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It's a tired, but proud Robbie Fleck writing for rugby365 this week; talking Cape Town Tens, Varsity Cup and Super 14!

FNB Tukkies are the surprise frontrunners of the Varsity Cup thus far, but coach Freddie Grobler remains cautiously optimistic about his team's fortunes.

Discipline will be key for the FNB Nelson Mandela Metropole University as they seek their first win in the Varsity Cup when they face FNB Pukke at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Monday.

FNB Tuks have beefed up their pack for what should be a physical onslaught from FNB TUT when they meet in Varsity Cup action at the TUT Stadium on Monday.

FNB UCT coach John Dobson is not shouting from the roof-tops yet, but he admitted to being "pleased" with his team's 39-21 Varsity Cup win over the Tshwane University of Technology on Monday evening.

Recent referees' courses in South Africa discussed the refereeing of the line-out where principle of fair contest applied, as in all rugby's contests for possession.

The Varsity Cup has already produced some startling talent since the tournament's inception in 2008. It is arguable perhaps that one of the most promising stars on show in 2009 so far has been the Ikey Tigers' main prowler, the aptly named Tiger Bax.

rugby365's oracle, Paul Dobson, tells us why it is worth watching winners and when it is worth paying good money for a good game!

The Six Nations is under way. It started in unpromising fashion at Twickenham and then burst into life in Dublin and Edinburgh was lively as well. Perhaps if you gulp flat beer to start with, champagne is all the nicer!

The European Nations Cup runs over two seasons and is still in the embryo stage but already there seems to be a serious divide between the three Eastern powers and their Western opponents.

The North West University (Pukke) opened their account in the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, when they beat Free State University (Shimlas) 27-15 at Shimla Park, Bloemfontein, on Monday.

Jan de Koning has decided to play selector and help Ian McGeechan out by selecting his Lions team for him, based on the first round of Six Nations action. Silly man, we know.

The International rugby Board has announced that there will be two changes to the appointments of referees to Six Nations matches.

The University of Stellenbosch, with impressive centre Jean Stemmet in sublime form, retained their unbeaten record in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, when they beat the University of Johannesburg 29-14 at the Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch, on Monday.

The University of Cape Town (Ikeys) secured their first win of the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, when they trumped a haphazard Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria by 39-21 on Monday evening.

The University of Pretoria (Tukkies) raced to the top of the standings in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, when they defeated a spirited Nelson Mandela Metropole University 39-20 at Xerox NMMU Stadium South Campus on Monday.

The weather permitted some rugby in Europe but not all as even when the weak sun shone pitches remained frozen.

Super 14 breaks out this weekend. With Six Nations, the weekend will be a busy one for players, spectators and, of course, referees.

The ghost of Matt Proudfoot will be haunting Rudy Joubert when the Puk Rugby Institute face the Shimlas in a FNB Varsity Cup present by Steinhoff International fixture in Bloemfontein on Monday night.

North West University (Pukke) coach Rudy Joubert has named an unchanged team for his Round Two encounter with the University of the Free State in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, on Monday.

The Six Nations is under way. It started in unpromising fashion at Twickenham and then burst into life in Dublin and Edinburgh was fill of life as well. Perhaps is you gulp flat beer to start with champagne is all the nicer!

The inclusion of powerful Lions centre Walter Venter comes as a major boost to the University of Johannesburg team for their Round Two encounter with Stellenbosch in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, on Monday.

University of Cape Town coach John Dobson has "tweaked" his team for their Round Two showdown with the Tswane University of Technology in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, in Pretoria on Monday.

It may be early days yet, and with another six rounds after this there is time to catch up, but Round Two will be the first indication of who the front runners will be in the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International.

There is a clip - Number 3 on the South African referees' site - www.sareferees.co.za, that is well worth talking about. And there are some other matters.

It's more Varsity Cup talk for rugby365.com's Robbie Fleck this week, after UCT's loss to Maties, whilst he's also been busy preparing for the Cape Town Tens.

It is a tradition in South Africa's judicial capital that all its rugby teams play open, running rugby. Shimlas are no exception and proved it in their 37-11 Varsity Cup win against NMMU this past Monday. Yet, to execute an expansive approach a team needs its general, and flyhalf Lionel Cronje seems just like the man for the job.

Tukkies have lost the right to host two of their home matches in the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International because their floodlights are not up to the required standard for live broadcasting.

The fire that caused a lot of damage - and the postponement of an international hockey fixture - at Stellenbosch on Wednesday night did not damage the Danie Craven Stadium.

University of Stellenbosch centre Dabeon Draghoender, as been suspended for three weeks after his spear tackle on an a University of Cape Town rival in the first round of the Varsity Cup in Cape Town on Monday.

The University of Pretoria, Tukkies, have made four changes for their match against Nelson Mandela Metropole University in Port Elizabeth on Monday - in Round Two of the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International.

The European Nations Cup - popularly refereed to as the Six Nations B - gets going again this weekend. It is a competition of ecstasy and agony.

The performance of 18-year-old Jean-Claude Roos in the University of Pretoria's nailbiting 29-27 win over their rivals from North West University epitomises what Day One of the FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International, was all about.

There isn't much that Pukke coach Rudy Joubert hasn't experienced in his coaching career.

Six Nations starts. There are the big matches and other matches as the weekend becomes fascinating and the European Nations Cup (Six Nations B) is also in action. Weather permitting, of course.

Top French referee Joel Jutge has been having a terrible time with his knee. He has been unable to referee since November 2007.

Six Nations starts. There are the big matches and other matches as the weekend becomes fascinating and the European Nations Cup (Six Nations B) is also in action. Weather permitting, of course.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) have filed a report against Shimlas' Drew van Coller for an alleged infringement in last night's Varsity Cup match at Groote Schuur.

Stellenbosch University beat Cape Town University 12-10 at UCT's Groote Schuur ground on Monday evening. It was a match which they Ikeys could and probably should have won.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) scraped to an undeserved 16-9 victory over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in the opening round of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff on Monday.

The University of Pretoria started their campaign in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International on a winning note, when they beat their rivals from the North West University by 29-27 in a nailbiter at Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom on Monday.

With the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International upon us, do you predict a major fightback such as the one in the opening game last season when Tukkies and Maties played to a draw? Do you back the Ikeys for another giant-killing season, as they did in 2008, or do you favour the traditional powerhouses in Varsity rugby?

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck is back - read what he has to say about the Varsity Cup and the Cape Town Tens.

For many it was a tense final round of the pool matches of the Heineken Cup as decisions were made about the make-up of the quarterfinals - often terrible weather.

There was a great occasion at a packed Stade de France when Stade Francais played Perpignan, a surprise for log-leaders Toulouse in Biarritz and a great comeback for Gloucester to climb over London Irish to the top of the English Premiership.

Youngster Jean Claude Roos will start at flyhalf for the University of Pretoria in their Varsity Cup opener against Pukke in Potchefstroom on Monday.

Shimlas - the first team of the University of the Free State - will be competitive in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. They always have a good side.

At the courses for the National Panel of South African referees and for the Provincial panel with the top women referees, the three main topics of discussion were the breakdown, the line-out and the scrum.

Exciting fullback Tiger Bax has been named in the University of Cape Town (UCT) starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup opener against Stellenbosch at Groote Schuur.

Hooker Neil Visagie will captain the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in their 2009 Varsity Cup opener against TUT at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds (kick-off 4.45pm).

World Cup-winning Springbok captain Francois Pienaar has given the ambitious University of Fort Hare team a glimpse of what it takes to be a winner and encouraged them to chase the dream of playing in the Varsity Cup.

Kolie Brandt, the experienced coach of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, is hoping for a smoother ride than last year in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

The University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) were both handed a pleasant pre-season boost with the news that they will be playing in a televised curtain-raiser to the Varsity Cup double header at UCT's Groote Schuur fields on Monday, February 2.

Now that all the pre-tournament hype has settle down, it is time for the second edition of South African rugby's latest competition, the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, to begin.

The Northwest University, Pukke, have named 10 players from last year's successful Under-21 team to face their Pretoria rivals, Tukkies, in the opening round of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds in Potchefstroom on Monday.

