Rugby World Cup: Japan pitch perfect as Ireland strike bum note

Host nation take full advantage as Ireland let standards drop in Shizuoka

Rugby World Cup - Thompson: ‘Everyone had written us off . . . It’s a very special moment’

Jamie Joseph: ‘We’ve been preparing for this game for a hell of a lot longer than what the Irish have’

Rugby World Cup: Joe Schmidt counts cost of loss but remains coy on Angus Gardner

Rob Kearney failed a HIA and could miss out on upcoming clash with Russia on Thursday

Rugby World Cup Offload: Protect the ref, protect the game

The tournament is barely motoring and already refs are being targeted or lambasted

Owen Doyle on World Cup refereeing: TMOs go MIA

Worrying number of major incidents missed by match officials during opening weekend

Lopez the hero as France withstand Argentina’s second-half comeback

Late drop goal seals victory as Pumas fume over referee Gardner’s performance

Rugby World Cup: Talking points from Ireland’s victory over Scotland

Ireland take a lot of credit against a Scotland side way off the pace required in opener

Rugby World Cup: France scrape over the line against Argentina

Argentina miss last gasp penalty as France remain masters of illusion, and disillusion

Owen Doyle: Rugby World Cup could see high risk of serious injury

Omens not great when you see top coaches decrying red card for Barrett last month

Owen Doyle: Referees will be under more scrutiny than ever at this World Cup

The 12 referees have gone through a long and arduous selection process

Rugby World Cup: Wayne Barnes to referee Ireland v Scotland

All officials for pool fixtures announced on Friday with Nigel Owens reffing opener

Impressive Wales complete grand assignment in clinical fashion

Renewed questions for Schmidt and Ireland following a surprisingly ragged performance

Warren Gatland expects Wales to be one of fittest teams at World Cup

Coach admits his side probably got a couple of decisions their way in Grand Slam victory

Joe Schmidt: ‘The team will definitely turn up in Japan’

Ireland coach says display in Cardiff not as bad as opening loss to England

Ireland left with egg on their faces in Cardiff

Decision to leave Principality roof open backfired badly for Joe Schmidt's side

Wales raise the roof to secure Grand Slam glory

Late Larmour try no consolation for Ireland as Warren Gatland wins a third Grand Slam

Six Nations 2019: Wales v Ireland - all you need to know

Schmidt and Gatland say their Six Nations farewells on the final weekend in Cardiff

Ireland find cold comfort against France

Four tries for Joe Schmidt’s side secured a bonus point ahead of final trip to Cardiff

With a fair wind, back-to-strength Ireland can sink France

Joe Schmidt knows his side have to win this one, and now he’s got the team that can do it

England show grit and character to pull off great escape

Springboks cannot get it over the line due to wastefulness and the erratic lineout throwing of Malcolm Marx

Owen Farrell escapes citing for Andre Esterhuizen tackle

England player stopped Springbok in his tracks with a shoulder-led tackle late on

All Blacks wrap-up series win with a French red in Wellington

Ben Fall sent off after 12 minutes but New Zealand make heavy weather of Les Bleus

Coping with injuries the key for All Blacks and France

Jacques Brunel and Steve Hansen in World Cup planning mode ahead of Test clash

Ireland’s Grand ambition realised against England

History made as Joe Schmidt’s Green Machine secure Grand Slam at Twickenham

Six Nations: Ireland look primed for a day of days

This could be one of the three best days in the history of Irish rugby – or simply the best

Rugby Statistics: Dominance at the breakdown key for Ireland

Repetition of impressive figures to date will go a long way to securing ultimate prize

New Zealand overpower France with five-try trouncing in Paris

All Blacks secure 11th consecutive win against Les Bleus

Kiwi press react: Lions might feel they have ‘gone back to square one’

New Zealand media hail a magical night for the Highlanders as Lions are beaten again

The Lions are in need of marginal gains

Warren Gatland rues one that got away as Highlanders win 23-22 in Dunedin

McLeod’s Highlanders inflict another defeat on Lions

Highlanders edge a tense and physical battle in Dunedin with 23-22 victory

Six talking points: Lions move it up a gear but more required

Warren Gatland’s side will have to start taking try chances before Test series

Rusty Lions struggle to get into the groove

Captain Sam Warburton acknowledges the need for improvement after shaky first outing

Lions hit bum notes against the Barbarians

Warren Gatland's rusty tourists given an almighty scare in Whangarei opener

Referees for Lions’ Tests against New Zealand revealed

Romain Poite, Jérôme Garcès and Jaco Peyper to take charge of key games

Ben Te’o comes up trumps as England extend winning run to 15

Physical French side proved a tough hurdle before Eddie Jones emptied his bench

England grappling with sense of uncertainty ahead of Six Nations

Tom Wood unhappy high-tackle sanction has been introduced mid-season

Hurricanes hang tough to make Super Rugby final

Two errors from Waikato captain Sam Cane prove costly in Wellington

Series win slips from Ireland’s grasp in South Africa

Late Springbok fightback denies Ireland historic series win to set up decider next Saturday

Six Nations report card: A case of what might have been for Ireland

Paying the price for not converting chances; case for the defence; new laws please; England joy

John Lacey and George Clancy awarded Six Nations matches

Officials announced for tournament include some new names to tournament

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