Let me take you back to 2013 when I was coaching the Brumbies. We were always on the lookout for emerging talent and we’d had a tip-off about a young kid, who was playing for a club called Wests on the Sunshine Coast, and playing in a match against a local university team. If there were a few hundred people watching him, it would surprise me, but this shaggy-haired full-back had something, so we fast tracked him into the Brumbies set-up. Boy, he could move.
Here we are, about to begin another season of Premiership Women’s Rugby. Last season saw Gloucester-Hartpury Women lift the trophy once again, winning a free-flowing finale against Bristol Bears Women.
The Argentine pivot fits his team's style and structure far better than his illustrious All Blacks peer.
The South African kingpin knows he must rejuvenate his squad, but which ageing warriors will be cut loose?
I know over in New Zealand there is a lot of hand-wringing over the South Africans leaving Super Rugby but it’s not as big an issue as it’s made out. Put it this way, they didn’t struggle to impose their physicality on our shores back then. I’m not sold on that argument but it’s difficult to deny their crown has slipped somewhat in recent years.
Though South Africa came away with a narrow 31-27 win over the All Blacks at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday, former New Zealand No10 Andrew Merhtens feels Scott Robertson's side will be taking a lot of positives from their performance.
South Africa kept their unbeaten start to The Rugby Championship rolling as they closed out a remarkable comeback to down the All Blacks 31 - 27 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
While the Springboks are showing clear signs of evolving this season under new leadership, the All Blacks know it's still a game of DNA.
Sam Cane is set to start a Test match for the first time since last year’s heartbreaking loss in the Rugby World Cup Final.
South Africa have looked frighteningly impressive in attack this year as they embark on their quest for Rugby Championship glory.