As the media and the fans egg each other on and feed off each other, the sport is played in an increasingly unreal context, writes Bryan Gould. The English fan is encouraged to live in a kind of fantasy land,

Experts have warned that an early exit by from the Rugby World Cup will cost the host nation tens of millions of pounds.

This World Cup needs England to survive their pool, writes Gregor Paul. If they don't, a little piece of this tournament will die.

Arrogance was what sent England to a humiliating Rugby World Cup loss against a magnificent Welsh side.

Wales' Kiwi coach Warren Gatland is famous for goading his rival coaches - and he seems to enjoy goading his English counterpart more than most.

Englan's uncertainty brought them unstuck against Wales, says World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry.

Herald columnist Chris Rattue looks at six things we learnt from Wales' win over England this morning.

Prince Harry is an England fan and honorary president of England Rugby, but his older brother is vice-patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

Warren Gatland says he was surprised at England's midfield selection changes for match at Twickenham and he has had to alter his plans.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: You're not a real man unless you can jump on a box, plus Paloma Faith's World Cup song panned.

Being on the other side of the world has not stopped this 41-year-old from Yorkshire from doing everything he can to get behind the Rose Army.

Ali Williams reckons he didn't really say everybody hates the English. But retired Welsh star Gareth Thomas has no such qualms.

The English press scent blood, and are looking to take down the favourites.

The opening game was extreme, but it's not that much of a surprise that the World Cup has ushered in nanny state rugby.

Right from the off, England were uncomfortable.

The refereeing crew didn't even keep to the rule book in this morning's World Cup opener, writes Richard Loe

English rugby star James Haskell has gone naked to celebrate the World Cup - and he has Warren Gatland to thank for the inspiration.

The England squad will share a jackpot of almost $14m if they lift the tournament trophy as ultimate victors.

Watch a replay of this morning's live blog of the rugby World Cup opening ceremony, followed by hosts England taking on Fiji.

Fans on social media were quick to react to this morning's Rugby World Cup opener between Fiji and England, with many critiquing the commentary and referee's decisions.

England were the winners but viewers were increasingly looking at their watches during a lengthy Rugby World Cup opener full of stoppages.

If you are up early today you'll still be too late to catch the opening Rugby World Cup game at one downtown Auckland bar.

Remember it's the new game in town. After weeks of window-dressing about team arrivals, hypothetical discussions and likely combinations, the World Cup begins.

The statistics you need to know ahead of tomorrow morning's opening Rugby World Cup game between England and Fiji.