The All Blacks are gearing up for their match against Argentina. Photo / AP
Quarter-final 4 - New Zealand vs Argentina
*All Black side named. Weepu starting at halfback. Sonny Bill on wing. Dagg out. Full team below.
*Felipe Contepomi: "We analyse the All Blacks as a team, as a whole, not an individual."
Quarter-final 1 - Ireland vs Wales
*Wales quarter-final team announced - more below.
* Ireland discuss their team selection.
Quarter-final 2 - England vs France
*England team announced - more below.
*Jonny Wilkinson recovering well from injury, takes part in training.
Quarter-final 3 - South Africa vs Australia
* South Africa name their quarter final team - see below.
8.53am:
Today's edition of Rugby World Cup news brings art to the game.
Crunchy, delicious art.
Maurice Bennett has produced 5 portraits of the greatest players of all time using burnt toast. He tells us how his art form popped up (hahaha toaster joke).
There's also a preview of the Australia vs South Africa quarter-final, with a look back in time.
8.40am:
Here's a preview of the England vs France quarter-final from the point of view of Martin Johnson. He likes to bring up the past quite a bit.
"Look at their two wins against the All Blacks," he said of the semi and quarter-final defeats at Twickenham and Cardiff respectively.
"They were written off before and during the games. They had nothing to lose, went for it, and look what happened."
Martin, in New Zealand there's an unwritten law forbidding you to bring up those matches, thank you very much.
8.28am:
Warren Gatland has spoken to media about his selection for their upcoming match against Ireland.
"We felt for the first time, this is a really strong team with potentially impact to come of the bench as well."
8.17am:
Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu hasn't let the IRB disciplinary process slow down his angry tweeting.
Here's the latest on the Samoan star, and his anger at the lack of a minute's silence for tsunami victims.
7.57am:
Gather 'round folks. We've got ourselves a conversion-off!
The Rugby World Cup has taken a dramatic, wild west turn for the English side. The Guardian has reported that Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson will be holding a private shoot-out at Eden Park to decide who will be taking the kicks in their quarter-final against France.
No word yet whether it will be taking place at high noon or sundown.
7.47am:
Well, it's quite an interesting line up for the All Blacks isn't it? Unfortunately Richard Kahui and Israel Dagg are nowhere to be seen due to injuries, but that gives us the exciting prospect of Sonny Bill Williams wearing the number 11, and Mils Muliaina gets his century.
What an achievement.
Read more about the team-naming here.
7.34am:
New Zealand:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Owen Franks
4. Brad Thorn
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Jerome Kaino
7. Richie McCaw (c)
8. Kieran Read
9. Piri Weepu
10. Colin Slade
11. Sonny Bill Williams
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Mils Muliaina
Replacements:
16. Andrew Hore
17. Ben Franks
18. Ali Williams
19. Victor Vito
20. Jimmy Cowan
21. Aaron Cruden
22. Isaia Toeava
7.28am:
Happy Friday everyone. Welcome to your last day before quarter-final weekend.
We'll be starting things off today with the naming of the All Blacks team to face Argentina. That press conference is set to kickoff at 7.45, so stay tuned folks, you'll be the second to know... behind us.
Actually, make that third, because Graham Henry probably knows already.
October 6, 3.59pm:
That's all we've got time for here at Live Updates for today. Join us bright and early tomorrow because we'll get in there as quickly as we can to tell you who makes the All Blacks team for Sunday's quarter-final.
We'll leave you with the latest edition of All Black Room Raiders. This time Cory Jane drops in on Colin Slade. And for those of you worried that Slade lacks confidence, fear not. In this he not only poses topless, but also plays us a song on his guitar. Intriguingly, the song is 'Stand By Me'.
3.51pm:
Daily Mail sports journalist Martin Samuel wrote a column with this quote (which summed up the tone of the whole piece really):
"Man up, New Zealand. Man up and move on."
Samuel was of course referring to, what he saw as, New Zealand's over-the-top reaction to Dan Carter's groin injury.
Read more on his summation of our gloom here.
3.40pm:
Earlier today Steve Hanson spoke of the wear and tear on international rugby players caused by the lack of downtime between seasons.
He's called on the IRB to fix that by starting up a 'global season'
Find out more on his thoughts here.
3.28pm:
Gregor Paul has spoken to former All Black captain Tana Umaga about the current All Black captain's injured foot.
"He just has to play."
Amen, Tana.
3.05pm:
Yesterday we showed you this series of ads from Topper, sponsors of Brazilian rugby, which show self-deprication at its absolute best.
Well, here's another one from them, and it's gold as well.
2.53pm:
Welsh coach Warren Gatland has spoken about how forced insomnia helped Dan Lydiate recover from his ankle injury:
"The initial prognosis on Dan wasn't positive at all. It was very likely we were going to give him 48 hours and probably have to send him home.
"I've already commentated on the fact that he didn't sleep for 72 hours, icing his leg every two hours. It's shown to us what a great kid he is and what a fantastic professional in terms of being able to prepare himself and getting back available for selection."
2.39pm:
Here's Wales centre Jamie Roberts talking about how much it means to him and his teammates to be playing Ireland in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final match.
2.27pm:
Dylan Cleaver has written this article on how Wales have managed to turn themselves around from their draw with Fiji last November:
"What have we got now? A Wales team on the verge of their first semifinal appearance in 24 years. A Wales team playing attractive, engaging rugby. A Wales team with a bit of expectation and swagger. A Wales team that looks as well-coached as any team at the tournament."
2.16pm:
Auckland restaurants may have been feeling the pinch during the World Cup, but according to this story over at the Bay of Plenty Times, accommodation in the region has been stretched to the limit with overseas rugby supporting visitors.
Margaret Gillard, managing director at Oceanside Resort and Twin Towers, said "It's good for everybody. At least we're getting a little bit of it even though we don't have any of the games,"
2.04pm:
No Mike Tindall, no Shontayne Hape. Here's an early English perspective on Martin Johnson's selection ahead of England's quarter-final with France, from Gavin Mairs at The Telegraph.
1.53pm:
Wallaby prop Ben Alexander was asked how he thinks the Springboks will feel without Bakkies Botha:
"They are a proud rugby nation, they keep producing one massive lock after another - they have a production line there.
"Danie (Rossouw) is a great player. He's an excellent ball carrier and he is just as big and just as physical and has almost played as many Tests (as Botha) so they won't miss him that much."
1.40pm:
Here's the England side to face France on Saturday. Flood and Wilkinson are starting:
England:
1. Matt Stevens 2. Steve Thompson 3. Dan Cole 4. Louis Deacon 5. Tom Palmer 6. Tom Croft 7. Lewis Moody (c) 8. Nick Easter 9. Ben Youngs 10. Jonny Wilkinson 11. Mark Cueto 12. Toby Flood 13. Manu Tuilagi 14. Chris Ashton 15. Ben Foden
Replacements:
16. Dylan Hartley 17. Alex Corbisiero 18. Courtney Lawes 19. Simon Shaw 20. James Haskell 21. Richard Wigglesworth 22. Matt Banahan
1.31pm:
The Welsh team to face Ireland has just been named:
Wales:
1. Gethin Jenkins 2. Huw Bennett 3. Adam Jones 4. Luke Charteris 5. Alun Wyn Jones 6. Danny Lydiate 7. Sam Warburton (c) 8. Toby Faletau 9. Mike Phillips 10. Rhys Priestland 11. Shane Williams 12. Jamie Roberts 13. Jonathan Davies 14. George North 15. Leigh Halfpenny
Replacements:
16. Lloyd Burns 17. Paul James 18. Bradley Davies 19. Ryan Jones 20. Lloyd Williams 21. James Hook 22. Scott Williams
1.24pm:
Colin Meads has got a heck of a lot riding on the Wales vs Ireland quarter-final. The Pinetree has put a jug on the line with his former All Black brother Stan. You read that correctly - a whole jug of beer.
Colin's picked Wales, as he outlines in his column . Let's just hope the Welsh team don't read it, they probably wouldn't be able to cope with the pressure knowing that their performance could get between Colin Meads and a jug of beer.
1.12pm:
It might be a little overconfident, if not tempting fate, but who would you rather the All Blacks face, if they made it to the semi-final.
Have your say here.
