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Springbok Bismarck du Plessis sees his side as the Usain Bolt of the World Cup, after the renowned sprinter bounced back from injury.

Ireland's star centre Robbie Henshaw will make his World Cup debut in Sunday's Pool D match with Italy after missing the first two games through injury.

The scope and capabilities of the TMO have been expanded. In some instances it has been applauded while in other instances regarded as too intrusive.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga have named the oldest team in World Cup history, with a starting XV whose average age is 31 years and 38 days, for their match against Argentina.

Wales were relieved to emerge unscathed from their latest World Cup win over Fiji as they targeting a clean sweep of wins in Pool A.

Western Province Under-21 hooker Daniel du Plessis, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a match last month, has returned home from hospital.

Japanese caps record-holder Hitoshi Ono's extraordinary durability is down to, among other things, drinking 10 beers a night, according to coach Eddie Jones.

England can beat Australia in their World Cup clash if they stick to their game plan because the Wallabies are "not the brightest team", according to Clive Woodward.

This is their 'final'. Yes, Samoan and Japan may still harbour ambitions of a play-off spot, but in reality they are in a race to finish third in Pool B.

England coach Stuart Lancaster knows the consequences of failure if his side are beaten by Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Fiji head into their final World Cup Pool A game winless and left ruing a punishing schedule that saw them play three of the world's top six teams in 13 days.

Paul Dobson once again cast his expert eye over South Africa, when they play Scotland in a crucial World Cup match on Saturday.

NEWS: Star Irish centre Robbie Henshaw is ready to be unleashed on Italy in their World Cup Pool D clash on Sunday, manager Michael Kearney said.

REPORT: France kept up the pressure on Pool D rivals Ireland with a bonus-point 41-18 win over Canada in Milton Keynes on Friday.

England's World Cup dream will be over if they lose to Australia in their Pool A clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

NEWS: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has finally named his bench for Saturday's crunch World Cup match against England at Twickenham.

REPORT: Wales held on in the face of a fierce second-half onslaught to edge Fiji 23-13 in a thrilling World Cup Pool A match in Cardiff on Thursday.

There are 16 teams taking part in the Schools Provincial Sevens at Paarl Gim, starting on Friday morning.

The Currie Cup season reaches a climax this weekend as a number of teams look to secure semifinal spots in the penultimate round of league games.

Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels rugby - Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, die Springbokke, Skotland, die Wêreldbekertoernooi en die Curriebeker-toernooi.

Kosei Ono will fill the pivotal role of  Japan's playmaker-in-chief for their crucial World Cup Pool B clash with Samoa on Saturday.

Tusi Pisi can close in on the Samoan Test points record after being restored to the team for a key World Cup game against Japan on Saturday.

Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning talk rugby ... the new Springbok captain, the game against Scotland, Currie Cup and domestic languages.

The All Blacks have sent an ominous warning to Georgia saying they want to make an emphatic statement about their goal of winning the World Cup again.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what awaits the Springboks if they hope to reach the World Cup Final.

Centre Jonathan Joseph returns to the England team at the expense of Sam Burgess for their World Cup Pool A game against Australia on Saturday.

One consolation for the All Blacks ahead of Friday's clash is that Georgia have promised there will be no brawls in their game.

South African-born forwards Joshua Strauss and Willem Nel will start for Scotland against the Springboks in Newcastle.

rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson casts his expert eyes over the World Cup Pool C match between the All Blacks and the Lelos.

NEWS: Marco Wentzel returns to lead the Sharks in their must-win Currie Cup encounter with Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

NEWS: Griquas coach Hawies Fourie has made several changes to his team for their penultimate Currie Cup match of the season.

If England get knocked out early in the World Cup it is hosting, it will not only be a sporting humiliation but a financial setback.

Ireland have never reached a Rugby World Cup semifinal but former captain Keith Wood believes they can win the trophy if they beat France.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen will keep a keen eye on star wing Waisake Naholo against Georgia on Friday.

Ben Morgan believes England can get on top of Australia's scrum again when they face the Wallabies in a must-win World Cup match on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland centre Jared Payne could miss the Six Nations champions' World Cup Pool D clash with Italy on Sunday because of a bruised foot.

England becoming the first hosts to fail to reach the World Cup knockout stage would be disappointing but not impact the English game.

Four years after first being offered the Springbok captaincy and turning it down, Fourie du Preez will become the 56th Test captain for South Africa.

All Blacks code hopper Sonny Bill Williams has a simple word of advice for England's Rugby League convert Sam Burgess and that is to "keep it simple."

NEWS: Georgia have pulled most of their top players from Friday's historic game against the All Blacks.

Fourie du Preez will become the Springboks’ 56th Test captain when he leads South Africa against Scotland on Saturday.

Golden Lions coach Johan Ackermann does not want his team to lose momentum against an in-form Western Province team at Ellis Park on Friday.

NEWS: Jean de Villiers successfully completed the first step on his return to playing.

REACTION: Namibia may have been well off the pace in their World Cup games so far, but they are not going to give up the chase for a first-ever win.

France will be looking for a convincing performance against what could be a weary Canada side on Thursday.

Injury-ravaged Wales have insisted on maintaining the physical intensity of their training sessions ahead of Thursday's match against Fiji.

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones believes the Wallabies will beat England in their crunch pool game on Saturday, if their scrum holds up.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo will make his eagerly-awaited World Cup debut against Georgia in Cardiff on Friday.

Dries Swanepoel has been named at centre for the Blue Bulls ahead of their Currie Cup Round Nine encounter with the Eastern Province Kings.

SARU's Under-17 Interprovincial Sevens takes place at Paarl Gimnasium on Firday and Saturday, 2-3 October 2015.

Team announcement: Lock Francois Uys will lead the Free State Cheetahs against the Pumas in Nelspruit on Saturday.

South Africa's lineout calls in their Pool B match against Scotland at St James' Park on Saturday will come under scrutiny.

Michael Cheika apparently did not have much of a sidestep in his playing days but has developed a pretty nifty one behind the coach's mic.

Sam Warburton's Wales can take a giant step towards securing an automatic World Cup quarterfinal qualifying spot when they face Fiji on Thursday.

Preview: The First Division has reached the knock out stage of the competition, with the semifinals kicking off on Friday October 2.

Mike Catt has insisted England's backs can equal Australia's attacking threat when they face the Wallabies in a make-or-break World Cup clash at Twickenham on Saturday.

