New Zealand's World Cup defence entered its final stage of preparations as Steve Hansen's side got to work at their tournament base on the River Thames in Teddington, Middlesex, on Tuesday. After no shortage of smiling for cameras and wearing out their writing hands with autographs in recent days, the All Blacks have settled into the luxury resort The Lensbury for the serious business of getting ready for their opening pool C match against Argentina on Sunday. There was plenty of laughter and play-fighting among the superstar squad during the warm-up before coach Hansen's men put their game faces on for the push to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups. ...read
LATEST RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 NEWS PLUS FIXTURES AND RESULTS
Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets: How you can still catch England, Wales, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland and New Zealand at RWC
RWC 2015 organisers are celebrating record ticket sales for the tournament, but with just three sleeps until England's opener against Fiji there are still seats available to see all the top teams in action.
French moaners say Croydon is both sad and dull... so Sportsmail's Jonathan McEvoy set off to discover South London's charms
JONATHAN MCEVOY: Having never troubled to travel from Fulham to central Croydon in all the years I've lived in London, I make an unlikely spokesman for the town's charms.
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne hoping to take Rugby World Cup chance after Scotland call-up
Aged just 22, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne is already fulfilling a lifelong dream as he heads to the Rugby World Cup as part of Vern Cotter’s Scotland squad.
Crocked Halfpenny insists Gatland shoulders no blame for knee injury that ended his World Cup dream
Leigh Halfpenny had knee reconstruction surgery on Tuesday night, just hours after absolving Wales coach Warren Gatland of any blame for the injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.
Standing on stage with Take That brought home the magnitude of the Rugby World Cup, admits England prop Joe Marler
Joe Marler insists the moment he stood on stage alongside Take That crystallised the realisation that the home World Cup had finally arrived. The squad were on stage at the O2 last Wednesday.
Wales prop Aaron Jarvis happy to play emergency hooker role at Rugby World Cup
Wales prop Aaron Jarvis is comfortable with the situation if he needs to be called upon as a World Cup emergency hooker.
Wales can thrive off their underdog status, insists head coach Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland believes the injuries to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb can be turned into a positive. Wing legend Shane Williams claims the nation is already ‘in mourning’.
Rugby World Cup diary: New Zealand have employed two plastic coyotes to help at training as they bid to retain trophy
Sportsmail's Nik Simon provides his latest diary entry ahead of the Rugby World Cup - which kicks off on Friday when England host Fiji at Twickenham.
England No 10 George Ford is a superstar in waiting who insists he is 'a little bit different' to World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY JONATHAN McEVOY: All great sporting stories need a superstar. And, if England could win the World Cup, that man is more likely to be George Ford than anyone else.
World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio urges England pack to follow relentless example set by captain Chris Robshaw
England have been warned that they will have to break a recurring cycle of only peaking in ‘short bursts’, if they are to fulfil their quest to win the World Cup.
Danny Cipriani, Leigh Halfpenny, Israel Dagg... who are the stars missing from Rugby World Cup 2015?
Sportsmail picks a XV of those who won't be at the World Cup - with enough talent in this team to challenge any side at the competition.
Wales star Thomas forced to retire after suffering epilepsy blamed on head traumas suffered in matches
Wales international Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire from rugby. The 32 year old was diagnosed with epilepsy last year 'which is thought to be from multiple head traumas'.
Ireland back-row forward Peter O'Mahony not intimidated by Canada's Jamie Cudmore
Peter O'Mahony has vowed Ireland will not let Canada enforcer Jamie Cudmore turn Saturday's World Cup opener into a series of sideshow skirmishes.
Ireland hooker Rory Best ready for Rugby World Cup lift-off despite reduced playing time in warm-up matches
Rory Best has declared himself ready for World Cup lift-off on Saturday despite his reduced playing time during Ireland’s warm-up series.
Japan Rugby World Cup 2015 preview: How the Brave Blossoms are catching up with the pack before they play hosts in 2019
MICHAEL GADD: When South Africa face Japan in Brighton for their World Cup opener, Heyneke Meyer's men will know the only Asian side here won't be the push overs they once were.
Canada coach Kieran Crowley plays down giant killing talk ahead of 2015 Rugby World Cup opener against Ireland
Kieran Crowley has dismissed the notion that Canada could upset Six Nations champions Ireland in their World Cup opener, telling his squad to target third place and future qualification.
Courtney Lawes aims to ride the early storm against Fiji in Rugby World Cup opener
Courtney Lawes insists England are braced to survive an early onslaught from Fiji out of the expectation they will be vulnerable when Friday's World Cup opener nears its conclusion.
England fans can have their own messages of support projected onto The O2 roof as World Cup opener against Fiji edges closer
With the Rugby World Cup kicking off at Twickenham on Friday, fans have been given the opportunity to rally the England troops - and have their messages projected onto the roof of The O2.
