Failure not an option for All Blacks

Assistant Jason Ryan and backs Aaron Smith and Rieko Ioane insist that New Zealand are “never scared to lose” as the Kiwis gear up for a World Cup quarter-final with Ireland.

No freebies for Boks in France

Jesse Kriel expects an arm wrestle for the No 13 jumper, while Manie Libbok focuses on his goal-kicking in the buildup to a World Cup quarter-final between the Boks and France.

Wales welcome favourites tag

Assistant coach Jonathan Thomas said unbeaten Wales were not bothered by Argentina labelling them as favourites for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash.

‘Ripped’ Dupont ready for Boks

Shaun Edwards is confident that France skipper Antoine Dupont will feature in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final between the hosts and South Africa, the defending champs.

Dawson: France too smart for Boks

Englishman Matt Dawson is the latest pundit who has written off the Springboks’ chances of beating France on Sunday and continuing their World Cup title defence.

Farrell to show Schmidt who’s boss?

An intriguing sub-plot in Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final with New Zealand is Joe Schmidt and his former assistant Andy Farrell pitting their wits against each other.

Les Bleus target ‘smaller’ Bok wingers

Louis Bielle-Biarrey said France expect a physical battle in midfield against the Springboks on Sunday, but Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse pose as much a threat.

Wiese: Drop Damian for the Giant

Kobus Wiese says centres Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie will offer the Springboks a “great combo” of physicality and X-factor against France on Sunday.

Spirited Wales get selection boost

Wales are in “good spirits” heading into their quarter-final against Argentina, according to physical performance head Huw Bennett, who said everyone was available for selection.

Pumas suffer World Cup blow

Flanker Pablo Matera has been ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final against Wales on Saturday with a right hamstring muscle tear, the team announced.