Analysis
How the unplanned arrival of Manie Libbok turned the green and gold tide against New Zealand
The fly-half entered the fray after Cheslin Kolbe broke his jaw, and turned the Springboks from ball winners to ball users against…
{{item.n}}
Latest Longform
Opinion
‘Pre-season seems to contain a mind-altering opiate that erases all ills from the past season and floods the brain with enriching optimism’
With no annoying league table to offer a crushing reality check, a swirling world of possibilities await every club for the campai…
Opinion
Can Toulouse achieve Top 14 immortality?
Winning five titles in a row has never been done before in the 134 year history of the Top 14 but Toulouse are no ordinary team...
Analysis
Tom Hooper is the missing 'monster' in Australia's back-row puzzle for the Rugby World Cup
The blindside flanker has added bulk to his frame and depth to his skillset in England with Exeter Chiefs, and Rugby Australia are…
Opinion
Johnnie Beattie: 'Royal Marines, sabotaged rowing machines and drinking from cement mixers' - a player's eye view of pre-season
From night watches on a Royal Air Force camp to scoffing oysters in the port of Montpellier, pre-season is a demanding, eventful a…
Opinion
Top 14 season 2026-27 preview: Which teams are tooled up to stop another Toulouse title?
The French top tier has flexed over the past two seasons, but Toulouse have been the one constant. Will the champions make history…
Opinion
What is Australia’s first-choice team and how far does depth go, a year out from RWC27?
Les Kiss still has to settle on his optimum back-row combination, midfield pairing and back-up half-backs.
Opinion
Who will be the URC signings of the season?
As new additions bed in across the United Rugby Championship, whose star is primed to shine brightest when the season begins?
Analysis
'The All Blacks are asking South Africa all the questions that matter'
The world champions maintain a vice-like grip on the set-piece, but New Zealand are hurting them in different ways as the Greatest…
Exclusive
Pouri Rakete-Stones: Newcastle's Maori strongman with Red Bull flair and England ambitions
The former Hurricane is English-qualified, and eager to make a splash as Red Bull's fascinating overhaul of Newcastle takes shape.
Analysis
How the All Blacks leadership group thrived in the Johannesburg cauldron
The maturity and resolve shown by Dave Rennie's team at Ellis Park bodes well for the Rugby World Cup crusade next year
Opinion
‘Argentina Tests unquestionably winnable, but things can also go south quickly for Australia’
The Wallabies need to win at least one of their two upcoming Tests in Argentina, but it will be no simple task.
