When the gloves come off

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has six months of Test cricket left before his Proteas career ends.

Sri Lanka scores in final match, SA still wins series

Despite Sri Lanka's two-wicket triumph over South Africa in the final match of an international series, the series was still won 3-2 by the hosts.

Ready, steady, Super Rugby

The new season is about to start and will provide a weekly dress rehearsal for Springbok selectors.

Phobos-Grunt spirals closer to Earth

Russia's doomed probe for Mars spirals ever closer to the Earth before it plunges back into the atmosphere in a fiery end.

New Zealand sees no Justice in quirky baby names

You can perhaps understand why officials in New Zealand might think that naming a newborn baby Lucifer is not giving it the fairest start in life.

Christchurch 'hit by 17 earthquakes in 18 hours'

New Zealand's quake-ravaged city of Christchurch has been rocked by a series of 17 low- to mid-level earthquakes in 18 hours.

Christchurch rocked by further quakes

New Zealand's Christchurch has been rocked by a fresh series of powerful earthquakes, sending terrified people fleeing into the streets.

Hansen appointed new All Blacks coach

The New Zealand Rugby Union have appointed Steve Hansen as the new coach of the world champion All Blacks, replacing Graham Henry.

2011: Perfect year for All Blacks

Despite a series of setbacks that had the nation worried, New Zealand ended 24 years of disappointed by winning the Rugby World Cup this year.

New Zealand puts Super 15 sides up for sale

Four New Zealand's five Super 15 rugby franchises have been put up for partial sale with no restriction on where the private stakeholders come from.

John Key announced as New Zealand's prime minister

John Key has claimed victory for his centre-right National Party in New Zealand elections and says he has begun talks with likely coalition partners.

Naked All Black accused of drunken assault

All Blacks wing Zac Guildford has been accused of staggering naked, drunk and bleeding into a bar where he allegedly assaulted two people.

Prayers and pleas ahead of RWC final

An anxious New Zealand faced its "date with destiny" on Sunday, praying a 24-year wait for a second Rugby World Cup title would soon be over.

France to field unchanged XV against All Blacks

The same French players who narrowly squeaked past Wales have been given the chance to make history by beating the All Blacks in Sunday's final.

SA's Joubert to preside over Rugby World Cup final

SA's Craig Joubert has been named to referee the Rugby World Cup final between overwhelming favourites New Zealand and "worst-ever finalists" France.

Boks battle to victory over Samoa

The Springboks managed a scrappy 13-5 victory over Samoa in their final group game of the Rugby World Cup, carrying them through to the quarterfinals.

Boks and co not assured of quarterfinal spots

South Africa, England and Ireland head into the final round of World Cup pool action top of their groups, but are not set for quarterfinal spots.

Finding the right mix of youth and experience

A match of 12 tries that only really came to life in the final quarter will be remembered principally for Bryan Habana's record-breaking five points.

Scots deflated by World Cup bagpipe ban

A ban on bagpipes at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand has knocked the wind out of the Scotland team.

Where sleep steals your dreams

Its beauty is dazzling by day, but when the sun goes down New Zealand’s seas and glittering skies are another world.

Too much haka?

New Zealand's famous war dance was in danger of losing its potency because it was being performed too often, says Peter de Villiers.

Ireland upset Wallabies in thriller game

Ireland produced the first major upset of the World Cup with a 15-6 victory over Australia, pushing Ireland up to first place in pool C.

Springboks flatten Fiji to climb to top of the log

The Springboks romped to a masterful 49-3 victory over Fiji in their second World Cup group D game on Saturday in Wellington.

Bring on the new broom

Sweeping changes may be needed as injuries and fading form take their toll on the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup.

Wins for Samoa, Canada and Scotland at World Cup

Samoa and Canada made winning starts to the World Cup on Wednesday, while Scotland held off a brave challenge from Georgia.

You need to instal Adobe Flash to view this map

IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER

SUBSCRIBE:
- Paper edition
- iPad edition (NEW!)
- Kindle edition
- Digital edition


Read stories online

@mailandguardian - Top stories & newsflashes
@NicDawes - M&G editor Nic Dawes
@ChrisRoperZA - Editor, M&G Online
@amabhungane - M&G Centre for Investigative Journ
@mgfeed - Our whole news feed

Sponsored links

	Business travel experts		Flowers & gifts
	Domestic & Regional Airline		Bulk SMS gateway