Italy

As a fan of the global game I take greater pleasure out of watching the pool phase of Rugby World Cups than many people certainly do but now this appears to have changed, and for the better. So good have the group matches been that we have been treated to more …

The Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week. UP Argentina Possibly the best half of rugby of any team in the tournament thus far was that produced in the second …

Canada suffered a heartbreaking 23-18 defeat at the hands of Italy at Elland Road on Saturday. The North Americans played the more expansive rugby, but ultimately it was the power of the pack – and some questionable officiating – that saved the game for the Azzurri. The Canucks got off …

Predictions take 2… b! The second part of this week’s predictions, this time covering the half-dozen games ahead on Saturday on Sunday. There are a couple doozies up ahead, so read below to hear from the pros! The midweek action went pretty much entirely as predicted, though once again Bryan’s dissension …

Whisper it softly, but Canada have an enormous opportunity on Saturday. Yes, against Italy – fully professional Six Nations participants, clear favorites by the bookies, haven’t lost to the Canucks since 2000. And yet, if there was ever a time for them to be beaten, it’s now. Much has been …

Italy will be without captain Sergio Parisse against Canada, with the world class no8 instead remaining in Paris as he recovers from a hematoma suffered against Wales two weeks before the tournament. Jacques Brunel has also had to replace influential centre Andrea Masi, out with a torn Achilles tendon, and …

Tyler Ardron has recovered from a knee injury in time to lead Canada against Italy in their critical Pool D match this Saturday at Elland Road. The Ospreys no8 is one of six changes to the run-on side that fell to Ireland on Saturday, with two more new faces on …

Italy have suffered a major blow to their World Cup chances as the vastly experienced Andrea Masi has been ruled out with a snapped Achilles tendon suffered against France. Zebre winger Michele Visentin, one of the last cut from the training group, has been called up as a replacement, and may …

The Up and Under is a weekly feature on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week. UP Japan A spectacular, brilliant, unforgettable win against all odds by the world’s leading Asian nation over the best from Africa was …

France’s 32-10 win over Italy last night in London came at a cost with right winger Yoann Huget suffering a severe knee injury which has ended his World Cup. The Toulouse flier went down hurt in the second half holding his knee and had to be carried off the field. Tests have …