O'Driscoll's words prophetic as showpiece comes year too late for Ireland
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyIreland enjoyed one of their greatest years in 2018, but they looked a shadow of their former selves as they crashed out of the World Cup. In an interview with Omnisport last April, the...
Japan face test of mind and muscle against South Africa in quarter-final
7 years ago by The GuardianWorld Cup has elevated the hosts but they are highly programmed and have struggled when tactics changeJapan have made this World Cup with their effervescence, verve and slickness, but to beat South Africa...
Japan forced into one change at fullback for South Africa clash
7 years ago by The GuardianRyohei Yamanaka in for injured William TupouCoach Jamie Joseph also makes three changes to benchJapan have made one injury-enforced change to the starting line-up for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final...
Get to know Japan’s Kenki Fukuoka
7 years ago by Rugby WorldJapan wing Kenki Fukuoka has been a star at this World Cup – but he’ll soon hang up his boots to focus on becoming a doctor. Rich Freeman reportsFast show: Kenki Fukuoka runs in a try for Japan against...
Rugby World Cup: The quarter-finals in Opta numbers
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyThe Rugby World Cup enters the knockout phase this weekend, with Ireland looking to finally reach a semi-final and Japan bidding to cause another upset. Joe Schmidt's team may have beaten...
RWC Preview: New Zealand v Ireland
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyJoe Schmidt acknowledges Ireland's victory over New Zealand a year ago means they will not be able to "sneak up on" the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday. A shock defeat to...
FLASHBACK: Relive the most thrilling action from the RWC 2019 pool stages
7 years ago by Rugby DumpThis year's Rugby World Cup has proven perhaps the most dramatic in the tournament's history. From sensational victories over Ireland and Scotland from hosts Japan to cancelled matches as a result of Typhoon...
Japan’s speed and skill sets an example but Springboks threaten to smother them | Ben Ryan
7 years ago by The GuardianBrave Blossoms’ slick style shows what is possible within existing laws – now World Rugby should clamp down on breakdown infringementsThe breathtaking match between the hosts Japan and Gregor Townsend’s...
It's Scotland against the rest as battle with World Rugby is imminent
7 years ago by Rugby DumpJapan’s match against Scotland last Sunday in Yokohama was undoubtedly one of the matches of the Rugby World Cup so far and one of the best moments when the final whistle blew. But the events that have...
Springboks have some Ferraris of our own, says Le Roux
7 years ago by Ultimate RugbyWillie le Roux is confident South Africa have enough speed of their own to cope with Japan's "Ferraris". That was the nickname given to Japan fliers Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima...
