Australia Secures Dominant Win Over England

Australia achieved a decisive 66-47 victory against England in a Commonwealth Games Pool A netball match held at The Hydro in Glasgow. This result marks Australia‘s seventh win against England in eight meetings at the Games. The defending champions established an early lead, finishing the first quarter with an 18-11 advantage and extending it to 56-35 by the end of the third quarter.

Sophie Garbin was a key player for Australia, scoring 41 goals from 42 attempts. Kiera Austin also contributed significantly with 15 goals, 19 assists, and 17 feeds. England‘s interim head coach, Anna Stembridge, made early changes, including withdrawing Sasha Glasgow and moving Lois Pearson into goal attack, but these adjustments did not significantly alter the match’s trajectory.

England captain Fran Williams acknowledged her team was “far from our best” and stated that they “didn’t cope well with their physicality.” She added that it is “really tough when a game blows out like that.” Williams also noted that the result was “definitely not the result that we came for but it’s also not the performance.”

Match Dynamics and Player Performances

The match was characterised by Australia‘s clinical efficiency and relentless pressure. They quickly established a 10-4 lead, with Kiera Austin dictating play. Despite England‘s efforts to disrupt Australia‘s rhythm, including introducing Jayda Pechová into defence, Australia maintained control. The contest became increasingly physical, with contact exchanged between players like Courtney Bruce and Liv Tchine.

Australia further solidified their lead in the third quarter, outscoring England 21-11. This period saw Australia capitalise on England‘s errors, converting turnovers and loose passes into points. By the start of the final quarter, Australia held a 21-goal cushion, effectively sealing their victory. While England marginally won the final quarter, the damage had already been done.

England‘s Eleanor Cardwell, one of only two players in the squad with prior Commonwealth Games experience, entered the game to a strong reception from the Glasgow crowd. Her interaction with Sarah Klau, which resulted in Klau receiving an official warning, highlighted the intensity of the encounter. England, who secured a gold medal in 2018, did not reach the podium at Birmingham 2022. The team faces Malawi next on Monday at 14:00 BST.

Other Pool A and B Results

In other Pool A action, Northern Ireland experienced their second defeat, losing 64-48 to Malawi. Malawi started strong, leading 19-9 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 35-23 by half-time. Despite Northern Ireland outscoring Malawi in the third quarter, reducing the gap to 44-38, Malawi ultimately secured their first win. Mwayi Kumwenda of Malawi was a standout performer, scoring 58 goals from 59 attempts. Northern Ireland is scheduled to play against Tonga on Monday at 16:00.

Meanwhile, in Pool B, Scotland achieved their first victory by defeating Wales 56-47. England had previously opened their campaign with an 83-34 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday.

The England squad has faced challenges, with only Eleanor Cardwell and Imogen Allison having previous Commonwealth Games experience due to injuries to gold medallists Helen Housby and Natalie Metcalf. Natalie Metcalf withdrew due to a calf injury. Jess Thirlby stepped down as head coach in March for family reasons, leading to Anna Stembridge taking interim charge.

Source: bbc.com

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Former England players Ben Youngs and Anthony Watson have announced their ideal XV from the initial three rounds of the Nations Championship. Their selections were shared during an episode of the For The Love Of Rugby podcast.

Backline Selections

At fullback, Damian Willemse was chosen for his performances, including his aerial dominance against England at Ellis Park and his role in the midfield against Scotland. He also made an appearance off the bench against Wales in Durban.

Cheslin Kolbe was named on the wing, noted for his performance against England, which included a try and five conversions. His defensive work and aerial skills were also highlighted. Jesse Kriel, who scored in all three of his matches, including a crucial try against Scotland, was selected at centre. His defensive leadership and attacking play were recognised.

Joining Kriel in the centres is Sione Tuipulotu, who started his campaign with two tries against Argentina and gained 72 metres from 14 carries against the Springboks. On the other wing, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was selected for his strong attacking displays, including gaining 99 metres against Argentina and beating multiple defenders against Fiji. His tournament statistics included 246 metres gained, six line breaks, and two tries.

The halfback pairing features Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half and Maxime Lucu at scrum-half. Jalibert, who also played at fullback against Australia and Japan, was praised for his dynamism. Lucu was noted for his ability to handle challenging ball and for scoring two tries during the championship.

