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☆ Fittingly fraught finale for fantastic World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

World Rugby addressed that with a major overhaul of the calendar they described as "the most significant development in the sport since the game went professional" but those long-suffering countries are going to have to suffer for a few years yet before they start to feel the benefits. Elsewhere, England overcame a terrible build-up to win all their pool games and Fiji shocked Australia to go through alongside Wales. FABULOUS BRANDFiji's final pool game against Portugal was one of the best seen at a World Cup, with the Portuguese playing a fabulous brand of all-court rugby reminiscent of France at their pomp. Amid emotional scenes and roared on by neutrals the world over, they secured their first-ever World Cup victory in the last minute, with Fiji scraping through via their losing bonus point. Wales will forever rue their missed chances in the first of them against Argentina before Ireland and New Zealand produced an absolute classic.

Persons: Denis, Mbonambi, Webb Ellis, Sarah Meyssonnier, agonising, England's, Owen Farrell's, Antoine Dupont, Handre, Sam Cane, Mitch Phillips, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, Rights, Two Nations, New Zealand, Ireland, South, Fiji, Wales, Portugal, Argentina, England, Pumas, Springboks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Portuguese, Fiji, Marseille, Paris, New Zealand, Argentina, New

☆ Argentina face tough challenge to get back to World Cup heights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Argentina finished the Rugby World Cup the way they started it, with a defeat against England, who took the bronze medal and left the Pumas with a major task to get to that stage in the next edition of the competition. "Many boys made their debuts at this World Cup and did so in a spectacular way. Argentina have not determined who will be part of the next cycle, with several players yet to decide their future. "It was a very important game for the team, and I didn't think about personal situations. "When I arrived in 2022, it was clear we were going for two years, for the World Cup.

Persons: Julian Montoya, Tom Curry's, Montoya, Mateo Carreras, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Scrumhalf Tomas Cibelli, Felipe Contepomi, Cheika, Will, Felipe, Julien Pretot, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby, England, Pumas, rugby, Super Rugby, Super Rugby Pacific, Bulls, Sharks, Europe's, Argentine, Superliga Americana, Argentine Rugby Union, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Stormers

☆ South Africa hold off 14-man All Blacks to win record fourth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | 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: +5 min

No team had ever recovered from a halftime deficit to win a World Cup final and the Springboks came out flying in the second half looking to drive home their advantage. It was the first try South Africa had conceded in four World Cup finals but Mo'unga missed the conversion from wide-out and the Springboks held on to the lead. Kolisi had by now returned to the fray after his card was not upgraded and South Africa brought their famed "bomb squad" off the bench to relieve fatigued forwards. South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe was the fourth player to be yellow-carded seven minutes from time but New Zealand's Jordie Barrett struck the subsequent 48-metre penalty attempt wide of the posts. New Zealand had also been hoping to win a fourth World Cup and coach Ian Foster thought the way the cards for Cane and Kolisi played out had been a decisive factor.

Persons: Denis, Webb Ellis, Cyril Ramaphosa REUTERS, Gonzalo Fuentes, Cane, Beauden Barrett, NZ Handre Pollard, Sam Cane, Pieter, Steph du Toit, Handre, Siya Kolisi, Black Richie McCaw, Kolisi, Shannon Frizell, Flyhalf Pollard, Richie Mo'unga, Pollard, Cane clattered, Jesse Kriel, Mo'unga, Ardie Savea, New Zealand scrumhalf Aaron Smith, Mark Telea, Cheslin Kolbe, Zealand's Jordie Barrett, Ian Foster, it's, Nick Mulvenney, Ed Osmond Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, Stade de France, Saint, South, NZ, Zealand, Blacks, Springboks, New Zealand, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: Zealand, South Africa, France, Africa, South Africa PARIS, New Zealand, New

☆ Iconic All Blacks prepare to exit stage left but no time for sentiment
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

“We know that it’s the last game for some pretty iconic players but, quite frankly, we don't really want to talk too much about that. He was overlooked for selection for a second successive week with Foster picking Samisoni Taukei’aho as back up hooker instead. Telling Coles he would not get another chance to play for the All Blacks was hard for the coach. For Retallick, who has 108 caps, the chance to end his All Blacks career in a World Cup final was the ultimate. "You can’t put into words what it’s like being in World Cup final.

