Emotional Ousmane Dembele breaks into tears thanking mum after winning Ballon d’Or
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 An emotional Ousmane Dembele broke into tears as he thanked his mum for supporting his career after winning the men’s Ballon d’Or in Paris. Dembele received football’s most illustrious individual honour after leading Paris Saint-Germain to Champions League glory last season. The 28-year-old forward beat Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal to the top prize. Dembele used to be known as a promising but inconsistent young talent who struggled after a big-money move to Barcelona in 2017. But he was transformed after arriving at PSG in 2023, with manager Luis Enrique helping to turn him into a complete forward who offered defensive work as well as goals. Dembele broke into tears as he thanks his mum (AP) He scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in all competitions last season and was the top scorer in Ligue 1 as PSG won the title. It was the club’s Champions League triumph, though, that gave Dembele the edge over Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or, with Dembele providing two assists as the French side routed Inter 5-0 in the final. The announcement of Dembele’s name, read out by former Barcelona and PSG superstar Ronaldinho, was met by raucous cheers and applause at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, as well as fireworks on the streets outside. Dembele then became emotional as he thanked for mum, who was invited onto the stage. “I didn’t want to cry, but as soon as I started talking about my family, about the people who have been there for me, it came up and I couldn’t hold it back,” Dembele said afterwards, as reported by Reuters. Dembele also mentioned his first club Stade Rennais and the France national team, vowing to win another World Cup next year with coach Didier Deschamps after their 2018 victory. “What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG,” Dembele said on stage. “I feel a bit of stress, it’s not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional. “I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It’s an incredible family. The president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me – he too is like a father – and all my teammates. “We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively.”
The demons of last season return
Kaizer Chiefs’ season is quickly turning into a nightmare following back-to-back defeats. This is a stark contrast to their promising start in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership. After an underwhelming pre-season in terms of results, Amakhosi began the league with impressive performances, winning their first three matches without conceding a single goal, positioning them as early title contenders. After five matches, Kaizer Chiefs had accumulated 13 points, having dropped only two points at that stage. However, their fortunes changed when they suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to log leaders Sekhukhune United. This loss not only marked the first time they conceded a goal in six games but also exposed weaknesses in their defence. In their subsequent match against Angolan side Kabuscorp in the CAF Confederation Cup, Chiefs’ defensive vulnerabilities were again on display as they fell to a 1-0 defeat, marking their second consecutive loss. What went wrong for Kaizer Chiefs? It seems teams have studied Chiefs after a few games, and attacking teams have figured out Miguel Inacio and Aden McCarthy’s weaknesses in defence. It may turn out like last season if changes are not made in defence. Miguel’s partnership with Zitha Kwinika has been solid, but the Amakhosi technical team have been impressed by young McCarthy. Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze feels Saturday’s defeat in Angola was no cause for concern. “We know we can hurt them; even today (Saturday), we had a couple of opportunities to get inside the box and score. We just need to be more clinical when we play them in the second leg,” Kaze told the media. “Those kinds of situations we spoke about, we didn’t want the opponent getting into positions where they could cross, or where we gave away fouls cheaply around the box,” the Kaizer Chiefs coach added. Amakhosi are next in action against Marumo Gallants, looking to redeem themselves. Can Chiefs bounce back?
England boss Sarina Wiegman named women’s coach of year at Ballon d’Or awards
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 England manager Sarina Wiegman has won the Johan Cruyff trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards for the best women’s coach of last season. Wiegman has been rewarded for steering the Lionesses to Euro 2025 glory in Switzerland during the summer – the first time a senior England team has lifted a major trophy abroad. “What an honour to get this award after an insane summer,” Wiegman said at the ceremony in Paris. “I would like to thank the players, the staff, the FA and my family for the hard work, trust and unconditional support I got from them. Without you I would not be standing here. “The women’s game has grown so far, we have broken records. I would also like to thank Switzerland for organising the Euros because it was absolutely insane. “This is not just a personal honour. I see it as a recognition of the women’s game and of our journey because we have come so far.”
