Rugby World Cup

Boks forget Twickenham ahead of RWC final

The Springbok's emphatic win at Twickenham was not only the heaviest defeat the All Blacks had suffered but came on the back of a powerful forward display, with South Africa sparking controversy by naming seven forwards out of possible eight replacements and then overwhelming the Kiwis.

But Smith was quick to remind of the numerical advantage the Boks enjoyed for much of the match after Kiwi lock Scott Barrett was sent off in the first half.

Barnes to take charge of All Blacks-Springboks final

Barnes will have compatriots Karl Dickson and Matthew Carley as his assistant referees, with Tom Foley named as the Television Match Official.

Barnes, 44, who made his debut when Fiji played Samoa in Suva in 2006, will become the second Englishman to officiate a World Cup final after Ed Morrison, who was in charge when New Zealand and South Africa last met in the title decider in 1995.

All Blacks break silence on Bongi Mbonambi accusations

Mbonambi faces a World Rugby investigation after England flanker Tom Curry alleged during his side’s Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat on Saturday that the Bok hooker called him a ‘white c***’.

The South African refused to shake Curry’s hand after the game and the allegation – which was picked up by Ben O’Keeffe’s ref mic – was widely reported in the press.

As the only specialist hooker left in the Springboks camp, a potential ban for Mbonambi ahead of the World Cup final would be a significant blow to the defending world champions’ bid to defend the title.

All Blacks encouraged not to get too excited about reaching World Cup final

New Zealand romped past Argentina 44-6 on Friday to win the first of the two semi-finals this weekend and now wait to find out whether they will meet either England or South Africa to decide who goes home with the trophy on Oct. 28.

But the All Blacks must not get ahead of themselves, said their former international McLeod, whose work on the Kiwi defence at the tournament has earned praise.

“Probably not playing the game too soon is the biggest challenge,” he told a press conference on Saturday of the Kiwi plans for their last week in France.

Springboks camp 'not aware' of any Mbonambi comment

Curry accused the South African hooker of calling him a ‘white ****’ during the Springboks’ 16-15 win in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris last night.

Curry approached referee Ben O’Keeffe regarding the alleged slur and the exchange was picked up on the match-day ref mic and is being reported on.

Assistant coach Deon Davids has denied knowledge of the incident when quizzed by reporters this Sunday.

“I am not aware of any comment, it was never discussed. I don’t know,” said Davids.

All Blacks name team for semi final

Sam Whitelock replaces Brodie Retallick at lock and Mark Tele'a is back on the left wing.

Tele'a was stood down for the quarter-final after breaking team protocols. He replaces Leicester Fainga'anuku who played against Ireland.

In the reserves Samisoni Taukei'aho replaces Dane Coles.

"Rugby World Cup playoffs are a series of finals," said head coach Ian Foster. "We know that the intensity only increases as you progress through the knockout stages and we are preparing accordingly.

Boks end French World Cup hopes

In a contest for the ages, a scintillating first half ended in a brutal street fight and the Springboks' experience made the difference against a French team playing their first knockout game since coach Fabien Galthie took over four years ago.

South Africa, who will meet England for a place in the final, prevailed thanks to tries by Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth and points from the boots of Mannie Libbock and Handre Pollard.

Flying Fijians go out fighting

Fiji scored two successive tries when they were 14 points down to lock the game up at 24-all inside the last 10 minutes.

The national side had a chance to score a winner with about five minutes extra being played but they failed to look after the ball when it mattered most.

Discipline proved to be Fiji’s downfall with England flyhalf Owen Farrell kicking five penalties.

The thousands of England fans voices failed to deter the 15 Fijians on the pitch.

Farrell registered the first points with a penalty in the 10th minute.

'La Machine' a target for England

The Naitasiri man is a threat at the breakdowns in this World Cup and this is one of the reasons England coach Steve Borthwick will try to minimize the involvement of the Fiji Water Flying Fijians loose forwards.

However, Botia is not taking it as a compliment but says he looks forward to the match.

“I heard what they said and some people asked me the same question as well so I understand what they saw so it’s something to compete so I’ll see what they have.”

Mark Telea not named for All Blacks quarter-final for disciplinary reasons

Leicester Fainga'anuku has been named on the left wing.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster said Telea was omitted due to breaking team protocol. Foster said it was not a major breach and they still "love him".

Ethan de Groot is back from suspension and starts in the front row along with Tyrel Lomax, who has recovered from a knee injury.

Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett are in the second row, while halfback Finlay Christie is on the bench ahead of Cam Roigard.