Opinion News

Here is your chance to have your say. Vote now for your South African Team of the Week.

OPINION: Here it is, your chance to have your say and name your South African Team of the Week.

READERS' CHOICE: You asked for it and here it is: Your chance to have a say!

READERS’ CHOICE: You asked for it and here it is: Your chance to have a say!

OPINION: The scoreboard doesn’t do justice to this Australia performance, with two England tries against the run of play doing a disservice to the Wallabies on-field performance.

OPINION:  There is very little to change when it comes to the All Blacks gameplan, however, how they counter the rush defence is an area which certainly needs a little bit more attention. 

LISTEN as @King365ed is joined in studio by @LoffieEloff - with the @rugby365com team unpacking the @rugbyworldcup quarterfinals.

OPINION: It would be churlish to judge Scotland too harshly after another titanic chapter in Japanese rugby history.

OPINION: Wales secured their spot at the top of the pool with a bonus-point victory, although they made hard work of it during an error-riddled 80 minutes.

OPINION: It was 'mission accomplished' by Ireland - a convincing seven-try, 47-5 win over Samoa in Fukuoka.

OPINION: Australia will celebrate the win, but also acknowledge it was a less than satisfactory performance.

OPINION: The pool stages of the 2019 World Cup are beginning to wrap up and there has been further movement in the power rankings from week two, as a number of sides have now concluded their group stage campaigns.

OPINION: Despite being given a real scare by Fiji in the opening 15 minutes of both halves, Wales were able to record a 29-17 victory over the Islanders in Oita and keep control of Pool D.

OPINION: Despite the mass changes, it was an excellent and convincing performance by Scotland.

OPINION: South Africa made a big statement during their 66-7 win over Canada.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff look at which players might improve the @Springboks in the @rugbyworldcup quarterfinals.

OPINION: It was back up to Tokyo for the All Blacks, for their second-ever match against Namibia.

OPINION: In the first real test of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign, they looked professional against Argentina in racking up a bonus-point win and a 39-10 scoreline, even if it could have been an even larger margin.

OPINION: Australia got back to winning ways when they beat Uruguay 45-10 in their World Cup match on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland just about bagged a bonus-point win against Russia, but it was the performance the under-pressure side needed.

OPINION: The Springboks overcame a big hurdle on their way to qualification for the play-offs at this year's World Cup when they beat Italy 49-3 on Friday.

OPINION: The 2019 World Cup is about to enter its third week and there has been some substantial movement in the latest power rankings by Alex Shaw.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the All Black players after their 63-0 demolition of Canada.

OPINION: Scotland picked up their first win of the World Cup, a 34-0 defeat of Samoa, which also delivered an all-important bonus point.

OPINION: Wales ran out with the spoils, surviving a late Wallabies comeback attempt, who were inarguably the better team for the final thirty minutes of the match.

OPINION: The Wallabies’ valiant second-half effort was not enough to record a win over the Grand Slam Champions Wales on Sunday.

OPINION: South African had no trouble to dispose of their Africa neighbours Namibia 57-3 in their World Cup Pool B match on Saturday.

OPINION: Namibia arrived with high hopes, but soon became spectators of their own demise.

OPINION: This wasn’t meant to happen.

OPINION: After a solid but unspectacular start to their World Cup campaign against Tonga, England moved through the gears and established their credentials with a 45-7 win over the USA in Kobe.

LISTEN as @LoffieEloff joins @King365ed in the Cape Town studio to look beyond the emotion of the apocalyptic refereeing performance and find the real reason why the @AllBlacks beat the @Springboks.

OPINION: A ruthless first-half from Wales, who were up and running within minutes and had the bonus point before half-time. They lost intensity for the third quarter but rallied to score twice more before the end to secure a comfortable win.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between England and the United States in Kobe City.

OPINION: Bigger challenges may await England, although Eddie Jones and his side will be content with their 35-3 win over Tonga on Sunday in their World Cup opener.

OPINION: Ireland’s World Cup campaign is up and running and they looked good value for their 27-3 win against Scotland in Yokohama.

OPINION: Reigning world champions New Zealand got their 2019 World Cup campaign underway on Saturday and we have the player ratings from their 23-13 win over arch-rivals South Africa.

OPINION: The Springboks' World Cup opener was certainly not the result Rassie Erasmus and Co wanted.

OPINION: The Wallabies fought back to avoid a catastrophic result at the World Cup, needing two tries from hooker Tolu Latu to help see off Fiji 39-21 in Sapporo.

WATCHES all the highlights from the opening weekend of the World Cup!

OPINION: Fiji got out the blocks quickly to race into an early lead, but a yellow card on the hour mark saw Australia escape with a 39-21 win in Sapporo on Saturday.

When Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks out onto the field against the All Black in their World Cup opener on Saturday, it will be the crowning glory of an incredible journey.

SPOTLIGHT: Friday’s 2019 World Cup opener between hosts Japan and unfancied Russia is now less than 24 hours away, so it is time to unveil the power rankings of the 20 teams contending the tournament.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the @rugbyworldcup sizzler between the @Springboks and @AllBlacks.

OPINION: Following Joe Schmidt’s decision to select South African Jean Kleyn in Ireland’s World Cup squad, the issues of rugby’s international eligibility, residency, poaching and the concept of project players have all reared their heads once again.

OPINION: Rugbypass' writer Ben Smith looks at why Handre Pollard isn't in the conversation as the world's best flyhalf.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the 2020 @SuperRugby, after the fixtures for next year was released.

OPINION: It took us a few days, but now that the dust has settled we can finally unveil @rugby365com's famous selection!

WATCH as we bring you some of the most epic foot races the game has seen.

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs were forced to hang on desperately in the end, but in reality, they were much better than the final 31-28 scoreline suggest.

OPINION: The scoreline suggests it was a close call and three late tries by the Golden Lions did make it close on the scoreboard.

OPINION: Few would have given a battered, bruised and broken Ireland much hope of turning around their World Cup warm-up series after they humiliatingly limped away from Twickenham on August 24.

OPINION: Wales wrapped up their Rugby World Cup preparations on Saturday afternoon in Dublin, as they fell to a 10-19 defeat to Ireland.

OPINION: The All Blacks beat Tonga 92-7 in expectedly convincing fashion at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in both team’s final World Cup warm-up match.

OPINION:  England finished up their World Cup preparations on Friday evening, beating Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

OPINION: South Africa exacted revenge for the infamous loss to Japan four years ago, when the Springboks demolished the Cherry Blossoms 41-7 in Kumagaya on Friday.

OPINION: World Cup hosts Japan were given a timely reminder that raw emotion alone won't guarantee them success.

WATCH as entertainer Leon Schuster unveils his latest Springbok 'anthem'.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Since all-time legend Dan Carter vacated the 10 jersey for the All Blacks following the 2015 Rugby World Cup, basically one man has followed in his footsteps.

LISTEN @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpacks the @Springboks team to face @JRFURugby in their final @WorldRugby warm-up match.

OPINION: And then there were two.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Last year Faf de Klerk’s defensive role was compared to that of an NFL free safety, all about disguise, surprise, and pressure, roaming freely around the secondary or blitzing off the edge to cause disruption.

