Stuart Lancaster insists England had to keep Henry Slade in reserve

After Henry Slade and Jack Nowell impressed in England’s final World Cup game against Uruguay, Stuart Lancaster said he could not play them earlier because he was ‘striving for balance’

England’s Stuart Lancaster defends record and says it would be hard to quit

Stuart Lancaster remains defiant, after England finished off their calamitous World Cup campaign with the expected rout of a brave but overpowered Uruguay 60-3

England’s Henry Slade shines in early World Cup farewell against Uruguay

England ran in 10 tries against Uruguay including hat-tricks for Jack Nowell and Nick Easter but their performance was still disjointed for large spells, even if Henry Slade caught the eye

After scrum struggle against Australia, Wales must reach for box of tricks

Wales tackled and tackled in a match high on intensity but ultimately they were undone by Australia’s set-piece strength and they cannot afford to let that happen in their quarter-final against South Africa

Australia’s remarkable defence extends winning sequence against Wales

Bernard Foley kicked five penalties to Dan Biggar’s two as Australia overcame Wales with some incredible defending to book a quarter-final clash with Scotland

Australia v Wales: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened

Minute-by-minute report: There were no tries, but a heroic defensive display when down to 13-man from Australia earned them a date with Scotland

Ireland quietly regroup for France in World Cup after losing Jared Payne

Ireland were dealt a ‘massive blow’ ahead of their World Cup match with France on Sunday after full-back Jared Payne withdrew from the tournament because of injury

Scotland v Samoa: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened

Samoa finally showed up to give Scotland a scare, but a narrow win sent Vern Cotter’s side through to the quarter-finals

New Zealand 47-9 Tonga: Rugby World Cup 2015 – as it happened

Minute-by-minute report: The All Blacks overcame a nervy first half to beat Tonga 47-9, bagging seven tries in the process including a score for Ma’a Nonu on his 100th cap for New Zealand

Stuart Lancaster seeks hideaway after England complete futile farewell

England’s coach, Stuart Lancaster, has maintained his dignity in the run-up to Saturday’s dead rubber against Uruguay but will distance himself from the World Cup after that

Stuart Lancaster’s Rugby World Cup pain could eventually be his gain

England’s beleaguered coach is fighting for his job after elimination but, if he comes through this sorry chapter, he will be all the stronger for it

France on form and hungry to face Ireland, says Philippe Saint-André

Philippe Saint-André said France were focused on their own game before the Rugby World Cup game against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium

Rugby World Cup 2015 power rankings: Australia bump All Blacks off top

In our fourth power rankings of the Rugby World Cup Australia have overtaken New Zealand, who know they have to improve and cut out handling errors

Australians Abroad: Hayden Smith, the universal athlete

Hayden Smith began his unique sporting odyssey playing basketball in the Blue Mountains. Now he is seeking Rugby World Cup redemption with the USA