In Perth yesterday the Springboks missed 33 tackles, conceded 26 turnovers and lost the rucks and mauls 101-54. End of story. You cannot win any game with figures like that.

The former England winger Steve Hanley has retired after failing to recover from a back injury suffered during Sale's Challenge Cup victory against Bayonne last December.

Steve Hanley has been forced to retire from playing due to a back injury sustained in a game against French club Bayonne last season.

The world champion South Africans could virtually seal the 2008 Tri-Nations rugby title if they beat Australia at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

SANZAR officials on Friday described a proposal to expand the Super 14 playoffs to six teams from next season as the first step towards growing the competition and making it the best in world rugby.

He once turned his back on a Lions tour of South Africa, uncomfortable at the consequences and realities of apartheid. For a young rugby player to do that in 1974, was a very profound step indeed.

England’s new attack coach Brian Smith has signalled his intent to throw the shackles off the red rose back line just days into his new job.

The Springboks will be within touching distance of regaining the Tri-Nations trophy if they beat Australia in Perth on Saturday, Aussie coach Robbie Deans has admitted.

Victor Matfield today revealed the Springboks real target for 2008 and the future. Put simply, it can be spelled out in two words: world dominance.

Eternal City, eternal sunshine, eternal rugby. The rooftops of Rome might offer a wonderful vista as a working environment for Nick Mallett but the challenge remains inherent. In fact, greater than ever, in his view.