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A year out from the Rugby World Cup, to be staged in France from September next year, the French signalled their intentions with an empathic four-try to one (36-26) win over South Africa at Newlands on Saturday.

Fiji gave their Pacific Five Nations campaign a shot in the arm with a tense 23-20 victory over Samoa in Suva on Saturday.

Australia continued their impressive mid-year form when they smashed Ireland, recording a 37-15 win in their one-off Test at the Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday. The Wallabies outscored the Irish by five tries to two and were in command of the game for all but 10 minutes.

Springbok captain John Smit feels the reason why his team can't score tries and has to rely on penalties to win or stay in games, is not because of poor backline play. It is simply the forwards that are not doing their work.

Veteran prop Omar Hasan makes a welcome return to the Argentine front row for their one-off Test against New Zealand at the Vélez Sársfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

It may sound like a cliché, but it will the Springboks' brutal force against French flair in the one-off Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

It is time for the Pumas to finish their case, and have it listened to. The long wait for a decisive and just verdict on their exclusion from the world's rugby stage drags on and on, with the team pleading to more and more different courts as their case gathers both weight of evidence and public support.

The IRB has appointed referees and touch judges to the final round of matches at the IRB's Under-21 World Championship. The plums have gone to Chris Pollock of New Zealand and Taizo Hirabayashi of Japan,.

The 'Baby Boks', of South Africa, received a timely boost with the news that coach Peter de Villiers will be able to pick his best team to play France in the final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Marcel Michelin, Clermond-Ferrand, in France on Sunday.

A rampant Muir recorded a resounding 57-3 defeat over a keen  Pearson side in Uitenhage. The half-time score was 31-3 to Muir.

Bulls forward Danie Rossouw has revealed how a stern chat with Springbok coach Jake White revived his flagging Bok career.

It could be a long afternoon for France winger Vincent Clerc at Newlands on Saturday, as the French set about neutralising the Springbok pack before spinning the ball as we know they can do.

South African coach Peter de Villiers has made two changes to his team that will face hosts France in the Final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Stadium Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand, France on Sunday.

Springbok captain John Smit wants the team's tight forwards to produce a performance that will earn them full marks when they face France in a one-off Test at Newlands on Saturday.

The IRB has appointed referees and touch judges to the final round of matches at the IRB's Under-21 World Championship. The plums have gone to Chris Pollock of New Zealand and Taizo Hirabayashi of Japan,.

Stuart Dickinson, Australia's experienced referee, is back in South Africa. He is there to referee the match between South Africa and France at Newlands. It may just be possible that antagonism towards him is on the wane - just possible.

Argentina are gearing themselves for a massive defensive effort when they face the world's top-ranked team, New Zealand, at the Vélez Sársfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

The draw for the 2006/07 European Challenge Cup has been made. pitting together twenty teams from seven nations. 

The draw for the 2006/07 European Challenge Cup has been made. pitting together twenty teams from seven nations. 

Springbok utility back Brent Russell - restored to the wing, and the South African starting line-up - is hoping that Newlands will once again provide him with happy Test match memories come Saturday.

Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham can't wait to feel the force of the Irish assault after confessing to his disappointment at England's tame surrender over the last fortnight.

We have a little incident here and there but mostly we are giving readers their say.

Recalled Springbok inside centre De Wet Barry believes new French flyhalf Damien Traille has similar traits to former Bok No.10 Henry Honiball - a key man during South Africa's fantastic 17-match winning streak in 1997/98.

Ireland make a slight detour on their return home from the two-Test tour of New Zealand, stopping to take in the sights and sounds of Perth - and to take on a Wallaby side that looks ready to reclaim its place in the upper echelons of world rugby.

Manu Samoa coach La'auli Michael Jones has named his side for Saturday's encounter with Fiji in Suva, handing Chiefs star Loki Crichton, 30, a long-awaited Test debut.

There is something distinctly French about quicksilver Springbok back Brent Russell. Speedy, daring and with the potential to unlock even the tighest of defences, his unpredictability on attack could turn Saturday's one-off clash with Les Bleus on its head.

The All Blacks were warned to keep their cool in the face of what will be most likely the most hostile reception they will face at any away venue this year - when they face Argentina at the Velez Sarsfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Western Province centre De Wet Barry could have an extra spring in his step on Saturday when he lines up at inside centre for the Springboks against France at Newlands.

The draw for the 2006/07 European Challenge Cup has been made. pitting together twenty teams from seven nations. 

The draw for the 2006/07 European Challenge Cup has been made. pitting together twenty teams from seven nations. 

Dimitri Szarzewski and Damien Traille will face similar yet very different kinds of opposition at Newlands against the Springboks on Saturday.

The Junior All Black team, to play Japan in its final IRB Pacific Five Nations match in Dunedin on Saturday, shows nine changes, including one positional switch. The Kiwis are unbeaten and have already clinched the competition.

Luke Watson, it seems, will never play a Test under Jake White, with the Springbok coach stressing once again that he does not believe in playing a specialist 'fetcher' in his starting line-up.

Springbok coach Jake White will be cursing his bad luck. Another of his key players has succumbed to injury ahead of the crucial Test match against France at Newlands on Saturday.

From now on, at Currie Cup matches in South Africa, referees will attend the post-match press conferences.

 Again we have four Tests - Round 2 of Week 1 - New Zealand vs Ireland, South Africa vs Scotland, Australia vs Australia, and Argentina vs South Africa.

Australia coach John Connolly will blood yet another rookie at prop when Australia face Ireland in a one-off Test at Subiaco Oval in Perth on Saturday.

Springbok coach Jake White will be cursing his bad luck. Another of his key players has succumbed to injury ahead of the crucial Test match against France at Newlands on Saturday.

Hosts France will play defending champions South Africa in this Final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in France on Sunday.

The whole world, it seems, knows what a knock-on is. It's been part of the laws for years and years, but suddenly there were three decisions, made by top referees in top matches, which have caused top people to be critical.

France coach Bernard Laporte has named his side for Saturday's clash with South Africa in Cape Town, handing Biarritz star Damien Traille his first Test start at fly-half after Thomas Castaignède was found wanting at pivot during the tourists' 62-14 victory over Romania in Bucharest last weekend.

Springbok coach Jake White will be cursing his bad luck. Another of his key players has succumbed to injury ahead of the crucial Test match against France at Newlands on Saturday.

Springbok coach Jake White has revealed what he would like to achieve from Saturday's one-off Test clash with France in Cape Town.

Springbok coach Jake White will be cursing his bad luck. Another of his key players has succumbed to injury ahead of the crucial Test match against France at Newlands on Saturday.

A starting berth for Girvan Dempsey is one of just two changes made by Eddie O'Sullivan for the test against Australia in Perth on Saturday.

Jeugland of Kempton Park have most players in the Valke side for the 2006 Craven Week in Johannesburg.

Few of the top teams played this week. In fact some of the top sides have not played for a while. We have made changes to the FNB Top 20, not to punish those who have not played for a while but to reward those who have.

It would seem that Middelburg is the rugby capital of Mpumalanga with help from the Lowveld -- that is if you judge by the teams for Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Under-19 tournament.

Qantas Wallabies hooker Adam Freier will be out of rugby for up to eight weeks, after rupturing the medial ligament in his left foot during the first half of Australia's Cook Cup triumph over England last Saturday. But there was also further bad news for the Wallabies over the availability of man mountain Rodney Blake.

Springbok coach Jake White, in anticipation of rain in Cape Town, will name a much bulkier team to face the French in a one-off test at Newlands on Saturday. In short, White is going for a wet-weather team.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry confirmed the team to play Argentina in a one-off test at Vélez Sarsfield stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday and there is no sign of regular AB captain Richie McCaw.

New Zealand coach Greg Cooper has made seven changes, including three positional switches, to the starting line-up for his team's International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship semi-final against South Africa in France on Wednesday.

The All Blacks have come through a light first training session in Buenos Aires ahead of their one-off test against the Pumas on Saturday.

Springbok coach Jake White is on the brink of setting a new benchmark in South African rugby - the longest unbeaten home run. If the Boks beat France at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday it will be the 14th consecutive match at home the Boks have not lost.

Tests continue this weekend, and in South Africa the Currie Cup gets going again, a trophy in competition since 1892.

South African coach Peter de Villiers has named his team to play the New Zealand in the semi-final of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Stadium Marcel Michelin, Clermont Ferrand, France on Wednesday.

Johan van Deventer is fast, first, strong and hard and he loves the tough stuff. He is a fetcher flank for Monnas, Golden Lions and South Africa Under-19. He is our FNB Player of the Week.

France prop Pieter de Villiers is a doubt for the Test against South Africa on Saturday after the death of his brother.

When the Springboks take to the field against France on Saturday (at 3pm - local time), many of the players' thoughts will be with star flanker Schalk Burger, who will undergo career-threatening neck surgery on the same day.

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has told his team that they must keep their discipline at all times, after witnessing videos of Federico Todeschini's punishing boot against Wales.

Agustin Pichot has once again asked for his Argentina team to be included in a major tournament after his team's 2-0 series win over Wales.

