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.

Schmidt opts for experience against ABs

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named 12 members of the starting side which defeated New Zealand 16-9 in November to again front the All Blacks in Saturday’s quarter-final.

Wallabies gamble with teenage rookie at No 13

Michael Cheika has made five changes to the Wallabies starting lineup for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against England in Oita.