 NZL: Troy Flavell may be called up to replace the injured Keith Robinson. ITA: The Italians may field a weakened team against NZ in preparation for their all-important clash against Scotland. SCO: The Scots are confident of making the semi-finals after a morale-boosting win against Ireland in the RWC build-up. POR: Portugal’s coach has denied fearing for the safety of his pack when they take on the All Blacks. ROM: Centre Romeo Gontineac will become the first Romanian to play in four Rugby World Cups. Comments:
 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:
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:
Doesn’t happen often, but due to some in-house visitors I was spousally rationed to one S14 fixture this weekend. Looking closely at the schedule with a South African eye, but also an eye on quality – I had to go for the Sharks vs Reds. Apologies now to the Stormers who finally played some entertaining if not precision rugby – that fact and the mush the Sharks dished up – showed up my tough choice to be incorrect.
 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…)