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…)
Author: Rob
 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…)
 John Smit and Jean de Villiers returned to Bok training at the weekend in the team’s last practice on home soil. Schalk Burger and Juan Smith missed the session, both suffering from a stomach virus, but are expected to recover fully in the next few days. Comments:
The Springbok Rugby World Cup squad received South African President Thabo Mbeki’s backing at an official send-off in Pretoria. (more…)
 Samoa will be without two of their most experienced players, lock Filipo Levi (fractured eye socket) and prop Donald Kerslake (fractured ribs) when they face the Boks in their opening RWC game. Comments:
Friday’s Villager Schools Sevens Tournament was postponed at the quarter-final stage after horrific weather in Cape Town resulted in the conditions becoming too unsafe to play. (more…)