A round of dead rubbers is a fitting finale for the meaningless Rainbow Cup according to Gerry Thornley. "Little or nothing about this hotch-potch of a tournament was ultimately going to lead to a final based on merit," he explains. The cancellation of the Ospreys-Benetton game ensures an anti-climactic sixth round of dead rubbers this weekend. Leinster's game with the Dragons tomorrow will be Scott Fardy's 80th and last before he rides off into the Australian sunset: "I didn't want to get to a point where I just completely destroyed the body – and the game is getting more and more physical. It starts to take a toll."
Rafael Nadal responded to a typically thorough examination from Diego Schwartzman by devastating him, beating the Argentinian 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 to reach the 16th French Open semi-final of his career. Earlier, in the women's draw reigning champion Iga Swiatek was defeated 6-4, 6-4 after a supreme, gutsy performance from Maria Sakkari of Greece.
The Irish hockey team's 1-1 draw with Spain in Amsterdam yesterday ended their hopes of adding another first to their collection, namely reaching the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championships for the very first time. Fifth place will be enough to earn a World Cup slot though, Ireland now battling it out with England, Italy and Scotland in Pool C for that honour. They play England tomorrow and Italy on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has offered to source as many doctors and nurses as needed from around the globe to ensure the Tokyo Olympics is safe – and to help Japan fight a fourth wave of Covid infections.