France soak up the history as Philippe Saint-Andre's team are welcomed in London ahead of Rugby World Cup opener with Italy
The France rugby squad were officially welcomed to the World Cup on Monday night. Led by coach Philippe Saint-Andre, the players revelled in their surroundings at the Old Naval College.
Warren Gatland believes Ross Moriarty brings X Factor to Wales' World Cup squad
Wales head coach Warren Gatland believes Ross Moriarty will bring an X factor quality to his World Cup squad after he replaced the injured Ospreys wing Eli Walker on Monday.
Vern Cotter unfazed by Japan coach's dig but Scotland boss can't hide his upset at untimely loss of Stuart McInally
Sticks and stones from Eddie Jones? Not likely to put so much as a dent in the hardened armour of Vern Cotter, a man with more seriously painful issues to cope with at the moment.
USA Rugby World Cup 2015 preview: Eagles are world rugby's sleeping giants with a rich talent pool starting to find their potential
RORY KEANE: When the US Eagles ran out onto Soldier Field to take on the All Blacks in Chicago last November, it was a seismic moment for rugby in the land of the free.
Leigh Halfpenny doubt for Six Nations as he has knee surgery in London after being ruled out of 2015 Rugby World Cup
CHRIS FOY: Leigh Halfpenny is undergoing knee reconstruction surgery at the Cromwell Hospital in London on Tuesday afternoon and he fears that he may miss the Six Nations as well.
France stars kept awake by rowdy wedding party at Croydon hotel in blow to 2015 Rugby World Cup preparations
France's World Cup preparations hit an unlikely speed bump in the shape of a Croydon wedding party. Giant prop Uini Atonio has revealed how the noise spoiled his first night's sleep.
SAM WARBURTON: I will not be defined by red card for Wales against France in 2011
Sam Warburton has accepted the 'what if?' question will haunt him until the day he dies. 'I'll be doing a Q&A session when I'm 60 and someone will ask me about that red card,' he says.
Ireland prop Cian Healy recovers from neck surgery in time to make 2015 Rugby World Cup opener against Canada
Ireland have received a significant World Cup boost with prop Cian Healy passed fit to start after neck surgery. Conor Murray has also been passed fit , along with Rob Kearney.
Rugby World Cup referee Nigel Owens tells others it's 'safe' to come out after announcing in 2007 that he is gay
Rugby World Cup referee Nigel Owens has told others within the sport that it is 'safe' to come out after revealing in 2007 that he was gay. Owens is one of 12 officials taking charge at the tournament.
COMPETITION: Win two tickets to see England play Fiji in the Rugby World Cup 2015, courtesy of Dove Men+Care
MailOnline and Dove Men+Care, an Official Supplier of The Tournament, are offering you the chance to win two premium tickets for you and a friend to watch England take on Fiji.
Stuart Lancaster rallies England troops as head coach attempts to instil belief in squad ahead of Rugby World Cup opener
Stuart Lancaster called his England squad together on Sunday night for a powerful presentation designed to propel them towards an emotional peak at the start of their home World Cup.
Sam Burgess denies rumours of return to rugby league as England star gears up for Rugby World Cup opener with Fiji
Sam Burgess has firmly denied reports that he intends to return to rugby-league after the World Cup - stating there is 'no truth' to rumours his stint in union will be a brief one
Stuart Lancaster had hard decision to make between Ben Morgan and Billy Vunipola but it makes sense to pick winning team again
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: The phony war is now over. The dress rehearsal and final warm-up game against Ireland went well and I wasn’t expecting any major changes against Fiji.
Kevin Bryce stunned after hooker handed World Cup reprieve by Stuart McInally injury
Kevin Bryce has spoken of his pride after his shock World Cup call-up to the Scotland squad. The Glasgow Warriors hooker has been brought in as a replacement for injured Stuart McInally.
Gloucester flanker Ross Moriarty brought into the Wales Rugby World Cup squad after Eli Walker withdraws with hamstring injury
Wales have called up Gloucester flanker Ross Moriarty to replace winger Eli Walker in their World Cup squad. Walker suffered a hamstring injury prompting Warren Gatland to make the call-up.
Stuart Lancaster names unchanged starting XV for Fiji World Cup opener as Sam Burgess is selected among replacements... and tells his players to prepare for emotional and physical challenge
Sam Burgess is named on the bench following two highly physical contributions in England’s warm-up matches while right winger Anthony Watson is charged with marking Nemami Nadolo.
Lee Dickson named Northampton Saints captain in another blow to Dylan Hartley after head-butt cost him World Cup place
Lee Dickson has been named Northampton Saints captain, replacing Dylan Hartley in another blow to the England hooker whose latest ban ended his World Cup hopes.
