New Zealand

South Africa's head coach Rassie Erasmus looks on ahead of a training session at the Mayol Stadium in Toulon, southern France, on September 28, 2023, during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup.

O’Driscoll: Rassie ‘nervous’ over Ireland rematch

Brian O’Driscoll says there is a “nervousness” around facing Ireland after both Rassie Erasmus and Ian Foster aimed barbs at their World Cup rivals.

New Zealand's prop Tyrel Lomax receives medical treatment during the pre-World Cup Rugby Union match between New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium in west London, on August 25, 2023.

All Blacks star in doubt for playoffs

New Zealand are sweating over the availability of a key player after the All Blacks secured their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

(From L to R) New Zealand's fly-half Finlay Christie, New Zealand's number eight Luke Jacobson, New Zealand's right wing Will Jordan and New Zealand's full-back Beauden Barrett celebrate a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Uruguay at the OL Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on October 5, 2023.

Foster’s All Blacks ready for ‘monster’ quarter-final

Ian Foster said he was looking forward to a “monster” quarter-final after New Zealand secured their place in the knock-out phases with an 11-try rout of Uruguay.

New Zealand's fly-half Richie Mounga celebrates with New Zealand's full-back Damian McKenzie (R) after scoring a try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Uruguay at the OL Stadium in Decines-Charpieu, near Lyon, south-eastern France, on October 5, 2023.

McKenzie magic steers NZ to playoffs

New Zealand cantered to the bonus-point victory they needed to progress to the World Cup quarter-finals with an 11-try thrashing of Uruguay on Thursday night.

RECAP: New Zealand vs Uruguay

The All Blacks wrapped up their Pool A commitments with an emphatic victory against Uruguay in Lyon on Thursday.

RECAP: New Zealand vs Italy

The All Blacks ran in 14 tries to demolish hapless Italy in Lyon on Friday night.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 15: Shannon Frizell of the All Blacks (C) scores a try during The Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks at Mt Smart Stadium on July 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.

All Blacks bulk up for Italian job

The All Blacks have recalled Shannon Frizell in one of nine changes to their Ardie Savea-captained lineup to face Italy in a crucial World Cup pool clash in Lyon on Friday.

Italy's inside centre Paolo Garbisi celebrates Italy's victory at the end of the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Italy and Uruguay at Stade de Nice in Nice, southern France on September 20, 2023.

Garbisi back at 10 against All Blacks

Paolo Garbsi will shift from the centres to flyhalf as Italy named a strong starting lineup for their Pool A clash against New Zealand in Lyon on Friday.

Italy's flanker Toa Halafihi is tackled during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Italy and Scotland on March 12, 2022 at the Olympic stadium in Rome.

Italian Kiwis mulling Haka ‘challenge’

Lining up against the All Blacks in Lyon on Friday will be a special occasion for Italy forwards Toa Halafihi and Hame Faiva.

All Blacks suffer front-row blow

All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot will not play again until the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup after being suspended for his red card against Namibia.