Opinion News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURE: Paul Dobson, at his idiomatic best, looks back at the year in a very differentiable way and names his 'Socksdown XV'.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Danie Gerber was a player of immense talent whose career was stunted by South Africa's isolation years.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some SA teams made a major leap in 2014, abandoning the dreaded conservative approach and adopting an expansive style.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Tauriq Ebrahim delves into the world of automobiles to find which best describe some of the world's premier players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Darryn Pollock compares the school structures in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nicknamed Mouse, Gerrie Germishuys was anything but a rodent during his playing days with the Springboks.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, says it is time for everybody to take a deep breath.

OPINON: It's taken a while and after much thought, Tauriq Ebrahim has managed to select the 2014 Team of the Year.

Matt Hawkins takes a closer look at the Blitzbokke and the reasons behind their dominance in Dubai last weekend.

The most pressing need of all positions in South African rugby is at scrumhalf. Just watch the Springboks play and you know there is a problem.

In a previous blog about who should be Bok captain, readers started an interesting conversation about what position a captain should play.

The recent November Tests showed the rugby community across the globe that the Southern Hemisphere dominance may be starting to crack.

Matt Hawkins says that the second leg of the Sevens World Series in Dubai should see the teams step things up a gear.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and ASICS bring you the chance to win a set of double tickets to the Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens on December 13 and 14.

Jonathan Kaplan gives his views on the white card system that will be used in the Varsity Cup next year.

The Springboks are likely to head to the World Cup next year without a specialist outside centre, but is that such a problem?

Jean de Villiers is a fighter and probably still believes he can lead the Boks at the World Cup next year.

With the November tours done and dusted, it makes for some interesting debate looking towards next year's 'holy grail'.

After an action-packed November our team of the month has a fairly even split between northern and southern hemisphere players.

The International window might be over but there are still two mouth-watering matches to look forward to.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, giving us his views on consistent selections and finding a winning momentum.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, talks about he regards as the new world of transparency.

SELECTION TIME: Aussieboer, a regular rugby365 reader, names his World XV to take on an Alien selection from outer space.

Aussieboer, 'n gereelde rugby365 leser, verduidelik waarom hy meen Duane Vermeulen is tans die No.8 met die beste vorm op die planeet.

Jonathan Kaplan says that the emphasis on decisions being 'clear and obvious' is dangerous as it means that some forward passes are not being called.

EXCLUSIVE: It was a meeting of much debate and little consensus, but we managed to finally produce rugby365's famous weekly selection.

It's the final BIG weekend of Internationals and we bring you five matches live!

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, turn the spotlight to a new look and revamped IRB World Series.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, giving us his views on what the Springbok loose trio might look like.

rugby365 and Rate the Ref columnist Jonathan Kaplan takes a look at issues referees may face leading up to the World Cup in respect of the maul

It was an interesting weekend on the international stage and rugby365's famous weekly selection reflects the dramatic turnaround from last week.

TOERPLAN: Jan de Koning kyk in sy glas-bal en vra of Heyneke Meyer dalk nie die week 'n paar hase uit die hoed gaan pluk nie.

TOUR SPOTLIGHT: Jan de Koning looks into his crystal ball and asks if Heyneke Meyer will perhaps pull a few proverbial rabbits from the hat this week.

We have another exciting weekend of International matches ahead of us.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink continues the expedition to World Cup 2015, looking at what awaits the Boks at Twickenham and glances back at Dublin.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, rugby365's specialist Sevens columnist, turn the spotlight back on the teams and their identities.

OPINION: It was a weekend of interesting results and that is reflected in @rugby365com's famous  weekly selection!

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 and Rate the Ref columnist Jonathan Kaplan looks at two yellow card decisions this weekend which lacked common sense.

We have a bumper weekend of International matches as the Southern Hemisphere looks to dominate their Northern counterparts.

EXCLUSIVE: Rob Brink, a member of the victorious 1995 Bok World Cup squad, brings us his first contribution since joining the rugby365 team.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - looking at the next leg of the IRB World Series.

COMING SOON: rugby365 will soon add another name to our already impressive list of award-winning contributors.

The 2014 instalment of the Currie Cup brought us an exciting and unique showcase of provincial rugby which deserves some recognition.

OPINION: A year out from the World Cup there are still a few key positions giving Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer headaches.

We have two cracking games this weekend as the international teams take centre stage.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - exploring the statistics on the game a little more.

The Currie Cup has drawn to a close with Western Province victorious, but who were the most impressive players in their position?