New thrilling film ‘Building Jerusalem' revisits momentous journey the England World Cup-winning squad went on
EDGE OF THE BOX: A new DVD release, ‘Building Jerusalem’, tells the story of how England emerged into the new era of professional rugby, and within a few years came out as world champions.
South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard says winning the Rugby World Cup is only focus
Handre Pollard has vowed South Africa will unite under the common cause of World Cup glory, despite political wrangling over their very presence at the tournament after they arrived in England.
Jonny May and Alex Corbisiero create their own Zizzi pizzas to raise money for Cancer Research UK ahead of Rugby World Cup
With England Rugby's Jonny May and Alex Corbisiero eagerly awaiting the first match of their home World Cup against Fiji on Friday, they have taken some time off to do their bit for charity.
Rugby World Cup 2015: While the heavyweights battle it out... here's why you should adopt a minnow for the pool stages
The likes of Uruguay, Romania, Canada and Namibia are expected to be cannon fodder for the Tier 1 nations, but the tournament minnows still have an important role to play at the World Cup.
Rugby World Cup news
STARS OF SPORT
- MailOnline Fantasy Football is back... and you can pick Euro stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to boost your Premier League side
- Twitter mocks Ramos for dive during easy win over Shakhtar Real Madrid ran riot, but Sergio Ramos' ludicrous dive caught the eye of internet wags also
- Pogba wins tussle against veteran Yaya MIKE KEEGAN: All that was missing, as Yaya Toure took on Paul Pogba, was the booming tones of Michael Buffer
- Memphis enjoys home comforts on PSV return JOE BERNSTEIN: Memphis Depay enjoyed a return to familiar territory to help kick-start his United career
- Why George Ford will never be a robot EXCLUSIVE BY JONATHAN McEVOY: England's superstar is more likely to be George Ford than anyone else
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Buffon returns to his very best to deny City IAN LADYMAN: Gianluigi Buffon returned to his very best form for the Serie A champions as the Italians triumphed
- Real 4-0 Shakhtar PETE JENSON: Cristiano Ronaldo made it eight goals in four days as Real Madrid won, but lost the injured Gareth Bale in the process
- PSG 2-0 Malmo Angel di Maria opened his account in style and Zlatan Ibrahimovic set up Edinson Cavani with a touch of brilliance for the other in PSG's win
- Neymar and Barcelona touch down in Italy for Euro opener with Roma Neymar and his Barcelona team-mates touched down in Italy for their game with Roma
- Berahino puts transfer saga behind him as wantaway star poses for West Brom portrait Berahino tried to force a move away from West Brom this summer
- Bellew stars in new film 'Creed' with Stallone back as Rocky Balboa Tony Bellew is to make his Hollywood debut alongside Sylvester Stallone in this new film
- Passing on knowledge: Henry takes charge of Arsenal U19s training Arsenal legend Thierry Henry led a training session alongside youth coach Ryan Garry
- US Open champion Djokovic admits to being inspired by blockbuster movie 300 Novak Djokovic summoned some cinematic inspiration
- McCaw's All Blacks get down to business at luxury base ahead of World Cup defence New Zealand will begin their campaign against Argentina on Sunday
- New boy Martial heads for popular spot Wings with wife Samantha £58m new boy Anthony Martial has continued to settle into Manchester life with a trip to Wings
- West Ham 'Boys of 86' prove to be lucky charms as they attend win over Newcastle The 'Boys of 86' watched Slaven Bilic's side ease to a 2-0 home victory
- Murray takes on Celtic in a game of crossbar challenge... but how did the tennis star get on? Andy Murray and his team-mates swapped tennis for football
- What's on the menu, Gareth? Bale enjoys lunch with girlfriend Gareth Bale was spotted leaving a restaurant after lunch with girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones
- Boxer Khan shows off 'King Khan' edition white Range Rover British boxer Amir Khan's special edition Range Rover was in full view in Manchester
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Sealed with a kiss: Djokovic celebrates his 10th slam success with wife JelenaNovak Djokovic beat Roger Federer to win the US Open on Sunday
- STEVEN GERRARD: 'Balotelli said: "I don't mark corners... I can't!" It was hard to manage mad Mario, but he made me smile. That wasn't the case with Diouf.'
- May and Corbisiero create their own Zizzi pizzas to raise money for Cancer Research UK The country's appetite for rugby has grown, and it's spreading to the players
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Van Gaal arrives at favourite restaurant Wings in chauffeur-driven Bentley
The car even had a personalised number plate for Louis van Gaal
- Gayle introduces fans to strip club, mirrored ceiling and 'Hanky Panky' bed in his house The batsman showed off some revealing pictures of his house...
- Same old Mario! AC Milan lost derby to Inter as Balotelli twice comes close to late equalisers Inter Milan beat rivals AC Milan as Mario Balotelli came on as a substitute
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Beckham and DiCaprio lead star-studded cast for US Open final
The crowd included David Beckham and actors Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman - Bit slippy lads? Brazilian tie not called off despite ludicrously waterlogged pitch Watch the players in this Brasileiro Serie B match try to run with the ball...
