SCRUM’S THE WORD

WORLD CUP DIARY

SOUTH AFRICA star Cheslin Kolbe has warned that a new wave of pint-sized wingers are ready to explode into life at the World Cup. The likes of Kolbe, Kenki Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushima, Josh Adams and Jordan Larmour lit up the pool stages. ‘There is a saying going around that dynamite comes in small packages,’ said Kolbe, who comes in at 5ft 7in and 12st 8lb. ‘If you compare rugby in 2015 to 2019, it has definitely gone a different way — it’s not the same style of rugby that’s being played. Teams are more technical than at the previous World Cup.’

SHAUN EDWARDS, the Wales defence coach, shocked some French journalists when he told Wales players to ‘f***ing smash ’em’ at open training yesterday. Edwards is to join Les Bleus next year — and one French journalist watching said, ‘He might teach France what work is!’

DESPITE being banned for the remainder of the World Cup, subject to appeal, Ireland centre Bundee Aki is still searching for a razor-sharp edge. The centre, who was shown a red card for a high shot against Samoa, spent yesterday afternoon in a samurai sword shop in Tokyo.

AN APPEAL has been launched after Sam Matavesi, the Fiji hooker, had his World Cup kit stolen on his return home to England. The forward’s car was broken into in London and he lost three World Cup jerseys, his World Cup cap and other personal belongings.

CHEFS in Oita prepared a stunning cake to mark the 30th birthday of Wales No 10 Dan Biggar. It was made in the shape of an immaculate rugby stadium and presented in front of his team-mates. Sadly, his name was spelt incorrectly in the icing messaging!