New Zealand coach Graham Henry predicts England’s failed Grand Slam attempt will make them a force at the World Cup.

England 35 Australia 18

ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson did not once seriously consider his position despite criticism prior to Saturday’s win over Australia in Sydney.

England manager Martin Johnson hailed today’s 21-20 victory over Australia in Sydney as “pretty special” and the perfect way to silence the critics.

ALEX GROVE insists Scotland can now “beat anyone in the world” after helping them end their 27-year losing streak to Australia in just his second Test. Worcester centre Grove, who does not turn 22 until a week today, has enjoyed a dream start to international rugby, with two wins from two matches.

WHEN big Rocky Elsom touched down last Sunday in the same corner of Croke Park where he had denied Munster’s Ian Dowling an early try in that epic Heineken Cup semi-final earlier this year, you feared the game was up for Ireland.

Donncha O'Callaghan admits Ireland must topple Australia if they are to be considered a genuine force on the world stage.

WE’RE never satisfied, are we?

WITH all the hype surrounding Munster’s game against New Zealand, it was interesting to watch their Magners League clash with Ulster on Saturday.

Wales star Gavin Henson is set to make his long-awaited comeback for the Ospreys on Saturday.

ARGENTINA will step up their bid to join the Six Nations by presenting their case to the International Rugby Board later this month.

SPRINGBOK coach Jake White saluted the leadership of his senior players after South Africa survived a major World Cup quarter-final fright against Fiji at Stade Velodrome.

South Africa 37 Fiji 20

New Zealand coach Graham Henry will keep faith with the bulk of his Tri-Nations winning-squad when the World Cup favourites pursue glory in France this autumn.

Bath have completed the signing of Springboks fly-half Butch James on a two-year contract.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan believes the Pacific Islands hold the key to establishing a more competitive World Cup.

SO where does the true Ireland lie after a clinical and superbly-drilled performance against an under-strength South Africa?

Shane Horgan has brought jubilant Ireland crashing back down to earth by warning: "We're not the finished article."

Australia’s selectors broke with tradition by naming St Helens centre Jamie Lyon in their Tri-Nations squad.

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry has made eight changes from the All Blacks side which beat Australia for the Tri-Nations game against South Africa in Wellington.

There were few surprises in the New Zealand squad named to face Australia in Christchurch on Saturday.

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry believes the All Blacks still have a long way to go if they want to win the 2007 World Cup despite confirming their place as the world’s number one team.

THE British & Irish Lions must get a slice of television revenue from future tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia if it is to receive the continued backing of the home rugby unions, Lions chief executive John Feehan has said.

England boss Clive Woodward has decided to rest three World Cup-winning stars for next month’s tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Bristol Shoguns wing Phil Christophers will replace James Simpson-Daniel in the England team to tackle South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEW International Rugby Board vice-chairman Syd Millar yesterday insisted the domestic leagues in the home countries must be prepared to alter their schedules to give the Lions every opportunity of success.

Former All Black Chris Laidlaw has sparked controversy in New Zealand by suggesting national team coach John Mitchell picked his Tri-Nations squad along racial lines.

South African officials are considering the possibility of switching their international calendar to play in Europe.

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Tri-Nations latest

Australia have score a penalty to add their first score of the match to the scoreboard.

South Africa draw first blood with a successful penalty kick.

Martin Johnson believes the World Cup would be devalued if England and France joined rugby union’s three southern hemisphere heavyweights to contest an annual tournament.

Martin Johnson believes the World Cup would become devalued if England and France joined rugby union’s three southern hemisphere heavyweights to contest an annual tournament.