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What’s next for the Wallabies’ backline artillery?
All of a sudden, the Wallabies have a wealth of players to accommodate in their backline.
Montpellier’s a winning proposal for Mercer
The former Bath No8 is a man on a mission following his move to France
Recognising Scott Barrett’s rise into locking royalty
Scott Barrett may be the least appreciated player in the All Blacks, but also one of the most important.
C’mon feel the noise
The return of fans in their thousands will stir the emotions of players in myriad ways
Wallabies left more points on the park than Springboks
Analysis: The Springboks missed key points off the tee but the Wallabies also missed chances in their match.
Signs of good things to come
The XV picks out the ones to watch from the Premiership’s new faces
Who stats out from the crowd?
The XV examines who might be challenging for top tackler, try scorer and turnover king in the Premiership
Unrelenting attack the trump card for All Blacks
Accuracy – on attack, and from the tee – was the deciding factor in who emerged successful over the weekend.
Filling the void
As a player, Calum Clark was uncompromising and made mistakes but in his new role he aims to be a force for good
Never doubt a wounded All Blacks No 10
Beauden Barrett, despite what some may suggest, is not done with being the All Blacks’ first-choice pivot just yet.
Deciphering Ian Foster’s plans for the outside backs
The All Blacks have themselves a huge selection headache in the outside backs.
World 12s challenges the status quo
A shock new rugby format has divided fans on launch but what is the rationale behind the announcement?
Anton Lienert-Brown following in footsteps of Conrad Smith
Analysis: The All Blacks aren’t likely to again rely on an out-of-position centre at the next World Cup.
A different ball game
Sportable plan to revolutionise data analysis of the game – and the sky’s the limit
Time to inject Quade Cooper back into the Wallabies
Will Genia believes the Wallabies could use an injection of experience into their backline.
Springboks skirmish will be true test of Wallabies’ standing
After a tough three-match stint, the Wallabies finally have some respite from the All Blacks.
Rags to riches
Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad has overcome a traumatic upbringing to become rugby’s biggest powerbroker
World Cup versatility on trial in All Blacks’ mammoth tour
When Ian Foster is selecting his World Cup squad, he may look back on 2021 with begrudging fondness.
Jordie Barrett red highlights pros of NZR and RA joining forces
Sense has prevailed in the Southern Hemisphere – but will World Rugby follow suit?
Stars of the show have bright futures for All Blacks
There were some standout performances in the All Blacks’ win over the Wallabies in Bledisloe III.
The star-spangled Banners
Popular Bath, Gloucester and England wing leaves the game with no regrets
Final Bledisloe Cup battle worth more than a win for Wallabies
Sunday’s clash between the Wallabies and All Blacks will have far-reaching consequences.
Who will make the most of Aaron Smith’s All Blacks absence?
The next month looms as a crucial time for TJ Perenara and Brad Weber to prove their starting pedigree.
Noah Lolesio making huge strides for the Wallabies
Analysis: 21-year-old flyhalf Noah Lolesio is developing into a fine talent for the Wallabies.
Why the 2021 edition of Bledisloe III is a different beast
Far from a dead rubber, the third Bledisloe test will be a key match for the All Blacks.
Many options but no miracle cure for Australia’s struggles
Mooted changes to the Giteau Law would address only one of Rugby Australia’s current struggles.
Mental battle the biggest danger for weary All Blacks
After a period of uncertainty, the All Blacks now face a challenge of the mind as much the body.
Springboks’ not-so-secret weapon a huge test for All Blacks
When the All Blacks and Springboks clash, the lineout could decide who emerges victorious.
England’s future is in safe hands with Steward
Leicester’s full-back plans to get the Tigers back to the top – and keep his England starting spot
Unprecedented All Blacks tour will separate boys from men
The All Blacks are now engaging in one of the biggest tours of the modern era.
Springboks relish renewed rivalry with All Blacks
New Zealand have had a firm grip on the Freedom Cup but South Africa plan to prise their fingers off the silverware
Are the Boks boring?
Criticising South Africa’s style is in vogue but winning won’t ever go out of fashion
Fact-checking Dave Rennie’s plan to beat the All Blacks
Dave Rennie made an interesting claim following the Wallabies’ loss to the All Blacks in Bledisloe II.
