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OPINION: Alex McLeod ranks New Zealand's Tests for 2021 from worst to best. Look where South Africa come in!

NEWS: For the first time since 2002 all three major leading Southern Hemisphere sides were beaten on the same day as the end-of-year series came to a rousing conclusion.

OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith shares his views on the Springboks' 2021 season.

ANALYSIS: Rookie flyhalf Marcus Smith landed a 79th-minute penalty to secure a thrilling 27-26 win for England over South Africa at Twickenham at the weekend.

WATCH as we bring you 'evidence' of why World Rugby made a massive blunder in not nominating Eben Etzebeth for the Player of the Year award.

OPINION: Leezil Hendricks rates the South African players after their loss to England on Saturday! 

OPINION: This was a November heavyweight clash that lived up to his box office billing, the outcome going right down to the wire before the 80th minute Marcus Smith penalty edged England to their gripping 27-26 November  Series victory.

URC SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks have taken to heart the lessons they learnt from their tour of Europe and hope to apply those in the next fortnight.

NEWS: World Rugby has approved revisions to the World Cup host selection process.

BREAKING NEWS: World Rugby has eased its once strict rules on international eligibility.

REACTION: Sale boss Alex Sanderson said he was "frustrated" that Manu Tuilagi could face yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

NEWS: Trans-Tasman sporting codes are back at the drawing board after New Zealand decided against scrapping self-isolation for international arrivals.

NEWS: Sharks announced that they will be playing Saracens at StoneX Stadium in North London on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players after their 53-7 rout of Argentina in Dublin on Sundsay.

OPINION: The All Blacks have finished their 2021 international season with another loss, going down to France 40-25 at Stade de France in Paris. It was also their second loss in as many Tests after going down to Ireland last weekend.

INTERVIEW: After a challenging European tour - with just one win from four outings - the Bulls are looking to make home ground advantage count.

NEWS: Gloucester Rugby announced that four current Cherry and White players have extended their contracts with the club.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Injured England back Anthony Watson has been handed a one-week suspension for a social media message he posted regarding Bath's defeat to Wasps on October 30.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has acknowledged the backlash from fans across New Zealand after his side finished its worst season since 2009.

REACTION: Wallabies great Stephen Larkham is tipped to take over as Brumbies coach for 2023 after announcing he won't take up a new deal with Irish club Munster.

`WATCH as Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie chats to @king365ed after their mid-season friendly win over the Sharks at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok head coach Nick Mallett revealed that World Rugby’s decision to sanction current South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus was correct.

TRANSFER TALK: Springbok and Stormers prop Stevan Kitshoff is reportedly in high demand in Europe.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones hailed the emergence of England's new crop of rising stars for creating an "enormous competitive strain" on selection as his squad builds towards the 2023 World Cup in France.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers will waste no time to rush back Springboks trio for the United Rugby Championship Round six match against Zebre at the Cape Town Stadium.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende says there is no feeling of doom and gloom in his squad after their defeat to England at Twickenham.

South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus might have not been at Twickenham however he managed to steal the headlines with a very memorable celebration.

WATCH a very heated exchange between Ireland skipper Peter O’Mahoney and Argentina’s Tomas Lavanini caught the eye – or rather the ear of the rugby fraternity. 

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby [NZR] has thrown its support around under-fire All Blacks head coach Ian Foster following a dismal end to his side’s test campaign.

SPOTLIGHT: Dave Rennie has been backed by the man he replaced as Wallabies coach after his furious criticism of match officials' decisions during the Test defeat to Wales.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie will leave the Chiefs to join Suntory Sungoliath, the Japanese franchise announced on Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Barbarians have confirmed their 24-man squad for their match against Samoa at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has opted to stay clear of questions surrounding Ian Foster and the All Blacks in the wake of the team’s successive defeats over the past fortnight.

WATCH as Sharks coach Sean Everitt speaks about the aspects of his team's game that concern him most ahead of the resumption of their URC campaign.

NEWS: Australia legend Stephen Larkham will depart Munster Rugby at the end of the 2021/22 season.

SQUAD UPDATE: Munster have added another four players to their squad for their tour to South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand face some serious soul-searching, with the focus on head coach Ian Foster, after they were completely outplayed by France in Paris on Saturday to end their worst year since 2009.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: They travelled over as the best-ranked three nations in world rugby but Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are returning from their European tours with their tails between their legs.

TRANSFER NEWS: One of Australia's hookers has joined Montpellier on a three-year deal, one of which is optional, the Top 14 club said on Monday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: A mix of youth and experience has been unveiled, amongst several moves in the player market, with the squads confirmed for every Super Rugby Pacific side.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: There is returning star power who have joined a cast of exciting young rookies in New Zealand's five 2022 Super Rugby Pacific squads.

OPINION: Will Owen rates the Wales players after their narrow 29-28 win over Australia on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland ensured it was a clean sweep by Northern Hemisphere teams on the final weekend of year-end Tests - routing Argentina 53-7 in Dublin on Sunday.

REACTION: Australia coach Dave Rennie has delivered an uncharacteristic blast at the match officials after his side's 28-29 defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

SPOTLIGHT: Marcus Smith wants to see England "kick on" after steering Eddie Jones's men to a thrilling 27-26 win over world champions South Africa.

REACTION: Joe Marler is happy to "come along for the ride", after seeing a raft of young England players make their mark in a dramatic victory over world champions South Africa.

REACTION: Springboks captain Siyamthanda Kolisi praised his team's mental strength following their disruptive November Test series.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby may have painted a picture of unequivocal evidence of Rassie Erasmus' guilt, but their own documentation points to at least one major contradiction.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and France share top billing as the teams to have impressed in the November Tests said Argentina coach Mario Ledesma.

OPINION: Gavin Harper rates the Scottish players after their hard-earned win over Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has promised his team will come back stronger in 2022 after ending this year on a dire note.

REPORT: France made a statement by beating New Zealand by a record margin, 40-25, on Saturday in a dress rehearsal for the opening game of the 2023 World Cup.

MATCH REPORT: The ill-disciplined and luckless Wallabies have been punished once last time on their wretched European tour, their 14 men going down 29-28 to Wales in a stop-start, bad-tempered but ultimately thrilling affair at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

MATCH REPORT: Stuart Hogg set a new national try-scoring record as Scotland ended their year with a 29-20 win over Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Eddie Jones had promised that England will be more street-smart in their contest against South Africa.

MATCH REPORT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie said his team wanted to show they can be competitive against South Africa's United Rugby Championship teams.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and Argentina in Dublin.

MATCH REPORT: Pierre Bruno scored a try on his international debut as Italy held on to beat Uruguay 17-10 in Parma on Saturday to end a 16-match losing streak.

WATCH as Springboks No.8 Duane Vermeulen reveals the real reason why he returned to South Africa.

