The stage is set. The world number one ranked side and reigning world champions South Africa will defend their title against New Zealand who sit just one place behind them in the world rankings. The venue is the Stade de France. The date is Saturday 28 October and England'

An extraordinary week-end of quarter-final action has delivered the four teams that will compete in next week-end's semi-finals at the Stade de France. Three teams from the southern hemisphere together with England will gather in Paris knowing victory means the chance to lift the Webb Ellis trophy the

Forty pool matches are now complete. Twelve teams are heading home and for two of the eight quarter finalists they are just 160 minutes away from the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France on Saturday 28 October. Before teams can lock that date in their diary though

146 years ago Ireland and Scotland faced each other for the first time in a rugby international. Since then they have met 140 times. Ireland edge the wins with 69 victories, Scotland have won 66 and 5 have ended in a draw. The 141st head to head is arguably going