New Zealand rugby
Analysis
Rugby World Cup
Formidable French get World Cup party started in spine-tingling opener
From a whole stadium singing La Marseillaise to a stirring haka and a game that lived up to the pre-match theatre, the Rugby World Cup opener got off to a perfect start.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Latest
Rugby World Cup as it happened: France take down New Zealand in milestone win
The French have lived up to their billing as tournament favourites by beating the All Blacks on the opening night.
- by Iain Payten
Updated
Rugby World Cup
All Blacks claim they can still lift trophy after suffering heaviest World Cup defeat
France’s quest for long-awaited Rugby World Cup glory is on track after becoming the first team in 36 years to defeat the All Blacks in a pool match at the game’s centrepiece tournament.
- by Tom Decent
‘They’re so close’: SBW adamant Wallabies can win World Cup
Dual World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams believes the Wallabies will be thereabouts in France, and has tipped the host nation to fall to the All Blacks in the tournament opener.
- by Tom Decent
Opinion
Rugby World Cup
A World Cup with jokers in the pack, aces on the wing and pies in the sky
Plenty of teams at this Rugby World Cup are capable of bringing down the big guns – and there’s even hope for the Wallabies.
- by Peter FitzSimons
‘No lack of trust’: Why Foster has no qualms with Hansen’s Wallabies role
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has joked that Steve Hansen will provide him with a three-page dossier on the Wallabies after linking up with Eddie Jones this week.
- by Tom Decent
‘When he says something, we listen’: Jones says Wallabies will treasure Hansen advice
Eddie Jones say inviting World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen into Wallabies camp was like asking a mate for advice over a beer.
- by Iain Payten
‘Cancel his citizenship’: New Zealand PM’s joke as Hansen news prompts shock
Steve Hansen’s involvement with the Wallabies has reached the highest office in New Zealand.
- by Tom Decent
Exclusive
Rugby World Cup
‘Gobsmacked’: Kiwis in shock as Hansen joins Wallabies before World Cup
The former All Blacks coach is advising Eddie Jones and the Wallabies as they prepare for a World Cup warm-up match against France this weekend.
- by Tom Decent and Paul Cully
In major coup for new coach Kiss, Reds strike gold with All Blacks duo
The Reds’ recruitment drive has been turbocharged with Queensland securing the services of not one but two All Blacks props.
- by Michael Atkinson
Analysis
Bledisloe Cup
Why Dunedin heartbreak could prove a World Cup blessing for Wallabies
Victory over the All Blacks on Saturday would have been a huge boost but would it have helped Australia go deep at the World Cup?
- by Iain Payten