NEWS: The nominees for World Rugby's 2021 Player of the Year award has been revealed.

DESPERATION: Australia coach Dave Rennie has painted the Wallabies' end-of-tour clash against Wales in Cardiff as a battle between two sides "desperate" to end difficult, injury-hit campaigns on a high.

WORLD CUP REHEARSAL: When the draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup was made last December on the swanky side of Paris' former stock exchange one fixture stood out, France against New Zealand.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between France and New Zealand in Paris.

ANALYSIS: RugbyPass writer Ben Smith looks at why Siya Kolisi should have been on the shortlist for World Rugby's Player of the Year.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Wales and Australia in Cardiff.

LAST DANCE: A first-ever win for Argentina in Dublin over an Ireland side coming off a victory over New Zealand would be "massively good" for the Pumas at the end of a long season.

NEWS: It’s all change in the top five of the World Rugby Rankings.

SPOTLIGHT: Rassie Erasmus' absence will be a big motivator for Springboks when they face England at Twickenham, says Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and South Africa at Twickenham.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and Japan at Murrayfield.

SPOTLIGHT: Joe Marler said on Friday he hopes a combination of red wine and adrenaline will prove a winning formula when England face South Africa at Twickenham this weekend.

NPC MATCH REPORT: Two opportunist tries to Bailyn Sullivan sealed a golden homecoming for Waikato when they beat Tasman 23-20 in a cliffhanger NPC Final.

OPINION: The Springboks' forward pack proved to be the difference again in their 30-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

OPINION: Despite Australia’s excellent run of form in 2021 and an outbreak in camp, England came into this contest as heavy favourites.

OPINION: The All Blacks went down to a fabulous Irish team 20-29 in their penultimate match of the year.

OFF-FIELD DRAMA: It is a replay of the 2019 World Cup Final, but the build-up has been overshadowed by sideshows.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Sharks will travel to Bloemfontein to play the Free State Cheetahs in the third match of the pre-season Challenge Series.

INJURY UPDATE: England captain Owen Farrell faces a race to be fit for the Six Nations, after Saracens confirmed on Thursday the playmaker will be sidelined for three months due to ankle surgery.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran second row forward Guido Petti is restored to the Argentina starting line-up for Sunday's Test with in-form Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian De Allende revealed the secret behind his successful midfield partnership with Lukhanyo Am.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: British and Irish Lions centre Robbie Henshaw gets his first start for Ireland since recovering from a foot injury in their final November Test against Argentina on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has thrown the proverbial book at South Africa's Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, laying the blame squarely at his feet.

PREVIEW: After defeats to THE Rugby Championship duo New Zealand and Argentina, Kieran Crowley will hope it is third time lucky as Italy host Uruguay in Parma.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Richie Mo'unga starts at flyhalf instead of the injured Beauden Barrett for this weekend's highly-anticipated Test with France.

TRANSFER TALK: Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has reportedly been linked to a move to Premiership side Leicester Tigers.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has revealed his team to face Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MAKING A STATEMENT: This may be billed as another 'pre-season' match, but the Cheetahs are determined to send a strong message to the big four franchises.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has named his England side to play South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, November 20.

SAFFA SHOWDOWN: Japan and Scotland square off at BT Murrayfield looking to end their November Series campaigns on a high.

SPOTLIGHT: The hour-long video of South Africa's Director of Rugby, Johan Erasmus, has had some unintended consequences.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Romain Ntamack will start at flyhalf for this weekend's Test with New Zealand after featuring at centre throughout November, Fabien Galthie said on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has named his team for their final Test of the 2021 end-of-year series.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok No.8 Duane Vermeulen admitted they are in for a very gruelling breakdown battle against England on Saturday at Twickenham. 

SPOTLIGHT: Australian referee Nic Berry says his reputation has been "tarnished" forever due to Rassie Erasmus' 62-minute video rant.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie made minimal changes to his team for the third match in the pre-season Challenge series.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: A 29-man Munster squad will travel to South Africa on Saturday for their United Rugby Championship fixtures against the Bulls and the Lions.

NEWS: The longest-serving administrator in South Africa, Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs, will step down at the end of November after 28 years at the helm.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has announced his team to take on Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Matt Proudfoot has got no anxiety about the likely youthful make-up of the starting England front row this Saturday against the Springboks.

UPDATE: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and SA Rugby wasted no time to respond to World Rugby’s long-awaited verdict.

NEWS: New Zealand forwards coach John Plumtree said flyhalf Beauden Barrett is a "doubt" for this weekend's Test with France in Paris.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has urged replacement flank Pete Samu to bring his own "athletic edge" against Wales rather than try to emulate injured skipper Michael Hooper in their Test against Wales.

SQUAD NEWS: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber confirmed that Sharks duo Sibusiso Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi have been released from the touring squad and will depart for South Africa on Wednesday.

An independent committee has found SA Rugby Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus guilty of misconduct towards match officials during the series between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs turned on the class and recorded a 99-15 win over Barcelona Diables on Wednesday in Bloemfontein.

NEWS: World Rugby announced a new global education campaign on Wednesday "to increase understanding of the importance of brain health" for players.

SPOTLIGHT: There are "a lot of similarities" between England's scrum and South Africa's scrum, according to Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says Jesse Kriel's performance against Scotland was the main reason why the 27-year-old has kept his place on the wing.

NEWS: Two forwards have been ruled out of Wales' match against Australia on Saturday after suffering concussion, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced.

NEWS: A new halfback pairing with start Ireland's final Test of the year against Argentina on Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's 1999 Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Eales says his country hosting the tournament in 2027 for a third occasion will also be beneficial to other countries.

SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan Humphreys acknowledges that injury-ravaged Wales are "battered and bruised" as a punishing November Series campaign nears its conclusion with Saturday's clash against Australia in Cardiff.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team to face England at Twickenham.

NEWS: The Wallabies have decided on a captain to lead them against Wales on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs head coach Hawies Fourie has revealed his team to face Barcelona Diables in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

NEWS: Wales has been a happy hunting ground for playmaker James O'Connor, who made his maiden appearance there in the Wallabies' No.10 jersey a decade ago.

OPINION: This has quickly become the norm and not the elusive scalp for Ireland as they defeated the All Blacks for the third time in five meetings.

NEWS: It is a devastating time for the family of Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis after his son died in a drowning accident on Tuesday.

NEWS: The pools and match schedule have been announced for the Dubai Sevens on November 26-27.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus returns to his 'water boy' duties for the Springboks.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team is determined to hold onto their No.1 spot in the world rankings as they prepare to face England this weekend.

INJURY UPDATE: England suffered a double blow in the build-up to their final year-end Test, against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The Wallabies' hopes of salvaging some pride on their tour have suffered a hammer blow.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane believes his side will have to make better decisions in the heat of battle when they take on France in Paris on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Outspoken England coach Eddie Jones has likened his team to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, when he beat George Foreman with some unconventional tactics.

