How the Blues and Highlanders will approach their finals clash
Analysis: There may be similarities in how NZ’s Super Rugby teams play, but they each have their quirks.
The new propping blood gunning for All Blacks selection
The All Blacks will look to rejuvenate their front-row in 2021. Which men are due a call-up?
Features
A handful of debutants likely for All Blacks re-build
After a limited year in 2020, the All Blacks finally have a full calendar ahead of them to rebuild.
The Battle of Pretoria
The 2009 Lions Second Test was one of the most brutal games ever seen
Jerome Kaino’s final bow
Four years on from his departure from New Zealand, Jerome Kaino is enjoying his final days as a player.
Touched by genius
Former Springbok boss Nick Mallett explains what sets Rassie Erasmus apart as a player and coach
Neil Barnes’ old-school impact on the Chiefs
Neil Barnes’ tenure with the Chiefs is coming to an end after five years with the franchise.
Star Columns
The big ask
Will Genia believes that there has to be a place in the domestic calendar for Trans-Tasman rugby.
The referee’s our saviour
Officials are often hit by a barrage of abuse when they should have our eternal gratitude
No ordinary Joe
Harlequins have enjoyed a renaissance to spirit them to the play-off semi-finals and Chris Robshaw thinks he knows why
Analysis
Battle for the back of the scrum
New Zealand has an excellent crop of young number 8s plying their trade in Super Rugby.
Breaking the Springboks defensive line
The defensive system adopted by South Africa in Japan was impregnable, so how do the Lions unlock it?
Lions provide blueprint for global game
The British and Irish Lions of 2017 set the standards for the years to come. Will the same be the case in 2021?
Interviews
The need for speed
Jonny May was one of the fastest wings in the world but he wanted to get faster. Step forward Dan Pfaff, the revered US athletics coach
Land of opportunity
Rugby will be missing a trick if the USA don’t get to host a World Cup in the near future
Half’s time
Promising Chiefs halfback Xavier Roe has finally earned himself a start after an exceptional provincial season.
Editor’s Choice
Balancing the books
Like it or not, rugby has been cast, headfirst, into a new financial landscape where it will either thrive or wither
No more false starts in battle for All Blacks No 10 jersey
The extended 2021 season will finally allow for a proper head-to-head for the All Blacks No 10 jersey.
The XV Video
Stats and Snapshots
Richie Mo’unga – Magic man
Rob Vickerman and Andy Clarke take a closer look at what has made the Crusaders so successful in Super Rugby this year.
Stats and Snapshots:
The Highlanders’ Crusade
Rob Vickerman and Andy Clarke take an in-depth look at the Highlanders’ stunning victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Podcasts
The XV – Rugby History
A podcast about the history of rugby and it’s roots in different countries, narrated by historian Tony Collins.
Rugby Centurions
Rugby Centurions celebrates players who have won 100 International Test Caps or more for their country, making it the world’s toughest membership.
The XV – Audio Articles
Each month, we produce a selection of audio narrated versions of some of The XV’s most popular editorial articles so you can enjoy the best of The XV on the go, in the gym or on your commute to work.
The XV Contributors
More Stories
The arms race
How do you keep top players in Scotland? And how do you replace the ones who leave? Recruitment supremo Jan McGinity lifts the lid on contracting.
Striving for perfection
England’s attack has been a work-in-progress since the heroics of 2019, so can they re-find their mojo?
Making a head start
Progressive Rugby want to help the sport deal with the head injury crisis but will anyone listen?
Slog or sidelines
There’s no middle ground in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year – if you’re not a seasoned pro, you’re left right out.
Time to go it alone?
Super Rugby AU has been a roaring success in Australia – should it be part of long-term planning?
Intellectual poverty
Fluid movement of players and coaches means intellectual property is always going to be tough to lock down.
Border crossing
The IRFU’s willingness to transfer players between provinces offers a lifeline to some but pain to others.
Cracking the code
History shows Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s high-profile move from league to union will not be an easy task.
Turbulent times
Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie was an enforcer for the All Blacks during some of New Zealand rugby’s most chaotic years.
Silver bullet or silver medal?
A probable $465m cash injection is going to change New Zealand rugby forever.
Pain, pleasure and patience
Pari Pari Parkinson, one of the most promising physical specimens in New Zealand rugby, is back.
Attacking the underbelly
Modern defences have forced an attacking re-think and the Hurricanes have a new trick up their sleeve.
For a full list of our stories
click here