Rugby World Cup LIVE: Latest news and updates with Gareth Anscombe missing Wales’ quarter-final vs Argentina
The Rugby World Cup 2023 enters the knockout phase this Saturday with the first two quarter-finals being played. Wales are taking on Argentina in the first of the elimination matches before Ireland face a tough test as they go up against New Zealand.
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland, has named his team for the fixture against Argentina this morning and the true extent of Wales’ injuries list has been revealed. Dan Biggar and Liam Williams start despite both picking up knocks but Taulupe Faleatu’s World Cup is over because of a broken arm and Gareth Anscombe hasn’t overcome a groin strain.
As for Ireland, Andy Farrell has named the same starting XV that won all four of their Pool B matches despite an injury scare to Mack Hansen who will start on the right wing against New Zealand.
Follow for all the latest news and updates from the Rugby World Cup plus get up-to-date odds and tips right here:
Rugby World Cup latest news
Wales announce starting line-up for quarter-final clash with Argentina
Gareth Anscombe misses out as Wales name starting XV
Ireland are unchanged for their fixture against New Zealand
Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’ at Rugby World Cup, says Sexton
Referees assigned for Rugby World Cup quarter-finals - including England’s record-breaking official
16:40 , Mike Jones
England’s Wayne Barnes will referee a record fourth Rugby World Cup quarter-final after the match official appointments for the last eight fixtures were confirmed.
Barnes, the most capped international referee in history, will take charge of Ireland vs New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday, taking him clear of Nigel Owens, Jim Fleming and Derek Bevan.
Jaco Peyper, of South Africa, will make a second quarter-final appearance having been appointed to oversee the first last eight tie between Wales and Argentina in Marseille.
France’s Mathieu Raynal and New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe, meanwhile, will take charge of their first World Cup quarter-finals.
Referees assigned for RWC quarters - including England’s record-breaking official
When and where is Wales’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final?
16:30 , Mike Jones
Wales will take on Argentina on Saturday 14 October and the game kicks off at 4pm BST.
It is being held at the Stade de Marseille which has a capacity of 67,847. The stadium is home to Marseille football club and has hosted matches during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, when it staged two quarter-finals, as well as the 1938 and 1998 football World Cup finals.
France have played 13 rugby Tests at the venue and it also hosted the 2022 Champions Cup final.
Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’ against New Zealand at Rugby World Cup, says Sexton
16:10 , Mike Jones
Johnny Sexton says Ireland are braced for the “toughest game we’ve ever faced” ahead of a mouthwatering Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.
The world’s top-ranked nation are seeking an 18th consecutive win on Saturday evening (14th October) to reach the last four of the tournament for the first time.
Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’ against New Zealand, says Sexton
Wales vs Argentina referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Jaco Peyper
16:00 , Mike Jones
South Africa’s Jaco Peyper is one of the referees at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
The vastly experienced official returns for a third tournament having also overseen games at the 2015 and 2019 editions.
Born in Bloemfontein, the 43-year-old made his officiating debut in Super Rugby in 2008.
After taking charge of the final of the 2011 Junior World Championship, Peyper made the step up to fully fledged international rugby in 2012.
Wales vs Argentina referee: Who is Rugby World Cup official Jaco Peyper
Warren Gatland hits out at critics of lopsided Rugby World Cup draw: ‘Deal with it’
15:50 , Mike Jones
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has hit out at critics of the lopsided Rugby World Cup draw, suggesting that nations unhappy about facing tough opposition have “just got to deal with it”.
A draw made based on rankings from almost four years before the tournament determined the pools for this year’s event in France, and has a left the four top-ranked nations in the world vying for only two semi-final spots.
Scotland, meanwhile, entered the World Cup ranked fifth in the world but are already out of the tournament after encountering both Ireland and South Africa in the pool stages.
Warren Gatland hits out at critics of lopsided World Cup draw: ‘Deal with it’’
Warren Gatland: Wales aren’t ready to go home yet and will embrace pressure
15:43 , Mike Jones
Warren Gatland says that Wales are not ready to go home and they will embrace the pressure surrounding Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
Victory over the Pumas in Marseille would see Wales reach a third World Cup semi-final under Gatland.
And while the Wales head coach had short shrift for those complaining about the World Cup draw being conducted in late 2020 – two heavyweight contenders out of France, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa will be eliminated this weekend – his sole focus is on events at Stade Velodrome.
Warren Gatland: Wales aren’t ready to go home yet and will embrace pressure
5 classic Ireland vs New Zealand encounters ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash
15:37 , Mike Jones
Ireland will take on New Zealand on Saturday evening in a crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
The Irish had to wait 111 years for a first Test victory over the All Blacks but have had the upper hand recently by winning four of the last six meetings.
Here’s a look back at some classic encounters between the teams:
New Zealand 22-32 Ireland (Wellington, 2022)
A week on from a maiden victory over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil – 23-12 in Dunedin – Ireland made more history by wrapping up a stunning series success to climb to the top of the world rankings.
Andy Farrell’s men raced into a 19-point half-time lead in an epic encounter courtesy of tries from Josh van der Flier, Hugo Keenan and Henshaw.
The All Blacks closed to within three points in a frenetic second period before Rob Herring extinguished a Kiwi fightback to seal arguably Ireland’s finest result.
