Opinion News

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at South Africa's record against Australia in Brisbane.

OPINION: Wales came, they saw, but they could not conquer the Australians.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist AussieBoer thinks it is time for the Springboks to be bold against the All Blacks.

There are four southern hemisphere teams in the World Cup semifinals and their dominance is reflected in our team of the week.

OPINION: Heads were scratched, battle lines were drawn and form was thrown out of the window, as all avenues were considered for our famous Team of the Week.

OPINION: It was a performance that Sir William Wallace would be mightily proud of as Scotland came within two minutes of securing an unlikely victory over Australia.

OPINION: Australia somehow managed to emerge victorious by a solitary point in a match riddled with errors, opportunistic tries and a kicking duel.

OPINION: The scoreline suggests that Ireland were blown away. And they were indeed well beaten.

OPINION: Argentina put down a big marker when they blew Ireland away and recorded a 43-20 victory in Cardiff on Sunday.

OPINION: New Zealand sent out warning to future play-off opponents when they thrashed their so-called 'hoodoo' team, France, 62-13 in Cardiff.

OPINION: France said the goodbyes to the 2015 World Cup after being outclassed by the mighty All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: For 70 minutes looked like winning, only to open a small gap that South Africa sneaks through.

OPINION: South Africa left it late, but they got over the line and will feature in the World Cup semifinals.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at who he thinks will win the World Cup.

OPINION: Twenty teams came to the 2015 World Cup, but 12 went home early. Paul Dobson selects the best from those who didn't make the cut.

OPINION: It required some heated debate, with plenty of amber refreshment breaks, but we eventually settled on rugby365's famous weekly selection.

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs became the final side to secure their semi-final spot and gain plenty of mentions in our famous Team of the Week.

The rugby365 readers have spoken, and they do not want to see Victor Matfield or Ruan Pienaar in the Springbok match-day squad.

OPINION: Ireland will avoid New Zealand in the quarterfinals after putting in a clinical performance to beat a hapless French side.

OPINION: France looked like a team without a game plan in their 9-24 loss to Ireland on Sunday.

OPINION: The All Blacks brought all their flair and style in the second half to blow a plucky Tonga out of the water on Friday.

OPINION: Tonga showed plenty of heart for about 60 minutes against the All Blacks but ran out of steam to succumb to a 38-point defeat.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a stab at selecting a Springbok team for the quarterfinals.

OPINION: Was it really fair of United States coach Mike Tolkin to send a second-string selection in to face South Africa?

OPINION: South Africa's win over the United States was so overwhelming, you wonder if there was real opposition.

OPINION: It was probably Australia's finest hour - outside of their title wins in 1991 and 1999 - at a World Cup.

OPINION: The penultimate round served up some interesting results that leaves just one semifinal spot to be filled by either the Free State Cheetahs the Sharks.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a look at what we can expect when South Africa face the United States.

OPINION: Australia were simply in a class of their own at Twickenham as they sent hosts England crashing out of the World Cup.

OPINION: England became the first host nation to not advance to the quarterfinals after being completely outplayed by Australia at Twickenham.

OPINION: The Springboks played to their strengths in their 34-16 win over Scotland in Newcastle on Saturday.

OPINION: Scotland's decision to rest key players backfired as they were outplayed by a highly physical Springbok team.

OPINION: Georgia may be minnows in every sense of the game, but there is no doubt they play with the hearts of giants.

OPINION: New Zealand qualified for the World Cup quarterfinals, but they were nowhere near convincing in their 43-10 victory over Georgia.

OPINION: Selecting a team from 11 matches in five days will test anybody's powers of observation.

The Currie Cup action is hotting up as the tournament nears the business end with just two rounds of games remaining before the play-offs.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a look at the candidate that can captain the Springboks.

OPINION: Wales produced one of the most stunning comebacks in World Cup history, beating hosts England 28-25 at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: England faded badly in the final quarter to let a 10-point lead slip and for Wales to sneak a 28-25 win.

OPINION: The Springbok team that took to the field against Samoa was a different beast to the one that lost to Japan a week ago.

OPINION: Samoa were physically dominated in their 6-46 defeat to the Springboks on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, gives us his view on who will make the World Cup Final.

OPINION: Fiji, as they did in their opening match, flattered only to deceive - going down 13-28 to Australia.

OPINION: Australia got the job done with a 28-13 win over Fiji in their opening match at the World Cup.

OPINION: Japan's historic win over South Africa has earned them substantial representation in rugby365's famous Team of the week.

The Currie Cup has stepped out of the spotlight since the kick-off of the World Cup, however there are still some gems lighting up the domestic scene.

OPINION: New Zealand will be relieved as they came from behind to defeat a fiery Argentina side 26-16 in a World Cup thriller.

OPINION: Argentina sent out a message to the rest of the World after they narrowly last to New Zealand in a bruising World Cup game at Wembley.

Defeat to Japan in Brighton is a lowpoint for Springbok rugby, but is there anything to be gained from the loss?

Opinion: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer needs to use the pool phase of the World Cup to settle on his best team for the quarterfinal.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks if South Africa have enough world-class players to win the World Cup.

Join us in the rugby365 World Cup prediction Pool. See if you can beat our staff on the global stage!

With the EP Kings and Griquas claiming their first scalps of the season it is no surprise that they feature well in rugby365's Team of the Week.

Anyone who thinks they know rugby and want to play Fantasy Rugby for the World Cup.

Ashwin Willemse: The Right Path tells the story of a man who had a choice of two paths when growing up.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the best locks in his search for an all-time World XV.

Only one Springbok squad member who was axed from the World Cup team managed to make an impression in the Currie Cup Round Five.

FREEBIE: rugby365 and Ebury Publishing are giving away Ben Cohen's autobiography: Carry Me Home.

The 'debate' around Damian de Allende's race is a sad distraction from real issues of transformation in South African rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Six out of the Eight Currie Cup Teams were rewarded with honours in rugby365's famous team of the week.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the best blindside flanks in his search for an all-time World XV.