Here is another chance to have your say. Vote for the players from the four South African teams you felt performed best in Super Rugby's Round 17.

OPINION: Here is your chance to have your say. Vote now for your South African Super Rugby Team of the Week!

Here it is. Your chance to vote for your South African Team of the Week for Super Rugby Round 15.

OPINION: Here it is, your chance to vote for your South African Team of the Week, after Super Rugby's Round 14.

OPINION: You asked for it and here it is: You chance to vote for the South African Team of the Week!

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the weekend's main events!

WATCH the highlights from the weekend’s Super Rugby Round 18 matches!

WATCH the highlights from the weekend's main matches - Super Rugby Round 17 and World Rugby's Under-20 championship!

WATCH all the highlights from this past weekend's main matches.

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the weekend’s main events!

WATCH as we bring you all the highlights from the weekend’s Currie Cup fixtures. 

WATCH this unique preview of the 2019 World Cup - including what makes a winning model based on trends from previous winners.

OPINION: Wales were unable to pile further misery on an Ireland squad licking their wounds at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, as they fell to a 17-22 defeat on home soil.

OPINION: Hapless as the records tumbled for all the wrong reasons in London last weekend, Ireland badly needed to bounce back against the Welsh in Cardiff and they ultimately did despite a frantic finish to a match that ended 22-17 in their favour. 

OPINION: And then there were four.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpacks the @Springboks @rugbyworldcup squad and what they believe will be Rassie Erasmus' starting XV.

As we build towards the naming of the Springbok squad for the World Cup, we felt the need to revive a very popular, previously published alternative XV.

OPINION: Having named their strongest line-up yet in the 2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up games, England were rewarded with a 57-15 victory over a strong Ireland side.

OPINION: The days of Twickenham annihilation and embarrassment by a massive scoreboard were supposed to be a thing of the past for Ireland.

OPINION: Andy Goode, a RugbyPass pundit and former England flyhalf, explains why England might be moving backwards.

OPINION: When the World Cup pools were first announced way back in 2017, it was hard to get too excited about the flagship competition which was still almost two years away.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the @Springboks @rugbyworldcup squad that will be unveiled this coming Monday.

OPINION: It was a weekend of big movements, with the Sharks moving past Western Province into the play-off zone.

OPINION: Argentina gave South Africa an almighty scare, but ultimately fell short - losing 18-24 in their World Cup warm-up match in Pretoria on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa retained their unbeaten record for 2019 with a scrappy 24-18 win over a willing Argentina in Pretoria on Saturday.

WATCH as Featherstone Rovers and Hull go to town on each other - forcing the referee to issue five cards in 15 minutes.

OPINION: The All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup in convincing fashion, thumping the Wallabies 36-0 at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

OPINION: After the highs of their win at Twickenham, England were brought back to earth with a hard-fought 13-6 loss to Wales at the Principality Stadium.

OPINION: The Wallabies had one hand on the Bledisloe Cup heading Saturday's match, but they quickly learned that the All Blacks weren’t just going to roll over and submit as they did a week prior.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Which one of these offloads are better - Sonny Bill Williams or Duane Vermeulen?

OPINION: @rugby365com columnist Eugene Eloff, a celebrated coach who has won two Junior World Cups, gives us his thoughts in the wake of Swys de Bruin's decision to quit the Springboks.

WATCH as @rugby365com brings you a real blast from the past - when rules were still uncomplicated and just about anything was acceptable.

@King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the @Springboks' success in the @SanzarTRC - the first time in a decade they have won a major international trophy.

OPINION: South Africa are the champions and it comes as no surprise that their players dominate rugby365's Team of the Tournament.

OPINION: Players from Western province lead the way in rugby365's Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Five.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scott Barrett’s red card against Australia during the 2019 Rugby Championship caused a right old kerfuffle. Well, in New Zealand anyway.

OPINION: With the official World No.1 spot up for grabs, this was always going to be more than a warm-up match for both Wales and England.

OPINION: England got their World Cup preparations underway at Twickenham on Sunday, as they beat Wales, 33-19.

OPINION: Handre Pollard scored 31 points as South Africa thrashed Argentina 46-13 in Salta Saturday, to win the Rugby Championship for the first time.

OPINION: Australia showed just how vulnerable New Zealand is, as the World Cup looms large.

OPINION: Few would have expected the absolute drubbing that the Wallabies handed to the All Blacks in last night’s Bledisloe Cup match.

WATCH as @rugby365com brings you all the highlights from the weekend's main matches.

OPINION: Round Four of Currie Cup 2019 was full of upsets.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The countdown to the 2019 Rugby World Cup is well and truly upon us.

OPINION: An in-depth look at how the All Blacks are developing two shapes for the Rugby World Cup. Rugbypass writer Conor Wilson makes sense of it all. 

@LoffieEloff joins @King365ed in the @rugby365com studio as they analyse the final round of the @SanzarTRC - where the @Springboks are on the cusp of making history against @lospumas in Salta.

OPINION: The readers have spoken and they have told South African coach Rassie Erasmus he should go for broke in Salta next week.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When World Rugby were playing with the idea of introducing a season-long competition to the international rugby scene, there was reasonably widespread outrage.

READERS' CHOICE: Here is your chance to have a say on who should play for the Springboks against Los Pumas next Saturday!

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the drama surrounding @PeterDeVillier5's attempt to get back into South African coaching and the media lies that were spread about him.

OPINION: The 'battle' in our boardroom was every bit as intriguing as the contest between New Zealand and South Africa in Wellington's Cake Tin at the weekend.

OPINION: There were a 10-try rout and a stupendous come-from-behind win.

WATCH as All Black fullback Beaden Barrett got caught out deliberately cheating in his team's 16-all draw with the Springboks in Wellington at the weekend.

OPINION: A last-gasp try to replacement halfback Herschel Jantjies has earned the Springboks a deserved draw against the All Blacks.

OPINION: The Wallabies got their first win of 2019 with a scrappy 16-10 win over visitors Argentina.

OPINION: The Springboks will be kicking themselves that they did not make the most of their first-half dominance count against the All Blacks.

WATCH: When the Springboks and All Blacks play it is often brutal and intense, not without controversy. This 1976 match at Newlands was one of those matches!

It is one of the game's biggest rivalries, which is why @King365ed and @LoffieEloff dedicate so much time to analysing the @SanzarTRC Round Two encounter between the @AllBlacks and @Springboks.

ANALYSIS: Michael Cheika’s Wallabies are continuing in the same direction as they were last year, after an opening 35-17 blowout loss at Ellis Park to what was described as a Springboks ‘B’ side, Rugbypass writer Ben Smith explains.

OPINION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named his much-changed team to line up against the All Blacks in Wellington this weekend. Here is what readers thought of it ...

OPINION: There were a number of standout performers in Round One of Rugby Championship 2019.

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs started their Currie Cup campaign with a bang in Pretoria.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones has referred to his side’s game as a ‘modern’ version of English rugby, an attempt at refreshing an old way of playing, Rugbypass writer Ben Smith make sense of it all.

