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Unbeaten Khabib finishes Poirier to retain title

Published in Breaking News

Saturday, 07 September 2019 14:49

Dustin Poirier succumbed to the same fate as Conor McGregor. And no one yet has figured out how to deal with Khabib Nurmagomedov's wrestling. Let alone beat him.

Nurmagomedov defeated Poirier by submission via rear-naked choke at 2:06 of the third round Saturday in the main event of UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. With the victory, Nurmagomedov unifies the UFC lightweight title. Poirier came in as the interim champion.

The bout was significant for Nurmagomedov, because of the location. Nurmagomedov is a devout Muslim from Dagestan, a republic of Russia, and it was his first UFC fight in a Muslim-majority country. There were loud chants of "Khabib" throughout the main event and many fans wearing Nurmagomedov's signature papakha sheepskin hat.

Nurmagomedov is ranked No. 2 in ESPN's pound-for-pound MMA rankings behind only light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Poirier came in at No. 9, tied with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

Heading into the third round Saturday, Nurmagomedov dominated the entire way with his wrestling and grappling. He was in control for a total of 8:54. Nurmagomedov put Poirier on his back in the first round and nearly got a hold of choke at that point. Poirier survived, but he spent nearly the entire round on the ground with Nurmagomedov all over him. Twice, Poirier went for reversals, but Nurmagomedov ended up with even more dominant positions.

Poirier showed heart in the second. He landed a big right hand and followed with another, putting Nurmagomedov on his heels. Poirier chased the champion in an attempt to rope him into a brawl. It didn't quite work and the flurry seemed to tire Poirier. Once again, Nurmagomedov took him down and put him in the wrestling grinder. Ground and pound opened up a cut near Poirier's left eye.

In the third round, Nurmagomedov shot for a takedown against the cage and Poirier grabbed onto a tight guillotine. He held it for more than 30 seconds, changed positions and it seemed to be close. But Nurmagomedov somehow slipped out. The bout was over soon after. Nurmagomedov got onto Poirier's back, wrapped his arms around his neck, fell back and Poirier had no choice but to tap.

Inside the cage, Nurmagomedov landed seven takedowns and outstruck Poirier, 22-12, in significant strikes. Nurmagomedov has completed 59 takedowns in his UFC career, compared to just two from his opponents. On the ground, Nurmagomedov has outlanded opponents 379-11.

The two respectfully exchanged shirts afterward. Nurmagomedov said he would auction Poirier's shirt off and send the money back to him for his charity. Nurmagomedov said previously that Tony Ferguson, who is on a 12-fight winning streak, should be next, but Saturday he said he needed some time to rest and contemplate.

Nurmagomedov (28-0) remains undefeated and has hardly been challenged in the UFC. "The Eagle" has won 12 in a row in the UFC and he and Anderson Silva are the only ones to start their UFC careers with that winning streak. Silva went 16-0 to begin his UFC run, a record mark.

Nurmagomedov, 30, had not fought since beating McGregor at UFC 229 in October 2018 via neck crank submission in the fourth round. Nurmagomedov was suspended nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for his role in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229, which led to the institution of the interim title.

Poirier (25-6, 1 NC) was unbeaten in six straight fights coming in. The Louisiana native defeated Max Holloway to win the UFC interim lightweight title at UFC 236 in April. Poirier, 30, owns victories over the likes of Holloway, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis in eight years with the UFC.

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Brown finds new home, agrees to deal with Pats

Published in Breaking News

Saturday, 07 September 2019 15:01

Antonio Brown has agreed to a deal with the New England Patriots, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday.

New England is giving Brown a one-year deal worth up to $15 million, Rosenhaus said. It includes a $9 million signing bonus, $10 million guaranteed and $5 million in incentives.

The agreement comes hours after the receiver was released by the Raiders, ending a tumultuous stint with Oakland after it acquired him via trade during the offseason.

Brown took to social media after he agreed to the deal.

LFG #GodsPlan pic.twitter.com/MflFD1MqoT
— AB (@AB84) September 7, 2019

Brown was eligible to sign with any team at 4:01 p.m. ET Saturday. Because of that, he is not eligible to play until Week 2 at the earliest, meaning Brown will miss New England's opener Sunday night against his former team, the Steelers. The Patriots and Raiders do not play this regular season.

