New Zealand recorded a resounding 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban, but an ankle injury to Damian McKenzie has cast a shadow over their upcoming series against South Africa.
The tourists delivered a vastly improved performance following a scrappy opening tour match against the Stormers in Cape Town.
An eight-try blitz dismantled the hosts, who had no answer to the relentless attacking power and physical dominance of the visitors.
Fineanganofo leads eight-try demolition
Winger Fehi Fineanganofo crossed the try-line twice during a commanding display built on a formidable forward platform.
Further scores from Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sam Darry completed the rout for the rampant touring side.
Fly-half Ruben Love also produced an impressive kicking performance, successfully landing seven conversions to compound the misery for the South African franchise.
McKenzie injury creates selection headache
Despite the emphatic scoreline, head coach Dave Rennie faces an anxious wait after losing a key playmaker before the interval.
The dynamic back was forced off the field after landing awkwardly, raising serious doubts about his availability for the looming international fixtures.
The squad will next travel to Pretoria to face the Bulls on Saturday as their preparation intensifies.
That final provincial clash precedes the first of four highly anticipated Tests against the Springboks, which concludes with a landmark series finale in Baltimore this September.
UFC president Dana White has expressed his devastation over the sudden death of Brazilian flyweight Allan Nascimento, who died aged 34 following a suspected heart attack earlier this month.
Freak tragedy
The 34-year-old passed away in his sleep on 3 August.
The Brazilian mixed martial artist had been a regular competitor in the promotion since 2021.
His most recent octagon appearance came in June, resulting in a defeat to Mitch Raposo.
Speaking to the media on Monday, the UFC boss described the loss as a horrible and devastating blow to the fighter’s team.
“It’s just one of those freak, tragedy things that happened to a young guy that it shouldn’t happen to.”
White added that the entire camp was understandably upset by the news.
Devastated teammates
The highly regarded flyweight trained extensively at the renowned Chute Boxe academy in Brazil.
He was a close friend and long-time training partner of former lightweight world champion Charles Oliveira.
The former titleholder posted an emotional tribute on social media, admitting he could not comprehend the sudden loss.
“I don’t even know how I’m going to get onto the mat and go to a fight knowing you’re not going to be there.”
Oliveira added that the situation felt like a lie and caused him immense pain.
Rumoured bout cancelled
There had been widespread speculation that Oliveira would return to action at UFC 331 this September.
Rumours suggested a highly anticipated matchup against Arman Tsarukyan was in the works for the event.
However, the promotion announced last week that Tsarukyan will instead face Mauricio Ruffy.
The sudden switch has led fans to speculate that the former champion withdrew from contention to mourn the tragic passing of his teammate.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has warned that Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated bout against Tyson Fury will be cancelled if investors unilaterally announce New York as the host city instead of the contracted United Kingdom venue.
The long-awaited clash between the two British heavyweights is currently scheduled to take place later this year.
However, major broadcasting partner Netflix and the event’s Saudi Arabian financial backers are heavily pushing for a Madison Square Garden showcase on 20 November.
Hearn remains adamant that both he and his fighter want the spectacle to remain at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Pressure mounts from international broadcasters
The Matchroom Boxing chairman revealed the intense behind-the-scenes negotiations during a recent podcast appearance.
He explained that global partners are demanding a United States setting to maximise commercial revenue.
“Everybody wants to do the fight in New York, apart from Anthony Joshua and me,” Hearn stated.
The experienced promoter acknowledged the immense financial leverage held by Saudi sports chief Turki Alshikh.
“We’re being told by Turki Alshikh and those guys – Netflix particularly – ‘Look, we really want to do the fight in the US,'” Hearn added.
Contractual disputes and firm ultimatums
The original agreement explicitly states that the historic showdown must unfold on British soil.
Hearn insists he will not allow external figures from sporting conglomerates like TKO and Zuffa to alter the existing terms without formal renegotiation.
“We wouldn’t have signed the contract if the fight was in America, so we have to have a discussion around that,” he explained.
The 45-year-old executive confirmed he has already rejected written notices attempting to officially declare the North American location.
Threat of total cancellation
Should international stakeholders proceed with a Madison Square Garden announcement, the Joshua camp is prepared to walk away entirely.
“I promise you, if they announce that fight without an agreement in place to change the venue, there will be no fight, and we ain’t bluffing,” warned Hearn.
A collapse of this magnitude would severely disappoint domestic fans who have waited years to see the fierce rivals share a ring.
Negotiations remain ongoing to find a compromise that satisfies the enormous financial investments while respecting the original contractual boundaries.
Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen has completed a sensational return from injury by winning the men’s 5,000m gold medal at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.
The acclaimed distance runner had not raced competitively for 324 days following Achilles surgery at the beginning of the year.
Despite the lengthy lay-off, the Norwegian timed his physical exertion to perfection during the opening day of the championships.
He delivered a devastating late burst of pace on the final stretch to surge past his rivals from third place.
A masterclass in race execution
Onlookers described the tactical performance as a stroke of genius from the formidable track star.
Months spent rehabilitating on the sidelines appeared to have zero impact on his trademark finishing speed.
Securing this prestigious title under such challenging physical circumstances reaffirms his status as one of the premier athletes in the sport.
Former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has named Deontay Wilder as the targeted opponent for the final heavyweight fight of his illustrious career.
The 39-year-old recently vacated his world titles to focus his attention on a single farewell bout before leaving the sport.
Speaking to The Athletic, the undefeated southpaw confirmed that preliminary negotiations are already under way with the American’s camp.
A potential showdown has been discussed for the past six months, providing one last lucrative opportunity for the veteran.
‘Business and opportunity’ driving farewell
The two-weight world champion views the potential clash as a straightforward professional transaction.
“If Deontay’s team wants it, I do it. Money, business… we have two options, but what for me is good, we will take,” Usyk explained.
He believes the ball is now firmly in the court of the Alabama native’s representatives to finalise an agreement.
After securing defining victories over Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, the eastern European star feels he has nothing left to prove.
This proposed contest represents a rare chance to face the only top-tier fighter of his generation who has consistently eluded him.
American knockout power remains a threat
Wilder, 40, enters the conversation following a narrow split-decision victory over British veteran Derek Chisora.
Although the ‘Bronze Bomber’ is widely considered to be past his physical peak, he still commands immense respect across the division.
“He’s a great champion and he is still a dangerous guy. I’m not boxing for glory or credit, for me, this is just my life,” the Ukrainian added.
Esteemed boxing trainer Teddy Atlas has publicly voiced concerns regarding the inherent risks attached to facing such a devastating puncher.
With 43 of his 45 career victories coming by way of knockout, the former champion’s right hand remains a formidable weapon.
“Wilder is long, he’s tall, he’s a heavyweight and he can punch with the right hand. Usyk is getting older,” Atlas warned.
The respected analyst noted that while the unified champion has absorbed relatively little punishment throughout his career, the danger inevitably increases with age.
Demi Vollering has seized the Tour de France Femmes yellow jersey after launching a devastating late attack to win stage eight in Nice on Saturday.
The Dutch rider increased the tempo on the final climb of the day, ultimately breaking the resolve of overnight leader Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney with six kilometres remaining.
As the 2023 champion accelerated towards the famous Promenade des Anglais, neither the Polish rider nor Elisa Longo Borghini could bridge the growing gap.
Setting up a thrilling finale
Crossing the finish line in triumph, the exhausted stage winner dropped to the tarmac to recover her breath.
Longo Borghini secured second place, while Niewiadoma-Phinney crossed the line in third, with both riders finishing 17 seconds adrift of the victor.
The spectacular stage victory gives the recent Giro d’Italia winner a slender eight-second advantage in the general classification ahead of Sunday’s final stage.
Echoes of past battles
The dramatic shift in momentum sets the stage for a tense showdown on stage nine, which features four punishing ascents of the Col d’Èze overlooking Monaco.
Niewiadoma-Phinney had only just claimed the race lead on Friday following a magnificent solo victory on Mont Ventoux.
History adds further tension to the weekend, as the Polish star famously defeated her Dutch rival by a mere four seconds on a mountainous final day two years ago.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot was forced to abandon the prestigious race due to illness.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma will face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world title at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August in his 15th professional contest.
The 21-year-old has the opportunity to become the second-youngest world heavyweight champion in boxing history, sitting only behind American icon Mike Tyson.
Standing in his way is an experienced Croatian operator who will provide a significant step up in competition for the Chatham-born fighter.
Handling the bright lights
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren recently described the British prospect as the hottest talent in the sport.
Despite his rapid ascent, the young contender admits he is not entirely comfortable with his growing stardom.
“I don’t actually want to be under the bright lights but with the way I am going, it looks like I ain’t got no choice,” Itauma said.
“I appreciate the compliment from Frank Warren,” he added. “I feel like I am still developing the character, the person and the fighter I want to be.”
Chasing Tyson’s historic legacy
A string of devastating knockout victories has inevitably drawn comparisons between the rising star and a prime Tyson.
Renowned trainer Teddy Atlas recently claimed the British heavyweight is even more advanced than ‘Iron Mike’ was at the exact same age.
“To be honest I am pretty sure Teddy Atlas put a gun to Mike Tyson’s head before no?” Itauma smiled. “I just think he doesn’t like Mike Tyson and is finding a way to dim his light.”
“Tyson has had his career and I am still making my career,” the heavyweight noted. “Of course I set out the goal to become the youngest heavyweight world champion, so it is step by step.”
Step by step to the summit
While he missed out on breaking Tyson’s absolute age record, securing a high-profile bout against veteran Dillian Whyte proved his willingness to take incredibly tough fights.
The fast-handed southpaw insists the elevation of the upcoming contest to world title status has not altered his preparation.
“I was taking Hrgovic serious and now that the fight is for a world title, I am still taking it serious. It is still the same fight.”
His upcoming opponent represents a formidable challenge, having previously fought at the very highest tier of the blue-riband division.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are set to stage their highly anticipated heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden on a Friday in November following a push by broadcasters Netflix.
The long-awaited all-British contest is finally moving forward after the Gypsy King overcame Mariusz Wach in Thailand and his rival survived a scare against Kristian Prenga.
Despite earlier agreements targeting a British venue, reports indicate the bout is almost certain to head stateside.
Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly steering the event towards New York and plans to disrupt traditional boxing schedules.
Friday night scheduling
UK broadcasting norms could be abandoned in favour of a Friday night slot on November 20.
Organisers are reportedly eager to avoid direct clashes with American college football fixtures on the traditional Saturday evening.
Netflix has rarely deviated from its preferred Friday slot, with a previous Terence Crawford bout against Canelo Alvarez being a notable exception.
Speaking after his recent victory in Pattaya, 37-year-old Fury claimed to be entirely in the dark regarding the final destination.
I’ll regroup, and hopefully the next big fight is signed next week, and we head wherever we’re going to head.
The former world champion suggested alternative locations ranging from Las Vegas to Belfast.
Hearn admits US revenue appeal
Eddie Hearn, promoter for the two-time unified heavyweight champion, previously insisted a legally binding contract mandated a domestic venue.
The Matchroom boss revealed that his fighter explicitly requested to compete in front of a home crowd.
However, Hearn has since acknowledged that the immense financial potential of Madison Square Garden has altered those initial guarantees.
There was never any doubt this fight was in the UK until there were some approaches from America in terms of the revenue that could be achieved at MSG.
World title implications
Although both veteran heavyweights are approaching the latter stages of their respective careers, a world title shot could await the victor.
Murat Gassiev recently defended his WBA belt against Peter Kadiru and has expressed a willingness to face either British star.
The Russian champion stated he holds immense respect for both men and would eagerly accept a challenge on English soil.