Last season many of us believed that Leicester and Northampton had the strongest squads and would easily be champions and we weren't wrong. Saracens were certainly in the mix last season but wouldn't have been considered as the strongest side.However, this season they are most definitely in the top 2 for most people, if not the top team. Click read more to hear some audio from Mark McCall's post match press conference at Kingsholm...

Being involved with Gloucester Rugby has brought to my attention that there are a great deal of up-and-coming rugby stars who many believe will star for England one day. Some surely will but other youngsters that are still at U18's and U20's level are not making first team starts for their clubs. At Kingsholm, the likes of Charlie Sharples, Henry Trinder, Freddie Burns and Jonny May are such brilliant young talents but the question is, are they really capable of getting into the England setup and representing them regularly?

Following Saracens late comeback against Gloucester with Brad Barritt scoring the crucial try and Owen Farrell the winning conversion, the coaching teams spoke to the press and reflected on the game. Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby, and Bryan Redpath, Gloucester head coach, spoke to the media.

An epic Currie Cup season came to a close today at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg. The top two finishers on the log, The MTN Golden Lions and The Sharks, took each other on in the final of the oldest provincial competition. The Sharks, the defending champions, came to Johannesburg with the knowledge that they have never lost a final at Coca-Cola Park. The Lions knew that the last time they won a final was 1999 against The Sharks in Durban. Neither team has won a final at home against the other.

Top of the table, Harlequins would look to maintain their position but a powerful Exeter side stood in their way and they didn't make it easy for the home side.

Harlquins led 9-0 at half time after 3 penalties from the boot of fly-half, Nick Evans. But the heavy scoreline didn't reflect Exeter's play and they were never dominated by Quins and they were unlucky not to have more points after two strong attempts at the opposition try line.

Click read more to view this video about the World Cup final refereeing decisions.

The Ospreys made a strong start and probably underestimated strong oponents who fought back later on in the game. The Ospreys were lucky not be penalized any more than the single yellow card they received in the second half as the referee highlighted key disciplinary errors throughout for the Welsh side. Glasgow fully capitalized on Ospreys disclipinary problems by pouncing on them in the second half with a host of penalties and tries.

Two of England's Rugby World Cup representatives have already been struck with injuries just weeks after after returning from New Zealand. Manu Tuilagi sustained a cheek injury in a clash of heads during Leicester's LV Cup Round 2 match with Gloucester. It has been confirmed that Tuilagi has a broken cheekbone and will probably miss around 6 weeks of rugby.

Is it time for the Six Nations to be expanded into a two-tier competition?
BY DAMIAN CORBET


The current structure of the Six Nations is holding back the Tier Two European rugby nations. As the Rugby World Cup showed, there is still a significant (but narrowing) gap between the leading rugby nations and the rest. In Europe this gap is narrowing even faster than in the rest of the world, with countries like Georgia knocking on the door of top tier rugby. For the moment, however, that door is firmly locked to them. They can knock all they like – they’re not getting in.

Will James has extended his contract with West-Country side, Gloucester Rugby, for another year. The extension means the Gloucester lock will stay with the club until the 2012-2013 season.

“As to the methods there may be a million and then some, but principles are few. The man who grasps principles can successfully select his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble.” So remarked Ralph Waldo Emerson, and this idea nicely echoes training for rugby. There are a million ways to train to become a better rugby player. No two programs are alike but the good ones are all united by their observance of sound principles. Perhaps the most fundamental principle of training for rugby is this: you must be strong.

Following the Rugby World Cup, the IRB held it's awards night. The awards up for grabs included IRB player of the year, IRB coach of the year, IRB junior player of the year, IRPA try of the year as well as several other team and individual awards. Click read more to view the full list of winners.

As the 2011 Rugby World Cup draws to an end, it's time to overview what went on. In this article I will analyse the key statistics from the tournament that could have impacted on the big results throughout the tournament.

Click read more to here what Graham Henry said following New Zealand victory over France in the Rugby World Cup Final. The win ends a twenty-four year hunger for the Webb Ellis Trophy and it sees history repeating itself with the All Blacks winning in New Zealand as they did back in 1987...

Auckland continued to party as the All Blacks completed their street parade of the William Webb Ellis trophy having won the Rugby World Cup last night. Nick Heath was there for Rugby Media.

