Labuschagne to lead Japan against Ireland

Pieter Labuschagne will captain hosts Japan in their crucial Pool A World Cup clash with Ireland in Shizuoka on Saturday.

Carty at flyhalf for Ireland

Jack Carty will replace the injured Johnny Sexton in one of four changes to Ireland’s starting lineup for their World Cup match against Japan on Saturday.

Van Straaten’s World Cup flashpoints

Former Springbok flyhalf BRAAM VAN STRAATEN picks his talking points from the first round of action of the World Cup.

Quotes of the day: ‘My house washed away in the waves’

A selection of the best quotes from players, coaches and leaders at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on Wednesday.

RWC Highlights: Japan vs Russia

Highlights of Japan’s 30-10 victory over Russia in the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Japan lock’s late hit

Japan lock James Moore escaped punishment for this potentially dangerous shoulder charge against Russia. Should he have been carded?

Matsushima hat-trick helps Japan past Russia

South African-born duo Lappies Labuschagne and Kotaro Matsushima scored four tries between them as Japan battled to a 30-10 victory over Russia in the opening game of the 2019 World Cup in Tokyo on Friday.

World Cup teams (Round 1)

All the lineups from the first round of World Cup matches in Japan.

Calder: Smartest team will win World Cup

Two-time World Cup-winner Sherylle Calder says that the speed of the contest in Japan will place new emphasis on space identification and decision-making. JON CARDINELLI reports.

‘Boks’ kicking game was intentional’

Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks intentionally played with less possession against Japan to prepare for their World Cup opener against the All Blacks.