The Rugby Championship News

Fans in South Africa who are assuming Saturday's clash with Italy will be an armchair ride for the Springboks had better think again.

The Wallabies 26-29 loss to France in Paris will result in Australia moving to fourth position overall in the IRB rankings.

Golden Lions prop Ruan Dreyer has been called up to the South Africa squad as injury cover for tighthead Jannie du Plessis.

South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer was pleased with how his team handled the conditions in Saturday's win at Twickenham.

Stuart Lancaster's reign is now under unprecedented scrutiny following consecutive losses to New Zealand and South Africa.

Emerging on top in a physical, flawed tussle, the Springboks rebounded from defeat in Dublin to win 31-28 at Twickenham.

For both combatants at Twickenham the success or failure of their respective November campaigns now hinges entirely on Saturday's result.

The Springboks, rocked by last weekend’s loss to Ireland in Dublin, cannot fall from second place even if Stuart Lancaster claims a first win over South Africa as England coach and Australia make it four wins from four against France in 2014.

The International Rugby Board has announced the shortlist for the prestigious IRB World Rugby Player of the Year Award for 2014.

The Wallabies tenth straight victory over Wales was the headline triumph over the weekend that allowed the SANZAR big three to regain number one, two and three in the IRB World Rankings.

Wales captain Sam Warburton lamented his team's nail-biting 33-28 defeat by Australia on Saturday, but insisted that it was just a question of when, and not if, they beat a leading southern hemisphere side.

While the International Rugby Board rankings are still to be confirmed, one thing is for certain, the All Blacks will retain number one spot after one of the busiest November Test weekend's ever.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer concede that his team were beaten by a better side in Saturday's loss to Ireland in Dublin.

Ireland upset the odds to claim a deserved 29-15 victory over South Africa at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer on Wednesday named the same starting line-up that beat New Zealand a month ago to face Ireland in the opening Test of the overseas Tour on Dublin on Saturday.

Wales welcome back four players who missed the tour to South Africa for their opening Dove Men Series clash against Australia.

After missing Ireland's triumphant Six Nations campaign and the summer tour to Argentina, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe is set for his first Test appearance since last's November defeat to the All Blacks.

Ruan Pienaar has been ruled out of South Africa's European tour because of a knee ligament injury and will be replaced by Jano Vermaak.

Former Springbok, Stormers and Western Province centre, Tinus Linee, passed away on Monday morning at age 45 following a battle with Motor Neuron Disease.

Conditions in the Northern Hemisphere may differ significantly from those at home but Springbok assistant coach John McFarland believes they favour the South Africans.