The recent Currie Cup Final between Province and the Lions was a showpiece of highly skilled rugby but for a certain flyhalf who was off colour.

Western Province have held on against a spirited Golden Lions outfit to lift the trophy 19-16 at Newlands on Saturday.

The Golden Lions came agonizingly close to winning their first Currie Cup since 2011 but they missed a final penalty to succumb to Western Province 19-16.

Get ready for the biggest match in provincial rugby: The Currie Cup Final!

OPINION: Acclaimed writer Paul Dobson sits down to pick his best Currie Cupo team of all time. It is a fun thing to do.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens - looking at how stats give a team its identity!

OPINION: Acclaimed writer and historian Paul Dobson takes a look at the sad decline of the quality of spectators at the iconic Newlands stadium.

The Lions and WP have been the best teams throughout the Currie Cup and deservedly go through to the Final thanks to their shining stars.

YSTERS VAN DIE VERLEDE: Dit was die jaar van die rebelle - op en van die veld af. Maar dit was ook 'n jaar van opwindende, liplek-lekker rugby.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: It was the year of the rebels - both on and off the field. But it was also a year of exciting, intriguingly good rugby.

There's an action-packed weekend to look forward to with the third Bledisloe Cup match and Currie Cup semifinal action.

EXCLUSIVE: The season is officially under way and Matt Hawkins, the former US Eagles player, captain and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens!

The Golden Lions get rewarded for finishishing the round robin stages of the Currie Cup competition with an emphatic destruction of the Cheetahs.

Whilst SARU have made some good calls recently, there is no doubt that there is still room for improvement in terms of player management.

EXCLUSIVE: Matt Hawkins, the former United States Eagles player, captain and coach, takes us inside the world of Sevens!

It is the final round of the Currie Cup before the play-offs and there is a number of cracking games in store

Twelve matches, 49 tries, plenty of drama and heaps of entertainment. It is time for rugby365's famous Rugby Championship kudos.

OPINION: It is that time of the year again, when our selectors sit down to name rugby365's famous Rugby Championship selection.

Unsurprisingly the Bulls gave the Pumas a bit of a hiding, but more surprisingly the Sharks beat the Lions and as such these teams have the big representation.

OPINION: Darryn Pollock delves into what makes rugby such a special game at the highest level in comparison to other sports.

OPINION: Jake White's departure from the Sharks resulted in far flung rumours - across the globe - of his next role. Darryn Pollock gives his view!

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the Australian players after their shocking 17-21 loss to Argentina.

OPINION: Jan de Koning rates the Argentinean players after their historic 21-17 win over Australia in Mendoza on Saturday.

The All Blacks record undefeated run has finally come to an end as the Springboks dealt them a 25-27 defeat at Ellis Park.

The Springboks managed to topple the mighty All Blacks at Ellis Park with a entertaining 27-25 victory on Saturday.

It is the final round of the Rugby Championship and it is set to be a cracker, and don't forget the Currie Cup!

rugby365 and ASICS have again combined to give five lucky readers a chance to watch the big Test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park.

OPINION: New Zealand and South Africa, who go head-to-head this coming Saturday, are now clearly the two bests teams in the world.

In a round with some big results there was bound to be some big representation by a few teams, namely the Sharks, Lions, Bulls and Western Province.

STRYD VAN DIE REUSE: Jan de Koning neem 'n terugblik en beskryf wat 'n Toets tussen Suid-Afrika en Nieu-Seeland so spesiaal maak.

BATTLE OF THE GIANTS: Jan de Koning takes a look back and speaks about what he feels makes a Test between South Africa and New Zealand so special.

The Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup should keep all very busy this weeked!

The King of the jungle and the Monster of the sea impressed this past weekend and as such, the big representation comes from the Lions and the Sharks.

The global village has made citizenship to foreign countries far easier to attain, but the same rules are allowing national coaches to shop around.

OPINION: Some may feel the gap is closing, but New Zealand remain No.1 and it is reflected in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

The mighty WP have finally been toppled by an inspired display from the Lions, as such, they make up a massive part of rugby365's team of the week.

KOLLIG: Jan de Koning voel kortsigtige misantrope en pessimiste verlustig hulle te veel daarin om die silwer rand rondom die donker wolk mis te kyk.

OPINION: Jan de Koning has a go at the shortsighted, pessimistic misanthropes that revel too much in not finding a silver lining.

The Rugby Championship and the Currie Cup should keep all very busy this weeked!

OPINION: They are the best in the world, by some distance and New Zealand's superiority is also reflected in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

A weekend of upsets has brought in a far bigger representation from some of the usual strugglers in the competition as they shine in rugby365s team.

