World Cup

Rob Kearney is "more than happy" to chase peak match sharpness and start Ireland's World Cup clash against Romania at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Sam Burgess has declared himself ready to start for England if needed for Saturday's pivotal World Cup clash with Wales at Twickenham.

The Rugby World Cup is now officially underway, and there have already been several barn-storming contests which have made the sporting universe sit up and take notice

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter will put out a near first-choice line-up as he looks to avoid becoming the second side to slip up against World Cup shock troops Japan.

Japan have moved above their next World Cup opponents Scotland in rugby union's official world rankings.

Samoa are bracing themselves for a South African backlash when the teams square up at Villa Park at the weekend.

The shockwaves of Japan’s 34-32 victory over South Africa on Saturday are still reverberating around the rugby world.

Wales boss Warren Gatland looks set to summon further World Cup reinforcements this week after being hit by fresh injury problems.

Scrum-half Will Genia will make his first Test start for two months when Australia open their World Cup campaign against Fiji in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Ireland got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominant, eight-try display in Cardiff that saw them run rampant over Canada, 50-7.

A final-quarter surge saw New Zealand open their World Cup defence with a 26-16 victory over an impressive Argentina at Wembley.

Samoa narrowly edged out the USA in their World Cup Pool B opener to begin the tournament with a 25-16 victory in Brighton.

Japan stunned South Africa with a 34-32 win at Brighton in World Cup Pool B on Saturday.

2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio says that New Zealand have to be ranked as the favourites to win the 2015 competition.

France began their World Cup in an efficient manner and showed glimpses that they can be a serious threat at this year’s tournament after a 32-10 victory over Italy.

Although he will be absent for their World Cup opener against France, Italy's Sergio Parisse is key to their chances of pulling off an upset, according to former England and Lions wing Ugo Monye.

2007 champions South Africa open their 2015 campaign against Japan later today (19th September) and speaking to BT Sport, Lawrence Dallaglio and Brian O'Driscoll back them to go deep into the tournament.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones knows his side will assume the role of David when they take on one of rugby's true Goliaths in South Africa.

Stuart Lancaster praised England's try hero Mike Brown for lifting the team "by the scruff of the neck" to secure victory against Fiji - and a potentially crucial bonus point.

England's display will have provided both heart for Stuart Lancaster and some heart-burn - though you may need a TMO decision to verify that opinion.