South Africa's Herschel Jantjies had a blinder in his Test debut, his second try a piece of individual brilliance that will be remembered for a long time!

OPINION: The Wallabies open their Rugby Championship campaign with a 17-35 defeat to the Springboks. 

OPINION: Debutant scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies scored two tries as South Africa beat Australia 35-17 Saturday in the opening match of the Rugby Championship season in Johannesburg.

OPINION: The All Blacks put in a solid defensive display in the second half to beat Argentina 20-16 in Buenos Aires. 

OPINION: Argentina has come within four points of securing a famous maiden win over New Zealand in their opening Rugby Championship clash of the year in Buenos Aires.

OPINION: Below is the jerseys of some of the main teams at the World Cup in Japan.

WATCH as Andrew Forde is back on the good stuff, helping himself crack out another brilliant video.

OPINION: South Africa's premier domestic competition got underway with the ultimate jaw-dropper.

OPINION: It’s been 34 years since the All Blacks first faced off against the Pumas in Buenos Aires on October 26, 1985.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the week's most arresting and riveting news of the past week.

OPINION: On Saturday, Fiji played their first match of the year and unequivocally announced that their World Cup opposition will need to be at the top of their game to knock over the island nation later in the season.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff shine the spotlight on the @SanzarTRC - which gets underway when the @Springboks host the @qantaswallabies at Ellis Park this coming Saturday, July 20.

OPINION: News of Beauden Barrett’s move to the Blues has come as a surprise to many, given the obvious factors that were keeping him in Wellington.

REACTION: After Ruan Pienaar signed for the Cheetahs on Wednesday, he became the second Springbok to make the move back to South Africa after JP Pietersen joined the Sharks earlier this week.

LAWS SPOTLIGHT: After World Rugby announced the outlawing of axial loading in scrums, much of the rugby world has been left confused.

OPINION: We have arrived at that time of the year, where we entertain you with @rugby365com's famous selection.

LISTEN as @King365ed sits down for an #EXCLUSIVE one-on-one with @WP_RUGBY coach John Dobson to find some answers to the intriguing posers faced by @TheCurrieCup competition.

OPINION: Here it is, the results of the readers' nominations for a Springbok starting XV.

OPINION: Eddie Jones announced his 38-man World Cup training squad on Thursday, with some unexpected inclusions and exclusions.

WATCH as Leon Schuster pulls the ultimate prank on former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers!

LISTEN as the @rugby365com puts the 2019 @SuperRugby #Final between the @crusadersrugby and @JaguaresARG under the spotlight.

SELECTION TIME: The truncated version of the Rugby Championship brings its own unique challenges. However, it remains critical in the build-up to the World Cup.

WATCH as Limpopo Blue Bulls flank Renzo du Plessis starts a counter inside his own in-goal area and ends with a try, 103 metres.

OPINION: And then there were two.

OPINION: Here is your chance to have your say. Vote now for your Springbok starting team!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France's second consecutive World Rugby Under-20 Championship should be a valuable commodity for the French Rugby Union.

OPINION: It is an often repeated question: 'Who can stop the Crusaders juggernaut?'

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff select their @Springboks teams for the @SanzarTRC and give #Bok coach Rassie Erasmus some 'advice' as the @SanzarTRC looms large.

Here it is. Your last chance to vote for the South African Team of the Week, after both the Bulls and Sharks were knocked out in the quarterfinal stage of Super Rugby.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team brings you the views of @LionsRugbyCo coach Swys de Bruin, who was asked if his team had regressed.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Here it is, the results of the Readers' selections for the South African Team of the Week for Round 18.

ANALYSIS: Quade Cooper last played for the Wallabies in June 2017.

UNDER-20 SPOTLIGHT: The perception that match official favour New Zealand teams and handle them with kid gloves is not going away.

Listen as @King365ed takes to task @TheSharksZA coach Robert du Preez and his media manager @novashni over their attempts to bully the media.

OPINION: It was a dramatic final round of league action, which saw some contenders - like the Chiefs and Highlanders - sneak in through the back door.

Here is your chance to have your say. Nominate the South African players you felt performed the best in Super Rugby's Round 18.

OPINION: North versus South. Set-piece versus multi-phase. Kicking versus running the ball. Defence versus Offence.

OPINION: Here it is, your choices as the South African Team of the Week for Super Rugby's Round 17 matches.

In another @rugby365com exclusive @tauriq365 chats to former player and talent manager @Andries_Strauss about signing young schoolboys for European clubs.

OPINION: Tauriq Ebrahim looks at how selfish individuals are looking after their own interests and denying others the time to shine at Craven Week.

OPINION: The Crusaders produced a masterclass in Round 17 against the Melbourne Rebels in Christchurch.

OPINION: Nobody likes a draw.

OPINION: Earlier this week RugbyPass columnist Tom Vinicombe penned an engaging article about New Zealand coaches. It got me thinking.

OPINION: The readers have spoken, cast their votes and we bring you the results of their selections for Super Rugby Round 16.

SPOTLIGHT: South African rugby will be delighted with the news that winger Aphiwe Dyantyi has committed to the Lions until 2021.

OPINION: The match between the Chiefs and the Crusaders was probably the best so far this season.

OPINION: Don’t let the title deceive you – the Crusaders remain firm favourites to claim an unprecedented 10th title.

The Springboks can assemble a ferocious squad for this year's World Cup in Japan.

OPINION: Here it is - the results of the readers' votes for the South African Team of the Week.

SPOTLIGHT: After a stunning rise to the top of the game that included a prolific age-grade career with the Baby Boks, Handre Pollard reflects on his maturation as a player before he heads to his second Rugby World Cup in Japan later this year.

The @rugby365com team looks into the brittle state of mind some coaches get into when the pressure is on.

OPINION: It was an interesting weekend, with plenty of movement on the standings.

WATCH as Wales player Luke Treharne produces one of those unforgettable moments in the game.

LISTEN as @king365ed brings you @shrek3oger, who gives his reasons for moving from @TheSharksZA in Durban to @SaleSharksRugby in England.

OPINION: Here is a XV composed entirely of players making the shift from Super Rugby to either the Premiership in England, Top 14 in France, Pro14 in Europe, or Top League in Japan.

WATCH as Ali Williams gets into referee bashing with Scotty Stevenson.

WATCH as we bring you another blast from the past. Wast the England and B&I Lions legend Martin Johnson a truly hard man or one of the game's biggest thugs?

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Never before has one position been required to do so much, or at least be capable of doing so much.

OPINION: Here are the results of your votes for the South African Team of the Week for Super Rugby's Round 14.

LISTEN as @king365ed unpacks the real difference between @Springboks and @AllBlacks #rugby.

OPINION: The Jaguares have continued their strong push to finish on top of the South African Conference.

LISTEN as @king365ed chats to Hans Scriba, SA Rugby Manager, Academies about how they tackle the abstruse task of preparing players for life after rugby.

Here it is, the results of the readers' votes for the South African Super Rugby Team for Round 13.

