Fukuoka: ‘Kolbe a pleasure to watch’
Japan sensation Kenki Fukuoka has highlighted the threat of opposite number Cheslin Kolbe ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against South Africa on Sunday. JON CARDINELLI in Tokyo reports.
Japan lose fullback to injury
Coach Jamie Joseph has made just one injury-enforced change to Japan’s starting lineup for Sunday’s quarter-final against the Springboks in Tokyo.
Star-studded Wales to front France
Wales coach Warren Gatland has made 11 changes to his starting XV for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against France in Oita.
Watch: ‘We are favourites’
We look at what happened in Tokyo on Thursday as the Springboks build toward their quarter-final clash with Japan.
Bongi better suited to start quarter-final
Coach Rassie Erasmus says he selected Bongi Mbonambi in the Boks’ starting lineup because the hooker is better suited to the game they want to employ in the quarter-final against Japan.
‘Youngs isn’t even the best player in his family’
A selection of the best quotes from players and coaches at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on Thursday.
‘We’ve been honest from the outset’
Rassie Erasmus on telling eight players that they won’t feature in the quarter-final, while Matt Proudfoot comments on his valuable coaching stint in Japan.
‘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.
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.
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.
