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Ireland edged an enthralling tussle with defending champions South Africa

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Ireland cemented their status as the number one-ranked side in world rugby as they edged an enthralling tussle with defending champions South Africa at the Stade de France. Manie Libbok’s early penalty put South Africa ahead as Ireland’s lineout malfunctioned, losing four of their own throws, but Bundee Aki’s sensational break sparked them into life.

After camping in the Springboks’ 22, the pressure told as James Lowe released Mack Hansen to dive over, Johnny Sexton’s conversion giving the Irish a 7-3 interval lead. South Africa hit back on the resumption when Libbok’s long pass put Cheslin Kolbe over for a try, only for Sexton’s penalty to edge Ireland back in front. Libbok and Faf de Klerk both missed further shots at goal before Jack Crowley’s late penalty sealed a momentous victory.

Mastercard Player of the Match Bundee Aki said of the Irish support: “I am lost for words, these Irish fans are incredible. I have never witnessed anything like this, the travel crowd is completely a joke. It’s only going to get bigger and crazier.
“South Africa are an outstanding team, they are world champions for a reason. They gave it to us from beginning to end. Whatever happens, we will see them again.”

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton also paid tribute to the travelling Irish support, saying: “It’s a huge day for Ireland. This crowd is incredible, how many people turned up today, I don’t know how we do it time after time. We didn’t want to let them down.
“It was a real arm-wrestle to dog it out with a team like that. It is a testament to the team and staff.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell admitted the match could have gone either way but felt his side’s defensive effort proved the difference. He said: “It was some battle, a tale of two halves, I thought we dominated field position in the first and they did in the second. At times we were hanging on in there.
“Simon Easterby [defence coach] has them whipped up into a frenzy. When a side is in a groove like that it says everything about their attitude.”
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi rued some missed opportunities for his team, saying: “We would have loved to win but it was a great game, an intense game. Congrats to them. They played really well. They were able to hold the pressure in the first half and they got the try.
“I am proud of the way we played. I think we left a little bit of opportunities out there and they also did. It was a great test for us in the group.”

Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber added: “It was a proper test match. Like I said before the game, I think both teams would learn a lot from this game, the two best teams playing against each other, which is a great test and preparation going forward.

“The pressure is on us to do well against Tonga to get a result there so that we can get out of our pool.”

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‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match Set to Bring Three Schools Together

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The annual ‘Super Fighters’ Chess Big Match, a unique triangular chess tournament featuring
C.W.W. Kannangara Central College – Matugama,
Taxila Central College – Horana, and
Ananda Sastralaya National School – Matugama,
is set to take place in the coming days.

The official media briefing for the tournament was held under the patronage of the Matugama Zonal Deputy Director of Education, Chandima Priyadarshani, along with the principals of the three participating schools and the Secretary of the Kalutara District Chess Association, Sameera Dissanayake.

Having already secured the title on the previous two occasions, Taxila Central College, Horana, will enter the competition as the defending champions. Meanwhile, this year’s tournament will be hosted by C.W.W. Kannangara Central College, Matugama.

All three schools are expected to field highly competitive teams, featuring internationally rated players as well as several athletes who have represented Sri Lanka at international chess tournaments.

The primary objectives of the tournament are to popularize the “Big Match” concept in school chess, identify emerging talent, and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie among the three institutions.

With growing interest in school-level chess, the ‘Super Fighters’ tournament is expected to be a thrilling and high-quality contest, showcasing the next generation of Sri Lanka’s chess talent.

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Bhanuka Rajapaksa sends legal notice to actress Harshi Rasanga over gold chain dispute

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Sri Lanka cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has issued a Letter of Demand (LOD) to actress Harshi Rasanga, accusing her of making false and misleading statements on social media following recent court proceedings.

According to Rajapaksa’s legal representatives, the actress had informed court that the gold chain at the center of the dispute had been pawned. However, they claim she later contradicted this statement publicly, prompting the cricketer to initiate legal action.

The controversy revolves around a gold chain valued at over Rs. 900,000. Rajapaksa alleges that the chain had been borrowed by Rasanga and pawned without his knowledge or consent.
Rasanga was arrested by the Sri Lanka Police’s Thalangama division and later produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

During the court hearing, the defence stated that the chain had indeed been pawned and indicated that steps could be taken to redeem and return it. However, speaking to the media afterward, Rasanga claimed that the chain had been given to her as a gift during a personal relationship.

The court has directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the gold chain and present it at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 22.

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Pathum Nissanka set to open alongside KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals opener

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Delhi Capitals are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh opening combination, as Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka is likely to partner India star KL Rahul at the top of the order.

The Capitals face Lucknow Super Giants in their opening match today at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow, and all eyes will be on how the new-look batting lineup shapes up. While Rahul’s role as opener is confirmed, the team management has been weighing their options for the second slot, with Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel also in contention.

However, indications suggest that Nissanka has edged ahead in the race, with the franchise keen to utilize his consistency and ability to anchor innings in the powerplay. His calm approach at the crease could complement Rahul’s experience, giving Delhi a balanced start at the top.

The Capitals have also bolstered their middle order with the inclusion of David Miller, who adds firepower alongside fellow South African Tristan Stubbs. The duo is expected to provide the late-innings acceleration that Delhi often lacked in previous seasons.

Despite missing Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for the opening fixture due to injury, Delhi still boast a formidable bowling attack. Captain Axar Patel will lead from the front with his all-round abilities, while the spin department is strengthened by the ever-reliable Kuldeep Yadav.
In the pace department, South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi brings experience and variation, having impressed with his clever change of pace in recent T20 competitions. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer T Natarajan returns fully fit after a lengthy injury layoff, adding further depth to the attack.

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