9th Sept - 23rd Oct
John Kirwan has confirmed he will quit as Japan coach when his contract expires in December
Simon Danielli's twinkle toes on the touchline or Gethin Jenkins's power-running: which was your favourite try of the pool stage? Watch our pick of the tries and see which made it to number one...
Exclusive video: Some of the highs and lows of a dramatic pool stage of the Rugby World Cup in 2011
Japan exit the 2011 Rugby World Cup without a win and bottom of Pool A but that doesn’t tell the full story as their coach John Kirwan rightly pointed out after a thrilling 23-23 draw with Canada
ITV pundit and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes Graham Henry may be tinkering just a little too much with his All Blacks team, while backing Sonny Bill Williams to continue as an impact player
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw will miss out on his 100th All Blacks cap this weekend, as he sits out his side's Pool A match against underdogs Japan with a minor calf strain
The IRB's head of development and performance, Mark Egan, says the gap between the tier-one and tier-two nations has closed significantly.
Japan will provide a fresh sort of challenge for New Zealand at this stage of the Rugby World Cup, according to full-back Mils Muliaina
Japan will be looking for a repeat of their commendable opening-match effort when they take on World Cup favourites New Zealand on Friday
New Zealand will aim to put together a full 80-minute performance against Japan after overcoming Tonga in their opening game
Despite a difference of nine places in the rankings, France believe Japan could cause some trouble in the Rugby World Cup.
Coached by All Black legend John Kirwan, and featuring several naturalised Antipodeans, the Cherry Blossoms will this year continue their record of playing in every World Cup
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