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World Cup oblivion awaits if England lose for a second time in a fiercely competitive Pool A to become the first host nation to exit the tournament at the group stage, a fate made possible by the 28-25 loss to Wales.

Although much of Wales’ 23-13 Pool A victory over Fiji at the Millennium Stadium was not pretty, first-half tries by Gareth Davies and Scott Baldwin – plus 13 points from Dan Biggar – saw them home.

Sam Burgess is substituted during England’s loss to Wales.

Australia coach Michael Cheika says there’s no way his side will be bullied by England during Saturday’s World Cup clash.

England’s build up to their do-or-die World Cup clash with Australia has been stung by the most savage criticism yet after former Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy delivered a brutal assessment of Sam Burgess.

Two weeks into the tournament the French players are none the wiser when it comes to what coach Philippe Saint-Andre considers his best side.

Sky Sports’ Will Greenwood says the balance of the England team is off, but consistency in selection is key against Australia… His two-try performance made him Australia’s leading World Cup try scorer and equal second overall. Scott Williams, Liam Williams and...

Rugby World Cup: England have opened the Rugby World Cup in style with a 35-11 win over Fiji.

With defensive captain Brad Barritt also failing to impress in only his second appearance back from a long-term injury, Joseph’s potential absence could leave the door open for the likes of Sam Burgess, Owen Farrell or even Henry Slade to stake a claim for a starting berth.

Warren Gatland says Wales will not single out Sam Burgess for special attention in Saturday’s crunch World Cup clash against England.

But nothing significant. JJ [Joseph] has a bit of a knock, nothing too serious.

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”.

“There never is one moment in selection”, emphasised Lancaster, again highlighting Burgess’s potential threat as a decoy runner.

When Luther Burrell resumes his midfield partnership with Jonathan Joseph for England at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, it will be the 12th midfield combination that Stuart Lancaster has used in his 3½ years in charge and is likely to be the most critical of the...

Burgess has been training at centre while on England duty ahead of the World Cup but he still might miss out on a place in Stuart Lancaster’s squad.