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Super Rugby Preview: Things could get ugly for the Brumbies
After 17 rounds, we've reached the quarterfinals, so who'll come out on top and make it through to the semifinals?
Super Rugby
'Distinct possibility' of an upset.
The Highlanders love playing the Crusaders and Greg Growden thinks this quarterfinal could go either way.
1:19
Rugby
Stormers' playoff heartache
KweséESPN looks at some of the playoff heartbreak the Stormers have suffered in the past, including last year's capitulation against the Chiefs, ahead of their quarter-final against the same New Zealand side in Cape Town.
South Africa PRO12 switch
Rugby
Doubts over Cheetahs' Currie Cup defence
The Free State Cheetahs will begin the defence of their domestic Currie Cup title this despite their likely move to the PRO12 in September.
Rugby
PRO12 in talks to add South African teams
Celtic Rugby have confirmed that they are in advanced discussions with the South African Rugby Union (SARU) with the view to add two teams to the current PRO12 format.
Rugby
Who are the new PRO14 sides?
Everything you need to know about the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings - the two Super League Rugby teams who are set to be invited to join the Pro12 competition from September.
Super Rugby
Sunwolves show Blues remain 'mentally fragile'
The Blues defeated the British & Irish Lions as part of an improved season under Tana Umaga, but a final-round defeat by the Sunwolves shows the Auckland franchise are still a mentally weak Super Rugby outfit -- Craig Dowd writes.
Australia
Rugby
Dancing Kurtley unveils 'special' Indigenous jersey.
Returned Test star Kurtley Beale danced up a storm at the unveiling of the Wallabies' Indigenous jersey, before shedding a few tears when explaining just what the playing strip meant.
0:46
Australia
Beale's Indigenous goal achieved, now for Wallabies
An emotional Kurtley Beale ticked off a major personal milestone in launching the Wallabies' special Indigenous jersey, but a greater challenge looms over the next few months when he re-joins a struggling Wallabies squad.
Rugby
Beale excited by Wallabies' midfield options.
He looks almost certain to wear the Wallabies No.12 jersey in Bledisloe I, but Kurtley Beale likes the look of the midfield options Australia have at their disposal for the Rugby Championship.
1:04
Super Rugby
Super Rugby
Inconsistent Sharks need to find belief
The Sharks are heavy underdogs in their Super Rugby quarterfinal at the table-topping Lions on Saturday, in a season where they have shown inconsistent form, following one fine performance with a dismal outing.
Super Rugby
Stormers need to overcome play-off hoodoo against Chiefs
The Stormers' dismal run in Super Rugby play-off matches will face another test this weekend when they host New Zealand's Waikato Chiefs at Newlands in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
TOP RUGBY HEADLINES
Super Rugby
Hurricanes end Crusaders unbeaten run
The Hurricanes have shocked the Crusaders coming back hard in the second half to end the Crusaders unbeaten run and secure their semi-final against the Brumbies.
Super Rugby
Chiefs dismantle sloppy Brumbies
The Chiefs have overcome a second-string Brumbies outfit 28-10, but could face a much stiffer test if the two sides meet again in next week's Super Rugby quarter-final.
Rugby
Wallabies need help from All Blacks
With the once-loved Bledisloe Cup series causing nothing but dread for Wallabies fans, perhaps New Zealand can lend us a hand again, writes Greg Growden.
Rugby
Who are the new PRO14 sides?
Everything you need to know about the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings - the two Super League Rugby teams who are set to be invited to join the Pro12 competition from September.
Rugby
Sunwolves humiliate Blues in Japan heat
The Blues have melted in the Tokyo heat, going down 48-21 to an unfancied Sunwolves outfit in their Super Rugby dead rubber in Japan.
Super Rugby
Stormers score dramatic late try to secure win at Bulls
The Stormers got in some tough preparation for next weekend's Super Rugby quarter-final against the Chiefs by winning a hard-fought final group game 41-33 against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
British & Irish Lions Tour
British and Irish Lions
Warburton defends Sincker arrest.
Lions captain Sam Warburton has defended teammate Kyle Sinckler who was arrested in Auckland during a team night out.
