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It was the thighs that had it for Warren Gatland when he first saw George North in action.

Fiji may be winless from two matches at this year’s Rugby World Cup, but Bath scrum-half Nikola Matawalu is confident his side are not far off as they get their heads down in preparation for next week’s showdown with Wales. First, I wanted to play good rugby...

Eddie Jones, the Japan coach, has warned that rugby is moving in a “dangerous direction” and called on the sport’s governing body to increase “fatigue” in the game to reduce power and the number of collisions.

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.

Head coach Cotter’s squad selection for tomorrow’s match at Gloucester’s Kingsholm had already been made before Japan caused the biggest upset in World Cup history, which only underlines the respect that Scotland have for their Pool B opponents. “We know...

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.

When they last met, in June 2013, in front of 20,000 in Toronto, Ireland eased to a 40-14 victory.

Joe Schmidt’s men beat Canada by 50-7 at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

Hansen and company are intent on winning both on their travels, and becoming the first side to win consecutive World Cup titles. “There’s just a bigger box of chocolates at the end of it”.

Lancaster said: “I thought Browny was excellent”. We have to be more direct, we were a little bit lateral.

Full-back Williams, meanwhile, has not played since the end of last season due to a foot problem, and his Scarlets colleague Lee has been sidelined since suffering an Achilles injury during Wales’ RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland six months ago.

He seems to get better with age and has it all. The retirement of O’Driscoll was meant to signal the end of an era.

Twenty legends of rugby representing the twenty nations at this World Cup – including Australia’s Michael Lynagh – lined up on either side of the giant rugby ball that was the central focus on the field.

Referees at the Rugby World Cup have been instructed to take swift action against players found to be diving or feigning injury.

“They’re not being arrogant, but it’s seven games – you’ve got to think you can win seven games or why are you even going?”