Springbok talisman Schalk Burger will miss the entire Tri-Nations series - and South Africa's end-of-season tour - after suffering a serious neck injury during South Africa's 29-15 victory over Scotland at the weekend.

Australian prop sensation Rodney Blake has been ruled out of the one-off Test against Ireland, in Perth on Saturday, with an ankle injury.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan claims that he and match citing commissioner Peter Brown were denied access to television footage that could have shed light on the injury that befell Shane Horgan during the tourists' 27-17 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

Australian prop sensation Rodney Blake has been ruled out of the one-off Test against Ireland, in Perth on Saturday, with an ankle injury.

Pretoria has three top schools - Affies, Pretoria Boys High and Waterkloof, schools whose rugby teams are world class. Not surprisingly their players dominated the Craven Week and Academy Week teams.

KwaZulu Natal has chosen its four teams for the schools weeks - Craven Week, the Academy Week (two teams) and the Grant Khomo Week (for Under-16s).

A visibly shattered Jake White has compared star flank Schalk Burger's season-ending injury to having 'three players' ruled out. Burger was on Monday ruled out of action until January of next year, having suffered a very serious neck injury during Saturday's disjointed 29-15 win over Scotland in Port Elizabeth.

Three tries in the last 10 minutes gave Graeme a 36-17 victory over Union High in Grahamstown on Youth Day.

Kim Smit has been appointed to referee the second women's Test between South Africa and the Netherlands in Durban on Saturday. It will be her first Test.

Australian prop sensation Rodney Blake has been ruled out of the one-off Test against Ireland, in Perth on Saturday, with an ankle injury.

Australian prop sensation Rodney Blake has been ruled out of the one-off Test against Ireland, in Perth on Saturday, with an ankle injury.

Not surprisingly, Grey College of Bloemfontein dominate all three Free State teams for high school tournaments.

Ireland's Paul O'Connell was once again rueing his and his team-mates' failure to kick opponents when they were down after the 2-0 series loss to the All Blacks.

South African coach Peter de Villiers will again be able to pick his best team to play New Zealand in the semi-finals of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at the Marcel Michelin stadium, in Clermont, France on Wednesday.

Springbok coach Jake White will not be playing Bulls try-scoring sensation Bryan Habana at centre against France, prompting speculation that hard-hitting local man De Wet Barry could earn a recall to the Bok starting XV for Saturday's clash against Les Bleus at Newlands.

France team manager Jo Maso is convinced that he has brought their strongest team - with one or two exceptions - to Cape Town for the one-off Test match against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

In the last match of the second term SACS surprisingly lost 13-7 to Wynberg.

England veteran Mike Catt offered a brutally honest assessment of England's latest demoralising defeat Down Under, but has asked fans to give the new coaching set-up a little time to impose a new structure on England's game-plan.

There were again fewer matches this weekend with the long weekend, exams and Craven Week imminent, but there was an FNB Classic Clash in the Cape with a record victory for Bishops over neighbours Rondebosch.

England coach Andy Robinson has reacted to his side's resounding Test series whitewash in Australia by claiming they can still win next year's Rugby World Cup.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins insisted his young side will benefit from their tour to Argentina despite their 45-27 second Test defeat in Buenos Aires.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named his extended squad for Saturday's one-off test against Argentina in Buenos Aires. But the big questionmark is the role of All Black captain Richie McCaw.

Hard-hitting Stormers captain and centre De Wet Barry has been called into the Springbok squad ahead of next Saturday's clash against France at Newlands.

Eastern Province have chosen their four teams - the Craven Week side, two teams for the Academy Week and the team for the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Queensland Reds hooker Sean Hardman will join the Qantas Wallabies in Perth tonight after starting hooker Adam Freier sustained ligament damage to his left foot during Saturday’s 43-18 victory over England at Telstra Dome.

Following a day of high drama at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under 21 World Championship in France, the match schedule for the first knockout round, on 21 June, has been announced.

Australia's star inside centre Matt Giteau will not be facing Ireland in Perth on Saturday, despite making good progress on the road to full recovery from minor knee surgery.

Wales and Ospreys lock Ian Evans has received a six-week suspension after being cited and found guilty of foul play, following an incident in the second Test between Argentina and Wales in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll left New Zealand for Australia on Sunday confident of a strong performance against the Wallabies in Perth next weekend.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw admitted his side were again knocked out of rhythm during the 27-17 win over Ireland on Saturday.

England boss Andy Robinson insists positive elements can be taken from his side's dismal two-Test tour of Australia.

Scotland supremo Frank Hadden could not disguise his anger and frustration in the wake of his side's second controversial defeat at the hands of the Springboks in as many weeks.

The Springboks readily admitted they were underdone in their somewhat fortuitous 29-15 win over Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, a win that gave South Africa a 2-0 series win.

Defending champions South Africa and Australia recorded vital victories to ensure they advance into the semi-finals as the top qualifiers after Day Three of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under 21 World Championship in France on Saturday.

Australia gave England nightmares to last the whole of the European close-season by punctuated the tourists' year with a crushing 43-18 defeat at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne on Saturday.

The All Blacks completed a 2-0 series win over Ireland with a 27-17 win over Ireland in Auckland on Saturday, but it was an uneasy win in which Ireland had the home team lost for ideas for much of the second half.

Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll said that the feeling after the 27-17 defeat to New Zealand on Saturday was just the same as after the 34-23 defeat last week.

Japan conceded more than fifty points for the third time in just three weeks on Saturday, finding themselves on the receiving end of a 53-9 defeat to Samoa in the Pacific Five Nations double-header in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Scotland 'A' were overwhelmed by a dazzling try-scoring display as the New Zealand Maori regained the Churchill Cup in Edmonton on Saturday.

Australia coach John Connolly made it two wins out of two as the Wallabies recorded a 43-18 victory over England in Melbourne in - but the new boss admitted he was less the satisfied with his side's performance in the first half of the game at Telstra Stadium.

Ireland 'A' snatched the Churchill Cup plate and a worthy third-place finish in the tournament with a dramatic injury-time 30-27 victory over England Saxons in Edmonton on Saturday - a result that piles more misery on English rugby.

Italy were handed a lesson in island rugby on Saturday, going down 29-18 to Fiji in Lautoka.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden took a pop at referee Tony Spreadbury over a number of incidents that he felt decided the second Test in Port Elizabeth on Saturday - a game won 29-15 by South Africa. Captain Jason White also felt aggrieved about the match official's performance, but at least the Scottish skipper was mature enough to acknowledge that his team was not good enough to win.

Canada beat the USA 33-18 in the final of the Churchill Cup bowl played before some 8,000 spectators at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Saturday.

Veteran prop Newfoundland's Rod Snow comes back into the Canada side after a three-year hiatus for the game against the US Eagles in the Bowl Final of the Barclays Churchill Cup in Edmonton on Saturday.

Eddie O'Sullivan insists he will not abandon Ireland's running philosophy and may even expand on it if circumstances require in the second Test against New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland.

Scotland international Jon Petrie admits he was the most stunned man in the touring party when he was called up to the starting XV for the second Test against South Africa.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. This is the situation Springbok coach Jake White, and in fact the entire team, find themselves in ahead of the second test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

After the rustic country delight of Puerto Madryn, the rugby heads back to its capital in Argentina on Saturday, as the Pumas aim for a whitewash-claiming win over Wales at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires.

It’s all change for Scotland A who are psyching themselves up to face the Haka this Saturday as they come up against the mighty New Zealand Maori in the final of the Barclays Churchill Cup in Edmonton.

Wales will get a double dose of international action against Argentina this weekend with Wales Under-21 taking on the young Pumas in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in France just a few hours before Duncan Jones' men go into battle in the second Test of their South American tour in Buenos Aires.

It was a remarkable effort by Bishops and yet there seemed something out of joint in their record-breaking 70-3 victory over Rondebosch in an FNB Classic Clash at Rondebosch on Friday, Youth Day.

Record-breaking Argentina winger Jose Maria Nuñez Piossek is expecting another tough encounter against Wales in the second and final Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

Ally Kellock, who has come into the Scotland second row for the second test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, has told his teammates to get into the Springboks' faces.

Australian coach Chris Hickey has named a heavyweight team to muscle up against New Zealand, in what promises to be a challenging match in their final pool match of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Stade Darragon, Vichy, France, on Saturday.

New Zealand coach Greg Cooper has made two changes to the team for their final pool match against Australia in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Stade Darragon, Vichy, France, on Saturday.

The words breakdown and All Black captain Richie McCaw are synonymous with rugby. Whether you think his actions are illegally or not, McCaw is generally regarded as the premier openside flank in the world and will again be in the thick of things when the All Blacks face Ireland in a rematch at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Referees at the top are a peripatetic lot, none quite as peripatetic as Jonathan Kaplan who lives in Cape Town occasionally and now is in Auckland.

Springbok coach Jake White issued the challenge and Scotland counterpart Frank Hadden immediately accepted. When the two sides go head-to-head in the second test in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, the contest will be decided between the forwards.

South African coach Pieter de Villiers has recalled all his big guns, including captain Chilliboy Ralepelle, for his team's crucial match against France in Round Three of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in Issoire, France, on Saturday.

Australia may have outscored England by three tries to none in their 34-3 victory in the first test in Sydney last week, but Wallaby stand-in captain Stirling Mortlock has warned his teammates to be wary of England's pace in Saturday's rematch at Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

We discuss here a few incidents taken from four tests in early June - New Zealand vs Ireland, South Africa vs Scotland, Australia vs England and Argentina vs Wales.

Biarritz wing Sereli Bobo has not been considered for selection for Fiji's one-off Test against Italy on Saturday after he apparently failed to turn up for training on Wednesday.

Australia may have outscored England by three tries to none in their 34-3 victory in the first test in Sydney last week, but Wallaby stand-in captain Stirling Mortlock has warned his teammates to be wary of England's pace in Saturday's rematch at Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

Last week in Hamilton you would have expected the Irish to crack after the ease with which Mils Muliaina got past Ronan O'Gara to set up the All Blacks' 43-second try. But it did not happen.

Australia may have outscored England by three tries to none in their 34-3 victory in the first test in Sydney last week, but Wallaby stand-in captain Stirling Mortlock has warned his teammates to be wary of England's pace in Saturday's rematch at Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

The strength in depth of the All Blacks was given another public display on Thursday as the bulk of the team to play Argentina in Buenos Aires next weekend departed before their compatriots had even kicked-off the second Test against Ireland.

Springbok centre Jaque Fourie could have played in the second Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, but Bok coach Jake White and his medical staff opted for the cautious route, deciding not to risk aggravating his rib injury.

England have dismissed Australian claims of underhand tactics in their attempts to stop tearaway flanker George Smith during the world champions' 34-3 first Test defeat.

Leinster fly-half Felipe Contepomi returns to the Argentina side for the second Test against Wales, which takes place in Buenos Aires on Saturday, but only at inside centre.

Australia may have outscored England by three tries to none in their 34-3 victory in the first test in Sydney last week, but Wallaby stand-in captain Stirling Mortlock has warned his teammates to be wary of England's pace in Saturday's rematch at Melbourne's Telstra Dome.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has pin-pointed the way to beat New Zealand in Saturday's second Test in Auckland - dominance in the breakdown.

England boss Andy Robinson has made sweeping changes for Saturday's second Test against Australia at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne.

June is bursting out with Tests all over the place. We are going to look at four this weekend - New Zealand vs Ireland, South Africa vs Scotland, Australia vs Australia, and Argentina vs South Africa.

Not for the first time the Australian rugby team cried foul over the opponents' tactics ahead of a major international. This time the "culprits" are England, who apparently resorted to eye-poking and hair-pulling to stop loose forward George Smith from winning the battle at the breakdown.

Wales' management has apparently handed a video of alleged Argentina dirty tricks to the referee for the second Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday, Dave Pearson.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has made two changes to his starting line-up for the second Test against Argentina at Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires on Saturday - Ospreys duo James Hook and Huw Bennett have both been handed places in the starting XV.

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has made six changes and one positional switch for the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Hosts France top the overall standings after the second round of matches at the IRB Under 21 World Championship 2006. Home fans in Cournon were treated to a 32-3 victory over Wales, which ensured that the French collected their second bonus point from two matches.

Injuries played a major role when Springbok coach Jake White named his team to face Scotland in the second of the two Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. As predicted the Boks will field a new centre pairing and a new left-wing.

Wallabies Coach John Connolly on Wednesday named his team for Saturday's second Test against England at Melbourne's Telstra Dome. Stirling Mortlock will become the 73rd player to captain the Wallabies with regular skipper George Gregan named on the reserve bench.

The Springboks may be on the verge of equaling the record for the most consecutive victories against Scotland, coming off the back of their record 36-16 demolition of the Scots in Durban last week, but veteran fullback Percy Montgomery has warned about a Scottish backlash in the second test in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Argentina back-row forward Juan Manuel Leguizamon has revealed his surprise at how Wales approached the first Test last Sunday.

Wallabies Coach John Connolly on Wednesday named his team for Saturday's second Test against England at Melbourne's Telstra Dome. Stirling Mortlock will become the 73rd player to captain the Wallabies with regular skipper George Gregan named on the reserve bench.

It's the last Saturday of the term and so it's the Bishops-Rondebosch match, always a great match between the two schools just 400 metres apart. This year it's an FNB Classic Clash.

Injuries played a major role when Springbok coach Jake White named his team to face Scotland in the second of the two Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. As predicted the Boks will field a new centre pairing and a new left-wing.

Wallabies Coach John Connolly on Wednesday named his team for Saturday's second Test against England at Melbourne's Telstra Dome. Stirling Mortlock will become the 73rd player to captain the Wallabies with regular skipper George Gregan named on the reserve bench.

Rondebosch Boys' High host neighbours and fierce rivals Diocesan College (Bishops) in an FNB Classic Clash on Friday morning. Jarryd Buratovich, as Headboy of Rondebosch, leads his school and its 1st XV into battle.

Wallabies Coach John Connolly on Wednesday named his team for Saturday's second Test against England at Melbourne's Telstra Dome. Stirling Mortlock will become the 73rd player to captain the Wallabies with regular skipper George Gregan named on the reserve bench.

Thomas Castaignède has been named as France's fly-half for the first French June Test against Romania on Saturday in Bucharest.

Ireland's players and journalists have fallen out after the players reacted angrily to coverage of their defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton last weekend.

Injuries played a major role when Springbok coach Jake White named his team to face Scotland in the second of the two Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. As predicted the Boks will field a new centre pairing and a new left-wing.

Injuries played a major role when Springbok coach Jake White named his team to face Scotland in the second of the two Test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. As predicted the Boks will field a new centre pairing and a new left-wing.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named an unchanged XV to face the All Blacks in the second test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. But there could be a late change to the team due to doubts surrounding the fitness of fullback Geordan Murphy.

Life on the Test circuit remains June busy. It's hard to keep up. But for referees it is a window of opportunity, opening wide.

All Black coach Graham Henry made three changes to his team to play Ireland in the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. Lock Troy Flavell, flank Jerome Kaino and centre Casey Laulala all come into the line-up.

Scotland's beleaguered squad on Tuesday completed the first training session since the 36-16 defeat to South Africa last Saturday.

Clive Stuart-Smith will end his England exile on Saturday after being named as Saxons skipper for the Barclays Churchill Cup Plate final against Ireland A.

The Springboks will field a new centre pairing in the second test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, after Jaque Fourie joined teammate Jean de Villiers on the sideline - ironically also with a rib injury.

The Springbok backline may not exactly be world beaters right now, but they believe they have taken a step in the right direction and will continue to work on a more expansive game in the second test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Wales captain Duncan Jones has received good news about the hand injury which forced him to leave the field during the narrow 27-25 defeat to Argentina in Puerto Madryn on Sunday - scan results today revealed his thumb is not broken.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named an unchanged XV to face the All Blacks in the second test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. But there could be a late change to the team due to doubts surrounding the fitness of fullback Geordan Murphy.

All Black coach Graham Henry made three changes to his team to play Ireland in the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. Lock Troy Flavell, flank Jerome Kaino and centre Casey Laulala all come into the line-up.

Scotland international Simon Webster has said that safer ball at the breakdown is the key to progress in the wake of the 36-16 defeat in Durban last Saturday.

We have received plenty of feedback following England's 34-3 defeat to Australia on Sunday. Here are just some of your views...

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named an unchanged XV to face the All Blacks in the second test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. But there could be a late change to the team due to doubts surrounding the fitness of fullback Geordan Murphy.

Hoêrskool Monument of Krugersdorp dominate the Golden Lions Craven Week team in the way Grey College usually do to the Free State team. Monnas had ten players in the side.

DHS took on Kearsney at Van Heerdens at 12.00 on Saturday.

England will put a strong emphasis on composure and execution this week as they target an unlikely victory over Australia in the second Test.

All Black coach Graham Henry made three changes to his team to play Ireland in the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. Lock Troy Flavell, flank Jerome Kaino and centre Casey Laulala all come into the line-up.

Following an assault on one of their members and a couple of other unpleasant matches, the Golden Lions Referees' Society has decided to withdraw its services from club rugby for a week.

All Black coach Graham Henry made three changes to his team to play Ireland in the second Test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. Lock Troy Flavell, flank Jerome Kaino and centre Casey Laulala all come into the line-up.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named an unchanged XV to face the All Blacks in the second test at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. But there could be a late change to the team due to doubts surrounding the fitness of fullback Geordan Murphy.

With a few injury concerns, following his team's emphatic 34-3 demolition of England in Sydney at the weekend, Wallaby coach John Connolly is likely to go to his fringe players for the return match in Melbourne on Saturday.

Australia captain George Gregan refuses to get carried away with his side's 34-3 victory over England and believes both teams are in a rebuilding stage with a long way to go before they reach the peak of their powers.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is refusing to be downbeat as he begins preparations for the second Test against South Africa after the 36-16 defeat in Durban.

Unlike the hapless kudu that was struck by one of the Springbok Atlas busses on the way to Grahamstown early on Saturday morning, the Queen’s kudu stood proud after the 1st XV’s comprehensive thumping of St Andrew’s  by 38 points to nil, in Grahamstown on Saturday afternoon.

Muir captain, Brendon Meyer, capped another solid performance by contributing 16 of Muir’s points as they beat Itembelihle 31-12 in Uitenhage on Saturday after leading 16-5 at half-time.

New Wales coach Gareth Jenkins was defiant in defeat in Puerto Madryn and claimed his side will bounce back in Buenos Aires in Saturday's second Test.

South African coach Pieter de Villiers has made eight changes, including naming a new captain, when he announced the side to face Georgia in a Round Two match at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship at Stade Antonin Chastel in Thiers, France, on Tuesday.

This is one of those perennials it seems - double movement, and it comes from an incident in the match between South Africa and Scotland in Durban on Saturday. Whoever invented the term "double movement" should be condemned to watch nothing but soccer for the rest of his mindless life!

On Saturday Westville’s 1st XV extended their winning streak to 11 games when they crushed Richards Bay 1st XV 87-5.

In an FNB Classic Clash in Pietermaritzburg between two of South Africa's top-ranked teams Maritzburg College won a handsome 24-0.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden, fearing a major injury crisis in the touring party, on Monday abandoned a training session in Durban as his team started planning for the second test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Springbok coach Jake White will continue to broaden his selection base when he names the team to face Scotland in the second test at the EPRFU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

The All Blacks were given an injury scare on Monday, as they stepped up preparations for the second test against Ireland, at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. The All Blacks were made to work hard for their 34-23 win in the first test in Hamilton last Saturday.

The sheer power of Paarl Gim overcame a gallant SACS 1st XV, 47-12, in Newlands on Saturday morning.

New Zealand Under-21 coach Greg Cooper has made 10 changes to the starting line-up for the second match of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship, against England in Vichy on Tuesday.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes he was justified in being confident ahead of Ireland's loss to the All Blacks on Saturday night, but admits the team has plenty of work to do before the second Test.

England headed to Melbourne on Monday with tour captain Pat Sanderson defiantly declaring that the tourist can make an impact in next weekend's second Test.

More than 100 people were detained in the southern Russian city of Rostov-On-Don after police mistook an innocent game of rugby for a mass brawl.

Australia coach John Connolly declaring himself merely "satisfied" with his side's emphatic 34-3 victory over England in Sydney on Sunday.

The FNB Classic Clash between Maritzburg College and Glenwood in Pietermaritzburg was expected to be close. It wasn't.

Italy opened their two-Test tour of the Pacific with an emphatic 52-6 victory over Japan in Tokyo on Sunday, running seven tries past the flat-footed Brave Blossoms at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Australia got their 2006 test season off to the perfect start, when they monstered the new-look England team - recording an emphatic 34-3 win at the Telstra Stadium, in Sydney, on Sunday. The Wallabies outscored their rival by three tries to none in this Cook Cup encounter.

Australia got their 2006 test season off to the perfect start, when they monstered the new-look England team - recording an emphatic 34-3 win at the Telstra Stadium, in Sydney, on Sunday. The Wallabies outscored their rival by three tries to none in this Cook Cup encounter.

Jake White was understandably elated with his team's 36-16 victory over Scotland in Durban on Saturday, but the Springbok coach believes his team can still make a massive improvement ahead of next week's second Test.

Argentina recorded a narrow 27-25 win over Wales at Estadio Raúl Conti, in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, on Sunday. But the first-ever Test in Patagonia was a drab affair with far more penalties, yellow cards and handling errors than any real constructive rugby.

Australia got their 2006 test season off to the perfect start, when they monstered the new-look England team - recording an emphatic 34-3 win at the Telstra Stadium, in Sydney, on Sunday. The Wallabies outscored their rival by three tries to none in this Cook Cup encounter.

Tonga remain in contention for the IRB Pacific Five Nations spoils after recording a tense 24-23 victory over Fiji in Australia on Saturday.

Argentina recorded a narrow 27-25 win over Wales at Estadio Raúl Conti, in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, on Sunday. But the first-ever Test in Patagonia was a drab affair with far more penalties, yellow cards and handling errors than any real constructive rugby.

Australia got their 2006 test season off to the perfect start, when they monstered the new-look England team - recording an emphatic 34-3 win at the Telstra Stadium, in Sydney, on Sunday. The Wallabies outscored their rival by three tries to none in this Cook Cup encounter.

England coach Andy Robinson insists his side is "moving forward" despite the crushing 34-3 loss to Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

Argentina recorded a narrow 27-25 win over Wales at Estadio Raúl Conti, in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, on Sunday. But the first-ever Test in Patagonia was a drab affair with far more penalties, yellow cards and handling errors than any real constructive rugby.

Argentina recorded a narrow 27-25 win over Wales at Estadio Raúl Conti, in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, on Sunday. But the first-ever Test in Patagonia was a drab affair with far more penalties, yellow cards and handling errors than any real constructive rugby.

New Zealand retained their clean sheet against Ireland, recording a 34-23 victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. It was a late surge, 13 points in the last 10 minutes, which saw the All Blacks home in this tightly contested encounter.

New Zealand retained their clean sheet against Ireland, recording a 34-23 victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. It was a late surge, 13 points in the last 10 minutes, which saw the All Blacks home in this tightly contested encounter.

New Zealand retained their clean sheet against Ireland, recording a 34-23 victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. It was a late surge, 13 points in the last 10 minutes, which saw the All Blacks home in this tightly contested encounter.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry described the effort by his team, in beating Ireland 34-23 in Hamilton on Saturday, as 'rusty' after not having been together since November. He also said he was happy with the win in the first of two tests.

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones believes the English backs will be punished by the Wallabies during Sunday's first Test in Sydney.

South Africa may have handed Scotland their biggest defeat ever on South African soil, a 36-16 hammering in Durban on Saturday, but they certainly don't see this as a sign that they will have a free ride in the return test in Port Elizabeth next week.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden believes a debatable decision by Irish video referee Simon McDowell handed South Africa the impetus to surge to a 36-16 win in the first Test in Durban on Saturday.

London Irish star Delon Armitage had double reason to celebrate in Toronto after helping the England Saxons to a comfortable 41-11 victory over Canada in Saturday's Churchill Cup encounter at York Stadium.

The Springboks have handed Scotland their biggest-ever defeat on South African soil, racing to a 36-16 victory in Durban on Saturday in a game where the scoreline certainly flatters the visitors. It is the first time Scotland had lost by more than ten points on SA soil and it is also a result that ensures Scotland are still searching for their first win in South Africa.

The Springboks have handed Scotland their biggest-ever defeat on South African soil, racing to a 36-16 victory in Durban on Saturday in a game where the scoreline certainly flatters the visitors. It is the first time Scotland had lost by more than ten points on SA soil and it is also a result that ensures Scotland are still searching for their first win in South Africa.

Paarl Boys' High honoured one of their most famous rugby Old Boys, Corné Krige, when they beat Rondebosch 27-0 at Newlands on Friday night.

New Zealand retained their clean sheet against Ireland, recording a 34-23 victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. It was a late surge, 13 points in the last 10 minutes, which saw the All Blacks home in this tightly contested encounter.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll lamented his side's inability to take the game to New Zealand for the full 80 minutes after losing the first Test 34-23 in Hamilton.

The Springboks have handed Scotland their biggest-ever defeat on South African soil, racing to a 36-16 victory in Durban on Saturday in a game where the scoreline certainly flatters the visitors. It is the first time Scotland had lost by more than ten points on SA soil and it is also a result that ensures Scotland are still searching for their first win in South Africa.

It is back to the drawing board for Scotland after the 20-point (36-16) hammering they took against South African in the first of two tests in Durban on Saturday. Scottish captain Jason White readily admits that his men will have to take a huge step in the return match in Port Elizabeth next week.

The Springboks have handed Scotland their biggest-ever defeat on South African soil, racing to a 36-16 victory in Durban on Saturday in a game where the scoreline certainly flatters the visitors. It is the first time Scotland had lost by more than ten points on SA soil and it is also a result that ensures Scotland are still searching for their first win in South Africa.

When South Africa and Scotland go head-to-head at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday, the first game of a two-Test series, they will tackle each other - literally and figuratively.

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has named his side for Sunday's encounter with Japan in Tokyo, selecting a mix of experienced forwards and fresh-faced backs.

There is an amount of novelty in this first game of the two-Test series between the Pumas and Wales in Argentina. There is the novelty of venue above all - down in Patagonia in the south of South America, just into Patagonia and on the Atlantic coast.

When South Africa and Scotland go head-to-head at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday, the first game of a two-Test series, they will tackle each other - literally and figuratively.

Scotland centre Marcus Di Rollo is convinced that they have found the perfect foil for South Africa's tactics. The two countries go head-to-head in the first of two tests, at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup effectively starts for England exactly how the last one finished - against the Wallabies at Telstra Stadium in Sydney. But the contrast between that November evening and what awaits a new-look team and coaching staff on Sunday could hardly be more pronounced.

