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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PREVIEW: Namibia's head coach Allister Coetzee picked an experienced line-up for the African nation's World Cup opener against Italy in Saint-Etienne this weekend.

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

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

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

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

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

NEWS: The Stormers have confirmed that former London Irish fullback Ben Loader has joined them ahead of the 2023/24 season.

RWC 2023 OPENER: The wait is finally over and we are now set to witness a humdinger between two giants of the game in Friday's opening match between hosts France and the All Blacks at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: Minnows Romania can return to the days when they were a match for top-tier rugby teams like France if the government invests in the sport, 'The Oaks' consultant Vern Cotter has told AFP.

STATISTICAL INSIGHT: South Africa opens their World Cup title defence with a tricky encounter against Scotland at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand fullback Beauden Barrett believes the World Cup will be a "fantastic" event which he hopes will start with a revenge victory over hosts France in Friday's opening game.

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Dynamic scrumhalf Antoine Dupont will lead France into a home World Cup with hopes high that he can spark a first Northern Hemisphere victory in 20 years in the sport's quadrennial showpiece.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie has named his side to face New Zealand in their World Cup opener this weekend at Stade de Francais.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Ian Foster picked a star studded side for their World Cup opener against hosts France at Stade de France on Friday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the absence of utility back Canan Moodie and lock Jean Kleyn from the matchday selection.

NEWS: The future of the professional game in the Western Cape was 'saved' when the Western Province Rugby Football Union clubs finally came to their senses.

REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday it was "an honour" for the host nation to play New Zealand in the World Cup's opening match as he named a team including Yoram Moefana.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi has been passed fit and is available for Australia's first game in the World Cup against Georgia, the team's scrum coach Neil Hatley said on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named his squad to take on Scotland in their World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Irish rugby legend Paul O'Connell hopes his memories of this World Cup will be happier than his final one as a player in 2015 when Ireland once again failed to get past the quarterfinals.

The Wallabies no longer have a golden glow, but scrumhalf great Will Genia believes they can still shine at the World Cup 2023, saying Australia have more upside than other contenders.

WATCH as veteran Springbok Steven Kitshoff sits down for a one-on-one with @king365ed ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: When Sonny Bill Williams retired from the game, after the 2019 World Cup, he brought an end to one of the most glittering careers in the sport.

NEWS: World Rugby announced that it will implement transformative measures to protect all match-day officials and team squad players from online abuse during the World Cup 2023 in France.

SPOTLIGHT: We decided to 'crunch the numbers' and see which country in World Cup 2023 has the most home-grown players and who the lead.

NEWS: Fiji flyhalf Caleb Muntz, who scored 15 points in the historic Test win over England last month, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury, said coach Simon Raiwalui.

NEWS: John Eales knows what it takes to win a World Cup but the former Wallabies skipper says who will take this year's title in France is anyone's guess.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland and Ulster legend Stephen Ferris believes Ireland will go all the way to the final but South Africa will edge them to retain their World Cup title.

NEWS: England scrumhalf Danny Care said he had never given up the "dream" of playing at another World Cup despite the pain of missing out four years ago.

NEWS: Australian lock Richie Arnold says Australia will "get stung" if they under-estimate their first World Cup opponents Georgia on Saturday at the Stade de France.

NEWS: Wales co-captain Dewi Lake said on Tuesday he is fit to face Fiji in their opening World Cup game this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has made some bold World Cup 2023 predictions.

NEWS: Springbok and Ulster-bound prop Steven Kitshoff has risen to the No.1 spot in the latest update to the United Rugby Championship Top 100.

WATCH as the French master of ceremonies struggle with the pronunciation of South African names - as they do in most countries.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland know exactly what to expect from South Africa in their World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday reveals lock Scott Cummings.

INTERVIEW: Former New Zealand captain Wayne 'Buck' Shelford, often dubbed 'the hardest man to play the game', knows better than most the highs and lows of playing Les Bleus.

SPOTLIGHT: William Webb-Ellis may or may not have been the creator of rugby but the residents of the French Riviera town of Menton where he is buried have embraced the Englishman as one of their own.

SPOTLIGHT: Before France takes on New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup the hosts will have to face the ferocious challenge laid down by the All Blacks in the haka.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa was formally welcomed to the World Cup in France at an unrivalled and an extravagant ceremony at La Tour Royale in Toulon on Monday.

REACTION: French lock Bastien Chalureau on Monday rejected accusations he is a racist in an affair that has overshadowed hosts France's preparations for the World Cup.

