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After a weekend that saw the sport's heavyweights slug it out, the latest IRB world rankings show it's very much round one to the Southern Hemisphere.

Baby Boks coach Dawie Theron has made five changes for Tuesday's crucial IRB U20 JWC clash with England at the Cape Town Stadium.

Samoan international Ken Pisi has joined English Premiership club Northampton Saints from New Zealand side North Harbour.

See how the referees are spread around the world this week as they spread over all continents.

Wales labelled this a 'tour of opportunities' and Tuesday is an opportunity for some youngsters to put their hands up for starting places in the Test team.

The first week of test rugby was dominated by the southern hemisphere sides, which is reflected in our Team of the Week.

Graeme Wepener, a coach at SACS, expresses concern about the playing state of South African rugby, and he is not alone in his concern.

Robbie Deans can thank scrumhalf Will Genia for saving his career as the Wallabies' coach.

Kearsney College ended a six season losing streak against Highways neighbours Westville with a 20-3 victory in front of a full house on their Founders Day.

It was not a great game at Glenwood on a wet and windy Saturday afternoon in a Premier Interschools clash on Saturday - not until the last two minutes.

New Wallaby captain David Pocock expects a backlash from Wales in the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.

England have called up reinforcements ahead of their second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday.

With his Test match baptism out of the way young Springbok flank Marcell Coetzee is keen to put together a more complete performance next weekend.

Kingswood's large forwards made good use of the torrid weather conditions at Muir running out 32-15 victors. At the break it was 10-10.

Hosts Paarl Gimnasium produced a strong second half showing to come from 13-10 down at the interval to beat SACS 28-13.

Rejuvenated Wallaby coach Robbie Deans could get one of his most talented players back from injury.

Connacht fullback Gavin Duffy has been called up to join Ireland on their tour of New Zealand.

Four New Zealand players were cited after an incident in Sunday's North versus South match in Dunedin.

England arrived in Johannesburg to the news that star centre Brad Barritt has undergone surgery.

New All Blacks coach Steve Hansen didn't take long to find a winning recipe and it is a strategy he will not deviate from.

Ireland were left counting the cost of the train wreck that was left after New Zealand crushed them.

New skipper Aaron Carpenter scored the winning try and fullback James Pritchard kicked in 13 points as Canada beat the United States 28-25.

Ireland were Sunday licking their wounds and trying to work out how to compete against the All Blacks.

Felipe Contepomi became Argentina's all time top points scorer with a personal haul of 22 in his team's 37-22 win over Italy.

Some schools are kind and send us their full results for Saturday, which we publish here.

Samoa stayed unbeaten in the Pacific Nations Cup, while Tonga also won on Sunday.

The Jake White-coached Brumbies will be decidedly short on experience when they take on Wales.

Although hosts Boland Landbou staged a spirited fightback, they were unable to avoid a 10-20 defeat at the hands of Paarl Boys’ High on Saturday.

The term is heading towards an end, some schools believe that rugby is bad for exam results and Craven Week is looming. But still there are some interesting results.

Wales have suffered their first major injury setback on their three-Test tour of Australia.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer tells Michael de Vries how wing Bryan Habana recaptured his electric form.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer believes that the new combinations in his team performed well against England.

Australia's coach Robbie Deans and captain David Pocock both praised the contribution of flyhalf Berrick Barnes in the side's victory over Wales.

Toulouse were crowned French champions for the 19th time after battling to a hard-fought, tryless 18-12 victory over Toulon.

England coach Stuart Lancaster was encouraged by his team's fighting performance and said that their composure let them down.

Bok coach Heyneke Meyer pointed to his side's improved effort at the breakdown as the key to their convincing second-half display against England.

England arrived in Durban up for a tough match against South Africa and didn't back down from the physical challenge.

It seemed as though half the Springboks were covered in blood by the end of the match in the brutal encounter with England.

The Springboks got their test series against England off to a winning start with an impressive 22-17 in Durban on Saturday.

Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll was gracious in defeat, admitting that New Zealand were by far the better team.

The man the All Blacks have dubbed "The Bus", Julian Savea, announced himself on the world rugby stage with a hat-trick of tries on his debut.

A strong second-half comeback from Wales was not enough for them to record a famous win over a Wallabies team that seemed ripe for a beating. We rate the Welsh players.

The Wallabies' Jekyll and Hyde performances continued, as the Men in Gold beat Wales by 27-19 in Brisbane on Saturday. We rate their players.

Australia washed away the midweek disaster against Scotland with a tough 27-19 victory over Wales in Brisbane on Saturday.

The All Blacks for full value in their opening match of the season and repaid the faith put in them by new head coach Steve Hansen. We rate the All Blacks players...

Ireland played with heart against New Zealand, but will concede the match was over by half-time. We rate the Irish players...

Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper, who has just re-signed with the Reds for three years, dismissed his clash with police.

New Zealand have sent out a sharp reminder that they are world champions with a 42-10 demolition of Ireland in Auckland on Saturday.

The Junior Springboks managed to put themselves back on track in Pool B of the IRB Junior World Championship.

At the start of the year Jono Deighton did not expect to be leading Kearsney out in two successive FNB Classic Clashes.

Romain Poite has been appointed to referee the final of the Top 14 at Stade de France between Toulouse and Toulon on Saturday evening.

On Saturday evening one of rugby's great competitions comes to an end - France's Top 14 when Toulouse take on Toulon in Paris.

The Cape Town Stadium will host its first 'international' match when the Under-20 teams of SA and England meet there on Tuesday.

In a day of upsets at the IRB Junior World Championships SA U20 thrashed Italy, while NZ lost to Wales.  

In the FNB Classic Clashes played last Saturday, Klerksdorp beat Potchefstroom Gimnasium 45-10 and Hoerskool Vereeniging beat Dr Malan 22-15.

All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina said Friday he misses the intensity of Super Rugby and would consider a return.

Bok captain Jean de Villiers will rely on the wise counsel of a core group of senior players in the clash against England on Saturday.

The All Blacks launch a four-year build up to their defence of the World Cup against Ireland on Saturday.

Six Nations champions Wales sense a golden opportunity to capitalise on the vulnerable Wallabies.

Welsh great Shane Williams is likely to miss the last competitive game of his career with a hamstring injury.

Thanks for all the feedback on our new-look site, we have taken it all on board - from the comments section to the live scoring.

Former England star Jonny Wilkinson will aim to lead Toulon to their first French league title since 1992 on Saturday.

Wallabies stars Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale are in hot water after another "incident" at a pub in Brisbane.

Ken Nottage, Managing Director of Gloucester, announced that he will leave the club before the start of next season.

Nick Fenton-Wells, the Western Province and Stormers flank, has agreed to join Saracens in July.

All six matches of Round Two of the Junior World Rugby Championships on Friday will be televised live. We give the times and the SuperSport station for each.

Surely New Zealand will be too ready, too canny, too proud to fall to Ireland in the first Test in Auckland on Saturday.

Stuart Lancaster made a few 'brave' selections and is hopeful that England will follow his example on Saturday.

The Wallabies will look to bounce back from a mid-week Scottish ambush when they tackle Wales.

The wait is finally over and the Springboks will begin a new era under Heyneke Meyer when they run out to face England.

