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☆ Sam Kerr: Australian soccer star pleads not guilty to ‘racially aggravated offense’ in London
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Sam Kerr, Chelsea FC star and Australia women’s captain, pleaded not guilty to a “racially aggravated offense” of a police officer, British authorities said Monday. The 30-year-old striker was charged following an incident involving an officer on January 30 last year in Twickenham, a suburb of southwest London. Kerr was charged “via postal charge requisition on 21 January with a racially aggravated offense under Section 4A Public Order Act 1986,” the Met Police added. CNN has reached out to Chelsea FC, who declined to comment. Last year, she led the Australia women’s team in making national history by becoming the first team – men’s or women’s – to reach a soccer World Cup semifinal.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Kerr, ”, – Organizations: CNN, Chelsea FC, Australia women’s, Metropolitan Police, Met Police, Thames, Crown Prosecution Service, Wimbledon, Court, Football Australia, “, ” Football Australia, Chelsea, League, Super League, AFC, Uzbekistan Locations: Twickenham, London, Kingston, United Kingdom, Perth

☆ Uncertainty now for Springboks as winning era ends
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

First to be settled is what happens with Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, who is seen as the maverick genius behind the country's successive World Cup triumphs. He was coach in 2019 when they won in Japan but tweaked his role thereafter, relinquished the coaching post to his long-time lieutenant Jacques Nienaber. Both have been lauded for the analytical work and attention to detail and are likely to be sorely missed. None of the winning squad have spoken of quitting, either the game overall or their international careers, but the intensity of the World Cup campaign takes a toll as the 31-year-old centre Damian de Allende explained when asked whether he would continue with the Boks. "I would love to say yes but at the moment I have to take it year by year,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Stephanie Lecocq, Rugby Rassie Erasmus, Jacques Nienaber, Felix Jones, Steve Borthwick, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, ”, “ I’m Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Irish, Leinster, South, England, Ireland, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Japan, Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Europe

☆ England claim bronze but need more to challenge the elite
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - From where they were at the end of their dismal warm-ups, England's World Cup was an unqualified success and they were within three minutes of one of the great sporting turnarounds. They arrived amid the gloom of five defeats in six games but finished on a high with six wins out of seven. The skewed nature of the draw obviously favoured them, and reaching the semi-finals looked possible and even probable regardless of their form based on their World Cup history and the quality of players in the squad. Already assured of top spot in their group, England laboured against Samoa before snatching a late victory. "I always believed we would be right... We were clear that the World Cup isn't played in August," he said after clinching third place.

Persons: Tom Curry, George Ford, Henry Arundell, Marcus Smith, Owen Farrell's, Dan Cole, Joe Marler, Steve Borthwick's, Ben Earls, Borthwick, hasn't, Eddie Jones, isn't, Hooker Theo Dan, Mitch Phillips, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Japan, Samoa, Fiji, Springbok, South Africa, Argentina, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: France, Argentina, England, Marseille, Chile, South Africa

☆ Rugby World Cup final: Inspirational South Africa captain Siya Kolisi chases history against New Zealand
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Patrick Snell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —South Africa and New Zealand will meet on Saturday in a Rugby World Cup final for the first time since 1995. On that occasion, it was tournament host South Africa which won a close fought contest 15-12 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time. Twenty-four years on from that enduring moment, it was the inspiring Siya Kolisi who led his country to victory in the 2019 final against England, becoming the first Black captain to lead South Africa to World Cup glory. Indeed, his participation in this year’s World Cup is also nothing short of remarkable. South Africa or New Zealand will become the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