OPINION: Heyneke Meyer has already selected his World Cup squad, although the 31 lucky Springboks will only be unveiled late on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup winner Rob Brink returns after a long absence, giving us his view on Heyneke Meyer's possible World Cup selections.

With a dominant display from the Blue Bulls it is no surprise that many of them feature in rugby365's famous Team of the Week.

Welkom by rugby365 se eerste Afrikaanse potgooi. Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim laat die kollig op die Wereldbeker val.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the best openside flanks in his search for an all-time World XV.

With South Africa's premier domestic competition well underway, some of the future gems are unearthed and under the spotlight.

OPINION: Argentina were outplayed and outclassed in every department by the Springboks in front of their home fans.

OPINION: The Springboks were a completely different side and gained a massive psychological boost in their victory over Argentina.

OPINION: Australia got a rude wake-up call when New Zealand smashed them in Auckland on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand made a massive statement of intent when they smashed Australia in Auckland on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, compares Heyneke Meyer to his peers and predecessors.

In a truncated version of the Rugby Championship some players had just one game to show Rugby365 what they have got.

Give us feedback on the new and improved website! 

With the Springboks in crisis mode, will Heyneke Meyer turn to his old stalwarts Victor Matfield and Fourie du Preez to lead the side?

The Springboks ended their Rugby Championship campaign with a shock 25-37 defeat to Argentina to finish the campaign without a win.

Argentina recorded their first ever victory over South Africa, and what a performance it was, as they outshone their opponents in every aspect.

New Zealand missed out on claiming the Rugby Championships, but they still have a chance to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Australia claimed their first victory over New Zealand since 2011, and with it, the Rugby Championship trophy thanks to the impact of their substitutes.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the Springbok captaincy options at the World Cup.

Whether Handre Pollard is fit or not, this weekend is the perfect time to give Pat Lambie a run at flyhalf for the Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks if South Africa should risk youth or rely on experience?

OPINION: All four teams feature in this round of Rugby365's Rugby Championship Team of the Week.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at the questionable tactics of the Springboks in Brisbane.

OPINION: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will announce an interim captain for South Africa on Tuesday. Jan de Koning looks at the candidates.

The Rugby Championship kicked off in emphatic fashion with New Zealand and Australia cleaning up and it showed in Rugby365's Team of the Week.

The Springboks saw victory over the Wallabies slip from their grasp in dramatic fashion in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Wallabies may have left it late, but they did just enough to secure a tough victory over the Springboks in Brisbane.

OPINION: Andrew Duncan rates the All Blacks following their 39-18 trouncing of the Pumas in Christchurch on Friday.

OPINION: Despite being outdone by the All Blacks it was a valiant effort from a Pumas side that will stand them in good stead. Andrew Duncan rates them.

OPINION: An out of sorts World XV lost by 36 points to the Springboks to put a slight damper on Bakkies Botha's final match. Tauriq Ebrahim rates them.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim rates the Springboks following their 46-10 victory over the World XV at Newlands on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his journey to select an all-time World XV. He is at No.8!

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Springboks' ever-growing sickbay ahead of the international season.

The Highlanders claimed their maiden Super Rugby title, and they also won many places in Rugby365's Team of the Tournament.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's decorated writer Paul Dobson gives us his take on the 'modern game' and how it changed in the past 20 years.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Springbok team's build-up to the international season and the World Cup.

EKSKLUSIEF: AussieBoer, in sy jongste bydrae vir rugby365, se dit is tyd vir Heyneke Meyer om te eksperimenteer!

OPINION: The Hurricanes dominate rugby365's famous Team of the Week after they secured their first-ever home final.

On Saturday Heyneke Meyer will give the first indication of which foreign-based players will feature in the World Cup.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Stormers - who yet again failed to reach the Super Rugby summit.

With only four teams to choose from positions were still tightly contested by the winning sides in rugby365's team of the week.

EPISODE 10: The team hands out their brickbats and bouquets in their season-finale of the #Latetackle365 show.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at all the Super Rugby coaches heading out the exit door.

Some impressive rugby was seen coming out of the New Zealand camps this weekend with 10 of the 15 places up for grabs claimed by Kiwi players.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what the future holds for Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

FREEBIE: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday..

The honours were dominated by a handful of teams with only seven of the 14 sides represented in rugby365's team of the week.

A full house round of successful predictions was spoilt with the near-impossible call to make when the Stormers and Lions drew

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at the Lions' fairytale season and wonders when it will end.

EXCLUSIVE: Brian Strahan, in a new series on rugby365, takes a look at some classic World Cup matches.

EXCLUSIVE: Rugby365's Team of the Week is a mix with players featuring across all countries and teams.

There are two unique battles in the rugby365 office as matches are becoming tougher to call.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, speaks about the 'intelligent' game and referees.

EXCLUSIVE: The Stormers have not quite clinched a play-off spot, but they did secure places in Rugby365's famous Team of the Week.

Points were up for grabs as every game was won by the team with a superior log position. 

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at how much is left in South Africa's Super Rugby talent pool.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his journey to select an all-time World XV. He is at No.9!

The match of the round, Chiefs v Hurricanes lived up to its hype, and forms the bulk of Rugby365's famous team of the week.

Mixed bag on the weekend as the top three in Rugb365's SuperBru pool were shaken.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at the London leg of the Sevens World Series - the event he calls the moment of truth.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what is happening in the Free State capital.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at who should be the Springbok flyhalf at the World Cup.

The impressive rugby played this weekend by the Crusaders, Lions and Hurricanes see them feature in rugby365's famous selection!

After some predictable results, the top two in rugb365's SuperBru pool continue their quest for glory.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at the last two legs of the Sevens World Series and the start of the Olympic qualifiers.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what awaits the Sharks in Wellington this week.

Some impressive rugby was seen coming out of the Kiwi camps this weekend, especially from the Hurricanes, Crusaders and even the Blues.

Rugby365's Editor continues to ride the rollercoaster that is score prediction as he tumbles down the table.

