World Cup referees' boss Alain Rolland said he was aware of fears that an excessive clampdown could 'potentially have a negative impact' on rugby's global showpiece.
Behind the top two, there is a five-way tie between those likely to be fighting for the final two Champions League places this season with Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester all on eight points from the opening five games.
Bloemfontein Celtic spared the blushes of veteran goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane by scoring twice in two minutes and defeating Stellenbosch 2-1 Sunday in the South African Premiership.
Matthew Wade’s defiant century proved in vain as England bowled Australia out for 263 to win the final test at The Oval by 135 runs on Sunday and ensure the first drawn Ashes series since 1972.
The 26-year-old made a winning return to the Danish capital, where he won his first world half-marathon title in 2014, breaking the previous record of 58:18 set by compatriot Abraham Kiptum in Valencia last year.
Assistant South Africa coach Mzwandile Stick said that with the gap between the All Blacks and their potential rivals for the Webb Ellis Cup closing, match officials to be consistent in how they applied the laws to all teams.
Every team that has won the World Cup has been unbeaten and Saturday's Pool B clash between New Zealand and South Africa in Yokohama promises to be one of the games of the tournament.
Social media in New Zealand has been abuzz with reports that Williams was heading home, which would have been the second injury blow for the defending champions after losing flanker Luke Jacobson.