Persons: Ian Foster, Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock, ” Retallick, Smith, Whitelock, Coles, Foster, Samisoni Taukei’aho, ”, “, “ He’s, He's, ” Foster, Scott Robertson, “ I’ve, Mark Gleeson, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby, Blacks, Stade de France, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: MALMAISON, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Pau

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Ruthless South Africa extinguish French fire to reach last four
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

We had good opportunities but unfortunately we couldn't convert them into points," France manager Raphael Ibanez said. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi said the bench was critical. Jonathan Danty was held up and Arendse dived over for South Africa after collecting a fortunate bounce from a speculative kick. With barely time to breathe, South Africa regained control when Kolbe outpaced Damian Penaud with astonishing ease to collect Jesse Kriel's kick and score. Pollard added another penalty before Ramos brought France back within a point, but South Africa defended brilliantly to keep out a late French onslaught.

Persons: France's, Fabien Galthie, Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Mannie, Handre Pollard, Antoine Dupont, scrumhalf, Les Bleus, Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Thomas Ramos, Raphael Ibanez, Siya Kolisi, Jacques Nienaber's, Dupont, Baille, Jonathan Danty, Arendse, De Allende, Mauvaka, Kolbe, Damian Penaud, Jesse Kriel's, maul, Ramos, Atonio, Nienaber, Etzebeth, Pollard, Julien Pretot, Ed Osmond Organizations: France, Galthie Springboks, Springboks, England, Kurt, Mauvaka, South, Thomson Locations: Africa, France, England, PARIS, South Africa, South

☆ Champions slam door shut to maintain World Cup hegemony
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Ossian Shine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

While Ireland have never progressed beyond the World Cup quarter-finals – losing all eight they have contested – the All Blacks are three-times champions. France had been seeking a maiden World Cup triumph, buoyed by the support of a host nation. Their opponents South Africa have also won the trophy three times, most recently four years ago in Japan. Stuff like that happens, they’ve been there before, they’ve been at a World Cup before and they’ve found solutions during the game." With 2003 champions England also in the semi-finals, only Argentina could break the hegemony this time around and it seems the proven powerhouses will prevail at the Rugby World Cup once again.

Persons: France’s, Fabien Galthie, Naivety, Jacques Nienaber, they’ve, Handre Pollard, Faf, Klerk, Ed Osmond Organizations: France, Blacks, Springbok, Springboks, England, Rugby, Thomson Locations: Paris, Ireland, France, Africa, Japan, South Africa, Argentina

☆ France coach Galthie has no regrets, Dupont slams referee
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | 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

"For four years, we wrote a beautiful picture for French rugby, the players can be proud, coaches can be proud." "This doesn't take anything away from the South Africans, who beat us in the fight tonight, they played really well." Galthie, who is contracted until after the next World Cup in 2027, said he would continue as coach. "There is a French team that will continue to play, they will soon be playing the first match of the Six Nations in Marseille," he said. "What we've been through at this tournament is another chapter in the story of the French team."

Persons: Fabien Galthie, Galthie's, Antoine Dupont, scrumhalf, Ben O'Keeffe, Dupont, I'm, Eben Etzebeth's, Galthie, Nick Mulvenney, Ken Ferris Organizations: Springboks, rugby, Namibia, Six Nations, Thomson Locations: France, New Zealand, Africa, South Africa, French, Marseille

☆ Cubelli back as Argentina make double change for Wales quarter-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But Isa will play at number eight against Wales with Juan Martin Gonzalez moving to the open side in place of Matera for the clash in Marseille. I love the fellas, they’re always together, they’re a very committed team and I know that they’ll really enjoy this occasion," Cheika told a press conference. Cubelli was the undisputed first-choice scrumhalf for the Pumas between 2017 and 2021 but he was sidelined after suffering a torn left thigh muscle before Scotland's tour of Argentina last year. “Obviously I think a lot of Tomas Cubelli because he’s in the team for Saturday," added the coach. He’s tough, he’s committed and he loves playing for Argentina and I think that sums him up,” said Cheika.

Persons: scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli, Michael Cheika, Pablo Matera, Facundo Isa, Isa, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Cubelli, Gonzalo Bertranou, Lautaro Bazan, they’re, Cheika, Tomas Cubelli, he’s, ”, Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Marcos Kremer, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Julian Montoya, Thomas Gallo, Agustín Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Rodrigo Bruni, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matías Moroni, Mark Gleeson, Toby Davis Organizations: Pumas, Matera, PARIS, Wales, Japan, Lautaro Bazan Velez, England, Samoa, Chile, Argentina, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Nantes, France, Matera, Marseille, Cheika, Paris

☆ Springboks delay naming team as they ponder bench options
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Springboks have been regimented in naming their team four days before a test, but director of rugby Rassie Erasmus says there are still deliberations over whether to go with a 5-3, 6-2 or 7-1 split between forwards and backs on the bench. In some cases we are not even sure who is the best," Erasmus told reporters on Tuesday. "We are keeping our options open for a 7-1, 6-2 or 5-3 (bench split) with both Handre and Manie being available. I think having everybody fit and seeing what the French team looks like may influence us going 7-1 or 6-2." "I have been in World Rugby meetings where we break into little groups and he's a very interesting character with the way he looks at the game," Erasmus said.