KANTLYN KAF: AussieBoer, in sy jongste bydrae vir rugby365, ontleed fir Springbok oefengroep.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, looks at what an all-South African derby does to the Springbok coach.

rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld for the Lions match

The Stormers'  victory over the Bulls at Newlands put them as front runners for the South African conference, as well as for Team of the Week.

In a weekend of fairly predictable results, the top three in rugby365's SuperBru pool have all stayed put.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, spoke to Springbok great Theuns Stofberg.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann, in his latest contribution, looks at the amazing story of Schalk Burger

RUBRIEK: Jan de Koning is van mening dat Pierre Spies besig is om Springbok afrigter Heyneke Meyer 'n hele paar hoofbrekens te besorg.

OPINION: There is no doubt. Pierre Spies is currently causing a few headaches for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer. Jan de Koning reports.

The Waratahs showed their credentials by finally halting the Hurricanes' unbeaten streak, as such, they are the favourites in the team.

Two newbies have entered the rugby365 Super Bru pool with a bang, Suicidal Racoon comes straight into 11th, while Budz tops the standing.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his quest to fine the best all-time XV. In this edition he looks at No.10.

We would like to welcome cartoonist Ackers to the ever-growing rugby365 family. We are looking forward to his contributions. Here is the first offering!

The rugby365 Team of the Week is littered with men from the Republic, which is unsurprising in a weekend that saw a number of upsets.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the Blues team's recent complaints about penalties against them.

Kyle has jumped five places to top spot in rugby365's SuperBru standings this week, while our Yellow Cap for the round is Flash.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at what the future holds for Sevens, which appears not to include Japan as a stop in the World Series.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues his quest to fine the best all-time XV. In this edition he looks at No.12.

#FanUp: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, April 11.

After putting 50 points over the Sharks - in their own back-yard - it is unsurprising that 10 Crusaders make it into rugby365's Team of the Week.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at the storylines that emerged from the famous Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

Welcome to rugby365's new and improved LIVE match centre - up and running for Round Eight of Super Rugby and the European Cup play-offs!

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, writes an open letter to Stormers boss Gert Smal!

In one of the toughest games to call from the weekend, the Bulls stepped up to the plate and delivered, and so they feature heavily in our Team of the Week.

After sweeping the office standing MdV has now climbed back into the Top 10 with a five position jump.

Super Rugby is heading towards the half-way stage as we gear up for Round Seven of the competition.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins looks at what he calls the Grand Daddy of all Sevens tournaments - Hong Kong!

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks into the new contracting system proposed by SARU.

OPINION: It was a close finish, going down to fire - literally. England came within six points of snatching Six nations glory from Ireland.

For scoring 57 unanswered points against the Cheetahs in a display of magical rugby, it is the Crusaders who dominate our Team of the Week.

OPINION: Should we really expect the South African Super Rugby franchises to rest top Springboks as per SARU's request?

It is a massive weekend for the Six Nations as the three-horse race comes to an end with the crowning of a champion as well as Round Six of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Matt Hawkins returns and looks at some exciting developments on the Sevens World Series circuit.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks fellows readers where they were during historic moments in the game's history.

OPINION: The Six Nations race will go down to the wire, but Wales got some early reward in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

#FanUp: rugby365 and Vodacom have combined to give five lucky readers a chance to win tickets to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, March 21.

The Highlanders refuse to falter against some of the bigger teams and as such they feature heavily in rugby365's selection this week.

OPINION: Darryn Pollock looks at why the drama of the Six Nations is far better to watch than the drudgery of Super Rugby.

In a massive move for rugby365's newest staff member, Wayno is not longer the last-placed predictor in SuperBru with a mammoth two-place jump to 82nd!

It is a bumper weekend of rugby as the Six Nations returns and Super Rugby hits Round Five

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues with his 'all-time best' series - this week looking at outside centres.

The Stormers feature heavily in rugby365's team of the week after fronting up and toppling the Sharks in a bruising contest.

OPINION: Jan de Koning asks why is it that New Zealanders never just accept defeat against a South African team.

Resident Rugby365 editor LionKing has gone from basement dweller to Yellow-capper after Round Four of Super Rugby.

Super Rugby is into Round Four while the Six Nations takes a break - catch it all LIVE here!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul Dobson takes a look at how commentators tend to mangle names, which he says is not respectful or professional.

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, continues with his 'all-time best' series - this week looking at wings.

OPINION: Ireland were not exactly pure Emerald, but they were good enough to take their winning streak to a record-equalling 10 Tests.

The Hurricanes put out a big warning to other competitors and unsurprisingly they feature heavily in Rugby365's team of the week.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim shares his thoughts on the way referees are handling protecting players in the air and has provided a possible solution.

OPINION: AussieBoer, a regular rugby365 contributor from Down Under, is puzzled and not at all confident about his predictions this week.

There is a massive game between England and Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend as well as Round Three of Super Rugby!

OPINION: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, decided to put on a coach and selector's cap - naming his Springbok team.

There was a fairly even split in honours with 13 of the 14 teams being represented in rugby365's team of the week.

Even with most people's SuperBru suffering after a turbulent Round One there still has to be a leader.

Darryn Pollock looks into the inconsistancies that are coming out of the judicial hearings following six citings in two rounds of Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, takes a look back at the last two rounds of the World Series.

Round two of Super Rugby is here, and if Round One is anything to go by, this should be a cracker! - catch it all here LIVE

OPINION: AussieBoer, a regular rugby365 contributor from Down Under, hangs his head in shame before picking up the prediction baton again.

OPINIE: AussieBoer, rugby365 se gereelde rubriekskrywer, is van mening dat die veel-besproke K-woord, kwota, nou met verdwyn.

OPINION: Ireland and England will meet in just under a fortnight in what may well the Six Nations tournament decider.

With Round One of Super Rugby throwing up some intriguing results it is no surprises that there are some unsung heroes in the team.

IN DIE KOLLIG: Jan de Koning is van mening dat sommige spelers met groot reputasie die naweek op hul louere gerus het!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning is of the opinion that some of the game's biggest stars were relying on their reputations, rather than talent.

It is a massive weekend as Super Rugby returns alongside the second round of Six Nations - catch it all LIVE here!

