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Exciting young flyhalf Johan Goosen returns to the Cheetahs starting line-up for their Currie Cup semifinal against the defending champions Sharks at Kings Park on Saturday.

Schalk Burger will lead a Western Province team that includes five other World Cup Springboks when they tackle the Lions in the Currie Cup semifinal in Johannesburg on Saturday.

France need to embrace the underdogs tag and reap the benefits of it - otherwise the All Blacks will cruise to an easy victory in Sunday's Rugby World Cup Final, according to rugby365.com's mental coach Tom Dawson-Squibb.

Fiji plans to advertise for a new national rugby coach after their disappointing World Cup campaign which saw them fail to make it out of the pool stage.

Former Australia captain Nick Farr-Jones believes the current New Zealand team can be compared to the All Blacks side of 1987.

Two matches against France will stand out as landmarks in the career of Graham Henry, marking would could be its highest and lowest points.

Wayne Smith will step down as assistant coach after the All Blacks take on France in Sunday's World Cup final, he said Tuesday.

Springbok flan Schalk Burger was cited for a dangerous tackle in the Currie Cup match between Western Province and the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday evening but he was cleared of foul play.

As the 2011 World Cup winds down, and after numerous requests from readers, we thought we would try our hand at some RWC lookalikes.

Conrad Smith is doing his utmost to keep his and his teammates' feet on the ground ahead of the World Cup Final against France.

In barefoot, backyard games of rugby with neighbors, Aaron Cruden rehearsed the moves that might wow a World Cup final crowd.

Australia players insisted on Tuesday they want to come away with something to show from their flawed World Cup campaign and deeply care about winning this week's third place playoff with Wales.

Warren Gatland has reaffirmed his commitment to coaching Wales until 2015, despite speculation that he would return to New Zealand.

Sharks coach John Plumtree knows that although his side have the advantage of playing at home with their Boks back in the mix, they will still have to be on top of their game in their Currie Cup semifinal against the Cheetahs.

Western Province forwards coach Matthew Proudfoot has challenged his tight five to change their attitude and get stuck into the Lions pack in their Currie Cup semifinal in Johannesburg this weekend.

John O'Neill will stand down as chief executive of the Australian Rugby Union in 2013 after the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

Craig Joubert has been appointed to the biggest match in the world - the 2011 World Cup Final, and all referees will be wanting him to do really well. That is the big match for this week and all the other weeks of the year.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee on Monday returned to base at the High Performance Centre in Bellville in Cape Town with much satisfaction.

The semifinals have come and gone and now the world gears itself for the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. We give some statistics of the semifinals.

The Springboks are back, and that fact is reflected in our Currie Cup team of the week which has six Boks in the line-up after the last round of fixtures before the play-offs.

France's reward for reaching a third World Cup Final is a rise to number three in the latest IRB World Rankings, thus becoming the first northern hemisphere nation to occupy this position in nearly 16 months.

Sharks coach John Plumtree will have the majority of his big guns at his disposal when the defending champions take on the Cheetahs in their Currie Cup semifinal in Durban this weekend.

Ellis Park, also known by the name of the team's soft drink sponsor, will remain the home of the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

Craig Joubert of South Africa has been appointed to referee next Sunday's Rugby World Cup Final between France and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland. He is the second South African referee to referee a World Cup Final.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has backed harassed Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper amid the 'unwarranted' attention he received in Australia's failed World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

With the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final nearly upon us, how will the world's most consistent team, New Zealand, fare against their inconsistent and unfancied opponents? Howard Kahn investigates.

Grant Ball writes that Western Province's move to retain Bryan Habana highlights how many teams unwisely pick older players ahead of promising youngsters.

To borrow the opening lines from that famous Rolling Stones song 'Paint It Black', we say: 'I see a red door and I want it painted black; No colours anymore I want them to turn black.'

The Australian media on Monday laid into the Wallabies after arch-rivals New Zealand overwhelmed them in their World Cup semifinal, blasting the team's performance as woeful.

New Zealand will wear their first-choice all-black strip in Sunday's World Cup Final despite losing the toss to France in Auckland.

New Zealand will be overwhelming favourites in the World Cup final, but coach Graham Henry won't underestimate France.

Australia are expecting to make changes for Friday's third place playoff with Wales after their hammering by the All Blacks ended their dreams of World Cup glory.

The All Blacks were at their dominant best and hammered the Wallabies into submission in an impressive 20-6 Rugby World Cup semifinal victory on Sunday.

John Plumtree hailed what he called the 'performance of the season' from the Sharks, after their crushing 53-9 win over the Lions.

The Sharks' victory over the Lions on Saturday night put an end to the Cheetahs' hopes of playing a Currie Cup rugby semifinal at home, but coach Naka Drotske will be satisfied with his team's win over Griquas.

Australia coach Robbie Deans said New Zealand will take some stopping in next week's World Cup Final against France after his battered Wallabies were well beaten by the tournament hosts on Sunday.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse believes the smaller provincial unions are not getting a fair deal from SARU or from referees.

Quade Cooper insisted he would be a better player for the experience of enduring a second straight World Cup horror show as Australia lost 20-6 to New Zealand in the semi-final on Sunday.

New Zealand booked their spot in the World Cup Final next week with a determined performance against Australia who they beat 20-6 in their semifinal at Eden Park on Sunday.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee and captain Jean de Villiers both lauded the youngsters who had kept Province's Currie Cup hopes alive while the team's six Springboks were on World Cup duty.

So, there you have it... the Wallabies went down 6-20 to the All Blacks in Sunday's Rugby World Cup semifinal in Auckland - meaning history would repeat itself in next weekend's RWC Final at the same venue.

Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu has reportedly threatened to quit rugby after receiving a six-month suspended ban for accusing referee Nigel Owens of racism and bias following his team's World Cup exit.

Western Province advanced to the semifinals of the Currie Cup competition, at the expense of the Blue Bulls, courtesy of a heard-earned 43-18 win over the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday.

Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu was given a six-month suspended ban from rugby on Saturday after accusing Welsh referee Nigel Owens of racism and bias following the Pacific islanders' World Cup exit.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the confidence Aaron Cruden has shown at training meant the flyhalf could boss the Wallabies.

Australia fullback Kurtley Beale has lost his race against time to be fit for Sunday's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

The Sharks sent a clear statement of intent when - with all their World Cup Springboks back in action - they dispatched the table-topping Lions by 53-9 in their Currie Cup encounter in Durban on Saturday.

The Cheetahs kept alive their hopes of hosting a Currie Cup semifinal when they mauled Griquas 49-39 in an 11-try thriller in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Wallaby hopes received a blow on the eve of their semifinal against the All Blacks with fullback Kurtley Beale ruled out with a hamstring injury.

In today's second episode of rugby365 TV, brought to you by adidas, we spoke to former Junior Springbok Gavin Cowley about the form players from the quarterfinal stages of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Veteran flyhalf Nicky Little has blamed Fiji's failure at the Rugby World Cup on an intransigent management that enforced a style of play he described as "so not Fijian."

The Cheetahs have followed the French theory and picked a scrumhalf at flyhalf for their Currie Cup clash with Griquas on Saturday.

The All Blacks and the Wallabies square off in a mouth-watering World Cup semifinal this weekend, and the battle between the two flyhalves will be the centre of attention in the Eden Park pressure-cooker.

The battle of the breakdown is always a crucial area of the game and often dictates the outcome of tight matches. It will be no different when two of the world's best No.7s go head-to-head in Sunday's RWC semifinal clash between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park.

Pumas loosehead prop Dawie Steyn has signed a two-year contract with the Blue Bulls.

Nathan Sharpe's hopes of becoming only the fifth man to play 100 Tests for Australia were put on hold when the veteran lock was left out of the Wallaby 22 for Sunday's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Saving the presence of Wales and France, this match has a RWC Final look about it. The IRB's rankings confirm this - No.1 is playing No.2.

New Zealand will meet Wales in the 2011 World Cup Final.

Australia will wait until the last possible moment to decide on whether star fullback Kurtley Beale is fit to play in Sunday's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland.

New Zealand play Australia in a World Cup semifinal this weekend. It will be the third time the two teams have met in World Cup semifinals.

The Blue Bulls gave themselves the best possible chance of qualifying for the Currie Cup semifinals as they ran riot at Loftus Versfeld, scoring 14 tries against the Leopards on their way to a resounding 92-21 victory.

Robbie Deans has said he's firmly in Australia's camp and will harbour no mixed emotions when the Wallabies take on his homeland New Zealand in Sunday's World Cup semifinal at Eden Park in Auckland.

