Boks face Wallabies in Rugby W.Cup quarters

2011-10-08T18:30:09Z

South Africa's bid to defend their World Cup title faces its sternest test yet when they meet Tri-Nations foes Australia in a quarter-final on Sunday.

The way the draw was made, the Springboks ought to have been playing New Zealand and Australia both unveiled their teams for the World Cup quarter-finals ahead of what promised to be the most open knockout phase in the tournament's 24-year history.

Ireland and Wales

Boks without Bakkies, England go with Flood at W.Cup

2011-10-06T05:30:41Z

South Africa lost 'enforcer' Bakkies Botha from the World Cup on Thursday as the reigning champions, England and Wales all announced their teams for this weekend's quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, England manager Australia in this Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against South Africa had not diminished after the Boks' lost enforcer Bakkies Botha to injury, Wallabies prop John Smit will captain the Springboks against Australia in a World Cup quarter-final here on Sunday, but lock Bakkies Botha misses out after injuring himself in training.

Smit is one of three changes to the team th...

It's a knock out time at Rugby World Cup

2011-10-03T04:30:35Z

New Zealand head into next weekend's quarter-finals firm favourites to break their World Cup hoodoo yet the indefinable pressure of all-or-nothing matches looms large.

The All Blacks know more than anyone else the foibles of looking too far ahead at the big prize having been denied in previous sudden-death...

History means nothing against Boks: Wallabies skipper Horwill

2011-10-03T02:30:08Z

Wallabies skipper James Horwill said on Monday he was taking no comfort from Australia's recent success against South Africa ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final showdown next weekend.

Australia have defeated South Africa in five of their past six meetings...

Springboks count injury cost of Samoa win at Rugby W.Cup

2011-09-30T20:30:23Z

Defending champions South Africa were left counting the cost in injuries following Friday's bone-crunching 13-5 win over Samoa which booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Almost certainly out of the rest of the tournament with a badly injured shoulder is

Boks survive frantic Samoa to reach quarters

2011-09-30T13:30:11Z

Defending champions South Africa qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals but not after a desperate struggle to fight off Samoa 13-5 and stay unbeaten at North Harbour on Friday.

The Springboks led 13-0 at halftime but failed to score for the last 53 minutes as they withstood a furious comeback from the Samoans, who finished a m...

South Africa announce team to play Samoa

2011-09-26T18:30:13Z

South Africa named their strongest available team, on Tuesday making seven changes ahead of their Rugby World Cup Pool D game against Samoa in Auckland on Friday.

Barring the injury to lock Bakkies Botha

Wales bid to put flagging Namibia to sword at Rugby W.Cup

2011-09-25T19:30:17Z

Wales will bid to put Namibia to the sword when the two sides meet in Monday's Pool D match to take a step towards qualifying for the knock-out phase of the World Cup.

The Welsh narrowly lost their opener 17-16 to South Africa but rebounded to beat

All Blacks leading Rugby World Cup charge

2011-09-25T18:30:21Z

The World Cup's big guns took stock as the final week of the tournament's group stages got underway with Wales looking for maximum points against Namibia to draw level with Samoa in a tight Pool D.

With three games under their belt, the All Black...

87-0 but Boks not perfect, says De Villiers at rugby World Cup

2011-09-22T19:30:32Z

Coach Peter de Villiers has shrugged off South Africa's sloppy start and revelled in the defending champions' 12 tries in swamping Namibia at the World Cup.

The outcome was never in doubt as the Springboks hoisted a record 87-0 victory over the largely amateur...

Record Boks put one foot in W. Cup quarters

2011-09-22T09:30:31Z

Defending champions South Africa trumped their own World Cup points record with an 87-0 blitz of doughty Namibia to all but book a place in the quarter-finals at North Harbour on Thursday.

The Springboks didn't quite replicate their landslide 105-13 15-try win over their African neighbours four years ago but they still finis...

Bok skipper Smit to lead defending W.Cup champs vs Namibia

2011-09-22T03:30:09Z

Skipper John Smit left for the World Cup under siege to hold his place in the Springboks team yet he will be creating new records when he leads the defending champions against minnows Namibia on Thursday.

Local writers caustically rated Smit as far from the republic's best hook...

