Ireland and Wales in bruising draw
Ireland began their Six Nations title defence with a brutal and bruising 16-16 draw with Wales in Dublin yesterday.
Joe Schmidt's side got off to a whirlwind start, racing into a 13-0 lead, before Warren Gatland's visitors clawed their way back into proceedings, and it took a late Johnny Sexton penalty to secure Ireland a share of the spoils. You can read Gerry Thornley's match report from the Aviva Stadium here.
While the Grand Slam and Triple Crown are now gone, Schmidt was encouraged by Ireland’s performance: “As much as I was incredibly desperate that we win it, I thought it was a Test match, and I don’t think many people would go away disappointed with the levels of intensity and the aspiration of both teams to actually pay.”
Ireland now face a daunting trip to face a new-look France team in five days time, and Schmidt admitted he will probably have to make some changes after yesterday's battle of attrition.
He said: “Yeah, I think like anything, going into the unknown is a little bit daunting, and seeing some of the athletes they have in the new guys there.”
Today Malachy Clerkin looks at CJ Stander, who was named man of the match after delivering a very impressive performance on his debut, while John O'Sullivan reflects on Jack McGrath, who also stood out and met the physical challenge Wales presented for the full 90 minutes.
Meanwhile Liam Toland believes Ireland shouldfeel "a huge sense of achievement" in earning the draw.
Costa snatches point for Chelsea
Elsewhere Manchester United's top four hopes were dealt a blow after Diego Costa's injury time goal snatched a point for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. United looked to have secured victory through Jesse Lingaard's stunning second half strike before being pegged back late on.
And Arsenal got back to winning ways away at Bournemouth thanks to first half goals from Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Roscommon make history
Meanwhile Roscommon made history yesterday as they beat Kerry away from home for the first time ever, winning 0-14 to 1-10 in their Allianz League Division One fixture. Donegal remain top of the table after a comfortable 2-14 to 1-7 win over Cork, while Monaghan edged Down 0-13 to 0-11.
Broncos win Super Bowl
The Denver Broncos have won Super Bowl 50 after they delivered a defensive masterclass to see off the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in California.
Matsuyama takes Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler missed out on the Phoeniz Openin Arizona after he was pipped in a play-off by Hideki Matsuyama. Shane Lowry birdied five of his last six holes to earn a share of sixth spot.