5 classic Ireland vs New Zealand encounters ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash
15:31 , Mike Jones
Ireland will take on New Zealand on Saturday evening in a crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
The Irish had to wait 111 years for a first Test victory over the All Blacks but have had the upper hand recently by winning four of the last six meetings.
Here’s a look back at some classic encounters between the teams:
Ireland 16-9 New Zealand (Dublin, 2018)
Ireland laid down a marker ahead of the 2019 World Cup by beating the All Blacks on home soil for the first time.
Jacob Stockdale’s superb chip-and-gather try decided an absorbing contest between Test rugby’s top two sides.
Fly-half Sexton advanced his claims for the world player of the year award, which he went on to win, with the rest of his nation’s points, while Beauden Barrett’s boot kept the Kiwis in contention.
Steve Hansen’s side may have come off second best but they gained revenge 11 months later on the biggest stage in Tokyo with a thumping 46-14 quarter-final win.
5 classic Ireland vs New Zealand encounters ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash
15:25 , Mike Jones
Ireland will take on New Zealand on Saturday evening in a crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
The Irish had to wait 111 years for a first Test victory over the All Blacks but have had the upper hand recently by winning four of the last six meetings.
Here’s a look back at some classic encounters between the teams:
Ireland 40-29 New Zealand (Chicago, 2016)
Ireland’s class of 2016 produced fireworks at Soldier Field on Bonfire Night to stamp their names into the history books with a landmark first triumph over the All Blacks at the 29th attempt.
Tries from Jordi Murphy, CJ Stander and Conor Murray gave Joe Schmidt’s side a commanding half-time advantage.
Simon Zebo’s score stretched the lead to 30-8 before Robbie Henshaw completed the job after the All Blacks, seeking a 19th straight win, threatened another stunning fightback by closing the gap to just four points.
5 classic Ireland vs New Zealand encounters ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash
15:19 , Mike Jones
Ireland will take on New Zealand on Saturday evening in a crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
The Irish had to wait 111 years for a first Test victory over the All Blacks but have had the upper hand recently by winning four of the last six meetings.
Here’s a look back at some classic encounters between the teams:
Ireland 22-24 New Zealand (Dublin, 2013)
Aaron Cruden completed a remarkable comeback for record-breaking New Zealand by slotting a retaken conversion with the final act of a heartbreaking afternoon for the hosts.
Ireland were moments away from a milestone win after Rob Kearney’s 80-metre dash helped them lead 19-0 inside 18 minutes.
But, with the clock in the 82nd minute, Ryan Crotty’s try levelled matters.
Cruden then silenced a stunned Aviva Stadium by slotting the extras at the second attempt as the All Blacks became the first Test side in the professional era to achieve a 100 per cent record in a calendar year.
5 classic Ireland vs New Zealand encounters ahead of heavyweight World Cup clash
15:13 , Mike Jones
Ireland will take on New Zealand on Saturday evening in a crunch Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Paris.
The Irish had to wait 111 years for a first Test victory over the All Blacks but have had the upper hand recently by winning four of the last six meetings.
Here’s a look back at some classic encounters between the teams:
New Zealand 60-0 Ireland (Hamilton, 2012)
An unforgettable match for all the wrong reasons from an Irish perspective.
A maiden win over the All Blacks seemed a million miles away just over a decade ago following the country’s record defeat on a humiliating evening.
Ruthless New Zealand wrapped up a 3-0 series success with a nine-try demolition of an Ireland team containing current squad members Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray, Keith Earls and Peter O’Mahony.
Present-day Kiwi captain Sam Cane claimed two of the reigning world champions’ scores as Declan Kidney’s men were sent home embarrassed.
Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi emerges as quarter-final doubt after death of father in Cornwall
15:07 , Mike Jones
Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi could feature in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England despite returning to Cornwall after the passing of his father.
Sireli Matavesi, whose three sons have all played the sport professionally, died earlier this week.
He had settled in Cornwall after touring the county with the Fiji Barbarians in 1987, working in a local tin mine and marrying a local woman, Karen.
Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi emerges as quarter-final doubt after death of father
England rewatch Fiji Twickenham defeat to ‘fuel the fire’ for World Cup showdown
15:00 , Mike Jones
England have been watching footage of their calamitous defeat by Fiji in August as a reminder of what not to do in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final.
Fiji stormed Twickenham 30-22 to claim their first ever victory over the red rose in eight meetings and defence coach Kevin Sinfield has been showing clips of the worst moments to the squad ahead of the rematch in Marseille.
To offset memories of the one the nation’s lowest ebbs, Sinfield has also been demonstrating to England how far they have successfully rebuilt come since that grim day.
England rewatch Fiji Twickenham defeat to ‘fuel the fire’ for World Cup showdown
Jamie George sends message to England teammates ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Fiji
14:52 , Mike Jones
Jamie George has urged his England teammates to channel the “emotion” of a pressure occasion as they take on Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
Many of the England squad have been drawing on memories of the knockout period four years ago, when a side then coached by Eddie Jones lifted their level to beat Australia and then New Zealand to reach the final.
George was a key figure in that side and remains of paramount importance to Steve Borthwick, with England’s lack of hooker depth a concern.
Jamie George sends message to England teammates ahead of World Cup quarter-final
Rugby World Cup power rankings: Assessing the quarter-finalists
14:43 , Mike Jones
The Rugby World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage, with the last eight decided on a thrilling final pool stage weekend.