Persons: Rassie Erasmus, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo, Erasmus, Antoine Dupont, Shaun Edwards, Andy Farrell, Nick Said, Toby Davis Organizations: France, Springboks, Namibia, Rugby, Rugby League, Thomson Locations: South Africa, Paris, France, Ireland

☆ Kickers worth their weight in gold at Rugby World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

There have been 14 tries scored in the previous eight World Cup finals, less than two per match, with 73% of the points in those deciding games coming from kicks at poles. The tournament in France has already shown that when two heavyweights collide it is the boot that makes the difference. The Wallabies scored two tries to one in that match but it was kicks at poles that took Fiji to the win. The conditions so far in the tournament have been made for kickers with warm weather and the particular balls used. Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thomas Ramos, Richie Mo’unga, George Ford, Emiliano Boffelli, Opta, Nick Said, Ken Ferris Organizations: Ireland, South Africa, Springboks, New Zealand, Blacks, Fiji, Australia, Pacific Islanders, Wallabies, Argentina, Samoa, Nations, Rugby, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, Paris, Fiji, Portugal, Georgia

☆ Namibia chase elusive first World Cup win against Uruguay
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool A - France v Namibia - Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France - September 21, 2023 Namibia's Johan Deysel looks on after being sent off REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 25 (Reuters) - Namibia have made seven changes to their starting line-up for their final Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Uruguay in Lyon on Wednesday, one of which has been forced through the absence of captain Johan Deysel. Coach Allister Coetzee has long targeted this fixture as the one to break his team’s unwanted record run of 25 consecutive losses in the World Cup since they made their debut in 1999. "The players know what a win means for the country, it can change a lot. Prop Johan Coetzee and wing Gerswin Mouton are therefore the only players to have started all four matches in France. Namibia lost 26-18 to Uruguay in Montevideo last month and Coetzee believes that elusive World Cup win is there for the taking.

Persons: Namibia's Johan Deysel, Peter Cziborra, Johan Deysel, Coach Allister Coetzee, Coetzee, Antoine Dupont, I’ve, He’s, Johan Coetzee, Gerswin Mouton, Alcino Izaacs, Danco Burger, Andre van den Berg, Tiaan Swanepoel, Damian Stevens, Richard Hardwick, Prince Gaoseb, Uanivi, They’ve, it’s, Jason Benade, Torsten Van Jaarsveld, Adriaan Ludick, Tiaan De Klerk, JC Greyling, Burger, Cliven, Louis van der, Desiderius Sethie, Haitembu Shifuka, PJ Van Lill, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Booysen, Jacques Theron, Andre van der, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, REUTERS, Uruguay, Gerswin, Former Australia, Thomson Locations: France, Namibia, Orange, Marseille, Lyon, Deysel, flyhalf, scrumhalf, Uruguay, Montevideo, Andre van der Bergh

☆ Dupont underwent surgery on facial injury, will return to squad: FFR
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - France captain Antoine Dupont has undergone surgery on a facial injury and will return to his Rugby World Cup squad to recover, the French federation (FFR) said on Saturday, though it gave no timeline for when the scrumhalf might return to the field. "Following his injury sustained during the France-Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery at Toulouse's CHU Purpan on 22 September at around 11 p.m.," the federation said in a statement. "In a few days' time, he will be able to return to the French team as part of a gradual sporting recovery under medical supervision." The FFR did not say when Dupont would be able to play again. France, who are already without flyhalf Romain Ntamack at the World Cup due to injury, next face Italy on Oct. 6.

Persons: Antoine Dupont, Johan Deysel, Dupont, flyhalf Romain Ntamack, Julien Pretot, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Rugby World, Namibia, Thomson Locations: France, Thursday's, Namibia, Italy

☆ Last-gasp penalty miss denies Portugal first win
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The excellent Raffaele Storti grabbed a brace of tries for Portugal, who will rue their inability to manage the final few minutes. "That’s rugby, it isn’t one half," Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili said. "We played really hard in the first half but in the second Portugal dominated everywhere. Portugal rode out the 10 minutes a man light and scored the first points of the second half through two Samuel Marques penalties. Georgia finally got into the Portugal half in the closing stages and when Lucas gave away his needless penalty, they were able to set up an attacking lineout and drive over through Zamtaradze to level the score.