Tuwai embraces ‘Mana’ spirit at Faa’a Rugby Aro Tahiti – FBC News
Fiji 7s maestro Jerry Tuwai was given a warm welcome at Faa’a Rugby Aro in Tahiti, where he connected with the club’s deep history and strong community spirit. The Oremu-based club, which has been around for more than 50 years, is home to over 125 affiliates and is built on a foundation of passion, humility, and family values. Tuwai joined a training session with the players and was introduced to the club’s unique ethos known as Mana—a spirit that has carried generations of rugby lovers in Oremu. Article continues after advertisement For the club, which sees itself as more than just a team but a family, hosting a two-time Olympic gold medalist was both an honor and a celebration of the game’s unifying power. In his address, Tuwai said he felt an instant connection with the Tahitian side, as it reminded him of his own beginnings in Fiji. “I had the privilege of coming here and playing in this club, Oremu. I had fun and I can relate to the club where I grew up, where I started playing rugby. I see the passion and the leadership that has brought this club a long way. This is a club carried by love, and I believe it will go far in the future.” He also praised the Mana spirit, describing the Oremu club as a family united by rugby and one that left a lasting impression on him. “For me and my family, all I can say is thank you for having me here today. God bless. I won’t forget this for the rest of my life.” Faa’a Rugby Aro said it was only natural to open their doors to Tuwai, whose words and energy left an impact on both players and supporters. The visit was made possible with the support of the Polynesian Rugby Federation. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Former Juventus executives’ plea bargains for suspended sentences accepted
A judge in Rome has accepted a plea bargain request by former Juventus executives, including ex-chairman Andrea Agnelli, to settle a false accounting case relating to their time with the Italian club. The agreed prison sentences of 20 months for Agnelli, 18 months for ex-sporting director Fabio Paratici and 14 months for former vice-chairman Pavel Nedved have been suspended and will not be served. Under Italian law, plea bargaining does not involve an admission of guilt. The former executives and Juventus, who are listed on the Milan stock exchange, have denied wrongdoing. Juventus have also been fined 156,000 euros (£136,000) by the judge. Prosecutors launched an investigation in 2021, looking at whether the club received illegal commissions from player transfers and loans, and whether investors had been misled. Monday’s decision marks the conclusion of the case. The club said: “The plea agreement does not entail any admission or recognition of liability.” Juventus stressed “the correctness of its conduct and the soundness of its defensive arguments” and said it had “deemed it appropriate” to make a plea bargain “in the best interest of the company itself, its shareholders and all stakeholders”. The club also reached a settlement with investors. Former chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene was cleared of any wrongdoing. Juventus were deducted 10 Serie A points in May 2023 following an investigation into the club’s transfer dealings. Former Czech Republic midfielder Nedved played for Juventus between 2001 and 2009, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2003. Paratici joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 as managing director of football, but he left the Premier League club in 2023 after an appeal against a two-and-a-half-year Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his spell at Juventus was rejected by Italy’s highest sports court. His suspension expired in July.
Ballon d’Or 2025: Start time, nominees for every award and how to watch on TV
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 The awards ceremony for the 2025 Ballon d’Or takes place today. The prize will crown the best men’s and women’s player of the 2024/25 season, and unlike in previous years, players will not have the chance to use the first months of next term to enter the running. There were an array of standout performers across Europe’s top leagues in 2024/25, with a handful of surprise superstars staking their claim for football’s most illustrious individual award. While Paris Saint-Germain‘s maiden win in the Champions League final could prove decisive for players such as current favourite Ousmane Dembele, the stellar individual performances of various stars including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah means that European glory may not be decisive in who takes home the coveted trophy come 22 September. And after England’s victory at Euro 2025, there are several Lionesses in contention for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, as well. After Arsenal also triumphed in the Women’s Champions League final, Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson could be in the running, along with Spain stars Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas and Mariona Caldentey. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Ballon d’Or: When is the 2025 Ballon d’Or? The 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place tonight, Monday 22 September at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The ceremony will begin at 8pm BST. How can I watch the Ballon d’Or ceremony? The event will not be broadcast live on TV in the UK but will stream for free on L’Équipe’s YouTube channel. Kate Scott and former Chelsea and Netherlands star Ruud Gullit will present the ceremony. Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees Ousmane Dembélé (France, Paris Saint-Germain) Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City) Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia, Napoli/Paris Saint-Germain) Kylian Mbappé (France, Real Madrid) Nuno Mendes (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) Cole Palmer (England, Chelsea) Pedri (Spain, Barcelona) Raphinha (Brazil, Barcelona) Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool) Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona) Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 results 13. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England) 14. Desire Doue (PSG, France) 15. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting/Arsenal, Sweden) 16. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil) 17. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona, Poland) 18. Scott McTominay (Napoli, Scotland) 19. Joao Neves (PSG, Portugal) 20. Lautaro Martinez (Inter, Argentina) 21. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund, Guinea) 22. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, Argentina) 23. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England) 24. Fabian Ruiz (PSG, Spain) 25. Denzel Dumfries (Inter, Netherlands) 26. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway) 27. Declan Rice (Arsenal, England) 28. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands) 29. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool/Leverkusen, Germany) 30. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France) Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona) Lucy Bronze (England, Chelsea) Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal) Patri Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona) Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea) Chloe Kelly (England, Arsenal) Ewa Pajor (Poland, Barcelona) Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona) Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal) Leah Williamson (England, Arsenal) Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 results 11. Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain) 12. Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil) 13. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona, Norway) 14. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia) 15. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea, France) 16. Cristiana Girelli (Juventus, Italy) 17. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City, Malawi) 18. Melchie Dumornay (Lyon, Haiti) 19. Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich, Germany) 20. Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich, Denmark) 21. Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras, Brazil) 22. Esther Gonzalez (Gotham FC, Spain) 23. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea, Sweden) 24. Sofia Cantore (Juventus/Washington Spirit, Italy) 25. Emily Fox (Arsenal, United States) 26. Lindsey Horan Heaps (Lyon, United States) 27. Clara Mateo (Paris FC, France) 28. Frida Maanum (Arsenal, Norway) 29. Steph Catley (Arsenal, Australia) 30. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid, Scotland) Men’s Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees Ayyoub Bouaddi (France, Lille) Pau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona) Désiré Doué (France, Paris Saint-Germain) Estêvão (Brazil, Palmeiras/Chelsea) Dean Huijsen (Spain, Bournemouth/Real Madrid) Myles Lewis-Skelly (England, Arsenal) Rodrigo Mora (Portugal, Porto) João Neves (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain) Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona) Kenan Yıldız (Türkiye, Juventus) Women’s Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees Michelle Agyemang (England, Brighton/Arsenal) Linda Caicedo (Colombia, Real Madrid) Wieke Kaptein (Netherlands, Chelsea) Vicky López (Spain, Barcelona) Claudia Martínez Ovando (Paraguay, Club Olimpia) Men’s Yashin Trophy 2025 nominees Alisson Becker (Brazil, Liverpol) Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal) Lucas Chevalier (France, Lille) Thibaut Courtois (Belgium, Real Madrid) Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain) Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa) Jan Oblak (Slovenia, Atlético de Madrid) David Raya (Spain, Arsenal) Matz Sels (Belgium, Nottingham Forest) Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter) Women’s Yashin Trophy 2025 nominees Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany, Gotham FC) Cata Coll (Spain, Barcelona) Hannah Hampton (England, Chelsea) Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC/Brighton) Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands, Arsenal) Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy 2025 nominees Antonio Conte (Italy, Napoli) Luis Enrique (Spain, Paris Saint-Germain) Hansi Flick (Germany, Barcelona) Enzo Maresca (Italy, Chelsea) Arne Slot (Netherlands, Liverpool) Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy 2025 nominees Sonia Bompastor (France, Chelsea) Arthur Elias (Brazil, Brazil national team) Justine Madugu (Nigeria, Nigeria national team) Renée Slegers (Netherlands, Arsenal) Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team) Men’s Club of the Year Trophy 2025 nominees Barcelona (Spain) Botafogo (Brazil) Chelsea (England) Liverpool (England) Paris Saint-Germain (France) Women’s Club of the Year Trophy 2025 nominees Arsenal (England) Barcelona (Spain) Chelsea (England) OL
Big win for Fiji futsal against Tuvalu – FBC News
Source: OFC Hosts Fiji secured their second 3 points of the tournament after beating Tuvalu 4 – 1 at the OFC Futsal Men’s Cup 2025 in Suva’s Vodafone Arena. The breakthrough for Fiji came from a clever free kick by Bruce Hughes, which chipped over the goalkeeper to open the scoring. Fiji maintained its momentum, with Ramzan Khan and Merril Nand relentlessly pushing forward. Article continues after advertisement Nand’s persistence paid off with a close-range strike, followed by a penalty from Filipe Baravilala, giving Fiji a 3-0 lead at halftime. After the break, Ramzan Khan extended the lead, but Tuvalu continued to battle hard. Their persistent pressure on the counter-attack finally paid off when Aloesi Nukualofa fired a shot from the right wing to score Tuvalu’s first goal. Despite Tuvalu’s ongoing efforts to break through the Fijian defense, the hosts held firm to secure the victory. Fiji will now face New Zealand tomorrow at 7pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Scotland women to host Switzerland in Caroline Weir’s home city of Dunfermline
Scotland will play a friendly against Switzerland in Ballon d’Or nominee Caroline Weir’s home city of Dunfermline next month. Melissa Andreatta’s Scotland side will meet the Swiss at East End Park in the second of two friendlies in October – with the first opponent and venue yet to be announced. The Scots, who finished bottom of Nations League Group A1 earlier this year, will play Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland on Tuesday, 28 October at 19:30 GMT. It will provide a first chance for Real Madrid star Weir – who has 112 caps and is the first female Scot to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or – to represent her country in her home city. The Scotland women’s national team play most home games at Hampden Park but have also used Tannadice and Easter Road of late.