Ireland dashed Scotland’s dreams in Paris as Andy Farrell’s side produced another statement of tournament candidacy, while France and New Zealand took care of business to progress from Pool A.
In the bottom half of the draw, Argentina outlasted Japan to set up a quarter-final against Wales, and Portugal produced the performance of the round to stun Fiji in Toulouse for a first ever World Cup win.
The defeat did not prevent the Pacific Island side progressing, though, with a losing bonus point enough to knock Australia out of the tournament.
How do the eight remaining nations stack up in our power rankings?
Rugby World Cup power rankings: Assessing the quarter-finalists
Will Ireland reach the semi-finals?
14:36 , Mike Jones
Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday night seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
They have reached the last eight stage of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here’s alook at Ireland’s last five quarter-final attempts:
New Zealand 46 Ireland 14 (Tokyo, 2019)
Optimism was high ahead of Ireland’s trip to Japan four years ago. Yet head coach Joe Schmidt endured a torrid farewell as his side were ripped apart by the reigning champions.
The merciless All Blacks ran in seven tries on a punishing evening for their error-strewn opponents. Robbie Henshaw’s score and a penalty try were scant consolation as Ireland suffered their heaviest World Cup loss.
Will Ireland reach the semi-finals?
14:30 , Mike Jones
Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday night seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
They have reached the last eight stage of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here’s alook at Ireland’s last five quarter-final attempts:
Ireland 20-43 Argentina (Cardiff, 2015)
Injury-ravaged Ireland were savaged by the Pumas.
Without influential performers Paul O’Connell, Johnny Sexton, Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien and Jared Payne, the stunned Irish trailed 17-0 inside 13 minutes.
Tries from Luke Fitzgerald and Jordi Murphy cut the deficit to just three points but four-try Argentina emphatically prevented a fight back to claim a famous win.
Will Ireland reach the semi-finals?
14:24 , Mike Jones
Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday night seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
They have reached the last eight stage of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here’s alook at Ireland’s last five quarter-final attempts:
Ireland 10-22 Wales (Wellington, 2011)
Ireland, who suffered pool-stage elimination in 2007, topped Pool C ahead of Australia before crashing out to their Six Nations rivals.
Declan Kidney’s side were level at 10-10 early in the second period after Keith Earls’ try and five points from Ronan O’Gara wiped out Wales’ lead.
But the Irish were second best and had no answer to decisive scores from Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies.
Will Ireland reach the semi-finals?
14:18 , Mike Jones
Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday night seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
They have reached the last eight stage of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here’s alook at Ireland’s last five quarter-final attempts:
France 43-21 Ireland (Melbourne, 2003)
Ireland lost a quarter-final play-off to Argentina in 1999 before suffering more last-eight frustration against France four years later.
Les Bleus initially claimed four unanswered tries before Kevin Maggs’ score and two from Brian O’Driscoll salvaged some pride.
Frederic Michalak also kicked 23 points for the dominant French, who were beaten by eventual champions England in the semi-finals.
Will Ireland reach the semi-finals?
14:12 , Mike Jones
Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday night seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
They have reached the last eight stage of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here’s alook at Ireland’s last five quarter-final attempts:
France 36 -12 Ireland (Durban, 1995)
Following successive last-eight exits to Australia in the first two editions of the tournament, Ireland suffered a similar fate at the hands of France.
Twenty-six points from the boot of Thierry Lacroix, plus tries from Philippe Saint-Andre and Emile Ntamack, did the damage.
Eric Elwood’s four penalties were insufficient for Gerry Murphy’s men.
England ready to embrace being ‘public enemy number one’ to boost Rugby World Cup hopes
14:06 , Mike Jones
England number eight Billy Vunipola stressed that his side are happy to be “public enemy number one” when they take on crowd favourites Fiji on Sunday.
The Pacific Islanders are back in the last eight of the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 16 years, pipping Australia to progress from Pool C despite a defeat to Portugal in Toulouse.
That set up another meeting with a nation that Simon Raiwalui’s side beat for the first time in history two weeks before this tournament began.
England will embrace role as ‘public enemy number one’ against Fiji
England coach defends Owen Farrell selection ahead of Rugby World Cup quarter-final: ‘He’s a winner’
13:59 , Mike Jones
England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth has defended the under-fire Owen Farrell, suggesting that he will have a “massive impact” on their quarter-final against Fiji.
The England captain’s place is under scrutiny ahead of the last eight encounter in Marseille after a lacklustre showing against Samoa in England’s final pool fixture.
Farrell surpassed Jonny Wilkinson as his country’s leading test points scorer in the win, but the reuniting of the Saracen with old playmaking partner George Ford at ten and 12 failed to get England’s attack clicking as hoped.
England coach defends Owen Farrell selection: ‘He’s a winner’
Ireland reveal Mack Hansen and James Lowe fitness as New Zealand team confirmed
13:51 , Mike Jones
Mack Hansen has been included in an unchanged Ireland starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.
Connacht wing Hansen sat out training this week but has seemingly overcome the calf issue suffered in last weekend’s 36-14 victory over Scotland.
Lock James Ryan, who sustained a hand injury against the Scots following his introduction as a replacement, and centre Stuart McCloskey drop out of Andy Farrell’s matchday 23.
Ireland reveal Mack Hansen and James Lowe fitness as New Zealand team confirmed
Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important’ to Ireland World Cup bid
13:43 , Mike Jones
Conor Murray believes New Zealand’s loss is Ireland’s gain as “world-class” trio Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe bid to give their native country serious cause for regret.