OPINION: The third year of a World Cup cycle is usually testing, and Heyneke Meyer's Springbok team face another uphill battle.

Another bumper weekend awaits with Rugby Championship and Currie Cup action!

The Pumas provided the upset of the weekend when they defeated the Sharks and as such have been rewarded handsomely in rugby365's team.

The Rugby Championship takes a break but there is still plenty of excitment as the Currie Cup carries on full-steam!

Western Province have laid down the marker as the team to beat after overcoming the Lions - for the Cape boys it means big representation

OPINION: Many reputations were destroyed in Auckland and Salta, many others were enhanced. It was a weekend of big statements.

OPINION: In a weekend of close calls for Springbok and Sharks fans, the demand for explanations has been met with the cliches of 'character building'

rugby365 EXCLUSIVE: We have another weekend of wall-to-wall action - Rugby Championship and Currie Cup drama!

OPINION: It would seem that selecting from just four teams would make things easy. Not so for the rugby365 selectors, who had a tough Monday.

With a couple of mighty impressive performances it is unsurprising to see the Lions and Western Province so well represented in rugby365's team of the week.

OPNION: After a wet and slushy arm-wrestle against the Argentineans at Loftus this past Saturday, two things - or rather people - stood out.

OPINION: A lot will be said about the weather, but in the end a win is a win and the Springboks will be happy with a victorious start.

There is a huge feast of rugby on this weekend with the Currie Cup and Rugby Championship all playing out on Friday and Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: The first round of the Currie Cup produced an amazing collection of excitement, entertainment and even an upset.

COMPETITION TIME: rugby365 and Springbok sponsor ASICS give our loyal readers a chance to win Test tickets for free.

Met die Suidelike Halfrond se kampioenskap wat eerskomende Saterdag begin, kyk Jan de Koning na die meriete van drie Springbok afrigters.

With the Southern Hemisphere's championship getting underway this coming Saturday, Jan de Koning looks at the merits of three Springbok coaches.

The Currie Cup kicks off  in an extended format this weekend with four big local derbies to get us back into the swing of things.

It is time for a new tournament and also time for those arm-chair coaches to get out their note-books and start predicting results!

We brought you our Team of the Tournament, but we are not done yet with the accolades and dispraise in the wake of the 19th edition of Super Rugby.

The Waratahs claimed their first Super Rugby crown with a one-point win and that is exactly the margin in rugby365's famous Team of the Tournament.

OPINION: Michael de Vries looks at the players on Springbok contracts that didn't make the Rugby Championship squad.

The Super Rugby Final is here and it is set to be a monumental clash as the Waratahs take on the Crusaders in Sydney.

There were only four teams to choose from, but that doesn't mean the players don't deserve some praise in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

Darryn Pollock decided to play selector and looked at what the options are for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer when he names his team.

It is semifinals times with the last four standing looking to make it to the Super Rugby 2014 Final.

'Qu'ils mangent de la brioche' - let them eat cake, Marie Antoinette famously said, but it is Brent Russell who says 'let them play rugby - in France'  

The talent pool was a lot more shallow, but that did not stop us from producing rugby365's famous weekly selection.

OPINIE: Jan de Koning is van mening dat SARU hulself voor 'n keerpunt in die Superrugby saga bevind. Dit is tyd dat hulle ruggraat wys.

OPINION: Jan de Koning feels SARU find themselves at a crossroads in the Super Rugby saga. It is now time that they show some backbone.

It is play-off time in Super Rugby and rugby365 brings you the preliminary qualifiers LIVE right here!

The Crusaders are beginning to find some impressive form as Super Rugby heads into the home stretch.

OPINION: The final log positions in the South African Super Rugby conference this year show just how crucial physical dominance is to success.

It is the final pool round of Super Rugby with plenty of mouth-watering clashes that will determine the fate of multiple teams.

There was a big range of impressive performers this week with only the Bulls and Hurricanes not making it into rugby365's famous Team of the Week.

The Lions have served some humble pie by producing their best-ever season after a year in the Super Rugby wilderness.

Super Rugby returns in earnest this weekend with a full set of fixtures on the cards!  

With the June Tests having come and gone, it was time for rugby365's esteemed panel of selectors to put their thinking hats on.

The Australasians had full rights to the Super Rugby competition this week, with the South Africans on a bye and busy with Bok duty.

Super Rugby returns to us after a three week absence, but it will just be the Australasians who take to the field.