SARU has announced the referees for the first four rounds of the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International. The rest of the refereeing appointments will be announced as the tournament progresses.

The big occasion is 2 vs 3, Stade Francais vs Perpignan, at Stade de France before a full stadium. It will be brilliant, the best fun in France this weekend.

It took a nail-biting 33-28 victory over Fort Hare University for the Men from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) to realise just how close they were to losing out on participation in the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) are gearing up for a titanic Varsity Cup opener against arch-rivals Stellenbosch on Monday, February 2 (kick-off 4.45pm), with head coach John Dobson declaring a 'clean slate' for his Ikey Tigers in 2009.

In their warm-up match before the start of the European Nations Cup Division 1 gets under way Portugal play England's Saxons at Edgeley Park in Manchester.

For many it was a tense final round of the pool matches of the Heineken Cup as decisions were made about the make-up of the quarterfinals - often terrible weather.

Europe can catch its breath after the hectic round of pool matches in its top competitions, but not entirely as domestic competitions rumble on, often with great anxiety.

This business of awarding the scrum to the catcher from a kick is a relatively rare occurrence but here week after week we are discussing it. Perhaps it is not so rare. Perhaps it is less rare with all the kicking going on, blamed, it seems, on the ELVs.

The International Rugby Board has confirmed that the issue of uncontested scrums is already on its agenda for discussion.

SANZAR has announced the referees to the first four rounds of Super 14 and for the first time it will apply its recent decision that referees be appointed on merit regardless of country of residence.

rugby365 brings you an interesting set of Super Rugby rankings, courtesy of our statistics partner Pick & Go, going back to 1996.

It's the last round for Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup. Some quarterfinalists have already been decided. Some will be decided this dramatic weekend.

There were a host of big names in attendance at Monday's launch of the 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International - headed up by none other than Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

The 2009 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International was officially launched at the SuperSport studios in Randburg on Monday afternoon, with guest speaker Francois Pienaar pledging an even more successful event after the outstanding success of the 2008 tournament.

He's coached South Africa to World Cup glory at Under-21 and senior level, so when Jake White speaks you listen. And when he says the Varsity Cup has a place in South African rugby, you listen even more carefully.

European giants Stade Francais crashed out of the Heineken Cup on Sunda, with a 17-31 Pool Four defeat at the hands of Nigel Davies' Scarlets in Wales. VISIT OUR DEDICATED HEINEKEN CUP SECTION

"Fair contest" is a regular cry in rugby football in these days of increased predictability.

After a long and great refereeing career, Didier Mene is about to end his career as an active referee and to take up an important position in refereeing.

It was cold in Europe last weekend but some matches got through and there is a point of law or two to make.

rugby365's Jan de Koning takes a pre-season look at the Super 14, with a month to go to the start of the tournament and the first warm-up game less than a week away. He suggests that the playing field is 'level' for all the teams.

Europe's referees cross all sorts of borders for the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup and at the same time the aestivating giants of the south start flexing their muscles in warm-up matches.

It seems there is a catch when the ball is caught that causes lots of confusion. It happened again last Friday when Bayonne played Castres in Bayonne.

Professor Tinkie Heyns, the most devoted of men, died suddenly on Tuesday, January 6, after suffering massive strokes - first on Christmas Day, then on Boxing Day. He was 84.

European clubs and regions continue to get stuck in as the decisive ending to the season gets nearer. Some battle for prizes, others to survive.

It's 2009 already and all the hopes that go with it. Let's hope that the New Year brings all referees around the world, regardless of their grading, only happy appointments and no disappointments.

Christmas time or not, peace or not, Harlequins against Leicester Tigers at Twickenham was still a tense contest. We have some law bits to talk about from that match and from the match at Vicarage Road between the Saracens and London Irish.

The match between Bath and Sale Sharks was tense and in the end thrilling. The match did not always remain within the boundaries which the game and its spirit find acceptable.

The European rugby Cup has announced the referees for Rounds 5 & 6 of the European Cup. It is noteworthy that Joel Jutge is making a comeback to refereeing after a long layoff.

Saturday saw a frustrating game for the die-hard Western Province fan in their loss to the Blue Bulls, writes rugby365 columnist Jon Harris.

It would not be pleasnt to trundle around the rugby field with plum pudding, turkey and wine sloshing around inside the reluctant body, and so we list below the referees who are likely to be circumspect in their festivities, but we also hope that for them and all other referees Christmas will be a happy and blessed time.

There is nothing new about losing teams' expressing unhappiness with referees. The French have been having a go of late - first about English referees, now about their own.

The holiday season is upon us and everything focuses on having a good time and completely over indulging. Christmas lunch is a biggie!

The IRB, has made known the referees for the two Sevens World Cups in Dubai on 5-7 March 2009.

The International Rugby Board has announced the panel of eight up-and-coming match officials for the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 in Kenya.

French clubs in the Heineken Cup have complained of the severity of English referees and there is even a perception of bias. The website Le Site spoke to top French referee, Christophe Berdos, about this.

Again it was a Heineken Cup weekend with much to enthrall and entertain. How about that thriller at The Stoop when Harlequins scored the winning try after some 30 phases nearly 85 minutes in the match!

With the Southern Hemisphere's silly season in full swing, Jan de Koning thinks this is a good time to take a look at the role that controversial loose forward Luke Watson will play in the Stormers team next year.

The Lions, who at one stage did not want South Africans to referee non-Test matches during their tour of South Africa in 2009, are now asking for merit-appointed referees which could include referees from South Africa and the Four Home Unions.

As Christmas arrives with its obligations and celebrations, the international matches shrink but still there are countries determined to send their men to Christmas dinner with aches and pains.

Not for the first time top referee Steve Walsh of New Zealand could be in hot water - and not for any refereeing decision.

The International Rugby Board has announced the match official appointments for the Six Nations 2009, which kicks off on Saturday, 7 February.

The three SANZAR countries - South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - have made known their merit panel of referee for the 2009 Super 14.

There are a few firsts for Craig Joubert next month when he referees the friendly in the desert - Cheetahs vs Sharks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Two referees leant on the bar talking shop. Their conversation went like this.

rugby365 editor Jan de Koning gives the International Rugby Board a few hints on how to spread the 'rugby gospel', as they try to convince the International Olympic Committee that their game also deserves a spot on the Olympic stage.

There are no Tests this weekend. That is almost freakish but Europe again throws itself into hectic action with the reverse of last weekend's matches and there is the Varsity match at Twickenham.

England played New Zealand at Twickenham. At half-time the All Blacks led 12-3 and eventually won 32-6. We give some statistics from the match.

The Barbarians played the Wallabies in midweek and then the Heineken Cup was in full force. Those events dominated the week.

Heineken Cup and Challenge Cup break out again this weekend and before that there is the Barbarians' match at Wembley Stadium.

The South African Referees' Committee has announced the panels of referees for 2009, starting with the National Panel which has five new referees.

November is done and so, by and large, are its Tests. An exciting month ending with an exciting match in Cardiff.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks back at the England Test and makes some of his own awards after an exciting 2008 rugby season...

In 2006 Mark Lawrence seemed dead and about to be buried as a referee. Like Gospel Lazarus, he came back. In 2008 he received both top refereeing awards in South Africa - the Referee of the Year and the Referees' Referee of the Year.

In three weeks we had 18 Tests played by 12 countries, and we garnered some statistics from those Tests.

It's quieter this weekend with several Tests fewer but, of course, the club stuff picks up again, and southern men head for the beaches.

It was the third week involving top Tests amongst top nations. Things will be quieter (= less interesting) from next week.

At the grand IRB Awards Ceremony at Billingsgate in London on Sunday evening, Andre Watson received the Referee Award for Distinguished Service.

Again we have some statistics from six Tests played over the third weekend of November - England vs South Africa, Wales vs New Zealand, France vs Australia, Ireland vs Argentina, Scotland vs Canada and Italy vs the Pacific Islanders with wins for South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and the Pacific Islanders.

Los Teros of Uruguay won the Copa Hermandad (Brotherhood Cup) by beating Los Condores of Chile 46-12 in Montevideo on Saturday.