0:35
British & Irish Lions
Breathtaking series reaffirms Lions' standing
Do the British & Irish Lions have a future in the global calendar? Ask those involved over the last six weeks and you'll get a resolute "yes."
British & Irish Lions Tour
ESPN's 2017 Lions tour awards
Ten matches, 12 flights, 12 different hotels, innumerable glasses of pinot noir and a series which ended up as draw. Here are ESPN's Lions tour awards.
British & Irish Lions Tour
British and Irish Lions Tour
WATCH: Gatland the 'clown.'
After receiving negative press throughout the Lions' tour of New Zealand, coach Warren Gatland wore a red nose to his final press conference after drawing the series against the All Blacks.
0:24
news - uk rugby
Gatland has last laugh on Kiwi critics
British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland walked into his press conference wearing a clown's nose as he hailed his side's character.
news - uk rugby
Full coverage of the Lions tour of New Zealand
The British & Irish Lions have ended a gruelling 10-game tour of New Zealand with a record of five wins, three losses and two draws. ESPN has been there every step of the way.
British & IRish Lions TOur
Was Poite right to downgrade the penalty?
Tom May discusses the issues that nearly led to defeat for the Lions and explains why the Lions have ridden their luck at times throughout this Series.
1:07
Super Rugby
Super Rugby
Super Rugby Preview: Round 17
We look at the final round of the home-and-away season: Can the Crusaders finish the campaign undefeated?
Rugby
Woeful Waratahs proving old habits die hard
Waratahs home crowds have slumped alarmingly in the past two seasons. From Super Rugby title holders three seasons ago, the Waratahs now are mere also rans, playing without purpose or a recognisable game plan.
Super Rugby
Sharks out to halt Lions' charge
Sharks lock Stephan Lewies is predicting no easy ride for the Lions when the teams clash in their final Super Rugby regular season game at King's Park on Saturday.
Aviva Premiership
Exeter kick off title defence at Gloucester
Exeter will begin the defence of their Aviva Premiership title in a west country derby against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Friday, Sept. 1.
All Blacks
Rugby
What makes the All Blacks so good?
ESPN's Tom Hamilton has travelled the length and breadth of New Zealand over the past six weeks, looking for the secret to New Zealand's rugby prowess.
All Blacks
All Blacks a Key part of New Zealand life
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key discusses what the All Blacks mean to the country they represent.
All Blacks
Ponsonby Rugby Club: Much more than 45 All Blacks
Rugby clubs the world over each have their own unique story to tell. But few come better than that of Ponsonby District Rugby Football Club, where the local community is just as important as a record 45 All Blacks.
All Blacks
Umaga: All Blacks' superiority created at school.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga believes the education system is the main reason behind their prolonged success in rugby.
3:58
ESPN Body Issue 2017
Rugby
Fekitoa overcame severe childhood injury to star in rugby.
Malakai Fekitoa used his injury as motivation to transform his body and inspire others to follow their dreams.
2:29
Rugby
Fekitoa: 'Doing the All-Black name proud really drives me'
Malakai Fekitoa helped New Zealand win the 2015 Rugby World Cup. But as a child, he was told he might never walk again. In the 2017 Body Issue, he describes his traumatic childhood injury, the pride of being an All Black and even his spearfishing skills.
Rugby
The All Black whose heart remains in the valley
ESPN's Tom Hamilton meets Rugby World Cup-winner Piri Weepu, who after a globe-trotting career still feels most at home at his local rugby league club.
British and Irish Lions
Lions tours much more than just rugby.
Former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd has hailed the off-field impact of the British & Irish Lions tour, saying the thousands of supports who've flocked to New Zealand have created a wonderful feeling up and down the country.
1:00
Rugby
Hunter to lead England's WRWC defence
Defending champions England have named their squad for the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup, with four players set to compete in their fourth successive tournament.
Top Headlines
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Full coverage of the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand
The British & Irish Lions have ended a gruelling 10-game tour of New Zealand with a record of five wins, three losses and two draws. ESPN has been there every step of the way.
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