Persons: Webb Ellis, Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Mandela, Siya Kolisi, Kolisi, Richie McCaw, Jeanne Accorsini, ”, England’s Tom Curry, ” Kolisi, he’d, Curry, Thomas Samson, it’s, “, Unwisely, Sam Whitelock, Whitelock, Ian Foster, we’ve, ” Foster, Samuel Whitelock, Sebastien Bozon, Foster, Barrett, – Scott, Jordie, Beauden –, Will Jordan Organizations: CNN, Rugby, South, Springboks, England, All Blacks, World Rugby, Rugby World, Getty, While New Zealand, Kiwis, South Africa, Blacks, Twickenham, New Zealand, New, Stade de France Locations: South Africa, New Zealand, Africa, Zwide, Port Elizabeth, England, AFP, While New, London, France , New Zealand, France, Zealand, Paris

☆ World Cup braced for second superpower showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

That means that should they triumph on Saturday they will have an incredible 50% success rate - four finals from eight tournaments. New Zealand won the inaugural event in 1987 then became the first to win back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2015 - an achievement defending champions South Africa are also desperate to emulate. Their previous final meeting was in 1995, the first World Cup South Africa were allowed into. At the other end of the experience spectrum is winger Will Jordan, whose eight tries in France equal the tournament best. Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)Reporting by Mitch Phillips; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Chester Williams, Siya Kolisi, Richie McCaw, Handre Pollard, Ian Foster, Sam Whitelock, Will Jordan, Jordie Barrett, flyhalf Richie Mo'unga, Ardie, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert, Damian Willemse, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Deon Fourie, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie Le Roux, Wayne Barnes, Mitch Phillips, Ken Ferris Organizations: Springboks, New Zealand, South, France, England, Twickenham, Zealand, Blacks, Ireland, Webb, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, England, flyhalf, Argentina, Ireland, France, Zealand, Brown

☆ Springboks start with Pollard, go 7-1 on the bench
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

In the end, Pollard proved the match winner again as he kicked over a 48 metre penalty to hand South Africa a place in the final. South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber surprised with his choice of replacements, going with seven forwards and a single back for the third time in the last two months. It means South Africa are gambling on fresh forward power winning them the game but risking having no cover should there be any injury among the backs. New Zealand, who like South Africa have won three previous World Cups, will name their team later on Thursday. South Africa: 15-Damian Willemse, 14-Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Cheslin Kolbe, 10-Handre Pollard, 9-Faf de Klerk, 8-Duane Vermeulen, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya Kolisi (capt.

Persons: Handre Pollard, Pollard, Faf, Klerk, Jacques Nienaber, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Deon Fourie, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie Le Roux, Mark Gleeson, Deborah Kyvrikosaios Organizations: Rugby, Springbok, New Zealand, South, England, Libbok, Blacks, Twickenham, Ireland, Leinster, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, South Africa, Japan, flyhalf, scrumhalf, Africa, South Africa’s, Zealand

☆ Springbok hooker Mbonambi cleared to play in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

World Rugby were subsequently asked to review a similar incident in a match between the two teams in London last year. "Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby...," it said in a statement. World Rugby added that it accepted that Curry made the allegation in good faith, "and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious." "World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity."

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Lorraine O'sullivan, Bongi Mbonambi, Tom Curry, Mbonambi, Curry, Tom Curry’s, Siya Kolisi, Kolisi, Nick Said, Jason Neely, John Stonestreet Organizations: Aviva, REUTERS, Rights, Saturday’s Rugby, Rugby, England, Springbok, New Zealand, South Africa, World Rugby, Rugby Football Union, RFU, Springboks, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Africa, Ireland, South Africa, Dublin, New, Paris, London, Mbonambi

☆ Springbok forwards know the stakes after final selection gamble
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PRESLES COURCELLES, France, Oct 26 (Reuters) - South Africa’s forwards know any successful outcome of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final depends on how they dominate New Zealand upfront after the Springboks made a surprise selection gamble for the clash at the Stade de France. "It's going to come down to the forwards," said prop Steven Kitshoff, one of 15 players who were in South Africa's victorious World Cup final squad in Japan four years ago and who starts on Saturday. "We all know the brand and style that the All Blacks play and how dynamic they can be, but for us it’s all about work rate, the scrum battle, the lineout mauling. "It’s always big to play against the All Blacks, but to do so in a World Cup final is like a dream," he said. "I think for a player to play in a game like this, I don’t think it’s ever going to be any bigger.

