Schools close in New Zealand after play sand recalled over asbestos fears

George Ford has urged England to ensure that their recent victory over New Zealand is not a fleeting success, following their 33-19 win which marked their 10th consecutive victory against the All Blacks. Coach Steve Borthwick highlighted the team's significant growth as they climbed to third in the world rankings. England could potentially rise to second place next weekend if they defeat Argentina and Wales surprises New Zealand.

Book publishing websites in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are reportedly using fake testimonials and AI-generated staff profiles to deceive aspiring authors into paying for services. An Australian writer encountered a suspected scammer in person, leading to an investigation by Australia's National Anti-Scam Centre into these dubious international publishing operations. The Guardian has identified similar fraudulent websites in the UK and New Zealand, highlighting a concerning trend in the self-publishing industry.

On Monday morning, 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) canceled playtime due to concerns over a potentially hazardous batch of colored sand. The Australian regulator has issued a recall for several sand products used in children's play, citing asbestos contamination risks. The situation has raised alarms among parents and educators, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students.

Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are set to close on Monday due to concerns over asbestos contamination in recalled coloured play sand. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the potential health risks associated with the sand, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students and staff. The closures come as a precautionary measure while investigations are conducted to assess the extent of the risk and to determine the necessary steps for remediation.

Thirteen people were injured when a demolition derby car crashed into a crowd in New South Wales, Australia. The incident occurred during a race when the car drove through a fence and collided with the grandstand, according to police reports.

Ireland showcased a dominant performance against Australia in the Autumn Nations Series, with Hansen emerging as a standout player at fullback. Early in the match, Ireland's clumsy restart allowed Australia to regain possession, but their attack lacked direction, leading to a turnover. Ireland quickly regained control, and Hansen scored a try under the posts after a swift series of passes. The match highlighted Ireland's strength and tactical prowess, dismantling the Wallabies with effective plays.