NEWS: The All Blacks could be without another key player when they face France in Friday's World Cup opener.

SPOTLIGHT: England captain Owen Farrell said he has accepted the "mistake" that will see him miss the start of the World Cup campaign, but remains excited for the tournament despite his side's dreadful form.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter believes Handre Pollard's experience will be sorely missed in the Springbok squad during the World Cup.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the advantages of the pre-World Cup camp and looks forward towards the opening match against Scotland.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell says his side face an uphill battle to emerge from a stacked World Cup group that includes holders South Africa and the world's top-ranked side Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: Promising Stormers flyhalf Kade Wolhuter has agreed to a loan deal with the Lions ahead of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship season.

SPOTLIGHT: A trio of Barrett brothers will play for New Zealand at the World Cup, but according to Beauden Barrett, a fourth sibling had also been on course to wear the famous All Blacks jersey until injury prematurely ended his career.

SPOTLIGHT: From in-form wings to a generational Georgian talent and a co-captain with just 11 caps to his name.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi explains why they feel 'at home' in the port city of Toulon on the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast.

NEWS: Wales great David Watkins - the only man to captain the British Lions in both rugby union and rugby league - has died aged 81, it was announced Sunday.

OPINION: @king365ed puts his selection hat on and names the team he feels will be good enough to give the defending champions a wincing start at the World Cup.

NEWS: Former Wales loose forward Alix Popham was hospitalized with a suspected concussion while he was competing at the Wales Ironman.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph said that despite "a mass of problems" his team was preparing to scale Everest at the World Cup.

NEWS: The Springboks arrived at their World Cup base in Toulon on Sunday morning in high spirits after a ten-and-a-half-hour ferry overnight trip from Corsica.

NEWS: A bizarre incident in the Top 14 clash between Clermont and La Rochelle has grabbed headlines after former Irish international and La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara was attacked by an opposition player.

Former All Black head coach Steve Hansen has opened up on the 2019 semifinal defeat to England which ended hopes of three consecutive World Cup titles.

SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland faces a monumental task in his bid to take Wales to a third World Cup semifinal under his watch, but the Kiwi coach insists his team will do "something special" in France.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus says the Springbok camp didn’t pay much attention to all the outside noise around the make-up of their bench against the All Blacks at Twickenham.

NEWS: Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui said on Saturday his side's record ranking of seventh has no impact on their preparation for the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: For New Zealand forward Tamaiti Williams, a visit to a First World War cemetery ahead of the World Cup in France provided an unexpected and emotional link to his family heritage.

REPORT: The Cheetahs made it two wins from two matches in the Challenge Series with a 27-12 win over the Western Force in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Bulls Director of Rugby and former Springbok coach Jake White shares his thoughts on South Africa's record win over the All Blacks

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber wants his players to express themselves in the best way possible at the World Cup, even if it means going a bit off script.

NEWS: The Gold Cup – featuring 32 teams from around South Africa – kicks off in September following a four-year hiatus and will introduce a new and exciting knock-out format, which has never been seen before in the nationwide club competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland need more players to step up as leaders to help talismanic skipper Johnny Sexton and play more expansively if they are to be genuine World Cup contenders, former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill has told AFP.

NEWS: The Western Force are on the lookout for a new chief executive after parting ways with Tony Lewis.

SPOTLIGHT: England head into the World Cup arguably at their lowest ebb since the inaugural 1987 edition and with a favourable draw no longer offering much comfort.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina arrived at their World Cup base on the Brittany coast on Friday where wing Juan Imhoff declared he could feel "the pressure building".

SPOTLIGHT: Less than a week before the World Cup, with expectations rising in the squad and among the home fans, France captain Antoine Dupont says the hosts "have to win" the opener against three-time champions New Zealand.

NEWS: France suffered another big blow to their hopes of winning the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will be out to nullify Scotland's dangerous backline in their World Cup opener, but they are also aware that it all starts with the forward battle.

NEWS: Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has followed through on his touted coaching clean-out, replacing all of former mentor Brad Thorn’s assistants ahead of his first Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The World Cup will soon be upon us and now is the time to plan your viewing pleasure.

PREVIEW: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie admitted it is difficult to simulate European conditions in Bloemfontein and Perth, so he will use Saturday's game to give a whole batch of different players some much-needed game time.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland need some magic from a reformed Finn Russell if Gregor Townsend's men are to upset the odds just by making it out of a devilishly difficult World Cup pool.

