The EP Kings had to work hard against neighbours Border Bulldogs, but in the end had too much on the attack as they won by 51-36 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
New Zealand, despite some concerns, is ready to host the World Cup, the president of the sport's world governing body Bernard Lapasset announced.
The World Cup is shaping as a battle of wits between referees determined to exert greater control in key areas of games and players who will take advantage of any opportunities afforded to them in the law book.
New Zealand lock Ali Williams owes Nottingham a debt of gratitude for helping to rekindle his World Cup dream after two years of injury hell.
Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal believes that the players can put recent results beyond him and produce 'something special' over the coming weeks in New Zealand.
Manu Tuilagi's remarkable impact on the England camp led to him being selected for the World Cup before he had even played a Test match.
A minute's silence honouring the dead from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks will be held prior to the United States' opening World Cup match against Ireland, the President of the International Rugby Board (IRB) announced on Sunday.
Shaun Edwards has underlined the need for Wales to display watertight discipline in their World Cup showdown with South Africa next weekend.
Donncha O'Callaghan admits Ireland's psyche continues to be haunted by their World Cup disaster of four years ago.
Shane Williams admits Wales are fed up of being the nearly men in their recent battles against world champions South Africa.
Provincial rugby organised in a competition in New Zealand is relatively young and finals date back only to 1992. Auckland have still won most of them.
It's spring. There are new leaves on the oaks and sevens in many places. The Cape welcomes the spring but at the same times seems reluctant to let got of the winter and so extends the rugby season. The father of them all is the Villager Sevens.
Victor Vito hopes a few coffee dates with the injured Kieran Read will hold the key to him making the New Zealand No.8 jersey his own.
Fabio Semenzato, Tommaso Benvenuti and Tommaso D'Apice are three of Italy's new faces determined to make their mark at World Cup 2011.
England believe rising star Manu Tuilagi is a rare talent who has the ability to change the course of a game - and could become one of the sport's great players.