Premier Interschools now move to KwaZulu-Natal with another top encounter - Glenwood vs Maritzburg College in Durban on Saturday.

Westville Boys' High and Kearsney College meet this Saturday in an FNB Classic Clash at Kearsney.

Lock Marco Bortolami will captain Italy in the absence of Sergio Parisse against Argentina on Saturday.

The RFU confirmed that London Welsh appealed against the decision that the club does not  meet Premiership standards.

The RFU revealed that Quentin Smith has been appointed to the England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015) Board.

The Italian Rugby Federation has revealed that Zebre will be the club to replace Aironi in European competitions.

Leigh Halfpenny aims to put the boot to Australia this month as Wales begin their revenge mission Down Under.

Tongan prop Sona Taumalolo has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Perpignan from Super Rugby side the Chiefs.

Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) announced Zebre (Zebras) as the new team to replace Aironi in the Pro12 and Heineken Cup in the 2012/13 season.

SA coach Dawie Theron has made 11 changes to his side to play Italy in their second match of the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships.

Ireland fullback and European PLayer of the Year, Rob Kearney, believes his side have as good a chance as any to beat the All Blacks on Saturday.

Just a month before the 2012 Craven Weei, Border have stated that players contracted to other unions in 2013 would not be allowed to play for their Craven Week.

Jjust a month before the 2012 Craven Weei, the Border Rugby Union have stated that players contracted to other unions in 2013 would not be allowed to play for their Craven Week.

Coach Dawie Theron has made eleven changes to the SA Under-20 team to play Italy in their second match of the IRB Junior World Champs.

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers may not be everybody's cup of tea, but he is in his own words, 'true to himself'.

Heyneke Meyer's decision to replace Bok ball-thief Heinrich Brussow with tornado-like debutant Marcell Coetzee is a defining selection.

England have two new caps, loose forward Tom Johnson and prop Joe Marler, in their starting line-up for the first Test against South Africa in Durban.

An injury at training has forced a late change to the Wallabies starting XV for Saturday's clash with Wales, with wing Cooper Vuna called into the team.

Ireland have included two new names in their side to face the All Blacks, with captain Brian O'Driscoll back int he team for the first time since the World Cup.

The three top attractions on Saturday see Boland Landbou host Paarl Boys’ High, SACS play Paarl Gim and Wynberg playr Bishops.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made eight changes to the starting line-up from the midweek team for the first Test against Wales in Brisbane.

Wales caretaker head coach Rob Howley has named a strong Welsh side for the clash with Australia as the Six Nations champions look to dominate their rivals.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has gone for experience, as well as introducing three new caps.

Juandre Kruger faces a daunting challenge calling the line-outs on his Test debut alongside fellow rookie Eben Etzebeth.

The Golden Lions Rugby Union announced their teams for the Craven Week, the Academy Week, the Grant Khomo Week and  the Welpie Week.

South African rugby owes England a huge debt of gratitude.

rugby365.com has undergone its facelift. We hope you are enjoying our brand new website and are having fun navigating the site!

We play the numbers game ahead of this weekend's first Test between the Springboks and England in Durban.

The one is a regular in Heyneke's teams. The other is a regular on the Simpsons.

SARU have promulgated a new regulation to ensure that the contracting of promising schoolboy rugby players is done above board.

Hoërskool Florida played Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Florida on the sunny West Rand in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Florida won 65-0.

It's a new week which means a new FNB Top 20. Paarl Gim and Paarl Boys' High now occupy the top two places.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has banked on settled combinations through the spine of his team to overcome England.

The All Blacks, who held a 'secretive' training session ahead of Saturday's Test against Irelandplan to 'keep it simple'.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans is not prepared to hit the panic button - despite suffering the indignity of losing to lowly Scotland.

Eden Park may have been a fortress for the All Blacks since 1994, but the memories are pretty good for Ireland as well.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has replaced South Africa's Jake White on the highly influential International Rugby Board panel.

Dan Cole is relishing another chance to challenge South Africa's all-Sharks front row, after England's last meeting with the Springboks.

Bismarck du Plessis will be new Springbok captain Jean de Villiers' deputy in the first Test against England in Durban on Saturday.

Fiji beat defending champions Japan 25-19 to hand new Brave Blossoms coach Eddie Jones his first defeat at the Pacific Nations Cup on Tuesday.

Experienced wing Bryan Habana has relayed the message that the Springboks will have no excuses not to be ready to tackle the English.

Scotland were able to complete historic back to back victories over Australia and they worked extremely hard for the win.

In shocking conditions things were always going to be tough, but the Australians looked miserable and clearly didn't enjoy cold and the rain.

Scotland have shocked Australia in awful wet conditions with a 9-6 victory thanks to a last-gasp penalty from flyhalf Greig Laidlaw.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was left disappointed with his side's 9-6 defeat to Scotland considering the amount of possession and territory Australia had.

Junior Springboks coach Dawie Theron has admitted his side were beaten by a superior Ireland side, but believes the team can bounce back and top the pool.

Blues flank Steven Luatua has been suspended for three weeks after pleading guilty to a dangerous tackle in the match against the Chiefs.

Queen's College played a gutsy St Andrew's in Grahamstown and lost 31-18.

The late arrival of England flank James Haskell in South Africa means he is unlikely to make the team for the first Test on Saturday.

The South African Under-20 team stumbled at the first hurdle, going down 23-19 to Ireland whilst Argentina caused another upset by beating France 18-15.

The Lions, fresh from their upset of the play-off chasing Sharks, will use the next three weeks to "find their bearings".

Saterdag het die finale liga bepalings plaasgevind in die Pumas groot skole rugby liga. Secunda het tuis te staan gekom teen Rob Ferreira van Witrivier.

Unbeaten Garsfontein beat Centurion 33-28 in a thriller.

The South African Under-20 team stumbled at the first hurdle, going down 23-19 to Ireland whilst Argentina upset France, beating them 18-15.

Hosts Nico Malan of Humansdorp ran in eight tries in beating Muir going down 12-44.

Newly-appointed Scarlets coach Simon Easterby says the opportunity to take charge of the region he has served for more than 13 years as a player and coach is "a huge honour."

Hosts SACS put in a commanding performance in beating rivals Rondebosch Boys’ High School 36-17.

Jean de Villiers, who was named Springbok captain for the series against England, has promised not to let his country down.

No matter what you think of Heyneke Meyer's Springbok squad one thing is for certain - the coach is tuning up for a verse of Frank Sinatra's I did it my way...

There were some big performances this weekend, but the biggest warning shot was fired by the Crusaders who dominate our weekly selection.

New Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has opted for Jean de Villiers as Bok skipper in the three-Test series against England.

There were some surprising scores this weekend. The size of some victories came as a shock.

Some schools have sent in the results of more than just their First XV matches. We publish them here!

The Wallabies will be heavy favourites against Scotland in their season opener in Newcastle on Tuesday.

Former All Blacks great John Kirwan, who has also coached Italy and Japan at World Cups as well as being an advocate for sufferers of depression, has been honoured with a knighthood.

For the first time, the IRB Junior World Championship, which starts in Stellenbosch on Monday, will enjoy blanket coverage on international television.