Persons: Nuno Sousa Guedes, Portugal agonisingly, scrumhalf Pedro Lucas, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Luka Matkava, Guedes, Patrice Lagisquet, Akaki Tabutsadze, Zamtaradze, Raffaele Storti, Levan Maisashvili, Niniashvili, Flyhalf Tedo Abzhandadze, Storti, Francisco Fernandes, Shalva Mamukashvili, deservedly, Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela, Lucas, Mitch Phillips, Nick Said, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Georgia, Portugal, Thomson Locations: TOULOUSE, France, Portugal, Georgia, Tabutsadze, Georgian, Zamtaradze

☆ Springboks still on track to win World Cup - coach Nienaber
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Sept 23 (Reuters) - South Africa's lack of accuracy close to the Ireland tryline and off the kicking tee were major contributors to their epic 13-8 loss in a Rugby World Cup Pool B showdown on Saturday but the belief that they can win the World Cup still burns bright. By contrast, South Africa had numerous entries into the Ireland 22 but a mixture of excellent defence and their own inaccuracy proved costly as they slipped to a first World Cup defeat in nine games. "Hats off to Ireland, we missed a couple of points off the tee but I won't say it's only goal-kicking (that was the problem)," coach Jacques Nienaber said. "We lost two balls close to the Ireland tryline and we had another opportunity late on in the game. Nienaber said the defeat did not in any way diminish their belief that they could retain their World Cup crown.

Persons: Manie Libbok, scrumhalf Faf, Klerk, Jacques Nienaber, Nienaber, Siya Kolisi, haven't, Kolisi, Nick Said, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Marine Strauss, Clare Fallon Organizations: Ireland, Rugby, Springbok, Thomson Locations: Ireland, South Africa, Tonga, Marseille

☆ Namibia's Deysel apologises to Dupont for dangerous tackle
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Dupont suffered the injury in the 46th minute and was forced off the field at the Stade de Marseille on Thursday after a clash of heads in a clumsy tackle. Deysel, whose initial yellow card was quickly upgraded to a red on bunker review, said the collision was accidental. "I would like to extend my best wishes to Antoine Dupont," he told reporters. In relation to Deysel's abuse, World Rugby said on Friday that they would "support Namibia in any way possible to stamp out online hate." At the time, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said: "Rugby is a sport for everyone and we take our responsibility very seriously to make the sport as inclusive, accessible and relevant as possible.

Persons: Namibia's Johan Deysel, Peter Cziborra, Johan Deysel, Antoine Dupont, Dupont, Deysel, Fabien Galthie, Antoine, Deysel's, Alan Gilpin, Hritika Sharma, Nick Said, Mitch Phillips, Gerry Doyle, Ken Ferris Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, REUTERS, Rights, France, Rugby World, Stade de Marseille, Namibia, French Rugby Federation, Italy, Ireland, South, World Rugby, Thomson Locations: France, Namibia, Orange, Marseille, Rights MARSEILLE, South Africa, Uruguay, Hyderabad

☆ Slipper returns to replace Tupou in Wallabies team to face Fiji
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | 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

"Fiji is the most important match of our Rugby World Cup campaign," coach Eddie Jones said in a news release. "It's another big opportunity for our young side to keep getting better and we'll be ready on Sunday." The experienced Nic White will instead partner flyhalf Carter Gordon at halfback with rookie Issak Fines-Leleiwasa set to win his second test cap from the bench. Hooker Jordan Uelese has also recovered from injury and will back up starting rake David Porecki from the bench. Ben Donaldson, man of the match against Georgia after being brought into the side primarily for his place-kicking, retains the fullback spot ahead of Andrew Kellaway.

Persons: James Slipper, Andrew Boyers, ETIENNE, George Gregan, Adam Ashley, Cooper, Taniela Tupou, Stade Geoffroy, Eddie Jones, Jones, Tate McDermott, Nic White, flyhalf Carter Gordon, Issak, Rob Valetini, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lock Nick Frost, Will Skelton, Hooker Jordan Uelese, David Porecki, Ben Donaldson, Andrew Kellaway, Jordan Petaia, Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Angus Bell, Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Lalakai Foketi, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Rugby Union, Wales, Evergreen Wallabies, Fiji, Georgia, Stade, Rugby World, Thomson Locations: Australia, Cardiff, Wales, Britain, Australian, Taniela, Fiji

☆ Very few positives for France after reserves struggle against Uruguay
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Lock Cameron Woki, a starter in both the New Zealand and Uruguay games, labelled the lack of discipline, which was patent in the scrums, as 'unacceptable' after France had conceded only four penalties against the All Blacks. We started off with a disciplined performance that enabled us to win the match against New Zealand," said Galthie. A World Cup is a long-term adventure, each match is a test and group life is very important," he said. "A match like this strengthens the squad, making it better and stronger for the match (against Namibia) in Marseille in a week." Only hooker Julien Marchand, who sustained a thigh injury in the 27-13 win against New Zealand, is not available.