The Patriots will have to make a corresponding move once they officially sign Brown, but for now, their receiving corps includes Super Bowl LIII Most Valuable Player Julian Edelman, Brown, Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett, and undrafted rookies Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski. First-round draft choice N'Keal Harry has opened the season on injured reserve.

The agreement comes after Brown asked to be released by the Raiders in an Instagram post earlier Saturday. Oakland had fined him $215,073.53 for conduct detrimental to the team, sources told Schefter, a move that voided the $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money in his deal.

In addition, the Raiders sent Brown a letter stating that he no longer would be entitled to termination pay, sources told Schefter. As a result, Brown would have been playing on a week-to-week basis with both his guaranteed money voided and lack of termination pay.

Oakland, in turn, cut Brown loose Saturday afternoon, and Rosenhaus said he'd immediately try to find a new home for the seven-time Pro Bowler.

"Antonio is looking forward to a new beginning," Rosenhaus said.

The acquisition of Brown moved the Patriots past the Kansas City Chiefs and into the role of Super Bowl favorites at multiple Las Vegas sportsbooks. The Patriots went from 6-1 to 4-1 to win the Super Bowl at the SuperBook at Westgate Las Vegas. The Chiefs are 6-1.

ESPN's Mike Reiss and David Purdum contributed to this report.

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Mets activate Lowrie for 1st time this season

Published in Baseball

Saturday, 07 September 2019 13:48

NEW YORK -- The Mets have activated infielder Jed Lowrie from the 60-day injured list for the first time this season.

Lowrie signed a $20 million, two-year deal with New York in January but has yet to appear in a game for the Mets. He felt pain in his left knee during spring training and opened the year on the injured list, then dealt with injuries to his left hamstring and right calf.

The 35-year-old played 12 minor league rehab games and batted .275 (11 for 40) with two home runs. He was activated before a game Saturday night against the Phillies.

Lowrie hit .267 with 23 homers and .801 OPS in 157 games with Oakland last season. He was formerly a client of Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.

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Cubs' Baez dealing with hairline fracture in thumb

Published in Baseball

Saturday, 07 September 2019 14:43

Chicago Cubs shortstop Javy Baez has a hairline fracture in his left thumb, an MRI on Saturday revealed.

Baez will see a hand specialist on Monday, at which point a timeline for his return will be determined.

The shortstop missed his fifth straight game Saturday at the Milwaukee Brewers due to the injury. He hurt the thumb sliding headfirst into second base during last Sunday's game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field.

Baez is hitting .281 with 29 home runs and 85 RBIs for a Cubs team that entered Saturday holding the second spot in the NL wild card race, 2 games behind the Nationals and 3½ games ahead of the Diamondbacks. The Cubs are 2½ games behind the first-place Cardinals in the NL Central.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers contributed to this report.

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US Open 2019: Jamie Murray & Bethanie Mattek-Sands win mixed doubles title

Published in Tennis

Saturday, 07 September 2019 10:19

Britain's Jamie Murray won a US Open title for the fourth successive year with a straight-sets triumph in the mixed doubles alongside American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

The pair defended their title with a 6-2 6-3 win over top seeds Chan Hao-ching and Michael Venus.

Scot Murray, 33, also made history by becoming the first man in the Open Era to win three successive mixed titles at Flushing Meadows.

It is his seventh Grand Slam victory.

"We played amazing, the whole two weeks," Murray said at the trophy presentation. "We've had so much fun on the court. I'm really, really, really happy to win again."

Murray also won the mixed doubles in New York alongside Swiss great Martina Hingis in 2017, a year after claiming the men's title with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.

Murray and Mattek-Sands, backed by a buoyant home crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, broke twice in a dominant first set, but in a tighter second set the teams exchanged four successive breaks of serve.

The British-American pair broke again for a 4-3 lead and converted their first match point when Mattek-Sands whacked a brilliant backhand down the line.

