With Cian Healy’s World Cup preparations suffering a setback due to the eye injury he sustained against England, Tom Court has an opportunity to lay down a marker should he start against the USA.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell admitted that mistakes cost Ireland in their 20-9 defeat against England at Aviva Stadium today.

England international Manu Tuilagi was last night fined €3,400 by the Rugby Football Union after he was warned by Auckland police for jumping from a ferry into the harbour.

William Gallas has retained his place in a reduced France squad as Raymond Domenech’s side begin their World Cup preparations in earnest in Tignes tomorrow.

Sean St Ledger admits he may never get over the heartache of missing out on this summer’s World Cup finals.

Joachim Low fears Wayne Rooney could "explode" into form when Germany meet England in the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa.

Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina last night warned his team of European champions could not afford to “live off the past” as they prepare for a make-or-break World Cup match against Honduras.

France’s woeful World Cup campaign continues on a downward spiral after the French Football Federation (FFF) announced there would be an official investigation following a player boycott yesterday.

Oliver Bierhoff has admitted Germany will find it harder to beat Argentina tomorrow than they did to overcome England.

Shay Given insists the Republic of Ireland have to believe they can upset the odds to edge past France into the World Cup finals.

Robbie Keane is relishing being cast in the role of underdog as he attempts to lead the Republic of Ireland to an historic World Cup victory over France.

Ireland's Kevin Kilbane has called on FIFA to arrange a replay of last night's heart-breaking World Cup play-off with France, and has pilloried referee Martin Hansson for his explanation of events.

Harlequins prop Gareth Haggerty hopes a lightweight Ireland pack can run rings around their heavyweight Samoan opponents in tomorrow’s World Cup Pool C decider at Parramatta.

Diego Maradona will be confirmed as the new Argentina coach next Tuesday, according to the Argentina Football Association National Team’s secretary, Luis Segura.

IRELAND’s rugby World Cup pool C opponents — Russia — are suffering in the New Zealand heat as they ramp up their preparations for the tournament.

WALES are continuing to play a waiting game with their injured players ahead of Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin.

FURIOUS Martin Johnson admitted he will not be great company on his family holiday this week as he picks through the bones of England’s 19-9 defeat to Wales.

MEXICO coach Javier Aguirre has stressed the importance of winning tonight’s Group A match against Uruguay and insists his side will not settle for a draw that would take both teams through.

FORMER Ireland skipper Roy Keane understands Wayne Bridge’s decision to turn his back on England ahead of this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

FRANK LAMPARD claims England have to believe in their ability to lift the 2006 World Cup and must replicate Chelsea’s new winning mentality.