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.
New Zealand Sport News
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.
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.
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.
Genius Dupont ready to lead France at World Cup
PARIS : Antoine Dupont takes the metro when in Paris and his name is one of the country's most banal but everything else about France's Rugby World Cup captain is exceptional.
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.
French flair is back as Les Bleus sniff maiden World Cup title
PARIS: France will sorely miss match-winning flyhalf Romain Ntamack but having rediscovered their legendary flair, they have everything it takes to triumph and lift their first World Cup on home soil.
All Blacks warrior Savea fronts up for another battle of wills
SYDNEY : There has been much, sometimes furious, discussion about the balance of the All Blacks back row over the last few years but it would be a brave soul to suggest that Ardie Savea does not deserve a place in it.