OPINION: @king365ed unpacks the key aspects of the crucial vote at a WPRFU General Council meeting next Wednesday, September 6.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones applauded South Africa's "bold" use of their replacements against the All Blacks, but he is not using it as a source of inspiration ahead of the World Cup.

WATCH as Springboks Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok speak at the team's Corsica training camp ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Marcell Coetzee is confident that the Bulls will reap the rewards of the World Cup experience some of their young stars will gain as they look to the coming season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Morne Steyn has no doubt that Manie Libbok is capable of delivering in the Green and Gold No.10 jersey at the World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones addressed his media blow-up in Sydney before his squad boarded the plane to Paris earlier this month.

NEWS: Italy have a huge task facing them as Kieran Crowley's talented young team try to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

NEWS: Georgia's presence at their sixth successive World Cup since 2003 is a remarkable achievement given that they only joined the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan should have been riding a wave of momentum after hosting a successful 2019 World Cup but the Covid-19 pandemic has hampered efforts to build on their success.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the media at the team's training camp on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby's governing body was branded "not fit for purpose" in a scathing independent report published Thursday into the country's governing body.

NEWS: France centre Jonathan Danty is a doubt to face New Zealand in next week's World Cup opener due to a hamstring injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Wednesday.

NEWS: Flyhalf Handre Pollard has officially left the Springbok camp ahead of the World Cup.

OPINION: The discussion around the Springboks’ seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench for the Test against New Zealand last week has caused a lot of reaction around the world.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the ever-improving midfielder called André The Giant.

SPOTLIGHT: There used to be a lazily-used cliche about France claiming "you never knew what French team would turn up" but in the build-up to this year's World Cup that remark has been consigned to the past.

STAT ATTACK: The Springboks are rated third-best to secure the 2023 World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: In an exciting development for enthusiasts around the world, World Rugby unveiled the official World Cup 2023 Fantasy game.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster said it was a "great result" that Scott Barrett avoided a World Cup ban after being sent off against South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed unearths details of, and the people behind, the new Stormers equity deal on the table of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: A British armed forces player was found dead on Tuesday in France's Brittany region where the World Defence Rugby competition is being held, a prosecutor said.

WATCH as Springbok and Bulls legend Morne Steyn reveals the real reason why he opted to join the Lions.

NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union's General Council will meet on Wednesday, August 30, when a ground-breaking equity deal will be presented to the union's primary club stakeholders.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind the decision to play with seven forwards and just one back, as well as their future plans for the bench.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen says that New Zealand will come out ‘sharper’ in two weeks’ time after the 7-35 Twickenham defeat to South Africa.

REACTION: South Africa’s 35-7 win over New Zealand has put their pool rivals on notice, including Ireland, who will face the Springboks in their third pool match.

INTERVIEW: Coach Eddie Jones has conceded the Wallabies win-loss record heading into the World Cup isn't good enough but feels they aren't far away from clicking.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili said he wants more games against leading sides as he named his squad for this year's World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: New Zealand lock Scott Barrett has avoided a ban after being shown a red card in last weekend's record loss to South Africa, World Rugby announced on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs received some good news as head coach Hawies Fourie signed a new contract with the Bloemfontein franchise.

UPDATE: Seven of the top 10 teams find themselves in different positions in the World Rugby Rankings after the final round of World Cup warm-up clashes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coach John Dobson has identified four key areas Stormers need to improve in their pursuit to clinch the United Rugby Championship title this season.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: The All Blacks face an anxious wait after Scott Barrett has been cited following his red card against South Africa at Twickenham.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks why playing Canan Moodie at outside centre against Rieko Ioane was not as big a risk as most people felt.

The final warm-up matches for this year's World Cup took place this weekend with holders South Africa hammering New Zealand on Friday and Fiji stunning England among the standout results.

REACTION: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said veteran prop Cian Healy was "devastated" after missing out on the World Cup squad due to injury.

REACTION: Australia coach Eddie Jones said on Sunday he remained "confident" of his side's chances at the World Cup.

REACTION: Coach Fabien Galthie said France must "go up another level" after breezing past Australia 41-17 in their final World Cup warm-up on Sunday.

TEAM UPDATE: England has confirmed that Jonny May has replaced Anthony Watson in their squad for the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has had his selection hand forced by injury ahead of the World Cup.

MATCH REPORT: Eddie Jones' winless return to Australia continued with another horror story in Paris on Sunday, a humbling 17-41 loss to World Cup hosts France.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks continued their off-season recruitment by luring another Springbok to Durban.

REACTION: South Africa and Scotland are set to face off in pivotal pool match in the opening round of the World Cup, in Marseille on September 10.