Centre Aki, scrum-half Gibson-Park and wing Lowe will face the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup for the first time after being selected to start Saturday’s quarter-final showdown in Paris.
The three New Zealand-born backs qualified for Ireland on residency grounds and have become key performers for Andy Farrell’s side, including helping secure a landmark tour success over the Kiwis last summer.
Conor Murray says New Zealand-born trio ‘so important’ to Ireland World Cup bid
Sexton on winning the World Cup with Ireland
13:36 , Mike Jones
“Trying to win a World Cup, it’s something to go and get, it’s not something that puts pressure on me, it’s something you dream of, probably not as a kid because when we were kids we didn’t dream of Ireland winning the World Cup,” said Johnny Sexton who captains the No. 1 ranked team in the world and has a very realistic chance of realising that dream.
“I suppose we’ve put ourselves in a position now to go and do that but it’s something to go and get, it’s not something to be pressured about.
“I haven’t thought about my career, to be honest, I’ll think about it more when I finish. It’s all geared up towards a massive game on Saturday, a massive challenge for this team, the biggest we’ve faced, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Ireland working on mental game before World Cup quarter-final
13:30 , Mike Jones
Ireland have never progressed past the Rugby World Cup quarter-final stage losing at this juncture in seven of the last nine tournaments.
Johnny Sexton says he and his teammates have been working on the mental side of their game to prepare themselves for Saturday’s big clash.
“We’ve worked on our mental game for the last four years,” he said, “We’ve put ourselves in different scenarios over the last four years to prepare for this.
“But each quarter-final that we haven’t got through, or when we haven’t got through our pool, they’ve all been different and it’s a different group again.
“Each of those groups lost once, it wasn’t the same group losing quarter-finals year after year. If it was club rugby it would probably be a bigger hurdle, but it’s a different group. I don’t think we’re carrying much baggage. It’s a one-off game and we’ve got to prepare for it now.”
Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final hoodoo
13:24 , Mike Jones
In-form Ireland face three-time champions New Zealand seeking to improve their wretched quarter-final record at the Rugby World Cup.
The Irish are through to the last eight of the competition for the eighth time but have never progressed beyond it.
Here, the PA news agency looks back on Ireland’s last five quarter-final matches:
Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final hoodoo
Rugby World Cup talking points ahead of quarter-finals
13:18 , Mike Jones
French flair or Springboks power?
The second of the weekend’s two box-office Paris quarter-finals pits the expectant hosts against the defending champions.
Whoever prevails on Sunday will view it as a huge obstacle overcome in their quest to win the tournament. France will have the backing of a frenzied home support sensing an opportunity for their team to claim the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time.
Les Bleus have not lost on home soil since Scotland defeated them in Paris behind closed doors in a Six Nations match two-and-a-half years ago.
The Springboks – chasing World Cup glory for a fourth time – entered the tournament in scintillating form and began with an impressively comfortable win over Scotland before their momentum was halted slightly by a narrow loss to Ireland in their penultimate pool match.
The contrast of French flair and the ferocious physicality of South Africa promises to deliver an epic contest to conclude the weekend spectacular.
Rugby World Cup talking points ahead of quarter-finals
13:11 , Mike Jones
Pantomime villains England
It will be akin to shooting Bambi if England are to reach the semi-finals due to Fiji’s status as darlings of the World Cup, willed on by neutrals who desire the fairy-tale scenario of a Pacific Islands team progressing into the latter stages of the tournament.
No. 8 Billy Vunipola has acknowledged his side are “public enemy number one”, but points out that historical anti-English sentiment means they are well versed in fighting against popular opinion.
On the favourites’ side is that the vast numbers of red rose fans who have followed their team in France will turn the Stade Velodrome into a home ground. Fiji, after pushing Wales to the limit in their opening match, have struggled to regain such fluency and it could prove a game too far for them.
Rugby World Cup talking points ahead of quarter-finals
13:04 , Mike Jones
In-form Ireland to banish last-eight curse?
Ireland have topped the world rankings for 15 months and are favourites for Saturday’s mouthwatering Paris showdown with three-time world champions New Zealand.
Yet the Irish have never won a World Cup knockout match. Seven times previously they have reached the last eight of the tournament and seven times they have been sent home.
The last of those early exits came at the hands of the formidable All Blacks four years ago. Head coach Andy Farrell has masterminded three wins from four meetings since that 46-14 hammering in Tokyo, including a historic tour triumph on New Zealand soil last summer, and instilled great mental resolve in his players.
His team will equal the record for consecutive Test wins by a tier one nation (18) by banishing Ireland’s quarter-final curse.
However, standing in their way is one of the toughest challenges in world rugby and an All Blacks side intent on revenge.
Rugby World Cup talking points ahead of quarter-finals
12:57 , Mike Jones
Warren Gatland works his magic
After Wales won a solitary game during last season’s Six Nations, any prospect of them becoming World Cup semi-finalists seven months later could have been described as fanciful in the extreme.
But head coach Warren Gatland has come up trumps once again in his second stint at the helm, transforming Wales through an unbeaten four-match run in their pool, collecting 19 points out of a possible 20 and going into Saturday’s clash against the Pumas as firm favourites.
It would be Wales’ third semi-final appearance in the last four World Cup campaigns under Gatland if they get there, and Argentina have their work cut out to stop them, especially given patchy form during the group phase when they qualified as Pool D runners-up behind England.
