All Blacks

Coach Rassie Erasmus will stick with the same XV and eight replacements that saw off hosts Japan 41-7 in a warm-up game two weeks ago.

It represents the first time the Springboks have stuck with the same side since the 2015 World Cup semi-final, which New Zealand edged 20-18 at Twickenham, while number eight Duane Vermeulen will win his 50th Test cap.

The only alteration from the team that played out a 16-16 Rugby Championship draw against the All Blacks in Wellington in July is fit-again captain Siya Kolisi starting at openside flanker in place of Kwagga Smith.

On Sunday, midfielder Williams was rumoured to be heading home from Japan with a calf injury, but those rumours were quickly shut down by the All Blacks. 

Former rugby reporter Hamish McKay told Radio Sport Williams would be replaced by Manawatu Turbos midfielder Ngani Laumape. 

But sources told Newshub that Laumape had not received a call from All Blacks management to join the squad.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said Williams was carrying an injury, but the team was doing a good job managing it. 

"Is he going home?" said Foster. "No.

Squire's Tasman teammate, Shannon Frizell has headed for Japan after young flanker Luke Jacobson was ruled out of the tournament with delayed concussion symptoms.

Squire earlier cited mental health for his unavailability for the initial World Cup squad but said he would be available if someone got injured.

He is playing well provincially.

With Jacobson forced to withdraw, the 23-test loose forward would have appeared the obvious replacement.

Hansen, though, said nothing had changed since the World Cup squad announcement in relation to Squire.

Images of the All Blacks visibly struggling in the heat and humidity in Japan have filtered back to New Zealand but Jim Cotter, a professor at the school of Physical Education at the University of Otago, reassured New Zealanders that they had given themselves enough time to adapt before their Rugby World Cup opener against South Africa on September 21.

"That's plenty of time," Professor Cotter told Stuff. "They'll have full adaption of what they need by then.

"You don't want it too much more, that's too much time away. That's the time you need.

NZR board chair Brent Impey announced Robinson's appointment following an intense recruitment process over the past two months.

Robinson, 45, officially takes up his new role in early January 2020, taking over from outgoing CEO Steve Tew, who announced in June, that he was standing down.

"We are delighted that Mark has put his hand up for this role. He has been an incredibly insightful director on the board, and at the international rugby table, he has been a sound and respected voice," Impey said.

Laughter burst out across Victoria St from balconies filled with fans, the pub windows crowded through with classic black and white jerseys.

But Tongan fans stilled showed their colours - their pops of red jutted out from afar, in crimson caps, coats and tracksuits.

Despite the 92-7 defeat, Tongan supporters brought good cheer and charm while they looked to dine out on the city's hospitality.

Tamz Taumalolo​ was easily spotted in red and white floral headdress. She had travelled down from South Auckland with friends and loved the game's atmosphere.

Ireland will head to the world cup in Japan as the world's top ranked side after a 19-10 win over Wales.

The elevation was irrelevant however, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt said.

"I didn't realise that we were until I did an interview after the game, that's how far away from our thoughts it has been. It's a label, it's a nice label to get but that label is not going to be relevant for anyone," he said.

"We all know who the favourites are for the rugby World Cup and it's not us."

Playing with freedom against hopelessly outclassed opposition, the world champions flexed their attacking muscles ominously on Saturday, notching their biggest winning margin over any team in more than a decade.

Winger George Bridge bagged four tries while fullback Ben Smith and inside centre Ryan Crotty crossed twice each in what was a glorified training run before leaving for the global tournament in Japan.

The 'Ikale Tahi have never beaten the world champions in five attempts, with an average losing margin of 65-7.

The Kingdom have only managed one win in four tests this year but coach Toutai Kefu is refusing to wave the white flag.

"I still believe that we're a chance of playing well and getting close. People are talking and I hear (us being written off but) the All Blacks are the number one team in the world so we're under no illusions about that but we've still got a chance, regardless of how small that is, so the message has always been to believe."

Laumape failed to make the four-man midfield chosen by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen last month, which includes two-time World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown.

Despite 108-cap veteran Owen Franks also missing out on the squad, the reaction to Laumape’s omission caused arguably the biggest stir on social media.

The Hurricanes centre hasn’t spoken to media since the squad announcement but has since posted to his Instagram.