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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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former SARU deputy president Mike Stofile has passed away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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