THE MATCH schedule for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand has been announced.

IRELAND drew inspiration for their stunning 34-16 World Cup victory over Samoa from Muhammad Ali.

South Africa 30 Tonga 25

United States 15 Tonga 25

Pacific Islanders coach Pat Lam has named a 28-man squad for this November's tour to Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Tonga’s prime minister made a bedside visit to the elderly and ailing king of the tiny Pacific island nation today, as the country made preparations for the end of one of the world’s longest reigns by any monarch.

Ireland 43 Tonga 5

New Zealand 91 Tonga 7

Leon MacDonald ran in two tries and kicked 12 goals from 12 attempts for a personal tally of 34 points as the All Blacks turned on the power to record the highest score of the tournament so far in a one-sided Pool D encounter at the Suncorp Stadium.

Captain Colin Charvis last night vowed that Wales would take full advantage of their narrow escape against Tonga to be ready for next weekend’s crunch Pool D showdown with Italy next weekend.

There were wins for Fiji, Italy and Samoa in the Rugby World Cup today.

Italy 36 Tonga 12

Wales coach Steve Hansen today warned his squad their World Cup campaign will hit the skids if they allow their minds to wander from the immediate job at hand.

Tonga 19

Tonga 19 Ireland 40

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan has urged his players to “throw down a marker for the World Cup” when they tackle Tonga tomorrow.

The last thing Reggie Corrigan minded about when he was named skipper of Ireland for Saturday’s Test against Tonga was the fact he had lost a bet to an old friend back home that would leave a severe dent in his pocket.

MUNSTER’S worst fears may not, after all, be realised and the chances are that they will be able to select the side to meet Gloucester at Thomond Park on Saturday from the 24 players available to them for last week’s Heineken Cup game in Perpignan.