Faz ‘bust-up’ costs England star selection
Skipper Owen Farrell was allegedly involved in a training ground “scrap” with a young teammate, resulting in him being overlooked by England at the World Cup.
‘Sexton the Tom Brady of Irish rugby’
Johnny Sexton had not heard of NFL legend Tom Brady till seven years ago – now Ireland’s rugby talisman must be sick and tired of comparisons between the two of them.
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.
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.
