Source: Alex Davidson - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

RWC semi-final – Canadian Regicide

Canada outplayed New Zealand for the third time in three games to earn their first entry to a final since 2014. Their all-round excellence in attack and defence was on show again in front of a packed house in Bristol. Inside ten minutes they had posted two tries. Renee Holmes made the first several errors

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Source: Rugby Canada

RWC – the semi-finalists

Now we know the four teams: Canada, England, France and New Zealand. Cynics will say they’ve known them for years. Sadly they’re right, but there’s no short cut to glory. Each of the four has its own approach to these final stages. Once again in alphabetical order: Canada was the union to place its cards

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Source: World Rugby

RWC – a look at the quarter-finals

New Zealand are going to win a seventh world trophy. That is what hundreds of Kiwi pundits are telling us, and the Black Ferns’ performance against the Irish (40-0) adds strength to their contention. But first the schedule: Saturday 13 September  New Zealand v South Africa KO 13.00* Canada v Australia KO 16.00 Sunday 14

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Source: World Rugby

RWC – Ireland v New Zealand

This was the pick of the day’s matches, a contest between the world champs and a nation ranked a proud fifth. It didn’t work out like that. Ireland started strongly, winning around 75% in the first ten minutes. But, like other losing sides on the day, they couldn’t maintain this dominance. For all the possession

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Source: World Rugby

RWC- Ireland v New Zealand

You can take your pick of the most emotionally charged fixture of the coming weekend, but here’s my choice, Ireland v New Zealand. Allan Bunting had paid the Irish the highest compliment: none of Amy Rule, Kennedy Tukuafu, Maria Joseph, Ayesha Leti-I’Iga or Theresa Setefano find a place in the starting XV. He has given

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Source: New Zealand Rugby

Black Ferns select strong 23 against Ireland

The Black Ferns are gearing up for their final pool match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup against Ireland at Brighton and Hove Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2.45pm BST kick-off, (Monday, September 8, 1.45am NZT). The Black Ferns coaching group has selected their match-day 23 which includes winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga who returns from an

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Source: SA Women’s Rugby

The Sunday Games

Ireland v Japan All Irish fans knew their team had the beating of the Sakura. The worry was, could they be sure they’d maintain recent progress? Sam Monaghan was back, but Scott Bemand didn’t risk Aoife Wafer. The answer was a resounding yes. The Sakura; famed for their fast, disciplined approach, couldn’t withstand the all-round

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