Tag Archives: Rugby

New Zealand 23 South Africa 13 _____ It was touted as the biggest and best fixture of the group stages of the Rugby World Cup and the meeting of New Zealand and South Africa didn’t disappoint. Rassie Erasmus’ side brought their ferocious intensity from the Rugby Championship straight into this game in Yokohama and put the All Blacks to the …

New Zealand head coach Steven Hansen has accused his South African counterpart Rassie Erasmus of trying to influence referee Jerome Garces ahead of their titanic World Cup battle this weekend.  During a press conference on Wednesday, Erasmus commented that the era in which the All-Blacks benefit from marginal calls because they are the best in the world has ended. The …

It is a hot topic once more in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup but Ireland powerhouse CJ Stander has said that he was never aware of doping during his time in South Africa.  The 29-year-old previously played for Currie Cup side Blue Bulls and represented South Africa at the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship in Japan. Stander was called up to …

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has urged Devin Toner “to get back on the horse” following his disappointing omission from Ireland’s World Cup squad earlier this month.  Toner was expected to be named as part of Joe Schmidt’s 31-man panel but there was widespread surprise when the Leinster stalwart was left at home with Munster’s Jean Kleyn named instead. Ross …

It has been a whirlwind number of months for Jack Carty. A highly impressive season with Connacht saw him earn a spot in Ireland’s squad for the Six Nations and he made his Test debut against Italy earlier this year. On the back of his displays for province and country, the 27-year-old was named in Joe Schmidt’s squad for the …

For most of us rugby fanatics, or even half-interested bystanders, the most difficult decision we’ll face this weekend is choosing which channel to tune into for the Rugby World Cup.  Over the past number of weeks, broadcasters have been revealing their illustrious panels for their coverage with a mixture of established names and new faces. Irish people will have a …

Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw has emerged as an injury doubt for the side’s opening World Cup encounter against Scotland on Sunday.  According to a report in the Irish Times, the Leinster star suffered a hamstring injury during training at Ireland’s base in Chiba. Henshaw was in line to start in midfield against the Scots, alongside Bundee Aki, following the pair’s …

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the short-term signing of Australian forward Jed Holloway as cover during the World Cup period. “An experienced and integral member of the Waratahs squad, Holloway has made 52 Super Rugby appearances and is known for his work-rate and strong ball carrying abilities”, their statement read. The 26-year-old will provide cover at lock, and …

Ireland take on Wales in their final World Cup warm-up match at the Aviva Stadium today with both teams looking to impress before boarding the plane to Japan. While it is a warm-up game, there is much at stake for both sides. Having endured a mixed season so far, Warren Gatland will be hoping his side can gain momentum from …

Ireland welcome Wales to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon for their final warm-up game before they board the flight to Japan for the World Cup. The fixture will also mark the final game on home soil for captain Rory Best and head coach Joe Schmidt who will both be stepping away following the tournament. However, it will also serve …

He may not want to dwell on it before the game, but Saturday’s encounter with Wales will mark Rory Best’s final game at Lansdowne Road after 14 years.  The Ulster talisman made his Ireland debut in the old stadium when he came off the bench against the All-Blacks in November 2005. Since then, he has seen the best, and the …

Australia legend David Pocock will make his first Test appearance in almost a year when he captains his side in their final World Cup warm-up game against Samoa this weekend. The 31-year-old hasn’t featured on the international scene since last November after suffering a series of calf, neck and concussion issues which limited him to only three rugby games this …

England centre Joe Marchant is set to make his first Test start in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up game against Italy in Newcastle on Friday, despite not being included in the squad for the tournament. Marchant has made two previous appearances for England from the bench, however, his inclusion raises questions as to the fitness of Jonathan Joseph, who withdrew …

Ireland have moved up to second in the latest World Rugby rankings following their 17-22 win over Wales in Cardiff at the weekend.  Had they won by a margin of 15 or more points, Joe Schmidt’s men would have gone to the top of the table, however, an outstanding performance from substitute Rhys Patchell helped Wales claw back from a …