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Wouldn't the World Cup become marvellous if no more coaches pointed fingers at referees? It remains astonishingly true that players are allowed to make mistakes but not referees, their fellow human beings.

OPINION: Tom Vinicombe rates the All Black players after their 63-0 demolition of Canada.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: RugbyPass analysts Ben Smith looks at how teams are exposing robotic scrumhalves and flyhalves.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: @rugby365com's Law guru Paul Dobson looks at two incidents concerning touchline during the World Cup match between Australia and Wales.

OPINION: Scotland picked up their first win of the World Cup, a 34-0 defeat of Samoa, which also delivered an all-important bonus point.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks have a nervous wait over a potential citing for captain Kieran Read following their thrashing of Canada, with media raising alarm bells over a seemingly no-arms tackle.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: To the victors go the spoils. In this case a place in the quarterfinals and the real possibility of global glory.

Kumamoto is a coastal city in the middle of Kyushu with a chill vibe. Two of the most popular areas in Kumamoto are the shopping arcades of Shimotori and Kamitori.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Georgia and Fiji in Osaka.

WORLD RANKINGS UPDATE: Wales have returned to second place after beating Australia 29-25 in an enthralling Pool D match at Tokyo Stadium at the weekend.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Two former All Blacks believe Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has erred by establishing an "us against everyone" mentality.

BREAKING: Springbok stalwart Eben Etzebeth could be forced to return home from the World Cup in Japan.

WORLD CUP REACTION: French coach Jacques Brunel admitted his team struggled to control the game in their 33-7 win against the United States.

MATCH REPORT: Two-time defending champions New Zealand ran nine tries past Canada in a 63-0 romp to strengthen their grip on Pool B at the World Cup on Wednesday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Sexton is back. A sexton is a man who sees that a church's edifice is strong and healthy.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England's players have hit back at accusations by Argentina that they play "boring" rugby before this weekend's World Cup clash in Tokyo, refusing to get drawn into any mind games.

WORLD CUP REPORT: France scored three tries in the closing stages to beat a willing United States team 33-9 in Fukuoka City on Wednesday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Canada and New Zealand in the Oita Prefecture.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has joined the chorus of criticism surrounding the referees at this year's World Cup.

WORLD CUP REACTION: All Black coach Steve Hansen said he was "pretty happy" with his team's 63-0 hammering of Canada.

WATCH as Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth replies to a message from a young fan, who could hardly believe the response he got!

OPINION: Wales ran out with the spoils, surviving a late Wallabies comeback attempt, who were inarguably the better team for the final thirty minutes of the match.

OPINION: The Wallabies’ valiant second-half effort was not enough to record a win over the Grand Slam Champions Wales on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between France and the United States in Fukuoka City.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England are a lot of things and boring is certainly one of them claims Argentina hooker Agustín Creevy ahead of the teams World Cup showdown.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Nineteen-year-old sensation Jordan Petaia is set to become Australia's youngest World Cup player, after he got the nod on Wednesday for this weekend's game against Uruguay.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus admitted he was taking a calculated risk with his team selection for the "do-or-die" Pool B match against Italy on Friday.

OPINION: South African had no trouble to dispose of their Africa neighbours Namibia 57-3 in their World Cup Pool B match on Saturday.

NEWS: Rob Penney has been appointed Waratahs Head Coach for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Ospreys are finally able to announce the signing of Shaun Venter on a two-year deal after a prolonged delay due to difficulties with the Governing Bodies and UK Border Agency.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Fiji will look to put the ignominy of a winless start - including the shock loss to Uruguay - behind them.

TRANSFER NEWS: Experienced utility back James Marshall has extended his contract with Hurricanes.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Talismanic No.8 Sergio Parisse will become rugby union's second most capped player when he skippers Italy in their crunch Pool B match against South Africa on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia coach Michael Cheika has a number of big decisions to make after the Wallabies' loss to Wales on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: World Player of the Year Jonathan Sexton will captain Ireland for the first time after being recalled for their World Cup match against Russia on Thursday following a thigh injury.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: France will look to long-serving No.8 Louis Picamoles for inspiration as he captains his country for the first time against the United States in the tournament's 'group of death'.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji coach John McKee has made 11 changes to his team for their Pool D match against Georgia on Thursday.

INJURY UPDATE: Stormers utility back Damian Willemse will fly out to Japan to join the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad following the injury withdrawal of Jesse Kriel.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has shuffled his pack for the must-win World Cup clash with Italy in Shizuoka on Friday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: All Black loose forward Ardie Savea will become the first player to wear goggles at the global showpiece.

OPINION: Namibia arrived with high hopes, but soon became spectators of their own demise.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ulster wasted no time in recalling their Springbok loose forward for their two-match Pro14 tour of South Africa.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: This match under the dome of Oita Stadium in Japan is as near to a foregone conclusion as you can get in Sport.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: High balls, cross-field kicks and the return of the mighty drop.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Uruguay hooker Facundo Gattas on Tuesday became the fifth player at the  World Cup to be suspended for a dangerous tackle, following his red card in the 7-33 defeat to Georgia.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Vice-captain Samu Kerevi is demanding an end to Australia's shambolic starts if they're to reach their potential at the World Cup.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said his side were "still in the tournament" after an "exceptional" 34-0 win over Samoa revived their bid for a World Cup quarterfinal place.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are relishing the more balanced and composed refereeing of Englishman Wayne Barnes for their crunch encounter with Italy on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Denis Simplikevich has been named in Russia's team to face Ireland for their third World Cup match in Kobe on Thursday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Match officials continue to face strident criticism at this year's World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Hard-hitting Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi has threatened to switch to Rugby League after being penalised for a stray elbow in Australia's 25-29 World Cup defeat by Wales.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Scotland and Samoa in Kobe City.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Kyle Sinckler insists England's forward "tank" will continue blasting a path through Japan, as a quarterfinal place beckons for Eddie Jones' side

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia have made 11 changes for the game against Fiji in Hanazono on Thursday, with Merab Sharikadze returning as captain to the starting XV for the crucial Pool D encounter.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan has blossomed from charming hosts to pool pacesetters with their victory over Ireland.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Typhoon Mitag is bearing down on southwestern Japan.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: A mixture of fear and reverence will accompany Canada when they face the mighty All Blacks in one of the biggest mismatches of the World Cup's pool stage on Wednesday.

Before each Rugby World Cup match, the two teams line up and their anthem is sung. There are 20 teams and so 20 anthems.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett will become the first trio of brothers to appear for the All Blacks in a World Cup match after they were named to start for the three-times world champions against Canada.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: USA coach Gary Gold made five changes to the side that lost 7-45 to England, many of them enforced by injury or suspension, for their clash against France on Wednesday.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Scotland recorded a bonus-point 34-0 win over Samoa to keep alive their chances of qualifying from a tight Pool A.

OPINION: This wasn’t meant to happen.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Louis Picamoles will captain France for the first time on Wednesday, leading out a much-changed French XV to play the United States in the World Cup's "group of death".

