OLIVER HOLT: Liverpool need Rodgers if they want to compete... he is a fine manager and the best strategy is to stick with him

If Liverpool want to compete they need Brendan Rodgers... He is a fine manager and the

The reality is that Liverpool cannot climb back to the top by outspending their rivals. They cannot win by might. They have to win by stealth. They have to win by having a better manager and a better strategy. They already have a fine manager and the best strategy is to stick with him. He just needs to be left alone to prove he has what it takes again.

South Africa fall to humiliating defeat as 40-1 underdogs Japan score late, late try to snatch victory

Japan beat South Africa 34-32! Springboks fall to humiliating Rugby World Cup defeat by

SOUTH AFRICA 32-34 JAPAN - MATT LAWTON AT THE COMMUNITY STADIUM: The fiercest clash in Brighton since Quadrophenia this was never supposed to be. Not when it was a game being contested by two teams at opposite ends of the Rugby World Cup spectrum; the best record versus the worst. But those who gathered inside a pulsating, sun-drenched Brighton Community Stadium can say they were there when Japan conquered the mighty Springboks.

Costa deserves a three-match ban! Wenger slams ref Dean after Chelsea striker's antics in win over Arsenal

Diego Costa of Chelsea grapples with Gabriel Paulista of Arsenal and Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal eventually leading to a sending off for Gabriel Paulista during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal played at Stamford Bridge, London on September 19th 2015

Arsene Wenger urged the FA to serve a three-match ban on Diego Costa and hit out at 'naïve' referee Mike Dean after the Chelsea striker was pivotal in their 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Pellegrini refuses to use Silva's injury as an excuse for West Ham defeat as City lose unbeaten league record

Manuel Pellegrini was forced into a late reshuffle when David Silva, Manchester City's outstanding player this season, succumbed to injury in the warm-up.

One of the greatest! Japan coach hails his Japanese troops after huge upset

MATT LAWTON IN BRIGHTON: Eddie Jones said his Japan side had thrown their World Cup pool 'wide open' after winning what he described as 'one of the greatest World Cup games ever.'

Burgess winning the battle of hearts and minds and is a real contender to start England's next World Cup match

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18:  Sam Burgess of England hands off Tuapati Talemaitoga of Fiji during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium on September 18, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

EXCLUSIVE: When Sam Burgess arrived in Bath with a fractured eye socket and no rugby union experience, only a handful believed the former league star could make the World Cup grade in time.

Van Gaal admits he's building a Man United team for his successor after splashing out £300m on new players

Manchester's Anthony Martial  (R) vies with PSV Eindhovens Jeffrey Bruma (L) during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United at the Philips stadium in Eindhoven, Belgium on September 15, 2015. AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYSJOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images

The costly failures of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao convinced Louis van Gaal to build a new team - even if he will not be at Old Trafford to reap the benefits.

Wenger should stop crying after every Chelsea defeat, taunts Mourinho

epa04938338 Chelsea's Diego Costa (2-R) has an altercation with Gabriel Paulista (C) resulting in Gabriel being sent off during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, 19 September 2015.  EPA/ANDY RAIN EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

Jose Mourinho continued his long-running feud with Arsene Wenger on Saturday night, telling the Arsenal manager to stop 'crying' and 'moaning' after every defeat against Chelsea.

Lancaster is relieved to be over first hurdle as he eyes triumph that would better England's success in 2003

Rugby World Cup 2015, England v Fiji, Opening game. Twickenham. LOndon.\n Picture Andy Hooper Daily Mail/ Solo Syndication\nStuart Lancaster watches the warm up

OLIVER HOLT - CHIEF SPORTS WRITER: Stuart Lancaster stood in a cavernous room beneath one of the stands at Twickenham. Everything was still in order. Nothing was out of place.

West Ham complete stunning hat-trick of away wins as Moses and Sakho strike to down Man City despite De Bruyne goal

Manchester City 1-2 West Ham: Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho cause upset as Manuel

MANCHESTER CITY 1-2 WEST HAM - JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City lost their long unbeaten record in the Premier League as Slaven Bilic's West Ham completed an incredible hat-trick of away victories. Strikes by Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho allowed the Hammers to end City's 11-match winning run.

