Opinion News

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at how South African will fair without Director of Rugby Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus.

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

WATCH as retired Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger have a bit of fun at the expense of 2019 World Cup winner Willie le Roux.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at South Africa's backline options for the upcoming end-of-year tour.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

OPINION: @rugby365com guest columnist Ethienne Reynecke reminds us all of the ethos of the game: Respect!

WATCH as Ulster hooker Rob Herring gets 'outplayed' by his daughter during a media interview.

WATCH as the Bulls show us what they get up to when they are away from the rigours of rugby.

OPINION: The Wallabies machine marches on defeating Los Pumas 32-17 at Cbus Stadium on Queensland’s Gold Coast in their final performance of this year's Rugby Championship.

WATCH as we bring you a video that shows how 21 of the points New Zealand scored in their 29-31 loss to South Africa was directly from mistakes the officiating team made.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens reviews all the key decisions in this past weekend's Rugby Championship fixtures.

OPINION: Columnist Ben Smith explains why he feels the Springboks aren't running with the All Blacks anymore.

WATCH as we bring six minutes of the worst decision-making you will see from a Springbok team.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman takes a look at a few concerns South Africa is facing.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock takes a look at the reasons for Australia's ability to go toe-to-toe with South Africa in the set pieces.

SPOTLIGHT: The gentleman from New Zealand's Aotearoa Rugby Pod has some sage advice to the Springboks.

OPINION: Ben Smith questions the Springboks' right to call themselves 'equals' or even 'worthy challengers' to the All Blacks' No.1 ranking.

OPINION: Australia made it back-to-back wins over South Africa with a bonus-point victory in Brisbane. Tom Raine rates the Wallaby players.

OPINION: It was, by some distance, South Africa's worst performance under the current coaching set-up.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock looks ahead to the Round Four Rugby Championship showdown between Australia and South Africa.

OPINION: The All Blacks were missing a slew of senior players and that could have made the round 3 match of the Rugby Championship against Argentina challenging.

OPINION: Yet again the Sharks had to settle for second-best during the Currie Cup final.

OPINION: The Bulls showed why they are South Africa's best team after they won the Currie Cup title for a second time this year.

WATCH as Robbi Kempson and Swys de Bruin unpacks South Africa's kicking problems in their 26-28 Rugby Championship loss to Australia at the weekend.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock looks ahead to the Rugby Championship showdown between Australia and South Africa.

OPINION: The Wallabies have failed to defeat the All Blacks in 2021 after going down 21-38 at Optus Stadium, Perth in the final instalment of the Bledisloe Cup this season.

OPINION: What a sense of occasion an amazing venue and a big crowd can bring!

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock looks at how the Springboks' kicking game neutralises their opponents' attacking game.

WATCH as Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber explains how lockdown works at their hotel in Queensland.

WATCH as former Springbok captain Warren Whitely bids an emotional farewell to Ellis Park.

OPINION: Retired Springbok scrumhalf Neil de Kock said there is one team in world rugby who are well-suited to unlock the Springboks' defence.

WATCH as we unpack the amazing Makazole Mapimpi try in South Africa's 29-10 win over Argentina at the weekend.

WATCH as we bring you five of the most famous moments from new Bulls recruit Ruan Combrinck.

OPINION: It was not memorable, but it was another effective performance from South Africa.

OPINION: Dismissing South Africa as a credible threat appears to have become a favourite pastime in Aotearoa.

WORLD RANKINGS NEWS: Australia is now the lowest-ranked of the four teams in the Rugby Championship.

WATCH as the new sensation Evan Roos charges his way to the tryline for Western Province against the Lions in a Currie Cup match.

OPINION: Argentina arrived full of hope and bravado, but in the end, they were simply outclassed by South Africa. Jan de Koning rates the Los Pumas players.

OPINION: South Africa showed why they remain the world's top-ranked team, beating Argentina 32-12. Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players.

WATCH as we bring you a wonderful blast from the past - some of the best moments from the 2019 World Cup.

OPINION: With a British & Irish Lions series that went down to the wire, the business of picking a composite team was always going to be a tough ask.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will remain the top-ranked side in the world, even if they are well beaten by Argentina at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass columnist Paul Smith takes a look at possible candidates to replace Warren Gatland as B&I Lions coach for the 2025 trip to Australia.

OPINION: Test rugby returned to Eden Park for the first time in 2021 when the All Blacks hosted the Wallabies in the opening Bledisloe Cup game of the season.

WATCH 10 minutes of AWESOME highlights from South Africa's 2-1 series win over the British and Iri8sh Lions.

WATCH as Nigel Owens unpacks the key and some contentious moments in the third and final Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: “The biggest match outside the World Cup final” was how Nigel Owens described third test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith dissects the Springboks' status following the series win over British and Irish Lions.

WATCH as the Springboks erupt into joyous celebrations after the full-time hooter had sounded at the Cape Town Stadium at the weekend.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens takes a look at some of the contentious decisions in the first Test between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: After a heated and very public discord during the week, it could be argued that this second Test hype exceeded the first for pre-match hype, but again it was an ugly affair.

OPINION: The Springboks rebounded in impressive fashion at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, beating the British & Irish Lions 27-9 to draw level in the Lions Series.

WATCH as British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler appears to sink his teeth into the arm of South African lock Franco Mostert.

OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith dissects Springboks' 17-22 defeat to British and Irish Lions in the opening Test match on Saturday.

OPINION: The game is the ultimate humbler.

OPINION: RugbyPass columnist and former England flyhalf Andy Goode has an interesting take on the RassieGate saga.

OPINION: It was a tense Test match that delivered on physicality, but failed in the spectacle department. Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish players.

OPINION: South Africa failed to maintain the first-half intensity and got blown away by the British and Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

WATCH as we look back to the second Test from the 2009 series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions - regarded as one of the most brutal matches ever.

WATCH as we recap all the drama from the opening contest in the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions in Cape Town at the weekend.

OPINION: The Stormers put up a good fight in the opening 25 minutes of their game against the British and Irish Lions before the difference in class began to show.

WATCH as we recap the first Test of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour - a dramatic series opener.

WATCH as we bring you some tasty titbits ahead of the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: The Wallabies came agonisingly close to securing a series-clinching victory against the French at AAMI Stadium in Melbourne, however were narrowly defeated 26-28 in an enthralling encounter.

OPINION: For the Sharks, it was a chance to right the wrongs in what was the second encounter against the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: The withdrawal of Finn Russell and Maro Itoje just 90 minutes before kick-off may have rattled the British and Irish Lions.

OPINION: The All Blacks survived a big scare from Fiji as they scored 26 unanswered points in the final quarter of an hour to secure a 57-23 win.

WATCH as the spotlight is shone on Albertus Smith, who played at No.8 for the Springboks against Georgia.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish player after their 54-7 rout of the Sharks at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

OPINION: The Sharks would have learned one very valuable lesson - they are way off the pace they need to be if they hope to compete internationally.

OPINION: The Johannesburg-based Lions were outclassed from start to finish in an entertaining game that saw the British and Irish Lions run riot.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish Lions after their 56-14 mauling of the Johannesburg-based Lions.

WATCH Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe talks about his epic drop-goal in the Top 14 final for Toulouse against La Rochelle.

OPINION: Ireland got back to action 15 weeks after they finished the Six Nations with a resounding flourish. Liam Heagney rates the Irish players!

OPINION: After a 20-month absence from the international game, the Springboks were a bit rusty in their 40-9 win over Georgia.

WATCH as three legends of the game - Fourie du Preez, Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers exchange some tall tales and good laughs.

OPINION: Rugbypass contributor Paul Smith takes a closer look at the officiating during the British and Irish Lions win over Johannesburg-based Lions on Saturday.

WATCH as the Springbok players extend a special welcome top the British and Irish Lions - in several of the country's 11 languages.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the British and Irish Lions players after their 28-10 win over Japan in Edinburgh.

WATCH as we bring you the ultimate trailer ahead of the three-Test series between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

WATCH as Springbok star and World Rugby Player of the Year 2019 opens up about the horror injury that almost ended his career.

SPOTLIGHT: There was some good news for Bok fans on Wednesday.

OPINION: The first All Blacks squad of the year has been named for next month’s Test series against Tonga and Fiji, and there is no shortage of talking points about the side.

We were lucky enough to speak to Springbok rugby legends Pierre Spies and John Smit as they recalled their memories of the 2009 British and Irish Lions series.

WATCH was Warren Gatland delivers his opening speech to the 2021 British and Irish Lions squad ahead of their tour to South Africa.

OPINION: @king365ed gives you a sneak preview of just how brutal the Tests series between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions could be.

VIDEO: Want to know what players get up to on tour? Watch as three retired Springbok unpack some of the behind the scenes events.

WATCH the footage that emerged of the now infamous training ground punch-up between two Welsh players.

SPOTLIGHT: As Jacques Nienaber gets ready to name his Springbok squad on Saturday, several positions will be under the spotlight.

WATCH as 2019 World Rugby Player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit names his favourite players from around the globe.

WATCH as Springbok loose forward Uzair Cassiem set the Internet ablaze with his unique farewell message to Welsh region Scarlets.

OPINION: RugbyPass correspondent Ben Smith wonders which version of Richie Mo'unga will arrive at the All Blacks this year.

CROSSING THE BORDER: When it was confirmed that two Pacific Island franchises will enter Super Rugby next year, it seemed the fledgling competition had turned a corner.

WATCH as share some unique stories from the brutal British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009.

WATCH as we bring you one of the most fortuitous tries ever.

WATCH as we bring you the five finalists for the European Cup Try of the Season.

WATCH as we bring you an analysis of the World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.

TEAM OF THE WEEK: Sean Holley takes a stab at naming the best players from 16 teams in the Rainbow Cup.

WATCH as we bring you Episode Two of the #SpiritofRugby series with unique stories of the iconic British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1997.

WATCH as the British and Irish Lions start to stir up the emotions ahead of their eight-match trip to South Africa.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman opens up on the Stormers' performances in the first two rounds of the Rainbow Cup.

WATCH as a rugby fan attempts to explain the laws of the game to a friend - with hilarious consequences.

WATCH as we bring you one of the most amazing stories to come from the game played with an oval-shaped ball.

WATCH as the BT Sports' #RugbyTonight and 2007 World Cup-winning Springbok captain John Smit puts the spotlight on Cheslin Kolbe.

OPINION: New Zealand columnist Ben Smith takes a swipe at the Springboks' claims that they are the world's best team.

LISTEN as the famous prankster Darren Simpson calls up 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.

OPINION: With the Rainbow Cup now effectively turned into a domestic series, @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman has come up with a novel idea.

WATCH as Jim Hamilton and Eben Etzebeth reminisce about the infamous clash they had in Nelspruit back in 2013.

SPOTLIGHT: Being a World Cup winner has more benefits than just being able to lift a golden trophy.

WATCH as we bring you some amazing moments from the game - a WWE collection.

OPINION: Warren Gatland opted for a 41-man British and Irish Lions squad to travel to New Zealand in 2017, but is going for a slimline 36-man squad to take on South Africa later this year.

WATCH a highlights pack of the Bulls' latest recruit - Springbok Marcell Coetzee.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby is going on a massive drive to tackle the problem of head injuries.

WATCH as Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White produces the ultimate 'put-down' of a journalist.

WATCH as we bring you three contentious incident from the past weekend's Six Nations. Two resulted in bans and in one there was no action.

OPINION: Andy Farrell called for a 'statement' performance in the lead-up to this Six Nations finale.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Welsh players after their agonisingly close loss to France!

OPINION: England arrived in Dublin favourites to make it five wins from five against the Irish and exit the Six Nations on a high.

OPINION: Campbell Burnes gives us his considerable view on why Super Rugby Aotearoa is leaving the Six Nations for dead.

WHISTLE WATCH returns, as Nigel Owens takes us through the world of rugby through a referee’s eyes.

OPINION: The Italy fixture is fast becoming each weekend’s foregone conclusion, but Wayne Pivac named a strong side as they pursue a Six Nations Grand Slam.

REFEREE WATCH: Rugbypass contributor Paul Smith takes a closer look at the officiating during the Six Nations Round four clashes. 