The Baby Boks start their Junior World Championships campaign. We give some details of where the players come from and where they are now.

Wiaan Liebenberg will lead the Baby Bokke against Ireland at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Monday evening, 4 June.

New Springboks Marcell Coetzee and Eben Etzebeth can't believe their dreams of playing for South Africa might be able to come true.

Fourie du Preez was the one who ruled himself out of Springbok selection after it had been mooted he would come out of retirement to lead the Boks against England.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer jumped to the defence of his squad for the Test series against England after a number of his choices raised eyebrows.

David Pocock will become the 79th man to lead Australia in a Test match after being named as captain of the Wallabies.

There are seven new caps in New Zealand's 30-man squad for the test series against Ireland, but the most surprising selection must be that of the controversial Piri Weepu.

Acting Wales coach Rob Howley has dropped five players from his original squad for the tour of Australia, including in-form Ospreys flyhalf Dan Biggar.

Junior Springboks captain Wiaan Liebenberg will lead a team with IRB Junior World Championship as well as Super Rugby experience when they take on Ireland.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee had plenty to be pleased about after his side's  victory over the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Lions captain Josh Strauss believes the hiatus from Super Rugby will stand his team in good stead before they end off their disappointing season after the international break.

Stormers loose forward Rynhardt Elstadt and Bulls flank Arno Botha have both received off-field yellow cards in the wake of the Super Rugby clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

It is doubtful whether a single person at this intriguing town versus country derby could possibly have foreseen that the Streeptruie would thump Bishops 80-5.

The Lions of Langenhoven Gymnasium in Oudtshoorn, came to George with probably very few people thinking they would trouble Outeniqua in 2012.

Griquas have chosen four schoolboy teams for national participation.

We put the spotlight on Heyneke Meyer's nine new Springbok caps ahead of the June Test Series against England.

Heyneke Meyer may have named nine uncapped players in his first Springbok squad, but closer inspection reveals that he is not interested in taking any risks against England.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer included nine uncapped players in his 32-man squad to take on England, but there is still no word on who will captain the side.

Shane and Martyn Williams bowed out of the international rugby stage as Wales beat the Barbarians 30-21 in their clash at the Millenium Stadium on Saturday.

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies has made the move to the English Premiership to take up the vacant position of Director of rugby at Gloucester.

A late Bryan Habana try earned the Stormers a dramatic 19-14 victory over the Bulls in their brutal derby at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Lions defied the critics by producing a clinical and accurate performance to stun the Sharks 38-28 in an intense derby in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The Waratahs slumped to their sixth consecutive defeat when they were blown away by the Hurricanes on the second half on Saturday, leaving the team demoralised.

It was an astonishing win for Kearsney over Maritzburg College in an FNB Classic Clash on Goldstone's on Saturday.

Blues flank Steven Luatua and Chiefs wing Maritino Nemani have both been cited for dangerous tackles in their match at the North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

The Hurricanes showed good composure to secure a valuable 33-12 bonus-point victory over an underwhelming Waratahs outfit in wet conditions in Sydney on Saturday.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made six changes to the team that lost to Italy in the Six Nations for the clash with Australia in Newcastle on Tuesday.

Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has joined the Wallabies squad as cover for Western Force No.8 Ben McCalman, who is suffering with a shoulder injury ahead of the Test against Scotland on Tuesday.

Chiefs wing Asaeli Tikoirotuma ran in four tries as the Chiefs edged the Blues out 41-34 in their thrilling derby in Auckland on Saturday.

England have lost their last seven matches against the Springboks, and their coach Stuart Lancaster knows that it will be particularly tough to break that streak in South Africa.

Springbok lock Flip van der Merwe has signed a contract extension with the Blue Bulls that will keep him at the Pretoria franchise until 2014.

For many the north versus south derbies between the Bulls and Stormers are still the biggest games on the rugby calendar.

Scarlets' Fijian tighthead prop Deacon Manu has extended his contract with the Welsh side and will remain at Parc y Scarlets for another two seasons.

The Junior World Championships which kicks off in the Western Cape on Monday is guaranteed to break records.

On Saturday,  Hoerskool Vereeniging play Hoerskool Dr Malan of Meyerton in  Vereeniging in an FNB Classic Clash.

Brumbies captain Ben Mowen said that while his team's performance was not perfect, they will happily take the four log points from their clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.

English Premiership side Sale Sharks have signed former Scotland scrumhalf Bryan Redpath as the new director of rugby.

Andy Farrell has shocked English Premiership side Saracens with his resignation that could put the coach in pole position to join the England staff full time.

Lions coach John Mitchell believes that if his team are to end their losing streak then they need to shut the Sharks down and halt their momentum on Saturday.

The Brumbies extended their position at the top of the Aussie conference with a 27-19 victory over the Melbourne Rebels in a staggeringly dull match.

On Saturday Hoerskool Florida meet Hoerskool Marais Viljoen in an FNB Classic Clash at Florida.

Die rugbyspanne van Hoërskool Secunda het Saterdag te staan gekom in die Pumas groot skole liga teen Hoerskool Bergvlam.

The Crusaders showed a ruthless edge by putting the Highlanders away 51-18 in a seven-try romp in front of a sold-out crowd in Christchurch on Friday.

The last three Super Rugby matches on Saturday promise to be thrilling encounters as the sides attempt to strike a blow before the June Test break.

New Zealand's Sevens and Maori rugby teams have been given the right to use the country's revered All Blacks name according to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

In an FNB Classic Clash in Klerksdorp Hoerskool Klerksdorp will be playing against Potchefstroom Gimnasium.

Maritzburg College play Kearsney College on Goldstone's at Maritzburg College in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

Wales is the only country that awards Test caps against the Barbarians.

England flyhalf Toby Flood has vowed to make up for his injury woe in the forthcoming Test series against SA.

North-South derbies are still the biggest and close to Test-match intensity.

SACS play Rondebosch in Newlands on Saturday, in what is expected to be a clopse match.

Speculating on selection will never get boring and always sparks some heated debate, so with that in mind we present our top 22 for South Africa.

The World Cup is a thing of the past and it's time to look to the future for the All Blacks now that the international rugby calendar is upon us once again.

There is no doubt that injuries have played havoc with Robbie Deans's selection options - even forcing him to name a new captain.

While the Boland fixtures might be perceptibly downscaled as mid-year exams set in, there is no respite for the Western Province Premier A and B and leading SWD schools.

Wales legend Shane Williams will start for the Barbarians in Saturday's Test match.

A 42-man England squad, skippered by flank Chris Robshaw, arrived in South Africa Thursday to start a five-match, three-Test tour.

Stuart Lancaster has warned Manu Tuilagi to take care with his tackling style after he avoided being suspended.

Sharks coach John Plumtree has been forced to re-shuffle his side for the Super Rugby clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James is back in the Lions backline to take on his former team, the Sharks, in Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Johannesburg.

Nick Mallett says he is concerned that current Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer's philosophy could impede player creativity.

It's the final round of Super Rugby action before the break for the June Test matches and the competition promises to close with a bang.

The Melbourne Rebels have been boosted by the news that utility back Mark Gerrard will start on the wing this weekend against the Brumbies.

The Highlanders back row is back to full strength with James Haskell and Nasi Manu returning for the clash with the Crusaders on Friday.

Brumbies coach Jake White has made some changes to his side for the clash with the Rebels in Melbourne, most notably being the inclusion of Robbie Coleman at fullback.

The Blues have been boosted by the return of dangerous backs Rudi Wulf and Rene Ranger for the clash with the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday.

The Chiefs have made a few changes to their side to face the Blues, with try-scoring prop Arizona Taumalolo back in the front row for Saturday's encounter.

Former All Blacks coach Graham Henry has told Argentina what to expect against the three Southern Hemisphere powers this year.

He may be persona non grata  in his own country, but Samoan World Cup captain Mahonri Schwalger remains a popular figure with the Chiefs.

South African import Sarel Pretoria will get another start for the Waratahs, when they take on the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Argentina, who will formally join the SANZAR club in August, will bring a new passion to the Southern Hemisphere's showcase event - now named the Rugby Championship.

In an FNB Classic Clash in Sasolburg on Saturday, the High School beat the HTS 29-18.

The Lions may be the butt of many Super Rugby jokes, but they are not ready to throw the towel in just yet.

The SharkSmart programme has taken a firm stand against problems that have surfaced in schoolboy rugby.

SARU has announced the South African Under-20 team to play in the IRB's Junior World Championships which starts next Monday in the Western Cape.

Voortrekker High School of Pietermaritzburg has banned one of its rugby players found guilty of racial abuse in a first team match against Pinetown Boys' High School.

After a close first half, Bellville South pulled away from Kasselsvlei in their FNB Classic Clash.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has warned South Africa not to be over-confident against England, ahead of their tour next month.

Rustenburg managed to maintain a six-year unbeaten run against Brits with an 18-17 victory in an FNB Classic Clash on Friday.

In their FNB Classic Clash, HTS Middelburg beat Hoërskool Middelburg 30-27 with a late try in a magnificent match.

South Africa Under-20 coach Dawie Theron has been forced to call three new players into his squad for the IRB Junior World Championships due to injuries.

English Premiership club Leicester have rubbished reports claiming Australian head coach Matt O'Connor could quit to take charge of Super Rugby outfit Western Force.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee believes that he could not have managed broken-down Andries Bekker's recurring back injury any better.

Wales will field three debutants and remain on course to award a 100th cap to veteran flank Martyn Williams, when they face the Barbarians.

Rustenburg jst beat Brits with a 18-17 in the FNB Classic Clash.

Departing Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn said he was 'rotting' on the Cheetahs bench and unfulfilled promises of game time forced him to move abroad.

Lock Juandré Kruger and outside centre JJ Engelbrecht will make a return to the Bulls' starting line-up for their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The Stormers were dealt a cruel blow ahead of their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday.

In an FNB Classic Clash, Potchefstroom Gimnasium beat Potchefstroom Volkskool 24-16.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made minimal changes to his team to take on the Highlanders in a Super Rugby crunch match in Christchurch on Friday.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has been unwilling to commit to the franchise beyond this year, opting instead to focus on what he regards as a 'Test-match' against the 'All Blacks' on Friday.

England centre Manu Tuilagi will be able to go on his adopted country's tour of South Africa, after being cleared of performing a 'spear' tackle during the Premiership Final defeat by Harlequins.

The New Zealand Rugby Union have, boastfully, proclaimed victory after losing 'only' NZ$31.3-million after hosting last year's World Cup.

Queen's College and gutsy Hudson Park High School drew 13-all in wind-swept East London.

Felipe Contepomi kicked a 78th minute penalty as the Barbarians edged Ireland 29-28 in the second of their three matches in a week.

Queen’s College played a gutsy Hudson Park High School in a wind-swept East London. in a 13-all draw.

The Sharks will welcome back Frans Steyn with open arms, but the talented player will first have to pass a fitness test.

The Stormers will clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday in a traditional South African derby. But has the game already begun?

In his autobiography, former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has a go at television match officials. These TMOs are talking back!

As the last line of defence and the men expected to run in the tries the back three play a vital role in any team, we take a look at the options for the Boks.

The All Blacks are renowned for their exciting outside backs and in the back three their arsenal has some fierce weapons.

There is no doubt that the season-ending shoulder injury suffered by Rebels utility back Kurtley Beale will force the Wallabes' hand.

Not that this week is without interest, but there are fewer changes to the FNB Top 20.

London Wasps have signed England Under-20 utility back Tommy Bell who joins his brother Chris in the Wasps squad from their Premiership rivals Sale Sharks.

South African-born England prop Matt Stevens has been ruled out of the tour of South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury.

Western Province's Vodacom Cup-winning coach, John Dobson, has signed a three-year deal with the union which will see him remain in Cape Town until 2015.

Leinster scrumhalf Isaac Boss was ruled out of Ireland's rugby tour of New Zealand on Tuesday because he couldn't recover in time from a thigh injury.

Injured Wales head coach Warren Gatland is hoping to join up with Six Nations champions in time for their second Test against Australia in Melbourne next month.

Transvalia en HTS Vereeniging het in 'n FNB Classic Clash gespeel wat Valia in 'n riller 24-20 gewen het.

SACS beat Tygerberg 27-6 on a cold winter’s morning in Newlands on Saturday.

Lions utility back Jaco Taute must put his Springbok aspirations on hold for a little longer, after suffering a shoulder injury.

Cheetahs fullback Hennie Daniller has been ruled out of action with an injury picked up in the thrilling victory over the Waratahs last weekend.

Free State Schools will be holding their trials at Hoërskool Sentraal on Tuesday to choose the Free State teams for the national weeks.

The SANZAR judicial hearing regarding Lions prop CJ van der Linde who was accused of biting has been adjourned in order to consider further evidence.

Wallabies utility back Kurtley Beale may take some part in Australia's June Tests against Wales after his shoulder injury was found to be less serious than first thought.

Scotland-based loose forward Netani Talei has been named Fiji captain for the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan in Tokyo next week.

Cheetahs flyhalf Sias Ebersohn has signed a two-year contract with the Western Force as their foreign developing player, which indicates that he wants to play for Australia.

All of the Super Rugby players in the Baby Bok squad have joined coach Dawie Theron in preparation for the Junior World Championships, despite the best efforts of their franchises.

The mid-season break next month could not come at a better time for the three-time Super Rugby champion Bulls, according to coach Frans Ludeke.

The Lions remain optimistic of retaining a place in the lucrative Super Rugby competition in 2013, according to Golden Lions Rugby Union president Kevin de Klerk.

England centre Manu Tuilagi is at risk of missing his adopted country's mid-year tour of South Africa.

Ronan O'Gara will captain an Ireland XV that plays a non-cap match against the Barbarians on Tuesday. Munster lock Mick O'Driscoll will lead the BaaBaas.

Springbok star Francois Steyn has signed a three-year contract with his old team the Sharks after officially parting ways with Racing Metro.

Three players with Springbok Sevens experience have been named in the SA Barbarians teams to take on England in two mid-week matches during next month's five match tour.

The Stormers are doing everything they can to retain the services of SA Under-20 prop Steven Kitshoff for the big clash with the Bulls this weekend.

The Lions' Springbok prop, CJ van der Linde, will contest the claims that he bit Western Force lock Toby Lynn in their Super Rugby match at the weekend.