PODCAST: This week on The Short Ball, Scotty Stevenson & Ali Williams review Alex Goode’s European Cup post-championship bender.

OPINION: The names are in for the 2018/2019 Champions Cup Team of the Tournament.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Although there may be teams that can buck the tend from time to time, it’s safe to suggest that it’s more difficult to win a game if your kickers aren’t on form.

Here it is! The results of the readers' votes for the South African Team of the Week.

LISTEN as @LoffieEloff tells @King365ed who he feels would be the perfect inside centre for @Springboks flyhalf Handre Pollard.

OPINION: The Hurricanes continue to produce performances that suggest they are the Crusaders' biggest threat.

This week on The Short Ball Scotty Stevenson is joined once more by Ali Williams!

LISTEN as former SARU CEO Johan Prinsloo chats to the @rugby365com team about the influence and role of the late Louis Luyt in South African rugby.

Your votes are in and calculated. These are the South African players you, the readers, felt performed best in Round 11 of Super Rugby.

The @rugby365com team welcomes on board former SARU CEO Johan Prinsloo as part of their search for the truth and facts behind what is the root cause of all the problems in the game in South Africa.

OPINION: It was truly an interesting weekend, with the bookmakers having lost heavily in half the games.

You asked for it and here it is: Your chance to select your South African Team of the Week - for Super Rugby Round 11.

WATCH as former England lock Martin Bayfield takes us back to a time when rugby was played the old-fashioned way.

OPINION: Here it is - the readers' choices for the best South African players in Super Rugby.

OPINION: Players from the Lions and the Reds lead the way in our Super Rugby Team of the Week for Round Ten.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Liam Heagney takes a look at how South African coach Johann Van Graan should modify Munster's old ways.

OPINION: In 2012, Dave Rennie guided the Chiefs to a Super Rugby championship in his first year as coach.

LISTEN as 2007 @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks team psychologist Henning Gericke reveals one of the secrets behind the All Blacks' winning recipe.

OPINION: Here it is, the South African Team of the Week as selected by you … the readers!

In a very special edition, the @rugby365com team welcomes a special member of the 2007 @rugbyworldcup-winning @Springboks team - psychologist Henning Gericke.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com welcomes @pauldelport9 to the show. The SA #womensrugby #7s coach gives his views on the struggling @THESTORMERS and chats about the @OfficialHK7s.

This week on The Short Ball, Scotty Stevenson and Ali Williams delve into the nitty-gritty of Israel Folau’s social media use.

VOTE NOW: We saw this week, at the Varsity Cup Final, how the South African anthem was butchered yet again. But who is the worst?

OPINION: There were some big movements at the weekend - the Crusaders opening an 11-point lead at the top and the Bulls moving into second place.

LISTEN as @King365ed chats to @SouthernKingsSA CEO Charl Crouse about their 'collaboration' with @RCTofficiel and what it all means.

OPINION: The Sharks surprised many pundits with their performance at Ellis Park in Round Eight.

OPINION: Here it is, the South African Team of the Week as selected by you ... the readers!

WATCH as one player flattens another in a schoolboy match between Monument and Paarl Boys.

ANALYSIS: For a player who made the ‘unbelievable’ a regular occurrence over the last three years, the magic and aura around the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has slowly dissipated in 2019.

LISTEN as freelance journalist Antoinette Muller explains to the @rugby365com team the recipe the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens use to make it a success.

OPINION: Scotty Stevenson, Mils Muliaina and Ali Williams heap praise on the Blues and Crusaders.

The @rugby365com team welcomes on board a new voice, freelance journalist Antoinette Muller, as they discuss the ever-increasing number of schools tournaments.

OPINION: You have had tour say and named your South African Team of the Week. As was the case last week, it makes for some interesting reading.

WATCH a classic Blast from the Past, when Western Province was riding the crest of the wave and the Du Plessis brothers ruled the roost.

OPINION: There was an early-season wobble, but the Crusaders are back to their best.

OPINION: European rugby returned with a bang this weekend, as the Champions Cup quarterfinals reminded us all that there is still plenty of life left in the 2018/19 European season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Schalk Brits' controversial ban, take a look at some of the most ugliest and vicious fights - definitely worthy of lengthy bans.

The Japan Rugby Football Union's stance, rather than South African opposition or 'harsh' conditions, made it 'easy' for SANZAAR to cull the Sunwolves.

LISTEN as former @LionsRugbyCo President Kevin de Klerk reveals one of the worst moments of back-stabbing in his illustrious career.

OPINION: You asked for it and here it is - the readers' choices for the South African Team of the Week after Super Rugby Round Six.

The @rugby365com team has two venerable guests this week - SANZAAR CEO, Andy Marinos and former @LionsRugbyCo President Kevin de Klerk.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Fans from all over the world have taken to Twitter to react to the news that the Sunwolves will be axed from after the 2020 season.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to new @SouthernKingsSA owner Loyiso Dotwana about how his consortium will make the Eastern Cape franchise great again!

OPINION: Six Nations 2019 is over and it is time for rugby365 to reveal their Team of the Tournament.

ANALYSIS:  Scotland’s unthinkable 31-point comeback delivered shades of déjà vu, as flyhalf Finn Russell made plays eerily similar to last year’s clash at Murrayfield.

SIX NATIONS ANALYSES:  Wales certainly placed a huge target on their back with an impressive 25-7 win over Ireland.

OPINION: Wales secured their third Grand Slam under Warren Gatland with a dominant 25-7 defeat of Ireland at the Principality Stadium.

OPINION: The RugbyPass Index was spot on tipping Wales to seal the Grand Slam deal, its pre-game percentages suggesting the odds were tilted 67 to 33 in favour of the hosts.

OPINION: Their title hopes may have been derailed by Wales emphatically securing the Grand Slam earlier in the day, but that didn’t prevent England from turning in an impressive first half  at Twickenham.

OPINION: With the Championship decided the Twickenham crowd initially seemed more concerned with merriment that what was going on the pitch. England appearing to wrap up the game within 15 minutes didn’t help matters.

The Rugby Pod had some interesting thoughts on the proposed World League in light of the meeting that was carried out in Dublin on Thursday.

The @rugby365com team chats to @TheVietGwent about the decisive final round of the @SixNationsRugby - as Wales chase a Grand Slam.

OPINION: There were quite a few eye-catching performances in Round Four of Six Nations 2019.

OPINION: The Crusaders again showed why they are fancied to make it a hat-trick of titles.

OPINION: England got their Six Nations campaign back on track at Twickenham this afternoon, beating Italy, 57-14, in a thoroughly one-sided contest.

OPINION: Ireland remain mathematically in contention to retain their Six Nations title after a 26-14 four-try bonus point victory over France in Dublin on Sunday.

OPINION: It was a tale of two halves for Scotland.

OPINION: The Sunwolves are no longer the laughing stock of Super Rugby.

This week Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina speak with Rob Nichol of the NZ Players Association about the challenges faced in the Pacific with regard to the ongoing debacle that is World Rugby's proposed Nations Championship.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to @MyPlayersRugby CEO Eugene Henning to separate the facts from the fiction surrounding the controversial World League.

