Scotland captain Ross Ford had no hesitation in handing the ball to match-winner Greig Laidlaw before he kicked the last-gasp penalty to secure a memorable 9-6 win over Australia in Newcastle yesterday.

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard said she had asked a lawmaker embroiled in a scandal over payment for prostitutes to quit the Labour Party, in a blow to her fragile minority rule.

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has dismissed as “disgraceful” claims that she was making light of sexual harassment by allowing the parliamentary speaker to keep his job while facing allegations that he pressured a member of staff for sex.

Key independent politicians said they stand by Australia’s embattled government after the parliamentary speaker temporarily stepped aside over allegations of sexual harassment and fraud.

Australia’s parliament speaker said he was temporarily stepping down over a sexual harassment lawsuit which threatens to further weaken Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s hold on power.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans was happy with the progress made in the win over the United States, but there was also cause for concern as the Wallabies’ injury toll mounted in Wellington.

WE HAVE a lot to be grateful to Scotland for. Had they not beaten South Africa in Murrayfield last Saturday week, both the Springboks and New Zealand would return home from their respective tours of the four home unions with a clean sweep.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has stressed the importance of tomorrow’s Test with France as the Wallabies look to end their European tour on a high note.

ROBBIE DEANS has faced pressure before, but the vultures are circling after Saturday’s disaster in Melbourne.

IN-FORM Australia fly-half Quade Cooper has been suspended for two weeks after being cited for a dangerous tackle during Australia’s Tri Nations Test 30-13 win against South Africa.

Winger Drew Mitchell is the most notable omission from Australia's squad for the forthcoming Tri-Nations series.

ONE of the high points of the Irish sport horse breeding year again attracted big interest at Limerick Show.

IRISH jockey Robert Winston was yesterday suspended for one year after being found guilty of various breaches of the Rules of Racing following a Horseracing Regulatory Authority disciplinary hearing.

THE Irish Cup developed into a real McManus family affair at Ballybeggan Park in Tralee yesterday.

AFTER the opening two rounds of the Oaks Trial Stake at the three-day Galbally coursing meeting, it is still hard to make a call on which of the surviving 16 will book one of the last precious few tickets to Clonmel.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer today rejected calls by legislators to ban Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe from a Commonwealth summit in October.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer today rejected calls by legislators to ban Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe from a Commonwealth summit in October.