Former French coach Marc Lievremont believes it will take a small miracle for France to beat the All Blacks on Sunday.

As predicted, it has been a World Cup tailor made for loose forwards.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika might be doing his best to hose down perception his team already has one foot in the final, however the uber-cocky media aren't exactly playing ball.

OPINION: The French are as much hung up on 2007 as New Zealanders are, writes Gregor Paul.

Chris Robshaw's partner Camilla Kerslake says she has felt trapped in her own house.

It's blatantly obvious from the Rugby World Cup that officiating is more than a one-person job, writes Dylan Cleaver.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: French coach blasts TMO system for failing to act on Irish punch while ranking system gets tackled.

Fan vote system criticised after England's Joe Launchbury awarded title after team's humiliating loss to Australia.

It's possible that some people are seeing a different World Cup - one that hasn't factored in the physical and emotional toil that some teams have already endured.

If Australia are to win a third World Cup, they believe the role of their "finishers" will be as vital as anything that happens in the opening 60 minutes of matches.

For Kiwi Genevieve Gibson and her French fiance Fabien Le Gall, this weekend's quarter-final clash between the All Blacks and France is a different kind of test.

Wales captain Sam Warburton says his team have no fear of playing South Africa.

Joe Moody's arrival from NZ as a replacement for Tony Woodcock means the All Blacks are back to full fitness as they prepare for their date with destiny.

For Sonny Bill Williams, Sunday's quarter-final against France will have an added significance - a reunion with France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Should scores still be drawn after 10 minutes each-way of extra time, tournament rules state that the referee will conduct a place-kick competition.

The pool stages are over and 12 teams are heading home, but not necessarily empty handed. Chris Rattue lists the Herald's pool play award winners.

Australia and Wales have both had to play too much rugby too early in this competition, says Gregor Paul.

Irish flanker Sean O'Brien's sucker punch to the guts of French ruffian Pascal Pape looks just a little like a case of justice delayed.

France and World Cups equal glory and disaster and if you love an epic, it's time to revel in what we are about to receive, writes Chris Rattue.

Did the French tank this morning? Should Wayne Barnes be given the whistle? Michael Guerin and Tony Veitch on completely different tangents! Who wins?? Let's Vent.

They are the first team to win three out of four pool matches and not get to the quarter finals, but they're still smiling.

Video footage of Ireland flanker could add to squad's woes as they go into quarter finals already several men down.

Billy Vunipola insists England's squad should have spent more time bonding over a drink.