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Saracens roll on to eighth straight win

There is just no stopping these Saracens, who beat the world champions South Africa last Tuesday, then the former English and European champions yesterday to complete their eighth Guinness Premiership victory in a row and march six points clear at the top of the table.

Robin Scott-Elliot: Aussies vie with Merson in 'tache dash for growth

Paul Merson's tussle with the English language on Soccer Saturday has become one of the consistent highlights of any sporting weekend, not least because the man himself seems to enjoy the contest so much. He knows he is up against it but the competitive spirit is strong; he will never lie down and let himself be buried beneath the relentless assault of vowels, consonants and any player not called Smith, Jones, or Merson. He will fight them on the pitches, on the London grounds (in particular the Emirates, but not so bothered about the Lane), in the playing fields, anything to pay the bills. He will never remember exactly how to say Altidore.

James Lawton: Wilkinson's wobble conclusive proof the game is up

Of all people, it was Jonny Wilkinson, the hero of all English rugby heroes, who defined most starkly how far his team had regressed, how pressing is the need for an injection of wit, some sense that the nation who contested the last two World Cup finals remember how to play the game at the highest level.

Williams flying again for half-century of tries

Shane Williams's immaculate sense of timing returned to shake off stubborn Argentina and leave the Wales wing on the brink of history. Williams struck twice in the second-half with two delightful moments of opportunism that sealed victory for his team and took his career tally to 50 tries in Test rugby.

Paterson's boot polish earns Scots shiny finish

With seven minutes remaining on the clock at the home of Scottish rugby on Saturday evening, and with the hosts 6-3 to the good on the scoreboard, Rocky Elsom drove over the halfway line with intent writ large upon his face. The Australian captain did not get very far. He was grabbed around the legs by Jason White, pounced on by John Barclay, and duly penalised for holding on to possession.

ABs eye end to try drought in France

It all starts up front, but the All Blacks' back-three are looming as their potent weapon against France as they look to finish a frustrating rugby tour with a much-needed flourish.

All Blacks: Restoration in Marseille

The All Blacks aren't normally so forthcoming. But they have said their entire season will be defined by what happens in Marseilles this week.The instant the French defeated South Africa two weeks ago, that was it; that was when...

All Blacks: 'Worst NZ side I've seen at Twickenham'

British rugby writer Stephen Jones has described the All Blacks as one of the worst New Zealand sides in recent memory.Writing in the Sunday Times , Jones said the All Blacks' 19-6 win at Twickenham was nothing short of a humiliation...

Chris Rattue: Kicking ourselves on grand spam tour

England were so bad they almost made the All Blacks look good, but Martin Johnson's clunky robots failed in that as well. The All Blacks took the spoils on the scoreboard yesterday morning, but as a spectacle this rugby international...

Lomu lost in translation on rugby return

MARSEILLE - Former All Black superstar Jonah Lomu made his return to rugby today as he played for his French third divsion side Marseille-Vitrolles in their 63-18 romp over Montmelian.The 34-year-old - who exploded onto the international...

Rugby: Giteau flop gives Scots reason to celebrate

EDINBURGH - Australian goal kicker Matt Giteau says missing the last-second conversion attempt that would have beaten Scotland rates "up there" with the emptiest feelings of his career.Named last week on the shortlist for the...

Wallabies wounded ahead of Wales

No respite in sight, the Wallabies have arrived in Cardiff looking to pick up the pieces after their demoralising 9-8 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield.

Sivivatu was the one outstanding attacking player

I see the All Black's biggest fan Stephen Jones has wasted no time in stating that this is one of the worst All Black's sides he can remember - nothing new here then and a few other British journalist's have had a sly dig.

No excuses from Giteau

Matt Giteau was left to bemoan 'one of those games' after the inexplicable disintegration of his kicking game consigned Australia to its first defeat against Scotland for 27 years.

Grove: Scotland can 'beat anyone'

Alex Grove insists Scotland can now 'beat anyone in the world' after helping his side end its 27-year losing streak to Australia in his second Test.

Kidney praise for fly-half Sexton

Ireland coach Declan Kidney praises the performance of fly-half Jonathan Sexton after an impressive international debut against Fiji.

Players Added To Ireland Squad

Nine players have been added to the Ireland squad that was on duty against Fiji on Saturday for this week's preparations for the GUINNESS Series game against South Africa at Croke Park.

Venter enjoying Saracens' successes

Brendan Venter believes winning is becoming a drug for his table-topping Saracens.

Bates delighted, Booth demands improvement

ondon Irish head coach Toby Booth admitted his whole set-up must learn lessons from a thoroughly disappointing 15-11 defeat to Newcastle at the Madejski Stadium.

Lomu makes playing comeback

Former New Zealand winger Jonah Luma enjoyed a winning return to rugby on his debut for French side Marseille.

Bath chief wants Stevens return

Bath chief executive Nick Blofeld tells disgraced prop Matt Stevens that the club would welcome him back after his drugs ban.

Sale spirit delights Jones

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones paid tribute to his side after they conjured a remarkable second-half fightback to win 24-17 at bottom club Leeds.

Jones proud of fightback

Sale director of rugby Kingsley Jones was delighted with his side's second-half fightback in the away win at Leeds.

Rugby-Lomu makes low-key return for modest French side

MARSEILLE, France, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Former All Black Jonah Lomu returned to rugby on Sunday with French semi-professional side Marseille-Vitrolles.

London Irish 11-15 Newcastle

London Irish go down to Newcastle to taste Guinness Premiership defeat for the first time since the opening day of the season.

Giteau makes no excuses

Matt Giteau made no excuses after his poor kicking form sentenced Australia to their first defeat against Scotland in 27 years.

Leeds 17-24 Sale

Sale launch a second-half fightback to deny bottom side Leeds a first home win of the season in the Premiership.

Venter enjoys winning habit

Brendan Venter was full of praise for Saracens after they notched their eighth straight win with a 22-6 success over Wasps.

Booth to learn from loss

London Irish coach Toby Booth was not happy with the nature of his side's 15-11 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle.

Saracens 22-6 Wasps

Guinness Premiership leaders Saracens make it eight wins out of eight as they beat Wasps to extend their lead to six points at the top of the table.

League leaders overpower Wasps

On a pitch which had been saturated by heavy rain, Wasps slipped to a disappointing defeat against a determined Saracens side who stay clear of the field at the top of the Premiership

Discovered: a new way to lose

Many people have “anxiety dreams”; for example that they’re on a bus naked, or sitting an exam with no preparation. This morning, the Wallabies awoke to find that their anxiety dream had come true – they had lost to Scotland. I struggle to think of an occasion when I’ve seen a side with so much possession [...]

Quins storm to Christie Sevens title

Kenya Harlequin FC have been crowned the new Christie Sevens champions courtesy of a comprehensive 3117 win over Nakuru RFC in a thrilling final played at the RFUEA. Nakura were going fo suprise backtoback victories on Kenyas NSC but were undone by the hosts.The new champions got off to a flyer when Dennis Muhanji picked a loose Nakuru ball to touch down under the posts early on. David Gitau converted to give Quins a 70 lead.

Highlights - Wales 33-16 Argentina

Two tries from Shane Williams and one from the quick-thinking Stephen Jones help Wales to a 33-16 victory over Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Worsley awaits the worst

Joe Worsley tore medial ligaments in his right knee in England's defeat to New Zealand and could be out for some time to come.

Sale bounce back in Leeds

Sale recovered from a 14-3 half-time deficit to record a 24-17 victory over Leeds in the Guinness Premiership on Sunday.

Gopperth sinks the Exiles

Jimmy Gopperth's unflappable boot struck a blow to London Irish's chase of Saracens as Newcastle won 15-11 at the Madejski on Sunday.

Saracens keep momentum going

Saracens made it eight from eight in the Guinness Premiership with a stodgy 19-6 win over Wasps at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Brave New World for 7s refs

Rugby Sevens has truly arrived and our world has been turned upside down its life Jim, but not as we know it. The 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens, which was the first to incorporate a 16team womens event running alongside the mens competition, was broadcast to 760 million people in 141 countries through 29 international broadcasters in 19 languages.

Deans backed by ARU

Australian Union CEO John O'Neill publicly backed Robbie Deans after the media went into meltdown following Australia's defeat to Scotland.

SA fail to fire

The Proteas’ bowling attack failed to restrict England as the visitors cruised to a seven-wicket victory in the second ODI in Centurion. England skipper Andrew Strauss won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid off in the sixth over as the Proteas lost Graeme Smith early. The captain edged a Tim Bresnan delivery and was [...]

UPDATE 2-Rugby-France recalls Boks winners to face All Blacks

* Injured backrowers Harinordoquy and Picamoles ruled out

Keo.co.za tour diary – Week 2

Hand of Frog, shooting the breeze with the Saracens saffas and Wembley’s biggest fluke. Saracens chief executive Eddie Griffiths must have been feeling pretty sheepish after half-time last Tuesday. The north west club pulled out all the marketing stops, using board member Francois Pienaar to MC the event as well as singer Bok van Blerk to [...]

Bath Rugby keen to bring back Stevens

Bath Rugby's chief executive Nick Blofeld today confirmed that the club would be keen to welcome back former Bath Rugby prop Matt Stevens when he finishes his ban in January 2011.

Smit set for No 2 jersey?

Peter de Villiers has hinted John Smit could return to hooker against Ireland next Saturday. The Springbok captain has made the move to tighthead with mixed results, but in the last quarter of their win against Italy, Smit packed down in his favoured hooker position. With a specialist tighthead and the other positions in the front-row [...]

Disappointment for Tigers at Kingsholm

Richard Cockerill had praise his team's determined defence but pointed to a failure to establish field position as an important part of defeat at Gloucester on Friday.

Tickets on sale for Back's Welford Road return

Tickets are available now for the return of Neil Back to Welford Road next weekend when Leeds Carnegie take on Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership.

Saffas abroad

Keo.co.za looks at the South Africans who performed in European club action over the past weekend. Saracens, with their array of South Africans in Schalk Brits, Wikus van Heerden, Ernst Joubert, Derick Hougaard, Brad Barritt, Ethienne Reynecke, and Mouritz Botha, secured their spot on top of the Premiership with a 22-6 win over Wasps. All of [...]

Sarries stay top

Saracens retained their unbeaten record in the Premiership with a 22-6 victory over Wasps at Vicarage Road. For the second match in a row all of Sarries’ points came from South Africans, as Schalk Brits scored an early try followed by Derick Hougaard adding 17 points with the boot to cap off a great week for [...]

France name squad for All Blacks match in Marseille

Les Bleus coach Marc Lievremont has named a powerful 23 man squad for their pivotal clash with the All Blacks at Marseille this weekend.

BRIEF-Rugby-Hooker Ledesma released from Argentina tour squad

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Argentina's World Cup hooker Mario Ledesma has pulled out of the touring Pumas' squad ahead of their third and final match against Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday.

Champions set to collide

It was such a relief to see the Springboks return to their winning ways with a comfortable 32-10 victory over a game Italian side in Udine at the weekend ahead of the season finale against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Another kick in teeth for Giteau

He might be a finalist for the IRB Player of the Year award, but the Scotland Test laid bare why Matt Giteau does not rate his own form in 2009.

Deans message lost in translation

Robbie Deans is proud of his Scottish heritage, but it is unlikely he was speaking in Scottish Gaelic to the Wallabies in the lead-up to their forlorn loss at Murrayfield.

Inventing new ways to lose

I don't think anyone connected with Australia has a clue how to fix this. This Wallabies side will be the death of Australian rugby followers, if not the death of Australian rugby.

Another glorious England defeat

All Blacks 19 England 6 Just like the ‘win’ at Dunkirk in 1940, the Poms went down fighting in a ‘glorious defeat’ against an All Black team that has finally recovered its confidence. However, unlike Dunkirk it didn’t involve a ’strategic’ withdrawal as they continued to attack the Kiwis right up until the end but were [...]

IRB apologise to Dickenson

International Rugby Board Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien has issued an apology to Stuart Dickinson and the Australian Rugby Union for public comments he made regarding Dickinson’s officiating of the Italy v New Zealand match on November 14.

Time for Smit to move back to hooker?

John Smit's performance at hooker for the last 20 minutes of the Italy game on Saturday gave the calls for him to return to the centre of the scrum some serious weight. Smit shifted back to the position where he played most of his rugby career when Wian du Preez and Adriaan Strauss were subbed off with BJ Botha coming in at tighthead and Tendai Mtawarira slotting in on the other side of his captain.

England v New Zealand – the Aftermath

A much improved performance from England at Twickenham still resulted in a comfortable 19-6 win for the opposition, so where do we go from here. For all the talk of performance versus results, we saw a reasonable performance and a defeat. An All Blacks victory was pretty much inevitable, so the spirits were lifted by [...]

Boks relieved to be back on track

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers and captain John Smit agreed that the world champions were back on track following their 32-10 win over Italy in Udine on Saturday.

Rugby-RFU backs Johnson despite another defeat

LONDON, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Six years ago England won the rugby World Cup to cement their position as the sport's dominant power but that success now seems to belong to a distant era after another hugely disappointing November series.

Rugby-France squad to face New Zealand

MARCOUSSIS, France, Nov 22 (Reuters) - France coach Marc Lievremont named the following 23-man squad on Sunday to face New Zealand in Marseille on Saturday:

Andy Robinson delighted as Scotland beat Australia

Scotland beat Australia for the first time in 27 years yesterday, maintaining Andy Robinson’s 100% record as the man in charge. Two penalties from Phil Godman and a dropped goal from Chris Paterson were enough to clinch victory, despite a last-minute try from Ryan Cross – Matt Giteau missed the conversion that would have saved their [...]

8 Pack half season ticket available now

Guarantee that you don't miss a single moment of the action in the second half of the season with a Leicester Tigers 8 Pack half season ticket, available now.

USA Join Ireland In World Cup Pool

The USA have become the latest team to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, following their 54-28 aggregate play-off success over Uruguay. Coached by former Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan, the Americans will join Ireland, Australia, Italy and the Europe 2 qualifier in Pool C at the 2011 tournament in New Zealand.

International team of the week

As the six internationals were all on with four hours of each other, team of the week will be out on Monday lunchtime. Feel free to add your suggestions first.

France women avenge Canada loss

France bounce back from a first loss to Canada in 11 years with an impressive 22-0 victory at the Stade de France to level the two-test series.

Hosts announce squad for Dubai Sevens

New Arabian Gulf Sevens coach Shane Thornton announces the country's men's and women's teams to compete at the upcoming Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens.

England's women boost confidence with NZ win

Nine months out from a Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil, England record a first victory over world champions New Zealand in eight years.

USA qualify for RWC 2011

USA qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 after recording a 27-6 home win over Uruguay to complete a 54-28 aggregate play-off victory.

Former greats hit out at Wallabies

The Wallabies' attack has "gone to pieces" and the team is suffering from an absence of world-class locks, former Australia coach Bob Dwyer said after the 9-8 defeat by Scotland.

College scores

Army knocked off Navy for the third straight time in the college Game of the Week.

Washington State posted a league W in the Pacific Northwest and we get you caught up everywhere else.

Quotes from US win

(Will Ris photo)

The Eagles vanquished Uruguay in the RWCQ series to earn a spot in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Jamie Roberts: Great! Now bring on the Wallabies

IT WAS an extremely happy Wales changing room after the game. We would have certainly settled for scoring 33 points beforehand and the players were very pleased with their efforts.

The old Shane magic lights up Millennium once again

WHAT more can we say about Shane Williams?

Graham Price: Referee helped Wales hold out in scrum battle

CONTRARY to Warren Gatland’s pre-match assessment Puma pack power is still very much kicking, but Wales’ scrum did not buckle too much under the strain, not least because of the kindness of the referee.

Front Five Deserve A Lot Of Credit - Heaslip

Ireland number 8 Jamie Heaslip praised the front row and second row for their efforts during Saturday's 41-6 GUINNESS Series win over Fiji. He said: "Our front five, a lot of credit has to go to them. They pushed Fiji hard and put them under great pressure in the scrum. Two of our tries came straight off the scrum. It just shows what a good platform can do for you."

Kidney Reviews Win Over Fiji

Ireland coach Declan Kidney gives an update on the ankle injury sustained by flanker Denis Leamy during Saturday's 41-6 victory over Fiji and the other knocks amongst the squad. He also gives his opinion on the game as a whole and the performance of debutant out-half Jonathan Sexton.

Reddan Pleased With RDS Run-Out

Reflecting on Ireland's 41-6 GUINNESS Series win over Fiji at the RDS, scrum half Eoin Reddan said: "It was a good performance overall, we did well to pull away at the end and it puts up in good shape for next week. I was happy (with my own performance), just got to keep going and keep working and keep asking questions and see what happens."

USA into RWC 2011

(Cheese Estudio photo)

The Eagles have qualified for the 2011 Rugby World Cup with another four-try effort in beating Uruguay in round two of their RWCQ series.

Cowan try condemns England to defeat

A try by New Zealand's Jimmy Cowan in the second half sees the All Blacks pull away from England and seal victory at Twickenham. (UK users only)

Scotland shock Wallabies

Scotland claimed their first win over Australia in nearly three decades after a defence-inspired 9-8 victory in their one-off Test match at Murrayfield here on Saturday.