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be an air of excitement at Nelson Mandela Stadium this week, at as a couple of African-born players return to their homeland.

REACTION: Wales might be forced to play their 'third-choice flyhalf' following Dan Biggar's head knock during the side's 29-25 win over Australia.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: England centre Piers Francis escaped a ban on Sunday for a high tackle at the World Cup, avoiding the fate of four other players who were suspended for illegal hits.

TOP 14 WRAP: Stade Francais head coach Heyneke Meyer said he has owner Hans-Peter Wild's support despite the Parisian club sitting bottom of the French Top 14 table after losing 18-32 to Clermont on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: World Rugby organisers have apologised to Georgia after head coach Milton Haig slammed them for playing a Russian song after his side's 33-7 victory over Uruguay.

REACTION: Rassie Erasmus revealed that  Japan were a "scary" proposition after the hosts' staggering upset of Ireland put them on a collision course with the Springboks in the World Cup quarter-finals.

SPOTLIGHT: The first week of action certainly delivered at the Rugby World Cup in Japan and there are a number of alterations needed to the initial power rankings from before the tournament opener.

NEWS: A tropical storm could affect the scheduling of this week's World Cup game between France and the USA, organisers warned on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Six Nations champions Wales took a massive step towards topping Pool D with a thrilling 29-25 victory over valiant Australia on Sunday. 

The Boland Under-15 are the 2019 Iqhawe Week champions after a decisive 29-10 victory over Griquas in the final match at Paarl Gim on Thursday, 26 September 2019.

REACTION: Jamie Joseph has praised the courage of his Japan players following their momentous 19-12 victory over Ireland, revealing they had been preparing for the match for three years.

REACTION: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has been left “embarrassed” by the ongoing mess and confusion surrounding the tackle in rugby union following his side's 25-29 defeat to Wales. 

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland have called Ulster's Jordi Murphy into their World Cup squad, after confirming Jack Conan will miss the rest of the tournament with a broken foot.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Georgia v Uruguay Kumagaya City.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Scotland head into their match against Samoa on Monday knowing Ireland's surprise defeat by Japan has blown open up the race for quarterfinal qualification from Pool A.

MATCH REPORT: World Cup host Japan produced yet another extraordinary upset when they secured a historic 19-12 win over Ireland.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Ireland star Johnny Sexton believes a stunning World Cup defeat by Japan could yet prove to be a "blessing in disguise" because it took place during the group stages.

WATCH  as Japan stunned the globe with their historic 19-12 win over Ireland in Shizuoka on Saturday.

PRO14 WRAP: Southern Kings narrowly lost their opening Pro14 match by four points as Cardiff Blues clinched a late 27-31 win at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

OPINION: After a solid but unspectacular start to their World Cup campaign against Tonga, England moved through the gears and established their credentials with a 45-7 win over the USA in Kobe.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Australia will not be appealing against the three-match ban handed to wing Reece Hodge for a dangerous tackle in last weekend's World Cup match against Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As the all-time greatest flyhalf Dan Carter ranked his top three first-fives in the world last week, many South Africans felt aggrieved that their own favourite 10 wasn’t mentioned by the former All Black.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Wales and Australia in Tokyo.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: Georgia issued a dosage of reality to Uruguay when they beat them 33-7 in Kumagaya City on Sunday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: History-making Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones admitted that blood had been spilt as training boiled over ahead of his team's highly-anticipated Pool D blockbuster with Australia on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Argentina and Tonga in Osaka.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina bounce back from their opening defeat to France with a hard-fought 28-12 win over Tonga on Saturday.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: South Africa put their campaign back on track with a 57-3 demolition of a starstruck Namibia on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Legend has it that when Kevin Barrett retired from the game he said he was off "to make some All Blacks".

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Quick turnarounds of as little as four days at the World Cup are stretching the squads of established nations and making life especially hard for lesser teams.

PRO14 REPORT: Craig Gilroy made a triumphant return from long-term injury, inspiring Ulster to a 38-14 bonus-point win over Ospreys in their Pro14 opener.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between South Africa and Namibia in Toyota City.

SPOTLIGHT: In the wake of Uruguay’s shock 30-27 win over Fiji, we look at some notable upsets through the years.

UPDATE: South African lock Hendré Stassen is no longer a Stade Français player after testing positive for a banned substance.

WORLD CUP INTERVIEW: Veteran Springbok hooker Schalk Brits was pondering life after rugby on Spanish party island Ibiza when he received a surprise call from coach Rassie Erasmus.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Japan and Ireland in Shizuoka.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has changed his entire back row for Monday's World Cup match against Samoa, as his injury-hit team seeks to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Ireland.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Samoa's Motu Matu'u was slapped with a three-game ban on Friday following a crackdown on high tackles at the Rugby World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia head coach Michael Cheika has hit out at World Rugby following Reece Hodge’s three-match ban for a dangerous tackle.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Ireland goes into this weekend's clash with hosts Japan without talismanic playmaker Johnny Sexton.

INJURY UPDATE: Young USA prop David Ainu'u will miss the rest of the World Cup after sustaining a severe ankle injury only minutes into the Eagles' match against England, the team said Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Scotland veteran John Barclay insisted there was nothing to be gained by "sitting in our hotel rooms and crying for a week" as they looked to get their World Cup back on track against Samoa.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: England's Piers Francis was cited for foul play on Friday after a tackle that left USA fullback Will Hooley concussed at the World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa are well on their way to improve in all areas ahead of the playoffs vowed defence coach Jacques Nienaber.

NEW BEGINNINGS: The tournament returns to action 125 days after Leinster defended their title at Celtic Park against Glasgow Warriors and set a new record of six crowns in front of the largest crowd to ever attend a Championship decider.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: There are four backline changes to a surprise Wallabies starting team to face Wales in their key World Cup pool match in Tokyo.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Alun Wyn Jones will become Wales' most capped player this weekend.

PRO14 REPORT: The Cheetahs put in a thrilling display of free-flowing rugby as they downed last year’s Pro14 finalists Glasgow Warriors 48-14 in Bloemfontein to open up the new campaign.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Argentina know their World Cup rests on a must-win game against Tonga in Osaka on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones hailed George Ford, after the flyhalf guided the side to a 45-7 rout of the United States in Kobe on Thursday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks hardman Joe Moody claimed that "99.9 percent" of head-high tackles were accidental, as the World Cup produced its first red card amid heavy scrutiny of head shots.

REACTION: USA coach Gary Gold described his team's 7-45 rout at the hands of England as a "calamity in Kobe" and vowed to bounce back after "letting themselves down pretty badly".

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: United States flank John Quill has been banned three weeks for shoulder charging England's Owen Farrell.

WORLD CUP DISCIPLINARY NEWS: Samoa's Rey Lee-Lo received a three-match ban for a high tackle, ruling him out of the rest of the pool stage.

The eyes of all Japan and the rest of the world are on the World Cup with another 11 matches in the coming week with lots of focus on Japan vs Ireland, Australia vs Wales and Scotland vs Samoa.