Frederic Michalak's career could be summed up by paraphrasing Henry Longfellow:'When he was good, he was very, very good, but when he was bad he was horrid'.

Springbok Sevens scrumhalf Branco du Preez has been ruled out for the rest of the year after successfully undergoing surgery to his shoulder.

Georgia believe the formula to not embarrass themselves against the All Blacks is to grab the ball and stop the defending champions getting it. 

Sam Burgess says fellow rugby league convert Israel Folau is the man England need to stop if they are to beat Australia and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

NEWS: South Africa face a difficult decision replacing captain Jean de Villiers for their key World Cup game against Scotland on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Akapusi Qera well remembers playing in a fired up Fiji side when they knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup.

NEWS: Canada coach Kieran Crowley has opted to freshen up his starting line-up with six changes for their World Cup Pool D encounter with France.

REACTION: Tonga's hopes of taking a top-three spot in Pool C will be tested by an in-form Argentina in Leicester on Sunday.

NEWS: The Golden Lions will field a new front row when they host Western Province in a Currie Cup match at Ellis Park on Friday.

Retired Springbok captain Jean de Villiers still has an important role to play in South Africa's World Cup campaign.

REPORT: Tonga recorded their first win of the 2015 World Cup when they beat a willing Namibian team 35-21 at Sandy Park, in Exeter, on Tuesday.

Ireland’s utility back Simon Zebo took time off from the World Cup on Tuesday to attend his grandfather's funeral.

Wales coach Warren Gatland questioned the short turnarounds in the World Cup as he prepared his battered side to play Fiji on Thursday. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Elgar Watts will make his first start for the Eastern Province Kings for their match against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria on Friday.

There is far more to David Pocock than just being a world class loose forward - he is also a vocal crusader for social issues.

Western Province have opted not to rush back their first choice players from injury as they would rather field their strongest team in the semifinal against the Blue Bulls.

After playing Currie Cup rugby last weekend, Jan Serfontein may well get the chance to start for the Springboks against Scotland on Saturday.

Blair Cowan was on Tyneside on Tuesday morning preparing to push for a place in Scotland's crucial Pool B encounter with South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji head coach John McKee has opted for experience by making six changes to face Wales on Thursday.

Richard Wigglesworth dismissed Will Carling's "schoolboys" attack after their World Cup defeat by Wales, suggesting the former captain does not understand modern rugby.

Remy Grosso's rapid rise from anonymity moved up a notch on Tuesday when he was named in the France side to play Canada on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fit-again Springbok centre Juan de Jongh returns to captain Western Province in their crunch match against the Golden Lions.

Matthew Morgan, Alex Cuthbert and Tyler Morgan all come into a new-look Wales backline ae they look to record their third successive World Cup victory.

Australia received a double blow on Tuesday with the news that both Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton are out of the World Cup due to injury.

If Dan Carter cannot play at home in New Zealand there is no place he would rather be than Cardiff's Millennium stadium.

James Hook and Gareth Anscombe were briefed to prepare for utility roles when they were rushed into the Wales squad on Monday. 

INTERVIEW: Namibia will seek to buck a losing streak of 16 World Cup matches when they take on Tonga in Exeter on Tuesday.

OPINION: Selecting a team from 11 matches in five days will test anybody's powers of observation.

REACTION: Nick Easter said he was "absolutely thrilled" to be in his third World Cup for England.

The Rugby World Cup goes on its exciting way with match officials often in the spotlight.

The Blue Bulls suffered a setback in the build-up to their crucial Currie Cup encounter with the Eastern Province Kings.

Fiji star Nemani Nadolo will play no part in his team's key match with Wales after he was banned for one week for a dangerous tackle on Monday.

NEWS: World Cup hosts England suffered a critical blow ahead of their decisive poll match against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Fiji are still holding out hope for a string of upsets in the congested Pool A as they prepared for their third leg of an arduous opening to the World Cup. 

The influence Vern Cotter has had on Scotland has not gone unnoticed and the Springboks are well aware of the massive change he has made.

NEWS: Wales, already suffering from a crippling injury list, have lost two more players for the rest of the World Cup.

Samoa coach Stephen Betham cast his side as the underdogs for Saturday's crunch must-win World Cup Pool B game with Japan. 

The table-topping Golden Lions were dealt a cruel blow with the news that utility back Ruan Combrinck's season has come to an abrupt end.

Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has recovered from a chest injury and will be available for selection for Western Province on Friday.

The All Blacks have gone back to school as they look to lift their game against the unknown threat of Georgia on Friday. 

NEWS: Retired Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers says he will continue his club career abroad after recovering from a fractured jaw.

The Australian Rugby Union today announced that Stephan van der Walt and Simon Kennewell have signed contracts with the Men's Sevens team.

Jean de Villiers ended 13 years as a Springbok by sipping wine in the middle of the night with teammate Schalk Burger, childhood idol Danie Gerber and golfer Ernie Els.

England's Tom Wood will be free to play in Saturday's World Cup clash with Australia after he received just a warning for an incident against Wales.

Ireland are anxiously waiting to see whether Italy captain Sergio Parisse makes his much-awaited return from injury against them on Sunday.

NEWS: Wales' victory over England at Twickenham has seen them achieve their highest position on the Official World Rankings.

Springbok loose forward Luke Watson will miss the rest of the season through injury.

Scotland lock Grant Gilchrist will play no further part in the World Cup because of a groin injury he suffered against the United States.

NEWS: Fiji received another setback with prop Isei Colati being ruled out for the rest of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Tonga face Namibia on Tuesday with their aim reset on finishing third in Pool C to seal automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup.

Pumas coach MJ Mentz believes that his team has what it takes to beat the Free State Cheetahs when they clash in Nelspruit on Saturday.

NEWS:Japan's new schedule for the 2019 Rugby World Cup received the green light from the sport's governing body World Rugby on Monday. 

Ireland are sweating over the fitness of Rob Kearney after the fullback limped off during his team's 44-10 win over Romania on Sunday. 

The Currie Cup action is hotting up as the tournament nears the business end with just two rounds of games remaining before the play-offs.

Western Province must beat the undefeated Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Friday if they hope to secure a home semifinal spot.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a look at the candidate that can captain the Springboks.

Wales' heroics against England were quickly consigned to yesterday's news by assistant coach Shaun Edwards as they turn their attention to Fiji.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has insisted his side will bounce back from their shattering defeat by Wales when they face Australia.

BREAKING NEWS: Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has announced his retirement from the international arena after suffering a jaw fracture.

