Flinging mud across the equator at each other has long been a favoured pastime of the rugby media in Britain and New Zealand — but this week you can’t help but wonder if they’re simply looking for a distraction.

A TACKLE hasn’t even been made in the World Cup and the All Blacks are defending themselves from claims they are blatant cheats.

A poll of golf writers at this week’s Ryder Cup overwhelmingly points to Europe winning back the trophy on Sunday.

Europe will win a fourth straight Ryder Cup at Valhalla – but by nothing like the nine-point winning margins experienced in the last two contests.

Australian Geoff Ogilvy is seen as the biggest danger to Tiger Woods in The Masters this week.