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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scotland officials say it's upsetting that they'll have to play Argentina on Thursday 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Argentina's coach Santiago Phelan has made just two changes to his starting XV for their match against Romania, their second of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and both of those changes were forced on him through injury.

Samoa's historic win over Australia in July has ramped up expectations of the Polynesians creating more history at the World Cup, but the Pacific islanders are not used to the favourites tag they have been given ahead of their clash with Namibia.

The big news at the World Cup on Tuesday was England lock Courtney Lawes' two-match ban for his reckless play against Argentina, and an injury worry for All Blacks golden boy Dan Carter.

If there's one man Canada can rely on not to take a backward step in their opening World Cup match against Tonga, it has to be immensely their physical lock Jamie Cudmore.

The All Blacks coaches have appealed to an anxious public to "trust us", and have faith in their plan to end 24 years of World Cup misery.

We give some statistics of virtue and vice during the first round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

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.

The United States have made three changes to their starting XV for the World Cup Pool C match against Russia in New Plymouth on Thursday.

Japan's New Zealand-born coach John Kirwan has declared his interest in becoming the All Blacks' mentor, describing the role currently held by Graham Henry as "the best job in the world".

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

Japan plan on showing New Zealand their rugby has matured in a big way since losing to the All Blacks by a record 145-17 at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa.

Japan won't be short of insider knowledge when play New Zealand, with All Black kicking coach Mick Byrne on loan to the Brave Blossoms.

The All Blacks selectors are sweating over the fitness of ace playmaker Dan Carter, and have held off finalising their team to play Japan.

Samoa will unleash their wrecking-ball wing Alesana Tuilagi against win-less Namibia as they make their bow at the World Cup in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Samoa on Monday named an unchanged team for their opening World Cup Pool D match against Namibia in Rotorua on Wednesday.

The All Blacks received a boost with Kieran Read confirming he was on track to return to the field before the end of the WC pool rounds

rugby365 columnist Grant Ball says Peter de Villiers has to start facing facts and make some tough decisions - the first of those regarding John Smit.

Controversy continued to swirl around a penalty taken by Wales fullback James Hook against South Africa, which seemed to go through the posts but was disallowed by the assistant referees.

The brother of a September 11 victim flew to New Zealand to be with the United States team Sunday and presented their match jerseys at a emotional ceremony before their World Cup game against Ireland.

NZ PM John Key apologised for public transport failures that caused thousands of fans to miss the World Cup 's opener in Auckland.

Namibian captain Jacques Burger has a dream of farming full-time when his rugby career is over, but first the all-action flank has his sights set on helping his team secure their first-ever World Cup win.

Leading South African referee Mark Lawrence has announced his retirement from international match refereeing to concentrate on a new role as a coach and mentor to emerging refereeing talent.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made sweeping changes to his starting XV for Wednesday's World Cup Pool B game against Georgia with only four players retained from the side that beat Romania.

The big news at Rugby World Cup 2011 on Monday was the citing of England lock Courtney Lawes - the first censure at the seventh-ever RWC tournament. England, it seems, have been busy toeing the line both on and off the field.

Georgia put faith in their European Nations Cup-winning team Monday for this week's World Cup opener with Scotland.

Sonny Bill Williams will put his ripped jersey up for auction, following his wardrobe malfunction in the opening match of the World Cup.

Tonga Monday announced an all-new line-up for their World Cup game against Canada, with 11 personnel changes and the remaining four players moved to different positions.

It's on. The Rugby World Cup is on. Eight matches have been played, eight referees and TMOs, 16 assistant referees and various 4s and 5s in action. Things went without controversy till the last match. Let's hope that that is the last controversy.

Namibia on Monday announced their team to take on Samoa in a World Cup Pool D match in Rotorua on Wednesday, showing three changes to the team which lost 49-25 against Fiji in their opener.

Canada have made two changes to the line-up for their Pool A, World Cup opener against Tonga in Whangarei on Wednesday.

