Latest World Cup News
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Warburton’s RWC is over
16 Oct 2011
Sam Warburton has been slapped with a three-week ban after admitting to a ‘dangerous tip tackle’ in Saturday’s semi-final at Eden Park. Read more
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Sapolu to quit rugby
16 Oct 2011
Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has responded to the outcome of his disciplinary hearing by saying that he doesn’t want to play rugby any longer. Read more
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Wales lament Warburton red
15 Oct 2011
Wales have questioned the judgement of referee Alain Rolland in sending off captain Sam Warburton and pointed to it as the decisive action in the Test. Read more
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France profit from moment of madness
15 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI writes that a reckless Welsh tackle proved to be the catalyst for an unlikely 9-8 World Cup semi-final win for France. Read more
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Beale blow to Wallabies
15 Oct 2011
Kurtley Beale is out of the World Cup semi-final. Read more
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Stage set for Eden Park epic
14 Oct 2011
RYAN VREDE with the assistance of ruckingoodstats.com analyses the strengths and weaknesses of New Zealand and Australia ahead of their World Cup semi-final clash. Read more
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Frogs are favourites in Auckland ruckus
14 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI says that France’s ability to pressure the Welsh at ruck time and convert the inevitable goal-kicking opportunities will be the difference in Saturday’s semi-final. Read more
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Deans backs Bok-slayers
14 Oct 2011
Robbie Deans has named an unchanged starting XV for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final at Eden Park. Read more
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Blacks braced for battle
13 Oct 2011
Richie McCaw defies injury to start the semi-final against Wales, while flyhalf Aaron Cruden is elevated to the starting line-up. Read more
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Hook to pivot for Wales
13 Oct 2011
James Hook has replaced the injured Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland ahead of Saturday’s World Cup semi-final at Eden Park. Read more
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Blacks seek to allay McCaw fears
13 Oct 2011
All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen says Richie McCaw’s foot injury will not preclude him from selection for the semi-final but said he wouldn’t train with the team until Saturday. Read more
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Lame legacy for spineless De Villiers
12 Oct 2011
RYAN VREDE writes that Peter de Villiers styled himself as the puppet master for the Springboks but ended his reign as no more than a puppet. Read more
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Attacking ails at heart of Bok failure
12 Oct 2011
JON CARDINELLI writes that the next Springbok coach can’t afford to make the same mistakes as his predecessor by favouring a conservative yet ultimately ineffective game plan. Read more
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Todd trains with All Blacks
12 Oct 2011
Openside flank Matt Todd joined the All Blacks at training although the management has denied that his involvement is a sign that Richie McCaw is battling with injury. Read more
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Wallabies wait on Beale
12 Oct 2011
Injured fullback Kurtley Beale didn’t train with the Wallabies on Wednesday but his captain is confident that he will be ready for Sunday’s semi-final at Eden Park. Read more
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Aussies accept attacking challenge
12 Oct 2011
Anthony Faingaa says the Wallabies won’t restrict themselves to a conservative game plan when they meet the All Blacks in Sunday’s World Cup semi-final. Read more
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Player power failed the Boks
11 Oct 2011
Victor Matfield has conceded the senior players determined how South Africa played in the last four years – and not the coach Peter de Villiers. Read more
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Smit blows whistle on bad boy Bryce
11 Oct 2011
Retired Springbok captain John Smit had a pop at New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence on the team’s arrival back in South Africa. Read more
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Deans not spooked by ghosts of Eden Park
11 Oct 2011
The Wallabies have lost their last 12 matches against the All Blacks at Eden Park but coach Robbie Deans says it means nothing in the context of the World Cup. Read more
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Same again for French
11 Oct 2011
Now we know it definitely was the best French team that the All Blacks whipped in the Pool Stages. They’re back for the World Cup semi-final. Read more