Decoding the URC’s North-South paradox
The United Rugby Championship has emerged as the definitive arena for testing survival, adaptability, and the depth of team rosters in professional rugby. Spanning two hemispheres and involving five formidable nations, this competition has significantly transformed franchise rugby, particularly since the inclusion of South African teams. Over five thrilling seasons, it’s clear that no matter […]
Who can catch the Springboks?
REVIEW: Another set of six thrilling cross-hemisphere clashes concluded the Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series at the weekend. All eyes now turn to November when the Northern Hemisphere will host the rival nations in the Northern Series before all roads lead to the finals weekend in London. New Zealand emerged as the biggest threat to […]
Nations Championship Week Three predictions
Round Three is the final Saturday of cross-hemisphere matches of the Southern Series in July and represents the halfway mark in the Nations Championship. The points gained by the teams will combine with those from the three rounds of the Northern Series in November to determine the matches for the Finals Weekend in late November. […]
Nations Championship Round Three – all the weekend teams
Round Three is the final Saturday of cross-hemisphere matches of the Southern Series in July and represents the halfway mark in the Nations Championship. The points gained by the teams will combine with those from the three rounds of the Northern Series in November to determine the matches for the Finals Weekend in late November. […]
‘Ireland is one of the best sides in the world’
MEDIA RELEASE: All Black coach Dave Rennie has named his team to play Ireland in the final round of the Nations Championship Southern Series. Rennie has made four changes and one positional change to the starting fifteen that beat Italy last weekend. Tupou Vaa’i shifts from lock to blindside flank, while Josh Lord and Patrick […]
Farrell changes his Ireland team to face Japan
MEDIA RELEASE: Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland Match Day Squad, sponsored by Vodafone, for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Japan in Newcastle. After opening their Nations Championship campaign with a bonus-point win over Australia in Sydney last weekend, Ireland make the short trip to Newcastle for a Round 2 encounter against the Brave […]
Farrell brings out the big guns for Wallabies
Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland team for Saturday’s opening Nations Championship clash against Australia in Sydney. Dan Sheehan will captain Farrell’s side. Hugo Keenan starts at fullback for Ireland, with Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne named on the wings. Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey line out in midfield, while Sam Prendergast partners Jamison […]
Wallaby ends four-year exile
Inverell junior Jock Campbell has been named to play his first Test in 1316 days, selected to start at fullback for the Wallabies’ first Test of the year against Ireland on Saturday. Campbell, who last played for the Wallabies in their 2022 win over Wales in Cardiff, will link with 21-year-old Max Jorgensen and Wiradjuri […]
Tale of the tape: South Africa versus England
The inaugural Nations Championship gets underway this week, bringing together the 12 strongest teams from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to decide once and for all: Who is the best in the world? South Africa hosts England at Ellis Park on Saturday, July 4, in the opening round. Here is the ‘tale of the tape’ […]
Rassie names predictable team for ‘bruising encounter’ against England
Springbok backs Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will mark the opening Test of the season against England in the inaugural Nations Championship competition by celebrating their 50th Test caps. This milestone comes eight years after they made their international debuts and will feature in an experienced team named by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus. The Bok […]