Japan Rugby’s League One has a dozen Rugby World Cup final starters enrolled to play in the 2023/24 season – more starters in the global showpiece than from any other club tournament.
The deep joy of the Portuguese, the domination of the Irish, the despondency of the Scots and Wallabies; the final Pool round had it all
The All Blacks' 79-point win over Italy confirmed what New Zealand's main rivals already know.
Ireland know not to turn the ball over and offer the All Blacks the chance to counter and their set-piece defence is not as brittle either.
Italy face the task of picking themselves up off the floor after one of the biggest drubbings in their history, and maybe the widest margin between two Tier 1 sides at a Rugby World Cup ever.
The 2015 Rugby World Cup winner was left feeling a “bit grumpy” after a sluggish start to the second half.
Italy head coach Kieran Crowley is hoping to 'bin' the 96-17 loss to the All Blacks as quickly as possible as they look to pick up the pieces before a do-or-die clash against France next week.
Ian Foster has stressed New Zealand’s history against Italy “means nothing” ahead of the crucial World Cup meeting between the sides on Saturday.
The last time an Australia-New Zealand composite side took the field, there were few All Blacks to speak of.