Persons: Steven Kitshoff, Faf de Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, we've, De Klerk, Bok, Siya Kolisi, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Saturday’s Rugby, Springboks, Stade de France, New Zealand, Twickenham, Blacks, Ireland, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, New Zealand, South Africa's, Japan, England

☆ Different feel as England Argentina meet again in bronze final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Of course the one that spoiled that streak was the agonising one-point semi-final defeat by South Africa, but it is still an England team unrecognisable in confidence and execution from the one that endured a dismal August warm-up campaign. England eventually advanced as pool winners, then beat Fiji before their Springbok loss, while Argentina improved to beat Japan to clinch second place then see off Wales in the quarter-final. Borthwick and Pumas coach Michael Cheika followed their defeats by immediately stressing that they were treating the bronze final as a match they were taking very seriously. "Winning the bronze medal is very important for the future and the legacy of the most experienced players. England have also won all four of the teams' pool clashes at the World Cup.

Persons: Steve Borthwick, Tom Curry, flyhalf George Ford, Ford banged, Michael Cheika, Borthwick, Cheika, Owen Farrell, Ford, Marcus Smith, Henry Arundell, Freddie Steward, Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Tomas Cubelli, Facundo Isa, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Pedro Rubiolo, Guido Petti, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya, Thomas Gallo, Agustin Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matias Moroni, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, Ollie Chessum, Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlum, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Mitch Phillips, Christian Radnedge Organizations: England, Rugby, Fiji, Springbok, Japan, Borthwick, Pumas, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: Argentina, South Africa, England, Marseille, Wales, New Zealand, flyhalf

☆ Forget Twickenham’s record win for Boks, it’s this weekend that counts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

This weekend is the one that counts. "If you look at our bench, even back in 2019, it has had a massive impact for the Springboks," he said. "For us, when we are on the bench, we know we've got a massive responsibility to fulfil. The nice thing is for us is that we can watch the first half and see where we could be falling short as Springboks," Smith added. You've got to be ready and make sure that you use your opportunity when you get it."

Persons: Kwagga Smith, Smith, Scott Barrett, It's, we've, You've, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, All Blacks, Twickenham, Blacks, Kiwis, Kiwi, Springboks, Thomson Locations: COURCELLES, France, Africa, New Zealand, London, South Africa, Japan, England

☆ New look for England as Arundell, Steward and Smith start v Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Tom Curry, who will win his 50th cap, moves to the blindside to reprise the successful back row partnership from the 2019 tournament, with Ben Earl at number eight. Scrumhalf Ben Youngs starts his first game of the tournament to extend his caps record to 127, with captain Owen Farrell at flyhalf. Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford and Ollie Lawrence are on the bench. The teams met on the opening weekend of the tournament in Marseille, when England won 27-10 despite having Curry sent off after three minutes. England have also won all four of the teams' pool clashes at the World Cup.

Persons: Henry Arundell, Freddie Steward, Marcus Smith, Steve Borthwick, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Ollie Chessum, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Scrumhalf Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Jamie George, Bevan Rodd, Dan Cole, David Ribbans, Lewis Ludlam, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Borthwick, Smith, Arundell, Steward, Curry, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlum, Mitch Phillips, Christian Radnedge Organizations: England, Argentina, South, openside, Springboks, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: South Africa, flyhalf, Paris, Chile, Marseille, England

☆ World Cup 2023: Previous World Cup finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

PARIS, Oct 25 (Reuters) - On Saturday, New Zealand take on South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France, with both teams hoping to win a record fourth title. Mapimpi scored the first try in the 66th minute, becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final, despite South Africa having won two previous titles. The teams had met in the pool stage with South Africa winning 36-0. Fullback Jonathan Webb scored two penalties for England, whose decision to ditch their forward-reliant tactics for an expansive running game backfired. 1987 - NEW ZEALAND 29 FRANCE 9 (AUCKLAND)The All Blacks laid down the marker in the first World Cup final, dominating from start to finish as flyhalf Grant Fox's kicking helped his team gain territory time and again.