NEWS: Sacked Wallaby star Israel Folau's bid to revive his career playing rugby league for Tonga hit a setback when officials backing the plan were suspended over unrelated matters.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: There was a time when Namibia was called South West Africa and was administered as a part of South Africa.

WATCH as England's cheap-shot merchant Owen Farrell gets a taste of his own medicine.

WORLD CUP REPORT: England produced a slick performance to beat the United States 45-7 on Thursday, earning a vital bonus-point win ahead of sterner Pool C Tests against Argentina and France.

REACTION: Australia wing Reece Hodge revealed he hadn't been trained on World Rugby's new protocol for policing high tackles at the World Cup, an official report of his disciplinary hearing revealed on Thursday.

WORLD CUP MATCH REPORT: Italy sent out a clear statement of intent when they dismissed Canada 48-7 in Fukuoka City on Thursday.

NEWS: New Zealand have returned to the top of the World Rugby Rankings after beating South Africa 23-13.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Greig Laidlaw has revealed things are getting tetchy on the Scotland training ground in Japan.

LISTEN as @LoffieEloff joins @King365ed in the Cape Town studio to look beyond the emotion of the apocalyptic refereeing performance and find the real reason why the @AllBlacks beat the @Springboks.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Italy and Canada in Fukuoka City.

WORLD CUP REACTION: The need for a more mobile loose trio against the 'expansive' Namibian team is at the heart of the decision to name Schalk Brits at No.8.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland have decided not to risk mercurial flyhalf Johnny Sexton for this weekend's World Cup Pool A clash against hosts Japan after he picked up a niggle against Scotland.

OPINION: A ruthless first-half from Wales, who were up and running within minutes and had the bonus point before half-time. They lost intensity for the third quarter but rallied to score twice more before the end to secure a comfortable win.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between England and the United States in Kobe City.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Namibia coach Phil Davies has made sweeping changes to his team for the Pool B match against South Africa at City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between England and the United States in Kobe City.

OPINION: Bigger challenges may await England, although Eddie Jones and his side will be content with their 35-3 win over Tonga on Sunday in their World Cup opener.

OPINION: A day to forget for Scottish Rugby, who went behind early and stayed there.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Benjamin Urdapilleta was handed his first Test start in six years as Argentina made four changes on Thursday for their World Cup game against Tonga.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock fears the decision to ban Reece Hodge will spark a red-card frenzy that could cost a team the World Cup.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Uruguay's shock win over Fiji at the World Cup triggered unprecedented reactions back home in a country where football is king and the majority of its rugby players are non-professionals.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales are steeling themselves to counter the threat of Australia's stand-out loose-ball poachers Michael Hooper and David Pocock.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Finn Russell has warned Scotland they will need more than anger and frustration to revive their World Cup campaign after a woeful start.

WATCH Uruguay's passionate celebrations after their courageous win over Fiji on Wednesday.

OPINION: Ireland’s World Cup campaign is up and running and they looked good value for their 27-3 win against Scotland in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: A revamped England will tackle the United States, but coach Eddie Jones is not taking their Pool C opponents lightly.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named his team to face Namibia at World Cup 2019.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Amanaki Mafi makes his first appearance for Japan at No.8 after missing the opener against Russia for his side's second game against Ireland on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu has reshuffled his backline his side's Pool C match against Argentina at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Australia were dealt a blow ahead of their World Cup Pool D showdown against Wales.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Underdogs Uruguay pulled off the greatest win in their history to beat Fiji 30-27.

NEWS: Rugby Australia says controversial former star Israel Folau conceded in May that his controversial Instagram posts breached its code of conduct.

NEWS: Centre Rey Lee-Lo and Hooker Motu Matu'u were cited on Wednesday for acts of foul play in Samoa's bruising 34-9 World Cup opening win over Russia.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Italy will be targeting a better performance when they face Canada in their second Pool B match in Fukuoka on Thursday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Wales may boast the best defence at the global showpiece, but the Wallabies are confident they have the attacking blueprint to prevail in a crunch pool match.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Fiji and Uruguay in Kamaishi.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: French Romain Poite made a mockery of a statement that the 'highest standards of officiating' will be maintained.

WORLD CUP REACTION: All Black coach Steve Hansen strongly rejected the 'trial by social media' of his team.

PRO14 SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs have hardly had time to celebrate their Currie Cup victory and already they are preparing for the next campaign.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Fiji coach John McKee lashed out Tuesday at Australian counterpart Michael Cheika, suggesting the Wallaby has a different idea of the "spirit of the game" amid a row over a high tackle.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: With a few English-based players in his match-day 23, US coach Gary Gold will be hoping for the inside knowledge on their Pool C opponents.

NEWS: World Rugby criticised refereeing standards at the World Cup on Tuesday after a number of controversies in the tournament's opening days.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A few weeks ago, after Scott Barrett was sent off in a match between New Zealand and Australia, we looked at Test-playing nations with the most red cards.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Samoa sent a strong message to their Pool A rivals when they beat Russia 34-9 in Kumagaya City on Tuesday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Samoa and Russia in Kumagaya City.

INJURY UPDATE: Wales coach Warren Gatland gives an update on some of his injured players.

INJURY UPDATE: Things are going from bad to worse for Scotland at this year's World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot stopped short of calling for a formal inquiry, but admitted they will raise some issues.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: George Ford will captain England for Thursday's game against the USA following their 35-3 win over Tonga on Sunday.

Paarl Gim is playing host to the 20129 Iqhawe Week for 14 provincial Under-15 teams, one from each province.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Fiji players will pause in silence before their Rugby World Cup game against Uruguay to commemorate those who died in the 2011 tsunami that devastated the region.

INJURY UPDATE: Tonga suffered a major World Cup setback Tuesday as record points-scorer Kurt Morath was ruled out of the tournament and may need surgery after taking a boot to the throat.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy announced 10 changes on Monday for their World Cup match against Canada and rested talismanic captain Sergio Parisse, with an eye on sterner tests against New Zealand and South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx pinpointed his side's inability to adapt their game plan as one of the pitfalls for the defeat to the All Blacks. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Canada head coach Kingsley Jones has selected his 23-man matchday squad that will take the pitch against Italy in Fukuoka opener on Thursday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks selectors have settled on their much-debated top midfield combination, but they're keeping their preference under wraps.

UPDATE: Sacked Wallaby star Israel Folau plans a shock return to rugby league, making himself available alongside his brother for Tonga in upcoming Tests against Australia and Britain, the Pacific nation said Monday.

NEWS: Michael Cheika is confident officials won't want to make an example of Reece Hodge as the Wallabies wing prepares for a judicial hearing that will have implications for the rest of the World Cup.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma apologised on Monday for his heat-of-the-moment criticism of the referee after his side lost to France21-23 in agonising last-minute fashion at the weekend.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Wales produced a fluent first-half performance to see off Georgia 43-14 at the World Cup.

WATCH: The performance of French referee Jerome Garces - in New Zealand's 23-13. World Cup win in Yokohama - continues to make waves.

NEWS: Footage has revealed that captain All Blacks captain Kieran Read got away with a cheap shot during his team's World Cup Pool opener against the Springboks on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Israel Folau appears set for a stunning return to rugby league after reportedly being registered to play for Tonga in their two Test matches later this year.

NEWS: A French court on Monday found England international Steffon Armitage guilty of sexual assault and handed him a suspended prison sentence for groping a woman outside a bar.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Trevor Nyakane's replacement is one his way to Japan.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: When Russia and Samoa take to the field on Tuesday it will be the first time these two teams meet.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji unveiled mass changes for their Rugby World Cup Pool D game against Uruguay on Monday, with only three players surviving from their opening clash with Australia.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Australia coach Michael Cheika accused Fiji of going behind his back on Monday after they referred Wallaby wing Reece Hodge for disciplinary action over a heavy tackle which left Peceli Yato concussed.

OPINION: Reigning world champions New Zealand got their 2019 World Cup campaign underway on Saturday and we have the player ratings from their 23-13 win over arch-rivals South Africa.

OPINION: The Springboks' World Cup opener was certainly not the result Rassie Erasmus and Co wanted.

SQUAD UPDATE: Scotland have been dealt a major blow after a key player was ruled out of the rest of their World Cup campaign with a knee injury.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Uruguay coach Esteban Meneses has named his team for the Pool D match against Fiji at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium on Wednesday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Joe Schmidt believes Ireland will have to punch above their weight to knock out South Africa in what is now a likely quarterfinal match-up.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Wales and Georgia in Aichi.

INJURY UPDATE: South Africa may be forced to fly some front row reinforcements to Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England are set to call upon defence coach John Mitchell's inside knowledge when they face the United States in their second World Cup match in Kobe on Thursday.

OPINION: The Wallabies fought back to avoid a catastrophic result at the World Cup, needing two tries from hooker Tolu Latu to help see off Fiji 39-21 in Sapporo.

WORLD CUP REPORT: England got their 2019 campaign off to predictable start - a 35-3 win over a hopelessly outclassed Tonga in Sapporo on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Russian coach Lyn Jones made no changes to his squad or starting XV for their second Pool A match against Samoa on Tuesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa coach Steve Jackson has selected eight World Cup debutants for his side's first game of the tournament against Russia on Tuesday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England coach Eddie Jones insisted the global showpiece was "not a 100-metre sprint".

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Australian wing Reece Hodge was cited on Sunday after a controversial tackle that left Fiji's Peceli Yato concussed in their opening game at the World Cup.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Ireland sent a strong warning to other teams when they demolished Scotland 27-3 in a one-sided affair in Yokohama on Sunday.

REACTION: New Zealand coach Steven Hansen's post-match comments have resulted in an immediate chance to the Head Injury Assessment protocols.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Michael Cheika's claim that David Pocock was singled out for scrutiny by match officials in Australia's opener has surprised the flank.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Ireland and Scotland in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Aaron Smith opened up about New Zealand's approach to their opener against South Africa at the weekend.

MATCH REPORT: Italian captain Sergio Parisse became only the third man to play in five Rugby World Cups as the Six Nations team recovered from a slow start to beat minnows Namibia 47-22 on Sunday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Six Nations champions Wales will seek to put betting allegations around assistant coach Rob Howley behind them and focus on staking out their credentials when they take on Georgia on Monday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: South African coach Rassie Erasmus vowed to scrap all the way to the Final, after their disappointing 13-23 loss to New Zealand in their tough Pool B opener.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Retiring France centre Wesley Fofana was ruled out of the rest of the global showpiece.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Italy and Namibia in Higashiosaka.

WATCHES all the highlights from the opening weekend of the World Cup!

OPINION: Fiji got out the blocks quickly to race into an early lead, but a yellow card on the hour mark saw Australia escape with a 39-21 win in Sapporo on Saturday.

@rugby365com law guru Paul Dobson takes an authoritative view at what was a missed opportunity by officials to live up to pre-tournament promises!

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Five things we learned from New Zealand's 23-13 victory over South Africa in their Pool B match at the International Stadium in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Match official continued to steal the limelight for all the wrong reasons.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between England and Tonga in Sapporo.

MATCH REPORT: Defending champions New Zealand burnished their credentials as favourites for the World Cup with a hard-fought 23-13 win against top contenders South Africa in a blockbuster match in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: While happy the All Blacks opened their campaign with a 23-13 victory over arch-rivals South Africa, coach Steve Hansen faulted the effort and warned they had to improve to win the Cup.

WORLD CUP REPORT: Australia got their campaign off to a victorious start, but not before being given a massive fright by Fiji.

WORLD CUP REACTION: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika has spat the dummy over match officials yet again.

WORLD CUP REPORT: France produced some champagne rugby before almost losing the plot and having to survive a last-gasp penalty to pip Argentina 23-21 in their tournament opener on Saturday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Ireland may go into the tournament ranked No.1 in the world, but Scotland is not short of confidence and scent a possible upset in their opening Pool A match on Sunday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between France and Argentina in Tokyo.

It's here. Breath is held and then with a gasp the World Cup starts in Japan and rugby becomes hectic again, as we tumble from one great fixture to the next, with top referees to help the headlong action that lasts to November.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Australia and Fiji in Sapporo.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran lock Alun Wyn Jones will equal the Wales record for Test appearances and play his fourth World Cup after he was named on Saturday in a strong team to face Georgia.

NEWS: Kenya have appointed New Zealander Paul Feeney as the national technical director of rugby to oversee all forms of the game in the country.

When Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks out onto the field against the All Black in their World Cup opener on Saturday, it will be the crowning glory of an incredible journey.

SPOTLIGHT: In a historic first for the World Cup, 18 Olympians from nine nations are set to take to the field at Japan 2019.

SPOTLIGHT: Friday’s 2019 World Cup opener between hosts Japan and unfancied Russia is now less than 24 hours away, so it is time to unveil the power rankings of the 20 teams contending the tournament.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama City.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Billy Vunipola knows he will be the cause of split loyalties when England open their 2019 World Cup campaign against Tonga in Sapporo on Sunday.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: It would be a huge surprise if either of these teams went on to the quarterfinals.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: All by itself, this would be a match to compel interest.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between hosts Japan and Russia, in Tokyo.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Tonga's coach joked Friday that England star No.8 Billy Vunipola, who has Tongan parents, should switch back to his home nation when the teams meet at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The 2019 edition of the World Cup is being hailed as the most open ever, with several teams considered serious contenders.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: If there is one thing to be grateful for as the countdown to the Rugby World Cup moves from days to hours this week, it’s the fascinating and potentially decisive opening weekend that the schedule has delivered.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jordan Larmour and Andrew Conway were promoted to Ireland's starting line-up Friday for their World Cup opener against Scotland.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan could have been down to 14 men during their World Cup opener against Russia on Friday.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Rank outsiders Namibia hope Welsh coaches can help them end a 19-match losing streak since debuting in the Rugby World Cup 20 years ago.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy's Sergio Parisse will play a record-equalling fifth Rugby World Cup after being named on Friday in the team to face Namibia in their Pool B opener.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Pumas coach Mario Ledesma and former France star Fabien Galthie, now in the Les Bleus coaching set-up, have a feisty personal history.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Record-breaking fly-half Kurt Morath will shoulder Tonga's hopes against England after coach Toutai Kefu announced a team stacked with English-based players for their World Cup opener.

TRANSFER NEWS: Scarlets have strengthened their squad for the start of the Pro14 season by signing lock Juandre Kruger and flyhalf Ryan Lamb on short-term deals.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tjiuee Uanivi will captain Namibia in their Pool B match against Italy at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Japan open their World Cup with 30-10 win over Russia on Friday.

NEWS: Wallabies speedster Marika Koroibete has given the side a huge boost on the eve of their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji by inking a new two-year contract extension to remain with Australian Rugby and the Melbourne Rebels through 2021.

REACTION: Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde says there has been a feeling of 'circling the wagons', following the Rob Howley affair.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Star backs Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell will lead Scotland's challenge against Celtic rivals Ireland, as coach Gregor Townsend named a side full of experience for Sunday's crunch Pool A encounter.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Russia coach Lyn Jones said he had a cunning plan to ambush hosts Japan in tournament opener, revealing only that it involves a little mayhem.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Michael Cheika has laughed off the minimum expectations of his boss that the Wallabies reach the World Cup Final, saying he long ago set his sights higher.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England have paid Tonga the compliment of selecting their strongest available side for the teams' World Cup Pool C opener at the Sapporo Dome on Sunday.

WORLD CUP REACTION: England loose forward Tom Curry will have the chance to make a fresh study of Australia's celebrated 'Pooper' duo.

WORLD CUP POOL MATCH: Australia and Fiji will look to put their off-field worries aside with their World Cup opener in Sapporo on Saturday.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen warned South Africa's Rassie Erasmus to lay off referee Jerome Garces.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Crusaders backline general Ryan Crotty has been preferred to Sonny Bill Williams in New Zealand's starting XV.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Fiji coach John McKee named 12 players that ply their trade in foreign leagues to face Australia.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the @rugbyworldcup sizzler between the @Springboks and @AllBlacks.

WATCH this collection of off-the-ball incidents by New Zealand in their last four matches!

OPINION: Following Joe Schmidt’s decision to select South African Jean Kleyn in Ireland’s World Cup squad, the issues of rugby’s international eligibility, residency, poaching and the concept of project players have all reared their heads once again.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina have turned to mercurial Stade Francais flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez to pull the strings for Los Pumas' opening World Cup Pool C match against France on Saturday.

SEVENS SPOTLIGHT: Playing New Zealand, England and Australia on the opening day of the Oktoberfest Sevens in Munich on Saturday will be as tough a challenge as the South African sevens team can expect to face in the new season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Namibia's defence coach has vowed to perform an All Black-style haka if his team manages to upset Six Nations side Italy in their Pool B encounter on Sunday.

Oita is a relaxed city that comes alive at night in the famous Miyako-machi district, a concentration of the best bars, hostess clubs and night clubs that Kyushu has to offer.

The Oita prefecture is located in the east of Kyushu and the capital Oita city will play home to two quarterfinals at the Rugby World Cup

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will have to cope with plenty of high balls in wet conditions when they face the Springboks in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

NEWS: Rugby is in the spotlight for the wrong reasons once again in South African sport.

OPINION: Rugbypass' writer Ben Smith looks at why Handre Pollard isn't in the conversation as the world's best flyhalf.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Premiership clubs are threatening legal action demanding Saracens are expelled from the tournament if they challenge any guilty verdict materialising from their alleged breach of the salary cap.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks midfield combination might still be a puzzle, however, one thing is certain the side are always expected to win and win well says centre Anton Lienert-Brown.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: David Pocock will start alongside Australia captain Michael Hooper in the Wallabies' back row.

SQUAD UPDATE: Ireland received a double boost ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: When Ireland lock Jean Kleyn packed his whole life into three bags and boarded a plane for Munster in 2016, he insists he left behind any ambitions of playing for South Africa.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas has said that he would not have revealed his HIV diagnosis if a newspaper had not threatened to publish it.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Russia coach Lyn Jones has named his team for the Pool A match against Japan at Tokyo Stadium on Friday, September 20.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his team to face the All Blacks in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australian loose forward Scott Higginbotham expects Wallabies' head coach Michael Cheika to pick both Michael Hooper and David Pocock among the back-row during the upcoming World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Toulouse young guns Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont will start at halfback as France plumped for youth for their opening Pool C match against Argentina on Saturday.

REACTION: Head coach Warren Gatland said the Wales team were "shocked" by the news of Rob Howley's alleged breach of World Rugby's betting and anti-corruption regulations.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Stuart Hogg is ready for another solid defensive shift in their World Cup opener against Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have landed the signature of South Africa sevens star Werner Kok.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made a number of changes to his team to face Russia in their World Cup opener.

At night the coastal city of Fukuoka turns into a colourful, vibrant place where the bright lights reflect off the river to create colourful scenery.

The Fukuoka Prefecture on the island of Kyushu is the ninth most populated prefecture in Japan, and one of the nations most outstanding in terms of natural beauty and culture. Fukuoka is seen as a natural gateway prefecture to Kyushu for both commerce and visitors alike.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Faf de Klerk is ready to do all he can to disrupt the All Blacks' game once again when the Springboks meet them in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

NEWS: Lock Izack Rodda has bucked the trend of several of his Wallabies teammates to commit his future to Australian rugby.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Fiji have spent two months honing ways to match Australia's breakdown prowess, believing that will be the key to unlocking a momentous upset win at the World Cup.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Aside from a glorious upset win over France in 2011, Tonga have failed to impress at the Rugby World Cup, but coach Toutai Kefu is intent on changing that in Japan.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: In Uruguay, people say you'd have to be mad to play rugby, but despite a dearth of players the South American minnows have qualified for the World Cup in Japan.

NEWS: Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the Rugby World Cup just six days before the team is set to open their campaign in Japan.

TRANSFER NEWS: Sale Sharks announced the signing of Springbok and Bulls scrumhalf Embrose Papier on a three-month loan as cover during the Rugby World Cup.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Russia's rugby team squeaked in as a qualifier to the World Cup but has big dreams of winning a game in the tournament for the first time ever.

NEWS: The Six Nations has agreed to sell 15 percent of its commercial arm to Formula One's former owners CVC.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and All Blacks are taking their mind games to the next level ahead of their World Cup opener in Yokohama.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Japan are learning to live with the pressure of being World Cup hosts as they prepare for their tournament curtain-raiser against Russia this week, flank Pieter Labuschagne said Tuesday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Argentina's flyhalf says the aerial battle will be a key factor in their crunch Pool C encounter with France.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: South African coaching guru Alan Solomons talks about the Springboks' chances at this year's World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:  Calculated and cool are just some of the phrases used by All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster ahead of their World Cup opener against the 'top quality' Springboks side.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: To say the draw for the Rugby World Cup pool stage was unkind on Italy would be an understatement.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: South Africa forwards coach Matt Proudfoot has insisted that the Springboks are subject to “serious testing” in the wake of Aphiwe Dyantyi’s positive drugs test.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former France skipper Thierry Dusautoir enjoys a fabled World Cup history intertwined with New Zealand.

