Latest from International Rugby

Rugby: Wallaby winger set on starting

Joe Tomane is determined to force Wallabies coach Michael Cheika's hand and cut through the logjam of wingers vying for Rugby World Cup starting roles.

Irish selectors pass over big-hitters

Gordon D'Arcy's international career may be over after the veteran centre was left out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup squad yesterday.

More Wallabies gunning for No8 slot

Wallabies enforcer Wycliff Palu has welcomed the challenge of David Pocock to his No8 jersey ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Wynne Gray: Strong NZ presence evident in Cup sides

Whoever ends up winning the Rugby World Cup, you can bet there will be a Kiwi involved somewhere, writes Wynne Gray.

Will England buckle?

England and expectation - now there's a marriage that may not last.

Cheika, a genius and madman

The <i>Sydney Morning Herald</i> reported that "Quade Cooper is set to start for Wallabies against All Blacks". OMG. I muttered, again.

Chris Rattue: Polynesian magic in Aussie rugby turns the tables on NZ

The Polynesian factor is working its magic in Australian rugby, and it's why the All Blacks' dominance will never be the same again, writes Chris Rattue.

Oi, Aussie, where's the cup?

No, not the Bledisloe - the one you've hidden, writes Andrew Mulligan, one of the few people in the world who still remembers the DHL Cup.

100 Kiwi Stories: Death of an 'original'

56: Dave Gallaher fought on three battlefields.

Anzac Day test not Aussie's best idea

The sentiment is fine, however the concept is as useful as Super Rugby stopping in June for a month of tests, writes Wynne Gray.

Kiwis keep Toulon on winning course

A repeat of last season's Heineken Cup final match-up is still on the cards after the weekend's European Champions Cup quarter-finals - and New Zealanders are in the thick of it.

Piutau set to leave NZ

Charles Piutau is a player the All Blacks definitely didn't want to lose. But it is understood he has been offered and has already signed a deal in Europe.

Rugby: Heaslip back for vital clash

Number eight Jamie Heaslip is the only new face in the Ireland rugby team for the pivotal Six Nations showdown with Wales at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

Wynne Gray: Schmidt and O'Connell drive Ireland's success

As the Blues face their latest drama, one of their coaching castoffs, Joe Schmidt, is aiming at a landmark with Ireland.

Rugby: Ireland owe success to Kiwi messiah

When Joe Schmidt arrived to take his seat at Musgrave Park in Cork last month, to watch the Ireland Wolfhounds take on England Saxons, every step up the stand led to another delay.

Rugby: Local heroes carving it up overseas

While much of the rugby media attention in Europe at the weekend fell on convert Sam Burgess' first try for Bath, New Zealanders were quietly and often effectively going about their work.

French willing to splash out for Carter

If Racing Metro hire Daniel Carter for a record $2 million next year, former rival five-eighths Ronan O'Gara will supervise his work with the French club.

Rugby: The real World XV