Lewis Moody is adamant he will have "no qualms" about being pitched straight into England's World Cup opener against Argentina.
Hosts New Zealand will have to compete in the opening round of the World Cup without two key forwards.
New Zealand expect Kieran Read to miss most of the World Cup round-robin stage after tests showed he has torn a ligament in his left ankle.
The last match of the 2011 between Australia and New Zealand was a fine match with splendid tries, lots of continuity and a result not certain till the end. We give some stats for the match. The stoppages and ball in play time tell you that it was a splendid match. There are also some totals - like who was the most penalised player.
Lewis Moody has no fears about being thrown back in at the deep end in England's World Cup opener against Argentina.
Martin Johnson has revealed England would adopt an open-door policy for wives and girlfriends to visit players during the World Cup.
Former Lions lock and current forwards coach Johan Ackermann is particularly satisfied with the impact his versatile second row players are having on the Currie Cup at the moment.
Dont be fooled into thinking that, just because the Western Cape season ended with a mere handful of matches, it was any less dramatic a Saturday than any other in six months of magnificent schoolboy rugby.
Australia won the Tri-Nations, which suggests they must also dominate our Team of the Tournament.
Hoërskool Noord-Kaap of Kimberley ended their season on Saturday beating Hoërskool Diamantveld 27-20 in Bloemfontein in the Final of the KOVSIE Central Region League. It was Noord-Kaap's third successive championship victory.
Veteran England lock Simon Shaw will fly out to New Zealand later than the rest of Martin Johnson's World Cup squad because of a "stomach upset" it was announced on Monday.
Tygerberg beat Brackenfell 61-12 in their FNB Classic Clash played in Parow on Saturday.
Six players in South Africa's World Cup squad of 30 will not be exposed to full contact in training while they are still recovering from injury, Springbok team doctor Craig Roberts said on Monday.
The All Blacks have expressed surprise that Wallaby flyhalf Quade Cooper escaped suspension for kneeing New Zealand captain Richie McCaw in the face during last Saturday's Tri-Nations Test at Brisbane.
London Wasps No.8 Dan Ward-Smith has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect following medical advice on a back injury.