The 34-year-old American, who has won nine Grand Slam doubles title, celebrated by leaping on Murray before the pair took the acclaim of a jubilant crowd.

"Jamie, you were on fire these whole two weeks," Mattek-Sands said.

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United States, adding to medal list

Published in Table Tennis

Saturday, 07 September 2019 01:13

At the semi-final stage both pairs ended Latin American hopes; Nikhil Kumar and Amy Wang beat Puerto Rico’s Daniel Gonzalez and Melanie Diaz (8-11, 11-8, 11-9, 12-10), Zhang Kai and Lily Zhang halted the aspirations of Argentina’s Horacio Cifuentes and Camila Arguelles (14-12, 11-7, 12-10).

Meanwhile, in both the men’s singles and women’s singles events, the leading names made positive starts to their campaigns.

In the women’s singles, Canada’s Zhang Mo and Wu Yue of the United States, the respective top two seeds, were not called to action; the next in line, Lily Zhang, also from the United States and Brazil’s Bruna Takahashi were both summoned to order. Lily Zhang beat Mexico’s Clio Barcenas (11-5, 11-2, 11-6m, 12-10), Bruna Takahashi accounted for the host nation’s Melina Hermosilla (11-5, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8).

Imposing performances, it was the same in the opening round of the men’s singles competition. Kanak Jha of the United States, the top seed, accounted for Argentina’s Santiago Lorenzo (11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6); Brazil’s Gustavo Tsuboi, the no.2 seed, overcame Ecuador’s Diego Piguave. Likewise, Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre, the no.3 seed, beat Chile’s Manuel Moya (11-6, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6); Thiago Monteiro, the no.4 seed and like Gustavo Tsuboi from Brazil, emulated his colleague by causing Ecuador problems. He overcame Emiliano Riofrio (11-2, 11-3, 11-6, 13-15, 11-6).

The quarter-finalists known in the men’s singles and women’s singles events; in the men’s doubles and women’s doubles competitions the semi-finalists have been decided. Notably in each event, the top four pairs have advanced.

In the semi-final round of the men’s doubles event Brazil’s Eric Jouti and Gustavo Tsuboi, the top seeds, meet Chile’s Gustavo Gomez and Juan Lamadrid, the no.4 seeds; in the opposite half of the draw, Argentina’s Gaston Alto and Horacio Cifuentes confront Mexico’s Marcos Madrid and Ricardo Villa, the no.3 seeds.

Similarly, in the women’s doubles penultimate round, Wu Yue and Lily Zhang of the United States, the top seeds, face Puerto Rico’s Melanie Diaz and Daniely Rios, the no.4 seeds, Canada’s Joyce Xu and Zhang Mo draw swords with Chile’s Daniela Ortega and Paulina Vega, the no.3 seeds.

Play on Saturday 7th September focuses on the men’s singles and women’s singles events when matters will advance to the semi-final round; on Sunday 8th September the semi-finals and finals of the men’s doubles and women’s doubles events will be enacted.

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Living on the knife-edge dramatic conclusion in Ulaanbaator

Published in Table Tennis

Saturday, 07 September 2019 06:59

After recording a semi-final success against colleague Liu Yebo (15-13, 11-6, 11-3, 11-9), Xu Yingbin withstood a spirited recovery by the defending champion, Xiang Peng the claim the junior boys’ singles title, a contest in which he had to save one match point in the deciding seventh game (11-5, 9-11, 11-3, 16-14, 9-11, 5-11, 12-10), before raising his arms in victory.

Earlier in the day, at the semi-final stage Xiang Peng had ended the hopes of Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka (5-11, 11-3, 13-11, 11-8, 11-5).

Colleagues meet

An all Chinese junior boys’ singles final, one match earlier it had been an all Japanese junior girls’ singles gold medal contest. Miyu Nagasaki accounted for Kyoka Idesawa (7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5, 11-8), an engagement in which the champion elect adjusted to the close to the table attacking style of most worthy opponent.

Notably the backhand attacking strokes exerted with minimal top spin had totally demoralised China’s Wu Yangchen at the semi-final stage (11-4, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4). In the counterpart penultimate round duel, Miyu Nagasaki had ended the progress of 15 year old colleague, Haruna Oji.