Thousands of South Africans are still flooding an online petition to have a referee banned from the game, following his performance in Australia's 11-9 quarterfinal win over the Springboks last Sunday.

As another World Cup chapter closes for the Boks, and with several senior members calling time on their glittering careers, the rugby365.com team has peered into the future and chosen a Springbok team for the 2015 World Cup in England.

The Wallabies will be out to crank up the pressure on the All Blacks and ensure yet more World Cup depression for the whole of New Zealand, Australia assistant coach David Nucifora said in Auckland Thursday.

When New Zealand-born Robbie Deans left his post at the Crusaders to take control of the Wallabies, one of the first thoughts he shared with his supporters was the difficulty he would face in coaching against his native New Zealand.

All Black legend John Kirwan Thursday said he is stepping down as coach of Japan after a dismal World Cup where they failed to win a game for the fifth successive tournament.

As Peter de Villiers arrived back in South Africa with tears in his eyes about John Smit and Victor Matfield, it got us thinking in today's RWC wrap - which other players will never be seen again at Rugby World Cup level?

Right, so we've presented Peter de Villiers's potential replacements as Springbok coach. But who, then, will captain the Boks in their first Test outing under this new coach in 2012?

New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen has ratcheted up the pressure on referee Craig Joubert to prevent a free for all at the breakdown in this weekend's World Cup semifinal with Australia.

The luxury of having already booked their spot in the play-offs has given Lions coach John Mitchell an advantage that makes him the envy of other Currie Cup mentors.

Three teams will fight it out this weekend for the final spot in the Currie Cup semifinals, with Western Province best placed to qualify for the playoffs.

The Pumas prepare for their final Currie Cup match of the season with the daunting challenge of facing a number of returning Springboks in the Western Province team.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee wasted no time in drafting in all his World Cup Springboks for the Currie Cup encounter with the Pumas at Newlands on Saturday.

South Africans may have spat the dummy over New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence's poor performance in last week's semifinal, but the Australians have also found themselves on the receiving end of a glaring error.

The Sharks have six Springboks back from World Cup and straight into their side for the weekend's clash with the table-topping Golden Lions.

A major talking point at the World Cup has been the off-field antics of some of the players that have got their names in the headlines for the wrong reasons, can we expect any more shenanigans at this late stage?

Flying Australia fullback Kurtley Beale missed Wednesday's training session to continue treatment on an injured hamstring ahead of this weekend's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

Outgoing Lions CEO Manie Reyneke believes the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) will go from strength to strength under new leadership.

The Lions' World Cup Springbok, flyhalf Butch James, has been bracketed on the bench ahead of the Johannesburg team's final Currie Cup league fixture.

Griquas coach Abre Minnie has named an unchanged line-up from the team that beat the Blue Bulls last week for his side's crucial Currie Cup showdown with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Wallabies loose forward Rocky Elsom has dismissed suggestions that his team will be the ones under pressure in their crunch World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand, pointing to the weight of expectation in the host country.

Australia's ace ball thief David Pocock said claims he'd repeatedly 'cheated' at the breakdown in the World Cup, were just standard accusations facing the game's top openside flanks.

Under-fire Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper attempted to switch the spotlight away from his own game and onto New Zealand ahead of this weekend's World Cup semifinal.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is hopeful that his returning Springboks will make an impact when his team take on the table-topping Lions in Durban this weekend in a bid to secure a home semifinal.

New Zealand have never beaten Australia in a World Cup match, but the Wallabies have not won in New Zealand since 2001 and their last win in Auckland was in 1986.

Leopards coach Leon Boshoff has maned an unchanged team from the side that went down to the Sharks last week for their final Currie Cup match against the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

The Blue Bulls know that they will have to put the Leopards to the sword in their Currie Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld on Friday and then hope that a few more results go their way if they are to secure a semifinal spot.

Blue Bulls captain Gary Botha will play his last game at Loftus Versfeld this weekend before he sets off with teammate Gurthro Steenkamp to join French Top 14 champions Toulouse.

Fullback Kurtley Beale has a hamstring injury and is rated "touch and go" to play for Australia in Sunday's World Cup semifinal with New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park.

New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence, the target of much anger in the wake of South Africa's early exit from the World Cup, will be punished and may never referee at the global showpiece again.

Stephen Donald says he was unwinding down by the Waikato River fishing when the SOS call came from through from the All Blacks.

Bored with watching rugby at home or stuck without a television at your boarding house or residence? Well, thanks to Kim's Rugby Pub Review - rugby365 TV brings you the best venues to watch rugby!

As the Rugby World Cup enters its semifinal stage, some players have been caught off-side - both on and off the field. rugby365.com highlights those bad boys from RWC 2011 - both in the lead-up and whilst in New Zealand.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith believes there is depth and maturity in the squad to fill the void left by Carter and Muliaina.

Australia lock Dan Vickerman has accepted some of the blame for the Wallabies' poor line-out and said it's an area that must be addressed for this weekend's World Cup semifinal against New Zealand.

The weekend's dramatic quarterfinal matches - which produced plenty of cause for both celebration and controversy - means the northern hemisphere countries dominate our weekly selection.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has backed mercurial Wallabies' playmaker Quade Cooper to be at his best in this weekend's World Cup semifinal with the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland.

The two semifinals this week are huge matches, involving the same four teams as played in the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

The Lions are the kings of the jungle and appropriately top the Currie Cup table and dominate the rugby365.com Team of the Week.

Columnist Grant Ball questions whether Peter de Villiers will hand over the Springbok squad to his successor in a better shape than he found it.

Within a week, Aaron Cruden has gone from watching the World Cup at home on TV to being the last All Blacks flyhalf left standing.

The prickly All Blacks-Wallabies rivalry could be the highlight of the World Cup semifinals, with both history and passion to draw from.

All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden will be unfazed at being thrust into the World Cup pressure cooker after surviving a cancer scare.

With one round of fixtures left before the Currie Cup play-offs it is crunch time this weekend with the top six teams still in with a shout of securing a semifinal spot in South Africa's premier domestic competition.

The "jackal at the tackle" has become common parlance at the World Cup, but it has never been better personified than in the shape of Australia flank David Pocock.

Craig Joubert of South Africa and Alain Rolland of Ireland have been appointed to referee the semifinals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Australia's Kurtley Beale, Pat McCabe and Sekope Kepu are all battling injuries ahead of this coming weekend's World Cup semifinal with New Zealand, after a bruising last eight clash against South Africa.

Sharks coach John Plumtree is licking his lips at the prospect of having several experienced Springboks available for the closing stages of the Currie Cup.

We have again combined with The Sharks to give readers a chance to watch rugby in Durban.

New Zealand called up Stephen Donald and Hosea Gear to replace injured Colin Slade and Mils Muliaina ahead of the World Cup semifinals.

The World Cup has distilled down to two compelling semifinals this coming weekend: tournament revelations Wales against the great enigmas France and another instalment in the prickly All Blacks-Wallabies rivalry.

Mils Muliaina's joy at notching up 100 Test caps turned to bitter disappointment with a shoulder injury ruling him out of the World Cup.

The Wallabies showed plenty of guts, and rode their luck, to beat the Springboks 11-9 in their dramatic Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington on Sunday.

Cory Jane did not want to let New Zealand down twice in one week after a 'booze binge' just 72 hours before the World Cup quarterfinal.

New Zealand left it late, but two tries in the final 15 minutes saw them ease to a 33-10 win over Argentina in their World Cup quarterfinal in Auckland on Sunday.

Argentina were valiant in their efforts against the All Blacks and will be proud of their achievement - despite their disappointing 10-33 loss in the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday.

In the aftermath of Sunday's news that Peter de Villiers would be stepping down as Springbok coach after four years in charge, we thought we would take a stab at choosing his replacement.

Like a thief in the night Australia sneaked a 11-9 win over South Africa in their epic World Cup quarterfinal encounter in Wellington on Sunday.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi compared playing New Zealand to facing an unstoppable black wave as the Pumas bowed out of the World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

Australian playmaker Quade Cooper finished on the winning side but gave his army of critics in New Zealand ample ammunition in the Wallabies' 11-9 World Cup quarterfinal victory over South Africa in Wellington Sunday.

The Springboks' narrow World Cup quarterfinal loss to the Wallabies in Wellington on Sunday signalled the end of the road for a few players that have been the heartbeat of the team for the best part of a decade.

Australia coach Robbie Deans said his young side came of age Sunday to eliminate reigning champions South Africa from the World Cup in an 'epic' 11-9 quarterfinal win in Wellington.

