Scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan and prop Ben Franks have been recalled by New Zealand for the Tri-Nations clash against South Africa on Saturday.
Despite four crushing wins over the world’s second and third-best sides in the Tri-Nations, New Zealand will hold off tinkering with their squad.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry tried to hose down expectations on Sunday after his side retained the Bledisloe Cup.
New Zealand retained the Bledisloe Cup and all but secured the Tri-Nations trophy with a 20-10 victory over Australia at Lancaster Park on Saturday.
While results on the field may be far from satisfactory, the South African Rugby Union was in a bullish mood this week.
Australia coach Robbie Deans has made three changes for the Tri-Nations rematch against the All Blacks in Christchurch on Saturday.
SA official Cobus Wessels has been dropped from the All Blacks-Australia rematch because of a blunder that cost Australia dearly, it was reported.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has praised Craig Joubert’s hard-line refereeing that resulted in three yellow cards and left Australia reeling.
The All Blacks ripped apart the Wallabies 49-28 to take control of this year’s Tri-Nations series at the Docklands stadium on Saturday.
As an outsider looking in, Fourie du Preez wouldn’t change anything in the current Springbok set-up.
Australia stand to receive a Rugby World Cup progress report when they meet New Zealand in Melbourne on Saturday.
Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper on Wednesday lost his appeal against a two-week suspension for a spear tackle on South Africa’s Morne Steyn.
New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen slammed the appearance of a photograph of a page of the their playbook in Australian newspapers on Wednesday.
The condition of the pitch for Saturday’s Tri-Nations match is causing concern after Australian Rules players threatened to boycott the venue.
Robbie Deans has switched Matt Giteau to flyhalf and recalled Berrick Barnes as cover for Quade Cooper in the Wallabies team to play New Zealand.
Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper will appeal against his suspension imposed by a Sanzar judicial hearing, the Australian Rugby Union said on Monday.
Jon Smit said it is up to the Springboks to turn around their poor start to their Tri-Nations defence after their third straight defeat on the road.
Australia left South Africa’s Tri-Nations title defence in tatters with a 30-13 win over the ill-disciplined Springboks on Saturday.
Australian rugby commentator Brendan Cannon apologised on Friday for calling Springbok rugby coach Peter de Villiers a clown.
Seemingly rudderless, definitely sponsor-less
and unfortunately Du Preez-less, the Springbok camp needs to do something.
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has suggested his team have been victims of a conspiracy to assist the All Blacks ahead of next year’s World Cup.
The world champion Springboks will look to steady their rocky start to this year’s Tri-Nations with victory over the Wallabies on Saturday.
South Africa have made four changes to their starting XV to face Australia as they try to get their Tri-Nations campaign back on track.
Jean de Villiers has been suspended for two weeks for a dangerous tackle during the Springboks’ 31-17 loss to New Zealand on Saturday.
South African wing Jean de Villiers will appear at a judicial hearing on Sunday after being cited for a dangerous tackle during his side’s 31-17 loss.
New Zealand secured their second successive bonus point win of the 2010 Tri-Nations with a 31-17 victory over South Africa on Saturday.
The Springboks have promised a sharply improved performance in the second Test against New Zealand on Saturday.
Bulls lock Flip van der Merwe is on his way to New Zealand to join the Springbok side for their remaining two Tri-Nations matches.
The suspension of Bakkies Botha and a calf injury to Jannie du Plessis forced South Africa to make two changes on Tuesday to its starting line-up.
Bakkies Botha was on Sunday banned from rugby for nine weeks for headbutting All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan.
New Zealand are desperate to end a run of three straight defeats to the Springboks, writes <b>Ken Borland</b>.
South Africa have received a boost with Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw declared fit for their Tri-Nations opener against New Zealand on Saturday.