All Blacks come up short

New Zealand's 17-match winning run ended with a disappointing 12-12 draw against the Wallabies on a wet night in Sydney, writes BRENTON CHELIN.

10 Springbok stats and facts

For the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.

Bismarck, Flo to floor Pumas

Turnover kings Bismarck du Plessis and Francois Louw will set up a bonus-point win for the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Meyer: Handré a leader of men

Heyneke Meyer has backed Handré Pollard to start against Argentina because of the 20-year-old’s mental steel. JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria, reports.

Smith a doubt for All Blacks

Conrad Smith may miss the All Blacks' opening Rugby Championship match after returning home to be with his pregnant wife.

Beale out to bamboozle All Blacks

Kurtley Beale's selection at flyhalf for the Wallabies is a bold gamble, but one that might just pay off against the All Blacks in Sydney, writes BRENTON CHELIN.

Hernández centre of attention

Juan Martín Hernández will start at inside centre for the Pumas' opening Rugby Championship match against the Springboks at Loftus on Saturday.

2004: World champions are born

Jake White's Springboks began their journey to the top of the world with victory in the 2004 Tri-Nations.

Smith back in black

Conrad Smith returns to the All Blacks starting lineup in one of two changes for their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

Smith targets World Cup swansong

Springbok legend Juan Smith hopes to end his fantastic career at the 2015 World Cup in England. JON CARDINELLI in Pretoria, reports.