World Cup

Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade refused to blame referee Wayne Barnes for the Pumas' 29-15 World Cup defeat to Australia, despite the controversial yellow card for Tomas Lavanini.

Adam Ashley-Cooper scored a hat-trick of tries as Australia reached their fourth World Cup final by beating Argentina 29-15 in an entertaining semi-final at Twickenham.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has vigorously defended All Blacks captain Richie McCaw after video footage emerged of him apparently striking South Africa flanker Francois Louw during Saturday's World Cup semi-final at Twickenham.

Dan Carter has warned that the job is "not done yet" after ensuring his last game for New Zealand will be a first World Cup final appearance.

New Zealand selector Grant Fox expects Welsh referee Nigel Owens to take charge of next weekend's World Cup final, although World Rugby are not expected to make a final decision until early next week.

New Zealand booked their place in a second successive World Cup final by holding off South Africa to win a pulsating semi-final 20-18 at Twickenham.

Australia coach Michael Cheika says his team are ready for their World Cup semi-final encounter with Argentina and he has challenged his players to raise their game.

Pablo Matera hopes Julian Salvi's breakdown expertise can help him neutralise "the best around" in David Pocock and Michael Hooper when Argentina take on Australia.

Australia's chances of toppling Argentina in Sunday's World Cup semi-final have improved after David Pocock and Israel Folau were passed fit for the Twickenham showdown.

South Africa star Schalk Burger knows all about winning against the odds - and a World Cup semi-final against New Zealand does not come close to matching what he has already achieved.

Maggie Alphonsi has said it is a shame that this week has been dominated by controversy surrounding the Rugby World Cup rather than the focus being on the pulsating quarter-final stage

Australia will delay naming their team for Sunday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina until this afternoon.

Victor Matfield insists he can complete the job that dragged him out of retirement and drive South Africa to an unprecedented third World Cup triumph.

Georgia alongside Japan won our hearts. Out the blocks quickly; Georgia beat Tonga, frustrated giants New Zealand, Argentina and ground out a scrappy win over Namibia which allowed them to secure third

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has no doubt that South Africa will want to "rip our heads off" in Saturday's heavyweight World Cup semi-final clash at Twickenham.

Matt Giteau has gladly rewritten his plans of earning money on the speaking circuit to help Australia to the brink of claiming a spot in the World Cup final.

Heyneke Meyer has branded New Zealand the best side in rugby history - but still insisted South Africa can topple the defending champions in Saturday's World Cup semi-final.

Argentina have taken the Rugby World Cup by storm, thumping Ireland 43-20 to reach the semi-finals for the second time in eight years.

Marcos Ayerza is as reluctant to end his Argentina career after the World Cup as to start ribbing Leicester's England stars over their premature tournament exit.

New Zealand centre Conrad Smith has described World Cup semi-final opponents South Africa as the All Blacks' "ultimate rival” ahead of the two southern hemisphere sides’ clash at Twickenham on Saturday.