Japan put Azzurri to the sword

Fullback Takuro Matsunaga scored 17 points as Japan beat Italy to make an impressive start to their Nations Championship campaign in Tokyo on Saturday. The Brave Blossoms triumphed 27-10, with Matsunaga kicking three conversions and two penalties to go with a try...

All Blacks edge France to launch Rennie era

Cam Roigard and Will Jordan crossed twice as the All Blacks held off France in Dave Rennie’s first Test in charge, kicking off the Nations Championship in style on Saturday. Les Bleus flew out the blocks in Christchurch, right winger Damian Penaud crossing inside two...
England suffer late setback

England suffer late setback

An England back has been ruled out of Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park. Fullback George Furbank was taken to hospital with appendicitis after suffering painful symptoms following Friday’s captain’s run. England have yet to...

Skinstad: Everyone wants a pop at Boks

Bob Skinstad says Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks cannot afford to relax in a tough year, kicking off with Saturday’s showdown against England. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Planet Rugby, Skinstad argues being world champions comes with a cost for the Boks: a...
Stokke excited for Giant surprise

Stokke excited for Giant surprise

Mzwandile Stick can’t wait for the impact of André Esterhuizen against England on Saturday, while downplaying the Springboks’ lack of recognised lock cover on the bench. Rassie Erasmus has moved away from his famous 6-2 and 7-1 splits for the Nations Championship...