NEWS: Despite fears that they are having problems recruiting players, the new Japanese team will play its historic first game on Saturday, February 27.

NEWS: Fiji's disciplinary problems are mounting as star wing Nemani Nadolo faces a World Cup judicial hearing on Monday.

REACTION: The punishment Scotland received at the hands of the Unites States in the first half of their match was the ideal preparation they needed.

REPORT: Ireland continued their winning momentum as they claimed a 44-10 victory over Romania to top Pool D.

Sean McMahon produced an outstanding two-try display against Uruguay to press for selection in Australia's crunch England-Wales double header.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sharks flank Renaldo Bothma will start against Tonga in one of eight changes made for Tuesday's clash.

NEWS: Wales have become an inspiration to the All Blacks for the way they beat England and shook up the World Cup.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika insisted his team will not "scrounge" through the tough Pool A after an 11-try drubbing of Uruguay.

REPORT: Scotland came back from a seven point half-time deficit to secure a 39-16 bonus point victory over a determined United States in Leeds.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga coach Manu Otai had made nine changes to his starting line-up for Tuesday's game against Namibia.

Argentina's Mariano Galarza’s appeal against his nine week suspension for 'acts contrary to good sportsmanship' has been refused.

England may have to wait until Monday to discover if Tom Wood will be cited for the incident that left Wales' Liam Williams unconscious.

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a fracture to his jaw.

REPORT: Australia ran in 11 tries to slaughter Uruguay 65-3 and claim their second Pool A victory in Birmingham on Sunday.

Dan Biggar said he and his Wales teammates had produced the "best day's rugby of our careers" after he masterminded a win over England.

Italy flank Mauro Bergamasco was not in the mood to celebrate when he became only the second player to play in five World Cups.

England captain Chris Robshaw took responsibility for the call to kick for touch late in his team's 25-28 defeat to Wales.

Defeated England coach Stuart Lancaster said his team's World Cup hopes were by no means over following defeat to Wales.

Wales' celebrations of their dramatic victory over England were tempered by the fact that they have lost more players to injury.

JP Pietersen said the Springboks fought back from their defeat against Japan by admitting their faults before taking on Samoa.

POST-MATCH REACTION: South Africa will be hoping for good news on captain Jean de Villiers, who took another hard blow to the jaw.

OPINION: Wales produced one of the most stunning comebacks in World Cup history, beating hosts England 28-25 at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: England faded badly in the final quarter to let a 10-point lead slip and for Wales to sneak a 28-25 win.

REPORT: Wales produced the most stunning comeback in World Cup history to edge hosts England 28-25 at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springbok team that took to the field against Samoa was a different beast to the one that lost to Japan a week ago.

REPORT: South African bounced back from their opening match loss to post an impressive 46-6 win over Samoa at Villa Park on Saturday.

OPINION: Samoa were physically dominated in their 6-46 defeat to the Springboks on Saturday.

Report: The Eastern Province Kings won the battle of the basement dwellers with a last-gasp 40-37 victory over Griquas in Port Elizabeth, on Saturday.

REPORT: Italy got their first win of the 2015 World Cup when they edged Canada 23-18 in a thrilling match in Leeds on Saturday.

REPORT: Western Province put in a dominant second-half performance to beat the Pumas 50-19 at Newlands on Saturday.

REPORT: The Golden Lions scored a massive 73-31 victory over a very game Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

NEWS: Scottish flank John Hardie failed a head injury test and will miss Scotland's World Cup Pool B clash with the United States on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks' mystique appears under threat at the World Cup.

This is a case of taking things too far and telling the world about it.

Fiji wing Waisea Nayacalevu has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury.

Tonga are set to change their gameplan and and move the ball wide against Namibia in an effort to bounce back from defeat to Georgia.

Scotland will be looking to consolidate their position on top of Pool B when they play the United States at Elland Road in Leeds on Sunday.

England fullback Mike Brown says that his team have an old score to settle with Wales at Twickenham.

Ireland will field their oldest ever World Cup team against an even older Romania at Wembley on Sunday.

Wales' George North hopes knowledge gained from the 2011 World Cup will stand him in good stead when he faces England at Twickenham.

Don Morrison, a famous rugby referee in the USA, died peacefully at his home.

Ireland will look to continue their winning momentum when they play Romania in their second Pool D match on Sunday.

The Blue Bulls managed to get their straps tied late in the first half to secure a win that ensures them a semifinal spot.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is using the match against Uruguay on Sunday to give the fringe players in his squad a run.

INTERVIEW: South Africa skipper Jean de Villiers expected to be dropped after the Springboks' sensational defeat by Japan in last week.

REPORT: Argentina got their World Cup campaign back on track with a 54-9 bonus-point win over Georgia at the Kingsholm Stadium on Friday.

Romania coach Lynn Howells has named his team to play Ireland in the World Cup Pool D match at Wembley on Sunday.

Japan's star No.8 Amanaki Mafi will start Japan's crunch World Cup Pool B match against Samoa after receiving the all clear over a feared hip injury.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, gives us his view on who will make the World Cup Final.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has made 12 changes to his team for Sunday's clash against Romania in London.

Influential Romanian loose forward Valentin Ursache will miss their crunch World Cup Pool D clash with Six Nations champions Ireland on Sunday.

USA Eagles captain Chris Wyles shifts to fullback for their clash with Scotland in Leeds on Sunday.

Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine brought in five new faces for Sunday's daunting World Cup Pool A clash with Australia.

INTERVIEW: Eddie Jones masterminded the greatest World Cup upset when Japan beat South Africa.

Veteran lock Dean Mumm will captain a Wallabies side featuring 14 changes for their clash with Uruguay on Sunday.

A new identity has helped the Wallabies find their way and vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper says it's helped the team win back respect.

Scotland's South African-born loose forward Josh Strauss has been promoted to the starting XV for their Pool B match against the United States.

POST-MATCH REACTION: The All Blacks struggled to put a gloss on a 58-14 World Cup win over Namibian.

Namibia saw their gallant effort against the All Blacks as a warning to Georgia and Tonga that a breakthrough win is coming in the World Cup.

Injuries have forced Italy coach Jacques Brunel to ring the changes to his starting XV ahead of their Pool D match against Canada on Saturday.

The headlines all week have been about Rugby League convert Sam Burgess and Wales' New Zealand coach Warren Gatland.

Italy face Canada in their second World Cup Pool D match, in Leeds, and there is no doubt both sides will be looking to get onto winning ways.

