Allister Coetzee hails Ireland as the ‘New Zealand of Europe’

Springboks coach highlights pairing of Murray and Sexton in build up to first Test

Mike McCarthy looking forward to locking horns with Welsh pack

‘I always relish the physical battle. It’s going to be a massive task for us against Wales’

Toulon ask English clubs if they can join Premiership

Mourad Boudjellal insists he is serious after contacting English clubs with proposal

Bath look set to bow out of European Champions Cup after defeat to Toulon

Late penalty from Frédéric Michalak proved just enough to save Toulon from their first home defeat in Europe’s elite competition

Leinster beaten but unbowed as Toulon show that power prevails

Leo Cullen’s side unable to sustain strong start against the reigning champions

Toulon turn the screw as plucky Leinster fade in second half

Leo Cullen’s side fail to score after the break as their Champions Cup exit is confirmed

Leinster are ready to click but it may not be enough

Toulon have an incentive to bring their A-game with qualification still in the balance

Leinster’s accuracy and discipline lets them down as Toulon pounce

Leo Cullen’s gritty side demonstrated huge bravery but will rue basic errors

Gordon D’Arcy: Leinster must force Toulon to play the blame game

This weekend it all comes back to the mental strength of the collective

Ma’a Nonu enjoys first run-out for Toulon ahead of Leinster visit

European champions show ominous form as All Black plays part in eight-try win

Gerry Thornley: Halcyon days are over for Irish provinces in Europe

Not since the late 1990s have prospects looked so glum – we can but be pleasantly surprised

Heyneke Meyer backed to carry on as South Africa’s coach

Duane Vermeulen declares players want their boss to carry on in current role

D’Arcy: Wallabies have chance if they make All Blacks doubt

World Cup final one-off game and anything can happen – but Australia must attack

Kiwis edge out Springboks in epic gladiatorial battle

Two tries prove the difference as All Blacks secure place in Rugby World Cup final

New Zealand wrestle South Africa into submission

Defending champions show all their rugby nous to hold off game Springboks

Gerry Thornley: All Blacks poised to make final push

Mighty New Zealanders’ all-round strength can make difference against the Springboks

Heyneke Meyer plots downfall of ‘best team of all time’

Springbok coach has enjoyed only one win in seven attempts against All Blacks

Wales fall short of creativity against South Africa

Warren Gatland’s side find themselves unable to translate try-scoring chances into points

Brutal South Africa a bridge too far for valiant Wales

Warren Gatland’s side are just edged out by Boks in gruesome battle at Twickenham

Springboks demolish USA and secure top spot in Pool B

South Africa run in 10 tries to set up last eight showdown with either Wales or Australia

Samoa in the firing line as Springboks plan powerful response

South Africa to rely on traditional game to banish memories of defeat to Japan

South Africa named experienced and versatile World Cup squad

Nine players from squad that won title in 2007 included in Heyneke Meyer’s 31

Gert Smal rebukes Duane Vermeulen over manner of Toulon signing

Stormers to discipline their captain after three-year deal announced at weekend

O’Connell to make swift return as Leinster meet Toulon

Ulster and Munster given tricky Champions Cup draws but shortest straw for Leinster

Toulon may be hard to like but there’s no questioning their dominance

Money talks and Mourad Boudjellal ’s millions are shouting loud for the European champions

Paul O’Connell rumours stoked by Toulon president Boudjellal

Despite remarks, Munster star most to likely see out his career in Ireland

Lament for Leinster as extra-time efforts amount to nothing

Taut, titanic struggle ends in rain-sodden Stade Vélodrome

Scarlets confirm Rhys Priestland move to Bath

27-year-old Wales outhalf to join the Premiership club at the end of the season

Brodie Retallick named IRB world player of the year

New Zealand lock edged out Jonathan Sexton and three others to claim award

Ireland’s intelligence provided cutting edge on day when Springboks came to bludgeon

In the face of such physical onslaught mind proved just as important as matter

Ireland stand up and fight and eventually out-smart Springboks

Ireland smarter in seeking out space as well as collisions, and more opportunistic

Springbok midfield’s ability must be tested well behind their gain line

Joe Schmidt’s men braced for the inevitable massive physical challenge the Boks represent

New cap Jared Payne the natural centre of attention

International window of opportunity finally opens for experienced Kiwi

Ruan Pienaar all but ruled out of Ireland encounter

Scrumhalf has not returned to training after suffering medial knee ligament

Ireland braced for the visit of high-flying Springboks and improving Australia

Coach Joe Schmidt targeting one win over the Sothern Hemisphere giants

Ruan Pienaar must prove his fitness for Springboks

Heyneke Meyer hoping Ulster’s talismanic scrumhalf can overcome knee injury

Bismark Du Plessis back in for South Africa

Hooker recalled for New Zealand clash as Argentina make five changes for Australia

Springboks recall Pietersen and Fourie

Frans Malherbe comes in at tighthead prop for the injured Jannie du Plessis ahead of the clash with Wales

New Zealand retain title in thrilling fashion

Defending champions run in five tries against South Africa

Kirchner added to Springboks squad

Leinster’s new signing has been called up and will travel to Australia and then New Zealand

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