Persons: Makazole, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Mapimpi, Richie McCaw, Flyhalf Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett's, Tony Woodcock, Stephen Donald, Percy Montgomery, Francois Steyn, Alain Rolland's, Mark Cueto, England's Jonny Wilkinson, Australia's Elton Flatley, Wilkinson, Matt Burke, Ben Tune, Owen Finegan, Nelson Mandela, Jonah Lomu, Joel Stransky's, Webb Ellis, Tony Daly, Michael Lynagh, Fullback Jonathan Webb, flyhalf Grant Fox's, Michael Jones, David Kirk, John Kirwan, Pierre Berbizier, Rohith Nair, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Stade de France, England, Springbok, South, Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks, South Africa, ZEALAND, Fullback, Fox, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa, ENGLAND, YOKOHAMA, Japan, AUSTRALIA, TWICKENHAM, FRANCE, AUCKLAND, France, PARIS, England, SYDNEY, CARDIFF, Australia, JOHANNESBURG, Bengaluru

☆ 'Different' Fiji exit World Cup proud to have fought to the end
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"They've worked so hard since week one, 15 weeks now, and they've showed they belong on the world stage. "This is a different Fiji team and I think it's the start of something special. Sunday's match had echoes of Fiji's last World Cup quarter-final in 2007, when they fought back to level the match at 20-20 only to go down 37-20 to eventual champions South Africa. "The second thing was we needed to be more consistent in preparation, and I think what we've shown this year is that we've grown in that area. I think that's only going to grow as we go forward to the 2027 and 2031 World Cups."

Persons: Simon Raiwalui, Andrew Couldridge, Raiwalui, They've, they've, Josua Tuisova, Sam Matavesi's, Nick Mulvenney, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby Union, England, Fiji, Twickenham, Rights, Velodrome, South Africa, Fijian Rugby Union, Josua, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Fiji, Rights MARSEILLE, France, England

☆ Farrell kicks England into semis with classic win over Fiji
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Centres Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant scored tries as England led 24-10 early in the second half on the back of their most impressive performance for years. However, in classic style, Fiji scored two tries in four minutes to change the mood, only for England, thanks to surging runs by outstanding number eight Ben Earl, to regain a lead they held on to in a dramatic finale. England reached their sixth World Cup semi-final and will go in search of a fifth final appearance when they meet France or South Africa. "There was obviously a spell where Fiji scored two back-to-back tries, which Fiji can do probably better than anyone else in the world. For most of the match, a fired-up England were unrecognisable from the team who looked so lacklustre against Samoa last week.

Persons: Farrell, Captain Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Joe Marchant, Ben Earl, England, Steve Borthwick, Simon Raiwalui, Marchant, Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai, Vilimoni, Simione, Earl, Vilimoni Botitu, Mitch Phillips, Ed Osmond Organizations: Fiji, France, Islanders, Samoa, Twickenham, England, Blacks, Thomson Locations: South Africa MARSEILLE, France, England, South Africa, Fiji, Paris

☆ Irrepressible Earl drives England into World Cup last four
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MARSEILLE, France, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Owen Farrell was the official man of the match but not an England fan leaving the Marseille Velodrome is likely to have looked beyond Ben Earl for the outstanding player in England's 30-24 World Cup victory over Fiji on Sunday. "After we played Fiji at Twickenham we got told we wouldn't get out the group, but now we are in the semi-final, one of the best four teams in the competition. Jones preferred the bulk of Vunipola to the athleticism Earl brings to the role and Borthwick also took a while to be convinced. However, as a rare bright light in a dismal series of warm-up games the 25-year-old Earl forced his way into the starting team and has been superb at the World Cup. I don't like to pick out individuals after such a team effort today but he certainly played a big part."

