Waratahs fullback Sam Norton-Knight has targeted his Crusaders counterpart Leon MacDonald as a danger man to his side in Saturday's Super 14 rugby final in Christchurch.While All Black stars Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are often cited as the pivotal

The Springbok squad announced by coach Peter de Villiers in Cape Town on Wednesday includes the brother of World Cup Springbok wing Akona Ndungane and the son of former Springbok lock Hennie Bekker.Should Odwa Ndungane be called upon to play

JP Pietersen's lack of form in the Super 14 season has cost him a place in the Springbok squad which was named at Somerset West on Wednesday.The Sharks' World Cup wing failed to score a try in the 2008 series

Nick Easter will captain England in Sunday's clash against the Barbarians at Twickenham.Harlequins forward Easter is among nine capped players included in the England side ahead of their two-Test tour of New Zealand.

THE ladder-leading Sydney Roosters are "nowhere near" the best team in the NRL according to their star forward Willie Mason, who has paid coach Brad Fittler some big compliments.

SOUTH Sydney's tumultuous week hit a new low after Penrith star Luke Lewis reneged on a handshake deal with the Rabbitohs to re-sign with the Panthers for a further four years.

WESTS Tigers second-rower Chris Heighington has signed with the NRL club for three more years.

All Black scrumhalf Andy Ellis says the Crusaders don't need any external motivation to lift their weary bodies for the Super 14 rugby final against the New South Wales Waratahs in Christchurch on Saturday.Despite the physicality of their 33-22 semifinal

SCOTLAND'S seven-a-side rugby team are being tipped to reach new heights in the concluding leg of the Emirates Airlines world grand prix series at Murrayfield this weekend

NEW South Wales hopes of claiming a maiden Super 14 title rest heavily on their ability to shut down Crusaders captain Richie McCaw, recognised as the best forward in world rugby.

NEW South Wales' march to the Super 14 final against the Crusaders began with their 34-7 loss to the six-time champions in Christchurch six weeks ago.

NEW South Wales were in confident mood as they departed Sydney for Christchurch in pursuit of their first Super 14 rugby title.

THE Brumbies have signed former Waratahs lock Ben Hand for the next two Super 14 seasons.

IRELAND have overcame the absence of captain Brian O'Driscoll to record an emphatic 39-14 victory against the Barbarians ahead of their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

FORMER Brumbies and Blues coach David Nucifora has been confirmed as manager of the Australian Rugby Union's high performance unit.

MATT Giteau is believed to be reconsidering his contract with Western Force in the wake of his non-payment by franchise sponsor Firepower.

SCOTT Prince has an unexpected ally as he presses his claims for a Queensland State of Origin jersey, New South Wales and Australian five-eighth Greg Bird.

SONNY Bill Williams will be barred by NRL rules from receiving a pay rise even if he successfully negotiates one with the Bulldogs, it's been revealed.

SCOTLAND sevens star Jim Thompson has received a major boost ahead of this weekend's two day tournament at Murrayfield â€" a two year contract from Edinburgh Rugby.

EDINBURGH prop Craig Smith today pulled out injured from Scotland's forthcoming rugby tour of Argentina amidst speculation the 29-year-old might retire.