- Nolan admits he was 'very miserable' towards end of time with West Ham... as he trains with Orient while weighing up move abroad Kevin Nolan needs a club
- Hamilton swoops into the front row of again... at Alexander Wang NY Fashion Week show Lewis Hamilton joined the Weeknd for a front row seat
- United striker Martial visits Wetherspoons for bargain meal as he gets used to Manchester Anthony Martial might be expensive, but his choice of dining certainly isn't!
- Ouch! Dyer puts his neck on the line to head home debut goal... as Leicester come from TWO goals down to win feisty Midlands derby Nathan Dyer was brave
- The transfer window's closed... but West Ham complete deal for Serbia U19 striker Belic West Ham have signed striker Luka Belic from OFK Beograd
- Get the beers in, Fergie! Sir Alex enjoys a pint on his return to Old Trafford (not that one!) Sir Alex Ferguson spent a day out at the cricket for England vs Australia
- STEVEN GERRARD: 'Some of the players came to me to complain that they had to walk 50 yards for a massage' EXCLUSIVE: Gerrard on the 2010 World Cup
- Arsenal duo Oxlade-Chamberlain and Chambers celebrate win at Joshua fight Anthony Joshua has gained many fans, including Arsenal stars
- Uh oh! Aguero injury scare for Manchester City after late win... but striker says on Twitter it 'doesn't seem serious' Sergio Aguero was forced off on Saturday
- The dynamic duo! Messi and Neymar to the rescue for Barca after Torres opener Lionel Messi scored the winner for Barcelona against Atletico Madrid
- STEVEN GERRARD: The truth about my United stamp fury EXCLUSIVE: He reveals the truth about last season's brutal stamp on Ander Herrera
- New Zealand touch down and head straight to see the sights The All Blacks arrived and their first stop was a welcoming ceremony at the Tower of London
- Serena is slammed MIKE DICKSON: We came expecting to see preparations for the coronation of Serena Williams, and instead got a sensational upset
- Mayweather weighs in for final fight with hand-picked Berto JEFF POWELL IN LAS VEGAS: Andre Berto weighed a pound less than Floyd Mayweather
- England win but Maxwell catches the eye Australia were beaten in the fourth ODI by England at Headingley, but they didn't go down without a fight
- Sakho and Kouyate make two West Ham fans very happy... Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate put a smile on fans' faces in South Africa
- Charles Johnson: On Peterson's aura, Bridgewater and Zimmer's caring side He's ready for a breakout season. The Minnesota Vikings may just be too
- Hamilton proves Britain's got talent as F1 champ entertains crowd with RnB song in packed New York nightclub Took to the stage to belt out a tune
- Van Gaal = bulldog! Rojo compares his manager's scary face to that of canine Manchester United manager has been given an animal lookalike
- Steven Gerrard exclusive: I might have stayed if Liverpool offered me the right job LEE CLAYTON: Gerrard left Anfield for a fresh challenge with LA Galaxy
- Balotelli shows he's smiles better at Milan... The Liverpool flop is hoping to make his second AC Milan debutafter rejoining on loan against rivals Inter
- Mayweather shows off special T-shirt ahead of final fight... but what will his 'legacy' be? Undefeated boxer posed by his beloved Bugatti Veyron supercars
- The life of a super agent: Mendes moves from De Gea talks to dinner with Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed the meal with his 'beautiful friends'
- Martial gears up for Manchester United debut... by lugging around baby gear! New £36million signing was spotted leaving a hotel in Salford
- Swansea star Ayew named Barclays Premier League player of the month for August Andre Ayew's blistering start to life in England has been rewarded
- ... and Man City boss Pellegrini scoops the manager of the month gong after stunning start Manuel Pellegrini 's City sit on top of the division after a perfect August
- Can you name the former Barca kids and now Spain stars posing with Van Gaal in throwback snap? Now World Cup winners (apart from Louis!)
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Can Samoa be the Bane of England's World Cup?Samoa's rugby stars looked like Batman villain Bane as they stepped up their training
- Nasri posts throwback snap with France boss Deschamps... despite falling out with him! Samir Nasri quit international football after number of disagreements
- What was Manchester United legend Ferdinand doing with former rival Toure? Rio Ferdinand has had his fair share of on-field battles with Yaya Toure
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Ronaldo releases fragrance 'Legacy'
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo conquered underwear industry and has now released an aftershave
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Five hundred mourners pay tribute at tragic IndyCar star Wilson's funeral
Justin Wilson's memorial took place in Northamptonshire
- Joshua labelled 'scumbag' by rival Whyte as build-up to big title fight turns sour Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte descended into a slanging match