Persons: Owen Farrell, Ben Earl, Farrell, Steve Borthwick, Billy Vunipola, I've, Earl, wouldn't, Eddie Jones, Jones, Borthwick, Saracen Farrell, Mitch Phillips, Ed Osmond Organizations: Marseille, Fiji, Sunday, Twickenham, Saracens, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, England, England's, Vunipola

☆ We will be different team against Fiji, says England's George
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Last weekend wasn't good enough, it was poor, but we have had a really good open and honest review," George told reporters. You'll see a very different England team on Sunday." George, a British and Irish Lion and veteran of many big games with Saracens, said the England team were embracing the occasion as they seek to improve on their run to the final four years ago. Fiji have improved their all-round game, particularly the scrum, but their lineout still looks vulnerable and is an area England expect to dominate. "The way Portugal targeted their line-out was something that was very interesting and especially how they go about it," George said.

Persons: Jamie George, George, Danny Care, George Kruis, Steve Borthwick, Elliot Daly, we’ve, Mitch Phillips, Ed Osmond Organizations: Samoa, Fiji, Irish Lion, Saracens, England, Twickenham, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, British, Fiji, England, Portugal

☆ England hope to avoid repeat of soccer team's Nice disaster
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NICE, France, Sept 15 (Reuters) - England face Japan in the Rugby World Cup in Nice on Sunday hoping to avoid any sort of repeat of one of the country's lowest sporting moments when the national soccer team were humbled in the city by Iceland at the 2016 Euros. The footballing disaster was the final act for manager Roy Hodgson, paving the way for Gareth Southgate to start the rebuilding job that took England to a World Cup semi-final and a penalty shoot-out final defeat in the last Euros. England's rugby team had gone through a similar process eight months earlier as their pool-stage exit from their own World Cup in 2015 after Twickenham defeats to Wales and Australia spelled the end for Stuart Lancaster. It was a brilliant performance and, coming on the back of a Six Nations title earlier in the year, there was huge confidence surging through the England set-up. They have struggled though to reproduce anything like that form since though and the chances of another shock look slim - even in Nice.

Persons: Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate, Stuart Lancaster, Wayne Rooney's, Eddie Jones's, Jones, Mitch Phillips, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, soccer, Stade de Nice, England, rugby, Twickenham, England's rugby, Nations, New Zealand, South, Argentina, Australia, Springboks, Ireland, Thomson Locations: France, England, Japan, Nice, Iceland, Stade, Wales, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Scotland

☆ Fantastic Ford kicks 14-man England to win over Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"The drop-goals are always planned, it is a great weapon for us," Ford said. "We have had a bit of a rocky build-up to this World Cup but I think in the last 10 days there has been a different feeling to the place." The Pool D match had been billed as a massive challenge for England against a Pumas side who beat them at Twickenham last November. It was the fourth time in the last six games that England had had a man sent off. We have many World Cup first-timers and they will take a lesson of how we need to be ready when the whistle blows."

Persons: Ford, George Ford, Flyhalf Ford, Owen Farrell, Steve Borthwick, Curry, Cruz Mallia, Tomas Lavanni, GENERALSHIP Ford, Jonny Wilkinson’s, Borthwick, ", Rodrigo Bruni, Julian Montoya, Michael Cheika, Mitch Phillips, Ed Osmond Organizations: England, Argentina, Pumas, Twickenham, Jonny Wilkinson’s England, Ford, Thomson Locations: Argentina, MARSEILLE, France, England, Japan, Fiji, Samoa, St Etienne

☆ All Blacks have a point to prove in blockbuster opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Sept 7 (Reuters) - New Zealand coach Ian Foster said the All Blacks had a point to prove in their World Cup opener against hosts France on Friday, a match he thought was unprecedented in terms of hype but which ultimately might not turn out to be hugely important. "Do we have a point to prove? Then we'll really assess after that to see where we're at, and how we progress in this tournament." "The All Blacks have learned over history, you just don't turn up at a World Cup and get what you want just by being here," he added. The All Blacks have never lost a World Cup pool match but Foster said it might not matter much in the greater scheme of the tournament if they were beaten on Friday.