LOCATION THE BREWERY FIELD / DATE OCTOBER 22 2011 / COMPETITION LV=CUP ROUND 2
Northampton had their international stars back from World Cup duty but the Ospreys were less fortunate as many of the Welsh squad still remained in New Zealand following a defeat to Australia. A fantastic performance with the boot from Morgan wasn't enough to defeat a Northampton side who scored four tries on the day and with two sinbinnings the Ospreys side only made it worse for themselves.

LOCATION ADAMS PARK / DATE OCTOBER 21 2011 / COMPETITION LV= CUP ROUND 2
In a high tempo thriller, Newport Gwent Dragons travelled to Wycombe to face London Wasps. None of the spectators would have expected such an intense, high tempo thriller between two sides who both fought to the death to try and steal victory.

Steffan Jones was the hero for the Dragons, kicking twenty points for his side and taking them to a victory that seemed unlikely as they were behind on the 78th minute. Wasps put up a fight that on any other day probably would have got them a win but they couldn't overthrow a powerful Newport side.

The All Blacks took on the French in the biggest game of rugby in the last four years. The game that would decide who will reign supreme for the next four years. The IRB Rugby World Cup Final. The Anthems where sung and the teams lined up for the All Black Haka. Still wondering why the All Blacks would stick out their tongues at the French, a nation of lovers...

Click play on the YouTube video below to see what All Blacks head coach, Graham Henry, said in a press conference ahead of this years Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and France. Thanks to Rugby Media for this YouTube video.

The third place play-off in this year's Rugby World Cup is a reply of the 1987 3rd place play-off. Australia will face Wales in a match that can go either way. Both teams have lost 2 games up to now and both are determined to finish 3rd.

Wales were unlucky in losing to France in the semi-final. Losing their captain as early as the 18th minute didn't help them. Playing for 60 minutes with 14 men and still only losing 9-8 shows that they have got the heart. They out played France by far and the difference was 3 missed kicks in the last 20 minutes.

Preview by David van der Merwe

Report by David van der Merwe


WP hosted the 7th placed Pumas at Newlands. WP needed to win with a 4 try bonus point or a 14 point margin to make it into the semi-final. The Pumas were playing their last. Premier division game as they are relegated to the 1st division next year. WP still struggling with injuries to some key players welcomed back 6 of their Springboks to the match day 22.

I'm sure many of us are still speculating over why England had such a terrible World Cup campaign, why their conduct off the field was so bad and whether Martin Johnson should step down as England boss. However, in the midst of this debate, one man is left wondering if he will ever play for England again. That man is Danny Cipriani.

The Melbourne Rebels fly-half was signed in 2010 from his previous side, London Wasps. He made his test debut for England against Wales at Twickenham in February 2008. He made his last England appearance at Twickenham against New Zealand in November 2008, just 9 months after his first ever start. Since then he has been out of the spotlight, avoiding the public eye...

Sale coach, Tony Hanks, spoke to the media following Sale's defeat to Gloucester in the LV= Cup.

Following a strong performance against Sale Sharks at Kingsholm, Jonny May has spoken to the media. In the match he scored a fantastic try from within his own half which assisted Gloucester in 58-27 win.

After the match he told members of the press what he thought about the game, click read more to see what he had to say.

Click read more to listen to Bryan Redpath's post match press conference from Gloucester v Sale.

Following Wales' disappointing defeat to France in the first of the Rugby World Cup 2011 we asked you for your thoughts on Twitter and here's what you said...

Wales made a valiant effort and deserved the victory but they were held back by a controversial red card which was given to Sam Warburton in the first half. They fought bravely in the face of a brutal French defensive line but kicking errors cost them on the day.

Wales scrum-half and quarter-final try scorer, Mike Phillips, has spoken to the media ahead of Wales' make or break semi-final encounter with France. Many thanks to Rugby Media for providing this YouTube video.

With the Springboks out of the Rugby World Cup most South Africans will turn their attention back to the final Currie Cup round robin games, before the semi-finals, this week. It has notably been one of the most intense Currie Cup competitions of the last couple of years. With only one round to go the 2nd placed Sharks and 3rd placed Cheetahs can still gain a home semi-final should they win. WP, 4th, the Blue Bulls, 5th, and Griquas in 6th place can all still qualify for the final semi-final spot depending on various results. Let us have a look what this weekend has in store for us. Read more for Dave's predictions and more match analysis.

