World Cup in brief

Lima breaks record for consecutive games with Johnson hard on his heels

Jason Leonard may have set a new record of 18 appearances in the World Cup, but Samoa's Brian Lima also set a new best against England when he played his 15th consecutive World Cup match, spread over four tournaments. The record was previously held by luminaries like David Campese and Michael Lynagh, of Australia, and the All Black great Sean Fitzpatrick, who played 14 in a row and 17 in all. That mark has now been matched by the England captain, Martin Johnson, who played his 14th consecutive World Cup game against Samoa.

The one millionth fan to attend this year's World Cup is set to reach the turnstiles when Japan play the United States in Gosford, today. Total attendance after yesterday's games was 998,085.

England's Jonny Wilkinson is on course to be voted the sexiest player at the World Cup. From the 600 players at the tournament, another competition is taking place to find the World Cup 2003 glamour pin-up. The field has been narrowed to 15 nominees, and Wilkinson is in the lead with 20.7 per cent of the votes cast.

Rugby may be a national obsession in New Zealand, but for some the World Cup is proving to be a slight headache. As the tournament gathers momentum, the effects are being felt in day-to-day life throughout the country. Some businesses have noticed a downturn in levels of trade and schools are bracing themselves for an increase in drowsiness among students who stay up to watch the games.