https://www.scmp.com/rss/264593/feed An annual competition involving the southern hemisphere’s top four rugby-playing nations – New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina. Known as the Tri Nations from 1996 to 2012, before the Pumas were invited to join the party. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Agence France-Presse,Associated Press Rugby chiefs on Monday officially launched the Nations Championship, a global competition featuring 12 of the strongest teams that will crown a winning nation and decide the sport’s dominant hemisphere. Organisers said that the new biennial tournament signalled a “watershed moment for rugby union, years in the making”, and would transform the two existing international playing windows, in July and November. The Nations Championship, which starts in July 2026, will replace ad hoc tours and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3333144/rugby-chiefs-unveil-watershed-nations-championship-crown-top-team-hemisphere?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Eight of rugby’s most powerful nations have announced international bans for any players who join the breakaway R360 organisation, which intends to launch a multi-city series next year. England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, France, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have written a joint letter in which they urge men’s and women’s players to think carefully before accepting offers from the R360. Representatives of the R360 reportedly have approached leading rugby union and rugby league players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3328216/major-rugby-nations-unite-say-they-will-ban-players-who-join-rebel-series-r360?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:23:04 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Rookie Leroy Carter was still coming to terms with his inclusion in the All Blacks squad to play in Argentina in the opening rounds of the Rugby Championship when he made the shocking discovery: “The dog ate my passport.” The utility back with the Hamilton-based Chiefs was one of four uncapped players included in Scott Robertson’s Championship squad. The phone call from Robertson telling him of his selection had come as a massive surprise. Carter was rushing to get things together for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3321062/dog-mauled-my-passport-family-pooch-mars-newcomers-all-blacks-call?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3321062/dog-mauled-my-passport-family-pooch-mars-newcomers-all-blacks-call?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:30:08 +0000 Eddie Jones wants Japan to be a top-four ranked team but on Saturday the coach was reminded again how long that could take as he acknowledged the tough physical challenge of playing in the elite after a 52-12 loss to France in the autumn series. It was Australian Jones’ fifth defeat in as many tests since he returned to take charge of the Brave Blossoms and it followed a brutal 64-19 defeat against New Zealand last month. “It was a tough night for us. In the first half we were blown away by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3285946/eddie-jones-pays-tribute-frances-hungry-antoine-dupont-japans-plans-face-reality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3285946/eddie-jones-pays-tribute-frances-hungry-antoine-dupont-japans-plans-face-reality?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Nov 2024 07:00:07 +0000 South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus refused to blame Manie Libbok for the surprise 29-28 Rugby Championship defeat in Argentina on Saturday after the fly-half missed a kick from virtually in front of the posts to win the game. The loss keeps the Rugby Championship title race alive, though the Springboks will need just a point from their return meeting with Argentina at home in Nelspruit next Saturday when the destination of the trophy will be decided. The Pumas themselves could win the title, but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3279478/rugby-championship-springboks-coach-rassie-erasmus-rues-errors-shock-argentina-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3279478/rugby-championship-springboks-coach-rassie-erasmus-rues-errors-shock-argentina-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Sep 2024 04:50:49 +0000 New Zealand Rugby will hold a crucial vote on Thursday over who runs the game in the country that could see top players split from the governing body if they do not get their way. Months of bubbling discord are set to reach a head at NZR’s special general meeting in the capital, Wellington. Power brokers will vote for one of two proposals about a new leadership structure for the national governing body in the rugby-mad country. NZR and the professional players’ union are backing a proposal of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3264418/breakaway-threat-players-union-looms-new-zealand-rugby-votes-competing-proposals-about-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3264418/breakaway-threat-players-union-looms-new-zealand-rugby-votes-competing-proposals-about-leadership?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 May 2024 13:00:17 +0000 The top executives of banks and financial firms are expected in Hong Kong for a two-day summit being hosted by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the city’s de facto central bank, in November. The executives from HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citigroup, UBS and others, are expected to endorse Hong Kong as an international financial centre. The meeting – along with the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament the same week – is aimed at signalling that Hong Kong is ready to reconnect with the wider... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3192625/hsbc-standard-chartered-citigroup-and-blackrock-are-all-expected-send-top?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3192625/hsbc-standard-chartered-citigroup-and-blackrock-are-all-expected-send-top?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:03:44 +0000 If arguably the toughest thing to crack in international rugby is a glass ceiling, few are better qualified to give career advice than Michael Leitch, of Japan. Whether aiming to join Europe’s top table, or outwit a southern hemisphere giant, or graduate from whipping boys to knockout kings, it pays in union’s global game to know your place. But the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo flanker intends to keep shaking up the world order with club and country, and sees admission to elite competitions as the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3176760/could-japan-join-rugby-championship-michael-leitch-talks-tier?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3176760/could-japan-join-rugby-championship-michael-leitch-talks-tier?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 May 2022 06:59:56 +0000 With the Bledisloe Cup wrapped up in a 57-22 demolition of Australia on Saturday, New Zealand have set their sights on the Rugby Championship with uncertainty surrounding coaches, venues and travel. “It was a really good performance, one we’re proud of,” coach Ian Foster said after his All Blacks bounced back from an unconvincing win in the first test to demolish the Wallabies in the second. Questions around a high penalty count and poor finish in the first test were answered. But further... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3145091/bledisloe-cup-all-blacks-get-game-plan-right?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/international-rugby/article/3145091/bledisloe-cup-all-blacks-get-game-plan-right?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Aug 2021 04:09:24 +0000 More than 100 tests later, Australia captain Michael Hooper will return to the scene of his whirlwind debut on Saturday when the Wallabies host Argentina in Newcastle, New South Wales. The durable flanker featured for only about 10 minutes in his first match in 2012, which was played in some of the most wretched conditions seen in test rugby as the Wallabies suffered a shock 9-6 loss to Scotland. Former Australia captain David Pocock ended up needing treatment for hypothermia after battling... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3110673/australia-vs-argentina-wallabies-skipper-michael-hooper-eyes-top-tri?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3110673/australia-vs-argentina-wallabies-skipper-michael-hooper-eyes-top-tri?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:48:25 +0000 Agustin Pichot believes rugby has missed massive opportunities for growth in Asia and Africa and part of his bid to become World Rugby chairman involves building pathways for those regions to blossom. “I have a lot of optimism in Asia,” the former Argentinian scrum-half said. “It is a massive place for growth. I think the future [for rugby] long term is in Asia and Africa. If you look at the numbers there are countries we haven’t explored and I think it will be great to look at how we can be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3080865/agustin-pichots-world-rugby-chairman-bid-targets-tier-two?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3080865/agustin-pichots-world-rugby-chairman-bid-targets-tier-two?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:23 +0000 A year in which New Zealand’s invincibility cracked revealed unprecedented competition in the international game: having led the world rankings for a decade, they were succeeded by four rivals in a matter of weeks. As meaningless a prize as the No 1 tag is, its rotation proved how fine the margins were becoming. Several contenders outdid themselves after a foreign coach altered their mindset – signposted from the year’s first major test. Tight at the top When Wales kicked off the Six Nations by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3043526/best-rugby-world-cup-sees-2019-kick-exciting-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3043526/best-rugby-world-cup-sees-2019-kick-exciting-new-era?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Dec 2019 01:00:18 +0000 Wallabies fullback Israel Folau on Wednesday formally challenged Rugby Australia’s decision to sack him over anti-gay social media posts, thrusting the sport into further turmoil ahead of the World Cup. The latest showdown with the devoutly religious 30-year-old – who last year was embroiled in a similar row – after he posted on his Instagram account that “Hell awaits” homosexuals. Rugby Australia responded last week by announcing its intention to terminate Folau’s multi-year,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3006554/israel-folau-intends-contest-sacking-over-anti-gay-instagram?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/3006554/israel-folau-intends-contest-sacking-over-anti-gay-instagram?