Fantasy rugby and Super Bru are serious business, and as such you keyboard-warriors will need all the help you can get so Darryn Pollock is here to assist.

OPINION: AussieBoer, rugby365's well-versed reader, challenges other readers to a game of Super Rugby 'prediction'.

OPINION: England put down an early Six Nations marker and they are rewarded in rugby365's famous selection!

IN DIE KOLLIG: Jan de Koning neem 'n terugblik in die verlede, na 'n vergete era - toe Super Rugby nog SUPER was!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning glances back into the past, to a forgotten era - when Super Rugby was still SUPER!

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, takes us behind the scenes at Wellington - Round Four of the World Series!

This weekend sees the beginning of the Six Nations with an important game between England and Wales up first!

OPINION: Aussieboer, rugby365's well-versed reader, tells us why women's rugby will become the next big thing!

OPINION: rugby365's law guru, Paul Dobson, gives his view of referees who sometimes have an inflated belief in their ability.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, returns from his mid-season slumber with more great insight!

OPINION: Aussieboer, rugby365's well-versed reader, puts on his selection hat - as he looks to find an all-time XV ahead of the World Cup.

IN DIE KOLLIG: rugby365 se rubriekskrywer Aussieboer het 'n paar glasies gaan klink met die voormalige Bok stut Hempies du Toit.

The top 10 richest players were recently unveiled, but are those 10 players the best in the world?

OPINION: Jan de Koning puts Jake White in the spotlight after the dramatic manner in which he turned around the fortunes of Montpellier.

FEATURE: It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century, this is the final part of the Battle of the Giants - the Closest of Enemies.

It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century, this is Part Five in the Battle of the Giants - the role of Apartheid.

FEATURE: It's a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking. This is Part Four in the Battle of the Giants.

FEATURE: Jan de Koning takes a look at the year 2014 and how the Top 10 teams performed this year!

FEATURE: Jan de Koning asks if the world rankings can be used as an accurate yard-stick for the World Cup next year?

FEATURE: It's a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking. This is Part Three in the Battle of the Giants.

OPINION: The year was filled with moments of brilliance and moments of insanity. We name and shame the best and worst of 2014.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Michael de Vries takes a look at the young stars he thinks will make the step up to the next level in 2015.

FEATURE: The battle for the No.1 ranking of the world continues as we look at Part 2 of this century old rivalry.

FEATURE: It is a rivalry that has been going on for the best part of a century - the battle for the No.1 ranking of the world.

FEATURE: Michael de Vries looks at the young guns that made a big noise this year, as rugby365 continue our review of 2014.

OPINION: In this year when the British and Irish Lions go on tour, we will focus on the four Home Unions when selecting the famous rugby365 Team of the Week.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the fourth instalment of Rugby With Reynecke, Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss whether the Springboks can be successful without foreign-based players like Duane Vermeulen.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the third instalment of the series Rugby With Reynecke, Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the Springbok indaba, money and whether SA Rugby can create consistency and continuity.

A RUGBY365 EXCLUSIVE: In the second instalment of the Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter talk about the necessity of a model in rugby where a player can gain experience and build character before being exposed to top flight rugby.

OPINION: Ronan Calvert gives rugby365's readers an Irish view on the final round of Europe's premier club competition - the Champions Cup.

A RUGBY365 FIRST: In the first instalment of the new Rugby With Reynecke series Ethienne Reynecke, Ernst Joubert and Brendan Venter discuss the Springbok coaching position.

OPINION: Ronan Calvert gives us an Irish view on the penultimate of Europe's premier club competition - the Champions Cup.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes a look at the post-isolation Springbok coaches to see where incumbent Allister Coetzee ranks.

OPINION: Jan de Koning looks beyond the media hype surrounding the kafkaesque Racing 92 versus Johan Goosen saga and asks some pointed questions about the way some French club owners operate.

Here is a golden oldie from respected rugby365 writer Paul Dobson which was first published on this website 16 years ago.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning takes a look at a proposed change to the South African landscape and what the 2017 Super Rugby season may produce.

OPINION: rugby365 reporter Warren Fortune believes It will be a two-horse race between England and Ireland for the 2017 Six Nations title.

The rugby365 team would like to wish all our readers and their families a very merry Christmas!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby has had its share of tough players, some who went overboard into the realm of villainy.

OPINION: Jan de Koning looks at the drama that is about to unfold on the South African rugby landscape in the next week.

OPINION: New Zealand may still be ranked No.1, and justifiably so, but England was without doubt the form team in November.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay wraps up 2016 and the roller-coaster that the Wallabies are on.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and @ASICS_ZA are giving our readers a chance to win a fabulous price!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nigel Owens is not just the best referee in the world, he is also the best at putting players down!

OPINION: The Celtic nations made a big statement at the weekend and they have been duly rewarded in rugby365's famous selection.

OPINION: Jan de Koning asks if Springbok coach Allister Coetzee will be true to his word and fall on his sword.

OPINION: New Zealand were not at their best, but they were still too classy for France.

OPINION: France again flattered to deceive, losing 19-24 to New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales outclassed South Africa when they secured a 27-13 victory in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: A dismal and disappointing season-ending game saw South Africa lose 13-27 to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia's hopes of achieving a first Grand Slam over the Home Unions since 1984 were dashed when they went down 24-27 to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland showed great resilience when they beat Australia 27-24 in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson looks at some of the reasons for uneasy feelings amongst Springbok supporters.

OPINION: It was, without a doubt, the most entertaining match of the weekend - not just because of the skill levels, but also the physicality and intensity.

OPINION: Jan de Koning looks into the background of what is really behind the Springboks' dramatic fall from grace this year.

OPINION: France was a drop-goal away from a famous win over Australia in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia hung on desperately, but made it three-from-three on their year-end tour by beating France 25-23 in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: They may have come into the match claiming the underdog tag but it was the amount of fight they showed on defence that enabled them to bag a 21-9 victory over Ireland in Dublin.