Gabriel was sent off for responding to Costa... but was the Arsenal defender left with scratch marks on his neck?

Gabriel was sent off for responding to Diego Costa... but was the Arsenal defender left

Arsene Wenger saw his side lose to Chelsea under Jose Mourinho - a familiar refrain for the Arsenal manager. But the Gunners were incensed by the match-chaning incident which saw defender Gabriel sent off for a clash with Diego Costa. The Chelsea striker appeared to push and then strike Laurent Koscielny in the face before clashing with the Brazilian defender.

Zouma and Hazard strike as Chelsea return to winning ways in Premier League against nine-man Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19:  Kurt Zouma (1st R) of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on September 19, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

CHELSEA 2-0 ARSENAL - ROB DRAPER AT STAMFORD BRIDGE: Diego Costa was the subject in question and the conversation went back and forth. 'Should he have been sent off?'

Terry has to accept he is near end of his career and will be left out, insists Ferdinand after Mourinho drops his captain for first time in top flight

Football - Chelsea v Arsenal - Barclays Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 19/9/15
 Chelsea's John Terry takes his place on the bench before the match
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John Terry may be nearing the end of his Chelsea career but will be determined to regain his place in the starting XI, according to former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

OLIVER HOLT: He prods, he probes and he goads... welcome to Jose's lesson in football warfare

OLIVER HOLT: It is a Mourinho tradition to be fighting wars on several fronts. When trouble assails him, it seems to be his tactic to invite it on. He does not put out fires. He fans flames.

GRAHAM POLL: Costa must be banned by the FA for Koscielny slap

Football - Chelsea v Arsenal - Barclays Premier League - Stamford Bridge - 19/9/15
 Chelsea's Diego Costa clashes with Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny
 Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley
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Diego Costa must be charged and banned by the FA for slapping Laurent Koscielny in the incident which preceded Costa's prolonged clash with Gabriel Paulista, who was sent off.

Costa is an angry man and he went too far... but Gabriel was pathetic to fall for his tricks, blasts Shearer  

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Diego Costa went too far with his aggressive approach against Arsenal... but Gabriel was pathetic to fall for his tricks, according to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

Arsenal went back to the bad old days... lack of discipline and control cost them, not Costa's antics

Arsenals French manager Arsene Wenger (L) reacts after the sending off of Arsenals Brazilian defender Gabriel (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on September 19, 2015. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON 
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images

NEIL ASHTON: A decade or so ago and it was difficult to keep track of the number of times Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Ray Parlour and Sol Campbell were sent off in high profile fixtures.
This was a throwback.

Murray brothers put Great Britain on the brink of historic Davis Cup final after epic doubles victory against rivals Australia

Andy and Jamie Murray beat Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth to give Great Britain 2-1 lead

MIKE DICKSON IN GLASGOW: Andy and Jamie Murray walked tall together to come through the unbearable tension of a fifth set decider to give Great Britain a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup semi-final against Australia. Pushed all the way by the superbly combative duo of Sam Groth and Lleyton Hewitt they finally came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-4.

Leicester launch ANOTHER fightback from two down as Mahrez and Vardy extend unbeaten run

Stoke 2-2 Leicester: Foxes fight back from two down again as Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy

STOKE 2-2 LEICESTER - NICK HARRIS AT BRITANNIA STADIUM: 'Are you Villa in disguise?' chanted the Leicester fans at the Britannia Stadium after watching their side come from 2-0 down to be level at 2-2 with more than 10 minutes still to play.

UEFA plays down doping reports despite almost 8 per cent abnormal results in study 

The UEFA Champions League trophy is displayed ahead of the draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final football matches at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon on March 20, 2015. 

AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI        (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

UEFA has insisted the number of players taking performance-enhancing drugs is very low in response to allegations that a study reveals otherwise.

Mourinho reassures Terry that he is still top of the Chelsea pecking order

Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea celebrates with John Terry of Chelsea after the final whistle   during the Barclays Premier League match Chelsea and Arsenal  played at Stamford Bridge, London -------------------- Michael Zemanek / BPI Barclays Premier League 2015/16 Chelsea v Arsenal Stamford Bridge, Fulham Rd, London, United Kingdom 19 September 2015 ©2015 Michael Zemanek / BPI all rights reserved

KIERAN GILL: John Terry has been reassured by Jose Mourinho that he is still top of the Chelsea pecking order, despite being dropped for 20-year-old Kurt Zouma against Arsenal.