WATCH as Ireland's giant prop forward Tadhg Furlong steps two opponents like a fleet-footed back!

OPINION: The pace and brutality of the game were right up there in what was a bitterly close contest between two desperate sides. Ian Cameron rates the Irish players.

OPINION: Scotland’s winless run against Ireland extended to six matches as the visitors recorded a 27 – 24 win Gavin Harper rates the Scottish players.

ANALYSES: Each week of the Six Nations, former England Sevens international and broadcaster Rob Vickerman will shed light on a pivotal aspect of the weekend’s matches.

OPINION: In the opening round of Super Rugby Aotearoa for 2021, last year’s two most impressive teams flexed their muscles.

OPINION: The inevitable came to pass in Rome, Ireland getting their expected Six Nations win over Italy.

OPINION: In what was a game that will be remembered as much for the refereeing decisions as it will for the rugby that was played.

OPINION: Few would have called this setup going into Round Three of the Six Nations.

WATCH as retired referee Nigel Owens goes through viewers' questions once again.

OPINION: As the Super Rugby Aotearoa, Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competitions inch closer to kick-off, a panel of RugbyPass writers have taken it upon themselves to rank the best players across New Zealand and Australia in each position.

WATCH as we bring you the highlights of the opening round of Super Rugby AU 2021.

WATCH as the double-champion Bulls' technical analyst John-William Meyer answers fans' questions.

OPINION: They say forwards win rugby matches but this was maybe a case of Ireland’s backs being unable to capitalise on their pack’s dominance.

OPINION: Scotland were unable to back up their Calcutta Cup win last weekend as they fell to Wales at Murrayfield.

OPINION: You sensed Wales came to Scotland with their tails up but little did they know they would they once again benefit from another red card dismissal.

OPINION: After the horrors of the Calcutta Cup a week previous, England and Eddie Jones righted the ship with a solid 41-18 win over Italy at Twickenham.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning former Springbok coach and Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White gives us an insight into what it takes to make it at the top.

OPINION: The facts of the Newlands saga are well documented. However, what do the fans, the broader public, think about it all?

WATCH as the Bulls set up their amiable Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane with the ultimate prank.

OPINION: Ireland opened their Six Nations campaign with a 16-21 defeat to Wales in Cardiff. Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players.

OPINION: Wales ended a poor run for coach Wayne Pivac, with a 21-16 win in Cardiff. Ian Cameron rates the Wales players!

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the England players after they lost 6-11 to a motivated Scotland!

OPINION: Scotland has waited 38 years to win at Twickenham. Gavin Harper rates the Scotland players!

OPINION: As the dust settles on a disjointed, yet satisfying, Currie Cup season, Jan de Koning looks at some of the posers facing one of the franchises.

WATCH as we bring you the nominations for try of the round in Week One of the Six Nations.

OPINION: The @rugby365com selectors sat down and debated, long into the night, before we finally named our stars of the season.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales midfielder Jamie Roberts and Scotland flank Ryan Wilson have outlined which Springboks could make a potential SANZAAR XV to take on the British and Lions.

WATCH as we bring you a reminder of the strike power the Bulls had in their backline in the Currie Cup season.

OPINION: The Player Ratings are in for the Bulls after their dramatic win over the Sharks in the Currie Cup Final.

OPINION: The Sharks let a 10-point lead slip to suffer a heart-breaking 19-26 loss to the Bulls in the Currie Cup Final. Jan de Koning rates the Sharks players.

WATCH as we count down 10 of the best players from the last decade.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok scrumhalf Francois de Klerk is compared to the strike power of the venomous green mamba.

Are the Six Nations greedy or just short-sighted when it comes to the plight of the Pacific Nations?

READERS' VIEW: The votes have been counted and the readers' Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Six has been revealed.

REACTION: Flyhalf Ian Madigan revealed the Ulster squad's response when Marcell Coetzee announced that he was heading back to South Africa to play for the Bulls.

READERS' VIEW: Round Six of the Currie Cup is done and dusted and now it's time for the readers to vote for their team of the week.

READERS' VIEW: With all the votes in, players from the Cheetahs dominate the rugby365 readers' Team of the Week for Round Five.

READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.

WATCH as we bring you some of the game's biggest and fiercest scrums.

READERS' VIEW: The Lions, the form team of the Currie Cup, got an overwhelming vote of confidence from the @rugby365com readers.

OPINION: Josh Raisey takes a stab at naming his alternative team of the decade!

WATCH as we bring you some of the best genius passes and offloads in the game.

READERS' VIEW: It is that time of the week again. You get to vote for your team of the week.

OPINION: The votes are in. You, the readers, have spoken and here is your Team of the Week - after the third week of Currie Cup action.

WATCH as a group of doctors explain what happens inside the brain of a player when he/she gets concussed.

WATCH as we bring you the highlights from the main matches at the weekend-Currie Cup Round Four and European Cup Round Two.

WATCH as New Zealander utility back Baden Kerr from Counties Manukau makes the most incredible kick ever.

VOTE NOW: Round Three of the Currie Cup produced some interesting results, which will make for some interesting selections in the Team of the Week.

OPINION: The @rugby365com readers wanted to have a vote and got their wish. They were rather Bullish when selecting their Currie Cup Round Two Team of the Week.

WATCH: There have been some highly controversial tries scored over the years and we thought we'd relive some of them.

OPINION: Josh Raisey names his British and Irish Lions form XV, based on the year-end Nations Cup performances.

WATCH as we relive the head butt from Bakkies Botha on Jimmy Cowan that ended in a 9 week ban for Botha

WATCH: World Cup-winner Eben Etzebeth made a 100kg opponent look like a ragdoll while turning out for his French-based club Toulon.

OPINION: It was by no means perfect.

OPINION: Eddie Jones and his England team wrapped up their Nations Cup campaign with a fortuitous win against France.

WATCH as we bring you the World Rugby 2020 awards - including the Team of the Decade!

CURRIE CUP TEAM OF THE WEEK: Following an intriguing Round Two of the Currie Cup, we give you a chance to vote for your favourite player.

WATCH as we bring you all the drama from the weekend's main international and domestic matches!

