The latest news and videos from the southern-hemisphere tournament involving teams from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and Japan

Force call on spirit of the badger

The Force know that nothing short of a win against the Reds on Saturday will be enough to keep them in the play-off hunt, writes BRENTON CHELIN.

Carter to put boot into Blues

Dan Carter's all-round brilliance will secure a win this Saturday and edge the Crusaders closer to the Kiwi conference title, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Carter at 12 for Crusaders

Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Israel Dagg and Nemani Nadolo have all returned to the Crusaders' starting line-up for their match against the Blues in Christchurch.

Chiefs change seven

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has wielded the axe ahead of their match against the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.

Cheetahs lose Brüssow

The Cheetahs have been dealt a big blow with news that Heinrich Brüssow will not be available for the derby against the Sharks.

Tahs turn to Hoiles

Stephen Hoiles has replaced injured skipper Dave Dennis for the Waratahs' clash with the Highlanders in Sydney.

Blues’ blitz stuns Force

The Force's hopes of reaching the play-offs for the first time suffered a potentially fatal blow when they lost 40-14 to the Blues in Perth. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.