Ireland wary of Bok ‘DNA’

Ireland head into their World Cup Pool B match against the Springboks on Saturday with one eye on what flanker Josh van der Flier calls, the ‘rugby DNA’ of the world champions.

Boffelli stars as Pumas sink Samoa

Emiliano Boffelli scored 16 points as Argentina put their World Cup campaign back on track with a disciplined and composed victory over erratic Samoa on Friday.

Tonga stick with tried and tested

Head coach Toutai Kefu has named an unchanged starting XV for Tonga’s World Cup Pool B match against Scotland at Nice on Sunday.

Stick: Boks won’t sweat if it’s wet

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the Boks can’t wait to tackle top-ranked Ireland on Saturday, even if conditions for the World Cup blockbuster are on the wet and windy side.

50 up for Beard in Wallabies clash

Adam Beard will win his 50th cap when unbeaten Wales bid to further damage Australia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages in their Pool C match on Sunday.

Bobby backs Libbok to skin Sexton

Former Springbok skipper Bob Skinstad says Manie Libbok’s speed will give the rookie Test flyhalf the edge over veteran Ireland playmaker Johnny Sexton on Saturday.

Eddie drops Gordon for Wales duel

Rookie Australia flyhalf Carter Gordon has been replaced by Ben Donaldson in the starting XV for a must-win World Cup clash against Wales on Sunday.

Steyn in, Schoeman out for Scotland

Kyle Steyn starts but fellow SA-born star Pierre Schoeman has been demoted as Scotland made four changes to the starting XV for the World Cup tie against Tonga on Sunday.

Fingers crossed for Dupont and France

Antoine Dupont is reportedly seeing a specialist for the extent of his facial fracture, but it is “touch and go” whether the France captain returns before the end of the World Cup.

Faf fired up for crunch clash

Scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said the Springboks are “well prepared and eager” to get on with Saturday’s keenly awaited World Cup Pool B match with Ireland in Paris.