Glenwood played DHS in that long and close rivalry on Saturday and Glenwood won 34-9. Sean Erasmus, the Glenwood coach, talks about the game.

Saturday, 26 May, 2012 is a day that will live long in the memories of Wellington rugby followers as the day their team, Hugenote, beat HTS Drostdy, 23-13

Maritzburg College recorded an outstanding 29-9 away victory over Westville on Saturday.

Some teams just have the knack for getting up in the big games. The Sharks did more than just get up for the game.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is still undecided as to who will captain South Africa against England next month.

Worcester Warriors have made a statement of intent by signing former England captain Phil Vickery as the newist member of the coaching team.

Die afgelope week was weereens propvol rugby en Menlo kan baie tevrede voel met die feit dat nie minder nie as nege O/16-spelers en twee O/18-spelers in die verskillende Blou Bul-spanne ingesluit is.

The outstanding form of Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara this season has left many people perplexed as to why he missed out on an All Blacks call-up.

Highlanders scrumhalf Aaron Smith is desperate to start his All Blacks career next month and is viewing the match-up with Crusaders stalwart Andy Ellis this weekend as a trial.

Some schools have sent in the full set of their results in Saturday's matches. One of those schools is Rondebosch even though they did not win a match against Paul Roos.

The Rebels have been forced to turn to club rugby ranks in an attempt to fortify their squad which has been decimated by a spate of injuries.

The Boland Schools selectors have named their four teams to take part in the four national weeks this year.

The Australian Under-20 squad on Monday departed for South Africa, ahead of the IRB Junior World Championship being held from June 4 to June 22.

Quade Cooper may have only played 120 minutes back from knee surgery, but the Wallaby flyhalf said he was ready to start against Scotland next week.

All Black fullback Israel Dagg says that the World Cup-winners are determined to avoid the trap of complacency as they start a new chapter under coach Steve Hansen.

Australia's injuries woes worsened with confirmation that captain James Horwill will miss all the June Tests and that star back Kurtley Beale will have to undergo surgery.

Chiefs co-captain Craig Clarke has announced that he has re-signed with the Super Rugby franchise until the end of 2013.

Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers should not be expecting any Christmas cards or dinner invitations from the Watsons in Port Elizabeth.

Injuries and a citing  for foul-play threatened to spoil England coach Stuart Lancaster's celebrations on Sunday.

Shane Williams scored a sensational late double in his final club game and Dan Biggar added a touchline conversion to hand the Ospreys the Pro12 title with a 31-30 win over Leinster at the RDS.

Glenwood beat DHS 34-9 in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash encounter on Dixon's Field at Glenwood.

Op Saterdag, 26 Mei 2012 het Hoërskool Diamantveld die Wolramme van Marlow in Kimberley verwelkom. Op 'n sonnige wintersdag het al die spanne gesorg vir harde en fisiese rugby met gemengde uitslae vir beide skole.

Outeniqua High School beat Oakdale Agricultural College 32-7 this weekend.

Itembelihle made it seven wins in a row on Friday afternoon, defeating arch rivals Ndzondelelo 20-13 in a pulsating match, played in front of about four thousand spectators at the Wolfson Stadium in Kwazakhele.

Chris Ashton scored a hat-trick as England warmed up for their South African tour with a record 57-26 win over the Barbarians.

Leinster back row forward Kevin McLaughlin has been called into the Ireland squad to tour New Zealand next month.

The big one is Paarl this week when third (Grey) met fourth (Paarl Boys' High). Despite the wet field it was a match of top quality.

They may not be in a favourable position on the log, but Cheetahs hooker and captain Adriaan Strauss was pleased with the five points his side earned in their 35-34 Super Rugby victory over the Waratahs.

Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot and Highlanders wing Hosea Gear have been named as replacement players to attend the All Blacks training camp.

The Hurricanes received a boost with the news that big-hitting forward Motu Matu'u has signed to stay with the franchise for another year.

England captain Chris Robshaw completed the first leg of what he hopes will be a perfect personal mid-year double by leading Harlequins to a first English title.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has been forced to name Quade Cooper in a 39-man training squad on Sunday.

The Lions' Springbok prop CJ van der Linde has been cited, following an allegation of biting.

Rob Horne of the Waratahs has been issued with an off-field yellow card for a dangerous shoulder charge.

On Saturday, in the new Premier Interschools initiative Paarl Boys' High became the third team to beat mighty Grey College this year when they won 28-18 on Saturday.

The Sharks proved that it is possible to breach the Stormers defence, scoring three tries to defeat the Cape Town side 25-20 in Durban on Saturday.

The Cheetahs defeated the Waratahs 35-34 in an epic Super Rugby clash in Bloemfontein that yielded nine tries and a thrilling finish to the game.

Harlequins were crowned English champions for the first time when they defeated Leicester 30-23 in the Aviva Premiership final on Saturday.

Tom Williams finally buried the Bloodgate scandal on Saturday when he scored one of Harlequins' two tries in the 30-23 Premiership final triumph over Leicester.

The Super Rugby clash between the Bulls and Stormers at Loftus Versfeld is already sold out.

Wallabies and Reds captain James Horwill left the field with an injury during the Reds win over the Brumbies, that could rule him out of the June Tests.

The Western Force stumbled their way to a 17-11 victory over the hapless Lions in a match between two of Super Rugby's whipping boys in Perth on Saturday.

The one is a young Australian rugby star. The other a young Canadian music star.

The Reds won a tough Aussie derby against the Brumbies 13-12 thanks to a missed penalty by Brumbies flyhalf Zack Holmes in the last kick of the game.

The Highlanders held off a late fightback from the Blues to claim a 27-20 bonus point triumph at Eden Park on Saturday to climb into the playoff positions.

The Hurricanes put in a storming performance to smash a rather poor Melbourne Rebels outfit 66-24 in a fast-paced Super Rugby clash in Wellington on Saturday.

Bite your nails, hold your breath, be afraid to watch. That is the sort of match it was when Hoerskool Zwartkop and Hoerskool Eldoraigne met in an FNB Classic Clash last Saturday.

Western Province Schools have chosen three teams - for Craven Week and the Academy Week for Under-18s and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Glenwood captain Marne Coetzee is a rugby player with ambition and his next goal is to swat aside local rivals DHS in their derby clash this weekend.

The Blue Bulls Schools have chosen three teams - the Craven Week team, the Academy Week team and the Northvaal team.

Ndzondelelo have not beaten Itembelihle for six years but their captain Thabo Mlindi is confident tha their side has what it takes to finish on top this weekend.

Hoerskool Sasolburg captain Donovan Pretorius is not your average rugby player.

HTS Sasolburg captain Orgie de Beer has a lot on his plate. Not only will he lead his team into battle in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against Sasolburg Hoerskool, but he is also his team's goalkicker.

Bellville South skipper Ralton Booysen will captain his team in a third successive FNB Classic Clash against Kasselsvlei this coming weekend.

Kasselsvlei are very excited for Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against near-neighbours, Bellville South. So says their captain - and flanker - Percy Davids.

On Saturday two of the greatest rugby schools in South Africa meet in Paarl - Paarl Boys' High and Grey College of Bloemfontein, two schools with wonderful traditions.

