If there was an image to sum up the Investec Champions Cup knockout rounds, it came with the clock nearly three minutes into the red at a scorching Stade Felix-Mayol on Saturday afternoon. As Marcel Theunissen, the replacement back rower, picked and ploughed for the line, players from both the Stormers and Toulon threw their arms aloft like heavyweight fighters as each claimed victory; after a long deliberation in conjunction with his television match official, referee Christophe Ridley stuck with an on-field call of held up.
Toulon just about held firm at the last against the Stormers (AFP via Getty Images)
It sent the French side through, the South Africans away with plenty to ponder – why was there no drop goal? Why, with a two-man advantage, did they keep things so narrow? – and the rest of us to marvel at how wonderful this competition can be. As detailed time and time again in these pages, this version of the Champions Cup is riddled with issues and a pale imitation of what it used to be but for the delivery of drama, and for an intensity of contest, it stands consistently above any club competition. The round-of-16 winners may have been predictably home-side heavy but few would have felt short-changed in terms of entertainment.
Certainly, those paying fair whack at The Rec would have still felt they received value for money. Bath’s 31-22 win over Saracens was a cracking, crackling cup tie – before the game, the matchday announcer found a travelling family of Norwegian tourists for whom this was a first taste of rugby union. They will surely spread the gospel; perhaps we can expert more visitors over from Oslo once James Dyson and Bruce Craig build their new stadium.
Henry Arundell helped Bath into the Champions Cup quarter-finals (PA Wire)
One should not underestimate the significance of Saturday’s success for Bath. Before the game, a few fans were guilty of overlooking the challenge that Saracens would pose, talking already of the prospect of Northampton, victors against Castres on Friday night, in a quarter-final to come. But Bath had not hosted a knockout tie in this competition since 2002; it looked for a long time like they might not earn a second.
Saracens were on top at scrum time until Bath introduced Thomas du Toit (David Davies/PA Wire)
But they did, and in the process served a reminder of the strength in depth that makes them Champions Cup contenders. South African interest in this competition may have ended by narrow defeats for the Stormers and Bulls, yet it was still a Springbok who perhaps had the most pivotal impact of the round. “It’s quite handy having Thomas du Toit coming off the bench, isn’t it?” smirked Saracens boss Mark McCall, whose side had been in control at the set-piece until the replacement tighthead’s arrival.
The first engagement after his introduction saw Beno Obano, on the loosehead, sent to the sin bin, but Bath were dominant thereafter. Du Toit swung both scrum and game his side’s way, enabling them to overcome on a day where they did not find attacking fluency or their usual red-zone efficiency.
Johann van Graan has an embarrassment of riches at the position, with the injured Will Stuart and starter Archie Griffin both Test tightheads, too, and youngster Vilikesa Sela an England international in waiting. But it is his 30-year-old South African that Van Graan goes to in the big moments – it is he, rather than Finn Russell, that has been their best signing in recent years.
The South Africa tighthead Thoams du Toit has been hailed as one of the best players in the world (Getty Images)
“I thought Thomas was fantastic in that second half,” the Bath director of rugby said. “In my view, he’s currently one of the best players in the whole world. He showed that again today – he was absolutely phenomenal in the scrum, in defence and in attack. That’s why you build a squad. You call on 23 guys on a weekend, and all credit to the players.”
Du Toit’s impact underlining just how important this season may be for Bath. It is difficult for Prem clubs to mix it with the French big boys and Leinster when it comes to squad depth in this competition – Northampton’s appearance in the Champions Cup final last year was an exception that proved the rule, given that the Saints all-but-sacrificed their domestic campaign to prioritise a European run. Bath, conversely, appear equipped to compete on both fronts – though perhaps not for long.
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Bath will take on Northampton in the Champions Cup quarter-finals (Getty Images)
Come the end of the season, Du Toit is headed home having agreed a deal to re-sign for the Sharks. It is not just he moving on – No 8 Alfie Barbeary is bound for Saracens, where he has the sizeable shoes of Tom Willis to fill, with Francois van Wyk, Will Butt and Ethan Staddon other vital depth pieces headed elsewhere. The re-signing of Russell, retention of several other key figures and continued strength of the pathway will keep Bath competitive but it is fair to suggest that this may be the strongest squad they will possess in this era.
Saracens have played Toulouse and Glasgow as well this season and fly half Fergus Burke believes Bath are as good as any side. “They are so physical up front,” the Scotland international said. “They’ve got one of the best 10s in the world driving them around, and he’s got eight forwards starting and six on the bench that are genuinely massive. They give him the platform to pull the strings. I can see them going deep in this competition. They are one of the best teams in Europe without a doubt, and I hope they go all the way.”
A six-day turnaround for Bath against Northampton, who won at the Rec just after Christmas, will pit the two best sides in England against one another; another likely last-eight tie between Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles will see the Top 14’s top two test their mettle. Another captivating Champions Cup weekend is in store.
Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan played a composed yet aggressive hand in their thrilling five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, as he reflected on leadership, batting freedom and chasing a massive target of 229. Speaking after being named Player of the Match for his 31-ball 74, Kishan made it clear that captaincy had not changed his approach. “No, I think as a wicket-keeper also you’ve got to do the same job. So I was just keeping it simple because I felt that it’s a very good wicket to bat on and we just tried to restrict them under 230 and we were able to do that,” he said. On handing back leadership duties to Pat Cummins, Kishan was full of respect for the Australian captain. “It was quite fun leading the side for seven games and Pat coming in, giving us that extra bowling power. So I was really happy when he was coming in the team anyway because he’s such a tremendous captain anyway. So I was just thinking about my batting and wicket-keeping more than leadership,” he added. Reflecting on SRH’s aggressive batting approach against the Rajasthan attack, Kishan said confidence and clarity were key. “You just have to keep on watching the ball and play your shots. You can’t get into a zone where you have fear of failure. You just have to keep it simple and play your game.” He also spoke about the challenge of facing a rising total early in the innings, highlighting the importance of a strong powerplay. “When you’re chasing a total like 228, you need a good powerplay. Having Head and Abhishek as openers makes the job easier even if they bat for four overs. I was just communicating with Abhishek. He knew exactly what was happening with the game and the run rate.” Kishan stitched a vital 132-run partnership with Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 57 off 29 balls, after SRH were set a daunting 229. Heinrich Klaasen (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (36) then ensured the chase was completed with nine balls to spare in what became the fourth-highest successful run chase in IPL history. Earlier in the day, Rajasthan Royals had posted a massive 228 for 6, powered by a sensational 103 from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite the onslaught, SRH held their nerve in the chase, with Kishan and Abhishek setting the platform for a commanding win. Kishan also reflected on his mindset at the crease. “Calmness is about skill set. You have to watch the ball and not be predetermined. It was a big ground, so there were gaps. Just bat and enjoy it.” When asked if this was the best phase of his batting career, he was quick to downplay it. “No, I think my best is yet to come.”
Mikel Arteta hit out at Arsenal being on the wrong end of two red card decisions in as many matches with “everything at stake” – after seeing his side return to the top of the Premier League.
Eberechi Eze’s wonderful ninth-minute strike was enough for the Gunners to see out a much-needed 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium as they moved three points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
But after the win, Arteta claimed it would be a “different world” if Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off here, after he scythed down Viktor Gyokeres, and City’s Abdukodir Khusanov had been delivered his marching orders for a last-ditch tackle on Kai Havertz in last weekend’s crunch top-of-the table clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Pope was booked on Saturday, while the challenge from Khusanov did not even register as a foul.
Reflecting on Pope’s caution, Arteta said: “In my opinion, it’s a clear red card. I’ve watched it 10 times. If you have ever played football, it is a red card.
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“It’s the second time in two games because at Manchester City, when Kai goes through, Khusanov fouls him, 1-1, the title is there, it is a red card. So these are the margins, and hopefully that’s going to change.”
