Simon Lewis looks at the areas where Ireland improved in the second test against Australia. 

Australia full-back Israel Folau has avoided sanction by Rugby Australia for his controversial comments on homosexuality.

Israel Folau has addressed his views on homosexuality following the backlash to his divisive social media comments, while revealing how his switch from rugby league to AFL left him “emotionally broken”.

Australia's Player of the Year Israel Folau has caused controversy over his views on "God's plan for gay people".

Brendan O’Brien picks out the major turning points from Ireland’s battling win.

Michael Cheika is reluctant to heed fresh calls to shift Israel Folau to the centres as the Wallabies travel to Wellington striving to arrest their worst losing streak in more than a decade.

The odds are stacked against Australia as they head into Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final with arch rivals New Zealand, but coach Michael Cheika is refusing to contemplate defeat.

The selfie is a powerful thing.

It all started with an innocent Instagram pic taken at the Miss Universe competition.

USA: A naked man broke into two homes, drank booze and used a hot tub at one of them, police in Oregon said.

Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

Paul O’Connell was undoubtedly a significant contributor to the Lions victory in the first Test in Brisbane, but perhaps the more crucial factor was the Munster-like weather that afflicted the so-called Sunshine State the day before the match.

Israel’s Prime Minister warned today that the Jewish state will do everything to defend itself against any threat.

New Zealand 60 Ireland 0

Gut wrenching is the word that comes to mind, and it’s as good as any to describe Irish emotions at the final whistle in Christchurch on Saturday.

The real name and birthplace of Charlie Chaplin is shrouded in mystery, Britain’s domestic spy agency concluded after a probe into US claims he was a communist sympathiser, newly released documents reveal.

THE UN nuclear watchdog is expected this week to issue its most detailed report yet on research in Iran seen as geared to developing atomic bombs, heightening international suspicions of Tehran’s agenda and stoking Middle East tensions.

Representative Anthony Weiner announced yesterday he is entering professional treatment at an undisclosed location and requested a leave of absence from the US Congress as he came under fierce pressure from fellow Democrats to resign in a sex texting scandal.

ISRAEL is often described as a country where “the one who shouts loudest gets served first” and it amazes me that of all the brazen Red Sea pedestrians on the planet, the Hammers ended up with such an incredibly mild-mannered and dignified descendant of Moses at the helm.

ISRAEL’S prime minister said yesterday he will head to the US to discuss Mideast peace talks with Vice President Joe Biden, in a possible sign of movement for the troubled diplomatic process.

South Africa 22 New Zealand 29

ISRAEL did as Israel does. Surprise, surprise.

A hedge fund swindler who set off a national manhunt when he faked his suicide to avoid reporting to prison rode his scooter to a small-town police station in Massachusetts and turned himself in while talking to his mother on his cell phone.

THREE primary school pupils who proved all that’s gold does not necessarily glitter have won the top prize in a national competition aimed at encouraging children to understand global inequality.

ISRAEL’S embattled president gave up his powers temporarily yesterday, but dozens of lawmakers vowed to have him dismissed so he could face a raft of sexual assault charges, including rape.

Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet has taken full responsibility for the first time for the actions of his 1973-90 dictatorship, in which thousands were killed.

ISRAEL’S defence minister advised the incoming Palestinian prime minister yesterday to fear for his life if Hamas militants start attacking Israel again.

ISRAEL said yesterday that France had the dubious distinction of being the country with the highest number of anti-semitic incidents in the world last year.

SURELY it’s time to use the Irish invention of 'boycott' against Israelis and Americans who quite shamelessly declare their firm intention to kill hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, to make another million or two homeless and to take Iraqi oil in payment for the cost of it all.

The world was almost united today as people around the globe reflected on last year’s terror attacks against the United States.

Israeli is calling for four Palestinians to be handed over to stand trial in its terrority, despite being jailed for the murder of the Israeli Tourism Minister.