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:57:44 +0000 Australian rugby player Israel Folau has taken to social media once again to express his religious views. In the wake of a decision in Tasmania for optional listing of gender on birth certificates, Folau posted on Instagram: “Warning – Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolaters. HELL AWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES”. The man doesn’t beat around the bush. Folau has now entered the murky area between free speech, the right to religious views and out and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3005717/israel-folau-posts-homophobic-social-media-status-calling-lgbt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3005717/israel-folau-posts-homophobic-social-media-status-calling-lgbt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:55:29 +0000 Kurtley Beale said an improving Australia team will take heart from their near miss against the All Blacks as they bid to end their Bledisloe Cup misery in Brisbane on Saturday. The world champions denied the Wallabies with a converted try less than two minutes from full-time to scrape home 35-29 in a cliffhanger in Dunedin in August. The victory meant the All Blacks claimed the Bledisloe Cup, contested between the two sides, for a 15th consecutive year with the Wallabies only winning once in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2116100/wallabies-revival-faces-ultimate-test-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2116100/wallabies-revival-faces-ultimate-test-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Oct 2017 07:17:25 +0000 South Africa coach Allister Coetzee said his team could have beaten New Zealand on Saturday in a Cape Town thriller they lost 25-24, just three weeks after suffering a 57-0 humiliation in Auckland. “I think we did enough to win the game, there were just two points needed for us to get over the line,” said Coetzee. “I feel very sorry for the players because they left everything out there. “That they were totally committed was the prevalent thing to take away from the game and it shows our... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2114398/defines-us-not-57-0-drubbing-says-south-africa-coach-coetzee-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2114398/defines-us-not-57-0-drubbing-says-south-africa-coach-coetzee-after?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Oct 2017 03:23:12 +0000 Wallabies discard Quade Cooper was on Wednesday named to captain the Barbarians against Australia later this month as signs grew that his time with the national team may be over. The fly half, 29, was previously a regular for the Wallabies but the 70-test veteran was dropped ahead of the ongoing Rugby Championship. His announcement as Barbarians captain for the clash in Sydney on October 28 was tweeted by former Australia coach Alan Jones, who will mentor the invitational side. “I’m pleased to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2113947/quade-cooper-skipper-barbarians-against-wallabies-national?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2113947/quade-cooper-skipper-barbarians-against-wallabies-national?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Oct 2017 05:29:25 +0000 Holders New Zealand celebrated their fifth Rugby Championship in six years with four tries in a devastating first half to beat Argentina 36-10 at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday. The All Blacks had retained their crown earlier in the day when South Africa were left without a chance of catching them in their final meeting next week after being held to a 27-27 draw by Australia in Bloemfontein. Captain Kieran Read scored two tries as his team led 29-3 at the interval but earned one of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2113549/new-breed-all-blacks-rise-occasion-putting-argentina-sword-dazzling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2113549/new-breed-all-blacks-rise-occasion-putting-argentina-sword-dazzling?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Oct 2017 04:13:18 +0000 Australia coach Michael Cheika denied one of his players pulled a South African player’s hair and criticised several refereeing decisions following a 27-27 draw against the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Saturday. “He’s only starting out in tier-one matches,” Cheika said, referring to New Zealand match official Ben O’Keeffe. “But there were some forward passes, knock-ons (missed) ... these are key moments,” said Cheika. “But he’s a very good ref with an excellent temperament and he’s going to go... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2113543/australia-coach-michael-cheika-slams-ref-then-denies-folau-pulls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2113543/australia-coach-michael-cheika-slams-ref-then-denies-folau-pulls?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Oct 2017 03:28:20 +0000 The All Blacks produced their best display of the year to trounce South Africa by a record 57-0 to take a firm grip on the Rugby Championship in Auckland on Saturday. The eight-try victory eclipsed their previous biggest winning margin over South Africa, which came in a 57-15 romp in Durban last year. It was only the fifth time in the 94-test history of the fierce rivals that the Springboks have been kept scoreless. With the backline standing slightly deeper than they have in recent weeks, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2111487/ruthless-all-blacks-post-biggest-ever-winning-margin-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2111487/ruthless-all-blacks-post-biggest-ever-winning-margin-over?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Sep 2017 10:16:11 +0000 All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had put the rugby world on notice about Vaea Fifita ahead of Saturday’s 39-22 Rugby Championship win over Argentina but despite a man-of-the-match performance said he still expected more from the flanker. “We said he’s a good athlete and we saw that,” said Hansen, who beforehand had declared Fifita the most gifted natural athlete he had coached. “I don’t think that he’s the finished product. There’s a long way to go before that. “But there’s a tank with plenty in it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2110484/all-blacks-unleash-beast-win-against-argentina-vaea-fifita?