Forward Pack Recognised

In the loose forwards, Jasper Wiese was selected at number eight, having performed well against England and scoring a try against Wales. Fraser McReight was chosen at openside flanker for his work rate and ruck contributions for the Wallabies. Pieter-Steph du Toit, who was also named Player of the Series, was selected at blindside flanker for his consistent high-level performances and his ability to adapt to different roles, including extra lineout responsibilities.

The second row includes Emmanuel Meafou, who scored a try against Australia and showcased his work rate against Japan and New Zealand. He is partnered by Ruan Nortje, whose work rate was also highlighted, particularly in his two strong performances before being rested against Wales.

The front row consists of Ellis Genge at loosehead prop, known for his scrummaging and powerful carries, including a try against the Springboks. Malcolm Marx, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, was selected at hooker after scoring a try and dominating contact against England, followed by a strong scrummaging display against Wales. Joe Heyes completes the front row at tighthead prop, recognised for his defensive effort against Argentina and his scrummaging throughout the series.

The Springboks were identified as the Team of the Series, having won all three of their matches, scoring 130 points and conceding 49. They defeated England 45-21, Scotland 42-28, and Wales with a significant points difference. Rassie Erasmus was named Coach of the Series for leading the Springboks to three wins while making significant squad rotations. The Springboks averaged just over 43 points per test during the championship.

Paul de Villiers received the Breakthrough of the Series award, starting all three tests and contributing significantly, including a breakdown steal against Wales. The match between South Africa and Scotland, which South Africa won 42-28 at Loftus Versfeld, was a notable game of the series. Japan‘s 27-10 victory over Italy was recognised as the Performance of the Series, marking their first win in this tier-one competition. Theo Attissogbe‘s try for France against New Zealand was awarded Try of the Series.

The Springboks were also ranked as the top team in the international power rankings following the Southern Hemisphere leg of the Nations Championship, having won all three tests and deploying 43 different players and six debutants.

Other teams in the power rankings included New Zealand at second, France at third, and Ireland at fourth. Scotland was placed fifth, followed by England at sixth, Australia at seventh, Argentina at eighth, Japan at ninth, and Wales at tenth. Italy was noted as the biggest disappointment of the series, with three defeats and a 57-10 loss to Australia.

The Fiji Rugby Union was recognised as the Shift Worker of the Series for hosting their home fixtures in Cardiff, Liverpool, and Edinburgh due to stadium requirements.

The Nations Championship saw 18 tests played within a fortnight.

Source: planetrugby.com

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Roosters and Broncos maintain unbeaten records

The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos have continued their strong starts to the season, both remaining unbeaten after impressive performances. The Broncos, the reigning premiers, secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating the Knights at Totally Workwear Stadium. Despite the Knights matching them in the first half, the Broncos pulled away with three unanswered tries after the break, concluding the match with a 30-12 victory.

Tamika Upton, the team’s fullback, was a key player for the Broncos, contributing significantly in both attack and defence. She recorded 217 run metres during the game.

The Roosters closed out Round 4 with a decisive 48-10 win over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. Five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher was instrumental in the Roosters’ success, providing five try assists. Millie Elliott also made a notable impact, running for 153 metres and breaking six tackles. Additionally, Aliyah Nasio, in her first game since the previous year’s grand final, came off the bench to run for 138 metres.

Several players reached significant career milestones during the Roosters and Wests Tigers match. Sarah Togatuki of the Tigers played her 50th NRL match, making 154 metres from 14 runs and completing 27 tackles. Her teammate Holli Wheeler also reached 50 games, as did Rooster Jess Sergis, who scored a try in her milestone game.

Warriors secure close victory against Eels

At Eric Tweedale Stadium, the One New Zealand Warriors narrowly defeated the Parramatta Eels with a score of 14-12. The Eels were denied their first win of the season due to a forward pass in the final play of the game. Abbi Church, the Eels’ fullback, delivered a strong performance, scoring two solo tries and accumulating 231 run metres. However, the Eels were without Rory Owen, who was ruled out with a HIA, impacting their attacking options.

The Warriors saw the return of several key players from injury for this match. Gayle Broughton, who missed two games due to a quad injury, was confirmed to start at halfback, partnering with Emmanita Paki at standoff. Patricia Maliepo, who had played halfback in the first three matches, moved to the interchange bench.

