Rugby World Cup final: France must handle All Blacks’ physical assault

Shaun Edwards: France may run out of puff under a relentless New Zealand onslaught in Sunday's Eden Park final

Rugby World Cup 2011: imperfect 10s struggle to make their mark

Paul Rees: Following Dan Carter's injury, none of the fly-halves on show in the semi-finals hit the heights

Rugby World Cup 2011: Who should be the IRB’s player of the year?

Open thread: France are the only northern hemisphere side with a player nominated, while Australia and New Zealand both feature

Consistency is not just for referees but also for their critics

Paul Wilson: Alain Rolland was criticised for sending off Sam Warburton at the Rugby World Cup but Andre Marriner got off lightly after letting Rio Ferdinand stay on the pitch against Liverpool

Rugby World Cup must not shun established hosts, says Australia coach

The Australia coach, Robbie Deans, wants to see another World Cup held in his native New Zealand and is worried the IRB will ignore established rugby nations

Rugby World Cup final: All Blacks and France set for reprise of 1987

Eddie Butler: Much has changed since New Zealand met Les Bleus in the first Rugby World Cup final but the hosts will hope to repeat their convincing victory

Rugby World Cup 2011: Sam Warburton will return wiser for Wales

Paul Rees: If Wales are to become a consistent force again, beleaguered captain Sam Warburton will be at the core of the revival

Rugby World Cup final: France name unchanged side but tensions remain

Richard Williams: Marc Lièvremont has named an unchanged side to face New Zealand in Sunday's final but France are still far from united

Rugby still getting its kicks – without really trying

Frank Keating: Sunday's Rugby World Cup final is a must-watch event, even though the boot has had far too much say on the previous six occasions

Wales’s little big man Shane Williams prepares for the final whistle

Shane Williams, the Wales wing, faces Australia on Friday but knows his international days are numbered

Rugby World Cup final: Aaron Cruden refines kicking and lands top job

Dan Carter's second stand-in tells Richard Williams he is enjoying life as the All Blacks new No10 and looking forward to facing France in only his third start for the country

Rugby World Cup 2011: France’s chance to prove Fred Allen wrong

Robert Kitson: A winning coach needs to foster discipline, respect, team spirit and morale, according to an All Blacks great, qualities which all seem to be lacking in the French