WATCH Thirty of the best Springboks tries against New Zealand.

NEWS: Fullback Rob Kearney is the latest injury concern for Ireland ahead of his team's World Cup opener against Scotland.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Bring on the pain. This is the message of veteran lock Sam Whitelock.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand versus South Africa is billed as an explosive and crucial tournament opener.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed signing of Retshegofaditswe 'Ox' Nché from the Free State Cheetahs.

World Rugby, formerly known as the International Rugby Board, is responsible for the Rugby World Cup about to start in Japan in all its facets from finances to fixtures and on to how the game is played. They have the duty of caring for the game, and that includes conduct in the playing of the game.

TRANSFER NEWS: Exeter Chiefs newcomer Jacques Vermeulen has spoken of his excitement at joining the Premiership club on a three-year deal.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Missing out on a Rugby World Cup start against Fiji will sting for most players in the Wallabies squad but there is a comfort blanket for hookers Tolu Latu and Folau Fainga'a.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will be looking to take full advantage of the Springboks' risky defensive tactic when the two teams meet in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Saturday.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks Monday called on French referee Jerome Garces to treat them as equals during this weekend's opening Pool B blockbuster clash with defending champions New Zealand.

NEWS: Scotland international David Denton has retired from rugby due to concussion issues, saying Monday he did so with "mixed emotions."

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Australia scrumhalf Will Genia said he was happy to "fit in" where needed as the Wallabies centurion looks to end a storied career at the global showpiece.

INJURY UPDATE: A hamstring injury will keep one of Ireland's stars out of their opening World Cup game against Scotland.

NEWS: World Cup referees' boss Alain Rolland warned that officials would be more rigorous than ever in penalising high tackles in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Rugby World Cup organisers have learned from a massive typhoon that smashed into Tokyo and disrupted some teams' arrivals.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: It's the new age World Cup which poses one of the sport's oldest questions - will a good big man beat a good little man?

SPOTLIGHT: Heard the one about the Irishman, Welshman and a Scotsman? It is a true story ...

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have signed another player from Cape Town.

Club matches will go ahead this week with referees provided by the Western Province Referees' Society.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There was a time when coaches were means of transport, and any humans labelled coaches in rugby union were regarded as tantamount to professionals.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Joe Schmidt's dream of bowing out as Ireland coach after guiding them to their first Rugby World Cup semifinal is set to be dashed, Irish rugby great Tony Ward predicts.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Michael Cheika has described the Wallabies' lead-up to the Rugby World Cup as "perfect" but that has only muddied the selection waters for their opening Test against Fiji.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Joey Carbery is poised to complete an “incredible” recovery from ankle trouble in time for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Scotland.

NEWS: South Africa's national Sevens team has been bolstered by the return of a host of players from the 15-a-side code.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: As a tier-two nation, Georgia is hoping the Rugby World Cup in Japan will bring it closer to its cherished dream of being part of rugby's top table.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: After only just scraping into the World Cup via the backdoor, merely qualifying for the tournament will feel like a victory for Canada.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Leaner, meaner and better prepared than for their disastrous 2015 World Cup, England have the tools to capture rugby's top prize, hooker Jamie George warned Sunday.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: The US Eagles have never come close to threatening an upset in seven previous visits to the Rugby World Cup, and the odds of bucking that trend in Japan are stacked against them.

TOP 14 WRAP: Flyhalf Anthony Belleau scored 22 points as Toulon claimed their second victory of the Top 14 season on Sunday by staving off a late Racing 92 comeback to win 32-29.

NEWS: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby captain Gareth Thomas revealed on Sunday he was blackmailed prior to publicly announcing he is HIV positive.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks dismissed the speculations that Sonny Bill Williams may be ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

NEWS: Wallabies wing Jack Maddocks has been drafted into Australia's Sevens squad for a tournament in Germany, but remains on standby for the World Cup in Japan, officials said on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: Chester Williams, the Springbok icon who died last weekend, was hailed as a "pioneer" Saturday at his funeral service by Rugby World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar.

WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: Rassie Erasmus' Boks are capable of writing their own history.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hot or cool, dry or wet; the Springboks are ready for anything Japan’s conditions could throw at them.

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies announced the signing of prop forward Shambeckler Vui for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

TRANSFER NEWS: Western Province head coach John Dobson has lost the services of another promising youngster namely Michael Kumbirai.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: England captain Owen Farrell said Saturday that memories of the team's horror World Cup four years ago will be a driving force as they seek redemption in Japan.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Samoa coach Steve Jackson is so determined to avoid the off-field issues that have previously plagued the Pacific islanders that he called in Japanese cultural experts to advise his players when to cover up their tattoos during the World Cup.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are confident they can win an unprecedented third straight title in Japan, even if they have to shift one of the team's star players from his favoured position to do it.

WATCH as Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe talks about his journey to the Rugby World Cup.

INJURY UPDATE: France centre Wesley Fofana remains a doubt for France's World Cup opener.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: As a member of the South Africa team that won the 1995 World Cup and was later immortalised in the Clint Eastwood film "Invictus", Mark Andrews is already assured of a place in rugby history.

NEWS: Ireland’s World Cup ambitions have suffered a potentially grievous injury blow just over a week before they commence their campaign in Japan against Scotland.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield believes there are only three teams capable of winning all three of their knockout matches to win this month’s World Cup in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: All the teams have already arrived in Japan, ahead of the global showpiece. However, their travelling is far from over.

SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks' World Cup campaign suffered its first setback on Friday

NEWS: World Rugby has announced that six legends of the game will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: France captain Guilhem Guirado said he was unsure whether he would skipper the side in their crucial tournament opener against Argentina next week.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Just a week out from the start of the global showpiece, we take a slightly different look at the event - who are the biggest scorers off the field!

TRANSFER NEWS: Sharks have managed to secure the signature of Maties playmaker Jordan Chait ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said he was personally threatened by fans after vowing not to select Israel Folau over his "disrespectful" social media comments.

TRANSFER NEWS: Loose forward Henco Venter will join the Sharks from Pro14 side Cheetahs.

WORLD CUP NEWS: Adam Beard and Cory Hill face a race against time to prove their fitness for Wales' opener against Georgia.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks are in a very good space ahead of their crunch World Cup opener against the All Blacks next weekend.

WATCH what happened in the days before TMOs and citings - when All Black Ian Jones landed a punch on Springbok Kobus Wiese in the 1995 World Cup Final.