REACTION: A historic win by Fiji over England has reminded Australia and other Pool C rivals that advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals is no guarantee.

NEWS: The All Blacks are holding thumbs that prop Tyrel Lomax will recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a deep gash on his upper leg in the loss against the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls gave Namibia coach Allister Coetzee food for thought ahead of the World Cup in two weeks after their 43-30 victory over the Welwitschias at the Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.

Los Pumas player ratings: Argentina put on an impressive display against Spain at the Civitatis Metropolitano in Madrid, leaving their opponents chasing shadows throughout the match played in high temperatures and high pace.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina scored nine tries in a 62-3 rout of Spain in a Rugby World Cup warm-up on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar has announced he will retire from international rugby union after the upcoming World Cup in France.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland hung on desperately to edge Samoa 17-13 their final World Cup warm-up match in a rainy Bayonne on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland wrapped up their World Cup warm-up campaign with a 33-6 victory over Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy convincingly beat Japan 42-21 on Saturday in both teams' final warm-up match before the World Cup in France.

REACTION: England coach Steve Borthwick lamented his side's poor tackling after a shock 22-30 loss to Fiji.

England player ratings live from Twickenham: It was Friday when Steve Borthwick’s assistant, Kevin Sinfield, calmly vouched that "getting better and improving is never a straight line".

MATCH REPORT: Fiji has caused one of the greatest upsets in rugby history beating England for the first time ever by 30-22 in a World Cup warm-up game at Twickenham on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber chats to @king365ed after their 35-7 rout of the All Blacks at Twickenham at the weekend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in London.

STATEMENT: The real reason for Elton Jantjies' departure from the Springbok team has been revealed.

REPORT: Wales and British and Irish Lions player Rhys Webb is facing a potentially career-ending ban.

REACTION: The All Blacks were blasted as "panicky and rattled" by New Zealand media on Saturday.

REACTION: The All Blacks' already fragile second row stock suffered another major setback during their 7-35 defeat to the Springboks on Friday.

PREVIEW: The Wallabies' second row has a distinctly French flavour as skipper Will Skelton and Richie Arnold line up against many of their club teammates in Paris in their World Cup warm-up.

OPINION: Finn Morton rates the New Zealand players after their record 7-35 loss to South Africa at Twickenham on Friday.

REACTION: If Auckland was the wake-up call, Twickenham was the remedy for the defending World Cup champions South Africa.

OPINION: @king365ed rates the South African players after their record 35-7 win over New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

MATCH REPORT:  The Springboks made a big statement concluding their World Cup preparations with a resounding 35-7 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium in London.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs got their build-up to their new European campaign off to a victorious start.

PREVIEW: The world's top-ranked team, Ireland, completes its World Cup warm-up fixtures on Saturday by taking on Samoa in Bayonne.

PREVIEW: Scotland will be eager to fine-tune their squad when they host Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday.

PREVIEW: The woes of the England rugby team since they started their preparations for the World Cup could not have been scripted any worse.

NEWS: A first for the United Rugby Championship is on the cards for the 2023/24 season when Ospreys play the Sharks in London at the Twickenham Stoop for their Round 3 match-up on November 3.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Will Skelton will become the 87th Wallabies captain when he leads the side onto Stade de France on Sunday for the side’s final Test before the 2023 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In another incredible effort to grow the sport, World Rugby has launched rugby’s first-ever global streaming platform RugbyPass TV.

NEWS: Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac will lead Japanese second-division side NEC Green Rockets next season.

NEWS: Centre George Moala will miss all but one of Tonga's World Cup pool games after he failed in an appeal to have a five-match ban over-turned, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former New Zealand flyhalf Lima Sopoaga will make his Samoa Test debut in this weekend's World Cup warm-up with Ireland.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi fronts up to the media ahead of his team's encounter with the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite heading in a new direction, Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat will stay true to the legacy of former skipper Steven Kitshoff.

PREVIEW: @king365ed brings you the views of both camps ahead of the World Cup warm-up match between arch-rivals South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

PREVIEW: Head coach Jamie Joseph said Thursday that Japan had "turned the page" ahead of their final World Cup tune-up against Italy after a spate of red cards and injuries.

NEWS: England have suffered a fresh blow ahead of the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad to face Samoa in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up fixture at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne.

TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: Courtney Lawes will earn his 100th cap as England captain on Saturday as Steve Borthwick’s men take on Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in the last of Nations Series games before the start of the 2023 World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Matthieu Jalibert will start at flyhalf in France's final World Cup warm-up match against Australia this weekend, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Thursday.