NEWS: One of New Zealand's centres will miss this weekend's Test with France.

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton will be out of action for up to six weeks.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff says his team is not paying too much attention to the Matt Proudfoot factor ahead of Saturday's clash against England at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: Will England have some antivenom for the Springboks' ‘slow poison’ when they meet at Twickenham this coming weekend?

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC NEWS: Melbourne will host three days of double-headers featuring all 12 teams in the new competition - including newcomers Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber said Herschel Jantjies still needs to learn a lot in terms of operating in Northern Hemisphere conditions.

SPOTLIGHT: The Maori tribe that owns rights to the "Ka Mate" haka told anti-vaccine protesters Monday to stop performing the famous ritual at demonstrations.

OPINION: Wayne Pivac’s men faced the ignominy of dropping out of the top 10 in World Rugby’s ranking if they lost to Fiji.

INJURY UPDATE: Australia, still looking for the first win on their year-end tour, could be without skipper Michael Hooper.

NEWS: Wales look set to play their end-of-year series finale against Australia in Cardiff racked with more injuries.

SPOTLIGHT: Joey Carbery's assured display in guiding Ireland over the line in their impressive 29-20 victory over New Zealand was a huge bonus for head coach Andy Farrell.

REACTION: Scotland captain Stuart Hogg brushed off his historic double against South Africa as he bemoaned the self-destructive errors that led to a 15-30 defeat.

REACTION: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has praised wing Makazole Mapimpi for his try-scoring heroics against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Wales bounce back from two consecutive defeats to seal a hard-fought 38-23 victory over 13-man Fiji at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.

REACTION: Eddie Jones urged England to claim a South African "scalp".

REPORT: A try at the death from Seabelo Senatla saw Western Province XV snatch a thrilling 31-30 victory against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you a glance at what rugby was like in the amateur days, before the over-regulated professional era.

REACTION: New Zealand's 20-29 defeat to Ireland on Saturday will serve as a wake-up call to those players experiencing a Northern Hemisphere tour for the first time.

REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Sunday his side cannot "copy Ireland" if they hope to beat New Zealand next weekend.

OPINION: The Wallabies were soundly defeated by England 32-15 at Twickenham this afternoon in what could be described as a self-destructive performance by the Australians.

OPINION: South Africa squeezed Scotland out with a dominant second-half performance to earn victory at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: Wing Damian Penaud said France have "work to do" before facing New Zealand next week after scoring twice as they outclassed Georgia with a 41-15 win in Bordeaux on Sunday.

REACTION: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi singled out the effective use of their point-scoring opportunities as one of the main keys to success against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

REACTION: Ireland have become mentally stronger under Andy Farrell as they showed in putting behind them missed chances in the first-half to go on and deservedly beat New Zealand 29-20.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Wales and Fiji in Cardiff.

WATCH as Springbok legend Morné Steyn spoke to Jim Hamilton about the South African's amazing rugby journey.

SPOTLIGHT: Ever wondered who is the most popular Springbok? It certainly is not the captain Siyamthanda Kolisi - although he runs a close second.

BOUNCE BACK: Wales will seek to bounce back from two losses to New Zealand and South Africa when they take on perennial Rugby World Cup pool opponents Fiji in Cardiff on Sunday.

NEWS: The Acting Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Nicolette Bell has declined to prosecute Springbok rugby forward Eben Etzebeth and his cousin Emile over a 2019 Langebaan assault.

SPOTLIGHT: Fabién Galthie’s France take on Georgia in their second year-end Test encounter in what is only the second meeting between the two sides.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland beat New Zealand for the third time in the past five years in a stunning 29-20 victory at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Freddie Steward scored his first Test try as England enjoyed their eighth successive win against Australia under coach Eddie Jones with a 32-15 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman unpacks the latest selection debate swirling around the Springbok team.

MATCH REPORT: Makazole Mapimpi scored two tries as world champions South Africa beat Scotland 30-15 at Murrayfield on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and Australia at Twickenham.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: Remarkably, after a weekend where 12 games were played, there were only a couple of positional changes to the Top 20.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and New Zealand at Lansdowne Road.

OPINION: Rugbypass columnist Ben Smith dissects Springboks and All Blacks' current form in Europe.

SETTLING SCORES: Ireland will be able to gauge where they stand under coach Andy Farrell two years out from the World Cup by playing New Zealand on Saturday at Lansdowne Road.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina ran out 37-16 winners over Italy on Saturday, ending a seven-match losing streak and condemning the Azzurri to another in a long line of Test defeats.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield.

TWICKENHAM FACTOR: Dave Rennie has promised his patched-up Wallabies will "throw everything" at Eddie Jones' adventurous-looking England side in a bid to end their woeful recent sequence against the old enemy.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi opens up about the polemical issue of transformation in South Africa's national team.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Scotland faces an acid test against South Africa at Murrayfield this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Back row forward Beka Gorgadze will make his first Test appearance in almost a year when Georgia face France this weekend.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Michael Hooper says playing in front of 80,000 at Twickenham may make his Wallabies feel lonely - but he's confident the atmosphere will inspire them.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie on Friday made five changes to his team to host Georgia this weekend.

PREPARATION FOR THE NEW SEASON: The Cheetahs and Western Province are both using this game as preparation for their next campaign.

NEWS UPDATE: Ireland has avoided making any late changes to their team for Saturday' Test against New Zealand, despite a COVID-19 scare.

MURRAYFIELD CAULDRON: Will Jacques Nienaber's side might play a more attacking brand of rugby at Murrayfield?

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby said this weekend's international with New Zealand will go ahead despite two home players missing Friday's training session after one tested positive for COVID-19.

SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said his team are in a good space as they resumed training ahead of their clash against Munster on November 27.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji has made seven changes to the starting line up for Sunday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

TEAM NEWS: England prop Ellis Genge has tested positive for coronavirus and will miss Saturday's one-off Test against Australia at Twickenham, the Rugby Football Union has announced.

SPOTLIGHT: They are not related, but Elton Jantjies and Herschel Jantjies have a "certain bond" and the Boks will hope that will translate to the field against Scotland on Saturday.

NEWS: There could be a spanner in the works when it comes to Ireland's preparations for Saturday's clash against the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland's Chris Harris is relishing the prospect of facing South Africa again after tasting defeat at Springbok hands during this year's British and Irish Lions tour.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell and his coaching team has named the Ireland match day squad to play New Zealand on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named his team to play Ireland at Aviva Stadium in  Dublin on Saturday.

