Rugby

Saturday Mar 20 07:04 AEDT

Ireland rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll insisted their last match at Croke Park would have no inhibiting effect on his side against Scotland.

Saturday Mar 20 06:59 AEDT

Stade put faith in Australian Cheika

Top 14 rugby giants Stade Francais will from next season put their faith in Australian coach Michael Cheika, who last season led Leinster to European Cup glory.

Saturday Mar 20 06:30 AEDT

England's new captain will not change

England's latest rugby captain Lewis Moody insisted he would not compromise his playing style despite his new-found responsibility.

Friday Mar 19 21:56 AEDT

Blues beat Brumbies in Auckland

A late fightback couldn't rescue the Brumbies as they slipped to a dramatic 39-34 loss to the Blues in a rousing Super 14 rugby clash in Auckland.

Friday Mar 19 16:54 AEDT

Tahs won't target slippery O'Connor

NSW flanker Dave Dennis believes it will be counter-productive for the Waratahs to target Force young gun James O'Connor in Saturday night's Super 14 derby.

Friday Mar 19 15:15 AEDT

French 'more confident' than English

France is bidding to end a six-year wait and land the Six Nations Grand Slam against the same side they beat to secure the 2004 clean sweep - arch foes England.

Friday Mar 19 14:45 AEDT

Cooper leads playmaker stakes

Quade Cooper's irresistible Super 14 form has him leading the contest for Australia's chief playmaking role, says former Wallabies inside back Rod Kafer.

Friday Mar 19 13:50 AEDT

Ireland eye Triple Crown

Ireland would love to end their residency at Croke Park with the Triple Crown when they wrap up their Six Nations campaign on Saturday.

Thursday Mar 18 18:50 AEDT

Brumbies chase fourth straight victory

Brumbies coach Andy Friend says his side will have to boost their defensive effort if they are to get past the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.

Thursday Mar 18 18:46 AEDT

Aussies take youthful approach to Sevens

A belated emphasis on youth has got Australian rugby expecting much from its sevens youngsters at the Adelaide Oval this week.

Mitchell backs Force to rebound

Western Force coach John Mitchell is sticking with the same side that suffered an embarrassing 50-10 Super 14 loss to Queensland last week.

Thursday Mar 18 18:43 AEDT

Hickey considers rotating Waratahs

NSW coach Chris Hickey may have to accelerate plans to rotate his squad, with injury doubts over two members of his pack for the Super 14 clash with the Force.

Thursday Mar 18 18:41 AEDT

Turinui not in Reds side for Africa tour

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has insisted Queensland's future remains in safe hands despite being angered by the defection of rising prop Laurie Weeks.

Thursday Mar 18 17:42 AEDT

Weeks signs Super 15 deal with Rebels

The Melbourne Rebels have announced Queensland Reds prop Laurie Weeks as their first Australian-based signing for the 2011 Super 15.