Incoming New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said it was "going to be nice to have one job" after signing off from Japan with a championship final win on Sunday.

As New York prepares to host the World Cup, the city is instead awash in Knicks blue and orange, reflecting a deep love for the gritty, unifying team chasing a historic NBA Finals victory.

Iran lashed out at the United States on Saturday for refusing visas to some of its World Cup squad support staff as the players were to leave Turkey for Mexico.

Fullback Johnny McNicholl scored a hat-trick of tries as the Canterbury Crusaders beat the ill-disciplined Auckland Blues 52-31 on Saturday to book a place in the Super Rugby semi-finals.