Other returning players for the Warriors included winger Payton Takimoana and back rower Kaiyah Atai. Takimoana, who had scored 15 tries in 11 games in her rookie season, returned after a shoulder injury sustained in the season-opening win against the Bulldogs. Atai, the 2025 players’ player of the year, made her first appearance of the season at loose forward after recovering from a broken thumb suffered during a preseason trial against the Broncos.

The Warriors’ backline, apart from the changes involving Takimoana and Broughton, remained consistent with the lineup that achieved a 42-4 victory over North Queensland. There were also two changes to the starting pack, with prop Annetta Nuuausala moving to the interchange and Mya Hill-Moana starting in her place. The match against the Eels marked the first of two consecutive road trips for the Warriors, with their next game scheduled against the Titans in Wagga Wagga on August 2.

Heading into Round 4, the Warriors were positioned sixth on the ladder, one of five teams with four points, trailing the unbeaten Roosters and Broncos. The Eels entered the match following a 12-50 loss to the Titans, and previous defeats in the first two rounds against the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra.

During the Roosters’ dominant performance against the Wests Tigers, Isabelle Kelly, the Roosters’ captain, was a significant force, contributing 87 run metres, two try assists, one line break, and two tackle breaks. She collaborated effectively with Jayme Fressard, who ran for 70 metres and scored a double. The Roosters maintained 57 per cent of possession and an 85 per cent completion rate in the first half, leading to a 22-0 advantage. They also had six line breaks compared to none for the Tigers and ran for 229 more metres.

The match also saw some disciplinary actions, with Brook Talataina of the Tigers sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle on Jess Sergis. Shortly before this, Roosters’ captain Isabelle Kelly was also sent to the sin bin for a hip drop tackle on Harmony Crichton. Shaylee Bent was placed on report for a hip drop tackle on Aliyah Nasio. Amber Hall, in her first game back from a calf injury, scored a try from close range for the Roosters.

The Roosters’ scoring continued into the second half, with Sariah Paki scoring the opening try of the second term from a precise kick by Jocelyn Kelleher. Jayme Fressard completed a hat-trick with another cross-field kick from Kelleher, who had two try assists and four conversions in the absence of her halves partner Tarryn Aiken due to a shoulder problem. Emily Bass scored the Tigers’ first try in the 53rd minute.

Aliyah Nasio scored her first try since the 2025 grand final, powering through a gap on the right edge. Lily Rogan also crossed for a try for the Tigers in the 68th minute, following a kick from Raecene McGregor. The final try of the match for the Roosters came in the 70th minute, with Jess Sergis scoring in her 50th game after a contested bomb by Mia Wood, bringing her career total to 32 tries.

Source: nrl.com

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Lando Norris currently leads the Hungarian Grand Prix, aiming for his first win of the season. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, experienced a gearbox problem, causing him to stop from second place. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is in second position, with Kimi Antonelli in third and Lewis Hamilton in fourth.

Lewis Hamilton received a five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This penalty followed an investigation by the stewards. Hamilton‘s teammate, Charles Leclerc, is just behind him in fifth place.

Grid Penalties and Race Dynamics

Earlier, Hamilton was penalised three grid places for impeding Oscar Piastri during qualifying, which meant he started from fifth. Hamilton stated he was only informed of Piastri‘s approach when the McLaren was already close behind him, believing everyone had finished their hot laps. Despite his explanation, the stewards ruled him at fault.

Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, also faced a three-place grid penalty for failing to slow under yellow flags. He started the race in seventh position. These penalties impacted the starting grid, with Norris securing pole position for McLaren, marking their first pole of the season.

McLaren‘s recent upgrades have been noted, with Norris topping the timesheets in FP3 and Qualifying. While conventional wisdom often suggests track position is crucial at the Hungaroring, statistics indicate that a winner from pole position has not occurred since 2020, with only three such instances in the last decade.

On-Track Battles and Tyre Strategy

During the race, Kimi Antonelli moved past Arvid Lindblad of Racing Bulls, who was in 10th, as he attempted to close the gap on Max Verstappen for second place. However, traffic involving the Audis hindered Antonelli‘s progress. Lewis Hamilton was observed closing in on Antonelli, setting up a battle for podium positions.

At one point, Hamilton was under investigation for pit-lane speeding, with Ferrari needing to inform him of the situation. Later, Hamilton had to make a move on Kimi Antonelli to regain a podium spot. The young driver thwarted Hamilton‘s attempts to overtake, blocking the seven-time world champion’s advances. After a pit stop, Antonelli was convinced he was ahead of Hamilton, and Ferrari did not contest this, allowing Hamilton to move aside.