DESPERATE TEAMS: One miserable Test streak will end this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The next generation of talent will get an opportunity to show what they can do as Western Province take on the Cheetahs.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team for their clash against England in London on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: There will be no special treatment for Scotland's South African-born players on the field, according to Bok prop Retshegofaditswe Nché.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Cheetahs have pressed the reset button after a disappointing 2021 Currie Cup season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Eddie Jones sprang a surprise on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies knows that his opposite number Finn Russell has all the capabilities to be a match-winner for Scotland on Saturday. 

WATCH as our infamous TMO Marius Jonker gets another call badly wrong.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland Head Coach Gregor Townsend has made minor changes to the side to play South Africa at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

Former World Cup-winning hooker Phil Kearns has said the Wallabies have got a job on their hands if they are to end Eddie Jones' unbeaten record against his native Australia since becoming England head coach at Twickenham on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland have to "respond" in positive fashion when they face NZ for the first time since they were thumped by Saturday's opponents in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal said Johnny Sexton.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the specific role that veteran utility back Frans Steyn plays in the team and the plan for his future.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales rugby will, one day in the foreseeable future, bid farewell to the iconic figure of Alun Wyn Jones, the talismanic lock and most-capped player in the sport's history.

TRANSFER NEWS: Described as a strong running midfielder, the Hurricanes confirmed that centre midfielder Tei Walden is heading to the capital after putting pen to paper for the 2022 Super Rugby season.

INJURY UPDATE: World Cup-winning Springbok lock Rudolph Snyman has started the long road back to full recovery, after going under the knife.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs have alleviated the loss of South African Jacques Vermeulen to injury by signing Argentina back-row Santiago Grondona for the remainder of the 2021/22 Premiership season.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia is a "safe pair of hands" to stage the 2027 World Cup, the country's top rugby administrator said Wednesday as it competes with the United States to host the event.

SPOTLIGHT: It won't be as personal but Nic White's guard is still up as the Wallabies prepare to face England and their Australian coach and "king of mind games" Eddie Jones.

SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree has challenged his side to produce a vastly improved performance against Ireland on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wales coach Wayne Pivac says that a potential easing of currently stringent player eligibility rules by World Rugby would strengthen the game globally and make the World Cup more competitive.

PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP: South Africa are happy to continue 'grinding out' wins, even if they are by the narrowest of margins.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales have named their side to take on Fiji in the third game of their end-of-year series in Cardiff on Sunday.

OPINION: The Wallabies entered their match with Scotland sitting on five straight victories and there would have been plenty of confidence Australia could arrest their two-match losing streak against the home side.

OPINION: South African finally broke their Cardiff drought, but they left it rather late - sealing the 23-18 win with an Elton Jantjies penalty in the last minutes.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Welsh players after their 18-23 loss to South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: Scotland maintained their winning run with a hard-fought win over Australia at Murrayfield.

UPDATE: England have encountered no further coronavirus setbacks following Joe Marler's positive test that has ruled him out of Saturday's showdown with Australia.

SPOTLIGHT: An exciting bonanza awaits fans in November, when Free State Rugby welcomes back supporters - the first time in almost two years.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Two of the great flyhalves of the modern era could go head-to-head in Dublin on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Forwards coach John Dalziel gives some insights into the state of the game in Scotland, ahead of the arrival of South Africa in Edinburgh.

INJURY UPDATE: All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith launched a late dash to Dublin Tuesday after being called up as injury cover for upcoming Tests against Ireland and France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Franco Mostert and Jesse Kriel will earn their 50th Test caps when the Springboks line up against Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.

REACTION: Retired All Black players have taken aim at notorious prankster Daniel Jarvis and a Welsh fan for their pitch invading exploits over the weekend.

NEWS: England has lost another key player, as COVID continues to hound Eddie Jones' team.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Eddie Jones has begun the countdown to this week’s Twickenham Test against his native Australia in a typically robust manner.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa have to brace themselves for a very tough scrummaging battle against Scotland says Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids.

INJURY UPDATE: Hooker Ken Owens will miss Wales’ entire end-of-year campaign due to a back injury.

NEWS: The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that the unnamed pitch invader who disrupted play at the Principality Stadium on Saturday will receive a life ban from the ground.

INTERVIEW: Ireland wing James Lowe is already relishing the prospect of locking horns with some of his best friends as he prepares to face his native New Zealand for the first time.

REACTION: The popular catchphrase 'bomb squad' was coined by South Africa at the 2019 World Cup, but it is so much more than just an attention-grabbing slogan.

REACTION: Wallaby captain Michael Hooper says the disappointment of the loss to Scotland will only fire up his team for their huge examination from England.

SPOTLIGHT: Pieter Stephanus du Toit and Albertus Stephanus Smith are two very contrasting players, even though they both wear No.7 in the Springbok team.

REACTION: Wales coach Wayne Pivac was unwilling to blame a second-half pitch invader for his team's disappointing 17-23 loss to South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia coach Dave Rennie has offered an unimpressed retort to Andrew Mehrtens after the former All Blacks star offered a grim picture of the fate that could await the Wallabies against England.

INJURY UPDATE: Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids revealed that Damian Willemse is likely to miss South Africa’s Test against Scotland at the Murrayfield on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about his team's amazing resolve to end a near decade-long drought in Cardiff.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Defending champions Harlequins produced yet another dramatic recovery as they came from 16 points behind at half-time to win 26-16 at Wasps in the English Premiership on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks are sweating on the fitness of two key players ahead of their penultimate test of the year against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand are a daunting challenge for anyone but Ireland approach next Saturday's Test in good heart having taken a "step forward" in the 60-5 rout of Japan, captain Johnny Sexton said.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland defeated Australia 15-13 in their end-of-year international at Murrayfield on Sunday as they ended the Wallabies' five-match winning streak against all opponents.

NEWS: Wallabies stalwart Dane Haylett-Petty has been forced to call time on his career after a lengthy battle with concussion.

REACTION: Eddie Jones praised his new-look England team's attitude after they ran in 11 tries to thrash Tonga 69-3 in their year-end opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

REACTION: Japanese players have to pick themselves up and work hard ahead of their two matches with Portugal and Scotland.

MATCH REPORT: Hooker Dane Coles scored twice in 10 minutes as New Zealand beat Italy 47-9 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: England shrugged off Owen Farrell's late COVID-19 withdrawal as they hammered Tonga 69-3 in their year-end opener at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: The England squad received some good news on Sunday.

WATCH as Springbok legends Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger chat to World Cup-winning Bok Willie le Roux about his remarkable career.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Scotland and Australia at Murrayfield.

MATCH REPORT: A South African Currie Cup selection romped to an impressive 85-17 victory over Kenya at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa won their first game in Cardiff for almost a decade, when they edged Wales 23-18 in a bruising arm-wrestle at a wet Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says World Rugby has been doing a good job regarding player safety and preventing head injuries in the modern game.

MATCH REPORT: Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert celebrated his 23rd birthday by setting-up two tries as France beat Argentina 29-20 on Saturday in their opening November Test.

