Portugal winger Vincent Pinto has been banned for two games for kicking Wales’s Josh Adams in the head while jumping to catch a high ball in a World Cup match in Nice last weekend.

Namibia have made nine changes to their starting XV for the Rugby World Cup Pool A clash with hosts France in Marseille on Thursday as coach Allister Coetzee looks to give his wider squad a taste of the tournament in this “special occasion”.

Italy’s first objective at this Rugby World Cup is to win their opening two games, and after disposing of Namibia, winning 52-8, they now face a Uruguay side who should not be underestimated.

The rugby journey of Flying Fijians fullback Ilaisa Droasese commenced at a young age, fueled by his unwavering passion, which ultimately paved the way for his rise to stardom.

The influence of Reverend Joji Rinakama has brought about a significant shift in the mindset of the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup.

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are now ranked eighth in the world after the 22-15 win over Australia in the Rugby World Cup yesterday.

Nadroga has another tough encounter this week as they face Suva in the Inkk Farebrother Trophy challenge.

When Italy line up to face Uruguay on Wednesday, and the national anthem rings out around the Stade de Nice, the opening words will have a special meaning for four members of the team.

South Africa will not rule out a 7-1 split between forwards and backs on their bench for the highly anticipated World Cup clash with Ireland, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said as he confirmed flyhalf Handre Pollard will not play.

Uruguay have made two changes to their side for their second Rugby World Cup Pool A clash against Italy in Nice on Wednesday, largely sticking to the team that won praise following a brave performance in their opener against France.

Namibia centre Le Roux Malan said the ankle fracture and dislocation he suffered during their 71-3 loss to New Zealand at the World Cup was not as bad as initially feared but will still sideline him for up to six months.

All Blacks prop Ethan De Groot has been banned for New Zealand’s last two World Cup pool matches after failing to convince the judiciary that his foul play in last week’s win over Namibia did not meet the red card threshold.