The Springbok team to face Scotland in Port Elizabeth will be very different from the one that edged Wales in Nelspruit, by necessity rather than design.

New Zealand, who again showed why they are the No.1 team in the world, dominate rugby365's famous weekly selection.

rugby365 and Springbok sponsor Asics give our loyal readers a chance to win Test tickets for free.

rugby365 and Random House Struik are combining to give away five signed copies of retired referee Jonathan Kaplan's book.

The final full round of internationals takes place with a number of great matches!

It takes a unique kind of person to become a top referee in SA, which is what Jonathan Kaplan's book 'Call it like it is' illustrates perfectly.

England's dirt-trackers will have their chance on tour when they face up to a strong Crusaders team in a midweek match.

It may provoke some debate, but South Africa headline rugby365's famous weekly selection, following their demolition of Wales.

OPINION: Jan de Koning continues to delve into the sanctum sanctorum of South African rugby and the cause(s) of Steyn-gate.

The second round of the June internationals are here, you can follow four big games with us!

OPINION: Jan de Koning looks into the underlying issues that caused World Cup winner Frans Steyn's gladiatorial walk-out on the Springbok team.

Wales start their tour of South Africa with a clash against the EP Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday. Follow it LIVE here.

The entertainment of the first weekend of June Tests was provided by the men from Down Under.

rugby365 and Springbok sponsor Asics give our loyal readers a chance to win Test tickets for free.

This weekend sees the start of the June international window, you can follow four big games here!

There are just two South African players in the rugby365 Team of the Week, with both of them from the Lions side that downed the Bulls.

rugby365 has a couple of great prizes to give away.

With the exodus of players from the South to the North is it possible to pick a South African team of substance solely on overseas-based players?

We are set for another big weekend as Super Rugby hits Round 16, catch it all LIVE right here in our match centre.

After a weekend of blow-outs rugby365's famous Team of the Week has a few interesting selections.

The injury-enforced withdrawal of Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has immediately shifted the spotlight onto who will skipper South Africa in June.

We are set for another big weekend as Super Rugby hits Round 15, catch it all LIVE right here in our match centre.

The South Africans have made a big splash in this week's selection after a weekend of upsets

We are set for another big weekend as Super Rugby hits Round 14, catch it all LIVE right here in our match centre.  

There are a few teams who are beginning to pick up some handy momentum as the Super Rugby season heads towards the June break.

We are into Round 13 of the Super Rugby season and there is plenty to salivate over - including the cracker between the Chiefs and Blues.

rugby 365 and Vodacom gives you a chance to WIN THE RUGBY TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Teams playing predominantly in blue headlines rugby365's famous weekly Super Rugby selection.

It is Week Twelve of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

Darryn Pollock says a glance at Super Rugby's Round 11 stats would have you believe that the Bulls are doing everything right.

The Hurricanes continued resurgence sees another large contingent of yellow jerseys in our famous weekly selection.

It is Week Eleven of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

One of the toughest decisions facing Bok coach Heyneke Meyer this year is where to play the Swiss army knife of SA - Frans Steyn.

The improved form of certain teams has been rewarded in rugby365's famous weekly selection.

It is Week Ten of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

There is another good spread in our famous weekly Super Rugby selection, but it is the Western Force that steals the spotlight.

It is Week Nine of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

There was plenty of quality options for us to consider when we sat down to name our famous weekly Super Rugby selection.

It is Week Eight of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

We have another good spread in our famous weekly Super Rugby selection, but a couple of teams do provide the bulk of the teams.

It is Week Seven of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

We have the biggest spread yet in rugby365's famous weekly Super Rugby selection. Ten teams have made our starting XV.

It is Week Six of Super Rugby and we bring you every minute of the action LIVE - right here!

Is Jake White's early success at the Sharks threatening the job security of some of his fellow South African Super Rugby coaches?

We again have a very interesting spread of teams in rugby365's famous weekly Super Rugby selection.

There is even more reason to celebrate on St. Patrick's Day as Six Nations champions Ireland dominate our team of the tournament.

We bring you another big weekend of LIVE drama - the Six Nations' final round and Super Rugby's fifth week.

There is a nice spread of teams in our famous weekly selection - with the table-topping Sharks getting the edge in our starting XV.

Although Ireland notched the biggest victory, our Six Nations team is dominated by the Red Rose of England after their victory over Wales at Twickenham.

It is another big weekend with Super Rugby and Six Nations on the go. Catch it all LIVE right here.

Euan Murray has joined up with the Scotland squad ahead of Saturday's match against France after missing the opening three Six Nations fixtures with a bizarre injury.  

