 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:
Category: RWC
News and discussion about the Rugby World Cup
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:
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…)
 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…)
 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: