TRI-NATIONS: All Blacks’ shining light Daniel Carter will be relieved to switch his focus to the Wallabies after enduring a second weekend as the Springboks’ favourite rugby target. Carter’s impeccable boot threatened to single-handedly beat South Africa in Saturday’s Tri-Nations test at Carisbrook here but he proved he was human with two late dropped goal misses as the South Africans clung to a famous 30-28 win. Before turning attention to his 50th test, against... more>

TRI-NATIONS: very new locks, same old lineout problem. The All Blacks suffered their fourth successive lineout beating and the Springboks filled their boots in the 30-28 Tri-Nations rugby upset here last night. The New Zealanders at least had a good excuse this time, with test greenhorn locks Anthony Boric and reserve debutant Kevin O’Neill forced to contest possession for the last 50 minutes after Ali Williams exited with a head knock. Up against undisputed world lineout king... more>

TRI-NATIONS: South Africa turned history upside down and affirmed their world rugby champion credentials with a breathtaking 30-28 Tri-Nations defeat of the All Blacks here tonight. The Springboks snatched victory with a brilliant solo try to Ricky Januarie four minutes from the end when they were down to 10 men and it was fitting that the feisty halfback should kick the ball into touch in the final act as he was the game’s standout player. He was hugged by his adjacent reserve bench... more>

TRI-NATIONS: As All Blacks coach Graham Henry talked of handling the Springboks’ off-the-ball antics and niggling, one South African rugby journalist could take it no more. He turned to a compatriot and whispered: "Wasn’t it their guy (Brad Thorn) who was done for foul play?" It has been that sort of buildup to what should be another massive All Blacks-Springboks Tri-Nations test here tomorrow -- where either the claims or counter-claims have merit depending on whether you wear... more>

REFEREE: World test record holder Paul Honiss today announced his retirement as a rugby referee, saying the time was right to move on. Honiss, whose 46 test appointments are the most for a referee, was in action for the final time last weekend in the second test between Australia and France in Brisbane. He said he had thought about hanging up his whistle for the past three or four months and was looking forward to his new Hamilton-based job with Downer EDI Works, where he will... more>

TRI-NATIONS: Springboks rugby coach Peter de Villiers has insinuated that former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd had racial motivations when he described him as a "puppet" this week. In an explosive response today, de Villiers said Dowd was "quite stupid" to make the comment which has prompted the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to demand an apology. In an interview with Newstalk ZB on Wednesday, Dowd questioned the credentials of the first black Springboks coach and suggested he was a... more>

TRI-NATIONS: Ding. Four years are up, John Afoa, it’s time to shine. All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron reckons it takes that long for any prop to mature to world class standard so it should be no surprise that Aucklander Afoa has been recalled from injury for tomorrow night’s Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa. Afoa made his Super rugby debut with the Blues in 2004 and while there has never been any question about his athleticism, doubts have always shadowed the burly... more>

TRI-NATIONS: Team colours and streamers festoon shop windows. Taxi drivers are debating what the score will be. It’s amazing what three years without test rugby can do. The atmosphere in Dunedin this week won’t rival that of yesteryear but is streets ahead of the ghost town style test buildups that have become the norm in other main centres in these times of saturation rugby. Helping spruik interest is that Saturday’s Tri-Nations showdown between the All Blacks and... more>

TRI-NATIONS: All Blacks No 8 Jerome Kaino has sprinkled a little more fuel on a buildup already fringing on spiteful for the second Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa here on Saturday. Kaino did his bit to further dent the confidence of the Springboks, saying they buckle when teams are prepared to stand up to them physically as New Zealand did in their 19-8 win at Wellington last weekend. The rising Auckland loosie had no qualms jabbing at the machismo of the more experienced... more>

TRI-NATIONS: The humble scrum was a focal point for multiple reasons as the All Blacks made two tweaks to their engine room for the second Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa here on Saturday. One swap was enforced, with lock Anthony Boric to make his first test start in place of the suspended Brad Thorn, while John Afoa makes a surprise return at tighthead prop in place of rested 60-test veteran Greg Somerville. Afoa was injured in the opening test a month ago against Ireland and... more>