Saturday sport: Ireland cruise to win over Japan, Man United draw with Spurs

Kenneth Fox

Rugby

Ireland scored six tries in total to open their home Autumn Series games with victory.

They beat Japan 41-10 at the Aviva Stadium.

Jack Crowley, Nick Timoney, Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy, and Tommy O'Brien scored for Andy Farrell's side.

However, Jamie Osborne will now be a doubt for the remaining games against Australia and South Africa - He went off with a shoulder injury in the game.

The internationals continue this afternoon - At Murrayfield, Scotland, are taking on New Zealand.

The visitors there hold a 0-10 lead.

Paris hosts the clash of the day later on, as France hosts world champions South Africa from 8pm.

Soccer

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Spurs away from home after a late header from de Ligt.

It is half-time in the two 3pm games in the Premier League.

Everton had the ball in the net three times, twice ruled out for offside, but they eventually got their goal on the stroke of half-time, to lead Fulham 1-0.

While at the London Stadium, it is West Ham 1-1 Burnley.

At 5:30pm, Sunderland play host to the leaders Arsenal, while Chelsea bring Wolves to Stamford Bridge at 8.

The Ireland under-17s are in action at the World Cup in Qatar.

It was scoreless going to air in their match against Uzbekistan

GAA

Ballina Stephenites are aiming to take their first step toward provincial glory this afternoon as they open their Connacht club football championship campaign.

The Mayo champions face North London Shamrocks in the quarter-final at Bekan, with throw-in at 4:30pm.

In Ulster, two quarter-finals are down for decision later - Kilcoo of Down meet Tyrone�s Loughmacrory in Omagh at 7.15pm, while Fermanagh's Erne Gaels take on Cavan's Kingscourt Stars at 5pm.

Golf

Shane Lowry remains in the hunt heading into the final day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The Offaly native sits five shots off the pace on 15-under after a third-round 68, with England's Aaron Rai out in front on 20-under.

Rory McIlroy surged up the leaderboard with a superb 66, moving to 14-under ahead of Sunday's final round.