Springboks make two changes for second Test against Schmidt’s Ireland
ALLISTER COETZEE HAS made two changes to his South Africa XV ahead of Saturday’s second Test against Ireland in Johannesburg [KO 4pm Irish time, Sky Sports 1]. Lions playmaker Elton Jantjies starts at out-half in place of Pat Lambie, who was injured in the incident that saw CJ Stander red-carded and subsequently banned. Jantjies starts…
Michael Cheika apologises to Australia fans after series defeat to England
MICHAEL CHEIKA ISSUED an apology to Australia fans after England secured a historic Test series victory in Melbourne on Saturday. The Wallabies needed a win at AAMI Park to keep the three-match series alive, but were beaten 23-7 by Eddie Jones’ side. A heroic defensive display from tourists earned them a maiden series victory Down Under with one match to come in Sydney…
Mixed feelings for Connacht’s Healy after Ireland debut in defeat to Boks
AS IT HAPPENED, Matt Healy’s Ireland debut came in a manner he found to be less stressful than expected. Click Here: Mercedes Racing Suit Of course there was concern for his injured Connacht team-mate Tiernan O’Halloran, but the sudden nature of Ireland’s need for an early HIA replacement on Saturday meant Healy was pitched into…
Amy Perrett to make history as Super Rugby’s first-ever female match official
AMY PERRETT, WIDELY regarded as Australia’s top female referee, is set to make history when she becomes the first-ever woman to act as a match official for a Super Rugby game this weekend. Perrett has been appointed as touch judge for the Rebels clash the Stormers in Melbourne. The move follows a recent announcement that…
McKinley pays tribute to reception received on his return to the RDS
TREVISO’S IAN MCKINLEY has paid tribute to the wonderful reception which he received from Leinster supporters when he made his return to action at the RDS on Friday night, five years after retiring from the game after losing the sight in his left eye. His professional rugby career with Leinster came to a halt as a 21-year…
Hurricanes beat Chiefs to reach Super Rugby final
Source: All Blacks/YouTube HURRICANES WILL PLAY in the Super Rugby final for the second successive year after Beauden Barrett starred in a 25-9 victory over Chiefs at Westpac Stadium today. Chris Boyd’s side were beaten by Highlanders in the final last year and face either a rematch against the defending champions or Lions next weekend…
Cheika: Wallabies face ‘biggest’ challenge yet
FORMER LEINSTER AND current Australia head coach Michael Cheika believes he is facing his biggest challenge since taking charge of the Wallabies as they look to rebound from their loss to New Zealand. The Wallabies suffered an embarrassing 42-8 defeat to the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Cheika, who has been at…
McGeechan convinced Gatland will be named as Lions boss tomorrow
WARREN GATLAND WILL face arguably the toughest challenge of his career should he be appointed coach for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. The combined side are due to name their coach at a press conference in Edinburgh tomorrow, with New Zealander Gatland set to be put in charge for a…
A win at last: Pat Lam proud to see Connacht do it their way
CONNACHT COACH PAT Lam insisted his side were going to stick to their principles to plot a way out of their losing streak. Last night Connacht secured their first win of the season in style as tries from Niyi Adeolokun, Quinn Roux, Cian Kelleher and Peter Robb wrapped up a bonus point win that roused…
Ford relishing chance to work ‘with the biggest club in Europe’ after agreeing terms with Toulon
MIKE FORD IS relishing the chance to work in the Top 14 after agreeing a deal to join Toulon as their backs coach, working alongside head coach Diego Dominguez. Ford had been heavily linked with a move to France following his departure from Bath at the end of the last Premiership season. And, following weeks of…