Wednesday Morning Round Up

Duane Vermeulen to lead the Springboks against New Zealand

Experienced No 8 Duane Vermeulen will lead the Springboks against the All Blacks on Saturday, when the two traditional rivals clash in Wellington in the second round of the shortened 2019 Rugby Championship.

Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby, has named a much-changed side from the one that defeated the Wallabies by 35-17 in Johannesburg last weekend.

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Hansen: Springboks showdown will have no bearing on World Cup clash

Steve Hansen says beating South Africa on Saturday would be a tonic for New Zealand but he does not anticipate the outcome having any bearing on their Rugby World Cup showdown in September.

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Hendré Stassen facing four-year ban

Stade Français lock Hendre Stassen is facing a ban between two to four years after testing positive for a banned substance during a random screening.

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How NOT to Drive in Japan starring the All Blacks

Genia backs newly mature O'Connor to shine for Wallabies

James O'Connor has put his party-boy lifestyle behind him as he seeks to reignite his Australia career.

O'Connor is in contention for his first Wallabies cap in six years when Argentina visit Brisbane in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. 

The 29-year-old utility back last featured against the same opponents in 2013, before his contract was ripped up amid reports of being intoxicated and abusive towards staff at Perth Airport.

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