Bradley Davies’s idols are two World Cup-winning locks – Martin Johnson and John Eales – and he’s aiming to follow in their footsteps in New Zealand. He was a particular…
Countries
New Zealand drift in World Cup betting
THE ALL Blacks disjointed performance against Tonga sees them move out to 4/6 for the World Cup with Ladbrokes. The bookies weren’t blown away by their win against 57 point underdogs…
New Zealand 41 Tonga 10 – The Rugby World Verdict
IT WAS ALWAYS going to be hard to judge New Zealand after this first game of the World Cup, but they were far from impressive against Tonga, writes Paul Morgan…
The Playmaker – Quade Cooper
Pop quiz. Identify the player Robbie Deans is describing: “He’s an outside-half who reacts. He has an enormous amount of talent and an instinct for the game, which we encourage…
Samoa are out to upset the big boys
In 2007, Samoa fell below their usual high standards at the World Cup, but they’re back four years later with a squad capable of making the knockout stages, writes Paul…
The other side of Jamie Roberts
RUGBY WORLD: Who are the jokers with Wales? JAMIE ROBERTS: Tom Shanklin has had to retire now but there are still a few jokers in the squad. Stephen Jones continues…
Wales team to play South Africa – Hook at 15
Wales have reverted largely to the side which triumphed over England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff three weeks ago for their Rugby World Cup opener against the reigning World…
RWC guide to every player in the England team
England manager Martin Johnson has made just two changes, both forced, to the England team which won 20-9 in Ireland just under two weeks ago. Delon Armitage comes in on the…
Wales have to beat the most experienced team in history
South Africa’s starting XV for the Pool D match against Wales on Sunday is the most experienced line-up ever named in the history of the sport. The 15 players combine…
Why Georgia can make the Quarter-Finals
Paul Morgan finds Kingsley Jones tipping an East European rival for success… If you’re looking for a major upset at this World Cup then look no further than the Georgians…