Argentina hooker Mario Ledesma contemplated the end of his international road on Sunday after the Pumas came off, as expected, second best in losing their World Cup quarterfinal 10-33 to hosts New Zealand.

Dejected Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll was left regretting missed opportunities as the country's so-called 'golden generation' faltered at the World Cup quarterfinals.

Ireland ran into a red brick wall, as Wales beat the Men from the Emerald Isle 22-10 in their World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday.

Samoa's Prime Minister has slammed the IRB for allowing a Welshman to referee his country's World Cup loss to South Africa last week, which saw Wales make the quarterfinals at Samoa's expense.

Wales showed great character and determination to knock Celtic rivals Ireland out of the World Cup by recording a 22-10 victory in their pulsating quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday.

The Sharks achieved the victory with a bonus point to beat the Leopards 41-14 on Saturday, but the scoreline was flattering for the Durban side.

After four victories out of their last five meetings against the Springboks, including back-to-back successes on South African soil, Australia will enter Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal as favourites, according to Bok coach Peter de Villiers.

The Lions continue to dominate the top of the log in the Currie Cup after a convincing 42-25 thrashing of a conservative Western Province in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The only way Australia's dangerous backline players will have an impact on Sunday's World Cup quarterfinal is if South Africa open the door for them, according to Springbok centre Jaque Fourie.

Kimberley, the killing field of many major unions, claimed another scalp on Saturday when Griquas edged the Blue Bulls 48-44 in a 12-try Currie Cup thriller.

Two New Zealand politicians have come out in support of Samoa center Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, who is provisionally banned from rugby for his outspoken comments against a referee and the IRB.

If Ireland manage to beat Wales in Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal they will have qualified for the final four for the first time in their history - something that defence coach Les Kiss believes will be a massive motivating factor.

France coach Marc Lievremont has seemed to be doing his best Peter de Villiers impression at the World Cup, with plenty of controversial quotes, but he has taken it to the next level this week by growing a moustache.

Even the most astute brains in the game don't always agree and, for most part, this was the case when rugby365.com approached a handful of experts to ask them for their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal predictions.

The form book says it will be New Zealand all the way over Argentina in their World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday, but the All Blacks know from bitter experience nothing can be taken for granted.

It was heartbreak for the Pumas as they did everything other than finish the job in their narrow 23-29 Currie Cup defeat against the Cheetahs in Witbank on Friday.

Australia may have won four of their last five Tests against South Africa, but Wallaby coach Robbie Deans insisted those results were "irrelevant" going into their World Cup quarterfinal showdown in Wellington on Sunday.

All Black fullback Mils Muliaina is hoping to avoid being struck down by injury at this World Cup ahead of what should be his 100th Test.

We are proud to bring you the first-ever edition of rugby365 TV, brought to you by adidas; the first in a four-part series as we take a look at the goings-on at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The World Cup quarterfinal between Australia and South Africa will hinge on the breakdown, with "jackals" Heinrich Brussow and David Pocock to play key roles, Boks assistant coach Gary Gold said Friday.

The 2011 World Cup might be over for South Africa - after their loss to Australia in the quarterfinals this past weekend - but you can continue to live the RWC 2011 dream via its official game.

Argentinian front row rock Rodrigo Roncero has been cleared to start in the World Cup quarterfinal clash with New Zealand, enabling the South Americans to field their strongest available team in Auckland on Sunday.

The Wallabies will take on fellow World Cup quarterfinalists Wales in a one-off Test match in Cardiff in December ? a week after the Australians play the Barbarians at Twickenham.

There will be plenty of passion on display when Celtic rivals Ireland and Wales do battle in a mouth-watering Rugby World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee says his side must nullify the Lions' hard-running pack in Saturday's Currie Cup crunch match in Johannesburg.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has made four changes to the team to play Ireland in the World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday, buoyed by the return to fitness of Shane Williams and Dan Lydiate.

As the pool matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup come to an end, we give the statistics for the last 12 pool matches and then some further stats about the pools.

Whilst some people might regard him as wild and inconsistent, Ma'a Nonu has grown into the complete inside centre at international level and that will give him the edge in Sunday's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match-up with Argentina's Felipe Contepomi.

The Sharks will be going all-out to secure a bonus-point victory against the Leopards in Rustenburg this weekend as the defending champions seek to secure a spot in the Currie Cup play-offs.

Convicted killer Bees Roux and the Blue Bulls have formally parted company.

Ireland confirmed Thursday that Rory Best would be their starting hooker to play Wales in a World Cup quarterfinal in Wellington on Saturday.

The Wallabies recently 'called up' Braam van Straaten to fine-tune their kicking ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup play-offs. He is, of course, not the only 'turncoat' coach on duty in New Zealand at present.

Pumas coach Jimmy Stonehouse has made four changes to his starting line-up for their clash with the Cheetahs on Friday which will be their final home game of the Currie Cup season.

Argentina are hoping their Kiwi physical trainer Simon Fathers can help provide a special insight into how to pull off what would be one of the greatest ever World Cup shocks against hosts New Zealand in Sunday's quarterfinal.

Paddy O'Brien, well known as one of the top Test referees in the world and now in charge of the International Rugby Board's referees, has expressed his pleasure at the way the scrums have been played in the pool matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

With just two rounds of fixtures left until the Currie Cup play-offs there will be some crucial match-ups this weekend as teams jostle for a place in the knockout phase of this closely contested season.

Expect the All Blacks to tone down the razzle-dazzle as a must-win attitude takes precedence over entertainment against Argentina.

Samoa's controversial midfielder Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu may be facing a life ban from the game, but he refuses to go quietly.

Two new faces on the international rugby stage who have both made a major impact at the World Cup are the openside flanks for Ireland and Wales - respectively - Sean O'Brien and Sam Warburton.

Discipline and defence, according to the experts, are the two key elements going into the play-offs of the 2011 World Cup. Jan de Koning looks at the eight quarterfinal teams' defensive statistics.

The Springboks have proven before that they don't need the majority of possession to win the big games, but will their territory-based approach cut it in the wind and the rain of Wellington this weekend? Michael de Vries asks the questions.

New Zealand have talked up Argentina ahead of their World Cup sudden-death clash on Sunday, rating it their toughest game of the tournament so far after a discreet first-hand look at them in action.

Argentina are looking for an impressive start to ensure New Zealand don't get an early lead in their last eight World Cup clash at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

The Blue Bulls are looking at upping the tempo in their penultimate Currie Cup league match against the Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

Currie Cup leaders, the Golden Lions, have made an injury-enforced change to their team to face Western Province in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Griquas have made a number of changes to their side for the clash against the Blue Bulls in Kimberley on Saturday, the most notably the return of scrumhalf and match breaker Sarel Pretorius.

New Zealand have talked up Argentina ahead of their World Cup clash, rating it their toughest game of the tournament so far.

Australia?s most celebrated referee Stuart Dickinson has announced his retirement with immediate effect at the age of 43.

In-form wing Zac Guildford became the latest injured All Black when he pulled up lame at training, while Richie McCaw should be fit.

Controversial Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu remained provisionally suspended from all rugby after disciplinary proceedings against him were adjourned until October 15.

Ireland were left waiting on the fitness of hooker Rory Best after naming their team to play Wales in a World Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, as Keith Earls dreamed of appearing in the final.

The Leopards have wasted no time in recalling their Namibian World Cup flyer Danie Dames, ahead of their Currie Cup encounter with the Sharks in Phokeng, Rustenburg, on Saturday.

Italy hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini faces a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after being cited for allegedly 'gouging' the eyes of Ireland prop Cian Healy during the teams' decisive World Cup pool match last weekend.

IRB boss Mike Miller has responded to New Zealand's threat to withdraw from the 2015 World Cup by saying "everyone is replaceable".

rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball believes that after recent events, Peter de Villiers can't have any excuses for the Springboks not winning the World Cup.

Italy's Leonardo Ghiraldini has been suspended for 15 weeks for 'gouging' the eyes of Ireland prop Cian Healy during the teams' decisive World Cup pool match last weekend, the IRB confirmed after a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday.

New Zealand players and coaches poured scorn on an IRB warning on Tuesday that future World Cup tournaments could go ahead without them.

And then there were eight! However, the 12 'leavers' have given us a lot of joy at the World Cup and more than once in the one-on-one battles David was able to slay Goliath. We salute the best of the rest from the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Samoa's Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu was banned from playing rugby at all levels on Tuesday after calling Welsh referee Nigel Owens 'racist' on Twitter.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup - the wonderful Rugby World Cup - is thousands of kilometres from me and so I sit glued to the television set. And I am loving it and though I should put down some of my favourite things.

