Opinion News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPINION: The game is the ultimate humbler.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPINION: It was by no means perfect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FLASHBACK: Refereeing mistakes are a common occurrence in rugby.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPOTLIGHT: Some are just born to lead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPOTLIGHT: A try-scoring machine

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

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

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the representative archives to make it 'easier' for the readers.

OPINION: Head coach Eddie Jones has suggested as little as 40 percent of the current crop of England players will be on hand for the World Cup in France in 2023.

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

WATCH as Springbok Gcobani Bobo and a few friends delve into the best Super Rugby format.

ANALYSIS: Conor Wilson takes a closer look at the Springboks' edge defence and the play that cost England in the Final.

WATCH as we go back down memory lane to revisit one of the darkest days of SA Rugby.

OPINION: The Sharks, the pace-setting team in the now-suspended SANZAAR showpiece, must rate as the most successful team never to have won Super Rugby.

WATCH as one man selects his ultimate "isolation XV" in a very unique way.

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

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the World archives to make it 'easier' for the readers.

RUGBY FROM THE BUNKERS: Former two-time Junior World Cup-winning coach and Director of Elite Sport Mentorship Eugene Eloff is back with another jim-dandy column for @rugby365com‘s readers.

Cometh the moment, cometh the man. Here are 15 of the most memorable kicks to have been witnessed on the playing field.

SPOTLIGHT: It was obvious that there would have been - as there is every four years - a massive clean-out (or exodus) of top players after a World Cup year.

SPOTLIGHT: When the Lions returned to Super Rugby in 2014, they introduced a new group of 'no-name brand' players to the game in South Africa.

Sit back and watch some of the funniest rugby bloopers to have ever happened on a rugby field.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has dug into the archives for some really testing questions.

SPOTLIGHT: With props and hookers now in the books, Alex Shaw's series now moves on to the locks, arguably the position that has seen the largest evolution of all in the modern era.

Sometimes, all it takes is one player to have a rush of blood and it costs his team dearly. Enjoy watching some of the best brain farts over the years.

SPOTLIGHT: No rugby and boredom is a dangerous combo. @rugby365com freelancer Angus Opperman ended up making a forgotten Stormers XV.

SPOTLIGHT: In the second of this new series Alex Shaw examines the prototypes of every position in the modern game and what makes for the perfect player.

WATCH as Quade Santini Cooper puts on display the outrageous skills that made him a legend in Australian rugby.

What's better than watching some great Springbok tries against the old foe?

SPOTLIGHT: In the first of a new series Alex Shaw examines the prototypes of every position in the modern game and makes for the perfect player.

BRAINTEASER: @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson has decided to make this a bit easier, so can you at least get 50 percent?

STAT ATTACK: Across the last decade of Super Rugby action there have been but a handful of players who have carried their team’s workload in both attack and defence.

WATCH as two-time former World Rugby Junior Championship winner Eugene Eloff shares his lockdown message with the rugby community and the rest of the world.

VIDEO: Before Eben Etzebeth there was Bakkies Botha.

WATCH as we go down memory lane to 2001 to revisit a famous and quite funny tackle.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby's hot-button rankings remain a powder keg in the game.

Never forget the moment the Springboks' Impi was remembered for the wrong reasons.

JUST FOR LAUGHS: The game of rugby is filled with many diverse characters and it would seem that these characters can be - to some extent - placed inside a box per position.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson in this mental challenge!

'When two lions meet one must die,'

WATCH a couple of the biggest upsets the Bulls managed over the Sharks in Durban.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of the most dramatic last-minute winning moments.

OPINION: The 2019 Rugby World Cup Final feels a lifetime ago right now.

WATCH as the Southern Kings embarrassed the Waratahs in Sydney in 2017.

OPINION: The Springboks heading North will be great for South Africa.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson in this mental challenge!

WATCH as the Cheetahs and the Hurricanes produced a spectacle of running rugby in Bloemfontein in 2011.

WATCH as we bring you a collection of the worst mistakes by players and match officials in the game.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson in this challenging quiz!

WATCH as the Stormers host the Highlanders in the 1999 Super Rugby semifinal at Newlands.

OPINION: Jan de Koning believes he has a solution for the current cash-crunch facing South Africa's franchises.

A SHORT STORY: John Gardener entertains the readers with a tale of fiction (or is there some truth in it) about referee's additional time.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson in this challenging quiz!

WATCH as we bring the first win by the most successful team in Super Rugby history - the Crusaders.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson in this challenging quiz!

WATCH as we bring the first Final of Super Rugby's professional era - the Auckland Blues hosting the Natal Sharks at Eden Park.

OPINION: Leezil Hendricks takes a look at the selection 'headache' facing new Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.

BRAINTEASER: Take on @rugby365com‘s oracle Paul Dobson in this challenging quiz!

WATCH as we bring you the first-ever Super Rugby Final.

OPINION: Leezil Hendricks takes a look at the impact of COVID-19 on the Six Nations tournament.

#WATCH as several Springboks stars shared what they have been up to during self-isolation.

VIDEO: In 2007 we probably saw the most dramatic ending to a Super Rugby Final.

TOP BILLING: Take on @rugby365com's oracle Paul Dobson in this new quiz!

OPINION: It's probably safe to say that the Pro14 will never be as popular as Super Rugby for South African fans.

VIDEO: Rugby loves its villains and Owen Farrell is no exception.