The Sharks and the Blue Bulls kick off another round of exciting Currie Cup action in Durban on Friday.

On Saturday, September 26, in Villa Park in Birmingham South Africa play Samoa in a crucial Pool B World Cup match.

NEWS: Canada's all-time leading points scorer James Pritchard could play in his fourth World Cup.

INTERVIEW: The return of veteran No.8 Duane Vermeulen will allow South Africa to play to their true strengths.

REPORT: New Zealand put on display their superior class when they smashed a willing Namibian team 58-14 at Olympic Park on Friday.

NEWS: Argentina will appeal against the ban on Mariano Galarza for an incident with All Black Brodie Retallick.

POST-MATCH REACTION: French coach Philippe Saint-Andre spoke of his hairdryer moment with Les Bleus.

REACTION: Sam Burgess's inclusion in England's starting side to face Wales in a key World Cup match have provoked plenty of comment.

INTERVIEW: Samoan coach Stephen Betham is preparing his team for 'massive warfare'.

Mike Stanley will take over as Samoa's playmaker in Saturday's crucial World Cup clash with South Africa.

The international governing body, World Rugby, has issued an official warning to Wales for drafting in players from outside their World Cup squad.

Western Province coach John Dobson has made six changes to his starting team for Saturday's Currie Cup match against the Pumas at Newlands.

Argentina will have to bring the same intensity they showed against New Zealand if they are to beat a plucky Georgia side in Gloucester on Friday.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has brought back a number of experienced players for their crunch match against England on Saturday.

Argentina are searching for their first victory in this World Cup when they take on a very physical Georgia team in Gloucester, on Friday.

Springbok loose forward Warren Whiteley will wear the Golden Lions No.8 jersey against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Four teams from three countries are gathered in Brisbane for a series of matches.

Springbok prop Vincent Koch will make his 50th Pumas appearance when they face an in-form Western Province at Newlands on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The All Blacks' philosophy to have all bases covered is likely to see Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade share the No.10 and No.15 duties.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning caught up with new Argentina boss Greg Peters ad asked him about the reasons for Super Rugby's expansion.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels weer rugby - die Wêreldbekertoernooi, insluitende die Springbokke se vernedering. Ons kry ook die mening van Bok legende Balie Swart.

REACTION: Flank David Pocock was hailed as the hero for the Wallabies in a scrappy opening win over Fiji at the World Cup.

Rugby365.com would like to wish all our Muslim readers and their families a joyous Eid al-Adha.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at a day when you wished for something to come save you from your misery.

REACTION: Scotland coach Vern Cotter was happy just to get a win over World Cup giant killers Japan.

REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika was adamant that victory and not a quest for a bonus point had been the focus of his team.

Argentina's Mariano Galarza was banned by the World Cup disciplinary chiefs for nine weeks, after an incident with New Zealand's Brodie Retallick.

Georgia named an unchanged side at the World Cup for the first time in their history after they secured a memorable victory over Tonga.

Argentina will be looking to get their first win in the World Cup when they meet Georgia in Gloucester on Friday.

REPORT: France kept the pressure up on World Cup Pool D favourites Ireland with a bonus-point 38-11 win over Romania in London on Wednesday.

OPINION: Fiji, as they did in their opening match, flattered only to deceive - going down 13-28 to Australia.

REPORT: Australia got their World Cup campaign off to a steady start when they bagged a 28-13 victory over Fiji in Cardiff on Wednesday.

OPINION: Australia got the job done with a 28-13 win over Fiji in their opening match at the World Cup.

Griquas coach Hawies Fourie has made a number of changes to his team that will face the Eastern Province Kings in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

EXCLUSIVE: Jan de Koning spoke to Harlequins-based All Black Nick Evans about the World Cup after the opening weekend's upsets.

REPORT: Giant killers Japan were brought down to earth with a bang in their second match at the 2015 World Cup.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes the days of high-scoring records are over and has rubbished talks of a century victory over Namibia.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has made changes in key positions for his sides clash against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

NEWS: Sias Ebersohn will make his first start for the Free State Cheetahs at the pivotal role of flyhalf since his return home from down-under.

NEWS: English Premiership side Worcester Warriors have captured the signing of Springbok Wynand Olivier as their latest import.

It may just be that refereeing the knock-on is not as easy at it seems, especially not at the goal-line.

NEWS: The Scarlets have confirmed that Rob McCusker has been released from his contract by mutual agreement to join London Irish.

Heyneke Meyer says retaining Jean de Villiers as Springbok captain was not an emotional decision, but one that was best for the team.

NEWS: The Springboks have made eight changes to the starting line-up and included two new players on the bench.

Namibia and New Zealand meet in rugby match for the very first time on Thursday, in the 2015 World Cup.

Philip van der Walt, a man who's actions speak louder than words has been entrusted with the captaincy for the Sharks Currie Cup clash with the Blue Bulls.

Dillyn Leyds will start at fullback for Western Province when they take on the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday.

The rapid elevation of 23-year-old Sam Cane to captain New Zealand against Namibia on Thursday is the latest chapter in the All Blacks blueprint for the future.

Sam Burgess could give the same boost to England at the World Cup as fellow code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams has to New Zealand, says backs coach, Andy Farrell.

Sam Burgess could give the same boost to England at the World Cup as fellow code-hopper Sonny Bill Williams has to New Zealand, says backs coach, Andy Farrell.

INTERVIEW: The oft-maligned Wallaby scrum has benefited from valuable input from Argentinian propping legend Mario Ledesma.

The All Blacks' decision to field their second-string side against Namibia is part of the big picture they have taken of the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Scotland's South African-born prop Willem Nel says he is not bent on avenging his compatriots shock World Cup defeat to Japan.

England backs coach Andy Farrell will have no qualms about Sam Burgess starting in the tournament hosts' crunch World Cup match against Wales.

World Rugby has sent out a clarification on the role of the TMO at Rugby World Cup 2015.

Steven Sykes will play his 100th Currie Cup game when the Eastern Province Kings take on the Griquas at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Heavily scarred from their historic World Cup loss to Japan, the South African camp has drawn the laager.

Jacques Burger will lead an experienced Namibian outfit against New Zealand in their Pool C match at the Olympic Stadium in London. 

Springbok assistant coach Johan van Graan pointed to discipline and execution as the biggest concerns ahead of their clash with Samoa.

Eastern Province Kings wing Siyanda Grey will be out for a lengthy period after it was confirmed he suffered a grade three hamstring tear. 

