Game for a laugh a RWC 2011

Everybody likes a good laugh and many amusing images have been caught on camera at Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Such as the trio of bearded Canadian players who developed a cult following, or a brass band putting down their instruments to perform a haka.

Such moments produce lighter counterpoints to the serious business of world-class competition.

If the following selection of pictures bring a smile to your face, the photographers will have achieved their goal.

Hair-raising: Nathan Sharpe is standing back to back with Wallabies teammate Radike Samo


The beard necessities: Canada's Adam Kleeberger, Jebb Sinclair and Hubert Buydens


Bold as brass: Band members are instrumental in entertaining fans at Argentina v England


Actually, I'm a Baa-Baas fan: A England-supporting sheep waits for the next game


Standard blarer: No flagging by this Whanganui house owner when it comes to decorating


Under the ball: South African player Jean de Villiers is glad it is not that big in reality


Where's Wally? Two Romania fans are joined by the hard-to-find children's book character


Make no bones about it: Fans of the Russia team in Taranaki were a bit thin on the ground


Guerilla knitting: A knitted Dan Carter doll appeared on a railing at Devonport ferry terminal

Milk it for all it's worth: A cow has a bit of a beef about the hype surrounding the All Blacks