Rugby World Cup 2015: Sam Warburton calm over bonus-point failure as Wales move a step closer to quarter-final with Fiji victory October 1, 2015 Exhausted Wales skipper Sam Warburton dismissed the significance of his side’s failure to secure a bonus point after beating Fiji in a bruising encounter at the Millennium Stadium yesterday. Scrum-half Gareth Davies and hooker Scott Baldwin touched down for Wales as fly-half Dan Biggar kicked 13 points, while Fiji retaliated in the second period [...]
Brendan Rodgers blasts wastefulness as Europa victory eludes Liverpool October 1, 2015 Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers blasted his side’s wastefulness as their wait for an opening Europa League victory of the season continued after failing to overcome FC Sion at Anfield last night. Former Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana gave the Reds an early advantage, although their lead did not last long as Ghanaian forward Ebenezer Assifuah [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: South Africa to kick start RWC with strong victory over Scotland October 1, 2015 An ominous air surrounds South Africa going into this match against Scotland. Shocked by Japan, they bullied Samoa and now look to be regathering the composure that befits the two-time world champions. Scotland are striving to win their pool for the first time since 1991. But, in the four matches since they secured their [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: England loss vs Australia could wipe £3bn off stock market by depressing investors’ mood October 1, 2015 Around £3bn could be wiped off the UK stock market in a single day if England lose their crunch Rugby World Cup game against Australia this Saturday, with investors' outlook depressed by the disappointing result. Read more: Rugby World Cup's economic impact likely to be limited England face Australia at Twickenham knowing that anything less than [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: Stuart Lancaster staring into abyss and admits England v Australia result puts job on the line October 1, 2015 Under-pressure head coach Stuart Lancaster has accepted the legacy of his England tenure will be determined by the outcome of Saturday’s pivotal World Cup showdown with Australia at Twickenham. English hopes were high pre-tournament but last weekend’s harrowing 28-25 surrender to Wales means that Lancaster’s side must now beat two-time tournament winners Australia to have [...]
The Birds theatre review: Avoid this play like you would avian flu October 1, 2015 The Birds Leicester Square Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ The first thought that goes through one's head before a stage version of The Birds is: I wonder how they're going to make the birds happen. Notoriously difficult to work with, birds – all beak and feathers and malevolent intent. Wicked little pseudo dinosaurs. But after sitting through this painfully [...]
Macbeth movie review: Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard star in this emotionally stunted Shakespearean spectacle October 1, 2015 Cert 15 | ★★☆☆☆ Rumour has it that Michael Fassbender has been going around calling this film adaptation of Macbeth “the Scottish film”, after the actorly tradition. Presumably, something dreadful happens to you if you say Shakespeare’s title, like Malcolm Tucker shoves a thistle down your oesphagus. Whatever happens to you, it’s a ridiculous, thespy [...]
The Martian movie review: Matt Damon brings life to Mars in Ridley Scott’s new film October 1, 2015 Cert 12A | ★★★★☆ When returning from a manned mission to Mars, it’s important to check that you’ve got all of your Matt Damons with you. Look underneath your seat. Check any nearby craters for hidden Damons. Because like some sort of interplanetary Home Alone, The Martian proves that it’s all too easy to leave the [...]
Football League says average ticket price is just £14 as fans plan protest for £20 away ticket cap October 1, 2015 The Football League claims that on average it only cost £14 to buy a ticket across its three divisions last season. It released the findings ahead of a fans' protest against ticket prices planned for this weekend. The average admission price for a Championship game was £15.7, while in League 1 and League 2 it [...]
Tottenham’s Dele Alli earns England call up after just three Premier League starts October 1, 2015 England manager Roy Hodgson is ready to risk a 100 per cent qualifying record in the name of experimentation after handing first call-ups to Tottenham youngster Dele Alli and Liverpool striker Danny Ings. Alli, 19, has made just three Premier League starts but has been included amid injuries to regular central midfielders Jordan Henderson and [...]