Pressed on why referee Sam Barrott did not send Pope off, Arteta replied: “I’m here to give my opinion. I have been in the game for a long time, and you talk to any of the players, because the trajectory of where the ball is, there’s no keeper there.
“And the reality is, that in the last two games, in crucial moments when everything is at stake, we need everything to go our way, and it hasn’t.
“I’m not making excuses. I didn’t talk about it when we lost the game (against City). I’m doing it when we won. It’s a red card today. It’s a red card in Manchester. And the world is different, and that’s it.”
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Despite Arteta’s frustrations, he was relieved to see Arsenal return to winning ways following consecutive defeats against Bournemouth and City.
He continued: “We talked about this being ‘game one’ and how important that was. We did the job. I don’t expect that after 22 years of not winning the title, it’s going to be a path of roses and beautiful music around it. It’s going to be like this and we are ready for it.”
Havertz and Eze were unable to continue through injury on Saturday, and Arteta said both will be assessed following “muscular injuries” ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Atletico Madrid for the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
For Newcastle, they have now lost five consecutive games, and are 14th in the league.
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Manager Eddie Howe said: “I thought it was much better from us as a group. We stood up to Arsenal’s physical challenge, and we were better off the ball, and defended well and were more like ourselves.
“I can’t be too critical of the players, I have been in previous weeks, there were positive signs and I am more satisfied. But it is another defeat and we can’t lose sight of the fact that we are losing too many games.”
This weekend, there will be 257 picks taken in the 2026 NFL draft. Then comes the rookie free-agent signings after that.
The Deseret News is here to provide the latest updates on the action, from how the selections impact Utah ties to what draft developments mean for the league in general.
The Pac-12 officially launches in its new era on July 1st, 2026. Commissioner Teresa Gould is doing everything she can to project strength for the new-look league.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, I’m joined by ‘Locked On Buckeyes’ host Jay Stephens to react to Ohio State’s Spring Game.
Julian Sayin appears to have a capable backup behind him.
How big a concern is the O-Line?
Alabama has not yet named a starting QB, but has extended Kalen DeBoer.
Is Keelon Russell the most likely guy behind center in 2026 for the Crimson Tide?
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03:01 Pac-12 bowl game strategy 07:07 Debating conference championship value 14:48 Discussing Ohio State’s quarterback future 17:17 Recruiting elite defensive players 25:51 College football QB prospects 26:34 Marcus Mariota’s surprise starter moment 31:01 Cedarian Morgan’s promising future
Fifth-ranked Aljamain Sterling will look to snap Youssef Zalal’s eight-match winning streak when they meet in a featherweight bout in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal on Saturday at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The six-bout main card is slated to start at approximately 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+. Sterling is coming off a unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night: Walker vs. Zhang on Aug. 23, 2025. Zalal, meanwhile, won by submission over Josh Emmett in his last match at UFC 320 on Oct. 4, 2025.
Paramount+ is the only place to stream EVERY UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night live, at no additional cost. A subscription also gives you access to other sports content, including the UEFA Champions League, college basketball, the NFL and Big Ten on CBS and countless movies and shows. Plans start at just $8.99 per month, so sign up right here.
Over the past three-plus years, $100 bettors who have followed Marley’s picks are up nearly $10,000, and since May 2018, he has returned well over $21,000. The accomplished MMA analyst has provided consistent winners for SportsLine members for the past five years. His accomplishments include hitting five consecutive main-event underdog winners in 2020 following the UFC’s brief pause in action because of the pandemic. He also went 6-5 on his picks at the last UFC card. Anyone who has followed Marley could be way up.
Now, Marley has studied Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal from every angle and revealed his top betting picks and best bets. Head to SportsLine to see them.
Sterling vs. Zalal preview
Sterling, 36, is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion. He is the first UFC champion to win a title by disqualification. He successfully defended his title three times. He is also a former Cage Fury Fighting bantamweight champ. Sterling has a career mark of 25-5, posting three wins by knockout, eight by submission, 13 by decision and one by disqualification.
Sterling is an accomplished fighter, who has registered one Performance of the Night honor. He also has the most wins in UFC bantamweight history with 14, and is tied with Dominick Cruz for most wins in UFC/WEC bantamweight division history. He was the 2022 Comeback of the Year Award winner by World MMA, and was named to the 2022 MMA All-Star second team. Check out SportsLine to see Marley’s picks and analysis.
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Zalal, 29, is a two-time UFC Performance of the Night winner. He is tied with four other fighters for the second-most submissions in UFC featherweight division history. Sherdog named him the 2024 Comeback Fighter of the Year. He was also a 2024 third-team MMA All-Star.
In 24 career matches, Zalal has posted an 18-5-1 mark. He has four wins by knockout, 10 by submission and four by decision with one draw. He also has one professional boxing match in his career, winning by knockout, as well as a 1-0 kickboxing record, winning that match by knockout. You can only see Marley’s picks and analysis at SportsLine.
New to sports trading? Visit our Kalshi promo code review to see their latest offers and get started.
UFC Fight Night predictions
One of of Marley’s UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal picks: He is backing Rafa Garcia (-108) to win via split decision against Alexander Hernandez (-155) in a lightweight bout.
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“Both guys are solid strikers, but I like Garcia’s volume vs Hernandez’s power,” Marley told SportsLine. “Both are decent wrestlers, but I like Garcia to be the one attempting more takedowns and pushing the pace. He needs to avoid getting knocked out, but I’ll take Garcia to win 29-28.” See who else to back here.
How to make UFC Fight Night picks
Marley also has strong picks for Sterling vs. Zalal and other bouts on the UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal card. He’s also backing a fighter who is “going to have a massive grappling edge,” to emerge with a big victory. He’s sharing who it is only at SportsLine.
Aljamain Sterling (+114) vs. Youssef Zalal (-135) Rafa Garcia (-108) vs. Alexander Hernandez (-112) Davey Grant (-120) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (+100) Montel Jackson (-205) vs. Raoni Barcelos (+170) Norma Dumont (-205) vs. Joselyne Edwards (+170) Marcus Buchecha (-166) vs. Ryan Spann (+140)
Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 8 NRL game between North Queensland Cowboys and
Cronulla Sharks. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Cronulla Sharks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Queensland Cowboys vs.
Cronulla Sharks
game and give you our free tips and bets.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Preview
This shapes as one of the tighter contests of the round, with Cronulla’s dynamic spine set to test a Cowboys middle that has struggled under fatigue. Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall thrive when given momentum, and the Sharks’ ability to generate quick ruck speed could prove pivotal. North Queensland boast strike power of their own, but consistency remains an issue. Expect Cronulla to challenge late if they control possession.
North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks Teams
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Sam McIntyre 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Griffin Neame 18. Matthew Lodge 19. Kai O’Donnell 20. Zac Laybutt 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby Sharks team: 1. William Kennedy 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Siosifa Talakai 4. KL Iro 5. Samuel Stonestreet 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Billy Burns 12. Teig Wilton 13. Jesse Colquhoun 14. Briton Nikora 15. Cameron McInnes 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Hohepa Puru 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha 20. Riley Jones 21. Riley Pollard 22. Sione Katoa
The final round of the 2026 NFL Draft has arrived. As teams are watching the round progress, team representatives are communicating interest to potential undrafted free agents, so they can lock up top targets once the final pick is made from Pittsburgh.
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is probably the most famous recent example of a seventh-round pick going on to find NFL success, but every year is a new opportunity. Each selection is graded below, so perhaps the next Purdy is right around the corner.
Be sure to refresh this page throughout the weekend to get all the latest grades. If you want to do all that plus track the best available prospects and get access to every pick in the draft on one page, you can in our draft tracker. And follow along with each pick and every trade in our live blog.
Williams’ size and foot speed is worth Arizona exploring at this stage of the draft. They have taken multiple offensive linemen to give themselves several bites of the apple.
218. Cowboys: Anthony Smith, WR, East Carolina
Grade: B-
Smith popped up on the radar late, but has good size and production. The Cowboys will have one of the taller receiver rooms in the league between George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb and now Smith.
I really like Hall’s tape. He is an instinctual player who will play through the receiver, but he lacks the high-end traits that are often non-negotiables of the position. It is still a good value.
220. Bills: Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri
Grade: B-
The Clemson transfer has four interceptions over the past two years. He is fast and physical relative to his size, but gives up a lot of cushion in zone coverage
221. Bengals: Jack Endries, TE, Texas
Grade: A
Endries looked better in 2024 playing with Fernando Mendoza than he did in 2025. It is surprising that he was still available in the seventh round. Cincinnati has played the board well.
222. Lions: Tyre West, DL, Tennessee
Grade: B+
West played on the end a lot this season in Tennessee’s defense, but will probably settle into a more traditional interior role as a pro. I really like the potential of this player if lined up inside and given freedom to get after the quarterback.
Kuwatch flies around the football field and will be a menace on special teams. Carolina has one of the most athletic linebacker rooms in the country.
228. Jets: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Grade: B-
Payne has great size and physicality. He will play downhill and set the tone in the new look Jets secondary.
229. Raiders: Brandon Cleveland, DL, NC State
Grade: A-
Las Vegas is getting plus value from Cleveland in the seventh round. He has NFL size and will hold his ground in the run game.
230. Steelers: Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
Grade: B+
Do not get hung up on the position listed next to Heidenreich’s name. He will run the ball. He will run routes and catch passes. Whatever the team needs, the Navy Midshipman will provide. It would not be a surprise if he became a special teams ace as well.
Onianwa showcased his versatility throughout his collegiate career. He transferred from Rice to Ohio State for his final season. His case to make the roster as a seventh-round pick is strengthened by that positional flexibility.
Arsenal FC returned to the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side had briefly dropped to second place during the week after Manchester City went top on goal difference following their win over Burnley.
Arsenal made a strong start and took the lead in the ninth minute through Eberechi Eze. From a short corner, Kai Havertz set up the England midfielder, who curled a fine shot into the top corner.
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Newcastle created chances of their own through William Osula, Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, but they could not find a way past Arsenal in the first half.
After the break, Newcastle pushed for an equaliser, with manager Eddie Howe bringing on Yoane Wissa and Harvey Barnes. However, Wissa missed a clear chance late on as the visitors suffered their fourth straight league defeat.
The win puts Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table, although they have played one game more than Manchester City.
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There was concern for Arsenal, however, as both Kai Havertz and Eze were forced off with injuries during the match.
Rivas lined the bases-loaded hit off Riley O’Brien (3-1), who had not allowed an earned run in 13 previous appearances this season.
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Matt Brash (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Andrés Muñoz pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save.
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Nathan Church homered twice and had four RBIs, JJ Wetherholt and Iván Herrera hit back-to-back home runs to leadoff the bottom of the first inning, and Pedro Pagés also homered for St. Louis.
Mitch Garver and Young hit back-to-back singles off JoJo Romero to leadoff the eighth inning, and Connor Joe stroked a pinch-hit, two-run single off O’Brien to tie the game at 9-all.
Church hit a two-run homer, his fourth of the season, to right-center field in the seventh inning to pull the Cardinals ahead 9-7 after hitting a solo shot to right field in the second.
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Bryan Woo allowed a career high-tying seven runs on nine hits including four home runs in three innings for Seattle.
Matthew Liberatore allowed five runs, all coming via home runs, in 3 1/3 innings for St. Louis.
Pagés, who had three hits including a third inning home run, was removed from the game with left hamstring tightness after legging out an infield single in the seventh inning.
Masyn Winn hit a game-tying RBI single down the right-field line in the fourth inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.
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Wilson hit his first career home run in the second inning to give Seattle a 4-2 lead.
Up next
Mariners RHP Emerson Hancock (2-1, 2.83 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (1-2, 3.29) to wrap up their three-game series on Sunday.
Alabama has not yet named a starting QB, but has extended Kalen DeBoer. 
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