Harlequins' 29-24 opening-day Aviva Premiership victory at Twickenham was marred when Tom Guest suffered a double break of his left arm.
The Sharks showed great composure and regularly punished the ill-discipline of their opponents to secure a solid 39-27 victory over the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
George Ford missed two crucial drop goals as Exeter won 30-28 at Welford Road to beat Leicester in the Aviva Premiership for the first time.
Immaculate kicking from Nick Evans enabled Harlequins to secure the first win of the Aviva Premiership season as they beat London Irish 29-24.
Jim Mallinder has warned Northampton there will be no excuses when they begin their Aviva Premiership campaign against Gloucester on Sunday.
Catalin Fercu's late decision to withdraw from Romania's Rugby World Cup squad due to a fear of flying has angered his former team-mates.
A late surge from Western Province clinched a tense 41-35 victory over Griquas for the visitors in what was an entertaining spectacle of running rugby in Kimberley on Saturday.
Graham Henry has learned from New Zealand's disastrous 2007 World Cup campaign - and steeled his men for the perils of sudden-death rugby.
Shane Jennings is determined to capitalise on the twist of fate that could see him become Ireland's openside at the World Cup.
Jamie Roberts believes Wales' critical World Cup opener against South Africa has "all the ingredients to be a classic".
Martin Johnson has been praised for transforming England into "strong contenders" for the World Cup - by tournament favourites New Zealand.
Scotland centre Graeme Morrison is excited about the Rugby World Cup and one game in particular - the clash with auld enemy England.
Two-time World Cup finalists France look set to be without three key backs for their World Cup opener against Japan in North Harbour next Saturday according to French assistant coach Emile Ntamack.
The All Blacks on Saturday said they are ready to challenge for the World Cup as they shrugged off a barrage of grim news just six days before they open the tournament on home soil against Tonga.
England manager Martin Johnson admitted Saturday to concerns about playing Argentina first up in the World Cup given the South Americans' record of upsetting the form book.
