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.

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.

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.

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

The English Rugby Union is to extend its policy of not selecting any overseas-based players for England for the next two Cups.

Fiji's focus on team-building values might give them an upper hand against England in the upcoming opening.

The All Blacks are fed up. They've yet to play a game in the World Cup but they have already been bombarded by questions about the haka.

England have unveiled their own "secret weapon" to counteract the All Blacks' haka - a mocking version of the war dance led by World Cup winner Matt Dawson.

England have struck back after copping a serve from former All Black lock Ali Williams.

How did we end up with such an apparently lop-sided World Cup draw? Justin Marshall takes a close look at Pool A.

The list of names England announced for their opening game doesn't scream champions, writes Gregor Paul.

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.

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.

Manu Tuilagi has joined a long list of England rugby off-field indiscretions, ruled out of the World Cup after pleading guilty to assault.

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.