WATCH as we bring some of the most amazing, uproarious and skilful scenes ever seen on the field.

READER'S VIEW: The opening round of South Africa's premier domestic competition had it all - intrigue, controversy and most of all an upset.

OPINION: After recording victories over Georgia and Ireland, England wrapped up their pool stage journey at the Nations Cup with a laboured 24-13 win over Wales at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli.

OPINION: Never had Wales been such heavy underdogs going into a home game against bitter rivals England, and the questions how would they react to the scale of the defensive edifice facing them at the Parc Y Scarlets.

OPINION: The RugbyPass Form XV has plenty of new faces this week - consisting of five French players, four English, and two players each from Argentina, Australia and Wales. 

WATCH as the late Paul Dobson takes us back to the days of Newlands as a venue of glory and grandeur.

OPINION: Alex Shaw has compiled his player ratings for Argentina after their 15-all draw with Australia.

OPINION: Finn Morton  rates the Australian players after their 15-all Tri-Nations Round Four draw with Argentina.

OPINION: After comfortably dispatching Georgia in their Nations Cup opener, England recorded their second victory over Ireland in the calendar year with an 18-7 win at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: This was another sobering fixture for Ireland against England, the fourth in a row – and the second under Andy Farrell – where they just repeatedly ran into a white wall and suffered the frustratingly bruising consequences.

Wales beat Georgia 18-0 in dour conditions scoring two tries in the process. Here's how RugbyPass rated the indivivual players

WATCH as we bring you highlights for all the weekend's major matches!

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand's dramatic slide in standard is reflected in their drop on the World Rugby rankings.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED SPOTLIGHT: Reader Sean Bagley entertains us with his weekly view of who the best performing players were.

SPOTLIGHT: Ian Cameron looks into how South Africa's inactivity will affect the Springboks'No.1 world ranking.

OPINION: One can only presume that the Italians watched the Pumas upset win over New Zealand earlier in the day, such was the ferocity of their performance in Florance.

OPINION: England got their Nations Cup up and running on Saturday afternoon with a comprehensive 40-0 win over Georgia, putting themselves in a strong position to make a run at the title over the coming weeks.

SUPER RUGBY UNLOCKED WEEK FIVE: @rugby365com reader Sean Bagley is back with his weekly contribution to your entertainment.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: There is some benefit for South Africa sitting on the sidelines.

OPINION: Nations Cup is finally here and with it, the beginning of the new international season and a fresh crop of youngsters to watch as they forge careers for themselves in the Test arena.

OPINION: One week is a long time in test rugby.

OPINION: After a draw and two solid wins, everyone expected the All Blacks to record another crushing victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

OPINION: Finding the right captain for your team is a unique challenge that faces every coach. Jake White gives us an insight into his thoughts.

WORLD RANKINGS NEWS: There were some significant changes to the world rankings, following the weekend's internationals.

OPINION: Mike Rehu rates the New Zealand players after their record 43-5 win over Australia in Bledisloe Cup Three this weekend.

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the England players after their successfull trip to Rome!

OPINION: Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players after they failed miserably in Paris against a classy French team.

OPINION: Finn Morton rates the Australian players after their record 5-43 loss to New Zealand in the third Bledisloe Cup Test at the weekend.

WATCH as we bring you highlights from the array of international and domestic action at the weekend.

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff takes a look at the dramatic decline in refereeing standards in South Africa.

WATCH as World Cup-winning Springbok Handre Pollard opens up about his life, injury and reports of his 'big' income.

OPINION: It has been three weeks since the Super Rugby Unlocked kicked off and there is some amazing talent on show.

OPINION: RugbyPass scribe Hamish Bidwell takes a look at how easy - or difficult - it is to beat the All Blacks.

STAT ATTACK: We are only two games into Super Rugby Unlocked, but the Cheetahs and their players are already making some big statements with their performances on the field.

WATCH: In the latest episode of Couch Commentary, Springbok legend Bryan Habana makes a remarkable admission of a record he holds that he doesn't really like.

OPINION: Dave Rennie’s Wallabies were handsomely defeated 7-27 at Eden Park, Auckland by a disciplined All Black outfit who revelled in the mistake-riddled Wallaby performance.

OPINION: The All Blacks were looking for a better performance against the Wallabies after the 16-all draw last weekend in Wellington.

SPOTLIGHT: Yet another South African scrumhalf is making waves with his performances on the field.

OPINION: Rugbypass columnist Campbell Burnes looks at why All Blacks refused to utilise the drop gaol during the draw against the Wallabies.

JAKE'S JUDGMENT: In his first column for TheXV World Cup-winning coach Jake White believes a broken game can be fixed with a return to old-school values.

OPINION: It is not new to South African rugby, but some players just seem to polarise opinion. Damian Willemse is certainly a polarising figure.

WATCH: There's nothing quite like a perfectly timed tackle to get pumped up for the weekend's plethora of matches.

OPINION: The Wallabies have announced themselves as a side of the future after working themselves to exhaustion in their 16-all draw with the All Blacks in Wellington. Nick Turnbull rates the Australian players.

OPINION: International rugby made a welcome return as the All Blacks took on Australia in Wellington. Mike Rehu rates the New Zealand players!

WATCH: This video showing a player being sent off in an Under-8 rugby league match is going viral.

COMPETITION TIME: Win one of two copies of Lloyd Burnard's latest book, Miracle Men on How Rassie's Springboks Won The World Cup.

WATCH: You have got to feel bad for these defenders who were completely sold by their opponents' dummies.

WATCH: Former England teammates James Haskell and Joe Marler are currently going head to head in a war of words to see who will come out on top.

A 9 minute video of aerial mayhem showing some of the most brutal and dangerous collisions in the air

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe takes a look at the consequences of South Africa's move north - to a European-based competition and away from SANZAAR.

WATCH as we bring you a humorous take on the players in the recent Pro14 Final between Leinster and Ulster.

SPOTLIGHT: "Fellow South Africans, the cabinet decided that the country should move to alert Level 1."

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff takes a look at how officials in the Eastern, Southern and Western Cape let the game down.

