France survive Tonga scare

France turned in an error-strewn performance but ultimately got the job done as they downed Tonga 23-21 at the Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe on Sunday.

Italian props banned for Vermeulen hit

Italian loosehead props Andrea Lovotti and Nicola Quaglio were handed a three-match suspension each for their involvement in a tip-tackle on Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen.

All Blacks pound plucky Namibia

The All Blacks overcame a spirited first-half effort from Namibia to claim a 71-9 bonus-point win in Tokyo on Sunday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.

Can Boks block out the noise?

The Eben Etzebeth saga, as well as the social-media reaction to the ‘bomb-squad’ celebration, are distractions that the Springboks could do without, writes JON CARDINELLI in Kobe.

Erasmus: Steyn did not shoo Mapimpi away

Rassie Erasmus says it’s sad that some people saw something ‘negative’ and misread the situation involving Makazole Mapimpi and a celebration huddle for bench players after Friday’s match against Italy.

Boks unconcerned by short break

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus says the team has carefully prepared for the four-day turnaround between their final two World Cup pool games.

Willemse at 15 for Boks

Damian Willemse will start at fullback in one of several changes for the Springboks’ final World Cup pool match against Canada in Kobe on Tuesday.

Erasmus: Kolisi peaking at the right time

Rassie Erasmus on the physical challenge that Canada will pose, while Cobus Reinach and Thomas du Toit speak about getting their first starts at the World Cup.

Mapimpi clarifies celebration ‘exclusion’

Bok wing Makazole Mapimpi has explained that he was not part of a post-match celebration huddle due purely to the fact that it was a ritual for the bench players known as the ‘bomb squad’.

Highlights: Japan vs Samoa

Hosts Japan claimed a vital 38-19 bonus-point victory over Samoa in their Pool A clash on Saturday.