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South Africa take the title

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 13/09/2009
Rugby Union betting

South Africa wrapped up the Tri-Nations title with a thrilling 32-29 victory over New Zealand in Hamilton's Waikato Stadium.

The Springboks took the title for the first time since 2004 thanks to tries from Fourie du Preez and Jean de Villiers and fine kicking displays from both Frans and Morne Steyn.

Having led 22-12 at the interval, the world champions had to survive something of a comeback by the All Blacks to seal a crucial victory.

Can South Africa retain their World Cup crown in 2011? - Latest Rugby Union Betting

The Rugby Football Union have confirmed that they will take no more action over the 'Bloodgate' scandal involving Harlequins.

The RFU's disciplinary chief, Judge Jeff Blackett, said: "I have decided that there would be no merit in further investigation and there is insufficient evidence to support a case of misconduct by the club or any of its senior officials which has not already been considered by ERC.

"There will, therefore, be no further misconduct proceedings against Harlequins or any of its senior officials. As far as the RFU is concerned the matter is now closed."

Tottenham Hotspur have secured a double with Harry Redknapp and Jermain Defoe being named as the Premier League Manager and Player of the Month for August respectively.

Spurs have started the new season in fine style, winning four out of four in the top-flight - taking all three points against Liverpool, Hull City, West Ham United and Birmingham City.

Defoe netted four times in those four games, including a hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Hull at the KC Stadium, while he has also scored three times in three games for England.

Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Jose Reina has suggested that his side have little or no chance of winning the Premier League title this season.

The 27-year-old believes that there is not enough strength in depth in the Anfield ranks for the Reds to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea.

He told The Guardian: "We all want to win the league, but right now it's not a realistic objective.

"There isn't frustration, there's resignation. We know what's in the squad and we can't do anything about it."

In Formula One, Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole position at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, being joined on the front row by Force India's Adrian Sutil.

Brawn duo Rubens Barrichello and championship leader Jenson Button are fifth and sixth respectively.

England team director Andy Flower has backed the decision to rest all-rounder Paul Collingwood and fast bowler James Anderson during the ODI series against Australia.

Collingwood will sit out games four, five and six of the campaign, while Anderson will miss the next two games, with England already 3-0 down in the seven-match series.

Flower said: "They both need a rest, they are picking up physical niggles, they have been in the spotlight a long time and they need a break from that.

"We also want them to come back into the squad before we get to the Champions Trophy."

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