A newly-crowned world champion insists he has no interest in swerving any potential rivals, including heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma.
The 21-year-old comes off a destructive fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin in March, but now looks to complete what is, on paper, his toughest assignment thus far.
More importantly, Hrgovic should determine whether Itauma is a genuine world-class talent, with the Croatian having previously gone toe-to-toe in competitive encounters against the likes of Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang.
The Dubois fight, in particular, saw Hrgovic prove himself at world level, despite their June 2024 contest ultimately resulting in an eighth-round stoppage defeat.
But while Itauma has agreed to face the 34-year-old in August, there is a chance he abandons this plan and pursues an IBF title fight with Frank Sanchez.
But Itauma is nonetheless closing in on a world title shot, regardless of whether he faces Hrgovic or Sanchez, and could eventually find himself in the ring with Agit Kabayel.
Speaking with Ring Magazine, the WBC champion said he would happily face Itauma – and any other competitor, for that matter.
“For me, it’s no problem – I’ll fight everyone. Now, I’m in the best situation. When the No.1 challenger is ready … [I’ll fight him].
“When we fight for [another] belt, maybe the WBA or WBO belt … We’ll make a unification [match].”
Kabayel was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following Usyk’s decision to vacate his belts and, in turn, avoid any mandatory duties.
York Knights picked up the first victory of Magic Weekend 2026 with an entertaining 36-24 win over fellow Super League strugglers Huddersfield Giants.
Knights’ fifth league win of the season takes them above Toulouse before their match against fellow French side Catalans Dragons on Saturday evening.
Two tries each from Cody Hunter and Jon Bennison – as well as one apiece from David Nofoaluma, Nikau Williams and Denive Balmforth – sealed York’s second successive win and the two points at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Chris Patolo, Zane Dunford, Oli Russell and George Flanagan all scored for the Giants in a match that got away from them early in the second half as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Super League standings.
Marcus Rashford exit latest: Man United stance, Barcelona nightmare, transfer statement – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford’s future remains up in the air as we approach the start of pre-season
Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Everything you need to know about Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United:
Rashford’s time at United looked to have ended last summer when Barcelona agreed to loan the winger for the 2025/26 campaign.
Included in this deal was an option to buy Rashford for £26m at the end of this season. After scoring 14 goals and bagging 14 assists, there was an expectation that Barca would activate the clause.
“I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. We will see,” Rashford said after helping Barca win La Liga.
At the end of the season, Barcelona stunned United and Rashford by agreeing a £69m deal with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon. The Catalan club then allowed the deadline to activate Rashford’s clause to pass.
This left Rashford’s future in doubt. United remain committed to selling Rashford with a gentleman’s agreement thought to be in place that would allow the winger to leave for £40m, so long as it doesn’t mean he joins Barcelona, Liverpool or Manchester City. Read the full story here.
This week, the stance on Rashford leaving softened slightly.
If he is not sold he will train with the first team and will be available for selection. Read the full story here.
The Reds do not want to sanction a third loan for Rashford, meaning, if he is to leave, it would have to be permanently.
In the meantime, Rashford’s full focus is on the World Cup and England.
He told reporters: “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup, I wanted it (a move) done before. If it’s not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We’re fighting for something special.” Read the full story here.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) carries the ball at SoFi Stadium, with Oct. 23, 2025 placing the first-half action in Inglewood, California, against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones presses forward through the Chargers’ defense as Minnesota leans on its veteran backfield presence during a road matchup under the lights. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings better make a big splash in 2026 because about half of their starting offensive lineup is scheduled to hit the free-agent market in 2027. Of course, Minnesota has the option to re-sign some or all of the following players; it’s just unlikely that every single one would return.
Listed in alphabetical order, here’s the list.
Vikings’ 2027 Offense Could Look Dramatically Different
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) blocks for quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium on Jan 13, 2025. Brandel worked inside as Minnesota tried to shore up its defense in a tense playoff setting against a disruptive Los Angeles front. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
1. Blake Brandel (C)
Brandel is on deck to start at center this year, and he’s been attached to the Vikings since 2020, believe it or not. He’s basically played every position on the offensive line in the last six seasons, with an almighty audition at center upcoming.
