Gregory Coupet has hailed his successor as France number one, Hugo Lloris, a “phenomenon” after the Lyon goalkeeper’s clean sheet against the Republic of Ireland put Les Bleus on the brink of the World Cup finals.

The Football Association were offered votes for bribes during their unsuccessful bid for the 2006 World Cup, according to former executive director David Davies.

Sam Burgess has left Bath with immediate effect.

Wales say Ospreys lock Ian Evans will be fit for their World Cup campaign despite suffering a collarbone injury in training.

Franz Beckenbauer has become the highest-profile casualty of Fifa’s probe into World Cup bidding after the German was provisionally banned for 90 days while he is investigated for refusing to cooperate.

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell wants to continue playing beyond the 2015 World Cup but has admitted negotiations over a new contract with Munster are at a “delicate” stage.

Argentina centre Martin Gaitan is resigned to missing the World Cup following the heart problems he suffered in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Australian Rugby Union will post a financial loss this year – and they blamed Wales’ decision to tour with a weakened squad as a significant factor in the shortfall.

Robert Pires’ hopes of a return to international football have been dashed after he was left out of the France squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Israel.

Ireland come face to face with World Cup Pool A rivals Argentina today bidding to avenge their infamous defeat in Lens four years ago.

Keith Wood, Ireland’s talisman who has fought his way back from a career-threatening shoulder injury, is set to lead his country in the World Cup.

Nigeria coach Festus Onigbinde is plotting the downfall of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s team while reaping the benefits of English hospitality.

Irish Examiner rugby writers Brendan O'Brien and Simon Lewis look ahead to the World Cup quarter-final meeting with New Zealand.