NEWS: Sam Cane will captain the All Blacks for the first time during their second World Cup pool match, against Namibia at Olympic Park on Thursday.

NEWS: A recurring shoulder injury has forced Golden Lions centre Alwyn Hollenbach to retire from rugby with immediate effect.

England's Richard Wigglesworth believes Wales' injury crisis will spur them into raising their game for one of the World Cup's biggest matches.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: rugby365's acclaimed writer and renowned historian Paul Dobson looks at the big Springbok flops down the years.

Japan captain Michael Leitch ignored an instruction to kick a final minute penalty to force a draw against the Springboks on Saturday.

REACTION: Former England coach Clive Woodward says Japan's shock 34-32 win over South Africa was important for the modern-day game.

NEWS: There is something refreshing about the Namibian team - an amateur-based side in a professional era.

Australia kick off their World Cup campaign against Fiji on Wednesday with coach Michael Cheika admitting there was "no comfortable feeling" in the pool of death.

Michael Leitch and Ayuma Goromaru can rubberstamp their sporting hero status by helping Japan claim another famous World Cup scalp.

Romania have selected their most experienced ever World Cup team in terms of both average age and Test caps for their opening match against France on Wednesday

REACTION: He is called the Television Match Official, or TMO, and he has become the villain of the World Cup.

The most experienced Romanian World Cup team ever face a France side featuring 13 changes in their opening game on Wednesday.

It took the second-half injection of Sonny Bill Williams to get the All Blacks firing against Argentina and that shows why their potent bench is so crucial.

Argentina lock Mariano Galarza, a replacement in their 16-26 World Cup loss to New Zealand, has been cited for an alleged "act of foul play".

NEWS: Centre Cory Allen became the fourth Wales player to see his World Cup dreams dashed.

NEWS: Scrumhalf Greig Laidlaw will captain a strong Scotland side seeking to avoid the becoming Japan's latest conquest.

NEWS: Fiji's Dominiko Waqaniburotu has been banned for one week for a 'dangerous tip tackle' on England's Jonny May.

OPINION: Japan's historic win over South Africa has earned them substantial representation in rugby365's famous Team of the week.

The exciting first round of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and, mercifully, the emphasis has been on the rugby played, not the referees.

Flank Roelof Smit will miss Friday night's Currie Cup clash against the Sharks - he will be missed for his excellent work at the breakdown.

MEDIA TOP TABLE: Samoa may feel the full force of a South African backlash in Birmingham on Saturday.

NEWS: The Springboks' loss to Japan has seen them drop three places to sixth while the latter have risen two places on the rankings.

Cheslin Kolbe has been in scintillating form for Western Province and his ability to break the line has given Province great attacking impetus.

One of the most dedicated and popular rugby men in his time, Dr August Cohen died peacefully at his home in Claremont. He was 88.

Fiji coach John McKee has made four changes to his "jitter-free" team for Wednesday's Pool A match against Australia in Cardiff.

Captain Michael Leitch and fullback Ayumu Goromaru will lead Japan's bid against Scotland on Wednesday, with six changes to the starting XV.

NEWS: France star centre Wesley Fofana will start their second Pool D game against Romania on Wednesday.

REACTION: One unimpressive win and a shock loss involving two of the glamour World Cup sides is no indicator of how the tournament is shaping.

NEWS: Japan's decorated coach Eddie Jones will take over the role as head coach of the Stormers at the start of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Stephan Watermeyer's return to the Pumas team over the past two weeks has immediately made a positive impact to the teams fortunes.

Western Province coach John Dobson believes that Mbongeni Mbonambi is in phenomenal form at the moment.

The Currie Cup has stepped out of the spotlight since the kick-off of the World Cup, however there are still some gems lighting up the domestic scene.

World class looseforwards David Pocock and Michael Hooper have both been named in Australias run-on side to face Fiji in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Springbok and Eastern Province Kings flank Luke Watson will have an operation for a knee contusion, with a cartilage flap on Wednesday.

The USA wants to emulate Argentina's elevation to the elite rugby nations - only quicker, their assistant coach and Justin Fitzpatrick told AFP.

After watching Wales labour to dispatch minnows Uruguay, coach Warren Gatland said he hoped his injury-hit team can express themselves against England next weekend.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw pleaded guilty to a "dumb" moment which saw him sin-binned as his side struggled to beat Argentina in their World Cup opener.

OPINION: New Zealand will be relieved as they came from behind to defeat a fiery Argentina side 26-16 in a World Cup thriller.

Good but not good enough was how Argentina captain Agustin Creevy rated his side's performance in holding the All Blacks until the end of their World Cup match Sunday. 

Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine said his side, soundly beaten by Wales in Cardiff, had been inspired by Japan's historic win over South Africa.

OPINION: Argentina sent out a message to the rest of the World after they narrowly last to New Zealand in a bruising World Cup game at Wembley.

Wales' victory over Uruguay came at a price with hat-trick hero Corey Allen likely ruled out of the tournament and five other players injuried.

The All Blacks were forced to work hard for their 26-16 victory over Argentina at Wembley on Sunday.

South Africa's Schalk Burger has urged his teammates not to withdraw into their "shells" after their stunning defeat by Japan.

Wales scored eight tries in their 54-9 victory over a plucky Uruguay side at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday.

Samoa will fight fire with fire as South Africa come at them "all guns blazing" next Saturday said the Pacific side's coach Stephen Betham.

Former SARU deputy president Mike Stofile has passed away.

Samoa scored a try in each half to pick up a hard-earned 25-16 victory over the USA in Brighton on Sunday.

Referee Christine Hanizet made history by becoming the first woman to referee a men's professional rugby match.

Japan captain Michael Leitch dealt a knock-out blow to South Africa skipper Jean de Villiers like Buster Douglas did to Mike Tyson.

Defeat to Japan in Brighton is a lowpoint for Springbok rugby, but is there anything to be gained from the loss?

French coach Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed on Sunday that wing Yoann Huget is out for the rest of the World Cup after injuring his knee.

South Africa's stunning defeat to Japan in their opening match of the World Cup has shocked the entire country.

Pumas coach MJ Mentz was a relieved man after his team managed to secure a much-needed 20-9 victory over the Eastern Province Kings in Nelspruit.

Coach Pablo Lemoine has called on the country's only four professionals to lift the side for the showdown against Wales in Cardiff.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Shell-shocked South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer apologised to the nation of South Africa.

Japan coach Eddie Jones is looking to reach an unprecedented World Cup quarterfinal spot after their remarkable 34-32 victory over South Africa.