On Saturday in Zenica, and ancient town north of Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina play host to Azerbaijan in a match in Division 3D of the European Nations Cup and the referee is Ashley Morton of Norway. It is his very first Test.

South Africa's coach Peter de Villiers has complained about the referees, finding their rulings at the tackle incomprehensible.

Top panel South African referee Christie du Preez has decided to change his refereeing focus and concentrate on being an assistant referee from now on.

Chile play Uruguay in Montevideo on Saturday as part of the South American championship. They play for the Copa Hermandad.

It's on again - especially in London, Paris and Cardiff where the interest will be huge. The referees there are Nigel Owens of Wales and the South Africans Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan who recently established a world record for a Test referee.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell says that the Springboks are on a downward spiral under Peter de Villiers and that England will fancy their chances against South Africa on Saturday.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck is back from Bermuda and he looks ahead to this weekend's Springbok Test against England at Twickenham.

We have stats from six matches over the weekend - Scotland vs South Africa, Wales vs Canada, Ireland vs New Zealand, France vs Pacific Islands, Italy vs Argentina, and England vs Australia. We also have some averages.

There were Tests from Nagoya to Madrid with hundreds of thousands of people to watch them at the grounds and millions on television.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck reports back from the World Classics in Bermuda, whilst also looking at the Springbok tour of the United Kingdom.

At Murrayfield on Saturday in the rain the Scottish crowd repeatedly booed the mighty New Zealanders for dropping the scrums, seemingly with impunity. The falling scrum is a problem in rugby.

The fixtures for the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International have been announced, with an explosive double header - in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria - set to kick-start the third edition of the tournament.

You cannot really fool friends and colleagues and clearly Kelvin Deaker admired him for many things, above all for being a good team man.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell analyses the 'new' game-plan that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers keeps talking about.

SANZAR has announced that it will draw up a merit list of referees and appoint them regardless of their national connections. But Kelvin Deaker, the top New Zealand referee who has just retired, doubts that it will work.

Kelvin Deaker, one of the world's top referees, has announced his retirement from all rugby at the age of 43.

It's another big November weekend with big matches showing off the rugby talent of the world. And there are the top referees of the world in action as well.

November has come in with a bang. Tests everywhere. We have statistics on just six of them - Wales vs South Africa, Italy vs Australia, Scotland vs New Zealand, France vs Argentina, Ireland vs Canada and England vs the Pacific Islands.

Connacht beat the touring Portuguese team 27-11 at the Showgrounds in Galway on Sunday.

The United States easily beat Uruguay 43-9 in their one-off Test at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, marking the Eagles' first win of the year and a great start to a big month for the Americans.

What a Saturday! Tests from Padua to Salt Lake City, from Moscow to Santiago. Sadly the weather was not always cooperative - except of course at Millennium Stadium which makes its own weather. And there is more next week.

Since August this year, the Springboks have had their own law man in their management team.

Portugal have come to Ireland on a two-match tour, the first against Connacht in Galway on Sunday evening.

The USA Eagles face the Teros of Uruguay in the brand new Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, a large suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday.

The International Rugby Board has again stressed the need for compliance in the application of the laws governing the tackle and the ruck and the scrum feed.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck finds himself in Bermuda, but he has made time to look ahead to Saturday's Test between the Boks and Wales in Cardiff.

There is a change of referee for the match between France and Argentina at Stade Velodrome in Marseilles on Saturday.

Spain travel to Moscow this weekend to play Russia in the opening match of FIRA's European Nations Cup, Division 1 - the so-called Six Nations B.

In April this year Igotz Gallastegi refereed his first Test - Austria vs Norway in Vienna. This week he will hop into the Pyrenees and referee his second - Andorra against Lithuania. It is a long way from the sophisticated professionals in big stadiums, but he rejoices in what he does.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell tells us why he feels that Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is on the right track with his year-end tour planning.

He is a mobile man who has settled down. He has gone from Brisbane to Lisbon and become a rare bird in modern times - an international player who has become an international referee - Rohan Hoffmann.

In sweaty Hong Kong, New Zealand had a strong second half in the fourth Bledisloe Cup match.

Bledisloe Cup Mark 4 may not have had any bearing on the destination of the Bledisloe Cup in 2008 but there was not less passion and endeavour because of that as the two great teams met in sweaty Hong Kong before a crowd of some 39 000. We give some statistics of the match.

University of Cape Town (UCT) head coach John Dobson has enlisted the help of some high-profile coaches and sports scientists as the Ikey Tigers attempt to go one better in next year's FNB Varsity Cup tournament.

The big international season in the Northern Hemisphere bursts into sudden life this weekend. Also starting this weekend is the Division 1 of the European Nations Cup when Spain visit Moscow.

Canada beat Portugal 21-13 at Estadio Universitario in Lisbon on Saturday afternoon, the first match of Canada's tour to Europe. Canada scored two tries to one.

Canada kick off their European tour with a match against Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday. It will be only the second time the two teams have met.

SA Rugby and the SA Rugby Referees' Society will launch a national advertising campaign during November and December that aims to attract new recruits to the country?s refereeing ranks.

October is over and we are into November with All Saints and then All Souls to excite us about the last things. And the last things of the year are exciting, starting in Hong Kong.

What a great Final in Durban on Saturday when the Sharks beat the Blue Bulls 14-9, two tries to nil! It was a match of high intensity.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the Currie Cup Final, the bolters in Peter de Villiers' Springbok team and most importantly, he explains why the Boks MUST win all their matches on the year-end tour.

In response to requests for a ruling on the maul made by the New Zealand Rugby Union, the IRB's designated members have issued a ruling dated 22 October 2008.

JC Fortuin has announced his retirement from representative rugby. Colleagues have sent in tributes to this kind, thoughtful, courteous, honest man.

The Air Wellington Cup Final was played in wet Wellington on Saturday when Canterbury won 7-6. We give some statistics from the match.

There were big winners in South Africa and New Zealand this weekend. Both of them were tense, intense encounters with low scoring - just three tries in two finals.

JC Fortuin, one of South Africa's top referees, has decided to withdraw from refereeing representative matches.

Former Bok star Robbie Fleck puts his money where his mouth is ahead of the Absa Currie Cup Final - Sharks all the way, says rugby365s columnist.

Jonathan Kaplan will referee his fourth Currie Cup Final in Durban on Saturday, one of 23 referees to referee a Final since the first Final in 1939.

Bryce Lawrence of the Bay of Plenty has been appointed to referee his second Air New Zealand Cup Final when Wellington host Canterbury. It is also the second time these two teams have met in a Final.

Cobus Wessels is a specialised referee's assistant. He loves it and it has brought rewards of its own.

The second weekend of Heineken Cup matches flew past. Inevitably there are some little aspects of law-in-action which are worth looking at.

South Africa's provinces have competed for a trophy since 1889. Since 1892 that trophy has been the Currie Cup. Playing Finals have been more recent and continuous since 1968. It is the big event of the domestic season.

rugby365 columnists Steve Farrell takes a look at the Currie Cup Final and the Springbok team to be announced on Saturday. He tells us why he disagrees with Robbie Kempson.

It's final time in New Zealand and South Africa with Bryce Lawrence and Jonathan Kaplan - not for the first time - appointed to the big matches. This will be Lawrence's second final, Kaplan's fourth.

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 Heineken Cup went into action over the weekend and inevitably there are just a few points of law discussion which are worthwhile.

South Africa and New Zealand head into their big provincial finals next Saturday and Europe's top competitions went into their second round.

rugby365.com columnist Robbie Fleck would like to see the Springbok selectors plump for youth on SA's upcoming tour of Europe.

The experimental law variations went universal on 1 August. The Southern Hemisphere would like more change, the Northern Hemisphere less.

It is easy to suppose that is always was and ever shall be. That is certainly not the case with the ever-changing Currie Cup system and certainly not the case with promotion/relegation matches.

The SANZAR nations - South Africa, New Zealand, Australia - met in Sydney on Wednesday and discussed the method of using the experimental law variations in 2009.

The two Currie Cup semifinals - Sharks vs Lions in Durban and Blue Bulls vs Cheetahs in Pretoria - both produced clear-cut winners and now we have two tense weeks before the final. We have some statistics from the two semifinals.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell says it's sad that all the off field shenanigans in South African rugby are getting more attention than a Currie Cup Final that has the potential to go down as a true classic in every sense of the word on October 25.

Steve Walsh and Bryce Lawrence will referee the semifinals of the Air New Zealand Cup. Also appointed are the match officals for the Meads and Lochore Cups.

Europe goes on with its two big competitions, New Zealand has semifinals and South Africa has the heartache of promotion-relegation matches.

rugby365.com columnist Robbie Fleck looks ahead to the weekend's Currie Cup semifinals - in Durban and Pretoria.

There is a 2011 World Cup qualifier to be played in Port of Spain on the island of Trinidad when Brazil play Trinidad & Tobago, and the referee will be David Smortchevsky from the far west of Canada.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell looks into his crystal ball and tells us what the future holds ...actually just for this weekend's Currie Cup semifinals.

The Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup get under way in the north while in the South New Zealand and South Africa are at the nail-biting time of knock-out.

Jonathan Kaplan has been appointed to referee his fourth Currie Cup Final. He was appointed to the match just ahead of Mark Lawrence, who refereed last year's Final. Saints sign two Currie Cup stars | Blue Bulls get the doctor's 'all clear'

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell entertains us with his weekly contribution, this week looking at the stars of the Currie Cup and who of them will make Peter de Villiers' year-end Springbok squad.

The lucrative EDF Energy Cup for clubs from England and regions of Wales starts this weekend as does the All Ireland League but the biggest match may well be in Cape Town, the last match of the Currie Cup Round Robin for the last place in the play-offs.

There is an Under-19 champion in Europe and tough club and representative matches, especially in New Zealand and South Africa where competitions hot up.

Robbie Fleck looks at the Currie Cup, selects a new loose forward for the Boks and previews Saturday's Intervarsity clash in Stellenbosch.

Peter Fitzgibbon of Ireland has been appointed to the two Tests between Japan and the USA in November. He will then become a brand new Test referee.

The last match of the 2008 Tri-Nations was enthralling. It was heroic and romantic, full of adventure and the best effort that top players can extract from body and soul. I was so excited that I was keen to hear what the Australian experts had to say - Greg Clark and his team of Rod Kafer, Phil Kearns and Greg Martin.

George Clancy of Ireland has been appointed to referee the Twickenham Test between England and the Pacific Islands on 8 November.

New Zealand star Dan Carter is the only Southern Hemisphere player on the IRB nominations for the Player of the Year awards - a list dominated by men from the north.   Email us your top five players of the year?

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the big conundrum facing the various provincial coaches - whether to rest their Springboks or in the coming weeks.

Peripatetic referee Carlo Damasco is in Cardiff this weekend as the IRB and others seek to promote the young referee from Naples.

The following interesting piece was written by Brian Dick, the rugby correspondent of the Birmingham Post.

Robbie Fleck reports back from his trip to Scotland, as well as paying tribute to a talented UCT player who lost his life at the weekend.

The European Cup has announced the referees appointed to the first two Rounds of the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup.

Following the Referee and Laws Selection Committee meeting, USA Rugby announced today the referee appointments to the National Panel, National Focus Group and Director?s Panel for the 2008-2009 competition season.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced details of an expanded trial of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) at an elite level of competition in the northern hemisphere.

The last match of the 2008 Tri-Nations was a thriller as the All Blacks held the Wallabies at bay to win 28-24 in Brisbane. We give some statistics of the match and also overall stats of the Tri-Nations.

The impossible is happening it seems - no Tests this weekend. It won't last, of course. There are some big matches this week with top referees to referee them.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell dissects the Tri-Nations tournament and tells us who the big winners and losers are. Yes, New Zealand are the champions, but are they truly the best?

The big one this weekend, a huge one, is the last match of the 2008 Tri-Nations which has all the air of a final, the third match in the Bledisloe Cup, and Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa is the man to referee it.

England's Premiership has - as has the rest of the rugby world, adopted the experimental law variations, but just to keep the world guessing they are different from those used in the Tri-Nations whose last round match millions will be watching on Saturday.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell tells us why it is important for Springbok coach Peter de Villiers to get a proper minder, especially in time when he is in the firing line, to ensure he does not make matters worse.

There have been changes to Week 8 and there are new appointments for Weeks 9 and 10 of the Air New Zealand Cup.

Robbie Fleck is on the move again, but he remembered his laptop in order to make his prediction for the Tri-Nations finale.

There was consternation in Bloemfontein when Western Province wanted Conrad Jantjes to go back onto the field after he had been in the blood bin. Western Province management were upset when Jantjes was not allowed to resume playing.

Blink an eye and the season is over. In fact life's season is a short one. But here we are, after much head-banging, with our final Top 20 for 2008.

The Lions have requested that the referees for all their matches, not just the Test matches, be refereed by non-South Africans.

The November Tests in the Northern Hemisphere produce a flurry of matches with many top appointments - and welcome back Steve Walsh to Test refereeing.

Whilst impressed with last week's win over the Wallabies, rugby365s Robbie Fleck still has a few questions left unanswered.

New Zealand played Samoa in New Plymouth and won 101-14. It was a much weakened Samoan team and the match was played under the experimental law variations that apply only to the Tri-Nations. It was match practice for the All Blacks in their preparation for the match with Australia in Brisbane on 13 September.

Europe is sloughing off its sloth and there is serious rugby happening now while in the south there is still a huge match to come. England and Wales start their club competitions, the Magners League gets going and in France the Pro D2 starts.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the early stages of Peter de Villiers' tenure as Springbok coach and asks if the record 53-8 win over the Wallabies at the weekend was his doing or did the players simply step up.

South Africa played Australia in Johannesburg and won 53-8, a shock result in view of what had happened before - three successive defeats for South Africa and two successive wins over South Africa for Australia.

Legendary schoolboy coaching guru Basil Bey tackles Springbok coach Peter de Villiers's romantic notion of trying to play an expansive game at Test level. Can it be done? Can this type of rugby work at Test level? | Win adidas hampers

This will be our second last Top 20 for 2008. Next week we shall view the whole Top 20 for 2008.

The second last Tri-Nations Test takes place in Johannesburg and this time it's Bryce Lawrence's turn - his second turn in fact as he was the referee when the Springboks and the Wallabies met in Perth.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell says the South African public's patience with Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is wearing thin. He feels even good players need to be coached.

Mercifully it was a much less controversial match this week when the Wallabies beat the Springboks more easily than the 27-15 score suggests.

A decree went out from the International Rugby Board again emphasising zero tolerance of players charging into ruck or maul without binding.

Robbie Fleck believes the Springboks need to attack the Wallabies up front if they are to get back to winning ways in the Tri-Nations.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced the referees for the Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland matches for the early part of September. They include two Ranfurly Shield matches.

The All Blacks beat the Springboks 19-0 at Newlands, the first time the Springboks have scored nil at Newlands since 1891 and their second biggest defeat ever.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell has found the 'missing link' in the Springbok team after watching New Zealand whitewash South Africa 19-0 at Newlands at the weekend.

Grey College and Paarl Gim have continued their winning ways, Grey with a huge win over Paul Roos in Bloemfontein.

This weekend the pressure is on Lyndon Bray of New Zealand in the Tri-Nations.

It's D-Day for the Springboks - and Percy Montgomery - this weekend, writes former Bok star Robbie Fleck.

Matt Goddard of Sydney will run out onto Newlands on Saturday for his second match in this year's Tri-Nations- and he can't wait.

James Bolabiu of Fiji is a young referee going places, many places. Ay present he is in South Africa, developing a career which started with a red card.

Earlier this month the Designated Members of the International Rugby Board gave a ruling on a query from the Italian Rugby Federation.

On 7 August the International Rugby Board's Designated Members issued a ruling on the scrumhalf and offside at a scrum. It is an important ruling and contrary to recent practice.

English club Worcester Warriors have signed up the Test referee, Hugh Watkins, a top Welsh referee, as a consultant.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at what he regards as a pointless exercise, the encounter between South Africa and Argentina at the weekend.