An Englishman abroad
When Geoff Parling left the UK for Japan in 2017, he had no idea he’d end up in Australia building a burgeoning reputation as a coach
Why Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the perfect pair
Analysis: Arguably the greatest locking partnership in rugby history has finally been reunited.
Putting the new laws on trial
World Rugby have introduced three key changes but will they actually improve the game?
Sam Whitelock the All Blacks’ Goliath in Springboks clash
The All Blacks are about to enter the unknown – but they have a trump card.
Ireland’s seeds of hope need to bear fruit
The upcoming season is pivotal if Andy Farrell’s team are to get over their World Cup quarter-final hex
The intangible difference between the All Blacks and Wallabies
Analysis: The major difference between the All Blacks and Wallabies isn’t skill – it’s commitment.
The Ioane brothers are coming of age for the All Blacks
After some false starts, Akira and Rieko Ioane are now making all the right moves for the All Blacks.
Dad’s pride and joy
Ex-England captain Phil de Glanville is relishing watching his son Tom forge his own path at Bath
Have the All Blacks found their long-term loose trio?
Analysis: The current trio of All Blacks loosies complement one another’s games.
The rise and fall of Toulon
The dynasty built by Mourad Boudjellal has crumbled since he opted out and it is a shadow of its former self
End of the road for Warren Gatland
The Lions head coach has been a huge figure in the fabled touring party’s history but it is time to look ahead for 2025
The keys to power at No10
A big boot, pristine pass or silky sidestep – what does a fly-half need to succeed?
Who will roar for the Lions in 2025?
The XV gazes into a crystal ball to predict which players can book their plane tickets to Australia in four years’ time
A deeper look at the Springboks shows red flags
The Series winners showed resolve to narrowly best the Lions but improvements will be needed for The Rugby Championship
The game-defining war between All Blacks and Springboks
High-risk and low-risk rugby will go head to head when the Springboks and All Blacks clash in 2021.
Advantage All Blacks but plenty of room for improvement
There’s plenty of areas the All Blacks will be targeting for improvement ahead of Bledisloe II.
Lions crushed by a sense of regret
The Lions lost the Test Series by the narrowest of margins leaving them proud of their efforts but left hollow from what could have been
The final push for the Lions
Warren Gatland’s belief must not waver as they seek to rock the Springboks and win the first Series since 1997 on South African soil
Sluggish play in Lions series a product of wild west breakdown
Analysis: Rassie Erasmus’ public criticism has harmed the breakdown officiating in the Lions series.
The Lions selection game
Selection is increasingly down to statistics but it is also down to gut feeling and Warren Gatland will hope he’s got it right
World Rugby must protect the mental health of referees
As with any other professional athletes, rugby referees are increasingly coming under attack.
Immortality beckons for Boks and Lions
They’re world champions but don’t underestimate how much a series triumph would mean to South Africa
The Lions to unleash their own ‘Bomb Squad’
Warren Gatland has a plan with his bench, it’s now up to his picks to punch holes in the Boks’ blitz defence
All Blacks dream not over for Japan-bound Brett Cameron
Brett Cameron’s surprise call-up to the All Blacks in 2018 was just the start of his rugby odyssey.
The All Blacks have evolved ahead of the Bledisloe Cup
Analysis: There are already signs that the All Blacks are changing the way they play the game in 2021.
Now or never for the Lions
Alun Wyn Jones will have to rally a bedraggled Lions squad for one final push after they were taught a lesson in Cape Town
Rassie Erasmus’ Lions meltdown isn’t entirely unfounded
Rassie Erasmus was wrong to be so public with his complaints, but he wasn’t wrong to be concerned.
Trans-Tasman relations under more duress
Whenever there has been tension between the New Zealand and Australia unions, it hasn’t ended well.
Fortune is smiling on Freeman
Northampton’s starlet shows that youngsters shouldn’t give up hope, even after getting snubbed
The race for Lions selection
Warren Gatland has never been afraid to take the tough calls in the pursuit of victory
Great Duane’s absence a glaring issue for Springboks
Analysis: There’s one man who’s absence was keenly felt by the Springboks in their loss to the Lions.
The nation best placed for southern dominance
With different build-ups faced by the competing nations, who are favourites for the Rugby Championship?
Itoje set to steal Du Toit’s crown?