Andy Farrell pinpoints how Ireland have changed to boost Rugby World Cup hopes
12:50 , Mike Jones
Andy Farrell believes in-form Rugby World Cup hopefuls Ireland rugby were previously plagued by an “inferiority complex”.
Test rugby’s top-ranked nation will bid to make history against New Zealand rugby in Paris on Saturday evening by becoming the first Irish team to progress to the semi-finals of the competition.
Head coach Farrell was assistant to Joe Schmidt when Ireland went into the 2019 tournament as the sport’s number one country only to suffer a humiliating last-eight stuffing at the hands of the formidable All Blacks.
Andy Farrell pinpoints how Ireland have changed to boost World Cup hopes
Andy Farrell on reaching knockout rounds
12:42 , Mike Jones
When asked if the mood in the Irish camp was different now that the World Cup had entered the knock-out stages, head coach Andy Farrell countered by noting:
“Well, we was in it last week, so it’s the same mood, it’s the big boys stuff.
“It’s the business end of the competition and when you get to those points within a competition then you draw hopefully on good experiences that you’ve had and the experiences that we’ve put ourselves under in the last three or four years were for moments like this.”
Ireland reveal Mack Hansen and James Lowe fitness as New Zealand team confirmed
12:36 , Mike Jones
Mack Hansen has been included in an unchanged Ireland starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.
Connacht wing Hansen sat out training this week but has seemingly overcome the calf issue suffered in last weekend’s 36-14 victory over Scotland.
Lock James Ryan, who sustained a hand injury against the Scots following his introduction as a replacement, and centre Stuart McCloskey drop out of Andy Farrell’s matchday 23.
Ireland reveal Mack Hansen and James Lowe fitness as New Zealand team confirmed
Ireland’s starting XV for quarter-final versus New Zealand
12:30 , Mike Jones
Ireland start XV: 15-Hugo Keenan, 14-Mack Hansen, 13-Garry Ringrose, 12-Bundee Aki, 11-James Lowe, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9- Jamison Gibson-Park; 1-Andrew Porter, 2-Dan Sheehan, 3-Tadhg Furlong, 4-Tadhg Beirne, 5-Iain Henderson, 6-Peter O’Mahony, 7-Josh van der Flier, 8-Caelan Doris.
Replacements: 16-Ronan Kelleher, 17-David Kilcoyne, 18- Finlay Bealham, 19-Joe McCarthy, 20-Jack Conan, 21-Conor Murray, 22-Jack Crowley, 23-Jimmy O’Brien.
Memorable meetings between Wales and Argentina
12:24 , Mike Jones
Wales and Argentina will face each other in a first Rugby World Cup clash since 1999 on Saturday, here’s a look back at five memorable meetings between the teams:
Argentina 12 Wales 30 (Resistencia, 2018)
Wales’ first series win in Argentina for 19 years was achieved on the back of Rhys Patchell’s outstanding goal-kicking – he landed 20 points – and tries by backs Josh Adams and Hallam Amos.
No. 8 Ross Moriarty was sent off late in the game, but Wales had already done enough to claim a notable triumph. It concluded a tour that had earlier seen them beat South Africa in Washington DC.
Memorable meetings between Wales and Argentina
12:18 , Mike Jones
Wales and Argentina will face each other in a first Rugby World Cup clash since 1999 on Saturday, here’s a look back at five memorable meetings between the teams:
Wales 40 Argentina 6 (Cardiff, 2013)
Wales emphatically ended a run of home defeats in the autumn internationals by posting what remains a record win against Argentina.
The tone was set by scrum-half Mike Phillips’ fine solo try after he broke clear from inside his own half and a dominant display also saw George North, Taulupe Faetau and Ken Owens touch down.
Leigh Halfpenny booted 20 points on a day that saw prop Gethin Jenkins become the fourth Welshman to win 100 caps.
Memorable meetings between Wales and Argentina
12:12 , Mike Jones
Wales and Argentina will face each other in a first Rugby World Cup clash since 1999 on Saturday, here’s a look back at five memorable meetings between the teams:
Argentina 20 Wales 35 (Buenos Aires, 2004)
Wales claimed a first away win against any opponent for three years as they recovered impressively from losing the first Test 50-44 in Tucuman seven days earlier.
Mike Ruddock’s team led by 25 points at the interval following Shane Williams’ memorable hat-trick of tries and they then had to hold off a fierce Pumas fightback.
Gavin Henson, playing at full-back, kicked 15 points and fly-half Nicky Robinson also touched down.
Memorable meetings between Wales and Argentina
12:06 , Mike Jones
Wales and Argentina will face each other in a first Rugby World Cup clash since 1999 on Saturday, here’s a look back at five memorable meetings between the teams:
Argentina 16 Wales 23 (Buenos Aires, 1999)
Wales clinched a first Test series triumph against the Pumas in Argentina by ultimately holding their nerve during a game mainly remembered for a mass brawl.
The melee spilled over the touchline and into the dug-out area, with English referee Chris White issuing yellow cards to Wales prop Peter Rogers, plus Argentina forwards Mauricio Reggiardo and Pedro Sporleder.
Hooker Garin Jenkins’ try and five Neil Jenkins penalties and a drop goal proved enough.
Memorable meetings between Wales and Argentina
12:00 , Mike Jones
Wales and Argentina will face each other in a first Rugby World Cup clash since 1999 on Saturday, here’s a look back at five memorable meetings between the teams:
Wales 43 Argentina 30 (Llanelli, 1998)
Graham Henry’s second game in charge as Wales head coach produced a high-scoring spectacle at Stradey Park.
Fly-half Neil Jenkins contributed 23 points and there were tries for Colin Charvis (two), Dafydd James and Mark Taylor.
Argentina, playing only their second full international match against Wales following a World Cup pool game eight years earlier, trailed 26-25 at the interval before Henry’s team had enough in the tank to see themselves home.
Eddie Jones expected to quit Australia and ‘return to Japan’ after World Cup
11:50 , Mike Jones
Eddie Jones is set to seal a return to Japan, a report has claimed, as speculation intensifies over the Wallabies coach’s future.
The veteran coach returned to Australia at the start of 2023 but has endured a difficult start to his second stint in charge, culminating in a first-ever pool stage exit from a men’s Rugby World Cup.
A young Wallabies squad were beaten by Fiji and Wales in Pool D, with the Pacific Islanders’ losing bonus point against Portugal on Sunday sufficient to seal an early departure for Jones’s side.
Eddie Jones expected to quit Australia and ‘return to Japan’ after World Cup
Early England team news
11:43 , Mike Jones
Reports are coming out claiming that England captain Owen Farrell will be moved to fly-half to face Fiji meaning George Ford will be dropped from the starting lineup, despite his impressive World Cup performances so far.
Freddie Steward is also expected to come out of the team, with Marcus Smith handed another opportunity at full-back.
Wales star Jac Morgan hailed as a ‘hybrid’ of Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric
11:38 , Mike Jones
Jac Morgan has received a ringing endorsement of his all-round quality as he prepares for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final appointment with Argentina.
Wales co-captain Morgan is expected to skipper the side, as he did for critical pool-stage victories over Fiji and Australia, against the Pumas in Marseille.
The Ospreys forward has arguably been Wales’ outstanding player of the tournament and it has earned him acclaim after displaying similar attributes to former back-row stars Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric.
Wales star Jac Morgan hailed as a ‘hybrid’ of Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric
Argentina target key areas to beat Wales
11:33 , Mike Jones
Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe also spoke about how Argentina have improved through the tournament and what he is expecting from the match-up against Wales saying:
“We have to play an intense kicking game, and when given the opportunity have a firing attack. It sounds simple but this requires a lot of work. The team is very clear about the game-plan and we have to continue along that path.
“All games are now finals. It’s a game of pressure, we’ll have to do all simple things well. Wales is going to come to try and do their thing, exert that pressure on to us.
“They are very identified with Warren Gatland’s philosophy of putting pressure to the opposition and being a combative team but if it had been another team, it would be the same thing, doing simple things well with as much consistency as possible.”
Argentina target key areas to beat Wales
11:28 , Mike Jones
Argentina assistant coach Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe has outlined where Argentina can hurt Wales in this Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final
“The team has been growing since game one. We have been getting better on each match, we’ve added more intensity and other details too.” he said,
“The things that we wanted to correct of the match with England were done with Samoa, things that didn’t work with Samoa did against Chile, and details from the game with Chile were better executed against Japan.
“This team has already played four finals in this World Cup. It all starts with the front row, the breakdown, the defence, how clinical you are with your foot and then, the attack.
“We must be good in the breakdown, which is where the Welsh focus on, defending with a lot of pressure and firmness.
Wales’ last 5 World Cup quarter-final results as Warren Gatland’s side gear up to face Pumas
11:23 , Mike Jones
Wales will contest their seventh Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they take on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday. Here’s a look back on their last five quarter-final results:
Wales 20 France 19 (Oita, 2019)
Wales needed a late Ross Moriarty try to subdue France after fighting back from 19-10 adrift at half-time.
Les Bleus had lock Sebastien Vahaamahina sent off early in the second period following an elbow on Aaron Wainwright, and it proved decisive as Moriarty’s score followed an earlier Wainwright touchdown, while Biggar kicked two penalties and two conversions.
Wales booked a last-four appointment with South Africa in Yokohama.
Wales’ last 5 World Cup quarter-final results as Warren Gatland’s side gear up to face Pumas
11:17 , Mike Jones
Wales will contest their seventh Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they take on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday. Here’s a look back on their last five quarter-final results:
Wales 19 South Africa 23 (Twickenham, 2015)
Wales’ World Cup journey ended at Twickenham, but not before they stood toe to toe with South Africa’s revered pack throughout an enthralling contest.
Springboks scrum-half Fourie du Preez’s 75th-minute try finally broke Welsh resistance, halting a campaign that had seen Wales progress from a tough pool that also included England and Australia.
Scrum-half Gareth Davies scored a try, with Dan Biggar kicking 14 points.
Wales’ last 5 World Cup quarter-final results as Warren Gatland’s side gear up to face Pumas
11:11 , Mike Jones
Wales will contest their seventh Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they take on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday. Here’s a look back on their last five quarter-final results:
Wales 22 Ireland 10 (Wellington, 2011)
Wales secured a first World Cup semi-final spot for 24 years after producing a dominant display against Ireland in Wellington.
Wales never looked seriously troubled as they triumphed on the back of tries from Shane Williams, Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies.
Although they won their pool, Ireland were no match for a Wales team that went on to lose against semi-final opponents France after skipper Sam Warburton was sent off.