A virtual safety car was deployed when Oscar Piastri‘s McLaren slowed down and eventually stopped due to a gearbox problem, prompting many cars to pit for new tyres. Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc all pitted for soft tyres. Kimi Antonelli had stopped just before the virtual safety car, allowing his tyres to reach optimal temperature.

With Norris leading, Max Verstappen, who did not pit, held second, and Hamilton was in third. Antonelli was in fourth, believing Hamilton should return the position. Mercedes prepared for Kimi Antonelli, fitting him with fresh hard tyres and sending him back out in sixth place.

The Malaysian Grand Prix could potentially return to the F1 calendar, with a meeting arranged after the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier in the season. It is expected to take place between the Baku and Singapore rounds on 4 October at the Sepang circuit.

Source: bbc.com

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Hungarian Grand Prix outlook

The Hungarian Grand Prix marks the final Formula 1 race before the August break, taking place from July 24-26. The event at the Hungaroring is anticipated to feature a competitive battle between McLaren and Ferrari. Lando Norris of McLaren secured pole position in qualifying, with Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri scheduled to start behind him. Max Verstappen of Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes complete the top five starting positions.

Hamilton, who initially qualified second, received a three-place grid penalty for impeding Piastri during the session. Similarly, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes, who qualified fourth, was penalised three places for not slowing sufficiently under yellow flags. Antonelli will now start seventh, behind his teammate George Russell in sixth.

Driver standings and team performance

Antonelli currently leads the drivers’ standings, holding a 45-point advantage over Hamilton and a 50-point lead over Russell. Russell’s car has experienced issues, particularly with time loss on straights, while Antonelli has shown strong form with six wins in 10 rounds. Hamilton’s recent performance includes a victory in Barcelona, a third-place finish in Britain, and a fourth-place finish in Belgium. Leclerc won in Britain and finished second in Spa.

Mercedes holds a 73-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. Mercedes has secured eight wins out of 10 races this season, including the first six. Antonelli has contributed six wins, including five consecutive victories in China, Japan, Miami, Canada, Monaco, and Belgium. Russell has two wins in Australia and Austria, while Hamilton has one win in Barcelona.

Mercedes has achieved pole position in every grand prix this season. Russell secured pole in Australia, Canada, Barcelona, and Austria, while Antonelli took pole in China, Japan, Miami, Monaco, Britain, and Belgium. Hamilton holds a record 104 career poles, with his most recent in Hungary in 2023.

Circuit characteristics and upgrades

The Hungaroring circuit is known for being short and twisty, with 14 corners, making overtaking challenging. Engine power and straight-line speed are less critical at this track. McLaren is introducing significant upgrades for Hungary, including a new floor and aerodynamic components. They will also continue to test an experimental rear wing. Aston Martin is also bringing a chassis upgrade, with a new Honda engine expected at the Dutch Grand Prix in late August.

The 41st Hungarian Grand Prix will cover a total distance of 306.630km over 70 laps, with each lap measuring 4.381km. The race is typically held in high temperatures. The forecast for Sunday’s race indicates sunny conditions with temperatures reaching 32C and a moderate breeze, with a small chance of rain an hour into the race. The race is scheduled to start at 14:00 BST.

Hamilton has an impressive record at the Hungaroring, with eight previous wins. He can equal his record of nine wins at a single circuit, currently held at Silverstone. Alex Albon is set to start his 100th race for Williams at this event.

Past winners still active in Formula One include Fernando Alonso (2003), Esteban Ocon (2021), Max Verstappen (2022, 2023), Oscar Piastri (2024), and Lando Norris (2025). The lowest winning start in Hungary was from 14th on the grid by Jenson Button in 2006.

The 2025 race winner was Lando Norris of McLaren, and the 2020 race lap record of 1:16.627 was set by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. The 2025 pole position was secured by Charles Leclerc of Ferrari with a time of one minute 15.372 seconds.

Source: formula1.com

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James joins Philadelphia

LeBron James has signed a two-year, $8 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that surprised many across the league. The decision was announced on Friday, marking the end of his eight-year tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was the longest continuous period of his career with a single team. James stated on his X account that he had contemplated retirement after the 2025-26 season, believing he had played his last game. However, he ultimately decided he still loved the game and had more to contribute.