Doubles gold for Japan

Success for Miyu Nagasaki came after she had partnered Miyuu Kihara to junior girls’ doubles gold, accounting for Korea Republic’s Shin Yubin and Ryu Hanna in the final (11-8, 11-6, 5-11, 11-8). The top step of the podium for Japan, in the junior boys’ doubles competition it was the top two steps; Yukiya Uda and Shunsuke Togami secured the title at the final expense of Kakeru Sone and Hiroto Shinozuka (6-11, 11-5, 11-5, 6-11, 11-4).

Three titles for Japan on the concluding day of play, it was the same number for China. Chen Yuanyu won the cadet boys’ singles event beating India’s Payas Jain in the final (13-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-5), the success coming after Chen Yi had overcome Japan’s Kaho Akae (11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-8) to be crowned the cadet girls singles champion.

World Junior Championships places

Meanwhile, the third position in the junior boys’ team and junior girls’ team events for places in the 2019 World Junior Championships went respectively to Chinese Taipei and Japan.

Based on the best cnclusion by the highest ranked player from the losing team semi-finalists, for the boys Chinese Taipei’s Tai Ming-Wei finished in first place in his group, as opposed to Korea Republic’s Jung Seown who had to settle for second position.

Somewhat differently, in the junior girls’ singles event, Japan’s Miyuu Kihara and Korea Republic’s Shin Yubin, the leading names, both ended their journey in second position in their initial phase group. Thus the finish achieved by the second highest ranked from each team was considered. Haruna Ojio advanced to the semi-finals, Ryu Hanna ended matters in second place in her group.

Chinese Taipei joins China and India in the boys’ team event at the 2019 World Junior Championships; in the girls’ team competition, Japan lines up alongside China and DPR Korea.

The 2019 World Junior Championships will be staged in Korat, Thailand from Sunday 24th November to Sunday 1st December.

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Rivalries resumed as Egyptians contest China finals

Published in Squash

Saturday, 07 September 2019 10:32

Top seed Raneem El Welily plays a textbook forehand drop

Husband and wife bring new season to life, but mighty Mo wants that No.1 ranking back
By ELLIE MAWSON in Shanghai

Egypt’s World No.5 Nour El Tayeb swept aside compatriot and 2019 British Open champion Nouran Gohar to book her place in the final of the J.P. Morgan China Squash Open PSA World Tour Gold tournament.

The 26-year-old Egyptian has been in formidable form this week, despatching both former World No.1 Rachael Grinham and compatriot Nadine Shahin in less than 20 minutes in her previous rounds, and today proved no different as she started brightly against Gohar.

World No.4 Gohar looked out of sorts as she struggled to deal with El Tayeb’s quick start and accuracy, eventually losing 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 in 28 minutes.

“Today was one of my best performances,” said 26-year-old El Tayeb afterwards. “I’ve been very focused during the off season and this match just proves that I am on the right track and that I’m playing well.

“I’m very excited to be in the final of my first tournament. It gives me a lot of confidence and obviously it doesn’t get any better than playing the World No.1, defending champion and the best player of the last 12 months. I’m very excited for it.”

El Tayeb will take on World No.1 Raneem El Welily for the trophy tomorrow after she overcame World Junior champion Hania El Hammamy in straight games.

Nour El Tayeb has been in phenomenal form all week

El Welily, who won the China Squash Open title last year, will be eyeing a repeat performance as she looks to pick up the first honour of the new PSA World Tour season.

“I’m very pleased to be through to the final here in China,” said 30-year-old El Welily. “It’s such a special place for me now, I’ve had good results almost every time here now, so I’m really pleased.

“My squash has been a bit up and down mentally and playing in patches throughout the entire week. I’d like to see myself more consistent and more solid.”

Meanwhile, El Tayeb’s husband and World No.1 Ali Farag will contest the men’s final against World No.2 and close rival Mohamed ElShorbagy after they defeated India’s Saurav Ghosal and Marwan ElShorbagy, respectively.

