I Dig Sports
Aki leads the way as Ireland's bench turns tide again
Detractors of the 20-minute red card will have noted how Ireland seemed doubly boosted by Aki's arrival, lifted by both their restoration to 15 players and how decisively their replacement centre impacted the game thereafter.
Easterby later batted away any hypotheticals about how the new law had changed the course of the game but there is little doubt it helped his side, and himself, avoid a few awkward questions.
Ireland arrived in Cardiff seeking just the 14th Triple Crown in their history, while the bigger picture focuses on what would be only a fifth Grand Slam.
In what would have been a huge shock prior to kick-off, Wales could have derailed Ireland's bid for both. While the story of this game may well end up being the restoration of Wales' belief amid a 15-game losing run, defeat would have raised serious questions over Ireland's approach.
Easterby made seven changes from the win over Scotland, with just two of them forced through injury.
His initial squad selection included one player making his Test debut, another making his first start and a further three who had never featured in the Six Nations.
As their scrum was pinged for repeated infringements, and Wales' tails lifted through a second quarter featuring some lovely attacking play, the wisdom of such rotation looked questionable given all that was at stake.
Yet, in turning things around Ireland continue to have the best of both worlds, exposing the less seasoned members of their squad to the sharp end of Test rugby while continuing to enjoy a historic run of results.
They have won 19 of their past 21 games in the competition - they won the same number between 1989 and 2002.
Sat with three wins from three entering the second fallow week of this campaign, it should not be forgotten that Ireland have a rookie fly-half, playing just his second Test away from home in Cardiff, have yet to see prop Tadhg Furlong because of injury, and have used 29 different players so far.
In addition, Saturday's side was captained by hooker Dan Sheehan for the first time with usual skipper Caelan Doris missing his first Test since 2021.
"Building those experiences for players, playing in the Millennium Stadium with the roof closed, the third game of a Six Nations where everything is probably against the team you're playing against, and then we come out and get a result like that, that's exactly what we are trying to do all the time," Easterby said.
"We are trying to build continuity in selection but also build that depth and understanding and know-how and experiences they wouldn't get playing URC rugby or European rugby.
"I was really pleased with all the guys who had the opportunity to start the game, [and] guys off the bench."
In his BBC Sport column, World Cup winner Matt Dawson reflects on England's narrow Six Nations victory over Scotland, and assesses how the battle for British and Irish Lions selection at fly-half is shaping up.
I'm always in the camp of winning over entertainment.
Of course England want to entertain the fans, but when you're in that white shirt, you just want to win the game.
As a player, I never thought 'how can I do this to entertain the fans?'
If these two wins over France and Scotland are the start of a 10-game unbeaten run, England can be the ugliest team in the world and the roof will still come off Allianz Stadium.
The fans love coming to Twickenham, knowing no-one beats you or messes you around.
If you went outside the bars and pubs around the ground after the victory over Scotland, they were absolutely rammed two hours after the game.
England have found a little edge over the past couple of games where they have gone behind and it is invaluable experience for these players to bounce back and grind out the win.
It will stand them in good stead.
They have a solid set-piece, which is going to handle most teams. The line-out looks solid with Ollie Chessum coming in, and at the breakdown they are getting the balance of the back row.
For me, the glaring the omission is kicking the ball when it was the wrong option.
When there is a five-on-three in attack, let's isolate that final defender and walk in for the try.
I don't mind kicking when it's really static. It's difficult to break down Test defences when you don't have momentum in the game.
But it seems like England are recognising scenarios from training where 'this is what we are going to do', regardless of the opposition.
I started to feel England were getting away from that in the autumn and previously in last year's Six Nations where they have been 'full metal jacket' ready to attack.
The first line break came towards the end of the first half when they had a bit of territory and possession. Marcus Smith went through the middle, but the top teams finish those opportunities off and they are the bits that will frustrate them.
England have really talented, skilful individuals and I would like to see them take a bit more calculated risk.
I love their openness and honesty after the game. They knew they hadn't played at their capabilities but they really did dig in, particularly around defence. It was incredibly sound and dominant and it gave them a chance.
They have needed a bounce of the ball in the past couple of games, which didn't go their way in the autumn, but they are showing the same fight and commitment and getting their reward.
France thrash Italy to keep Six Nations hopes alive
Italy: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Gesi; Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ferrari; N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.
Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Trulla.
France: Barre; Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Guillard, Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.
Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Roumat, Jegou, Jelonch, Lucu.
Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
TRENTON, N.J. Pat Bealer showcased his patience and stormed around Anthony Perrego with a daring three-wide move through lapped traffic to win a spectacular BELFOR Property Restoration East Coast Indoor Dirt Nationals feature Saturday night at CURE Insurance Arena.