Persons: Fabien Galthie, Pierre Mauroy, Bleus, Melvyn Jaminet, Lock Cameron Woki, you've, Galthie, Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert, Charles Ollivon, haven't, There's Anthony, Jelonch, Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Julien Pretot, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Uruguay, Rugby, New Zealand, New, France, All Blacks, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Thomson Locations: France, New Zealand, Uruguay, Namibia, Marseille, Lyon

☆ All Blacks rout Namibia 71-3 in Toulouse deluge
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Lawrence White | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The All Blacks' discipline continues to be an issue even in games like this one where they are in complete control. They conceded 11 penalties to Namibia's seven, as well as seeing de Groot given a red card for a high shot. Namibia left slightly worse off than the 71-9 margin when these sides met in the last World Cup. The crowd were on their feet to applaud Malan as he raised a fist from his stretcher on the way off, defiant amid disaster. Reporting by Lawrence White and Nick Mulvenney, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Stephane Mahe, de Groot, McKenzie, Namibia's Malan, Cam Roigard, Flyhalf Damian McKenzie, Ethan de Groot, I'm, Allister Coetzee, Winger Caleb Clark, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ofa Tuungafasi, Beauden Barrett, Swanepoel, bayed, Namibia Le Roux Malan, Coetzee, Malan, Lawrence White, Nick Mulvenney, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Rugby Union, Rugby, de Toulouse, Blacks, Leicester Fainga'anuku, New, Italy, Uruguay, Thomson Locations: Zealand, Namibia, Toulouse, France, TOULOUSE, New Zealand

☆ Jelonch back as France ring the changes to face Uruguay
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LILLE, France, Sept 12 (Reuters) - France head coach Fabien Galthie made 12 changes to the team who beat New Zealand in the World Cup curtain raiser as Anthony Jelonch is making a long-awaited comeback to face Uruguay in Lille on Thursday. "He needed a lot of willpower, a lot of fighting spirit to be here with us," Galthie told a press conference on Tuesday. Jelonch, who underwent surgery in March and will captain the team on Thursday, said he went through periods of 'doubt'. From the team who started at the Stade de France, only lock Cameron Woki, centre Yoram Moefana and winger Gabin Villiere will be on the Pierre Mauroy stadium field at kickoff. "They're a South American team who are going to fight with a lot of aggressiveness and a lot of energy," said Galthie.

Persons: Fabien Galthie, Anthony Jelonch, Les Bleus, Galthie, Jelonch, I'd, Paul Boudehent, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Dupont, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Melvyn Jaminet, France's, Louis Bielle, Cameron Woki, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere, Pierre Mauroy, Paul Bourgarit, Jean, Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, William Servat, Lock Bastien Chalureau, Italy, Les, Arthur Vincent, Romain Taofifenua, Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Sipili Falatea, Bastien Chalureau, Thibaud Flament, François Cros, Baptiste Couilloud, Thomas Ramos, Julien Pretot, Christian Radnedge Organizations: LILLE, New Zealand, All Blacks, Six Nations, Stade de France, Namibia, France, Fiji, South, Thomson Locations: France, Uruguay, Lille, scrumhalf, flyhalf, A, Marseille, Lyon, South American

☆ Ford calls drop-goals 'crucial weapon' after England overcome Argentina
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Nick Said | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

They were aided early on by the trio of drop-goals from Ford that moved them into a 12-3 lead and transferred the pressure onto the South American side. "The crucial one was the third one, which took us more than seven points ahead," Ford told reporters. Ford said all the England flyhalves practice drop-goals at every training session in preparation for games like Saturday’s clash in Marseille. "It is such a crucial weapon and we have seen before how influential they are at World Cups." "We were laughing in the change-room, out of this squad (scrumhalf) Danny Care was the guy with the most drop-goals for England.

Persons: George Ford, Tom Curry, Ford, Beer, Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Care, Nick Said, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Rugby, Argentina, Saturday, England, Ford, France, Thomson Locations: MARSEILLE, France, England, Marseille, Africa

☆ 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

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