Rugby World Cup 2015 semi-finals: Is the southern hemisphere increasing its superiority over the northern hemisphere? October 22, 2015 London plays host to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals this weekend but for the first time in the competition’s history no teams from the northern hemisphere are represented in the final four. New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Australia all registered wins over Six Nations sides by at least 20 points – although Scotland did [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: This All Blacks outfit is the best team the game has ever seen, says South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer October 22, 2015 South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer has left his team in no doubt as to the enormity of their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Saturday by labelling the All Blacks the greatest team in rugby history. Meyer believes the holders have only improved since lifting the trophy on home soil four years ago, a [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: Australia coach Michael Cheika critical of referee Craig Joubert’s public flogging October 21, 2015 Australia coach Michael Cheika has criticised World Rugby’s public condemnation of referee Craig Joubert and questioned whether the governing body will be reviewing any other contentious decisions from the tournament. World Rugby admitted on Monday that Joubert had made an error when awarding the Wallabies a controversial last-minute penalty against Scotland, which fly-half Bernard Foley [...]
James Haskell interview: England flanker will help RFU England Rugby World Cup review but is concentrating on Wasps Premiership duties October 20, 2015 As the England rugby chiefs investigate the team’s pool stage exit at its home World Cup and pundits lament the northern hemisphere’s failings in recent weeks, James Haskell says his attentions are set firmly in the opposite direction. The Rugby Football Union is seeking input from players in its review into how the Red Rose [...]
Australia coach Michael Cheika defends referee Craig Joubert after Rugby World Cup victory over Scotland October 19, 2015 Australia coach Michael Cheika has defended referee Craig Joubert and backed the South African’s decision to bolt from the pitch at the conclusion of their contentious World Cup quarter-final clash with Scotland on Sunday. The 37-year-old was the centre of attention after awarding the Wallabies a controversial last-gasp penalty, which was duly converted by fly-half [...]
England Rugby World Cup 2015 review panel to include Sir Ian McGeechan and Ben Kay October 19, 2015 England rugby chiefs have confirmed the five-man panel tasked with reviewing the team’s miserable World Cup and effectively deciding the fate of head coach Stuart Lancaster. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ian Ritchie is joined by former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, ex-England player Ben Kay, Ian Watmore, the one-time chief [...]
Ireland bid for first ever Rugby World Cup semi-final berth ruined by wily Argentina October 19, 2015 Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted that his under-strength side lacked the necessary nous and knowhow to overcome a wily Argentina after the Pumas wrecked their chances of a first ever World Cup semi-final berth yesterday. An early blitz and tries from centre Matias Moroni and wing Juan Imhoff saw Argentina surge into a 17-0 lead, [...]
Gallant Scotland suffer Rugby World Cup anguish after controversial last-gasp penalty hands Australia 35-34 victory October 19, 2015 Devastated captain Greig Laidlaw insists his fearless Scotland side have a prosperous future after being cruelly robbed of a place in the World Cup semi-final by a contentious last-gasp penalty as Australia prevailed at Twickenham yesterday. Leading 34-32 with a minute remaining, referee Craig Joubert controversially deemed replacement Jon Welsh to be deliberately offside, although [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: Economic impact in Wales worth £316m as New Zealand and France come to Cardiff October 17, 2015 It's not only on the pitch where Wales have performed at this year's Rugby World Cup – the wider economy has scored results too with Cardiff receiving a £316m boost from hosting eight games at the event. Quarter-final matches New Zealand v France and Ireland v Argentina both take place at the Millennium Stadium this weekend, which [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen dares mercurial French to rekindle old flair October 15, 2015 New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has dared rivals France to rediscover their attacking flair when the two sides do battle for a place in the World Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. There are echoes of the 2007 tournament when France, runners-up in their pool, turned the tables on the much-fancied All Blacks to [...]