We have various shades of blue in our famous weekly selection - the Waratahs, Bulls, Blues and Rebels all well represented.

Super Rugby takes centre stage this weekend as the Six Nations takes a one-week break. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

OPINION: Jan de Koning delves into the problems that have bedevilled the Bulls this season - resulting in back-to-back defeats.

There is an interesting collection of players in our famous weekly selection - spread across nine of the 14 teams that featured.

Wales' impressive win against France on Friday saw them claim the most places in our Six Nations Team of the Week after Round Three.

The Super Rugby season is in full swing and the Six Nations returns after a one-week break. Catch the action LIVE right here.

It was to be expected, given their impressive start to the season, but the Sharks dominate our famous weekly selection.

rugby365 and Vodacom SupeRugby combine to give our readers a chance to watch the Sharks versus Bulls in the opening round of the season for free!

The Super Rugby season kicks off with two South African derbies in Bloemfontein and Durban on Saturday. Catch the action LIVE right here.

The Kearney brothers, Rob and Dave, headline the Irish-dominated team when we sat down to name our famous weekly selection.

The Six Nations rolls on this weekend with Round Two clashes in Dublin and Edinburgh on Saturday and Paris on Sunday. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Ireland were the most impressive in the opening round of the Six Nations and they were duly rewarded in our famous weekly selection.

The Six Nations season gets underway with two games on Saturday and a Sunday clash to conclude Round One. Catch the action LIVE right here.

In the wake of the Victor Matfield mania, rugby365 writer Paul Dobson suggests the only criterion should be: is he the best man for the job?

Jan de Koning, following renewed debate over the vexed issue of using overseas-based players, selects home v away Bok XVs.

As 2013 comes to an end, Jan de Koning reflects on some of the game's more ignoble characters.

Michael de Vries takes a look at five promising young South African players who could set the Super Rugby stage alight in 2014.

Michael de Vries takes a look at the five rookies he felt made the biggest impact in 2013.

rugby365's esteemed writer and historian Paul Dobson takes a look at the evolution of the scrum down the years.

Canada became the first to emerge from the global qualification process to book their place at World Cup 2015.

rugby365 looks back at the Springboks' performances in 2013 to see if there has been any progress in year two under coach Heyneke Meyer.

The year was full of spectacular moments and performances. We name and shame the best and worst in rugby365's Awards.

Rugby historian Paul Dobson looks at brothers who have played Test rugby over the years and picks a few teams.

Paul Dobson reflects on the tough task of picking the best fullback in the world this year, a position with much competition.

Following a memorable international season, we acknowledge the leading players of 2013 in our annual Team of the Year.

The southern hemisphere giants stamped their authority in Europe in November, and they duly dominate our team of the year-end Tests.  

It is the final round of November Tests, with the traditional Barbarians game thrown in for good measure. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Ireland may be struggling to come to terms with their loss to New Zealand, but there is some consolation in our famous weekly selection.

The November Tests roll on this weekend with the Springboks drawing the curtain on their season against France on Saturday. Catch the action LIVE.

The Southern Hemisphere's giants won three of their four encounters with their Northern Hemisphere rivals at the weekend.

The November Tests are in full swing, with South Africa playing Scotland in a rare Sunday international. Catch the action LIVE right here.

Selecting a team from 10 internationals, some games not so 'international', is always a tough task.

With the November Tests in full swing, we are in for a blockbuster Saturday of international rugby. Catch the action LIVE right here.

We only had two big games to select from, but we still produced an impressive array of talent in our famous weekly selection.

The best memories are the good ones, the ones that stay with us even if the edge of their details becomes blurred.

The November internationals commence this weekend with matches in Tokyo and London. Catch the action LIVE right here.

It is interesting to see coaches squabbling about who is the underdog, although it is by no means a new phenomenon.

Heyneke Meyer named his 32-man squad for South Africa's year-end tour and as always there is plenty to debate.

It required some considerable debate, but our esteemed panel of 'selectors' came up with what we believe to be the best team.

On Saturday at Newlands, referee Jonathan Kaplan will take a coin from his pocket in the presence of Deon Fourie and Keegan Daniel.

It is the Currie Cup Final between WP and the Sharks at Newlands, as well as the second leg promotion-relegation game between the Pumas and Griquas.

The selection pool was a bit more shallow than usual, but two teams deservedly dominate our famous weekly selection.

rugby365 and DHL Express Africa are giving our loyal readers a chance to win a signed Springbok jersey.

