South Africa beat Argentina to retain Rugby Championship title – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] The mighty Springbok pack turned on the power in the second half as South Africa beat Argentina 29-27 at Twickenham on Saturday to retain the Rugby Championship for the first time, ahead of New Zealand on points difference. The All Blacks’ 28-14 bonus-point win over Australia in Perth earlier meant South Africa needed a bonus-point victory to win the title with clear water, though their overwhelming points advantage meant that any win would be enough. After an error-strewn start, however, they trailed 13-3 and 13-10 at halftime before forward drives set up two tries by Malcolm Marx and a second for Cobus Reinach to put them 29-13 ahead. Article continues after advertisement Late scores for the Pumas made the scoreboard close but it was South Africa’s day as they claimed the title for a sixth time. They and New Zealand finished on 19 points, but South Africa’s points difference was plus-57 to the All Blacks’ plus-eight. Australia ended on 11 points and Argentina 10. “It’s unreal, we spoke about it (lifting the trophy) the whole week,” man-of-the-match Reinach said. “We had not won it back-to-back before. We still have a lot of improvements to make, but we are getting there. “We knew we would not just run out here and roll over them. It takes teams 60 or 70 minutes (to break the opposition down) and Argentina are unreal. They have a lot of dog in them, they keep fighting all game.” ARGENTINA TAKE EARLY LEAD The match at Twickenham was officially a home game for Argentina, and what they lost in support they will gain in finance via their share of the 70,300 gate receipts. They took an early 7-0 lead via a brilliant finish by winger Bautista Delguy and though South Africa had much possession and a dominant scrum, they made a series of handling errors. That kept them 13-3 down late in the first half after two penalties by Santiago Carreras, switched from flyhalf to fullback after last week’s pummelling in Durban. The Springboks’ dominant scrum, however, eventually paid dividends, earning a series of penalties on the Argentina line before scrumhalf Reinach found a gap to reduce the deficit to 13-10 at the break. A week ago South Africa led the Pumas 25-23 at halftime but poured on the power to win 67-30 and for a while it looked as if a repeat might be on the cards. Argentina prop Mayco Vivas was yellow-carded for a high hit after 43 minutes and the South African pack took immediate advantage to bundle Marx over. A relentless series of attacks again made space for Reinach to slip through for his second and another forward drive ended with Marx also claiming a second as South Africa seemed to have taken total control at 29-13. Delguy snatched an interception try after 65 minutes but when Carreras struck the post with a penalty three minutes from time, the destination of the trophy was assured. Argentina replacement Rodrigo Isgro had the last word when he caught a lovely wide kick by Carreras to score in the corner but the vast majority of the crowd in green were already celebrating as Carreras’s conversion sailed between the posts. “I think it wasn’t a game that got away because we weren’t winning and we lost it,” said Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi. “We fought to the end, I think we played some good rugby, we stayed in the game. “We also tried to play a dynamic, fast game. At times, it worked. There were things that we would have liked to be a little better – the scrum – but we know that they are the best team in the world in that. “So congratulations. I think the team that won the tournament is the team that played better, that took advantage of the opportunities, and I think they were the best team today. There is no doubt about that.” Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Can Coventry City stay top of the Championship? Aaron McLean’s EFL takeaways
Narrowly defeated in the Championship play-offs last season, Coventry are currently unbeaten this term and have soared into top spot after rattling in 12 goals – and conceding none – in their past three games. Could last year’s play-off heartbreak actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues? McLean: They definitely look like they’ve learned from last season and improved and that was always going to be the biggest test. At the moment they’ve passed that test with flying colours. It’s not uncommon to see teams have a slight hangover and feel sorry for themselves, but Coventry haven’t done that. I actually feel if they were to go on and get promotion this season it’d be better timing than last season – you can go up too early. Frank Lampard got his message across last year in terms of the structure and the way he likes things done, but they now look a more complete team. Week in, week out they’re just churning out great performances, not just getting wins. Any team that’s going to get promotion has to have standout goalscorers and Coventry have got Haji Wright, Ellis Simms – who you know is capable – and also Brandon Thomas-Asante, who got a couple against Sheffield Wednesday and has a great record. They’ve got goals throughout their squad, with midfielders who will chip in. To score 27 at this stage of the season and be playing the way they’re playing is incredible.
