World Cup

Pumas switch scrumhalves for semi

Argentina coach Michael Cheika has made just one change to Los Pumas’ starting lineup for the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Friday.

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 08 Mark Telea of New Zealand scores his team's second try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Pool A match between France and New Zealand at Stade de France on September 08, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Truant Telea back for All Blacks

Ian Foster made just two changes to New Zealand’s starting lineup for Friday’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Paris, recalling wing Mark Telea.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Marcus Smith of England celebrates after being awarded a penalty on the last play during the Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

England lose Smith for semi-final

England are set to be without superstar playmaker Marcus Smith for the World Cup semi-final clash against the Springboks on Saturday.

Willie le Roux, RG Snyman and Eben Etzebeth

Dobbo: Boks have nothing to fear

John Dobson says he cannot see any way of stopping the Springboks from retaining their status as world champions, backing their scrum to wreak havoc in the final two playoffs.

All Blacks guru Schmidt ‘no ordinary Joe’

Joe Schmidt titled his autobiography “Ordinary Joe” but whether the New Zealand attack coach likes it or not, both on and off the pitch he has extraordinary qualities.

Pollard welcomes English ‘beef’

Handre Pollard says the Springboks are well aware that England will be using the humiliation of the 2019 World Cup final defeat as motivation for Saturday’s semi-final rematch.

(COMBO)(FILES) This combination of file pictures created on October 11, 2023, shows (L) South Africa's fly-half Handre Pollard arriving for a training session at the Mayol Stadium in Toulon, southern France, on September 28, 2023, during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup and (R) South Africa's fly-half Manie Libbok handling the ball during the captain's run in Johannesburg on July 28, 2023 ahead of their Rugby Championship match against Argentinia on July 29, 2023. - South-Africa, France's opponent for Rugby World Cup 2023's quarter final match, has yet to announce which of these two different fly-halfs will figure in the team's startng roster.

Polly sings ‘lovely’ Libbok’s praises

Handre Pollard spoke effusively of fellow flyhalf Manie Libbok, highlighting the dynamism that the Stormers playmaker has brought to the Springboks.

Boks to unleash Moodie on England?

Rassie Erasmus provided a strong hint that Bok flyer Canan Moodie would start against England, admitting there is a “temptation” to recall the youngster for the World Cup semi-final.