It is Currie Cup semifinal time and we have the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test this weekend. It is all LIVE right here!

Only one team missed out as we sat down to name our famous Weekly selection and it is not surprising it is the side who's season is over.

Play-off places are at stake in the final round of the Currie Cup regular season this weekend. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

Western Province powered to their first bonus-point win of the season and are duly rewarded in our famous weekly Currie Cup selection.

Although the All Blacks were unbeaten in the Rugby Championship, they are matched by the Springboks in our team of the tournament.  

It’s the final round of the Rugby Championship while the Currie Cup enters Round Nine. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

Only one team did not make it in our famous weekly Currie Cup selection and nobody is dominating.

New Zealand continue to set the pace - on the world rankings, in the Rugby Championships and in our famous weekly selection.

rugby365 and Absa are again combining to give one lucky reader (and nine of his/her friends) the chance to be a VIP for the day.

The Currie Cup enters Round Eight while the Rugby Championship rolls into Round Five this weekend. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

Do you want to watch this weekend's Absa Currie Cup drama unfold, for free? Here is your chance!

It was a try feast this past weekend, despite the monsoon-like conditions at Newlkands. Those tries are reflected in our famous weekly selection.

Are you the ultimate Springbok fan? rugby365 and Castle Lager are giving away two ultimate superfan experiences.

With no Rugby Championship action, the Currie Cup takes centre stage this weekend. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

rugby365 and Absa again combine to give our loyal readers a chance to win free tickets - to watch the Golden Lions take on the Blue Bulls.

rugby365 and Castle Lager are giving away 120 tickets to their Braai Nation events that will take place around the country on Tuesday, September 24.  

Not surprising it took some doing for us to calmly sit down and objectively decide on our famous weekly selection.

The Currie Cup has been incredibly competitive this year, which is reflected in the even spread of teams represented in our Team of the Week.

The Rugby Championship is into Week Four, while the Currie Cup competition is into Round Six. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

Hans Saestad is prolific - and thank heavens for it.  He is a boon for South African rugby.

Table-topping Western Province earned themselves some rich reward with their unbeaten run through the first half of the Currie Cup season.

It is all set for the big showdown between New Zealand and South Africa in Auckland on Saturday, but the Springboks claimed an early advantage.

The Rugby Championship is into Round Three, while the Currie Cup competition enters Round Five on Saturday. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

It was a weekend that produced plenty for the post-match debates, but also saw the Sharks rise to the top of the Currie Cup standings.

The Currie Cup claims the spotlight this weekend with Round Four fixtures in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

It is not often the a Blue Bulls team gets man-handled in such a manner on their home turf, Loftus Versfeld.

They may not sit at the top of the standings, but New Zealand completely - and deservedly - dominate our famous weekly selection.

The Rugby Championship is into Week Two, while the Currie Cup competition enters Round Three. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

A traditional schoolboy fixture dating back many years took place this weekend between Muir and Graeme. Unfortunately, hosting Muir went down 29-10.

After a weekend in which our focus shifted constantly between Test matches and the Currie Cup, it was to be expected there could be a few strange calls.

It probably wasn't the most difficult selection we have ever made, given the dominance of two of the teams in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

Springbok Factory: What it takes to be a Bok has been described as a 'must-read for any true rugby supporter'. Now you stand a chance to win a free copy.

The Rugby Championship gets underway while the Currie Cup hits Round Two this weekend. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

On Saturday, 17 August, there is an FNB Classic Clash in East London between two coed schools who love rugby and do it well - Cambridge High and Hudson Park High, which takes its name from a city councilor.

Given the closeness of the opening round of the Currie Cup competition, it was a tough task to select the best 15.

It is the start of the Currie Cup, South Africa's premier domestic competition and we have all the drama LIVE right here!

It required much debate and digging back into the archives, but we finally managed to produce our famous Team of the Tournament.

While the number of top players leaving South Africa for Europe may be alarming, it is not likely to have an impact on the Springboks.

It is super Saturday with the Super Rugby Final in Hamilton and decisive promotion-relegation match in Johannesburg. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

It is no surprise the two teams in the Super Rugby Final on Saturday, the Chiefs and Brumbies, dominate our famous weekly selection.

It is Super Rugby promotion-relegation and semifinal time in Port Elizabeth, Hamilton and Pretoria. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

We may have had only two games from which to name our famous weekly selection, but that does not mean there are no surprises.

It’s the start off the Super Rugby play-offs with crunch clashes in Christchurch and Canberra this weekend. Catch the action LIVE right here.

