Lions Tour, v Reds, news and scores: Toomaga-Allen gives Reds early lead over the Lions
Jock Campbell is living a rugby dream as he captains Queensland against the British and Irish Lions, and it's a dream start after the Reds scored fired at Suncorp Stadium.
Reds custodian Campbell will become the state's 125th rugby union captain, 12 years after watching the 2013 Lions series from the stands as fullback of The Southport School's Second XV.
The Lions Tour only comes around once every 12 years, with the Reds falling just short in a 22-12 loss back in 2013.
Quade Cooper captained the Reds on that night, and this week the decorated former Wallaby wrote why that experience remains such a major moment in his career.
For some, like Hunter Paisami and Matt Faessler, it shapes as an opportunity to show Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt why they deserve a gold jersey later in the tour.
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Daily Telegraph
10 minutes ago
- Daily Telegraph
Boxing Aussie Skye Nicolson blasted over outclassed comeback opponent Carla Camila Campos Gonzalez, AO Arena, Manchester
Don't miss out on the headlines from Boxing/MMA. Followed categories will be added to My News. Skye Nicolson dominated her comeback fight against Bolivian Carla Camila Campos Gonzalez in Manchester on Sunday (AEST). It was the Aussie's first fight since losing her undefeated record and WBC featherweight world title in a split decision defeat to American Tiara Brown in Sydney in March. UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 | SUN 20 JULY 12PM AEST | One of the most iconic careers in MMA history will come to a close, as UFC veteran Dustin Poirier makes his final walk to the Octagon for a trilogy with current BMF Champion Max Holloway. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Nicolson dropped down a weight division to junior featherweight and while boxers and their promoters often choose a lower-ranked opponent following a loss, the choice to take on 24-year-old Gonzalez brought some strong backlash for the Australian. While Gonzalez had a solid 9-3 record coming into the bout at AO Arena, those nine wins came against fighters that had a combined total of zero wins in their careers. Watch the end of the fight in the video player above Skye Nicolson's fight with Carla Camila Campos Gonzales (right) looked a mismatch from the outset. (Photo by) Four of them were debutantes and three others had just one fight on their resumes, including her two foes prior to taking on accomplished fighter Nicolson, who is now 13-1 for her career. So it was little surprise that Nicolson had the insane odds of 1/100 to win the fight and duly dispatched Gonzalez barely 40 seconds into the second round of a proposed eight-round fight. Afterwards, the Queenslander was relieved to have another win under her belt. 'It was good, a little sigh of relief,' she said on Matchroom Boxing. 'It almost half felt like my debut tonight, Skye 2.0's debut. It was good to get back to winning ways. 'There were so many lessons learned from my last outing and I feel like a completely different person now, completely different fighter, and that showed tonight and I'm going to keep showing that.' Nicolson taunts Gonzales in their one-sided bout. (Photo by) The shy smile that Gonzalez showed when the boxers touched gloves was not a good indicator for a fighter that goes by the name 'La Princesa'. While the Bolivian did attempt to throw a few punches, very few found the target as the taller, noticeably stronger Nicolson landed heavy punches almost at will. In two-minute rounds, the Aussie southpaw worked on her combinations in a fight that resembled little more than a sparring session. The commentary team at least did their best to call the fight. 'She's really focused and can go about her work and start to prove people wrong,' one commentator said. 'One thing we know for sure, she's a very good boxer She's looking aggressive and extremely spiteful here in this opening round.' After finishing a three-punch combo with a heavy left that rocked Gonzalez's head back, Nicolson then threw another six punches in quick succession as the referee ended the contest. After it was all over, the commentator called the referee's decision 'a fantastic stoppage' as the clearly outclassed Gonzalez copped a load of punishment. Fellow commentator and former world champion Barry Jones added: 'That was a really good display and also you announce yourself in the weight division. 'Regardless of who you're fighting against, to be dominant like that and show a different side to your game than people have seen before, people will take notice for sure.' Many of those watching on weren't impressed by the quality of opponent, however, taking to X to vent their disappointment. Nicolson barely broke a sweat against Gonzales. (Photo by) 'Gonzalez has never beaten a boxer who has even a single pro victory. Disgusting match making,' was one comment. 'Nicholson was facing a below average boxer,' said another. 'Does her opponent work in a library as a cleaner?' asked one fan somewhat cruelly. Another X user with the username The Menace was having none of it, tweeting twice after the result. 