REPORT: France got their World Cup campaign of to the solid star, with a 32-10 win over Italy at Twickenham, London, on Saturday.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt hailed Jonny Sexton as a perfectionist on Saturday.

OPINION: Japan displayed epic defensive discipline to forever etch their names in World Cup history with their victory over the Springboks.

OPINION: The Springboks were completely outsmarted by a determined Japan in their opening World Cup Pool B encounter.

REPORT: Ireland eased to a comfortable 50-7 win over Canada, to open their World Cup campaign with a bonus-point win in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: Japan caused one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history when they beat South Africa 34-32 in their Pool B opener in Brighton on Saturday.

REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs managed to pull off a very impressive 44-24 victory against the Griquas in Bloemfontein.

The Golden Lions scored two tries in the second half to secure a 26-18 win against the Sharks at Ellis Park.

REPORT: Georgia started their World Cup campaign with a nailbiting 17-10 win over Tonga at the Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, on Saturday.

NEWS: Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts has been withdrawn from Saturday's World Cup opening game against Japan.

REACTION: England coach Stuart Lancaster paid full tribute to two-try hero Mike Brown.

REACTION: Wales will look for a points avalanche against Uruguay in their World Cup opener on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand's most experienced side ever will take on Argentina on Sunday, looking to shed the "chokers" tag.

REACTION: Two try hero Mike Brown may be one of a few certain of his place in England's next World Cup match.

Samoa coach Stephen Betham admits discipline could cost his talented side at the World Cup.

OPINION: Fiji flattered, only to deceive and fall to a 11-35 loss to England in their opening World Cup match.

OPINION: England got their 2015 World Cup campaign underway with a bonus-point win, but it was not as convincing as they would have hoped.

A ban on fans playing bagpipes during Scotland's World Cup games has angered Scots, prompting frustration among players.

England pulled away from Fiji in the final stages to secure a 35-11 bonus point win in their World Cup opener at Twickenham.

REPORT: Western Province moved within touching distance of the Blue Bulls on the Currie Cup standings after their 29-14 win over the Pretoria side. 

COMMENT: South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says he is very proud to skipper a "special bunch of guys".

Wales will be looking to captain Sam Warburton to help them kick-off their World Cup with a convincing win over minnows Uruguay on Sunday.

The Pumas secured their third victory of the campaign with a 20-9 victory over the Eastern Province Kings in a fairly dull encounter in Nelspruit.

INTERVIEW: Sam Warburton broke Welsh hearts when his red card in the 2011 World Cup semifinal signaled a close defeat by France.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen appealed Friday for a fair deal from referees.

Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine has named his team to play Wales in the Pool A match at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

NEWS: Argentina fullback Joaquin Tuculet overcame injury doubts to get the chance to make his World Cup debut against New Zealand on Sunday.

NEWS: Scarlets duo Liam Williams and Samson Lee have been named in a far from full strength Wales team.

As New Zealand had done in 2007, so South Africa did in 2011 - went home after losing a quarterfinal and complaining loudly about the referee.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named a full-strength team for their opening World Cup game against Argentina on Sunday.

Chris Wyles will captain the United States of America when they go head-to-head with Samoa on Sunday at the Brighton Community Stadium.

FEATURE: Jaco Peyper will referee the opening match of World Cup 2015 and he will do so with a special coin and a special whistle.

NEWS: Samoa coach Stephen Betham is not short of any household names in his side named to take on USA in Brighton on Sunday.

Both France and Italy go into their World Cup opener at Twickenham on Saturday with key players missing and their coaches under pressure.

Paul Dobson tells us what we can expect from the World Cup encounter between South Africa and Japan, in Brighton on Saturday.

Legendary Irish lock Paul O'Connell knows what it is like to be humiliated at a World Cup and he does not want it to happen again at his last World Cup.

Ireland will look to transfer their Six Nations form onto the World stage when they take on Canada in their opening Pool D match.

Argentina have become a pain in the neck literally for burly All Blacks props Owen and Ben Franks as the length of time scrums are formed has doubled.

It is tough to imagine that the big north-south derby has become a sideshow, despite being a crucial match for both teams.

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup winner Rob Brink takes a look at South Africa's prospects at the World Cup, which gets underway on Friday.

The wait is almost over. As they say in the classics: LET THE GAMES BEGIN! We look at the World Cup's opening match.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning talk World Cup, with 1995 legend James Small as their special guest.

NEWS: Japan have rung the changes and announced the eldest side in their Test history for their opening World Cup match.

Tonga and Georgia will both want to start their World Cup campaigns on a winning note when they face-off in Gloucester on Saturday.

NEWS: Star centre Wesley Fofana will miss France's World Cup opener against European rivals Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim praat oor die Wêreldbeker-toernooi wat Vrydag afskop, en bring ook Kobus Wiese se mening.

Georgia will field the youngest player in World Cup history when scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze starts Saturday's match against Tonga.

NEWS: Tonga's stating XV shows six changes for their opening World Cup pool match against Georgia in Gloucester on Saturday.

NEWS: Veteran lock Jamie Cudmore will captain the oldest starting XV in Canada's World Cup history.

Italy head coach Jacques Brunel has named his team for the Pool D match against France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is taking nothing for granted in the World Cup Pool D opener against Canada.

FEATURE: We look at the number of brothers playing together in the World Cup, which gets underway at Twickenham on Friday.

A dozen referees have been appointed to referee at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, hosted by England. There have been more at times.

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Will Genia was a peripheral figure during Australia's World Cup preparation, but he will have strong ambitions of forcing his way into the starting XV.

Hooker Franco Marais will start in the only change to the Sharks starting XV to face the Golden Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has rotated half his pack for the Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

For South Africa it was a return to glory. For New Zealand there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

England, Australia and Wales will battle for a route to the World Cup quarter finals from probably the toughest first round pool ever drawn in the tournament's history. 

Pumas coach MJ Mentz has made some late enforced changes to his team for their match against the Eastern Province Kings in Nelspruit on Friday.

Japan will have to stand tall against a much bigger, and more physical South African team in their opening World Cup match on Saturday.

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that Uili Kolo’ofai has left the club by mutual agreement between the two parties.

Four French World Cup players underwent doping tests on Wednesday, three days ahead of their first match of the tournament, a member of the French staff said.

Most international flyhalves like to have their kicking coaches alongside them but Italy's Tommaso Allan prefers to keep his anonymous and at a distance.

