https://www.scmp.com/rss/319484/feed The 2015 edition of the Rugby Championship – the southern hemisphere’s pre-eminent international competition – kicked off on July 17. This year’s three-round contest was shortened because of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and saw New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina face each other only once. Australia were crowned 2015 champions, winning the tournament on August 8 for the first time since 2011. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Retiring All Black skipper Richie McCaw is known by many names to Kiwi rugby fans – “Captain Fantastic”, “The Real McCaw”, “Richie McAwesome” – but team-mates simply call him GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. Statistics back up the players' assessment – McCaw is rugby's most capped test player, three-time world player of the year and the only captain to win the World Cup twice. After 15 years at the top, the 34-year-old bowed out on Thursday on an unprecedented 148 test caps – 111 matches as captain –... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880377/greatest-all-black-weve-ever-had-richie-mccaw-retires?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1880377/greatest-all-black-weve-ever-had-richie-mccaw-retires?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Nov 2015 00:30:45 +0000 Richie McCaw and five All Blacks team-mates enjoyed the perfect end to their home test careers as they celebrated the captain’s world-record test appearance with an emphatic second-half performance to retain the Bledisloe Cup on Saturday. The All Blacks, angry at being beaten 27-19 last week in Sydney, hammered Australia 41-13 at Eden Park in Auckland to send the team off to the Rugby World Cup with the cheers of almost 50,000 rabid fans ringing in their ears. The victory means the All Blacks... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849797/richie-mccaw-gets-perfect-ending-all-blacks-hammer-wallabies-41-13?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849797/richie-mccaw-gets-perfect-ending-all-blacks-hammer-wallabies-41-13?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:30:15 +0000 Twice world champions South Africa hope a tactical U-turn and recalling "bone collector" Willem Alberts will prevent a second humiliating defeat in rapid succession at the hands of Argentina. After taking 7,941 days to achieve a first-ever test victory over the Springboks, the Pumas have home advantage in Buenos Aires as they seek to repeat the feat just seven days later. Argentina scored a stunning 37-25 win in Durban last Saturday - the first against South Africa in 20 attempts spanning 23... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849606/boks-make-tactical-about-turn-must-win-rwc-warm-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849606/boks-make-tactical-about-turn-must-win-rwc-warm-game?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Aug 2015 07:39:49 +0000 All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has downplayed his own personal milestone ahead of the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia on Saturday and wants his side just to win the game. The 34-year-old openside flanker will become the most capped player in international rugby at Eden Park when he makes his 142nd appearance, moving past Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll. I want to enjoy playing here and when you have a loss like last week it makes you want to play even more All Blacks captain Richie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849460/win-more-important-personal-accolade-all-blacks-skipper-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1849460/win-more-important-personal-accolade-all-blacks-skipper-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Aug 2015 06:00:30 +0000 Juan Imhoff scored a hat-trick of tries as Argentina upset South Africa 37-25 in Durban on Saturday in the final match of this year's Rugby Championship. It was the Pumas’ first victory over the Springboks in 20 attempts after 18 losses and a draw since the countries first met 22 years ago. The Springboks, who will have plenty of soul-searching to do ahead of next month’s Rugby World Cup in England, were sloppy and disjointed against an Argentina side more intelligent in their execution and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847906/pumas-record-historic-victory-over-springboks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847906/pumas-record-historic-victory-over-springboks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2015 17:30:15 +0000 Replacement Nic White proved the unlikely hero as the Wallabies ended a 10-match losing run against the All Blacks to win the 2015 Rugby Championship title in Sydney on Saturday. The Brumbies scrum-half scored a try and kicked a long-range penalty goal and a conversion in the final minutes to give Australia a 27-19 win before 73,824 fans at ANZ Stadium. GALLERY: Please click on the link for a selection of photos from the final round of the 2015 Rugby Championship. The Wallabies last beat the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847827/wallabies-stun-all-blacks-27-19-win-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847827/wallabies-stun-all-blacks-27-19-win-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2015 13:15:30 +0000 Australia v New Zealand (Sydney) Five New Zealand and Australia facts ahead of their Rugby Championship third-round test match in Sydney on Saturday: New Zealand and Australia have gone head-to-head 152 times with the All Blacks winning 104 to the Wallabies 41 with seven matches drawn. Since winning the Tri-Nations decider in 2011, the Wallabies have not won any of their last 10 matches against the All Blacks, though the teams drew 12-12 in Sydney in August 2014. Adam Ashley-Cooper has scored... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847736/rugby-championship-2015-third-round-fact-file?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847736/rugby-championship-2015-third-round-fact-file?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2015 02:00:15 +0000 Despite achieving almost everything possible to achieve in rugby, the Bledisloe Cup still holds a special place in the heart of New Zealand's Richie McCaw and he is not about to give it up lightly in what looks like being his final season. A World Cup-winning captain and three-time World Player of the Year, McCaw will match Irish great Brian O'Driscoll's record tally of 141 test caps when he takes to the field for Saturday's Rugby Championship decider against Australia. The 34-year-old's career... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847598/i-never-want-give-back-bledisloe-cup-says-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847598/i-never-want-give-back-bledisloe-cup-says-richie-mccaw?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:45:45 +0000 A Rugby Championship campaign that has gone pear-shaped for South Africa means great significance is being attached to the final-round clash with Argentina in Durban on Saturday. "This will be a massive test for us," admitted Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer as he looked ahead to a showdown that will decide who finishes bottom of the standings. Australia and title-holders New Zealand have nine points each ahead of the Sydney title decider earlier on Saturday, South Africa a paltry two from losing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847349/overweight-springboks-face-massive-test-against-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847349/overweight-springboks-face-massive-test-against-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2015 06:50:42 +0000 The All Blacks upped the psychological pressure on the Wallabies on Friday ahead of their Rugby Championship decider, warning the tandem attack of Michael Hooper and David Pocock could backfire. The balance of the Australian side raised a few eyebrows in the New Zealand camp but not the experiment of putting tearaways Hooper and Pocock on the park at the same time to gang up on All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw. It simply opened up other areas to exploit, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. Having... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847346/all-blacks-warn-wallabies-hooper-pocock-tandem-attack-could-backfire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1847346/all-blacks-warn-wallabies-hooper-pocock-tandem-attack-could-backfire?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Aug 2015 06:15:45 +0000 Nehe Milner-Skudder will on Saturday become the ninth new All Black in four games after being included in mass changes in the backs for this weekend’s Rugby Championship decider against Australia. New Zealand and Australia go into the final-round clash as the only unbeaten sides in the tournament which also includes South Africa and Argentina. The Bledisloe Cup, contested between the trans-Tasman rivals, is at stake as well. Milner-Skudder, with All Blacks pedigree flowing through his veins,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1846986/all-blacks-blue-blood-milner-skudder-answers-hansens-call-sydney?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1846986/all-blacks-blue-blood-milner-skudder-answers-hansens-call-sydney?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:00:30 +0000 Back-row forwards Michael Hooper and David Pocock have both been named in Australia’s starting line-up for the Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday. It will be the first time the pair will have started a test together with Wallabies coach Michael Cheika assembling a mobile pack, indicating an intention to play a high-paced game in what is also the first of the two Bledisloe Cup matches. Hooper has won the right to the number seven jersey with Pocock in at number... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1846975/wallabies-pair-flankers-hooper-and-pocock-title-decider-against-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1846975/wallabies-pair-flankers-hooper-and-pocock-title-decider-against-all?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Aug 2015 03:30:45 +0000 Uncapped winger Patrick Osborne has been called into the extended All Blacks squad for this weekend's Rugby Championship decider against Australia in Sydney and the second Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Auckland the following week. Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow also returns in place of the experienced Andy Ellis and will be desperate to get back into test rugby after missing the Super Rugby season because of a knee injury. With Waisake [Naholo] out three months and Cory [Jane] still... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845955/uncapped-patrick-osborne-added-all-blacks-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845955/uncapped-patrick-osborne-added-all-blacks-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:15:00 +0000 Wycliff Palu and Matt Giteau were recalled to the Wallabies’ 31-man squad announced Friday for next week’s Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks, with uncapped prop Toby Smith also drafted in. Australia and New Zealand are level on nine points ahead of the August 8 test in Sydney – effectively a final as well as the first of two Bledisloe Cup tests – and coach Michael Cheika has brought back two of his experienced big guns. Veteran Giteau returns after being rested from Australia’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845616/palu-giteau-back-all-blacks-clash-cheika-drafts-rebels-prop-toby-smith?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845616/palu-giteau-back-all-blacks-clash-cheika-drafts-rebels-prop-toby-smith?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:15:30 +0000 Australia flanker Michael Hooper has been handed just a one-week ban for slapping Argentina’s Nicolas Sanchez in the head in last weekend’s Rugby Championship test and will be free to face the All Blacks in back-to-back tests. The former Wallabies captain will be prevented from playing for his club Manly Marlins against Randwick this weekend but free to rejoin the Wallabies for the Rugby Championship decider in Sydney on August 8. The openside flanker landed the blow after being held back by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845225/australias-michael-hooper-free-face-all-blacks-after-one-week-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1845225/australias-michael-hooper-free-face-all-blacks-after-one-week-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:30:45 +0000 Australia flanker David Pocock is relishing the prospect of facing All Blacks captain Richie McCaw again after two seasons wiped out by knee injuries. Pocock started at openside flanker in Australia's 34-9 win against Argentina on Saturday, his first match in the number seven shirt in over two-and-a-half years, and his performance earned high praise from Wallabies coach Michael Cheika. Australia will clash with world champions the All Blacks in the abridged Rugby Championship title-decider in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1844585/david-pocock-wants-bragging-rights-against-richie-mccaw-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1844585/david-pocock-wants-bragging-rights-against-richie-mccaw-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:00:45 +0000 Australia fly-half Quade Cooper has apologised for lashing out at media criticism with an expletive-riddled post on his Twitter feed. The polarising playmaker was criticised on social media after being sin-binned during the Wallabies’ 34-9 win over Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday and duly rose to the bait. "Invite me to you’re next team discussion then ask me how much I give a f*** about your team selection? Zero f***s given," he said in a post on Sunday, which was quickly deleted. He later... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843989/quade-cooper-apologises-foul-mouthed-twitter-rant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843989/quade-cooper-apologises-foul-mouthed-twitter-rant?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jul 2015 07:30:30 +0000 Australia coach Michael Cheika has moved quickly to dampen expectations of a long-awaited upset of the All Blacks, saying the world champions are well in front of the chasing pack. Australia will take on New Zealand in a title-decider for the abridged Rugby Championship in Sydney on August 8 after a dominant 34-9 win over Argentina in Mendoza. This year it’s a little bit closer, but it’s very obvious that New Zealand are the best team in the world Michael Cheika The All Blacks needed a late try... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843844/new-zealand-are-ahead-pack-admits-aussie-coach-michael-cheika?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843844/new-zealand-are-ahead-pack-admits-aussie-coach-michael-cheika?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:30:45 +0000 Please click on the link for a selection of photos from the second round of the 2015 Rugby Championship. Australia crushed Argentina 34-9 in Mendoza on Saturday, scoring four tries to earn a bonus point and set up a Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand. The Wallabies, who lost to the Pumas at the same venue last year, were more penetrative in attack and stronger in defence on Saturday, though coach Michael Cheika knows he still has work to do if they are to challenge at this year’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843768/wallabies-crush-pumas-set-sydney-title-decider-against-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843768/wallabies-crush-pumas-set-sydney-title-decider-against-new-zealand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Jul 2015 06:45:45 +0000 Please click on the link for a selection of photos from the second round of the 2015 Rugby Championship. New Zealand captain Richie McCaw grabbed a late winning try as the All Blacks edged South Africa 27-20 in a gripping Rugby Championship test match in Johannesburg on Saturday. The home side led for most of the match but just as in their defeat by Australia in their championship opener, they could not close the game out and now cannot win the title. New Zealand winger Ben Smith and hooker... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843755/mccaw-magic-seals-all-blacks-win-over-springboks-ellis-park?