Discipline danger to injury concerns ... 3 talking points ahead of final RWC warm-up matches

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the games:

Discipline danger

Over the past two weeks disciplinary issues have plagued teams' preparations for the World Cup, which begins on 8 September.

England captain Owen Farrell will be banned for two pool games while Billy Vunipola will be unavailable for their potentially crucial tournament opener against Argentina on 9 September.

Both have been suspended for similar dangerous play, as the sport's governing body World Rugby attempts to make the game safer by lowering the accepted tackle height.

Tonga's former New Zealand centre George Moala and Romania lock Adrian Motoc have also been the subject of disciplinary issues before the competition.

With all but four World Cup teams in action this weekend there will be a some worried head coaches barely two weeks before the tournament starts.

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Injury worries

The build-up to most major tournaments is fraught with fitness worries and the months before this edition have been no different.

Defending champions South Africa will be without flyhalf Handre Pollard, centre Lukhanyo Am and lock Lood de Jager, while the All Blacks have concerns over lock Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell.

Elsewhere, Les Bleus have lost first-choice flyhalf Romain Ntamack, England will be without back-three player Anthony Watson, centre Tommaso Menoncello will be missing for Italy and Argentina prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro has torn his Achilles.

Scotland, Georgia, France and the Azzurri, as well as the Boks and All Blacks are among the sides to pick strong outfits for this weekend's run-outs, leaving coaches and fans watching on with worry.

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