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The Vikings may lock him down this summer in the off-chance he excels at center, saving some dough, just in case. For example, if Brandel performs at a Top 15 clip among all NFL centers, signing him now for two more years at $6 million per season will be a steal of a deal by 2027.
2. T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Hockenson hasn’t quite posted his 2022 or 2023 numbers since tearing his ACL late in the 2023 campaign, but he has a chance to erupt in 2026 with Kyler Murray in the huddle. Murray helped to shape Trey McBride into a Top 2 tight end down in Arizona. He knows how to get the ball to tight ends.
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You should expect an uptick from Hockenson, but we shall see if that’s enough for an extension next offseason. Some thought the Vikings might draft Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but the New York Jets beat them to it.
SI.com‘s Joe Nelson wrote earlier this offseason, “Finding a tight end may be more likely in free agency than the draft, but with T.J. Hockenson entering his final season under contract, there’s a high chance that Minnesota is at least interested in tight ends in the 2027 draft.”
“Among the best tight ends at this point in the draft process, we’re looking at Jamari Johnson (Oregon), Trey’Dez Green (LSU), Terrance Carter Jr. (Texas Tech), and DJ Vonnahme (Iowa).”
3. Jauan Jennings (WR)
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Jennings signed with the Vikings on a base salary of $8 million that climbs to $13 million if he balls out. He’s probably using Minnesota as a stepping stone to a large contract — somewhere — in 2027. Kevin O’Connell should capitalize on the Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jennings combo because it’s likely a one-hit wonder.
4. Aaron Jones (RB)
Jones will not get an extension this offseason; he already accepted a paycut in March. In all likelihood, because he will turn 32 this season, this will be his final year in purple. It’s up to him to make the most of it and stay healthy.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) breaks free for a 31-yard touchdown as Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) chases at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct 20, 2024. Jones gave Minnesota an early spark in Minneapolis, turning a first-quarter crease into a scoring burst against a divisional opponent at home. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Our Brevan Bane noted last month, “The 31-year-old back understands the gravity of the situation in Minnesota, and he also understands that he won’t have many more opportunities to go out and win a Super Bowl ring. Aaron Jones, and every other player on the roster, would benefit the greatest amount from doing everything he can to be there for each QB when needed.”
“Jones brings priceless experience and mentorship, even if he plays an entire different position. Apparently, his relationship with J.J. McCarthy is strong enough that he doesn’t mind asking for a ride from the airport.”
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5. Jordan Mason (RB)
Mason, on the other hand, is only 27 and could reasonably fetch an extension. He’ll probably out-touch Jones within the Vikings’ offense due to his durability and efficiency. He accrued 4.8 yards per carry in 2025 to Jones’s 4.2.
Minnesota could add an extra year or two onto his contract before the regular season begins.
6. Kyler Murray (QB)
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Murray has one ginormous chance to a) strut his stuff in Minnesota and land a monster contract extension during the 2027 offseason with the Vikings b) underperform and hit free agency as a journeyman-to-be passer.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys Minnesota’s defense during a Week 13 highlight clip from the Vikings’ matchup with Arizona at U.S. Bank Stadium on Dec 1, 2024. Murray operated the Cardinals offense while Brian Flores’ group aligned before the snap, setting up another sequence from the NFL’s official regular-season highlights package that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Because the Vikings let Sam Darnold walk — the rest is history — there is zero chance that they’ll allow Murray to depart if he plays great with the Vikings in 2026. It’s a do-or-die year for Murray to prove if he’s a franchise quarterback or a guy who bounces around looking for stable employment.
7. Brian O’Neill (RT)
Unless Harrison Smith returns, O’Neill is suddenly the longest-tenured Viking on the current roster. Accordingly, the decision to extend him shouldn’t be that complicated. He’s dependable, good, and a lifer.
