Thursday, September 29

Play-offs will be a new ball-game - Super Sport - This time next week we will be starting the build-up to a new competition. The phoniness of the pool stages of Rugby World Cup, where everyone builds up the minnow nations into something they are not, will be behind us and what is known as tournament rugby will take over

Wounded Australia can still pack a punch - The Guardian - Defeat by Ireland should have taught Australia a valuable lesson – at a World Cup one game can change everything

The World Cup is a facade. NZ rugby is in trouble - New Zealand Herald - The All Blacks could finally win a professional-era Rugby World Cup at Eden Park but rugby won't beat league in Auckland any more.

England must keep the faith and show attacking spirit if they want to douse Scottish fire - The Telegraph - England and Scotland are like two very well matched tennis players who know each other’s game inside out.

Georgia a cash cow for Tipster - Planet Rugby - It's a big weekend with plenty on the line as we wipe the slate clean with our Tipster, Ben Hathaway, looking to make you some extra cash.

Andy Robinson has chance to make Scotland bloom - The Guardian - The former England coach won't look back at if onlys, but others see the seeds of his determination in a failure five years ago

'Crisis, what crisis?' asks France defence guru - Reuters - If there are deep divisions and rumblings of rebellion running through the French camp at the rugby World Cup, it is news to the squad's defence guru Dave Ellis at least.

After 14 years, I just had to go back - London Evening Standard - England's World Cup forward goes back to the school where he completed his rugby education

A rough deal and crystal ball gazing - Super Sport - After a week featuring some one sided games, we are headed for a cracking last weekend of pool play with not much certainty about the playoff picture, which is exactly how it should be at a Rugby World Cup.

Turn up the intensity - Sky Sports - Scott Quinnell wants Wales to put down a marker against Fiji and looks at Scotland v England.

Lightning didn't strike twice when Scotland faced England in 1991 - The Telegraph - An ambush only works once. Trying the same thing twice has a habit of backfiring and no one wants to be made to look a fool.

Rugby Union Rules Laid Bare by Lynx Ladies - The Sun - If you've never got to grips with the rules of rugby union, here's a hands on guide to help you understand just what's going on down under in the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

IRB should listen to ultimatum - New Zealand Herald - An All Black triumph in the Rugby World Cup will do more than buoy this nation's feel-good factor. It will shake the tournament rulers to the core, it will give them more tremors than they suffered in 1995 when the sport went professional.