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Rugby World Cup 2011

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Petri's first try gives USA lead

NEW PLYMOUTH — USA led Russia 10-3 at half time in a Pool C match at the Stadium Taranaki on Thursday.

Chris Wyles scored a penalty goal in the first half against Russia

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Rugby Sevens 15 Sep 2011
Zhukov backs Sevens for fixed Olympics place

NEW PLYMOUTH — The launch of the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup to be held in Moscow was a brief and quite formal event.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
From the Touchline

AUCKLAND CITY — A lighter look at what is happening at Rugby World Cup 2011.

Seven Aussie mates show their support for Samoa against Namibia

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Repentant O'Connor returns to Wallabies fold

AUCKLAND CITY — James O'Connor's short stint in Australian rugby purgatory is over, with the 21-year-old recalled on the right wing for the Wallabies' Pool C match against Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday.

James O'Connor made a try-scoring return for Australia as a replacement

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Mitchell has luck of the Irish

AUCKLAND CITY — If there is one player in this Rugby World Cup who is counting his lucky stars it is Drew Mitchell.

Wallaby wing Drew Mitchell has made the bench for Saturday's game

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Fiji revise pack for South Africa clash

WELLINGTON CITY — Fiji have made three strategic changes to their pack for their Pool D match against South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium on 17 September.

Fiji coach Samu Domoni says his side respect world champions South Africa

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
All Blacks are the team of the people

HAMILTON — In the world of rugby, the All Blacks are an iconic brand and almost omnipotent in New Zealand.

The fans love the All Blacks and the feeling is mutual

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Italy tune into Russia-USA

NELSON — Italy's team will have little choice over their Thursday evening viewing when Russia play USA in Pool C.

Alessandro Zanni and his Italy teammates will be watching Russia v USA

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
All Blacks and Brave Blossoms lift spirits

Players from New Zealand and Japan attended a benefit breakfast on Thursday to show solidarity as two nations that have experienced tragic and difficult times.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Blacks and Blossoms lift spirits

HAMILTON — Players from New Zealand and Japan attended a benefit breakfast on Thursday to show solidarity as two nations that have experienced tragic and difficult times.

John Kirwan wants his Japan team's rugby to inspire the nation in hard times

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Botha is hot to trot

WELLINGTON CITY — Veteran South Africa second row Bakkies Botha admits he may "blow a bit of smoke early on" but cannot wait to face Fiji in their Pool D match on Saturday.

South Africa have called up Patrick Lambie (L) and Bakkies Botha

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Tonga keen to put Canada defeat behind them

WHANGAREI — Red and white banners aren't the only things flagging following Tonga’s 25-20 loss to Canada.

Tonga prop Kisi Pulu says the team are trying to rediscover their usual ebullience

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Australia name team for Ireland match

AUCKLAND CITY — Australia head coach Robbie Deans announced on Thursday his team to play their second Pool C match against Ireland at Eden Park, Auckland on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Fiji name team for South Africa clash

AUCKLAND CITY — Fiji coach Samu Domoni has announced his team to play their second Pool D match against South Africa at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Burger keeps Namibia moving forward

ROTORUA — Despite its familiarity, defeat does not get any easier to bear for Namibia.

Burger showed his trademark determination against Samoa

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Talking Points

AUCKLAND CITY — A spotlight on the hot topics at Rugby World Cup 2011.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry regularly rings the changes in his starting line-up

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
New Zealand lose McCaw, Muliaina and Carter

AUCKLAND CITY — UPDATE: Updates earlier team announcement with Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina now joining Daniel Carter on the injured list.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Injury rules Ireland's Flannery out of RWC

AUCKLAND CITY — Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery has been ruled out of the remainder of Rugby World Cup 2011 after tearing a calf muscle in training.

Hooker Jerry Flannery tore a calf muscle in training

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
McCaw and Muliaina are out of Japan match

HAMILTON — Captain Richie McCaw and fullback Mils Muliaina have been ruled out of the All Blacks' Pool A match against Japan in Hamilton on Friday.