Persons: Ian Foster, Foster, You've, you've, there's, haven't, We've, I've, we've, Nick Mulvenney, Toby Davis Organizations: Blacks, France, Twickenham, New Zealand, Stade de France, Zealand, South Africa, Springboks, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, South Africa

☆ England hit rock bottom with first-ever defeat by Fiji
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Lawrence White | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - England slumped to a 30-22 loss against Fiji at Twickenham on Saturday to record their first-ever defeat by the visitors, leaving them in utter disarray ahead of the World Cup which kicks off next month in France. But winger Selestino Ravutaumada capped a scintillating display with a swerving run to send replacement Simione Kuruvoli over for the decisive score that sealed their victory and left England looking utterly broken. This win is for all the people back home in Fiji," Ravutaumada said as Fijian supporters gathered in a corner of Twickenham sang and waved their national flags in celebration of their historic win. Fiji meanwhile can look forward to a possible World Cup quarter-final or better if they can repeat Saturday's mature performance at the tournament in France. England meanwhile have just two weeks to find some kind of cohesion before an opening fixture against the dangerous Argentina on Sept. 9.

Persons: Jonny May, Ollie Lawrence, Manu Tuilagi, Habosi, Marcus Smith, Joe Marchant, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ravutaumada, Wonderwall, George Ford, Steve Borthwick, Eddie Jones, Lawrence White, Ken Ferris Organizations: Fiji, Twickenham, Pacific Islanders, England, Saturday, Fijian Drua Super Rugby, Wales, Thomson Locations: England, France, Fiji, Argentina

☆ Foster picks big guns in New Zealand team to face Springboks
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Coach Ian Foster has selected the same backline that helped beat the Springboks 35-20 during the Rugby Championship in Auckland last month. Foster is keen to give his team a good run ahead of their World Cup opener against France in Paris on Sept. 8 and this presents an excellent opportunity to do so against the old enemy and reigning world champions. "This is our final game before the Rugby World Cup and this test is critical in our preparation," Foster said. "With just two weeks to go, it’s an important opportunity to get us battle-ready for the start of the tournament. "These games (against South Africa) are always intense and physically challenging, and I’m sure this one will be no different."

Persons: Ian Foster, Russell Cheyne, Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Foster, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, Telea, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Ardie, Sam Cane, Jacobson, Scott Barrett, Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Ethan de Groot, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Dalton Papali'i, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert, Nick Said Organizations: Rugby Union, International, New Zealand, Murrayfield, REUTERS, Rugby, South, Twickenham, Springboks, France, Blacks, Australia, Argentina, Pool A . New Zealand, Brown, Thomson Locations: New, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, Zealand, South Africa, Auckland, Paris, Coles, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia, Pool A . New

☆ Battered Basham on the bench for Wales against South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CARDIFF, Aug 16 - Wing Alex Cuthbert and centre Johnny Williams return to the starting XV for Wales as they look to match South Africa’s physicality in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up clash in Cardiff, while loose-forward Taine Basham will be on the bench. A stringent three stage protocol was followed and Basham was given the all-clear this week. Hardy will have experienced flyhalf Dan Biggar alongside him, while Mason Grady partners Johnny Williams in the midfield. Elliot Dee is the starting hooker with rookie props Corey Domachowski and Keiron Assiratti either side of him. "We’re expecting confidence and physicality from South Africa.