Winless Namibia have our respect at W.Cup: Boks

2011-09-21T04:30:23Z

South Africa may have hit triple-figures the only time they played but humble Namibia will have a point to prove to the defending champions at the World Cup, Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold said on Wednesday.

No one is giving the 19th-ranked Namibians a hope in stemming th...

'Slavery' row as Rugby World Cup resumes

2011-09-20T02:31:00Z

The scheduling row that has soured the World Cup took on a new dimension with a Samoan player accusing the International Rugby Board of exploitation akin to "slavery" and "apartheid".

Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, a centre who plays his club rugby for Gloucester in England<...

Habana back as Boks change five for Namibia

2011-09-19T18:30:17Z

South Africa made five changes and welcomed back winger Bryan Habana to their team to play Namibia in a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at North Harbour on Thursday.

Habana returned from a knee injury that saw him miss the 49-3 win over Fiji in

Boks coach says haka 'over-used'

2011-09-19T06:30:16Z

New Zealand's famous haka war dance is in danger of losing its impact because it is being performed too often during this year's Rugby World Cup, outspoken South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said Monday.

But his criticism was immediately dismissed by...

All Blacks' famous Haka 'over-used', says Boks coach

2011-09-19T05:30:26Z

But his criticism was immediately dismissed by...

Springboks demolish Fiji in rugby W. Cup

2011-09-17T10:30:14Z

South Africa made it two wins out of two in the defence of their World Cup crown with a comfortable 49-3 victory over a misfiring Fiji on Saturday.

The Springboks showed a steely grit, and no little flair, in dispatching a Fijian side that started well but whose preferred ball-in-hand game crumbled badly the longer they were unable ...

Bakkies back but injuries force Springbok changes

2011-09-14T18:30:15Z

Injury-hit South Africa made six changes to the team that will face Fiji in Wellington on Saturday but received a boost with veteran lock Bakkies Botha's return from an achilles tendon strain.

Botha missed the Springboks' opening South Africa have named their most experienced team ever for the opening game in the defence of their World Cup crown against Wales on Sunday.

The team, which has a staggering total of 815 caps, features 16 members of the victorious 2007 squad in the match-day squad, with 11 in the starting 15.

"It feels like it's taken an...

Conservative tactics 'vital' to World Cup win

2011-09-08T04:30:28Z

The team that wins the 2011 World Cup will likely employ conservative tactics based on set-piece dominance, a strong presence in broken play, a reliable goal-kicker and field kicking for territorial advantage.

South Africa clinched the last World Cup in France in 2007 because of such tactics and littl...

Islanders set to get physical at rugby World Cup

2011-09-05T17:30:33Z

The fearless physical approach of Pacific island rugby took centre stage Monday in the countdown to the Rugby World Cup, four days before the tournament opens here.

Bone-crunching tackles and bruising collisions at the breakdown were portrayed as an essential part of their game if they are to have any chance of progressing to the play-off rounds.

In Pool A, Tonga

Gatland says Wales won't shirk Springbok challenge

2011-09-03T13:30:41Z

Wales coach Warren Gatland has promised they will field their strongest possible side to face champions South Africa in their opening World Cup pool match in Wellington on September 11.

Wales ...

Springboks get rousing send-off

2011-09-01T14:30:44Z

South Africa were given a rousing send-off Thursday as they head for New Zealand to defend the Rugby World Cup.

Thousands of supporters wearing replica green and gold jerseys sang, danced and cheered as the team said goodbye at a square named after former president South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said Monday that hosts New Zealand remain 2011 Rugby World Cup favourites despite suffering two consecutive Tri-Nations defeats this month.

The

Springboks at full strength for Wales: De Villiers

2011-08-24T12:30:23Z

Coach Peter de Villiers said Wednesday that injury-hit South Africa would be at full strength when they start their Rugby World Cup title defence on September 11 against Wales.

Loose forwards Juan Smith and Duane Vermeulen and lock ...

Ndungane only shock in South Africa World Cup squad

2011-08-23T16:30:12Z

Wing Odwa Ndungane was the shock inclusion in the South Africa squad named Tuesday to defend the Rugby World Cup title in New Zealand during September and October.

Younger Lwazi Mvovo had been widely tipped to get the nod ahead of fellow Coastal Shark Ndungane in the squad named by coach Springboks weekend defeat of the All Blacks threw open World Cup predictions as the Kiwis attack philosophy failed against the traditional defence-based World Cup winning formula of the 'Boks.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry made no apologies for hi...

