Muster and Ulster both enjoyed comfortable away wins last night to leave them top of their respective Pro14 conference tables. Munster took their season to seven wins from seven outings against a threadbare Zebre side that had just one win from seven matches before the night began. A hat-trick of tries for hooker John Andrew, two for John Cooney as well as those from Stewart Moore and Jordi Murphy guaranteed Ulster a bonus point win against Edinburgh. Ahead of Ireland's Autumn Nations Cup clash with Scotland on Saturday, Gerry Thornley thinks that "to rediscover more self-belief and sureness in what they are doing, they could do with a little more of the old detail." Check out his column here. While former Test referee and former director of referees with the IRFU Owen Doyle explains why the scrum is a major issue which World Rugby must address.
The Government has confirmed that the full 36-player panel can attend senior intercounty championship matches once the country moves to Level 3 restrictions today. In his column this morning Kevin McStay explains why he expects the beautiful chaos of this year's All-Ireland football championship to end in a Dublin-Mayo final: "this extraordinary year, by accident rather than design, has given an alternative glimpse of what the competition could become. It comes down to a basic question. Do we want an All-Ireland that is designed to find the four best teams, or the four teams who play the best football and therefore make it through?"
Last night's Premier League action was dominated by VAR once more as Aston Villa had an injury time equaliser against West Ham ruled out. West Ham climbed up to fifth thanks to goals from Angelo Ogbonna and Jarrod Bowen. Villa had equalised once through Jack Grealish and had the chance to snatch a point, only for Ollie Watkins to miss a penalty controversially awarded by VAR. And in stoppage time Watkins had the ball in the net only for an 'armpit offside' to deny him. Ivan Cavaleiro ended Fulham's penalty curse as the Cottagers stunned Leicester who missed out on the chance to top of the table. The FA Cup third round draw was also made last night. The Ireland women's team are looking for minor miracle as they host Germany this afternoon knowing they almost certainly need to beat the eight-times European champions to stay in this edition of the competition. Also in action tonight (both at 8pm) Liverpool host Ajax in the Champions League and Manchester City are away to Porto.
Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean is to be discharged from hospital today having escaped from a life-threatening accident at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Haas driver has been thoroughly examined but sustained only burns to his hands after the car burst into flames. In racing news, Harry Skelton hopes Politologue can pick up where he left off by making a triumphant return to action against Altior in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
