Predictions take 2… a? As the ’rounds’ start to mesh in with each other, we’re going to have to break up our week into two parts, so here are the mid-week matches from Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Before we get into it, a quick review of what happened last round. …
Read More »Namibia names team to face All Blacks
Phil Davies has named Namibia’s team for their opening World Cup fixtures against New Zealand on Thursday. The Welwitschias will ride a four-test win streak into the tournament, including two convincing wins over Russia in Windhoek during July. The lineup appears to be largely first choice, with Cheetahs hooker Torsten …
Read More »All Blacks Change 12 for Namibia
New Zealand Head Coach Steve Hanson has rung the changes with only three players named to start against Namibia who also did so against Argentina on Sunday. Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea and Sam Whitelock are those retained with Richie McCaw’s replacement Sam Cane also taking over the captaincy. So strong …
Read More »Galarza Cited for Alleged Foul Play
Argentine forward Mariano Galarza has been cited by the Citing Commissioner Murray Whyte of Ireland for an alleged act of foul play contrary to Law 10,4(m) during his country’s match against New Zealand in London on Sunday. The case is to be heard by Independent Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC …
Read More »Japan Set to Remain RWC 2019 Hosts
The governing body of the sport of rugby, World Rugby is expected to confirm that Japan will remain the host nation of Rugby World Cup 2019. The Asian country had come under fire from World Rugby after construction of the new national stadium was cancelled. According to L’Equipe Japan will …
Read More »Team of the Week
Not the greatest starting weekend for the Americas teams, it has to be said, though Argentina did close it out with a full-blooded performance against the All Blacks. Suitably the Pumas are rewarded in this week’s selection, with very few exceptions. 1 – Marcos Ayerza (ARG) Smashed Owen Franks at …
Read More »Masi’s World Cup over with torn Achilles
Italy have suffered a major blow to their World Cup chances as the vastly experienced Andrea Masi has been ruled out with a snapped Achilles tendon suffered against France. Zebre winger Michele Visentin, one of the last cut from the training group, has been called up as a replacement, and may …
Read More »Allen ruled out of World Cup
Hat-trick hero Cory Allen will take no further part in the World Cup. The news will come as yet another hammer blow to Wales, already short of Jonathan Davies in the midfield and trio Rhys Webb, Leigh Halfpenny, and Eli Walker ruled out before the tournament. Allen tore a hamstring …
Read More »Japan change six for Scotland
Eddie Jones has freshened up his side with six changes to the starting side that stunned the world with a victory over the Springboks on Saturday. Despite the changes, the side has not lost any strength and if anything is perhaps a bit stronger. Rotation in the tight five sees …
Read More »Full strength Romania to face France
Romania will make their World Cup entrance on Wednesday against France at the Olympic Stadium. Head coach Lynn Howells has selected his strongest possible side for the Pool D match-up, making only one change to the run-on side that faced Tonga in the final warm-up match in Bucharest earlier this …
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