Springboks underscore old school values

2011-08-22T19:30:43Z

The Springboks weekend defeat of the All Blacks threw open World Cup predictions as the Kiwis attack philosophy failed against the traditional defence-based World Cup winning formula of the 'Boks.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry made no apologies for hi...

South Africa clear Lambie, Steyn to play

2011-08-22T13:30:14Z

Injured South African utility backs Patrick Lambie and Francois Steyn were cleared Monday to play at the 2011 Rugby World Cup starting next month in New Zealand.

Lambie, who can play full-back, cent...

All Blacks get reminder of rugby W. Cup nightmare

2011-08-21T09:30:25Z

New Zealand coach Graham Henry remained convinced his team were on the right track despite being given a reminder of a recurring Rugby World Cup nightmare when a second-string side were beaten 18-5 by South Africa in a South Africa's resolute defence was hailed as the difference between the teams after the Springboks beat the New Zealand All Blacks 18-5 in a Tri-Nations Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadi...

Springboks under pressure against All Blacks

2011-08-19T20:30:06Z

South Africa will be under pressure to show that their Rugby World Cup planning is on track when they meet New Zealand in a Tri-Nations Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium S...

Skipper Mealamu wants All Blacks to focus on present

2011-08-19T12:30:22Z

All Blacks captain Keven Mealamu urged his side not to be distracted by the World Cup when they meet the Springboks in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test at Australian Rugby Board threw its support behind Wallabies coach Robbie Deans just ahead of the World Cup by extending his contract for another two years.

Coming on the back of Australia<...

Aussie press praises Wallabies' courage

2011-08-14T20:30:15Z

The Wallabies achieved one of their most courageous overseas Test victories against the Springboks at the weekend to push their World Cup claims, according to Australian newspapers.

The Australians kept alive their ...

Springboks add three to Tri-Nations squad

2011-08-14T13:30:12Z

South Africa added three players to their Tri-Nations squad on Sunday and dismissed reports that injured skipper John Smit could miss the World Cup in New Zealand next month.

Utility back Patrick ...

Coach Deans praises Wallaby resilience

2011-08-13T17:30:13Z

Australia coach Robbie Deans praised the resilience of his team after they overturned a 6-0 half-time deficit to defeat the most capped Springbok team of all time 14-9 in a Tri-Nations Test at Kings Park on Saturday.

With the South Africa fly-half Butch James comes out of the Test wilderness Saturday against Australia with a Rugby World Cup starting place on the line.

James replaces talented but inexperienced Patrick Lambie in one...

Michalak stars as Sharks pip Province

2011-08-12T17:30:14Z

Former France fly-half Frederic Michalak scored all the Sharks points as they edged Western Province 21-19 in a South African Currie Cup thriller Friday.

Michalak, who quit

Aussie scrum-half Genia wary of 'new' Springboks

2011-08-09T12:30:36Z

Australia scrum-half Will Genia conceded Tuesday that the Wallabies cannot expect to dominate South Africa in their Tri-Nations Test here Saturday the way they did at home last month.

The Wallabies outclassed the s...

Springboks revise Tri-Nations squad again

2011-08-08T14:30:38Z

South Africa added forwards Ashley Johnson and Ryan Kankowski to a constantly changing squad Monday amid injury and illness concerns ahead of Tri-Nations Tests against Australia and All Blacks' attack has produced nine tries in two Tri-Nations Tests but it is their ruthless defence that is being rated their most lethal weapon heading into the World Cup.

New Zealand coach Rudi Vogt kicked 23 points as defending champions Sharks suffered their first Currie Cup defeat of the season when losing 43-22 in Kimberley Friday.

No visitors relish playing on a rock-hard pitch in the chilly Northern Cape diamond city and Sharks were second best for most of the match ...

Springbok 'crocks' recalled for Tri-Nations

2011-08-05T14:30:31Z

South Africa have included 14 stars ruled out of the Tri-Nations away leg by injuries for return matches against Australia and New Zealand this month.

Fullback-cum-centre Francois Steyn, wi...

All Blacks go for experience in W. Cup rehearsal

2011-08-04T12:30:40Z

The All Blacks have mustered their most experienced side ever for Saturday's Tri-Nations match against the Wallabies at Eden Park which is being hailed in New Zealand as a potential World Cup final.

