Rugby World Cup 2011: News round-up

Argentina are waiting to see how serious are injuries suffered by captain Felipe Contepomi and centre Gonzalo Tiesi in their 13-9 defeat by England.

Contepomi confirmed he needs an x-ray to determine the extent of a rib injury while Tiesi suffered suspected ligament damage in a tackle from England lock Courtney Lawes.

France's bid for a first World Cup triumph has been hit by "potentially serious injuries" to fly-half David Skrela and centre Fabrice Estebanez in Saturday's 47-21 victory over Japan.

Estebanez limped off with a back problem early in the second half while replacement Skrela managed just 11 minutes before being left in a heap with a possible shoulder injury following a heavy collision.

Romanina coach Romeo Gontineac said his side "missed 10 minutes to create history," after seeing a 24-21 lead become a 34-24 defeat by Scotland on Saturday in Invercargill.

"We had a very good game. I'm proud of all of them. We were talking a lot about things like respect, solidarity and courage and during this match those words came true."

A day that began with hope and promise for Aucklanders eager to celebrate the start of Rugby World Cup 2011 ended in anger and frustration as the city's public transport let them down. (New Zealand Herald)

Extra trains will be running on Sunday night as Wellington hosts its first Rugby World Cup game. The additional services are to help get people home after the game between South Africa and Wales. (Dominion Post)

Meanwhile, All Black Kieran Reid's mother missed the opening ceremony and the first half of the New Zealand match because of the transport problems. (New Zealand Herald)

"It made you cry, it made you proud, it was surreal - frankly, it was far-out and over the top, and it built to a knockout finale with Scottish pipers, gospel choirs, ukulele strummers, drumming percussionists, and an orgy of fireworks." (Friday's opening ceremony as described by Dominion Post columnist Jane Bowron)

The Dunedin-based Nude Blacks lost for the first time on Saturday when they were beaten 25-20 by a clothed women's team from Spain. The Nude Blacks played the exhibition hours ahead of Saturday's World Cup match between Argentina and England at the city's 30,000-seat Otago Stadium. (Associated Press)

Australia's leading all-time points scorer Michael Lynagh believes the current South African squad may have had their day in the sun when it comes to winning rugby World Cups. (DNA India)