"There were many occasions in my four-year tenure when perception did not correspond to fact."

Ben Youngs faces a massive personal duel with Harlequins and England rival Danny Care in the Premiership Final on Saturday.

The Chiefs surged to the top of the Super Rugby ladder on Friday after a late try saw off the Bulls 28-22 in a bruising encounter in Hamilton.

There appears to be a growing philosophy that the only way to breach the Stormers' watertight defence is with an aggressive kicking game.

All the pundits will be talking up Sunday's Twickenham encounter between England and the Barbarians as the real deal.

England will face the Barbarians in Sunday's non-cap international match at Twickenham with 11 players who featured in this year's Six Nations.

Dumped Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger has called for the Pacific nation's prime minister to be replaced as chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) and hit out at "arrogant" rugby administrators.

The Chiefs won a tough battle against the Bulls 28-22 in an excellent match between two of the best sides in Super Rugby in Hamilton on Friday.

Reds flank Beau Robinson and fullback Luke Morahan have been selected in the Reds starting line-up for their  blockbuster encounter with the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.

The Highlanders have changed their halfback pairing for Saturday's Super rugby clash with the Blues in Auckland.

Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell returns from his long-term injury lay-off to play for the Waratahs for the first time in over 12 months when they take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

The last four Super Rugby matches this weekend are all shaping as fierce contests that could go either way, we took a closer look and tried to predict the outcomes.

Leinster are bidding to become just the fifth side, and the first since London Wasps in 2004, to become European and domestic champions in the same season.

It will be a sold-out Twickenham that will bear witness to the 2012 Premiership Final - a clash between the 'rookies' and the 'veterans'.

Players and coaches found guilty of assaulting referees should expect to be banned from the game for life, according to SARU President Mr Oregan Hoskins.

Two former Test players, Louis Koen and Pieter de Villiers, have been added to the Springbok management team as consultants for the forthcoming international season.

The Bulls may thrive in playing at a packed Loftus Versfeld in front of 50,000 spectators, but they are equally comfortable in the much smaller New Zealand stadia.

The Glenwood and DHS meeting in an FNB Classic Clash is a rivalry filled with tradition and passion. The match will be televised live.

There are four schools in Potchefstroom which enjoy great rivalries - Boys High, HTS, Gim and Volkskool. This Saturday it is the turn of Gimmies and Volkies to enjoy the excitement of an FNB Classic Clash.

Hoerskool Transvalia captain Estehan Visagie will line up at No.8 for his team in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against HTS Vereeniging.

HTS Vereeniging skipper Eddie Kirby is expecting a tough and physical tussle in Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against Hoerskool Transvalia. And the tighthead prop would love nothing more!

Two great rugby schools meet in an FNB Classic Clash in Middelburg, Mpumalanga on Saturday - Hoërskool Middelburg and HTS Middelburg.

Chiefs centre Richard Kahui is hoping to avoid going under the knife following his shoulder injury in an effort to make a speedy return to the field.

In an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday, Transvalia meet HTS Vereeniging. It is a match one would expect Transvalia to win but again it is such an enthusiastic derby that there is no pre-match certainty.

On Saturday there is an FNB Classic Clash between Hoërskool Sasolburg and HTS Sasolburg at DP de Villiers Stadium in Sasolburg.

Potch Volkies captain WJ Herbst will concentrate on two rugby matches this weekend; his team's FNB Classic Clash against Potch Gimmies and the Sharks-Stormers Super Rugby match-up in Durban.

Given their geographical proximity, it is understandable that players from Potch Gimmies and Potch Volkies would know each other well. For Gimmies skipper Janco Schutte familiarity brings something else to the party.

Last year MC Venter lost to Hoerskool Rustenberg for the first time, and the Hoerskool Brits skipper is determined to put things right this weekend.

Hoerskool Middelburg captain Seon de Jager knows that his side will be the underdogs against HTS Middelburg this weekend but he is backing them to cause an upset.

Players and coaches found guilty of assaulting referees should expect to be banned from the game for life, SARU President Mr Oregan Hoskins said.

On Friday night in Brits in the North West Province there will be a floodlit FNB Classic Clash between Brits and Rustenburg.

It is always a tight encounter when Itembelihle take on Ndzondelelo and captain Lwandile Dabalele is expecting another tough FNB Classic Clashes contest.

Springbok World Cup winning captain John Smit will lead the Barbarians when they open their mid-year matches against England at Twickenham on Sunday.

Another out-weekend having been consigned to history, there is a wide variety of intriguing contests scheduled for the Western Cape on Saturday, 26 May.

Hoerskool Rustenberg captain Bertho van Wyk knows that his team will have to be on top of their game if they want to extend their five-year winning streak against Hoerskool Brits.

Love him or hate him. Peter de Villiers is a very interesting and entertaining character! Jan de Koning reviews his autobiography: POLITICALLY INCORRECT.

Veteran Melbourne Rebels loosehead prop Nic Henderson will play his 100th Super Rugby match when his side clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

In the trench warfare of Test match rugby Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will need a creative midfield pairing that also has the physicality to dominate the gainline.

All old cliche goes that "if it 'aint broke don't fix it" and that is the case when it comes to the centre pairing for the All Blacks.

There is no shortage of talent, but finding the right combination may prove to be the biggest headache facing Wallaby coach Robbie Deans as we look at his midfield options.

In the penultimate round of Super Rugby action before the break for the June Test matches there are some cracking encounters to spice things up at the top of the table.

Peter Kimlin moves back into the starting side as one of just two changes to the Brumbies as they fight to stay on top of the Australian Conference this Saturday at home against the Reds.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will hold a fourth and final Planning Camp in Durban from Sunday, with 42 players across all five Super Rugby franchises invited to attend.

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans has identified Kurtley Beale as an integral part of the Australian team and indicated he wanted him at flyhalf for Australia's opening two Tests against Scotland and Wales next month.

Drew Mitchell will be looking to lift his team to a much-needed victory as he prepares to pull on an Waratahs jersey for the first time in over a year against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Ali Williams looks set to play his 100th Super Rugby game off the bench after he and fellow All Blacks Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu were relegated to the reserves for Saturday's match against the Highlanders at Eden Park.

A win on Saturday against the Brumbies is crucial to the Reds finals charge but will also see Queensland gain possession of the Rod Macqueen Cup for the first time.

Sharks star Pat Lambie returns to the side at fullback for the clash with the Stormers in Durban on Saturday.

Despite their last-gasp win over a brave and powerful Griquas side, WP were deserved winners of the 2012 Vodacom Cup - their first time ever.

Impressive young Hurricanes flyhalf Beauden Barrett comes back into the starting line-up for the match-up with the Rebels in Wellington on Saturday.

The Bulls are ready for a "big effort" in Hamilton on Friday, as they hope to extend their four-year unbeaten run against the Chiefs.

Despite criticism of their style of play the Stormers are happy to back the plan that has got them to the top of the standings and insist that they are developing their attacking game.

DHS have not overcome their local rivals Glenwood for quite some time and their captain Suko Nqawe is determined to put an end to that this weekend.

If the past is anything to go by, this Northern Suburbs FNB Classic Clash will again be a tense and close affair.

