British and Irish Lions captain Tadhg Beirne said the side were again limited by “too many errors and turnovers” in their stuttering 21-10 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
The tourists claimed their third-successive win on Australian soil but, two weeks out from the first Test against the Wallabies, the performance contained a host of errors in promising attacking positions.
“It was quite frustrating out there that we couldn’t get a hold of things in the game the way we would have liked to,” said Beirne, who led the side in the absence of tour skipper Maro Itoje.
“I’d a few dropped balls myself and individual errors cost us a bit of continuity in terms of our attack.
“That’s something we’re definitely going to have to look at and figure out how to improve so it doesn’t happen again. “
Beirne noted that Andy Farrell’s side “kept at it” and, with a more clinical streak, could have racked up the type of 50-point tally they had against the Reds and Western Force.
While those victories also contained similar passages lacking in rhythm, Beirne thought their latest win displayed the strides being made elsewhere.
“We’ve had a lot of improvements,” added the 33-year-old Munster forward.
British and Irish Lions captain Tadhg Beirne said the side were again limited by “too many errors and turnovers” in their stuttering 21-10 win over the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
The tourists claimed their third-successive win on Australian soil but, two weeks out from the first Test against the Wallabies, the performance contained a host of errors in promising attacking positions.
“It was quite frustrating out there that we couldn’t get a hold of things in the game the way we would have liked to,” said Beirne, who led the side in the absence of tour skipper Maro Itoje.
“I’d a few dropped balls myself and individual errors cost us a bit of continuity in terms of our attack.
“That’s something we’re definitely going to have to look at and figure out how to improve so it doesn’t happen again. “
Beirne noted that Andy Farrell’s side “kept at it” and, with a more clinical streak, could have racked up the type of 50-point tally they had against the Reds and Western Force.
While those victories also contained similar passages lacking in rhythm, Beirne thought their latest win displayed the strides being made elsewhere.
“We’ve had a lot of improvements,” added the 33-year-old Munster forward.
World number one Jannik Sinner produced another devastating display to reach the Wimbledon fourth round without dropping a set.
In his most one-sided victory of the tournament so far, the 23-year-old comprehensively outclassed 52nd-ranked Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-1 6-3 6-1 in just one hour and 55 minutes under the Centre Court roof.
It is the fourth consecutive year Sinner, a three-time major winner, has reached the last 16 at the All England Club, where he is chasing a first Wimbledon title.
Sinner, who will face Bulgarian 19th seed Grigor Dimitrov next, said: “Every time you enter a Grand Slam in the first week it is special, even more so at Wimbledon.
Sinner cruises through to second week
Amid the unprecedented number of seeded players suffering early exits this week, Sinner has looked untouchable in his five hours and 23 minutes on court.
Martinez, aiming to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time, was seeking to cause a remarkable upset of his own, but against a player who has lost only once to an opponent ranked outside the top five seeds in his four Wimbledon appearances.
The efficiency with which Sinner continues to despatch his lower-ranked opponents has ensured this part of his tournament has felt a near-formality as he effortlessly closes in on an expected semi-final showdown with Novak Djokovic.
Sinner lost just six points in his four service games as he took only 37-minutes to capture the first set, which also included a medical timeout for Martinez to receive treatment for a shoulder problem.
Despite struggling physically, the Spaniard offered resistance at the start of the second with consecutive holds of serve, and again when he admirably battled his way to four break points after falling a break of serve down.
But he was ultimately powerless to stop Sinner closing out another set, before the top seed sealed victory by storming to the finish line.
Sinner has continued to show remarkable consistency over the past 22 months, losing just 11 of 125 matches since the Beijing Open in September 2023.
Almost half of those defeats have come in his past five meetings with Carlos Alcaraz, the defending Wimbledon champion and seeded second at the Championships.
Djokovic, Cilic and Cobolli among Saturday’s winners
Djokovic remains a potential semi-final opponent for Sinner after the seven-time champion beat fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 to record his 100th victory at Wimbledon.
Three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Dimitrov set up a meeting with Sinner by defeating Austria’s Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-0).
Former finalist Marin Cilic reached the fourth round for the first time since the Croat finished runner-up in 2017, beating Spain’s Jaume Munar 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4.