His decision was not driven by financial considerations or family, but by a desire for a new challenge and another opportunity to compete for a championship. James expressed his continued drive to sacrifice, work, grind, and compete for the feeling of winning a title. This move sees him join a roster that includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and newly acquired Jaylen Brown.

The signing of a player of James’s calibre, even at 41 years old, on a minimum contract is an unusual occurrence. His freedom to choose his next destination came at the cost of a significant pay cut. It has been reported that James felt disrespected by the Lakers’ management, who were reportedly keen to rebuild around Luka Dončić.

A new challenge for the veteran

James’s decision to join the 76ers is seen by some as a calculated risk, moving to a new city and team with several prominent personalities. The team also faces ongoing health concerns, particularly with Embiid. However, delivering Philadelphia its first NBA championship in over four decades would be a significant achievement in James’s career. The 76ers’ talented starting lineup appears to offer him a genuine chance to pursue another title.

The move to Philadelphia allows James to attempt to achieve something no other NBA player has done: win a championship with a fourth different team. It also provides an environment where he can enjoy playing basketball, free from the expectations associated with his past in places like Miami or Cleveland. This new chapter allows him to confront his basketball mortality while simultaneously striving to extend his career.

According to his agent, Rich Paul, James came close to joining the New York Knicks if they had not won the championship this year. Paul indicated that if the Knicks had not hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2026, James would have gone to New York.

Impact on the 76ers roster

The addition of James significantly boosts the 76ers’ roster, which recently acquired Brown. Before these additions, the team was projected to have a challenging time improving on its previous season’s performance. With James and Brown, the 76ers are now considered strong contenders, with some analysts predicting they could achieve over 50 wins and challenge the defending champion Knicks for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.

Brown brings a dynamic perimeter presence and a strong two-way game, while James is expected to provide visionary passing and playmaking. Both players are capable of contributing on and off the ball, and can help alleviate the workload on Maxey, who led the NBA in minutes per game last season, and Embiid, whose health remains a critical factor for the team’s success. The team’s depth is also enhanced, with free-agent signing Dean Wade moving to the bench, joining other reserves such as Anfernee Simons and Labaron Philon Jr.

Despite some skepticism from rival executives about how the various star players will manage their egos and share the ball, the consensus is that the 76ers are now a legitimate contender. One coach noted James’s intelligence, suggesting he can make the new team dynamic work. James has a history of elevating teammates and empowering costars, a trait he demonstrated last season by ceding control and shot attempts to Dončić and Austin Reaves.

As James approaches his 24th season, his basketball IQ and passing ability remain intact, allowing him to control games through his playmaking and create scoring opportunities for others. This role, reminiscent of his “Magic” persona, aligns with his long-held view of himself as a playmaker first. The decision to join the 76ers represents a continued pursuit of championships, a consistent theme throughout his career, which began more than two decades ago.

James’s move to the 76ers was not known to the team until minutes before his official statement was issued.

Source: theguardian.com

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Tottenham arrives for friendly match

Tottenham Hotspur has arrived in Auckland for a pre-season friendly against Auckland FC at Eden Park. Before the match, coaches from the Premier League club have been conducting football clinics for over 100 young local players throughout the week. The sessions are designed to be inclusive, adapting the club’s football philosophy so every player can participate. One young player expressed excitement about meeting the players and enjoying the experience, while another noted the rarity of seeing professional footballers in New Zealand.

Tottenham global football development coach Shannon Moloney highlighted the growth of football in the region since his last visit in 2023. He mentioned a statistic indicating that more children under the age of 10 are now playing football than rugby, underscoring the importance of the sport’s legacy in New Zealand. Approximately 40,000 fans are anticipated at Eden Park for the match, which would mark the largest football crowd in New Zealand since the country hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup three years prior.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies spoke about the club’s global support, noting the “awesome feeling” of seeing fans in Spurs shirts in Auckland. He added that the visit provides an opportunity to give back and promote the club. Forward Dominic Solanke expressed his anticipation for the match, his first visit to Auckland, and midfielder Conor Gallagher emphasised the club’s commitment to performing well on the tour, aiming to deliver their best for the game.

A historical connection and family memories

The upcoming match holds particular significance for the Sibley family, as Tottenham returns to Auckland for the first time in 50 years. Former New Zealand international Tony Sibley played against Tottenham when they faced an Auckland FA XI in May 1976. On Sunday, Tony Sibley will be at Eden Park to watch the current Tottenham squad, accompanied by his son Ricky, a passionate Spurs fan, and Ricky’s friend Greig Brooks, along with Greig’s father, Alan Brooks.

The 1976 encounter was part of a significant end-of-season tour for Tottenham, covering approximately 35,000 miles across Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia, with nine games played in under a month. The match against the Auckland representative team took place at Newmarket Park. Tony Sibley, an experienced defender who played for Mount Wellington and captained the All Whites on occasion, recalled that most of the Auckland players came from the successful Mount Wellington club.

Tony Sibley, now aged 75, remembered the prevailing belief at the time that English teams were nearly unbeatable. However, the Auckland FA XI led Tottenham 3-1 at one point in the match, with goals from Keith Nelson, Dave Taylor, and Iain Ormond. Tottenham eventually secured a victory with goals from John Pratt, Keith Osgood (penalty), Jimmy Neighbour, and two from John Duncan. Tony Sibley, who was named New Zealand Footballer of the Year in 1978, noted that the Auckland team began to tire late in the second half.

Tony Sibley expressed his anticipation for the upcoming game, observing the significant progress of football in New Zealand over the past 50 years. He highlighted that football is now the number one participation sport in the country, with the establishment of professional teams like Auckland FC. His son Ricky, introduced to Spurs by his best friend at the age of nine, described his support as unwavering despite the emotional rollercoaster of recent years. Ricky looks forward to attending the game with his father and best friend, an experience they have often discussed.

Match details and viewing information

The friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Auckland FC is scheduled for tomorrow. Fans can watch the game live on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2, with coverage beginning at 2:30 PM.

The historical match in 1976 featured the following line-ups:

• Auckland FA XI: Curtin, Elrick, Young, Houghton, Sibley, Fleet, Turner, Thomas, Taylor, Nelson, Ormond.
• Spurs: Daines, Stead, Walford, Pratt, Young, Osgood, Neighbour, Armstrong, Duncan, Perryman, Coates.

The upcoming match provides an opportunity to witness the continued evolution of football in New Zealand, building on a rich history of international fixtures.

Source: 1news.co.nz

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Strong Start in Practice Sessions

Liam Lawson has commenced the Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix weekend with encouraging performances, securing top 10 finishes in both free practice sessions on Friday. The driver for Racing Bulls demonstrated strong form, particularly in the second practice session (FP2), where he placed seventh. This follows a period where an upgrade package was missed in Belgium, which had ended a streak of five consecutive points finishes for the Kiwi driver.

The updates to Lawson’s Racing Bulls car appear to have yielded positive results on the high downforce circuit. His best lap time in FP2 was 1m 20.041s, positioning him 1.312s behind Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton’s leading time of 1m 18.729s. Lawson also outpaced his teammate, Arvid Lindblad, by 0.212s in FP2, with Lindblad finishing 10th.

In the initial practice session (FP1), Lawson’s performance was also within the top 10. His fastest time of 1m 20.866s was sufficient for 10th place, 1.791s off the pace set by Charles Leclerc. The presence of five rookies participating through Formula One’s young driver programme slightly influenced the standings in FP1. Frederik Vesti of Mercedes was the top rookie, securing seventh place with a lap of 1m 20.467s.

Team Performance and Car Adjustments

Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane noted a significant change made by Lawson during FP2 that contributed to the team’s strong showing. Permane described Friday’s outing as “not straightforward,” with the car proving challenging in FP1. More adjustments than usual were made between sessions to address these issues. Lawson’s modification for his final lap on soft tyres in FP2 was particularly effective, improving the car’s rear end stability.

Permane indicated that the team is focusing on medium-speed sections and ensuring a stable car on entries with good traction in the last sector, which is crucial at the Hungaroring. Despite the challenges, the team believes they are in decent shape and plan further refinements in FP3. Lawson himself expressed contentment with the day’s running and optimism for Saturday’s qualifying, aiming to reach Q3.

The team’s upgrade package, introduced in Belgium, seems to be benefiting both drivers. Lindblad, who received the upgrades for Belgium ahead of Lawson, finished ninth at Spa-Francorchamps. This helped solidify Red Bull’s sister team as a contender for the ‘best of the rest’ position among teams outside the top four.

Lawson’s efforts to improve his best time in FP1 were interrupted when he had to abort a lap on fresh soft tyres. This occurred after Lance Stroll lost control of his Aston Martin at turn two, leading to a suspension failure and a red flag. This incident prevented Lawson from completing his intended lap.

