Rugby World Cup

Ikale Tahi names strong side to face the Pumas

Via the bench, sees the return of Steve Mafi and new call up to the Rugby World Cup Squad, Latiume Fosita who comes in for the injured Kurt Morath, who has departed the World Cup with a throat injury.

‘Ikale Tahi Head Coach Toutai Kefu said: “We have had a good look at our first match against England and there were some things for us to take out of that match to improve and a lot of positives too.

“Argentina are a world class side and we have seen time and time again how well they can perform on the International stage.

England primed to cope with gruelling four-day turnaround, says Jones

A four-day turnaround between games has confronted the Webb Ellis Trophy hopefuls with the most hectic period of their Pool C campaign as victory over Tonga in Sapporo is followed by a clash at the Kobe Misaki Stadium 96 hours later.

In a dry-run for the occasion, Jones planned the build-up to last autumn’s 35-15 victory over Japan to mirror the lack of preparation time he must negotiate now.

Upset Fiji fans turn on coach John McKee

After losing to Australia last Saturday, Fiji were shocked by an impassioned Uruguay side, who took a 24-12 half-time lead and managed to hold onto a 30-27 win. 

Boasting some world-class players, Fiji were tipped by many to cause some upsets at this year’s RWC with the Wallabies and Wales also in their pool. However, their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals now look very slim. 

Tonga lose Morath and Tuitavake

Morath has been replaced in the squad by Latiume Fosita after picking up a throat injury in the weekend's 35-3 loss to England.

He was hospitalised in Sapporo and is awaiting confirmation on whether he needs surgery or not.

Morath copped a stray boot when attempting to tackle England powerhouse midfielder Manu Tuilagi.

Nafi Tuitavake, who came on as a half-time replacement for wing Atieli Pakalani, broke his left arm late in the match.

A replacement has yet to be named for him.

Hodge banned for three weeks, Samoan duo cited

The no-arms tackle caught the Fijian flanker in the head in the 26th minute of the Pool D opener in Sapporo on Saturday but the Wallabies utility back was cleared of an offence by the matchday officials, despite the protestations of the Fijian players.

Yato was unable to return to the field after failing a head injury assessment and was also forced to miss Fiji's shock defeat by Uruguay in Kamaishi last night, in line with concussion protocols.

Uruguay stun Fiji in Kamaishi

The South Americans, mostly amateurs, led 21-12 at halftime on the back of converted tries from halfback Santiago Arata, number eight Manuel Diana and centre Juan Manuel Cat as well as a penalty from Felipe Berchesi.

First five Berchesi kicked two more penalties in the second half to keep the scoreboard ticking over as the Fijians fought to get back in the game and Los Teros held on to claim their third victory in 12 World Cup matches.

Honouring late All Black wing Jonah Lomu's Rugby World Cup legend

The late All Blacks great is a World Cup icon, the dominant figure from his two appearances in 1995 and 1999 where he scored what remains a record haul of 15 tries.

Lomu, who battled major kidney problems, passed away at the age of 40 soon after returning from the 2015 tournament in England where he had been heavily involved in promotional work.

Fiji's fresh faces challenged to fire in next Rugby World Cup game against Uruguay

The Flying Fijians threatened an almighty upset against Australia on Saturday, leading the two-time champions for large periods of the game in Sapporo before fading in the final stages of the 39-21 defeat.

Captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakarawa and Semi Radradra are the only players asked to back up in the starting 15 against Uruguay and coach John McKee has challenged the new players in the team to put up their hands and play well.

Michael Cheika faces overwhelming criticism after Fiji comments

Hodge felt the brunt of the Fijian runners on a number of occasions and was regularly rag-dolled by the athletic Fijians throughout the Pool D match.

The Wallabies winger managed to unintentionally get one of his own back late in the first half, concussing Yato with a tackle that many have deemed dangerous and worthy of a red card. Fiji subsequently referred the tackle to World Rugby, and Hodge faces a hearing on Wednesday which could potentially end his Rugby World Cup.

Hungry fans prompt removal of food ban at Rugby World Cup stadiums

Just four days into the Rugby World Cup 2019 tournament, the organising committee was forced to change its food policy.

On Monday, it was announced fans would now be able to BYO snacks the size of a bento box, following shortages at various stadium stalls.

The change allowed fans to bring in a "reasonable amount of food" for personal consumption so they didn't go hungry, but the committee explained the strict no drinks policy remained in place.