WATCH: In anticipation of rugby returning to South Africa, we bring you a compilation of some of the most unstoppable mauls that ended in points on the board.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes a look at the next big decision that will pave the way for the future success or failure of Western Province rugby.

WATCH as retired England internationals James Haskell and Dylan Hartley explain the brutal tally the game has taken on their bodies.

OPINION: Dave Rennie has named his first Wallabies squad as head coach, selecting just 16 of the 31 players from last year’s Rugby World Cup in favour of the next wave of talent.

OPINION: Jan de Koning takes a look at the systemic problems facing the Southern Kings and asks if they can rise like the proverbial phoenix from the ashes from what appears to be their Armageddon.

OPINION: The infamous contretemps in rugby circles in the Western Cape is redoubtable for its fractionalizing effect.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass reporter Michael Pulman takes a look at the challenges facing New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

WATCH: Thomas Ramos is all the rage in France after his magical pass started an exceptional Toulouse counter-attack but is this pass better than All Blacks legend Carlos Spencer?

OPINION: Former England flyhalf and Rugbypass columnist Andy Goode weighs in on Owen Farrell's latest reckless tackle incident.

OPINION: You would struggle to find too many individual campaigns that top that of the one turned in by Pieter-Steph du Toit last year, as the gifted blindside flank set new standards at his position.

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff looks at the latest Sturm und Drang of the game we so dearly love.

VIDEO: BlitzBok stalwart Werner Kok and his Sharks teammates put on their dancing shoes to join in the craze of the Jerusalema Challenge.

Commentators make the viewing experience that much better and when they're "in the zone" they can make any game better.

STAT ATTACK: It is only a matter of time before Crusaders' young star Will Jordan puts on an All Black jersey.

South Africa's Cabous Eloff got hearts racing in Australia compliments of a wardrobe malfunction while Samoa's Melani Nanai's return to the playing field lasted less than 20 minutes.

STAT ATTACK: Robert du Preez received plenty of criticism when he was playing in South Africa.

The Royal Marines Fitness Test is a gruelling challenge that will push anyone to their breaking points and Namibian International Lesley Klim has posted a video of him taking on the challenge and passing it with flying colours.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe looks at why a trans-Tasman competition could be another failed venture.

OPINION: Finn Morton looks at the top five performers from Round five of the Super Rugby Australia.

Our go-to source for unique video content has come up with an amazing list of the Greatest All-Time XV to have ever graced the international stage.

OPINION: Hamish Bidwell looks at why there is still suspicion over Ian Foster's appointment as All Blacks head coach.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod looks at the top five performers from Round Seven of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

SPOTLIGHT: With the international calendar still very much in limbo, SA Rugby has entertained the idea of a State of Origin three-match series.

Wiehan van der Riet, who goes by the name of 'rocketfoot' posted a video onto his social media pages where he slots a placekick from around 80 metres.

BATTLE OF THE AGES: There have been a couple of ideas going around on how SA Rugby can formulate rugby matches involving the country's best talent later this year.

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Mahlatse 'Chiliboy' Ralepelle's latest eight-year doping ban has again shined a light on the ugly reality of the sporting code.

THE LAW OF CHOICES AND DECISIONS: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff gives some sage advice to young players and coaches.

Crusaders flyhalf Richie Mo’unga produced a moment of magic which helped turn the tide during his team's blockbuster clash against the Blues.

There is a version of rugby played in Italy where brawls and off-the-ball scuffles are part and parcel of the game.

Damian McKenzie had it all as a schoolboy rugby player, all of which made him a five-star flyhalf prospect for Christ’s College in Christchurch.

OPINION: A look at five of the most intriguing signings made by Premiership clubs in 2020.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned, by popular demand, with another selection of arresting posers to test your rugby knowledge.

SPOTLIGHT: New results from an anonymous poll conducted among current New Zealand Super Rugby stars has revealed who is the worst Super Rugby referee. 

OPINION: Many fans believe Chiefs' winless streak is all thanks to Warren Gatland. However, Campbell Burnes looks at the other contributing factors.

STAT ATTACK: A strong defensive game is a key addition to any team's arsenal when a mounting serious title challenge.

WATCH as @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman sits down for a chat with renowned flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis.

There have been many renditions of the South African National anthem that made supporters gleam with national pride but there have also been some renditions that were simply downright embarrassing.

OPINION: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is back with another of his elucidating and disporting columns.

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA: The high penalty count in the opening weekend of Super Rugby Aotearoa was expected.

There is no better sound that hits you in the feelings than a capacity crowd belting out their country's national anthem and because we're missing it, we thought we'd share some insane national anthems from years gone by.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another tricky test of your rugby knowledge.

FRIDAY FEATURE: The Blues' Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign certainly got off a good start with an impressive 30-20 win over Hurricanes.

LAUGH A LITTLE: There are numerous classic one-liners that will have your belly aching and we have done our best to provide that for you.

It's not often that the camera is focused on the coach's box during a game but when it is, they never fail to give us great moments. Like these coaches absolutely losing their minds at their players.

OPINION: Ryan Grant, a @rugby365com contributor and one-time Blues academy recruit, takes a look at two of the most astute acquisitions and how they will impact on Super Rugby Aotearoa.

FLASHBACK: We go back to 2013 to revisit a famous tackle on an All Black legend.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has claimed the title of rugby365 Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain, beating Wales' Alun Wyn Jones in the final.

STAT ATTACK: The Springboks are blessed with some great scrumhalves in their prime at the moment.

It seems that the much-anticipated documentary "Chasing the Sun" - which outlines the Springboks' 2019 World Cup victory in Japan is nearing completion as Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus released some more never-before-seen footage over the past few days.

SPOTLIGHT: Referee Nigel Owens has singled out one particular Law variation that he believes could open up the game.

Just when you thought you've seen it all in the game - be it on the field or during interviews - up pops these moments that will have you scratching your head.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has decided the last few were a bit 'too easy' and raised the bar with this one.

WATCH England coach Eddie Jones at his chirpiest best, including the ultimate put-down of New Zealand rugby.

Back in 1995 at South Africa's first participation and hosting of the World Cup, June 11 marked quarterfinals day as New Zealand took on Scotland and Australia were up against England in what proved to be two high-quality matches.