NEWS: Love him or hate him, you most certainly have an opinion on referee Romain Poite.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Kyle Rowe scored a hat-trick of tries as 14-man London Irish snatched a sensational 34-all draw against Saracens.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: George Ford scored 25 points as Leicester maintained their 100 percent start to the Premiership season with a 40-23 win over Bath.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have bolstered their front-row stocks with a Stormer.

MATCH REPORT: Irish legend Johnny Sexton celebrated his 100th Test for his country with 16 points as Ireland routed Japan 60-5 in their one-off Test at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: A month after being dethroned by South Africa, New Zealand are back on top of the World Rugby’s Rankings.

STAT ATTACK: Six Nations champions Wales host World Cup holders South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday - two teams with a storied history.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Wales and South Africa in Cardiff.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between England and Tonga at Twickenham.

EDINBURGH SHOWDOWN: Coach Gregor Townsend has called on Scotland to channel the spirit of Paris as they prepare to host the in-form Wallabies in Sunday's clash at Murrayfield.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Ireland and Japan in Dublin.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Italy and New Zealand in Rome.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes his team’s newfound knowledge will secure a rare win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks did not have a peaceful sleep ahead of their clash against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

CARDIFF COMBAT: The Six Nations champions against the World Cup holders. This is how this game is being billed.

FRENCH FLAIR: France coach Fabien Galthie said it was "no surprise" for regular flyhalf Romain Ntamack to start at centre, with Matthieu Jalibert at No.10 for this weekend's home Test with Argentina.

WATCH as Wales coach Wayne Pivac gives an update on the injury status of his key players.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: South Africa and New Zealand's see-saw battle at the top of the world rankings looks set to continue.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced trio Rory Arnold, Kurtley Beale and Will Skelton will all make their return to the Wallabies against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales have lost another player on the eve of their showdown with the Springboks, this time due to an injury sustained in training.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has selected an experienced side to play Australia at Murrayfield on Sunday.

NOVEMBER SERIES: Johnny Sexton will win his 100th cap for Ireland on Saturday against Japan and former teammate Marcus Horan told AFP he is "a testament to younger players what hard work can do."

ENGLAND REVAMP: After a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier this year, England head coach Eddie Jones believes he now has a squad that can go on to achieve big things.

TRIAL TIME: Coach Ian Foster said he had "full faith" in Sam Cane, after naming the flank as New Zealand captain for this weekend's Test at Italy.

NEWS: England captain Owen Farrell has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of this weekend's match against Tonga at Twickenham, the Rugby Football Union said Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Some of South Africa’s most exciting provincial players will be on display in the Champions Match against Kenya, in a pioneering clash at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

WATCH as veteran Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane previews the team's opening year-end Test against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at the reasons for the changes to the South African backline against Wales.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Stormers have made another significant acquisition ahead of the next stage of the United Rugby Championship.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit says the British and Irish Lions implemented the wrong game plan against the Springboks earlier this year.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Jamie Joseph said on Thursday he will never sacrifice Japan's "adventurous" style of rugby for the power game even if this weekend's opponents Ireland are proficient at it.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gloucester's Santiago Carreras will start at flyhalf instead of Nicolas Sanchez for this weekend's Test with France, the Argentina Rugby Federation announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Eddie Jones has named his England team for their Test match against Tonga at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Italy coach Kieran Crowley recalled Matteo Minozzi to the starting line-up for Saturday's Test with New Zealand after the Wasps wing missed this year's Six Nations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has made six changes to the starting XV for the Test against South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Andy Farrell has named the Ireland matchday squad to play the Japan in Dublin on Saturday.

WATCH as seasoned utility back Jessie Kriel speaks about his selection on the wing for South Africa's year-end Test against Wales on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday named regular flyhalf Romain Ntamack at centre for this weekend's home Test with Argentina.

NEWS: Kurtley Beale hopes a SOS from Dave Rennie won't be a one-off as he plots a fourth Rugby World Cup appearance in the Gold and Green.

NEWS: After taking a year off in 2020, the annual World Rugby awards will again take place following the conclusion of the current season – but there’s a new twist.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions received some good news regarding their long injury list.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains veteran fullback Willie le Roux's new role in the team.

NEWS: The much-awaited announcement of the England team to play Tonga this Saturday at Twickenham was delayed on Thursday following a positive Covid-19 case.

NEWS: Former All Black prop Carl Hayman revealed on Wednesday he has early-onset dementia aged just 41 and has joined a concussion legal action launched by former players against rugby authorities.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Scotland forward Matt Fagerson has hailed the Australian team being fashioned by his former Glasgow coach Dave Rennie as "brutal" and "brilliant".

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Blues are beginning to raid the Crusaders' resources ahead of the 2022 season.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his team to face Italy in Rome on Saturday.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: France centre Gael Fickou said regular flyhalf Romain Ntamack is "gifted" enough to feature in midfield against Argentina this weekend.

NEWS: Disgraced French player Ludovic Radosavljevic has been sacked by his second-tier ProD2 club Provence, for racially abusing Cameroonian player Christian Ambadiang.

NEWS: Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone revealed his franchise is extremely excited to host spectators at Loftus Versfeld when the Champions Team takes on Kenya on Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales have suffered a triple injury blow ahead of their year-end Test against World Cup holders South Africa.

NEWS: Coach Eddie Jones has catapulted young, uncapped flyhalf Marcus Smith to seemingly being the keystone to a much-needed sea-change in England's entire attacking mentality two years out from the next World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: New Zealand suffered a cruel injury blow ahead of the third match of their year-end tour.

TRANSFER NEWS: Moana Pasifika’s off-season signing spree has continued with the announcement that former Brumbies and NRL star Solomone Kata has signed with the franchise.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has opened up on Aphelele Fassi's absence in the year-end Test match against Wales on Saturday.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Captain Johnny Sexton is in reflective mood days away from potentially winning his 100th Ireland cap against Japan credited among others former Australia coach Michael Cheika as setting him on the right path.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy said he hopes to put his time with the Waratahs to good use as his team prepare to host Australia this weekend.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Eddie Jones has revealed his England 28-man squad for Saturday's Test against Tonga.

OPINION: There is something old school about getting up early on a spring morning, grabbing a coffee and watching a packed stadium of rabid Europeans finding joy backing their team in taking on the All Blacks.

OPINION: Depleted Wales faced a Herculean task as they tackled New Zealand in their Nations Series opener at a sold-out Principality Stadium.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Will Skelton thought he may have missed the chance to return to the Wallabies fold when he turned down an offer to represent Australia last year.

NEWS: Lions lock forward Wilhelm van der Sluys has called time on his professional rugby career.

