Sergio Parisse is back to provide a huge boost for Italy as they face Ireland in their Pool D match at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday. If the Azzurri have any hopes of recreating their victory in 2013, the captain will have to be at his very best against a …
Read More »Wales edge past Fiji in thriller
Wales survived a Fijian onslaught to escape with 23-13 victory at the Millenium Stadium on Thursday in front of more than 70,000 thoroughly entertained fans. Fiji had more than enough possession to put points on the board, but missed opportunities and resolute Welsh defense earned the home side the win. The …
Read More »Teams set for Samoa vs Japan
The teams have been named for the crucial Pool B match between Samoa and Japan. Both sides have one win thus far, and must earn a second of they are to progress to the quarter-finals. After a stunning upset over South Africa, the Brave Blossoms will be seen as favorites, …
Read More »Joseph back for England against Australia
Jonathan Joseph returns to bolster the England midfield in the critical Pool A match against Australia on Saturday, one of three changes to the side that lost to Wales last weekend. Despite speculation that he would play no further part in the pool stages, the Bath centre has shrugged off …
Read More »Wallabies ‘A’ side to face England
Michael Cheika has reverted to the identical starting lineup that faced Fiji for the massive Pool A match against England on Saturday. If Australia defeat England, it could spell curtains for the host side, having lost to Wales in dramatic fashion on the weekend. The Wallabies, meanwhile, enjoyed a cozy …
Read More »No Russell for Scots against Springboks
Duncan Weir will start in the no10 shirt for Scotland against the Springboks on Saturday. Finn Russell misses out, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered against the USA on Sunday, one of a handful of first choice players left out of the run-on side. Gordon Reid and Fraser Brown …
Read More »du Preez to lead Boks against Scotland
Fourie du Preez will lead the Springboks for the first time in a test match, taking over the captaincy from Jean de Villiers after the centre was forced to drop out of the tournament with a broken jaw. Heyneke Meyer has made only three changes from the side that beat …
Read More »Lelos ready to take on All Blacks
Milton Haig has named a much-changed Georgian side to play the All Blacks on Friday, opting to rest some first choice players but in doing so fielding the most experienced Lelo side ever in test rugby. Captain Mamuka Gorgodze is the only starting forward remaining from the disappointing 54-9 loss …
Read More »All Blacks named to face Georgia
The All Blacks will roll out their big guns to face Georgia in Cardiff on Friday. After playing a reserve side against Namibia, Steve Hansen has reverted to virtually the same lineup that he selected for the Argentina match, with four exceptions – one enforced. Four players – Liam Messam, …
Read More »Injury list deepens at World Cup
Two weeks in and the casualties are mounting in the World Cup. More than half of the teams (11 in total) have been forced to replace at least one player, three more if you count players who were originally named in the 31-man squad but were forced to withdraw before …
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