This is by far the biggest win in my 32-year career, said Bealer, who raked in $5,000 for his efforts. It feels like a dream that my son won last night and I won tonight. I knew we had 40 laps, and I know this track starts out slick and then gets a little bite on the bottom. I was just patient and made my move on Anthony when he slipped up off the bottom. Then I tried to hit my marks every lap and it all worked out.
Bealers son Zach, who won on Friday night, started the 40-lap affair on the pole and led the opening eight circuits before Perrego rocketed around the outside following a lap-nine restart to take command.
Meanwhile, Pat Bealer, who started sixth, didnt make a lot of noise until lap 18 when he cracked the top five for the first time after clearing a hornets nest of intense racing around him.
Once settling into fifth, Bealer found a new gear, rolling around the bottom of his competitors like they were standing still to eventually put himself right on the rear bumper of Perrego for the race lead.
While Perrego fended off the relentless pressure for a couple laps, it wound up being too much as he left just enough room for Bealer to squeeze his No. 24 inside off turn two to put Perrego in the middle of a three-wide situation with a lapped car on lap 28. As the duo roared into turn three, Bealer got the advantage and hightailed it off turn four to clear into the position.
However, the remainder of the race wasnt easy as a mirage of late-race cautions, including one for Perrego after he spun off turn two, kept the field hot on his heels.
I was glad to see the one yellow when we were in heavy lapped traffic, Bealer said. But on those restarts with two or three laps to go, I knew I had to make really good starts. I was nervous, but I just had to tell myself that I was good.
On the final restart with two laps to go, Bealer surged ahead and left Kenny Miller III in the dust to go untouched all the way to the checkered flag. Keith McIntyre, Briggs Danner and Billy Pauch Jr. completed the top five.
The finish:
Feature (40 Laps) 1. Pat Bealer 2. Kenny Miller III 3. Keith McIntyre 4. Briggs Danner 5. Billy Pauch Jr 6. Lukas Kostic 7. Luke Thomas 8. Alex Bright 9. Billy Koch 10. Zack Bealer 11. Aidan Borden 12. Eric Jennings 13. JT Bierman 14. Jasper Zeigafuse 15. Cole Gerber 16. Marty Brian 17. Tim Buckwalter 18. Christopher Allen 19. Dominic Schmidt 20. Anthony Tramontana 21. Anthony Perrego 22. Alex Ruppert 23. Matt Warner 24. Scott Kreutter 25. Christian Bruno
MOHAVE VALLEY, Ariz. After problems forced early leader Kevin Thomas Jr. to the work area during a lap-six caution flag, Jake Swanson led the rest of the way to claim victory in Saturday nights Avanti Windows & Doors USAC CRA Sprint Car season opener at Mohave Valley Raceway.
Piloting Tom and Christy Dunkels No. 17x Inland Rigging / Maxima Racing Oils DRC, Swanson fought off several challenges to earn his seventh career series triumph.
Tommy Thunder Malcolm, R.J. Johnson, Brody Fuson and Eddie Tafoya Jr. followed the former Western World Champion to the checkered flag.
Fuson began the night by scoring the second Woodland Auto Display / WC Friend Company Fast Time Award of his career.
The pilot of the Bob & Toni Van Meter No. 51 Spike recorded a time of 13.997 seconds over the 31-car roster.
The finish:
Feature (30 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Jake Swanson (3), 2. Tommy Malcolm (2), 3. R.J. Johnson (6), 4. Brody Fuson (7), 5. Eddie Tafoya Jr. (10), 6. Logan Williams (8), 7. Logan Calderwood (12), 8. Austin Williams (11), 9. Blake Bower (9), 10. Charles Davis Jr. (4), 11. A.J. Bender (15), 12. Braden Chiaramonte (16), 13. Cole Wakim (17), 14. Verne Sweeney (20), 15. Lonnie Oliver (22), 16. Andrew Sweeney (18), 17. David Gasper (14), 18. Racin Silva (19), 19. Brody Wake (21), 20. Grant Sexton (13), 21. Kevin Thomas Jr. (1), 22. Cody Williams (5). NT
CLEWISTON, Fla. Mark Whitener led from start to finish in winning Saturday nights Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park.
Starting outside the front row, Whitener took the lead at the start of the 75-lap event for the Crate Racin USA late models and was never headed en route to a $15,000 payday.
Whitener finished 3.833 seconds ahead of Pearson Lee Williams.
Nevin Gainey, Brenden Smith and Kaede Loudy completed the top five.
Cody Overton was the fast qualifier for the 32-car field with a lap of 14.630 seconds.
