The killing of two Swedish football fans in Brussels adds a new layer of tension

Hosts in tears at World Cup exit, as All Blacks embrace the pressure of new expectation - they wouldn't want it any  other way, says coach Jason Ryan

What is heartening is that los Pumas have managed to withstand the upheaval of Covid, the disbanding of their Super Rugby franchise, los Jaguares, and come together once again to show the world that rugby is very much a high-achieving sport in the country.

As Donncha O’Callaghan returns to our screens with Ireland’s Fittest Family this Sunday, he chats to Noel Baker about channelling his competitive edge, mental health and his hopes for the future of rugby

Les Bleus captain Dupont suffered major disappointment on his highly-publicised return from a fractured cheekbone and felt substandard officiating was partly to blame.

Wilson rewarded an excellent home performance with two clinical second-half strikes.

Poyet’s colourful character would certainly enliven the atmosphere around a squad devoid of morale but other contenders are in the frame.

His sixth and likely final win in 28 competitive matches will be registered today in Faro against a Gibraltar side whose record since joining UEFA in 2013 is played 43 qualifiers and lost 43 qualifiers.

Borthwick hailed his players’ composure and resilience.

From Ireland's poor start to the 37-phase rescue effort at the death, the World Cup quarter-final was one for the ages. Possibly the most intense test in living memory

England's foundations shook when Peni Ravai went over in the 65th minute and a nerve-jangling finish beckoned as Vilimoni Botitu crossed to level the score soon after.

South Africa's victory over the hosts means England are the only northern hemisphere nation left in the last four and will face the Boks in a repeat of the 2019 final in Japan. 

Whitelock is one among a chunk of Kiwis due to cut ties with the Silver Fern when this World Cup is done.

The 34-year-old flanker appeared to indicate his time in an Irish jersey was nearing an end following a heartbreaking 28-24 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand at Stade de France on Saturday night.

The only thing that denied Ireland’s place in the last four was the flawed structure of the tournament which has resulted in two of the best four teams heading home in advance of the semi-finals.

When their predicament demanded action above and beyond the call of duty, the junior member of the All Blacks’ fraternal holy trinity rose to the occasion.

Sport is cruel, as their head coach Andy Farrell said in the immediate aftermath of a riveting blockbuster of a quarter-final decided by small margins.

“He has been everything that has been good about Irish rugby for nearly two decades," says Jack Conan.

Dan Sheehan will be among the next drivers. He was the fourth youngest member of this squad, already has 20 caps and a tag as ‘world-class’ hooker to his name.

New Zealand thoughts must turn now to dealing with raging hot semi-final favouritism against Argentina - but they haven't got the buzz of beating Ireland out of their system yet