All Blacks star Damian McKenzie says the Waikato Chiefs are pumped up and ready to "rip" into the Canterbury Crusaders with a place in the Super Rugby final at stake when they meet on Friday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino brushed off criticism over World Cup visa issues and sky-high ticket prices on Wednesday in a defiant eve-of-tournament press conference.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.

The Cape Town Marathon has become the continent's first Abbott World major race.

Racing 92's experienced France centre Gael Fickou will join Toulon next season, the southern club's president announced on Wednesday.