The top continues to be cluttered. After this week we are going to have a long, hard think.

Lots of eyes will be on Newlands on Saturday when New Zealand play South Africa.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has announced the appointments of match officials to Weeks 3-5 of the Air New Zealand Cup and the first two weeks of the AA Rewards Heartland Championship.

South Africa played Argentina in Johannesburg and won 63-9 though it took them over 30 minutes to open their account. The match was in honour of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday.

There was almost no talk about the refereeing after the Auckland match between New Zealand and Australia. Perhaps the size of the victory made complaining silly but it would be so good if the real reason was the high quality of the refereeing.

James Bolabiu, Fiji's top referee, is heading to South Africa for two months of refereeing. He is one of the world's promising referees.

The Boks' biggest threat on their home leg may well come from the Wallabies. Read what rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck has to say this week about the Tri-Nations, Argentina and the Currie Cup.

The top is getting really cluttered now after the top five sides all had impressive wins.

As from next season, France is to introduce citing commissioners for its matches.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell is back on the beat and in his weekly review takes a look at the Tri-Nations and Bok selection.

Stuart Dickinson, the top Australian referee, is injured and so has withdrawn from his two appointments in South Africa.

The Springboks and the Pumas meet in Johannesburg in honour of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday.

It was all turnaround in Auckland when New Zealand, well beaten the week before, ran out winners against Australia this week.

From Cape Town to Namibia and back and catching up on all the latest 3N action. See what Robbie Fleck has to say this week...

The touring England Under-18 team play Uruguay at the Hindu Club in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. It is the fourth match of the tour.

The highly successful Varsity Cup will add a new feature to it's exciting format, in the shape of a relegation play-off.

New Zealand has been given leave by the International Rugby Board to try out a new sequence of instructions for engagement, reducing the present call from four words to three.

There was the big Top-20 clash this weekend when Grey College went down to the coast from Bloemfontein and played Grey High in Port Elizabeth. It's still tight at the top.

New South Wales has been active in strengthening ties with Japan and the referees have been a part of that initiative.

Andre Watson, the man who runs South African referees, has discussed the extended use of the television match official and is optimistic about its future.

Mark Lawrence has the big job this weekend - the return match in the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup in Auckland, with desperate All Blacks against cockahoop Wallabies.

What a great match in Sydney, and the statistics tell something about it for it had a remarkably small number of stoppages.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the dark clouds that are hovering over New Zealand and their coach Graham Henry, while he also explains why Peter de Villiers should experiment with his Springbok selections.

There was much talk in Sydney on Saturday night about the comings and goings of Andrew Ellis and Jimmy Cowan, the two New Zealand scrumhalves.

With the score 24-19 to the Wallabies, in front of the Wallaby posts and about a metre before the goal-line, Peter Hynes tackles Sitiveni Sivivatu without the ball. There has been a thought that there should have been a penalty try which would have put the All Blacks back in the lead.

The 2015 World Cup must be held outside a Rugby Union stronghold if the sport is serious about becoming a truly global game and breaking out of its current "ghetto", according to the contents of a new report.

Eugenia Daniels has been appointed to her first Test match on Saturday 16 August when she referees the women's Test between Kenya and Uganda. She will create history when she referees the match.

The Rugby Performance Centre's Referee Academy is moving from Riebeeck West to Parow with its base at the NNK rugby club with its excellent facilities.

Robbie Fleck looks ahead to the Aus-NZ Test, whilst also making a prediction for the rest of South Africa's Tri-Nations campaign.

David Perry of England may well have hastened a change in the laws by getting injured and ending his career After all the International Rugby Board was still refusing to allow replacements over forty years after they were first proposed. Laws have not always changed as quickly as they are doing now!

The main match of the weekend was in Perth where Australia beat South Africa 16-9, two tries to none. There were also Currie Cup matches.

There have been some interesting matches this weekend which have caused a bit of an upheaval in this Top 20, the first of the third term.

Craig Joubert shares his thoughts with rugby365.com as he heads off once again to his favourite city for a big match.

The New Zealand RFU announced the referees for the first five weeks of the Air New Zealand Cup competition which starts on Thursday, 31 July when Lyndon Bray blows the whistle and Tasman and Bay of Plenty play.

It's a quieter weekend this - a noisy Tri-Nations match it's true, and a Ranfurly Shield match and matches in South Africa, but it feels strange to have so few appointments.

More Tri-Nations drama, this time in Perth as the Wallabies opened the competition up wide. All the countries now have a win each.

The 1st XV match between Grey High of Port Elizabeth and Daniel Pienaar of Uitenhage was blown short when a spectator ran onto the field and tackled Phillip Bosch, one of South Africa's top referees.

The Tri-Nations is wide open after Australia's tough win over South Africa in Perth.

WELCOME BACK! rugby365.com's live coverage continues this week, as the season is into Week 15.Next up: SHARKS v WARATAHS!

After more than a month-long break the Magners League is finally back in action this weekend. rugby365 previews all the action!

The Students World Games are taking place at the Montecronos Stadium at the University of Cordoba, Spain. Amongst the events is Sevens rugby for men and for women.

Mercifully we are getting closer to having one set of Laws to try to figure out. At present there are two - on for the Tri-Nations and one for the rest of us.

On 15 July 2008 Portuguese and Spanish rugby administrators met in Lisbon to discuss the way forward for competitions on the Peninsula.

Robbie Fleck knows he got things wrong last week, but he doffs his caps to the Boks and makes a prediction for Perth...

Connacht fans will have an extra helping of home ground entertainment this coming season, after the Irish province confirmed that it will take on Portugal at the Sportsground on Wednesday November 5.

This week we include incidents from the dramatic Tri-Nations match between New Zealand and South Africa and Dunedin with some incidents from the Currie Cup.

The South African Schools selectors have chosen four teams SA Schools, SA Academy, which was chosen from the Academy Week in George, and two regional side, North and South.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) council, at its recent special meeting in Hong Kong, reaffirmed its commitment to the global trial of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) that will commence on August 1 and called for an early review of the trials in the first quarter of 2009.

The Tri-Nations took a dramatic turn when South Africa played New Zealand in Carisbrook where they had never won a Test before.

Tri-Nations took its drama down to South Island and Carisbrook, the international venue nearest the South Pole where for the first time ever the Springboks won a Test. We have some statistics from the Test.

The Tri-Nations moves over the seaso to Perth in Western Australia. But it is not the only big match involving referees - just the biggest!

At the age of 45 Paul Honiss of New Zealand has decided to retire from international refereeing, going out as the most capped Test referee in the history of rugby. Some of those who knew him nest pay tribute.

Portugal won the European Sevens Tournament played in Hanover, Germany, over the weekend., a tournament which doubled as a qualifier for the 2009 Sevens World Cup in Dubai.

At the end of the 45th Craven Week in Pretoria, the schools selectors named the South African Schools team.

Andre Watson, boss of South African referees, has written to the Blue Bulls and the Sharks to apologise for the long delays during their match on Saturday, created by the extended use of the television match official.

They started early in chilly Pretoria to get the Craven Week's final matches played in time for the TV broadcast of the main match at lunchtime - a day when happenings in Dunedin probably overshadowed Craven Week and everything else in South Africa.

Free State and Craven Week will have the honour of playing in the coveted main match at the 45th Craven Week in Pretoria on Saturday. The match will be televised and broadcast live.

Paul Honiss, the most capped international referee in the history of the game, has retired from international refereeing with immediate effect.

The Tri-Nations started and the last tours from the North to the South ended. We have some matters of law to discuss from those two matches and from the Currie Cup.

It was fine in Pretoria for Day 4 of Craven Week but the day started cold with a mean and cutting wind. Follow the latest news here...

The Final round of the European Sevens will be played in Hanover this weekend, doubling as a qualifier for the Sevens World Cup in Dubai in 2009.

Robbie Fleck previews Saturday's Tri-Nations Test between the Boks and All Blacks at Dunedin's 'House of Pain'...

Just when it seemed dead the ghastly phoenix of Two Movements, aka Double Movement, rose up again. Heaven forbid that it starts another plague.