Enzo Maresca sent off for celebrating Chelsea’s last-gasp win over Liverpool
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Enzo Maresca was sent off for celebrating Chelsea’s dramatic win over Liverpool as the Italian had his Jose Mourinho moment at Stamford Bridge. Maresca was shown a second yellow card after he sprinted the length of the touchline to join in with the celebrations after Estevao scored in the 95th minute against the Premier League champions. Chelsea had lost their previous two matches in the Premier League, with Maresca facing some pressure ahead of the arrival of Liverpool, but his players battled through an injury crisis to claim a memorable result. open image in gallery Maresca runs back to the bench after celebrating (Adam Davy/PA Wire) Maresca received his first yellow card appealing for a penalty in the first half, after Alejandro Garnacho went down under the challenge of Dominik Szoboszlai. He will be suspended from the touchline when Chelsea visit Nottingham Forest after the international break, but Maresca won’t care for now following one of the best results of his time in charge. Moises Caicedo’s rocket of a shot from outside the box gave Chelsea a first-half lead at Stamford Bridge, before Liverpool survived a penalty scare before the break when Garnacho went down cheaply under the challenge of Szoboszlai. Liverpool struggled to click in attack, with Mohamed Salah wasting a golden chance after the restart, but Cody Gakpo scrambled in an equaliser from close range following Alexander Isak’s touch in the box. Despite Chelsea losing both starting centre-backs to injuries, with Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile limping off, Maresca’s side were able to find a dramatic winner. Estevao arrived at the back post to send Stamford Bridge into delirium. open image in gallery Estevao scores Chelsea’s dramatic winner (Action Images via Reuters) Maresca’s run down the touchline was reminiscent of Jose Mourinho’s infamous celebration at Old Trafford in 2004 while in charge of Porto, the moment where he announced himself on English soil before taking charge of Chelsea and leading them to three Premier League titles. Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: “It’s a brilliant moment for Maresca. He’s sent off but he won’t care about that. What a celebration.” Jamie Redknapp added: “At 1-1 I thought Maresca would be happy with that point. But he will be so happy with the win. The speed of Maresca running down that touchline – he’s the quickest manager I’ve ever seen!” “You saw what it meant to Chelsea,” Daniel Sturridge said. “Not just to the players but to the management. Maresca was being questioned, and the start of the season wasn’t ideal. “They will come out of this game understanding that they’re capable of performances like that – but they need to do it game after game.”
India declare first innings at 448-5 against struggling West Indies – FBC News
[Source: Reuters] India have declared their first innings on their overnight score of 448 for five against West Indies, who will come out to bat for the second time, trailing their hosts by 286 runs on day three of the opening test on Saturday. Having bundled out West Indies for 162 in the first innings, India rode hundreds by opener KL Rahul and middle-order batters Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja to consolidate their position in the contest. West Indies will need an extraordinary effort to try and take the match into its fourth day. Article continues after advertisement Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Man Utd were an ‘adult team’ against Sunderland – Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says his side were a ‘competitive’ and ‘adult’ team in their 2-0 win against Sunderland at Old Trafford- Amorim’s 50th game in charge.
Manchester United v Sunderland live: Premier League result and final score as Benjamin Sesko strikes and handed VAR reprieve to ease pressure on Ruben Amorim
Clean sheet on Manchester United debut for Senne Lammens A lovely touch from Altay Bayindir as he congratulates Senne Lammens on keeping a clean sheet on his Manchester United debut. Ruben Amorim’s big call before the match was to drop Bayindir but Lammens was solid on his first match and dealt with crosses with confidence. (Martin Rickett/PA Wire) Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 17:12 Sunderland stay sixth after first defeat in five Premier League games It’s still been an excellent start to the season for Sunderland, who remain sixth but could drop a couple of places depending on results elsewhere. A couple of moments didn’t go their way today, including an early chance for Bertrand Traore when the game was goalless and the penalty overturn before half-time. They host Wolves after the international break. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 17:03 FULL TIME! Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland Manchester United rise to the dizzy heights of 8th! A third win in a row at Old Trafford and a clean sheet for debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Anfield next. (Manchester United via Getty Imag) Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 17:01 FULL TIME! Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland A relatively routine win for Ruben Amorim and there have been few of those, so he can welcome that. Another goal for Sesko, a debut clean sheet for Lammens and the sense United got a reaction to defeat at Brentford all helped. It feels likelier Amorim will be in the dugout at Anfield after the international break. Richard Jolly4 October 2025 16:58 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 90+2 mins: So Ruben Amorim will head into the international break with his future looking safe for now. His United side travel to Liverpool next, which is obviously a tough assignment that could lead to more pressure, but a third win in a row at Old Trafford is something to build on. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 16:57 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 90 mins: Save for Lammens! A flowing move from Sunderland works a shot for Talbi but Lammens saves with his legs. There will be five minutes of added time. That could have made it interesting. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 16:53 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 89 mins: Cunha skips past a couple of challenges but his shot is saved by Roefs. Cunha has been bright since coming on. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 16:52 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 85 mins: For those playing Amorim bingo, he has just made a centre-back substitution. Off went Leny Yoro, on comes Harry Maguire. Manuel Ugarte is also on for Casemiro, who had been booked. Richard Jolly4 October 2025 16:48 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 84 mins: Cunha, still looking for his first United goal, looks to work a shooting opportunity on the break but Geertruida stands well and clears for a corner. Cunha then heads wide from the corner. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 16:47 Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland 81 mins: Back from a ban, Casemiro gets a booking for sliding in needlessly and missing the ball. He never learns, but the United fans sing his name. Richard Jolly4 October 2025 16:44
Will the championship race come to an end in Singapore?
