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LIVE: Woodman extends Black Ferns lead
The United States have recovered well from an early New Zealand try but it is the Black Ferns who lead. Follow the action live with ESPN.
The teams are out in Belfast for the first of two semi finalists as New Zealand face the USA. NZL heavy favourites with top try-scorer Portia Woodman in their ranks but the USA's back three have also been superb so far in the 2017 Rugby World Cup. This should be a thriller.
Rugby World Cup
Processes key for Red Roses in WRWC semis
Since the tournament's inception 27 years ago England have failed to qualify for the Women's Rugby World Cup final on just one occasion when, in 1998, they had the misfortunate to come up against New Zealand in the semifinals.
WRWC Matches
Top rugby headlines
Toby Flood to Germany?
Rugby
Germany coach thrilled by potential Flood switch
Germany rugby head coach Kobus Potgieter wants to get the wheels in motion after Toby Flood expressed a desire to switch allegiances and play for the birth country of his grandfather.
Rugby
Flood considering playing for Germany
Former England fly-half Toby Flood is considering switching allegiance to play for Germany.
Rugby
Spies leaves rugby with sense of what might have been
In the end it was a rather tame finish to the career of former South Africa international Pierre Spies, which his critics might suggest is in keeping with his reputation on the field.
Wallabies
Rugby
Ruck'n Maul: What planet are Wallabies on?
Greg Growden and Sam Bruce look ahead to Bledisloe II, pondering what another heavy defeat for the Wallabies might do to Australian rugby.
6:05
Rugby
Wallabies' skills coming as ABs target perfection
Wallabies assistant Mick Byrne has urged patience, convinced his skills revolution is on the right track, even if angry supporters can't see evidence on match day. Meanwhile, the All Blacks are hunting an 80-minute performance.
Wallabies
Wallabies were 'dysfunctional robots' - Growden
The Wallabies were nothing more than dysfunctional robots during the horror Bledisloe Cup loss to the All Blacks, and pressure is mounting on all aspects of Australian rugby -- Greg Growden writes.
Rugby
Challenges abound for Cheetahs, Southern Kings in PRO14
Free State Cheetahs and Southern Kings are preparing for the start of a new chapter in their history when they enter the Celtic League's PRO14 competition.
Sir Colin Meads
All Blacks
Rugby has lost one of its greatest stars
In the pantheon of international rugby players Sir Colin Meads has a room on the very top floor, writes his former adversary on the pitch John Taylor.
Rugby
The rugby world remembers 'absolute legend' Meads
The sporting world is in mourning after the passing of All Blacks great Sir Colin Meads at the age of 81, and ESPN looks at some of the tributes that have been pouring in on social media.
New Zealand
RIP Sir Colin Meads | 1936-2017
When New Zealand honoured its favourite son
The small New Zealand town of Te Kuiti ground to a halt as a statue to honour All Black legend Sir Colin Meads was unveiled.
Rugby Championship
news - za rugby
Main man Coenie credits Bok pack
Springbok tighthead Coenie Oosthuizen was one of the main key men in South Africa's front row that demolished Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener in Port Elizabeth.
news - za rugby
Bok bench can match the All Blacks
The Springboks started their 2017 Rugby Championship campaign with an emphatic 37-15 win over Argentina at Port Elizabeth's majestic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. KweséESPN looks at five talking points that emerged from the game.
Rugby
Wallabies thrashed by All Blacks.
Greg Growden and Sam Bruce look back at Australia's opening Bledisloe Cup defeat to New Zealand and ask why their defence was so poor.
1:58
London Irish
Championship made Franks 'stronger'
When Ben Franks arrived at London Irish the threat of relegation felt like "a weight on your back". As he and the club prepare for their return to the Aviva Premiership next month, he insists their year away has made them stronger.
PRO14
Rugby
Ulster sign Lealiifano on short-term deal
Christian Lealiifano will step up his remarkable return from cancer with a five-month spell with Ulster in the PRO14.
PRO14
Cheetahs kick off PRO14 in Ulster
South African franchise the Cheetahs will get their first taste of PRO14 action on Friday, Sept. 1 as they take on Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.
PRO14 Expansion
The issues facing expanded PRO14
It is not difficult to see why Celtic Rugby would jump at the chance to breath new life into the rebranded PRO14. But the organisers face issues as they attempt to make the expansion work.
England
England
Hartley: Tuilagi, Solomona must 'work hard now'
Captain Dylan Hartley has tipped Manu Tuilagi and Denny Solomona to force their way back into the England squad despite being sent home early from a preseason training camp.
Rugby
Ford: 'World-class' Tuilagi will return in force
George Ford has underlined the "unbelievable, world-class" playing ability of his Leicester and England colleague, Manu Tuilagi, as he nears a return to first-team action.
Rugby
Tuilagi 'knows he got it wrong' - O'Connor
Leicester boss Matt O'Connor says Manu Tuilagi knows that "he got it wrong" after being sent home from an England training camp eight days ago.
Wasps
Beale: I've learned from Wasps stint.
The Australian utility player, Kurtley Beale believes he's a better player after a stint in England with the London Wasps.
0:41
Super Rugby
South Africa
Currie Cup
Bulls elevate John Mitchell to replace Marais
The Blue Bulls' powers-that-be have reacted to the team's struggles in the Currie Cup by granting coach Nollis Marais 'leave' and replacing him with John Mitchell.
Rugby
ARU's CEO search must extend beyond 'old mates'
Australian rugby can again get itself out of this sorry mess, with the platform provided by Bill Pulver's resignation. Here is the chance for the ARU to appoint a convincing leader who will embrace all sectors of the game -- Greg Growden writes.
Rugby
ARU cuts Force to improve overall performance.
Chairman of the ARU Cameron Clyne insists that performance of the code's financial stress in Australia is the reason for cutting teams from the league.
0:54
Aviva Premiership
news - uk rugby
Samoan Perenise rejoins Bath Rugby
Samoan International Anthony Perenise has rejoined Bath on a one-year deal ahead of the start of the new Aviva Premiership season.
Aviva Premiership
Bristol refute £1m Piutau salary
Bristol say they faced "massive competition" before securing the services of New Zealand star Charles Piutau.
Gloucester
'I must go make a difference somewhere else'
Hours before the Super Rugby final Johan Ackermann was having second thoughts about leaving the Lions for Gloucester.
Saracens
Saracens make a splash with passing drill
Saracens have taken a novel approach to preseason training as they continue their break in Bermuda.
Top Headlines
Don't Miss...
- Tony Marshall/Getty Images
Ben Franks, London Irish 'stronger' mentally for year in Championship
When Ben Franks arrived at London Irish the threat of relegation felt like "a weight on your back". As he and the club prepare for their return to the Aviva Premiership next month, he insists their year away has made them stronger.
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