World Cup

Boks get Kiwi ref for quarter-final

New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe will take charge of the quarter-final between the Springboks and France in Paris.

Ireland's flyhalf Jonathan Sexton tussles with Scotland's players during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Scotland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris on October 7, 2023.

Kiwi pundit slams ‘entitled’ Ireland

The heat between New Zealand and Ireland has been turned up a notch with the claim that the All Blacks “don’t much care” for Johnny Sexton’s conduct.

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.

Pollard, Libbok give Boks ‘balance’

Faf de Klerk has welcomed the return of regular Springbok halfback partner Handre Pollard, who he says has a “calm demeanour” in high-pressure situations.

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 01: Andre Esterhuizen of South Africa runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Pita Ahki of Tonga during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Tonga at Stade Velodrome on October 01, 2023 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Michael Steele - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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.

French players celebrate after scoring a try during the Autumn Nations Series rugby union test match between France and South Africa at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on November 12, 2022. (

Boks embracing fervent French fanatics

The Springboks have admitted they have no choice but to embrace a hostile reception from a sold-out Stade de France during Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.

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.

Pumas suffer World Cup blow

Flanker Pablo Matera has been ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final against Wales on Saturday with a right hamstring muscle tear, the team announced.

France's scrum-half Antoine Dupont leaves after being given a red card during the Autumn Nations Series rugby union test match between France and South Africa at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille on November 12, 2022.

Faf: Boks unfazed by Dupont

Faf de Klerk says the Springboks won’t change their approach for the World Cup quarter-final against France based on whether or not Antoine Dupont plays.