BBC 5 Live’s F1 commentator Harry Benjamin gives his list of five things to look out for at the Singapore Grand Prix. Will McLaren and Oscar Piastri wrap up the constructors Championship this weekend or can Max Verstappen kick-start an unlikely comeback for Red Bull?
Naitasiri defends Farebrother at home – FBC News
Naitasiri dug deep in front of a packed Naluwai crowd this afternoon, defeating Suva 27-25 to successfully defend the prestigious Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy. The Highlanders have now secured five straight defenses this season, underlining their authority as the dominant force in the challenge series. Suva showed no signs of intimidation despite the electric atmosphere, pushing the holders to the limit. Article continues after advertisement The visitors led 11-7 at halftime and looked poised to snatch an upset, but Naitasiri’s second-half surge kept them ahead in a pulsating contest. A late Suva try set up a nail-biting finish, but Naitasiri capitalized on a crucial penalty to close out the match and preserve their reign as trophy holders. Meanwhile, next week is the final round of the ordinary season before the knockouts. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Chelsea v Liverpool live: Ekitike injury latest as Premier League leaders look to avoid third straight defeat
Liverpool are vulnerable but still dangerous, warns Chelsea boss Maresca Liverpool’s back-to-back defeats over the last week have shown that they are vulnerable, but that will not make tonight’s Premier League clash with the champions any easier for Chelsea, warned Enzo Maresca “There is a vulnerability about any team in the world, not just Liverpool,” Maresca said. “But if a team wins every game, it is impossible to catch them. Now they lost one or two games. That shows vulnerability. “I don’t think now it is better to play Liverpool. It is always a tough game, always a big team.” (Bradley Collyer/PA Wire) Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 14:00 Liverpool injury news: Alisson and Hugo Ekitike latest Liverpool’s Alisson is a doubt to face Manchester United after the international break with Arne Slot confirming the goalkeeper will not be joining up with Brazil this month. Alisson injured his hamstring in Liverpool’s Champions League defeat at Galatasaray on Tuesday and Giorgi Mamardashvili will make his first Premier League start away at Chelsea. Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa both trained ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge following knocks, as Liverpool look to bounce back from back-to-back defeats for just the second time under Slot. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:45 Predicted line-ups Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto. Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:40 What is the Chelsea team news? This match will come too soon for Cole Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo, who will likely be out until after the international break. However, Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana could return to the squad after short-term injury lay-offs. Trevoh Chalobah is suspended after his red card against Brighton, while Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Liam Deal remain the longer-term absentees. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:33 How can I watch it? Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 5pm BST on both channels. Subscribers can also stream the match online via NOWTV. If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:32 When is Chelsea vs Liverpool? The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 4 October at Stamford Bridge in London. Kick-off is set for 5.30pm BST. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:31 Good afternoon Chelsea host Liverpool in an intriguing Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge as both rivals search for form following mixed starts to the season. Visitors Liverpool are in danger of losing three games in a row for the first time under Arne Slot after the Premier League champions fell to defeats at Crystal Palace last weekend and Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek. Chelsea were tipped to challenge Liverpool for the title last season but the Blues are stuttering under Enzo Maresca, having lost two games in a row in the Premier League to Manchester United and Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Slot has yet to get big-money recruits clicking, with Florian Wirtz’s form coming under fire and Alexander Isak still building match sharpness, while Chelsea’s struggles have come in their ill-discipline with red cards in three of their last four games. Jamie Braidwood4 October 2025 13:30 What is the Liverpool team news Liverpool boss Arne Slot has already ruled out Alisson after the Brazilian was forced to come off in the loss to Galatasaray, while Hugo Ekitike trained on Friday after being forced off in Istanbul and could be involved. Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, while Federico Chiesa could make a return after missing out on the midweek squad due to an ongoing – though less serious – issue. Jamie Braidwood3 October 2025 13:35
GB’s Clarke wins ‘incredible’ fourth consecutive kayak gold
Great Britain’s Joe Clarke wins his fourth consecutive kayak cross world title and GB’s first gold medal at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Sydney.