The wait is over, Chris Robshaw leads hosts England out at Twickenham on Friday to play Fiji and kick off the  World Cup that promises six weeks of thrills.

Rugby chiefs live in perpetual fear of another serious injury overshadowing the World Cup and the tournament format may have to be changed to rest players.

INTERVIEW: Japan-based scrumhalf Fourie du Preez is key to South Africa's chances of success at the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Argentina know the odds are stacked against them when they face New Zealand in their opening World Cup encounter on Sunday.

Eighteen-year-old scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze will become the youngest World Cup player in history if he gets a place in Georgia's team to play Tonga on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: The World Cup is a "beast" but New Zealand are capable of becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles.

INTERVIEW: England scrumhalf Ben Youngs said his side were ready for a journey into the "unknown" against opening World Cup opponents Fiji.

INTERVIEW: Wales will have their defensive work cut out in a tough Pool A that includes fellow top 10-ranked teams England, Australia and Fiji.

INTERVIEW: Italy coach Jacques Brunel has failed to build a team mentality for the World Cup because he does not communicate with players.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: World Cup referees will send players who dive or feign injury to the sin-bin in a bid to stop a "football culture" taking over the game.

NEWS: Loose forward RJ Liebenberg has recovered  sufficiently from a rib injury to be named in the Griquas team this week.

REACTION: The All Blacks refused to be provoked by a mocking haka led by former England scrumhalf Matt Dawson.

Fiji at their best can cause World Cup hosts England a lot of problems in the showpiece opener at Twickenham, coach John McKee said.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann asks which country's President will be congratulating his captain this year.

Eastern Province Kings coach Brent Janse van Rensburg has made only one change to the team to play the Pumas in a Currie Cup match in Nelspruit on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is a long history of school teachers becoming great coaches and the upcoming World Cup may well go some way.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has kept his promise and made some "tough calls" ahead of the big north-south derby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If anyone can get Japan to punch above their weight at the World Cup, it's Eddie Jones.

Opinion: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer needs to use the pool phase of the World Cup to settle on his best team for the quarterfinal.

NEWS: The most experienced Springbok side ever will face Japan in their World Cup opener in Brighton on Saturday.

Rugby World has set out a Law Clarification, the seventh this year.

"It builds coronaries for coaches but it also builds character," was Ireland coach Joe Schmidt's summation of the crazy final day climax to the Six Nations.

Wales go into the World Cup with just two established hookers, Scott Baldwin and Ken Owens, but versatile prop Aaron Jarvis says he is ready to step in should the call come.

Former All Black wild man Zac Guildford on Wednesday joined the Waratahs for the 2016 Super Rugby season, the New South Wales club confirmed.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson continues his quest as he reveals where the name of the game, rugby, comes from.

The year 2003 will forever be edged in the minds of South Africans for the wrong reasons.

Francois de Klerk will play in his 50th match in a Pumas jersey as they hope to end a two-game losing run, when they face Eastern Province Kings on Friday.

The Wallabies have a smile back on their faces after coach Michael Cheika turned them into a winning team, playing an attractive brand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland believes that this will be the closest World Cup ever, and he will be hoping to take his team all the way to the Final.

There is no alternative to Japan as hosts of the 2019 World Cup, World Rugby president Bernard Lapasset said Tuesday.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, asks if South Africa have enough world-class players to win the World Cup.

The All Blacks are expecting a bruising encounter when they meet the extremely physical Pumas in their opening World Cup match on Sunday.

WP coach John Dobson has not tampered too much with his team - Mbongeni Mbonambi starts at hooker, with Siyabonga Ntubeni moving to the bench.

Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane says he would prefer to play at loosehead in the World Cup, but will perform any role that is asked of him.

Ospreys are still without a win two games into the new Pro12 season and captain Lloyd Ashley is notably frustrated.

Japan coach Eddie Jones is a bigger cause for concern for the Springboks than what the weather will be like in Brighton.

Wales international Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire at the age of 32, after being diagnosed with Epilepsy last year.

The World Cup starts this week when Jaco Peyper blows his whistle.

Rising young versatile forward Ross Haylett-Petty, will remain with the Western Force after re-signing for a further two seasons.

NEWS: Eastern Province Kings centre JP du Plessis will receive no sanction for his red card offense against the Cheetahs last Friday.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir is such an inspiration to his team that if Italy prevent him from playing his game they have a chance of winning their France clash on Saturday. 

All players and team officials at the World Cup will have to sign up to an anti-corruption and betting education programme, World Rugby has announced.

Bok Skipper Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger defied massive odds to be part of the Springboks squad for the World Cup which kicks off Friday in England.

Fiji have stepped up the psychological pressure on England, sending out the message they expect to inflict a humiliating defeat for the World Cup hosts on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Fiji pose a real threat to England in the opening match of this year's World Cup warned the hosts coach Stuart Lancaster.

NEWS: Western Province flyhalf Kurt Coleman will not be available for selection this week once again.

Wales suffered a further injury blow ahead of the World Cup, with Eli Walker ruled out just days after he was rushed into the side as a replacement.

INTERVIEW: Fiji are looking for a boilover victory in the World Cup opener against England on Friday.

Jan de Koning chatted to Tim Whitehead about the Eastern Province Kings and Southern Kings' financial crisis and his decision to head for the exit door.

INTERVIEW: In a team with three world-class flyhalves there is simply no room for egos.

NEWS: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais will have all his regular squad members fit and ready for selection for the big north-south derby.

Ben Youngs will win his 50th cap when England kick off the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on Friday.

France must be wary of the threat of their opening World Cup opponents Italy warned french scrumhalf Morgan Parra on Monday.

Ireland's Cian Healy was cleared to play in the World Cup, following neck surgery that threatened to keep him out of the tournament.

Glasgow hooker Kevin Bryce has replaced Stuart McInally in Scotland's World Cup squad - the Scottish Rugby Union announced on Monday.

Anthony Watson has the ability to light up World Cup like his boyhood inspiration Jason Robinson, but first he has to tame the "Fijian Lomu".

Join us in the rugby365 World Cup prediction Pool. See if you can beat our staff on the global stage!

EXCLUSIVE: This is Part Two in which rugby365's acclaimed writer and renowned historian Paul Dobson looks at the man behind the name of the Webb Ellis Cup.

The World Cup evokes a variety of responses from New Zealanders, but loose forward Victor Vito believes not being complacent is the key to victory.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365's acclaimed writer and renowned historian Paul Dobson looks at the man behind the name of the Webb Ellis Cup.

Beleaguered Pumas coach MJ Mentz will expect his team to put in a monumental performance against the Eastern Province Kings in Nelspruit.

Sharks boss Gary Gold highlighted a 10- to 13-minute period where his side lost control of the game against Western Province.

Dr. EG Jansen van Boksburg, het twee Valke toernooie vir Sewes gewen.

With the EP Kings and Griquas claiming their first scalps of the season it is no surprise that they feature well in rugby365's Team of the Week.

Steven Sykes may miss the the next Currie Cup fixture away to the Pumas.

Flyer Luke Morahan has re-signed with the Western Force, and will remain at the franchise for at least another season.

When England face Fiji, Wasps looseforward Nathan Hughes will be cheering for his native Fiji while counting down to 2016 when he is eligible to play for England.

INTERVIEW: Japan may be seen as a team of 'midgets', but they have an 'enforcer' who believes he can 'scare' the mighty Springboks.

INTERVIEW: Veteran loose forward Liam Messam said New Zealand are busy doing their homework on referees.

NEWS: South African coach Heyneke Meyer will be sweating over the fitness of bruising lock Eben Etzebeth ahead of the start of the World Cup.

REACTION: Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais admitted his is facing a big poser about the make-up of his scrum for the rest of the Currie Cup season.

Lions coach Johan Ackermann was happy to take his team's Currie Cup win over the Blue Bulls, no matter how it came.

Second division champions Pau moved off the foot of the Top 14 table with a hard-fought 9-6 win over giants Toulouse on Sunday.

REPORT: CJ Stander's last-gasp try and Ian Keatley's nerveless conversion snatched Munster victory at the Liberty Stadium.

INTERVIEW: South Africa are happy for New Zealand to carry the favourites tag into the World Cup.

WRAP: The Leopards ran in nine tries to remain the only unbeaten side in the First Division.

Stellenberg High School won the Western Province Sevens on Friday 11 September 2015.

The winners of the World Cup on Saturday, 31 October will receive, with glee, the Webb Ellis Cup. Paul Dobson looks at the history of the Cup.

FEATURE: New Zealand's pre-match haka may be one of sports most famous rituals and often claimed to intimidate opposing sides.

TOP 14 WRAP: European champions Toulon picked up a welcome 45-24 victory over La Rochelle on Saturday.

NEWS: Italy captain Sergio Parisse has declared himself unfit for the opening World Cup clash against France at Twickenham  next week.

SATURDAY WRAP: Scarlets continued their bright start to the Pro12 season with a 22-12 victory over Ulster.

REPORT: The Golden Lions survived a fierce second-half onslaught by the Blue Bulls to remain unbeaten and escape with a 36-28 win in Pretoria.

REPORT: Western Province boosted their play-off chances after their impressive 37-27 bonus-point win over Sharks in Durban on Saturday.

REPORT: Griquas recorded their first win in this year's Currie Cup, when they beat the Pumas 32-15 in Kimberley on Saturday. 

The fourth Rugby World Cup was in the old Five Nations country with Wales as hosts.

The 1990s are probably the greatest decade in South Africa's history, certainly for over three centuries.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at another contentious call by a match official - in the Free State Cheetahs versus Blue Bulls game.

The first World Cup and images immediately flood the mind - Koroduadua, Kirwan, Blanco, Gallagher, Qoro, Richards and Codey, Tsimba, Kirk and Jones.

David Campese. There was a ridiculous pass, there was a ridiculous try and there was a ridiculous knock-on.

rugby365 law guru Paul Dobson looks at a contentious debate between a referee and a TMO. Was it a try or not?

England captain Chris Robshaw has had a welter of criticism and some praise thrown at him since he was named captain in 2012.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said he would attempt to remain neutral when Australia and England clash in the "group of death" on Saturday.

The Pro12 returns this weekend with kick-offs for the games in Round Three staggered to avoid clashing with the World Cup.

The PRO12 returns this weekend with kick-offs for the games in round 3 staggered to avoid clashing with the Rugby World Cup.

The PRO12 returns this weekend with kick-offs for the games in round 3 staggered to avoid clashing with the Rugby World Cup.

The PRO12 returns this weekend with kick-offs for the games in round 3 staggered to avoid clashing with the Rugby World Cup.

Pumas head coach MJ Mentz made few changes to his team for the their must-win clash against the Cheetahs this weekend

Injuries are increasing due to rugby becoming a sport where brutal impacts are part and parcel of the professional era.

Wallaby coach Michael Cheika named the same team that beat Fiji in their opening World Cup encounter, but it shows 14 changes from their last match.

NEWS: Following injury Italian captain Sergio Parisse has returned to the Azzurri squad, ahead of their World Cup encounter with Ireland.

Western Province has granted an early release for flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis from his contract to join French Top 14 club Montpellier

Ospreys have announced that centre Josh Matavesi has signed a new three-year contract.

If defeated by Australia, England will be close to becoming the first World Cup hosts to exit before the knockout phase.

Andrew Howitt takes a look at Round Three for Superbru Fantasy and Prediction Leagues

Namibia struggled to handle the All Blacks at scrum time in their World Cup Pool C match and simply couldnt contain the exciting backs.

OPINION: New Zealand's young guns put their World Cup Pool C match to bed in the first half against the Namibians.  

POST-MATCH REACTION: Fiji were left to reflect on a punishingly brief turnaround after being defeated by Australia.

NEWS: England have opted to alter their midfield for their World Cup clash against Wales at Twickenham.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rugby League convert Sam Burgess will be an "imposing figure" when England take on Wales on Saturday.

REACTION: Giant killers Japan are under pressure to beat Samoa if they hope to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

Australia will get their World Cup underway against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Andrew Howitt takes a look at the midweek games after a decent weekend of player predictions.

The mighty All Blacks take on a rejuvenated Pumas side at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.

Japan Coach Eddie Jones  says that Saturdays clash against the Boks is a great opportunity for his side to make a mark on the world stage.

Hooker Tolu Latu penned a new contract with the NSW Waratahs keeping him at the club until the end of the 2018 season.  

NEWS: Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith has made a number of changes to his side to take on Griquas in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Lions Captain Warren Whiteley will undergo a late fitness test for their Currie Cup clash against the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

New recruit to the rugby365team, Andrew Howitt, looks at the weekend's matches for the World Cup .

INTERVIEW: Schalk Brits is over the moon at being part of the Springbok squad for the World Cup.