After England's disappointing world cup exit a few days ago much speculation has arisen about the future of Martin Johnson. Several different rugby pundits have suggested that England's frustrating campaign was down to the players and their off-field behaviour. On the other hand, other commentators have said that Martin Johnson is being covered up by previous experience and that his coaching errors should be revealed. Click read more to see what Scrum Five's editor thinks.

Back Page Reaction is a new feature that will be written each Sunday or Monday (after a weekend of rugby) by Scrum Five's editor. This feature will cover a few reactions from a rugby match that weekend. In this instance we will look at England v France's Back Page Reaction...

Click read more to view the full results round-up from the Aviva Premiership, Rugby World Cup, Currie Cup and RaboDirect PRO12. 

Report by David van der Merwe


WP travelled to Johannesburg to try and secure a semi final place. The Lions need the win to ensure a home semi final. WP welcomed back Demetri Catrakilis to the ranks, but still had players missing due to injury.

Bandise Maku opened the scoring for the Lions after just 6 minutes with. Elton Jantjies converted the try. Demetri Catrakilis kicked a drop goal and penalty to keep WP in striking distance. Jantjies added two penalties and Catrakilis one before Jaco Taute scored another converted try for the home team. The halftime score 20-9.

Report by David van der Merwe
The last of the RWC quarter finals saw the All Blacks take on Argentina. The All Blacks have never lost to Argentina and yet after 2 upsets and a surprise in the other 3 matches who knew this might just have been the first time.

The game started off as expected with the All Blacks going on the attack from the word go. Argentina however showed that they were not just a run over to the semi's. Their defence were good and didn't falter and neither did their discipline. That is until the 13th minute. Piri Weepu kicked the first of seven penalties as the All Blacks took the lead. He followed it up with another soon after.

Report by David van der Merwe

Click read more to view the live feed.

Click read more to see what Martin Johnson said to the media following England's defeat to France.

Click read more to hear what Brian O'Driscoll said following Ireland's dismissal from the 2011 Rugby World Cup by Wales.

Last year's runners up, England, bowed out of the Rugby World Cup 2011 after a big comeback from France after they lost to Tonga. England put on a late show and didn't play well enough throughout the entire first half and remained on zero points for about the first hour of the match. Two French tries from Medard and Clerc in the first half gave France a boost.

England opened strongly and made strong breaks but basic handling errors were made on every half-decent attack meaning they failed to get any points for all of the first half. But when England did finally score it was ugly and fumbled. But Foden's try was a little better than Cueto's struggle to get the ball down. Click read more to view the report.

Prior to the match people were predicting an easy Irish victory but those predictions changed instantly. A Shane Williams try came after a big team effort. The play started with a Rhys Priestland kick which initially put Ireland under pressure. Click read more to view the full report.

Click read more below to listen to what Martin Johnson had to say in a press conference ahead of England's make-or-break quarter-final against France.

From an England fans point of view, this game will be tough but I'm sure the French will think the same. The game will be high tempo as long as both sides put in full effort, if they don't then the other team will certainly take an easy victory. Click read more to see predictions and analysis.

By David van der Merwe
This is probably the easiest game to pick a winner if you go on rankings and performance. The All Blacks definitely have the better of the Pumas when it comes to history as they have never lost.

Argentina can count themselves unlucky to have lost to England in the pool stages. The lost of Contepomi in that game really made the difference. They have shown in the past that they can compete with top teams having beaten France twice in 2007. Will they have the fire power to stop the All Blacks? In my mind no, but they should be able to hold them to a close game for 60-70 minutes. If they should be lucky enough to lead after 60 minutes, the All Blacks will have to really perform to win. This is a team that grows with confidence during a game as it progresses.

By David van der Merwe
The first of the quarter finals sees Ireland taking on Wales. These two teams knows each other well and has played 116 matches against each other. Wales have won 63 of these. Ireland however has had the better of Wales in 3 of their last 5 meetings. The teams are ranked 5th and 6th respectively on the IRB rankings.

Wales finished 2nd in pool D, losing only to current World Champions, South Africa. That loss was a closely contested match that might as well have gone their way. Samoa was the only other team to really trouble them thus far in the competition. If James Hook has his kicking boots on and they can get their back line firing, the Welsh might have a chance.

By David van der Merwe


The first of the Southern hemisphere quarter finals are played by two teams that knows each other well. They have faced 76 times with the Springboks winning 44. Of late though the Wallabies have won 4/5.