ANALYSIS: With Ma’a Nonu back in Super Rugby, along with regular All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown, Jack Goodhue and Ryan Crotty, there is plenty of competition for mid-field spots for this year’s World Cup.

OPINION: @rugby365com's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson looks at some of the values that may be missing from the game - when players lose self-control.

The @rugby365com team chats to Piet Heymans, Chief Executive Officer of Sport Employees Unite, about the decision to cancel @Springboks contracts.

OPINION: There were plenty of Australian players who stood out in Round Two of Super Rugby 2019.

OPINION: After Wales' win over England, it's no surprise their players lead the way in @rugby365com’s famous weekly selection.

PINION: Ireland pushed themselves back into the Six Nations title race with a 26-16 bonus-point win over Italy.

OPINION: After showing signs of real promise in the opening two rounds of the championship, England left Cardiff with their Grand Slam hopes shattered, as they fell to a 21-13 loss to Wales.

OPINION: Another Six Nations comeback helped Wales beat England 21-13 at the Principality Stadium to secure a national record 12th successive win.

OPINION: Scottish hopes of bagging the first win in Paris in 20 years were eclipsed in the Parisian spring sun.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to @SouthernKingsSA CEO Charl Crous about his new job in the @PRO14Official and what the future holds for South African teams in Europe.

OPINION: The @rugby365com team sat down and after much deliberation produced what we believe to be the 15 best players from the opening round.

OPINION: Round 13 of the Premiership season certainly proved unlucky for league leaders Exeter Chiefs, who started the weekend’s action by slipping up to a 17-24 defeat to Gloucester at Kingsholm.

In an excerpt from this week's popular @rugby365com podcast, @king365ed looks at the role that Western Province Rugby Group CEO Paul Zacks and WPRFU Director of Rugby Gert Smal played in the Paul Treu saga.

The @rugby365com team chats to new @WP_RUGBY President @ZeltMarais to get to the truth behind the @paultreu ‏saga that is blighting the @THESTORMERS build-up to the @SuperRugby season.

PODCAST: The Short Ball returns as Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina chat to Blues coach Leon MacDonald, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson & coach Tabai Matson for the Chiefs.

OPINION: It is not a surprise that England again dominates @rugby365com's famous weekly selection.

OPINION: England and Eddie Jones’ 2019 redemption took another big step forward on Sunday as they cantered to a 44-8 victory over France at Twickenham in the Guinness Six Nations.

OPINION: Joe Schmidt’s Ireland got their Six Nations title defence back on track with a low-frills 22-13 win over Scotland at Murrayfield. Liam Heagney rates the Irish players!

OPINION: Saturday was a deflating day at Murrayfield for Scotland. Liam Heagney rates the Scottish players!

OPINION: It might not have been pretty and the expected bonus-point assault did not materialise in Rome, but ultimately Wales got the job done with a 26-15 victory over Italy. Martyn Thomas rates the Welsh players!

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to renowned medical practitioner and concussion expert @jonpatricios about one of the biggest quagmires in the game.

OPINION: England made a big statement when they bullied Ireland in Dublin on Saturday to record a famous 32-20 win.

Front row forward Michael Aliifaalogo has been making huge impacts across the board in Australia.

OPINION: Ireland’s lavish dream of winning a second Grand Slam in succession was shattered at the first time of asking in the 2019 Six Nations Championship, England serving up a sobering 32-20 defeat. Liam Heagney rates the Ireland players!

OPINION: The was a huge upset in Dublin on Saturday, as England defeated reigning Grand Slam champions Ireland, 32-20.

OPINION: Wales produced a stunning comeback to kick-off the 2019 Six Nations with a 24-19 defeat of France in Paris. Martyn Thomas rates the Welsh players.

The @rugby365com team is joined by former @Springboks flyhalf @APetoors10, as they look at how players can prepare for 'Life after rugby' and what the pitfalls are.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to @LionsRugbyCo benefactor and deputy-president Altmann Allers about why the financial model in South Africa is in a drastic need of a revamp.

OPINION: The pool stage of the Champions Cup was wrapped up this weekend, as the competition heads into a Six Nations break, before returning with the knockout rounds of club rugby’s grandest prize at the end of March.

Of the Six Nations countries, Scotland has the smallest number of players to choose from, but you will never hear that as any excuse from them as the flower of Scotland's rugby does battle in Europe.

THE RUGBY POD: Watch as Andy Goode & Jim Hamilton get stuck into the non-selection of Alex Goode.

In the first edition for 2019, @King365ed & @LoffieEloff debate the merits of resting players during @SuperRugby in a World Cup year.

OPINION: The penultimate round of the Champions Cup pool stage didn’t bring too many shocks, but it did bring plenty of absorbing and compelling rugby.

OPINION: Jan de Koning looks at one of the key reasons for Munster's demolition of Gloucester in the battle of the South African coaches.

OPINION: There will be much fanfare when the Southern Kings' new owners are confirmed later this month.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Of course, England's chances are excellent.

OPINION: The headline result of Round 12 in the Premiership saw Sale Sharks force their way into playoff contention with a 24-18 win over Saracens at the AJ Bell, with the reigning champions well-beaten in the north-west.

OPINION: Andy Goode has gone on record about how much he doesn’t like Dave Ward.

ANALYSIS: Big signings always bring big expectations, however unrealistic they can be.

OPINION: Round 11 marked the final weekend of Premiership action of 2018 and it’s fair to say that the competition signed off in style for the calendar year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The year delivered some interesting events which had some supporters in tears and others celebrating well into the early hours.

OPINION: There were some excellent performances in Round 10 of the 2018/2019 Premiership Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks Test lock Ali Williams pays homage to departing head coach Steve Hansen.

SIX NATIONS SPOTLIGHT: First there were two. Now there are six.

OPINION: Now that we know the Springbok coaching position will be vacant after the 2019 World Cup, it is time to take a look at and analyse possible candidates.

OPINION: With December 25 just around the corner, Paul Dobson took the time to take at significant events on the day!

OPINION: The European Cup headed off into the Christmas break in fine fettle this weekend, as Saracens, Toulouse and Racing 92 all maintained their 100 percent starts to the competition.

On The Rugby Pod this week, the issue of players asking for more money in their new contracts was a hot topic.

OPINION: Alex Shaw brings us the best from the past weekend's Champions Cup games!

The Rugby Pod this week brought up some interesting discussions on the possible futures of two South African stars.

OPINION: Andy Goode, a RugbyPass pundit and former England flyhalf, gives his reasons for retaining the promotion-relegation system in the Premiership.

OPINION: The Premiership signed off for the upcoming European window in fine fashion, with Round Nine of the competition offering up some eye-catching results.

OPINION: It has been an interesting month, with some intriguing results - which is reflected in @rugby365's famous selection.

LISTEN @rugby365com team unpacks the year-end tours and reveal some interesting pointers ahead of the 2019 @rugbyworldcup.

OPINION: The All Blacks have capped their 2018 season with an emphatic 10-try 66-3 victory over the Azzurri in Rome.

OPINION: South Africa will have to readjust their tactics following the final November Test match against Wales.