Lamont celebrates 'unbelievable' win

Scotland's Rory Lamont salutes the "immense" defensive performance and spirit that sees his side home to beat Australia 9-8 at Murrayfield (UK users only).

Aussies blow chance to beat Scots

Matt Giteau misses a conversion with the last kick of the game to hand Scotland a 9-8 victory and end their 16-match losing streak against Australia (UK users only).

Wallabies vs Scotland – Bland Sham

I’ve written this post straight after the game while the pain is still raw and untempered, and I’m trying to work out if that’s the worst I’ve seen the Wallabies play. I suspect it is. We’ll post a more balanced review later. That we still had a chance to win with the last kick is perhaps [...]

Video - O'Driscoll breaks through against Fiji

Captain Brian O'Driscoll scores a try from an interception to help put Ireland on top during their 41-6 win over Fiji.

Legendary

That’s the first time I have seen Scotland beat Australia. Absolutely awesome performance, it was almost entirely defensive but it was full of passion and intensity. I am so proud of the players and the coaches. Al was down at Murrayfield and said that it was like St Etienne all over again, only this time [...]

Christie Sevens Day 1 Hosts survive scare to qualify

The second leg of the Western Union National Sevens Circuit, the Christie Sevens got underway this morning at the RFUEA with some thrilling sevens on display.Pool ANakuru, Kisumu qualify for Christie Sevens quartersTournament top seeds Nakuru RFC aiming to add the Christie Sevens title to their Dala Sevens crown began the day with a narrow 1914 win over Mombasa Polytechnic in Pool A. The Mombasa side held their own against Nakuru, falling short of claiming a famous scalp in Nakuru RFC.

Kingston unhappy with crucial errors

Harlequins coach John Kingston blamed poor finishing for his team's 26-17 defeat to Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.

Japan beats Canada

(Dave Barton photo)

The US has a chance to make up some ground on Canada in the world rankings following the Canucks' second straight loss in Japan.

Rubbed the wrong way

This week you sound off on different things that have rubbed you the wrong way.

The Eagles new kit, our editorial on the league/union roster comparison and comments on Collegetalk about Albuquerque as a national playoff venue hit some nerves.

Wallabies vs Scotland LIVE!

Join us from 4am AEDST as we live blog the Wallabies vs Scotland. Short of hitting the pub all night, it’s the only way to watch the game with company. Wallabies vs Scotland

King's move south pays off as he enjoys a taste of Ospreys action

Young second row James King has enjoyed his first taste of senior rugby with the Ospreys in recent weeks, with his first, brief, appearance for the region coming as blood replacement against Glasgow before a lengthier outing the following week against Northampton Saints.

Caravelli excited by newlook Eagles

Al Caravelli assembles a USA Sevens training squad in California this week with the tough job of selecting 12 from a wider squad of 21.

Four changes to Bok pack for Italy Test

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said that the Springboks will not underestimate the Italians when they meet at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on Saturday. Speaking at a press conference in the Northern Italian city after making four changes to the Bok starting XV that lost to France last weekend, De Villiers said the Italians had [...]

Gloucester Rugby vs Leicester Tigers in pictures

Gloucester went toe to toe with the Leicester Tigers at an enraptured Kingsholm on Friday evening and dogged out a 12-9 win. The club photographer was on hand to capture the best of the action.

Kicking may win games but it’s putting the boot into rugby as a spectacle – so let Shane shimmy

As they prepare to line up against a hefty Argentina side, Wales will be aiming to add some much-needed sparkle to an autumn international series that has so far been short of entertainment, says Carolyn Hitt

Ruddock satisfied with Sixways points-share

Worcester coach Mike Ruddock insisted his side had the better of their uninspiring 12-12 stalemate with Bath at Sixways.

Scotland A 38-7 Tonga

That’s probably more of a humping than we expected. Listening to the radio commentary it sounds like the Hugo experiment worked pretty well and Thom Evans didn’t seem to get much ball. Listening to Peter Wright is always fun too. Ben Cairns had a stormer, which really puts pressure on Grove for tomorrow so I [...]

Gloucester change two for Tigers clash

Gloucester Rugby have been forced to make two late changes to their starting line up for Friday night's Guinness Premiership fixture against the Leicester Tigers.