World Cup debutant Juan de Jongh was overwhelmed by the Springbok team's farewell and the reception they received from hundreds of supporters when they arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, late on Friday.
Rodney Ah You scored the game's only try as Connacht defeated Treviso 11-9 in their opening match of the new RaboDirect PRO12 League campaign.
The Free State Cheetahs thrashed the Leopards, outscoring the home side by nine tries to two in Potchefstroom to register a dominant 64-17 victory in their Currie Cup match on Saturday.
Worcester resumed life in the top flight with a hard earned 17-12 win over a spirited Sale side at Sixways.
Harlequins' 29-24 opening-day Aviva Premiership victory at Twickenham was marred when Tom Guest suffered a double break of his left arm.
The Sharks showed great composure and regularly punished the ill-discipline of their opponents to secure a solid 39-27 victory over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
George Ford missed two crucial drop goals as Exeter won 30-28 at Welford Road to beat Leicester in the Aviva Premiership for the first time.
Immaculate kicking from Nick Evans enabled Harlequins to secure the first win of the Aviva Premiership season as they beat London Irish 29-24.
Jim Mallinder has warned Northampton there will be no excuses when they begin their Aviva Premiership campaign against Gloucester on Sunday.
Catalin Fercu's late decision to withdraw from Romania's Rugby World Cup squad due to a fear of flying has angered his former team-mates.
A late surge from Western Province clinched a tense 41-35 victory over Griquas for the visitors in what was an entertaining spectacle of running rugby in Kimberley on Saturday.
Graham Henry has learned from New Zealand's disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign - and steeled his men for the perils of sudden-death rugby.
Shane Jennings is determined to capitalise on the twist of fate that could see him become Ireland's openside at the World Cup.
Jamie Roberts believes Wales' critical World Cup opener against South Africa has "all the ingredients to be a classic".
Martin Johnson has been praised for transforming England into "strong contenders" for the World Cup - by tournament favourites New Zealand.
