italy

Director of rugby Erasmus (RSA): 'I'd rather be in our position than Ireland's'

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Comments from South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Deon Davids after the 49-18 Pool B victory over Tonga in Marseille. Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby On replacement...

Rugby World Cup Round Four Review: Quarter-final slots still up for grabs

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Plenty still to play for as the pool phase in France enters its final week.  Thirty-two Rugby World Cup matches played, 16 to go – and a week to come featuring matches in all four...

'We're delighted to have Dupont back'

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Karim Ghezal, assistant coach On Antoine Dupont's comeback to the squad: "We're very happy to have him back with us, that's the first very positive point. What's also important is that the 33 players...

RWC2023: These FOUR teams have been eliminated

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

With Rugby World Cup 2023 in full swing, a look at the latest pool standings shows that FOUR teams have already been eliminated from the playoffs.   In Pool A, Namibia finished bottom of the group,...

NZL 96-17 ITA: All Blacks turn on the style in spectacular 14-try show

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

New Zealand dominated every facet of the game to overwhelm Italy 96-17 at OL Stadium on Friday evening, taking a huge step towards the quarter-finals in the process.  In a performance that will have...

Match Preview: New Zealand v Italy

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Strange as it may seem, this match in Lyon is a must-win for New Zealand. The All Blacks come into this match third in Pool A, five points adrift of opponents Italy, and a further three behind leaders...

Paea starts at number eight - Tonga announce team to play South Africa

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Tonga head coach Toutai Kefu has named his match-day 23 to face South Africa in Stade de Marseille on Sunday 1 October, with Semisi Paea starting at number eight in place of the suspended Vaea Fifita, following...

Ireland number eight Jack Conan could return from injury against Scotland

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Ireland number eight Jack Conan is “in a great place” and in contention to return from a two-month injury absence in his country’s pivotal Pool B clash with Scotland. Andy Farrell’s...

RWC Analysis: Round 3

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Rugby World Cup 2023 continued to serve up some incredible matches as Ireland and South Africa went toe to toe in a thrilling Pool B contest at Stade de France, while Wales became the first side to qualify...

Retallick, Barrett, scrum coach Feek chat ahead of All Black game against Italy

2 years ago by Ultimate Rugby

Brodie Retallick, second row On fellow second-row Sam Whitelock being poised to become the most capped All Black ever: "Obviously, it's his 149th game (if he comes off the bench against Italy) and to...