Looking Ahead to Qualifying

FP2 times are often considered more indicative of qualifying performance due to similar track conditions. Both Ferrari cars showed strong pace on Friday, with Charles Leclerc topping FP1 and finishing 0.148s behind his teammate in FP2. World championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who sat out the opening session, finished 1.964s off Hamilton’s FP2 time, though he did not get the opportunity to set a lap on soft tyres.

Lawson is well-positioned to potentially match or improve upon his eighth-place finish at this race last year. Teams will have one final practice session on Saturday night before qualifying begins. Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled for 2am on Sunday morning (NZT).

The Hungaroring is known as a challenging track, making it difficult for drivers to put together a perfect lap. Lawson enjoys racing at the circuit and is eager to return to the track for further sessions. The team will be working overnight to make necessary changes to maximise their chances in qualifying.

Source: racingnews365.com

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Lando Norris of McLaren set the fastest time during Saturday’s third practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring. Norris’s best lap of 1m 17.939s placed him ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli, in a session that saw McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes closely matched.

The session began with Alpine driver Franco Colapinto being the first to take to the track. Colapinto had experienced a crash on Friday, which resulted in car damage. Lance Stroll also made an early appearance, aiming to gain understanding of the updated Aston Martin after missing a previous practice session due to a suspension issue.

Early in the session, Norris led with a 1m 19.062s lap on soft tyres, positioning him ahead of Red Bull‘s Isack Hadjar. However, the session was interrupted by a red flag when Sergio Perez‘s Cadillac came to a halt on the approach to Turn 2 after exiting the pit lane, reportedly due to an engine issue and brakes that appeared to be on fire.

After the track was cleared, practice resumed, allowing drivers to complete their programmes before qualifying. Antonelli, George Russell, and Max Verstappen then joined the track. Antonelli initially placed sixth but had his lap time deleted for exceeding track limits. Hamilton later moved into first with a 1m 19.053s, followed by his teammate Charles Leclerc, who recorded a 1m 18.668s. Antonelli then slotted between the two Ferrari drivers, despite an earlier incident where his Mercedes‘ floor hit the Turn 4 kerb.

Final Practice Session Highlights

As the session neared its conclusion, championship leader Antonelli improved his time to 1m 18.254s, briefly taking the top spot. However, Norris, driving an upgraded McLaren, then posted a 1m 18.206s to reclaim the lead. Hamilton further improved his time to 1m 18.056s, but Norris ultimately secured the fastest time with his 1m 17.939s benchmark lap.

Antonelli finished third, with Leclerc and Oscar Piastri behind him. Russell secured sixth place, while Verstappen and Hadjar of Red Bull took seventh and eighth positions, respectively. Hadjar reported an “undriveable” experience late in the session. Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls finished ninth, followed by Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Arvid Lindblad, also from Racing Bulls, joined the track in the final stages, splitting the Alpine cars of Pierre Gasly and Colapinto.

The Haas drivers, Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, were next, followed by the revised Aston Martin cars of Fernando Alonso and Stroll. Valtteri Bottas of Cadillac and the Williams pair of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon completed the field, ahead of the sidelined Perez.

Qualifying Preparations Underway

The conditions during practice were described as challenging, with wind affecting the track. Hamilton noted that the car felt better in the second practice session, indicating progress between sessions, though he also mentioned areas still needing improvement. Piastri, speaking after qualifying, mentioned that the car had been quick but that he had been “chasing it” throughout the day.

The Ferrari team had shown strong pace earlier in the weekend, with Hamilton topping Leclerc in the second practice session. Antonelli, despite leading the championship, had struggled in the second practice, finishing 13th, almost two seconds off the pace, after experiencing rear locking issues and repeatedly running off track. His teammate Russell was also nearly a full second behind the leading time.

The focus now shifts to qualifying, which is scheduled for Saturday at 3pm.

Source: formula1.com

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The New Zealand Warriors have moved down to third place on the NRL ladder following an 18-6 defeat against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Sydney. The match saw the Warriors struggle to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half, against a strong Bulldogs side.

The home team started the game with significant momentum, scoring two quick tries within the opening 11 minutes. Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton and second-rower Jacob Preston were the try-scorers, putting the Warriors under early pressure. Despite their efforts, the Warriors were unable to respond in the first half, going into the break trailing 12-0.

