Serie A

**Ireland Holds Off Argentina's Comeback After Fast Start** In a thrilling encounter, Ireland secured a narrow 22-19 victory over Argentina, showcasing a strong first-half performance that ultimately proved decisive. The match, filled with tension and excitement, highlighted the precarious nature of rugby, especially as the game progressed. Ireland began the match with impressive momentum, appearing significantly more formidable than in their previous outing against the All Blacks. They quickly established a lead with three tries in the first half, setting the stage for a competitive second half. As the game unfolded, Argentina mounted a spirited fightback, particularly when they found themselves a player down. The closing moments were fraught with pressure for the Irish side, who had to withstand a determined push from their opponents. Despite the mounting tension, the home team managed to hold on to their slim lead. Fortunately for the players and fans alike, the weather cooperated, with light rain clearing before kickoff. This allowed for a fluid game with fewer interruptions and scrums—only one in the opening quarter—resulting in a fast-paced and entertaining match. In the end, Ireland's early dominance proved crucial, as they navigated the challenges posed by a resilient Argentine team to secure the win.

Freddie Steward has been reinstated to the England squad for their upcoming match against South Africa, as head coach Steve Borthwick implements four changes to the team set to face the reigning world champions. Steward's return marks his first appearance this autumn, replacing George Furbank, who has been omitted from the match-day 23. This decision aligns with predictions made by Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus regarding the lineup adjustments. In addition to Steward, the team will also see the inclusion of Jack van Poortvliet, Sam Underhill, and Ollie Sleightholme.

### Nostalgic Serie A Five-a-Side Teams: A Lineup for Lecce Lecce, the club from Salento, may not boast a long and storied history, but its players have certainly made a significant impact during their time at the club. Selecting a five-a-side team for Lecce should be straightforward, given that the club first entered Serie A in the 1985-86 season, which is relatively recent in the grand scheme of Italian football. My earliest memory of Lecce dates back to a thrilling 2-2 draw against the reigning champions, Verona, in September 1985. However, despite their shorter history, Lecce has been home to some remarkable talents. As a result, assembling a five-a-side lineup for the club proved to be more challenging than anticipated. The players who have donned the Lecce jersey have left their mark, making the selection process a delightful yet difficult task. In the end, the challenge lies not just in choosing players, but in honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to Lecce's identity in Serie A.

**Past Lessons Highlighted as Australia’s Ageing Test Line-up Faces Challenges** As Australia prepares to face India in the upcoming first Test, the team’s composition raises concerns about its ageing roster. With only one player under 20 in the starting eleven, there is an urgent need for new talent to emerge in red-ball cricket. Australian cricket has repeatedly been reminded that time is relentless. The inevitable decline of players and the end of eras have been evident in recent decades, with periods of dominance often followed by struggles. As the current men’s Test team embarks on another summer, it appears they may be approaching a critical juncture. The squad set to take on India in Perth features just one relatively inexperienced player under 30: 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney. He will step onto the field against a formidable pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, despite having scored only 14 and 25 in his recent outing against India A, which was his only first-class match as an opener. The lack of runs and experience in this crucial role did not deter selectors from including him, likely due to a shortage of viable alternatives. While it’s a gamble, it’s one that could pay off, especially considering he will be the first Australian in 47 years to debut as an opener in Test cricket without prior experience in that position at the Sheffield Shield level. As the team gears up for this challenging series, the need for fresh talent and a more balanced age profile in the squad has never been more apparent.

Warren Gatland has expressed surprise at the level of difficulty he has faced during the reboot of the Welsh rugby team, admitting he "didn't think there would be so much pain" involved in the process. As the head coach, he is eager to secure a victory after a disheartening streak of 10 consecutive defeats. Gatland candidly mentioned that if it were decided he would not continue in his role, he might consider retreating to the beach with a glass of wine to escape some of the mounting pressure. Wales has struggled significantly, failing to win a Test match since the 2023 World Cup. A loss against the formidable Australian team in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series would mark a new low for the team, surpassing their previous record of poor results from 2002 and 2003 under former coach Steve Hansen. Gatland has acknowledged the criticism he has faced during this challenging period, stating that he has made an effort not to shy away from it. As the team prepares for their next match, the hope for a turnaround remains strong.

South Africa showcased their dominance once again, defeating Scotland 32-15 at Murrayfield, as they ran in four tries without conceding any. Despite Scotland's spirited efforts and the electric atmosphere in the stadium, the Springboks proved too powerful. The match highlighted a familiar narrative: Scotland fought valiantly, but their attempts to break through South Africa's defense were in vain. The Springboks, while not appearing to exert themselves fully, managed to keep their opponents at bay with relative ease. Scotland's relentless attacks were met with a solid defensive line, and they struggled to convert their opportunities into points. Eben Etzebeth stood out as a key figure for South Africa, playing the entire match and demonstrating his commanding presence on the field. His performance was a mix of strength and confidence, often seeming to relish the challenge posed by the Scottish players. In the end, the scoreline reflected the Springboks' control of the game, as they maintained their status as world champions against a determined but ultimately outmatched Scottish side.

Fiji Secures Historic Victory Over Wales in Cardiff as Welsh Losing Streak Reaches 10 Matches In a remarkable turn of events, Fiji claimed their first-ever victory against Wales in Cardiff, triumphing 24-19. The match showcased a stellar second-half performance led by fly-half Caleb Muntz and captain Waisea Nayacalevu, allowing the Flying Fijians to celebrate a significant win in the Welsh capital and extend Wales's disheartening losing streak. Wales has now faced defeat in 10 consecutive Tests, marking their longest losing run since 2002-2003. This unwanted record was something head coach Warren Gatland aimed to avoid, but instead, Fiji managed to avenge their narrow defeat at the Rugby World Cup just over a year ago. The match highlighted Fiji's growing prowess on the international stage and left Wales searching for answers as they continue to struggle.

Australia has confirmed Nathan McSweeney as the new opening partner for Usman Khawaja in the upcoming Test series against India. McSweeney, who has had an impressive start to the domestic season, has secured the position over Marcus Harris, who has been left out of the squad. Harris, who last played a Test match in January 2022, did not make the extended squad either, as selectors opted for Josh Inglis, the white-ball wicketkeeper, as the additional batter. Although Harris was the top scorer for Australia A in a recent tour match at the MCG, he struggled in the second innings, getting out for a golden duck. With McSweeney set to make his debut at the top of the batting order, the Australian team looks forward to the first match of the series in Perth.

**Last-Minute Max Jorgensen Try Secures Thrilling Victory for Australia Over England** In a dramatic showdown in south-west London, Australia triumphed over England with a nail-biting score of 42-37, marking a memorable encounter that will be etched in the minds of fans. On a dreary day, few expected the vibrant gold and green of the Australian team to shine through the grey backdrop, but they delivered an exhilarating performance that culminated in a last-gasp try from young replacement wing Max Jorgensen. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads in a seesaw battle. England appeared to have snatched victory with a converted try from Maro Itoje in the 79th minute, which put them ahead after they had fought back from a 10-point deficit in the second half. However, Jorgensen's late heroics turned the tide back in Australia's favor, securing their first win at this historic venue since the 2015 Rugby World Cup. England's efforts were bolstered by standout performances from Chandler Cunningham-South and Ollie Sleightholme, who each scored two tries. Despite their valiant efforts, it was Australia who emerged victorious in this thrilling contest, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Roma's spooky season continues as Ivan Juric faces a haunting return to Verona. Following a defeat at his former club, the coach's position may be in jeopardy as he struggles to fill the shoes of Daniele De Rossi. Although Halloween has passed, Roma's past seems to linger ominously. Last month, they were overwhelmed by Edoardo Bove, a product of their own academy, who contributed to a disheartening 5-1 loss against Fiorentina. This past Sunday, the Giallorossi traveled to Verona, a city where their manager, Ivan Juric, established his reputation. During his tenure, he guided a team that fluctuated between Italy's top two divisions throughout the 2010s to achieve consecutive top-half finishes. Juric has a deep emotional connection to Verona, stating, “Whenever I say: ‘I’m going home’, I mean I’m going to Verona. My soul is linked to this city.” As he returns to a place that holds significant meaning for him, the pressure mounts, and the stakes are high for both him and the team.