Jonny Wilkinson gave Australia a painful reminder of his match-winning abilities by kicking England to a 21-20 turnaround victory in the second Test in Sydney yesterday.
A week after being completely outclassed by the Wallabies, England were superb in attack and defense to level the two-Test series.
Both teams scored two tries apiece, but England were far more committed and dominated in both the forwards and the backs.
PHOTO: EPA
Fittingly, it was replacement flyhalf Wilkinson who kicked the winning points, seven years after booting a drop-goal at the same ground to win the 2003 World Cup, but every English player can stand tall after defying the critics.
Newcomers Ben Youngs at scrumhalf and lock Courteney Lawes justified their selections, while the back three of Ben Foden, Mark Cueto and Chris Ashton looked dangerous every time they touched the ball.
■ALL BLACKS 42, WALES 9
REUTERS, DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
Flyhalf Daniel Carter returned to his sparkling best by scoring 27 points in New Zealand’s 42-9 victory over Wales in an emotionally charged match at Carisbrook yesterday.
Carter scored two tries, one from 40m out, as he challenged and taunted defenders, while he slotted 17 points with his boot as he displayed the kind of form that appeared to desert him during the recent Super 14 season.
Keven Mealamu, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui also scored tries for the All Blacks, whose forwards were challenged in the first half, but played at a higher tempo and took advantage as their opponents wilted in the second half.
Wales flyhalf Stephen Jones slotted a drop-goal and a penalty, while Leigh Halfpenny converted a long-range penalty for the visitors, who have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953.
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
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
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely