Rugby World Cup 2011: All the Latest News and Views

All of the latest news and views from the Rugby World Cup for the 20 September 2011. England flanker Steve Thomson has said that England need to clear the air if they are to win the Rugby World Cup this year and Leicester No.8 Thomas Waldrom has admitted he was surprised to receive the call to join up with England's World Cup. Australia could be without David Pocock for their crunch game against the U.S.A on Friday and Italy recorded their biggest win in a Rugby World Cup after defeating Russia 53-17 Tuesday.

England hooker Steve Thomson has welcomed clear the air talks as England try and find their best form in this year's Rugby World Cup.

Although England have won both of their opening games of the tournament, the team has come under severe pressure after two abject performances with England Team Manger Martin Johnson saying the side needs to improve or they will be eliminated from the tournament.

"Sometimes you've got to have a little bit of an argument," said Thompson.

"It's like a relationship. Sometimes you get a little bit stale, don't you," he added.

England won their opening game 13-9 against Argentina and defeated Georgia 41-10 on Saturday but the side have given away 25 penalties as well as receiving two yellow cards.

Leicester No.8 Thomas Waldrom has admitted he was surprised to receive the call to join up with England's World Cup squad Sky Sports have reported.

The New Zealand-born forward was notified by Richard Cockerill that he would be heading to Dunedin after arriving at Leicester's Oval Park training base on Monday.

Waldrom will provide cover for Nick Easter, who is struggling with a back injury and missed Sunday's 41-10 victory over Georgia.

Australia may be without David Pocock for their cruch Pool game against the U.S.A on Friday.

Pocock was forced to pull out of Saturday's clash with Ireland with a back injury - with the Wallabies going to suffer a 15-6 defeat and although the 23-year-old openside has made a "massive improvement" in his recovery he could still miss the must-win game.

"We have to see how he comes along and improves over the next day or two," assistant coach David Nucifora said.

"At this point we're hopeful. If you saw him on match day last week and see him now -- it's a massive improvement," he added.

Italy recorded their biggest ever win at the World Cup after defeating Russia Tuesday.

The Italians were in good form against the World Cup minnows and run in six tries in the first 40 minutes to lead at the break 38-7.

Although the Russians did attempt to fight back in the second half the Italian pack was too strong and the Italians completed a 53-17 win.

Upcoming Fixtures

Thu - South Africa v Namibia, PlD, 09:00

Fri - Australia v USA, PlC, 09:30

Sat - England v Romania, PlB, 07:00

Sat - New Zealand v France, PlA, 09:30