OPINION: On the back of last weekend’s defeat to Ireland, Steve Hansen and his fellow coaches won’t be pushing the panic button just yet but they’ll certainly have a few things to mull over.

OPINION: Ireland's impressive win over New Zealand has earned them plenty of rewards in @rugby365com’s famous weekly selection.

The @rugby365com team brings you the lowdown on the three candidates that are on the shortlist to replace John Mitchell as the Bulls' @SuperRugby coach.

Following some impressive recent results in the November Tests, is this the smallest we've seen the gap between Southern and Northern Hemisphere sides?

RugbyPass columnist Jamie Lyall looks into the consequences of World Rugby's lack of action in the Siyamthanda Kolisi headbutting saga.

The All Blacks have been beaten and held tryless by Ireland 16-9 in Dublin.

OPINION: South Africa had to hang on for their 26-20 win over Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday. (With match highlights)

OPINION: Ireland registered their first ever win over New Zealand in Dublin.

OPINION: Scotland gave South Africa a fright, but in the end just fell short - losing 20-26 in Edinburgh on Saturday.

OPINION: England survived a major scare early against Japan to record a 35-15 victory over the Cherry Blossoms at Twickenham.

OPINION: Jan de Koning gives some perspective to the nasty and ugly underbelly of the Western Province Rugby Football Union Presidential elections!

The @rugby365com invites two experts to chat about the real magnitude of the cash crunch in rugby in South Africa.

Ireland’s game is often labelled as ‘low-risk’ or ‘conservative’, due to the large number of phases they use and the low number of offloads they attempt.

OPINION: There is a real mixed bag in @rugby365com's famous weekly selection.

OPINION: The Springboks were fortunate to get a 26-29 the win in Paris against France.

OPINION: France will be wondering how they did not win that game against the Springboks in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland made it 10 home Test wins in a row for the first time in their history, with a 28-17 win over Argentina in Dublin.

OPINION: England and New Zealand met at a rainy Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in one of, if not the most anticipated rugby fixture of the last few years, and it certainly delivered on all of the promise.

OPINION: The All Blacks have braved the conditions and escaped Twickenham with a one-point victory over hosts England.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: It’s the match we’ve all been waiting for – and it’s come one year too late.

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Two big missed tackles by Scotland’s centre Huw Jones lead to two big tries and a total of 12 points for Wales.

The @rugby365com team analyses the reasons behind the @Springboks' horror show at Twickenham last week and what they need to do to fix it.

The 1014 explore a variety of tactics that teams have used to beat the All Blacks in the recent past.

OPINION: South Africa suffered a narrow 11-12 defeat to England in London on Saturday.

OPINION: England got their November Test Series off to a good, albeit nerve-wracking, start with a 12-11 victory over South Africa at Twickenham.

OPINION: An inexperienced All Blacks side have emerged unscathed after a 69-31 victory over Japan at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.

OPINION: With the year-end internationals just days away, RugbyPass' Alex Shaw sat down and put together a current 'World XV'.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team delve into the reasons behind the logistics of the @Springboks team announcement and how it depreciated the Currie Cup Final.

OPINION: The Sharks are 2018 Currie Cup champions and their players dominate our Team of the Tournament.

OPINION: Two very different finals between the divisions with an exciting blowout in the first and a brutal tussle in the second.

VIDEO: The Sharks have produced another song and dance to celebrate a successful weekend in Cape Town.

OPINION: Wallabies' 20-37 defeat to the All Blacks adds to extra pressure on the under-fire head coach Michael Chieka ahead of the November Test series.

OPINION: All Blacks solidified their supremacy over their trans-Tasman rivals the Wallabies with an impressive 37-20 win in Japan.

In this #SpecialEdition @rugby365com welcomes back @pauldelport9 and @APetoors10 to look at the @TheCurrieCup #Final and year-end tour selections.

OPINION: A number of players rose to the occasion in last weekend's Currie Cup semifinals in Durban and Cape Town.

On this podcast, Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina chat to Graham Henry about his thoughts of this generations players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The diminutive Kolbe was always going to be up against the odds to establish a test career – it is all too easy to write him off based on his small physical stature.

The semi-finals began on Friday night with Tasman repelling Canterbury's advances with some stonewall defence.

VIDEO: The Sharks' changing room is a very strange place.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi grew up watching the late Solomzi "Solly" Tyibilika in Zwide and was motivated by the ex-Springbok to be an inspiration to that area.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team looks at some of the strangest rugby games to take place.

OPINION: Players from Western Province and the Sharks dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Eight.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi took some of his free time to speak about the Springbok revival and his softer side that not many get to see.

OPINION: The 2018/19 Champions Cup opened up on Friday in emphatic fashion, with reigning champions Leinster putting Wasps to the sword in Dublin, in a landslide 52-3 victory.

OPINION: The final round of the regular season threw up some trying weather for teams to navigate one of the most stressful weeks of the competition.

EXCLUSIVE: Former All Blacks flyhalf, Stephen Donald, opens up about the toughest opponents he faced during his International and Super Rugby career.

RUMOUR MILL: This week there were some very interesting rumours coming from the hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode.

OPINION: The dust has hardly settled on the Rugby Championship and already we are turning our attention to the year-end internationals.

EXCLUSIVE: The dust has settled on the Rugby Championships and while initial thoughts were that the All Blacks would walk the competition, those thoughts are now a thing of the past as the Springboks proved to be worthy opponents.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team unpacks final round of the @SanzarTRC and look towards the year-end tour selections.

EXCLUSIVE: Stephen Donald who famously kicked New Zealand to the 2011 World Cup title after joining the squad before the semi-finals, believes the Springboks are back.

OPINION: South Africa may have closed the gap, dramatically, but the 2018 Rugby Championship was still a one-horse race.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup-winning All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald shares his thoughts on the Rugby Championships and more specifically, the Springboks.

OPINION: Ben Smith takes a look at the question of who should take over injured Sam Cane's mantle as the All Black openside flank.

ANALYSIS: This one will be painful for the Springboks to watch back.

OPINION: Australia produced a stunning second-half comeback to finish their campaign on a high note - a 45-34 win over Argentina in Salta on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa conceded a 17-point lead to lose 30-32 to New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The All Blacks charged back from 17 points down to pick up a massive comeback victory 32-30 in Pretoria and conclude their Rugby Championship campaign.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Schalk Burger's character on and off the field is what has elevated the loose forward to the status of legend.

LISTEN to a very special edition of the #podcast as the @rugby365com team is joined by Alejandro Cristian Moreno, a retired Argentine and Italian international prop.

EXCLUSIVE: Schalk Burger's contract with Saracens comes to an end in June 2019 but the loose forward has still not closed the door on adding to his 86 Springbok caps.

OPINION: New Zealand bounced back from their loss to South Africa and proved they are still the best team in the world.

EXCLUSIVE: Saracens tend to go through a slump during the international season in November and it with that in mind that they have focussed on making a fast start to their Premiership season.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok legend Schalk Burger, who has been recovering from a lengthy injury layoff, took some time out to chat about all things Springboks, his career and a fun story or two.