Ali Farag in action against Saurav Ghosal

Farag took out Ghosal – the only non-Egyptian left in the tournament – by an 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 margin as he and wife, El Tayeb, look to repeat their 2017 U.S. Open performance, when they made history by becoming the first sporting couple to lift the same major title on the same day.

“It was a good performance and I’m very happy,” said 27-year-old Farag. “It is the best I have played all week. I couldn’t afford to let Saurav get in front of me and I think I did that very well today.

“We haven’t done it ever since [repeat the U.S. Open victory with wife Nour El Tayeb], even though it’s not a Platinum event, it is still quite a prestigious one and I would love for the two of us to grab the first titles of the season. We know the challenge that lies ahead of us though in Raneem El Welily and Mohamed ElShorbagy, so we will have to be at our very best.”

Farag will face familiar rival in Mohamed ElShorbagy in the final, after the 28-year-old defeated his younger brother, Marwan, in the earlier semi-final.

Mohamed ElShorbagy triumphed in a fierce battle with brother Marwan

The siblings played out a brutal match with both players pushing each other to their limits on the humid court as Mohamed overturned a one-game deficit to win 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 in 64 minutes.

“It’s very tough, physically and emotionally, to play against my brother,” said 28-year-old Mohamed afterwards. “We know each other very well. Mentally, it’s so hard when you know each other.

“To play the first tournament of the season and to win it would be a huge confidence boost and send a message to the rest of my opponents. I’m here to get back to World No.1, I’m not here to do the same results I did last season because it wasn’t good enough and I fell to No.2.

“I’m back and want to be playing in finals and winning tournaments and tomorrow is another step towards doing that.”

Action from the finals of the J.P. Morgan China Squash Open takes place at 19:00 local time (GMT+8) tomorrow (Sunday September 8) on the glass court in the evening at the Peninsula Shanghai.

J.P. Morgan China Squash Open, Shanghai, China.

Men’s semi-finals:
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) bt [3] Saurav Ghosal (IND) 3-0: 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 (34m)
[2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) bt [4] Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) 3-1: 8-11, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 (64m)

Women’s semi-finals:
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) bt Hania El Hammamy (EGY) 3-0: 11-8, 12-10, 11-8 (37m)
[3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY) bt [2] Nouran Gohar (EGY) 3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-8 (28m)

Men’s final (September 8):
[1] Ali Farag (EGY) v [2] Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY)

Women’s Final:
[1] Raneem El Welily (EGY) v [3] Nour El Tayeb (EGY)

Report by ELLIE MAWSON (PSA). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.

Pictures courtesy of PSA

Posted on September 7, 2019

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Rugby World Cup 2019: Pick your England XV to face Tonga

Published in Rugby

Saturday, 07 September 2019 04:04

All eyes turn now to Sapporo.

After a 37-0 victory in their final Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Italy on Friday night, England will next step onto a field in anger on Sunday, 22 September when they face Tonga in their Pool C opener.

What team do you think head coach Eddie Jones should pick?

Is Owen Farrell a fly-half or a centre?

Which two of Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, George Kruis and Courtney Lawes make up the second row?

Which combination of Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Mark Wilson and Lewis Ludlam gives you the right back-row balance?

And do you risk Jack Nowell or Henry Slade after they picked up injuries in the build-up to the tournament?

You can pick your team below, and when you are done have a look below to see which XV rugby union correspondent Chris Jones has gone for...

England starting XV against Tonga

Choose your players from the list below.

Chris Jones' England XV to face Tonga

1. Joe Marler

Mako Vunipola - who worryingly has had a setback in his recovery - is England's starting loose-head prop when fit, but Marler has looked hungry since coming out of international retirement. Ellis Genge to make hay off the bench.

2. Jamie George

Without Dylan Hartley, George has become the man in the number two shirt, having a brilliant season for club and country. Luke Cowan-Dickie is still inexperienced and Jack Singleton is very much travelling as back-up.

3. Kyle Sinckler

Dan Cole's experience and technical nous will be an asset this World Cup, but there is no doubt Sinckler is England's starting tight-head. Part of an England forward pack full of power and dynamism.

