New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has named a strong matchday line-up for the Rugby World Cup opener against South Africa to be played in Yokohama on Saturday.

Pool B will kick into action this Saturday when the All Blacks and Springboks take each other on in Yokohama, writes TRU’s Joe Harvey.

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has named an unchanged matchday squad for the Rugby World Cup opening game clash against New Zealand in Yokohama on Saturday.

New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster played down rumours on the injury of Sonny Bill Williams ahead of the World Cup that kicks off this week.

New Zealand back-row Luke Jacobson has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup in Japan after a delayed onset of concussion.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the appointment of former All Blacks international Mark Robinson as the new chief executive.

New Zealand ran a 14 try riot as they trounced Tonga 92-7 in their clash at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has recalled centre Ryan Crotty for the upcoming Test against Tonga in Hamilton to be played on Saturday.

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that Highlanders fly-half Josh Ioane has joined the squad ahead of the Test against Tonga in Hamilton on 7th October.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has left out Northampton Saints tighthead prop Owen Franks from the 31-man World Cup squad.

New Zealand loose forward Liam Squire has confirmed his availability to the All Blacks team management ahead of the World Cup squad announcement.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has released nine players from the squad to their respective provinces to feature in the Mitre 10 Cup.

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen believes fly-half Richie Mo'unga should be fit for the World Cup in Japan next month despite a recent shoulder injury.

New Zealand went on to claim the Bledisloe Cup for the 17th consecutive time when they thrashed Australia 36-0 in Auckland on Saturday.

New Zealand have retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 17th consecutive year as they blanked Australia 36-0 in the second game at Eden Park on Saturday.

The upcoming Bledisloe Cup between New Zealand and Australia in Perth is set to be Steve Hansen's 100 Test in charge of the All Blacks but the 60-year-old said the focus is on emerging victorious in the weekend's encounter.

Australia head coach Michael Cheika admitted that the Wallabies are desperate to claim the Bledisloe Cup when they lock horns with New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

Australia head coach Michael Cheika has made a solitary change to the starting line-up for the second and final Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand to be played in Auckland this weekend.

Crusaders duo George Bridge and Sevu Reece have been included in New Zealand's line-up for the upcoming second Bledisloe Cup encounter against Australia to be played in Auckland this Saturday.

New Zealand have reclaimed their number one position in World Rugby Rankings after Wales' winning streak was brought to an end by England in the recently concluded encounter at Twickenham Stadium.