Sonny Bill Williams believes England have erred in their placement of Sam Burgess.

Former All Black lock Ali Williams has branded English rugby fans as the worst in the world in an amazing attack on the World Cup hosts.

Hosts urged to make sure they have their own strategies in place to deal with all the hype that is building around them.

Former England skipper says it's unfair to put league player in pressure cooker of Rugby World Cup.

England and expectation - now there's a marriage that may not last.

'Do not use abusive, indecent or insulting words and do not post when you are in a bad mood', the 24-point guide warns English players.

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree says they will go into the Rugby World Cup aiming to take on the Southern Hemisphere superpowers.

Sam Burgess admitted he was relieved to finally score his first try for Bath in their 39-26 English rugby victory over Wasps yesterday.

The Wallabies have completed their worst European tour in almost a decade after being overpowered by England 26-17 in their season-ending test at Twickenham.

This much is clear: we've reached peak lunacy when it comes to evaluating test match referees, and the character assassination of Nigel Owens this week is the proof.

Former England captain Jamie Peacock is urging the Rugby Football League to give Steve McNamara the opportunity to finish the job of turning England into world-beaters.

Wynne Gray writes: Special team plays, astonishing individual feats or a mix of the two bring out the sporting labels for great tries.

Twickenham. Many of us have been there to breathe in the atmosphere and then watch as the English hosts try to repel the All Black invaders.

The All Blacks and England have injected some x-factor for their fourth encounter this year.

The All Blacks cannot set foot on English soil these days without two boring commentaries being directed their way.

The All Blacks and England have clashed 37 times. In the 109-year history of the two rivals, England have won just seven times.

Looks like that poor little English rugby team is already running up the white flag or at least a distress signal. In other words, one con job over, and on to the next one.

It says a lot about the confidence of England coach Stuart Lancaster that his first message to fans this week has been "we are ready".

It's six years since a 20-year-old Danny Cipriani took the England No 10 spot from Jonny Wilkinson and won the man of the match award on his debut against Ireland.

The All Blacks - NZ rugby, in fact - owes a fair bit to the power of adrenaline. Incredible stuff, it more than played its part in the recent clean sweep of England.