Australia came into the RWC as the favourites to win the competition. The Irish showed that they are beatable if you play clever rugby against them. They will want to become the first team to win the RWC 3 times and the first to do it after losing a game. Injuries to key players will hamper them. They will be though team to beat.

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http://bit.ly/nFTPTA - Warren Gatland talks about Carter's injury. What do you think?

Click read more to view Sudi's choices for England to face France.

Manu Tuilagi has been fined for wearing a branded mouth guard which is not allowed at the World Cup.

His brother, Alesana, was also fined for wearing the same mouth guard whilst playing for Samoa.

Click read more to below to hear what the new England star said about his fine for wearing the branded gum shield.

Wales' coach, Warren Gatland, has spoken about his feelings towards Dan Carter and how New Zealand will face problems without him. The interview began with a jokey statement from Gatland.

"If we do happen to get to the final against the All Blacks I am more than happy that Dan Carter's not playing in that game." Click read more to see what Warren Gatland said.

Dan Carter has been forced out of the New Zealand squad with a groin injury. The All Black fly-half said "I knew it was pretty serious because of the pain."

Carter sustained the injury training and collapsed with groin pains. Later on scans revealed a tear in the groin meaning Carter was put out of the competition.

Carter remained composed throughout the press conference but admitted in his life out of the public eye he lets his frustration out more.

Report by David van der Merwe
The Coastal derby took place in Durban at MR Price Kings Park. WP needed a win to stay alive in the Currie Cup and the Sharks wanted it to cement a possible home semi final.

Following a dangerous tackle on Chris Paterson, Delon Armitage was cited. His disciplinary hearing took place this morning.

Report by David van der Merwe


Bloemfontein, the City of Roses, hosted the game between the local Free State Cheetahs and the Golden Lions from Johannesburg or Jozi as it is also known. The Lions needed 1 point to secure a semi-final and the Cheetahs were looking for a win in their hunt for a semi-final berth.

The Cheetahs came out showing their intent and after just 4 minutes Johan Goosen kicked a penalty to put them 3-0 in front. The Lions hit back with a Cobus "Baywatch" Grobelaar try. Elton Jantjies missed the conversion. Although the Lions had the most of possession and territory they just couldn't convert it into points. Jantjies clearly forgot his kicking boots in Johannesburg and their handling and errors cost them. Goosen put the Cheetahs in front with another penalty and added a 40m drop goal to it. Goosen also missed a long range penalty but made up for it with 2 more before halftime taking the score to 15-5.

Report by David van der Merwe

Report by David van der Merwe
The Leopards welcomed Griquas to the student town of Potchefstroom for their game. Both teams having nothing to lose it promised to be an entertaining match. The lying last on the log and Griquas in 6th place and certain of a spot in next season's Currie Cup premiere division.

The first half however saw one dimensional and unimaginative rugby played by both sides. The only glimmer of entertainment being Wesley Dunlop's try for the Leopards. Dunlop converted his own try and added a penalty to the penalty of Rudi Voigt to make the halftime score 10-3.

England's in form winger, Delon Armitage, has been cited following a dangerous high tackle he made on Chris Paterson against Scotland on Saturday. Click read more to view the full story...

Click read more to view results on this weekends matches.

Report by David van der Merwe

The match that could determine the final standings in group D took place between the Springboks and Samoa today. Many Springbok fans saw this as the challenge for South Africa in the group stages. They also looked forward to seeing a great display by the Springboks before the quarter finals.

Samoa laid the challenge down to the Springboks with their war cry and you could see how fired up they were. I wonder how the opposing teams will react to the Springboks doing a Toi-Toi before the start of the game?

Dan Parks shows his frustration.

Chris Ashton confirmed victory in the dying minutes to end Scotland's chances of reaching the knock-out stages. Scotland deserved the win after they dominated in the first half but Martin Johnson's half time team talk must have inspired England to go out prepared for the hard battle that awaited them. 


Scotland started strongly but both sides remained equal in the opening quarter. Ruaridh Jackson came off early with a hamstring problem and Parks replaced him. Parks shrugged off any questions about his kicking ability following Scotland's loss to Argentina by opening with two Scotland penalties. 

Scotland lead 9-3 at the break after a confident kicking performance from Dan Parks. Click read more to view full statistics from the first half of England v Scotland.