Tighthead prop Juan Figallo said Argentina "must play the game of our lives" if they are to pull off one of the all-time great shocks and beat hosts New Zealand in their World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

The referees for the quarterfinals have been appointed - just four matches and so four referees. Then it will dwindle down to two matches for the semifinals and then just one match... How, though are these knock-out refs appointed?

Rory Best could recover from injury to his right shoulder to play again at the World Cup if Ireland beats Wales in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Ireland's so-called 'golden generation' have a chance to finally write themselves into the history books in Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal clash with Wales, lock Donncha O'Callaghan said on Tuesday.

Ireland flank Sean O'Brien urged his side to go to "bigger and better things than this" after they set up a World Cup quarterfinal against Wales with a 36-6 win over Italy.

We head into crunch time at the World Cup this week ahead of the knock-out stages and there is no longer any margin for error, but more importantly does your team have a match-winner?

The World Cup marches into the quarterfinals this weekend - eight teams, four referees, crunch time. The referees for the quarters are Craig Joubert, Steve Walsh, Bryce Lawrence and Nigel Owens.

The International Rugby Board has announced the group of match officials, referees, television match officials and selectors, and the Board has announced the appointments for the upcoming Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

The emphatic and clinical way with which Ireland disposed of Italy in the final match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool stages means they naturally dominate the fourth edition of our Team of the Week.

Wales will face Ireland in Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal buoyed by a lack of injuries to the squad, something that has forced rival stars Dan Carter and Frans Steyn to pull out of the tournament.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll predicted an 'incredibly close' World Cup quarterfinal against Wales, after leading his side into the last eight following a 36-6 Pool C victory over Italy on Sunday.

Italian coach Nick Mallett saluted Ireland counterpart Declan Kidney as an 'amazing gentleman' after his last match in charge of the Azzurri ended in a 36-6 World Cup Pool C defeat.

The South African team will not be arguing its case against Samoa for several off-the-ball incidents that took place during their 13-5 World Cup victory on Friday, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said.

The All Blacks were their usual ruthless self running in 12 tries to hammer brave Canada 79-15 in Pool A of the World Cup in Wellington.

Wales took their opportunities well in an impressive display of classy finishing, running in nine tries as they romped to a 66-0 victory over Fiji in their World Cup Pool D clash in Hamilton on Sunday.

Argentina secured their progress to the quarterfinals from Pool B at the World Cup after an unconvincing 25-7 win over a tough Georgia side who weren't intimidated against the bigger opposition.

Ireland, for the first time in the tournament's history, will top their pool at a World Cup, after an emphatic 36-6 Pool C win in Dunedin on Sunday.

Ireland made an emphatic statement of intent with their 36-6 demolition of Italy in the World Cup match at the Otago Stadium on Sunday - finishing top of Pool C.

The All Blacks were their usual ruthless self running in 12 tries as they hammered the brave Canadians 79-15 in Pool A of the World Cup in Wellington.

Samoa's Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono will face a misconduct hearing for breaches of the RWC/IRB Code of Conduct in relation to comments made about referee Nigel Owens via the public social media network Twitter.

Italy exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup with a 6-36 loss to Ireland on Sunday. After their heroics against the USA Eagles, which kept their slim quarterfinal hopes alive, it was not the way Nick Mallett would have wanted his four-year reign to end.

The All Blacks were dealt a massive blow when star playmaker Dan Carter was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury.

So, the 2011 World Cup will now enter its knock-out phase. Just eight teams remain. Who would you pick as your winner at this stage?

Sukanaivalu Hufanga of Tonga has been suspended for five weeks after being found guilty of an act of foul play contrary to law 10(4)(j) - the incident having occured in his team's 19-14 World Cup win over France.

Niggling foot pains have ruled Richie McCaw out of New Zealand's final World Cup Pool A match against Canada on Sunday.

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu revealed he was facing the prospect of a second kidney transplant amid fears a donated organ is failing.

Argentina didn't look to play a dynamic match and create any real excitement in their 25-7 win over Georgia, but were happy to secure safe passage fro Pool B to the quarterfinals.

The Samoan player who compared the World Cup to "slavery" was at the centre of another row on Saturday when he accused a referee of being racist and biased in an expletive-filled Twitter rant.

It is the last match of Pool D - the Pool of Death. South Africa have survived it to go to the quarterfinals and Wales will survive it unless something like a tsunami happens.

Brian O'Driscoll has said the fact Ireland have won their last 15 Tests against Italy will count for little when the teams clash for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday.

Tonga may have bowed out of the World Cup, but they left their mark on the tournament with the biggest upset of 2011 - a 19-14 Pool A win over top-ranked France in Wellington on Saturday.

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has said the "fear of being sent home" will drive the team when they face Italy in their decisive World Cup clash.

Samoa fullback Paul Williams will have his red card hearing in Auckland on Saturday, after he was sent packing for striking South African flank Heinrich Brussow in the face during Friday's World Cup Pool D game.

It is becoming a fast-growing fad in an ever more apologetic world. If you disagree with somebody and he is of a different racial classification, just call him a racist.

England virtually ensured that Scotland will fail to make the World Cup play-offs, beating the Auld Enemy 16-12 in an enthralling Pool B match at Eden Park on Saturday.

Scotland had their hearts broken at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, after leading their old enemies England for most of the game, only to fade in the closing stages.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse insisted it was a good sign powerhouse prop Martin Castrogiovanni and reserve flyhalf Riccardo Bocchino had clashed during training ahead of the team's make-or-break World Cup Pool C clash against Ireland.

Tonga were left basking in a famous victory over France at the World Cup on Saturday, even though an earlier pool defeat to Canada had left them too much to do to assure a quarterfinal berth.

Scotland need to learn how to hold onto a lead when they get ahead if they want to once again be a major force in the World Cup, coach Andy Robinson said on Saturday after his side had lost to England.

Georgia made six changes to the team that beat Romania as they aim to end their World Cup on a high against Argentina at the Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North on Sunday.

Samoan fullback Paul Williams has escaped a ban, after being sent off in the World Cup Pool D game against South Africa for striking an opponent in the face, organisers announced on Saturday.

Samoa went out of the World Cup with all guns blazing, pushing the defending champions - South Africa - to the limit and blasting the performance of Welsh referee Nigel Owens in their Pool D match at the North Harbour Stadium on Friday.

Fiji retained only five players from the loss to Samoa and handed the captaincy to No. 8 Netani Talei for their World Cup Pool D match against Wales in Hamilton on Sunday.

France will bid to put rumours of internal strife to bed in bagging the one point from their final 2011 World Cup pool match against Tonga on Saturday that will see them progress to the quarterfinals.

Goalkicking fullback James Pritchard will miss Canada's final World Cup Pool A match against unbeaten group leaders New Zealand in Wellington on Sunday.

Argentina will hold most of the aces going into Sunday's Pool B finale against Georgia with World Cup last-eight qualification rivals England and Scotland having fought it out the previous day.

Ancient rivals England and Scotland will face each other on neutral ground for the first time in their pivotal World Cup Pool B clash at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

Rating their own performances against vastly different benchmarks will be the game within the game when Canada meet New Zealand in the final Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool A match in Wellington on Sunday.

The IRB have come in for more stick from the media for their decision to fine Samoa's Alesana Tuilagi for using the wrong gumguard and their failure to punish England for a blatant 'balls-up'.

Ireland have picked scrumhalf Conor Murray for his second Test start alongside veteran flyhalf Ronan O'Gara against Italy in their crunch World Cup Pool C clash at the Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Sunday.

South Africa were relieved to have scraped past a brutal and spiteful Samoa, to keep their World Cup defence alive with a 13-5 Pool D victory at the North Harbour Stadium on Friday.

Samoa are braced for big wing Alesana Tuilagi to receive a hefty fine for wearing a mouthguard bearing a logo not endorsed by the IRB.

An emotional Nick Mallett defended his record ahead of what could be his last match as Italy coach, a World Cup clash with Ireland on Sunday, saying no side any longer played their "B team" against the Azzurri.

Italy fullback Andrea Masi was recalled to the side on Friday for their decisive and final World Cup Pool B clash against Ireland at Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Sunday.

The battle lines are drawn for this Pool D World Cup match, to be played at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany on Friday.

The Springboks withstood an immensely physical second-half onslaught to secure a hard-fought 13-5 victory over Samoa in their World Cup Pool D clash on Friday and book their place in the quarterfinals.

rugby365.com's Jan de Koning takes a look at the various teams' road to play-offs and other oddities at the 2011 World Cup tournament.

Alastair Kellock's return as captain was one of six changes announced on Thursday in a Scotland team which must defeat England in Auckland on Saturday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the seventh straight time.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has given a couple of fringe players one last chance to impress before the knockout phase of the World Cup.

England sprang a surprise by dropping hat-trick hero Mark Cueto on Thursday as they welcomed back hard man lock Courtney Lawes from suspension for their crunch World Cup match with arch-rivals Scotland.

Bryan Habana rates his only Test against Samoa as pretty special, but also one of the most brutal physical beltings he has experienced with the Springboks.

Italy fullback Luke McLean would love to reward outgoing coach Nick Mallett with a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Captain Finau Maka has been recalled to the Tonga team for their final World Cup Pool A match against France on Saturday, when they are facing a mountainous task to reach the quarterfinals.

Samoa must upset defending champions South Africa on Friday or hope Fiji conquer Wales to reach their first World Cup quarterfinal in 16 years, but their captain Mahonri Schwalger is relishing the challenge.

Wednesday saw the heavyweights go at each other both on and off the pitch at the World Cup, with NZRU chief Steve Tew showing almost as much destructive intent as the Georgian forward pack.

Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal is expecting a gruelling scrum contest against Italy on Sunday as the teams battle it out for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi predicts a "gruesome battle" when England and Scotland meet on Saturday in a match which has the power to determine whether his Pumas squad progresses to the World Cup finals.

Samoa coach Titimaea Tafua on Wednesday announced two changes to his starting line-up to face South Africa in their crucial final World Cup Pool D game in Auckland on Friday.

The decision by Samoa to ditch their trademark free-flowing style and adopt a more structured game plan is giving South Africa's brains trust a few sleepless nights.

Argentina have made five changes to the team that beat Scotland for their final World Cup Pool B match against Georgia in Palmerston North on Sunday.

A strong South African connection is being credited with taking Italy to the brink of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

Otago coach Phil Mooney will return to Australia at the end of his two-year contract in November to take up a role with the Wests Club in Brisbane.

Japan coach John Kirwan has set an ambitious course for Japanese rugby, but his side's winless exit from the World Cup has left a question mark on the future and his job on the line.

Geordan Murphy has revealed how he he intends to distract Italy's Martin Castrogiovanni when Ireland face the Azzurri in their World Cup showdown here on Sunday - with baskets of chips.

In 1995 South Africa almost had their World Cup dream shattered through a 'poor' disciplinary record. It was a lesson well learnt.

A battered and bruised Samoa will field the oldest line-up of any team at World Cup 2011, when they face defending champions South Africa in their must-win match on Friday.

Georgia showed good determination to hold off a physical Romanian side before pulling away and registering a convincing 25-9 victory in their World Cup Pool B clash in Palmerston North on Wednesday.

Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger believes the key to Friday's must-win Pool D match with South Africa is all in the mind.

The All Blacks will not allow emotion to cloud selection decisions as they seek to gain momentum heading into the World Cup knockout stages.

rugby365.com columnist Tom Dawson-Squibb takes a look at the approaches of the top teams at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand as the business-end of the tournament gets closer... and closer.

How unlikely is a drawn Test match? No, we're not talking cricket either? And in a World Cup where ultimately it's do or die. Yet Canada and Japan have achieved the impossible and played to a World Cup draw not once, but twice!

Italy plan to target the Ireland forwards in their pivotal World Cup clash on Sunday, and are making no excuses if the game degenerates into a turgid physical contest.

The United States Eagles bowed out of the World Cup on Tuesday with a 27-10 loss to Italy amid an uproar over scheduling as they played their fourth match in 16 days.

England are expecting a ferocious battle against desperate Scotland as they fight to avoid World Cup heart-break in this week's make-or-break final pool game.

Italy used their powerful scrum to completely dominated the United States and secure a bonus point 27-10 victory in Pool C at the World Cup.

Knockout competition has come a week early for Ireland at the World Cup, but they are more than ready for the challenge as most of their players have a wealth of experience to draw upon.

It was a case of job done for Nick Mallett's Italian side as their scrum power helped them to a 27-10 World Cup Pool C win over the USA Eagles on Tuesday.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson said on Tuesday that his players had put the heartbreak defeat to Argentina to the back of their minds and were targetting an upset win over England to keep alive their World Cup hopes.

New Zealand will be testing themselves against two teams in Wellington: Canada and the team the All Blacks themselves aspire to be.

Japan coach John Kirwan Tuesday admitted he could quit the team after seeing their bid for a first World Cup win in 20 years fall agonisingly short in a 23-23 draw with Canada.

September's days are dwindling down to a precious few and the Rugby World Cup's pool matches are ending. Jonathan Kaplan will referee the last pool match of RWC 2011 on Sunday when Ireland play Italy in Dunedin.

It's a long way for home for Georgia and Romania and yet their Pool B World Cup match has something of a local derby about it.

Japan's hopes of breaking their 20-year World Cup winless streak were ruined as a last-minute penalty by Canada's flyhalf Ander Monro left the two sides drawn at 23-23 in their Pool A match.

Canada coach Kieran Crowley has said that a round or two of drinks were in order for his team in order to get over the "anti-climax" of their draw with Japan before they turn their attention to the All Blacks.

The one is an international referee. The other a famed adventurer.

Georgia play neighbours and rivals Romania in a 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B clash in Palmerston North on Wednesday, the former's final match of the 2011 World Cup but one likely to bring out the best in both sides.

Italy fullback Andrea Masi has pulled out of Tuesday's World Cup match here against the United States and been replaced by Luke McLean.

Kiwi Thomas Waldrom voiced pride at his "crazy" call-up to England and said his family would be celebrating if he makes his World Cup debut

It seems quite appropriate that two of the so-called 'lesser teams' in Pool A of the 2011 World Cup will meet in Napier on Tuesday when Japan's Brave Blossoms tackle Canada.

Wales, playing with freedom and against a hopelessly outclassed Namibian side, ran up a record 81-7 victory in their World Cup Pool D match at Stadium Taranaki, in New Plymouth, on Monday.

Columnist Grant Ball says the IRB needs to find innovative solutions to the match scheduling, which sees the smaller nations face an impossible task.

In terms of pure drama, Argentina replacement Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino's match-clinching try against Scotland is up there with the best of them at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. However, is it the best of the tournament so far?

It is probably not a surprise, considering the quality of their performance, but New Zealand dominate our RWC Team of the Week selection this week.

USA Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano - fresh off his try-scoring feat against the Wallabies on Friday - reports back from 'Camp America' at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

For their third 2011 Rugby World Cup match Canadian coach Kieran Crowley has made his first changes to his team - one in the starting XV and one on the bench - for the Canucks' Pool A match against Japan on Tuesday.

Italy start an intense run-in to the 2011 Rugby World Cup pool-play finish line with no margin for error in their win-at-all-costs Rugby World Cup Pool C clash against the United States Eagles in Nelson on Tuesday.

Toulouse and France flank Yannick Nyanga believes teammate Luke McAllister should be in the All Blacks squad at the World Cup.

The USA Eagles fly off to picturesque Nelson in South Island to play Italy at Trafalgar Park in a World Cup Pool C match on Tuesday. Coach Eddie O'Sullivan has named his best possible team for this the USA's fourth and last match at the 2011 RWC.

Ireland will face their 'Cup final' in a winner-take-all showdown with Italy next weekend for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals, coach Declan Kidney said on Sunday.

Romania have made 11 changes to the weakened team they put in the field against England for Wednesday's 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool B in Palmerston North against neighbours Georgia, in one of rugby's big rivalries.

A late try clinched a dramatic 13-12 victory for Argentina in their crucial World Cup Pool B clash with a determined Scottish team in wet conditions in Wellington on Sunday.

A five-day turnaround between playing the United States and Ireland has caused problems for Italy who are attempting to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.

There is just no doubt about the outcome of the Rugby World Cup's Pool D match between Wales and Namibia to be played in New Plymouth in the southwest corner of the North Island on Monday evening. Wales will win it and by a long way.

All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu was in a stable condition in Auckland Hospital's kidney ward, the Herald on Sunday reported.

Samoa got their World Cup campaign back on track with a convincing 27-7 victory over Fiji in a tense Pool D clash at a packed Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.

Ireland coasted home to a comfortable 62-12 victory over Russia and are still on course to finish on top of Pool C at the World Cup.

Ireland registered a resounding 62-12 victory over a brave Russian side that gave everything but were ultimately outgunned in their Pool C World Cup match in Rotorua on Sunday.

Israel Dagg played down suggestions he has overtaken Mils Muliaina as the All Blacks' top fullback despite a fantastic game against France.

Richard Kahui will miss next week's final World Cup pool game against Canada after injuring his hamstring in the win against France.

Japan coach John Kirwan has made two changes to his starting line-up for his side's last World Cup game against Canada in Napier on Tuesday.

Samoa are hopeful influential flyhalf Tusi Pisi will be fit for this week's vital clash with South Africa after he withdrew during the 27-7 win over Fiji.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi hailed his young side's never-say-die attitude after bagging a last-ditch 13-12 victory over Scotland that saw them take a massive step to the World Cup quarterfinals.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson was left ruing '30 seconds of madness' that saw his side concede a late converted Argentinian try that handed Los Pumas a dramatic - and crucial - 13-12 victory.

With the knockout phase of the 2011 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, team doctors are having to earn their keep as anxious coaches and fans obsess over potentially crucial blows to their playing stocks.

Fiji captain Deacon Manu urged Pacific teams not to let the region's trademark flamboyant rugby die after his team were marched out of the World Cup by attritional Samoa.

Veteran flyhalf Dan Parks missed with a drop-goal attempt one minute from time as Scotland slumped to a heartbreaking 12-13 loss to Argentina in a World Cup Pool B match on Sunday.

Italy have replaced nine players to select their second oldest World Cup side ever to run out against the United States in their Pool C clash in Nelson on Tuesday.

Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino scored a sublime try with eight minutes to go, as Argentina squeaked to a 13-12 win over Scotland in a crucial World Cup Pool D match on Sunday.

England ran in 10 tries as they thrashed Romania 67-3 in their Pool B match in Dunedin on Saturday to move a step nearer the World Cup quarterfinals.

New Zealand marked captain Richie McCaw's record 100th Test by overwhelming France by 37-17 Saturday, to make an emphatic statement of intent at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Richie McCaw was given the fitting reward of a winning 100th Test cap and a speach singing his praises by All Blacks legend Jock Hobbs.

All Black coach Graham Henry was full of praise for his team as they scored a convincing 37-17 victory over World Cup nemesis France.

New Zealand made an emphatic statement of intent with a performance of devastating efficiency to beat France 37-17 in Auckland.

Argentina were the surprise package of the 2007 World Cup, beating hosts France for third place, but this time around they find themselves facing a must-win Pool B match against Scotland on Sunday.

Consistency, we hear over and over, is all the players want at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. By that they mean treating everybody in the same way in the same circumstances.

Fiji flank Dominiko Waqaniburotu lost his appeal against a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle Saturday.

Ireland have rested many of their top players but it should not jeopardise their chances of a generous victory against minnows Russian in their Pool C match in Rotorua on Sunday.

Namibian coach Johan Diergaardt on Saturday made three changes to his starting line-up for what will be the Welwitschias' final match at the World Cup, a game against Wales in New Plymouth on Monday.

Italy have called up hooker Franco Sbaraglini to replace Tommaso D'Apice, who was forced to return to Italy with a knee injury.

Fiji and Samoa have both promised not to let emotions get the better of them in this weekend's Pacific Islands showdown which will decide which team has a chance of - possibly - escaping the 'Pool of Death' (Pool D) in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Felipe Contepomi will start at inside centre for Argentina in their crunch World Cup Pool B match against Scotland on Sunday despite still suffering pain from a rib injury.

England should cruise to the third straight victory of their campaign when they take on a much-changed Romania outfit in their World Cup Pool B encounter at the Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

Fiji have made five changes to their team for Sunday's crunch match against Samoa with half of the forward pack being shuffled and Nicky Little returning at flyhalf.

Australia ran rampant against the United States to secure a 67-5 victory in a very one-sided affair, scoring 11 tries in their Pool C World Cup clash in Wellington on Friday.

Friday brought about a golden return to form by Australia and the royal arrival of Zara Phillips in New Zealand, presumably planning to have a discussion with hubby Mike Tindall.

United States coach Eddie O'Sullivan called the 67-5 scoreline in his team's World Cup Pool C game against Australia "harsh" and said his team lacked the fitness to compete for the whole match.

France are the nemesis of the All Blacks when it comes to the World Cup and that has the Kiwis on edge going into their match.

Samoa coach Titimaea Tafua has made three changes to his starting line-up for the World Cup Pool D clash with Pacific Islands rivals Fiji on Sunday.

Ireland have made 10 changes, one positional, for their World Cup Pool C match with tournament newcomers Russia at Rotorua on Sunday.

Defending champions South Africa South sent out another emphatic message to their World Cup rivals and put one foot in the quarterfinals with their biggest ever RWC win.

Fearsome Scottish prop Euan Murray will miss his team's crucial World Cup Pool B match against Argentina on Sunday because of his devout Christian beliefs.

Fiji flank Dominiko Waqaniburotu has appealed his three-match suspension for a tip tackle on South Africa's Pat Lambie in their Pool D World Cup match in Wellington.

World Cup chief Martin Snedden described treatment of Australian fans as disappointing after trans-Tasman rivalries took on a spiteful edge.

Under-pressure Australia know they can leave nothing back at the team hotel when they face what is expected to be an extremely physical United States side in a must-win World Cup match in Wellington on Friday.

Tonga poured fuel on the fiery debate over World Cup scheduling as they maintained a longer break between games was a key factor in their upset win over Japan.

Ruaridh Jackson will start at flyhalf in place of Dan Parks for Scotland in their crunch Pool B clash with Argentina in Wellington on Sunday because of his superior passing and running game.

South Africa sent out another emphatic message to their World Cup rivals when they whitewashed Pool D opponents Namibia 87-0 at the North Harbour Stadium, in Albany, on Thursday.

Coach John Kirwan warned Japan's World Cup was in danger of lurching from disappointment to outright disaster unless they recover quickly from their heartbreaking defeat to Tonga.

Byron Kelleher believes New Zealand's clash with bogey side France will be more than a game, but rather a battle for national honour.

While he again insisted a coach could never be completely satisfied, Springbok mentor Peter de Villiers said on Thursday he was pleased with his team's 87-0 RWC Pool D victory over Namibia in Albany.

French players need to avoid the fear factor when they face up to the All Blacks in their Eden Park citadel on Saturday.

Graham Henry has opted for Israel Dagg at fullback, leaving Mils Muliaina at risk of ending an illustrious career just short of 100 Tests.

Richie McCaw will lead New Zealand out, in his 100th Test, in their third match of the World Cup match against France in Auckland.

Romanian coach Romeo Gontineac has made 11 changes to his team to play England in their Pool B World Cup clash at the Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

Samoa are still sweating on the availability of injured players Tusi Pisi, Taiasina Tuifu'a and less so on Sailosi Tagicakibau for the World Cup Pool D match against Fiji this weekend.

Tonga claimed a tough 31-18 victory over Japan in a match that contrasted raw power with speed and a willingness to play attacking rugby.

You know it, we know it, the Springboks know it and the earnest Namibians know it - the Springboks will win as handsomely as they choose in their World Cup Pool D clash.

Star flyhalf Dan Carter is fit again and available for selection with the All Blacks in Saturday's showdown at Eden Park with France.

The Kiwi media have attacked France coach Marc Lievremont over his decision to play Morgan Parra at flyhalf against the All Blacks.

While the world's collective eyes are currently glued on the World Cup in New Zealand, a little gem landed on my desk.

Scotland will look to score a rare hat-trick when they meet Argentina in a crunch World Cup Pool B match in Wellington on Sunday.

Argentina are pinning their hopes on having their inspirational captain Felipe Contepomi back for Sunday's Pool B World Cup match against Scotland at Wellington Regional Stadium.

The big surprise in this group of matches was the Irish victory over Australia. We give stats of that exciting match and of all the matches with some totals that are building up.

South Africa may have hit triple-figures the only time they played but humble Namibia will have a point to prove to the defending champions at the World Cup, Springbok forwards coach Gary Gold said on Wednesday.

The United States made wholesale changes for the team to play Australia in a World Cup Pool C match in Wellington on Friday from the one that beat Russia last week.

New Zealand-born Thomas Waldrom has arrived in Dunedin still not knowing what role, if any, he would play in England's World Cup bid.

Wednesday offered Tonga the chance to reward their fanatical supporters a first win at this year's World Cup, in a match where the stadium was quite literally on fire!

As Scotland prepared to name their team Thursday for their next World Cup match against Argentina on Sunday, team officials say it's upsetting that they'll have to play the Pumas without hearing bagpipes in the crowd.

Namibian coach Johan Diergaardt has made six changes - five in the forwards pack - for their World Cup Pool D clash with Southern African neighbours and defending champions South Africa on Thursday.

Scotland officials say it's upsetting that they'll have to play Argentina on Thursday without hearing bagpipes in the crowd.

Scottish fans have urged World Cup organisers to lift a ban on bagpipes at stadiums in New Zealand, accusing overzealous officials of ruining the tournament's atmosphere.

The Samoan rugby team escaped with a warning on Tuesday after a player blasted the World Cup's scheduling as "like slavery, like the holocaust, like apartheid" on Twitter.

Argentina's World Cup match against Scotland on Sunday is the country's most important in four years, according to centre Marcelo Bosch.

Tuesday was an historic day in the rugby world, and the sleepy town of Nelson was at the centre of all the 2011 World Cup action. We take a look at how history was made and remembered in our daily wrap.

Italy recorded a convincing 53-17 victory over a spirited Russian team who put in a determined performance but were ultimately outclassed in their World Cup Pool C clash at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

Springbok wing Bryan Habana expects the intensity of Thursday's World Cup match against Namibia to be no different to a traditional Currie Cup clash on South African soil.

Italy managed a comfortable 53-17 win over Russia without breaking too much of a sweat in their World Cup Pool C match at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, on Tuesday.

Samoa played Wales in a tight match in RWC Pool D action on Sunday. An incident in that match has provoked many questions.

Powerful All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read has said that he will not be available to play France, but expects to be right for the Canada game.

Japan have high hopes of finally banishing a 20-year World Cup win drought when they face Pacific islanders Tonga in a battle of the Pool A minnows on Wednesday.

The All Blacks wound the clock back, re-creating scenes from their last World Cup debacle as they prepared for a showdown with France.

A New Zealand Maori leader said that the haka is "overused", saying the traditional war dance has been "hijacked by rugby people".

England have called up New Zealand forward Thomas Waldrom to join them at the World Cup in New Zealand.

The big match this weekend is New Zealand against France. In 1999 and 2007 it was France who knocked New Zealand out of the World Cup. Alain Rolland of Ireland is the referee for this match.

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter should be fit to play France, but the All Blacks tempered this news by saying Ireland have the RWC blueprint.

Italy coach Nick Mallett will settle for no less than all five points when his side go up against World Cup debutants Russia at Nelson's Trafalgar Park in a Pool C match on Tuesday.

Columnist Grant Ball says South Africa's World Cup Pool D match against Namibia on Thursday provides the opportunity for Peter de Villiers to trial combinations and give certain players a run.

Isitolo Maka is Tonga's coach at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Their captain at the tournament is his brother, Finau, who has been left out of the Tongan side to face Japan in Pool A action on Wednesday. It got us thinking, how many brothers are in action at the World Cup in New Zealand?

Georgia coach Richie Dixon has called for second-tier sides to be given more matches against the game's top nations, saying their performances at the World Cup would justify an expanded fixture programme.

It was a week of some intriguing, not to mention significant, World Cup results. And it also shows in our weekly selection.

Tonga coach Isitolo Maka Monday left his brother and team captain Finau out of the team to face Japan as he announced eight changes for their World Cup Pool A game in Whangarei on Wednesday.

Ireland centre Gordon D'Arcy and lock Paul O'Connell have hamstring injuries ahead of their World Cup Pool C encounter with Russia on Sunday.

All Blacks wing Zac Guildford has admitted that he had an alcohol problem and publicly apologised for breaking an agreement with management.

Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has accused World Cup organisers of treating Samoa unjustly, in a foul-mouthed rant on Twitter following the 10-17 loss to Wales.

So, with the second weekend of Rugby World Cup action a thing of the past, all the talk is still about Ireland's shock 15-6 Pool C win over the Wallabies - a result which has, well and truly, thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.

Italy play Russia in a Pool C Rugby World Cup match at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on New Zealand's North Island on Tuesday. Both will be looking for a first win at the tournament.

The Haka was in danger of losing its potency because it was being performed too often at this year's RWC, Bok coach Peter de Villiers said.

USA Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano reports back on his team's World Cup Pool C win over Russia. And it's fair to say - as one would assume - that the Eagles were a happy bunch...

Scotland will take a look back at the way they defeated Argentina twice away last year, as they bid to edge past the Pumas into the World Cup quarterfinals, when the two teams meet in a Pool B match in Wellington on Sunday.

Wales held off a spirited Samoa onslaught for a 17-10 victory that keeps their World Cup hopes alive in what was a ferocious encounter in Hamilton on Sunday.

Ronan O'Gara, Ireland's record points-scorer, said he would be 'done with Ireland' after the World Cup, signalling his retirement from international rugby.

Injury-hit Japan have been forced to call up two new players - Ippei Asada and Bryce Robins - to replace scrumhalf Tomoki Yoshida and centre Yuta Imamura.

All three of the 'bigger' teams kept their World Cup hopes alive on Sunday, although they were stretched by a trio of so-called 'minnows'.

Samoa cursed a disallowed try which denied them a third World Cup upset over Wales Sunday and rocked their tournament hopes - but insisted they could still reach the quarterfinals.

Georgia coach Richie Dixon said his side had earned the "respect" of a global television audience following a gutsy and skilled display during a 41-10 World Cup defeat by England.

England struggled to a 41-10 win over Georgia in a tight match where the minnows once again had one of the tournament favourites finding life tough.

Coach Declan Kidney prefers historians to debate whether Ireland's heart-pumping World Cup victory over Australia was its greatest but he says it was nice to finally get one over the Wallabies.

Any World Cup confidence among the big three southern teams has been knocked by Ireland's upset win over Australia, the All Blacks said.

The Springboks have arrived at their new camp near Lake Taupo and have been making their assessments on Namibia's "Wors", South African backline coach Dick Muir said on Sunday.

Fiji flank Dominiko Waqaniburotu has been cited for making a dangerous tip tackle during the World Cup Pool D match against South Africa on Saturday.

A Vincent Clerc hat-trick inspired France to an otherwise messy 46-19 World Cup Pool A victory over a determined Canada side in Hamilton on Sunday.

Canada coach Kieran Crowley refused to blame his side's four-day turnaround for the 46-19 loss to France in their second World Cup match on Sunday.

The Springboks produced an impressive display of controlled rugby as they swept Fiji aside, scoring six tries on their way to a convincing 49-3 World Cup Pool D victory in Wellington on Saturday.

Samoa said they would draw huge confidence from past World Cup upsets of Wales as they bid for another shock in this weekend's vital Pool D clash.

The Pumas bolted out of the blocks in Invercargill as they put the Romanian Oaks to the sword, recording a resounding 43-8 victory in their Pool B clash on Saturday.

Stereotypes suggest that this World Cup fixture will be a massive physical clash and nothing much besides.

The neutrals will be backing Canada to pull off a second upset at the World Cup when they take on France in Napier on Sunday.

Argentina put together a scintillating first-half display of running rugby to brush aside the challenge of Romania, who they beat 43-8 in their World Cup Pool B fixture at Rugby Park in Invercargill on Saturday.

Sonny Bill Williams looks to have earned himself a key role in New Zealand's World Cup campaign after a try-scoring first game on the wing.

Unlucky Wales will need to cast off the bitter disappointment of their one-point loss to defending champions South Africa as they prepare for a crucial Rugby World Cup clash with the dangerous Samoa on Sunday.

There will be a few glasses of Guinness downed all over the world after Ireland produced their first-ever World Cup win over Australia - a 15-6 success in an enthralling Pool C arm-wrestle in Auckland on Saturday.

Ireland stunned Tri-Nations champions Australia by pulling out a determined performance to beat the Wallabies 15-6 in a tryless World Cup Pool C arm-wrestle at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

South Africa were branded a better side than when they won the last World Cup in 2007 after they mixed steely defence and ruthless attack to demolish Fiji in their second pool game.

Inspirational skipper Brian O'Driscoll saluted the Irish forward pack for dominating the Wallabies and building the platform for one of Ireland's greatest victories at the World Cup on Saturday.

Ireland's heroic victory over Australia in Auckland has already sparked wild, although somewhat premature speculation about possible World Cup quarterfinal match-ups.

With France up next for New Zealand, veteran centre Conrad Smith says it's not a bad thing to be reminded of past failures at the World Cup.

Reigning champions South Africa play Fiji in the second match of their World Cup title defence in Wellington on Saturday, well aware of the threat the South Sea Islanders can pose.

United States captain Todd Clever has been cleared to play against Australia in his side's next World Cup match, despite being found guilty of a dangerous tackling offence.

It will be anyone but Australia when Ireland soaks up the majority of the 'neutral' New Zealand support for their World Cup showdown.

Georgia coach Richie Dixon kept faith with the bulk of his side when he announced his team to play England in their World Cup clash at the Otago Stadium on Sunday.

New Zealand won their second match at World Cup 2011, easily disposing of a hapless Japan 83-7 in Hamilton on Friday.

Argentina will aim to get their World Cup campaign back on track when they face Romania on Saturday in a Pool B game they must win to keep alive their hopes of, once again, reaching the last eight.

It will be anyone but Australia when Ireland soaks up the majority of the 'neutral' New Zealand support for their World Cup showdown at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.

Italy coach Nick Mallett on Friday announced 12 changes to his side for the World Cup Pool C match against Russia at Nelson on Tuesday.

Samoa coach Fuimaono Tufua on Friday made one change to the starting XV that beat Namibia 49-12 for the Pool C clash with Wales in Hamilton on Sunday.

United States skipper Todd Clever on Friday became the second player to be cited at the 2011 World Cup.

It's the pragmatic against the romantic, when South Africa and Fiji meet... the pedestrian against the flamboyant, the hard minds in hard bodies against the free spirits of the islanders and it is the hard men who are much more likely to win.

With the 2011 Rugby World Cup in full swing in New Zealand at present, world-renowned eye coach Sherylle Calder - a member of the 2007 World Cup-winning Bok squad - wonders if the players' handling skills are up to scratch at rugby's global showpiece.

Coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks had dragged their World Cup campaign back on track Friday after their 83-7 demolition of Japan.

Canada's team that defeated Tonga 25-20 has been rewarded with another task, as an unchanged line-up was named to take on France in Napier on Sunday.

New Zealand maintained their unbeaten start to the World Cup tournament, as the hosts routed a hapless and hopelessly outclassed Japan 83-7

New Zealand maintained their unbeaten start to the World Cup tournament, as the hosts routed a hapless and hopelessly outclassed Japan 83-7 in Hamilton on Friday.

Australia will be out to record their first victory in 25 years at Eden Park in Auckland when they take on Ireland in a key Pool C clash on Saturday.

Impressively bearded Canadian flank Adam Kleeberger has disappointed his growing army of fans by announcing he will lose his trademark whiskers at the end of the World Cup.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry said the All Blacks had dragged their World Cup campaign back on track Friday after their ruthless 83-7 demolition of Japan.

With World Cup stars currently dropping like flies and the depth of the top teams set to be tested someone should have told Mike Tindall just how dangerous watersports can be.

Fiji made three changes to their run-on side to face South Africa in Wellington on Saturday, with coach Sam Domoni saying the Pacific islanders would not be daunted by the reigning world champions.

Romania head coach Romeo Stefan Gontineac has named his team for the Oaks' second Rugby World Cup Pool B match - against Argentina at Invercargill's Rugby Park Stadium - on Saturday.

The USA Eagles managed to grind out a hard-fought 13-6 victory over the Russian Bears who turned in a determined debut World Cup performance at Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth on Thursday.

Argentina will aim to get their World Cup campaign back on track when they face Romania on Saturday in a Pool B game they must win to keep alive their hopes of once again reaching the last eight.

The All Blacks' injury toll has worsened with the experienced duo of Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina ruled out of their match against Japan.

The imposing figure of Sonny Bill Williams is likely to pop up in a new position on Friday, but just where is a closely guarded secret.

The USA Eagles were left delighted to have claimed only their third win in six World Cup appearances after a tough 13-6 victory over debutants Russia.

The All Blacks rejected suggestions that key players were faking injuries to avoid playing Japan ahead of a key World Cup clash with France.

Hamilton is not Bloemfontein. This week's World Cup match between mighty New Zealand and eager Japan will not be a repeat of 1995, the Nagasaki of Japanese rugby.

Only five players from the Japan team which put up a feisty performance against France survived sweeping changes by coach John Kirwan for their second match against the All Blacks.

Columnist Grant Ball takes a closer look at the new streamlined Frans Steyn's World Cup performance against Wales.

Wednesday's 2011 Rugby World Cup action was all about Canada and their tremendous come-from-behind victory over Tonga in Pool A action in Whangarei.

Samoa are counting the cost of their 49-12 victory over Namibia, after two key players were injured in a rugged Pool D match in Rotorua on Wednesday.

NZ will field close to their top side against Japan, saying they were under no illusion about how dangerous the Asian champions are.

After losses to the top-ranked All Blacks and Canada in the first five days of the World Cup, it's little wonder Taniela Moa was limping badly when he left the dressing room.

The United States have been left ruing a four-day turnaround since their defeat to Ireland for a crucial clash against World Cup debutants Russia in New Plymouth on Thursday.

Andy Robinson breathed a sigh of relief as Scotland won 'ugly' to maintain their 100 per cent start to the World Cup but admitted they have to improve if they are to progress from the pool stages.

Rugby World Cup debutants, Russia, will finally get their campaign underway on Thursday with an opening match against the USA Eagles in New Plymouth.

Dan Parks kicked four penalties and a drop-goal as Scotland stuttered to a 15-6 win over Georgia in their World Cup encounter at Rugby Park, in Invercargill, on Wednesday.

The NZ government was taking control of the Auckland waterfront to avoid a repeat of the crowd chaos that marred the World Cup opener.

Scotland managed a 15-6 win over Georgia in a tryless World Cup game at Rugby Park in Invercargill on Wednesday.

Alesani Tuilagi shaped up as one of the stars of the World Cup after his unstoppable hat-trick of tries in Samoa's 49-12 hammering of Namibia in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Powerhouse winger Alesani Tuilagi claimed a hat-trick of tries as Samoa crunched Namibia 49-12 to spectacularly launch their 2011 World Cup campaign in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a torn calf which will see him sidelined for up to six weeks, team officials confirmed Wednesday.

Canada scored their seventh World Cup win when they edged Tonga 25-20 in an enthralling match in Whangarei on Wednesday, scoring a blow for the minnows of the tournament.

Flyhalf Dan Carter has pulled out of All Blacks side to play Japan in their World Cup clash, after failing to overcome a sore back.

The All Blacks will field close to their top side against Japan in their World Cup clash in Hamilton Friday, saying they were under no illusion about how dangerous the Asian champions could be.

Ireland have made four changes to their starting XV for Saturday's World Cup Pool C clash with Australia at Eden Park in Auckland.

Only five Japanese players from the feisty performance against France survived sweeping changes for their match against the All Blacks.

Former Wallabies hooker and new Waratahs coach Michael Foley will help prepare Fiji's forwards for their crucial World Cup clash with world champions South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.

Samoa enter the World Cup against Namibia in Rotorua on Wednesday still basking in the glow of their pinnacle victory over the Wallabies two months ago.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson hopes their narrow escape against Romania is the ideal wake-up call ahead of the tricky Pool B clash against Georgia on Wednesday.

New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen has hinted at the return of veterans Mils Muliaina and Conrad Smith for Japan clash.

Japan's coach John Kirwan has declared his interest in becoming the All Blacks' mentor, describing the role as "the best job in the world"

Canada will get their first taste of World Cup action in Whangerai on Wednesday when they take on a Tongan team that will be desperate to secure a vital victory.

Kiwi-born Fiji captain Deacon Manu is a veteran of the New Zealand rugby scene who went on to qualify for Wales through residency.

The loss of Dan Carter is one of massive proportions for the All Blacks side at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Tom Dawson-Squibb, rugby365.com's mental coach, thinks New Zealand can bounce back from his loss, however.

In the match between Ireland and Italy, the referee refers an incident to the television match official, asking him if a try had been scored and asking him to be aware of the possibility of foul play. The TMO reports that try had not been scored and that there had been no foul play in in-goal. The referee awards a drop-out to Italy.

The Bench - an online-based sports and lifestyle show on 2Oceansviberadio - caught up with former Bok prop Derek van den Berg and USA Eagles try-scorer JJ Gagiano to get the inside scoop from the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

rugby365.com's Jan de Koning takes a look at Peter de Villiers's selections for Thursday's World Cup Pool D match against Namibia. Has the Bok coach erred by not giving a few more fringe players an opportunity?

The USA Eagles' RWC opener against Ireland was a very emotional affair. Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano writes about the build-up to that match in the latest of his World Cup playing diaries...