Free State and KwaZulu Natal play in the main match on Day 4 of the 2008 Craven Week being played at Affies in Pretoria.

Again a perfect day in Pretoria where the Craven Week went into its third day at Affies. Follow the results here from Day Three.

In the Tri-Nations match between New Zealand and South Africa, there were two telling moments which are worth looking at - Brad Thorn's action against John Smit and the off-side decision against Rudi Wulf. Which is worse - missing what happened or blowing for what did not happen?

The fixtures for Wednesday, 9 July 2008, have been made known The main match will be between the two surprise victors on Day 1 - South Western Districts and the Pumas.

Craven Week went into its second day, again in perfect Highveld weather, at Affies in Pretoria. Follow the results here!

It's the second Tri-Nations match in Dunedin which will grab the interest. Matt Goddard of Australia is the man to referee that one.

After the match between the Blue Bulls and the Sharks in Pretoria on a cold Saturday evening there has been much criticism of the extended use of the television match official to include infringements in scoring a try and .foul play.

It was a big collision in wet, windy Wellington and the All Blacks collided better than the Springboks and deserved their `19-8 victory. We give some statistics from the match.

The Craven Week kicked off in crisp but perfect weather at Affies in Pretoria. Keep up to date with the latest action right here!

Australia played France in Brisbane, the last of the major mid-winter tour matches from the north. It produced Australia's biggest win ever over France. We give some statistice.

This weekend Australia beat France 34-13 in Sydney and Italy beat Argentina 13-12 in Buenos Aires. We give some statistics from the two matches.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck believes the All Blacks will beat the Springboks on Saturday - because they will be more desperate...

Recently we published a tentative article on the history of the sin bin and sanctionary cards in rugby. Naas Ferreira, a Pretoria lawyer who was a provincial referee in the Seventies, tells the story of the first use of the sin bin on 10 April 1975.

We discuss some examples of the laws in action from the Test in Sydney and from three Currie Cup matches at the end of June.

Now that South Africa are using the television match official to check on the validity of tries, the matter of the forward pass has now become interesting.

Neither sin bins nor sanctionary cards go back a long time in rugby. In fact they are not even rugby ideas.

FIRA-AER has announced the fixtures for the 36 countries taking part in the seven divisions of the European Nations Cup for 2008-09.

The Pumas of Mpumalanga have chosen nine teams for SARU's various youth tournaments and competitions.

The Tri-Nations is upon us, ELVs and all - the same ELVs as were used in the Super 14, which is why only SANZAR referees will referee Tri-Nations matches. Still the to-ing and fro-ing from law to law will test referees.

Griqualnd West send two teams to Craven Week, the Griqua team and Griquas Country Districts, which is the old North West Cape. The same is true of the Aacedmy sides.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck thinks Peter de Villiers and his Boks are facing some very unrealistic expectations at the moment...

The Griffons of Northern Free State have chosen five teams to attend the various weeks coming up soon.

There were two Tests this last weekend- New Zealand against England in Christchurch and South Africa against Italy at wet Newlands, both producing comfortable wins for the home sides.

Eric Darriere referees his first Final in the French Championship on Sunday, the newest in a line of referees stretching back, war breaks apart, to 1892.

The Golden Lions have announced their teams for the Craven Week, Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Eric Darriere of the Basque country has been appointed to referee the Final of France's Top 14 at Stade de France on Saturday, one of the biggest club matches in the world.

Lots of teams have not played as Bondedag took over in the north with the approach of Craven Week. So we shall record this Top 20 and then stay in abeyance until rugby gets going again next term.

The big match of the weekend, the one that will attract the biggest crowd and the most attention, will be the Final of France's Top 14. France may be playing in Sydney but there will be more interest in the club match in Paris.

South Western Districts has named the Young Eagles due to fly off to the Craven Week in Pretoria, the Academy Week in George and the Grant Khomo Week in Ermelo.

Bondedag for Northvaal teams due to go to Craven Week took place at the University of Johannesburg on Saturday and the Northern Unions sent a clear message to the rest of the country - that they are a force to be reckoned with. Even though a wise man may not make too much of the performances there was enough to cause excitement.

We give some statistics from two Test matches - New Zealand vs England in Christchurch and South Africa vs Italy in the rain at Newlands.

Boland have announced their teams for Craven Week and for the Academy Week.

Emerging South Africa won the Nations Cup 2008 when they beat Romania ?? in the final match, thus remaining the only unbeaten side.

Three IRB tournaments ended this weekend. In Wakes New Zealand won the inaugural Junior World Championship, in Chicago England Saxons won the Churchill Cup and in Romania Emerging South Africa - whatever that is - won the Nations Cup.

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck would like to see Frans Steyn play at inside centre - not flyhalf.

Canterbury are the new Air New Zealand Cup champions, after holding out in the face of a fierce second-half onslaught from the Wellington Lions in the Final on Saturday. To read the minute-by-minute action click here.

George Clancy of Limerick will be refereeing at Newlands on Saturday when South Africa play Italy in the midst of a wet Cape winter.

On Sunday, the Junior World Championship reaches its final day which will decide whether New Zealand or England end the tournament in Wales as the first-ever winner of the Junior World Championship.

South Western Districts edged the Free State 31-25 in the coveted main match at the 45th Craven Week in Pretoria on Saturday. rugby365 brings you all the latest schools results and news from around the country.

There were two controversial incidents in Week two - one in Auckland and one in Pretoria. We shall discuss those plus some other incidents.

South Africa did its long-weekending again with fewer matches than usual even though a holiday is approaching.

The teams are announced for the Craven Week for High Schools, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Nations Cup referees manager David McHugh has announced the referees and touch judges for the three matches in the third and final round of the six-nation tournament.

Bath Rugby club has announced that Luke Watson has signed a two-year contract starting after the end of the Currie Cup.

The whole world seems to be playing international rugby at the moment. And so referees are scattering to the four corners.

Springbok loose forward Joe van Niekerk has been handed the captain's armband for struggling Top 14 club Toulon, as coaches Tana Umaga and Aubin Hueber look to spur new life into the embattled side.

England Saxons and Scotland A meet in the Final of the 2008 Churchill Cup, and Simon McDowell of Ireland will be there to see fair play.

Do you know who refereed the first Super Rugby Final, or even when it was? rugby365 takes you back in time to see who made history!

We give some statistics from four Test matches - New Zealand vs England, Australia vs Ireland, South Africa vs Wales and Argentina vs Scotland.

Several Tests, five international competitions and a French Top 20 that at last reached an end. It was a busy weekend.

Mark Lawrence has had to withdraw from officiating at three Tests in the next three weeks because of a motor accident on Saturday night.

Peter Fitzgibbon of Ireland and Romain Poite of France will referee the semifinals of the Junior World Championship being played in Wales.

Willie Roos of South Africa has been in Japan to officiate in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup tournament. It was going well till disaster struck.

The referees manager for the IRB Nations Cup, David McHugh has announced the appointments for Round 2 of the Tournament to be played on Sunday, 15 June 2008.

With the IRB Nations Cup approaching the midway point, the six teams are concentrating on the crucial second round matches on Sunday at the ?Arcul de Triumf? Stadium in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

Miles Benjamin and Calum Clark come back into the England starting line-up for Saturday?s IRB Junior World Championship clash against Australia, a tough assignment for England.

Impressed with the Springboks' 43-17 thrashing of Wales in Bloemfontein, former Bok star Robbie Fleck wants to see more of the same this week...

After the first round of the IRB's Nations Cup being played in Bucharest, Italy A top the table.

The IRB Nations Cup 2008 is back in Bucharest and kicks off on Wednesday, 11 June 2008, with six teams taking part.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing manager, Paddy O'Brien, has released the names of the match officials for Day 3 of the Junior World Championship taking place in Wales.

The IRB's Nations Cup kicks off in Bucharest with three matches at Arcul de Triumf Stadium.

Italy A had a sweeping win over Russia but Emerging South Africa were not the first side to find the rugged Georgians a hard side to beat on a hot afternoon.

On the first Saturday in June there were three big Tests between teams from the North and teams from the South in the South. They give us food for thought and talk.

