Maro Itoje’s performance in defeat of Wasps epitomises new confidence in team

Pressure mounts on coach Allister Coetzee to give more black players a chance

Former assistant to Jake White begins reign with three home tests against Ireland in June

‘Irish Times’ team looks back at an eventful tournament and pick their highs and lows

IRFU and Schmidt could learn a lesson from way world champions have dealt with media

Duane Vermeulen declares players want their boss to carry on in current role

Two tries prove the difference as All Blacks secure place in Rugby World Cup final

Defending champions show all their rugby nous to hold off game Springboks

Springbok coach has enjoyed only one win in seven attempts against All Blacks

After the debacle against Japan, Springboks’ attitude has greatly changed

Team to face Wales in quarter-final includes five key players all under 24 years of age

Bryan Habana looks to surpass Jonah Lomu’s RWC try tally for South Africa

Etzebeth and de Jager have impressed in the absence of veteran Victor Matfield

Ireland will need tighthead to be his usual durable self if they hope to fulfil ambitions at tournament

Scotland accused of fielding weakened team with an eye on final pool match against Samoa

Stuart Lancaster may come to regret omitting Steffon Armitage from squad

South Africa get World Cup back on track with victory over Samoa but injuries mount up

Springboks captain sustained fractured jaw during 46-6 win over Samoa at Villa Park

Gavin Cummiskey gauges the mood as Springboks roar back to life against Samoa

South Africa to rely on traditional game to banish memories of defeat to Japan

Ireland get World Cup show on the road with display of patience and power

John McKee and Heyneke Meyer named XVs for respective clashes v England and Japan

Rugby Correspondent Gerry Thornley sets the scene for Rugby World Cup 2015

Nine players from squad that won title in 2007 included in Heyneke Meyer’s 31

Springboks coach criticised by country’s biggest trade union for ‘racist choices’

Reigning World Champions are humbled by the Springboks in Parisian Pool A encounter

Former Munster centre has been out since last November with a knee injury

New Zealand have much to gain with victory in Johannesburg

Backrow praised by coach Heyneke Meyer after return from injury and serious illness

South Africa captain Victor Matfield a doubt for the Rugby Championship clash

Australia pip Springboks at the death to get off to winning start in Rugby Championship

The unique Paul O’Connell winning his 100th cap makes this an extra-special occasion

Size is the bottom line in rugby and the key to optimising physical power is getting access to players when they are young, writes Gavin Cummiskey

It’s the little things, Gavin Cummiskey on three wins from three for Joe Schmidt’s men

An error-strewn performance has talk of crisis echoing around Twickenham

Victor Matfield admits relentless Irish pressure ‘put us on the back foot’

Rhys Ruddock and Tommy Bowe score tries on epic night at the Aviva Stadium

Matt Williams believes Heyneke Meyer has added flair to physicality and it is a masterstroke

Joe Schmidt’s men braced for the inevitable massive physical challenge the Boks represent

Ireland’s Paul O’Connell and South Africa’s Victor Matfield are two or the best lineout operators in world rugby