OPINION: Ireland proved just how far they have progressed with a machine-like effort, despite going down 9-21 to New Zealand in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: Italy displayed relentless and resilience when they outclassed the Springboks 20-18 in Florence on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa suffered an embarrassing 20-18 defeat at the hands of Italy in Florence on Saturday.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay looks at the roller coaster ride that comes with following the Wallabies.

OPINION: England became the second Northern Hemisphere team to send a strong message to their rivals south of the equator.

OPINION: The Springboks produced another dismal performance this year when they went down 21-37 to England at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: England triumphed over the Springboks for the first time since 2006 when they outsmarted them by 37-21 at Twickenham on Saturday. 

OPINION: The Wallabies again broke Scottish hearts with a narrow 23-22 win at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

OPINION: The new Italian era under coach Conor O'Shea got off to the worse possible start as they were hammered 10-68 by the All Blacks in Rome on Saturday.

OPINION: Scotland put in a spirited performance against the Wallabies, but could not close out the game when they were in front.

OPINION: The All Blacks made the most of playing a clueless opposition by running in 10 tries, however, their performance was not faultless.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke looks at how the domestic game in South Africa is being neglected.

OPINION: We have had the first weekend of November internationals - which produced one extraordinary result and bucketloads of entertainment.

OPINION: It almost seems silly to rank the players according to their individual performances. They are all heroes, all history makers.

OPINION: The All Blacks found life tough during their 29-40 defeat to a passionate Irish team at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.

OPINION: Let's not kid ourselves, this Wales team is a shambles and never threatened Australia.

OPINION: A new-look Springbok team showed some promise in their 31-all draw against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

OPINION: The Barbarians were out to entertain on Saturday and they did just that during their 31-all draw against the Springboks.

OPINION: Australia hardly moved out of second gear, but they were still good enough to ease past a very ordinary Welsh team.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and adidas have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win a pair of their brand new Elements Pack boot range.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, look at the latest boardroom developments in South Africa.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal in his final wrap, gives us his take on the conclusion of an exciting season.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: After a fairytale Currie Cup Premier Division season, it comes as no surprise that our Team of the Tournament is dominated by players from the Free State Cheetahs.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay looks at the reasons why Australia failed to get that elusive Eden Park win.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal in his weekly wrap, looks at the semifinals in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke looks at the role of social media and the armchair critics.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After their amazing 55-17 semifinal win over the Golden Lions, the Free State Cheetahs have a whopping 11 players in rugby365's famous Team of the Week. 

NPC SPOTLIGHT: Rugby365 Columnist Richard Neal in his weekly wrap, looks at the final week of round robin matches in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, tells the South African Rugby Union bosses to grow a backbone and save the game from ruin.

OPINION: New Zealand's dominance of the game can be found in many statistics and events - such as the Rugby Championship.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim examines the claim that the current squad of Springboks are the best South Africa have.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at some of the best matches in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

OPINION: Australia returned to the scene of their World Cup semifinal victory over Argentina with another impressive performance at Twickenham Stadium.

OPINION: Argentina were left to rue another bad start to the game against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday - a game they lost 21-33.

OPINION: New Zealand gave an exhibition of how the game should be played and in the process set a few records.

OPINION: South Africa is at a low ebb in their rugby history - a place where it seems the game is dying a slow death.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and Asics have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win tickets to the Test match between South Africa and New Zealand in Durban on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: For six weeks, the Antidorcas marsupialis has been elusive and unsighted, however that has now changed as rugby365's famous weekly selection spotted a number of them as they emerged from the wilderness.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay feels looks at the Wallaby tactics this past weekend and sees the future of the game Down Under.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: It was a weekend of entertaining and high-scoring Currie cup matches, with the two most impressive teams dominating rugby365's famous weekly selection.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at some of the best matches in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

OPINION: Despite having two players sent to the sin bin, New Zealand were just too good for Argentina on the night as they claimed a 36-17 victory to remain unbeaten in the Rugby Championship.

OPINION: Argentina held their own for most of the match and even managed to outscore the All Blacks in the second half despite suffering a 17-36 defeat in Buenos Aires.

OPINION: A number of Allister Coetzee's players put in an improved performance during their 18-10 win over Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia's torrid record in Pretoria continued when they went down 10-18 to the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke explains why he is NOT an ardent Springbok fan, but a supporter of all things South African rugby.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Western Province strengthened their cause in the race to the play-offs with a 52-31 away win against Griquas and their players dominate our famous Team of the Week for Round Eight.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at a number of hat-trick being scored by forwards in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

OPINION: Jan de Koning decided to play 'selector' and suggested some much-needed changes to the Springbok team.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, WEEK FOUR: Not surprisingly the two dominant forces in the Rugby Championship, New Zealand and Australia, again provide the bulk of rugby365's famous weekly selection.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Free State Cheetahs remain unbeaten in this year's Currie Cup Premier Division and they dominate rugby365's famous Team of the Week for Round Seven.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at what he regards as the most extraordinary round of New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

OPINION: Argentina looked a spent force, especially after the opening salvo, as they went down 20-36 to Australia in Perth on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia scored 21 points in the opening 12 minutes to set up a 41-20 win over Argentina in Perth on Saturday.

OPINION: The All Blacks were a far-cry from their best but still managed to pick up a convincing 41-13 victory over the Springboks in Christchurch to seal the Rugby Championship crown.

OPINION: The Springboks may have lost 13-41 to the All Blacks in Christchurch but it was certainly not the blow-out everyone was expecting.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, WEEK THREE: For once New Zealand don't completely dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Golden Lions produced some exceptional rugby in their 58-32 win over Western Province and that is why they dominate rugby365's famous Team of the Week for Round Six.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at Round Four of the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

OPINION: Australia got back to winning ways with a 23-17 win over the Springboks, but they still have some work to do if they want to be considered as a world class team.