Ashley Johnson made this great hit on Bryan Habana back in 2016 that absolutely floored the Springbok legend.

Quade Cooper has once again displayed why he is the most innovative and skilful player on the planet and quite possibly to have ever stepped onto the field by posting a video that has gathered more than 20000 views on Instagram.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman produces another of his dulcet selections - this time spanning from 2010 to 2020.

On this day 15 years ago, France secured their spot in the 1995 World Cup with a 36-12 victory over Ireland, but coach Pierre Berbizier wasn't entirely satisfied with their performance, claiming "we are capable of playing champagne rugby, but we are still trying to get the cork out."

SPOTLIGHT: Josh Raisey selects a team consisting of rugby stars who have had the most injury-plagued careers.

STAT ATTACK: The number of players leaving South Africa for greener pastures has been increasing over the years.

He tips the scale at 117kgs and stands 1.93 metres tall, so why would Lopeti Timani resort to "violence with a weapon"?

Natal defeated Northern Transvaal in the 1990 Currie Cup final but it was the prediction of Naas Botha following that defeat that paved the way for him to make many more bold predictions for years to come.

SPOTLIGHT: Here is a team of foreign players who laced up for South African franchises.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex McLeod takes a look at 10 All Blacks who came back to their homeland following stints abroad.

There has been numerous tackles and fends, be it legal or illegal, that has led to players immediately dropping like a sack of potatoes. Some manage to walk away from it, albeit gingerly, while others need assistance getting off the field.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365 reader and self-proclaimed "rugby fanatic extraordinaire", Neil Mac Ewan, provides a solution for South Africa's rugby drought.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Ryan Grant thinks he has found the perfect formula to select the ultimate Springbok XV.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with another examination of your knowledge. This time it is the 1995 World Cup Final.

Maro Itoje has proven to be a thorn in the side of many of his opponents, however, this video proves that he is more of an annoying mosquito.

He's already lifted the Webb Ellis trophy and has claimed numerous other awards since leading the Springboks to their third World Cup.

The Corona Virus may have ended Japan's Top League prematurely but fans the world over has plenty to smile about as one of the greatest flyhalves to have ever played the game makes his Super Rugby comeback.

LAUGH SOME MORE: With the weekend on our doorstep, we thought we'd give you something to laugh about with some more Friday funnies, although some of these jokes are as bad as the ones told by professional players in the videos at the end of this story.

FLASHBACK: We go back to 2012 when a giant of the game announced himself to the rugby world.

Look away Springbok fans as those old scabs of the 2015 World Cup match against Japan is torn open thanks to Dan Stuart who watches the highlights for the first time and reacts to that dramatic match.

We've reached the final head-to-head in the opening sections of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we wrap up this round with our final northern hemisphere captains.

As New Zealand prepares to get their franchise rugby up and running with Super Rugby Aotearoa starting on June 13, their provincial teams will also be looking forward to taking to the field again, with a few All Blacks adding some extra firepower to the Mitre 10 Cup.

OPINION: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is back with another of his elucidative and disporting columns.

The time has come to head to the northern hemisphere for Round Three of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition after we wrapped up the southern hemisphere's semifinalists.

England international Owen Farrell takes us on a trip down memory lane as he looks back to 2012 when he received the news that he will be making his international debut.

There were mixed views on the inclusion of a Japan-based team to join Super Rugby back in 2016 but since their participation and remarkable improvement since joining the competition, the Sunwolves have gained many fans the world over.

We're kicking off our Knockout Fan's Vote World's Best Captain with a pair of southern hemisphere loose forwards who have changed the way their teams are viewed.

We remain in the southern hemisphere for Round Two of our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain competition as we see whether you prefer a Wallaby or an All Black.

FLASHBACK: Frik du Preez is regarded by many South Africans as the greatest player ever.

Being on the receiving end of a superbly executed set-piece may knock the stuffing out of you but for the neutral, seeing a defence have no answer to an attacking move is something that will remain a memory for years to come.

OPINION: Throughout 2016 and 2017, the All Blacks set out on a demolition path, piling up record winning margins over Australia under Michael Cheika and South Africa under Allister Coetzee in The Rugby Championship.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has responded to a request from a reader and provided us with 10 law questions!

FLASHBACK: Refereeing mistakes are a common occurrence in rugby.

YESTERDAY'S HEROES: Down the years there have been many occasions when one player had an enormous influence on the outcome of a major Final. Jan de Koning looks at who he regards as the player that had the single biggest influence on a game?

OPINION: @rugby365 columnist and two-time World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff takes a look at the impact of the proposed law trials.

With the rugby world frustrated by the continued suspension of the sport globally, the transfer window has been working overtime as players look to secure their futures.

LAUGH A LITTLE: We could all use a little laugh every now and then, so we bring some funny - and some not so funny - jokes about our favourite sports.

The match went down in the books of history as the biggest-ever win for the famous Barbarians, as they went to Twickenham to deliver a hurting on England in May 2018.

What happens when you cross a bodybuilder with rugby? An absolutely hilarious outcome that will prove once and for all that brawn alone holds no water in this beautiful game.

As the world gets ready to welcome some live Super Rugby action, we take a look at what can be expected from the Hurricanes when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway in June.

"It's ridiculous, we might as well play touch rugby if that’s what they’re suggesting" - those are words of Blues head coach Leon McDonald, that are being echoed around the world.

Here at rugby365, we have brought you many lookalikes over the years and we've brought it back after coming across a Salford Red Devils wing who has some resemblance to the 2018 African Footballer of the Year.

Some of the best players in the world are not immune to having themselves look a bit silly compliments of some of the best side steps the game has ever seen.

ANALYSIS: Rugbypass writer Conor Wilson discusses why Clive Woodward's attacking plans from 2003 are vitally important to this new era of defensive dominance.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another great challenge - 10 testing questions!

WATCH as we bring you the debuts of two of the game's most recognisable prop forwards - Tendai Mtawarira and Joe Marler.

WATCH as veteran England prop Joe Marler answers a series of quickfire questions - that shows the most amusing side of the burly front row forward.