We have finally chosen our three Springbok Oakley Antix? winners, after receiving a serious amount of entries for this competition which - of course - came to an end last month.

Argentina centre Gonzalo Tiesi was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup on Sunday after their crunching opening defeat to England which also left captain Felipe Contepomi struggling with bruised ribs.

Ireland, working off a superior forward pack, opened their World Cup campaign with a 22-10 win over the United States Sunday in a scrappy game played on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Wallabies showed their class with a sparkling second half performance to defeat Italy 32-6 in their tough opening World Cup clash in Albany on Sunday.

Wallabies' playmaker Quade Cooper turned a deaf ear to the booing coming from the crowd during the World Cup match against Italy.

Both England and Argentina were left hoping their gruelling World Cup opener would avoid the unwelcome postcript of players being cited after a bruising Pool B encounter.

Scotland captain Alastair Kellock believes his side have already experienced a defining moment in their World Cup campaign after surviving a potential upset against Romania.

For anyone still wondering why the IRB decided to send the World Cup way down south to New Zealand, the answer lies not only in the excitement felt on the pitch, but also around the rugby mad country.

Coach Nick Mallett singled out Australia's much-improved scrum for praise as the Wallabies put the cleaners through Italy 32-6 to open their World Cup campaign at North Harbour on Sunday.

Italy did enough to give Australia a big fright as the two sides were locked at 6-6 going into half time, before the Wallabies took control later on.

Japan No.8 Ryukoliniasi Holani was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup on Sunday with a knee injury, becoming the team's second player to withdraw.

We have gone through eight World Cup matches in three days with just one controversial refereeing incident. That must be something of a record but that one could have been avoided.

England scored the only try of the match as they edged out Argentina 13-9 in a brutal World Cup, Pool B arm-wrestle at the new Otago Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui and Israel Dagg won special praise after New Zealand beat Tonga 41-10 in the World Cup opener.

Twenty-four points in 13 minutes late in the second half helped France to a 47-21 win over Japan in their opening World Cup match at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany on Saturday.

Vereniki Goneva scored four tries as Fiji beat a willing Namibian team 49-25 in their opening match at the World Cup at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.

Ireland will face a pumped-up USA Eagles side when the two sides meet in their first match of the World Cup which will be played in New Plymouth on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

On the opening day we celebrated the big party in Auckland. On day two of the World Cup we celebrated the arrival of the minnows.

Maori elder David Ellison hopes Argentina can beat England, who will wear their controversial black kit in the teams' WC match on Saturday.

Fiji's four-try hero Vereniki Goneva Saturday admitted he would be a marked man after destroying Namibia in his World Cup debut, but he said he would cope with the attention next week against South Africa.

Phew! Scotland will be breathing a huge sigh of relief after their 34-24 Pool B win over Romania on Saturday. What will worry them, however, was the performance of their tight five.

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi, who is a qualified doctor, has said that it is too early to tell how serious the rib injury which forced him off the field in his team's narrow loss to England really is.

Scotland escaped suffering an embarrassing shock on the opening weekend of the World Cup to Romania but only thanks to two late Simon Danielli tries, as the Scots claimed a 34-24 Pool B win over the Oaks.

Australian coach Robbie Deans wants the referees' crackdown at the breakdown to remain a priority throughout the World Cup, as the Wallabies shape up to Italy in their opening match at North Harbour on Sunday.

New Zealand-born lock Justin Ives has been forced to leave Japan's World Cup squad in New Zealand after failing to regain full fitness from an injury to his left knee.

Argentina held on, bravely, for almost 70 minutes before succumbing to a late England rally in their opening World Cup match in Dunedin on Saturday.

Tongan captain Finau Maka praised a gutsy and disciplined second-half performance from his teammates in the opening game of the World Cup which helped secure their best-ever result against the All Blacks.

Fiji hope an explosive World Cup start against ultra-minnows Namibia will help banish a troubled build-up and propel them towards a second successive quarterfinal.

