Namibia desperate to win first World Cup match
CAPE TOWN : Namibia have proved consistent in two aspects of their World Cup history – one they will savour but the other they badly want to change.
France Sport News
'Rugby anorak' Libbok key for South Africa at World Cup
CAPE TOWN : Two years ago Manie Libbok’s career was in limbo and seemingly on a downward spiral, but the flyhalf will head into the Rugby World Cup in France as South Africa’s first-choice number 10 and the man they rely on to ignite their potent backline.
Scotland capable of upsetting odds at World Cup
CAPE TOWN : Scotland have been nothing if not consistent at the World Cup, reaching at least the quarter-finals in seven of their nine previous appearances but they will need to produce an upset if they are to reach that stage this time round.
Under-pressure Germany coach Flick drops Werner, Goretzka for friendlies
BERLIN : Germany coach Hansi Flick on Thursday left several established internationals, including Leon Goretzka and Timo Werner, out of his squad to face Japan and France in friendlies early next month, with his future on the line after a bad run.
As the Olympics loom, Paris's transport grid worries wheelchair users
PARIS : With just under a year to go before the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, campaigners are worried would-be spectators using wheelchairs could feel left out of the Games as only a small number of metro stations are accessible without using stairs.
Ireland better placed than ever for elusive World Cup success
DUBLIN : Having made flattering to deceive an art form in recent Rugby World Cups, Ireland can justifiably say this time really is different when they make the short trip as genuine contenders.
Uruguay set improved target in search of more World Cup upsets
CAPE TOWN : Unbridled Uruguayan delight at an unexpected triumph over Fiji at the last World Cup has injected the small South American nation with ambition to create further shocks at the tournament in France, which gets underway next week.
Squad depth, flair give Springboks real hope of title defence
CAPE TOWN : South Africa go into the defence of the Rugby World Cup title with a renewed swagger and greater squad depth than recent years, but are on a side of the draw that means they are playing "knockout rugby" from game one in France.