It’s also not easy to find foundational offensive tackles. O’Neill will turn 31 in September. He could have a full half-decade left.
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The Vikings will probably extend his contract by three years or so, with around $25 million per season heading his way. Getting rid of O’Neill next offseason would be truly bizarre.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
At this point, no Fourth of July is complete without Joey Chestnut.
Americans everywhere will run to their television sets at noon on America’s 250th birthday as the world’s greatest eater will aim to eat one hot dog for every year the U.S. has been in existence.
OK, that might be a stretch, but it is already a foregone conclusion that Chestnut will earn his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt in 19 attempts on Saturday afternoon.
Joey Chestnut wins the men’s competition at Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City on July 4, 2025. He returned to compete for a 17th win after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship dispute with Major League Eating.(Adam Gray/Getty Images)
The greatness began in 2007, ending a run of six straight titles won by former GOAT Takeru Kobayashi, who actually injured his jaw ahead of that contest. Chestnut’s 66 hot dogs defeated Kobayashi’s 63 in a preview of a legendary career to follow.
A rivalry ensued between the two, with Chestnut narrowly beating Kobayashi the next two years, including via a tiebreaking eat-off in 2008. When Kobayashi was banned from the event in 2010, Chestnut took off.
Chestnut had won each title from 2007 through 2014, but he was the victim of a massive upset in 2015 to Matt Stonie, losing 62-60. But Stonie’s glory was short-lived, and Chestnut went on to win each of the next eight events.
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There was a new champion in 2024, but not because Chestnut lost – he actually was barred from competing after signing a brand deal with a Nathan’s rival. After much back and forth, Chestnut was allowed back in for the 2025 event with just weeks to spare, and he reclaimed the title with 70.5 dogs and buns.
Joey Chestnut visits “The Claman Countdown” with host Liz Claman at Fox Business Network Studios on July 02, 2025 in New York City.(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
“It was great. The audience is awesome, it’s electric. It’s good to be back after mending some fences,” Chestnut recently told Fox News Digital of his return last year. “I do what I love. I got the best job in the world. I get to eat, travel, beat the heck out of people, and meet happy people. So it was great to be back.”
Not all of Chestnut’s titles have come easily. In 2022, Chestnut’s eating was interrupted by a protester, but he miraculously put him in a chokehold and went back to business; he still managed to down 63 dogs and buns.
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Even his likely championship on Saturday will not come without a wrinkle, as his 2026 eligibility was actually in doubt for a little bit amid a charge of battery. Chestnut drunkenly slapped a man at a bar in Indiana and pleaded guilty to the charge in April. He is currently serving 180 days of probation, but was granted permission to travel for the event.
His all-time record is 76, which he set back in 2021. It broke his own record of 75 from the year prior, which beat another previous record of 74 from 2018.
And while most are watching for one reason, Chestnut believes that this event is much more than just watching him.
FILE – Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2021 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, poses for photos in Coney Island’s Maimonides Park, July 4, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.(AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File)
“It’s never about me,” he said to Fox News in May. “It’s not even about the hot dogs. It’s the Fourth of July. It’s an eating contest, but really, it’s a Fourth of July celebration, it’s a celebration in New York. And that contest, it’s hard to describe exactly.
“It’s an event, it’s more than just an eating contest. It’s part of the Fourth of July celebration for New York City, and I’m just a very little part of it. And when it comes to that celebration, I’m very happy that I was able to come back and be part of people’s Fourth of July.”
Tim Hardaway Jr. grew up in Miami, where his father is simply a legend.
After spending his first six-and-a-half seasons with the Golden State Warriors, the Heat acquired Tim Hardaway Sr. in a trade, and he became one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Now, the junior will follow in his father’s footsteps, agreeing to a $6.5 million deal to join the Heat and be one of the shooters around the soon-to-be formally acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami Heat’s Tim Hardaway drives to the basket on the New York Knicks’ Charlie Ward in the first quarter of the fourth game of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden.(Stan Honda/Getty Images)
Hardaway’s No. 10 was retired by the Heat in 2009, and to keep it in the family, his son has worn the number in three of his five NBA stops.