Manchester United have lost that fear factor... Van Gaal must inject some flair into his ailing side at once

GLENN HODDLE: No-one truly fears playing Manchester United at the moment. Not PSV Eindhoven, not Swansea City and nor should Southampton after beating them last season.

McClaren under big pressure after Ighalo punishes woeful show from Newcastle

Newcastle 1-2 Watford: Odion Ighalo double piles the pressure on Steve McClaren's side

NEWCASTLE 1-2 WATFORD - CRAIG HOPE AT ST JAMES' PARK: Steve McClaren said that managing Newcastle during the early weeks of the season was like heading for a car crash - and he was left to survey the wreckage of another defeat as Watford's Odion Ighalo hit top gear with a match-winning brace.

Ronaldo walks out with son of Syrian refugee before win

Cristiano Ronaldo walks out with son of a Syrian refugee before win over Granada as Real

The son of the Syrian refugee tripped by a Hungarian journalist accompanied Cristiano Ronaldo onto the pitch before Real Madrid's La Liga game on Saturday.

Bournemouth 2-0 Sunderland: Wilson strikes again as Kaboul sees red

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19:  Matt Ritchie of Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Sunderland at Vitality Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

MARTHA KELNER AT THE VITALITY STADIUM: Bournemouth recorded their second win of the season as Sunderland's miserable start to the new Premier League continued .

Swansea 0-0 Everton: Mirallas sent off in final seconds of stalemate

Football - Swansea City v Everton - Barclays Premier League - Liberty Stadium - 19/9/15
 Everton's Ross Barkley shoots
 Action Images via Reuters / Ian Smith
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RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Kevin Mirallas was sent off in the final seconds of the match as Swansea and Everton missed out on the chance to temporarily infiltrate the top four of the Premier League.

Schneiderlin still has a lot to prove at Man United, warns boss Van Gaal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Morgan Schneiderlin of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on August 22, 2015 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Morgan Schneiderlin returns to Southampton with Louis van Gaal reminding him there is a difference between being a proven Premier League performer and a proper Manchester United player.

Berahino settles derby with first goal since transfer bid as West Brom edge out Villa

Aston Villa 0-1 West Brom: Controversial striker Saido Berahino nets first goal since

ASTON VILLA 0-1 WEST BROM - LAURIE WHITWELL AT VILLA PARK: From a tweet posted in anger to a goal scored with glee. In the end, a minor touch was all it took for Saido Berahino to reignite his West Bromwich Albion career and earn a victory of great significance.

We need to fix our scrum! Wales and Australia will be licking their lips after Fiji win, admits Cole

England forwards know they must improve from Fiji Rugby World Cup 2015 showing

England's frustrated forwards will spend this week attempting to fix their misfiring scrum following another alarmingly disjointed performance against Fiji.

Darmstadt 0-3 Bayern Munich: Vidal nets first goal for German giants

Arturo Vidal scores a 25-yard screamer to open the scoring before Kingsley Coman, on loan from Juventus, and midfielder Sebastian Rode complete the rout for Bayern Munich at SV Darmstadt 98.

Stade Reims 1-1 PSG: Cavani comes off the bench to rescue point

Champions PSG remain unbeaten and are one point above second-placed Rennes in the standings but shared the points for the second consecutive week following a 2-2 draw with Bordeaux.

Henderson KO: Big Liverpool blow as captain is ruled out for two months after breaking his foot in freak incident

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18:  (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool in action during a training session at Melwood Training Ground on September 18, 2015 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has suffered a devastating blow and is facing up two months out after breaking his foot in training.

Benzema fires winner but Ronaldo misses out on chance to become top goalscorer

Real Madrid 1-0 Granada: Karim Benzema scores winner as Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on

REAL MADRID 1-0 GRANADA - PETE JENSON: Don't panic, Cristiano Ronaldo still has 436 games left to break Raul's record in fewer matches than the legendary Real Madrid captain. There was no goal for him here in a win over Granada however as Rafa Benitez' side went top in Spain.