When South Africa and Scotland go head-to-head at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday, the first game of a two-Test series, they will tackle each other - literally and figuratively.

Manu Samoa flunked their inaugural Pacific Five Nations exam, going down 56-12 to the Junior All Blacks in North Harbour on Friday evening.

Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel is out of England's Australia tour. Simpson-Daniel had been due to start when England tackle the Wallabies at Telstra Stadium on Sunday, but he was admitted to hospital in Sydney earlier this week.

When South Africa and Scotland go head-to-head at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday, the first game of a two-Test series, they will tackle each other - literally and figuratively.

There is an amount of novelty in this first game of the two-Test series between the Pumas and Wales in Argentina. There is the novelty of venue above all - down in Patagonia in the south of South America, just into Patagonia and on the Atlantic coast.

There is an amount of novelty in this first game of the two-Test series between the Pumas and Wales in Argentina. There is the novelty of venue above all - down in Patagonia in the south of South America, just into Patagonia and on the Atlantic coast.

There is an amount of novelty in this first game of the two-Test series between the Pumas and Wales in Argentina. There is the novelty of venue above all - down in Patagonia in the south of South America, just into Patagonia and on the Atlantic coast.

Jake White's Springboks are hoping to begin their centenary season with a victory against Frank Hadden's combative Scotland unit in Durban on Saturday. White, however, knows that his team faces a stiff challenge.

Defending champions South Africa got off to a winning start at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in France, but it was the young New Zealanders who were the most impressive team on the opening day.

Regardless of the outcome of the match, a new chapter in New Zealand's rugby history will be written when they play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.

New Zealand have included five players who were involved in last year's tournament in the starting line-up to face Italy in their opening match of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in Riom on Friday.

Ireland's players who were in New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions last year must be wondering if passion for rugby has died among All Blacks fans.

Regardless of the outcome of the match, a new chapter in New Zealand's rugby history will be written when they play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.

Wallabies coach John Connolly has selected a brand new front row for Sunday's encounter with England at Telstra Stadium in Sydney.

South Africa suffered a setback on the eve of their opening match at the International Rugby Board (UIRB) Under-21 World Championship, against Argentina at Riom Rugby Club in France on Friday.

Regardless of the outcome of the match, a new chapter in New Zealand's rugby history will be written when they play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.

Regardless of the outcome of the match, a new chapter in New Zealand's rugby history will be written when they play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll claims he has no axe to grind with Keven Mealamu in the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand.

Leicester Tigers wing Tom Varndell will make his first Test start, in a side containing three new caps, when England face Australia at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Retired referee Tappe Henning has come in for some severe censure from many people, both players and fans alike, after his handling of the Springboks' fortuitous 30-27 win over a World XV in Johannesburg last week.

Springbok coach Jake White on Wednesday named veteran prop Os du Randt in the starting XV of the team to face Scotland in the first of two tests, in Durban on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues fly-half Nick Macleod has linked up with the Wales squad in Argentina after answered an SOS from Wales coach Gareth Jenkins - a call that cut short the 23-year-old's romantic holiday in France.

Leicester Tigers wing Tom Varndell will make his first Test start, in a side containing three new caps, when England face Australia at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Wallabies prop Greg Holmes is looking to redress the balance when Australia face World Cup holders England in the first of two test in Sydney on Sunday.

The New Zealand Maori underlined their Churchill Cup intentions by crushing the USA at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara on Wednesday evening, running in a dozen tries as they notched up a highly accomplish 74-6 victory over their hosts.

Leicester Tigers wing Tom Varndell will make his first Test start, in a side containing three new caps, when England face Australia at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Scotland star Chris Cusiter has warned Mike Blair that he will be looking for a return to the starting line-up during the Test series in November.

Leicester Tigers wing Tom Varndell will make his first Test start, in a side containing three new caps, when England face Australia at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden has backed Donnie Macfadyen to prove he is "the man for the occasion" after handing the little Glasgow Warriors flank a berth in the XV to face South Africa in Durban on Saturday.

Wales captain Duncan Jones has expressed his delight with the welcome given to the squad in Argentina ahead of Sunday's encounter with the Pumas in Puerto Madryn, Patagonia.

Gareth Jenkins has named his first Test side as Wales coach, with Ospreys youngsters Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones set to make their Test debuts against Argentina in Puerto Madryn on Sunday.

Gloucester star Peter Richards is ready to stake an early claim for Rugby World Cup recognition on Sunday - eight years after his grisly eyewitness view of England's darkest hour.

Goldstones, the legendary fortress, of Maritzburg College plays host to another rousing encounter this Saturday as Glenwood of Durban travel north for a FNB Classic Clash. Leon Stevens captains College from the side of the scrum.

Scotland 'A' booked their place in the final of the Churchill Cup courtesy of a hard-fought 15-10 victory over Canada at Twin Elm Park in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Tests start in earnest this week, mainly south of the equator.

England Sevens stats Richard Haughton and James Narraway have been pitched straight into the England Saxons side to play Canada in Toronto on Saturday.

Scotland 'A' coach Steve Bates has made eight changes for Wednesday's Churchill Cup clash with Canada in Ottawa.

Veteran Springbok prop Os du Randt remains on ice, as the medical staff carefully manage his groin injury, but the mood in the Bok camp took a dramatic upward swing on Tuesday after an impressive early-morning training session.

Donal Courtney has been to South Africa before, once in dramatic circumstances in a match which he still regards as the highlight of his career. He is back in South Africa to referee the Durban Test between South Africa and Scotland.

Five players will make their debut for the New Zealand Maori when the side kicks off its Churchill Cup campaign against the US Eagles at Santa Clara Stadium in San Francisco on Wednesday.

There were really tough decisions to be made this week in the FNB Top 20. After all the top two sides lost and the third side did not play.

All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday announced the team to play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, with the team including two new caps.

Zweliyandila beat Ntsonkotha 9-5 on Dou Grounds in Chalumna, south of East London, on Saturday in an FNB Classic Clash.

All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday announced the team to play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, with the team including two new caps.

All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday announced the team to play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, with the team including two new caps.

All Black coach Graham Henry on Tuesday announced the team to play Ireland at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, with the team including two new caps.

Western Province schools' selectors have chosen their three high school teams for Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week.

Junior All Blacks coaches Colin Cooper and Ian Foster have made seven changes from the XV that beat Fiji, naming a strong line-up for this Friday's IRB Pacific Five Nations match against Samoa in North Harbour.

The Ireland 'A' team to take on the New Zealand Maori in Saturday's Churchill Cup Pool crucial clash shows four changes to the side that beat the USA last weekend.

England's new defence coach Mike Ford admits there is a chance the world champions will "get busted" by a star-studded Australian back division at Telstra Stadium on Sunday.

Ireland made two changes to the starting XV which helped clinch the Triple Crown, by beating England in March, for Saturday's first of two Test against New Zealand at Waikato Stadium.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is convinced his team can record their first victory over the Springboks on South African soil, when the two sides meet at ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday in the first of two Test matches.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is convinced his team can record their first victory over the Springboks on South African soil, when the two sides meet at ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday in the first of two Test matches.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is convinced his team can record their first victory over the Springboks on South African soil, when the two sides meet at ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday in the first of two Test matches.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is convinced his team can record their first victory over the Springboks on South African soil, when the two sides meet at ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday in the first of two Test matches.

A rampant Muir recorded a resounding 24-3 defeat over Nico Malan in Humansdorp on Saturday. Muir led 12-0 at half-time.

With pressure mounting for Jake White's Springboks to atone for their poor showing against the World XV at Ellis Park last Saturday, the dreaded injury bogey has also visited the camp again. Lock Albert van den Berg could be out of the two-match test series against Scotland.

Westville continued their fine run of form with a convincing 31-16 win over visitors, Parktown.

All Black coach Graham Henry has formally named Crusaders lock Chris Jack in the squad for the two-Test series against Ireland - in Hamilton on Saturday and Auckland next week.

In a one-sided encounter played on the Rec on Saturday afternoon, the Queen’s College 1st XV trounced the visiting Stirling 1st XV, by 39-3 in a game played in bitterly cold conditions.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan will not employ a rotation policy on his team's tour of New Zealand and Australia.

SACS beat Brackenfell 12-5 on a lovely winter's morning in Newlands on Saturday. It was a game of two halves.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is "very happy" that the substantial bulk and uncompromising approach of Nathan Hines is available for the two-match test series against South Africa.

Argentina captain Agustín Pichot has taken time out of an impossibly hectic schedule to chat to Planet Rugby about the current problems striking at the heart of Argentine rugby.

On Saturday Glenwood travel to the sleepy hollow of Pietermaritzburg for a FNB Classic Clash that looks set to bring fireworks to the town. Not only is it Maritzburg College’s Old Boys' weekend, but two of the form teams in KwaZulu Natal go head-to-head on the legendary Goldstones field.

Australia fly-half Stephen Larkham has admitted he still suffers mental torture from Australia's agonising extra-time defeat to England in the final of Rugby World Cup 2003.