The Heat are his sixth, but the son must still listen to his dad, and No. 10 is off limits.
“My legacy is my legacy. Even though he likes to wear No. 10, that is not coming down from the rafters,” Tim Hardaway Sr. said on WQAM radio in Miami. “That is tough to do. And when it’s up there, you want (it) to stay up there, and you don’t want nobody to touch it.
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“I love him. I love him. I’m happy for him… Watching him play through college and the NBA, he’d been to three places I’d never been: the Final Four, a championship, and now, he’s going to his hometown team. I never done that, and so, I’m happy that he’s doing it.
Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Detroit Pistons speaks to Tim Hardaway Sr. before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during the Emirates NBA Cup game on Dec. 3, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.(Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The elder Hardaway finished fourth and sixth in the MVP vote and was named to the All-NBA First Team and two All-NBA Second Teams during his tenure. The franchise won its fourth title four years after he left with the help of Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.
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Hardaway Jr. has previously worn plenty of other numbers in his other stops, like No. 5 and No. 3, but those are unavailable thanks to current Heat player Nikola Jovic and Wade, respectively. No. 11, which he wore with the Dallas Mavericks, is also taken by Jaime Jacquez Jr.
Tim Hardaway Sr. and Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks chat prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the 2023 NBA Global Games Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena on Oct. 5, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates.(Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram (69) is introduced before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings cut ties with guard Ed Ingram during the 2025 offseason, trading him to the Houston Texans for a 6th-Round pick, which would later turn into new running back Demond Claiborne of Wake Forest. And while Vikings fans will wait to see if Claiborne turns into the next big thing, Ingram claimed this week that landing in Houston was the best thing ever to happen to him.
Indeed, Ingram reclaimed his career outside of Minnesota.
Houston Found the Version Minnesota Never Got
Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram arrives for minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Texas, on Jun. 9, 2026, beginning another offseason session after his move from Minnesota as Houston continued evaluating its offensive line depth, interior chemistry, and protection plan before training camp during the early summer practice window. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Ingram Pounds Table for Current Employer
Ingram spoke to a new station in Houston this week, KPRC2, and was all smiles about the Texans: “What better place for them to be than Houston? I came here, I excelled. Shout out to Cole Popovich. He never let me get complacent, and he always challenged me.”
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“Personally, I’ve always thought I’m a great player. All I need is the right person to help me. Coming here was probably the best thing to ever happen to me in my career, coming here and having a coach.”
Vikings fans were actually relieved when Minnesota traded Ingram in March 2025. To an extent, the joke was on them.
Ingram continued, “Pretty much take me under his wing and kind of hone in my skills, because the skills were there. It just needed to be honed in and just controlled a little bit. It has helped me out tremendously.”
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“I love Houston, I love this team. It’s just like an energy you feel just walking into the building with this team. The Houston Texans, it’s a different feeling. Everybody’s close, tight-knit. We all are in this together.”
The Change of Pace in Houston
Ingram serves as an NFL reminder that player development isn’t always linear.
During his time with the Vikings, the former 2nd-Round pick struggled to find consistency. Pro Football Focus grades reflect this performance: 57.0 overall in 2022, 59.5 in 2023, and 54.0 in 2024 before Minnesota traded him. However, after being acquired by Houston, Ingram’s performance dramatically improved. In 2025, his overall PFF grade soared to 73.8, buoyed by an impressive 79.9 run-blocking mark. The rebound was remarkable.
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His penalty issues also improved substantially. He accumulated 10 regular-season penalties in three seasons with the Vikings. In contrast, he committed only two penalties with Houston in 2025, none for holding or false starts.
The Texans are now committing to Ingram long-term. It comes after he started 14 games and, according to Reuters, ranked 12th among eligible guards for the lowest pressure rate allowed.
Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) participates in practice at The Grove in Watford, United Kingdom, on Oct. 4, 2024, working through an international-week session as Minnesota prepared for overseas action and continued sorting through interior offensive line performance during Kevin O’Connell’s third season with playoff ambitions still attached to the roster. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Minnesota’s decision to part ways with Ingram wasn’t necessarily a mistake at the time; rather, Houston unlocked a superior version of the player. The change of scenery worked.
Ingram’s Replacement in Minnesota
Believe it or not, the Vikings actually downgraded by accident when getting rid of Ingram. While the trade was applauded at the time — by everyone because most didn’t think a team would spend a 6th-Rounder on him — it turned out to be a mistake.
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Minnesota spent $87 million over five years on free-agent guard Will Fries, who was not worth his price tag in Year No. 1 with the Vikings. He played decently, but at $17.5 million per year, a guard should play wonderfully.
In short, the purple team paid Fries megabucks for the production Ingram showed in Houston. It is unclear why Ingram could blast off down in Texas while never taking flight in Minnesota. Some have suggested the coaching was to blame.
A Sweet New Contract
Right before the start of free agency in March, the Texans locked down their main, affording Ingram a deal worth $37.5 million over the next three seasons.
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SI.com‘s Jared Koch noted at the time, “Coming aboard from the Minnesota Vikings via a trade last offseason, Ingram had proven himself more than worthy of being a starting-caliber NFL guard in just one season with Houston.”
“But that would also add to some speculation of just how much money that one year of production was worth when eyeing this week’s free agency.”
Ingram’s deal included $23.5 million in guaranteed money.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Blake Fisher and guard Ed Ingram move toward the line of scrimmage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 16, 2025, as the offense prepared to run a preseason play against the Carolina Panthers with protection communication unfolding before the snap for Houston’s rebuilt offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
“Sure, it may deplete their overall flexibility to spend big before the free agent market opens. But considering re-working the offensive line remains atop the list of the Texans’ to-do list for this offseason, investing in that talent upfront is far from a poor way to spend your resources,” Koch continued.
“For that reason, Ingram’s deal is well worth an A grade, and adds some further excitement to how the rest of free agency could pan out for the Texans once the legal tampering window opens.”
Tries: Pietsch, Campbell, Canham, Lonergan, McDermott Cons: Gordon 3
Ireland (19) 33
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Tries: C Prendergast, Van der Flier, Gibson-Park, Keenan, Clarkson Cons: S Prendergast 4
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Replacement Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson missed a last-gasp penalty as Ireland claimed a comeback bonus-point win in an enthralling Nations Championship contest in Sydney.
With the clock in the red, Donaldson kicked his long-range penalty to the right of the posts as the Wallabies were denied a first win over the Irish since 2018.
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A 77th-minute try from replacement prop Tom Clarkson proved decisive for Ireland, who carved out a hard-fought victory despite operating nowhere near their maximum.
Joe Schmidt’s Australia led by five points at the break after tries from Dylan Pietsch, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham and Ryan Lonergan in an energetic first-half display.
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Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park crossed for the Irish in the opening 40 minutes, with Hugo Keenan delivering the bonus-point before Tate McDermott hit back for the Wallabies.
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Ireland were denied a fifth try when Dan Sheehan’s effort was ruled out following a television match official (TMO) review with 20 minutes left, but Clarkson popped up to score his second international try and ultimately seal a dramatic win for Andy Farrell’s side.
Jock Campbell marked his first Wallabies game since 2022 with a try [Getty Images]
Already without Mack Hansen, Ireland’s wing shortage worsened an hour before kick-off when Rob Baloucoune – who starred in the Six Nations – was ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by Jimmy O’Brien.
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While Ireland could only offer glimpses of quality in the first half, Australia were sharp and cohesive in a dramatic improvement from the disjointed and error-strewn display that led to a 46-19 loss in Dublin in November.
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Australia pounced quickly on unsettled Irish nerves when Pietsch scored in the third minute after the home side’s attack was kept alive by Campbell’s pick-up and quick pass.
