Verstappen victorious in Vegas as McLaren duo disqualified

Max Verstappen dominated the Las Vegas Grand Prix and has been given a major championship boost after McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified for excessive skid block wear. Four hours after the chequered flag, the stewards announced both McLarens had been disqualified following an investigation into their rear skid blocks which had worn out beyond the 9mm limit. The result sees Mercedes’ George Russell promoted to second while his teammate Kimi Antonelli rises to P3 ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

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Indisciplined Ireland pay the price against powerful Springboks

South Africa’s 13-year wait for a win in Dublin is over, with the world champions proving their credentials with a 24-13 win against Ireland after a remarkable game at Aviva Stadium. In truth, this was a game the Springboks could and should have won by 30, and as humbling as the defeat will be for Andy Farrell’s side, they showed remarkable resilience to bring this game the distance.

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Norris takes Las Vegas pole in treacherous wet weather

McLaren’s Lando Norris took pole position in a wet qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri only fifth. Norris beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the only other driver still vaguely in title contention, by 0.323secs. Williams’ Carlos Sainz was third, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Piastri. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, whose team-mate Charles Leclerc was ninth, was 20th.

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Arsenal preparing for weeks without Gabriel

Arsenal defender Gabriel will be unavailable for “weeks” after sustaining a thigh injury on international duty, says head coach Mikel Arteta. The centre-back limped off in visible discomfort during Brazil’s friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium last weekend and was ruled out of the draw against Tunisia three days later. The 27-year-old has been in fantastic form for the Gunners, being a key part of a defence that has conceded just five league goals so far.

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Ireland to face Czech Republic in World Cup Play-offs

Ireland face a trip away to the Czech Republic in their World Cup play-off semi-finals following the draw today in Zurich. Should Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side overcome that challenge they will enjoy home advantage against either Denmark or North Macedonia. The Danes defeated Ireland 5-1 in 2017 to book a place at the 2018 World Cup. Elsewhere Northern Ireland will face Italy in their semi-final clash with the winner set to face Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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