Rugby World Cup 2007

South African Springbok forward Pierre-Spies has been ruled out of this years World Cup.

The announcement comes today after the team doctor Yusuf Hassan said Spies should not play any contact sport for at least six to eight months.

Spies has been diagnosed with an heredity lung illness and was pleased that it was picked up so early. He will still undergo further tests to find the true source of his problem.

This is big news all round for the Springboks, but news of youngster Bismarck du Plessis taking his place has been rumored out of the Springbok camp.

Australian selectors yesterday revealed the 30 man squad which will represent the wallabies at the World Cup France 2007 starting on the 7th of September.

Coach John Connolly assigned Stirling Mortlock to captain the side. The team consists of 14 players who have previous World Cup experience. The team is currently ranked 2nd in the world according to IRB rankings.

The Line-Up is:
Backs: Chris Latham, Julian Huxley, Lote Tuqiri, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Mark Gerrard, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Scott Staniforth, Stephen Larkham, Berrick Barnes, George Gregan (vc), Sam Cordingley.

Fowards: David Lyons, Wycliff Palu, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith, Phil Waugh (vc), Hugh McMeniman, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Mark Chisholm, Al Baxter, Greg Holmes, Matt Dunning, Guy Shepherdson, Adam Freier, Stephen Moore, Sean Hardman.

For a full profile of the Wallabies click here

New Zealand coach Graham Henry named a 29-Man For the World Cup leaving one spot open.

The announcement comes as a result of the injury of All blacks prop Greg Somerville who now has 3 weeks to recover.

The final deadline for the 30 man squad is the 14th of August.

Richie McCaw retains his spot as captain of the number 1 team in the world and currently the favourites to win the World Cup in September.

The Line-Up is:
Backs: Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Nick Evans, Byron Kelleher, Andrew Ellis, Brendon Leonard.

Forwards: Rodney So’oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Reuben Thorne, Sione Lauaki, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.

For a full profile of the All Blacks click here

On Saturday the 21st of July 2007 Jake White announced his 30 man team that would represent the Springboks at this years Rugby World Cup in France.

This announcement makes South Africa the first out big team to announce their 30 man squad. With Australia and New Zealand expected to announce their sides later today.

The Line-up is:
Backs: Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Ricky January, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Andre Pretorius, Francois Steyn, Ashwin Willemse.

Forwards: Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Gary Botha, Schalk Burger, Os du Randt, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, Danie Rossouw, Bob Skinstad, John Smit (captain), Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthro Steenkamp, Albert van den Berg, CJ van der Linde, Wikus van Heerden.

For a full profile of the Springboks click here