Coach All Blacks have made sweeping changes for their Tri-Nations Test against the Australia in Auckland on Saturday including the introduction of four key forwards and replacing three backs.

There was a "massive challenge" ahead, coach

All Blacks call up heavy artillery to face Wallabies

2011-07-31T03:30:13Z

The All Blacks will roll out most of their remaining heavy artillery for next weekend's crucial Tri-Nations rugby Test against the Wallabies in Auckland.

At stake is the chance to gain a psychological edge in the lead up to the

Points galore as Lions top Currie Cup

2011-07-30T15:30:23Z

Golden Lions, Sharks and Western Province won on Saturday to occupy the top three places on the Currie Cup table after a 208-point feast that included 27 tries.

Fly-halves were the leading scorers with former France Test star Frederic Michalak (Sharks) contributing 18 points, Sias Ebersohn (

Emphatic All Blacks win over South Africa

2011-07-30T09:30:14Z

The All Blacks carved up an under-strength Springbok side to open their Tri-Nations account with an emphatic 40-7 victory at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

They...

All Blacks change four to face Springboks

2011-07-27T20:00:10Z

Versatile forward Adam Thomson has been awarded the backrow slot for the All Blacks Tri-Nations Test against South Africa on Saturday as the selectors search for possible World Cup combinations.

T...

Australia rugby coach eyes win over All Blacks

2011-07-24T07:30:15Z

Coach Robbie Deans believes his triumphant Wallabies are better placed to break through for a win in New Zealand than at any time during his three years in charge.

Australia dominated an injury-ravaged South Africa

Springboks look for positives after Wallaby drubbing

2011-07-24T02:30:07Z

New Zealand will be favourites to win the World Cup whatever happens beforehand as injury-hit South Africa put their Tri-Nations title on the line next weekend, Springboks skipper John Smit said.

Worl...

Golden Lions sparkle in Currie Cup

2011-07-23T15:30:14Z

Perennial underachievers Golden Lions crushed Griqualand West 49-11 Saturday in diamond city Kimberley to move into the unaccustomed position of Currie Cup table toppers.

The Johannesburg team without a title since 1999 lead defending champions Sharks o...

Dazzling Wallabies win big over Springboks in Tri-Nations

2011-07-23T13:30:20Z

The Wallabies rebounded from their shock loss to Samoa to spectacularly launch their Tri-Nations campaign with a 39-20 win over South Africa in Sydney on Saturday.

The Australians hit back from their embarrassing 32-23 defeat to the Samoans to hammer the i...

South Africa fume over 'Springboks-Lite' tag

2011-07-23T03:30:08Z

South Africa are bristling at being tagged "Springboks-Lite" and are keen to show they are far from second-stringers in Saturday's Tri-Nations opener against the Wallabies in Sydney.

The world champions have left more than 20 injured front-line players at home and have selected four players in the 22-man squad to m...

Misfiring All Blacks told to step up for Tri-Nations

2011-07-22T20:30:16Z

The All Blacks were left with plenty to work on before their opening Tri-Nations Test against South Africa when they whipped Fiji with a flattering 60-14 scoreline.

Despite overpowering the Fijians by eight tries to two, the All Blacks on Friday let the Pacific islanders do...

Alistair Hargreaves drafted into Springboks team

2011-07-21T01:30:22Z

Coastal Sharks lock Alistair Hargreaves was drafted into the Springboks' starting lineup for Saturday's Tri-Nations opener against Australia in Sydney, according to the team.

Har...

'B' team tag angers Springbok skipper Smit

2011-07-15T19:30:21Z

South Africa skipper John Smit does not accept he is leading a 'B' team to Tri-Nations slaughter in Australia and New Zealand this month.

Injuries have ruled 21 mostly first-choice Springboks out of the away leg ...

Springbok skipper Smit to join Saracens after W. Cup

2011-07-13T07:30:21Z

Springbok captain John Smit is to join English Premiership club Saracens after the September 9-October 23 Rugby World Cup on a two-year deal.

The Sharks front-row forward, equally adept at either prop or hooker and capped 102 times by South Africa, enjoyed a stint at ...