The Stormers produced their most emphatic performance of the season in their last league match - a classic tale of too little too late.

rugby365 reader Thys Kotzé gives us his views on how to cure the ills in South African rugby.

It’s the final round of the Super Rugby regular season with plenty to play for. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

The top six in the Super Rugby competition has already been determined. However, the order in which they finish has not.

The seven-time champion Crusaders sounded an ominous warning to the other Super Rugby teams at the weekend.

It’s the penultimate round of Super Rugby and the British and Irish Lions series decider. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

With two rounds of league action remaining, three teams have already booked their places in the Super Rugby play-offs.

It required some lively debate, but we eventually produced our famous weekly selection - an interesting combination.

James Horwill, captain of Australia, was cited by Freek Burger, the citing commissioner appointed by the IRB, the charge putting a boot to the face of Alun Wyn Jones the B&I lock.

The big question is: How and why did the Sharks implode so spectacularly this year? Jan de Koning looks into what caused the big Durban melt down.

There is plenty of live action this week with the British and Irish Lions tour continuing and Super Rugby back in full swing. Catch it all right here.

The animals, Springboks and Lions, dominate our famous weekly selection after the final weekend of June internationals.

We have another exciting week of tour, friendly and Test matches lined up with the action kicking off on Tuesday. Catch it LIVE right here.

Two teams from the Pacific region dominate out famous weekly selection, but there are a few interesting calls.

In celebrating Father’s Day, rugby365 look at fathers and sons who have represented the Springboks.

We have another week full of tour and Test matches with the action kicking off on Tuesday. Catch it LIVE right here.

It may not be a totally dominant colour, but there is a bigger tinge of South Africa's Green and Gold in our Team of the Week.

We have a bumper week of international, Super Rugby and tour matches with the action kicking off on Wednesday. Catch it LIVE right here.

It was an important weekend, with teams making their moves before the break and numerous national teams being named for the June Tests.

With the selection of the Springbok side on Saturday, where are the surprises going to come from? Nick Tatham reports.

It's a bumper weekend of rugby. Catch all the Super Rugby, British and Irish Lions and Lions Challenge action LIVE right here.

The Cheetahs may dominate our weekly selection, but that does not reflect the many tough choices we had to make this week.

The Stormers’ win over the Reds at Newlands at the weekend came at a perfect time for under-fire coach Allister Coetzee and the Cheetahs.

Super Rugby continues in full force this weekend with two games on Friday and five matches on Saturday. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

It may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing performance, but the Cheetahs' win over the Reds earned them top spot in our weekly selection.

We are into Week 14 of the Super Rugby season and there are some interesting domestic derbies, along with decisive cross-continental fixtures.

We have plenty of red and blue in the backline, with a number of Kings among the forwards of our famous weekly selection.

Round 13 of the Super Rugby season features six matches spread evenly over Friday and Saturday. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

It may not be by much, but the Bulls have managed to edge nine other teams to the top in our famous weekly selection.

The loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin at the weekend effectively put paid to the Sharks’ Super Rugby title hopes.

We have a full bill of Super Rugby action on Friday (two matches), Saturday (four games) and a Sunday game. Catch it all LIVE right here.

There is again an interesting spread in our famous weekly selection, with a few heated debates this week.

The Cheetahs cleared a tricky hurdle on their road to a historic Super Rugby play-off in Bloemfontein at the weekend.

This weekend has a full bill of seven Super Rugby matches from Friday to Sunday. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

We again have a handy spread in our famous weekly selection, after an interesting weekend that produced a few surprises.

The weekend is full of Super Rugby action with two matches on Friday and four derbies on Saturday. Catch all the action LIVE right here.

There is a handy spread in our famous weekly selection, with no team dominating after a weekend of upsets.

Catch all the weekend’s Super Rugby Round Nine action LIVE right here.

They are on an unprecedented five-match winning streak and the Cheetahs have been duly rewarded for their good form in our famous weekly selection.

The Cheetahs’ sensational victory over the Stormers has thrown the South African Conference wide open.

Look back at Super Rugby's Round Eight drama!

The Cheetahs, on the back of their record-equalling fourth consecutive Super Rugby win, have been rewarded in our famous weekly selection.

It’s another jam-packed weekend of Super Rugby action. Catch all seven matches right here LIVE!

Three South African teams have three players each in our famous weekly selection, after an intriguing Round Six of Super Rugby.

Animals are still running wild in our famous weekly selection, with pace and skill being rewarded yet again.

It is not surprising that South African teams dominate our famous weekly selection, given their impressive form at the weekend.