12.58pm:
Ireland have never got to a Rugby World Cup semi-final before.
In this video Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan talks about how achieving that goal at this cup would push the current side into Irish rugby folklore.
Ireland have also never been involved in a Fifa World Cup before either, but if they all showed as nice a touch as Brian O'Driscoll at the 4 second mark, who knows how far they could go?
12.46pm:
Do you have a spare $6000 lying around? Of course you do.
Why not put that money to good use and buy Samoa centre Alesana Tuilagi's controversial mouthguard.
It's up on trademe where Alesana is donating the proceeds to the development of boxing in Samoa.
12.35pm:
Here's a quick look at the All Blacks training in Auckland.
It certainly looks like a relaxed affair, but who knows what happens when they kick out the cameras.
12.04pm:
Australian kicking coach Braam van Straaten has joined in on the 'harden up' chorus to those whinging about the Rugby World Cup balls.
"I've been fortunate to test the ball during the Tri Nations already. There's no problem with the ball - the best ball I've ever kicked.
"It's the best ball I've kicked in my life. The ball has progressed through the years and hats off to Gilbert. It's a really good quality ball. It's nice and heavy, the flight is true and natural."
11.53am:
In today's edition of Rugby World Cup news, there's a closer look at the haka, a chat with Leigh Halfpenny of Wales and an absolutely epic time-lapse journey through the faces that have made this World Cup.
11.42am:
It must be getting close to 'Let's all feel good about New Zealand O'clock', so here's a lovely story about a visiting family of Welsh supporters who, because of some kiwi kindness, have now adopted the All Blacks as their second team to support.
11.30am:
Two rugby fans, both alike in dignity, in fair Auckland, where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge between Argentina and the All Blacks to new mutiny, where wingers' blood makes flankers' hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.
11.18am:
It must be pretty easy to make the TV pick of the week from now until October 23. This week's edition holds good news for Keith Quinn fans though. The man who uttered, "Lomu...owgh awgh!" will be commentating for Maori TV for Ireland v Wales on Saturday and South Africa v Australia on Sunday.
11.07am:
In this video Peter de Villiers and John Smit discuss what's going on within their squad ahead of Sunday's game.
The focus is definitely on what their objectives are, and not keeping too close an eye on what the Wallabies are doing.
Which is just as well, because it appears the Australians are just pulling each other's pants down (2 minutes 40 seconds in).
10.55am:
England's Ben Foden has responded to the suggestions that England lack flair (on the field):
"When you go to international rugby everything gets tighter and the margin is smaller. The defence gets better and you have to break down teams different ways.
"We've had to arm wrestle our way through games.
"We are at our best when we play a wide game of rugby. It is a little frustrating at times but if we keep winning games 14-10, I will be happy with that."
10.44am:
The Sydney Morning Herald has talked to Quade Cooper about how booing effects him.
Apparently he doesn't mind it at all.
''If there's 60,000 people watching you do the one action, it can freak you out. So if all these people are yelling, then you know they're doing something else, apart from looking at you.''
Yes Quade, but they're looking and yelling at you.
10.32am:
Hayley Westenra has been asked to provide this Rugby World Cup's version of their theme song 'World in Union'.
In this video she talks about the song, her cross-country efforts and her excitement at having the tournament in New Zealand.
10.21am:
Now Steve Hansen is the latest person to call out the IRB.
Here's his response when asked if a heavy workload on Super Rugby players was contributing to the large number of injuries:
"I don't think it's just this year's workload, it's a continuation of a workload. Rugby league players get 16 weeks to get rid of all their niggles and have a pre-season. I think Rugby Union has four or five weeks before they've got to go back into work. I don't think it's much different in the northern hemisphere to be honest. We need a global season and the only people who can do that are the IRB."
10.10am:
People of New Zealand - remain calm.
The Pinetree has spoken, and with philosophical beauty, his message is, "We can still win it".
"We've had a setback - but what's a setback? It's just another obstacle put in front of you to overcome. And this All Black side will do that."
Phew! Everything's going to be fine. Colin Meads says so.
10.00am:
Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has spoken of his disappointment at having to leave out Bakkies Botha for the quarter-final against Australia:
"That was the worst part of my day yesterday. At training when Bakkies came down in the first lineout he injured himself again. Sadly for myself, and I think for Bakkies too, it might mean that his tournament will be over now.