Hooker Keven Mealamu, centre, has been named New Zealand captain, after McCaw, right, was injured in training

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Global 7's promises a spectacular rugby experience

WELLINGTON CITY — Second row Bakkies Botha will make a welcome return for South Africa against Fiji in their second Pool D match of Rugby World Cup 2011 at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday, 17 September.

South Africa's Botha, centre, is in and Matfield, right, is out for Fiji match

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Romania name team for Argentina match

AUCKLAND CITY — Romania head coach Romeo Stefan Gontineac named his team on Thursday for their second Pool B match against Argentina at Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill, on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
South Africa name team for Fiji match

AUCKLAND CITY — South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers on Thursday announced his team for their second Pool D match against Fiji at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Kirwan shakes up Japan XV to face All Blacks

HAMILTON — Japan coach John Kirwan demonstrated his faith in his entire squad of 30 as he changed 10 of the starting XV for Friday's Pool A match against hosts New Zealand.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Scotland grind out tryless victory

INVERCARGILL — Scotland survived a tough tryless encounter against Georgia to win their second Pool B match 15-6 at Rugby Park Stadium on Wednesday.

Dan Parks kicked all Scotland's points against Georgia

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Canada's self-belief sees off Tonga

WHANGAREI — Canadian coach Kieran Crowley says his team's tenacious Rugby World Cup 2011 opening win will give them valuable confidence for the rest of the campaign.

Second row Jebb Sinclair dives over for Canada's first try against Tonga

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
'Watching the other teams got Samoa fired up'

After two days without any matches, Rugby World Cup 2011 continued with three enthralling encounters including a first glimpse of Samoa, Canada and Georgia.

Samoa fans witnessed their side score six tries in their opening RWC 2011 match -

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Parks puts boot into brave Georgia

INVERCARGILL — Scotland have not set the Rugby World Cup on fire in their two matches but there was satisfaction in the camp after their 15-6 win against Georgia in the Pool B match.

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Rugby 15 Sep 2011
Italy's speedsters set to cut loose

NELSON — With a victory over Russia in their next match paramount to Italy's hopes of a first Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance, the Azzurri backline are hoping to emerge from the shadow of their much-vaunted forward pack.

Pablo Canavosio is hoping Italy's backs take the initiative

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Samoa pay price as they keep Namibia winless

Samoa are counting the cost of their 49-12 victory over Namibia after two key players were injured in a rugged Pool D match in Rotorua on Wednesday.

Samoa are hoping that Tusi Pisi will recover to play Wales

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Georgia scrap to stay in touch with Scotland

INVERCARGILL — Scotland had the best of the play but struggled to score against a resilient Georgian team in the first half of their Pool B match at Rugby Park Stadium to lead 9-3.

Max Evans tries to wriggle clear of Georgia's Jaba Bregvadze

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
O'Driscoll excited by Australia challenge

AUCKLAND CITY — For as much as Brian O'Driscoll says Ireland's match with Australia is just another game, you know the elder statesman of Irish rugby will savour the moment at Eden Park on Saturday.

Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll is at his last Rugby World Cup

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
From the Touchline

AUCKLAND CITY — A lighter look at what is happening at Rugby World Cup 2011.

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
'Adapt or die', says Springbok flanker

WELLINGTON CITY — Teams that do not adapt quickly to referee interpretations will not survive at Rugby World Cup 2011, according to South Africa flanker Schalk Burger.

Schalk Burger believes he has the formula to success at RWC 2011

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Wales welcome extra rest days

TAUPO — Wales believe an extra four days of rest between matches will re-energise them for Sunday's clash with a physical Samoan team, who will be playing their second match in four days.

Shaun Edwards believes Wales will be fresh for Sunday's clash

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Wallaby Kepu goes back to school a hero

AUCKLAND CITY — Emotions ran high for Australia’s Sekope Kepu as he returned to a hero’s welcome at his old school - the place he credits for helping to shape him into the man and rugby player he is today.

