Latest fromCountdown to the Rugby World Cup

There were 10 minutes left in the quarter-final and the All Blacks led 18-13 thanks to a Rodney So'oialo try on 63 minutes.

Things began awkwardly and ended in bitterness.

It was an epic mis-match as Mike Catt was confronted by the snorting power of Jonah Lomu, the All Blacks enormous left wing.

The ABs will come under enormous pressure both physically and mentally at the World Cup and it's part of the reason why they've focused on increased physicality.

It only took 10 minutes for Australia to burst New Zealand's bubble in the 2003 semifinal.

It was quite a sight - Alex Wyllie and John Hart playing doubles tennis together before the All Blacks 1991 World Cup quarter-final in Lille.

A captains' embrace, an unhappy alliance, and a rampaging youngster who became the face of the game are defining images of past campaigns.

Well in the battle of the Rugby World Cup songs, clearly we've already won, writes Russell Baillie about Sol3 Mio's Rugby World Cup song.

What about a six-year gap between Rugby World Cups to allow the game to take on a deeper context rather than repeat preparation for the next tournament? It's an idea Sir Brian Lochore has been pushing since the idea of a global tournament was encouraged about 30 years ago. Andrew Mulligan interviews the All Blacks legend at the the NZME. Legends in Black dinner.

Rugby fans will be able to watch all 48 matches of the Rugby World Cup live on multiple big screens around Queens Wharf and attend free concerts from some of NZ's biggest acts throughout the tournament...

The returns from the RWC may take time to materialise.

The New Zealand selectors have plenty to consider before the World Cup writes Wynne Gray.