"To look in his face last night wasn't the best thing to do, but that's reality, that's life, this is what we get and we just have to move on."
9.48am:
As Ireland prepare to do battle with Wales, the Irish Times has delivered an in-depth profile on the man Irish fans love to hate, Wales coach Warren Gatland:
"He doesn't have a moustache to twirl, a cape to hide behind or any other cartoonish feature but there is an element of the slapstick "baddie"."
9.37am:
We apologise in advance for this, but to be fair, English fans are in dire need of some good news (if this can be regarded as news at all).
Sonny Wool has predicted England will beat France on Saturday.
The Telegraph has more on this breaking story:
"For those of you who don't already know, Sonny Wool is Paul the Octopus reincarnated - a mystic beast who can forsee the results of sporting fixtures through the power of his belly."
9.28am:
Time to inject some humour in your morning with a look at the latest, hilarious Cup Shorts.
It features Toby Flood's theatrical background, the NZRU as the Politbuo and a brilliant piece of rugby commentary analytics from the Irish Times.
9.16am:
The Springboks team announced this morning is the most experienced team in rugby test history.
The Springboks' starting line-up has 836 caps, 21 more than the side that started their RWC 2011 opener against Wales, which was the previous record.
8.58am:
The Guardian's Marina Hyde has turned her gaze to what's going on with the England rugby team, and also the idea of sportspeople as role models. it's an excellent read, and she also has a few things to say about the length of the World Cup:
"...this rugby World Cup is not only taking place in Middle Earth, but appears to span a period equal to at least the second and third age of Tolkien's fantasy world."
8.45am:
Hands up who wants to see a photo gallery of the All Blacks looking like the nicest guys in the world.
Ok, put your hand down and use it to click here to see that.
It's like they're trying to win the election.
8.34am:
Here are some of yesterday's best quotes:
"All you can do is slip notes under the door when they are having selection meetings."
- England fly half Toby Flood thinks wooing might be the best way to get into the starting XV.
"We have to be smart and play with our heart and lots of passion."
- Argentina wing Horacio Agulla thinks playing with your head and your heart is the way to beat the All Blacks. Where do hands fit in though?
"If you go out to meet your family and friends after a game for a beer that's your own thing, but obviously you're not going to go mental."
- So, no dwarves, weird bouncers or hook-ups with ex-girlfriends for Ireland openside flanker Sean O'Brien then.
8.13am:
Brad Thorn has responded to the impersonation attempt by All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith. Mirth ensues.
8.02am:
Over at The Telegraph there's an interesting article on the physical transformation of the Welsh side, with insight from their head of conditioning, Adam beard:
"Gym work is part of the regime but it needs to be specific. One of my big aims at the start of last season was to get all the guys running properly."
You'd think you wouldn't have to teach a rugby player how to run, but it would seem there are some very subtle points to take on.
7.50am:
Have New Zealand fans got Quade Cooper all wrong? Is he actually the sensitive type, who shows sympathy for his greatest rival?
''But there are constant reminders that this is a tough sport, and those blokes who miss out through injury, well, you do feel for them.''
7.36am:
Good morning everybody!
Let's start the day with a good old fashioned team naming. Here's the South African side to face Australia in the cake tin on Sunday:
South Africa:
1. Gurthrö Steenkamp 2. John Smit (c) 3. Jannie du Plessis 4. Danie Rossouw 5. Victor Matfield 6. Heinrich Brüssow 7. Schalk Burger 8. Pierre Spies 9. Fourie du Preez 10. Morné Steyn 11. Bryan Habana 12. Jean de Villiers 13. Jaque Fourie 14. JP Pietersen 15. Pat Lambie
Replacements
16. Bismarck du Plessis 17. CJ van der Linde 18. Willem Alberts 19. Francois Louw 20.Francois Hougaard 21. Butch James 22. Gio Aplon
October 5, 3.59pm:
Gregor Paul's article, with his proposed solution to the All Blacks' number 10 woes, is absolutely going off with your comments.
He's obviously struck a chord, and here are some of our picks out of the comment section:
"I agree completely! He is an exciting player with a great boot and superior agility."
