Hansen: Rassie wrong to pressure ref

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has slammed Rassie Erasmus’ comments about officiating ahead of the titanic clash in Yokohama. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

Pocock makes Wallabies return

David Pocock will start for the Wallabies in their World Cup opener against Fiji in Sapporo on Saturday.

ABs back Barrett at fullback

Beauden Barrett will shift to fullback in the All Blacks’ World Cup opener against the Springboks in Yokohama on Saturday.

Quotes of the day: ‘It’s a slap in the face’

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

Blitzboks have special message for Boks

The Blitzboks took time out from their preparations for the Sevens Series to wish the Springboks well for their 2019 World Cup campaign.

‘All Blacks have opened new can of worms’

Springbok defence coach Jacques Nienaber has highlighted the threat of the new All Blacks attacking system ahead of the showdown in Yokohama on Saturday. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

‘Refs must be open-minded at World Cup’

Rassie Erasmus says that the uncertainty around the No 1 ranking should have referees heading into the World Cup with no preconceived ideas about one team’s dominance. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.

Smith: All Blacks will learn from Wellington draw

All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith says the team will heed the lessons from their draw with the Boks in Wellington ahead of the World Cup opener on Saturday.

Stats and facts: Springboks vs All Blacks

Stats and facts for the Pool B World Cup opener between the Springboks and All Blacks in Yokohama on Saturday.

Gatland: Wales squad shocked by Howley news

Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted the squad has been left shocked after assistant Rob Howley was sent home for breaching World Rugby betting regulations.