World Cup

Borthwick: Don’t write off England challenge

Steve Borthwick said he had no doubt England would be written off for the World Cup semi-finals, but backed his players to once again rise to the occasion.

South Africa's prop Ox Nche (C) is challenged by France's flanker Charles Ollivon (L) and France's prop Cyril Baille (R) during the Autumn Nations Series rugby union test match between France and South Africa at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on November 12, 2022.

Fickou: France has best defence

Hot on the heels of relentless tackling eliminating the world’s best attacking team, France have waved a red flag in front of the charging Springboks by claiming to be the masters of defence.

Ireland's number eight Caelan Doris (C) is tackled by New Zealand's openside flanker and captain Sam Cane (2R) during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 14, 2023. (

Ex-All Blacks hail ‘epic’ captain Cane

New Zealand’s dramatic World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland was founded on four years of “adversity and hurt”, former All Blacks said.

South Africa's scrum-half Cobus Reinach runs to score the team's third try during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, south-western France on September 17, 2023.

Andrews: Boks taking ‘huge gamble’

Mark Andrews says the Springboks may regret fielding an attacking halfback combination in the World Cup quarter-final against France.

South Africa's fly-half Damian Willemse (C) vies with France's centre Gael Fickou (R) and France's wing Yoram Moefana (L) during the Autumn Nations Series rugby union test match between France and South Africa at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on November 12, 2022.

Willemse braced for French aerial assault

Damian Willemse says the Springboks “have made plans” to nullify and counter France’s kicking game ahead of the World Cup quarter-final on Sunday evening.

South Africa's wing Cheslin Kolbe plays with the ball during a training session in Toulon, southern France, on October 4, 2023.

Kolbe: Time to create new memories

More than used to big occasions, having won a World Cup final and lifted a Champions Cup title, Cheslin Kolbe has his eyes focused on the World Cup quarter-final against France.

Ireland's fly-half Jonathan Sexton reacts after New Zealand won during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 14, 2023.

Sexton ‘gutted’ as All Blacks end storied career

A tearful Johnny Sexton appeared at the post-match press conference after his dreams of a fairytale ending were dashed by the All Blacks in an absorbing quarter-final contest on Saturday.

New Zealand's head coach Ian Foster (C) celebrates his team's victory with New Zealand's left wing Leicester Fainga'anuku (4th L) after the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 14, 2023.

Fozzie savours ‘sweetest’ victory

Ian Foster said New Zealand’s World Cup quarter-final triumph against an Ireland team that had been heavily tipped to win, was one of his “sweetest victories”.

All Blacks players after losing to France at Stade de France in the 2023 World Cup

Foster: All Blacks ‘won’t die wondering’

Ian Foster says he has told his All Blacks players not to “go into your shell” for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Ireland.

Fiji's hooker Sam Matavesi (C) runs with the ball as he is tackled by Australia's tighthead prop James Slipper (R) during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, south-eastern France on September 17, 2023.

Matavesi in action for Fiji despite family tragedy

Hooker Sam Matavesi will be on the bench for Fiji in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England just days after the death of his father, head coach Simon Raiwalui revealed on Friday.