Britain's newspapers yesterday hailed the bravery and spirit of England's defeated rugby union World Cup side, praising South Africa for their win but mulling over a controversial refereeing decision.
For those who managed to squeeze match reports into their first editions, newspapers said South Africa were worthy winners in the game's showpiece occasion in Paris.
"The 2003 world champions [England] will know that on the day, they were not the better side," said the Sunday Times, saying England failed to dominate the lineout in the first half and did not take advantage of territorial advantage.
The Sunday Telegraph's Paul Ackford, himself a former England lock, said it was a "hugely worthy effort" but "on the balance of play there can be few complaints from England."
South Africa's 15-6 win was a "fitting reward for a host of fine players," he said, and "at the end the best side in this World Cup prevailed."
"South Africa have been the class outfit. They have faced down all challenges and challengers and they have done so with dignity and no little class," Ackford said. "England made them work very hard to earn their triumph but they are worthy winners and the trophy is in good hands for the next four years."
A number of newspapers mulled over referee Alain Rolland's decision not to award what appeared to be a try from England's Mark Cueto early in the second-half after a ruling from the video referee Stuart Dickinson.
The News of the World, which normally concentrates on soccer, headlined its report "A reffin' disaster," saying Rolland "did them no favours" with "a string of debatable decisions."
It speculated that the video referee's nationality may have had something to do with the decision, pointing out: "Stuart Dickinson is an Aussie by the way."
The Sunday Times had a front-page picture Prince Harry in the crowd at the Stade de France making a "T" for try sign with his hands and his brother Prince William praying as Wilkinson spent three minutes studying the replays.
It said the chances of England turning the tide rested "on a decision of millimetres," while the Sunday Telegraph, its front page showing disappointed England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, speculated on the "try controversy."
But both said the better team won on the night.
Elsewhere the newspapers praised England's remarkable comeback after poor showings in the pool stages, which included a 36-0 defeat to South Africa.
Many called it one of the nation's greatest sporting comebacks, comparing it to England's cricketers in their 2005 Ashes win over Australia or its soccer team's 1966 World Cup win.
The Sunday Express said the men in white had already been redeemed from the earlier thrashing by South Africa but glory proved elusive at the last.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Forget Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, the world’s best soccer team — statistically speaking — might be a little-known outfit from the closed central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. Founded last year, Arkadag, named in honor of former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, have been unstoppable, notching up 36 consecutive domestic victories in a run still ongoing. The side have not lost a single competitive match and swept to a league and cup double in their inaugural season — success unthinkable almost anywhere else. However, in Turkmenistan, it could hardly have gone any other way. The energy-rich country is one of the most closed
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping