Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 8 November 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start off with rugby: A full weekend of Test action awaits fans. Ireland will host New Zealand in Dublin tonight in the first meeting between the two teams since the All Blacks defeated the Irish in last year’s World Cup quarterfinal. Tomorrow, England and Australia will face off at Twickenham, followed by the encounter between Italy and Argentina in Udine. Then France will welcome Japan to Paris. On Sunday, Wales will play Fiji in Cardiff before the weekend culminates in the clash between the Springboks and Scotland at Murrayfield.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s head coah, Andy Farrell, says Tests against the All Blacks always have an edge and tonight’s clash in Dublin won’t be about seeking revenge for last year’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to New Zealand. He describes the Kiwis as one of the best teams in the world and says that was enough motivation. Ireland, who currently is on top of the world rankings, is aiming for a 20th straight victory at the Aviva Stadium. Farrell says New Zealand is always the team to beat.

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is confident that the 23-man squad selected for the final two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, will get them over the line. Sitting second in Group K with eight points, Bafana’s path to qualification for AFCON in Morocco next year hinges on their matches against Uganda and South Sudan. Sage Stephens has earned his first call-up, while Percy Tau has been left out. Broos says Tau is not getting enough game time at Al Ahly:

# Tennis: Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic defeated American Coco Gauff 7-5, 6-4 to book her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her victory means defending champion Iga Swiatek has been eliminated despite thrashing Russia’s Daria Kasatkina, 6-1, 6-love in her final group match. Krejcikova will face China’s Qinwen Zheng in the last four, while Gauff meets world number one Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus. Krejcikova says Zheng will be a tough opponent:

# And finally, motorsport: Formula One drivers have asked the governing body to treat them like adults. This comes after Red Bull’s Dutch driver, Max Verstappen, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc from Monaco were punished for swearing. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association wrote an open letter to FIA in which it explains the difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing. The organisation also says its members don’t need to be given instructions by die media over trivial matters such as the wearing of jewellery or underpants.

Stay tuned for more news………….