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OPINION: Wales came, they saw, but they could not conquer the Australians.

INTERVIEW: South Africa captain Fourie due Preez hailed the side's resolve, after they avoided becoming the "worst Springbok team of all-time" by reaching a World Cup quarterfinal against Wales.

INTERVIEW: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has flatly denied reports that he could replace under fire England coach Stuart Lancaster.

MATCH REPORT: Western Province kept the defence of their Currie Cup title alive with a hard-earned 23-18 win over the Blue Bulls on Friday.

NEWS: Key players David Pocock and Israel Folau handed Australia a double blow on Friday.

INTERVIEW: There will be many aspects of the match that could influence the outcome when South African and Wales meet at Twickeham on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton will start in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in Cardiff on Sunday, after recovering from a groin problem.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have reverted to their strongest side for their quarter-final match against Ireland.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir has rubbished reports there had been a split between coach Philippe Saint-Andre and his players.

In the Spotlight: Fullbacks are a different breed of rugby player and Warren Fortune takes a look at two of the best - Scotland's Stuart Hogg and Australia's Israel Folau.

We shall look at some of the more dramatic matches from past quarterfinals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have made four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Samoa in their last Pool B match.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have made four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Samoa in their last Pool B match.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland have made four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Samoa in their last Pool B match.

The unbeaten Golden Lions will host the Free State Cheetahs in the second of the Currie Cup semifinals at Ellis Park on Saturday.

NEWS: Prop Juan Figallo has been called up to replace Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro in Argentina's World Cup squad.

An astounding 67 percent of the players who will take part in the Currie Cup semi-finals this weekend, have come through the Varsity Cup ranks.

New Zealand and France, who meet in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, is a match-up with a rich history of controversy and no-holds-barred rugby. 

Australia and Ireland faced tough choices over whether to pit star players David Pocock, Israel Folau and Jonathan Sexton into their World Cup quarterfinal clashes.

Wales are "not ready to go home" and South Africa are in no mood to quit, so something will have to give when they meet in a bruising World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.

France will have to play the "French way" if they are to cause a major upset and beat New Zealand in their World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday.

NEWS: The haka is a revered cultural tradition among New Zealand's Maori, who resent it being mocked or exploited for profit.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is blessed with All Blacks blood in his veins but his size makes him a rarity on the wing in the modern game. 

Wales captain Sam Warburton said Thursday that beating South Africa in a World Cup quarterfinal would top the team's run to the last four in 2011. 

It is the first of the four Rugby World Cup 2015 quarterfinals as the intense knock-out rounds start. Paul Dobson looks at the Twickenham showdown.

The majority of this week's Pro12 games take place on Friday.

Defending champions Western Province will travel to Pretoria for their Currie Cup semifinal clash on Friday against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

The knock-out rounds of the World Cups are always tense.

We edge ever closer to the start of the new Premiership campaign, with Wasps kicking off against Harlequins on Friday.

NEWS: Wales flank Dan Lydiate will aim to be at his bruising best despite having a plate inserted into his eye socket.

French rugby could probably do better outside the Top 14 competition which is stifling their traditional flair, according to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. 

EKSKLUSIEF: Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels oor die Wêreldbekertoernooi se kwart-eindstryde, asook die Curriebeker-toernooi se half-eindstryde.

Hardie by name hardy by nature, Vern Cotter's most contentious selection for the World Cup has more than proved he is worthy of his place in the Scotland side.

EXCLUSIVE: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning talk about the World Cup quarterfinals and the Currie Cup semifinals.

Scotland will appeal against the three-week bans imposed on Ross Ford and Jonny Gray that ruled them out of the World Cup quarterfinal against Australia.

Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has brought back his rested stars for their semifinal clash against the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

NEWS: All Black coach Steve Hansen wasted no time in drafting in prop Joe Moody into the side to play France in their World Cup quarterfinal in Cardiff on Saturday.

France coach Phillip Saint-Andre has dropped some last weekends under-performers against Ireland for their quarterfinal meeting against New Zealand on Saturday. 

Star flank Dan Lydiate returns to Wales' starting XV for their massive quarterfinal clash against South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday. 

NEWS: Hooker Jack Yeandle admitted it was an "easy decision" to pen a new contract extension with the Exeter Chiefs.

Niel Marais will start at flyhalf for the Free State Cheetahs in their semifinal clash against the unbeaten Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday. 

This weekend sees the start of knock-out matches, starting with quarterfinals.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, looks at who he thinks will win the World Cup.

Bernard Foley's outstanding performances against England and Wales may have been fine-tuned by his coach but the man who set him on the road to stardom was his devoted father.

The two men in the middle of the front row will set the tone when Argentina face Ireland at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday.

NEWS: Lock star Lou Reed is hoping to call the tune in Munster as he prepares to hit a milestone in the appearance maker charts.

NEWS: Southland flank Tim Boys, who has just been named the Southland Stags Player of the Year for 2015, will join the Crusaders for the 2016 season.

NEWS: The Highlanders will welcome Luke Whitelock [Crusaders] and Liam Squire [Chiefs] to the team in 2016 - both on one year contracts. 

INTERVIEW: The Golden Lions' coach Johann Ackermann chatted to rugby365 about having his hand forced to develop young players in the Currie Cup - something he is grateful for.

The Waratahs have added rugby league star Reece Robinson to their squad for the 2016 Super Rugby season after the player signed a two-year contract with the team.

Argentina's star wing Juan Imhoff could be playing for his Pumas place in the World Cup quarterfinal against Ireland and he wants that to be against Jonny Sexton.

REACTION: Ireland flank Sean O'Brien is "embarrassed" by his punch on Pascal Pape, but an official report said his French rival was also guilty of "gamesmanship".

EXCLUSIVE: World Cup winner Rob Brink greets the readers with his final column in the series, as he looks ahead to the World Cup play-offs.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It is the elephant in the All Blacks changing room - France in the 2007 World Cup quarterfinals at the Millennium Stadium.

Scotland flank Josh Strauss has promised to use the anger he feels at the suspension of teammates Ross Ford and Jonny Gray out on Australia in Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The World Cup has claimed a mounting injury toll, but the All Blacks say players are philosophical about the dangers they face in a bruising contact sport.

OPINION: Twenty teams came to the 2015 World Cup, but 12 went home early. Paul Dobson selects the best from those who didn't make the cut.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at what awaits the Springboks beyond the quarterfinals.

The Springboks' discipline is a major concern for coach Heyneke Meyer ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Wales.

INTERVIEW: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will have to rejig his team for the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  In the lead-up to the knock-outs, Tauriq Ebrahim looks at the match-up between Dan Carter and Frederic Michalak.

NEWS: Australian stars Israel Folau and David Pocock are doubts for the World Cup quarterfinal with Scotland on Sunday.

BREAKING NEWS: South Africa's starting XV shows only one change for their World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Wales on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jacques du Plessis makes a welcome return to the Blue Bulls starting XV at lock for their semi-final encounter against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When two powerful forces of nature collide, there is often an electrifying result. Jan de Koning looks at the Wales versus South Africa encounter.

French players are being put through cyrotherapy sessions to soothe their aches and pains while building themselves into a "rage" for their crunch quarterfinal.

The All Blacks have appealed for Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal against France to have no repeat of the "filth" that has marred previous clashes between the rivals.

Argentina are on a roll having beaten Australia and South Africa in the past 12 months and captain Agustin Creevy insists the Pumas have "no limits" at the World Cup.

Ireland are holding out hope that injury-hit flyhalf Jonny Sexton will be fit for Sunday's quarterfinal against Argentina, according to assistant coach Les Kiss.

NEWS: Marcelo Bosch of Argentina has been suspended for one week for a dangerous tackle.

NEWS: Scotland duo Ross Ford and Jonny Gray have both been suspended for three weeks for dangerous tackles.

This is the eighth set of referees for World Cup quarterfinals since 1987.

NEWS: Ireland's star loose forward Seán O'Brien has been suspended for one week for striking an opponent at the World Cup.

NEWS: The match officials for the four quarterfinals of the World Cup tournament have been appointed.

Two days of intense study of the French team has taught the All Blacks they are in for a "hell of a battle" in their quarterfinal clash in Cardiff on Saturday.

Scotland will have to succeed where England and Wales failed and break the Australian defence in their World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There are no seedings at the World Cup and therefore no official favourites.

Ireland must re-focus on doing their homework on Argentina ahead of Sunday's quarterfinal after inspirational skipper Paul O'Connell was ruled out of the World Cup.

South Africa have picked up a bonus from England's World Cup failure - their upmarket Pennyhill Park training base to use ahead of this weekend's quarterfinals. 

Matt Giteau is on course to win his 100th cap in the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday but the Australian star said he did not think he would make it past his debut.  

The Free State Cheetahs will be looking to beat the Golden Lions at their own game in their Currie Cup semifinal at Ellis Park.

South Africa centre Jesse Kriel is readying himself for another bruising encounter when the Springboks face Wales in a World Cup quarterfinal at Twickenham on Saturday.

It is the tense sudden death of knock-outs at the 2015 World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Rynhardt Elstadt will make a welcome return to Western Province's starting XV after missing the last four encounters with a thigh problem.

Japan's rugby players received a heroes' welcome on their return home Tuesday after their stunning World Cup campaign boosted the popularity of a sport in the country.

Ireland's World Cup team on Tuesday hailed captain Paul O'Connell as "a leader, a warrior, a gentleman" as his international career came to an end.

INJURY REPORT: The Golden Lions will have been boosted by the news that a few ill players are available for selection after recovering from various bugs.

NEWS: Scarlets and Scotland flank John Barclay has penned a new contract keeping him in West Wales for the 2016/2017 season and beyond.

INTERVIEW: The experiences of scrumhalf Lloyd Williams sum up the story of Wales so far at World Cup.

Injury-hit Wales have called up Ospreys wing Eli Walker to replace Liam Williams ahead of this weekend's World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has a few interesting selection posers ahead of his team's World Cup quarterfinal showdown with Wales.

Bryan Habana believes the fact South Africa have effectively being playing knockout rugby for most of the World Cup will stand them in good stead for the quarterfinals.

NEWS: Glasgow Warriors new signing Taqele Naiyaravoro says he is looking forward to making his debut for the club.

Wallaby James O'Connor will return to Europe after the Queensland Rugby Union made the decision to release the Reds' player from his contract.

All Blacks talisman Richie McCaw is foxing and not missing in action at the breakdown, while he makes a lousy water boy when not playing, according to the All Blacks. 

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell can expect to  be out of action for at least three months and will miss the rest of the World Cup, his future coach at Toulon Bernard Laporte said.

Philippe Saint-Andre did not go as far as declare war on New Zealand, but the passionate French coach insisted their World Cup quarterfinal battle was a lot more than just Les Bleus against the All Blacks.

South African flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis took part in training for the first time with Top 14 side Montpellier under the direction of compatriot and coach Jake White on Monday.

OPINION: It required some heated debate, with plenty of amber refreshment breaks, but we eventually settled on rugby365's famous weekly selection.

NEWS: World Cup organisers ordered Ireland star Sean O'Brien to appear before a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

Wales tough World Cup campaign so far has made them more than ready to take on South Africa in the quarterfinals, said forwards coach Robin McBryde. 

New Zealand flyhalf Daniel Carter says France are at their most dangerous when they are written off before a big game. 

Ross Ford and Jonny Gray are in danger of missing Scotland's World Cup quarterfinal against Australia after both were cited on Monday.

Wales' victory over South Africa in November last year will have no bearing on this weekend's World Cup quarterfinal, says Springbok defence coach John McFarland.

INJURY REPORT: Western Province coach John Dobson will have a good selection headache as at least five players returns from injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We bring you five memorable moments from the pool stage of the World Cup which ended Sunday

Springbok veteran Victor Matfield reckons he will be fit to play against Wales but says he would accept a role on the bench in favour of Lodewyk de Jager. 

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs became the final side to secure their semi-final spot and gain plenty of mentions in our famous Team of the Week.

WORLD RANKINGS: Ireland have moved up two places to third in the world rankings, after beating France in the World Cup Pool D decider on Sunday.

Ireland fullback Rob Kearney has warned that his unbeaten side must not fall into the same trap they did four years ago when they were dumped out in the quarterfinals.

Australia's scrum coach Mario Ledesma prefers to stay out of the glare of publicity and let his disciples such as Scott Sio in the Wallaby pack do the talking for him. 

The rugby365 readers have spoken, and they do not want to see Victor Matfield or Ruan Pienaar in the Springbok match-day squad.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Monday accused Ireland's Sean O'Brien of attacking Pascal Pape in the opening seconds of their World Cup match.

Japan fullback Ayuma Goromaru became a national hero and was the star of the pool phase in this year's World Cup.  

They may be leaving the World Cup after the pool stage, but some players made quite an impact at the global showpiece.

NEWS: The Sharks leadership of CEO John Smit, director of rugby Gary Gold and captain Marco Wentzel have all apologised to their fans for their woeful performances.

REACTION: The Blue Bulls may have secured a home semi-final when they beat the Pumas 25-24 in Nelspruit but their performance was far from convincing.

United States coach Mike Tolkin said emerging rugby nations had taken a big step towards being truly competitive at the next World Cup.

Ireland flank Peter O'Mahony will play no further part in the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in his team's victory over France. 

REACTION: French captain Thierry Dusautoir said his side must quickly "recharge" for their World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand.

REACTION: Western Province coach John Dobson believes there is a massive grey area regarding the loosehead's bind in the scrum which referee's are targeting.

Ireland face an injury emergency with captain Paul O'Connell and star flyhalf Jonathan Sexton as they prepare for a World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina.

Japan will never again be considered a rugby joke after their three World Cup victories, said outgoing coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: Scarlets revealed that Samoan international Maselino Paulino has joined the region on a trial.

England rugby players spent a day training with riot police in a bid to improve communications skills before their failed World Cup campaign. 

Images showing Sean O'Brien apparently punching France's Pascal Pape during their World Cup clash Sunday left Ireland fearing a disciplinary punishment.

REACTION: Ireland were left counting a high injury toll after an epic 24-9 victory over France in a brutal World Cup Pool D decider.

If there is one French expression the All Blacks do not want to hear next weekend it is "deja vu". 

Japan claimed their third win of the World Cup with a 28-18 victory over the United States in Gloucester.

OPINION: Ireland will avoid New Zealand in the quarterfinals after putting in a clinical performance to beat a hapless French side.

OPINION: France looked like a team without a game plan in their 9-24 loss to Ireland on Sunday.

Ireland pulled away from France in the second half to secure a 24-9 victory at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday.

Wales will have to "do it the hard way" if they to overturn World Cup history and lift the Webb Ellis trophy.

Despite a late charge from Romania, Italy held out to win 32-22 in Exeter to secure their place at the 2019 World Cup.

Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey pointed to the trust between the players as the key factor in their heroic victory against Wales.

Graham Henry has urged England against getting rid of coach Stuart Lancaster following the hosts' World Cup exit.

Argentina scored nine tries in a comfortable 64-19 victory against a spirited Namibia side in Leicester.

Liam Williams joined Wales' World Cup casualty list after he was ruled out of the rest of the tournament on Sunday with a foot injury.

Nick Easter signed off with a hat-trick of tries in probably his final Test but he was keener to talk up the bright future of the England team.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said he would find it hard to leave his job despite his side’s early exit from the World Cup.

All three of the Celtic nations have made the World Cup play-offs under the guidance of coaches from New Zealand.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said that the Springboks have shown great character to bounce back from their defeat to Japan.

Australia coach Michael Cheika dismissed suggestions his side have an easier draw after securing a World Cup quarterfinal against Scotland.

Japanese rugby fans reacted philosophically after Scotland's narrow victory over Samoa eliminated the "Brave Blossoms" from the World Cup. 

POST-MATCH REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika praised his side for battening down the hatches against a fierce Welsh storm.

REPORT: Hosts England completed their World Cup campaign with a 60-3 win over minnows Uruguay in Manchester on Saturday.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Wales captain Sam Warburton insisted his side's morale was intact after a 6-15 defeat by Australia.

The Lions managed to maintain their unbeaten record when their second string team was a class above Griquas - winning 29-19 on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Australia booked top spot in the World Cup's Pool A with a 15-6 win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

REPORT: Scotland confirmed their place in the World Cup play-offs with a hard-earned 36-33 win over Samoa at St James' Park on Saturday.

NEWS: England backroom staff were compelled to talk with horses before the World Cup as part of their preparations for the doomed campaign.

The Free State Cheetahs managed to fight their way to a 34-34 draw with the Sharks to advance to the Currie Cup semifinals to face the Golden Lions.

NEWS: Ireland suffered what skipper Paul O'Connell dubbed a "big loss" Saturday.

The All Blacks and Tonga treated 54,000 people at St James' Park to an enthralling pre-match drama ahead of their World Cup match with a haka showdown.

INTERVIEW: Ireland must overcome the "fear factor" to beat France in their World Cup group decider on Sunday.

Eddie Jones may end the World Cup in anger if Japan make the United States their third scalp of the World Cup on Sunday, but do not get a historic quarterfinal place.

POST-MATCH REACTION: Tonga saved their best till last, and tempered criticism that they were denied a try.

POST-MATCH REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen declared himself happy with the All Blacks move into the World Cup quarterfinals.

POST-MATCH REACTION: The All Blacks' image as surefire World Cup winners is starting to fade.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse has backed coach Jacques Brunel's decision to deny Mauro Bergamasco the chance to bring down the curtain on an illustrious career.

Ireland and France will both face their toughest match yet at the World Cup in a clash to decide which side will top their pool.

NEWS: World Cup disciplinary chiefs banned Canada centre Nick Blevins for five weeks for a "neck roll" tackle in a group match against Romania.

Japan will be looking for their third win in this year's World Cup when they play the United States in Gloucester on Sunday.

Argentina will be looking to go into their quarterfinal with momentum and that does not bode well for their final Pool C opponents Namibia.

United States coach Mike Tolkin has made 13 changes to the starting line-up for their final game of the World Cup.

NEWS: Craig Wing is set to become Japan's oldest World Cup debutant.

OPINION: Tonga showed plenty of heart for about 60 minutes against the All Blacks but ran out of steam to succumb to a 38-point defeat.

OPINION: The All Blacks brought all their flair and style in the second half to blow a plucky Tonga out of the water on Friday.

REPORT: New Zealand completed their World Cup pool fixtures unbeaten, after they blew Tonga way with a powerful second-half performance.

NEWS: World Cup organisers on Friday sanctioned England coaches Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree.

REPORT: The Blue Bulls edged the Pumas 25-24 in a scrappy arm-wrestle to secure homeground advantage in the Currie Cup semifinals next week.

REPORT: Western Province ran in six tries to claim an all-too-comfortable 45-14 victory over the Eastern Province Kings at Newlands on Friday.

Romania head coach Lynn Howells made two changes to the starting line-up that beat Canada 17-15 on Tuesday for their final Pool D clash against Italy.

NEWS: Namibia were dealt a big blow ahead of the final World Cup Pool C match, against Argentina on Sunday.

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has made three changes to his starting XV to play France on Sunday in a World Cup match that will decide who tops Pool D.

Inspirational captain Sergio Parisse will not be part of Italy's matchday 23 against Romania at Sandy park on Sunday.

Juan Martin Hernandez will get his first chance at flyhalf in the World Cup when Argentina face Namibia in Leicester on Sunday.

Bernard Foley and Dan Biggar - who put England's World Cup hopes to the sword on successive weekends - go boot-to-boot on Saturday.

Coach Phil Davies has made 11 changes to the Namibia team to face Argentina in their final World Cup Pool C match on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: South Africa will keep one eye on Twickenham, but for most part the latter half of this week is been about rest and recuperation.

Embattled England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster has come out fighting after taking heavy blows during the week and said he backs himself on his overall record.

Big No.8 Louis Picamoles returns to France's starting XV for their crucial Pool D clash against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. 

Romanian captain Mihai Macovei will miss his country's pivotal final Pool D match with Italy on Sunday after being banned for a fortnight for a dangerous tackle.

If the All Blacks wanted to, they could reveal now their likely starting XV and game strategy for every match they could possibly play through to the end of the World Cup. 

It may not have been a successful tournament on the field for Tonga but the disappointment has done nothing to shake the faith of the religious Pacific islanders.

New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe is relishing the prospect of a first start for Wales against Australia after fearing his World Cup was over before it had begun. 

Springbok loose forward Warren Whiteley has been drafted into the Golden Lions' team for their match against Griquas at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Rebuilding morale in the battered and bruised England World Cup squad has been a hard battle, their beleaguered coach Stuart Lancaster said Thursday.

England captain Chris Robshaw has been unfairly lambasted for the hosts' World Cup failure, a top member of his Harlequins club management said Thursday.

Wales boss Warren Gatland ruled himself out of the running to succeed England coach Stuart Lancaster by telling reporters: "I don’t think they can afford me."

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Griquas have made several changes to their starting XV for their match against the Golden Lions on Saturday, particularly in the backline.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter did not have to think twice when asked to sum up what Saturday's Samoa game meant.

If ever there was a definition of a 'no-win' game, England's final match of the 2015 World Cup against Uruguay in Manchester on Saturday is surely it.

INTERVIEW: Samoa coach Stephen Betham claimed the Pacific island teams had been singled out over rough play.

Uruguay coach Pablo Lemoine has named made two changes to the starting line-up in the team to face England in the final Pool A match at Manchester City Stadium on Saturday.

The Leopards clinched the First Division title in style on Thursday, thanks to a great 44-20 comeback victory over the SWD Eagles in Potchefstroom.

The final round of league fixtures in the Currie Cup takes place this weekend and all eyes will be on Bloemfontein.

There are 20 teams at the 2015 World Cup and rugby365's Paul Dobson looks at players not born or not playing in the countries they represent.

Jan de Koning en Tauriq Ebrahim gesels oor Springbok spankeuses vir die Wereldbeker-kwarteindstryd en nooi die lesers uit om hul span te kies!

They are both island countries in the South Pacific, but they have seldom before met on the rugby field.

Australian loose forward Talalelei Gray, initially called up as World Cup cover, on Thursday signed a full contract with Toulouse, the club confirmed.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union expressed their full confidence in the ability of the Eastern Province Kings to resolve their financial crisis.

Scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i will captain Samoa in their final Pool B match against Scotland in Newcastle on Saturday. 

Sean McMahon will replace Michael Hooper in one of three changes to Australia’s side to take on Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

Namibia captain Jacques Burger has been ruled out of his country's final Pool C game against Argentina on Sunday, thereby ending an illustrious international career. 

Claims that Springbok prop Frans Malherbe was guilty of biting an opponent have been dismissed by World Rugby.

Scotland head Coach Vern Cotter has made seven changes to the starting line-up that lost out to South Africa last weekend for their must-win clash against Samoa.

OPINION: Michael de Vries and Jan de Koning invite you to tell them who YOU feel should be in the Springbok team for the World Cup quarterfinal.

New Zealand-born Gareth Anscombe will make his first international start after he was named in Wales team for their crunch match against Australia.

Golden Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has made 14 changes to the starting XV that thrashed Western Province last week for their final league clash against Griquas.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a stab at selecting a Springbok team for the quarterfinals.

Georgia are keen to build on their burgeoning promise as one of rugby union's most improved countries by playing more tier one nations insists coach Milton Haig.

Australia delayed naming their team to face Wales in the hope that star fullback Israel Folau will be ready to play in the important clash.

Gary Gold has only made one change to his starting XV that thrashed Griquas for his sides must win game against Free State on Saturday.

NEWS: Ospreys and Wales centre Andrew Bishop has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury on Thursday.  

With one more pool game still to go, the All Blacks are insisting they are ready for the tournament's knockout stages.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer said he was happy that his team qualified for the World Cup quarterfinals, but warned that they have not achieved anything yet.

REACTION: South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer does not care which side the Springboks play in the World Cup quarterfinals, as long as it is not Japan.

If Mathieu Bastareaud lifts the World Cup trophy on October 31 it will complete one of the most extraordinary tales of redemption and courage in sport.

REACTION: A hat-trick against the USA has helped Springbok wing Bryan Habana equal Jonah Lomu's record of 15 World Cup tries on Wednesday.

REACTION: Springboks' hat-trick hero Bryan Habana warned that they are getting stronger with every game after thrashing the United States 64-0.

REPORT: Georgia booked their place in the 2019 World Cup with a hard-earned 17-16 win over Namibia at Sandy Park in Exeter on Wednesday.

OPINION: Was it really fair of United States coach Mike Tolkin to send a second-string selection in to face South Africa?

OPINION: South Africa's win over the United States was so overwhelming, you wonder if there was real opposition.

REPORT: Bryan Habana equalled Jonah Lomu's record for the most tries in the World Cup, with a hat-trick in a 64-0 demolition of the United States.

NEWS: The All Blacks' talismanic skipper Richie McCaw is injured, leaving Kieran Read to lead the side against Tonga on Friday.

The plan to launch a Six Nations tournament for the Americas, slated for 2016, enthuses the Uruguay team as it would allow them to play year-round at a competitive level.

NEWS: Wales' utility back, James Hook, says it is time for them to put an end to their dispiriting series of 10 successive losses to Australia.

NEWS: It never rains but it pours. The crisis enveloping England's troubled World Cup campaign deepened on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Injuries to senior players will see Ronnie Cooke take over the captaincy when the EP Kings play their final Currie Cup match.

NEWS: Wallaby veteran Dean Mumm claims that playing abroad opens up new avenues both on a personal and a sporting front.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga's big-hitting captain, Nili Latu, is excited about facing up to his first and last All Blacks haka.

NEWS: Veteran midfielder Ma'a Nonu will play his 100th Test match for New Zealand, when they face Tonga in a World Cup Pool C match on Friday.

NEWS: The Barbarians received a significant boost ahead of their match against Argentina at Twickenham on November 21.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Free State Cheetahs have made several changes to their matchday 23 for their crucial Currie Cup match against the Sharks.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls flank Deon Stegmann returns to the starting line-up to take on the Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday.

NEWS: After signing a short-term contract with Glasgow in the June, flyhalf Rory Clegg will join French side Oyonnax Rugby.

Springbok and Western ProvinceP centre Damian de Allende was the big winner at the 2015 WP awards evening, which was held at Newlands on Tuesday.

EXCLUSIVE: rugby365 cartoonist Matthew Ackermann looks at England's dramatic departure from the World Cup.

NEWS: The Western Force have re-signed local products Kane Koteka and Brady Lacey for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

They are both known to play live on a Saturday.

REACTION: Romania coach Lynn Howells ordered his team to "pull your socks up" at half-time and the Oaks pulled off the biggest comeback in World Cup history against Canada.

England coach Stuart Lancaster said he expected cross-code convert Sam Burgess to stay in rugby union.

Scotland are preparing for a Samoan backlash, according to Dave Denton, with the outcome dictating if the Scots stay in contention. 

Namibia captain Jacques Burger gets his last realistic chance on Wednesday to lead his team to a first World Cup victory.

Samoan wing Alesana Tuilagi has been suspended for five weeks for striking a player with his knee in their game against Japan. 

Fiji scored seven tries in their 47-15 victory against a determined Uruguay side in Milton Keynes on Tuesday.

REPORT: Romania captain Mihai Macovei's two second-half tries led a remarkable comeback which climaxed in a 17-15 win over Canada on Tuesday.

The Pumas have made six changes to their starting XV for their clash with the Bulls in Nelspruit on Friday.

Springbok captain Fourie du Preez said that the pressure is still squarely on his side ahead of their clash with the United States.

rugby365's acclaimed writer Paul Dobson looks at South Africa's final World Cup pool match, against the United States.

After being taught a lesson by Georgia, the All Blacks are putting extra effort into scrum training as they head towards the play-offs.

Even a severely depleted Wales side will be a huge challenge for Australia to beat in their World Cup 'Pool of Death', said veteran lock Dean Mumm.  

Western Province coach John Dobson named a young side to take on the EP Kings in their final league fixture on Friday after a spate of injuries.

The Leopards will look to clinch the First Division title in style with a full house of victories for the season when they face the SWD Eagles on Thursday in Potchefstroom.

Beleaguered England coach Stuart Lancaster dropped controversial rugby league convert Sam Burgess amid mass changes for the side's last World Cup game against Uruguay.

NEWS: Australia's Michael Hooper has been suspended for one week after pleading guilty to an act of Foul Play contrary to Law 10.4(h) (dangerous charging).

Jake White, who guided South Africa to the World Cup title in 2007, is interested in the England coach's job, according to reports on Tuesday.

INTERVIEW: South Africa have slowly picked themselves up from the canvas, after a devastating opening round World Cup knock-down.

NEWS: Wales will have a full squad at their disposal for Saturday's World Cup clash with Australia to decide the winner of Pool A.

NEWS: Australian star Israel Folau is battling to be fit for their final Pool A clash - the table-topping decider with Wales.

INJURY REPORT: Three Western Province players have found themselves on the injury list following their massive defeat to the Golden Lions in Johannesburg.

INJURY REPORT: There seems to be no stopping the Golden Lions on the field as well as off it, as injuries seems to be something they need not worry about.

To believe the All Blacks coaches, they are happy World Cup campers. Not everything is going their way but they have it under control. 

NEWS: Free State Cheetahs utility back Ryno Benjamin has escaped any sanction after he appeared before a SARU Judicial Hearing late on Monday afternoon.

INTERVIEW: South Africa, like a true champion, have stood up from a first-round knock-down and are emerging as one of the tournament favourites.

Speculation over who could replace Stuart Lancaster as England coach reached new heights after Japan mentor Eddie Jones said he is "open" to an approach.

Irish playmaker Jonathan Sexton can see barrel-chested French centre Mathieu Bastareaud looming down on him when they face off in the World Cup.

NEWS: All Black wing Waisake Naholo, on the comeback trail from a broken leg, is again under an injury cloud.

NMEWS: Samoa's hopes of rescuing something from a wretched World Cup campaign suffered a new blow.

NEWS: Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni dropped out of his last World Cup, after doctors discovered a tumour in his back.

NEWS: Namibia have strengthened their front row in an attempt to add some extra power to their scrum.

NEWS: Georgia coach Milton Haig has made 10 changes to his team for the Pool C match against Namibia at Sandy Park on Wednesday.

OPINION: It was probably Australia's finest hour - outside of their title wins in 1991 and 1999 - at a World Cup.

It's the last round of World Cup pool matches.

NEWS: Blue Bulls hooker Jaco Visagie has been ruled out for the remainder of the Currie Cup season.

NEWS: Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer decided to keep continuity for the South Africa's final World Cup Pool B match.

Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar will have a field day against Australia if they concede penalties in their clash on Saturday, said Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey.

Japan's World Cup players are getting better because they watch more rugby on their iPads than other squads, according to forwards coach Steve Borthwick.

NEWS: Olën Park in Potchefstroom will host the First Division final between the Leopards and SWD Eagles on Thursday.

NEWS: England have dropped two places to eighth in the world rankings after their World Cup defeat to Australia at Twickenham.

OPINION: The penultimate round served up some interesting results that leaves just one semifinal spot to be filled by either the Free State Cheetahs the Sharks.

World Rugby is investigating reports that England's coaching staff made an illegal approach to match officials at half-time in their loss to Australia.

Fiji have confirmed their status as Pacific rugby's pacesetters during this World Cup, with critics labelling Samoa's campaign "shameful" and Tonga displaying poor form.

USA coach Mike Tolkin has made 12 changes to the starting line-up that lost to Scotland for their clash against South Africa on Wednesday. 

Australian wing Rob Horne remains a doubt to play against Wales but his tournament is not over yet, Wallabies defence coach Nathan Grey said Monday.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell says his team must scale the 'mountain of a challenge' represented by France to top Pool D.

Australian flank Michael Hooper could miss the Pool A decider with Wales after being cited over an incident during their crushing 33-13 defeat of England. 

INJURY REPORT: The Eastern Province Kings' injury list just keeps on growing as a further six players have been added to the 'already injured' list.

Australia's performance against England has made them favourites to meet New Zealand in the World Cup Final on October 31.

INJURY REPORT: The Pumas dramatic comeback to secure a 37-all draw came at a cost as no less than six players picked up a few niggles.

Both Canada and Romania will be looking for their first wins of this World Cup when they square off in Leicester on Tuesday.

Stuart Lancaster insisted he will be permanently marked by England's World Cup ignominy even though his bosses said no move would be made to replace him.

EXCLUSIVE: AussieBoer, in his latest contribution to rugby365, takes a look at what we can expect when South Africa face the United States.

Joe Schmidt said Ireland's 16-9 win over Italy was not for the faint-hearted but the coach insisted winning ugly was ok. 

NEWS: A new era of rugby has risen in Japan with confirmation that its new Super Rugby team will be known as the Sunwolves.

REACTION: Western Province head coach John Dobson doffed his hat at the Golden Lions who completely outplayed them in Johannesburg.

The Springboks are sweating over the fitness of JP Pietersen ahead of their last Pool B clash against the United States on Wednesday.

Fiji will look to end their World Cup campaign with a flourish, when they face Uruguay in their final Pool A fixture in Milton Keynes on Tuesday.

REACTION: Handré Pollard showed maturity beyond his years to make a crucial play in South Africa's 34-16 victory over Scotland at the weekend.

Wales coach Warren Gatland blasted World Cup chiefs for creating a "group of hell" that claimed England as the first big casualty.

Scarlets made it a club record seven PRO12 wins in a row to go top of the league as they beat Zebre 20-8 at the Stadio XXV Aprile.

Australia believe they need to toughen the scrum that dominated against England according to prop James Slipper.

Ireland were forced to work hard for a scrappy 16-9 win against a determined Italy side in London on Sunday.

Sonny Bill Williams led All Blacks sympathy for England, as the world champions offered refuge for grieving English fans. 

World Cup chiefs have banned Fiji prop Manasa Saulo for 10 weeks for stamping on the head of Wales' Luke Charteris.

Argentina finished strong to secure a 45-16 bonus point win against Tonga in Leicester on Sunday.

Samoa coach Peter Betham says that they are determined to finish the World Cup strong after causing the country pain.

David Campese never misses a chance to taunt England and he didn't miss the open goal presented by them on Saturday.

England was left reeling after crashing out of its own World Cup, with the country set to take an economic hit as well.

Western Province's Under-17 Sevens team retained their national title when they beat South Western Districts 43-7 in the Final.

England rugby bosses insisted there would be no "hasty reaction" as to coach Stuart Lancaster's future after the team's World Cup exit at the hands of Australia.

Australia will get better as the World Cup goes on, coach Michael Cheika said as the Wallabies celebrated knocking old rivals England. 

Mind-master Gilbert Enoka has been instilling confidence and restraining egos in the All Blacks for 200 Tests and has a key World Cup mission ahead.

England suffered a humiliating World Cup exit because they tried to mimic the All Blacks, former New Zealand coach Graham Henry said Sunday.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter would do almost anything to get his side into the World Cup quarterfinals, but he has ruled out trying to buy Samoa off with a few beers. 

Australia will recalibrate their game plan to deal with a "totally different set of threats" from Wales in the battle to top Pool A.

Australia coach Michael Cheika praised his side for overcoming a "tsunami" of noise at Twickenham after they knocked hosts England out of the World Cup.

The Springboks' young bucks have been toasted for South Africa's rapid return to form as coach Heyneke Meyer said the side relished being underdogs. 

England coach Stuart Lancaster admitted his future is uncertain after Australia inflicted his side's second devastating World Cup defeat in a week.

Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer and captain Fourie du Preez warned against any celebrations after their 34-16 win over Scotland on Saturday.

England coach Stuart Lancaster and captain Chris Robshaw issued abject apologies after Australia dumped the host nation out of the World Cup on Saturday.

OPINION: Australia were simply in a class of their own at Twickenham as they sent hosts England crashing out of the World Cup.

A Japan win over United States next week will entitle them to be team of the tournament even if they miss out on a historic place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

OPINION: England became the first host nation to not advance to the quarterfinals after being completely outplayed by Australia at Twickenham.

REPORT: Australia knocked England out of the World Cup with a commanding 33-13 win in their Pool A match at Twickenham on Saturday.

OPINION: The Springboks played to their strengths in their 34-16 win over Scotland in Newcastle on Saturday.

SATURDAY WRAP: Connacht were made to work hard for their narrow victory over Cardiff Blues while Leinster claimed a convincing win over Newport Dragons.

OPINION: Scotland's decision to rest key players backfired as they were outplayed by a highly physical Springbok team.

NEWS: The late former South African state President Nelson Mandela had been, posthumously, inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa displaced Scotland at the top of the World Cup's Pool B standings.

REPORT: Japan kept alive their World Cup play-off hopes with an impressive 26-5 victory over Samoa at Stadium MK, in Milton Keynes, on Saturday.

Talented lock JD Schickerling made his return to the playing field during Western Province Under-21s 44-38 win over the Golden Lions' U21 team on Friday. 

The Sharks have managed to annihilate the Griquas 45-20 in Kimberley with a vintage first half display of attacking play on Saturday.

The Pumas showed some great fighting spirit as they managed to frustrate the Free State Cheetahs in Nelspruit on Saturday.

NEWS: The Eastern Province Kings, for the third time this year, have taken to public protest over unpaid salaries.

There are 23 young Rhinos in Ireland to play rugby, a product of the Tony Stoops Rugby Festival.

Duane Vermeulen has not paid much attention to Scotland's team selection ahead of their World Cup clash in Newcastle.

Michael Cheika insists there is just as much riding on Saturday's clash at Twickenham for his side as there is for England.

An elated Georgia believe their Herculean effort against the All Blacks should be reason enough to put them in the Six Nations.

Italy's World Cup play-off hopes will be on the line when they face Ireland in London on Sunday.

England may be smarting on the rugby field but they have gone on the attack in the pyschological battle against Australia.

Richie McCaw called for more but got a lot less than expected when the All Blacks let themselves down in their win against Georgia. 

Tonga will coming out "howling" in their crucial World Cup Pool C clash with Argentina on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: England and Australia are fighting over the scrum before they even go on the pitch for their decisive World Cup clash on Saturday.

OPINION: Georgia may be minnows in every sense of the game, but there is no doubt they play with the hearts of giants.

OPINION: New Zealand qualified for the World Cup quarterfinals, but they were nowhere near convincing in their 43-10 victory over Georgia.

NEWS: Blue Bulls Currie Cup coach Nollis Marais has been handed the same position of the Bulls' Super Rugby team.

FRIDAY WRAP: Edinburgh maintain their perfect record after beating Ospreys in Scotland on Friday.

SARU's Under-17 Interprovincial Sevens got off to a thrilling start at Paarl Gimnasium on Friday.

REPORTS: New Zealand booker their place in the World Cup quarterfinals, but they were frustrated by a committed Georgia.

REPORT: The Blue Bulls produced a second-half blitz that blew the Eastern Province Kings away at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria, on Friday.

The Lions pulled off probably their most impressive performance this season as they routed Western Province 62-32 at Ellis Park on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Saturday's World Cup clash between England and Australia at Twickenham on Saturday promises to be one of the matches of the tournament.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina will display a brand new centre partnership and also sees a welcome return of their favoured front row for their Tongan clash.

Talismanic Italy captain Sergio Parisse returns to the side for his first game of the World Cup in the must-win Pool D game against Ireland on Sunday.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

OPINION: Australia edged Wales 15-6 in a Pool A crunch match at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted his side's 10-Test losing streak against Australia would have no bearing on their decisive World Cup clash.

Effectively a 'Final' for Georgia as they look to secure third place in Pool C and gain automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2019 

Ireland should know on Tuesday whether Jared Payne will be fit to in their World Cup Pool D decider against France on Sunday

After some disappointing performances so far, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen states they will bring their whole game come the quarterfinals.

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