Sekope Kepu was hailed as a role model at his former school

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Tenacious Canada defeat Tonga

WHANGAREI — Canada captain Pat Riordan praised his side’s “awesome” performance in overcoming Tonga 25-20 in their Pool A encounter at Northland Events Centre on Wednesday.

Phil Mackenzie scores the crucial try to put Canada ahead against Tonga

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Habana to miss Fiji match with sore knee

WELLINGTON CITY — South Africa have lost another player for the Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Fiji with wing Bryan Habana withdrawing because of a knee problem.

Bryan Habana must wait to become South Africa's record try scorer

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Tuilagi hat-trick puts Namibia to the sword

ROTORUA — Samoa made a powerful statement of intent in their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011 by making all the running in a 49-12 victory over Namibia on Wednesday.

Alesana Tuilagi scored a hat-trick in Samoa's opening match

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Back injury rules Carter out of Japan match

HAMILTON — New Zealand fly half Dan Carter, the world's leading Test points scorer, has been forced out of Friday's match against Japan with a back injury.

The All Blacks will not risk Dan Carter for the Japan match

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Russians closing gap, aiming for debut glory

NEW PLYMOUTH — In the political sphere the USA and Russia are regarded as superpowers, but in international rugby, at least for the moment, they are seen as minnows.

Alexander Korshunov has played in all three matches against USA

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Two-try Tuilagi scorches Namibia

ROTORUA — Wing Alesana Tuilagi powered over for two tries as Samoa raced to a 25-0 half-time lead in their first match of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Namibia in Pool D at Rotorua International Stadium on Wednesday.

Samoa's Kahn Fotuali'i crosses for the fastest try of RWC 2011 so far

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Council to review Lower Hutt's District Plan heritage provisions

AUCKLAND CITY — Japan head coach John Kirwan on Wednesday announced his team to play their second match in Pool A against New Zealand at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton on Friday, 16 September.

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
New Zealand lose Carter for Japan match

AUCKLAND CITY — CORRECTION: Updates earlier announcement.

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Ireland name team for match against Australia

AUCKLAND CITY — Ireland head coach Declan Kidney on Wednesday announced his team to play their second match in Pool C against Australia at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Kiwi skipper reaches 100-Test milestone

HAMILTON — Inspirational skipper Richie McCaw will become the first All Black to play 100 Test matches when his team meet Japan at Waikato Stadium on Friday.

Teammates have paid tribute to Richie McCaw's inspirational leadership

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
Martin Johnson's warning is ringing true

QUEENSTOWN — England team manager Martin Johnson is pleased that people are finally listening to him about the giant-killing potential of rugby's so-called 'minnows'.

Martin Johnson says there are no guaranteed wins at RWC 2011

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
England prop Sheridan heads home

QUEENSTOWN — England prop Andrew Sheridan will play no further part in Rugby World Cup 2011 after a recurrence of problems with his left shoulder.

Prop Andrew Sheridan has been forced out of RWC 2011

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Rugby 14 Sep 2011
New Zealand team for match against Japan

AUCKLAND CITY — New Zealand coach Graham Henry announced his team to play their second Pool A match against Japan at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Friday 16 September.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Rivals heap praise on Wallaby Elsom

AUCKLAND CITY — Wallabies flanker Rocky Elsom has always been a leader, with or without the Australian captaincy, and the superlative example he sets has helped develop the loose forwards he will oppose at Eden Park on Saturday.

Rocky Elsom has set an example for some of the Irish players he will face on Saturday

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Bears ready to roar

NEW PLYMOUTH — The Russian Bears, the last team to take the field at Rugby World Cup 2011, are finally ready to roar.

Kingsley Jones believes Russia can beat USA if they avoid unforced errors

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Oaks receive warm welcome in Queenstown

QUEENSTOWN — Romania's squad took a short break from Rugby World Cup business on Tuesday to drop in on a local school.

