RWC 2019

The in-form Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodhue will partner in the midfield in an otherwise experienced All Blacks line up.

Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala make up the front row, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are the starting locks, while Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read are the loose forward trio.

Aaron Smith has been named the starting halfback, Richie Mo'unga at first five, George Bridge and Sevu Reece are on the wings and Beauden Barrett is at fullback.

Tournament hosts Japan qualified for the knockout stages for the first time in their history, Sunday's hard-fought victory over Scotland also seeing them finish top of Pool A.

The 28-21 result means the Brave Blossoms next face South Africa, who were second in Pool B, rather than New Zealand, with the two-time reigning champions instead going up against Ireland. 

Pleased to avoid one of the in-form teams still left standing, Hansen praised the way Japan's players had lifted their nation after the devastation caused by Typhoon Hagibis.

The All Blacks will face Ireland on Saturday night in Tokyo for a place in the semifinals.

Read said knockout rugby is the ultimate leveller and while some teams are in better form than others, that won't necessarily mean those teams will win this weekend.

The teams that will progress to the final four will be the one's who're mentally strong and handle the pressure best during crucial moments in the quarterfinals.

"The eight teams are capable of winning the Cup physically.

The Tonga captain celebrated turning 34 on Sunday by scoring a try and slotting over the first conversion he has ever taken in a man-of-the-match performance at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

A first win of the tournament ensured it was the USA rather than Tonga who finished bottom of Pool C.

Piutau was carried off the field by his team-mates after the game before paying tribute to his sister Ema, who lost her battle with stomach cancer in April.

"It’s been a tough journey, but all this has been done in her memory." said Piutau.

With both teams already eliminated, Tonga bowed out on a winning note by scoring four tries to USA's three in Higashiosaka.

Tonga trailed USA 12-7 at half-time after substitute Mike Te'o had grabbed a brace shortly after coming on.

But Tonga rallied to snap a run of five consecutive losses, which was their joint-worst streak at a World Cup.

'Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau and loose forward Sione Kalamafoni and will call time on their international rugby careers following the final Pool C clash in Osaka.

Piutau, who will also celebrate his 34th birthday on Sunday, has played 42 tests since his debut against Fiji in 2011.

That puts the Bristol Bears midfielder in third place on Tonga's all-time list, headed by former captain Nili Latu (48 caps) and long-time fullback Vunga Lilo (44).

Kalamafoni has accumulated 36 test caps since his international debut against Korea in 2007.

The last match in Pool C may only decide fourth and fifth spots, but the standings belie these teams' performances.

Both gave France a fight. USA trailed 12-9 in Fukuoka with under 15 minutes to play, but fell away to a 33-9 defeat.

Tonga threatened to repeat their 2011 victory over Les Bleus. Though they went 17-0 behind, they were finally edged out by just two points, 23-21.

The Sea Eagles are perhaps therefore slight favourites.

England were set to play their final Pool C match in Yokohama on Saturday, but with Typhoon Hagibis set to make landfall, the game - along with New Zealand's meeting with Italy - has been called off. Japan's crunch Pool A contest with Scotland on Sunday is also under threat.

Although Jones is disappointed the France match will not go ahead, he said the extra time to prepare for a quarter-final against Australia or Wales has given his side a fantastic opportunity to be at their best in the knockout stage.

A typhoon-watch warning has been issued for their final pool game against Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday night.

Typhoon Hagibis is developing off the south coast of Japan, and could bring heavy rain and high winds this weekend.

If the match is called off, the two sides would share the points, taking Ireland's quarter-final ambitions out of their hands.

Should Scotland beat Russia with a bonus point and follow that with victory over Japan, the Irish would miss the playoffs and a potential final-eight showdown with the All Blacks. 

The bonus point was secured before halftime and although there might be concern at yellow cards shown to Nepo Laulala and Ofa Tuungafasi for high tackles, the All Blacks look in ominous form heading into their last pool match against Italy.

Outstanding centre Anton Lienert-Brown, flying winger Sevu Reece and fullback Ben Smith all scored two tries and utility Jordie Barrett, starting at five eighth in a Test for the first time, also crossed and kicked eight conversions.