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Chelsea’s worst start since 1988 has led to speculation of rifts within the camp, which Mourinho has strenuously denied, while Hazard has struggled to reach the same heights this term.

He said: “Ben has a little bang on his knee that isn’t serious at all. We know he is a big-game player and a great competitor and so are the other players around him”.

The Australia players, meanwhile, are focused only on their opening game against Fiji on Wednesday though the majority of the 31-man squad have rebuffed all questions on playing pool opponents England and Wales, a mantra instilled by Cheika.

Canada hooker Ray Barkwill admitted it was a privilege to play opposite Ireland’s Rory Best in Cardiff on Saturday, but insisted his teammates would not be starstruck as they battle to qualify from Pool D.

Australia coach Michael Cheika has opted for twin openside flankers in David Pocock and Michael Hooper for their Rugby World Cup Pool A opener against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

England forward Billy Vunipola says he had no idea his late try against Fiji had secured a World Cup bonus point.

While the injuries were of grave concern to Gatland, there was also a sense of frustration in the unconvincing nature of Wales’ victory.

They now turn their attentions to Wednesday’s meeting with the Scots at Kingsholm and Jones is confident they can take another high-profile scalp.

“It was one of those things that as soon as that happens, you wish you hadn’t”, the All Blacks captain said after the match.

Two-try hero Mike Brown may be certain of his place in England’s next World Cup match but coach Stuart Lancaster could do with a few changes for the clash with Wales.

That is the romantic version anyway and, whether Webb Ellis knew exactly what he’s started or not, is why no visit to this year’s World Cup would be complete without spending a little time in the sport’s spiritual home.

“Oh Argentina”, replied a tongue-in-cheek Hansen when quizzed on the greatest threats to New Zealand’s crown.

England coach Stuart Lancaster admitted his relief after his team started their World Cup campaign with a win.

Wales are not training until Wednesday at their Surrey base and Gatland remains confident that they can strike a telling blow in the fierce battle to qualify from a group that also includes Australia and Fiji.

Former England hooker Brian Moore slammed television match official (TMO) Shaun Veldsman for the length of time he took to make decisions in the Rugby World Cup curtain-raiser.