Cork’s quest for a first All-Ireland minor title since 2000 remains on course after they held off a good comeback by Monaghan in an exciting clash at O’Connor Park in Tullamore.

Liam McDonald fired a hat-trick of goals as Monaghan overcame Donegal in the Ulster MFC semi-final at Brewster Park in Enniskillen last night.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named an entirely different starting XV for Saturday’s clash with Ireland from the side that beat Wales last weekend.

Christian Cullen's recent see-saw International career took another down-turn with the news that he has been dropped in favour of Leon McDonald for the All Blacks crucial Tri-Nations trip to Durban on Saturday.