Criticism of the haka in rugby has existed ever since it was first performed. Yet at home we are fiercely proud of it, especially since 1985.

Schalk Burger's eternally beaming face briefly gave way to a deep frown yesterday when asked what lessons had been learned from the 2011 World Cup defeat to Australia in New Zealand that might help....

An immature waster of talent the Queensland Reds are better off without; that's the stinging assessment of James O'Connor by former Wallabies fullback Greg Martin.

Searches for Japanese rugby memorabilia have skyrocketed on Trade Me since the Brave Blossoms' blistering World Cup opener against South Africa.

Some sporting wounds cut so deep the scars never really heal.

Photo of French player appearing to shoulder-barge coach adds to fears squad is in disarray.

Either Wayne Barnes or Craig Joubert would have caused bitterness on the field, writes Gregor Paul.

COMMENT: Here's a confession - I have a lot of trouble supporting my own body weight while watching most rugby matches.

Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has taken to Twitter to voice his very strong opinion about the fairness of this Rugby World Cup.

The South African rugby squad were more than happy to take advantage of England's World Cup demise

Rugby expert Grant Nisbett runs his eye over the quarter-finals of the World Cup and makes his picks for the winners

A sound performance in controlling the All Blacks-France quarter final will put referee Nigel Owens on track to handle his first World Cup final.

Check out Richie's All Black efforts off the field.

Dan Carter wants his opportunity. He wants that dream finish. He wants that moment that every first five dreams of.

After a huge increase in player withdrawals at the World Cup, a leading sports surgeon has warned big hits from big players are making rugby too dangerous.

It's lucky Ireland back Luke Fitzgerald has a pretty decent day job as a rugby player - because he's had an embarrassing experience with a flying golf club in front of Rory McIlroy.

Sudden-death matches can bring out the best, and the worst, in players, and All Blacks lock Luke Romano is preparing to fight fire with fire against France in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Japan welcomed home like heroes and US news network tries to get to the heart of the haka.

He is widely regarded as the best referee in the world and has officiated at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

Keen punters depart on package tours to UK to witness rugby history (hopefully).

There was little to suggest France can rattle the All Blacks' cage even if the top-rated side has battled to change gear, writes Wynne Gray.

Still fighting a troublesome calf, Wallabies talisman David Pocock has received some good news after avoiding sanction for an alleged kneeing incident in the victory over Wales.

It appears Richie McCaw is in royal favour - now that England are no longer around for the All Blacks to knock out of the Rugby World Cup.

A squashed tee and an inability to tell a joke under pressure - Dan Carter has found something that 'water-boy' Richie McCaw isn't good at.

Richie McCaw has made an appearance at an exclusive reception hosted by the Queen and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.