Rugby

PARIS (AP) — Dane Coles took it like a champion. Unbeknownst to Coles, his 90-test, 11-year test rugby career with New Zealand ended two weeks ago in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal win against Ireland at the Stade de France.

PARIS (AP) — England finished third at the Rugby World Cup for the first time by stopping waves of late Argentina attacks and prevailing 26-23 in their tense playoff on Friday.

PARIS (AP) — Fans at Stade de France treated England's players to hostility at the Rugby World Cup on Friday, continuously jeering and whistling during the third-place match against Argentina.

The ultimate Rugby World Cup final. That's the promise.

PARIS (AP) — In his bid to help South Africa retain its Rugby World Cup title, Cheslin Kolbe is ready to leave his favorite position on the wing and dig into his rugby sevens experience to play at scrumhalf against New Zealand in Saturday's final.

DUNEDIN, New Zealand — Hooker Lark Atkin-Davies scored four tries from the back of the driving maul as top-ranked England continued its mastery over No. 4 Canada, winning 45-12 Friday at the WXV women's rugby tournament.

PARIS (AP) — A brief history of Rugby World Cup matches between New Zealand and South Africa before they meet again on Saturday in the final at Stade de France.

PARIS (AP) — South Africa. New Zealand. New Zealand. South Africa. That's how the last four champions line up on the Webb Ellis Cup.

This Rugby World Cup has been one long chain of achievements for Sam Whitelock. Just about every appearance has marked a milestone for the bearded New Zealand lock. Against Namibia, his 148th test equaled Richie McCaw as the most capped All Black.

Jacques Nienaber said the Springboks considered the more traditional option of 5-3 and the slightly risky 6-2. Then they went 7-1 and all-in for the Rugby World Cup final and Nienaber's last game as coach of South Africa.