Australia query S.Africa's rugby injury toll

2011-07-08T03:30:08Z

The Australian Rugby Union has called on rugby chiefs to investigate after the Springboks said most of their top players would be missing from upcoming Tri-Nations matches, according to a report.

South Africa said Wednesday that 21 of the preliminary South Africa team manager Andy Marinos said Wednesday that 21 of the preliminary Rugby World Cup squad were injured and unavailable for the away leg of the Tri-Nations championship this month.

The Springboks meet Queensland Reds will host their first Super Rugby final next Saturday against seven-time champions Canterbury Crusaders following decisive semi-final victories for both sides this weekend.

Winger Rod Davies scored a hat-trick of tries and Wallaby fly-half Quade Cooper ran the show a...

Rugby scrum-half Januarie quits Test scene

2011-06-24T08:30:28Z

Western Stormers scrum-half Ricky Januarie withdrew from the South Africa 2011 Rugby World Cup preliminary squad Friday and announced his retirement from international rugby union.

The 29-year-old was a surprise inclusion at the expense of Sarel Pr...

Springbok squad packed with W. Cup winners

2011-06-20T10:30:18Z

South Africa included 12 of the starting line-up that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup in a preliminary squad named Monday for the defence of the title in New Zealand this year.

The missing Springbok trio are fullback Percy Montgomery and looseh...

Steyn in, Basson out for Springbok camp

2011-06-08T17:30:20Z

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers has named Francois Steyn from Paris club Racing Metro in his squad for a pre-season planning camp.

Indian Ocean city Durban will host 37 Springboks...

Sharks bite back to sink Cheetahs

2011-06-04T17:30:10Z

Coastal Sharks boosted hopes of a Super 15 play-offs place by overcoming an eight-point deficit to defeat Central Cheetahs 23-18 Saturday in a South African showdown.

The winners survived an onslaught after being reduced to 13 players when scrum-half Charl McLeod and flank Keegan Daniel

Bulls edge Waratahs and climb two places in Super 15

2011-06-03T17:30:17Z

Defending champions Northern Bulls climbed two places to fifth on the Super 15 table by grinding out a 23-17 win over 14-man New South Wales Waratahs at chilly Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Waratahs slipped one spot to sixth after the bonus-point loss and remain in conte...

Stormers crush dismal Rebels with five tries

2011-06-03T13:30:33Z

South Africa's Western Stormers overpowered the Melbourne Rebels 40-3 to march into the Super 15 top two in Melbourne on Friday.

The Cape Town franchise won their third match of a four-match Australasian tour by an emphatic five tries to nil to consolidate ...

Steyn kicks Sharks into submission

2011-05-21T17:30:18Z

Fly-half Morne Steyn kicked 22 points as title holders Northern Bulls stayed in the hunt for more Super rugby union glory with a 32-23 triumph over Coastal Sharks Saturday.

Springbok pivot Steyn succeeded with seven of eight shots at goal -- five penalties and two conversions -- and also landed a trademark...

Springbok legend may have motor neurone disease

2011-05-21T14:30:10Z

Former Springbok skipper and Rugby World Cup winning scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen is out of hospital following tests to verify a motor neurone disease scare, his doctor said on Saturday.

"The diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease is unfortunately a possibility, but is not confirmed," said...

Cheetahs continue revival by shocking Crusaders

2011-05-14T17:30:24Z

Central Cheetahs of South Africa completed a hat-trick of Super 15 wins for the first time by shocking Canterbury Crusaders of New Zealand 33-20 at Free State Stadium Saturday.

Stormers open up to sink Sharks

2011-04-30T17:30:21Z

Western Stormers closed the gap behind Super 15 leaders Auckland Blues to one point after a 32-12 triumph against Coastal Sharks Saturday in a South African derby at Newlands.

It was the second success within four weeks for the Cape Town franchise...

'Red' Bulls regain form to crush Chiefs

2011-04-30T16:30:11Z

A change of strip colour brought a change of fortune for Super 15 defending champions Northern Bulls on Saturday as they scored 40 unanswered points en route to a 43-27 triumph over Waikato Chiefs.

The South Africans wore the red of their mobile phone sponsors rather than the traditional blue as they...

Cheetahs win at home for first time

2011-04-29T17:30:12Z

Central Cheetahs of South Africa won at home for the first time this season in the Super 15 with a 47-36 triumph over ACT Brumbies of Australia on Friday.