In 2007, the Pumas had their best time ever at the Rugby World Cup, as Augustine Pichot led, they twice disposed of France, the employer of so many Argentinians.

Brian O'Driscoll will become the first Ireland player to take part in four World Cups after being named on Friday as captain of the team to take on the United States in New Plymouth on Sunday.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has largely kept faith with the team that upset France in the Six Nations, making only two changes to the starting line-up to play Australia in the opening Pool C match.

Scotland will be out to gain some valuable early momentum when they take on minnows Romania in the opening Pool B encounter at Rugby Park in New Zealand's southernmost city of Invercargill on Saturday.

The seventh Rugby World Cup was officially declared open at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on Friday.

New Zealand got their World Cup campaign off to a victorious start, but it was far from convincing as they beat a willing Tongan team 41-10 in Auckland on Friday.

The All Blacks were given a bare pass mark by coach Graham Henry for the way they stumbled against Tonga before winding up 41-10 winners.

The All Blacks were given a bare pass mark by coach Graham Henry for the way they stumbled against Tonga before winding up 41-10 winners in their World Cup opener on Friday.

The All Blacks got the seventh edition of the World Cup tournament off to a winning start on Friday, defeating Tonga 41-10 in front of a capacity 60,000 crowd at Eden Park.

The USA Eagles have been working hard ahead of Saturday's Rugby World Cup Pool C opener against Ireland. However, they also had a day off - during the week - and got plenty of activities under the belt! USA squad member JJ Gagiano gives us the inside scoop...

New Zealand got their World Cup campaign off to a victorious start, but it was far from convincing as they beat Tongan 41-10 in Auckland.

New Zealand and Tonga opened up proceedings in Pool A on Friday - in what was also the 2011 Rugby World Cup opener - and, on Saturday, it will be the turn of France and Japan to keep their pool ticking over.

Captain Finau Maka praised the gutsy and disciplined second-half performance to secure Tonga's best-ever result against the All Blacks.

Mauro Bergamasco will give a first-hand warning to his Italian teammates to keep the clamps on the Wallabies' explosive No.8 Radike Samo in Sunday's World Cup opener at the North Harbour Stadium.

Stopping Jonny Wilkinson is always important when playing England but Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi insists Saturday's World Cup clash is about more than one man.

The opening match of the 2011 World Cup - drama all of its own. Paul Dobson previews the showdown between the hosts, New Zealand, and Tonga.

Renowned New Zealand scrum doctor Mike Cron has been working his magic with the Canadian World Cup team.

Despite the odds weighing heavily against Tonga, they believe it is the All Blacks who face the most pressure going into their opening World Cup match at Eden Park on Friday.

Canada have always prided themselves on producing strong forwards, but scrum coach Mike Shelley is confident intensive camps will have boosted his pack's technical finesse further for World Cup 2011.

The All Blacks are looking to make an emphatic statement when they open the World Cup against Tonga in Auckland on Friday.

Sonny Bill Williams may have been told to tone down his on-field display, but teammate Ma'a Nonu labelled him a megastar and a rock star.

Despite the odds weighing heavily against Tonga they believe it is the All Blacks who face the most pressure going into the opening match.

Fiji on Thursday named former soldier Leone Nakarawa in their World Cup team to face Namibia, after he was at the centre of a visa row targeting the country's military government.

Streets across New Zealand were a blaze of colourful bunting for a nationwide party, as the World Cup returns to its spiritual home.

Australian David Pocock has been labelled the world's best flank by legendary former All Blacks back row Josh Kronfeld.

Japan pledged on Thursday to unleash an all-new "Japanese style" to rival France's "champagne rugby" at the World Cup, as they announced a strong line-up to face the European heavyweights this weekend.

Chris Paterson will become the first Scottish player to appear at four World Cup tournaments after he was named to face Romania in Invercargill on Saturday.