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2110484/all-blacks-unleash-beast-win-against-argentina-vaea-fifita?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Sep 2017 12:14:51 +0000 Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was still downcast after his side’s narrow Rugby Championship loss to New Zealand but the match showed him his team could play at the same level as the world champions. The Wallabies were embarrassed by the All Blacks in Sydney last week when they were hammered 54-34 but lifted their performance in Dunedin, built on a stinging defence and far more direct attack. While they blew an early 17-0 advantage, they defended superbly in the third quarter and then took a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2108498/michael-cheika-optimistic-after-improved-australia-display-brave-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2108498/michael-cheika-optimistic-after-improved-australia-display-brave-new?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Aug 2017 09:52:27 +0000 Beauden Barrett was New Zealand’s hero with a converted try less than two minutes from full-time as the All Blacks beat the Wallabies 35-29 in a cliffhanger in Dunedin on Saturday. The lead changed three times in a frantic five minutes before Barrett sealed the deal and broke the hearts of the Australian side that had been widely written off before the game. There were five tries apiece with the telling difference being Barrett successfully converting all five for the All Blacks while Bernard... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2108430/beauden-barrett-hero-all-blacks-clinch-bledisloe-cup-thrilling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2108430/beauden-barrett-hero-all-blacks-clinch-bledisloe-cup-thrilling?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Aug 2017 10:59:04 +0000 Southern hemisphere rugby’s governing body is looking into whether medical officials should have conducted concussion tests on New Zealand centre Sonny Bill Williams during Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener against Australia. The 32-year-old stumbled badly after making a tackle early in the All Blacks’ 54-34 victory in Sydney and appeared disorientated before being involved in two more heavy collisions before play stopped. However, he was not checked out by the team’s medical staff or the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2107759/officials-looking-possible-sonny-bill-williams-concussion-miss-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2107759/officials-looking-possible-sonny-bill-williams-concussion-miss-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Aug 2017 05:11:55 +0000 Damian McKenzie, Rieko Ioane and Liam Squire had starring roles as New Zealand ran in eight tries to four to beat Australia 54-34 on Saturday in the first test of the Rugby Championship. Winger Ioane scored a double in the Bledisloe Cup opener to take his tally of tries to five from four test appearances. Fullback McKenzie got his first try in three tests, and flanker Squire scored his second try in eight tests as the All Blacks led 40-6 at half time – and six tries to nil. Australia rallied... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2107481/all-blacks-crush-wallabies-rugby-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2107481/all-blacks-crush-wallabies-rugby-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:09:24 +0000 Blockbusting wing Julian Savea has been dropped from the All Blacks with a fit-again Nehe ­Milner-Skudder back in the frame in a 33-man squad named on Monday for the Rugby Championship. With the exception of Milner-Skudder and a recall for prop ­Nepo Laulala, the line-up reflects the frontline players used in the recent drawn series against the British & Irish Lions. Savea, known as “The Bus” and with 46 tries from 55 tests, had been a regular in the number 11 jersey for the All Blacks since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2105813/bus-julian-savea-dropped-hansens-all-blacks-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2105813/bus-julian-savea-dropped-hansens-all-blacks-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Aug 2017 10:09:01 +0000 Flanker Michael Hooper has replaced Stephen Moore as captain of the Wallabies after the veteran hooker’s decision to quit international rugby at the end of the season. Hooper will lead Michael Cheika’s Australia into back-to-back tests against the world champion All Blacks when the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship kicks off later this month. The abrasive back-rower has long been groomed to step up to the role, having led the side throughout the 2014 season when Moore was injured. Then,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2105085/proud-michael-hooper-takes-over-stephen-moore-skipper-wobbly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2105085/proud-michael-hooper-takes-over-stephen-moore-skipper-wobbly?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Aug 2017 05:38:59 +0000 Japan may one day be considered for inclusion in the Rugby Championship but the current focus is on improving the competitiveness of the Tokyo-based Sunwolves in Super Rugby, New Zealand’s Steve Tew has said. With Japan hosting Asia’s first World Cup in 2019, World Rugby vice chairman Agustin Pichot has been vocal about expanding the opportunities for second-tier countries in a bid to grow the game globally. However, while New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Tew recognised Japan, who are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2104592/japan-long-way-rugby-championship-inclusion-says-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2104592/japan-long-way-rugby-championship-inclusion-says-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jul 2017 07:25:08 +0000 Sonny Bill Williams has appealed against a ruling that would see him miss New Zealand’s Rugby Championship opener against Australia next month for the red card he received during the British & Irish Lions series. The All Blacks centre was sent off for a dangerous shoulder charge on Lions winger Anthony Watson in the second test in Wellington earlier this month and suspended for four matches. New Zealand coach Steve Hansen had hoped Williams could serve the ban by missing the third Lions test,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2104434/new-zealands-sonny-bill-williams-ruled-out-rugby-championship-opener-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/2104434/new-zealands-sonny-bill-williams-ruled-out-rugby-championship-opener-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jul 2017 01:43:55 +0000 New Zealand’s Ben Smith will face Australia in two tests at the start of the Rugby Championship next month but thereafter play no more rugby until next season, his agent told local media on Wednesday. The 31-year-old All Blacks’ vice captain, widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the world, negotiated a sabbatical into his new contract in February and will be unavailable for eight internationals. The break is aimed at ensuring Smith reaches the 2019 World Cup in good shape and follows... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2104214/star-all-black-ben-smith-puts-his-hand-bledisloe-cup-despite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/2104214/star-all-black-ben-smith-puts-his-hand-bledisloe-cup-despite?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jul 2017 09:25:31 +0000 The next World Cup may still be two years away, but today's Rugby Championship decider between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park could provide an early psychological blow for the victor. A bruising physical battle is expected between the top two sides in the world rankings, with the return of both Bismark du Plessis and Richie McCaw adding steel and guile to what is shaping up to be an explosive fixture. Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has made no secret of the fact that he has selected... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1324591/springboks-and-all-blacks-set-explosive-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1324591/springboks-and-all-blacks-set-explosive-showdown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Veteran South Africa scrum-half Fourie du Preez could be the catalyst for victory over Australia on Saturday in a vital Rugby Championship Test. The Springboks must win at Newlands stadium in Cape Town to have a realistic chance of bridging a four-point gap behind leaders New Zealand and topping the final standings. And coach Heyneke Meyer says Japan-based Du Preez can play a key role in his first green-and-gold start since the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Many pundits believed the then... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1319908/du-preez-may-be-catalyst-springbok-victory-over-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1319908/du-preez-may-be-catalyst-springbok-victory-over-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Sep 2013 06:25:14 +0000 South Africa will concentrate on the basics as they try to dispatch a bullish Australia at Newlands on Saturday in the hope of setting up a final-day showdown against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship. The Springboks’ controversial 29-15 loss to New Zealand during which hooker Bismarck du Plessis received a red card - later expunged - last time out, has left them trailing the All Blacks by four points going into the final two rounds of the competition. The pressure is on South Africa to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1318942/boks-prepare-battle-upbeat-australians?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1318942/boks-prepare-battle-upbeat-australians?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Sep 2013 03:59:00 +0000 The Springboks are bristling with confidence that they can break open fortress New Zealand when they face the All Blacks today in a top-of-table Rugby Championship clash. South African coach Heyneke Meyer said beating the world champions on their home turf is "the ultimate challenge" while the hosts see the game as their toughest since winning the World Cup two years ago on the same Eden Park ground. The All Blacks' incredible home record is there to be broken, Springbok skipper Jean de... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1308996/springboks-relish-all-blacks-crunch-match?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1308996/springboks-relish-all-blacks-crunch-match?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:57:34 +0000 New Zealand plan to run the legs off Argentina with their high-tempo game in the Rugby Championship in Hamilton on Saturday and do not want to be dragged into an “arm wrestle” with the Pumas physical forwards, said All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. The world champions are well aware of the challenge the South Americans pose after it took them more than 60 minutes to pull away in their clash in Wellington last year. Santiago Phelan’s side were hammered 73-13 by South Africa in the first match of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1304800/high-tempo-game-should-help-us-beat-pumas-says-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1304800/high-tempo-game-should-help-us-beat-pumas-says-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:40:06 +0000 Winger Ben Smith kept up his prolific try-scoring record in test matches this season, touching down twice as New Zealand took advantage of lax defence to beat Australia 27-16 in the Rugby Championship and retain the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday. Smith scored three tries in the All Blacks’ 47-29 win over the Wallabies in Sydney last weekend in the competition’s opening game and has now scored seven tries in his last four test appearances. Flyhalf Tom Taylor, who was plunged into test rugby when New... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1299144/new-zealand-beat-australia-27-16?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1299144/new-zealand-beat-australia-27-16?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Aug 2013 10:42:49 +0000 South Africa were given a far tougher test than expected by an injury-ravaged Scotland on Saturday. But coach Heyneke Meyer said the Springboks would learn from the unconvincing 30-17 win. South Africa had to come from 17-6 down against a Scotland side that were expected to be overrun at the Mbombela Stadium, and while the eventual scoreline flattered the hosts, they showed they were able to dig deep when the game plan goes awry. "We needed a game like this before the Rugby Championship," Meyer... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1262302/tough-test-against-scots-good-us-says-meyer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1262302/tough-test-against-scots-good-us-says-meyer?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Australia wing Digby Ioane scored a superb mid-second half try to set up a 25-19 triumph over Argentina Saturday in a penalty-saturated final match of the Rugby Championship season. A Wallabies team severely depleted by injuries were clinging to a three-point lead at a packed 40,000-seat Estadio Gigante de Arroyito when awarded a scrum in Los Pumas territory 15 minutes from time. The ball came back swiftly to fly-half Kurtley Beale and Ioane drifted in from the left wing to take a pass, cut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055822/digby-ioane-try-lifts-wallabies-victory-over-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055822/digby-ioane-try-lifts-wallabies-victory-over-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:24:34 +0000 Hong Kong cricketers thrashed by UAE Hong Kong lost their first match at the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Elite tournament in Dubai yesterday when the United Arab Emirates beat them by six wickets. Batting first, Hong Kong got off to a good start with the openers putting on a stand of 61. But after that, wickets fell at regular intervals and they were dismissed for 215 off the last ball of their 50 overs. Nine of the Hong Kong batsmen reached double figures, Nizakat Khan top-scoring with 40.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1055607/sport-digest-october-7-2012?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1055607/sport-digest-october-7-2012?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Robbie Deans, the embattled coach of Australia, has beefed up his team in anticipation of a pounding from Argentina today. The New Zealand-born coach made five changes to the team crushed 31-8 by South Africa last weekend – a third defeat in five southern hemisphere championship outings for the injury-stricken Wallabies. Mike Harris replaces Berrick Barnes at fullback, Ben Tapuai comes in for Adam Ashley-Cooper at outside centre and Nick Cummins wins a first cap on the right wing with Dominic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055051/aussies-prepare-pumas-pounding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055051/aussies-prepare-pumas-pounding?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:29:43 +0000 South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer is a realist rather than a romantic and that is set to show when his team confront New Zealand in a Rugby Championship final-round fixture at Soccer City  today. The Springboks handled the ball far more in a five-try 31-8 demolition of Australia in Pretoria last weekend than in the three previous rounds of the southern hemisphere national team competition. Gone were the generally over-hit field kicks that gave even the fastest of players  no chance of getting to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055048/springboks-aim-strike-right-balance-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1055048/springboks-aim-strike-right-balance-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:26:27 +0000 Coach Heyneke Meyer said South Africa must become more clinical finishers if they hope to beat New Zealand in Soweto this weekend. The Springboks and the All Blacks square up at the 90,000-capacity Soccer City stadium, where late tries by flanker Richie McCaw and fullback Israel Dagg saw the visitors snatch a 29-22 victory two years ago. South Africa will enter the final-round Rugby Championship clash with their confidence boosted by a five-try, 31-8 victory over Australia at Loftus Versfeld... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1051203/win-over-wallabies-sets-south-africa-game-against-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1051203/win-over-wallabies-sets-south-africa-game-against-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Sep 2012 18:03:00 +0000 New Zealand proved they were worthy world champions by overwhelming Argentina in La Plata to win the maiden Rugby Championship, skipper Richie McCaw said. The All Blacks recovered from conceding an early try by running in seven to triumph 54-15 at Estadio Ciudad de La Plata yesterday and take an unassailable nine-point lead over second-place South Africa with one round to go. A surprisingly easy victory stretched the winning run of New Zealand to 15 matches - three short of the record held