Cilic, 36, will meet Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli, after the 23-year-old knocked out Czech 15th seed Jakub Mensik 6-2 6-4 6-2.
Three Italian men will contest the Wimbledon fourth round for the first time, after Lorenzo Sonego won a 10-point match tie-break against American Brandon Nakashima to prevail 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 7-6 (10-3) after more than five hours.
Rod Stewart has shared his thoughts on his wife Penny Lancaster’s career change as she became a special police constable a few years ago – and he’s noticed a change in her
Sir Rod Stewart said Penny Lancaster has become “more bossy” (Image: FilmMagic)
Sir Rod Stewart has revealed that his wife Penny Lancaster has become more assertive since trading in her glitzy lifestyle for a uniform, having completed her training as a special police constable in 2021.
Penny, who at 54 swapped the runway for policing duties, including prestigious occurrences such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s Coronation day, has seemingly taken her new role in her stride.
In a candid chat with The Times, the beloved singer of Maggie May voiced his observations about Penny’s professional pivot.
With a hint of amusement, Sir Rod said: “I have noticed she’s got more bossy since she’s been a copper.”
He continued: “The kids have noticed, we’ve all noticed. She seems to think she knows everything now,” reports the Express.
Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster have been married for 18 years(Image: GETTY)
Article continues below
Penny previously discussed how her switch in careers was initially met by scepticism from Rod and their sons.
Recounting her family’s initial reaction, she disclosed to The Times: “When I first told them the idea of joining, they thought I was absolutely mad.
“And also, being young lads, my sons didn’t think it was cool. But now they’re so proud. It’s a complete turnaround. “
She believed their opinions shifted after witnessing the transformation in her character, influenced by her policing experiences.
Penny Lancaster has been a special constable for four years(Image: PA)
Penny recounted: “To begin with they were like: ‘Mum, you’ve become stricter. I don’t like this’. “
Rod himself echoed the sentiment: “And even Rod would say: ‘You’ve changed. You’re more forceful, you’re more this, you’re more that’. “
Despite any initial doubts, according to Penny, Rod’s support has been unwavering in her pursuit of law enforcement.
“He’s seen the dedication I have with the force and what it gives me back, as well as what I can give them,” she revealed on Loose Women.
Unfortunately, last year, Penny faced a setback in her role when a knee injury forced her to switch from frontline duties to desk work.
The mum-of-two suffered a torn meniscus in her right knee during a trip abroad.
Rod Stewart was apprehensive about Penny’s career move at first(Image: GETTY)
Speaking about her career shift on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast last month, Penny delved into her experiences making arrests.
She divulged: “I’ve been doing it for four years now so he’s kind of got used to it and he’s met a lot of my colleagues and he respects the amount of training I’ve done.
“I have [arrested people], two people, for drink driving and drug driving. Every accident you have to test for drink and drugs. It is an adrenaline rush… I wasn’t arresting on live TV. “
Mel B is tying the knot with her fiancé Rory McPhee with plenty of her celebrity friends arriving to witness the special occasion
Alan and Angellica arrived together(Image: PA)
A whole host of big stars have arrived at Mel B’s wedding including Alan Carr and Emma Bunton amongst plenty of others. Mel B is due to tie the knot for the third time alongside her closest friends and family.
The singer is getting married at St Paul’s Cathedral to her fiancé of three years Rory McPhee. Several celebrity faces have been seen arriving for the event.
Good pal and fellow TV star Alan Carr was spotted arriving alongside Celebrity Big Brother star, Angellica Bell, who wore a pink fascinator.
Meanwhile, Emma Bunton has kept her social media followers up to date with her arrival as she revealed how excited she is for her pal’s nuptials. She also revealed that she would be singing at the wedding herself.
READ MORE: Cat Deeley’s chic This Morning linen Bermuda shorts are on sale for less than £25
Emma Bunton arrived her son and husband(Image: PA)
The star arrived looking as stunning as ever in an all light pink outfit along with sparkly shoes and a matching fascinator. She’s gone to the event with husband Jade Jones and their son Beau.
Article continues below
Katherine joined her husband(Image: PA)
Presenter Gaby Roslin looked elegant as she made her way inside St Paul’s cathedral, wearing a gorgeous beige silk dress and matching hat with a cream ribbon. Mel was a guest on Gaby’s Magic Radio show earlier this year when she told the host she was “finally happy” while admitting “it took a while to get there” ahead of her wedding to Rory.
