All Blacks vs Les Bleus: Bruising Encounters III
The All Blacks have suffered spectacular losses against the unpredictable Les Bleus, so Sunday's final is a tough call.
All Blacks lead race for world's top rugby player of 2011
Three All Black players make up half the list of nominees for 2011's rugby world player of the year award, making this contest one of the closest yet.
White eyes top prize in rugby's toughest job
Springbok coach Jake White is on the verge of emulating compatriot Kitch Christie in winning the Rugby World Cup, but he admits victory will have been against the odds in what he believes is the toughest job in rugby. Just under a year ago, the 43-year-old was in danger of the sack after being recalled during the Springboks' northern hemisphere tour.
France stun NZ to reach Cup semifinal
France upset the odds in dramatic style to come from behind and beat tournament favourites New Zealand 20-18 in the World Cup quarterfinal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday. For the All Blacks, 13-0 up as early as the 30th minute, defeat was arguably as devastating as their equally unexpected 43-31 loss to France in the 1999 World Cup semifinal at Twickenham.
Merciless France hammer 14-man Namibia
Hosts France showed no mercy to 14-man Namibia on Sunday as they got some vital momentum for Friday's crucial Group D World Cup clash with Ireland, winning 87-10 to post their record score in international rugby. Vincent Clerc ran in three tries, while locks Jerome Nallet and Sebastian Chabal grabbed a brace each.