OPINION: The Springboks produced another disappointing display of rugby during their 17-23 defeat to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

OPINION: Argentina put up a good fight, but in the end they ran out of gas - going down 22-57 to New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand did what New Zealand do best - destroy the opposition - beating Argentina 57-22 in Hamilton on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, talks about the criteria that should apply when appointing coaches and administrators.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: After an impressive victory over the Golden Lions, the Blue Bulls lead the way in terms of player selection in our famous Team of the Week.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at Round Three of the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke digs deeper into travel factors in Southern Hemisphere competitions.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, WEEK TWO: New Zealand's superiority over the rest of the world was again put on display in glorious fashion this past weekend.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay thinks that Argentina have overtaken both the Springboks and Wallabies in the Rugby Championship pecking order.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Players from the Golden Lions and Sharks dominate rugby365's famous Currie Cup Premier Division Team of the Week for Round Four.

NPC SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in his weekly wrap, looks at Round Two of the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

OPINION: A brave second half fight back was not enough to rescue the Springboks from suffering an historic 24-26 defeat at the hands of Argentina in Salta.

OPINION: Argentina dominated the first half and that proved to be crucial in bagging a 26-24 victory over South Africa as their replacements let them down in the second half.

OPINION: The Wallabies winless streak continued as they suffered their sixth consecutive Test-match defeat dating back to the Rugby World Cup Final in England last year.

OPINION: The All Blacks won the Bledisloe Cup for the fourteenth year in succession with a well-deserved 29-9 bonus-point victory against the Wallabies at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, looks at the lack of spectators in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365 columnist Richard Neal, in the first of his weekly wraps, looks at the 'new' National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP, WEEK ONE: It should not come as a surprise that the world's top-ranked team dominates rugby365's famous weekly selection.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Players from the Free State Cheetahs, the Sharks and Griquas dominate our famous Currie Cup Premier Division Team of the Week for Round Three.

OPINION: Argentina's hearts were left broken by a late Springbok comeback in their opening Rugby Championship encounter, however, they deserved more from the match.

OPINION: The Springboks may have beaten Argentina 30-23 but celebrating this victory would be a crying shame as they struggled to execute the simple basics in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

OPINION: The All Blacks' performance in the opening Rugby Championship encounter against the Wallabies proved that they are miles ahead of other countries as they thumped the home team 42-8 in Sydney.

OPINION: Australia were handed a lesson when they suffered an 8-42 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their opening Rugby Championship match in Sydney.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: Two teams made a big statement of intent this past weekend and they were rewarded in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares a few success stories of players that made it when no one gave them a chance.

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: It took us a while. However, after much debate, our team of 'selectors' produced what they felt was the best combination of the opening round.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay asks if the Hurricanes perhaps showed that New Zealand teams now prefer to play without the ball.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The 2016 Super Rugby season is done and dusted and now it is time for rugby365's Team of the Tournament.

OPINION: Another defensively brilliant performance by the Hurricanes saw them keep the Lions try-less to claim a 20-3 victory and secure their first Super Rugby title.

OPINION: The Lions were far off their best in rainy Wellington conditions and succumbed to a 3-20 defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Final on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke explains why the Lions is an example that rugby has evolved.

COMPETITION TIME: Test your knowledge against the rugby365 team - join our SuperBru prediction pool.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After their impressive performance against the Highlanders, the Lions have nine players in rugby365's famous Team of the Week for the semifinals.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, believes the time has come for South African coaches to 'adapt or die'.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and John Nicholas Analytics have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win tickets to the Super Rugby semifinal at Ellis Park.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Chiefs and Lions have five players each in rugby365's famous Super Rugby Team of the Week for the quarterfinals.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay feels we are not done yet as far as Super Rugby surprises go.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Newlands! It is the parent of many great memories, another one this Saturday immediately past. Paul Dobson takes a stroll down memory lane.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and John Nicholas Analytics have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win a Lions jersey.

Super Rugby Spotlight: rugby365 selects its final Team of the Week for the league phase of this season's Super Rugby tournament. 

OPINION: rugby365, once again, asks why the South African Rugby Union insists on trying to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.

EXCLUSIVE: Now that all the Under-18 Craven Week teams have enjoyed time on the field, a few players have caught the eyes of many and should be closely watched in the near future. Tauriq Ebrahim reports.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke called on his 'connections' to bring you the best insights into players - the views of their peers.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders smashed the Melbourne Rebels 85-26 and that is why it's no surprise that they have the most players in rugby365's famous Team of the Week for Round 16.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares with rugby365's readers, some positives from the South African landscape.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions again lead the way with selection in rugby365's famous Team of the Week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The rugby365 team sat down, analysed the entire month's matches and came up the most consistent performers.

OPINION: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay feels Australia can learn from being whitewashed by England ... IF they can throw out the rubbish.

OPINION: Ireland surprised friend and foe with their willing and entertaining displays against South Africa.

OPINION: Just six points separated the team in each of the three Tests. However, South Africa won the match that mattered - the series decider in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

OPNION: Eddie Jones returned to his homeland, Australia, and plotted their downfall - a 3-0 series whitewash by England.

OPINION: Australia put up a spirited performance, but ultimately fell short and lost 40-44 to England a thrilling match in Sydney on Saturday.

OPINION: Any hope of Wales salvaging some pride in Dunedin were quickly extinguished as they suffered a massive 6-46 loss at the hands of a rampant All Blacks team.

OPINION: New Zealand are simply in a class of their own as they put in yet another masterclass performance to beat Wales 46-6 in Dunedin.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Two teams, New Zealand and England, dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke suggests that Northern Hemisphere teams are closing the gap on their southern rivals.

OPINION: rugby365 editor Jan de Koning goes beyond the numbers to look at South Africa's dramatic come-from-behind win over Ireland at Ellis Park at the weekend.

OPINION: They dominated proceedings for 61 minutes and fed on the Springboks' mistakes but ran our of steam and got blown away to suffer a 26-32 defeat after holding a 26-10 lead.

OPINION: For 60 minutes, the Springboks were woeful but, with form replacements coming onto the field, they dominated the final 30 minutes to claim a 32-26 victory over Ireland in Johannesburg.

OPINION: A defensive masterclass by England helped them clinch their first-ever series victory against the Wallabies in Australia on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia's failure to breach a stern England defence in the second half cost them dearly in the second Test in Melbourne on Saturday.

