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Ireland coach Andy Farrell admitted Saturday the 36-20 scoreline against Japan flattered his much-changed team and he was relieved to get the win, but credited the grit of his players who stuck to their task.

A new-look Ireland ground out a 36-20 victory over an energetic Japan in the Nations Championship on Saturday to stretch their win streak to six, but coach Andy Farrell admitted the scoreline "flattered" his side.

US rapper Pitbull has set the first Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps.

As flames raced toward the Spanish village of Bedar, Manoli Ramos received a desperate order from the mayor: run to the church and ring the bells to warn residents of the danger closing in.

India struck three early blows before capturing the prize wicket of Amy Jones in the inaugural women's Test at Lord's on Saturday.

The Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks announced early closures over the weekend as a quarter of mainland France was under the highest heat alert level on Saturday in the third heatwave to hit the country since May.

A new-look Ireland ground out a 36-20 victory over an energetic Japan in the Nations Championship on Saturday to stretch their win streak to six.

Marc Marquez secured pole position for the Germany MotoGP after the Spaniard set the fastest time on his Ducati in qualifying at the Sachsenring on Saturday, but Marco Bezzecchi will miss the rest of the weekend after breaking his collarbone following a heavy fall.

Nearly two million people have fled their homes in China as an approaching typhoon lashed northern Taiwan and Japan's remote southwestern islands on Saturday, toppling trees and leaving tens of thousands without power.

Marc Marquez secured pole position for the Germany MotoGP after the Spaniard set the fastest time on his Ducati in qualifying at the Sachsenring on Saturday.

Firefighters aided by better weather on Saturday gained the upper hand on one of Spain's deadliest wildfires as survivors described "horrific" and terrifying moments as they escaped the flames.

France came back from a nine-point half-time deficit to beat Australia 42-26 in a pulsating Nations Championship clash in Brisbane on Saturday.

Mediators were trying to salvage diplomacy aimed at ending the Middle East war after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over, with a Qatari delegation in Iran and Tehran's top diplomat travelling to Oman.

France came back from a nine-point half-time deficit to beat Australia 42-26 in a pulsating Nations Championship clash in Brisbane on Saturday.

Turkey's government pressed on with its campaign against the main opposition CHP on Saturday with dozens of arrests targeting a district in the capital Ankara that is run by the party.

Nigerian security forces suffered "casualties" during the rescue of over 40 kidnapped schoolchildren, the army said Saturday, in an operation that put an end to a major security crisis in the country's relatively safe southwest.

Anton Segner said he was "over the moon" after on Saturday becoming the first German-born player to represent the All Blacks, completing an unlikely dream first conceived as a nine-year-old in Frankfurt.

More than 900,000 people have fled their homes in China, the government said, as an approaching typhoon lashed northern Taiwan and Japan's remote southwestern islands on Saturday, toppling trees and leaving tens of thousands without power.

When four-time World Cup winners Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament, then head coach Gennaro Gattuso lamented that Africa had so many places at the global showcase.

An Ebola training facility set up by Doctors Without Borders in Kenya is a chance for health workers to prepare for one of the most complex emergencies they are ever likely to face.

Will Jordan scored a hat-trick but found it "hugely humbling" to become New Zealand's record try-scorer as Italy were overwhelmed 47-17 in a fast-paced Nations Championship Test on Saturday.

A tilt at a 16th world record might not have manifested itself, but newly-minted Monaco resident Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis was greeted like royalty at his new "home" Diamond League meeting.

Will Jordan scored a hat-trick to become New Zealand's record try-scorer as Italy were overwhelmed 47-17 in a fast-paced Nations Championship Test on Saturday.

England lock horns with Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Friday that pits Harry Kane against Erling Haaland in a mouthwatering battle of elite sharpshooters.

New Zealand and India announced Saturday a "strategic partnership" encompassing defence and security, during a landmark visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Iran insisted on Saturday it had "kept its word" on a ceasefire with the United States, after President Donald Trump insisted the truce was over but that he had agreed to further negotiations with the Islamic republic.

More than 14,000 people in Taiwan have fled their homes, and many shops remain closed, as a typhoon pounding Japan's remote southwestern islands swept towards China on Saturday.

Lionel Scaloni said he wants his Argentina team to be remembered as a side that "never gave up" as he prepares them to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

New Zealand and India announced Saturday a "strategic partnership" including in defence and security during a landmark visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build on burgeoning trade ties.

Lionel Scaloni said he wants his Argentina team to be remembered as a side that "never gives up" as he prepares them to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

Thibaut Courtois said he was proud of Belgium's fabled "Golden Generation" on Friday as their final shot at winning a major title ended in a World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain.

Spain struck late to beat Belgium 2-1 on Friday and move onto a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against France after a game decided by a goalkeeping error from Senne Lammens.

Economic woes have joined the long list of worries facing Venezuelans living in the coastal region that suffered unthinkable damage during twin tremors a fortnight ago.

Boeing marked another step in a marathon comeback Friday when it celebrated expanded production of the 737 MAX, now an aircraft in heavy demand after earlier disasters tarnished the company's reputation.

England captain Harry Kane labelled Erling Haaland "a machine" but said he and Norway's "beast" of a number nine are completely different players as they prepare to face off in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final.

Victor Wembanyama signed a long-term contract extension with the NBA San Antonio Spurs on Friday after telling supporters: "I'm here to stay. Whatever it takes."

Lamine Yamal said if Spain wins the World Cup nobody will care about his failure to score, after the teen superstar was again absent from the scoresheet in his side's 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium on Friday.

Thibaut Courtois rallied behind Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens on Friday after the Manchester United stopper's agonising late blunder gifted Spain a 2-1 victory in their World Cup quarter-final.

Mikel Merino, who smashed in the World Cup quarter-final winner against Belgium in the 88th minute on Friday, said it was "surreal" to have scored a late winner in two straight knockout games for Spain.