Author: News Desk

‘I wasn’t surprised.’

France suffer painful symmetry with Ireland as Springboks continue southern dominance The Independent says Ireland and New Zealand played out the greatest Rugby World Cup quarter-final of all time, which ended with 37 phases of Irish agony, and yet it took just 24 hours for that game to be bettered by France and South Africa. It may not have been quite 37 phases, but France’s own final stand – desperately, fruitlessly searching for that decisive score to overcome the inevitable as the clock turns red – ended the same, heartbreaking way. French bodies dropped to the turf in despair, almost…

Steve Borthwick hails ‘written off’ England after reaching World Cup semi-final The Independent says England head coach Steve Borthwick hailed his players’ composure and resilience after they repelled a thrilling Fiji fightback to book a place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. Fiji tied the game after scoring two converted tries in four second-half minutes, but skipper Owen Farrell kicked a late drop-goal and penalty to see England home 30-24. England will now face holders South Africa in the last four in what will be a repeat of the 2019 final, after the Springboks beat hosts France in their quarter-final…

Dupont upset with referee after France’s Rugby World Cup exit to South Africa The Guardian says Antoine Dupont questioned the performance of the referee, Ben O’Keeffe, following France’s shattering quarter-final exit from the Rugby World Cup at the hands of the defending champions South Africa. “There’s a lot of disappointment and frustration,” said the France captain. “When we watch the match again, there are probably things that will make us even more frustrated. “I don’t want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing. But I am not sure the level of refereeing was up to what was…

Paper Talk: A million try to flee as Gaza invasion looms Today’s news summary – Paper Talk Monday’s newspapers continue their coverage of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East as Gaza civilians attempt to flee whilst Israel prepares for a full-scale ground invasion and Gaza hospitals warn they will soon run out of power. ‘Fury and Fear’ The Sun says “fury and fear” have filled the streets of Israel ahead of a war. Tens of thousands of troops are waiting for the signal to attack the Gaza Strip. The Mirror says “Middle East On The Brink.”  The Times reports…

It’s been 15 years since Supernanny UK graced our screens.

Chelsea have picked up some form at long last.

The Economist – Israel’s Agony and Its Retribution THE ECONOMIST SAYS In a static decades-long conflict that has rotted for the past 20 years, it can be hard to believe that real change is possible. Be in no doubt, however, that Hamas’s murderous assault has blown up the status quo between Israel and the Palestinians. The coming weeks will determine whether war in Gaza sinks the Middle East deeper into chaos or whether, despite Hamas’s atrocities, Israel can begin to create the foundations for regional stability—and, one day, peace. Change is inevitable because of the gravity of Hamas’s crimes. More…

‘Is that a fair parallel?’

CITY AM – UK to swerve recession as inflation falls UK to avoid recession despite Bank of England interest rate rises, EY predicts CITY AM SAYS The UK will avoid a recession despite the impact of the Bank of England’s interest rate hikes, new forecasts from the EY Item Club say. In its new Autumn forecast, the EY Item Club predicted the UK economy would grow 0.6 per cent over the course of 2023, up from 0.4 per cent growth projected in July. The economy has been far more resilient to the Bank’s interest rate hikes than many experts predicted…