NEWS: Stormers head coach John Dobson has revealed his new squad captain ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

WATCH as Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen previews the Twickenham Test against the All Blacks.

NEWS: Griquas confirmed the arrival of former Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe as the new assistant coach.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia 'A' Head Coach Jason Gilmore has confirmed his side to face Portugal at Stade Jules-Ladoumègue in Massy, south of Paris, on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England No.8 Billy Vunipola has not escape punishment for his dangerous tackle during England's defeat to Ireland on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend wants his team to play their best rugby when they face South Africa in the World Cup.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has laughed off the idea there's anything disloyal about his predecessor Steve Hansen's brief link-up with the Wallabies.

SPOTLIGHT: Lalakai Foketi has boldly declared the Wallabies aren't in France to make up the numbers and won't be satisfied with anything less than winning the World Cup.

REACTION: South Africa must expect another fierce onslaught from New Zealand in their Word Cup warm-up match at Twickenham on Friday.

NEWS: Argentina will be heading to the World Cup without one of their big names.

SPOTLIGHT: Two things that immediately struck Rosko Specman as he drove into the South Africa Sevens team’s base at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on Wednesday, were ‘hard work’ and ‘no comfort zones’.

TRANSFER NEWS: France prop Demba Bamba will join Racing 92 from Lyon next season, the Paris-based Top 14 club announced on Wednesday.

WATCH as Springbok veteran Eben Etzebeth explains why they will leave nothing in the tank in their face-off against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jamie Ritchie will lead Scotland in their final match before the upcoming World Cup.

PREVIEW: Namibia will be entering their final preparation stages for the 2023 World Cup and they will face the Bulls in Windhoek on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A matchday 23, with over 1000 Tests of international experience, has been given the task of taking on the current world champions South Africa in a match that will complete preparations for the 2023  World Cup in France.

UPDATE: Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to former Springbok captain Marthinus Theunis Steyn (Theuns) Stofberg, who sadly passed away on Wednesday following a serious car accident outside Stellenbosch on Monday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruan Pienaar resumes his role at flyhalf for the Cheetahs when they face the Western Force in the opening of four Challenge Series games in Bloemfontein on Friday night.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland star Duhan van der Merwe admitted that his rise on the international stage in the colours of Scotland was something that he could never envisage a few years ago.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber responds in mirthful fashion to a question about flyhalf Manie Libbok's declining goalkicking standards.

SPOTLIGHT: In another shocking move Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones has hinted that flyhalf  Ben Donaldson could be in line for his first Wallabies appearance when Australia face hosts France in their World Cup warm-up.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber clears up any doubt about the injury status of World Cup winners Handre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am and their possible return to the squad.

BREAKING NEWS: The verdict of England captain Owen Farrell's appeal hearing has been released and it is going to upset his critics.

NEWS: World Rugby has announced the referee appointments for the 40 matches that comprise the pool stage of this year's World Cup in France.

NEWS: The BlitzBoks received some bad news ahead of the Sevens season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When days are dark, friends are few. However, that is not the case for Australia's head coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: South Africa has lost a huge figure in the coaching fraternity with the sad news that the Griffons’ assistant coach Oersond Gorgonzola has passed away.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ange Capuozzo will travel to the World Cup in France after being selected in the Azzurri squad announced on Tuesday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the key to success for his team against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black star Ardie Savea says there is no such thing as a "warm-up" for his team as they prepare to face the Springboks at Twickenham Stadium in London.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bayonne lock Manuel Leindekar and Castres scrumhalf Santiago Arata were both named in Uruguay's 33-man World Cup squad.

NEWS: The eight venues for the 2025 Women's World Cup in England have been announced, two years out from the start of the showpiece tournament.

REACTION: Veteran All Blacks hooker Dane Coles said he was "gobsmacked" to hear former New Zealand coach Steve Hansen is helping rivals Australia prepare for the World Cup.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains how they will continue to ease captain Siya Kolisi back to full match fitness.

SQUAD UPDATE: Uncapped hooker Diarmuid Barron has joined the Ireland squad ahead of their warm-up clash against Samoa in Bayonne.

NEWS: The 'Bunker' review system and the shot clock will feature at the upcoming World Cup in France, World Rugby announced Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Namibia, beaten in all 22 matches they played at six previous World Cups, named 39-year-old lock PJ van Lill among 31 players on Monday for the 2023 tournament in France.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind his left-field selection for the World Cup warm-up encounter with the All Blacks.

