Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has clarified statements made by himself and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick around referees

They open their campaign against the All Blacks on Saturday in Yokohama.

On Monday, Stick asked referees to treat teams equally.

Erasmus explains that New Zealand were number one for so long that they had respect from everyone, including the officials.



Wales coach Warren Gatland's trying to move on from assistant Rob Howley's shock departure.

Howley's headed home from the World Cup to assist with an investigation into betting breaches.

Gatland says he has no choice but to concentrate his energy elsewhere.



Japan captain Michael Leitch believes rugby has come a long way in his adopted country since the Brighton Miracle.

Today marks four years since the Brave Blossoms pulled off arguably the biggest upset in the sport's history by beating South Africa at the 2015 tournament.

Ahead of his side kicking off a home World Cup tomorrow night, Christchurch-born Leitch says the impact was instantaneous as they inspired Japan.

And Nigel Owens has been confirmed as referee after overcoming a calf injury.



Former South African fast bowler Kyle Abbott's delivered best the first-class cricket match figures in 63 years.

Having taken nine wickets in the first innings, the Hampshire paceman has added eight further Somerset scalps to finish with 17 for 86 in an English county championship game.

You have to go back to England spinner Jim Laker's 19 for 90 against Australia in 1956 to find a better return.



An unbeaten 72 from Indian captain Virat Kohli has helped secure a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in their second Twenty20 at Mohali.

They chased down a target of 150 with an over to spare.



The United States basketball team suffered their worst finish of seventh at the recent World Cup, but their hopes of rebounding at the next major international event have been boosted.

Three-time NBA champion Steph Curry's declared he wants to make his Olympic debut in Tokyo.



A new coach has helped squash Paul Coll take his game to new heights.

He's started the new season with victory at the French Open in Nantes earlier this week.



Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until at least June 2024.



Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia will play at the Australian Open.

The 2017 Masters champion's the latest confirmed starter for the tournament which will be staged in Sydney from December 5-8.



A handful of Brisbane Broncos players could be dismissed after their record-breaking loss to Parramatta.

Fox Sports are reporting captain Darius Boyd's set to be told he's not in the plans for next year, while the club may consider releasing utility Jack Bird a year early if he is approached by other clubs.



Iran's been banned by the International Judo Federation for ordering an athlete to pull out of the world championships in Japan.

However, the BBC reports defending champion Saeid Mollaei ignored calls to withdraw from his match against a Russian, which would've meant he'd avoid the prospect of facing an Israeli later in the tournament.

In a case of politics and sport clashing, Iranian athletes are prohibited from competing in any sport against Israel.