Robert Antonin enjoys a game with school children in Queenstown

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Japan determined to prove '95 loss is history

AUCKLAND CITY — Japan plan on showing New Zealand their rugby has matured in a big way since losing to the All Blacks by a record 145-17 at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Ryan Nicholas says performance against France has given Japan confidence

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
From the Touchline

AUCKLAND CITY — A lighter look at what is happening at Rugby World Cup 2011. The numbers 20 - Georgia will be Scotland's 20th opponents at the Rugby World Cup when the teams clash on Wednesday.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Perugini back in business

NELSON — Salvatore Perugini will be back for Italy when they face Russia next Tuesday at Trafalgar Park.

Italy prop Salvatore Perugini is fit to play Russia next Tuesday

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Fiji have fun with the footy

WELLINGTON CITY — Fiji are at their most dangerous when they are having fun.

Nicky Little relishes the fun involved with playing for Fiji

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Talking Points

AUCKLAND CITY

Jonny Wilkinson's radar appeared scrambled against Argentina

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Netball to make way for rugby

ROTORUA — Liana Leota, the wife of Samoa centre Johnny Leota, will likely give up her international netball career to follow her partner overseas.

Samoa's Johnny Leota is heading to England to play with Sale

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Scots ready to take on Georgia's strong men

INVERCARGILL — Scotland will be warding off another attack from a Rugby World Cup outsider when they face Georgia in their second Pool B match at Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill on Wednesday.

Rory Lawson says Romania gave Scotland a wake-up call

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
All Blacks admiration for Japan coaches

HAMILTON — New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen admits it will be strange coaching against former colleague and friend Mick Byrne when the All Blacks face Japan at Waikato Stadium on Friday.

Steve Hansen (R) plots with All Blacks head coach Graham Henry

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
England's Lawes suspended for two matches

AUCKLAND CITY — Courtney Lawes (England) has been suspended for two weeks (two matches) after being found guilty of recklessly striking an opponent with his knee.

Lawes has been suspended for two weeks

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Wallabies: We can cope without Ioane

AUCKLAND CITY — The Wallabies are confident they have the depth in their squad to fill the gap left by injured wing Digby Ioane.

Digby Ioane will miss the rest of the pool matches through injury

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Eagles rely on fresh front row against Bears

NEW PLYMOUTH — USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan has brought fresh legs into the Eagles' front row for their match against Russia on Thursday, with hooker Chris Biller and prop Matekitonga Moeakiola replacing Phil Thiel and Shawn Pittman.

Coach Eddie O'Sullivan wants improved USA scrummaging

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Heartbreaker has not hurt Welsh morale

TAUPO — Wales coach Warren Gatland insists lack of confidence was not the reason for his team's 17-16 defeat by South Africa on Sunday.

Warren Gatland is philosophical about Wales' disallowed penalty

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Social Media Round-up: Week One

The first weekend of RWC 2011 exploded into action on Friday night with a multi-site fireworks display around the Auckland waterfront and a dazzling ceremony at Eden Park.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Russia announce team for USA opener

AUCKLAND CITY — Russia head coach Nikolay Nerush announced on Tuesday his team to play their opening Pool C match against USA at Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth, on Thursday, 15 September.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Tongan overhaul for new-look Canada's debut

WHANGAREI — Canada are poised to debut a new brand of rugby while Tonga have made a record 11 changes to their side for the Pool A match at Northland Events Centre on Wednesday 14 September.

Alisona Taumalolo was Tonga's star against New Zealand

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Samoa focus on Namibia with respect

ROTORUA — Samoa full back Paul Williams insists his team are under no added pressure to perform in their Rugby World Cup 2011 opener after their stunning upset of Australia in July.

Samoa's Paul Williams is expecting a tough challenge from Namibia

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
USA announce team for match against Russia

AUCKLAND CITY — USA head coach Eddie O'Sullivan announced his team on Tuesday to play Russia in their second Pool C match at Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth on Thursday, 15 September.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
Argentina name team for match against Romania

AUCKLAND CITY — Argentina head coach Santiago Phelan on Tuesday announced his team to play their second Pool B match against Romania at Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill on Saturday, 17 September.