NEWS: South Africa's new position in the Men's Rankings was confirmed by World Rugby on Monday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Flank Anthony Jelonch was named in host nation France's World Cup squad by head coach Fabien Galthie on Monday despite suffering from a serious knee injury.

NEWS: Israel Folau has been left out of Tonga’s World Cup squad announced by coach Toutai Kefu who named 32 players with one more name to be added.

NEWS: The Lions have nabbed a Bull after being on the hunt for months to fill their coaching positions with the announcement that one of the most prolific kickers in South African rugby will join them as kicking consultant.

NEWS: Wales coach Warren Gatland has named two captains to lead his side in the World Cup in France in two weeks. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for their final World Cup warm-up match against the All Blacks in London on Friday.

NEWS: England’s Billy Vunipola will know his fate on Tuesday following his red card against Ireland when the hearing for the red card offence will take place.

NEWS: World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has joined the Wallabies in a short-term advisory role ahead of next month's World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Assistant coach Jason Ryan says the All Blacks will send out their strongest "available" "team for their World Cup warm-up match against the Springboks on Friday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber responds to questions around the poor kicking performance of flyhalf Manie Libbok in the last two Tests.

Which team has competed at the World Cup regularly but has never won a single game? Today we take a look at the team from Namibia, galant competitors but a victory has always eluded them.

WATCH as returning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi sings the praises of veteran fullback Willie le Roux, despite a performance that had the cynics calling for his head.

REACTION: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will be hoping that the foot injury Dan Sheehan suffered against England on Saturday is not a serious one.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies assistant coach Jason Ryles says his new boss Eddie Jones shares similar coaching philosophies to Craig Bellamy, who he played and worked under at the Melbourne Storm.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks his team's record win over Wales in Cardiff at the weekend.

REACTION: Wales head coach Warren Gatland admitted that the Springboks physically dominated his side in all areas of the game in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff.

REACTION: England coach Steve Borthwick was left hoping for a rapid finish to rugby's often lengthy disciplinary procedures after Billy Vunipola joined Owen Farrell as a World Cup doubt by being sent off during a 10-29 warm-up loss to Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: France has beaten Fiji 34-17 in a World Cup warm-up match at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Saturday evening.

NEWS: The world's most capped player Alun Wyn Jones was shown a yellow card just three minutes into his French Top 14 debut as his Toulon side lost 27-15 at Lyon.

OPINION: @king365ed rates the South African players after their 52-16 demolition of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi speaks about his first game after knee surgery - a 40-minute outing in a 52-16 rout of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

REPORT: Another one of Steve Borthwick's stars is set to face the music in the coming days.

OPINION: The ambition in Dublin was for Steve Borthwick’s team to live up to their head coach’s promise that they definitely were in the right direction towards Marseille and being pitch-perfect for their World Cup opener versus Argentina.

OPINION: The men in green eventually got out of second gear to see off a disjointed if earnest England side, that refused to go away even after going down to 14 men.

NEWS: Georgia eased past the USA 22-7 on Saturday in their second warm-up for this year's World Cup.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and England at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

OPINION: Ian Cameron rates the Welsh players after their humbling 16-52 loss to South Africa.

REPORT: The Springboks will head into their next World Cup warm-up match against the All Blacks with some momentum after they hammered Wales 52-16 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between Wales and South Africa at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

NEWS: Brave Blossoms coach Jamie Joseph has made four changes to the original World Cup squad for Japan that was announced three days ago.

WATCH as iconic Springbok captain Siya Kolisi explains how he found strength in God to recover from knee surgery and recover in time to be ready for the World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England captain Owen Farrell has been told when he must appear before an appeal hearing in his labyrinthian and disputatious saga.

REACTION: Former leading referee Nigel Owens warned Rugby Union is in "big trouble" if Owen Farrell's dangerous tackle against Wales is no longer regarded as worthy of a sending-off.

PREVIEW: @king365ed unpacks the World Cup warm-up encounter between Wales and South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday and what it means for the Springboks' title defence that starts next month.

INTERVIEW: Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted he is planning for some short-term success and the World Cup is his target.

PREVIEW: The whole controversy surrounding Owen Farrell this week has taken some of the spotlight away from Saturday's big World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and England in Dublin.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus took to social media to show his support for Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell.

PREVIEW: There are some intriguing matches in the latest round of the World Cup warm-ups and World Rugby has published the ranking permutations.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The South African Under-18 team to face England in the International series in Paarl on Saturday underwent wholesale changes including new captain JJ Theron.