by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1051202/all-blacks-skipper-mccaw-salutes-his-worthy-world-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1051202/all-blacks-skipper-mccaw-salutes-his-worthy-world-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Sep 2012 17:57:20 +0000 South Africa are banking on 20-year-old fly-half Johan Goosen against Australia in Pretoria  today to kick-start a Rugby Championship season that has veered off course. After a comfortable home win over debutants Argentina, the Springboks snatched a lucky draw in the southern hemisphere championship return fixture before losing leads in away defeats by Australia and New Zealand. These failures triggered a media and public outcry and coach Heyneke Meyer responded by axing fly-half Morne Steyn and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1049899/pressure-rookie-goosen-deliver-springbok-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1049899/pressure-rookie-goosen-deliver-springbok-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:24:48 +0000 First woman set to umpire grand final The first female umpire to officiate in the grand final of Australian Rules says she cried when she received the news. Goal umpire Chelsea Roffey will break through the gender barrier in Sunday's grand final between Hawthorn and Sydney, in front of 100,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Roffey said "I've been dreaming about this day for a long, long time. Getting the phone call [from umpires boss Jeff Gieschen], I was pretty much speechless. I think... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1047402/short-sport-september-26-2012?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1047402/short-sport-september-26-2012?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:48:08 +0000 The Wallabies left for South Africa yesterday with coach Robbie Deans keeping secret the identity of his new flyhalf for next week’s Rugby Championship test against the Springboks. Deans has had to find a replacement for injured number 10 Quade Cooper but was giving little away at the team’s departure as to whether it was Berrick Barnes or Kurtley Beale. The Wallabies are second in the Rugby Championship behind the all-conquering All Blacks ahead of their final two tests in the series against... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1041891/wallabies-coach-robbie-deans-says-dont-worry-i-play-berrick-or?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1041891/wallabies-coach-robbie-deans-says-dont-worry-i-play-berrick-or?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:30:24 +0000 Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer is not writing off flyhalf Morne Steyn despite his dismal performance in a weekend loss to the All Blacks. Once-deadly goal kicker Steyn missed four of five shots at the posts in Dunedin on Saturday as South Africa slumped 21-11 to New Zealand in a fourth-round Rugby Championship clash. It was his worst return in seven tests this season, during which he clicked only in a comfortable home victory over newcomers Argentina in the opening round of the revamped southern... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1040205/springboks-coach-meyer-keeps-faith-struggling-morne-steyn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1040205/springboks-coach-meyer-keeps-faith-struggling-morne-steyn?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:15:06 +0000 All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said yesterday he was confident key man Dan Carter would be fit to travel to Argentina for their next match, where they will look to wrap up the Rugby Championship in style. A calf injury has kept the world’s most prolific points scorer out of the last two matches, against Argentina and South Africa, but Hansen said that Carter was in contention for the clash with the Pumas. “It’s too early to say yes or no at this point, but we’re hoping he will be able to play.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1038769/all-blacks-hopeful-dan-carter-will-be-back-match-argentina?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1038769/all-blacks-hopeful-dan-carter-will-be-back-match-argentina?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:57:18 +0000 Argentina insist their first Rugby Championship win is just around the corner after letting slip a golden opportunity to beat the Wallabies. The Pumas led 19-6 with 20 minutes to play only for Australia to score 17 unanswered points and claim their second consecutive win, following another come-from-behind victory over South Africa in Perth the week before. Argentina coach Santiago Phelan conceded the 23-19 loss was a match the Pumas should have won. “We could have won this game,” said Phelan.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1038768/pumas-say-victory-within-reach-after-spirited-performance-against?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1038768/pumas-say-victory-within-reach-after-spirited-performance-against?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:56:02 +0000 The All Blacks expect to be targeted by an aerial bombardment today as South Africa search for a way to break the world champions' stranglehold on the Rugby Championship. The Springboks' strategy appears anchored around flyhalf Morne Steyn and centre Francois Steyn kicking for territory and followed by any drop-goal opportunities and penalties on offer. The All Blacks go into the match unbeaten after three rounds and on a 13-game winning streak, just five short of the world record of 18 straight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1037019/all-blacks-brace-aerial-attack-springboks-rugby-union-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1037019/all-blacks-brace-aerial-attack-springboks-rugby-union-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000