Referees boss Paddy O'Brien says all 20 World Cup coaches are on-side with his intended approach for World Cup matches, including a hard line on offsides and infringements that slow down the attacking team's ball at the breakdown.

Romania will have six changes from the team that beat Ukraine 41-16 last month, when they take on Scotland in a World Cup Pool B opener at Invercargill on Saturday.

International Rugby Board chiefs Wednesday refused to water down their national eligibility rules for Pacific players, despite a tirade from Samoa's prime minister, who labelled them "unfair".

The USA Eagles rugby team will attend an emotional church service marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks just hours before their opening World Cup game against Ireland.

Namibia coach Johan Diergaardt has made seven changes for his team's opening World Cup match against Fiji on Saturday from the line-up which lost to Georgia in the European Nations Cup in June.

Argentina may be about to present Ben Foden with the perfect opportunity to rediscover the form that earned him the England fullback jersey in time for the World Cup.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has been scouring the history books to resolve why past campaigns have ended in misery.

Rugby World Cup organisers have confirmed that Romanian wing Catalin Fercu has withdrawn from the tournament, saying he has been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Tonga captain Finau Maka doesn't expect a sore Achilles to stop him from playing against New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup on Friday, despite his coach and brother being more uncertain.

Japan are gearing up for a tough examination of their set-pieces, especially the scrum, when they take on powerful France in their World Cup opener, according to forwards coach Michael Byrne.

Tonga will kick off the World Cup's haka wars after they were given the nod to start their traditional pre-match war dance ahead of New Zealand in the World Cup opener on Friday.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw is to lead an appeal by World Cup organisers to raise funds to support rugby in quake-hit Christchurch.

Quade Cooper said that he is prepared to be tagged 'public enemy number one' after his run-ins with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

Many New Zealanders can scarcely believe they are hosting the World Cup as one of the planet's largest sporting events prepares to kick-off.

Tonga captain Finau Maka doesn't expect a sore Achilles to stop him from playing against New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup.

Tonga have been given the nod to start their traditional pre-match war dance ahead of New Zealand in their World Cup opener on Friday.

Sonny Bill Williams is under orders to stick to the game plan when he returns to the All Blacks starting line-up in the match against Tonga.

While every team at the World Cup will feel the weight of expectation, England will face another kind of pressure when they lock horns with the Argentine scrum.

If World Cup success was measured by fan support, Tonga would be laughing all the way to the Final, with the Pacific island nation enjoying some of the best support of any of the teams in New Zealand.

Richie McCaw will captain NZ for the 62nd time, in his 99th Test, in a squad bristling with experience - when they face Tonga on Friday.

A judicial hearing into a head-butting incident during Saturday night's NPC Premiership Final in Hamilton, has resulted in a six-week suspension for Waikato lock Romana Graham.

The All Blacks suffered a fresh injury scare with Tony Woodcock becoming the third squad member sidelined before the World Cup begins.

Israel Dagg will be given first bite at the cherry, when hosts New Zealand open their World Cup campaign against Tonga on Friday.

Coach John Kirwan is looking beyond Japan's tough opening matches and ahead to Tonga and Canada to define the Asian champions' World Cup in New Zealand.

The All Blacks have jettisoned their controversial rotation policy and will stick to the hardcore of the first XV through the World Cup.

Veteran lock Marco Bortolami says he is looking forward to not being burdened with the responsibility of the captaincy for Italy in his third and possibly last World Cup in New Zealand.

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has made just one change to his World Cup starting line-up against England from the team which took the field in the 28-13 defeat by Wales last month in a build-up match in Cardiff.

Waikato lock Romana Graham has been suspended for six weeks following a head-butting incident in the NPC Premiership Final.

There will be 13 different stadiums which will host matches in the World Cup, we take a look at each of them and where they are situated in our guide to the venues for the global showpiece in New Zealand.

The World Cup represents a double-whammy for the rugby loving people of earthquake-hit Christchurch, home-town icon Robbie Deans said.