Wales’ last 5 World Cup quarter-final results as Warren Gatland’s side gear up to face Pumas
11:05 , Mike Jones
Wales will contest their seventh Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they take on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday. Here’s a look back on their last five quarter-final results:
England 28 Wales 17 (Brisbane, 2003)
England were given a major fright on their way to winning the World Cup as Wales provided fierce opposition in Brisbane.
Tries by Stephen Jones – he rounded off a brilliant length-of-the-field move – Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams underpinned Wales’ display, and England had to dig deep before prevailing on the back of 23 points from Jonny Wilkinson and a Will Greenwood touchdown.
Having also tested New Zealand in their final pool game, Wales flew home with heads held high.
Wales’ last 5 World Cup quarter-final results as Warren Gatland’s side gear up to face Pumas
10:59 , Mike Jones
Wales will contest their seventh Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they take on Argentina in Marseille on Saturday. Here’s a look back on their last five quarter-final results starting with:
Wales 9 Australia 24 (Cardiff, 1999)
Wales made Australia work for victory in a rain-swept Cardiff, but three Neil Jenkins penalties proved their only scoreboard rewards as the Wallabies marched on.
Two George Gregan tries and a Ben Tune touchdown reflected the attacking quality of Australia’s backs, even in such testing conditions, and the Wallabies went on to be crowned world champions for a second time by demolishing France 35-12 two weeks later.
Wales vs Argentina
10:54 , Mike Jones
“Wales is going to come to try and do their thing, exert that pressure on to us,” Argentina assistant coach Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe said.
“They are very identified with Warren Gatland’s philosophy of putting pressure to the opposition and being a combative team.
“We have to play an intense kicking game, and when given the opportunity have a firing attack. It sounds simple but this requires a lot of work.”
Warren Gatland names Wales team to face Argentina with Taulupe Faletau’s replacement confirmed
10:50 , Mike Jones
Tommy Reffell will start for Wales in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina with head coach Warren Gatland opting for two specialist openside flankers in the absence of the injured Taulupe Faletau.
Reffell joins captain Jac Morgan on the flank, with Aaron Wainwright shifting to number eight after Faletau’s tournament was ended by a broken arm.
Fly half Dan Biggar has been passed fit to start at fly half and returns having overcome the pecoral muscle issue suffered early in Wales’ win over Australia.
Wales name team to face Argentina with Faletau’s replacement confirmed
Jamie Roberts on Wales’ recent World Cup success
10:46 , Mike Jones
“I watch Wales now and they have their DNA back,” said former Wales centre Jamie Roberts said on the Official Rugby World Cup 2023 podcast.
“They have some wonderful players but they are playing together, with a purpose, that pressure game. They are up there with the top sides in the world with how they pressure sides.”
Wales vs Argentina
10:42 , Mike Jones
Of the eight quarter-finalists at the Rugby World Cup 2023, the team with the best scrum success is Wales (98%), while traditional set-piece powerhouse Argentina have the worst (80%).
Argentina, meanwhile, play with the quickest ruck speed at 3.37s, while Wales sit in last place with an average ruck speed of 5.11s.
Wales have kicked the ball away a lot as well; an average of 30.8 kicks in play per game putting them second only behind England.
Gatland explains his team selection
10:37 , Mike Jones
Warren Gatland said: “We had a goal of making the quarter-finals which we have achieved. Now it’s about building on that momentum.
“It’s exciting to enter into the knock-out stages of the tournament and we are ready for the challenge of a quarter-final. All our preparation has been geared to getting to this spot and we’re very much relishing the opportunity.
“We’re expecting another tough encounter this weekend against a physical Argentina side. We haven’t had the perfect performance yet, but we have shown that we are a hard team to beat.
“There is a lot more growth in this squad – collectively and individually – and we can’t wait to get out there in Marseille on Saturday.”
Warren Gatland announces Wales’ starting XV for quarter-final
10:32 , Mike Jones
Jac Morgan captains the side at blindside flanker and is joined in the back row by openside flanker Tommy Reffell and No.8 Aaron Wainwright.
Ryan Elias is named at hooker alongside props Gareth Thomas (loose-head) and Tomas Francis (tight-head).
Adam Beard partners Will Rowlands in the second row and Dan Biggar returns at fly-half with Gareth Davies at scrum-half.
Nick Tompkins and George North continue their centre partnership with Liam Williams named at full-back while Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit are on the wings.
Warren Gatland announces Wales’ starting XV for quarter-final
10:28 , Mike Jones
Lots to unpick with Warren Gatland’s team selection but the head coach has made six changes to the starting line-up that faced Georgia last time out.
Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Ryan Elias, Adam Beard and Jac Morgan are all included with Rio Dyer, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Dewi Lake, Dafydd Jenkins and Taulupe Faletau dropping out.
Lake, Jenkins, Williams and Dyer make the bench but Anscombe isn’t fit enough to feature and Faletau is out of the tournament with a broken arm.
Warren Gatland announces Wales’ starting XV for quarter-final
10:19 , Mike Jones
Wales starting XV: 15. Liam Williams, 14. Louis Rees Zammit, 13. George North, 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Josh Adams, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Gareth Davies; 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Ryan Elias, 3. Tomas Francis, 4. Will Rowlands, 5. Adam Beard, 6. Jac Morgan, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: 16. Dewi Lake, 17. Corey Domachowski, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Christ Tshiunza, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Sam Costelow, 23. Rio Dyer
When and where is Wales’ Rugby World Cup quarter-final?
