In an echo of the FAI investigation after the Saipan debacle, independent consultant Brian Porteous of Genesis Consulting is to commence a review of the Irish team's performances in Rugby World Cup 2007.

FORMER France captain and flanker Jean-Pierre Rives has described Argentina as “the last of the romantics” and is delighted at the Pumas’ success so far at the Rugby World Cup.

DAVID WALLACE yesterday admitted his chronic ankle problem almost shattered his hopes of a first World Cup appearance.

IRELAND’S most capped player must produce the goods on Saturday to keep alive his chances of making the 30-man squad for September’s World Cup in France.

THE qualifying structure for future Rugby World Cups is to be changed to better reflect the modern game and increase the profile of one of the world’s largest sporting events, with the number of automatic qualifiers increasing to 12.

IRELAND remain fifth in the IRB world rankings but are now less than two points adrift of South Africa in fourth.

New Zealand legend Jonah Lomu has targeted a place in the 2007 World Cup squad despite awaiting a kidney transplant.

Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland have a chance for revenge in the 2007 World Cup as they have been drawn against France in the group stages of the tournament.

Twickenham top brass tonight welcomed International Rugby Board clarification on the bidding to stage World Cup 2007.