Day closes in on world No 1 spot after shooting 69 at BMW Championship to move six shots clear

Jason Day closes in on world No 1 spot after shooting 69 at BMW Championship to take

Jason Day remains on course for his first BMW Championship title and the world No 1 spot after opening up a six-shot lead in Chicago.

Southampton identify Blind as weak link ahead of Man United clash

Daley Blind of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United played at The Philips Stadion, Eindhoven

Ronald Koeman says Southampton will target defender Daley Blind when they face Manchester United at St Mary's in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

Hull 1-1 QPR: Points shared at KC Stadium as Austin and Dawson net 

Charlie Austin of QPR celebrates his spectacular goal 0-1 during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Queens Park Rangers at the KC Stadium, Hull.

Hull and QPR shared the points in a Sky Bet Championship clash which produced only occasional moments of quality with goals coming from Charlie Austin and Michael Dawson.

Nottingham Forest 1-2 Middlesbrough: Ayala sends visitors second

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 Mandatory Credit: Photo by JMS Photography/REX Shutterstock (5107360l)
 Boro celebrate going 1-0 up
 Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough, Sky Bet Championship, Football, City Ground, Britain - 19 Sep 2015

ADAM CRAFTON: It is days like this, away from home and under the cosh, that contenders separate themselves from pretenders, and here Middlesbrough underlined their credentials.

Wales fly-half Priestland ready to silence boo-boys against minnows Uruguay

Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland ready to silence the boo-boys in Rugby World Cup opener

There was a comical moment in Cardiff city centre during the week when the Uruguay team lined up for photographs with exiled Wales star Gavin Henson.  The South American minnows are milking their moment in the sun, with the group of farmers, accountants, bankers and students stealing the spotlight from their football contemporaries.

Ireland 50-7 Canada: Sexton stars as Schmidt's men begin World Cup campaign with win in Wales

Ireland 50-7 Canada: Jonathan Sexton stars as Joe Schmidt's men begin Rugby World Cup 2015

RORY KEANE AT THE MILLENNIUM STADIUM: Jonathan Sexton produced a five-star showing as Ireland secured a 50-7 victory against Canada in their World Cup opener at the Millennium Stadium.

France 32-10 Italy: Michalak kicks 22 points as French ease to victory

France's fly half Frederic Michalak successfully kicks the conversion from the first French try during the Pool D match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between France and Italy at Twickenham stadium, south west London on September 19, 2015. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS
RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE, NO USE IN LIVE MATCH TRACKING SERVICES, TO BE USED AS NON-SEQUENTIAL STILLSADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

JONATHAN MCEVOY AT TWICKENHAM: France did not look like the team of the last few years, and not only because they wore red rather than blue. Red for warning because they turned on a fine display.

England will not rise to Gatland's mind games, insists Vunipola ahead of crunch clash against Wales

Billy Vunipola says England will ignore any attempts by notorious wind-up merchant Warren Gatland to play mind games ahead of Saturday's eagerly anticipated clash.

SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Too much TMO leads to paralysis by analysis

We need to get back to some basics over the use of the Television Match Official. The referee is in charge, not the TMO. The referee's decision is final and if he awards a try I am against that being reversed.

Hamilton struggles in Singapore qualifying as Mercedes deny tyre pressure conspiracy

Lewis Hamilton struggles in Singapore Grand Prix qualifying as Mercedes deny tyre pressure

MATT MORLIDGE IN SINGAPORE: 'It's not a conspiracy... it's paranoia.' Toto Wolff couldn't have been more forthright when responding to claims that Mercedes' drastic slump in Singapore could have anything to do to with Pirelli. But two weeks after both Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were called to the stewards in Italy over alleged illegal tyre pressures, the duo slumped to the third row of the grid under the lights on Saturday night.

Dernbach finishes on losing side despite brilliant haul as Gloucestershire beat Surrey at Lord's

Gloucestershire beat Surrey by six runs in one of the most exciting finals in One-Day Cup

Quite how Jade Dernbach ended on a losing side and ultimately usurped by Jack Taylor might just haunt him until the end of his days. This was the Surrey seamer's moment, his six for 35 second only to Lancashire's Glen Chapple as the best in domestic one-day final history.