The fearless physical approach of Pacific island rugby could take centre stage when Tonga clash with hosts New Zealand.

The fearless physical approach of Pacific island rugby could take centre stage during the World Cup opening match, where Tonga won't hold anything back against hosts New Zealand.

The Highlanders will retain their traditional colours for next year's Super Rugby season and use the new green strip as the away jersey.

rugby365.com recently ran an article on All Blacks coach Graham Henry's impressive coaching record. Rowan Belchers - of Head Start Sport - tells us why he thinks Henry is the best in the business.

Self-confessed tweeting fanatic, All Blacks wing Cory Jane, said he is suffering severe withdrawal pangs after a Twitter ban was imposed.

Thousands of people from Auckland's sizeable Pacific island community blocked streets and gave a hero's welcome to the Tongan rugby team when they arrived in the city for the World Cup.

It's here. The 2011 Rugby World Cup is starting as the whole world watches tensely on. These are exciting times, including for referees, especially George Clancy who will blow the whistle to get it started.

Japan face a huge task in their opening World Cup match against France on Saturday but coach John Kirwan wants his players to show courage through adversity.

When scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon was chaired off the pitch at the end of his 101st and final match for Italy one of the big questions facing the Azzurri was who would take over the No.9 jersey.

The seventh edition of the World Cup gets underway in Auckland on Friday, when hosts New Zealand face Tonga. Jan de Koning looks back and picks his All-time best XV!

Discarded All Black wing Hosea Gear will remain in New Zealand, after it was confirmed he had signed with the Highlanders for 2012.

USA Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano and his squad mates have arrived in New Zealand for the 2011 World Cup. RWC fever is here, according to rugby365s columnist!

Dan Carter has been labelled 'the complete player' by Englishman Stuart Barnes, no mean feat from a regular All Blacks critic.

Japan hope to uncork the champagne and make history by beating France in their World Cup 2011 opener at North Harbour Stadium on September 10.

Columnist Grant Ball questions how many of the Bok starting XV have improved over the last four years.

Four days before the start of the World Cup, the All Blacks insist they can overcome their reputation as chokers in the global showpiece.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks said he was willing to take a punch for the good of the team if it meant an opposing player was sent off.

Sex workers in New Zealand expect to be rushed off their feet as 95,000 sports fans arrive for the World Cup.

Cory Jane said having "grown up loving the Hurricanes" he didn't want to go anywhere else.

A minute's silence honouring the dead from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks will be held prior to the United States' opening World Cup match against Ireland, the President of the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Sunday.

Victor Vito hopes a few coffee dates with the injured Kieran Read will hold the key to him making the New Zealand No.8 jersey his own.

Hawke's Bay ensured they will play in the Premiership next year, after beating Manawatu 35-30 in the Championship Final on Sunday.

International Rugby Board chairman Bernard Lapasset declared New Zealand ready Sunday to host an "extraordinary" World Cup.

Fabio Semenzato, Tommaso Benvenuti and Tommaso D'Apice are three of Italy's new faces determined to make their mark at World Cup 2011.

Hawke's Bay ensured they will play in the Premiership division next year, after the Magpies scored a nail-biting 35-30 win over Manawatu in the NPC Championship Final in Palmerston North on Sunday.

Provincial rugby organised in a competition in New Zealand is relatively young and finals date back only to 1992. Auckland have still won most of them.

Coach Graham Henry has rubbished claims the All Blacks operate outside the rules just days before the start of the World Cup.

England manager Martin Johnson admitted Saturday to concerns about playing Argentina first up in the World Cup given the South Americans' record of upsetting the form book.

The All Blacks are ready to challenge for the World Cup and have shrugged off a barrage of grim news just six days before the tournament.

The All Blacks have drafted in their only successful World Cup coach, Sir Brian Lochore who guided the 1987 team, in a mentoring role.

Canterbury won their fourth successive NPC title, when they beat Waikato 12-3 in the first-ever tryless Final on Saturday.

Japan has had a taste of the wet and cold conditions likely to greet teams at the World Cup and many of its players aren't impressed.

Canterbury won their fourth successive NPC title, when they beat Waikato 12-3 in the first-ever tryless Final at the Waikato Stadium, in Hamilton, on Saturday.

Thousands of people turned out in Kaeo to see All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams, Tony Woodcock and Piri Weepu in person.

Next year?s Super Rugby season will kick off with a fierce local derby as the Blues and the Crusaders clash at Eden Park in Auckland.

Italian outfit Aironi have announced the signing of Hawke's Bay' Samoan star Sinoti Sinoti.

Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have overcome obstacles simply to compete at the World Cup but now that they are there they will relish exhibiting their considerable skills while enjoying some good support.

All Blacks legend and Japan coach John Kirwan has a very clear idea of what he would like his team to achieve at the World Cup as they build towards hosting the global showpiece in 2019.

Cory Jane has decided to stay with the Hurricanes next season despite a mass exodus of fellow All Blacks from the Wellington franchise.

Canada arrive in New Zealand with a World Cup winner at the helm and the belief that it is ready to take on the world's best.

Namibia are the lowest ranked team at the World Cup, and were always going to face an uphill battle in a tough pool searching for their first win, but financial turmoil has made the task even more daunting.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson was pleased with the joint training session his team held with Canada as the days count down to their World Cup opener against Romania next Saturday.

The International Rugby Board's refereeing boss has again emphasised the application of five important laws for the World Cup in the hope that it will produce more entertaining rugby than was the case in 2007 when defence and kicking ruled.

After securing third place at the last World Cup Argentina have a hard act to follow in New Zealand, and their credentials will be seriously tested in their opening game once more this year.

There was something typically American about the United States squad turning down a ceremonial ride in a Maori canoe because they thought that part of their welcome from the city of Wanganui didn't sound safe.

The 15-member winter population of Antarctica's Scott Base - including13 New Zealanders - will watch the World Cup on television.

Most people would expect long-time New Zealand coach Graham Henry to have the best track record (and winning percentage) of all the coaches at the World Cup... and rightly so.

Fiji says it will officially complain to the International Rugby Board over New Zealand travel sanctions which prevent its rugby union chairman attending the World Cup.

Coach Graham Henry and captain Richie McCaw intend to make the best of an unprecedented second chance to lead New Zealand into a World Cup.

Italy coach Nick Mallett says he is confident he will find a top job in the future once his Italy deal runs out after the World Cup in New Zealand.

All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly will move from the Highlanders to the Crusaders for the next Super Rugby season.

Canterbury are aiming to defend the NPC trophy and secure a fourth consecutive title when they take on Waikato in the Premiership Final in Hamilton on Saturday.

Fiji media reports that all three wings in the World Cup squad are injured, setting back Fiji's preparation for the tournament which starts in eight days.

Richie Gray has always been noticeable on a rugby pitch, his rawboned physique adorned by a mane of flaxen blond hair has resulted in the Scotland lock receiving plenty of attention - good and bad.

Australia have emerged as the country New Zealanders least want to win the World Cup.

A wave of Pacific Island players is powering NZ's World Cup dream, with almost a third of the All Black squad boasting Pacific heritage.

In his second rugby365.com diary, an excited USA Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano celebrates his Rugby World Cup selection with us!

Failure so far to export the fiery Italian spirit so evident at Rome's Stadio Flaminio has often proved Azzurri's undoing at the World Cup.

Italy coach Nick Mallett pointed the finger at the country's two Celtic League clubs, Treviso and Aironi, for landing him with a flyhalf headache as he leaves for New Zealand to take part in the World Cup.

We have combined with Pearson to give away three free copies of Play Rugby - the official SARU guide to SA Rugby.

Veteran flyhalf Tony Brown came off the bench to help Otago finish the season on a high with a 28-20 victory over Manawatu.

There is a lull in international rugby this weekend - the lull before outbreak of the 2011 Rugby World Cup But New Zealand's championship reaches a Final and England's competitions start as do the Pro 12 which is the Magners League under a new name.

All Black legend Jonah Lomu was confirmed among several rugby and league players who will fight in a charity boxing event in Auckland.

This is our last week-by-week FNB Top 20 for 2011. Our next one will take the whole season into consideration.

Following the injuries to Adam Thomson and Kieran Read, the All Blacks will look Victor Vito to play a big role at the World Cup.

Here is the rugby365.com dummy's guide to the World Cup, New Zealand 2011!

Veteran flyhalf Tony Brown came off the bench to help Otago finish the season on a high with a 28-20 victory over Manawatu at the Dunedin Stadium on Tuesday.

Blues lock Kurtis Haiu was discharged without conviction for assault charges.

Hosts New Zealand will have to compete in the opening rounds of the World Cup without two key forwards - Kieran Read and Adam Thomson.

Fiji's World Cup team arrived in Auckland Monday as excitement around the tournament intensified, but the players' boss was forced to stay as home due to a New Zealand government ban.

The All Blacks have expressed surprise that Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper escaped suspension for kneeing New Zealand captain Richie McCaw in the face during last Saturday's Tri-Nations Test at Brisbane.

Wasps back row forward Genaro Fessia will take the place of the injured Alvaro Galindo in Argentina's 30-strong squad for the World Cup in New Zealand next month.

Sonny Bill Williams cast doubt on his future with the ABs, saying he would make a decision on whether to remain in NZ after the World Cup.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry says the next eight weeks will define the team.

NZ media urged All Blacks' fans not to hit the panic button, after the World Cup favourites crashed to successive losses in the Tri-Nations.

Australia won the Tri-Nations, which suggests they must also dominate our Team of the Tournament.

Fiji's arrived in Auckland Monday for the World Cup, but the players' boss was forced to stay as home due to a New Zealand government ban.

Taranaki outplayed Hawke's Bay in an entertaining game where they secured the Ranfurly Shield in the last game of league action.

Taranaki outplayed Hawke's Bay in an entertaining game in New Plymouth which saw the amber and blacks secure the Ranfurly Shield in the last game of league action this season.

Bay of Plenty outscored their opponents by four tries to three on their way to recording a solid 29-17 victory over relegated Southland.

Australia flyhalf Quade Cooper was cleared on Sunday of a kneeing charge following his side's 25-20 victory over New Zealand in the Tri-Nations decider, less than a fortnight before the World Cup.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans hailed his side's tenacity after they held on to beat the All Blacks and claim the Tri-Nations crown, but warned the victory was "irrelevant" to the upcoming World Cup.

The All Blacks have injury concerns over loose forwards Kieran Read and Adam Thomson ahead of next month's World Cup.

The All Blacks were shown the importance of a strong start and switched-on mental approach by the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations decider just weeks before the World Cup, according to captain Richie McCaw.

The All Blacks were shown the importance of a strong start and switched-on mental approach by the Wallabies in the Tri-Nations decider.

Australian flyhalf Quade Cooper has been cited for foul play in his team's 25-20 Tri-Nations victory over New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia won their first Tri-Nations title in 10 years, when they beat New Zealand 25-20 in a nailbiting affair in Brisbane on Saturday.

The All Blacks suffered their second successive Tri-Nations defeat, just a fortnight out form the World Cup, when they lost 20-25 to the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.

Australia boosted their hopes of a third World Cup success in New Zealand next month, with a spirited three tries to two (25-20) victory over the All Blacks in Brisbane on Saturday.

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...

Fiji will not compromise on their thrilling ball-in-hand style that has come to personify the South Sea Island team when they take on South Africa in RWC Pool D action on Saturday, according to veteran flyhalf Nicky Little.

rugby365.com is offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a limited edition Tag Heuer Springbok Aquaracer watch.