Erasmus: Springboks are favourites

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks are in a confident space ahead of their quarter-final showdown with host nation Japan, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

Watch: Japan squad plays ‘Janken’

Japan’s World Cup team relaxed before their quarter-final against the Springboks with a unique version of ‘rock, paper, scissors’.

Schmidt dismisses underdogs tag

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt says his team cannot afford to go into the World Cup quarter-final against the All Blacks on Saturday with an underdog mentality.

Cheika: Petaia is more than ready

Michael Cheika’s surprise selection of 19-year-old Jordan Petaia at outside centre for Saturday’s quarter-final against England is not a risky decision, according to the Wallabies coach.

Rassie’s power play will pay off

Rassie Erasmus’ gamble to back six forwards on the Springbok bench will pay off against Japan and later in the tournament, writes JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo.

De Jager to lock down for Springboks

Lood de Jager will start ahead of Franco Mostert in the Springboks’ second row for their quarter-final against Japan in Tokyo on Sunday.

‘Brodie is a bit of a freak’

Brodie Retallick’s inclusion in the starting lineup to face Ireland after his recent return from injury shows how much the All Blacks value the star lock.

Stats and facts: England vs Australia

All the stats and facts for England’s World Cup quarter-final clash with the Wallabies in Oita on Saturday.

Rassie: Forwards favoured because of versatility

Coach Rassie Erasmus says he went with a 6-2 split on the Boks’ bench for the quarter-final against Japan because of the South African forwards’ versatility.

Stats and facts: New Zealand vs Ireland

All the stats and facts for the World Cup quarter-final between New Zealand and Ireland in Tokyo on Saturday.