The Cheetahs’ and Bulls’ heroics at the weekend could be a catalyst for a successful year for South African Super Rugby franchises abroad.

Jan de Koning looks at a widely-used custom and practice that allowed the Kings to field four 'foreigners' against the Sharks at the weekend.

Our famous weekly selection is literally black and blue - the colours of the Chiefs and Blues.

The Blues’ surprisingly dominant start to the season continues the recent rise of Super Rugby dark horses, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

It was a weekend of intrigue and surprises. Our famous weekly selection reflects these results.

The Southern Kings can continue their Super Rugby stint with pride and confidence after their gutsy maiden victory at the weekend.

There may only have been two matches in Round One, but we are so excited about the new season that we named our 15 best players anyway.

Do you want to be dressed like a King - the Southern Kings variety? Then enter our Kings jersey giveaway.

South African players will want to put their best foot forward and impress Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer this weekend.

Serena Boyle is this week’s winner of our Maybru competition with this response to Quintin van Jaarsveld's column 'Time is right for SA Champs'.

With an ace up their sleeve, the Sharks and Stormers will have their greatest chance yet to end their Super Rugby trophy drought this year.

Qondakele Sompondo has become the first reader to win our Maybru competition with this response to Quintin van Jaarsveld's column 'Kings of controversy'.

The three-time Super Rugby champion Bulls played in a special commemorative jersey at the weekend. You can now win one of those!

When the Southern Kings make their long awaited Super Rugby debut they will do so as the most polarising franchise in the tournament’s history.

France and England will battle for Six Nations supremacy when Europe’s finest kick-off the international season this weekend.

The Lions Challenge will be a breath of fresh air when the innovative series gets under way in earnest on Saturday.

The 2013 season promises to be bigger and better than that of 2012 with the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia set to take centre stage.

The history of Springbok players is a rich one and so worth preserving. Some if has been lost in time and so there are some mysteries.

With 2012 now firmly behind us, we take a look at some promising players who could make their Springbok debut in 2013.

Sandwiched between a World Cup (2011) and the B&I Lions tour (2013) you would have expected 2012 to have been like a flat warm beer.

The season was filled with positives and negatives from a refereeing perspective. Paul Dobson gives his verdict on refereeing in 2012.

John Mitchell’s latest failed coaching stint at Sale begs the question; is the former All Black boss a martyr or simply misunderstood?

The 2012 South African season provided a beacon of hope for the country's rugby future as a new wave of promising young stars burst onto the scene.

This week marked the centenary of Swansea RFC's famous win over the touring South Africans at St Helens.

Michael de Vries takes a look at a host of talented young players who burst onto the scene.

We take a look at what each of the Super Rugby franchises want most for Christmas ahead of the 2013 season. 

Lots of people celebrate Christmas, amongst them lots of referees, so we thought we should decorate a Christmas tree for referees.

It is silly season and even though there is plenty of Northern Hemisphere action, we felt it's a good time to select an alternative XV.

The year 2012 saw five new coaches at international level, all with ambition and expectations of success. Jan de Koning rates the 'rookies'.

After an action-packed year, we acknowledge the leading players of 2012 in our annual Team of the Year.

The November internationals provided an intriguing conclusion to Test rugby in 2012; we look back at the action and hand out some awards.

November saw some interesting facial hair and plenty of quality international rugby; we salute the best of both in our Team of the Month.

Ireland's convincing victory over Argentina caught the eye of our selectors and sees them lead the way in our Team of the Week.

France's convincing victory over Argentina sees them claim the most places in our Team of the Week after another big weekend of Test action in Europe.

No quarter was given when the year-end Tests kicked off on Armistice weekend, which is reflected by the spread of countries in our selection.

View from the Couch continues with Part Three of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

View from the Couch continues with Part Two of the comparison between SA and NZ rugby.

View from the Couch this week begins the promised analysis how rugby is run in SA and NZ

Francois Hougaard has become the latest victim of the utility player tag, leaving his Springbok future in jeopardy.

View from the Couch this week reminisces on the All Black/Bok rivalry.

Although much of the focus has been on the backline, the most important selection Heyneke Meyer has made has been to recall Francois Louw.

An emotional Johan Goosen repaid the faith bestowed in him by Heyneke Meyer and proved that he is the real deal in his run-on debut at the weekend.

The View from the Couch this week taps into the sense of unease pervading Bok fans.

The embattled Springboks could not have hoped for a more fitting homecoming venue for Saturday’s clash with the Wallabies than Loftus Versfeld.