While the bigger nations have dominated the eight editions of the Rugby World Cup, there have been some major surprises thrown up since the first tournament in 1987. Here are the top five.
The Wallabies don’t have the same luxury as England. But they do have a tackle shredding star who will carry our hopes. Plus selection headaches and more in FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT.
After struggling with injuries in the past year, Jack Dempsey has joined a star-studded Australian backrow that is threatening to create havoc at the World Cup.
On the back of the worst on-field results in 60 years and the storm around Israel Folau, the Wallabies are heading to the World Cup united in their determination to ‘Bring Back Bill’.
IT wasn’t always pretty but Wallaby coach Michael Cheika believes his team’s win over the USA was the perfect preparation for their first Rugby World Cup match against Fiji.
WALES have suffered a major double injury blow two weeks before the World Cup as Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb were both carried off on stretchers.
SOME shining lights and a few grey areas — how the Wallabies rated in their final World Cup warm-up match, a 47-10 win over USA in Chicago.
THE Wallabies have survived a scare from the USA to register a comfortable win in Chicago. Next stop the Rugby World Cup!
ENGLAND restored some optimism heading into their home Rugby World Cup by beating Ireland 21-13 on Saturday in their last warm-up match.
THE biggest moment in James Slipper’s brilliant 67-Test career came when Wallaby coach Michael Cheika told him he would be captaining the side against the USA.
MICHAEL Cheika knows the barrage of attention the Wallabies pack — particularly the front row — will receive during the RWC. So the coach is ready to let actions do the talking.
BIG Sam Burgess has become the Big Topic with the Rugby World Cup kick-off less than two weeks away — the question is will he be a big flop.
Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup/page/168