The second triumph of the season for the southern hemisphere championship franchise from Queensland Reds at Newlands Saturday.

The Cape Town franchise had two forwards sin binned and the yellow carding of hooker Deon Fourie with 12 minutes left of the southern hemisphere championship game prove...

Burger makes winning return for Stormers

2011-04-02T17:30:14Z

Springbok flank Schalk Burger made a winning return from injury as he captained Western Stormers to a 16-6 win over Coastal Sharks in a Super 15 southern hemisphere clash at King?s Park Saturday.

Burger scored the only try of a bruising, error-ridden South African derby, with both teams struggling to control the ball as rain fell during the second half.

Stormers...

Lions end winless run in Super 15 rugby thriller

2011-03-13T07:30:24Z

Golden Lions ended a 23-month winless run when they edged fellow South Africans Central Cheetahs 25-20 in a Super 15 thriller at Vodacom Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based...

Lions end winless run in thriller

2011-03-12T16:30:08Z

Golden Lions ended a 23-month winless run when they edged fellow South Africans Central Cheetahs 25-20 in a Super 15 thriller at Vodacom Park on Saturday.

The Johannesburg-based...

Springbok dope-case pair cleared

2011-01-28T08:30:22Z

Springbok dope-case duo Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were cleared Friday to play again by a South African Rugby Union (SARU) judicial committee.

Wing Basson and hooker Ralepelle were suspended last November after testing positive for banned stimulant meth...

Samples confirm Boks took banned stimulant

2010-12-13T15:30:27Z

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) said Monday the 'B' samples of wing Bjorn Basson and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle confirm they took a banned stimulant during a tour of Britain and Ireland.

Basson and Ralepe...

Springbok sevens bank on speedster Afrika

2010-12-08T17:30:42Z

South Africa will bank on speedster Cecil Afrika to get their IRB World Sevens Series challenge back on track Friday when western Cape town George hosts the two-day second leg.

The green and gold surrendered a 14-point advantage when losing 21-19 to Fiji in a Dubai quarter-final last weekend when the eight-le...

Watson heading home to South Africa

2010-12-06T15:30:41Z

South African flanker Luke Watson has said the lure of returning to his home city of Port Elizabeth is behind his decision to leave English club Bath at the end of the current Premiership season.

The 27-year-old former Springbok back-row joined Bath in November 2009 and helped in their transformation from relegation ca...

Springboks coach upbeat ahead of World Cup

2010-12-04T19:30:57Z

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers feels his side's dreams of retaining the World Cup in New Zealand next year have been given a big lift by their hard, if only half successful, campaign in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Springboks boss was upbeat and ce...

Mitchell at the double as Barbarians beat Boks

2010-12-04T15:30:27Z

Australia wing Drew Mitchell scored two tries as the Barbarians beat South Africa 26-20 at Twickenham on Saturday to end a disappointing year for the world champions.

Peter de Villiers' men were ...

Springboks' Botha promises no let-up against Barbarians

2010-12-04T05:30:48Z

Bakkies Botha will treat the Barbarians with the same fierce and physical determination to win as he did England when world champions South Africa end their 2010 campaign at Twickenham on Saturday.

It was at the same ground a week ago where the Springboks put a dent in the new-...

Venter steps down as Saracens boss

2010-11-30T16:31:02Z

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter is to step down from his post with the English Premiership side in January and return home to South Africa for "family reasons", it was announced here on Tuesday.

But the former Springbok will remain connected with the north London club, last season's beaten Premie...

Smith to lead Boks against Barbarians

2010-11-28T18:30:28Z

Juan Smith was named Sunday as the captain of South Africa for the world champions season-ending finale against the Barbarians at Twickenham.

The Cheetahs flanker took over the leadership from lock Victor Matfield, one of seven players released as the squad was reduced to 23 players.

Matfield and cen...

Rugby - England Vs South Africa

2010-04-08T16:21:06Z

News on Springboks

Wallabies settle for third-best at Rugby World Cup

McCaw trumps Pocock in Rugby W. Cup

De Villiers hails 'greats' Smit and Matfield

All Blacks lose duo as Rugby W. Cup injury toll mounts

Old rivalries spark Rugby World Cup semis

De Villiers quits as Springbok coach

De Villiers to quit as Springbok coach