Easter replaces Vunipola for England

Nick Easter has been called up as a replacement for England No 8 Billy Vunipola, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury.

Time running out for Alberts

Willem Alberts may well head back to South Africa if he fails to come through a fitness test later this week, reports JON CARDINELLI in Newcastle.

Jean out of World Cup

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a fracture to his jaw against Samoa.

Matfield: Meyer took control

Victor Matfield has credited coach Heyneke Meyer for the Springboks’ change in World Cup fortunes, reports JON CARDINELLI in Birmingham.

Ireland ease past Romania

Wingers Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls both scored a brace of tries as Ireland clinched a bonus-point 44-10 win over Romania at Wembley on Sunday. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Scotland too strong for USA

Scotland's second-stringers laboured to a 39-16 bonus-point victory over USA at Elland Road in Leeds on Sunday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.