"I love this idea. Like Carter, Dagg has rock solid composure and creates time and space."
"You're stark raving mad. Now is definitely not the time to experiment"
"Cory Jane. He has played first five for Heretaunga College and Upper Hutt."
We're currently investigating whether that last comment came from Cory Jane himself.
That's all we have time for at Latest Updates. See you back here bright and early tomorrow for another day packed with Rugby World Cup news as it breaks.
3.47pm:
More sharp intakes of breath around New Zealand with this news.
With Richie McCaw playing a limited role in the same training session, every single All Black fan has probably uttered the words, if not in prayer, "please, not him too."
3.36pm:
Sonny Bill Williams had a bit of a joke (or was it?) when asked what his preferred position is in this All Blacks side:
"Probably number 10.
"Before coming into this tournament I'd never played wing in my life. I find it quite refreshing because obviously you've got to cover, do your core roles and that's cover the fullbacks, backs and cover that space out wide but it's more of an instinct game and I find that really refreshing too, being free to run.
"I'll play anywhere bro."
3.25pm:
South Africa's Morne Steyn has a message for people who've blamed the ball for poor kicking at this World Cup (read: England) - harden up.
"If it is not going well for you kicking wise, you always look for something to blame. It should not be the ball."
3.14pm:
Argentinian wing Gonzalo Comacho also spoke at a press conference today.
He was asked what the Pumas have to do to beat the All Blacks:
"Being patient is the trick. We have to play the 80 minutes and see what happens.
"We have to respect our system and play our best in attack and be in control of our defence."
He also mentioned his appreciation of the versatility of the haka:
"The haka is amazing, when one can be 'hello and thanks for coming' as we saw in the welcome ceremony and the other is a shout of war on the field."
3.04pm:
The All Blacks held a press conference this afternoon, where Ali Williams was asked if the Argentinians had been disappointing at this World Cup:
"I don't think so. You guys are judging Argentina on the end result of last time, where here you're only judging them on pool play. I think they're a very strong outfit. Their game suits knockout competition and I think, take them at your own peril. If you take them lightly, then she'll be a quiet old Monday for us."
2.53pm:
Over at the Wanganui Chronicle a panel of experts has been assembled to mull over the big question following Dan Carter's injury - can the All Blacks still win the cup?
They also deliver their verdicts on who should be Carter's replacement at number 10, and their picks for this weekend's upcoming games.
2.40pm:
Earlier in the day we brought up the fact that many Auckland businesses have been struggling, instead of succeeding, during the World Cup.
Well, now we'd like to hear from you. Are things really that bad? Has the tournament we've all been waiting for kicking you in the guts financially? Head here to have your say on the matter.
2.28pm:
Over at The Telegraph there's a very in-depth look at the ticketing situation for the rest of the World Cup. It addresses pricing out of the average fan, the struggle to sell corporate packages to every game and the trepidation of what game punters want to shell out for:
"There is also a degree of nervousness about who is going to be in the final: Kiwis are not going to fork out to watch South Africa beat England again."
2.16pm:
The poor old French. They're really coming under fire from every angle, especially from their own coach.
In this article David Leggat looks at the situation in the French camp and ponders whether they can 'get off the bus' at this tournament.
2.03pm:
Here's the latest edition of Cup Shorts.
It's quite a special one because it responds to a reader's complaint, with all the sincerity Cup Shorts is known for.
Also covered - Irish team spirit, chinese commentary and an English judiciary conspiracy theory.
1.44pm:
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has announced his team to face Wales, with a couple of exceptions. Kidney is yet to determine who will start as hooker due to injury concerns over Rory Best.
Rory Best, Sean Cronin or Damien Varley have all been listed as possible starters in number two or 16.