With Carter Gordon missing the conversion, Ireland hit back to lead when Sam Prendergast converted his brother’s try.
But Australia were undaunted, continued to attack with abandon and moved ahead again when Campbell marked his first Test appearance in nearly four years with a well-taken try.
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Van der Flier replied for Ireland when captain Sheehan flicked the ball into the former world player of the year’s path from a tap-and-go penalty close to the Australian line.
But Ireland struggled to contain a hard-carrying, enterprising Australian effort, and Canham crashed over after a stunning Rob Valetini carry caused havoc in the Irish ranks.
With Ireland already up against it, their cause was not helped when Sam Prendergast tossed a pass into Max Jorgensen’s hands. The rapid Australia wing scampered clear and fed Lonergan for the home side’s bonus-point score.
While Australia deserved their half-time lead, momentum shifted in Ireland’s favour in the final exchanges before the break which left a five-point gap between the sides.
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Gibson-Park darted through the gold shirts to score after Keenan produced a superb try-saving tackle to deny the rampaging Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii a certain try.
Ireland carve out win in drama-filled finale
Clarkson popped up with a decisive try three minutes from time [Getty Images]
Ireland appeared rejuvenated in the second half and got their noses in front again when Keenan marked his first appearance in green since the 2025 Six Nations with a well-taken try.
But the Irish were guilt of falling asleep in defence when quick-thinking replacement scrum-half McDermott crashed over after a tap-and-go penalty.
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That proved to be Australia’s final score on 53 minutes as Ireland found a second wind.
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Despite a creaking line-out, Sheehan sniped through for what he thought was his 21st international try only for it to be ruled out with James Ryan adjudged to have prevented Valetini from making a potentially try-saving tackle.
With just under 10 minutes remaining, Dondaldson dragged a penalty which would have taken Australia 34-26 clear to the left of the posts.
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Thanks to the increasing influence of Tadhg Beirne following the British and Irish Lion forward’s 52nd-minute introduction, Ireland pushed for a late score and the pressure told when Leinster prop Clarkson burrowed his way over the line for a try converted by Sam Prendergast.
That put Ireland two points clear, but the Wallabies were handed an opportunity to steal victory when Bundee Aki conceded a penalty.
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Despite his earlier miss, Donaldson went for the shot from a tight angle on the right and failed again, sparking ecstatic celebrations from Ireland as outgoing Australia boss Joe Schmidt was denied a win over his former side.
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Ireland face Japan in Newcastle, Australia, next week while Australia host France.
Line-ups
Australia: Jock Campbell; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan; Angus Bell, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (capt).
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Tom Wright.
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Sin-bin: Shaw (76)
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jamie Osborne; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley, Bundee Aki.
Bob Arum believes he has the next Sugar Ray Leonard on his books, or at least a world champion who can become one of boxing’s “major stars”.
The veteran Top Rank promoter was heavily involved in Leonard’s career, including his first world title reign at 147lbs.
Back then, in 1979, the all-time great dethroned Wilfred Benitez with a 15th-round stoppage, before successfully defending his WBC strap against Dave ‘Boy’ Green the following year.
The American subsequently remained unbeaten for the next decade, cultivating a Hall of Fame career, which promoter Arum believes WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason can also go on to achieve.
A gritty performance against Sam Noakes saw him become the sport’s youngest active male world champion, courtesy of a unanimous decision victory last November.
As a result, Mason will instead face unbeaten contender Albert Bell at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, with Arum telling FightHype that the skilful southpaw could follow in the footsteps of Leonard.
“It looks like he’ll be one of the major stars in boxing. He’s so young – he’s won a world title, but I think the sky’s the limit.
“He comes from a very good family and he’s a disciplined kid, so I’m not going to worry about him going off and doing some crazy s**t.
“If he continues on the trajectory [he’s on], he can be the next Sugar Ray Leonard.”
Having previously sparred fellow Ohio native Bell on multiple occasions, the talented Mason should have a clear idea of what to expect in his maiden title defence.
Manchester City’s £10million move for Jeremy Monga is a statement signing for a 16-year-old as the Blues plot a pathway to the first team for the teenage sensation.
The Blues are expected to wrap up Monga’s arrival in the coming days. City have been monitoring the youngster for a while and were one of several leading clubs to have looked at him last summer. The Blues ultimately decided not to pursue a deal and Monga signed a one-year scholarship deal with the Foxes that would become a professional deal when he turned 17.
That contract meant a transfer fee would need to be paid for him to depart and initially it seemed as though Arsenal would win the race having held talks this summer. But City, backed by new boss Enzo Maresca, moved late and have now struck a deal with Leicester, with the Gunners having stepped back from a move.
Maresca has certainly played his part in City accelerating their interest in the winger, having been Leicester boss while Monga was coming through the ranks during the Italian’s stay in the East Midlands in the 2023/24 campaign.
That link is a decisive one but City’s desire to ensure they have the best young talent in their ranks is also a factor, along with a belief that Monga, who has already made 37 senior appearances for Leicester including seven off the bench in the Premier League, has the potential to become a first-team player.
Once Monga’s deal is official, the youngster will likely tour with City this summer. Maresca is set to be without a host of World Cup stars for three matches in Asia. That will enable the player to settle in and showcase his ability, but he is unlikely to be a first-team-ready player at the Etihad.
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He is likely to train with the senior squad but his minutes are set to come with the academy as he beds in to life at an elite Premier League club.
His arrival also doesn’t answer City’s transfer question on the wing with the Blues seeking to strengthen on the flank. While Monga may get first-team minutes next season, his arrival will not stop City from adding further depth in that area.
They are actively looking to add another winger and that desire will only grow should Savinho depart. The Brazil international is once again of interest to Tottenham but no deal has been concluded for the 22-year-old, and Spurs have subsequently spent big elsewhere in their squad.
It is understood Spurs are still keen on Savinho and his potential departure will create a senior opening on the wing. There is also the possibility City add a central player and adapt. Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki are all capable of playing wide, even if the latter two will feel a number 10 role is their best position. The summer tour could also offer the likes of Ryan McAidoo the opportunity to stake a claim for regular first-team involvement.
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Monga has played most of his football at Leicester on the left-hand side but is capable of playing centrally or on the right. He made his debut at just 15 when appearing for the Foxes off the bench in a Premier League game with Newcastle United in April 2025 and only Arsenal pair Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri have appeared in a top-flight fixture at a younger age.
SportsLine’s team of experts have revealed their World Cup parlay and soccer predictions for Saturday’s matches
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All three co-hosts won their Round of 32 matches at the 2026 World Cup, and one of those teams will be in action on Saturday, July 4 as Canada play Morocco in the Round of 16. Back-to-back finalists France will try to keep rolling against Paraguay, who shocked Germany in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32 to advance.
We’ve looked at both games and put together a parlay for Saturday with odds from FanDuel. Before locking your wagers for the day, you should check out what SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Martin Green and Brad Thomas are saying. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
World Cup parlay for Saturday
Canada to score no goals vs. Morocco (+110)
France-Paraguay Over 3.5 goals (+164)
FanDuel parlay price: +454
Canada to score no goals vs. Morocco (+110)
Canada needed more than 90 minutes to break through South Africa’s defense, which had admittedly been stellar in the competition. Morocco are a different beast entirely and possess plenty of attacking talent to give Canada fits on that end of the pitch. The Atlas Lions are feeling good after a penalty shootout win over Netherlands and they should be able to put the clamps on Canada in the Round of 16.
France-Paraguay Over 3.5 goals
The official line is 2.5, but France have scored at least three goals on their own in each match of this tournament so far. Paraguay battled admirably against Germany, but this French attack is clearly different. I don’t see the South American side containing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Co. for 90 minutes, but as long as they can get a goal themselves, the Over on 3.5 goals should hit.
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