Rassie unleashes rugby’s hybrid giant

Rassie Erasmus has transformed Andre Esterhuizen from a “nearly man” at inside centre into Test rugby’s first true hybrid forward-back, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for the Sunday Times, Keohane says Esterhuizen’s evolution from squad backup to strategic weapon is a...

Hansen hat-trick sinks Wallabies

Ireland delivered a statement performance ahead of their showdown with the world champion Springboks, sweeping aside Australia in Dublin on Saturday. Mack Hansen was the star of the night, scoring a first-half hat-trick inside 30 minutes as Ireland recorded an...

Depoortere double helps France hold off Fiji

Centre Nicolas Depoortere scored twice as France beat Fiji in in Bordeaux on Saturday. Les Bleus won 34-21 to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to the Springboks. France had led 21-0 after 20 minutes with youngster Depoortere opening the scoring before Julien...

Rassie to call up Junior Boks star?

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is set to bring a highly-rated Junior Bok into the squad ahead of Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Dublin. Erasmus hinted on Friday that he may need to summon a hooker and tighthead prop to reinforce the touring group, and while Bongi...

Itoje hails ‘special’ England win

Maro Itoje says England achieved something “special” by beating the All Blacks 33-19 at Twickenham on Saturday. Victory looked anything but certain when England fell 12-0 behind early on following tries from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Codie Taylor. But England then...