It may still be a World Cup pool game but for Ireland boss Joe Schmidt, tomorrow’s showdown with Italy effectively marks the start of the knockout stages.

AN ATTEMPT to break an aviation speed record went horribly wrong yesterday when a small “experimental” plane crashed through an apartment building in the Swiss city of Basel, killing the pilot and injuring at least three other people, authorities said.

A massive power blackout which crippled Italy and left most of its 57 million people without electricity for hours was today blamed ... on a tree.

London Irish believe Powergen Cup quarter-final opponents Rotherham will be “out to prove a point” in tomorrow’s clash at the Madejski Stadium.