Now Robbie Deans is the underperforming incumbent with a friend in a high place. Remind you of anyone, asks Chris Rattue...

Herald photographers capture the fans enjoying the match between the All Blacks and Japan at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Photos of key moments from the World Cup match between the All Blacks and Japan at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

It was hardly a war, but it was definitely cold. The USA won their eagerly awaited showdown with Russia on the frozen steppe of Stadium Taranaki, surviving a late scare as 160 minutes of rugby in four days started taking their toll.

Anxiety levels are rising with the All Blacks' star power parked in the casualty ward.

Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper told media he saw the good side in being called a "boofhead" by Nick Farr-Jones.