RWC

Rassie Erasmus has chemo for life-threatening condition during Springboks' World Cup triumph

In early 2019, Erasmus was diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis and underwent chemotherapy before and during the World Cup. 

Erasmus' doctor Johan Theron told Afrikaans publication Rapport that the side effects made the coach weaker, but was essential as the disease was potentially fatal. 

"He really doubted at one stage whether he would be able to push through with his position as Springbok coach," Theron said.

His chemotherapy doses were lowered so that he could give his full attention to the Springboks during the World Cup. 

Jones admits to selection errors in Rugby World Cup final

The 59-year-old Australian, who has committed to seeing out his contract which runs until 2021, is not renowned for owning up to errors.

But he says part of the blame for the 32-12 defeat by South Africa in the final lay with his decision to start with George Ford and Mako Vunipola ahead of Henry Slade and Joe Marler.

Federer hails 'amazing' Springboks

The Springboks thrashed favourites England 32-12 in Yokohama on Saturday and tennis superstar Federer sent a video message praising their achievement.

Federer's mother, Lynette, was born in South Africa and the 20-time grand slam champion clearly enjoyed the nation's success in Japan.

"Siya, it's Roger here. Couldn't be more happy for you and the team," he said in a video shared on the Springboks' Twitter account on Sunday.

"What a victory, what an amazing team effort. You guys spent so much time together and you ended up with the big win.

England’s true believers not fazed by greatest test yet

New Zealand are attempting to make history by winning a third successive Rugby World Cup title, but Jones sees Saturday's semi-final clash in Yokohama as an opportunity for England to cause a major upset.

He believes the talent that convinced him to take the job is starting to shine, as the 40-16 last-eight win over Australia proved.

"I saw a team that could be great and that was the challenge, and they are starting to believe it," Jones said.

Manu Tuilagi rated ahead of Rugby World Cup

Tuilagi, who has been named in the England’s Rugby World Cup squad, scored a try in their sensational 57-15 win over Ireland.

Fly-half George Ford said Tuilagi has been progressing well in his performance leading up to the world cup.

“Manu had some good continuity. You’re seeing some good things from him but I honestly do believe he is still getting better and building as well. He’s going to be unbelievable for us, he has got a massive smile on his face and he’s loving it at the minute.”

All Blacks hopeful Retallick will be fit for World Cup

Retallick was cleared out in a ruck by Springboks opposite RG Snyman and landed awkwardly on his left shoulder. He was in visible pain as he walked off in the 61st minute of the 16-16 draw in Wellington.

Hansen did not give a timeline for his return to reporters on Sunday but sounded optimistic the former World Player of the Year would be fit to travel to Japan for the Sept. 20-Nov. 2 showpiece.

"Hopefully he will be available for the World Cup. He is one of our best players so that's good," the coach said.

Banks ready to fill Folau void in Wallabies backline

With the Brumbies the only Australian team to make the Super Rugby playoffs, the 25-year-old Queenslander has had the perfect stage to impress Wallabies coach Michael Cheika with his rivals for the number 15 shirt left on the sidelines.

A couple of Banks line-breaks helped set up two of the Brumbies' tries in their 38-13 quarterfinal win over the Sharks in Canberra over the weekend and he will look to sustain his strong form against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Pocock "doing everything" to be fit for Rugby World Cup

Pocock has played his final game for the Brumbies and has put all of his focus on September's tournament after a near three-month layoff with a calf injury.

The 31-year-old initially suffered the calf injury back in January at Wallabies camp and though he has played three games this season, he has not been able to get the muscle 100 per cent right.

Pocock said the call to focus on the World Cup took pressure off himself to try and rush back, as well as limiting the weekly questions to coach Dan McKellar about his star no. 7's return date.

Injured O'Brien ruled out of RWC

O'Brien did not feature for Leinster as they defeat Glasgow Warriors on Saturday to clinch the Pro14 title, although he did lift the trophy in his final match for the club.

The 32-year-old has agreed a deal to join newly promoted London Irish in the Premiership following the World Cup.

But O'Brien will not be involved in the tournament in Japan, Leinster revealed on Sunday, as he requires an operation to fix his hip.

Fiji sympathetic to Samoa's World Cup limbo

The Manu were scheduled to face Spain or Portugal in a home and away playoff next month for a place at next year's tournament.

But the proposed fixtures will now take place in July or August, while the governing body investigates an eligibility scandal engulfing European teams.

Fiji had to play-off against the Cook Islands four years ago for a place in the 2015 World Cup and John McKee said it added another layer of difficulty.