Defending champions South Africa South sent out another emphatic message to their World Cup rivals and put one foot in the quarterfinals with their biggest ever World Cup win.

Fire alarms viewers

A stray cigarette butt caused the large scrub blaze which alarmed fans and thousands of TV viewers during Japan's match against Tonga, a report said.

New Zealand's fire service was inundated with calls when flames appeared just behind Northland Events Centre stadium's packed main terrace during the second half on Wednesday, the New Zealand Herald said.

A witness said a group of people watching the game from a tree accidentally ignited the scrub fire, which burned about 15 metres from the stadium before being extinguished by firefighters.

Henry wants respect for Aussies

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has urged his fellow New Zealanders to respect the Wallabies amid reports of fierce trans-Tasman rivalries turning spiteful.

Reports have claimed that Australia fans were verbally abused and spat on in New Zealand.

"I hope they are making everybody feeling welcome out there, even the people from over the ditch [Australia]," Henry grinned.

"Because that's what it's about, isn't it? We have respect for Robbie [Deans] and his team and four-and-a-half million New Zealanders should have respect, I think."

World Cup chief Martin Snedden also described reports that Australian fans were spat on and abused by New Zealanders as "out of character".

Royal rumble

As Mike Tindall's newly wed wife, royal heir Zara Phillips, made a surprise arrival in New Zealand, England coach Martin Johnson snapped at a reporter who tried to question the England centre about footage showing him with a woman in a bar.

"We've put it to bed, it's not an issue," Johnson told the journalist.

"I said to you last week what happened, the guys went out and had a drink."

"We've played a game since then and we are looking forward to another game this weekend so if you've got any questions about that we'd love to hear them and answer them for you," Johnson added.

Divine inspiration

A New Zealand cathedral has taken the country's devotion to its national rugby team to a new level, exhibiting a painting depicting Jesus as an All Black.

The work by artist Don Little, painted in the style of a Russian Orthodox icon, shows a haloed Jesus wearing and All Blacks jersey as he dispenses blessings while clutching a white rugby ball.

The painting went on display this week at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral in Wellington and sold within a few days to an Australian collector.

Cathedral dean, the very reverend Frank Nelson, said the icon was fitting because rugby was often referred to as a new religion for New Zealanders.

"Central to Christian belief is that God became a human being in this world," he told AFP. "Our Christian belief is that he happened to do that 2,000 years ago in Palestine.

"What intrigues me about this, and what I want people to think about, is that if it were to happen today, why should he not be an All Black?"

Despite the depiction of Jesus as an All Black, South African-born Nelson admitted he retained a soft spot for the Springboks after 20 years in his adopted homeland and his Rugby World Cup loyalties were divided.

"I'm sitting on the fence," he said.

The alternative anthem!

A handy instructional video for those who struggle with the South African anthem.