World Rugby announced a new men’s rugby competition today. But what does that actually mean? The Herald attempts to answer the key questions.

By Liam Napier in Paris

In a room full of their peers, on the eve of the most important occasion of their careers, the All Blacks banished stereotypes to deliver a series of heartfelt speeches to set the tone for their World Cup final week.

The All Blacks have a shot at winning a record fourth Rugby World Cup after bulldozing through Argentina 44-6 in the semifinal on Saturday.

Appearing on the Rugby World Cup YouTube channel, former Springbok Hanyani Shimange was joined by South African legends John Smit and Schalk Brits to preview the Rugby World Cup final.

England’s loss is Wayne Barnes’ gain.

In 2016, the Herald’s rugby writer Wynne Gray interviewed players, coaches and management from both the All Blacks and Springboks looking back on the 1995 final and to get to the bottom of reports the New Zealanders were poisoned on the eve of the game. This week the two sides will meet again in a World Cup final.

Former All Blacks and Black Ferns coach Sir Wayne Smith can envisage the day when rugby’s laws are amended so that the permissible tackle height is lowered to belly-button level.

All the latest news as the build-up continues ahead of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup final between the All Blacks and South Africa in Paris.

How the English media reacted to South Africa’s late comeback win over England in the Rugby World Cup semifinal.

The semifinals are set after Johnny Sexton and the world’s top-ranked team were beaten by a New Zealand side unrecognisable from their opening-match defeat, in one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. Argentina came from behind twice to beat Wales and reach their third Rugby World Cup semifinal earlier that morning.

New Zealand

Three-time champions, once-beaten finalists and twice-beaten semifinalists, the All Blacks are no stranger to the high stakes of a World Cup semi. Since their opening loss to France, they slowly revealed more of themselves, before unleashing their full arsenal against Ireland in emphatic fashion.

Shannon: First of all, thanks for sitting down with me, Ran. Can I call you Ran?

The world’s leading women’s rugby players were officially welcomed to Aotearoa New Zealand yesterday for the inaugural WXV 1 tournament, set to kick off in Wellington this weekend.

With the All Blacks v Ireland, and France v the Springboks, the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals showcased rugby of the highest calibre. Here’s a team that builds on the best of them.

Beauden Barrett and the All Blacks are under no illusion as to the genuine opposition Argentina provide on their path to a fifth Rugby World Cup final

As the All Blacks draw on past pain to fuel their present burning ambition, one selection headache hovers over their World Cup semifinal.

Reiko Ioane’s actions following the All Blacks’ quarter-final win over Ireland have been labelled “classless” and drew in the ire of retiring Irish first five-eighths Johnny Sexton.

The All Blacks head into Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final with the best record at this stage of the tournament. Ten times previously, New Zealand have reached the quarter-final stage, progressing on all but one occasion. Ireland, meanwhile, have never moved beyond the quarters. Does that mean anything ahead of Sunday’s clash in Paris? Not really, with recent history more in favour for Ireland, having won 17 straight tests. But the quarter-final hurdle, never cleared, remains.

The weight of history on their backs. The might of New Zealand facing them. A home crowd behind them.

Eddie Jones is expected to be named as Japan’s next head coach after his Australia side failed to progress from the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup for the first time.

With a quarter-final front of mind, the All Blacks made nine starting changes for their final World Cup pool match last week. That rotation strategy included resting Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Rieko Ioane and Brodie Retallick. Those starters will arrive fresh for Ireland but, as always, the All Blacks have other delicate selection decisions to confront. Liam Napier runs through the pressure points in Paris.

The Irish have poured cold water, or more accurately cold beer, on any talk of a bitter rivalry between them and the All Blacks ahead of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.

Top-ranked Ireland confirmed a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal after blitzing Scotland by six tries and 36-14 this morning (NZT).

It’s the sporting spectacle that seizes New Zealand’s imagination every four years. The All Blacks arrive at this year’s Rugby World Cup having rediscovered rich form. But the field has never been more even, with France and Ireland among the favourites to win and the Pacific Island nations boosted in their playing ranks.

All Blacks 73 Uruguay 0

By Liam Napier in Lyon

The All Blacks recorded another emphatic win in their final Rugby World Cup 2023 pool game, running away 73-0 winners over Uruguay in Lyon. It’ll likely be the last bit of free-flowing rugby New Zealand will play before they face stiffer competition in the quarter-finals. Here’s how the All Blacks rated in the victory:

England has dusted off the old George Ford-Owen Farrell axis for their last Rugby World Cup pool game before the quarter-finals.

Dan Sheehan returns at hooker for top-ranked Ireland’s final Rugby World Cup pool match against Scotland on Saturday.

The Springboks have called in 2019 Rugby World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am to replace injured wing Makazole Mapimpi.

OPINION

The rugby world was set ablaze over the weekend as the All Blacks showcased an awe-inspiring performance against Italy at the Rugby World Cup, securing a staggering 96-17 victory.

Alarming news has emerged from the Rugby World Cup about the lack of free tucker on offer to media covering the tournament.

A statement and a spectacle. With one foot on Italy’s throat and another in the World Cup quarter-finals, the All Blacks reminded everyone they remain a ruthless beast in full flight with their 96-17 demolition job of Italy in Lyon.

Fullback Martin Bogado and right winger Rodrigo Isgro will make their Rugby World Cup debuts in Argentina’s reshuffled side for its all-South American contest against Chile on Sunday.

Fiji went for consistency in selection for a Rugby World Cup game against Georgia that could put the popular Pacific islanders on the cusp of the quarterfinals.

Hawke’s Bay have won the Ranfurly Shield back off Wellington, defeating the Lions 20-18 at Sky Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

When the Black Ferns’ attack is firing, they’re a tough team to stop.