Ireland:
1. Cian Healy 2. To be announced 3. Mike Ross 4. Donncha O'Callaghan 5. Paul O'Connell 6. Stephen Ferris 7. Sean O'Brien 8. Jamie Heaslip 9. Conor Murray 10. Ronan O'Gara 11. Keith Earls 12. Gordon D'Arcy 13. Brian O'Driscoll (c) 14. Tommy Bowe 15. Rob Kearney
Replacements:
16. To be announced 17. Tom Court 18. Donnacha Ryan 19. Denis Leamy 20. Eoin Reddan 21. Jonathan Sexton 22. Andrew Trimble
1.34pm:
The Samoan Rugby Union has just released a statement:
"The Samoa Rugby Union and Manu Samoa team are extremely disappointed with the actions of Manu Samoa player Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu in failing to respond to communication from the Union and the team requesting his presence at a Rugby World Cup 2011 misconduct hearing in Auckland on Tuesday.
"On receiving notification of the charges, the Union made every effort to contact Eliota, instruct him of the charges and inform him of the hearing details.
"Contact was attempted via telephone and social media and attempts were made to determine his location. Despite repeated contact attempts, his appearance on New Zealand television and his apparent location in Auckland, the Union and the team are yet to hear from Eliota since the team dispersed in the weekend. The team are continuing to try and contact Eliota."
The statement goes on to say the Union supports the disciplinary process, and will continue to try to contact Fuimaono Sapolu.
1.24pm:
Former All Black Stu Wilson has had his say on how the IRB are handling issues at this World Cup.
Needless to say, he thinks they have a couple of things to work on:
"Letting two English officials get away [with ball-swapping] because it was handled internally is just bull-crap. They blatantly cheated. "
12.32pm:
Jannie du Plessis will no doubt be hoping the Springboks are in the final, but he also thinks Ireland will be there.
In, fact he has a lot of kind words for all the northern hemisphere sides in this article.
12.19pm:
Yesterday French number 10 (and sometimes 9) Morgan Parra was asked how he felt about his position jumping:
"I don't ask myself questions. I will work hard, study our game plan really well and that of the English. We will exchange thoughts among ourselves. I will rely on my mindset and my hunger to make up for the deficiencies I might have in that position."
12.07pm:
Polls have been popping up all over the place asking the same question - who should replace Dan Carter at number 10?
Colin Slade, Piri Weepu and Aaron Cruden are your options. Unless you're Gregor Paul. In his latest piece he argues that now is the time for Graham Henry to make a big, unexpected call.
Israel Dagg? Really?
11.56am:
Over at the Otago Daily Times there's a story up on the kicking slump Jonny Wilkinson seems to be in the middle of.
After pool play he has the third worst kicking record in the World Cup. And to make matters worse for his selection prospects, Toby Flood has a better average than him.
Instead of swapping balls, England may need to swap kickers.
11.41am:
In Chris Rattue's latest column he puts forward his picks for the All Blacks starting side, saying Mils needs to be installed as a permanent fixture.
"We all know what happened under pressure against France in Cardiff four years ago. Muliaina at fullback with Dagg on a wing might be the best option."
He also goes on to suggest his number 10 pick, but we'll leave that for you to read. Don't forget to have your say on the page either.
11.19am:
The much-talked-about 'plastic' Waka Maori is up and ready for action, with performances starting on October 13.
"At the entertainment centre, tourists will be able to soak up the sounds of Maori bands, kapa haka and traditional Maori instruments once it opens on October 13 for 11 days."
Read more here.
11.07am:
Over at the Bay of Plenty Times they're running a poll on whether the All Blacks can win the Rugby World Cup without Dan Carter.
The voters so far have been largely positive, but get over there to have your say on this important matter.
10.55am:
Yet another English rugby writer is dropping patriotic pride to support a different team at this World Cup.
At The Telegraph Tanya Aldred writes how the romantic in her has swayed her to support the All Blacks.
She also does a brilliant job of summing up what a Rugby World Cup means to New Zealand as a country:
"Rugby is the nation's yardstick, its cultural export, its unifying force. Children in New Zealand really do grow up dreaming the cliche of squeezing into the now-tight black shirt and soaring, whooping, over the try line."
10.41am:
Over at the Hawke's Bay Today Anendra Singh has again turned his pen to the issues around the World Cup that have piqued his interest.
This time it's Fuimaono-Sapolu and Steve Tew that he points under his unique microscope.
Singh lays on the fascinating parables once again:
"Can the World Cup do without the Men in Black?
Most certainly - among other things 9/11 has taught the world, it is not to give in to terrorists."
10.18am:
Few have kept a keener eye on the World Cup than the legend that is Buck Shelford.
In this video he lays down his picks for the upcoming quarter-final matches.
He's picking England in theirs, unless France can "get their crap together."
Well put Buck.
10.06am:
Many nations have strived for the separation of state and religion, and now, despite not having nationhood (yet), the IRB could be added to that list.
"You find a lot of Fijians, Tongans and Samoans like to write Bible passages on their wrists. We just want to make sure there are no offensive or political statements."
Read more about the IRB directives here.
9.48am:
Advertisers have been preparing for this Rugby World Cup for longer than the players. Some have even broken the rules.
But who would of thought that the very best ads associated with rugby would come out of Brazil?
Yes, you read correctly. Brazil.
Check out the hilarious Topper ads here.
9.18am:
One of the more surprising stories to have just come out around the Rugby World Cup is that restaurants are not seeing any increase in business because of the event, in fact, they're losing money:
"It's bad, bad news for us - it's our money. This is the worst we've had in 16 years of business."
Read more on the hard times brought on by the Rugby World Cup here.
9.06am:
Today's edition of Rugby World Cup news follows the English netball team as they support their rugby mates. We also go on a trip to Te Kuiti, or 'Meadsville' as it may now be more commonly known.
8.54am:
Here's a collection of the best quotes to come out yesterday:
"The problem with George North is he's big and fast and he's got good feet. He's able to go round you, he's able to go through you."
- Ireland wing Andrew Trimble is looking forward to a quarter-final encounter with Wales' 19-year-old wing.
"I always enjoy coming up against the Welsh players that I know really well. It adds a little extra spice for me. I'm sure there'll be a few fun messages sent during the week, just as a bit of banter."
- Wing Tommy Bowe looks forward to some lively exchanges with Ireland's quarter-final opponents.
"There's a few old fellas but they still think this isn't the end of them yet. Some of them run around the pitch more sprightly than the young fellas at the minute."
- Bowe has kind words for the team's old timers.
"I've got enough problems with my own group not to laugh at theirs."
- France head coach Marc Lièvremont responds to a question about England's off-field issues.
"These things happen with the French. Look at their football team at the World Cup."
- Engand second row Tom Palmer isn't surprised by reports of unhappiness in the French camp.
8.45am:
Over at The Telegraph, rugby writer and England fan, Jim White found himself hoping for a heavy England loss when they played Scotland:
"If nothing else, it would have put many of us who count ourselves England supporters out of our deepening misery."
Are things that bad for English rugby fans? It seems their on-field and off-field performances have left little to be desired.
As White so simply sums up:
"England are a side their own mothers would have difficulty loving."
8.34am:
Poor Colin Slade.
Not only does he have to fill the biggest boots in rugby, but he's also under pressure to not let down his most important fan - his mum.
"He won't crack under the pressure. When the pressure's on, he won't let us ... or himself down."
Read the full story with more from Colin's mum, Raewyn, here.
8.21am:
England centre Manu Tuilagi has spoken to the press about his mouthguard fine, and also revealed himself to have a very keen sense of humour:
"It was a branded one so I was fined."
On how a sausage company paid the fine:
"It must have been quite an expensive sausage."
On how his brother Alesana Tuilagi, who plays for Samoa, was also fined 10,000 New Zealand dollars for an illegal mouthguard:
"We always wear the same one."
On whether he has corrected the problem:
"I coloured it (the illegal part) in with a permanent marker.
"I wore it (for earlier games) but they never noticed. I don't know why because I always smile."
8.06am:
Leonardo Ghiraldini of Italy has been suspended for 15 weeks for eye gouging in Italy's match against Ireland. Naughty Leonardo. Definitely not living up to the moral virtues and exemplary beahaviour of his namesake.
7.55am:
Good morning everybody. Rise and shine.
But all you romantic types, prepare to be trodden down by today's big story. The IRB continue to play the part of the cartoon villain at this World Cup by giving the thumbs down to an on-air marriage proposal.
When Sky gave a bit of airtime to a fan wanting to pop the big question to his girlfriend overseas, the IRB thought it wasn't very professional.
The full story is here, and don't worry, it does have a reasonably happy ending (she said yes!).
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