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Erasmus happy with ‘tactical’ approach from SA Super Rugby franchises
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says local franchises have quickly gone into ‘Test’ rugby mode as opposed to last season where there was a lot of running rugby.
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OPINION: Consistency key for Pollard in important World Cup year
Philasande Sixaba says Bulls flyhalf Handre Pollard is showing the kind of form that can help the Springboks challenge for a third World Cup title in Japan later this later, but he needs to be consistent.
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Injured Bulls skipper De Jager to miss Super Rugby season
Originally, the forward was expected to be out of action for only two weeks after being forced to leave the field during a loss to the Jaguares in Argentina.
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Wallabies won't ease eligibility rules like Boks: Castle
Australia introduced the so-called Giteau's Law in 2015, allowing players with 60 caps who had played seven Super Rugby seasons to continue to be eligible for Wallabies selection after they moved overseas.
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World Rugby boss Gosper expects large economic boost at Japan World Cup
The ninth edition of rugby’s global showpiece will be hosted on Asian soil for the first time and Brett Gosper says the interest in the game in Japan has been exceptional.
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Fitzpatrick tips All Blacks and Ireland as Rugby World Cup favourites
Former captain Sean Fitzpatrick says the All Blacks stiffest competition will come from reigning 6 Nations Champions Ireland during Rugby’s global showpiece.
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Australia’s Toni Pulu’s Rugby World Cup hopes suffer blow
Pulu lasted less than 10 minutes with his new club against the Melbourne Rebels before he suffered the injury on Friday.
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'Brutal' derbies beckon as Super Rugby becomes World Cup trial
The 15-team, three-conference southern hemisphere club championship kicks off on Friday when the Waikato Chiefs host the Otago Highlanders.
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Hansen mocks 'Mickey Mouse' Wallabies rival: report
Hansen, who will step down after the World Cup in Japan this year, said it was possible to distract Cheika by using niggling ploys like refusing to use his name before matches.
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Injured All Black Cane to miss half of Super season
The openside flanker broke his neck in a collision with South African Francois Louw during the All Blacks' 32-30 win over the Springboks in Pretoria last October.
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Professional rugby taking root in US ahead of new season
One year after seven teams launched the latest attempt to establish professional rugby in the United States, nine clubs will participate in the 2019 season which runs from January to June.
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SA Rugby to rest contracted Boks during Super Rugby season
The South African Rugby Union led by Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will look to rest contracted Springbok players during an uninterrupted Super Rugby season with the Rugby World Cup in mind that starts in September this year.
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Wallabies coach Cheika survives axe with powers curtailed
Cheika has faced a mounting backlash from dismayed fans and former players after winning just four of Australia's 13 Tests this year - their worst campaign in decades.
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Hansen to quit as All Blacks coach as scramble starts for successor
Hansen, a former policeman, took over in late 2011 after working as Graham Henry's assistant for seven years and guided the All Blacks to World Cup victory in 2015.
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Brits happy to support Springboks in any capacity
Veteran hooker Schalk Brits says he is more than happy to support the Springboks in whatever capacity he finds himself in ahead of the World Cup in Japan next year.
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Jake White eyed as Wallabies coach – reports
The South African approached the governing body after Australia won just four of their 13 Tests this year, according to the Sydney Morning Herald
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Jones ready for Australia scrap with 'street-fighter' Cheika
England have won just five of their 11 Tests in 2018 and the Wallabies a mere four out of 12 heading into their showdown at Twickenham on Saturday.
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Key Wallabies set to be rested from Super Rugby
The move is based on a New Zealand programme that ensures top players are monitored and given time off, including missing Super Rugby games.
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Wales host Australia in battle for pre-World Cup tonic
The two sides will clash on 29 September, 2019, at Tokyo Stadium in what many reckon will be the game that decides the winner of a Pool D that also includes Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay.
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France and South Africa head to Paris with eyes on Japan
South Africa haven't lost to the French since 2009 but Erasmus is not taking another victory as a given.
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'Hungry' Germany eye historic Rugby World Cup chance
Mike Ford has been brought in as Germany's head coach for the repechage tournament in Marseille against Canada, Kenya and Hong Kong which starts on Sunday.