AC Milan 3-2 Palermo: Bacca at the double as Rossoneri edge win

AC Milan beat Palermo 3-2 for only their second win of the season as the visiting side missed the chance to move provisionally top of Serie A. Carlos Bacca scored twice for the hosts.

Mourinho denies claim he called Chelsea doctor Carneiro a 'daughter of a whore' as FA investigate complaint

Chelsea's doctor Eva Carneiro appears to have an argument with Jose Mourinho manager of Chelsea during the Barclays Premier League match between  Chelsea and Swansea  played at Stamford Bridge, London.. Barclays Premier League 2015/16 Chelsea v Swansea City Stamford Bridge, Fulham Rd, London, United Kingdom - 8 Aug 2015.. ..

Editorial use only. No merchandising. For Football images FA and Premier League restrictions apply inc. no internet/mobile usage without FAPL license - for details contact Football Dataco.. Mandatory Credit: Photo by BPI/REX Shutterstock (4931278ae)..

EXCLUSIVE: Jose Mourinho is accused of calling former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro a 'daughter of a whore' in the public complaint now being investigated by the Football Association.

CESAR AZPILICUETA: Chelsea could win Champions League on penalties with 11 of me... but a Spanish XI wouldn't win Premier League

PETE JENSON INTERVIEW: If there is one thing that Cesar Azpilicueta has learned from his three years in England it is that no one gives up in the Premier League.

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Magic Mike gets World Cup party started! Brown steals show as England edge thrilling opener after Fiji curse TV ref

England 35-11 Fiji: Mike Brown stars as Stuart Lancaster's men begin Rugby World Cup 2015

ENGLAND 35-11 FIJI - CHRIS FOY AT TWICKENHAM: England are on their way. The chariot is rolling - but only just. The host nation claimed the win they needed to ignite their World Cup campaign, but this was not a performance to strike terror into the other leading nations. After the pomp of the opening ceremony at Twickenham, full of fireworks, lasers and flame-throwers, the lights briefly threatened to go out on Stuart Lancaster' s side in this tournament.

REVEALED: How it could have been a whole different ball game for Arsenal midfielder Ramsey...

Rugby World Cup diary: Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal team-mates show off kicking skills

RUGBY WORLD CUP DIARY - NIK SIMON: Aaron Ramsey, who was invited for trials with Newport Gwent Dragons in his teens, has been sharing his World Cup excitement on Twitter, showing off his kicking skills.

Tonga 10-17 Georgia: 'Godzilla' Gorgodze helps his side to a famous win in their Rugby World Cup opener 

GLOUCESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19:  Georgia captain Mamuka Gorgodze scores his team's first try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Tonga and Georgia at Kingsholm Stadium on September 19, 2015 in Gloucester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)

Georgia caused the first shock of the Rugby World Cup as they defeated Tonga with an impressive display in Gloucester. Captain Mamuka Gorgodze opened the scoring.

WHAT WE LEARNED: Nadolo reminds Corbyn of how to belt out an anthem

MATCH ZONE: England started their Rugby World Cup campaign with victory over Fiji at Twickenham. JOE RIDGE was at the home of rugby to pick out the other talking points...

France winger Huget will miss rest of World Cup after suffering knee injury

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre confirmed wing Yoann Huget's World Cup is over after he suffered a serious knee injury in the 32-10 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.

Well, that's a bonus! England hero Vunipola was unaware of potential importance of his crucial try over Fiji

Billy Vunipola was unaware of the potential importance of his bonus-point clinching try in England's 35-11 World Cup-opening victory over Fiji.

Wales squad prepare for Uruguay with key players set to be rested

The Welsh squad looked in good spirits despite a rainy training session in Glamorgan ahead of their World Cup opener with Uruguay on Sunday, where they are set to rest several key players.

WIN Rugby World tickets to see England vs Wales, from Coca-Cola

Rugby Union - Coca-Cola Rugby Exchange  - Potters Fields Park, London - 3/8/15\nCoca-Cola launch million ball giveaway with Mike Tindall, Thom Evans, Natasha Hunt and Emily Scarratt at Tower Bridge as part of it's Rugby World Cup 2015 partnership \nMandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew Couldridge\nLivepic\nEDITORIAL USE ONLY.

We have teamed up with official Rugby World CUp sponsor Coca Cola to give away two pairs of tickets for the eagerly awaited clash between England and Wales at Twickenham.

