Champions South Africa face a demanding three consecutive Test opening to the defence of their Tri-Nations title in the 2010 campaign.
Andy Capostagno ponders the changes Argentina will bring to southern hemisphere rugby tournaments.
Australia coach Robbie Deans has threatened to wield the axe after the Wallabies were thrashed 33-6 by New Zealand.
Cory Jane scored his first Test try as the New Zealand All Blacks ovepowered Australia 33-6 in their Tri-Nations match at Westpac Stadium.
With the Tri-Nations title beyond reach, Saturday’s match between the All Blacks and Wallabies has become a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
The vitriol aimed at the All Blacks by their own supporters after they lost the Tri-Nations rugby crown to South Africa has the Wallabies on edge.
The All Blacks have made five changes to their team to play Australia in their attempt to avoid the Tri-Nations wooden spoon on Saturday.
The heroic Springboks were welcomed back to home soil on Monday by a variety of fans reflecting the popularity of the world champions.
World rugby’s governing body on Monday hailed the invitation extended to Argentina to join an expanded Tri-Nations series from 2012.
Argentina have been invited to join South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in an expanded Southern hemisphere championship from 2012.
Long-range strikes from Frans Steyn and an intercept try by Jean de Villiers helped South Africa to get a 32-29 victory over New Zealand.
South Africa were still improving and can only get better heading into the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, said captain John Smit.
Will the Springboks return from their crucial Tri-Nations Test in Hamilton as conquering heroes or nearly men?
A victory more than 12 months ago rather than two this season will help motivate South Africa in their Tri-Nations encounter against New Zealand.
The Springboks slipped quietly into New Zealand on Thursday, leaving their hosts to do the trash-talking this time.
The All Blacks have taken a leaf out of the Wallabies’ book for Saturday’s make-or-break Tri-Nations Test against the Springboks.
The Springboks have called up Francois Steyn in the sole change to their side for the crucial Tri-Nations match against New Zealand on Saturday.
South Africa are being unfairly targeted by referees because of their status as the world’s best team, according to Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
SA have delayed naming their team for the Test against New Zealand as they await results of fitness tests on Bryan Habana and Pierre Spies.
New Zealand will field a revamped midfield for their Tri-Nations crunch match against South Africa in Hamilton on Saturday
