Samoa vs. New Zealand: 5 Things We Learned

New Zealand made history after defeating Samoa 25-16 on Wednesday in what was the first-ever clash between the two teams on Samoan soil. George Moala scored the All Blacks’ only try as Dan Carter provided six penalties and a conversion to steer Steve Hansen’s side past their hosts. Alafoti Faosiliva bagged the home side’s only try in what proved to be an exceedingly physical matchup, but the close neighbours both ended in high spirits due to the nature of the tie. Read on as we run down some of those lessons learned from a memorable encounter in Apia. Begin Slideshow  Read More →

Samoa Could Cause Problems at Rugby World Cup

Samoa have made a statement. Sure it was at home and in possibly the match of their lives against the All Blacks in Apia, but they proved they can mix it with the best in their 25-16 loss. It was a brutal encounter in which the Samoans brought physicality and passion. They got off the line quickly, throwing themselves into contact to put in some bone-crushing hits. That same passion, which was not evident in their opponents, rattled the world’s best team, as the All Blacks were held to just one try in their first 80 minutes of rugby in 2015. Put it down to rust, a lack of superstars, or just... 

Plenty to Work on for All Blacks After Win over Samoa

They won and that is the main thing, but it was a far from convincing display the All Blacks put on to beat Samoa 25-16 in the first-ever meeting of the two teams in Apia. It was no surprise that the Samoans brought bundles of energy and passion. They tore into the breakdowns and threw themselves into tackles, putting the All Blacks under pressure and depriving them of good balls to work with. The intensity from the All Blacks though, was very much lacking. While they got the better of the scrums, eventually, the New Zealand forward pack did not bring the speed or accuracy to negate their physical... 

Ireland Should Win the Race to Host 2023 Rugby World Cup

The contenders to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup have been announced, with four countries set to be in the running to follow 2019 hosts Japan. France, Ireland, Italy and South Africa are the nations in the hat, after the USA decided not to bid for the tournament. Three of the four on the list certainly have a strong track record of hosting major tournaments. South Africa memorably marked their re-introduction to the global sporting arena when they staged and won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and have since been home to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two Lions tours since the sport went professional. France... 

England Reveal New-Look Shirt Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015

England have revealed an innovative new shirt ahead of the Rugby World Cup in September. The shirt was unveiled by England rugby fans on Twitter this morning, and includes a 3-D rose and a contoured, ball-deadening grip.  The new England @canterburyNZ #RWC2015 shirts. Launched by loyal fans this morning 🌹 pic.twitter.com/noq0UtB3F6 — England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 6, 2015 Head coach Stuart Lancaster discussed the new shirts: Every player in the squad takes enormous pride in pulling on the England shirt. As a group, we talk about the unbreakable bond of the rose between... 

Super Rugby 2015: Best XV of the Season

The Highlanders triumphed over the Hurricanes on Saturday to claim their maiden Super Rugby championship and bring an end to the 2015 campaign in sensational fashion. Their victory signals the end of club rugby for now, but before attention makes a much-anticipated turn in the direction of the Test arena, it’s time to look back on a thrilling year for the southern hemisphere’s premier competition. Between them, the two finalists account for five of the spots in our best XV of the 2015 season, but which other star performers of the year have managed to wrangle themselves a spot in our... 

Hurricanes vs. Highlanders: Score and Reaction from Super Rugby 2015 Final

The Highlanders were crowned champions of Super Rugby 2015, as they put the Hurricanes to the sword in an epic all-New Zealand final on Saturday. Super Rugby confirmed the 21-14 victory for the visitors via Twitter: In huge occasions like Saturday’s final, the opening exchanges can go one of two ways: either the players come out a little tentative and nervy or they go all out. Super Rugby 2015 final was undoubtedly the latter. There were some massive hits in the first few minutes, with Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa at the heart of the action. It wasn’t long before the first points... 

Hurricanes vs. Highlanders: Winners and Losers from Super Rugby 2015 Final

The Highlanders are the 2015 Super Rugby champions after a 21-14 win over the Hurricanes. A late first-half try was followed by an early score in the second to put the unfancied visitors in the box seat, and they were the smarter side throughout the contest. This was a classic case of one team utilising every scrap of possession and turning it into points, while the other failed to convert dominance into numbers on the board. The ‘Canes bossed possession in the second half, but a horrible error from Julian Savea saw a certain try go begging, and Beauden Barrett’s three penalties were... 

Why Waisake Naholo Will Provide the X-Factor in 2015 Super Rugby Final

The Super Rugby 2015 final boils down to an in-house scrap between New Zealand’s two best franchises in Wellington. The Hurricanes and the Highlanders have taken different routes to this contest at the summit, and the home side start as favourites after topping the table and beating the Highlanders twice already this season. But Jamie Joseph’s men have been underrated all season. A pack with no star names has consistently punched above its weight, giving the league’s best scrum-half Aaron Smith the sort of platform he craves and allowing a potent back line containing All Blacks... 

10 Star Names to Look out for at the 2015 Rugby Championship

Less than a fortnight remains until the 2015 Rugby Championship signals the beginning of rugby’s jam-packed international summer and the elite of the southern hemisphere make their returns to the Test arena. Bringing four of the sport’s finest back together, New Zealand are looking to fend off the challenges of South Africa, Australia and Argentina in their bid to claim a fourth successive title and tie their record achieved between 2005 and 2008. With such a generous offering of superstar talent on display, we’ve picked out a selection of 10 top names to watch out for in this... 

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