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
O'Connor no shoo-in for Ireland match

AUCKLAND CITY — James O’Connor is not guaranteed a place in Australia's starting XV against Ireland on Saturday despite an impressive display in the Wallabies' Rugby World Cup opener against Italy.

James O'Connor impressed off the bench against Italy

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Rugby 13 Sep 2011
France name team for match against Canada

AUCKLAND CITY — France head coach Marc Lièvremont announced his team to play their second Pool A match against Canada at McLean Park, Napier on Sunday 18 September.

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Scotland change tactics for Georgia

INVERCARGILL — Scotland are adamant they will not drop the ball in their match against Georgia as they did in their Pool B opener against Romania.

Rory Lawson will be Scotland's skipper for the match against Georgia

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Defiant Eagles keep heads high

NEW PLYMOUTH — USA enjoyed a dip at a New Plymouth pool on Monday morning, eager to relax some sore muscles after Sunday’s opener against Ireland.

USA captain Todd Clever is proud of the gutsy display against Ireland

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Matfield and de Villiers out for Fiji match

WELLINGTON CITY — South Africa will be without centre Jean de Villiers and second row Victor Matfield for their 17 September Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool D match against Fiji in Wellington, while second row Bakkies Botha is again in doubt.

Victor Matfield's hamstring caused him more problems against Wales

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Namibia name team for match against Samoa

AUCKLAND CITY — Namibia head coach Johan Diergaardt on Monday announced the team to play their second match in Pool D against Samoa at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, on Wednesday, 14 September.

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Canada name team for opener against Tonga

AUCKLAND CITY — Canada head coach Kieran Crowley on Monday announced his team to play their opening Pool A match against Tonga at Northland Events Centre, Whangarei, on Wednesday, 14 September.

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Courtney Lawes cited

AUCKLAND CITY — Courtney Lawes (England) has been cited for an alleged breach of Law 10.4(a) punching or striking (with the knee) during the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool B match against Argentina on September 10.

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Samoa name team for opener against Namibia

AUCKLAND CITY — Samoa head coach Titimaea Tafua on Monday announced his team to play their opening Pool D match against Namibia at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua on Wednesday, 14 September.

Mahonri Schwalger will lead Samoa against Namibia in Rotorua

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
RWCL clarification regarding TMO protocol

AUCKLAND CITY — Rugby World Cup Limited has clarified the status of the Television Match Official protocol following Sunday’s Pool D match between South Africa and Wales.

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Running 12 Sep 2011
Scotsman Dixon leads Georgia into new era

QUEENSTOWN — Back in January 1998 Georgia coach Richie Dixon was in charge of a Scotland team that lost 25-21 against Italy in Treviso.

Coach Richie Dixon says Georgia and his native Scotland have similar qualities

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
South Africa's injury toll increases

WELLINGTON CITY — South Africa could be without two more of their big guns for Saturday's Pool D match against Fiji after centre Jean de Villiers and second row Victor Matfield were sidelined with injury during Sunday's nail-biting 17-16 victory over Wales at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Springbok centre Jean de Villiers suffered a rib injury in the clash with Wales

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Scotland name team for match against Georgia

INVERCARGILL — Scotland head coach Andy Robinson on Monday announced his team to play their second match in Pool B against Georgia at Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill, on Wednesday, 14 September.

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
King's men perform haka for All Blacks

HAMILTON — Before every Test match they play, New Zealand's All Blacks try to intimidate their opponents with a rousing and somewhat threatening haka.

The All Blacks perform a haka before their opening Pool A match with Tonga

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Smit relieved as world champions scrape home

WELLINGTON CITY — South Africa captain John Smit was a relieved man after his side squeezed out Wales 17-16 in their opening Pool D match at Wellington Regional Stadium, scoring two tries to one.

Toby Faletau scored Wales' try to shake the Springboks

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
Late start whets Bears' appetite

BLENHEIM — Russia's players can hardly wait for their Pool C match match against USA at New Plymouth’s Stadium Taranaki on Thursday when they will be the last team at Rugby World Cup 2011 to open their campaign.

