Thousands of people from Auckland's sizeable Pacific island community blocked streets and gave a hero's welcome to the Tongan rugby team when they arrived in the city for the World Cup.
Australian coach Robbie Deans said Monday he was confident the team will go far at the World Cup, declaring the Wallabies up for the challenge.
Dragons centre Ashley Smith will undergo further examinations after coming off the field with a hamstring strain during the region's opening match of the season against Munster.
Columnist Grant Ball questions how many of the Bok starting XV has improved over the last four years.
There is a fairly even spread of teams represented in our Team of the Week, however there is no space for even one player from the stable of traditional powers the Blue Bulls.
Japan hope to uncork the champagne and make history by beating France in their World Cup 2011 opener at North Harbour Stadium on September 10.
All Blacks prop Ben Franks said Monday he was willing to take a punch in the face for the good of the team if it meant an opposing player was sent off.
It's here. The 2011 Rugby World Cup is starting as the whole world watches tensely on. These are exciting times, including for referees, especially George Clancy who will blow the whistle to get it started.
When scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon was chaired off the pitch at the end of his 101st and final match for Italy one of the big questions facing the Azzurri was who would take over the No.9 jersey.
Four days before the start of the World Cup, the All Blacks insist they can overcome their reputation as chokers in the sport's biggest event.
Australia will go into the Rugby World Cup with the youngest squad of all 20 countries while Ireland has the oldest.
The Western Force has secured the signature of Fijian World Cup wing and former French Top 14 Player of the Year, Napolioni Nalaga, as the club's marquee signing for 2012.
When it comes to supporting captain John Smit in the face of media and public criticism, South African lock Bakkies Botha is as direct and uncompromising as he is on the field.
If host nation New Zealand are feeling the heat, so too are defending World Cup champions South Africa, according to Springbok wing Bryan Habana.
Jim Mallinder hailed both his fly-halves as Northampton sealed a Franklin's Gardens thriller with a late Ryan Lamb penalty against Gloucester.
