Rugby Union: Flyhalf Lima Sopoaga and lock James Broadhurst will make their All Blacks debuts against South Africa tomorrow after being named in the starting side for the Rugby Championship test yesterday. Coach Steve Hansen continued his project to build depth in all positions ahead of the World Cup defence later this year with Sopoaga and Broadhurst rewarded for fine seasons in Super Rugby. Sopoaga’s halfback partnership with Aaron Smith helped the Otago Highlanders to their maiden title.
Formula One: Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson will continue to drive for Sauber next season. “We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe. This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction,” said principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “Both have shown solid performances and learnt quickly.”
Cricket: England will play three tests against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October and November this yea. The first match, starting on Oct. 13, takes place at the Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, the second on Oct. 22 is at the Dubai Cricket Stadium with the final match in Sharjah on Nov. 1. There will also be four one-day internationals and three T20 matches.
Tennis: Laura Robson won her first singles match since September 2013 as she came through her opener at the low-profile Challenger Banque Nationale De Granby tournament in Canada. Robson beat Japanese teenager Naomi Osaka. Robson won the match 7-6 6-7 6-3.
Waterpolo
This weekend’s fixtures from the BOV National Leagues at the National Pool:
Today: Division One 18.15 Marsascala Nutrition Empire vs Ta’ Xbiex Amigos; 19.30 Marsaxlokk Fischer vs Otters Nivea.
Tomorrow: Premier Division 18.15 Exiles Ferretti vs Sirens Ritter Sport; 19.30 Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate vs San Ġiljan Crystal Finance Investments.
Premier League
P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
San Giljan | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 113 | 84 | 27 |
Neptunes | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 119 | 77 | 25 |
Sliema | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 110 | 97 | 14 |
Sirens | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 106 | 98 | 13 |
Valletta | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 85 | 121 | 6 |
Exiles | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 86 | 142 | 3 |
Division One
P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
Marsascala | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 100 | 78 | 15 |
Ta’ Xbiex | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 90 | 79 | 15 |
Marsaxlokk | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 99 | 82 | 12 |
Otters | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 63 | 113 | 0 |