OPINION: New Zealand produced an improved performance in the second Test to clinch the three-Test series against Wales in Wellington on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales would have fancied their chances at half-time but had their defensive frailties exposed in the second half to suffer a 22-36 loss to New Zealand on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares with rugby365's readers, his views on the start of the Allister Coetzee era.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Players from the Northern Hemisphere dominate our famous Team of the Week after the first round of matches in the 2016 June international window.

OPINION: Ireland, despite being reduced to 14 men for almost an hour, produced a gutsy showing to win their first-ever Test on South Africa soil.

OPINION: The Allister Coetzee era got off to a disastrous start - his Springboks losing 20-26 to a 14-man Irish team.

OPINION: England's 38-29 victory over Australia may not have been pretty, but it was tactically perfect as they outsmarted their hosts in every aspect of the game.

OPINION: Australia seemed a far cry from the side that made the 2015 World Cup Final as they suffered a 28-39 defeat at the hands of England in Brisbane.

OPINION: Wales faced the daunting prospect of taking on the All Blacks at Eden Park and were competitive throughout the encounter, but their fire was finally put out in the final 10 minutes.

OPINION: It was a story of two halves, with the All Blacks trailing 18-15 at the break, but their class came through in the second half with the bench making a big difference.

FUN TIME: Challenge the editor and see if you know your rugby. Join the rugby365 prediction pool for the June internationals.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay takes us beyond the headlines ahead of the much anticipated AUSTRALIA versus ENGLAND series.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Which Northern Hemisphere team will win most of their matches in June?

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions ran the Bulls ragged at Loftus Versfeld and that is why they have seven players in our famous Team of the Week for Round 14.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke looks at what it takes to build a successful enterprise - a team that can win trophies.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Chiefs and Lions are first and second on the combined Super Rugby standings and they have five players each in our famous Team of the Week for Round 13.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a two-time former Under-19 World Cup winner, shares with rugby365's readers, the highs and lows in the life of a coach.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It was an easy selection this week as the rugby365 team sat down to decide on our famous selection.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks are the only South African team to have players featuring in our famous Team of the Week for Round 11.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Ethienne Reynecke looks at what he regards as a ticking time bomb in the game - concussion.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Hurricanes taught the Lions a rugby lesson in Johannesburg and that is why they have seven players in our famous Team of the Week for Round 10.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 columnist Brett McKay, has had a change of heart about the Australian conference in Super Rugby.

EXCLUSIVE: Eugene Eloff, a regular to the Afrikaans listeners of our weekly podcast productions, joins rugby365's growing list of columnists.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Crusaders sent out a stern warning to rest of the competition after their victory in Canberra and that is why four of their stars are in our famous Team of the Week for Round Nine.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and adidas provides our readers with an opportunity to win some wonderful prizes.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Lions secured a crucial win over the Stormers and they dominate rugby365's famous Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round Eight.

EXCLUSIVE: Ethienne Reynecke, the newest member of the rugby365 family, dissects the red-hot topic of whether overseas-based players should play for the Springboks.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: It took us some time, but the rugby365 team finally came up with our famous weekly selection.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Allister Coetzee was named the new Springbok coach on Tuesday. Is his appointment good for South African rugby?

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's new columnist Brett McKay, with the first in a series of monthly columns, tell us why things are not well in the Land Down Under.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and adidas have combined to provide our readers with an opportunity to win some wonderful prizes.

OPINION: The rugby365 team went to the community to ask them about the 'revamped' Currie Cup competition. We came to the conclusion that it has been stripped of its status as one of the world's elite events.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Melbourbe Rebels recorded an historic win against the Waratahs in Sydney and are well represented in rugby365's famous Team of the Week for Round Six.

EXCLUSIVE: Cheeky Watson will depart the Eastern Province Kings with a ZAR1-million golden handshake.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim looks at the decision taken by the Varsity Cup organisers to promote a team who could possibly not be the Varsity Shield champions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson takes a look at two momentous incidents in the career of Craig Joubert.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Chiefs currently lead the Super Rugby standings and they dominate rugby365's famous team of the week for Round Five.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: Players from champions England and second-placed Wales dominate our 2016 Six Nations team of the tournament.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: After a weekend where no New Zealand teams lost it is no surprise that players from the land of the long white cloud dominate our famous Team of the Week.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: England have already won the Six Nations and there is further reward for them in the form of rugby365's famous weekly selection.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Brumbies dominate our famous team of the week after bagging another impressive win in this year's Super Rugby competition.

OPINION: There has been major concern about whether or not the Varsity Cup will continue but Tauriq Ebrahim may just have found a solution to the current situation.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: After their impressive 36-32 away win over the Chiefs in Hamilton, it is no surprise that the Lions dominate rugby365's famous selection for Round Two of Super Rugby.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: It may not have been the most exciting weekend of Six Nations matches, but it was intriguing.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: The Stormers' impressive performance against the Bulls means that they dominate rugby365's famous selection after Round One of this year's Super Rugby tournament.

COMPETITION: rugby365 and adidas have combined to give away two FREE tickets to the big north-south Super Rugby derby.

COMPETITION: rugby365 and Jonathan Ball Publishers have combined to give readers a chance to win one of two copies of the book Springbok captains.

FUN TIME: Super Rugby starts this week and as usual rugby365 will have pools in both a fantasy league and a prediction pool.

BOOK REVIEW: Max Baise was one of South Africa's greatest rugby referees and this is his story.

This is a test page, please ignore.

COMPETITION: rugby365 and Burnet Media have combined to give readers a chance to win one of two copies of the famous (or is that infamous) Year of the Turnip.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: France may only have won by a single point, but they were impressive enough to dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

OPINION: Respected rugby365 writer Paul Dobson asks if phase-play is not perhaps just a failure - a way out for teams who can't create?

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: The Six Nations got underway to great fanfare at the weekend and it was the 16-all stalemate between Ireland and Wales that stood out.

