All News

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus puts the French on notice for their often bodacious gamesmanship.

SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls and the Lions will end their 2023/24 pre-season with an open warm-up match on Wednesday.

WATCH as South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus reacts to the news that they can wave the country's flag and delivers some other #GREAT news for Springbok fans.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks received a big boost ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Ireland in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: England are more than happy to assume the role of public enemy No.1 when they take on Fiji in the World Cup quarter-inals in Marseille on Sunday, veteran Billy Vunipola said Tuesday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Argentina have called up lock Lucas Paulos to replace injured loose forward forward Pablo Matera, the Argentine rugby federation announced on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand attack coach Joe Schmidt is using his famous attention to detail to try to plot the downfall of his former charges ahead of the All Blacks' World Cup quarterfinal against Ireland on Saturday.

NEWS: Ireland are set for a tense waiting game after two of their star players were not involved in training on Tuesday ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against the All Blacks.

NEWS: The Springboks will be able to fly the South African flag at their World Cup quarterfinal face-off against hosts France in Paris on Sunday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji will have to tighten up if they want to continue their dream World Cup campaign says kicking coach Seremaia Bai. 

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa is schedule to only name their team on Friday, a move from the usual midweek, early announcements the Springbok management made throughout the World Cup tournament.

NEWS: Springbok legend Bryan Habana will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the World Rugby Awards in Paris on October 29.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont has hailed the pool stage of Rugby World Cup 2023 as showing “the best of friendship, France and rugby” and vowed to facilitate greater opportunity for performance unions to close the competition gap.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the match officials for the quarterfinals of this year's World Cup.

PLAY-OFF BUILD-UP: Perhaps the most intriguing sub-plot in Ireland's World Cup quarterfinal with New Zealand is Joe Schmidt and his former assistant Andy Farrell pitting their wits against each other.

STATISTICAL FEATURE: Hosts France will face defending champions South Africa in the last of the quarterfinal matches on Sunday.

OPNION: Scotland and Australia were the two topped-rank teams to miss out on the knockout stage at World Cup 2023, but there was plenty to be positive about for teams such as Portugal, Georgia and Tonga.

NEWS: Los Pumas flank Pablo Matera has been ruled out of Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal match against Wales this weekend with a right hamstring muscle tear, the team said on Monday.

QUARTERFINAL BUILD-UP: Daan Human and William Servat are best friends off the field, but Sunday at Stade de France in Paris they will put aside their brotherhood for 80-odd minutes and become fierce combatants.

NEWS: Wales are set to have "everyone" available for selection ahead of their World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: France's medical director Bruno Boussagol said they will take an "intelligent" approach to captain Antoine Dupont's return to full training before this weekend's World Cup quarterfinal.

NEWS: A former Chief Executive Officer of the Bulls, Gert Janse van Vuuren, has passed away at the age of 87.

SPOTLIGHT: There are a few changes in the World Rugby Men's Rankings after the final round of World Cup pool matches.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland lock James Ryan is to see a specialist to assess how serious his wrist injury is.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones says his mum Nellie anxiously texted him last year after a run of poor results as England coach, asking him if he was going to get the sack.

SPOTLIGHT: After Portugals’ spectacular and surprising victory over Fiji on Sunday, prop Francisco Fernandes said their coach Patrice Lagisquet should have a statue in Portugal for what he has done for rugby in that country.

NEWS: France captain Antoine Dupont moved a significant step closer to playing in this weekend's World Cup quarterfinal.

REACTION: Australian media rued their side's "cruellest" exit from the World Cup on Sunday after Fiji squeezed past the Wallabies to reach the quarter-finals, despite a shock defeat to Portugal.

REACTION: Ireland's unprecedented Test winning run is as much to do with the "emotional intelligence" of head coach Andy Farrell as it is to do with the coaching on the training ground said veteran prop Dave Kilcoyne.

SUNDAY REACTION: Fiji claimed the last place in the World Cup quarterfinals in the most dramatic of fashions on Sunday.

REACTION: New Zealanders fired pot-shots at will for the last couple of weeks, but the Springboks are unruffled by suggestions they are 'boring'.

REACTION: The possibility of a potential flag and anthem ban continues to hang over the Springboks like a dark cloud, as they start their build-up to the World Cup quarterfinal face-off against hosts France in Paris on Sunday.

The fixtures for the quarterfinals of World Cup 2023 have been confirmed.

MATCH REPORT: Portugal made history, recording their first World Cup win at Stadium de Toulouse on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Fiji and Portugal at Stadium de Toulouse.

MATCH REPORT: Tonga recorded their first World Cup 2023 victory, beating Romania 45-24 in their final pool match on Sunday.

NEWS: England men’s team are set to play four home matches at Twickenham Stadium as part of the 2024 Nations Series.

INFOGRAPHIC FEATURE: As the World Cup group stages come to an end, we feel it is a good time to reflect on some of the most remarkable achievements over the years and in this tournament.

SQUAD UPDATE: Wales confirmed that Scarlets scrumhalf Kieran Hardy has been called up to the World Cup squad.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland are probably in the best position they have ever been to break through the glass ceiling and reach the World Cup semifinals after a ruthless 36-14 demolition of Scotland on Saturday.

SQUAD UPDATE: Sam Underhill has been added to England’s World Cup squad in France, the Rugby Football Union confirmed on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina qualified for the quarterfinals with a hard fought 39-27 victory over Japan in Nantes on Sunday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between Japan and Argentina at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

REACTION: Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says the New Zealand tour win in July 2022 was part of their preparation as they head into the last eight against the Kiwis next Saturday in Saint-Denis.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Steve Borthwick wanted a really tough Test match and that is exactly what Samoa brought to the table.

REACTION: Samoa’s coach Seilala Mapusua was understandably devastated by the loss to England, saying that is the cruel nature of sport.

INTERVIEW: The Springbok selectors will have a few important, and difficult, selection decision to make ahead of their quarterfinal face-off against France in Paris this coming weekend.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland secured top spot in Pool B and their passage to the World Cup quarterfinals after they produced a masterclass to beat Scotland 36-14 in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

OPINION: Ireland showcased their mettle against Scotland in a Rugby World Cup 2023 pool stage statement 36-14 win.

OPINION: Scotland’s dream of reaching the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup was ended in brutal fashion by a rampant Ireland in Paris.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Scotland at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

OPINION: This was supposed to be a World Cup luxury for Steve Borthwick’s team, who was through to the quarterfinals with this game to spare and gifted the chance to fine-tune their tactics.

MATCH REPORT: Samoa finally delivered the performance at the World Cup that everyone had been waiting for but it was not to be as they fell just short of England by 17-18 in Lille on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between England and Samoa at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted that the 43-19 victory over Georgia on Saturday was "not pretty", but added it was a case of "job done" as his team now focuses on a World Cup quarterfinal next weekend.

OPINION: Wales faced Georgia in a hard-fought encounter that tested their mettle in Nantes, ultimately securing a win but not without some nervy moments.

MATCH REPORT: Wales held off a furious fightback from Georgia to top Pool C with a 48-19 victory on Saturday.

NEWS: Assistant coach Karim Ghezal provided an update on France duo Damian Penaud and Antoine Dupont ahead of next weekend's World Cup quarterfinals.

WATCH as seasoned prop Vincent Koch explained how the Springboks kept themselves busy this week, despite not knowing if they will remain in the tournament beyond Saturday.

Wales have confirmed that flyhalf Gareth Anscombe has been withdrawn from their contest with Georgia in Nantes with a “groin aggravation”.

