Currie Cup preview (Round 7)

Western Province will be aiming to stay in the hunt for a home Currie Cup semi-final when they host the Vodacom Blue Bulls on Friday, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

All Blacks deploy big guns

The All Blacks have named a full-strength side for their World Cup opener against Argentina at Wembley on Sunday.

Ireland name strong side

Luke Fitzgerald will start at inside centre in place of the injured Robbie Henshaw in Ireland’s World Cup opener against Canada at the Milennium Stadium.

Spedding at 15 for France

South African-born Scott Spedding will start at fullback in France’s World Cup opener against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

‘Jean most comfortable at 12’

Heyneke Meyer says he wants to afford Jean de Villiers the opportunity to ‘lay down his marker as captain’ in his preferred position when the Springboks take on Japan.

Kirchner to start for Boks

Zane Kirchner will start at fullback in the Springboks’ World Cup opener against Japan in Brighton on Saturday.

‘Experience invaluable at World Cup’

Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis believes the value of experience cannot be underestimated at the World Cup, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Le Roux’s licence to thrill

Willie le Roux will play an important attacking role for the Springboks at the World Cup, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Boks ready for rain or shine

The Springboks remain confident that they can adapt to whatever conditions they may encounter in their World Cup opener against Japan on Saturday, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

‘Strong competition at flyhalf’

Handré Pollard believes the different flyhalf strengths in the Bok squad will provide Heyneke Meyer with healthy options at the World Cup, writes CRAIG LEWIS.