NEWS: The Ranfurly Shield holders Otago will supply two more players to the Highlanders for 2020 and a third will commit for three years from 2021.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Conor Wilson discusses Manu Tuilagi's role in open play at 13, and how this positioning has shown how England intend to use him in open phase play.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Siya Kolisi dreams of becoming the first black Springboks skipper to lift the Webb Ellis Cup and complete the remarkable transformation of the team from 'a dark place to a good space'.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Preparation has been the keyword for France who has seen a new head coach and a pair of consultants arrive among their staff ahead of the global showpiece.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph admits his side can no longer fly under the radar, but has warned that his super-fit players will run teams ragged at the global showpiece.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Triple Wallabies World Cup representative Drew Mitchell has called for veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper to start on the wing for Australia at the World Cup.

REACTION: The South African Rugby Union responded to the puerile rant by former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: With 15 Saracens players competing for various nations at the World Cup the Londoners’ squad depth will be tested at the start of the English domestic season.

TOP 14, WEEK FOUR: Australia loose forward Scott Higginbotham says joining Bordeaux-Begles, unbeaten in the French Top 14 so far this season, was 'fate' ahead of hosting Stade Francais on Saturday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Just a days after signing Lions wing Madosh Tambwe, the Sharks revealed yet another star who will join the Durban franchise.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Danny Cipriani reveals the person behind his ability to bounce back from disappointments.

NEWS: The Melbourne Rebels have formed an alliance with Japanese club Kintetsu that will see them exchange players and coaches over the next two years.

TRANSFER NEWS: Wallabies flyhalf Bernard Foley will join Japanese Top League side Kubota Spears after the World Cup.

TRANSFER NEWS: Edinburgh have completed the signing of Scottish-born lock Sam Thomson, subject to medical.

It is the calm before the storm. There is not a great deal of activity on the rugby front this week as players huddle together in their teams before the World Cup storm breaks the week after this.

SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand is the ones accused of sucking up the best players from the Pacific Islands and making them into winning All Blacks.

SEASON LAUNCH: Ireland’s reputation took a huge hit at Twickenham last month, their national team trounced by England by a record score in a World Cup warm-up, but Irishness was to the fore for far more respectable reasons at the same London stadium on Wednesday.

NEWS: Newly-appointed Cheetah coach Hawies Fourie will join the team a bit later than he initially would have due to illness.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Legendary flank George Smith wants Wallabies coach Michael Cheika to persist with his recent back row combination, even if it means putting David Pocock on the bench.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Fiji has always possessed an abundance of attacking flair.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Bok coach Peter de Villiers will not be supporting the Springboks during this year's World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: This World Cup is shaping up to be the closest ever, with no team emerging as a clear favourite.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Champions New Zealand underwent a punishing World Cup training session in Japan on Wednesday before promising to come out firing against South Africa in their blockbuster tournament opener.

LISTEN as @King365ed and @LoffieEloff unpack the 2020 @SuperRugby, after the fixtures for next year was released.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Over the last four years, rugby in Ireland has boomed with Joe Schmidt's side winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and twice knocking over the All Blacks.

OPINION: It took us a few days, but now that the dust has settled we can finally unveil @rugby365com's famous selection!

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: A number of great players of the recent past and present take their leave after this year's World Cup.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: England travels to Japan after four years of a rollercoaster ride with coach Eddie Jones as genuine contenders.

WATCH as we bring you some of the most epic foot races the game has seen.

Chester Williams, readily smiling, always polite and friendly, always diffident with his head slightly to one side despite his status as a hero, has died, and for the second time this year there has been an upwelling of emotion in South Africa and beyond at the death of a rugby hero.

R.I.P. Follow the memorial service of the late Springbok Chester Williams.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks confirmed the signing of another young star from the Lions.

TRANSFER NEWS: Super Rugby loosehead Aki Seiuli has signed a two-year contract with Glasgow Warriors, subject to visa and medical.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Neil Powell named a strong and experienced South African side to travel to Germany next week for the Oktoberfest Sevens in Munich on September 21-22.

SQUAD UPDATE: Loose forward Jamie Ritchie will leave Edinburgh on Thursday to join the Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former captain Phil Kearns believes Bernard Foley shades Christian Lealiifano as the ideal Wallabies flyhalf at the Rugby World Cup.

NEWS: Premiership Rugby will introduce a new player-welfare initiative for the 2019-20 season

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: From a Test match point-scoring stalwart to a World Cup winner, from an Olympic champion to an emblematic leader who transcends sport as well as a fresh-faced rookie.

NEWS: England’s journey to the first stop of their World Cup campaign in Japan has taken much longer than expected as a result of the devastation caused by Typhoon Faxai, which has claimed at least three lives.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Wales head to the global showpiece with genuine title aspirations after Warren Gatland's side spent two weeks in late-August as the globally top-ranked team.

@rugby365com's Law guru Paul Dobson takes a look at the repeat infringement offence that took place during place during the Springboks' win over Japan on Friday

TRANSFER NEWS: Brumbies Academy product Issak Fines has returned to the franchise with the scrumhalf signing a deal for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks want to run teams ragged in the heat.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks have confirmed the first of nine new signings ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.

REACTION: Steve Hansen has faced a backlash following his decision to take Ryan Crotty off for the final 15 minutes of the All Blacks’ game against Tonga at the weekend and play with 14 men.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: German band Alphaville may have released the song more than three decades ago, but the Springboks are doing their own 'cover version'.

NEWS: SANZAAR has announced the match schedule for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Georgia will not win the 2019 World Cup. Of that we can be certain. But according to their English forwards coach Graham Rowntree, the Lelos intend to leave their mark on this year's edition.

INJURY UPDATE: Samoa scrumhalf Scott Malolua's Rugby World Cup dream was cruelly dashed.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Northampton Saints confirmed that Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison will co-captain the squad for the 2019/20 season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen reminded his squad that they are in Japan to make history and win the World Cup.

REACTION: Former Ireland international Alan Quinlan has hit out at Warren Gatland’s ‘condescending and insulting’ comments.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Former captain Stephen Moore believes the Wallabies' chances at the global showpiece will again swing on how tightly they can bond under Michael Cheika.

POOL D SPOTLIGHT: Australian rugby has endured a turbulent year overshadowed by superstar Israel Folau's controversial sacking and looming legal battle, with officials hoping the World Cup will divert attention back to the game.

POOL B SPOTLIGHT: Conor O'Shea's Italy face a herculean task to avoid another early Rugby World Cup flop heading into a tough Pool B that includes reigning champions New Zealand and South Africa.

POOL A SPOTLIGHT: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend believes he has his strongest squad in his two-year tenure but if they are to shine at the World Cup then Finn Russell will have to be at his sparkling best.

POOL C SPOTLIGHT: Argentina head to the Rugby World Cup relying heavily on the tried and tested, with their squad made up almost entirely of the Jaguares side that reached the final of the southern hemisphere's Super Rugby tournament.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Ireland and South Africa are the 'biggest movers' on the rankings, just a fortnight out from the World Cup.

WORLD CUP SPOTLIGHT: Joe Schmidt is too canny to set targets publicly.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: We look at the 'what ifs' should a typhoon hit the World Cup in Japan!

TRANSFER NEWS: Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union revealed the short-term signing of Australian forward Jed Holloway.

World Rugby has refuted claims by All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen that it isn’t doing enough for Pacific Island nations.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby named former All Blacks centre Mark Robinson as its new Chief Executive.

SQUAD UPDATE: Scotland loose forward Magnus Bradbury has been handed a seat on the plane to the Rugby World Cup in Japan after teammate Jamie Ritchie suffered a facial injury.

CURRIE CUP REACTION: Outgoing Free State Cheetahs coach Franco Smith says his team's Currie Cup triumph was an important stepping stone to greater things.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Teams arriving in Japan for the upcoming World Cup are well aware of the hot and humid conditions that await them during the country's typhoon season.

OPINION: The Free State Cheetahs were forced to hang on desperately in the end, but in reality, they were much better than the final 31-28 scoreline suggest.

OPINION: The scoreline suggests it was a close call and three late tries by the Golden Lions did make it close on the scoreboard.

OPINION: Few would have given a battered, bruised and broken Ireland much hope of turning around their World Cup warm-up series after they humiliatingly limped away from Twickenham on August 24.

OPINION: Wales wrapped up their Rugby World Cup preparations on Saturday afternoon in Dublin, as they fell to a 10-19 defeat to Ireland.

NEWS: The Wallabies' departure to Japan for this month's World Cup has been delayed by the typhoon set to lash the country.

INJURY UPDATE: Samoa were sweating on injuries to captain Jack Lam and young scrumhalf Scott Malolua Sunday after a credible showing against the Wallabies in their final World Cup warm-up.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has laid blame for the plight of Pacific Island rugby on the unwillingness of World Rugby to stand up to the Six Nations and institute a global season.

OPINION: The All Blacks beat Tonga 92-7 in expectedly convincing fashion at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in both team’s final World Cup warm-up match.

WATCH as we bring you the 50 most memorable moments in the history of the World Cup.

TOP 14, SATURDAY WRAP: Lyon beat Toulon at the Stade Felix Mayol for the first time on Saturday with a 20-6 victory that moves them above Bordeaux-Begles.

OPINION:  England finished up their World Cup preparations on Friday evening, beating Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

MATCH REPORT: Martin Iosefo scored what proved to be the winning try as the USA rallied to beat Canada 20-15 in the final tuneup for both teams ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

REACTION: Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said New Zealand are the firm favourites for the World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks will draw directly from the peaks-and-troughs blueprint of 2015 when they set out to claim the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time.

REACTION: Golden Lions captain Ross Cronje believes the Free State Cheetahs will be a force in the 2019/2020 Pro14 season.

REACTION: Warren Gatland declared himself 'pretty pleased' with the how Wales was placed for the World Cup.

After two days of the Marius Sevens played at Paarl Gim, Paarl Boys' High won the Under-17 Sevens while Paarl Gim ran out winners in the Under-15 Division.

CURRIE CUP FINAL REPORT: The Free State Cheetahs held on in the face of a fast-charging Golden Lions team to be crowned 2019 Currie Cup champions.

INJURY UPDATE: The Springboks have revealed the extent of Trevor Nyakane's injury.

REACTION: Wallaby coach Michael Cheika says his players can't wait for the World Cup to start after they wrapped up their Test preparations with a win over Samoa.

REACTION: The All Blacks declared themselves ready for their record World Cup triple crown bid Saturday after a thumping 92-7 victory over Tonga in Hamilton.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland gave notice of their World Cup potential with a 19-10 win over Wales in a World Cup warm-up match in Dublin on Saturday.

OPINION: South Africa exacted revenge for the infamous loss to Japan four years ago, when the Springboks demolished the Cherry Blossoms 41-7 in Kumagaya on Friday.

OPINION: World Cup hosts Japan were given a timely reminder that raw emotion alone won't guarantee them success.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the Currie Final between the Free State Cheetahs and Golden Lions in Bloemfontein.

INJURY UPDATE: England will be without two of their stars for the first couple of group games.

MATCH REPORT: A largely second-string Australia scored the win they wanted Saturday to ensure their World Cup campaign begins on a high, but their 15-34 beating of Samoa was less than convincing.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton believes top-level rugby players are at risk of death unless more is done to make the game safer.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a runaway 92-7 victory against Tonga as George Bridge scored four times in the 14-try romp in Hamilton on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: The Pumas retained their place in the Currie Cup Premier Division in 2020 as they raced away in the second half against the Griffons for a 49-5 victory at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: Wing Bautista Delguy scored four quick tries in a second-half blitz as Argentina thumped Sydney club side Randwick 74-0 in their final World Cup warm-up game on Saturday.

REACTION: The sudden death of legend Chester Williams has shocked the rugby fraternity.

REACTION: A shocked Springbok squad awoke to the news of the passing of Chester William.

MATCH REPORT: England ran in four tries to beat Italy 37-0 in both sides’ final World Cup warm-up game at St. James’ Park.

MATCH REPORT:  Scotland concluded their World Cup preparations with a 36-9 win over Georgia on Friday.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Ireland and Wales in Dublin.

WORLD RANKINGS: On Saturday, Ireland take on Wales for the second weekend in a row with both teams knowing they're in with a chance of overhauling New Zealand at the top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Legendary 1995 World Cup-winning Springbok wing Chester Williams passed on Friday at the age of 49.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between New Zealand and Tonga in Hamilton.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa truly buried the ghost of Brighton, as they smashed Japan 41-7 in a World Cup warm-up match in Kumagaya on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Captain Rory Best recalls how as a young boy the "rickety row of wooden seats" he, his father and others were sitting on at Lansdowne Road flipped up and broke as the home fans celebrated an Ireland try against Australia in the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

More than 120 of the top Under-16 and Under-17 players in the country will assemble in the Western Cape for two week-long Elite Player Development (Elite Player Development) camps, from Sunday 22 September to Saturday 28 September, in line with SA Rugby’s development pathway to groom them for the future.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between England and Italy in Newcastle.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Scotland and Georgia in Edinburgh.

TOP 14, WEEK THREE: Toulouse, who have started the defence of their French title with two away losses, will seek a first win of the season at home to another Top 14 heavyweight Racing 92, on Sunday.

CURRIE CUP FINAL: A gripping cat fight is set to play out at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday when the Free State Cheetahs host the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup Final.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and captain Rory Best will experience their last taste of a home rugby Test match on Saturday against Wales and Andy Farrell says he hopes the players produce a performance worthy of the occasion.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: Australia on Saturday head into their final game before leaving for Japan.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup warm-up match between Japan and South Africa in Kumagaya.

Shaun Veldsman, one of the big achievers amongst South Africa's referees has decided to call is quits on his involvement in refereeing. His has been a long and glorious career. But he will be 53 next month and decided that "it was time - a time to leave on my terms and to give another an opportunity to achieve great things".

WORLD CUP WARM-UP: The All Blacks play their final World Cup warm-up against Tonga on Saturday with coach Steve Hansen looking for a defence-busting performance from the reigning champions.

WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH: Canada and the United States go head to head in their final outing before the global showpiece in Japan.

NEWS: Another Wallabies star has announced his retirement from Test rugby.