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda has named the 22-man squad for Sunday's Test against Wales in Puerto Madryn.

Grey High beat Graeme College 43-19 in Grahamstown on Saturday.

Before some 10,000 spectators the Barbarians beat Georgia 28-19 in Tbilisi on Sunday afternoon. There was more than just a rugby match.

Maritzburg College beat Affies of Pretoria 19-15 in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.

The cat got right amongst the pigeons this weekend. To start with the top two teams on the FNB Top 20 bit the dust.

The strong Strand side beat the brave Bellville side 12-9 on Saturday.

Argentina players' spokesman Mario Ledesma has accused the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) of selling out the Pumas.

England Saxons coach Jon Callard put his side's 13-7 Barclays Churchill Cup defeat to Scotland 'A' down to a lack of experience.

Bishops were at home to Paul Roos on Saturday and won  a highly skilled thriller 18-16. It was one of the great matches on the historic Piley Rees Field.

The Junior All Blacks opened the inaugural Pacific Five Nations tournament with a well-taken 35-17 victory over Fiji in Suva on Saturday.

The New Zealand Maori limbered up for their participation in the Churchill Cup with a thrilling 20-16 victory over a depleted Waratahs side in Sydney on Friday night.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden has drafted uncapped John Beattie into his squad for the tour of South Africa.

The Springbok XV edged out the World XV to maintain their unbeaten record over the star-studded visitors, but Saturday's drab 30-27 victory at a half-empty Ellis Park wasn't quite the celebration of rugby that the overpriced match-tickets had promised.

Australia coach John Connolly has laid down the law to his players ahead of the two-Test series with England by warning them to respect the Wallaby jersey or face the consequences.

Ireland lock Paul O'Connell toured New Zealand with his country in 2002 just after losing a Heineken Cup final. The Munster star is bound for All Black country again - but this time as a European champion.

England Saxons fly-half Dave Walder is determined to "ram a few rods down a few people's throats" and prove that Newcastle Falcons boss Rob Andrew was wrong to dump him.

Bulelani Litye captains Ntsonkotha in their FNB Classic Clash with Zweliyandila, a daunting tack if last year's match is anything to go by.

Veteran England centre Mike Catt has tipped young backs Tom Varndell and Matthew Tait to make a major impact on the upcoming Test series against Australia.

Mtobeli Kweliti, coach of Zweliyandila school near East London, an ardent rugby man, has great praise for his captain Akhona Myokwana as his team prepares to play Ntsonkotha in an FNB Classic Clash in Chalumna on Saturday.

Boland have chosen their teams for the Craven Week, the Academy Week and the Grant Khomo Week for Under-16s.

Scotland star Chris Paterson has warned there is still a lot of work to do following his country's 66-19 triumph over the Barbarians at Murrayfield on Wednesday.

England coach Andy Robinson has dismissed the view that he has assembled a development side for the forthcoming tour of Australia and is convinced that his troops can get the better of the Wallabies.

After an encouraging first season with Ulster, Isaac Boss could be about to top it all off by making his Ireland debut against the country of his birth.

London Wasps speedster Paul Sackey has failed to overcome a toe injury and will be replaced in the England Saxons squad for the Churchill Cup by Bath wing Andrew Higgins.

Munster wing Anthony Horgan will join Ireland's tour to New Zealand and Australia following John Kelly's withdrawal through injury.

Marais Viljoen face the daunting task of travelling to Monument on Saturday afternoon to play in a FNB Classic Clash. Grant Victor captains Marais Viljoen.

On Saturday Monument host Marais Viljoen from Alberton in a FNB Classic Clash. Stand-in skipper Gary Collins leads Monnas.

There are 13 players from Outeniqua in the South Western Districts Craven Week side - and another seven in the Academy side and another dozen in the Under-16 side.

Bath playmaker Olly Barkley sees his England call-up for the Australia tour as an opportunity to establish himself in the 1st XV rather than simply challenge the likes of Charlie Hodgson and Jonny Wilkinson for the fly-half berth.

Scotland limbered up for their two-Test tour of South Africa with an impressive 66-19 victory over the Barbarians at Murrayfield on Wednesday evening, topping England's efforts against the same opponents by a full 20 points.

The Super 14 final at Jade Stadium was dominated by the fog. It was the biggest talking point after the match. We shall also talk about it - for the last time!

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the reintroduction of Technical Zones for all Test matches. The new zones, which are designed to aid game management for match officials, will return ahead of matches in the June Test window.

Marc Colia’s story is one full of inspiration and determination. Marc has overcome a potentially career ending disorder, to emerge as an inspirational captain to one of KwaZulu Natal’s most successful 1st XVs, Westville Boys’ High.

Canada and the USA - the host nations - England, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland have teams and referees taking part in the Churchill Cup this month.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the reintroduction of Technical Zones for all Test matches. The new zones, which are designed to aid game management for match officials, will return ahead of matches in the June Test window.

Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma has confirmed that the Pumas will give their all in their scheduled Test matches against Wales and New Zealand but reiterated that their dispute with the Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) has yet to be resolved.

Glenwood High School celebrated their Old Boys Day in the best possible way last Saturday by shutting out DHS 34-9 in an FNB Classic clash on their Dixon Field.

Muir College of Uitenhage have been having a really good season and on Saturday made good use of opportunities in beating a valiant Westering High 45-12 in Uitenhage. At half-time Muir led 38-7.

Glenwood and Framesby come into the FNB Top 20 this week for the first time this year, two sides who have been playing well.

South African Under-21 hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle has immense promise. First Springbok coach Jake White wanted him to train with the senior national team and now he has been chosen to captain his country at the International Rugby Board (IRB) U21 World Cup in France, according to Afrikaans daily newspaper, Die Burger.

Springs Technical High School's first rugby team suffered a 43-0 thrashing at the hands of Brandwag High School in the FNB Clash on Saturday.

St John's travelled down to Balgowan to play Michaelhouse and won 34-27 on Saturday, 27 May.

Potchefstroom Boys' High beat Parktown 15-10 in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs for the Super 14 Final - the Crusaders against the Hurricanes.

Queen's College continued their dominance of schoolboy rugby in the Eastern Cape when they outplayed Hudson Park in East London on Saturday. Despite a determined challenge from a committed Hudson Park side, Queen's outscored their opposition by five tries to two and were full value for their 29-15 victory.

Winston Williams of Hoërskool Florida west of Johannesburg is a star in the making. He is slight of build, remarkably fast with an intuitive understanding of rugby.

The window for Tests starts opening a crack this weekend before flinging itself wide to the world.

In a windy Grahamstown on Saturday, St Andrew's were good value for their 31-17 victory over Daniël Pienaar of Uitenhage.

The Affies first rugby team is alive and well, and once again has bragging rights in Pretoria. This they achieved by beating the much-vaunted Waterkloof side by 28-24 at Affies on Saturday.

After beating Grey College last week, Affies won another big scalp this week when they beat the Blue Tornados.

After their victory over Bishops everybody expected Bellville to beat Durbanville with ease. Bellville shattered the expectations and astonished all by losing 23-12 against a determined Durbanville side.

Selborne College scored six tries to beat Graeme College 44-5 in East London on Saturday.  The match was played in warm, dry conditions in front of a sizeable and appreciative crowd who were treated to an impressive Selborne performance.

In wet and muddy conditions Bishops proved too strong and to skilful for their hosts SACS, winning 20-10. The match was an entertaining affair, enjoyed by a large crowd, with both teams trying to play attacking rugby in difficult underfoot conditions. 

The FNB Classic Clash in Potchefstroom between Gimnasium and Volkskool at the Gimnasium Mooivallei sports grounds resulted in a 20-0 victory for Volkskool.

Maritzburg went down to Westville 13-6 on Saturday.

Brits, the bigger school with the bigger pack won this FNB Classic Clash 31-7 against neighbours Wagpos on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Wagpos.

Potchestroom Gimnamsium hosts the second Potch derby in as many weeks. The game is also a FNB Classic Clash and Andries Dreyer captains Gimnasium from the outside centre position.

This weekend's Super 14 final is the 14th final in Super rugby with, naturally, the 14th appointment of a referee - Jonathan Kaplan of South Africa.

All referees are used to prematch efforts at garnering sympathy for one side or the other. Mostly they listen without yawning.

This week we have another Potchestroom derby as Volkskool travel to Gimnasium for a FNB Classic Clash. Volkskool will be led out by their No.6 flank Stephe Viljoen.

Liam Slatem is the form player in the SACS backline and is the individual the team looks to for attacking inspiration. On Saturday SACS host local rivals Bishops, who are renowned for the adventurous back play. Slatem will be up against arguably the best schoolboy centre in the Western Cape Adrian Kritzinger and is relishing the challenge. 

Hoërskool Ermelo beat HTS Middelburg 23-27 in an FNB Classic Clash in Ermelo on Saturday. This leaves them unbeaten in the Mpumalanga league

Seven Super 14 players have been included in the New Zealand team for next month's International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championships in France.

HTS Springs host near neighbours and rivals Brandwag in a FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Flank Marthines du Preez will lead out the hosts.

