Dismal Ireland blow chances
This was the mystery of Murrayfield, a puzzle of Ireland's making that left them crushed and disconsolate.
This was the mystery of Murrayfield, a puzzle of Ireland's making that left them crushed and disconsolate.
DEFEAT for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium punctured the bubble of Grand Slam fervour that stemmed from the victory over Wales and highlighted the strength of England's emerging team.
What a difference 80 mind-numbingly cold, scrappy, error-strewn but undeniably gutsy and ultimately victorious minutes make.
Did you hear the one about the Dutchman, the New Zealander and the Scotsman? Everyone walked into the bars of Edinburgh on Saturday night toasting them – everyone except the Italian visitors, that is.
Triumphant Ireland fought magnificently through an exhausting war of attrition to score a breath-taking win over champions Wales 73,320 emotional fans in the Millennium Stadium.
It used to be the Welsh whistling down a mine shaft for their next nugget. These days, however, the heavy industry has shifted across the border with Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees the latest to suggest that England have unearthed a golden generation.
The giant bowl of Rome's Olympic Stadium resounded to the noise of disbelieving triumph, as Italy celebrated perhaps their most significant and surely their most dramatic victory.
Chris Froome believes he is ready to succeed Sir Bradley Wiggins as Tour de France champion and has backed his Team Sky colleague to respond from the disappointment of relinquishing his title without a fight.
Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United will start the 2013-14 season at League Cup winners Swansea.
David Beckham was greeted by thousands of screaming fans when he turned up at the Olympic Stadium in easten China's Nanjing City on Tuesday.
Stuart Pearce was today informed by the Football Association he will not be kept on as England Under-21s manager.The former international full-back was appointed to the post in 2007 and led the Young Lions to four successive European Championship finals.
The Lions have lost to a provincial side in Australia for the first time since 1971. Since that loss to Queensland they did lose to Australia A in 2001 but this was a first of the professional era for the tourists.
New Wigan manager Owen Coyle claims he's had nothing but success at previous clubs, but it's what he does at Wigan that he will be judged on.
In June 2003, Ireland hosted the Special Olympics World Summer Games. It was the largest event to be held in the world that year. Credit: SpecialOlympicsIrl
Despite relegation, Wigan owner Dave Whelan insisted there will be no change to the prudent philosophy that has characterised his decade at the helm.
Shane Williams joined up with his new Lions team mates as they trained for their final warm up match against The Brumbies.
Justin Rose became the first Englishman to win the US Open in 43 years.