Australia’s new-look back three provided the spark as the Wallabies shook off their early-season rust to defeat Wales 31-0 and secure a 2-0 series victory in the second test in Brisbane on Saturday. (more…)
While hell did not exactly freeze over on Wednesday, an unseasonal bitter winter rain and a little hail and thunder accompanied the announcement that Luke Watson will make his controversial debut for the Springboks against Samoa at Ellis Park on Saturday writes Kevin McCallum for IOL. (more…)
The reason rugby internationals came to be called “Tests” is precisely because that is what they were. They were tests of strength. Neighbours would gear up and go and test themselves against another distant band at the game they both loved and enjoyed writes Chris Waldburger for Rugby365. (more…)
Gurthro Steenkamp made his comeback against England in Bloemfontein last week, albeit off the bench. The second test will be his first start since August 2005. (more…)
Pundits have quizzed the wisdom of Springbok coach Jake White’s decision to go for more bulk and less skill among the forwards in the two-test series against a depleted English side writes Jan de Koning for Rugby365. (more…)
Springbok coach Jake White has made three changes to his starting line-up that demolished England in Bloemfontein. Akona Ndungane returns from injury and both props change for Saturday’s return in Pretoria. (more…)
England coach Brian Ashton has been forced to delay his team announcement until Friday, as another three players went down to the virus that has left his squad stricken and hopeless in the face of a full-strength Springbok side. (more…)
The two coaches who have been guiding both the Stormers and Western Province for the past two years, Kobus van der Merwe and Jerome Paarwater, will need to re-apply. (more…)
Habana, the two try hero of the 55-22 win in the second test in Pretoria on Saturday, was helped from the field towards the end after sustaining a bump on the knee which, according to sources in the Springbok camp, could rule him out for up to four weeks writes Gavin Rich for Supersport Zone. This would mean he misses both home Tri-Nations fixtures, starting with the one against Australia in Cape Town in just under a fortnight from now. (more…)
Ruan Pienaar is expected to remain among the substitutes when South Africa take on England in the second rugby Test in Pretoria on Saturday writes Liam Del Carme for Beeld (more…)