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.
Japan Sport News
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.
Ireland's fate inextricably linked again with Sexton
DUBLIN : For the third successive World Cup, it is hard to separate Ireland's fate from the fitness of Johnny Sexton, their captain and lynchpin who will play his last game of rugby at some point over the coming weeks.
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.
Why Gary Lineker has a soft spot for Manchester United
Gary Lineker has revealed he always has a soft spot for Manchester United after what the club did for him on his final ever appearance in the top flight.
Romania's Oaks aim to be teak tough on World Cup return
Romania return to the Rugby World Cup after missing out four years ago due to a disqualification that ruined their 100 per cent attendance record since the global tournament was first played in 1987.
World Cup odds stacked against Tonga despite All Black recruits
MELBOURNE : Tonga have never made it out of the group phase at the World Cup and appear set to continue that record in France despite boosting their ranks with a slew of former New Zealand internationals.