Home defeats for the Bulls and Lions were unexpected and the nature of the Stormers’ loss in Brisbane to the Queensland Reds brought stinging censure, not least from their within own camp.
Gianni Infantino told delegates he was working to ensure the increase for the Qatar tournament, which would mean see two extra places for South American sides.
Aimee Barrett-Theron will become the first female referee in history to take charge of an FNB Varsity Shield final.
A total of six Springboks will start for the Bulls in their round nine Super Rugby clash against the Reds at Loftus in wholesale changes to the side that lost to the Jaguares last weekend.
Gregan, Australia's most-capped player, also tipped the Wallabies to break out of their recent slump but thinks Jones can give big-hitting England the edge over treble-chasing New Zealand.
The deeply religious fullback sparked uproar last year with a similar tirade when he said God's plan for gay people was hell unless they repented their sins.
The India captain was also named as one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the year along with Jos Buttler and Sam Curran, Rory Burns and Tammy Beaumont from the England women’s team.
The supremely talented 21-year-old upstaged five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain but ultimately limped home third when his Ferrari lost power with 10 laps left.
The experienced Steven Kitshoff will line up alongside hooker Bongi Mbonambi and tighthead prop Wilco Louw in the front row.
Zain Davids injured his shoulder in training in Hong Kong last week and had to return to South Africa before the start of the Hong Kong Sevens.
