The endless renewal of a plethora of laws can lead to confusion and mistakes on the field of play.
The injury-hit team must show that they are capable of more than just kicking and tackling.
New Zealand are expecting a South Africa backlash at a hostile Ellis Park when the teams meet in a crunch Rugby Championship fixture on Saturday.
The Springbok coach has blatantly ignored quotas designed to increase black representation.
Injuries put limits on this weekend’s game and the real test for the Boks will be in a fortnight’s time.
Injuries and high-paying contracts have been a pain, but there is some comfort to be had.
Whatever happens to the Stormers on Saturday it is the New Zealand team that has been the most destructive this season.
The departure of rugby stalwarts opens the doors for younger players – and new coaches – to shine.
Saturday’s pivotal Super Rugby derby is set to be a battle royal with the conference title at stake.
The struggling Cheetahs have been tamed this season but the Lions have regained their roar.
Traditionalists will be happy to see that playing rugby the old-fashioned way pays off.
With the play-offs in sight, it’s a tricky time for those teams that have worked consistently.
Skipper Warren Whiteley adds spice to the Golden Lions games.
The boys from Pretoria are in an excellent position to top the South African conference but must first overcome a gruelling overseas trip.
Getting the fans behind the team by playing pleasing rugby can be a recipe for success.
In the television age, it makes little sense to divide the rugby world into north and south, and thus partner with countries across wide time zones.
The season has shown a marked turnaround in performances, led by the indomitable Lions.
The table-topping Wellington Hurricanes put their unbeaten run on the line against the defending Super 15 champions NSW Waratahs.
The going is extremely tough for the Sharks right now as the Lions and Stormers surge ahead.
Can the Durban team sink any lower than last weekend’s embarrassing defeat to the Crusaders? Andy Capostagno traces the sad decline.
Twice within eight months the referee admits that the wrong side won. Something has to change.
Highly paid Super 15 superstars owe it to the fans not to produce lacklustre, boring displays.
It’s not stretching credulity too far to suggest that the Lions could now be leading the South African conference, instead of languishing in 11th spot
Waratahs player Jacques Potgieter was fined Aus$20 000 after a Brumbies player complained that Potgieter had made an anti-gay remark.
Battling Sonny Bill Williams will remind the former Bok of the glory he has potentially sacrificed.
All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter kicked four conversions and two penalties in the Crusaders’ 34-6 win over South Africa’s Lions in Super Rugby.
For many reasons, this season’s Super Rugby will be more unpredictable than ever.
Coach Frans Ludeke has a lot riding on this weekend’s match against the Sharks.
The captain missed the opening game last week when he withdrew at the last minute due to a shoulder problem, and will replace Kyle Cooper.
The coach, as much as the players, must believe in winning instead of just fearing a loss.
Super Rugby stats provide an eye-opener but, then again, they are a poor predictor of the future.
With the Stormers sweating over injuries and the Bulls needing early momentum, the Sharks look likely to have the best chance of winning Super Rugby.