REACTION: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie reiterated how important the games against the Western Force were in their preparation for the Challenge Cup ahead in December. 

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: Fiji's fairytale World Cup campaign has captured the imagination of the rugby-mad Pacific nation, where fans are willing their fleet-footed rugby heroes into the knock-out stages.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: It is a simple equation - a win at all costs World Cup match when Argentina and Japan face each other in a crucial Pool D fixture at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Sunday afternoon.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: There is still something to play for in the penultimate match of the pool phase between Tonga and Romania.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs took a vital step forward ahead of their return to Europe, as they beat the Western Force 32-22 in their fourth and final encounter of the Challenge Series.

REACTION: France coach Fabien Galthie said his team is focused on playing another "World Cup final" after securing their place in the knock-out stages with an eight-try thumping of Italy on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Damian Penaud edged closer to Serge Blanco's France try record as Les Bleus secured a World Cup quarterfinal with a 60-7 thumping of sorry Italy on Friday.

OPINION: France have topped Pool A and claimed their spot in the World Cup quarterfinals with a comprehensive win over Italy in Lyon.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between France and Italy at OL Stadium in Lyon.

WRAP: A Stormers XV scored five tries on their way to a hard-fought 33-21 pre-season win against the Sharks in George on Friday.

WATCH as recalled Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am chats to @king365ed about his return to the Springbok camp.

WATCH dual international Jean Kleyn gives his insightful view on the World Cup Pool B decider between Ireland and Scotland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made just one change to his starting XV from their 28-22 victory against Samoa for the crunch World Cup match against Argentina in Nantes on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika has made 11 changes to his team for their must-win final World Cup Pool D match against Japan in Nantes on Sunday.

INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks will be keeping a close eye on one of their star players in the coming days.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: Permutations and conspiracy theories dominated headlines this week ahead of Saturday's Pool B shoot-out between Ireland and Scotland at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: South Africa's AJ Jacobs and Morne Ferreira were included on the Match Official panels for the 2023-2024 World Sevens Series, leading into the Olympic Games Paris 2024, World Rugby has announced.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: With England already guaranteed a quarterfinal spot, Saturday's Pool D match will be all about Samoa.

KIT LAUNCH: The Bulls have launched their new 2023/24 home and alternative kit with a 'Welcome to the Capital of Rugby' campaign celebrating the fans, the culture, the gees, the legends and future stars behind the badge.

PREVIEW: Unbeaten Wales promised no let-up when they take on winless Georgia in Nantes on Saturday.

REACTION: Coach Ian Foster said he was looking forward to a "monster" quarterfinal, after New Zealand secured their place in the knock-out phases with an 11-try rout of Uruguay.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs are determined to use their limited game time as preparation to ensure their are up for their second run at European glory.

SQUAD UPDATE: Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand cantered to the bonus-point victory they needed to secure qualification for the World Cup quarterfinals with a 73-0 win over Uruguay on Thursday.

OPINION: The All Blacks have secured a quarterfinal spot at the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a 73-0 win over Uruguay in Lyon.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Uruguay at OL Stadium in Lyon.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England captain Owen Farrell said on Thursday he was on the same page as flyhalf George Ford after they were named to start this weekend's World Cup game against Samoa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Peter O'Mahony will become the latest Irish player to reach a landmark 100 caps for his country on Saturday when Ireland face Scotland in a match pivotal to both sides' World Cup hopes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has revealed his team to face Ireland in their crunch Pool B match in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney said discussions about a controversial Nations Cup tournament were in place as he remained confident about his ability to lead one of the sport's wealthiest governing bodies.

REACTION: South Africa plan to appeal the proposed 'ban' by the World Anti-Doping Agency that could come into effect on October 14.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be two Stormers XVs in action in George on Friday in the last of their pre-season matches.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: France coach Fabien Galthie has warned his team not to underestimate a "wounded" Italy ahead of their decisive World Cup Pool A match on Friday.

OPINION: Ben Smith asks if it is really the job of Tier One nations to develop and support Tier Two countries.

SPOTLIGHT: The village of Saint-Pee-sur-Nivelle is not too well known outside of the Pyrenees mountains it nestles in between, let alone throughout France but on Friday eyes from across the globe will be focused on its two most famous sons.

NEWS: The Wallabies' wretched World Cup just went from bad to worse with Carter Gordon and Nick Frost ruled out for the remainder of the tournament through injury.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the final round of World Cup 2023 pool matches in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell said on Wednesday he is confident his players can handle the pressure of their final World Cup pool match with Scotland this weekend because they have become used to high stakes games.

WATCH as Springbok attack coach Felix Jones explains how recalled centre Lukhanyo Am will fit into the national team set-up despite having had no game time for just over two months.

SPOTLIGHT: As the World Cup approaches the play-off stages, perhaps now is a good time to have a stab at naming at all-time ultimate XV.

BREAKING NEWS: The Springboks might have to compete under a neutral flag in the quarterfinals of the World Cup and without the opportunity of singing the national anthem due to non-compliance of the latest World Anti-Doping Code (Wada).

WORLD CUP, ROUND FIVE: New Zealand head coach Ian Fosters says his team will be giving Uruguay the respect they deserve as they look to secure a quarterfinal spot on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthié has named his 23-man matchday squad for Friday's Pool A game against Italy in Lyon.

The Lions have boosted their pride with the acquisition of loose foward Hanru Sirgel from Griquas. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tommaso Allan returns to flyhalf as Italy coach Kieran Crowley reverted to two midfield playmakers in his team announced on Wednesday to play France at the World Cup.

INTERVIEW: England may have already clinched a World Cup quarterfinal spot but defence coach Kevin Sinfield is refusing to look further than Saturday's final group game with Samoa.

SPOTLIGHT: Peter O'Mahony is the Ireland rugby team's "emotional leader" according to head coach Andy Farrell, although unlikely as it sounds he gets all dewy-eyed when his hydrangeas are blooming in his garden.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber responds to a French journalist's question about the possibility of 'collusion' between Ireland and Scotland to knock South Africa out of the World Cup.

OPINION: Italy has "reset and are focusing on France" after their 17-96 drubbing by New Zealand which was a "freak game", Italian wing Paolo Odogwu said on Tuesday.

OPINION: Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui says his players are going to have to battle hard against a "very good" Portugal side on Sunday to secure their place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina is "very hungry" to get back into the World Cup knock-out stages after missing out four years ago, head coach Michael Cheika said on Tuesday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt has rubbished suggestions that his team could collude with Scotland to send home South Africa home early from the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Deon Fourie, who holds the record as the oldest player to have made his Springbok debut, was conditioned for the brutality of facing Tongan by two of the most contrasting sources.

NEWS: Josua Tuisova, man of the match in Fiji's upset World Cup win over Australia, missed his seven-year-old son's funeral on Tuesday after opting to stay with his teammates in France, according to Fijian news site Fiji Village.

NEWS: France captain Antoine Dupont will be assessed by the surgeon who operated on his fractured cheekbone before staff decide if he can return for a possible World Cup quarterfinal, the team said on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Sam Cane returns to captain New Zealand as head coach Ian Foster on Tuesday made nine changes to his side to face Uruguay at the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland will be out to make it extremely tough for Scotland to score points in their crunch World Cup Pool B clash at Stade de France on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Handre Pollard showed his World Cup class and maturity when he slotted his first penalty in 13 months from the touchline.

SPOTLIGHT: Before the World Cup in France got underway rugby fans were licking their lips at the prospect of polarising coach Eddie Jones lining up for a quarterfinal clash against his former team England.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber shares his views on Handré Pollard's first Test in 13 months and we also look on the way forward with Manie Libbok.