SPOTLIGHT: Italy are yet to beat New Zealand in a rugby Test but the outstanding All Black forward Ardie Savea says they will not take Saturday's opponents "lightly".

NEWS: Bulls confirm that experienced flyhalf, Morné Steyn, has signed an extension of his contract.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has made a number of changes to his backline for South Africa's opening Test on their year-end campaign.

NEWS: Former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will join Super Rugby Pacific's Blues next year as a part-time assistant to Leon MacDonald, the club said Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: Saracens have allayed fears that the injury suffered by Billy Vunipola in the closing stages of their Premiership win at Harlequins was serious.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will not retain the role of  'water boy' in this Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are set to be without wing Sibusiso Nkosi for Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia head coach Levan Maisashvili said on Monday he was able to select his "most optimal" squad since the 2019 Rugby World Cup for Tests later this month.

UPDATE: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus may have to wait a while longer for the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.

SPOTLIGHT: One of the best All Blacks performers in the 54-16 win over Wales was No.8 Ardie Savea, who was devastating with ball in hand and proved a handful for the Welsh defence to stop every time he touched the ball.

SPOTLIGHT: Charlie Ewels insists England still retain the aim of being the greatest team to have played rugby as they look to rebuild from a calamitous Six Nations.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids knows that his team will be facing a different beast in Cardiff on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia lock Rory Arnold said he is "grateful" for the chance to return to the Test set-up as he joins up with the national squad on Monday ahead of three internationals this month

On this day, two years ago the Springboks were crowned the World Cup champions in Yokohama, Japan.

NEWS: The All Blacks remain uncertain whether one of their stars will be available for selection for this week’s Test against Italy in Rome.

OPINION: Scotland’s opening match of the 2021  Nations Series saw a rare joint captaincy of the team shared by Ali Price and Jamie Ritchie.

TRANSFER NEWS: They say you can’t beat experience and the Highlanders will have plenty on their side after naming the latest signings for Super Rugby Pacific 2022.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales will be looking to right the wrongs when they come up against the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.

WATCH as veteran Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff talks about the challenges facing South Africa on the three-Test year-end tour.

REACTION: New Zealand scrumhalf TJ Perenara said he was unaware a prankster had joined the All Blacks for the national anthem ahead of their Test against Wales until his involvement in Saturday's match was over.

INJURY UPDATE: England added Louis Lynagh to their squad on Sunday for their opening November international against Tonga at Twickenham next weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland scored 10 tries in beating Tonga 60-14 but coach Gregor Townsend is warning their defence must improve for much a sterner challenge against the in-form Wallabies next Sunday.

REACTION: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has put down Beauden Barrett’s ability to make momentum-swinging intercepts down to his ‘freakish ability’ to defend two spaces at once.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Eddie Jones said he was a "reasonable person" after the veteran Australian boss' high turnover of backroom personnel was called into question.

WATCH as Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi talks about South Africa's poor track record in Cardiff in the last decade.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Injuries to captain Alun Wyn Jones and flank Ross Moriarty aside, Wales will get considerable reinforcements for their year-end Test against South Africa.

REACTION: Not all was happy with Beauden Barrett's performance during his 100th Test for the All Blacks.

REACTION: Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has issued an injury update on Alun Wyn Jones and Ross Moriarty after they were both forced off in Wales' 54-16 defeat to the All Blacks.

MATCH REPORT:  New Zealand kick off their year-end tour with a comfortable 54-16 win over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday. 

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Duhan van der Merwe and Jamie Shillcock scored a brace of tries apiece as Worcester Warriors claimed a 27-14 Premiership victory over Sale Sharks at Sixways Stadium.

MATCH REPORT: Glasgow Warriors wing Kyle Steyn scored four tries as Scotland eased to an emphatic 60-14 victory over Tonga at Murrayfield on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you some of the best trickery from World Cup tournaments down the years!

NEWS: Flyhalf Morne Steyn has put pen to paper.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Saracens struck late on to beat Harlequins 29-22 after the title contenders appeared to be headed for a stalemate at Twickenham Stoop.

MATCH REPORT: The Lions are the Provincial Under-20 champions after a hard-fought 36-35 win over the Western Province in Johannesburg on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Bryan Habana says he is looking forward to the whole Rassie Erasmus video saga being over this weekend.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's national brains trust will face a hell of a juggling act if they are to be successful in defending their World Cup crown in 2023.

OPINION: It was a bit disappointing to see some of South Africa's top performers at franchise level miss out on Springbok selection for the end-of-year tour.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: Exeter came from behind to defeat local rivals Gloucester 16-13 on Friday.

WATCH as Springbok hooker Mbongeni Mbonambi talks about facing the B&I Lions laden Wales team in Cardiff next week.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones saw his record-breaking appearance end just 19 minutes into a Test against New Zealand at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday.

URC SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls are on the verge of returning to play in front of some spectators at home after almost two years of playing in an empty Loftus Versfeld.

TOP 14 PREVIEW: South Africa flyhalf Handre Pollard talks about the influence of Rassie Erasmus on the team.

SPOTLIGHT: An All Black star and a World Cup-winning Springbok jointly top an updated list of rugby’s highest-played players.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the year-end international between Wales and New Zealand in Cardiff.

SPOTLIGHT: An irresistible force with ball in hand. An immovable object at the defensive breakdowns. Bismarck du Plessis is far from being a spent force.

SPOTLIGHT: There is a new role for Andre Esterhuizen at Harlequins.

END OF YEAR TEST: Scotland will kick off their international season against Tonga on Saturday at the BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

NEWS: Springboks lock Marvin Orie has been elected as the new president of the South African Rugby Players' Association.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has suggested his side's "hoodoo" against New Zealand also puts the All Blacks under pressure ahead of their clash in Cardiff on Saturday.

REACTION: Mercurial Wallaby utility back Quade Cooper has opened up on why he opted to play club rugby in Japan, rather than tour with Australia in Europe.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell banged the drum for his side, saying "why cannot we dare to dream" of winning the World Cup in 2023.

NEWS: Troubled Top 14 side Toulon on Thursday appointed Franck Azema as coach, replacing Patrice Collazo.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: SA Rugby has named the starting XV for the first Champions Match on November 6.

TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand's Super Rugby side The Blues on Thursday signed up-and-coming German flanker Anton Segner for the 2022 season.

PREVIEW: Milestones await for two of current-day Rugby Union's outstanding players in Alun Wyn Jones and Beauden Barrett - when Wales face New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday.

WATCH as we bring you some absolute madness and mayhem from the game we all love...

NEWS: A proposed World 12s rugby tournament has suffered a potentially terminal blow following opposition from unions and domestic competitions.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: New Zealand flyhalf Beauden Barrett is set to win his 100th cap after being named in the All Blacks' starting XV to play Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Wayne Pivac has named a Wales side that combines experience and some of the country’s most exciting young talent for their clash against New Zealand.