Russia's big kick-off cannot come soon enough for second row Denis Antonov

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Rugby 12 Sep 2011
'Stunning sporting effort from all teams'

The first weekend of Rugby World Cup 2011 ended with reigning champions South Africa edging past Wales thanks to a late try from Francois Hougaard.

Share your photos with the RWC Flickr group

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
England fight back to beat Pumas

DUNEDIN — England captain Mike Tindall hailed replacement Ben Youngs after the scrum half scored a crucial late try to help his team to a 13-9 victory over Argentina in Pool B at Otago Stadium on Saturday.

England's Ben Youngs scored the only try of the match

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Bears hope RWC will boost Russian rugby

BLENHEIM — Members of the Russian national team are looking forward to their imminent debut at the Rugby World Cup and are hoping it can boost the sport’s popularity in their country.

Vladislav Korshunov (with ball) hopes RWC 2011 will boost Russian rugby

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Goneva shines but Fiji have concerns

ROTORUA — Wing Vereniki Goneva's four tries were the highlight of a disjointed performance in Fiji's 49-25 victory over Namibia in their RWC Pool D opener at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday.

Fiji captain Deacon Manu (C) wants improvement against South Africa

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Rodriguez gives Argentina the edge

DUNEDIN — Martin Rodriguez kicked Argentina into a 6-3 lead after 40 minutes in which England conceded eight penalties in the Pool B match at Otago Stadium on Saturday.

England's Richard Wigglesworth competes for the ball under Pumas pressure

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
French admit relief after Japan scare

AUCKLAND CITY — France survived a second-half scare from Japan before sealing a 47-21 victory in their Pool A match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

France second row Julien Pierre scores the opening try

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
From the Touchline

AUCKLAND CITY — A lighter look at what is happening at Rugby World Cup 2011. The numbers 99 - Richie McCaw won his 99th Test cap and his next appearance could make him the first All Black to reach the milestone of 100. 97 - Dan Carter's points at Rugby World Cups.

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
France hold out gallant Japan

AUCKLAND CITY — Full-time: France run in six tries to beat Japan 47-21 despite a man-of-the-match effort from Japan's James Arlidge.

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Victorious Fiji poised for next challenge

ROTORUA — Fiji captain Deacon Manu praised his side’s poise in beating Namibia on Saturday but is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead.

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
France in the driving seat

AUCKLAND CITY — France went into the break with a 14-point lead after making lightning start in their Pool A match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

France second row Julien Pierre scores the opening try

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Springboks in battle for the ages

WELLINGTON CITY — South Africa's campaign to be the first nation to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup kicks off at Wellington Regional Stadium on Sunday when their hardened veterans take on a youthful Welsh side.

Morné Steyn will be keeping Wales pinned down with his long range kicks

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Time to move on, says Italy's captain

AUCKLAND CITY — Italy achieved their greatest result earlier this year when they came from behind to beat France 22-21 and earn their first win over their trans-Alpine neighbours in the Six Nations.

Sergio Parisse is going into the Australia match in positive mood

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Fiji begin campaign in resounding style

ROTORUA — Vereniki Goneva scored four tries as Fiji opened their Rugby World Cup account with a 49-25 win over Namibia in their Pool D clash at Rotorua International Stadium.

Fiji's Vereniki Goneva shows his try-scoring instincts against Namibia

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Australia aim to keep Italy winless

AUCKLAND CITY — Australia have no intention of ending their winning streak against Italy when the teams clash for the first time in a Rugby World Cup at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday.

Ben Alexander warns that Australia's scrum should not be written off

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Rugby 10 Sep 2011
Scotland survive scare against Romania

INVERCARGILL — A resilient performance by Romania gave free-running Scotland a scare before two late tries handed the Scots a 34-24 victory in the opening Pool B match at Rugby Park Stadium on Saturday.

Joe Ansbro's first-half try helped Scotland beat Romania 34-24

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