By GARY FITZGERALD GREGOR Townsend admitted it was a “far from perfect” performance but he was full of praise for his players after they bounced […]

BLAIR Kinghorn believes those who were quick to write off Scotland’s World Cup chances after their Nice nightmare may have second thoughts now. The Edinburgh […]

NICK CAIN READ HIS EXPERT OPINION EVERY WEEK THE problem with some organisations is that they mistake the current trend for virtue signalling with doing […]

ONE of the best aspects of World Cups is that, the host nation apart, there is no home side. The reason behind that observation is […]

By NICK CAIN Not in top gear: Maro Itoje Pivotal moment: George North scores from Dan Biggar’s cross kick PICTURES: Getty Images Rare threat: Anthony […]

Man-of-the-match: Dan Biggar was outstanding SHANE WILLIAMS COMMENT Dan’s the man and Wales are No. 1! For Warren Gatland’s men to be officially named as […]

Back in action: Leigh Halfpenny PETER JACKSON VERDICT Beating England to win Grand Slams and Triple Crowns has long been a way of life for […]

By GARY FITZGERALD Electric: Sbu Nkosi goes over for a try ENGLISH Premiership referee Luke Pearce was firmly in the spotlight as he encurred the […]

By NEALE HARVEY Photo finish: George Bridge scores the All Black’s fifth try PICTURES: Getty Images NEW Zealand skipper Kieran Read hailed his comeback kings […]

By GEORGE LAWRENCE ITALY bounced back from defeat against Ireland with a 13-try win on the Adriatic coast. Russia managed to get the first points […]

By SAM JACKSON SCOTLAND looked a million miles away from serious World Cup contenders as Gregor Townsend’s side were handed a painful rugby lesson in […]

NEWS EXTRA NEW ZEALAND centre Sonny Bill Williams says he is happy with how his stint with Counties Manukau has gone as he builds towards […]

Rugby Championship First of six: Reece Hodge storms home for the Wallabies PICTURE: Getty Images Off: All Black lock Scott Barrett sees red Dangerman: Marika […]

By SAM JACKSON ARGENTINA captain Pablo Matera believes his team are ‘almost there’ for the Rugby World Cup – but says first they wanted to […]

KIERAN Read refused to push the panic button after his All Blacks colleagues were left dazed by six of the best from Australia. The New […]

BRENDAN GALLAGHER A weekly look at the game’s other talking points Retired at 27: Canadian flier Jeff Hassler Repechage schedule (all matches Pierre-Delort Stadium, Marseille) […]

Nick Cain talks to the architect of England’s 2003 world-beating scrum to find what’s missing now Guru: Phil Keith-Roach Front row greats: From left, Phil […]

THE 100th anniversaries are coming quick and fast as we head towards November 11 and exactly 100 years since the end of World War 1, […]

One to watch: Hong Kong U20 fly-half Paul Altier FIJI saved their best for last at the U20 Trophy final in Bucharest with a thumping […]

By BRENDAN GALLAGHER SAMOA virtually guaranteed their place at RWC2019 with a thumping 66-15 home win over Germany in Apia yesterday and also offered up […]

FIFTH PLACE PLAYOFF Australia …41 Argentina …15 AUSTRALIAled from start to finish but it took late tries from Mack Hansen and Isaac Lucas to put […]

NINTH PLACE PLAYOFF Scotland …31 Georgia …39 GEORGIA secured their best-ever finish with a fivetry victory over Scotland to back up their fine victory over […]

ELEVENTH PLACE PLAYOFF Ireland …39 Japan …33 TOMMY O’Brien proved Ireland’s match-winner with a try three minutes from time to ensure they retained their place […]

By SAM JACKSON World-beaters: France celeberate victory over England FINAL France …33pts England …25pts Tries: Woki, Seguret Conversions: Carbonel Penalties: Carbonel (7) Tries: Olowofela (2), […]

SUNDAY WRAP ENGLAND surged past Italy to extend their lead at the top of Pool B and book their semi-final place with a seven-try 43-5 […]

By SAM JACKSON Yellow: James Grayson ANOTHER bonus point victory set Steve Bates’ side up for a semi-final with South Africa after a 35-10 triumph […]

By NEALE HARVEY Dangerman: Winger Gabriel Ibitoye runs in a try for England SCRUM-HALF Ben White insists there is plenty in the tank as England’s […]

Australia ……18 New Zealand 27 NEW Zealand held off a determined Australia to move into the semi-finals as top of Pool A. New Zealand, seeking […]

Ireland …………20 IRELANDwere outgunned by Georgia and now go into the battle for 9th to 12th spots – with the bottom placed team being relegated […]

By ADAM ELLIS DEFENDING champions New Zealand are revved up for their semi-final clash with France after coming through a tough encounter against Australia. Captain […]

Wales …………18 Japan …………17 WALES needed a bonuspoint win to give them any chance of making the semifinals but Japan pushed them all the way […]

Georgia…………24 Back a penalty from 47 metres after 13 minutes, but Gela Aprasidze quickly cancelled it. Ireland were given hope when Georgian flanker Sandro Mamamtavrishville […]

France…………46 South Africa…29 FRANCE booked their place in the semi-finals with a barnstorming 46-29 victory over South Africa to top Pool C. Les Bleuets had […]

Italy………………30 Argentina……26 ITALY managed their best ever finish to a pool stage with a fine victory over Argentina. The Azurrini got off to a brilliant […]