Devin Hermanus

epa10945989 New Zealand captain Sam Cane sits on the chair following a yellow card uring the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa in Saint-Denis, France, 28 October 2023. The yellow card was upgraded to a red card. EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Cane cops ban for hit on Bok centre

Sam Cane has been slapped with a heavy suspension for his dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel in the World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa in Paris.

Wales' full back Leigh Halfpenny takes part in the Captain's Run at Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo on October 31, 2019, a day before the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final against New Zealand. (Photo by Charly TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

Halfpenny super chuffed to join Crusaders

Leigh Halfpenny is relishing the chance to play for the Crusaders as the defending Super Rugby champions confirmed that the Welsh star has signed a one-year deal.

Toulon's Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar (R) kicks the ball during the French Top14 rugby union match between Aviron Bayonnais (Bayonne) and Rugby Club Toulonnais (Toulon) at Stade Jean Dauger in Bayonne, south-western France on December 31, 2022. (Photo by GAIZKA IROZ / AFP)

Watch: Biggar breaks down before impact

Veteran flyhalf Dan Biggar lined up a goal-kick for Toulon against Perpignan in the Top 14, but had to abort his attempt after collapsing to the turf with a back spasm.

Bulls boss in no rush to pick Boks

Jake White can’t wait to welcome back the Vodacom Bulls’ World Cup winners, yet the director of rugby will consider leaving out the quartet a bit longer if the team is on a roll.

Ospreys vs Hollywoodbets Sharks. Hollywoodbets Sharks head coach John Plumtree speaks to the media before the game BKT United Rugby Championship, Twickenham Stoop, London, England - 03 Nov 2023 Photo: SteveHaagSports/Inpho/Shutterstock

Plum peeved with ‘slow to learn’ Sharks

A frustrated John Plumtree says discipline and decision-making remain key areas of concern as the Sharks still look for a first win in the 2023-24 Vodacom URC.

PARMA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 04: Johan Goosen of the Vodacom Bulls converts a try during the United Rugby Championship match between Zebre and Vodacom Bulls at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on November 04, 2023 in Parma, Italy.

State of the URC: Bulls rumble, SA rivals struggle

The DHL Stormers’ unbeaten run ended as the Sharks and Lions remain winless, with the Vodacom Bulls the only South African team to win in round 3 of the Vodacom URC.

On this day: Ireland end 111-year wait for Kiwi scalp

On 5 November 2016, Ireland beat New Zealand for the first time, with their victory in Chicago also snapping the All Blacks’ record run of 18 straight wins.

Boks ‘scrambled’ to defend their title

The Springboks are back-to-back world champions not because they were the most talented team in France, but because they tackled like their lives depended on it, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luca Sighinolfi/INPHO/Shutterstock (14183877t) Zebre Parma vs Vodacom Bulls. Vodacom Bulls' Johan Goosen BKT United Rugby Championship, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, Italy - 04 Nov 2023

Bulls trample Zebre

David Kriel scored a hat-trick of tries, while Johan Goosen kicked 12 points as the Vodacom Bulls thrashed Zebre in the Vodacom URC in Parma on Saturday.

Jake: Rough road for us on 4G turf

Adapting to artificial pitches for South African teams is crucial, says Jake White, as they become a more common feature in European cup competitions.