4. George Kruis

Kruis has enjoyed a fantastic 2019, allying his lineout expertise with hugely improved physicality.

5. Maro Itoje

Works superbly with Kruis, and provides so much of England's energy both sides of the ball.

6. Mark Wilson

Tempted to play Tom Curry here with Sam Underhill at open-side flanker, but Wilson deserves to be in England's first-choice pack after a strong year. Will provide industry for the first hour before the game opens up.

7. Tom Curry

Not much between him and Underhill at the moment, with Curry's improved ball-carrying just about getting him the nod. Underhill to make an impact off the bench - possibly alongside Curry.

8. Billy Vunipola

England's only specialist number eight in the squad - and, like his brother, a man who can lay claim to being the best in the world. If Billy is injured, England's World Cup hopes may go with him.

9. Ben Youngs

Eddie Jones has curiously made scrum-half an uncompetitive position: if Youngs is fit, he starts. A class act, but has looked a little rusty in the warm-ups. Improved showing against Italy but could still back himself more with ball in hand.

10. George Ford

Whether Ford starts the big knockout games remains up in the air, but his partnership with Farrell will give England the chance to hit the ground running in Japan. A fantastic ball player who ruthlessly picks teams apart when given quick ball.

11. Jonny May

Has become a central figure for England, and has been a stand-out player for the past 12 months. Has worked on both his speed and physicality in the training camps and is a shoo-in.

12. Owen Farrell

With Henry Slade short of fitness and game-time, Farrell switching to 12 seems the sensible option at the start of the tournament. It was clear against Ireland that England won't miss a trick wherever the captain plays.

13. Manu Tuilagi

Has returned to his destructive best, a sight many English coaches hoped for, but rarely saw. With Ben Te'o jettisoned, Tuilagi has to stay fit. A trump card.

14. Anthony Watson

Jack Nowell would be in strong contention to start on the right wing - but has been battling injury and illness and can't be risked. Watson is back from his long-standing Achilles problem and looking sharp. Can interchange with Daly in attack and defence.

15. Elliot Daly

Daly at full-back has not been wholly convincing - which is why I would have had the safety blanket of Mike Brown in the squad - but he must play somewhere in the back three. His footballing quality will spark England on the counter-attack, which is why Jones puts him at 15 rather than on the wing.

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All Blacks score 92 points in final World Cup warm-up

Published in Rugby

Saturday, 07 September 2019 04:58

World Cup favourites New Zealand hammered Tonga 92-7 in their final warm-up game before the tournament begins in Japan.

The All Blacks were in awesome form as they ran in 14 tries in Hamilton with nine different try scorers.

They were relentless from the off and had already scored eight tries by half-time as they led 54-0.

New Zealand begin their quest for a third successive title against South Africa in Yokohama on 21 September.

They will later play Canada, Namibia and Italy in Pool B and could play either Ireland or Scotland in the quarter-finals.

Tonga, known for their physicality, could not match New Zealand's intensity and were blown away as winger George Bridge led the way with four tries. Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty each scored two and Sevu Reece, Codie Taylor, captain Kieran Read, TJ Perenara, Matt Todd and Ardie Savea all crossed the tryline.

Just as important for the hosts, there were no fresh injury concerns from the match.

The All Blacks only eased up in the last 15 minutes when coach Steve Hansen deliberately reduced them to 14 men as practice and the South Sea islanders scored a consolation try.

Tonga will be England's first opponents at the World Cup, with the two countries meeting in Sapporo on 22 September.

Australia rounded off their preparations for the tournament by scoring six tries as they defeated Samoa 34-15 in Parramatta.

The Wallabies were 22-3 up at half-time but faced a second half fight-back as replacement scrum-half Dwayne Polataivao twice went over to reduce the deficit to 22-15 before late scores from Dane Haylett-Petty and centre Matt To'omua secured the win.

One positive was a first appearance since March for flanker David Pocock after a calf injury, but there will be concerns over fly-half Bernard Foley only landing two of his six kicks.

Australia, who are in Pool C with Wales, start against Fiji on 21 September in Sapporo whereas Samoa face World Cup debutants Russia in Pool A three days later in Kumagaya.

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