Brandwag head down the East Rand to play HTS Springs in a FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Janco Bronkhorst captains Brandwag of Benoni from the flank position.

Experienced international referee Tony Spreadbury has been forced by illness to withdraw from Saturday's Guinness Premiership final at Twickenham.

Glenwood host Durban High School in a FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Warren Whiteley captains Glenwood from the openside flank position.

Durban High School (DHS) travel down the Ridge Road to Glenwood on Saturday for an eagerly awaited FNB Classic Clash. Of Italian decent Max - he was christened Massimo - Tripepi captains DHS from the back of the scrum.

Wagpos of Brits host neighbours and rivals Brits High School in a FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Eighthman Cornel du Plessis captains Wagpos.

Hoërskool Brits travel to Hoërskool Wagpos on Saturday for a FNB Classic Clash. Rickus Theron captains Brits from the loosehead position.

The Super 12 is the world's premier provincial rugby union tournament in the world with the best of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand going head to head for 13 frenetic weeks.

Tappe Henning, recently retired from international refereeing, has been appointed to referee the match at Ellis Park on 3 June between a Springbok XV and a star-studded World XV.

It's tough at the top! Grey Bloem have been toppled and Paul Roos have marched to the top of the FNB Top 20.

It is often claimed that referees give more penalties against the away team than the home team, and people then start to theorise as to why this should be. However Planet-Rugby kindly publishes statistics about penalties in the Super14, and so I decided to see if the initial premise was true.

In the rain and the wind in Upington, Carlton-Van Heerden beat AJ Ferreira 3-0 in their FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

An all-South African match official team will officiate in the Super 14 Final between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes at Jade Stadium, Christchurch, on Saturday.

On a cold, wet Saturday, a penalty from Man of the Match Chris van der Meulen in the dying minutes gave Graeme an 8-6 victory over hosts Woodridge.

The first big final to be played will be at Jade Stadium in Christchurch, the second at Twickenham in London - the finals of the Super 14 and England's Premiership. It's final time in Italy and a vital Test in Madrid.

Soundsure have sent a summary of the statistics for all 91 matches in the round robin of the Super 14. We shall give just some of them.

There was all the drama of the semi-finals in the Super 14 this weekend. One was cut-and-dried, the other touch-and-go. Touch-and-go produced controversy. We shall look at some incidents, including that one at the scrum and two at the line-out.

Australia will field a heavyweight line-up for the 2006 International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in France next month, with a team that includes nine players who have played Super 14 Rugby and over 20 players who have previously represented Australia at the Under-21 or Under-19 level.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs for the two Super 14 semi-finals - the Hurricanes against the Waratahs and the Crusaders against the Bulls.

A moment of magic from Jamie Forrester handed Gloucester the European Challenge Cup after a 36-34 extra-time victory over London Irish in a pulsating match at the Stoop on Sunday.

Belville sprung a big surprise when they beat the strong Bishops side 6-0 in the rain and the wind at Bellville on Saturday.

A moment of magic from Jamie Forrester handed Gloucester the European Challenge Cup after a 36-34 extra-time victory over London Irish in a pulsating match at the Stoop on Sunday.

Affies beat Grey Bloem, which is always an achievement, in the wet Western Cape Bellville beat Bishops, and in an FNB Classic Clash Ermelo beat HTS Middelburg.. Even in Kimberley it was wet and cold. It rained in Upington when Carlton-Van Heerden just won their FNB Classic Clash.

To beat Grey College on the rugby field is an impressive and nigh impossible feat. To do it in consecutive years is almost unheard of, but this is exactly what Affies achieved in Pretoria on Saturday when they defeated their Free State visitors 18-13.

In a match played in cold and blustery conditions SACS managed to defeat their hosts HTS Bellville, 15-8. The game was punctuated by penalties as both sides battled to come to terms with the referee's interpretation of the tackle ball.

A moment of magic from Jamie Forrester handed Gloucester the European Challenge Cup after a 36-34 extra-time victory over London Irish in a pulsating match at the Stoop on Sunday.

Dean Ryan believes Sunday's dramatic 36-34 European Challenge Cup final victory over London Irish can be the start of a successful era for Gloucester.

A moment of magic from Jamie Forrester handed Gloucester the European Challenge Cup after a 36-34 extra-time victory over London Irish in a pulsating match at the Stoop on Sunday.

There is a new King of Europe and he wears the triple crown of Munster. But what an intense affair in Millennium Stadium with the roof closed.

In this section we deal with some aspects of the laws in action and comment on what readers have to say.

AJ Ferreira are up against local rivals Carlton-Van Heerden on Saturday in an FNB Classic Clash. Hanri Snyders captains a committed AJ Ferreira team from fullback.

It might be a sideshow to the real thing, but - for Andy Robinson at least - Sunday's Challenge Cup final between Gloucester and London Irish at the Stoop is very much a main event.

It might be a sideshow to the real thing, but - for Andy Robinson at least - Sunday's Challenge Cup final between Gloucester and London Irish at the Stoop is very much a main event.

Perhaps the timing of this column will give away what it is likely to be about, but then again, many of you may be surprised to see something about soccer here at all.

It might be a sideshow to the real thing, but - for Andy Robinson at least - Sunday's Challenge Cup final between Gloucester and London Irish at the Stoop is very much a main event.

It might be a sideshow to the real thing, but - for Andy Robinson at least - Sunday's Challenge Cup final between Gloucester and London Irish at the Stoop is very much a main event.

Three unanswered second-half tries gave St Andrew's a hard fought 26-19 victory over visitors Hudson Park on Wednesday. Hudson capitalised on St Andrew's mistakes in the first half to take a 19-7 lead at half-time.

Hoërskool Ermelo host HTS Middelburg in a FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Luan Oostuizen captains Ermelo.

On Saturday Ermelo host HTS Middelburg in a FNB Classic Clash. Robbie la Grange captains HTS Middelburg from the No.8 position.

The Queen's College 1st XV turned on the charm to record a comprehensive 34-7 victory over the visiting Selborne team on the Rec on Saturday afternoon. While Queen's played with confidence and composure, Selborne struggled to find their rhythm and seldom crossed the advantage line.

DHS 1st XV had a tough fixture against St Charles on Saturday the 13 May, which they won 23-6.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs for the last week of the regular Super 14.

At Newlands when the Bulls beat the Stormers 43-10, their last try was scored by Bryan Habana. We have had some comment from readers on the matter and thought it fit to do it separately from other incidents in the last week of Super 14's round robin.

Tony Spreadbury has been appointed to referee the final of England's Premiership at Twickenham on 27 May 2006.

It's not easy to go to Paarl Boys' High and win, but Grey Bloem did so on Saturday when they won 20-5. For that reason we have put them on their own at the top of the FNB Top 20 this week.

Belfast has been chosen as the host city of the IRB U19 World Championship 2007.

Cardiff will be the focus of attention for millions this weekend as the Heineken Cup final is played. It is not the only big match.

SANZAR has appointed the referees for the semi-finals of the Super 14. It has taken a group of referees from South Africa for one and another group of referees from Australia for the other.

Coach Pieter De Villiers has named a very powerful and experienced South African team to compete at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Under-21 World Championship in France next month.

Maritzburg College went up the hill and beat Hilton 32-14 on Saturday.

St Andrew's beat Graeme College 17-11 in a tense FNB Classic Clash in Grahamstown on Saturday. 

Westville took to the road over the Drakensberg to play KES and won 20-8, scoring all their points kin the first half.

Transvalia beat HTS Vereeniging 23-0 in their FNB Classic clash at Transvalia on Saturday.

There were four FNB Classic Clashes this weekend with victories for St Andrew's in Grahamstown, Daniël Pienaar in Uitenhage, HTS in Potchefstroom and Transvalia.

Hoërskool Bellville continued on their winning ways, beating Stellenberg 17-7 on Saturday.

The first ever FNB Classic Clash between old rivals, the only two boys' schools in Potchefstroom, the Technical High School (HTS) and Potch Boys' High, ended in a one point victory for the hosts, HTS.

HTS Daniël Pienaar beat Die Brandwag 34-16 in an FNB Classic Clash in Uitenhage on Saturday.

Played as usual on a Wednesday, Maritzburg College had a big 48-0 over neighbours Voortrekker at Goldstone's.

Due to fixture congestion in the Boland, SACS hosted Hugenote of Wellington on Wednesday afternoon. The teams kicked off just as the hot sun dipped below Devil's Peak and the match was played in near-perfect conditions. The match proved to be a tense affair, with both teams benefiting from intercept tries.

The DHS 1st XV had their second domestic game against Richardsbay on Saturday the 6 May. It was game where DHS had everything to lose and Richardsbay could have taken away the DHS good record so far.

Maritzburg College beat Pretoria Boys High 24-5 at College, 6 May 2006.

HTS Potchefstroom are hosting Potchstroom Boys High in the local town derby on Saturday. On his birthday, Cor Steyn will be leading his team against the closest rivals. The match is another FNB Classic Clash.