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Jamie Joseph's evolution in delegating and becoming a better communicator is a major reason why the Japanese are a win away from reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, forwards coach Shin Hasegawa said on Monday.

LISTEN as Cape Talk radio presenter Clarence Ford chats to @king365ed about all things Springbok and the World Cup!

GRAPHIC EXPLANATION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has added another layer to the already multifarious scenarios that can play out ahead of the World Cup quarterfinals.

UPDATE: South Africa confirmed centre Lukhanyo Am has replaced wing Makazole Mapimpi in their squad for World Cup 2023.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named his team to play Georgia at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes in their final Pool C match of the World Cup on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: There is still plenty to play for as the pool phase in France enters its final week.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Samoa wing Ben Lam will miss his team's World Cup pool clash against England on Saturday.

OPINION: Winless Tonga will bow out of the World Cup hopeful of a victory in their final Pool B match against Romania as coach Toutai Kefu pleaded for more competition against tier-one nations.

SPOTLIGHT: Well before it was plagued by upheaval, shoddy performances and financial woes, Australian rugby was widely lauded and the Wallabies deemed the country's favourite winter team.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland's Darcy Graham may have impressed by scoring four tries in Saturday's 84-0 rout of Romania in the World Cup but the wing knows there is a bigger challenge ahead against Ireland next weekend.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains why his team is not yet guaranteed a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

NEWS: The Springboks suffered another big injury setback with the World Cup quarterfinals just around the corner.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks climbed to the top of Pool B with a scrappy 49-18 win over Tonga in Marseille on Sunday.

OPINION: South Africa scored seven tries in their 49-18 in their victory over Tonga in Marseilles on Sunday, moving to the top of Pool A.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Tonga at Stade de Marseille.

OPINION: The Wallabies managed to secure a victory against Portugal, but it was far from a convincing display from the Australian outfit.

MATCH REPORT: Australia kept their faint hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages alive with an unconvincing 34-14 victory over minnows Portugal on Sunday.

NEWS: Danilo Fischetti has been ruled out of Italy's final World Cup group game against hosts France with a rib injury, the Italian rugby federation (FIR) confirmed Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland have not beaten Ireland since 2017 but there is always a first time, says defence coach Steve Tandy.

REACTION: Scotland cruised to an 84-0 victory over Romania on Saturday but the focus was always on next weekend's crucial game against Ireland in Paris, with their hopes of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.

NEWS: While coach Eddie Jones insists he should be the "fall-guy" from the Wallabies horror World Cup campaign, his assistant Neal Hatley says it's a shared responsibility.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is back in his happy space on social media - responding as forceful and quirky as only he can.

REACTION: Fiji were below par but came from behind to beat Georgia 17-12 on Saturday and stay on course for the World Cup quarterfinals, a result that pushed Australia closer to a historic elimination.

WATCH as veteran South African loose forward Duane Vermeulen explains to @king365ed what changed his mind about taking up coaching after finishing his playing career.

OPINION: Scotland set-up a qualification decider with Ireland in Paris next Saturday after crushing Romania in Lille.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland registered twelve tries in their 84-0 victory over Romania at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Saturday evening.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Scotland and Romania at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.

OPINION: Fiji very nearly lost against Georgia at the Stade Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux in a contest which saw the Islanders look worryingly unfocused, profligate and frankly irrational at times.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji fought back to beat fading Georgia 17-12 on Saturday and remain on course for the World Cup quarterfinals, pushing Australia to the brink of elimination.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Fiji and Georgia at Stade de Bordeaux.

WATCH as rookie Canan Moodie talks about the possibility of a permanent move to outside centre for the national team.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina stayed in contention for a quarterfinal spot at the World Cup by beating Chile 59-5 on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson confirmed that his organisation has been in discussions with South Africa over bringing back 'old-school' tours between the two nations.

NEWS: France's talismanic captain Antoine Dupont has rejoined the hosts' World Cup squad a week after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone, the French federation (FFR) announced on Saturday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: The Wallabies have emerged from a "bad hangover" to set themselves for one last night out in France as their World Cup pool stage - and likely tournament - ends with Portugal.

REACTION: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster lauded a "statement" win after his All Blacks trounced Italy 96-17 to reignite their World Cup bid on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks reminded the rugby world what they are capable of with a 96-17 win over Italy in their Pool A match in Lyon on Friday.

OPINION: The All Blacks well and truly got their Rugby World Cup back on track on a warm evening in Lyon, thrashing Italy 96-17.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Italy at OL Stadium in Lyon.

ROUND FOUR PREVIEW: South Africa won't admit it, but they are already casting one eye towards a potential World Cup quarterfinal face-off with hosts France.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers got their pre-season underway with a 64-26 win over SWD Eagles in George on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has made three changes to the starting line-up to play South Africa in the Pacific Islanders' third World Cup Pool B match in Marseille on Sunday.

WATCH as Handre Pollard and Andre Esterhuizen chat to @king365ed about their expectations for the World Cup face-off with Tonga on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force finally got their Challenge Series win, beating the Cheetahs 30-27 at Mandurah Stadium on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Ireland back row Jack Conan credits Andy Farrell and his coaching staff for filling him with "confidence" by telling him despite a foot ligament injury they were keeping him in the World Cup squad.

WATCH as Siya Kolisi talks to @king365ed about his journey from a drunken clown to Springbok captain and one of the country's most respected senior statesmen.

SPOTLIGHT: As a hooker, Eddie Jones wasn't known for his side-step, but the Wallabies coach has continued to use his evasive skills to avoid talking about his ties to the Japan coaching vacancy.

NEWS: English club rugby's bleak financial climate appears to have claimed another victim after Jersey Reds announced they have ceased trading as the sport is being showcased at the World Cup in France.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Nantes hosts an historic match on Saturday, regardless of the result, as it will be the first-ever meeting of two sides from South America at a World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika said on Thursday his much-changed outfit to face Chile in the World Cup this weekend can prove him a point.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Fiji and Georgia enter their showdown in Bordeaux on Friday on quite different emotional trajectories.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies centurion James Slipper will break George Gregan’s record for the most World Cup matches by an Australian when he runs out at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard against Portugal on Sunday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Scotland will be out to build some momentum in their match against Romania ahead of their crucial Pool B encounter against Ireland a week later.

MATCH REPORT: Japan took a big step on the road to the quarterfinal as they shattered Samoan hearts to win a vital Pool D game by 28-22 in Toulouse on Thursday.

NEWS: The news on the recuperation of France captain Antoine Dupont is "reassuring", according to team doctor Bruno Boussagol, who said he hoped for a "quick return" to World Cup action for the talismanic scrumhalf.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between Japan and Samoa at Stadium de Toulouse

WATCH as Willie le Roux chats to @king365ed about his roles in the Springbok team - as waterboy, communicator, playmaker and defensive organiser.

WATCH as we bring you scenes from South Africa's open training session at Stade Mayol in Toulon on Thursday - one of only two public sessions at the World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend made 13 changes to his side to face Romania in the World Cup this weekend.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the ongoing flyhalf and goalkicking debate and dishes out a healthy dosage of reality to grumpy fans.

REACTION: Namibia's head coach Allister Coetzee says had they secured their first ever win at a World Cup it could have had the same impact on them as Japan's stunning win over South Africa in 2015 had on the Asian country.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs announced a very experienced side to face the Western Force in the Challenge Series in Australia on Friday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Italy head coach Kieran Crowley says there is "no fear' in his squad as they aim to upset the All Blacks in their big Pool A encounter in Lyon on Friday.

NEWS: Straight-shooting former Australia Test captain Stephen Moore says Eddie Jones must come clean on the Japan job and the Wallabies coach should fall on his sword if he has been interviewed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced prop Brok Harris will lead a 28-man Stormers XV squad in their first pre-season match against the South-Western Districts Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday.

WATCH episode four of BOKS OFFICE, as host Hanyani Shimange is joined by Springboks legend Jean de Villiers and former flyhalf Butch James.

INTERVIEW: Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter may play in the unglamorous position of prop but they epitomise the resilience and character that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell spoke of.

REACTION: Handre Pollard's recall to the Springbok team, after a year in the international wilderness, brings with it some obvious risks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Virimi Vakatawa, regarded as one of the most talented players on the planet, will make his explosive return to rugby in a Bristol Bears jersey.

MATCH REPORT: Namibia missed a chance to break their losing streak after Uruguay produced a brave comeback World Cup win at OL Stadium in Lyon.

Handre Pollard will play his first Test since August 2022 and Marco van Staden will wear the No 16 jersey as replacement hooker for the first time when the Springboks meet Tonga in Marseille on Sunday, as coach Jacques Nienaber rotated his starting team for their final Rugby World Cup pool match.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok utility Kwagga Smith talks about the key aspects of the game in Sunday's World Cup Pool B match against Tonga in Marseille.

TRANSFER NEWS: Utility forward Hendre Stassen has joined the Stormers ahead of the upcoming season.

NEWS: Former Lions scrumhalf Dillon Smit has been appointed as the Head of High Performance at Hoerskool Waterkloof.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks welcome back four players from injury for their Pool A clash against Italy on Friday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: The winner of the Japan-Samoa match in Toulouse on Thursday will stay in contention for the quarterfinals while the loser’s chances of advancing from Pool D will all but disappear.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy are ready for New Zealand's intimidation and bullying tactics, head coach Kieran Crowley said on Wednesday after naming his team to face the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: Lining up against the All Blacks in Lyon on Friday will be a special occasion for Italy forwards Toa Halafihi and Hame Faiva.

SPOTLIGHT: No longer able to hone their skills against South Africa teams in Super Rugby, New Zealand's forwards run the risk of 'going soft'.

SPOTLIGHT: The reemergence of Rassie Erasmus' disco lights have caused a stir. @rugby365com went 'deep underground' to see if we could crack the code and figure out what those signals mean.

NEWS: Tonga's Vaea Fifita will miss the next two World Cup games, against South Africa and Romania, following his disciplinay for the red card he received.

NEWS: France forwards coach William Servat said on Tuesday he had "no doubt" that emblematic captain Antoine Dupont could return from injury in time for a potential World Cup quarterfinal next month.

NEWS: Namibia captain Johan Deysel has been banned for six matches following his dangerous tackle on France captain Antoine Dupont.

WATCH as Springbok scrum coach Daan Human explains how they are going to 'fix' the quagmires that got the better of them against Ireland, as they prepare for a #MustWin Round Four World Cup encounter with Tonga.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina is by a long chalk South America's rugby number one side but Chile back-rower Raimundo Martinez hopes his outfit can catch up with the number two outfit Uruguay "in the next four years."

NEWS: No comment has been forthcoming from the Japan Rugby Football Union regarding the rumours that Australian coach Eddie Jones is exploring a return to Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Warren Gatland says 'hard work' is responsible for Wales turning crisis into joy as his team became the first side to reach the World Cup knock-out stages following a record win over Australia.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: World Cup minnows Uruguay and Namibia clash in Lyon on Wednesday in their own personal 'final' where the winner takes home the glory and the loser faces four years of frustration.

INTERVIEW: Flyhalf Jack Crowley says Scotland will not be taken lightly by Ireland even if the Irish are expected to beat them in their final Pool B match on October 7 and secure their place in the quarterfinals.

REACTION: Former Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock has said "the worst thing" Rugby Australia can do is sack embattled head coach Eddie Jones, despite the team's poor World Cup campaign.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi explain how they will react to the loss against Ireland.

REACTION: New Zealand flank Dalton Papali'i said on Monday the All Blacks were inspired by watching Ireland's brutal victory over South Africa in the World Cup at the weekend, and they aspire to reach that level.

SPOTLIGHT: Eternally wounded from his own World Cup horror show, former Wallaby loose forward Stephen Hoiles believes less Australian Super Rugby teams is one answer to the country's spectacular fall from grace.

REACTION: South Africa was left to contemplate and reconsider their methodology after losing 8-13 to world No.1 Ireland in a battle of attrition in Paris at the weekend.

NEWS: Munster and the IRFU have released statement on head coach Graham Rowntree's future at the Irish province.

SPOTLIGHT: There are some notable changes in the World Rugby Men's Rankings after the latest round of World Cup matches.

INJURY UPDATE: Frane has been given hope as superstar Antoine Dupont is reportedly on the fast track to return from injury for the World Cup quarterfinals.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby fans could be in for a sequel to the memorable tussle Ireland and defending champions South Africa served up on Saturday with Irish lock Tadhg Beirne believing they can meet in the Final.

INJURY UPDATE: Stuart McInally was given an emotional send-off from the Scotland squad following Sunday’s victory over Tonga after the veteran hooker was forced out of the World Cup with a neck injury just over a week after being given a late call-up.

WATCH the extended highlights package of the #BIG match of the weekend, Ireland versus South Africa in Paris!

MEDIA REACTION: The Wallabies were blasted by the Australian media after their record defeat to Wales on Sunday left Eddie Jones' side on the verge of an early World Cup exit.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted the chest injury that forced star flyhalf Dan Biggar off the pitch in Sunday's record 40-6 thrashing of Australia was "not significant."

REACTION: Australia coach Eddie Jones apologised for the Wallabies' record defeat to Wales, but insisted he was "committed" to the job.

MATCH REPORT: Australia's World Cup destiny is now totally out of their hands after they suffered a 6-40 defeat to Wales in their Pool C encounter in Lyon on Sunday.

OPINION: Wales were simply brilliant. They made an admittedly ropey Australian side look an absolute mess as they dominated from front to back and from start to finish in their 40-6 win.

OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen to a demoralising 6-40 defeat against Wales in Lyon, all but ending their hopes of World Cup glory.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at OL Stadium in Lyon.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the consequences of his team's deflating 8-13 loss to Ireland in Paris at the weekend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Scotland and Tonga at Stade de Nice.

OPINION: Scotland’s improbable route to the knockout phase of the Rugby World Cup is still alive after a 45-17 bonus point win over Tonga in Nice.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland kept their quarterfinal hopes alive with a superb 45-17 victory over Samoa scoring seven beautifully crafted tries in the process at Stade de Nice on Sunday.

REACTION: Veteran flyhalf Handre Pollard will feature for South Africa in the 'must-win' World Cup Pool B match against Tonga at Stade de Marseille next Sunday.

STAT ATTACK: Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has played an integral role in France's rise over the last few years and he is now widely regarded as the world's best player.

SQUAD UPDATE: Italy hooker Luca Bigi has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an injury to the adductor muscle in his right leg, the Italian federation announced Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland's epic 13-8 victory over defending champions South Africa had all the ingredients to suggest they could at last be able to erase years of World Cup disappointment.

REACTION: Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus took some time on social media to apologise to South African fans and send a message to referee Ben O'Keefe after the Springboks' crunch World Cup match against Ireland on Saturday.

NEWS: Eddie Jones has been interviewed to take over as Japan coach, reports said Sunday, casting doubt over his future in the middle of Australia's stuttering World Cup campaign.

MATCH REPORT: England scored eleven tries on the trot as they disposed of Chile in their Pool D match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Saturday with wing Henry Arundell crossing the white wash five times in their 71-0 win over the South Americans.

REACTION: Steve Borthwick hailed Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith for mixing England a mouthwatering attacking cocktail in the 71-0 Rugby World Cup hammering of Chile.

REACTION: Ireland moved to the brink of the World Cup quarterfinals by beating reigning champions South Africa 13-8 in a low-scoring but thoroughly absorbing match at the Stade de France on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the 'elephant in the room' - his team's sub-par and erratic goal-kicking.

OPINION: The Springboks will be kicking themselves that they didn't convert more opportunities into points in Saturday's World Pool B encounter against Ireland in Saint-Denis.

OPINION: Ireland have secured a titanic 13-8 win over the Springboks in Paris to give themselves the best possible chance of topping Pool B at the Rugby World Cup – and earning a quarterfinal against the All Blacks.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland made a big statement, beating the defending champions Springboks 13-8 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Before this one-sided fixture was won 71-0, England had managed just 22 tries in 11 games under Borthwick, on average a try every 40 minutes, and their best single-game haul was the five scored against Italy in game two of the head coach’s tenure. So ugly was their play for long periods last Sunday in Nice that they even were loudly booed with Japan still alive and that result in the balance.

REACTION: Los Pumas assistant coach Juan Fernández Lobbe reckons the Argentinians were always in control of the game in their 19-10 victory over Samoa in their Pool D match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

Manu Samoa has fallen to their first loss of the World Cup, going down 19-10 to Argentina in Saint Etienne.

Los Pumas are still alive at the Rugby World Cup after sneaking past a valiant Samoa outfit 19-10 in Saint-Etienne on Friday evening.

MATCH REPORT: Raffaele Storti scored two tries to help Portugal to an 18-18 draw with Georgia on Saturday, but Nuno Sousa Guedes missed an injury-time penalty that would have handed them a first-ever World Cup victory.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Georgia and Portugal will be hoping to secure their first points of the World Cup when they face off in their Pool C clash early on Saturday afternoon.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Scotland face a must-win clash with Tonga in Nice on Sunday to stay in contention for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones says his team is in a good position to right the wrongs and bounce back in their must-win World Cup Pool C clash against Wales on Sunday.

NEWS: Antoine Dupont's race to be fit in time for the closing stages of the World Cup with France got underway late on Friday.

ON THE SIDELINE: Many teams at World Cup 2023 have been cooking food together and Scotland are the latest to get in on the action.

WATCH the pre-match show ahead of the #BIG Ireland versus South Africa crunch Pool B match at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

WATCH as South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick explains why a sudden change in conditions won't discourage the Springboks in their World Cup Pool B crunch encounter with Ireland.

UPDATE: France's talisman and captain Antoine Dupont was set to undergo new tests, after suffering a facial fracture in the win against Namibia this past Thursday.

MATCH REPORT: Emiliano Boffelli steered Argentina to a 19-10 victory over Samoa after scoring all the points in their Pool D match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between Argentina and Samoa at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne

LISTEN as Cape Talk radio presenter Clarence Ford chats to @king365ed about all things Springbok and the World Cup!

REACTION: England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said on Friday he expects France captain Antoine Dupont to return quickly from the facial fracture he suffered in the host nation's rout of Namibia.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Former winners England face Chile for the first time in the World Cup on Saturday with all eyes on the returning Owen Farrell.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his starting side to face Tonga in Pool B at Stade de Nice on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named his 23-man squad to face Australia in Pool C in Lyon on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies vice-captain Tate McDermott and fullback Andrew Kellaway have been named to start for the Wallabies against Wales in Lyon on Sunday.

BREAKING: France captain Antoine Dupont sustained a facial fracture in the record victory over Namibia.

REACTION: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont may have broken his jaw in a high tackle that forced him off the pitch in the 96-0 World Cup thrashing of Namibia.

PREVIEW: The feature match of Round Three. It is Ireland versus South Africa in their first-ever encounter at a World Cup at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: After a rusty second match that saw France’s reserves struggle to shake a feisty Uruguay side, Les Bleus have put Namibia to the sword to right the ship ahead of a well-earned rest week.

MATCH REPORT: France climbed to the summit of Pool A with a comfortable 96-0 win over Namibia at Stade de Marseille on Thursday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between France and Namibia at Stade de Marseille.

NEWS: South African World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen and Argentine back row star Pablo Matera will join up with the Barbarians squad following the World Cup in France. 

WATCH as Ireland coach Andy Farrell gives his takes on South Africa's seven-one bench split and if they considered something similar.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Owen Farrell will captain England against Chile on his return from a ban for this weekend's World Cup pool game.

BOKS OFFICE: Host Hanyani Shimange is joined by Springboks legends Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana to review South Africa's World Cup 2023 thrashing of Romania and their match up with Ireland this weekend.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi speaks about the importance of the 'innovative' approach by coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for Saturday's World Cup showdown against South Africa at the Stade de France.

NEWS: Young playmaker Carter Gordon is set to pay the price for the Wallabies' shock World Cup loss to Fiji, demoted to the bench for their must-win clash with Wales.

WATCH as former Ireland flyhalf Ronan O’Gara shared his insight on how Ireland might go about succeeding South Africa’s renowned rush defence.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Samoa will be looking to win their opening two pool matches for only the third time when they face Argentina in their Pool D World Cup clash at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the Wallabies are in the dark about who will lead the side in one of the biggest games in Australian rugby history.

WATCH Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the role 'experience' will play in the World Cup Pool B decider between South Africa and Ireland in Paris on Saturday.

REACTION: Italy captain Michele Lamaro praised his team for "embracing the challenge" of a 10-point half-time deficit to run out convincing 38-17 World Cup Pool A winners over Uruguay in Nice on Wednesday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy had to produce a strong second-half performance to see off a gutsy Uruguayan side 38-17 in their World Cup Pool A clash in Nice on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Matias Moroni was one of three changes made to the Argentina team announced on Wednesday by head coach Michael Cheika to play Samoa in the World Cup this weekend.

INTERVIEW: South African coach Jacques Nienaber not only caused a stir, but ensured there is a massive talking point in the build-up to their World Cup Pool B crunch match against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: Uncapped Wallabies rookie Max Jorgensen has been ruled out of the World Cup in France after the youngster fractured his leg at training, with the Australians set to bring in a medical replacement.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell may come to rue the decision not to follow the 'guidelines' of his predecessor, Joe Schmidt, and call up Jean Kleyn for the 2023 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas warned on Wednesday that Australia would be like a "wounded animal" before this weekend's high-stakes World Cup game in Lyon.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: France coach Fabien Galthie is taking inspiration from Charles Darwin to prepare for minnows Namibia in Marseille on Thursday in what should be a further step to topping Pool A in the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Cyril Baille and centre Jonathan Danty make their comeback from injuries after being named in the France team to face Namibia in their third World Cup match in Marseille on Thursday.

WATCH as Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok speaks about his face-off with Irish legend Johnny Sexton - one of the key aspects of Saturday's World Cup Pool B crunch match in Paris.

SPOTLIGHT: The way the Springbok Women – and especially their pack of forwards – rallied when under severe pressure made their hard-fought victory over the San Clemente Rhinos very rewarding.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones knew taking on the Wallabies' job for a second time would be difficult but an early exit was surely never on the veteran coach's World Cup bingo card.

SPOTLIGHT: Irish loose forward Caelan Doris says he is confident Ireland's attack can inflict serious damage on defending champions South Africa if they match them for physicality in their World Cup Pool B match on Saturday.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber explains his decision to employ a loaded bench with seven forwards against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: All 33 members of Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad trained on Tuesday ahead of the World Cup showdown with the Springboks in Paris.

WATCH as the Stormers revealed their new jersey which is inspired by the passion of their faithful fans. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made 13 personnel changes for Saturday’s third World Cup pool encounter against Ireland.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the third round of World Cup matches in France.

SPOTLIGHT: People do not remember how you played, they only remember whether or not you win the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's World Cup-defining clash with Wales can't come soon enough for Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, who is still searching for answers about their historic loss to Fiji.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt admits that his team will have a tough battle on their hands trying to stop some of the Springboks' key backline players.

PREVIEW: Italy head into Wednesday's World Cup match against Uruguay in the knowledge that the South Americans will likely have targeted them rather than Pool A heavyweights France and New Zealand.

INTERVIEW: Ireland versus South Africa at Stade de France is building up to be as big and intense occasion as the opening World Cup match between hosts France and New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Steve Borthwick finds himself in the enviable position of overseeing a wealth of riches at fly-half as a returning Owen Farrell joins the mix alongside George Ford and Marcus Smith in the contest to start at No 10.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will play in their third different jersey at the World Cup, when they face off against Ireland in a crunch Pool B match in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: Coach Eddie Jones has vowed to protect the Wallabies flyhalf in their sudden-death World Cup pool clash with Wales, although he's yet to reveal if that will be Carter Gordon.

NEWS: Fiji ended a 69-year hoodoo by securing a crucial World Cup win over Australia on Sunday, confirming their status as many people's dark horses for the tournament in France.

SPOTLIGHT: There will be a few South Africans supporting Ireland when they face the Springboks in their crunch Pool B clash at the Stade de France.

INTERVIEW: Handre Pollard will #NOT play for South Africa against Ireland in a crunch Pool B World Cup match in Paris on Sunday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: New Zealand prop Ethan de Groot will miss his team's remaining pool games after he received a ban for foul play in the 71-3 win over Namibia.

REACTION: The Springbok Sevens worked extremely hard to prepare for the Rugby Africa Olympic Games 2024 qualifiers which is why the 12-17 defeat against Kenya in the final was extremely disappointing and gut-wrenching for the squad.

INTERVIEW: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus on Monday formally addressed the ongoing and ever-growing rumours about his reported move to Ireland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy’s flyhalf Tommaso Allan is on course to become his country’s all-time leading World Cup points scorer when his side faces Uruguay in Pool A at Stade de Nice on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs are on a quest to win R1 million after bagging the first two games of the Challenge Series against the Western Force as they head to Perth next week for the last two games of the series.

SPOTLIGHT: Fiji’s first win over Australia since 1954 has been rewarded with a one-place gain in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

REACTION: Facing an experienced Test side will always be a challenge for a team like Japan and sometimes the Brave Blossoms need a bit of luck as well, said their coach Jamie Joseph.

REACTION: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones stood his ground after he was criticised for the lack of experienced playmakers in his squad.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray has warned his teammates that if there is one thing he knows about South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber from his time at Munster, it is to expect the unexpected.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains to @king365ed why they have already made up their collective minds about the team to face Ireland.

OPINION: First, the good news on a balmy night on the French Riviera England eventually won 34-12 to chalk up back-to-back victories for only the second time in this underwhelming Steve Borthwick era, while they also managed to avoid card trouble and keep 15 players on the pitch for the full 80.

OPINION: Despite a promising start to the game, Japan have fallen to a disheartening 12-34 loss to England in Nice on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: England laboured to a 34-12 victory over Japan in their second World Cup match in Nice on Sunday to set themselves up as likely Pool D winners.

BREAKING NEWS: As was expected, flyhalf Handre Pollard will join the Springbok team in Paris on Monday.

OPINION: After the tight loss to Wales last week, Fiji responded with an emphatic 22-15 win against the Wallabies in Saint Etienne to shake up Pool C.

OPINION: Australia’s Rugby World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after losing to Fiji for the first time since 1954 on Sunday evening. The Wallabies were beaten 22-15 in Saint-Etienne.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji has pulled off another famous victory by beating Australia 22-15 for the first time in 69 years at the World Cup in Saint Etienne.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne.

OPINION: The Springboks continued to fine-tune their squad as they recorded a comfortable 76-0 win over Romania in their second World Cup pool match on Sunday

INJURY UPDATE: Another key player in the Springbok camp has gone down with a knee injury.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks never went into overdrive as they disposed of Romania in their second Pool B World Cup match in Bordeaux on Sunday, stacking up 12 tries in their 76-0 victory.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux.

SPOTLIGHT: Already Australia's longest-serving prop, James Slipper says he's not sure if he wants to go past George Gregan's record as the most capped Wallabies player.

The All Blacks are likely to be without Ethan de Groot for their third Pool A fixture at the World Cup after he received a red card in New Zealand's thumping win over Namibia.

NEWS: Portugal wing Vincent Pinto will appear before an independent Judicial Committee in Paris after he received a red card for kicking Wales’ wing Josh Adams in the face during the World Cup match in Nice on Friday.

INTERVIEW: The game's global governing body has turned the sport into a power contest at the World Cup, according to outspoken Australia coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: Late-blooming hooker Dave Porecki will become the sixth Wallabies captain of the year should lock Will Skelton miss Australia's World Cup clash with Fiji as expected.

NEWS: South African referee Aimee Barrett-Theron made history in Cape Town on Saturday, equaling Englands’ Sara Cox as the most-capped women’s referee of all time when she officiated the Test between the Springbok Women’s team and Kenia in her 35th Test.

WATCH as dual international Jean Kleyn speaks about the unique opportunity of featuring in back-to-back World Cups for different countries.

REACTION: Johnny Sexton said his son will be talking more about his dad becoming Ireland's record points scorer than he will after the Ireland captain recorded another remarkable personal milestone on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Johnny Sexton became Ireland's all-time leading points scorer in a 59-16 win over Tonga in Nantes

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

MATCH REPORT: Wales managed to keep their winning World Cup run intact, recording a hard-fought 28-8 victory over Portugal at the Stade de Nice on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales made it two wins from two on Saturday against Portugal in Nice, but it was far from a vintage performance.

MATCH REPORT: Samoa started their World Cup 2023 journey with a five-try 43-10 Pool D victory over Chile at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday.

WATCH Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi and fellow World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe enjoying some World Cup action between Samoa and Chile on Saturday.

WATCH as a Springbok returns to training after injury and surprises the coaching staff with his vigour.

SPOTLIGHT: Aaron Smith might be firmly ensconced as New Zealand's number one scrumhalf, but "quiet assassin" Cam Roigard laid down a marker in the win over Namibia that could easily see him promoted to the veteran's deputy.

NEWS: The Wallabies insist they haven't made a final call on injured captain Will Skelton for their World Cup clash with Fiji, however the giant lock was missing from their final training session ahead of the pivotal game.

NEWS: Namibia centre Le Roux Malan has undergone "successful" surgery after suffering a fracture and dislocation to his right ankle, according to coach Allister Coetzee.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: History is not on Fiji's side when they tackle Australia in their World Cup pool C in Saint Etienne on Sunday.

REACTION: Namibia head coach Allister Coetzee knows exactly what needs to happen over the next few years for his team to be more competitive on the international stage.

REACTION: Early forward dominance allowed All Black halfbacks Cam Roigard and Damian McKenzie to run the show in a 71-3 hammering of Namibia in the World Cup in Toulouse on Friday.

PREVIEW: England will bid to build on their impressive opening World Cup win over Argentina when they take on Japan in Nice on Sunday.

PREVIEW: @king365ed looks at the World Cup Round Two face-off between South Africa and Romania in Bordeaux.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning flyhalf Handré Pollard took a giant leap closer to being called up to the Springbok team - in place of the injured hooker Malcolm Marx - after a successful comeback from injury.

OPINION: The All Blacks have cantered to a 71-3 win over Namibia in Toulouse to get their World Cup campaign back on track following last weekend’s loss to France.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand bounced back in sublime fashion, beating Namibia 71-3 in the World Cup Pool A match at Stadium de Toulouse on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Namibia at Stadium de Toulouse.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his England team to play Japan in their second pool match of World Cup 2023 at Stade de Nice.

REACTION: After an impressive tournament-opening win over New Zealand last week many thought Fabien Galthie's France would have no problems against Uruguay in their second World Cup fixture.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: A much-changed Wales will bid to rack up some points and consolidate their unbeaten status in World Cup Pool C when they take on Portugal in Nice on Saturday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: Samoa fullback Duncan Paia'aua said his side are "fired up" to start their World Cup campaign against Chile on Saturday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: Despite opening their World Cup campaign with a huge win over Romania, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has called on his team to be more ruthless in their second pool match against Tonga.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the process to decide on a replacement for the injured Malcolm Marx and potential candidates.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Romania loose forward Andre Gorin will make his World Cup debut this weekend at the age of 35 against holders South Africa, head coach Eugen Apjok announced on Friday.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has warned that it will take legal action against companies that ambush its intellectual property (IP) rights after securing a court order restraining Eskort from continuing a marketing campaign using the Springboks brand and IP.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Test centurion James Slipper will become the third Australian to play in four World Cups named to start at tighthead prop in the Wallabies second Pool C game against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains exactly what happened during the training ground mishap that ruled Malcolm Marx out of the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has revealed his team to face Tonga in their World Cup Pool B clash in Nantes on Saturday.

OPINION: France beat Uruguay 27-12 in a game that surprised many, as Uruguay threatened and France failed to rack up the kind of score fans might have expected.

"Whether you like him or not, Manie Libbok is doing amazing things on the field."

MATCH REPORT: A spirited Uruguayan team pushed France all the way in their World Cup Pool A clash in Lille on Thursday.

OPINION: Bulls Director of Rugby and former Springbok coach Jake White picks his replacement for the injured Malcolm Marx in the Bok squad.

WATCH as Springbok legend Schalk Burger joins Jim Hamilton for a walk and talk along the coast of Marseille.

Warren Gatland transformed Wales into an ultra-competitive team when he took over as coach and the Kiwi is again relying on turning the Welsh side into one that is "bloody hard" to beat.

NEWS: Scotland hooker David Cherry has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a head injury when he slipped on stairs at the team hotel, the Scottish rugby federation announced Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Loosehead prop Sti Sithole is back where it all began on his professional rugby journey, having signed with the Stormers.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies' front row stocks to face Fiji have taken a hit with key strike weapon Taniela Tupou under an injury cloud ahead of their crucial World Cup pool match in Saint-Etienne.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: New Zealand's bid to bounce back following their opening World Cup defeat by France will be accompanied by a gigantic task for Allister Coetzee's Namibia side.

NEWS: The Springboks suffered a hammer blow with the news that one of their key players has been ruled out of the World Cup.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind the selection of four scrumhalves in the matchday squad to face Romania in Bordeaux.

NEWS: World Cup 2023 organisers confirmed that "enhancements" have been made to national anthems.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber gives an injury update and it is not good news.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina are a strong unit who will bounce back from their disappointing performance in the 27-10 World Cup loss to 14-man England, veteran hooker Agustin Creevy said on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named Ardie Savea as captain to lead the side in their second World Cup pool game to face Namibia in Stadium de Toulouse on Friday evening.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his matchday squad to face Romania in Sunday's World Cup Pool B clash in Bordeaux.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland has made 13 changes to the starting XV to play Portugal in their second World Cup Pool C match in Nice on Saturday.

NEWS: In terms of ranking permutations, it will be a relatively quiet weekend of World Cup action with only two out of eight games that can have an impact.

REACTION: The All Blacks will not be following in the Springboks' footsteps anytime soon when it comes to innovative ideas to get messages across to players during games.

SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has been at the World Cup five times as a coach, but this time round he is there as an advisor and spectator.

NEWS: Franco Smith, head coach of Glasgow Warriors, has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him remain at Scotstoun until at least the summer of 2026.

SPOTLIGHT: England's awful form leading into the World Cup in France was part of a fitness master plan inspired by renowned Australian swim coach Bill Sweetenham.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Les Blues head coach Fabien Galthié has made 12 changes to his starting XV to face Uruguay in the World Cup in Stade de Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Tongan fans "are getting warm" as the 'Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles) prepare for their World Cup opening match with world ranked No.1 Ireland in Nantes on Saturday.

PREVIEW: France head coach Fabien Galthie may have made wholesale changes to his side for Thursday's World Cup game with Uruguay in Lille, but he refuses to take them lightly.

WATCH as utility forward Deon Fourie chats with @king365ed about the prospect of finally making a World Cup appearance and playing at hooker.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Hosts France made a clear statement of intent, with a very 'miserly' approach to the game.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand scrum coach Greg Feek said his side expected Namibia's pack to put up a tough fight in their World Cup meeting.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks wing Julian Savea, the joint record try-scorer in Super Rugby history, will play for Auckland-based franchise Moana Pasifika in the 2024 season.

WATCH as Springbok backline coach Felix Jones chats to @king365ed about the selection poser they have at No.12.

SPOTLIGHT: His tally might not have matched Thierry Dusautoir's match record of 38, but Wales lock Will Rowlands' 27 tackles were crucial in the nail-biting win over Fiji in both sides' World Cup opener.

NEWS: England's Tom Curry has become the latest England player to receive a suspension for foul play.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: South Africa have the 'W' behind their name, but they were perhaps not as convincing as the 18-3 scoreline against Scotland suggest.

SPOTLIGHT: Boosted by seven players with Fijian heritage in their World Cup squad, the Wallabies are preparing for a physical - and emotional - onslaught in their crucial World Cup pool clash against the Pacific islanders.

PLAYER UPDATE: South Africa will have two key members of their squad available for the crunch World Cup pool match against Ireland.

INTERVIEW: With a scrum and a pack of forwards functioning at only about 60 percent of their capacity, Daan Human had a few choice words to say to the South African team in Marseille at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The task of succeeding Irish talisman Johnny Sexton has been beyond some but in Jack Crowley Ireland may have at last found their man.

NEWS: Declining Eddie Jones's jovial offer of a gold jersey, Steve Hansen is back in black - and the Kiwi camp couldn't be happier.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has described his new recruit as a "valuable asset" for the upcoming season.

WATCH as we bring you all the extended highlights from the opening weekend at World Cup 2023!

WATCH the brilliant comebacks of Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi after yet another parcel of criticism aimed at flyhalf Manie Libbok

LISTEN as Cape Talk radio presenter Clarence Ford chats to @king365ed about all things Springbok and World Cup!

All Black captain Sam Cane and centre Jordie Barrett are set to spend another week on the sidelines due to injuries.

NEWS: World Cup 2023 got off to a pulsating start this weekend with several changes to the top 20 in the world rankings.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has come out in defence of veteran centre Jesse Kriel, in the wake of the fall-out in the United Kingdom media over a reported head clash.

REACTION: Head coach Simon Raiwalui said Fiji did the country proud, but admitted more Tests against SANZAAR or Six Nations unions will put them on a level playing field.

NEWS: Former Springbok wings Rosko Specman and Travis Ismaiel were both named in an experienced and multi-skilled Springbok Sevens squad that will travel to Harare on Thursday for the Africa Olympic Games qualifiers.

INJURY UPDATE: Star Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is expected to be sidelined for seven to 10 days with a shoulder injury.

NEWS: Englands’ defence coach Kevin Sinfield says George Ford produced a ‘masterclass’ and was faultless in Englands' World Cup victory over Argentina on Saturday.

REACTION: Head coach Warren Gatland said Wales's nerve-wracking 32-26 victory over Fiji on Sunday in a pulsating World Cup match was "pretty significant" although he added he had been "pretty angry" at his side's chaotic end to the match.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the return of the 'disco lights' as a means of communication with the players on the field.

MATCH REPORT: Wales survived a couple of nervy final minutes to record a 32-26 win over the Fiji in a pulsating encounter in Bordeaux on Sunday.

NEWS: The Springboks will be keeping a close eye on one of their star players in the coming days.

OPINION: A single knock-on - that will be the reason many cite when trying to figure out how Wales won a match that they probably deserve to lose.

OPINION: The Fijians opened their World Cup against Wales in Bordeaux with a 26-32 loss that went right down to the wire.

OPINION: The Springboks were not at their best in their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday, but they still managed to outplay Gregor Townsend's side with their powerful forwards.

OPINION: Scotland were in the fight for 40 minutes, but fell away after the break as the defending champions took charge in Marseille.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa started their World Cup title defence with an 18-3 win over Scotland at Stade de Marseille.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Scotland at Stade de Marseille.

NEWS: The France 2023 Organising Committee confirmed that it is taking steps to improve access to Stade de Marseille.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: England loose forward Tom Curry will appear before an independent Judicial Committee after he received a red card in his team's World Cup opener against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Japan were made to work hard for their 42-12 win over debutants Chile in their World Cup Pool D match in Toulouse on Sunday.

REACTION: Australia head coach Eddie Jones said Saturday's 35-15 victory over Georgia was the "perfect" start to the Wallabies' World Cup campaign.

MATCH REPORT: Three drop goals by George Ford sealed a brilliant victory for England as they disposed of Argentina by 27-10 with 14 players in their World Cup opener in Marseilles on Saturday night.

REACTION: Ireland recorded their best ever World Cup victory (82-8) over Romania. . We bring you three things learned from the match.

REACTION: Argentina coach Michael Cheika said nothing went the way of Los Pumas in a comprehensive 10-27 loss to a 14-man England side in both teams' World Cup Pool D opener on Saturday.

REACTION: England overcame a potentially dangerous World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday thanks to the prolific boot of George Ford as Ireland welcomed back their dynamo Johnny Sexton.

An ill-disciplined and error-riddled Argentina started their World Cup campaign disastrously in Marseille, losing to an England side that had their full complement of players for only the opening few minutes of the match.

England player ratings from Liam Heagney live in Marseille: This was the moment of truth, the night when it all supposed to become all right in the England tenure of Steve Borthwick and it miraculously did just that despite a red card for Tom Curry.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between England and Argentina at Stade de Marseille.

WATCH as Cheslin Kolbe previews South Africa's World Cup opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

OPINION: The Wallabies got back into winning ways with a 35-15 win over Georgia in their opening pool stage clash in Paris.

MATCH REPORT: The Wallabies recorded their first win of the year when they defeated Georgia 35-15 in their World Cup Pool C opener in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland made a big statement, beating Romania 82-8 at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday.

PREVIEW: @king365ed looks at the Round One, Pool B encounter between defending champions South Africa and Scotland!

SQUAD: France will be getting some key players back from injury ahead of their upcoming pool matches.

REACTION: The fans have gone into meltdown mode over South Africa's new away jersey, to be worn in their World Cup opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy's second-half show made sure they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 52-8 win over Namibia at Stade Geoffrey-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems that Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie is not looking forward to competing in the scrums against the Springboks.

PREVIEW: Japan are hoping that opening their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Chile will give their Group D campaign in France a sense of deja vu.

REACTION: The All Blacks found themselves on the wrong side of history in the opening match of the World Cup 2023 on Friday.

REACTION: Les Blues coach Fabien Galthie said his team was caught up by the atmosphere in the Stade de France stadium but he was proud of how his side disposed of the highly rated All Blacks in the World Cup opener on Friday night.

PREVIEW: Wales open their World Cup campaign with a tricky Pool C match against a Fiji side brimming with confidence in Bordeaux on Sunday.

OPINION: A Mark Telea try gave New Zealand the lead just two minutes into the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match in Paris, but France came back through the phenomenal boot of Tomas Ramos and some standout performances up front, resulting in the All Blacks‘ first ever pool loss in the tournament’s history.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks lost their first-ever World Cup pool match when they went down 13-27 to hosts France in this year's opener in Saint-Denis on Friday.

OPINION: In the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it was the visitors New Zealand who struck first against hosts France, with Mark Telea touching down following a passage of strong attacking play from the All Blacks.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: New Zealand captain Sam Cane was a late withdrawal for Friday's World Cup opener with France in Paris, according to the tournament organisers' official teamsheet.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reveals who the team's 'best' disc jockey is and what music he listens to before matches.

PREVIEW: Australian forward packs have previously relied on a combination of brains and brawn to get the better of their beefy rugby rivals, but not any more.

OPINION: Ireland’s position as the leading team is under threat this weekend from South Africa, New Zealand and France.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the grapevine whispering that has linked his team to a supposed 'spy scandal' at the World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mercurial flyhalf Finn Russell will pull the strings for Scotland when they take on South Africa in Marseille on Sunday after coach Gregor Townsend named the squad for what is a crucial World Cup clash.

PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: England and Argentina will enter the World Cup fray in Marseilles on Saturday in what is widely regarded as the defining clash of Pool D. 

PREVIEW: Ireland begin their World Cup campaign against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday and the Six Nations Grand Slam winners will want to deliver a performance that suggests they can at last progress beyond the quarterfinals.

REACTION: Courtnall Skosan said that the opportunity to return to Cape Town and play for the Stormers was one that he couldn't pass up.

INTERVIEW: RG Snyman is not your typical Springbok lock - neither in the type of game he plays nor in the way he carries himself.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has put his trust in Alex Mitchell and Jonny May for the World Cup opener against Argentina in Marseilles on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika named an experienced side to play their World Cup Pool D opener against England in Marseille on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Hosts France play New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup on Friday in a highly-anticipated match-up between two of the tournament favourites.

INTERVIEW: Pieter De Villiers, Scotland scrum coach, has warned his compatriots South Africa that there would be 'no place to hide' at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Talisman Johnny Sexton will make his first competitive appearance since March this weekend after he was picked to captain Ireland in their World Cup opener against Romania.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland named an experienced side to face Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday, with George North set to appear at his fourth World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Coach Jacques Nienaber was reluctant to share too much detail on the subject, but Toulon's searing heat - as dangerous as it is - is also an ally for South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Eddie Jones has pulled another huge selection shock.

NEWS: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said on Thursday that his side is "at peace" with however France reacts to the Haka in the World Cup's opening game.

REACTION: SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says the sale of Newlands Stadium will be the final step in the process before the Western Province Rugby Football Union can return to its "traditional strength and stability".