa's play-off contenders all face teams with nothing to lose in the final three games of the regular season on Saturday.

It is Round 18, the final week of Super Rugby league action before the play-offs, and we bring you every minute LIVE!

The climax of the 2012 Craven Week will see the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions go head-to-head in the tournament decider on Saturday.

England scrumhalf Danny Care has been cleared on a charge of sexual assault.

SARU CEO Jurie Roux has outlined the process and road ahead in the Kings Super Rugby saga.

To win one of the most competitive and demanding Super Rugby seasons yet will require good old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears.

The Blue Bulls made it two from two at the 2012 Craven Week, as they claimed a comfortable 36-10 win over the Pumas in Day Four action in PE.

Blues loose forward Luke Braid believes he has gained valuable experience from his teams' awful season.

EXCLUSIVE: Departing utility forward Grant Hattingh is sorry to be leaving the Lions, but feels he had no other choice but to move to the Bulls.

Josh Tatupu says he is looking to put his recent injury woes firmly behind him and make a big impression when the Exeter Chiefs resume competitive action next month.

The Sharks have golden boy Patrick Lambie back for this weekend's crucial Super Rugby encounter with the Cheetahs in Durban on Saturday.

The table-topping Griffons will be looking to make it three wins from three in this year's First Division.

The Lions have suffered a huge blow ahead of their final Super Rugby clash of the seasonagainst the Bulls, with lock Franco van der Merwe ruled of the clash through injury.

The Bulls have signed another one of the country's most promising forwards, Lions utility Grant Hattingh.

WP scored a 39-33 Craven Week win over SWD on Thursday - adding to earlier Day Four wins for Griquas CD, Limpopo and the Griffons.

Reds wing Digby Ioane and flank Liam Gill return from injury in a major boost ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with the Waratahs.

Lock Nathan Sharpe will return to the starting line-up as captain for his final match with the Western Force against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Flying wing Joe Tomane returns to the Brumbies in the only change to their starting line-up to face the Blues at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The final round of the regular Super Rugby season is upon us and there is everything to play for with so many teams still in the race for the playoffs.

The Golden Lions turned on the power and beat KZN 17-8 in the main match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on the third day of the 2012 Craven Week.

Italian newcomers Zebre will face the Newport Gwent Dragons in their first Pro12 match next season.

Bulls prop Frik Kirsten extended his contract with the franchise, the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd confirmed on Wednesday.

Experienced wing James Bailey has joined London Wasps from French Top 14 side Lyon ahead of the forthcoming season.

Cardiff Blues stalwart Xavier Rush is set to take up a role as defence coach with the region following his retirement from playing rugby.

Springbok match-winner Morné Steyn is set to continue his record-breaking form on Saturday.

Waratahs wing Drew Mitchell will become the 25th Australian to celebrate his Super Rugby century.

Brumbies fans can expect a typical whole-hearted performance from star hooker Stephen Moore this Saturday in his 100th Super Rugby appearance.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers is not interested in taking risks without building a significant advantage on the scoreboard first.

The Sharks have not given up hope that World Cup-winning Springbok Frans Steyn could feature in the Super Rugby play-offs later this month.

The only way is Ashley-Cooper for the Wallabies. The Only Way is Essex for Mark Wright.

Blues prop Charlie Faumuina is back to full fitness and will start against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

The Chiefs have benched their Tongan torpedo, prop Sona Taumalolo for their crucial Super Rugby encounter with the Hurricanes on Friday.

Twenty-seven touring parties are set to invade the Cape over the next few weeks, as local schools rugby gets its annual dose of international flavour.

The Bulls confirmed on Wednesday that Kenyan-born player Daniel Adongo would be taking up an offer in New Zealand.

Stormers hooker Deon Fourie will start at No.8 in a main selection bolter ahead of their final Super Rugby league fixture.

Wilhelm Steenkamp has replaced injured Springbok Flip van der Merwe in the only change to the Bulls starting XV.

The seven-time champion Crusaders, one of six teams battling for four play-off spots, are comfortable at being in a 'must-win' scenario.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has again been forced to move one of his most influential players.

