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…
Rest of the World
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…
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…
Nigel Melville’s World Cup Verdict
The Eagles’ two warm-up matches against Canada were a bit like England’s games with Wales: we dominated possession for long periods but made silly mistakes and conceded sloppy tries so…
Chris Wyles hopes to take Premiership success to World Cup
This year should have been the happiest of Chris Wyles’s life. He’s already helped Saracens to their first-ever Premiership title and the other proud bookend to his summer will follow…
Rugby World Cup 2011: USA’s story
The Eagles have won just two World Cup matches to date. Alex Goff takes a walk down memory lane… Victories have been hard to come by for the United States…
Rugby World Cup 2011: USA’s Coach – Eddie O’Sullivan
Eddie O’Sullivan Age 52 (21 November 1958) Birthplace Youghal, Co Cork Coaching history Monivea, Blackrock, Connacht, Ireland U21, Ireland, USA Eagles Record as USA coach (January 2009-present) P10 W6 L4…
Rugby World Cup 2011: USA’s key man – Todd Clever
Todd Stanger Clever Age 28 (16 January 1983) Birthplace Palm Springs Position Back-row Weight 15st 3lb Height 6ft 4in Club Suntory, Japan USA caps 33 USA points 40 (eight tries)…
Rugby World Cup 2011: Russia’s Story
Russia are making their World Cup debut this autumn – but they are planning to stick around for a long time Russia will make their first-ever appearance at the Rugby…
Rugby World Cup 2011: Russia’s Coach: Nikolai Nerush
Nikolai Vladimirovich Nerush Age 50 (24 July 1960) Birthplace Moscow Coaching history VVA Monino Record as Russia coach (November 2008-present) P21 W12 L8 D1 He’s achieved all he can domestically.…