If the past is anything to go by, this Northern Suburbs FNB Classic Clash will again be a tense and close affair.

Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has made three changes to the starting line-up for his side's Super Rugby game against the Waratahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

New Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer finally put to bed months of media speculation over the possible return of retired lock Victor Matfield.

The hapless Lions received a timely boost with the news that some of their injury concerns are clearing up ahead of their final tour match, against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday.

The FNB Classic Clash in Port Elizabeth between Itembelihle Comprehensive School and Ndzondelelo High School is the biggest event of the rugby season.

The Highlanders' All Black wing Hosea Gear has turned down an offer from Japanese club Toshiba and is staying in New Zealand.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee has been forced to change his injury-ravaged team for their Super Rugby encounter with the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

Alex Corbisiero can look back with satisfaction on a 12-month period , but the 23-year-old is in no mood to get complacent ahead of the daunting trip to South Africa.

The Chiefs have brought back a few of their big guns for the crunch encounter with the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday.

The Bulls, whether they play in pink or blue, remain South Africa's most popular Super Rugby franchise.

Stormers forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot believes that it will be a case of blunt warfare when his team meet the Sharks in the their coastal derby in Durban this weekend.

This week we had the hardest time trying to sort out the lower positions on the FNB Top 20. There are so many schools sides who are so close in standard, and there is always the surprise.

Bulls skipper Pierre Spies is well aware of the influence a victory over the Chiefs this weekend could have on his team's hopes of securing home advantage in the play-offs this year.

A delegation of the SARU leadership reassured the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport on Tuesday that the Southern Kings will participate in the 2013 Super Rugby competition.

Cheetahs backline coach Hawies Fourie believes that the fact that neither his side or the Waratahs have anything to lose will make for an open, running game in Bloemfontein this weekend.

Cheetahs lock Izak van der Westhuizen is the latest player to sign for a northern hemisphere club and play for Scottish club Edinburgh next season.

Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp will start at lock in his side's final Super Rugby tour match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

If there are two positions where there is no, or very little, debate about who should start for Australia in the June internationals it is at halfback.

If Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are to get the better of their northern rivals in June they will need a composed halfback combination in order to control matters on home soil.

A good halfback pairing is a crucial component of any side and without them there is little hope for the success of any side, as so much of the vital decision-making is on their shoulders.

The Sharks have gathered some good momentum in the last three weeks, but they know that their accuracy and composure will be put to the test against a clinical Stormers side this weekend.

After the trials of the Meyer Sauerman tournament in Graaff-Reinet on Saturday, Eastern Province Schools have announced three squads.

Australian utility back Cameron Shepherd has signed with the Northampton Saints and will join the English Premiership club once he finishes the season with the Western Force.

Queen's College lost a nail-biting rugby fixture to archrivals, Dale College, in King William's Town this past Saturday afternoon.

As mens deesdae verby die HS Secunda se terrein ry kom jy agter dat daar gewoel en werskaf word om die skool se gronde op te gradeer en mens kan sien dat die skool besig is om 'n gedaante verwisseling te ondergaan. Net so op die rugby veld.

Happy Birthday Sharks and Springbok hooker, Bismarck du Plessis.

Ten teams made up of players selected after last week's regional trials will take part in the main KwaZulu-Natal Under-18 trials at the Woodburn stadium on Tuesday beginning at 10.00.

South Africa's enthusiasm for rugby is wonderful. We bring you all the latest schoolboy rugby results - at all levels.

The excitement of the European championships are over but there is still a big final in England and France is bursting with knock-out matches and Leinster will play their second final in eight days when they play the Ospreys in Dublin in the Pro12 Final.

Ireland and Leinster fullback Rob Kearney has been crowned as the ERC European Player of the Year, succeeding teammate Sean O'Brien as the winner of the prestigious individual accolade.

SARU revealed on Monday that they have "a number of options" for participation in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament, but failed to elaborate on what any of those options might be.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee was forced to cancel Monday's training session in an attempt to manage the physical toll on his squad ahead of their big clash with the Sharks in Durban this weekend.

Cheetahs lock George Earle will head to the Scarlets in July in the hope of representing Wales at the 2015 World Cup.

Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has left four places in the squad to tour New Zealand for a three-match Test series vacant in the hope key players can recover from injury.

Inside centre Pat McCabe says the major difference in the Brumbies backline this season has been the belief and confidence they have in one another, which they will rely on against the Reds this weekend.

It was a weekend of blow-out and borefests, but the one team that made the biggest statement was the Sharks.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wants to put last year's World Cup triumph firmly in the past and redirect the attention on a new set of goals.

Wallabies utility back James O'Connor will not be available for the Test matches against Wales and Scotland in June as he has to wait four weeks to return to contact training due to his lacerated liver.

Neo Mehlwana's try double sealed a 19-5 victory for Muir at Victoria Park. Muir narrowly led 14-5 at the break.

A succession of head injuries have cast a shadow over the playing future of the Blues' French-bound utility back Benson Stanley.

On Saturday, 19 May, it was St Alban's turn to host the annual St Alban's v Menlopark FNB Classic Clash again.

A cold, windy day was host to the Glenwood v Pinetown first team match on Saturday. Glenwood beat Pinetown easily.

Players from John Vorster Technical High School and Waterkloof High School, both in Pretoria, got involved in a fist fight after a match at the weekend.

The Bulls received a timely boost ahead of their final tour match, against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

SACS secured their first premier league win of the season when they beat local rivals Diocesan College (Bishops) 21-8.

Hoërskool Diamantveld het op Saterdag, 19 Mei die boere van Hoër Landbouskool Jacobsdal, algemeen bekend as Landboudal, in die Vrystaat besoek en as oorwinnaars, met 29-12, huis toe gekom.

Waterkloof had big wins in all divisions over HTS John Vorster on Saturday. In the first team game the centres were the architects of the 70-5 victory.

There are three FNB Classic Clashes, a big Border confrontation and some surprises in this week's results.

Former Springbok coach Jake White believes that the timing is perfect for Argentina to come into a SANZAR competition as New Zealand are still suffering from their World Cup hangover.

A determined fight back was not enough for the Force to haul in the Rebels on Sunday, and although there were positives to take from the defeat at home the Perth side were left frustrated with their performance.

Irish legend Brian O'Driscoll believes Leinster can build a European dynasty after the Irish province clinched a third European Cup triumph in the space of four seasons in a 42-14 win over Ulster.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee knows that his table-topping team are in for a fierce examination in the next fortnight, but he is backing the depth in his squad to boost their chances.

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee knows that his table-topping team are in for a fierce examination in the next fortnight, but he is backing the depth in his squad to boost their chances.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones has urged his squad to strengthen their scrum and boost their fitness before the Asian champions defend the Pacific Nations Cup next month.

The Sharks' victory over the Cheetahs kept them in the hunt for a spot in the play-offs, but the character they showed to perform under considerable pressure was perhaps even more significant.

Crusaders wing Zac Guildford was handed an All Black lifeline when he was recalled to the national training squad as a replacement for the injured Cory Jane.

The Rebels fell off the pace somewhat in the second half but did enough to hold on for a tense 32-31 bonus point victory over Australian rivals the Force in Perth on Sunday.

