Clinincal Wallabies set up New Zealand final
The Rugby World Cup final will be contested by the tournament's two best teams after Australia produced an incisive and clinical performance at Twickenham to dash Argentinian dreams and set up an Antipodean showdown with New Zealand next weekend.
Michael Cheika's side outscored Los Pumas four tries to none in yesterday's second semi-final as they ran out 29-15 winners in the rain, with Adam Ashley-Cooper's brilliantly taken hat-trick epitomising his side's ruthlessness in attack.
While it is a shame Daniel Hourcade’s side’s journey is now over a brilliant tournament will have the finale it deserves, as both the Wallabies and the All Blacks look to create history and lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time, writes Gerry Thornley.
Australia have been a team transformed under the stewardship of Cheika, who took over a year and three days ago, and the former-Leinster coach praised the hard work and honesty of his charges following their victory.
One man standing between Australia and the trophy is All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, who boss Steve Hansen has called "probably the greatest player the game has ever seen."
Manchester derby a dull draw
It was honours-even in Manchester yesterday after United and City played out a dull derby stalemate at Old Trafford.
Despite controlling the game Louis Van Gaal’s side were largely impotent going forward with the brilliant Anthony Martial shipped out wide to accommodate a labouring Wayne Rooney, and Manuel Pellegrini’s side happily settled for a point which returned them to the top of the league.
And despite Rooney's insipid display, United boss Van Gaal said after wards he was "sick" of fielding questions about his captain's poor form.
Elsewhere Newcastle's misery in the Tyne-Wear derby continued after Sunderland won 3-0 at the Stadium of Light to give Sam Allardyce his first win in charge of the club and make it six consecutive wins over their North East rivals.
Meanwhile Jurgen Klopp is still searching for his first win as Liverpool boss after Saido Mane's late header gave Southampton a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Tim Sherwood became the Premier League's latest managerial casualty yesterday after he was sacked as Aston Villa boss, and his departure likely stemmed from an inability to work with the club's transfer committee, writes Ken Early.
GAA club championships
Clara have regained the Kilkenny senior hurling championship after delivering a gritty performance to see off O'Loughlin Gaels 2-12 to 1-13 at Nowlan Park yesterday.
Meanwhile in Tipperary Thurles Sarsfields secured a third title in four years after a 1-18 to 3-11 win over Nenagh Éire Óg at Semple Stadium.
Nemo Rangers picked up their 19th Cork senior football title yesterday with a 1-10 to 0-11 replay win over Castlehaven, while in Mayo Castlebar Mitchels eased past Breaffy4-10 to 0-9 to win the senior championship.
Ireland men’s hockey qualify for Olympics
And Ireland will play hockey at the Olympics for the first time since 1908 after Australia's 3-2 win over New Zealand in the Oceania Cup final gave Crag Fulton's side a place in Rio next summer.