MARTIN SAMUEL: Solid, not spectacular. Efficient, not slick. England got the job done

Don't be too harsh, England got there in the end with win over Fiji in Rugby World Cup

CHIEF SPORTS WRITER AT TWICKENHAM: Pragmatists the world over will recognise the significance of this one. Solid, but not spectacular. Efficient, but not slick. England got the job done, got the win and got the bonus point with the last play of the game through Billy Vunipola, a substitute. Stuart Lancaster used every last one of his replacements, all eight, and the fresh legs paid off with two late tries.

England to face New Zealand in the World Cup final: Our panel of experts make their predictions

Captain Richie McCaw of the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after an 8-7 victory in during the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup Final match between France and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.  




AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 23, 2011: 
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Who will lift the Webb Ellis Cup? How will Stuart Lancaster's England fare? Who is going to be the breakout star? Sportsmail experts including Sir Clive Woodward and Eddie Jones look into the future.

Cech receives hero's welcome back at the Bridge with fans applauding former No 1

Chelsea fans show Arsenal keeper Petr Cech the love as he returns to Stamford Bridge

He may have left to join London rivals Arsenal in the summer but some Chelsea fans still hold their former stopper Petr Cech in the highest regard. After playing second-fiddle to Thibaut Courtois last season, the Croatian decided to leave the club after 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge. A banner was put up inside the stadium, as fans showed their was no ill-feeling towards the 33-year-old, despite his departure to one of their biggest Premier League rivals. 

Shaw finally flies back to Manchester as stricken defender thanks hospital staff after breaking leg

Luke Shaw set to fly back to Manchester following double leg fracture as United boss Louis

Luke Shaw will return to Manchester on Saturday morning as he continues his recovery from the horrendous double fracture to his right leg.

Torres and Correa on target as Atletico climb into second with win over Eibar

Eibar 0-2 Atletico Madrid: Fernando Torres and Angel Correa on target as Diego Simeone's

Angel Correa and Fernando Torres scored the goals in a hard-fought 2-0 victory for Atletico Madrid away to Eibar.  Diego Simeone's side had made little impact against a determined Eibar defence but the introduction of Correa and Torres in the second half.

Suspended FIFA chief Valcke wants multi-million pound pay-off amid allegations of ticket-touting

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 20: FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke attends a press conference at the end of the FIFA Executive Comitee meeting at the FIFA headquarters on March 20, 2015 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images)

Sepp Blatter's right-hand man Jerome Valcke was seeking a multi-million-pound pay-off from FIFA when he was suspended on Thursday over allegations of profiting from ticket touting.

Championship round-up: Brighton draw a blank at 10-man Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ethan Ebanks-Landell (left) and Brighton and Hove Albion's Elvis Manu battle for the ball

In-form Brighton striker Tomer Hemed wasted a golden opportunity to strengthen his side's position at the top of the table as his first-half penalty was saved against 10-man Wolves.

Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Fulham: Forestieri and Turner grab first goals

Michael Turner of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates scoring his goal to make it 3-1 during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham played at the Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield

Sheffield Wednesday beat Fulham 3-2 to end a run of three games without a win. Fernando Forestieri, Tom Lees and Michael Turner scored for the Owls on Saturday.

FIFPro urges FIFA to abolish its transfer system with player treatment currently tantamount to 'slavery'

The footballers' union FIFPro has urged FIFA to abolish its current transfer system as it believes the treatment of some players is tantamount to 'slavery'.

Arsenal fans demand action as club reveal profits of almost £200MILLION

Arsenal are coming under increasing pressure to reduce ticket prices and splash the cash in the transfer market after revealing they have close to £200m in the bank.

Dumbarton 1-2 Rangers: Waghorn double continues 100 per cent record

Rangers FC via Press Association Images
Rangers' Martyn Waghorn celebrates his second goal during the Ladbrokes Championship match at The Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium, Dumbarton.

Martyn Waghorn scored twice as Rangers preserved their 100 per cent record this season with a 2-1 win at Dumbarton in the Ladbrokes Championship.

EXCLUSIVE: Redknapp taken aback by Homeless World Cup as ex-QPR boss hopes his England charges are set for better future

Harry Redknapp taken aback by Homeless World Cup as ex-QPR boss hopes his England charges

OLIVER TODD IN AMSTERDAM: It's been over three years since Harry Redknapp's name was mentioned in the frame for the England job, but this week the former Tottenham and Southampton manager has been doing his bit for another of the country's national sides. At the Homeless World Cup in Amsterdam, Redknapp, seven months on from quitting QPR, was making a low-key return to coaching to help out an England squad made of young people in need of a confidence boost.

Martial collared by traffic warden while heading for dinner in Manchester... but for a selfie, not a ticket!

Manchester United star Anthony Martial returns to Wing's... and stops for selfie with

Manchester United and France striker Anthony Martial returned to popular city-centre Chinese restaurant Wing's and posed for a selfie with a star-struck traffic warden outside the venue. Wing's is a well known hotspot for several United players and manager Louis van Gaal was also pictured at the venue earlier in the week.

'I don't think United want me to ever spar again!' Rooney on THAT Bardsley bout and his love for prizefighting

rooney SPLASH.jpg

Wayne Rooney has admitted Manchester United would take a dim view if their captain was to lace up his boxing gloves again. Footage emerged last season of him sparring with Phil Bardsley.

Neymar is staying at Barca - he doesn't need a new contract, says his dad

Barcelona's Neymar runs with ball past Roma's Alessandro Florenzi during a Champions League, Group E soccer match between Roma and Barcelona, at Rome's Olympic stadium Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)

Brazilian forward Neymar won't be leaving Barcelona anytime soon with three years to run on his contract, insists his father.

West Ham confirm ex-Croatia No 2 Jurcevic as Bilic's new assistant

West Ham have announced Nikola Jurcevic as Slaven Bilic's assistant manager. The 49-year-old former Croatia international appeared at Euro '96 in England as a player.

Adebayor was beginning to wind up Tottenham staff... chairman Levy is glad to be shot of controversial striker

2 November 2014 - Barclays Premier League - Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur - Emmanuel Adebayor of Tottenham Hotspur reacts to a missed chance - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

NEIL ASHTON: Emmanuel Adebayor is one tricky customer and Daniel Levy should have known better than to make his first offer of £1m net to sever his ties with the club.

Pulis reveals Berahino's future was discussed in West Brom team meeting

WALSALL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15:  Saido Berahino and Sebastien Pocognoli of West Bromwich Albion during a West Bromwich Albion training session at West Bromwich Albion Training Ground on September 15, 2015 in Walsall, England.  (photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/West Bromwich Albion via Getty Images)

West Bromwich Albion players drew a line under any differences with Saido Berahino during a team meeting, manager Tony Pulis has revealed.

Wenger to continue rotating between Ospina and Cech despite Euro loss

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Arsene Wenger is set to continue rotating between Petr Cech and David Ospina despite the shock defeat against Dinamo Zagreb. Ospina was one of a host of unexpected changes.

Fournette announces his Heisman Trophy credentials in LSU's victory over Auburn

Leonard Fournette sets Twitter alight and announces his Heisman Trophy credentials during

He only played for three quarters, but Leonard Fournette announced himself as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy after the second game of his sophomore season. The LSU running back shredded Auburn's defense, rushing for a career-high 228 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries as Tigers racked up an emphatic 45-21 victory.

Birthday girl Reid puts tragedy behind her with sparkling display for Europe

Mel Reid puts tragedy behind her with sparkling display for Europe at Solheim Cup

DEREK LAWRENSON: Even the hardest American heart would surely not have begrudged the sight of Mel Reid bathed in the broadest of smiles.

MIKE DICKSON: Murray must summon up one last effort as to help Great Britain into Davis Cup final

Andy Murray 'must summon up one last effort' as he looks to help Great Britain into Davis

Andy Murray will play the crucial match of Great Britain's Davis Cup semi-final against Australia after he and his brother Jamie put the hosts 2-1 ahead on Saturday.

More woe for Woods as back surgery rules fallen great out until 2016

USA's Tiger Woods looks dejected on the 18th during day three of The Open Championship 2015 at St Andrews, Fife. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday July 19, 2015. See PA story GOLF Open. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only - no commercial use. No onward sale. Still image use only. The Open Championship logo and clear link to The Open website (www.TheOpen.com) to be included on website publishing. Call +44 (0)1158 447447 for further info.

Tiger Woods has revealed his disappointment at having to undergo a second microdiscectomy surgery on his back this week. Woods confirmed the news on his official website.

Wimbledon to stay on BBC until 2020 as deal with All England Club extended

Wimbledon 2015 tennis championships, Wimbledon, London
Picture Andy Hooper Daily Mail/ Solo Syndication
Day 13 Roger Federer v Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic with the Men's trophy

Wimbledon will continue to be shown on the BBC after the broadcaster announced a three-year extension to its contract with the All England Club. The BBC has secured the rights until 2020.

Bingham books semi-final place in Shanghai Open after win over Gould 

SHANGHAI, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 18:  (CHINA OUT) Stuart Bingham of England plays a shot in the quarter-final match against Martin Gould of England during day five of the Shanghai Masters 2015 at Shanghai Grand Stage on September 18, 2015 in Shanghai, China.  (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images)

Defending champion Stuart Bingham held his nerve to book his place in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Open in China on Friday by defeating Martin Gould.

Kaymer meets expectations as favourite shoots 65 to share lead

Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer lived up to his billing as pre-tournament favourite by surging into a share of the lead heading into the final round of the Italian Open in Monza.

Broady's Canadian dream comes to an end with straight-sets defeat

Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2015 - Day 1: Mariana Duque-Marino v Naomi Broady 7-6 (7-5) 6-3. Pic shows:- Naomi Broady

Briton Naomi Broady's dream of claiming her first WTA title is over after she lost 6-4 6-2 to 18-year-old Jelena Ostapenko in the Coupe Banque Nationale semi-finals.

Warrington 48-6 Catalans: Monaghan scores hat-trick in last home match

Rugby League - Warrington Wolves v Catalans Dragons - First Utility Super League Super 8s - Halliwell Jones Stadium - 19/9/15
 Warrington Wolves' Ryan Atkins scores a try
 Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Ryan Browne
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Warrington skipper Joel Monaghan signed off in style with a dazzling hat-trick of tries on his last appearance at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

SAM TURNER'S RACING TIPS: All the best bets for Sunday, September 20

KILDARE, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 13:  Seamie Heffernan riding Minding (R) win The Moyglare Stud Stakes at Curragh racecourse on September 13, 2015 in Kildare, Ireland. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Robin Goodfellow gives his guides to this weekend's races at Newbury and Ayr along with top selections for meetings at Ayr, Catterick, Newmarket and Wolverhampton...

Fahey set to crash through £3m prize money barrier for first ever time

Trainer Richard Fahey chases major prizes at three meetings on Saturday afternoon hoping to crash through the £3million British prizemoney barrier for the first time.

BT Sport's coverage of the Champions League is revolutionary and will get bigger and better... Sportsmail goes behind the scenes at new home of European football

BT Sport's coverage of the Champions League is revolutionary and will get bigger and

KIERAN GILL: We are in the BT Sport studio next door to east London's Olympic Stadium and Gary Lineker is getting prepared, practising lines from the teleprompter while Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright crack jokes to his left. It is 6.15pm and Lineker, the highly-respected footballer-turned-presenter, is just 15 minutes from showtime.

Everything you wanted to know about England's Rugby World Cup team (but were too afraid to ask)

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Which member of the squad runs the fastest 100m time? Who is known as Arrow? And who likes to belt out Celine Dion? WILL KELLEHER guides you through...

JAMIE CARRAGHER: Why don't they get it? Manchester City can't just pass their way to Champions League glory

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Juventus' goalkeeper from Italy Gianluigi Buffon (C) celebrates with teammates after wining a UEFA Champions League group stage football match between Manchester City and Juventus at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, north-west England on September 15, 2015.    AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFFOLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images

JAMIE CARRAGHER: Why don't they get it? As the latest bad week for English clubs in the Champions League unfolded, I kept asking myself that question about Manchester City.

He's no plonker, Rodney! Schneiderlin learned English... by watching Only Fools and Horses

As Morgan Schneiderlin returns to the south coast for the first time since his £25m summer move to Manchester United, RIATH AL-SAMARRAI heads to Alsace to meet his former coach...