YEAR-END SPOTLIGHT: Captain Siyamthanda Kolisi said he had no worries about South Africa's chances in next month's Tests even though they are missing a number of first-choice players.

NEWS: Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma has drafted in a quartet of players for the Pumas upcoming three November Tests after four withdrew due to injury.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Sale Sharks Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Leicester Tigers Dan Kelly shaved a week off their respective three-week bans after graduating from the tackle school.

SQUAD UPDATE: Kurtley Beale and Noah Lolesio will be parachuted into the Wallabies squad for the upcoming end-of-year tour.

NEWS: Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel insists there are no plans to add the Springboks to the championship with an enhancement of the July and November windows seen as a greater priority.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland’s opening match of the 2021 Nations Series will be marked with a number of notable firsts as Gregor Townsend names the team to face Tonga at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks expect "a real tough challenge" from Wales in Cardiff this weekend, even though the hosts will be missing several star players, assistant coach John Plumtree said.

OPINION: As we know the US of A is big on fanfare and entertainment and the prematch theatre got us in an expectant mood for a huge game.

OPINION: The Wallabies opened their northern tour account with a 32–23 victory of Japan at the Showa Denko Dome in Oita.

NEWS: The Australian rugby community is mourning the loss of 11-Test Wallaby James "Jim" Phipps, who has died aged 89.

WATCH as La Rochelle flyhalf and former Maori All Black Ihaia West executed a conversion perfectly without a kicking tee.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Bryan Habana says Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber is facing a "fine balancing act" when it comes to selections during their end-of-year tour.

SPOTLIGHT: The Boks are in a good mental space heading into their November fixtures, according to centre Lukhanyo Am.

SPOTLIGHT: Salmaan Moerat has opened up on his "special" Springbok call-up for the end-of-year tour.

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored a superb try in Monpellier's 32-21 win over Racing 92 on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has revealed the latest stars that will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2021.

SPOTLIGHT: Irish rugby legend Johnny Sexton says "never in a million years" would he have thought he would reach the 100 cap milestone for Ireland on his Test debut aged 24.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Blues have re-signed four key players as they look to clinch a title in next year’s inaugural Super Rugby Pacific.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said he backed his squad to perform against New Zealand this weekend despite being shorn of a host of first-choice players.

SPOTLIGHT: England captain Owen Farrell is looking forward to developing the playmaking talent of rising star Marcus Smith during next month's internationals.

SPOTLIGHT: Antoine Dupont said on Tuesday he will remain the same player after being named France captain for next month's Tests.

SPOTLIGHT: After moving halfway around the world to New Zealand from Frankfurt, rugby-mad German Anton Segner is on the path to the All Blacks.

NEWS: The Wallabies will complete their end-of-year tour with a Samu Kerevi-sized hole.

SPOTLIGHT: Prop Tomas Francis has dismissed any talk of Wales facing a psychological barrier when they tackle the All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Sam Cane says he doesn't expect to make the starting line-up until New Zealand's rugby Test against Italy in Rome next weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The traditional start to the World Rugby Sevens Series has been restored with the 2022 season kicking off in Dubai in a month's time, and Neil Powell and his Springbok Sevens team are ready to travel and play.

NEWS: The death of New Zealand Super Rugby player Sean Wainui last week is being treated as a suspected suicide, a coroner said.

REACTION: Injured Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk has broken his silence over the hip injury that ruled him out of South Africa's year-end tour.

NEWS: Three-time European champions Toulon parted company with head coach Patrice Collazo on Tuesday after a desperate start to their Top 14 campaign which has yielded just two victories in eight matches.

SPOTLIGHT: Starting Handre Pollard at No.12 and Elton Jantjies at No.10 could be an exciting option for South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: As New Zealand heads to Cardiff for their year-end showdown with Wales, the famous pre-match ritual of the New Zealand haka is being foisted into the spotlight again.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has clarified Rassie Erasmus' role on their end-of-year tour.

NEWS: The Springboks will play one of their November Tests in the United Kingdom in a limited edition 'commemorative' jersey.

NEWS: Toulouse scrumhalf Antoine Dupont will captain France during next month's Test series.

REPORT: World Rugby has reportedly drawn up four separate plans to revive a proposed Nations Championship following the 2023 World Cup.

NEWS: Michele Lamaro has been named Italy's new captain, the Italian Rugby Federation announced on Monday.

SPOTLIGHT: A five-Test winning run has lifted the Wallabies to third on the World Rugby rankings but just how real that improvement is will be proven on the fields of Europe in November.

TOP 14 WRAP: Flyhalf Ihaia West scored two tries as La Rochelle thumped Toulon 39-6 - to leave their opponents languishing second-bottom on the table.

TRANSFER NEWS: Nathan McBeth agreed to make the switch to Glasgow Warriors from United Rugby Championship counterparts Lions.

OPINION: They showed plenty of promise, but Japan eventually fell short against the Wallabies in a 23-32 defeat in their first end-of-year test in Oita.

SPOTLIGHT: A warning has been sent to Springbok players ahead of their November tour opener against Wales on November 6.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Ian Foster likes the improvement he saw in the All Blacks in routing the United States but knows an upcoming four-week European tour is a much greater challenge.

NEWS: World Rugby has reportedly agreed with most of the points made in Rassie Erasmus' controversial 62-minute video.

WATCH Springboks wing Courtnall Skosan's incredible introduction to the Premiership during the Northampton Saints' 66-10 win over Worcester Warriors.

MATCH REPORT: Max Malins made it back-to-back hat-tricks in the Premiership with four tries in Saracens’ thumping 56-15 victory over depleted Wasps.

TOP 14 WRAP: Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach scored twice in front of his Test teammates as Montpellier enjoyed a 32-21 win over Racing 92 in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

NEWS: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is set for some time away from the training field after he broke his collarbone in a bicycle accident on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Will Jordan scored three tries as the All Blacks overwhelmed the United States 104-14 on Saturday to launch a five-match Northern Hemisphere tour.

REACTION: Australian-raised loose forward Ben Gunter has made an impassioned plea for the Brave Blossoms' inclusion into the Rugby Championship after Japan almost pulled off a historic win over the Wallabies.

PREMIERSHIP SATURDAY WRAP: A late rally secured Harlequins a ninth-successive home bonus-point triumph as they recorded a 31-17 victory against winless Bath, who remain at the bottom of the table.

URC REPORT: Ospreys ended Munster's unbeaten run in the United Rugby Championship with an 18-10 win in Swansea on Saturday.

URC REPORT: Ulster suffered their first defeat in the United Rugby Championship when they went down 11-36 to Connacht at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

URC REPORT: The Dragons failed to make the most of a fast start and a red card for Cardiff centre Rey Lee-Lo as they were beaten 31-29 by their Welsh rivals in the United Rugby Championship.

URC REPORT: Edinburgh pulled clear in the second half to earn a hard-fought 27-10 bonus-point victory over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship.

WATCH as Springbok legend Victor Matfield reflects on his amazing rugby journey.

MATCH REPORT: Australia have opened their four-match spring tour with a scratchy and hard-earned 32-23 victory over Japan in Oita.

REACTION: The Cheetahs are positive their latest rugby product will open the door - or window - back to Europe.

PREMIERSHIP REPORT: South African wing Courtnall Skosan scored a hat-trick of tries on his debut as Northampton got back to winning ways emphatically with a 66-10 thrashing of a hapless Worcester.

URC REPORT: Leinster made it five wins from five matches in the United Rugby Championship after they beat Glasgow Warriors 31-15 at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks props Karl Tu’inukuafe and Alex Hodgman have re-signed with the Blues ahead of the inaugural 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

URC ROUND FIVE - TEAMS AND PREDICTIONS: Most of Saturday's spotlight will be on Ulster and Munster and whether they can keep their unbeaten records intact with some tricky away fixtures.

REACTION: The Wallabies could be without a key player for the UK leg of their end-of-year tour

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five match between Connacht and Ulster in Dublin.

URC REPORT: The Scarlets bounced back from a pair of heavy defeats with a 34-28 bonus-point victory over Benetton in Llanelli.

INJURY UPDATE: Lions have given an update on their flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse.

NEWS: The Cheetahs will face a couple of fellow South African franchises and some European sides in a series of matches in November.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa's Faf de Klerk faces five months out of action due to injury, the scrumhalf's English club Sale Sharks confirmed on Thursday.

SPOTLIGHT: Renegade lock Jack Cornelsen has warned rugby fans to write the Brave Blossoms off at their peril ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Wallabies in Oita.

END OF YEAR TEST: New Zealand coach Ian Foster says Test spots will be up for grabs when an experimental All Blacks line-up kicks off their northern hemisphere tour against the United States in Washington on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the United Rugby Championship Round Five match between Glasgow Warriors and Leinster at Scotstoun.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Gary Gold has named a young and exciting USA team that will take the pitch against the All Blacks on Saturday, October 23 in Washington, D.C.

END OF YEAR TEST: Australia coach Dave Rennie is expecting a brutal, high-paced game on Saturday against a dangerous Japanese side mentored by a cohort of fellow New Zealanders as the Wallabies look to bank a fifth straight win.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A double round of home matches is next on the menu for the South African teams participating in the United Rugby Championship and it is going to be interesting to see how they apply the lessons learned from the initial four-match tours that went off with mixed success.

OPINION: Rugbypass columnist Paul Smith puts a spotlight on the role of the water carrier.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber previews South Africa's year-end tour. @king365ed reports.

WATCH one of the funniest comebacks, after a referee suggested to a player that he may be concussed.

NEWS: EPCR, the organiser of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments, announced that Dominic McKay has been appointed as a non-executive director and as its chairman on an interim basis.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has revealed his team to face the Wallabies in Oita on Saturday.

URC ROUND FIVE - TEAMS AND PREDICTIONS: SA fans and people connected with the SA teams in the United Rugby Championship, plus most neutrals, should become Glasgow Warriors supporters this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has revealed his team for their clash against Japan on Saturday.

NEWS: US rugby chiefs formally launched a bid to stage the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday, boldly predicting that bringing the sport to American soil for the first time could be a turning point for the game.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Argentina captain Pablo Matera was named in the squad on Thursday for November's Tests in Europe after missing their last game due to a ban over breaking Covid-19 rules.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named the team to play the USA in the 1874 Cup Test match in Washington DC on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The game's most renowned 'water boy', Rassie Erasmus, is set to tour with the Springboks.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Simon Zebo was recalled by Ireland after a four-year exile when head coach Andy Farrell named the wing in a 38-man squad announced Wednesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Veteran lock Sam Whitelock will captain the All Blacks on their five-Test tour of the United States and Europe, New Zealand team officials confirmed.

REACTION: South Africa has a vacancy in a key position in the national team and the Springbok coach is looking for a suitable candidate.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Wasps' Scott Barrow (backs transition coach) and Pete Atkinson (head of performance) appeared before a disciplinary panel.

NEWS UPDATE: England hooker Jamie George was recalled by coach Eddie Jones just a day after being left out of the original squad for the November internationals.

SPOTLIGHT: Growing up with one of Australian rugby's most famous names and playing with now-Wallabies star Tom Banks, Jack Cornelsen certainly couldn't see this coming.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby authorities need to implement enforceable laws to reduce head impact exposure or risk "players dropping out of the game at all levels".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has selected 12 uncapped players in his 42-man squad following their initial involvement in the training group this week.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains to @king365ed why he did not blood more 'youngsters' in his year-end tour squad.

OPINION: Hamish Bidwell takes a look at the dramatic decline of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

NEWS: Wing Gabin Villiere has been replaced in France's squad for the November Tests by Vincent Rattez after suffering a hamstring injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named only one new cap in his squad for the year-end tour.

WATCH as @king365ed chats to Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen about the next stage of their URC campaign and the players they will get back from injury.

STAT ATTACK: The Stormers finally registered their first United Rugby Championship win after four rounds.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa have received a major blow to their year-end Test prospects with the news that Francois de Klerk is facing five months out injured.

REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones has said his dropped veterans must prove to him they have what it takes to win a World Cup.

NEWS: Veteran Wallaby prop Sekope Kepu signed with Super Rugby's Moana Pasifika on Tuesday.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Cheetahs announced the signing of four new players to bolster the squad heading into the 2022 Currie Cup.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthie has named nine uncapped players in his 42-man squad for next month's rugby Tests against Argentina, Georgia and New Zealand.

NEWS: Morne Steyn, who twice landed series-winning penalties against the British and Irish Lions, has announced his retirement from international rugby.

NEWS: New Zealand rugby is in mourning following the death of record-breaking Chiefs back Sean Wainui.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Marcus Smith is in line to feature at flyhalf for England in a rejigged backline during next month's Tests at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: Prop Allan Alaalatoa says he will use the pain of leaving his newborn daughter for the Wallabies' spring tour as motivation to reclaim a starting jersey.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship is four rounds in and there are a number of uncapped prospects who can make the Springboks squad.

REACTION: Sharks coach Sean Everitt believes that with a "bit of luck" his team could have ended their United Rugby Championship tour with a win in Cardiff.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White speaks about the great opportunity to finally take on Europe's best at their Pretoria home, Loftus Versfeld.

PREMIERSHIP WRAP: Saracens powered to an incredible 71-17 rout of Bath as Maro Itoje made a try-scoring return to the English Premiership on Sunday.

URC DRAMA: What would a weekend be without a bit of drama and some refereeing controversy?