France

Ireland open World Cup campaign with 12-try thumping of Romania

Johnny Sexton marked his long-awaited comeback with two of 12 tries as Ireland launched their Rugby World Cup campaign by blitzing Romania in the baking heat of Bordeaux.   Captain Sexton, playing...

Darcy Graham eyes World Cup tries as he and Duhan van der Merwe chase record

Fully-fit Darcy Graham declared that he and Duhan van der Merwe are intent on filling their boots at the World Cup as they chase down Scotland’s all-time try record.   The free-scoring Edinburgh...

Scotland prepare to do battle with Springboks amid heatwave – 5 talking points

Scotland kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against South Africa in Marseille on Sunday.   Here, the PA news agency sets the scene with five talking points ahead of the mouth-watering Pool...

Wales face familiar foes Fiji – 5 talking points before Rugby World Cup clash

Wales kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign on Sunday when they tackle Pool C opponents Fiji in Bordeaux.   It will be a fifth successive World Cup at which the teams meet, with Wales having reeled...

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: France v New Zealand

NAM eve of match (v ITA): coach Proudfoot, Hardwick, Conradie

Comments from Namibia assistant coach Matt Proudfoot, number eight Richard Harwick and flanker Wian Conradie at a media briefing before their Pool A match on Saturday against Italy.   Matt Proudfoot,...

ITA eve of match (v NAM): coach Goosen, centre Morisi, prop Ferrari

Comments from Italy defence coach Marius Goosen (pictured), inside-centre Luca Morisi and tight-head prop Simone Ferrari at a media briefing before their Pool A match on Saturday against Namibia.   Marius...

Japan v Chile: Match Preview

Chile, the lowest-ranked side to qualify the 2023 tournament, make their Rugby World Cup debut against a Japan side that sit eight places above them in World Rugby's rankings. The South Americans have...

France reaction (Alldritt, general manager Ibanez, Dupont, head coach Galthié, Ramos, Mauvaka)

ON-FIELD REACTION Mastercard Player of the Match: Gregory Alldritt On performance: "Really, really tough game. We were expecting really hard opposition and it was a massive game for the team today and...

New Zealand reaction (head coach Foster, Savea, Mo'unga, Barrett, Whitelock, Smith)

ON-FIELD REACTION Ian Foster, New Zealand head coach On his team’s performance: “It was obviously a tight game. At half-time both teams were right in it. I thought they squeezed us in that...