 FRA: France will he hoping to repeat last November’s victory over the Pumas in the opening game of the RWC on Friday. IRE: Brian O’Driscoll and David Wallace have been declared fit to play. ARG: Agustin Pichot will lead the Pumas against France in the RWC opener. Comments:
Month: September 2007
Jonny Wilkinson twisted his ankle in training today and has been ruled out of England’s Rugby World Cup opener against the USA. (more…)
 Kit sponsor Nike has made the French World Cup jersey a darker shade of blue than normal to give the host nation a psychological advantage should they meet New Zealand at the tournament. The All Blacks would be forced to play in white jerseys. Comments:
 New Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has signed prop Brian Mujati from the Lions. He joins Ricky Januarie and Adriaan Fondse at the Cape franchise for next year’s Super14. Comments:
A happy and relaxed Jake White and John Smit spoke to the press prior to the team’s departure for France about their preparations, about following Kitch Christie’s plan and the potential impact of the referees at the tournament. (more…)
 Tongan Epi Taione has changed his name on the eve of the World Cup to Paddy Power – the name of an Irish bookmaker. The change is part of a five-figure sponsorship agreement with the bookies who have funded the Tongan preparations for the tournament. Comments:
 Ollie le Roux on the Rugby World Cup: “The World Cup is all about money, and at the end of the day, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s the worst thing that could have happened to rugby in the world because it is a one-off test and to be the best in a one-off test doesn’t mean anything. I prefer the old system of playing a five match test series and grinding it out to see who is the best in the world. The World Cup is a marketing exercise and designed to make money. It’s disgusting.†Comments:
All Black legend and master of gamesmanship Sean Fitzpatrick has come out in support of the 2007 New Zealand World Cup team. (more…)
We are fans of The Dropkicks – a group of Kiwis who love to talk rugby. In anticipation of the Rugby World Cup, check out their interesting World Cup country profiles of New Zealand and South Africa. (more…)
In Currie Cup Round 9 action over the weekend, the unbeaten Cheetahs smashed the winless Valke, the Blue Bulls overpowered Griquas, Western Province demolished Boland and The Sharks overcame the Golden Lions. (more…)