Superhighlights

A TOTAL FLANKER

England flanker Joe Worsley has apologised for his "misplaced gesture" in applauding the English fans after being yellow-carded two minutes from the end in the 111-13 win over Uruguay.

Worsley was sin-binned for a hit on Uruguayan wing Joaquin Pastore, and walked off slowly, returning the applause of the England supporters while being booed by others in the crowd.

Considering the Australian media are almost daily accusing England of arrogance, Worsley's move was thoughtless and angered coach Clive Woodward.

"It wasn't appropriate, especially considering one of their players was still down, and I apologise on his behalf," Woodward said.

The coach had some "serious words" with him.

FULL-HOUSE CLUB

When South African first five-eighth Derick Hougaard (pictured) bagged 21 points against Samoa, he joined an elite group of players to have completed a full hand of scoring in a match at this tournament.

Hougaard scored a try, drop-kicked a goal, kicked a penalty and banged over five conversions, covering all four scoring methods.



The others who have claimed a full house are Frederic Michalak (France, 28 points against Scotland) and Andy Miller (Japan, 13 points against Fiji).

SHAW GETS CALL-UP

England have called in second-rower Simon Shaw to cover for lock Danny Grewcock, who injured his left hand in the win over Uruguay.

Grewcock's hand will be x-rayed today to decide whether Shaw will be added as an official replacement.

WINNING RUN

One incentive for the Wallabies to beat the Scots on Saturday night is that it will give them the best cup-winning run since the tournament began in 1987.

Victory over the Scots will be Australia's 11th successive victory, going back to the 1999 tournament.

That will eclipse the 10 established by the All Blacks from 1987-91 and equalled by South Africa in 1995-99.

QUOTES OF THE DAY

"It's a dismissive term to say the Irish team are plucky, because it rings back to the old days when we went out and gave it a lash, set our hair on fire and ran after the opposition for 20 minutes and, if they survived that, they beat us by 50 points,"

- coach Eddie O'Sullivan rejects suggestions that the 17-16 loss to Australia was just another "heroic" Irish defeat.

"We've been in need of a test match like that in this tournament. We can only benefit from that. It's ideal preparation for us - it's better it comes now than next week in the quarter-finals."

- All Black coach John Mitchell on the tougher-than-expected win over Wales.

"Uruguay are hardly Wales or the All Blacks."

- England fullback Josh Lewsey humbly putting into perspective his five-try spree against Uruguay.