There is a slight change at the top where we reward Paarl Gim for their massive victory over Drostdy.

In the opening round of the Nations Cup in Bucharest, Pro Legoete of the Golden Lions Referees' Society has been appointed to referee the match between hosts Romania and Uruguay, thus becoming South Africa's newest Test referee.

The June Tests got under way in gruesome conditions in Wellington when New Zealand and Ireland avoided dying of exposure. Then we had sunny Bloemfontein and cheerful Rosario. We give the statistics of the three Tests.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at the weekend's internationals and suggests a few changes to the Springbok team!

It's an ever bigger weekend of international rugby to keep the top referees of the world happily engaged.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing boss, Paddy O'Brien has made known the referees for the second round of matches in the Junior World Championship taking place in Wales.

Because the Tri-Nations this year will be played under the experimental law variations, only SANZAR referees will referee the matches as they have had experience of the ELVs in the Super 14.

Wayne Barnes of England has been appointed by the International Rugby Board to referee the Test between South Africa and Argentina in Johannesburg on 9 August. This is a top match in which the top-ranked team in the world will play the third-ranked team.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck looks ahead to this weekend's first Test between the Springboks and Wales.

In the Final of the Junior World Championships, played in Wales, New Zealand were much too good for England, winning 38-3. New Zealand were certainly the best side at the tournament. rugby365 looks at all the action!

The IRB has appointed referees to the first day of its Junior World Championship which starts in Wales on 6 June 2008.

There are some changes this week as a wise trio sat down and weighs up the relative merits of schools 1st XVs in South Africa.

As we reported last month, the International Rugby Board is determined that rugby football should be refereed accepting to the Laws of the Game.

We had two finals over the weekend, Super 14 and Guinness Premiership. There are some things to talk about.

Injuries have upset the balance of Robbie Fleck's Bok selection, but the rugby365 columnist takes a look at the make-up of his Bok midfield this week...

Big Tests are with us again as the Northern Hemisphere heads south, no doubt with teams labelled weakened.

In Christchurch Crusaders beat Waratahs in the Super 14 Final and in London Wasps beat Leicester Tigers. We bring some statistics from each match.

Selborne and Queen's contribute the majority of players to the Border Craven Week side.

There we have it, the Super 14 is over and we have a 'new' champion - as the Crusaders reclaimed the title from the Bulls. We also have a new champion in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game - but we knew that last week already.

SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) has underlined its commitment to the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) by agreeing on special Tri-Nations ELVs to showcase the best of the game's new laws.

England's Management Board is acting cautiously in the introduction of experimental law variations (ELVs) into your rugby in England.

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell takes a look at a weekend that saw several farewells - including the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio and Robbie Deans. However, he says it is Dallaglio's singing that has impressed him most!

As the first Test against Wales draws nearer, Robbie Fleck continues to be impressed by new Bok coach Peter de Villiers.

Two huge Finals - one at Twickenham when more than 81 000 spectators pitched up and one at AMI Stadium in Christchurch when 26 000 filled the ground.

In the first match of the 2008 South American Championship (Campeonato Sudamericano de Mayores), Argentina hop across the River Plate to Montevideo and play Uruguay at Estadio Charrua on Saturday.

The ranking of the Top 20 schools 1st XVs in South Africa is back.

The Free State selectors have named their provisional teams for the respective rugby weeks coming up this school?s holiday. The teams will play against their opposite teams from the Griffons on 7 June at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

There is literally one last throw of the dice for those who are hoping to improve on their positions in the 'readers versus staff' Super 14 prediction game.

There have not been many Finals to England's Premiership - just five of them and only three referees have refereed the Final.

It's the 16th Super rugby Final this weekend and Mark Lawrence is the ninth referee to referee it.

Variety is the spice of life; unpredictability is the spice of sport. Has the tackle knocked the stuffing out of variety, unpredictability?

Tense times don't end. This weekend it's the Final of England's Premiership and the Final of the Super 14. Big Saturday.

On Saturday there was all the tension of the Super 14 semifinals, two matches which were far more one-sided than anticipated. We give some statistics, a wider scope of them than during the round robin weeks.

It is official! Johan Greyling is the new prediction champion. With one week to go and only four points on offer in the Final - between the Crusaders and Waratahs - on Saturday, nobody can catch him anymore in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game.

Europe has three winners, the Pacific has a winner, SANZAR has finalists, there was a new Sevens winner. It was a big weekend.

Mark Lawrence of South Africa will referee the 2008 Super 14 in Christchurch between the Crusaders and the Waratahs.

Aoife MacCarthy of Ireland has been appointed to referee the Final of the Women's European Championship which comes to an end on Saturday, 24 May.

In a classic case of ?poacher turned gamekeeper?, former Brisbane club rugby firebrand Darren Rees will take charge of his first Premier Rugby game as referee when Wests take on GPS at Sylvan Road tomorrow.

The Laws of the Game believe that they are complete and state that they are, but the International Rugby Board, which formulates the laws gives explanations of how a law should be applied. This explanation is called a ruling.

A disciplinary hearing of the Free State Rugby Union (FSRU) heard the case of a player charged with assaulting and racially abusing a referee and suspended him for two years. Referees are up in arms about the lightness of the sentence.

The seven-match weekends in Super 14 are over, but still there are law issues to discuss.

This week, rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks at Peter de Villiers's first Bok training squad and also the Super 14 semifinals...

Following the meeting of its Council, the International Rugby Board has sent out an instruction to referees, calling for greater compliance in refereeing the tackle/ruck and the feed into the scrum.

Last week we discussed the matter of the time to end the match. It provoked two responses, one from Peter Shortell of Cheltenham and one from Mark Lawrence of Standerton. We give both here.

We're into the home straight now - both on terms of the Super 14 competition and our 'readers versus staff prediction competition'. With so little time (read so few games) left, only a total blow-out will stop Johan Greyling from a famous victory.

Whew! It's come to an abrupt end and ten teams are having an idle time this week end while four launch themselves yet again into tense and demanding battle. We give our statistics for Week 14 with some total for all 14 weeks with teams which have done most singled out.

Heineken and European Challenge Finals, Pacific Rugby Cup Final, Super 14 semifinals - it's a big weekend coming.

Wayne Barnes will referee the Final of the English Premiership between Leicester Tigers, the holders, and London Wasps, two of the best teams at winning trophies.

It has been a weekend of ups and downs for our experts in the 'readers versus staff' Super 14 prediction game, but one man is making a determined late charge.

SANZAR has announced the referees for the Super 14 semifinals - Stuart Dickinson and Bryce Lawrence.

Referees in the South Western Districts will not referee club matches this weekend or next weekend in the hope that the incidence of violence against referees will cease.

Saving the best wine till last? In the last round of the 2008 Super 14 four referees will officiate who have a total of one Super 14 rugby match amongst them and that one was in 2007.

It is astonishing how the Super 14 has rushed to its end. There is just one ordinary week to go and still we have points of law to discuss from the fascinating competition.

The ELVs are due to change in South Africa on 1 June. Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees, has written down a ten-point checklist in point form. There are changes.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. However, this week there is a difference - the last weekend with a full round of league matches, seven opportunities for points.

rugby365s Robbie Fleck looks ahead to an exciting last weekend of Super 14 league action and also reveals his semifinal predictions.

rugby365 editor Jan de Koning feels it is time to 'cite' the citing officials for their grossly inconsistent behaviour, following the ludicrous decision not to take any further action against Wallaby flyhalf Matt Giteau.

Francois Veldsman has been appointed to referee the final of the Vodacom Cup between the Blue Bulls and the Free State at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday and then when the Bulls and the Cheetahs meet in the Super 14 the next day. It is his biggest appointment so far in an seven-year refereeing career.

Fiji, Samoa and Japan are among the leading beneficiaries of increased development grants announced Tuesday by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

It's crunch time for teams now and so it is also crunch time for referees. Decisions can now be crucial.

With one week of the league part of Super 14 left, things are exciting. Again we give statistics for the weekend, including some accumulative statistics which tell which tell how many tries teams have scored, how many penalties and free kicks conceded and how many disciplinary problems they have had.