The Warriors needed to score first in the second half to turn the tide, but repeated mistakes hindered their attempts to threaten the tryline. The Bulldogs further extended their lead when winger Jacob Kiraz scored in the corner, increasing their advantage.

Match Details and Key Moments

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had opportunities to score, eventually crossing the tryline, but his effort was disallowed due to a forward pass. The team remained scoreless for much of the game, with only six minutes left on the clock before they finally registered points.

The breakthrough for the Warriors came when front-rower Mitch Barnett executed a kick on the last tackle, and five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita gathered the bounce to score a try. This brought their total to six points, but it was not enough to overcome the Bulldogs‘ lead.

The Bulldogs had entered the round in winning form, securing four victories in their last five outings, including a 32-0 win over the Wests Tigers. They were positioned just one game outside the top eight prior to this match. The return of skipper Stephen Crichton, who had been rested the previous week after an injury scare in round 19, provided an additional boost for the Bulldogs.

The Warriors, on the other hand, had narrowly defeated the Dragons in Auckland in their previous match, bringing them within one game of ladder leader Penrith as they pursued their first minor premiership since 2002. However, the loss to the Bulldogs, combined with the Roosters‘ 23-22 win over Newcastle, resulted in the Warriors slipping to third place.

Team Line-ups and Injury Concerns

The Bulldogs made no changes to their 1-19 lineup in the 24-hour update before the match. Sean O’Sullivan moved to the bench after his performance in Crichton’s absence. Star back-rower Viliame Kikau returned to the starting side after recovering from injury, with Josh Curran moving to the interchange. Jed Reardon was a new addition to the bench.

For the One New Zealand Warriors, a change was made to the bench in the 24-hour update, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad coming in for Marata Niukore. Prior to this, there were no changes to the starting side after their win against the Dragons. Marata Niukore had initially been added to the six-man bench in place of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who was not used in the previous week’s match. Centre Rocco Berry was also omitted at the 24-hour mark.

The match also brought concerning news regarding injuries for the Warriors. Fullback Taine Tuaupiki was forced to leave the field during the first half due to a foot complaint, adding to the team’s challenges.

The team lists for the match included:

• Bulldogs Fullback: Connor Tracey
• Warriors Fullback: Taine Tuaupiki
• Bulldogs Winger: Jacob Kiraz
• Warriors Winger: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
• Bulldogs Centre: Matt Burton
• Warriors Centre: Ali Leiataua
• Bulldogs Centre: Enari Tuala
• Warriors Centre: Adam Pompey
• Bulldogs Winger: Jethro Rinakama
• Warriors Winger: Alofiana Khan-Pereira
• Bulldogs Five-Eighth: Stephen Crichton
• Warriors Five-Eighth: Chanel Harris-Tavita
• Bulldogs Halfback: Lachlan Galvin
• Warriors Halfback: Te Maire Martin

The forwards for the Bulldogs included Max King (Prop), Bailey Hayward (Hooker), Leo Thompson (Prop), Viliame Kikau (2nd Row), Jacob Preston (2nd Row), and Jaeman Salmon (Lock). For the Warriors, the forwards were James Fisher-Harris (Prop), Wayde Egan (Hooker), Mitchell Barnett (Prop), Kurt Capewell (2nd Row), Jacob Laban (2nd Row), and Erin Clark (Lock).

Interchange players for the Bulldogs were Josh Curran, Harry Hayes, and Lipoi Hopoi, with Sean O’Sullivan and Jed Reardon as reserves. The Warriors‘ interchange included Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, with Sam Healey and Luke Metcalf as reserves.

Statistical Context

The Bulldogs have a recent history of success against the Warriors, having won their last three encounters. The last time these two teams met, in round 23 of the previous year, the Bulldogs also secured a victory over the Warriors. Additionally, the Bulldogs have shown strong form at Accor Stadium, winning four of their last five games played there.

For the Warriors, winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been a notable performer, scoring 12 tries in 10 games this season. The team has also demonstrated strength against teams outside the top eight, winning eight out of nine such matches. Bulldogs winger Jethro Rinakama has also been in good scoring form, with six tries in his last six games.

The match officials for the game included referee Adam Gee, touch judge Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, and senior review official Wyatt Raymond. The defeat means the Warriors now sit third on the NRL competition ladder.

Source: rnz.co.nz

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