North finishes year on top

The home nations have outperformed South Africa and Australia for the better part of three seasons and will head into the 2019 World Cup with a psychological edge, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Irish triumph a game-changer

Ireland’s systematic dismantling of the All Blacks in Dublin affirmed their status as the standout Test side of 2018, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Boks must address attacking ails

The Springboks need to start converting their attacking opportunities and making their own luck in big matches, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Ref howler a black eye for rugby

Too many contests are being ruined by a referee’s decisions – and in some instances, his refusal to take appropriate action – in the dying moments, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Rassie will get backline answers

The absence of several frontline backs will force Rassie Erasmus to experiment with new individuals and combinations with a view to the World Cup, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Domestic rollercoaster reaching its peak

The epic semi-final clash between Western Province and the Blue Bulls was a welcome departure from the one-sided contests witnessed in the 2018 Currie Cup, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Province a potent package

Western Province strengthened their claim to the Currie Cup title with a masterful tactical performance at a storm-hit Loftus Versfeld, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Boks standards are soaring

The Springbok coaches, as well as the fans, should be encouraged by the progress of the side in 2018, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Bok brain game in spotlight

The Springboks’ game management needs to improve ahead of the showdown with the All Blacks in Pretoria, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Rassie’s challenging World Cup checklist

The Springboks still have a lot to rectify and address in the 12 months leading up to the 2019 World Cup, writes JON CARDINELLI.