Test Rugby

All Blacks, England count cost of series opener

All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara and England prop Joe Marler are both considered unlikely starters for the second Test in Auckland where New Zealand will chase a series sweep.

Inexperienced France cruise past Pumas

France coach Fabien Galthie said his side “ticked a lot of boxes” after a much-changed team eased past Argentina in Mendoza on Saturday in Felipe Contepomi’s first game in charge of the hosts.

Siya Kolisi in action against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld

Siya: We know it’s not finished

Captain Siya Kolisi said the Boks will “give it everything” to whitewash Ireland in Durban next week following a series-opening win in Pretoria.

Ireland caught by Bok ‘change-up’

Skipper Peter O’Mahony lauded the world champion Springboks’ enterprising play and width on attack after South Africa exacted revenge over Ireland on Saturday.

Springboks bust Ireland hoodoo

The Springboks turned to the power of their Bomb Squad to secure a first victory over Ireland since 2016 in the series opener in Pretoria on Saturday.

Schmidt off to winning start with Wallabies

Joe Schmidt’s reign as Australia coach got off to a fine start in Sydney on Saturday with a gutsy triumph over a Wales outfit that slumped to an eighth straight defeat.

All Blacks boss gets reality check

A gritty win against England on Saturday delivered Scott Robertson a stark reminder on his All Blacks coaching debut after seven years of dominance in Super Rugby.

Sevu Reece scores for the All Blacks against England in Dunedin

Razor’s All Blacks edge England

Damian McKenzie struck two late penalties as New Zealand kicked off the Scott Robertson era with a narrow win against England in Dunedin on Saturday night.

SABC pulls plug on Bok-Ireland Tests

Fans won’t be able to watch the world champion Springboks clash with Ireland in Mzansi on SABC after the public broadcaster canned its coverage of the two-match series.