OPINION: Saracens’ run of bonus point wins to start the season continued unabated in Round Five, as they dispatched Bath 50-27 at Allianz Park in a ruthless display of clinical attacking rugby.

OPINION: We're coming to the end of the competition, already. And the cream is rising to the top.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok Nizaam Carr is loving life at Wasps as he feels he is able to play his natural game, despite it being suited to dry underfoot conditions.

OPINION: The Springboks beat the Wallabies 23-12 in Port Elizabeth, but Rassie Erasmus' will not be happy with some of his players' performances.

OPINION: The Wallabies have a toxic mix of outstanding talent and those who are not worthy to be in a Wallaby jersey.

OPINION: Australian Rugby is as at one of the lowest points in its long history.

EXCLUSIVE: Players are often given the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level but that same concept should be applied to other levels within a Union's structure.

EXCLUSIVE: Cheslin Kolbe will make his Springbok run-on debut when they play against Australia in Port Elizabeth and the diminutive wing's former Stormers teammates could not be happier for him.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chat about the role the @BlitzBoks can play in adding value to the @Springboks.

OPINION: The plight of Argentinean rugby has been one of the game’s most intriguing stories since the turn of the millennium.

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps centre Juan de Jongh felt hurt not to be included in the Springboks' squad after an injury crisis in the centre position potentially gave him a route back into the setup.

EXCLUSIVE: Wasps duo Juan de Jongh and Nizaam Carr were probably unlucky not to be included in the Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship but that doesn't mean that their dream of once again donning the green and gold has died.

OPINION: Players from Western Province and the Sharks dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Six.

OPINION: The highlight of the weekend’s action in the Premiership was undoubtedly Worcester Warriors’ 44-37 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road.

The back end of the tournament has begun and the gap between the haves and the have-nots is widening.

EXCLUSIVE: As the Rugby Championship returns and reaches its climax, the Springboks will need to prove their victory over the All Blacks was not a fluke.

EXCLUSIVE: John Dobson's success in the Currie Cup is a classic example of a coach who deserves to make the step-up to franchise level, especially after the lack of success of Robbie Fleck with the Stormers.

OPINION: The pressure building on Beauden Barrett has been palpable this year.

EXCLUSIVE: London Irish prop Pat Cilliers was not a favourite of former Leicester Tigers coach Matt O'Connor, which saw the Springbok leave the club with one year left on his contract.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team unpacks a rare Springbok win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.

EXCLUSIVE: South Africa's victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand took the rugby world by surprise, so much so that all critics were made to eat humble pie.

OPINION: South Africa won for the first time in New Zealand in almost a decade. They are duly rewarded in @rugby365com's famous weekly selection.

EXCLUSIVE: South Africa's dramatic victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand has certainly breathed new life into the hopes that the Springboks will be contenders to lift the 2019 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Willie Le Roux’s release to Wasps, the Springboks have been left with a huge void to fill.

OPINION: Gloucester continued their undefeated start to the season in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership, beating Bristol Bears at Kingsholm and shoring up their place in the top four.

EXCLUSIVE: When your resume includes victories over the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2008 and 2009, you would think that person would be able to take a country like Zimbabwe to the 2019 World Cup.

EXCLUSIVE: The game has certainly evolved since speedster Tonderai Chavhanga tore up the field with his blistering pace and he believes speed is more important now than ever before.

EXCLUSIVE: SA Rugby's reasons for wanting to have teams competing in the European leagues have been questions by former Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga.

OPINION: The All Blacks have gone down to the Springboks 36-34 in Wellington after conceding a record number of points at home and bombing a chance to steal the match late.

OPINION: The Springboks pulled off a shock 36-34 victory over the world champion All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Retired Springbok wing Tonderai Chavhanga got a burning issue off his chest and went head first into the most-spoken about topic when the Springboks lose - quotas.

EXCLUSIVE: Retired Springbok Tonderai Chavanga pulled no punches as he shared his thoughts on the Springboks, Currie Cup and SA Rugby's plan to increase the number of teams in the PRO14.

EXCLUSIVE: The All Blacks prove week in and week out just how good they really are, even when they make a host of changes.

The @rugby365com team is joined by respected New Zealand coach Adriaan Kennedy, as they analyse the @SanzarTRC crunch match between @AllBlacks and @Springboks.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s been nearly a decade since the All Blacks had a true rival.

OPINION: One match was entertaining, the other a dull affair. Not surprising then that the bulk of our team comes from the encounter between New Zealand and Argentina.

OPINION: Players from the Golden Lions dominate our Currie Cup Team of the Week for Round Four.

SPRINGBOK SPOTLIGHT: Are we to believe Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus when he suggests that he could be out of a job on Sunday?

ANALYSIS: The reason behind the All Blacks' ability to dominate teams – by an average scoreline of 40 to 12 - in 2018

EXCLUSIVE: South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander recently stated that the number of professional contracts will be reduced, which could see an improvement in the overall standard of the game if implemented correctly.

OPINION: Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in a scrappy game that was a showcase for just how pathetic both teams are.

OPINION: The All Blacks have continued their winning ways with a 46-24 victory over Argentina in Nelson.

OPINION: Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in a scrappy game that was a showcase for just how pathetic both teams are.

EXCLUSIVE: Golden Lions loose forward Hacjivah Dayimani has set the Currie Cup alight this season but still needs some time developing his skills before being granted a chance at the highest level.

EXCLUSIVE: Australia head coach Michael Cheika desperately needs to bag a victory against the Springboks in order to restore the nation's confidence in him.

WATCH as The Short Ball team calls into question South Africa's continued involvement in SANZAAR.

The @rugby365com team analyses the weekend's crucial @SanzarTRC encounter between the @qantaswallabies and @Springboks in Brisbane.

EXCLUSIVE: We delve into the mindset of an Australian coach as a crucial Rugby Championship match between Australia and South Africa awaits.

The Premiership returned with a bang for the 2018/19 season this weekend, with Bristol Bears’ 17-10 victory over fierce rivals Bath stealing the headlines.

EXCLUSIVE: The Springboks head to Australasia still licking their wounds from their previous round defeat, however, the 'bigger picture' needs to be front of mind during this competition.

EXCLUSIVE: While the Blue Bulls have been trying to keep themselves in the Currie Cup running, you have missed a Springbok-turned-consultant in their coaching department.

WATCH as Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina decipher the chances of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett plying his trade in Europe after the Rugby World Cup 2019.

EXCLUSIVE: With Super Rugby set for another potential change to the format, a case can be made for SANZAAR to do the same to the Rugby Championship, to manage the workload of the southern hemisphere players.

READERS VIEW: Regular rugby365 reader Brian Holdsworth, based in South East Melbourne in Australia, looks at the dire financial situation of the South African Rugby Union and makes a few suggestions for a turnaround plan.

EXCLUSIVE: Springbok lock Lood de Jager sheds some light on his road to recovery, what has been keeping him busy, and shares his thoughts on the Springboks' embarrassing defeat to Argentina.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO: Never before has a team been as dominant as the current New Zealand outfit.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team chats to respected New Zealander Adriaan Kennedy about why the Kiwi coaching systems are so much further ahead than their main rivals.