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843755/mccaw-magic-seals-all-blacks-win-over-springboks-ellis-park?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2015 18:00:00 +0000 Australia hope to build on the momentum created by a dramatic triumph over South Africa when they meet Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday in the second round of The Rugby Championship. A try by centre Tevita Kundrani after the siren had sounded earned the Wallabies a 24-20 win against the Springboks in Brisbane last Saturday. Victory for an Australian side who trailed by 13 points in the second half came a day after title-holders New Zealand overcame Argentina 39-18 in Christchurch in the other... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843509/buoyant-wallabies-look-revenge-over-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843509/buoyant-wallabies-look-revenge-over-pumas?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2015 02:54:08 +0000 Argentina v Australia (Mendoza) Five Pumas-Wallabies facts ahead of their Rugby Championship second-round match at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza Saturday: Australia and Argentina have met 23 times since 1979 with the Wallabies winning 17 and the Pumas five. The only test between them that did not produce a winner was in Buenos Aires 28 years ago when the teams drew 19-19. Australia achieved a record victory margin against Argentina in the Rugby Championship two seasons ago, winning... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843623/rugby-championship-2015-second-round-fact-file?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843623/rugby-championship-2015-second-round-fact-file?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jul 2015 01:58:30 +0000 Any test match between South Africa and world champions New Zealand is guaranteed to be full of drama, and Saturday's clash at Ellis Park in Johannesburg promises to be no different. Last year at the same stadium, a monster last-minute penalty goal by replacement fly-half Patrick Lambie earned the Springboks a rare recent victory. It was only the second loss suffered by the No1-ranked All Blacks since they won the 2011 World Cup in Auckland, and ended a run of five consecutive victories over... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843588/drama-guaranteed-south-africa-host-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1843588/drama-guaranteed-south-africa-host-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jul 2015 15:30:15 +0000 ROUND 3 Australia’s post-match press conference: New Zealand’s reaction to losing the Rugby Championship decider: Wallabies super-sub Nic White off the bench: Australia’s Stephen Moore ready for New Zealand: New Zealand’s Brodie Retallick on the first Bledisloe test: ROUND 2 Australia’s post-match press conference: Argentina-Australia match highlights: All Blacks reaction after win over Springboks: South Africa-New Zealand match highlights: Steven Hansen and Lima Sopoaga pre-match... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1843311/videos-2015-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/play-week/article/1843311/videos-2015-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Jul 2015 03:45:00 +0000 Australia coach Michael Cheika has made seven changes to his team for this weekend’s test against Argentina, bringing Bernard Foley back at fly-half and giving David Pocock the start at openside flanker. The Wallabies narrowly edged their Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Brisbane last weekend and while Cheika lost three players to injury, he is clearly keen to take a look at a few more potential combinations in Mendoza as he builds towards the Rugby World Cup. Foley, who started... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842980/bernard-foley-and-david-pocock-back-australia-make-seven-changes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842980/bernard-foley-and-david-pocock-back-australia-make-seven-changes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jul 2015 01:30:00 +0000 Australia's Wallabies have turned to Argentina's scrum doctor Mario Ledesma to change the perception that they are pushovers in the countdown to September's Rugby World Cup. Ledesma, who played 84 tests for Argentina as a hooker, has begun working with the Wallabies on set pieces after performing the same function for the New South Wales Waratahs throughout the Super Rugby season. The Wallabies' maligned scrum came in for more scrutiny after some shaky moments in their season-opening Rugby... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842546/australia-call-puma-know-how-fix-scrums-ahead-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842546/australia-call-puma-know-how-fix-scrums-ahead-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:30:45 +0000 Schalk Burger will captain South Africa against New Zealand in a Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg this weekend, coach Heyneke Meyer said on Tuesday. Loose forward Burger replaces Victor Matfield after the veteran lock suffered a hamstring injury during the loss to Australia in Brisbane last weekend. Since first putting on the Springbok jersey, my dream has been to represent my country with distinction and to make South Africans proud Schalk Burger The Springboks tackle greatest rivals... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842682/schalk-burger-captain-springboks-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1842682/schalk-burger-captain-springboks-against-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:45:15 +0000 Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper has pulled out of a big-money move to France to remain in Australian rugby, a report said on Sunday. The Australian Rugby Union is set to confirm the Wallabies playmaker has signed a four-year deal to stay in the country, opting out of his lucrative contract with French club Toulon, Fairfax Media reported. They said an announcement was expected to be made Monday confirming Cooper's re-signing with the ARU, after his Queensland Reds team severed ties with him last... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841274/wallabies-star-quade-cooper-surprise-toulon-transfer-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841274/wallabies-star-quade-cooper-surprise-toulon-transfer-u-turn?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:30:00 +0000 Please click on the link for a selection of photos from the first round of the 2015 Rugby Championship. Tevita Kuridrani scored a last-gasp try to give Australia a dramatic 24-20 victory over South Africa in their Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane on Saturday. The centre crashed over the line in a scrum of bodies after the hooter had sounded and it fell to the television match official to adjudge that he had grounded the ball. The Springboks had looked like securing a win on the back of a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841122/wallabies-stun-springboks-24-20-last-minute-try-tevita-kuridrani?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841122/wallabies-stun-springboks-24-20-last-minute-try-tevita-kuridrani?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:30:00 +0000 All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo suffered a broken leg during his test debut against Argentina on Friday and has been ruled out of contention for this year’s Rugby World Cup. Fiji-born Naholo, who scored 13 tries for the Dunedin-based Highlanders during the Super Rugby season, made a strong debut before leaving the field midway through the second half of the Rugby Championship test with what was thought to be a sprained ankle. He was omitted on Saturday from the All Blacks’ 31-man squad for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841077/waisake-naholo-out-world-cup-after-breaking-leg-debut-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1841077/waisake-naholo-out-world-cup-after-breaking-leg-debut-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2015 03:00:45 +0000 Michael Cheika hopes Saturday's Rugby Championship test against South Africa marks the dawn of a new era of passionate and exciting Wallabies play that will make Australian fans proud of their team. Ranked a once-unthinkable sixth in the world, and with the World Cup just a couple of months away, Australia desperately need a victory over the Springboks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to snap a three-game losing streak and kickstart their season. Cheika, however, is looking for a certain manner of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840939/michael-cheika-urges-wallabies-make-supporters-proud?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840939/michael-cheika-urges-wallabies-make-supporters-proud?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2015 02:57:38 +0000 Please click on the link for a selection of photos from the first round of the 2015 Rugby Championship. The All Blacks ramped up their World Cup preparation on Friday when they made short work of Argentina with a 39-18 victory in their opening Rugby Championship test in Christchurch. Although still short of their championship best, the All Blacks' five tries-to-two domination was a marked improvement on their ragged warm-up outing against Samoa last week. One of the pleasing things was we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840962/all-blacks-send-argentina-packing-rugby-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840962/all-blacks-send-argentina-packing-rugby-championship-opener?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2015 14:45:15 +0000 2015 standings Pos Team P W D L PF PA BP Pts 1 Australia 3 3 0 0 85 48 1 13 2 New Zealand 3 2 0 1 85 65 1 9 3 Argentina 3 1 0 2 64 98 1 5 4 South Africa 3 0 0 3 65 88 2 2 KEY: P-played; W-win; D-draw; L-loss; PF-points for; PA-points against; BP-bonus points; Pts-competition points. Points allocation: four for a win, two for a draw, one bonus point for loss by seven or fewer points, one bonus point for scoring four tries or more in a match. 2015 fixtures and results Round... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840768/rugby-championship-2015-results-standings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840768/rugby-championship-2015-results-standings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jul 2015 04:30:30 +0000 Australia went back to the future on Thursday when Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Greg Holmes and half-backs Will Genia and Quade Cooper were recalled to Wallabies colours for the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa. In his first team announcement for a home test, coach Michael Cheika also preferred Michael Hooper to David Pocock at openside flanker for Saturday’s match at Lang Park in Brisbane. Matt is a true professional and his impact on the team dynamic has been immediate. His form... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840049/back-future-wallabies-recall-matt-giteau-co-south-africa-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1840049/back-future-wallabies-recall-matt-giteau-co-south-africa-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jul 2015 01:30:15 +0000 Try-scoring machine Waisake Naholo makes his All Blacks debut on Friday against Argentina with celebrated centurions Richie McCaw and Dan Carter making their final appearance before their home crowd. The inclusion of Fijian flyer Naholo for the opening Rugby Championship test is one of six changes to the All Blacks squad that scrambled to a 25-16 win in their season opener against Samoa a week ago. We have a lot of respect for Argentina and what they bring, and understand that we will have to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1839289/try-scoring-machine-waisake-naholo-make-all-blacks-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1839289/try-scoring-machine-waisake-naholo-make-all-blacks-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jul 2015 02:45:45 +0000 The All Blacks' veteran core of players will drag themselves through one final Rugby Championship and try to bed down tactics for the World Cup, but coach Steve Hansen must also strike a balance between proven performers and the future of the team. Several of Hansen's side are unlikely to wear the national jersey again after the World Cup in England later this year. Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and Dan Carter are joining French clubs while captain Richie McCaw, hooker Keven Mealamu and loosehead prop... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1839126/coach-steve-hansen-faces-balancing-act-fine-tune-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1839126/coach-steve-hansen-faces-balancing-act-fine-tune-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jul 2015 01:45:30 +0000 Skipper Jean de Villiers returned from a long injury lay-off as South Africa began a five-match World Cup countdown by defeating a World XV 46-10 in Cape Town on Saturday. Inside centre De Villiers came off the bench midway through the second half to a standing ovation from the Newlands stadium crowd for his first game since suffering a serious knee injury in Wales eight months ago. "It was awesome to be back," said the 34-year-old, who showed no ill effects of his long absence and made a break... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1837346/de-villiers-shines-return-boks-cruise-victory-against-world-select?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1837346/de-villiers-shines-return-boks-cruise-victory-against-world-select?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jul 2015 19:45:30 +0000 Wycliff Palu and Christian Leali'ifano were the two notable omissions from the 31-man Wallabies squad announced Friday ahead of their Rugby Championship opener. Number eight Palu and inside centre Leali'ifano were among nine players left out from the initial 40-man training squad named by Australia coach Michael Cheika. Others to miss out were Dave Dennis, James Hanson, Tetera Faulkner, Samu Kerevi, Toby Smith, Henry Speight and Nic White. We have taken the opportunity to rest players as we know... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1835674/wycliff-palu-christian-lealiifano-cut-wallabies-squad-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1835674/wycliff-palu-christian-lealiifano-cut-wallabies-squad-rugby-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:28:37 +0000 The All Blacks were given a massive wake-up call in their truncated World Cup build-up with a rusty performance before they subdued a combative Samoa 25-16 in Apia on Wednesday. Richie McCaw’s side are seeking to become the first team to defend the Webb Ellis trophy in England in a little over two months and while they had no illusions before heading into the match, they are now well aware they will need to improve. “I’m proud of the way you stuck at it, because that is what test match footy is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1834508/samoa-give-rusty-all-blacks-fright-ahead-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fifteens/article/1834508/samoa-give-rusty-all-blacks-fright-ahead-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2015 08:00:45 +0000 The All Blacks were feted as rugby royalty in Samoa on Tuesday but were braced for the hero worship to be replaced by a bruising confrontation in Wednesday’s one-off test. Thousands of people lined routes through Apia to greet the All Blacks, who wore traditional Samoan lava lava skirts during a street parade to mark their first official visit to the tiny Pacific island. Amid the colour and festivities were life-sized statues of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Samoa skipper Ofisa Treviranus.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1834290/big-samoa-welcome-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1834290/big-samoa-welcome-all-blacks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2015 04:45:00 +0000 Stephen Moore will skipper the Wallabies in this year’s international season leading up to the September-October World Cup, replacing Michael Hooper, the Australian Rugby Union said on Monday. Moore, Australia’s all-time most capped hooker with 92 tests, has been reinstated as Wallabies captain following a season-ending injury in his first outing in charge last year. “Stephen is not only a player who leads by example on the field, but he is a man who exemplifies the qualities of a Wallabies... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1833330/world-cup-looms-stephen-moore-earns-second-chance-skipper-wallabies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1833330/world-cup-looms-stephen-moore-earns-second-chance-skipper-wallabies?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jul 2015 05:30:15 +0000 Scrum-half Andy Ellis will return to test rugby almost four years after he last played for the All Blacks, while four others are in line to make their debuts against Samoa in Apia on Wednesday. Ellis’ last act in a New Zealand jersey was to kick the ball out from a penalty to end the 2011 World Cup final as the All Blacks won the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time with an 8-7 victory over France at Eden Park. It’s exciting for the group to be playing this first All Blacks test in Samoa and we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1833309/scrum-half-andy-ellis-dons-all-blacks-jersey-again-samoa-test?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1833309/scrum-half-andy-ellis-dons-all-blacks-jersey-again-samoa-test?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jul 2015 02:45:30 +0000 Australia coach Michael Cheika raised some eyebrows on Wednesday as he named his 40-man training squad for the Rugby Championship against New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. He welcomed France-based Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell back into his side. We’re fortunate enough to see some experience enter the squad from both Super Rugby and overseas Michael Cheika The Toulon team-mates became eligible to play for the Wallabies after an Australia Rugby Union rule change, which allows overseas... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1831760/michael-cheika-springs-several-surprises-australias-training-squad-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1831760/michael-cheika-springs-several-surprises-australias-training-squad-rugby?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jul 2015 16:00:15 +0000 Wallabies fullback Israel Folau is expected to announce a three-year extension to his national contract on Wednesday in a coup for the embattled Australian Rugby Union. A flock of seasoned Wallabies are leaving for foreign shores after the World Cup in England and Wales, and dual international Folau, one of Australia’s highest profile players, had been tipped to join the exodus. The ARU announced a news conference in Sydney on Wednesday after Australian media reported the 26-year-old New South... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1830509/big-boost-wallabies-israel-folau-commits-another-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1830509/big-boost-wallabies-israel-folau-commits-another-three-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jul 2015 02:30:30 +0000 ACT Brumbies winger Henry Speight has been banned for five weeks for dangerous play and will miss Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final against the Wellington Hurricanes, governing body Sanzar said on Wednesday. Speight was shown a red card for slamming Juan de Jongh head-first into the ground (see video below) in the 74th minute of the Canberra-based outfit's victory over South Africa's Stormers last weekend. There is an ongoing need for a deterrent for dangerous play such as this which carries... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1826140/brumbies-henry-speight-banned-five-weeks-over-dangerous-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1826140/brumbies-henry-speight-banned-five-weeks-over-dangerous-play?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jun 2015 16:00:45 +0000 Wellington Hurricanes outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder and Canterbury Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor were two of the biggest surprises in Steve Hansen’s extended All Blacks squad named on Sunday. Milner-Skudder and Taylor were joined by Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst, Highlanders fly-half Lima Sopoaga and team-mate Waisake Naholo as the five uncapped players in the 41-man squad as they begin their final preparations for their World Cup defence. Hansen named the extended squad as the All Blacks... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1824496/five-uncapped-players-extended-all-blacks-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1824496/five-uncapped-players-extended-all-blacks-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jun 2015 03:45:00 +0000 Australia coach Michael Cheika said either incumbent Michael Hooper or senior hooker Stephen Moore will lead the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup. Hooper took over the national captaincy last year when Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury in his first test as skipper against France. “It’s a tough call, it’s an important choice, but it’s enjoyable to have to tell someone that he is going to be the captain of Australia,” Cheika said. “We’re comfortable with where we are at around our whole... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1820190/michael-hooper-or-stephen-moore-coach-michael-cheika-make-tough-call?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/1820190/michael-hooper-or-stephen-moore-coach-michael-cheika-make-tough-call?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jun 2015 05:15:45 +0000