The finish:
Mark Whitener, Pearson Lee Williams, Nevin Gainey, Brenden Smith, Kaede Loudy, Sam Seawright, Jake Rainey, Koulten Herbert, Austin Yarbrough, Demetrious Drellos, Ivedent Lloyd Jr., Clay Harris, Dalton Peavy, Payton Stevenson, Wil Herrington, Devin Dixon, Cody Overton, Jason Garver, Tanner Cobb, Bubba Rolling, Christian Augspurger, Eli Johnson, Chase Giddens, Nick Johnson.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. Kody Swanson and Colton Bettis each won 35-lap sprint car features during Saturdays Dave Steeles Winged Sprint Car Championship at Showtime Speedway.
Swanson started seventh and won the opening event, beating Bettis to the finish line. Aaron Willison, Davey Hamilton Jr. and Steven Hollinger rounded out the top five.
The tables were turned in the nightcap with Bettis getting the better of Swanson and claiming the victory. Willison, Hamilton and Dodge Carlbert completed the top five.
The finishes:
Feature 1 (35 Laps): 1. 26-Kody Swanson[7]; 2. 61-Colton Bettis[6]; 3. 36-Aaron Willison[1]; 4. 14-Davey Hamilton Jr[3]; 5. 81-Steven Hollinger[8]; 6. 88-Sport Allen[2]; 7. 9-Dodge Carlbert[4]; 8. 59X-John Inman[9]; 9. 44-Jim Childers[12]; 10. X-JJ Dutton[11]; 11. 55-Tommy Nichols[10]; 12. 02-Gene Lasker[13]; 13. 33J-Jeff Montgomery[5]; 14. 18-LJ Grimm[14]; 15. (DNS) 1-Brian Gingras; 16. (DNS) 33-Robert Yoho
Feature 2 (35 laps) 1 #61 Colton Bettis 2 #26 Kody Swanson 3 #36 Aaron Willison 4 #14 Davey Hamilton Jr 5 #9 Dodge Carlbert 6 #33J Jeff Montgomery 7 #44 Jim Childers 8 #59X John Inman 9 #X J.J. Dutton 10 #18 L.J. Grimm 11 #81 Steven Hollinger 12 #55 Tommy Nichols 13 #02 Gene Lasker 14 #88 Sport Allen
ATLANTA Corey Heim has signed a multi-year deal with 23XI Racing to join the team as its first development driver.
The 22-year-old, who will continue as part of the Toyota Driver Development Program (TD2), will also race in multiple events throughout the season in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series.
A 12-time winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and winner of the season-opening event at Daytona (Fla.) Intl Speedway, Heim will also continue to serve as 23XIs reserve driver.
Heim, who raced with 23XI last season at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, will run multiple Cup Series races behind the wheel of the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE, with veteran crew chief Bootie Barker set to lead the team. Heim is set to make his first Cup Series start of the season in May at Kansas Speedway, where he raced last spring while filling in for Erik Jones in the No. 43 Toyota Camry.
Additionally, as part of his development process, Heim will compete in multiple Xfinity Series races with Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) in a Toyota GR Supra supported by 23XI. Last season, Heim competed in 13 races with SHR and has 17 total starts in the Xfinity Series, earning three top-five and five top-10 finishes. Heims first race with SHR will be at Circuit of the Americas, where he will compete in his first road course event in the Xfinity Series.
Its a dream come true to be a part of 23XI, and Im excited for the opportunity to race more Cup and Xfinity races this year. Im blessed to have the chance to compete in all three series as I continue to set my sights on full-time Cup racing when that time comes, said Heim. The success that 23XI has shown in only a few short years has been impressive and Im excited to learn from the organization.
Im also grateful to everyone at Toyota for their ongoing support in my development both on and off the track, and I look forward to strengthening that relationship for years to come.
Our team was fortunate to work with Corey last year and we look forward to growing our relationship with him as our development driver starting in 2025, said Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing. Corey continues to prove he is a talented, hard-working driver, and we plan to make all the resources of 23XI available to support his development within the Toyota family as he progresses in NASCAR.
I couldnt be more excited to have Corey back with us at SHR this year, working alongside 23XI on his professional development, said Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing. Corey has become like a little brother to me we understand each others journeys, and he genuinely cares about the growth and success of SHR long-term. We have had some very strong performances together in the past, so we are looking to continue maximizing our resources and flexing strength as we chase that first organizational win and develop Corey as a Sunday driver.
While Heim will run several races with 23XI and SHR, TRICON will continue to be his primary home for the third straight season, where he drives the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. His performance has been impressive in the NASCAR Truck Series, including twelve wins and 33 top-five finishes. Heim, the 2023 Regular Season champion, is the youngest driver in Truck Series history to earn 10 wins, and has made back-to-back appearances in the Championship 4 the last two seasons.