Persons: Alex Cuthbert, Johnny Williams, Taine Basham, Basham, England flyhalf Owen Farrell, Farrell, Scrumhalf Kieran Hardy, Warren Gatland, Hardy, Dan Biggar, Mason Grady, Liam Williams, Cuthbert, Rio Dyer, Jac Morgan, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, We’re, there’s, ” Gatland, Kieran Hardy, Sam Parry, Nicky Smith, Henry Thomas, Teddy Williams, Tomos Williams, Max Llewellyn, Cai Evans, Nick Said Organizations: CARDIFF, Wales, Rugby, England, ” Wales, Twickenham, . Wales, Thomson Locations: Cardiff, South Africa

☆ Springboks include injured skipper Kolisi in World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 8 (Reuters) - South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was included in the squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup but other key players left out because of injury, including influential flyhalf Handre Pollard and World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am. There are 12 World Cup debutants but the Boks kept the bulk of the side that won the tournament in Japan four years ago. Also out is Lood de Jager, the giant lock who was also part of team four years ago. He heads a list of players who compete at a third World Cup tournament. South Africa play in Pool B at the World Cup where they also meet Romania, Ireland and Tonga.

Persons: Siya Kolisi, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Kolisi, Pollard, de Jager, Jacques Nienaber, De Jager, Nienaber, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, Pieter, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Malcolm Marx, Kubota Spears, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Nche, Marvin Orie, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, Lukhanyo, Scotland, Argentina, SA Rugby, Wales, New Zealand, Twickenham, Romania, Tonga, Squad, Panasonic, Knights, Canon Eagles, Harlequins, Suntory, Eagles, Toyota, Honda, Snyman, Leicester Tigers, Thomson Locations: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Marseille, Japan, Cardiff, New, Ireland, Montpellier, Ulster, Munster, Stormers

☆ Moody misses out on NZ squad for World Cup, Retallick included
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Rugby Union - 2018 Bledisloe Cup Rugby Championship - Australia v New Zealand - Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand - August 25, 2018 - New Zealand's Joe Moody celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. "But with the compilation of his time off and our programme, having to go into the first part of this World Cup fully loaded, we just want him to go and get some game time. "So whether it'll be round one, round two of the World Cup, we're not sure. Retallick's frequent second-row partner Sam Whitelock was selected for his fourth World Cup. The All Blacks will play the Springboks at Twickenham in London on Aug. 25 and start their World Cup campaign against hosts France in Paris on Sept. 8.

Persons: Joe Moody, Ross Setford, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Loosehead Moody, Ian Foster, We've, he's, Retallick, Josh Lord, Foster, we're, Sam Whitelock, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Finau, scrumhalf Brad Weber, George Bell, Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo, Ofa, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Shannon Frizell, Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Mark Telea, Will Jordan, Nick Mulvenney, Jamie Freed Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, REUTERS, All Blacks, Australia, Braydon, Wallabies, last, South, Blacks, Springboks, Twickenham, France, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, France, Hawkes Bay, New, Dunedin, Europe, South Africa, London, Paris, Lincoln

☆ Foster sweating on duo ahead of All Blacks' World Cup squad announcement
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 6 (Reuters) - All Blacks coach Ian Foster faces concerns over the fitness of experienced second row forward Brodie Retallick and centre Braydon Ennor ahead of naming his squad for the Rugby World Cup on Monday. The pair suffered knee injuries during their 23-20 win over Australia in Dunedin on Saturday, leaving Foster in doubt over their availability with less than five weeks until New Zealand's World Cup opener against France on Sept. 8. The All Blacks have a perfect record so far in 2023 and face South Africa in a World Cup warm-up on Aug. 25 at Twickenham before taking on the French in their tournament opener. New Zealand have also been drawn to face Italy, Uruguay and Namibia in the group phase of the World Cup as they seek to win the title for a fourth time. "The overall objective was to win this test but also get this squad to the starting line of the World Cup all in a good space."

Persons: Ian Foster, Brodie Retallick, Foster, We've, Richie Mo'unga, Michael Church, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Blacks, Rugby, Australia, New, France, Twickenham, All Blacks, Wallabies, Thomson Locations: Dunedin, South Africa, Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia, Melbourne, New

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