PREVIEW: World Cup hosts France will welcome Fiji to Stade de la Beaujoire for a warm-up match on Saturday evening and there is no doubt that Fabien Galthie's side needs a strong performance against an ever improving Fiji.

REACTION: Ireland coach Andy Farrell slammed much of the commentary surrounding son Owen.

NEWS: All Black head coach Ian Foster has added another player to his injury list.

NEWS: National Rugby League assistant Jason Ryles has answered an SOS from Wallabies coach Eddie Jones and will join the Australian squad as a replacement for attack coach Brad Davis.

BREAKING NEWS: Wales suffered a double injury blow ahead of their final World Cup warm-up match against reigning champions South Africa in Cardiff on Saturday.

NEWS: France-based New Zealand rugby player George Tilsley has been given a six-month suspended prison sentence for assaulting his girlfriend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England appointed a new captain for their World Cup warm-up match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday as a replacement for Owen Farrell, who awaits his fate after World Rugby appealed his disciplinary ruling.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: James Ryan will captain Ireland in the final home match before the World Cup, while Keith Earls is in line to win his 100th Test cap in green should he feature off the replacements bench.

WATCH as affable Springbok Ox Nché reveals why he almost missed a second consecutive World Cup and why he prefers cake over salad.

World Rugby has lodged an appeal against the decision to overturn Owen Farrell’s red card from Saturday’s match against Wales, placing the England captain’s participation in the World Cup in doubt again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France have recalled captain Gregory Alldritt for their World Cup warm-up clash with Fiji in Nantes on Saturday while Paul Willemse and Francois Cros also return for the tournament hosts.

Ange Capuozzo will return to Italy's starting line-up following six months out after being picked on Thursday for this weekend's World Cup warm-up with Romania.

WATCH as Wallaby coach Eddie Jones blow up at the Australian media over their 'negative' questions.

NEWS: Eddie Jones' second stint as Australia's head coach has not gone as planned. 

OPINION: The final spot for the World Cup in France went to Portugal and now the biggest rugby spectacle in the world is just around the corner.

With most of the rugby stars' attention solely focused on the 2023 World Cup, the rest of the stars has been extremely busy with pre-season training.

WATCH as Springboks Ox Nche and Cheslin Kolbe talk about the biggest threats they face against Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday.

TEAM NEWS: Ireland confirmed that five players have been cut from the 42-man World Cup training squad on Wednesday.

NEWS: It seems like England's concerns are far from over as captain Owen Farrell might still be banned for his tackle during the World Cup warm-up match against Wales at Twickenham.

NEWS: The Cheetahs and the Western Force, will kick off their campaigns in the Challenge Series on Friday, August 25 against each other.

#RWC SQUADS: The men who will fight for the prestigious World Cup trophy from September 8 to October 28.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Romania coach Eugen Apjok on Wednesday selected nine players based in France including Stade Francais prop Thomas Cretu in his 33-man squad for next month's World Cup in France.

NEWS: The South African Under-18 team must lift their heads and knuckle down as they start preparing for their second game in the U18 International Series against England on Saturday.

INTERVIEW: Shock new Wallabies captain Will Skelton is pledging to be his own man while also leaning on teammates for support during Australia's World Cup campaign.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind starting captain Siya Kolisi and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse against Wales, instead of easing them back into the fray off the bench.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls assistant coach Chris Rossouw believes the Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse will only get better after claiming five individual awards at the franchise's annual awards ceremony.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Warren Gatland has named his Wales team to play South Africa in a World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains which aspects of the team's game and approach improved since they won the World Cup in 2019.

NEWS: Six South Africans have been included in the Barbarian match-23 to face Samoa in Brive on Friday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named his 33-player squad for the upcoming World Cup 2023, to be held in France next month.

NEWS: The release of the Super Rugby Pacific draw for 2024 has revealed an action-packed schedule headlined by fierce rivalries.

NEWS: Of the 20 teams lining up in France only one is making its first appearance at the World Cup.

REACTION: Kevin Sinfield has vituperated the critics of England captain Owen Farrell in the wake of the surprise ruling in his disciplinary hearing.

NEWS: Injured Ireland back row forward Jack Conan is going really well in his recovery from the foot problem which cast doubt on his World Cup participation.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE:  Owen Farrell's ruling has been confirmed and it will certainly raise a few eyebrows.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his team for Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff.

REPORT: Hosts Tonga crossed for six tries in a 36-12 romp over Canada on Tuesday to claim a second straight win over the Canucks in tune-ups for the World Cup.

WOMEN SPOTLIGHT: In a boost to the management of the Springbok Women, the experienced Franzel September has been added to the team’s coaching staff, joining Laurian Johannes-Haupt as assistant to interim head coach Louis Koen.

INTERVIEW: Two-Test playmaker Carter Gordon says he's ready for the World Cup pressure-cooker despite being the only specialist flyhalf in the Wallabies squad.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Quade Cooper's spectacular fall from grace is complete with Wallabies coach Eddie Jones overlooking the playmaker for Australia A's team to play Portugal.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are bracing themselves for another tricky encounter against Wales when they meet in a World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Saturday.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his World Cup squad With three places in the 33-member squad still to be confirmed.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales is the latest team sweating over the fitness of key players, just weeks out from the World Cup.

WATCH as UJ coach Jonathan Mokuena chats to @king365ed about his graduation from SARU's Elite Coaching Programme and what the future holds for him.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Xola Nyali has been handed the captaincy as the South African Under-18 team prepare for their U18 International Series opener against France at Stellenberg High School in Durbanville.

SPOTLIGHT: There is always the risk of picking up injuries in World Cup warm-up matches and this past weekend's clashes proved that anything could happen from now until the big event in France.

NEWS: For the first time since January 2008 Wales are below Fiji in the World Rugby's Rankings.

INJURY UPDATE: France suffered a double blow less than a month before the hosts open the World Cup against New Zealand with flyhalf Romain Ntamack ruled out with a knee injury and prop Cyril Baille in doubt with a calf problem.

PREVIEW: Canada brace themselves for another physical challenge against Tonga at the Teufaiva Stadium on Tuesday.

INJURY UPDATE: England scrumhalf Jack nan Poortvliet has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland are peaking at the right time which is a major alarm bell for their heavyweight World Cup pool stage contenders, Ireland and South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: England flyhalf George Ford, a close friend of Owen Farrell since childhood, said England would rally around their skipper as he faces a ban.

INJURY NEWS: France's chances of winning the World Cup title have suffered a major blow with reports of Romain Ntamack's injury.

FEATURE: Walvis Bay is renowned for the abundance of its wildlife. Whales bask offshore while flamingos, pelicans and Damara terns all shelter in the tidal lagoon.

SPOTLIGHT: It is not easy to tell assistant coaches to continually chop and change teams when they stand to lose 40% of their income when things go awry.

OPINION: Rugbypass writer Ben Smith shares his views on the World Cup warm-up match between All Blacks and Springboks at Twickenham on August 25.

REACTION: England captain Owen Farrell seems set to miss the start of the World Cup after being sent off in a 19-17 warm-up win over Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, although coach Steve Borthwick cautioned against pre-empting the disciplinary process.

REPORT: Namibia produced a strong fightback in the final quarter to beat Chile 28-26 in Temuco on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: France flyhalf Romain Ntamack left the field with a suspected knee problem and Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe also suffered an injury as the World Cup hosts won 30-27 in a warm-up match in Saint-Etienne on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi might very well make his comeback to the playing field in a week and was asked if he felt he was ready to once again lead the team.

REPORT: A late Thomas Ramos penalty helped France edge Scotland 30-27 in their World Cup warm-up match in Saint-Etienne on Saturday.

OPINION: France didn’t quite reign supreme in the St-Etienne hot-box, a stadium which will host four World Cup games later this year, but there were many flashes of brilliance to admire nonetheless.

OPINION: Scotland sorted out their slow start issues but were unable to deliver the 80-minute performance needed to overcome Les Bleus on home soil.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between France and Scotland in Saint-Etienne.

OPINION: England have beaten Wales 19-17 in their international match at Twickenham in what was scrappy and at times chaotic affair in west London.

OPINION: What a crazy, crazy game.

REPORT: Georgia hammered Romania 56-6 in Tbilisi in a warm-up fixture for this year's World Cup on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT:  A late penalty made sure England edged Wales 19-17 at Twickenham on Saturday despite a red card to captain to Owen Farrell.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between England and Wales at Twickenham in London.

The Springboks departed South Africa’s shores on Saturday determined to make the country proud.

NEWS: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has refuted any conspiracy theories doing the rounds regarding the composition of his 33-man World Cup squad.

SPOTLIGHT: Max Jorgensen has placed his studies on hold in the hope of becoming the youngest Wallaby ever to debut at a World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok lock Jean Kleyn might be on his way to the World Cup for South Africa on Saturday, but the towering lock is not ready to bid Munster farewell yet.