MELBOURNE (Reuters) – South Africa have long set the benchmark for using driving mauls to grind down opponents but were impressed by the All Blacks’ execution of the tactic in their humbling of Australia at Eden Park last month. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw scored two second half tries off rolling mauls from attacking lineouts … Read more
By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s annual quest to knock arch rivals New Zealand off their pedestal begins again in the Rugby Championship, with little to suggest any impending change in the status quo. A key injury, disappointing returns by South African sides in the recent Super Rugby competition and unconvincing form … Read more
Pretoria, Afrique du Sud | AFP | Outside centre Damian de Allende will debut for South Africa Saturday against Argentina in a Rugby Championship first-round match in Pretoria. The uncapped 22-year-old Western Stormer is among eight changes to the starting team that whipped Scotland 55-6 in Port Elizabeth two months ago. De Allende, inside centre … Read more
By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY (Reuters) – The New Zealand juggernaut rumbles into the Rugby Championship on the back of a 17-match winning streak and realistic hopes in South Africa, Australia and Argentina will be of hindering its progress rather than bringing it to a halt. Victory over Australia in their opener on Saturday would give … Read more