Belief, commitment and confidence: How South Africa won Rugby World Cup 2023
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Springboks’ journey to their record fourth Webb Ellis Cup was paved by the squad’s resilience and their ability to overcome adversity in France. “As a Springbok, you always believe...
RWC Match Day Programme New Zealand vs South Africa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyIn a tournament where the praises of the north were sung far and wide. Echoes of a first Northern Hemisphere victory since the heroics of Johnny Wilkinson's Engand side in 2003. However, much like most...
Will anyone claim a hat-trick of Mastercard Player of the Match awards?
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyWe take a look at which players, and positions, have dominated the Mastercard Player of the Match awards at Rugby World Cup 2023. Five players have won multiple Mastercard Player of the Match awards at...
RWC Match Day Programme: England vs South Africa
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyFour years ago in Japan, South Africa triumphed over a very strong England side that had nullified an All Blacks team in the semi-final. The same All Blacks team that had beaten the Springboks in their...
Glittering career ends with tears for retiring Ireland captain Johnny Sexton
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe 38-year-old heads into retirement as arguably his country’s greatest player. Tears were always likely when the end eventually came for the retiring Johnny Sexton. In a city synonymous with...
France v South Africa - Three key contests
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe last quarter-final of this scintillating weekend of rugby sees hosts and three-time finalists France - who are aiming for a first semi-final since 2011 - tackle defending champions South...
Romania: Rugby World Cup 2023 review
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyRomania had three tough tests in the 'pool of death' before pushing Tonga hard in their final game. Abiding memory Scrum-half Florin Surugiu's beaming face as he jumped to his feet after scoring...
Expectation to underachievement – How Scotland came up short in France
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyScotland suffered a demoralising pool-stage exit from the World Cup after being unable to get the big win they needed against Ireland. Here, we look back at how the tournament unfolded for Gregor Townsend’s...
Stats review - what do the figures reveal about the teams heading home?
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyScotland and Australia were the two topped-rank teams to miss out on the knockout stage at Rugby World Cup 2023, but there was plenty to be positive about for teams such as Portugal, Georgia and Tonga. Pool...
Tonga: Rugby World Cup 2023 review
1 year ago by Ultimate RugbyThe 'Ikale Tahi brought fight, flair and famous faces to the Rugby World Cup in France but had to wait for their final Pool B game to savour victory. Abiding memory As the Tonga squad gathered...