Rugby
Ireland propelled themselves into pole position for Guinness Six Nations glory with a gripping 32-19 bonus-point victory over reigning Grand Slam champions France in Dublin.
Tries from Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Andrew Porter and Garry Ringrose helped the Irish register a record 13th successive home victory to keep them at the top of the world rankings ahead of Les Bleus.
Damian Penaud’s sensational score plus 14 points from the boot of full-back Thomas Ramos ensured the visitors remained in contention for most of a tense encounter at a raucous Aviva Stadium.
But Fabien Galthie’s side ultimately suffered a major dent in their championship title defence as their phenomenal winning run dating back to the summer of 2021 was halted at 14 matches.
Andy Farrell has now beaten each of rugby’s major nations as Ireland head coach, with fly-halves Johnny Sexton and Ross Byrne contributing seven and five points respectively on another landmark day in the team’s recent history.
🤩 World class tries only when Ireland and France meet.
So many quality finishes here ✨#IREvFRA | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/9FzBh3EkKQAdvertisement— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2023
Soccer
The pressure's increased on Southampton manager Nathan Jones with a 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the Premier League.
The bottom side were unable to hold on to their 1-0 lead - despite their opponents having a player sent off.
Leaders Arsenal were held 1-1 by Brentford, while it was the same score in the other London derby between West Ham and Chelsea.
Tottenham suffered a 4-1 defeat at Leicester.
Newcastle remain fourth in the Premier League after drawing 1-1 with Bournemouth.
Gaelic games
Cian Lynch makes his first Limerick start since April when they face Clare this evening in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League.
Laois and Waterford are both seeking their first wins of the season when they meet in Division 1B.
Limerick have seen off Clare 1-27 to 2-18 in tonight's Allianz Hurling League clash at the Gaelic Grounds.
In the Divsion 1B game at O'Moore Park it finished Laois 2-19- 2-31 Waterford.
Golf
Tom McKibbin is two shots off the lead following his third round at the Singapore Classic.
The Holywood clubman carded a one-under-par 71 and sits at 12-under overall, behind joint-leaders Jeunghun Wang and Alejandro Del Rey.
Racing
There’s a seven-race card at Naas this afternoon, with the first off at 1.05pm.
