China’s fragile World Cup hopes face ultimate test in Japan rematch
China’s renewed confidence will face the ultimate test on Tuesday as Branko Ivankovic’s side host Japan looking to build on consecutive World Cup qualifying wins against the team that dished out a comprehensive 7-0 thrashing in September. Victories over Indonesia and Bahrain have seen the Chinese overcome a run of three losses at the start […]
France beat New Zealand in thriller to end All Blacks winning streak
PARIS, – France were their unpredictable selves as they beat New Zealand 30-29 in a superb, thrilling autumn series test to end the All Blacks’ five-match winning streak on Saturday. Fabien Galthie’s side held firm in a nerve-wracking finale to prevail with tries by Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and 15 points from the […]
Netherlands book Nations League last eight spot after convincing win
AMSTERDAM, – Two first half penalties and two quality strikes in the second half handed the Netherlands a 4-0 win over Hungary on Saturday and a place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March as they guaranteed themselves a top two finish in Group A3. Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo both scored from the spot […]
Germany pulverise Bosnia 7-0 to seal top spot in Nations League group
FREIBURG, Germany, 
– Germany dismantled visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday with a statement win and two goals apiece from Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst to secure top spot in their Nations League group A3 with a game to spare. The Germans, who had already qualified for next year’s quarter-finals of the competition, […]
We will be better for this pain, says England coach Borthwick
LONDON, – England coach Steve Borthwick said that the yet another painful defeat, this time 29-20 to South Africa on Saturday to continue their miserable Autumn series, will help his team in the long run as they continue their development. Yet again England played well in parts and, for sixth successive game against Tier One […]
Relentless South Africa hand England fifth-straight loss
LONDON, – Two irresistible tries by winger Cheslin Kolbe helped South Africa to a 29-20 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday and though the home crowd was treated to a fantastic match, it meant a fifth successive defeat for Steve Borthwick’s men. Ollie Sleightholme put England ahead, but three tries in 10 minutes by […]
Experience sees Boks home as Erasmus offers advice to England counterpart
LONDON, – South Africa’s experience proved key in helping them to victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday, coach Rassie Erasmus said as his side overcame an error-filled performance to edge their hosts. “It was by no means comfortable although we had a cushion in the last minutes,” he told a press conference after the […]
Dutch skipper Van Dijk praises Hungary for playing on after coach falls ill
AMSTERDAM, – Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk praised opponents Hungary for their decision to play on in their Nations League clash on Saturday after assistant coach Adam Szalai appeared to have suffered a fit on the bench only minutes after kickoff. There was a 13-minute medical delay as Szalai was treated pitch side before being […]
All Blacks win lays foundation for France’s bright future
PARIS, – France suffered heartbreak at last year’s World Cup when they were knocked out by South Africa by a single point in the quarter-finals, but Saturday’s 30-29 victory against the All Blacks laid the foundations for a potentially bright future. Les Bleus trailed 14-3 against New Zealand at the Stade de France before fighting […]
Scotland displaying more depth than before, says coach Townsend
EDINBURGH, – Scotland were always expected to beat Portugal, even with a second-string side, and their performance in Saturday’s 59-21 victory at Murrayfield handed coach Gregor Townsend more selection options.He made 14 changes from the team beaten by South Africa six days earlier and feels Scotland now have more depth than previously. “I think it’s […]