OPINION: In the eyes of many South Africans Matt O'Brien is the new Bryce Lawrence, vilified by many, most of whom are anonymous.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Which tournament would you rather watch - Super Rugby or the European Champions Cup? Cast your vote below!

CAST YOUR VOTE: We would like to know who you think should captain the Stormers this year? Cast your vote below!

OPINION: The Varsity Cup competition has been pushing the boundaries of innovation. However, Tauriq Ebrahim feels that the latest law adjustments are taking the tournament closer to becoming more of a gimmick.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With Daniel Carter now plying his trade in France, rugby356 reporter Warren Fortune looks at the three main candidates for the All Blacks' No.10 jersey in 2016 and beyond.

OPINION: rugby365.com reporter Warren Fortune says the new Springbok coach will face an uphill battle in trying to get the team ready to beat the world's best.

OPINION: With a new year and new season ahead, Tauriq Ebrahim dips his toes into the murky waters of the rugby world and asks whether or not anyone can catch or match the mighty All Blacks.

This is a great book about great people.

OPINION: It can't get much more depressing than the current state of the nation in the Republic of South Africa. Jan de Koning asks if there's hope for 2016.

Rugby365 wishes all our readers and their families a very Happy New Year!

OPINION: It's been a long, busy year for the rugby365 crew and now we present to you our famous Team of the Year selections.

2015 was another good vintage in terms of promising talent emerging in South Africa, we look at five of the best.

Rugby365 would like to wish all our readers and their families a very Merry Christmas!

OPINION: Mark Hammett was unveiled as the coach of the new Japanese Super Rugby side, the Sunwolves but is he the right man for the job?

BOOK REVIEW: Jan de Koning looks at one of the many books on the game of rugby released in 2015.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Amidst all the drama surrounding the Southern Kings, there is a small group of forgotten players. Jan de Koning takes a look behind the scenes.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Rugby returns to the Olympics later this year, when Sevens will take centre stage. Which player from the 15-a-side game do you think will make the biggest splash in Rio?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Confirmation of Heyneke Meyer's departure from the Springboks, has put the coaching rumour mill into overdrive. Jan de Koning reports.

OPINION: Jan de Koning asks why has the Stormers' brains trust lost their appetite for local coaches?

rugby365 and ASICS have combined to give three readers an opportunity to watch the Cape Town Sevens on December 12 and 13!

OPINION: rugby365.com journalist Warren Fortune explains why he thinks the Lions and the Bulls will be South Africa's top two teams in next year's Super Rugby competition.

This is the last newsletter for 2015 and we want to take this opportunity to wish all our newsletter readers a Merry Christmas.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Should Heyneke Meyer stay on as head coach of the Springboks? Yes or No.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Who will win the new expanded Super Rugby competition next year? Cast your vote below.

CAST YOUR VOTE: Here is your chance to say who should coach the Stormers, now that Eddie Jones has ditched them.

Who would you like to see as coach of South Africa and England? Vote below!

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes another look at the attitude towards coaches of South Africa's national team, in the wake of the emotional outburst by former players.

With the 2015 World Cup behind us we speculate on who will play for the Springboks in 2019 and look back at our predictions in 2011.

OPINION: rugby365 delves into the lighter side of the World Cup with all those moments that made you cheer, gasp, cry and even spill your preferred beverage - it's time for our Alternate Awards.

OPINION: After 48 matches and 2 439 points, the time has come for rugby365 to don their best tuxedos and bow ties to dish out our famous World Cup salutes.

OPINION: New Zealand's dominance of the World Cup has earned the world's top team even more accolades.

While some reports suggest Heyneke Meyer is going to be well-paid to keep his job, what are the chances of a foreign Springbok coach?

OPINION: New Zealand proved once again they are the best team on the planet when they beat Australia 34-17 in the World Cup Final on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia did well to get to this year's World Cup Final, but were well beaten by the mighty All Blacks.

OPINION: Argentina lacked any flair and excitement that brought the crowd to their feet on numerous occasions and it seemed as though their injuries took its toll at the end of the day.

OPINION:  It is the match that no-one wants to play and the type of rugby that was on display certainly matched the occasion - and the crowd let the players know exactly what their feelings were.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 reader AussieBoer has his say about the ongoing debate surrounding Heyneke Meyer's future and shows why he believes he is correct.

OPINION: The haters will hate and pessimists will always see the dark side. Jan de Koning looks past the hyperbole at what is the right thing to do.

There was only place for one Springbok in our Team of the Week from the World Cup semifinals.

OPINION: The Currie Cup may have taken a back seat to the World Cup but the on field action was electric as the Golden Lions claimed the honours, but who stood out?

OPINION: Australia's ability to outsmart the Argentinian defence gave them a huge edge in their 29-15 win over Argentina in their World Cup semifinal.

OPINION: Apart from dominating the scrum for most of the 80 minutes, Argentina were second best in other areas of the game in their semifinal defeat to Australia.

OPINION: New Zealand overturned a five-point half-time deficit to walk away with a hard fought two point victory over the Springboks - although they should have won more comfortably.

OPINION: The Springboks gave it horns against New Zealand and can hold their heads high with their Herculean defensive effort and dominant scrum, despite relinquishing a 12-7 half-time lead.

Western Province showed good fighting spirit, but were not accurate enough to beat the Golden Lions at Ellis Park.

The Golden Lions gained sweet revenge over Western Province to finish the Currie Cup unbeaten.

OPINION: Australia edged Wales 15-6 in a Pool A crunch match at Twickenham on Saturday.

Andrew Howitt takes a look at Round Three for Superbru Fantasy and Prediction Leagues

Namibia struggled to handle the All Blacks at scrum time in their World Cup Pool C match and simply couldnt contain the exciting backs.

OPINION: New Zealand's young guns put their World Cup Pool C match to bed in the first half against the Namibians.  

Andrew Howitt takes a look at the midweek games after a decent weekend of player predictions.

New recruit to the rugby365team, Andrew Howitt, looks at the weekend's matches for the World Cup .

#HomeGroundAdvantage:  As the Springboks take on the world on foreign soil, Castle Lager will be going all out to give our boys ‘Home Ground Advantage’