The Premiership in England and the Magners League ended the league part, Ireland had a final, things got more heated in France's Top 10 with a shock for Toulouse, the Super 14 has six teams on the fence between success and failure - it was a tense time.

It was a rough weekend for some of our experts in the 'readers versus staff' prediction game, but like the teams it was at the bottom end of the table where the real surprises came.

The Leones of Spain beat the Lobos of Portugal 21-17 in Madrid on Saturday, that ending their European Nations Cup as top dogs of the Iberian Peninsula.

Saracens have announced that Springbok Brendan Venter will replace Eddie Jones as head guru when the Australian steps down as Director of Rugby in July this year.Jan de Koning speaks to Sharks captain Johann Muller | SA's five S14 squads

Spain and Portugal bring down the curtain on the European Nations Cup Division 1 (Six Nations B) when they meet in Madrid on Saturday. This after the competition has run its two-year course.

rugby365 columnist, and former Springbok centre, Robbie Fleck hopes the Experimental Law Variations will catch on around the world - after all, it could only benefit the game and its global appeal.

Geoff Miller, one of the great historians and statisticians of the rugby world, has written down some titbits about New Zealand's provincial competition as the final..

Nigel Owens, Wales's top referee, will take charge of the Final of the Heineken Cup on 24 May - when Munster meet Toulouse in Cardiff. It is the 13th Heineken Cup Final.

There are still lots of law things to talk about in each week of the Super 14, and Week 12 is no exception.

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. Johan Greyling still dominates first place, whilem the race for second place is heating up.

Andre Watson, South Africa's manager of referees, has issued a statement on the Laws of the Game to be played for the rest of the year in South Africa, mainly as a result of the global introduction of experimental law variations from 1 August.

The Elite Rugby Department of the RFU has announced two new appointments to its Referee Unit under the management of Ed Morrison. Two new trainee full-time officials, Greg Garner and JP Doyle take up their new posts on 1 September 2008.

Mike Titcomb, a top club and Test rugby referee who served on the international panel for 10 years, has died at the age of 75.

There are matches in which tough decisions will be made at this time. There are finals and teams rushing towards finals. It is a tense time for players and referees.

The pressures on teams are great as the Super 14 nears the semifinal stage - and so is the pressure on referees and their decisions. We give some statistics from Week 12 and at the end are some totals - most tries, most penalties, most free kicks, that sort of thing.

There are just two rounds of the Super 14 left, two vital rounds for the players and the referees.

'Blades' and Chowgaps Inglis headed down to the Varsity Cup Final a few Mondays ago; they got interviews with Francois Pienaar, Kurt 'Kaptein' Darren, Chean Roux - and more! Click HERE to see their video...

Johan Greyling remains firm favourite to win the 'readers versus staff' prediction game, after a weekend of surprises, but it is the race for second place that took a dramatic turn.

Will there ever be a rugby match when there is nothing in the laws to discuss? We have been doing this week after week and there still are more topics to discuss than space and energy allow. This week is no different after Week 11 of the Super 14.

rugby365 columnist Robbie Fleck tries his hand as a Springbok selector, whilst also looking ahead at Round 12 of the Super 14.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council have announced that it had approved a global trial of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for a 12-month period starting on August 1. ELVs - is it a better game? LIVE COVERAGE!

It is that time of the week again, when we venture out into the dangerous arena of Super 14 predictions. With Johan Greyling the runaway leader in our 'readers versus staff' prediction competition, the real race is now for second place.

The inaugural Asian Five nations kicked off last weekend when Japan beat Korea in Korea and Hong Kong beat the Arabian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates. This weekend the fifth country goes into action when Kazakhstan visits Hong Kong.

The pressure on the players and the coaches and, therefore, the referees is mounting especially for the ambitious sides.

The International Rugby Board has announced its appointment of referees to Tests and other international matches under its aegis in May, June and July.

Paddy O'Brien, the International Rugby Board's manager of referees, has announced the new panels for international referees which show some radical changes.

We are back to seven Super matches as the frantic rush to the knock-out stages grips the Super 14 in a fever.

Uruguay have been crowned the inaugural IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy champions after coming from behind to beat host nation Chile 20-8 in the final at the Stade Francais Club in Santiago on Sunday.

There were the tense Heineken Cup semis and tense matches in the Super 14. There was also a start to the Asian Five Nations while European Nations Cup rugby reached a climax.

Johan Greyling looks unstoppable as he march towards his maiden win in our 'readers versus staff' prediction game, taking a 12-point lead into the last three weeks.

Chile and Uruguay will contest the inaugural International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Trophy Final in Santiago, after overcoming Romania and Georgia at the Stade Francais Club to finish top of their respective pools on Wednesday.

Alain Rolland of Ireland, appointed to the Heineken Cup semifinal between London Irish and Toulouse has been forced through injury to withdraw.

Coach Jimmy Watt has announced his TUT matchday 22 to face the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Monday in the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing first week defeat when they host the University of Pretoria (TUKS) for their Varsity Cup clash on Monday night in Port Elizabeth.

The Shimlas' exciting flyhalf Lionel Cronje has been named at fullback for their FNB Varsity Cup, presented by Steinhoff International clash against the North West University (Pukke) on Monday.

Former Springbok captain Andre Vos was spotted on the sidelines on Monday as the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University took on Shimlas in Cape Town. We caught up with the NMMU technical assistant to find out what he thought of the game, his coaching role and his views on the Varsity Cup.

Shimlas prop Drew van Coller has been cleared to play following a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, and will be available for selection for Shimlas' upcoming Varsity Cup fixture presented by Steinhoff International against Pukke at Shimla Park.

Rugby365 columnist Ebrahim Moerat takes a look at the effects of the global economy has had on the rugby world so far.

A strong final fifteen minutes from Shimlas saw them come away from their Varsity Cup opening encounter with a comfortable 37-11 win over the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University at UCT on Monday night.

The University of Fort Hare beat the University of the Western Cape 31-6 in their exhibition match, at the start of the FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, on Monday.

University of the Western Cape (UWC) head coach Shamiel Boer has named his side for this Monday's big Varsity Cup curtain-raiser with the University of Fort Hare in Cape Town.

Lumumba Currie will captain the University of Fort Hare into battle on Monday afternoon as they take on the University of the Western Cape in a Varsity Cup curtain-raiser.

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) have been boosted by the return of Valke centre Johan Swartz for their Varsity Cup clash against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Monday.

Ex-Ikey Tigers hooker JP Koster will come face-to-face with his former team-mates when Stellenbosch University takes on the University of Cape Town (UCT) in Varsity Cup action on Monday, February 2.

The University of Johannesburg's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International, preparations received a major confidence booster after they convincingly beat Russia 36-15 at Milopark on Sunday.

rugby365 columnist Ebrahim Moerat believes keeping core players fresh during the Super 14 is crucial as the Springboks look to muffle the Lions' roar.

For years there's been calls for officials to consistently get the calls right due to the high stakes in rugby, even at amateur level in South Africa. But most of this criticism is based on opinion, emotion and not fact.

Saracens boss Eddie Jones looks ahead to the IRB's final decision on the Experimental Law Variations, and feels there is only one that's worth keeping. Wallaby lock re-signs with Bath | Tuitupou out for the season | Meyer dashes home

English referee Wayne Barnes will take charge of the French Top 14 game between Bourgoin and Biarritz on Saturday, as part of a referee exchange between the two countries' rugby union federations.

Professional rugby is a potentially lucrative career offering a variety of opportunities; however not all promising and talented players will be able to call it a real job for too long.

The fixtures for the 2009 Varsity Cup have been announced; with 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok skipper Francois Pienaar declaring his intentions ahead of the second edition of this fantastic tournament by saying: "We're taking Mondays back!"

rugby365 columnist Steve Farrell pays tribute to South Africa's superb showing against England and expects more of the same in 2009.

SANZAR has taken the ground-breaking step of empowering their top match officials to referee more of the best matches in Super 14, ensuring the highest standard of refereeing in its 2009 competitions.

Centre sensation Sam Tuitupou makes his long awaited Guinness Premiership comeback as Worcester Warriors tackle newcomers Leeds Carnegie at Sixways Stadium on Friday.