Eddie Hearn explains why Canelo will not chase Terence Crawford rematch
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 Eddie Hearn believes Canelo Alvarez is unlikely to pursue a rematch with Terence Crawford after losing their super-fight last weekend. Canelo slipped to just the third defeat of his professional career as he was outpointed by the pound-for-pound superstar in Las Vegas. Crawford jumped up two weight classes to beat Canelo and some fans may expect the Mexican great to be desperate for revenge following his humbling loss. But Hearn is not convinced a second fight is on the cards after revealing Canelo’s camp had concerns about facing Crawford when he promoted the four-division world champion between 2021 and 2023. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty Images for Netflix) Hearn told The Ring: “I don’t think Canelo will want the rematch. I think there’s a rematch clause. I don’t know. … It’s very unusual for Canelo to go into a fight without a rematch clause. But, for me, I just can’t see Canelo going, ‘Yes, I want to run that back.’ “A certain style is not good for Canelo. When I talked about the Crawford fight with Canelo two years ago, he had no interest in that fight because he knew. Talk about Crawford’s IQ, Canelo’s IQ, Reynoso’s IQ — they know boxing. They knew that fight was a nightmare for them, really.” Hearn feels Canelo was left with little option but to fight Crawford in the end due to the money involved. It is understood the 35-year-old made in excess of $100m from the fight that was watched by more than 40million people on Netflix. However, Hearn is adamant Canelo is no longer the same force he was in his prime and that led to him falling short against Crawford. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. “Financially, obviously it was a huge opportunity (to fight Crawford),” Hearn admitted. “But when you start saying, ‘My body just can’t do it anymore. It can’t,’ that’s a telltale sign that he knows that physically he’s just not the same. “I think what we shouldn’t be saying is, ‘Canelo’s old. Canelo’s shot.’ Because you’ve got to give the credit to Crawford. But Canelo is nowhere near the fighter he once was. And I’m talking about particularly maybe around [the time of the first] Golovkin [fight] and that kind of time.” DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.
Is this how the Springboks will line up against Argentina?
The Springboks are coming off the back of a stunning 43-10 victory against the All Blacks, which saw a new-look backline certainly reward the faith that was put in them by the coaches. Although Rassie Erasmus has happily rotated players when it comes to his selections this season, the stars who performed so well in Wellington have surely earned the opportunity to retain their places. There will have to be some injury-enforced changes, with Damian Willemse set to shift to fullback to replace Aphelele Fassi, and so Damian de Allende could return at 12. Of course there may be a temptation to hand in-form Andre Esterhuizen a start at inside centre, but he offers so much value on the bench with his ‘hybrid’ utility value as someone who can be deployed on the flank if need be. At outside centre, Canan Moodie has surely earned the opportunity to start again, meaning Jesse Kriel may well remain on the sidelines. Ethan Hooker should also be an obvious choice to retain his place on the wing. Meanwhile, Manie Libbok is likely to be in line for a start at 10 after impressing off the bench when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu picked up an injury. At scrumhalf, Grant Williams should return to the starting line-up, while one change up front will surely see Eben Etzebeth return in place of injured Lood de Jager. HERE IS HOW WE THINK THE SPRINGBOKS WILL LINE UP THIS SATURDAY Springboks (probable): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Andre Esterhuizen. READY FOR ACTION Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will name his matchday squad to face Argentina on Tuesday (at 15:00). > The match, which kicks off at 17:10 at Kings Park, marks the Springboks’ final home game of the season, which will undoubtedly spice up what will be a crucial clash, with both teams still in the running to win the title. “Our performance against the All Blacks (in Wellington) was good, but the Pumas are a completely different team,” said assistant coach Tony Brown. “They’ve beaten the All Blacks and Wallabies already, so if we don’t pitch up in the right frame of mind, and try to be as dominant as possible, it will be a tough outing. “It’s vital for us that we get our game plan right this week. We showed patches of good rugby in the last few matches, but we’d like to put together a strong 80-minute performance, and use most of our opportunities, which is something we must still get right.”