PARODY: If you don’t know Michael Cheika by now, you never will.

OPINION: Players from Western Province dominate our Team of the Week for Round Two of Currie Cup 2018.

OPINION: In such a short competition, every round is meaningful and for several teams their season looks bleak already.

OPINION: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he should carry the blame for the team's poor performance in Mendoza, a 19-32 loss to Argentina that effectively confirmed New Zealand will retain the Rugby Championship.

OPINION: The Wallabies went down 12-40 at Eden Park as the All Blacks retained the Bledisloe Cup in the second test.

OPINION: The All Blacks locked away the Bledisloe Cup for another year with a 40-12 victory at Eden Park.

OPINION: Argentina put a huge dent in South Africa's Rugby Championship hopes with a commanding 32-19 win in Mendoza on Saturday.

CURRIE CUP DOCUMENTARY: What was once South Africa's premier tournament, has now become a 'development' event.

WATCH as The 1014 Rugby team examines the minutes played by replacements, position by position.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ONE: The first shots were fired in the 2018 version of the tournament and the usual suspects are at the top of the pile.

CURRIE CUP ROUND ONE: The season got off to a low-key start, with just two matches and three teams on byes.

The @rugby365com team shines the spotlight on the @SanzarTRC and @TheCurrieCup - with a few intriguing titbits thrown it.

ANALYSIS: With the game in the balance and the All Blacks holding a slim 12-6 lead, the Wallabies received a scrum on their own 40-metre line in the 51st minute.

EXCLUSIVE: The Sharks latest coaching acquisition is a decision that has some excited, especially that a foreign coach is coming to South Africa.

EXCLUSIVE: The All Blacks are once again the overwhelming favourites to claim lift the Rugby Championship trophy, however, the Springboks could bag a rare victory over the New Zealanders.

EXCLUSIVE: One of the most recognisable referees in the rugby world with his speed and engaging personality will be Late Tackle's special guest and we want you to get involved.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina are back and joined on the phone by former Wallaby captain and rugby great George Gregan to talk all things Bledisloe Cup.

EXCLUSIVE: All things Rugby Championship takes centre stage as the Late Tackle team returns with a bang, breaking down each squad and getting involved in some fantasy league.

The @rugby365com team chats about the latest dispatches and surprises from Loftus Versfeld and Newlands about their coaching staff for 2019.

VIDEO: The 1014 Rugby team examine what squad depth actually means and what it might look like.

OPINION: It was a season of changes at Ellis Park - departures resulted in a new coaching set-up.

OPINION: It is a moniker that will stay with the Sharks until they eventually win a Super Rugby title. However, they are the most successful team never to have won the competition.

OPINION: A promise of new beginning ended up in a very public divorce for the Bulls

SUPER RUGBY AFTERMATH: The Lions most feared weapon heading into the final was their lineout maul, which they had deployed with devastating effect throughout this Super Rugby season.

The @rugby365com takes a look at the latest drama at Newlands and comes to the conclusion that Western Province officials believe in the Tooth Fairy and Santa Clause.

OPINION: Super Rugby 2018 has ended, and it is time to reveal our Team of the Tournament.

Carlos Spencer and Quade Cooper, much like Springbok Elton Jantjies, could mesmerise the opposition and just as easily flop.

The @rugby365com team welcomes aboard a passionate voice from Christchurch as try to find somebody that is willing to back the Lions against the Crusaders.

OPINION: The Stormers are a team in disarray, both on and off the field.

PODCAST: Scotty Stevenson & Mils Muliaina look back on the Super Rugby season as it draws to a close and discuss the matchups for this weekend’s final in Christchurch.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: What distinguishes good teams from great ones is multiple championships, especially in consecutive seasons.

EXCLUSIVE: Super Rugby referee Egon Seconds provides us with unique insight into what happens behind the scenes after each match he and his fellow referees are involved in.

EXCLUSIVE: Egon Seconds took to refereeing in 2014 but struggled with the transition from player to referee as he found himself joining the players in some of the on-field antics.

EXCLUSIVE: Much has been said around the recently trailed height of the tackle, with many suggesting that it will take away from a key component of the game.

EXCLUSIVE: The rumour mill continues to grow stronger each day that Newlands Rugby Stadium will be no more and it seems to be a decision that will be welcomed by former players.

EXCLUSIVE: The current Super Rugby conference system may have been around for a few years but the format remains confusing to some former players.

EXCLUSIVE: The BlitzBoks have never won the Sevens World Cup and this year's edition of the competition brings a unique format.

EXCLUSIVE: The debate around whether or not Super Rugby remains relevant and interesting rages on, as it would seem that the final round robin matches did nothing to enhance the tournament's image.

EXCLUSIVE: The conveyor belt of South African-born players representing another country may soon have another name added the list.

EXCLUSIVE: A loyal Late Tackle viewer, Vincent Nortier posed an interesting question around the All Blacks' approach to the 10/12 interchangeability and whether or not that could work for the Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: Heading to a foreign country to ply your trade will always be a tough task when you are not accustomed to playing most of your matches in wet weather, especially when joining a new club in the middle of the season.

READER'S OPINION: Dan Jardine responds to a fellow viewer's question regarding the All Blacks approach to interchangeable 10/12, which was posed on Late Tackle's Bulling Around with a Scarlet episode.

OPINION: The Crusaders and the Lions share the spoils in our Super Rugby Team of the Week for the semifinals.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Renowned New Zealand pundit Scotty Stevenson believes this year's Super Rugby Final will not have the atmosphere it deserves.

EXCLUSIVE: Soon-to-be Welsh qualified David Bulbring of the Scarlets lets us in on what it is like for a South African-born player trying to make a name for himself in a different country.

VIDEO: How often do you get two real legends - like the World Rugby Player of the Century and the South African Player of the Century - on the same stage?

Now that we’re approaching the business end of the Super Rugby finals, the question we ask ourselves is how do players and coaches prepare their weekly plan and deal with expectations.

The @rugby365com team welcomes retired Welsh international Haldane Naude Luscombe on board, as they look at early retirements and @SuperRugby #semifinals.

THE SHORT BALL: Do the Hurricanes have a chance? And should the Lions & Waratahs abandon their kicking boots this weekend?

OPINION: The opening round of play-offs produced a number of eye-catching performances in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Renowned New Zealand pundit Scotty Stevenson has made his call on who will be in the Final this year.

LISTEN as the @rugby365com team - @LoffieEloff & @King365ed - welcomes former Baby Bok and Irish international Richard Strauss to this week's discussion.

OPINION: The Crusaders ended the regular season of Super Rugby with another masterful display of rugby against the Blues in Christchurch.

The influx of playing personnel from the west saw the Rebels instantly become one of the favourites in the Australian conference this season. Along with rising coach Dave Wessels, this new Force-Rebels outfit immediately looked better on paper.

@rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson gives us his view on SANZAAR's general report of officiating in Super Rugby.

LISTEN as @King365ed & @LoffieEloff look at the final round of @SuperRugby league action, before the play-offs.