Lions lock’s turnovers proved he is ready to replace Springboks star as World Player of the Year
Ireland’s Sevens game bearing fruit
The revival of Ireland’s Sevens programme has been an unexpected success story
The Lions’ Biggar gambit paved the way
The Lions fly-half was instrumental in orchestrating the second-half comeback to defeat the Springboks
Will there be a changing of the guard for England?
With the Lions away, some players have seized their opportunity to impress Eddie Jones
Unfinished business chasing the Olympic dream
Team GB’s Harry Glover has got a golden eye on the Tokyo Sevens tournament
David Havili proving All Blacks dream is alive and real
More often than not, it can take a little bit of time before players really embed themselves into test rugby.
Why Gatland has rolled the dice
Eyebrows were raised when the Lions unveiled their squad for the first Test but every eventuality has been covered
Does the Lions need to change to ensure its future?
The 2021 Lions tour of South Africa has been a lame affair with limited opposition, so is it time to mix it up for Australia in 2025?
Against-the-odds win breathes life into Wallabies
The Wallabies will have taken some massive lessons and belief out of their series-win over France.
Building the All Blacks around Richie Mo’unga’s Crusaders
Analysis: The All Blacks are building their attack around the in-form Richie Mo’unga.
Marika Koroibete’s rescinded red card a lesson for World Rugby
World Rugby need to seriously rethink 20-minute red cards.
Baby Bleus widen Galthie’s 2023 talent pool
France lost a tight series Down Under but there were enough longer-term positives to please coach Fabien Galthié
The civil strife that shadows the Lions tour
Looting and Covid have South Africa teetering on the brink but the country has been faced with catastrophe before
TJ Perenara the new guide for integrating returning All Blacks
TJ Perenara will follow a different path back into the All Blacks than Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick.
The unlikely lads pushing for a Lions Test start
Few people outside Ireland had heard of Tadhg Beirne or Jack Conan in 2017, now both players are in contention to start the first Test
Which locks should start for the Lions Tests?
Warren Gatland has a wealth of riches in the second row and has a big decision to make for the first Test
Ian Foster’s All Blacks vision taking slow steps forward
We don’t yet have a full appreciation of what Ian Foster is trying to do as head coach of the All Blacks.
Cohesion key in Canterbury’s ongoing success
Analysis: All signs point to Canterbury marching on in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Eyes on the prize
A Test match in all but name, the clash with South Africa A has shown the Lions precisely what awaits.
The era of Ardie Savea has arrived
With Sam Cane set to spend plenty of time on the sidelines, Ardie Savea needs to make a statement.
Fiji’s major France-honed advantage over the All Blacks
Analysis: The All Blacks were absolutely demolished at the breakdown in their first test with Fiji.
Japan’s progress must not cost the Pacific nations
The Rugby Championship can’t simply keep absorbing new teams when they reach tier-one status.
Thinking outside the Boks
As Covid-19 ravages the Springboks camp, who can the South Africans turn to as the Lions series looms?
David Havili gives the All Blacks a new edge at 12
Analysis: The All Blacks relied on the full bag of tricks of their new second five in their win over Fiji.
Rugby’s eligibility laws relics of a bygone era
Did rugby throw the baby out with the bathwater when they changed the international eligibility laws?
Should the Lions run away with the Test Series?
The Tier 1 nations walloped the emerging nations in a one-side weekend of rugby while the Lions limp on
Rieko Ioane’s chance to cement All Blacks centre shift
Injuries have given Rieko Ioane a clear run at the All Blacks No 13 jersey.
Don’t give up the fight
At 33, Josh Turnbull had a Wales call-up after three years in the wilderness. It is just reward for hard graft
Huw Jones’ Harlequins harmony
Huw Jones and Harlequins are a match made in rugby heaven.
Best yet to come for Scott Robertson’s Crusaders
Scott Robertson has signed on for two more years with the Crusaders. What will the near future hold?
Adding blitz to rugby’s last bastion of slow ball
Analysis: While breakdowns are getting faster, the scrum mostly remains stuck in rugby’s dark ages.
Dalton Papalii’s battle to usurp the All Blacks’ best
After spending three years’ in the shadows of Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii is set to break free.
Concussion controversy raises serious questions
The Luke Cowan-Dickie case illustrates rugby’s grave and nebulous concussion peril.