The inclusion of Sitaleki Timani is the only change to the Waratahs' starting team for this Saturday's season finale against the Reds in Brisbane.

Day Three at the 2012 Craven Week in Port Elizabeth saw wins for EP, Free State, the Valke and Namibia, with just the main match to come.

The Hurricanes have been boosted by the return of All Black loose forward Victor Vito for their decisive Super Rugby encounter with the table-topping Chiefs.

The Sharks are sweating over the fitness of Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis ahead of their Super Rugby crunch match with the Cheetahs.

Sevens star Johannes Prinsloo has raced past established Springbok Ashley Johnson to get his first start for the Cheetahs.

It's the last round of Super Rugby's league season, to be followed by the knock-out rounds for the top six teams.

In today's law discussion, we look at a situation from the Blues-Force Super Rugby match... and a free kick - an ancient part of the game.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann faces an anxious wait to see whether experienced lock Franco van der Merwe will be fit in time to face the Bulls.

Springbok stars Willem Alberts and Pat Lambie are expected to be available for the Sharks' crucial clash with the Cheetahs this weekend.

The Stormers know that their forward pack have to step up if they are to follow through in the play-offs this season.

On Day 4 of the 2012 Craven Week, involving as it does the same teams as played on Day 2, the Blue Bulls will play the Pumas.

The Cheetahs will need to make a decision on a new loose forward for their final Super Rugby match of the year with the news that Justin Downey is out.

The Blue Bulls claimed a 47-27 Craven Week win over Western Province in Day Two action from Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Bulls strongman Daniel Adongo has given up waiting for an opportunity in Pretoria and will be jetting of to New Zealand.

The Bulls have finally confirmed one of South African rugby's worst kept secrets - Wynand Olivier will join Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams at the end of the Super Rugby season.

On today's Ballz Radio Rugby Panel, Blades talks Wimbledon, the July & some rugby.

Some interesting trends have emerged as we continue our stats-based feature of the leading candidates for the Bok No.10 jersey.

London Wasps have boosted their backline with the addition of potent attacking Italian ace Andrea Masi.

The Waratahs could find themselves with too many scrumhalves on their books, with Australia U20 ace Matt Lucas set to move to Sydney.

Veteran loose forward Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe will captain Argentina in their debut season in the Rugby Championship.

Day Two at the 2012 Craven Week saw wins for Zimbabwe, EPCD, SWD and the Pumas, with the match between WP and the Bulls to come.

Jamie Joseph has re-signed as head coach of the Highlanders for a further two years, the NZRU and the Highlanders.

As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once said: 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.'

Australian Rugby Union high performance scrum coach Patricio Noriega has annaounced he will be leaving to take up a coaching position with French club Racing Metro.

French rugby giants Stade Francais' fullback Djibril Camara was slapped with a year long ban on Monday for missing three doping tests in the past 18 months.

The Craven Week organisers have announced the fixtures for Day 3, Wednesday, which have been drawn up after the outcome of the Day 1 matches.

The Hurricanes are expecting star duo Cory Jane and Victor Vito to return for the crucial clash with the Chiefs on Friday.

Eastern Province ran in five tries on their way to a convincing 41-17 victory over the Valke in the final match of the opening day of Craven Week.

Experienced Italian hooker Carlo Festuccia has signed a two-year deal with new Pro12 outfit Zebre.

The Stormers might have to wait a little longer before lock Eben Etzebeth is back on the park, with the big man still struggling to shake off an ankle injury.

Controversial Welsh utility back Gavin Henson has signed with Premiership newcomers London Welsh.

Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe has been ruled out of the clash with the Lions at Loftus Versfeld this weekend due to a hip injury.

With the play-offs approaching we took a look at the history books to see how important home ground advantage is in Super Rugby knock-out matches.

The Sharks made a statement of intent with their 32-10 demolition of the Bulls at the weekend and they were richly rewarded.

Brumbies speedster Joe Tomane is nearing a return to action, but will he be fit for the vital clash this weekend?

Craven Week is important for players, especially ambitious players; so it is important for match officials, their first chance of exposure.

The defending Super Rugby champion Reds are determined to keep their slim play-off hopes alive.