New Zealand lock Brad Thorn on Saturday became the first player to clinch a global three-title sweep of a World Cup, European Cup and Super Rugby honours.

Leinster were crowned European club kings for the third time in four seasons as they proved themselves one of the finest club sides ever at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Stormers held on for a hard-earned 19-13 win over a desperate Waratahs team in their Super Rugby encounter at Newlands on Saturday.

The Sharks continued their march up the Super Rugby table and into the play-off positions with a 34-20 win over a willing Cheetahs team in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Reds and Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper has made a successful return from injury as the Reds collect maximum points in their 34-20 Super Rugby victory over the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday.

Gloucester Managing Director Ken Nottage has admitted the English Premiership club have a shortlist of four candidates for their head coaching post.

The Hurricanes' season went from bad to worse on Friday, with the news that two of their key players will be sidelined for several weeks.

The three-time champion Bulls were dealt another double injury blow, following their 11-16 Super Rugby loss to the Highlanders in a bruising encounter in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Crusaders returned to form with a vengeance when they crushed the Blues 59-12 in a nine-tries-to-two drubbing in their Super Rugby clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

Brumbies star Michael Hooper will have to appear before a SANZAR judicial hearing next week, after it was decided to formally charge him for a spear tackle on an opponent in his team's 37-25 win over the Hurricanes on Friday.

The Reds kept alive their play-off hopes with a workmanlike 34-20 win over the bottom-placed Lions in their Super Rugby encounter in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Crusaders dismissed the hapless Blues in emphatic fashion, recording a record 59-12 win in their Super Rugby encounter in Christchurch on Friday.

The Highlanders kept their play-off hopes alive with a hard-earned 16-11 win over a very physical Bulls side in their Super Rugby encounter in Dunedin on Saturday.

A former equity partner of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the Guma Tac Group, is close to signing a deal with the Southern Kings.

Noord-Kaap played EG Jansen at GWK Park in Kimberley on Friday night in the main curtain-raiser for the Vodacom Cup Final between Griquas and Western Province. Northerns won the match 22-13, after trailing 8-13 at half-time.

It was a glorious sunny winter's day up in Pietersburg/Polokwane on Saturday when Hoërskool Ben Vorster came down to play Hoërskool Pietersburg in their FNB Classic Clash, which the team from Tzaneen won 15-10.

Matches like FNB Classic Clashes are always emotional affairs and the key is to remain calm. Those are the views of Eldoraigne skipper Henry Collinett ahead of Saturday's meeting with Zwartkop.

Durban High School crosses the Umgeni River for an important clash against Northwood this weekend.

The Waratahs have suffered a blow with the news that inspirational hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has been ruled out of the Super Rugby clash with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Cheetahs will focus on protecting their possession on Saturday in order to beat a Sharks team that have proven to be especially dangerous on the counter-attack this season.

Waratahs coach Michael Foley has sung the praises of the Stormers set-piece, outstanding defence and 'shrewd' attacking approach that has set the Cape Town side apart this season.

The Lions may be fighting a survival battle on several fronts, but they remain firm in their resolve to retain their Super Rugby status.

Boland has selected three Under-18 teams and two Under-16 teams to play Western Province equivalents in a final trial before announcing the teams for the Craven Week, Academy Week and Grant Khomo Week.

After a sloppy start to the season St Albans have started to come right in the last few weeks, and their captain Dylan Krause is hoping to continue that trend when they take on Menlopark this weekend.

Western Province claimed their first Vodacom Cup title, and the union's first major senior trophy in over a decade, when they snatched a dramatic 20-18 victory over Griquas in the Final in Kimberley on Friday.

The Brumbies pulled of an impressive fightback to claim a 37-25 victory over the Hurricanes in the opening match of the weekend in Wellington on Friday.

Ben Vorster have already beaten Pietersburg this year, but their captain De Wet Botha is adamant that their rivals will be an entirely different prospect in their FNB Classic Clash this weekend.

Rob and Dave Kearney are dreaming of joining the elite band of "Brothers in Arms" who have celebrated European Cup glory fighting for the same cause.

The Blues are running out of loose forwards rapidly, with Steven Luatua called-up to make his run-on debut against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Menlopark captain Dean Dewinaar has never lost against St. Albans and he does not intend doing so when they meet for their FNB Classic Clash this weekend.

Howie Kahn has gone bold in the Bet.co.za Super Rugby betting challenge this weekend as he tries to catch runaway leader, Schalk Jonker.

The Melbourne Rebels on Friday boosted their forward pack with the acquisition of Wallabies flank Scott Higginbotham from defending Super Rugby champion Reds.

For the first time this season Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill has named an unchanged starting XV for the clash with the Western Force in Perth on Sunday.

With time running out to make a move on the Super Rugby standings there should be plenty of intensity in the last four clashes of Round Thirteen, we take a look at the match-ups.

Newcastle Falcons revealed on Friday that they have signed Scotland scrumhalf Rory Lawson on a two-year deal as the recruitment drive continues in the North East.

It is a raging debate: To win at all cost, or to entertain? The Stormers, hoping to end a decade-long trophy drought has put winning at a premium.

Pietersburg captain Sipho Siboza has not forgotten the pain of defeat to Ben Vorster last year and is determined to see his team turn the tables on home soil in their FNB Classic Clash this weekend.

Highlanders coach, Jamie Joseph has made four changes to the run-on team to face the Bulls in Dunedin on Saturday, following their Super Rugby loss to the Hurricanes last week.

New Wallabies coaching co-ordinator Tony McGahan said Friday he wanted to give the Australian side a cut-throat edge.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) said on Thursday it had not banned firebrand Samoan Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, despite claims from the Pacific nation's coach that he was told to drop the player.

There is no doubt the Australian loose forward combination will have a very different look to it in 2012.

The Bulls know all about being top dogs and having a chasing pack bearing down on you. As three-time champions they have been there before.

The South African Rugby Union, despite their best intentions, appear to be no closer to a resolution of the Southern Kings Super Rugby saga.

Biarritz Olympique - the 2006 and 2010 Heineken Cup finalists - hope it is third time lucky in their pursuit of a European title when they clash with Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup Final at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday.

We go right to the north of South Africa for this FNB Classic Clash on Saturday - Ben Vorster of Tzaneen against Ho?rskool Pietersburg of Polokwane.

It may seem like madness for the struggling Lions to release one of their most reliable players to an overseas club, but the departure of Doppies la Grange to Italian outfit Benetton Treviso is part of a "succession plan".

Selecting a potent loose trio can be a fine balancing act, which is why we had some big calls to make when we sifted through the candidates from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Two of the biggest names in Sevens, Fijian legend Waisale Serevi and United States veteran Matt Hawkins, have teamed up in a world record attempt to raise funds for a crippled player.

Northampton Saints revealed that Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has signed a new contract with the club, which will extend his tenure at Franklin's Gardens until at least 2015.

The Ospreys revealed that they have secured the services of young wing Hanno Dirksen for another two years, contracting him until the end of the 2013/14 season.

With an overwhelming proportion of the Western Province trialists ? and a good few of the Boland ones, too ? enjoying the predetermined mid-term Paarl-Wellington-Worcester out-weekend or hitting the N2 to Riversdale, there are few real highlights down south on Saturday 19 May 2012.