Mel’s sister Danielle Brown has arrived wearing a baby blue number and revealed that she’s set to give a reading at the ceremony. “I am so nervous. It’s exciting though and I am doing the first reading!” she told The Mirror.
Tom Allen wore a grey suit for the occasion(Image: PA)
Pregnant comedy star, Katherine Ryan, and her husband, Bobby Koostra are there for the special day along with model Daisy Lowe and her husband, Jordan Saul.
Model Cara Delevigne arrived in a black suit while Tom Allen dressed in grey with a pop of green. Mel has already arrived for her day looking gorgeous in a white bedazzled gown with long sleeves and a long veil.
Her daughters Phoenix Gulzar and Madison Brown Belafonte went ahead of the singer as she prepared to walk down the aisle.
Mel B’s wedding reception will take place at the luxurious Shangri-La at The Shard in London which has breathtaking views of the city. Those who have been lucky enough to be invited can expect an extravagant meal, drinks, and dancing at the esteemed venue, which typically charges approximately £280 per person.
The singer has even arranged for her guests to be transported in style via a 35-minute bus ride from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard.
Cara Delevingne wore a black suit and tie(Image: TIM ANDERSON)
The buses that are due to be used can hold up to 76 people, with a bar downstairs as well as seating and a disco downstairs. Guests won’t need to worry about going thirsty as the buses are stocked with champagne for the journey.
Mel B was previously married to Stephen Belafonte until she filed for divorce in 2017 following allegations of abuse.
Article continues below
They have a daughter, Madison Brown Belafonte. Mel B also has two daughters, Phoenix Chi Gulzar and Angel Iris Murphy Brown, from two previous relationships.
Netflix has reversed a decision to give the film adaptation of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club a wide UK cinema release, but the move hasn’t pleased everyone
Richard Osman called for the film adaptation of his book to be widely distributed(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Richard Osman’s heartfelt appeal for a broad cinema release of his book-turned-film fell on deaf ears.
Richard’s crime caper The Thursday Murder Club, starring silver screen luminaries Dame Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie, Sir Ben Kingsley and David Tennant, has been transformed into a film.
The telly quiz master from House of Games and BBC show Pointless took to Instagram to laud Netflix for heeding the public outcry and deciding against keeping the flick away from UK theatres.
The 54 year old Osman shared the good tidings: “Some very good news for everyone who wanted to see The Thursday Murder Club in UK cinemas.
“Netflix have listened to the clamour, and the film will now have a run in UK cinemas. See what happens when you all ask,” reports Coventry Live.
The film has a star-studded cast including Celia Imrie, Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan(Image: PA)
Article continues below
But this brief moment of jubilation turned sour for British cinema owners when they learned that the movie would be hitting a mere handful of over 30 screens nationwide.
Phil Clapp, boss of the UK Cinema Association, remarked: “Netflix can choose where and when they release their content and given that we’re still in recovery those venues which are allowed to play the film will more than welcome the box office. But a significant majority of the potential audience are now likely to be disappointed. “
At an earlier event this year, Netflix’s top dog Ted Sarandos made the contentious claim that audiences prefer the comfort of their homes for movie-watching, dubbing the cinema experience an “outdated concept”.
Netflix enthusiasts, brace yourselves for “The Thursday Murder Club,” a captivating drama where four savvy pensioners crack the case of a slain property tycoon in a fictional Kent village, premiering on August 22.
Richard Osman(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
In other news, Richard made a bold pitch to his BBC chiefs during a natter with Marina Hyde on their The Rest is Entertainment podcast. He’s keen on House of Games getting the live treatment, exclaiming: “Anyone at the BBC listening, listen – let’s do it. But you know, I mean, it only takes 40 minutes anyway. “
Article continues below
Although he’s all for the thrill of live shows, Richard pointed out that recording way in advance is nothing unusual in TV land, divulging that some programmes are wrapped up months or even years before hitting our screens.
Spilling the beans on TV secrets, he disclosed that an unnamed big ITV programme has gone as far as taping next year’s Christmas special a whole 18 months early, confessing: “I got a call through the other day from someone who had been taping a big ITV show, which recorded next year’s Christmas show last week.”
