Ton-up Lawes to lead England
Courtney Lawes will captain England in the absence of Owen Farrell as the flanker wins his 100th cap in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up against Fiji.
Willemse locks in for France warm-up
SA-born second-row titan Paul Willemse starts in France’s final World Cup prep match against Australia this weekend, head coach Fabien Galthie has announced.
Scotland take aim at Springboks
Gregor Townsend wants Scotland to raise their game in their final World Cup warm-up match in preparation for a crunch opener with defending champions, the Springboks.
Pumas lose prop for World Cup
Argentina suffered a major blow when veteran prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro was ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing his Achilles tendon, the country’s federation said.
Foster: Boks to get us ready for battle
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has laughed off predecessor Steve Hansen’s ‘defection’ to the Wallabies, and is rather focused on Friday’s epic clash against the Springboks.
LIVE: All Blacks vs Springboks
Follow the live action as New Zealand face South Africa in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham. #NZLvRSA
Eddie plays down Hansen’s role
Eddie Jones said former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is merely helping the Australia side on training and leadership this week as an unpaid advisor.
Faf: Boks have a point to prove
Faf de Klerk says the Springboks will be focused on themselves, and not the All Blacks on Friday, although a painful loss to the old enemy still gnaws at the world champions.
Capuozzo leads RWC charge for Azzurri
Backline ace Ange Capuozzo has shrugged off fitness concerns and will travel to the World Cup in France after being selected in the Italy squad announced on Tuesday.
Meyer: Kriel a better fit at 15 for Boks
Heyneke Meyer says the Springboks’ style doesn’t always suit Jesse Kriel at outside centre, but is delighted with the experienced campaigner’s performance against Wales.