There is just one round left in the regular season of Super Rugby and eight teams are still in the hunt for a berth in the top six.

With pressure mounting for Michael Foley to be replaced as Waratahs coach, the embattled team is struggling with injuries.

KZN produced possibly the best-ever opening half in recent Craven Week history, as they over-powered Free State by 48-24 on Monday.

All Black centre Sonny Bill Williams announced he will quit New Zealand to play in Japan, then return to the Australian Rugby League.

The Sharks can take heart from their big win over the Bulls, but they have not done the Lions any favours.

Craven Week, the greatest schoolboy rugby tournament in the world, seems to have been around forever. But like all things, it had a birth.

Bill Beaumont has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RFU following the union's annual general meeting on Sunday.

South Africa seems to be losing a lot of players to the overseas rugby market. But just how many of its actual top players is the country losing?

Brumbies coach Jake White has put his teams success this season down to some old school hard work and a tight-knit group of players.

Lions interim coach Johan Ackermann believes his substitutes snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their 37-32 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

Stormers captain Jean de Villiers has expressed his delight with the victory over the Cheetahs in trying conditions in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Bulls are waiting anxiously to discover the severity of lock Flip van der Merwe's injury that forced him to leave the field on the weekend.

Craven Week starts in Port Elizabeth on Monday, 9 July 2012. There are 20 teams of hopefuls taking part in the greatest schools tournament in the world.

The EP Kings continue to look strong in the national first division and are one point behind the Griffons following their 38-15 win over the SWD Eagles.

New Zealand star Sonny Bill Williams is preparing to finally put the rumour mill to rest when he announces his future plans with Japan a likely destination.

The 2012 Craven Week starts in Port Elizabeth on Monday, 9 July. The fixtures for the first two days are laid down.

Saturday, 7 July was the last day of the Independent Schools Rugby Festival which took place at Penryn College in Nelspruit.

The Lions managed to edge the Rebels 37-32 in an eight-try Super Rugby feast in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Stormers managed to edge the Cheetahs 13-6 in a scrappy Super Rugby encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday to secure a spot in the play-offs.

The Crusaders' inspirational All Black No.8, Kieran Read, is in danger of missing the team's final Super Rugby league match of the season.

Sharks coach John Plumtree lauded the impact of Frans Steyn upon his return to Super Rugby action on Friday.

The Brumbies ended a 10-year drought in Sydney when they edged the Waratahs 19-15 in their Super Rugby encounter on Saturday.

The Blues ensured they will avoid the basement of the Super Rugby table when they eased past a sloppy Western Force team on Saturday.

Star Blues back Isaia Toeava has become the latest All Black to succumb to the lure of the Yen.

Enigmatic Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper has been given rich praise for his role in the Reds' late revival in the 2012 Super Rugby season.

There must be something in the climate, because yet again a Western Province side has taken the honours at a South African rugby youth week.

The Sharks handed the Bulls a harsh lesson, and a reality check, in their Super Rugby derby in Durban on Friday.

Argentina will be without veteran captain Felipe Contepomi when they make their debut in the new Rugby Championship next month.

The IRB announced the appointment of match officials for the inaugural Rugby Championship, which begins on 18 August, 2012.

The Reds continued their charge towards a possible place in the Super Rugby play-offs after recording a gutsy 19-13 victory over the Highlanders on Friday.

Young wing Eli Walker will miss the start of the 2012/13 season after it was confirmed that he will undergo surgery this weekend to repair shoulder ligaments.

The Crusaders kept their Super Rugby play-off aspirations alive, but the Chiefs feel they gained more from the encounter.

The High Performance Department of the South African Rugby Union will be attending the Under-18 Craven Week in Port Elizabeth next week.

The Reds were able to hold off a late Highlanders assault to record a 19-13 victory that keeps their Super Rugby title defence alive.

The Ospreys will welcome Bath to the Liberty Stadium for a pre-season fixture on Saturday, August 18.

The Crusaders showed plenty of fight to beat the Chiefs 28-21 in a fiercely-contested New Zealand derby in Hamilton on Friday.

It is not something that will go down well in the Western Cape, but the Stormers' suffocate and strangle tactics are here to stay.