#Michael Leitch

TOKYO - When the overlords of rugby a decade ago chose Japan to host this year's Rugby World Cup, they hoped to spread the gospel of the sport beyond its traditional strongholds in Europe, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. A boost in participation in Asia, and maybe a few new sponsors and heightened interest from television broadcasters,…

All who have played the great game of rugby knows that until you've acquired an official nickname within the club you play, you've not really yet made it. A nickname is the rugby equivalent of a made man in the Mafia; it means acceptance by your peers, it is a mark of respect that allows you full'banter rights' with the senior members of the team…

Japan performed one of the greatest Rugby World Cup shocks of all-time when they defeated South Africa in Brighton on Saturday. Their 34-32 victory over the Springboks not only stunned one of the pre-tournament favourites, but it also showed evidence that rugby union's traditional big guns are being caught up by teams who in the past have just…

Japan came close to besting the All Blacks, and now they face another world powerhouse in England in a litmus test of their improvement. Join The Roar for live scores and rolling coverage from 2:15am (AEDT). England coach Eddie Jones made five changes from the team beaten by Argentina last week. Leicester's Guy Porter, formerly of Sydney Uni, comes…

England are out to put their disappointing defeat to Argentina behind them when they host Japan on Saturday. Having lost 30-29 to the Pumas last weekend, they'll need to show a significant reaction after a below-par performance from many of Eddie Jones' key performers, and will need to be very wary about the threat posed by his former side. Japan's…

Chris Rattue ranks the best sports to watch this weekend and beyond. 5) Rugby League World Cup: Samoa v France, Monday, 6am - Spark This is the pick of the World Cup action, althoughIreland could test the Kiwis (Saturday, 7.30am) if they continue to struggle finding top gear. Samoa and France will go toe-to-toe in Warrington for a quarter-final…

We were treated to a stunning spectacle of rugby last weekend which saw all four Southern Hemisphere nations take the chocolates, while France was the only team from up north to collect a win. With several series on the line can England, Ireland or Wales fight their way to victory in Game 2? Read on for all the line-ups and key team news as it…