WATCH as retired England and British & Irish Lions flyer Ugochukwu Monye chats to World Cup-winning Springbok Siyamthanda Kolisi.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Codi Rinkwest has compiled the ultimate World XV - players who became coaches!

There's no doubt that Duane Vermeulen is one of the best players to have ever donned the No.8 Springbok jersey, but it would seem as though he isn't the greatest.

WATCH as The Rugby Pod duo of Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton looks at Johan Ackermann’s surprise exit from Gloucester.

As the news broke of World Cup winner Warrick Gelant moving back to the Cape after leaving the Bulls, we thought we'd remind you about that time he literally kicked some sense into a teammate.

The late Joost van der Westhuizen will always be a favourite in the hearts of many around the world but perhaps Francois de Klerk could be right up there to topple the 89-Test capped.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson has returned with another multiple choice quiz - this time on World Cups. Surely you can now get 10 out of 10.

OPINION: The Pieter-Steph du Toit contract saga has evoked enormous reaction on both sides of the dialogue.

As the legend goes, Naas Botha was not one who loved to tackle but we have found rare footage where not only does he do just that, he also saves a try in the process.

World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard is comfortably South Africa's highest-paid player in the world and there is little to no doubt about his ability when seeing what he is capable of.

OPINION: Alex Shaw takes a look at who will benefit from the recent Super Rugby transfers in Australia and South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass writer Ian Cameron takes a crack at finding the fastest players and their best times.

ANALYSIS: Conor Wilson takes a look at the borrowed tactics that Eddie Jones' England side will employ to help them fight their way back to the top of the world rankings.

It's time to move to the midfield as Part Two of the ultimate Springbok series has a look at the men at the centre of it all - the inside and outside centre.

Rugby Union has had its fair share of flyers down the years and as the cliché goes, there’s no substitute for speed.

Part One of this week's series of videos sees us look at five of the best fullbacks to don the number 15 Springbok jersey.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has produced what must surely be his easiest quiz yet. But can you finally get 10 out of 10?

WATCH as Ciarán Kennedy takes a look at those occasions when normally well-behaved players completely lose control of their sense.

STAT ATTACK: When it comes to top performers in the pack, look no further than the South Africans.

STAT ATTACK: The Sharks have been a joy to watch in open play this season and young star Aphelele Fassi has played a big role in that resurgence.

FEATURE: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Every so often players push their luck with the referee a little bit too far, which prompts the referee to make his voice heard.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When one is involved in sport, nicknames become the norm.

SPOTLIGHT: Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fifth and final episode of his series of great matches at Newlands – takes a look at the opening match of the 1995 World Cup – between South Africa and Australia.

There may just be something better than getting your name on the try-scorers list - getting to celebrate the try you've scored.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s quizmaster Paul Dobson has caved in and made it easier for the readers - by finally giving them a multiple-choice quiz!

STATS AND FACTS: Jan de Koning takes a look at the facts and fiction surrounding the bad boys of the game!

Hard, physical contact is all in a day's work for the enforcers of the game and there is nothing better than seeing them smash into each other.

LAW DISCUSSION: @rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson is going to take a look at which laws he feels should be changed and which should remain unchanged.

There are times in a game when all you can do is wonder if you genuinely just saw what you think you did.

The world of rugby is blessed with an abundance of speedsters and sometimes we are blessed to witness some of the fastest players going at it in a foot race.

OPINION: Re-elected World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont and his newly elected board have their work cut out for them.  Rugbypass' writer Nick Turnbull reports. 

There may not be any Premiership matches taking place but the competition has given us numerous light-hearted moments that will give your abdominals quite a workout.

OPINION: The All Blacks will be plotting the path to France over the next four years, with a primary goal of arresting back power from the Springboks.

WATCH as Bill Beaumont makes a bold pledge to change the game in his second term.

OPINION: With Sam Cane given the captaincy role, Alex McLeod looks at the potential make-up of the All Blacks' back row.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's quizmaster Paul Dobson is back with some great questions about World Cups and other fascinating facts!

Individual brilliance can be a rare moment that would make you look twice and ask yourself "How did he do that?".

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the fourth of his series – looks at the Currie Cup Final of 1986 - when Goggie van Heerden stole the limelight.

STAT ATTACK: There is one Springbok player who probably should have more Test caps to his name.

Sit back and enjoy this compilation of the most opportunist tries to ever be scored.

Every now and then, the referee finds himself - quite literally - in the thick of it all. Whether it's being shoved by a defending player, being pulled into a ruck or being inadvertently tackled.

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame that is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted her last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson – in the third of his series – takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Here are five of the greatest captains who helped forge the legacy of the All Blacks.

There have been times when we witnessed unusual moments that we sat with our mouths wide open, wondering has just happened.

LISTEN as retired referee Craig Joubert reminisces about his exchange with Wallaby legend George Gregan, in his first match.

Some of these haymakers - featuring Eben Etsebeth, Bakkies Botha, Manu Tuilagi and Faf de Klerk - will make the likes of Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson proud. 

SPOTLIGHT: There have been countless players who have left fans scratching their heads as to why they have not played for their country more. Josh Raisey selected a team of players he felt deserved more Test caps:

SPOTLIGHT: The grande dame That is the Newlands stadium may already have hosted its last-ever rugby match. Acclaimed @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson - in the first of a series - takes a look at five of the greatest occasions at the venue.

FOCUS ON THE LAWS: Erudite Springbok turned pundit Dawie Snyman is shining the spotlight on referees once again - this time about the capricious manner in which they apply breakdown laws.

OPINION: Former two-time Junior World Cup-winning coach and Director of Elite Sport Mentorship Eugene Eloff is back with another cracking column for @rugby365com's readers.

We're continuing to bring you some of the best tries ever scored, so sit back and enjoy. To make this list, the decibel metre needs to be off the chart.

BRAINTEASER: John Gardener, a Rhodes scholar and rugby fanatic, has produced a crossword-style examination of your rugby knowledge.

SPOTLIGHT: Alex Shaw takes out his crystal ball and attempts to predict what the future holds for South African rugby.

Sit back and watch a collection of some of the greatest tries ever scored - including some amazing end-to-end tries.

