Japan kept their World Cup quarterfinal hopes alive with a clinical 26-5 win over an ill-disciplined Samoa. Expected to be a much closer affair, Samoa had three players sent to the sin bin and were penalized 17 times in a sloppy performance. Japan dimnated possession and territory in the match …

Into the big weekend with some games doubling as extra knock-outs. Can Japan pick themselves up again after the tough match against Scotland? Does Samoa have another gear? Will England dig themselves out of the abyss with the Wallabies ready to trample on their dreams? Paul is our token ‘South American’ with …

Sergio Parisse is back to provide a huge boost for Italy as they face Ireland in their Pool D match at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday. If the Azzurri have any hopes of recreating their victory in 2013, the captain will have to be at his very best against a …

Argentina and Tonga have named their teams for their historic Pool C match in Leicester on Sunday. This will be the first ever meeting of the two in test rugby. Both sides are coming off a win, and field strong lineups for a match that will ensure automatic qualification for …

France overcame a defiant Canadian side by a score of 41-18, with two tries and a penalty goal in the final quarter stretching the score after Canada had clawed their way back to within six points. Frédéric Michalak contributed 14 points with the boot and orchestrated the attack with some …

Wales survived a Fijian onslaught to escape with 23-13 victory at the Millenium Stadium on Thursday in front of more than 70,000 thoroughly entertained fans. Fiji had more than enough possession to put points on the board, but missed opportunities and resolute Welsh defense earned the home side the win. The …

The teams have been named for the crucial Pool B match between Samoa and Japan. Both sides have one win thus far, and must earn a second of they are to progress to the quarter-finals. After a stunning upset over South Africa, the Brave Blossoms will be seen as favorites, …

Jonathan Joseph returns to bolster the England midfield in the critical Pool A match against Australia on Saturday, one of three changes to the side that lost to Wales last weekend. Despite speculation that he would play no further part in the pool stages, the Bath centre has shrugged off …

Michael Cheika has reverted to the identical starting lineup that faced Fiji for the massive Pool A match against England on Saturday. If Australia defeat England, it could spell curtains for the host side, having lost to Wales in dramatic fashion on the weekend. The Wallabies, meanwhile, enjoyed a cozy …

Duncan Weir will start in the no10 shirt for Scotland against the Springboks on Saturday. Finn Russell misses out, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered against the USA on Sunday, one of a handful of first choice players left out of the run-on side. Gordon Reid and Fraser Brown …