South Africa's players have the same quiet belief they had heading into the 2007 World Cup in France, Springbok flyhalf Butch James said on Tuesday.
The World Cup in New Zealand represents a double-whammy for the people of earthquake-shattered Christchurch, Wallaby coach and home-town icon Robbie Deans said on Tuesday.
The fearless physical approach of Pacific island rugby could take centre stage during the World Cup opening match, where Tonga won't hold anything back against hosts New Zealand.
Jonny Wilkinson said on Tuesday he was on a "journey to improve" alongside Toby Flood after apparently beating him to become England's first-choice flyhalf for the World Cup.
The Highlanders' board has decided it will retain the Highlanders' 2011 home colours for next year's Super Rugby season, and introduce their new green strip as the team's official away playing jersey.
Sias Ebersohn is part of a crop of exciting young playmakers in South Africa that have just come through their first full Super Rugby seasons and who now seem to be running things in South African provincial rugby.
Veteran lock Marco Bortolami says he is looking forward to not being burdened with the responsibility of the captaincy for Italy in his third and possibly last World Cup in New Zealand.
Wales have revised their tackling game and are targeting the breakdowns, the Springboks' chief on-field defensive co-ordinator, Jaque Fourie, said on Tuesday.
Australia coach Robbie Deans has stuck with the same line-up that beat New Zealand for their World Cup opener against Italy.
South Africa lock Bakkies Botha could miss the Rugby World Cup opener against Wales on Sunday with an Achilles injury.
Japan prop Hisateru Hirashima has described France's scrum as the "best in the world" and "stronger than New Zealand's".
Rory Best has warned Ireland they must contain the USA's early onslaught in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
Ireland fullback Geordan Murphy believes that former coach Eddie O'Sullivan will use his "inside knowledge" to better prepare his USA players for Sunday's opening World Cup clash in New Plymouth.
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson returns to Dunedin claiming his last visit provided him with one of the most valuable experiences of his life.
The All Blacks have played down their latest injury scare after prop Tony Woodcock suffered a hamstring problem.
