There was to be no repeat of last year's autumn internationals heroics from England against New Zealand at Twickenham, but Stuart Lancaster's side were still able to hold their heads high after turning the All Blacks a shade of green with a spirited second-half comeback that looked as if it would end in a famous victory. Only for it to end in a glorious defeat, New Zealand winning 30-22. "The defeat is difficult to stomach," said Tom Wood, reaching for the nearest bucket. Meanwhile, Scotland were left feeling nauseous after going down 28-0 to South Africa and Ireland vomited their way to a 32-15 defeat by Australia. But at least Wales beat Argentina 40-6, their first autumn series win at home for four years.
Out of Africa to Brazil
Following the news that Ricky Martin will help choose the anthem to next summer's football World Cup finals in Brazil, it is no wonder the race for qualification in Africa has become so frenzied. Cameroon booked their place at the finals with a 4-1 aggregate play-off victory over Tunisia, while perennial underachievers Ivory Coast eased past Senegal, 4-2 on aggregate. Nigeria beat Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate, their goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, thanking God for making sure he will attend an event made extra-special by the involvement of the man responsible for Livin' La Vida Loca.
Disappointed in victory
There was a funereal tone after England swept into the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup. They might have blootered France to the tune of 34-6 – but their coach, Steve McNamara, and their captain, Kevin Sinfield, both called for improvement when they take on New Zealand. "It was very, very scratchy," said McNamara. "The harder we tried, the worse we got." But at least they tried hard. "We're thoroughly disappointed," sniffed Sinfield. Imagine if they had lost. In the other semi-final, Australia will be without their full-back Billy Slater against Fiji after he injured his knee in a 62-0 quarter-final win over the United States.
Haye floored by doctors
David Haye's never-dull boxing career looks to be lurching towards an unscheduled conclusion. The former world heavyweight champion was despondent after doctors told him that a five-hour operation to rebuild his right shoulder in Germany did not encourage the view he was fit to continue fighting. He said he had no choice but to heed their advice to withdraw from his 8 February fight against the unbeaten Mancunian Tyson Fury. "It's a crushing blow," the 33-year-old Haye said. "I had big plans for next year and the ultimate goal was to win back the world heavyweight title."