WATCH  the highlights reel of Springboks duo Cheslin Kolbe and Faf de Klerk shows size does not matter.

OPINION: Fresh from looking over the wing position and what makes for the prototype player, Alex Shaw's series attempting to build the perfect rugby player wraps up with an examination of the fullback position.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has come up with some real pearlers in the latest quiz. Can you get the 'royal flush'?

STAT ATTACK: There are a lot of talented and exciting players that never got the opportunity to play for their national team.

A hilarious look at some of the funniest moments of the 2020 Six Nations campaign.

OPINION: There is this trend to muster out the more senior members of the rugby community because they are regarded as 'superfluous'.

Have a look at a compilation of the biggest and heaviest players from around the world.

THE high demand for some 'real' rugby during these testing times moved the @rugby365com team to produce an equally amusing alternative - a virtual Tri-Nations tournament!

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has outdone himself - gifting you a few answers. Can you finally wear the badge of honour?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The bench press continues to occupy a uniquely macho seat in the pantheon of weight training disciplines, and professional rugby players are by no means immune.

A compilation of the most aggressive and feared players to have ever played the game. Who else do you think should make this list?

OPINION: We now come to the penultimate article in Alex Shaw's series attempting to build the perfect rugby player, with an examination of the wing position.

LISTEN as Welsh legend Maxwell Boyce reads this heavenly poem that captures the tone, the space and time in a way only he can.

SPOTLIGHT: Some are just born to lead.

You can never predict what some players will do with ball-in-hand. Here is a collection of some of the most outrageous skills.

WATCH as three-times Super Rugby-winning coach Scott Robertson explains why he would like to coach World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi.

OPINION: @rugby365com editor Jan de Koning takes a look at what must be one of the most mind-boggling clauses ever imposed on Springbok players.

They've always said that rugby is played by gentlemen and this montage proves why.

Watch some of the most incredible and jaw-dropping long-range kicks of all time. Make sure you watch until the end to see some schoolboys kicking it long.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson keeps easing up on the adversity of the challenge, but can you actually pass the 50 percent mark?

There are 3 Springboks in this Top 10 players of 2020 compilation. Are they in the correct spots though? Watch to see who else made the list.

OPINION: Retired Springbok Dawie Snyman has penned a perspicacious and enlightening column for @rugby365com, making bodacious suggestions - including 'yellow cards' for match officials.

OPINION: Following on from the examination of the inside centre position in Alex Shaw's series looking at building the perfect rugby player, we now move on to their midfield partners, the outside centre position.

STAT ATTACK: Former Stormers centre Huw Jones produced Super Rugby's best individual performance of the decade.

OPINION: @rugby365com contributor Angus Opperman believes he has a solution to SANZAAR's Super Rugby conundrum.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw‘s series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the inside centre position.

Just look at the impact on these players' bodies when they are tackled. It's so much fun to see players getting handed off or tackled hard, especially if it's payback.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has promised to make it easier. This will test your general knowledge.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has decided to test the readers' Test match knowledge.

OPINION: It’s been 17 years since Australia last hosted rugby’s blue-ribbon event in the form of the World Cup. 

OPINION: The Cheetahs, much like the Southern Kings, can't be blamed for feeling like a proverbial stepchild in South African rugby.

Watch as we bring you some of the biggest tackles and hand-offs from around the world.

SPOTLIGHT: Leezil Hendricks takes a look at South Africa's new wunderkind.

OPINION: The latest in Alex Shaw's series looking at the make-up of the perfect rugby player shines a spotlight on the flyhalf position.

Nigel Owens is one of the most respected referees in the world. Here's a compilation of some of the reasons why many look forward to seeing and hearing what he comes up with.

FLASHBACK: In a world without rugby, one has plenty of time for reflection and now we go back to 2009 when a South African stalwart was robbed of the highest accolade.

OPINION: If the COVID-19 outbreak hadn't brought Super Rugby - and every other sporting competition worldwide - to a standstill, the Sunwolves would have got the farewell they deserved.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Numerous Springbok stars have joined a campaign in South Africa to show support for frontline workers fighting COVID-19.

Watch as we count down the Top 10 fastest players of all time. It is undeniable that speed is one of the most important aspects of the game and these players have more gas than the average wing!

SPOTLIGHT: Celebrated @rugby365com writer Paul Dobson takes a look at the remarkable history of lines on the rugby field!

OPINION: After concluding the forwards, Alex Shaw’s series looking at building the perfect rugby player moves to the backline - starting with an examination of what goes into making the prototype scrumhalf.

OPINION: The Southern Kings are arguably the most changed team in Super Rugby history - during both their formal stints.

SPOTLIGHT: While SA Rugby is relentlessly formulating plans to get a domestic season underway, they have to be vigilant not to neglect the women’s game.

It's almost inevitable that tempers will flare and punches will be thrown on the field. Here we look at some fights and furious moments from 2019/2020.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has decided to 'ease up', after complains that the quizzes were 'too difficult' for the readers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bans are something that receives a lot of attention these days in rugby, particularly due to how arbitrary and inconsistent they can be.

OPINION: We come to the final position in the pack in Alex Shaw's series looking at building the perfect rugby player.

When thinking about an enforcer on the rugby field, John "Bakkies" Botha is the industry standard. Let's relive some of his wildest moments.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SANZAAR has selected a South African Super Rugby team of the decade based on statistics.

There's nothing quite like picking off a pass and racing away to score for your team. Here are some of the great intercept tries by some of the best players to have played the game.

BOK RANKINGS: The Springboks picked up another World Cup title not too long ago and there has been a lot of debate about where Rassie Erasmus' team is ranked amongst the best in the modern era.

SPOTLIGHT: A try-scoring machine

Watch as we get some entertainment from the men tasked to make key decisions during a match. There's some funny chats and some solid hits on the referees. 

OPINION: The players the Springboks simply cannot be without for the British & Irish Lions tour.

Springboks James "Bullet" Dalton and Keith Andrews sit down over a cold one to chat about The Battle of Tucuman. As you will see, there was no such thing as handbags back then.

Watch Pierre Spies do what he does best - be destructive. Here are some of his most dangerous carries.