10:12 , Mike Jones
Wales will take on Argentina on Saturday 14 October and the game kicks off at 4pm BST.
It is being held at the Stade de Marseille which has a capacity of 67,847. The stadium is home to Marseille football club and has hosted matches during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, when it staged two quarter-finals, as well as the 1938 and 1998 football World Cup finals.
France have played 13 rugby Tests at the venue and it also hosted the 2022 Champions Cup final.
Referees assigned for Rugby World Cup quarter-finals - including England’s record-breaking official
10:08 , Mike Jones
England’s Wayne Barnes will referee a record fourth Rugby World Cup quarter-final after the match official appointments for the last eight fixtures were confirmed.
Barnes, the most capped international referee in history, will take charge of Ireland vs New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday, taking him clear of Nigel Owens, Jim Fleming and Derek Bevan.
Jaco Peyper, of South Africa, will make a second quarter-final appearance having been appointed to oversee the first last eight tie between Wales and Argentina in Marseille.
France’s Mathieu Raynal and New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe, meanwhile, will take charge of their first World Cup quarter-finals.
Referees assigned for RWC quarters - including England’s record-breaking official
Hardy called into Wales squad
10:04 , Mike Jones
Head coach Warren Gatland has already confirmed that scrum-half Kieran Hardy has been called into the Wales squad after Taulupe Faletau broke his arm and is out of the Rugby World Cup.
Faletau was injured during the Georgia win, with Gatland choosing to replace him in the squad with Hardy rather than a specialist back row.
Gatland has enough options to cover the loss of Faletau, while Hardy will provide back-up to the two scrum-half specialists, Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies.
“Kieran [Hardy] was a big part of our group in the 54-man squad in the camps. We’ve been keeping tabs on players on the shortlist, making sure they’re ready to go,” said Head of Physical Performance Huw Bennett on Monday.
“Kieran’s a great professional so on that basis we’re happy to see him coming into the group, and he’s got a great relationship with the players as well.
“It’s been well-documented [that] losing Taulupe is massive for Wales. He’s a big character and leads by example. After the game we were happy for the victory but losing Taulupe put a sobering stamp on things.
“We’ve been lucky so far with injuries but sadly it happens. We’ve got to just move on. We’re fortunate we feel our strength in depth is strong but it’s a sad loss. We wish him all the best and hope to see him again.”
Thomas on Anscombe and whether Wales’ injury doubts will be ready for Argentina
09:59 , Mike Jones
Jonathan Thomas was also asked what training Gareth Anscombe could do and whether he could kick which was not confirmed by the assistant coach.
“I saw him jogging around on the pitch along with Liam [Williams],” said Thomas. “He’s at that stage where the first 48 hours after you have a knock are important in terms of assessing it and seeing if the inflammation will go down. The medics have a better understanding once that has happened.”
Thomas added: “Now that’s not me committing to saying they’ll [Anscombe and Williams] definitely be available. It’s an ongoing thing and it’ll evolve every day, seeing how much they’re able to do.
“What I can confirm is they were both running around with the medics, doing some return to running. They will try [and] progress that each day. All of those players that are injury risks are in the running. The door is not closed on any of them.”
Wales’ mounting injury list
09:51 , Mike Jones
Wales have been boosted ahead of their quarter-final against Argentina with fly-half Dan Biggar available for selection. Fellow injury doubts Gareth Anscombe and Liam Williams haven’t yet been ruled for the match on Saturday in Marseille either.
Assistant coach Jonathan Thomas confirmed that Wales had a fully fit squad at a press conference on Tuesday adding that Anscombe and Williams had been jogging in training and would be assessed before the team is announced this morning.
Anscombe suffered a groin injury while kicking in the warm-up before Wales’ 43-19 victory against Georgia with Biggar coming on to the bench where he was an unused replacement last weekend.
“All of those said injured players are at this stage, looking positive,” said Thomas. “We’ll make that call closer to the end of the week. It’s probably not as bad as first feared when that happened pre-game to Gareth, and Liam in the game. They’re recovering, it’s quite positive, but we’ll see.
“The crutches makes it look worse for Liam. It’s just trying to offload any pressure. It doesn’t mean he’s done anything severe. He was jogging about today with the medics. It’s pretty positive.”
Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’ against New Zealand at Rugby World Cup, says Sexton
09:47 , Mike Jones
Johnny Sexton says Ireland are braced for the “toughest game we’ve ever faced” ahead of a mouthwatering Rugby World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand in Paris.
The world’s top-ranked nation are seeking an 18th consecutive win on Saturday evening (14th October) to reach the last four of the tournament for the first time.
Ireland ready for ‘toughest game ever faced’ against New Zealand, says Sexton
Rugby World Cup news live
09:43 , Mike Jones
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup. The action continues this weekend with all four quarter-final fixtures.
Wales kick off proceedings when they take on Argentina on Saturday afternoon before a blockbuster clash between Ireland and New Zealand in the evening.
On Sunday, England are back in action looking to avenge their defeat to Fiji earlier this year by knocking the Pacific Islanders out of the tournament before World Cup hosts France attempt to defeat the trophy holders South Africa.
Today, Wales will be announcing their starting XV for the quarter-final and we’ll have all the latest updates for the the tournament throughout the day.
