Monday, 31 August 2026

The Springboks named Cheslin Kolbe at fullback and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing for Saturday’s third Test against New Zealand, with the series level at 1-1.

Rugby correspondent Ashfak Mohamed warned that South Africa’s defence, having conceded nine tries in two Tests, could decide the series against an All Blacks attack with multiple threats.

Orlando Pirates reached the MTN8 final after beating Sekhukhune United for the third time in seven days, while Sundowns edged Golden Arrows to set up the October final.

Novak Djokovic suffered a first-round US Open exit after becoming unwell on court, while Sofia Kenin beat Venus Williams in what may be Williams’s final singles appearance there.

Lionel Messi ended his playing career at 39 after captaining Argentina to the 2022 World Cup; he finished with 125 international goals in 207 appearances.