Heim will also continue to be a valued part of the TD2 program, which has helped support drivers achieve their dreams of earning full-time NASCAR Cup Series rides. TRD takes an active role in each TD2 drivers development to help them achieve their goals of long-term success in motorsport. The mutual long-term commitment allows TRD to provide additional opportunities on and off the track to encourage and support their personal development.
Corey continues to impress on-track with his racing acumen and talent behind the wheel and also continues to work hard behind the scenes with TRD partners, at TPC, and on the simulator, said Tyler Gibbs, president, TRD U.S.A. We are pleased to have a robust schedule in place for Corey this year and know that he will take advantage of every opportunity to continue to grow as a race car driver.
Everyone at TRD looks forward to a long tenure with Corey as we support him in reaching his ultimate goals in NASCAR competition.
Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson left his club's 3-2 overtime victory over the Boston Bruins after two periods due to an upper-body injury Saturday night.
Gibson, 31, a topic of trade talks, stopped 19 shots before exiting, giving way to Lukas Dostal, who made nine saves en route to a win that was sealed when Leo Carlsson scored with 1:21 left in the extra session.
"We just have to believe in everyone in this room," Anaheim's Frank Vatrano said after the win. "We're a really close group. We all get along. At the end of the day, everyone wants to play in the playoffs. I think for us, it's about not getting too far ahead of ourselves and try to take it game by game."
Any playoff push for Anaheim likely will need Gibson, one of the most reliable netminders on the trade market. Should the Ducks deal him, he will command a hefty price. And should they keep him, the club will be limited in how it might add salary in the offseason.
Gibson has two years remaining on a deal that carries a $6.4 million salary cap hit, and because he has played on some subpar Ducks teams, his numbers don't match his skills in the crease. He was 13-27-2 last season, a year after finishing 14-31-8. Heading into Saturday's return to action from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, he was 9-9-2.
But among a crop of journeyman goaltenders who might be available before the trade deadline, Gibson, a Pittsburgh native and career Duck, stands out as the one who can immediately be a No. 1 for a contender. But the diagnosis of this recent injury looms large for his future.
His club picked up the slack in Boston. Trevor Zegras and Vatrano also scored for Anaheim, which won for the seventh time in the past eight games to climb above .500 for the first time in four months.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Newcastle United scored four goals in 11 first-half minutes to keep alive their Champions League qualification hopes with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest at St James' Park on Sunday but had to hold on under heavy pressure in the second period.
Newcastle move into fifth place with 44 points from 26 games, outside the top four on goal difference only. High-flying Forest lost for the second week in a row but remain in third with 47 points from the same number of matches.
Forest led early through Callum Hudson-Odoi's long-range strike but Newcastle roared into life with four quick goals from 18-year-old Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy and a brace from Alexander Isak, the first a penalty, which gave them a 4-1 half-time lead.
Forest were the better side in the second period and created numerous chances against a nervous home team, as Nikola Milenkovic netted and a late goal by Ryan Yates almost earned the visitors what would have been a deserved point.
"It was a brilliant first half, the reaction after conceding was really good," Isak told Sky Sports. "We dropped a bit second half and conceded sloppy goals. I'm obviously happy to win the game.
"The most important thing was to win. We want to win more comfortably but it was a big win."
It was the proverbial game of two halves, with Newcastle utterly dominant in the first but then meek in the second.
Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
The home side had five shots on target in the first half and none in the second in a performance that will give manager Eddie Howe plenty of food for thought despite the three points.
"We made mistakes, Newcastle made mistakes also. But it was two totally different halves. We started well, we scored, and they just rolled over us," Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said.
"There was nothing else in the first half about us. Every time Newcastle had the ball they scored. In the second half we were much better."
Forest led inside six minutes when Hudson-Odoi drilled a low shot from 30 metres into the bottom left corner, before Newcastle seized control with a goal blitz that started midway through the first half.
Miley was picked out in acres of space in the penalty box and fired low into the net, before the home side went ahead when Murphy bundled in the ball at the back post off his thigh.
Newcastle received a penalty when Lewis Hall's cross from the left struck the arm of jumping Forest defender Ola Aina, which was deemed to be in an unnatural position.
Isak went down the middle with his spot kick and while Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels got a strong hand to it, he could not keep out the ball.
The home side added a fourth with Isak scoring his 50th Premier League goal in his 76th appearance. He timed his run into the box to perfection and his shot deflected into the net off the boot of a defender.
Newcastle almost scored a fifth early in the second half when Fabian Schaer's header from a corner came back off the post.
But the hosts inexplicably fell off the pace after that and Forest created chance after chance until Milenkovic flicked the ball into the net from close range.
Yates fired in a third for the visitors as the clock struck 90 minutes but they could not force an equaliser in injury time.
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