Australia to face New Zealand at Rugby World Cup as France earn dream draw

The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been completed, presenting England with a favorable path compared to their rivals, particularly Australia, which raises hopes of a repeat of their 2003 success. The promotional campaign has also featured rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson, enhancing the narrative surrounding the tournament.

England's wheelchair rugby league team secured a 2-0 series victory in the Ashes against Australia, a significant achievement that went largely unnoticed in the UK due to the timing of the matches and lack of mainstream coverage. Coach Tom Coyd expressed disappointment over the team's disconnect from home despite their success.

Ahead of the second Test match at Brisbane's Gabba, Mitchell Starc's exceptional performance with the pink ball has drawn attention, boasting 81 wickets at an average of 17.08, making him the leading wicket-taker in this format. Dawid Malan recalls his experiences facing Starc, highlighting the challenges posed by the Australian fast bowler under lights.

England's cricket team is preparing for a challenging day-night Test against Australia, with discussions highlighting the difficulties of playing under lights. The selection of Will Jacks is seen as a strategic move to adapt to these conditions, as England aims to overcome their historical struggles in Australia.

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed pitcher Cody Ponce to a $30 million deal following his successful seasons in Japan and Korea, where he achieved the Triple Crown and was named KBO MVP. This move marks a significant addition to the team's roster as they continue to strengthen their pitching lineup.

England secured a 2-0 victory against Ghana, with Lucia Kendall scoring an early goal just six minutes into the match, followed by a second from Alessia Russo. The match took place at St Mary’s, showcasing Kendall's smooth transition into the Women’s Super League after joining Aston Villa from Southampton this summer.

Former England cricketer Robin Smith, known for his fearless batting style and iconic square cuts, has passed away at the age of 62, leaving a significant legacy in English cricket during the late 1980s and 1990s. His performances against formidable teams like Australia and West Indies were pivotal in uplifting the morale of the national team during challenging times.

Australia is set to host England in a crucial Ashes week at the Gabba, with Ben Stokes expressing confidence despite concerns over the challenges posed by the pink-ball Test. The historical context of the venue highlights England's struggles in Australia, with their last Test victory on Australian soil dating back to 2003.