James Hatting, playing in his second year for St Andrew's College first team, will captain his school when they run in out in this Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against neighbours, Graeme College.

As headboy of HTS Vereeniging, Stiaan Smith leads his school and his team on Saturday against Transvalia in an FNB Classic Clash.

Two tries in the last five minutes from wing Dylan Fetting gave Graeme College a 28-12 victory over visitors Cambridge High School in an inter-schools rugby match.

Hoerskool Transvalia of Van der Bijl Park host HTS Vereeniging in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday. Born in Vereeniging on 30 September 1988 and having attended Laerskool Kollegepark, LeRoi le Roux has the honour of captaining Transvalia from the No.8 position.

Thilip Marole is captain of Potch Boys High, who play local rivals HTS Potchestroom in an FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.

HTS Daniel Pienaar host Brandwag on Saturday in a FNB Classic Clash. HTS Daniel Pienaar captain Cornel Ferreira is a big boy who is looking forward to a big game on Saturday. Having looked forward to the local Uitenhage derby since last season already, he is fired up for this week's FNB Classic Clash.

There was plenty of movement in the FNB Top 20 this week, partly because of some surprising results, but once again we have Outeniqua and Grey Bloem at the top.

In a fiercely-contested 'FNB Classic Clashes' inter-schools fixture between long-standing traditional rivals, Queen's and Dale (on the occasion of the Dale Reunion), the visiting Queen's team deservedly beat their opposition by 20 points to 10 after a narrow 10-7 lead at half-time.

Lorenzo Southey, playing in his third year for the First XV, will captain Graeme College in this Saturday's FNB Classic Clash against local rivals St. Andrews College. Lorenzo marks this special day where Grahamstown's two boys schools meet with a rare individual feat - this will be the flyhalf's 50th match for the First Team.

College won a hard match against Jeppe 17-8 on Saturday. In a match of two halves, College came out fighting and dominated possession, and scored two great tries through T Molefi and captain T Marole, both of which were converted by Calvin van Rensburg to lead 14-3 at half-time.

Brandwag and Daniel Pienaar play each other in the Uitenhage derby on Saturday. The fixture is only played once per annum and Saturday is D-day in Uitenhage. Which Grade 12 class of 2006 will have the bragging rights for the rest of their days? We find out Saturday when they meet in an FNB Classic Clash.

In an exciting match played out in front of a sizable crowd, SACS overcame near neighbours and rivals Rondebosch Boys' High in a hard fought match, winning 22-14. Despite the heavy overnight rain the surface was good and the teams were able to entertain the crowd with some expansive rugby.

Hoërskool Monument , South Africa's representatives at the Sanix Youth Rugby Tournament in Japan, lost 34-20 in the final to Christchurch Boys' High, the 2005 winners. It is for boys who had not yet turned 17 after 31 March 2006.

In typical Cape Town winter weather - cold, windy and raining, Bellville went up the N1 to Brackenfell and beat the home side 25-24 in a thriller. A try at the death won the match.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs.

It was such an interesting round, as all Super 14 rounds are. And we have some things to talk briefly about.

There are semi-finals in England's Premiership and it is the last round of Super 14, which means the semi-finalists will be decided with their venues. It is a time for decisions, but then decisions are what referees do.

Boland Landbou and Maritzburg College struck back and Waterkloof struck with a vengeance in this week's results which include the two FNB Classic Clashes, one won by Queen's, the other by Itembelihle.

Outeniqua of George beat Oakdale Landbou of Riversdale 44-10 on Saturday.

Itembelihle Comprehensive School beat Ndzondelelo High 15-5 in an FNB Classic Clash at Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.

Potchefstroom on the banks of the Mooi River is the oldest town in the old Transvaal, in the world of Sarie Marais and the struggles if the Afrikaner people, and this is reflected in the history of HTS Potchefstroom.

St John's of Johannesburg went down to Wynberg Boys' High for their 165th birthday rugby festival over the last long weekend, and won both of their matches.

Westville Boys’ High School’s 1st XV travelled to Cape Town to participate in the Wynberg Boys’ High School’s 165th Celebration Rugby Festival from Thursday 27 April to Saturday 29 April

As the FNB Classic Clash with Queen's approaches, Dale captain and outside centre Maphelo Mpondo is a focussed man.

Queen's College 1st XV Captain and head boy Lisle Clark like his school, has serious pedigree.

Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp are South Africa's representatives at the 7th Sanix Youth Rugby Tournament in Japan and are through to the final in which they will play against Christchurch Boys' High of New Zealand.

Graeme College of Grahamstown in the City of Saints and Scholars was founded in 1873 to provide for scholars but not quite as denominationally saintly as the other schools.

Eddie Rululu is the captain of Ndzondelelo High School of Zwide Township in Port Elizabeth, and they are playing great rivals Itembelihle Comprehensive School of Kwazakhele in New Brighton.

Ayanda Jam-Jam, Itembelihle's star back and captain, is looking forward to the FNB Classic Clash between his school and nearby Ndzondelelo High at Wolfson Stadium.

Referees have been appointed to the last rounds of the first Super 14's Round Robin. in all likelihood it will be Tappe Henning's last Super 14 match when he goes down to Kimberley for the match between the Cheetahs and the Cats.

There are always interesting things on the rugby field. It must be tedious to have a simple game where everything is cut-and-dried. Rugby is dynamic and multi-faceted, and so there is always room for debate and discussion.

This is a decisive time for teams in Europe and Super 14, when the spotlight shines even more brightly on the referee and his decisions.

The FNB Gauteng-KwaZulu Natal Festival, played at Rand Park  School between schools from Gauteng and schools from over the Berg, ended on Monday.

There were not as many matches as usual as long-weekenditis laid schools rugby low - yet again. But amongst the matches played there were performances warranting changes to our FNB Top 20 yet again.

Hoërskool Monument are South Africa's representative at the seventh Sanix Youth Rugby Tournament in the Global Arena in Munakata City in Fukuoka, Japan during Japan's Golden Week when there are public holidays. So far Monnas are doing well.

Just recently the FIRA-AER Women's European Championship ended in Northern Italy. For the first time ever all the referees were women.

The 2006 Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament is taking place in Fukuoka, Japan. Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp is taking part.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs.

There was another short week for the schools this week with another short week to come. But there was still time for some schools to play and for Boland Landbou to get an unexpected defeat.

We have just a few incidents to talk about but one, the first one, that is serious.

The first day of the two-day FNB Gauteng-KwaZulu Natal Rugby Festival was played at Fourways School on Saturday. The second playing day is Labour Day on Monday.

Our columnist Duncan Bech reflects on what he makes of England's coaching shake-up and gives us his views on the possible return of a certain knight of the realm...

The advantage law, Law  8, is a short law but not an easy one to apply effectively - the one that does most to grade referees, for it is in playing advantage that a referee best shows his understanding of the game and his artistry in adding to the game.

In brilliant sunshine on a perfect field with autumn colours marching up the hill and the side of Table Mountain in clear splendour, the Wynberg Boys' High 165 Rugby Festival kicked off on the afternoon of Freedom Day.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced a radical restructuring of its panels of Test referees.

The IRB has appointed referees for the mid-year Tests in the Southern Hemisphere, the first appointments from the new panel of referees and the new support panel of touch judges and television match officials.

On a hot Wednesday afternoon out in Durbanville SACS held on to beat their hosts Stellenberg 21-20. The first half was a scrappy affair with both teams guilty of numerous basic errors. Consequently neither team was able to impose its pattern on the game.

King Edward VII School (KES) are in the middle of a promising season. They have lost two close games (to Pretoria Boys High and Grey (PE) but their spirit remains high and with key players returning and others in good form they don’t intend slipping up again. One of their most influential players so far this season has been flank Vaughn Meyer. He is this week’s FNB Player of the Week.

Westville Boys’ High School’s 1st XV started their domestic rugby season on a very positive note.  The local lads repeated last year’s 17-7 win over their Midlands opponents with an emphatic 35-3 victory on Saturday.

It's tough at the top all right, and it has affected the FNB Top 20 this week in a big way.

DHS beat Glenwood 28-21 in a close encounter in Durban on Saturday. DHS won the 1st XV match, but Glenwood dominated most of the other matches.

Here we give stats concerning getting possession, mainly at scrums and line-outs.

Weren't the referees in the two tense semi-finals great? Not that this weekend's matches will be entirely free of tension as the Super 14 and the competitions in Europe reach their climaxes.

Wynberg Boys' High are making the most of the approaching long weekend with two days of good rugby at the school.

The Queen's College 1st XV provided the climax to a successful reunion weekend by beating the visiting Grey High School 21-10 in front of a huge crowd of jubilant Old Boys and other Queen's College supporters on the Rec on Saturday afternoon.

There was a surprise for Grey Bloem this week when Jim Fouché held them to a draw in wet Bloemfontein. For Grey a draw is like defeat; for Jim Fouché drawing with Grey is like victory.

London Irish booked a date with Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup final courtesy of a dramatic 27-22 victory over the slow-starting Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Sunday.

London Irish booked a date with Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup final courtesy of a dramatic 27-22 victory over the slow-starting Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Sunday.