'She fights bums that's why Brown beat her ass,' was the first comment. They then followed up with: 'No way she feels tough over this weak ass cherry pick match … overhyped!!! She needed a confidence boost.' Others were just happy to see Nicolson back in the ring. Nicolson defended her WBC featherweight title against Raven Chapman on October 12, 2024. (Photo by) Before losing it to Tiara Brown (right) in March this year. Picture: Matchroom Images One tweeted: 'She's so good.' A second wrote: 'Damn, she wasn't playing. Nice work.' Promoter Eddie Hearn also spoke after the fight and conceded Nicolson would likely need another fight before she starts thinking about a shot at a second world title. 'I think another fight,' he said. 'Obviously that was a step down from the level she's been fighting at and when you do step down to that level, you've got to be getting them out of there quickly, which is exactly what she did. 'But sometimes when you rush through to the world championship, you don't really get the ring time to work on that transition and work on what she's been doing in the gym. She's hurting people sparring, she's throwing combinations, tonight was really the first time you saw her sit down on her punches and throw four, five punch combinations in her whole professional career. Nicolson alongside Mexican great Canelo Alvarez in 2022. Photo: Supplied 'She's going to be a huge super bantamweight at 122 (pounds, 55.3 kgs) and a phenomenal talent, we know that. 'But just this activity, sometimes when you're fighting world championship fights, you just fight three times a year and it's difficult to get in that flow. 'She did that tonight, box ticked, obviously the opposition is going to step up now as you go. 'But hopefully another (fight) maybe in Australia, end of August, early September, something like that and then a world title shot at the end of the year.' Nicolson's trainer Eddie Lam said after the fight: 'She'll fight anyone.' Many fans will just be hoping she takes on a more recognised opponent next up as she continues her journey towards a shot at another belt. Originally published as Aussie boxer Skye Nicolson blasted over outclassed comeback opponent
Daily Telegraph
10 minutes ago
- Daily Telegraph
AFL 2025 Sydney Swans defeat Fremantle Dockers, Round 17, as Tom Papley injured at the SCG
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Sydney Swans are still alive in season 2025 after a thrilling 11-point win over Fremantle on Sunday. But their 14.10 (94) to 12.11 (83) win has come at a cost with Joel Amartey (groin) limping off in the dying stages and Tom Papley (hamstring) subbed out at half time. It's another painful close loss for the Dockers, who missed the finals last year after several narrow defeats. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Sydney led from start to finish, as Freo's tough record against the Swans rolls on with a sixth loss in their last eight games. The Swans were out by 20 points in the third term before the Dockers found their fight through big man Luke Jackson (13 disposals, two goals) who kicked truly after the three quarter time siren. Injured star Tom Papley with Isaac Heeney after the win over Fremantle. (Photo by Phil Hillyard) Docker Jye Amiss had multiple chances to close the gap in the final term but blew them. When Michael Frederick put his running shot out on the full in the dying stages, Sydney were able to hang on for the win. Fremantle's top eight hopes now hang in the balance, but for Sydney they stay alive in season 2025, although coach Dean Cox is sweating on his latest injuries. 'We need to work out the extent of that (Papley's injury) and the same with Amartey late in the game,' he said. 'We'll see throughout the next couple of days how that settles, get some scans and the results will come from that.' Their 11-point win at the SCG was set up on the back of a first half midfield 'bashing'. At half time, the Swans nailed five goals to none from centre clearance in worrying signs for Freo coach Justin Longmuir. 'They've been so dominant – plus-13 for clearance but in particular their centre bounce work, five goals from centre bounce,' Fox Footy's Alastair Lynch said. 'It is the mechanics of the four that are in there,' Dermott Brereton added. 'When (Brodie) Grundy is in there predominantly, they are having the first look, the first touch, the first clearance, first possession. It's predominantly going Sydney's way. 'That's the difference in the game as it stands.' Brodie Grundy was given the massive task of taking on Freo's tag team of Sean Darcy and Jackson. Brodie Grundy (left) was a standout again for the Swans. (Photo by) But Sydney's 'shining light' delivered in another outstanding performance. 'He's like a man possessed,' Fox Footy's Dwayne Russell said. 'He's a different man Brodie Grundy this last month and a bit. 'He did finish fourth in the best and fairest last year.' Statistics showed Grundy has leapt into the #11 ranked player in the AFL – up from the #95 he was ranked for the first six rounds. By full time, Grundy racked up 20 disposals, 33 hit-outs and a goal in a stellar performance. The Swans have shown vast improvement since the likes of Errol Gulden returned, but Cox will be hoping for some good news on the injury front ahead of next week's clash with the Saints at Marvel Stadium. Originally published as Swans' slim finals hopes still alive but injuries strike again in Freo win
The Advertiser
21 minutes ago
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Fiji want chance to beat Wallabies on their home turf
Fiji coach Mick Byrne has again called for Australia to play in Suva after the Pacifc islanders took the Wallabies to the wire in their Test match in Newcastle. The Fijians came within minutes of securing a historic first by beating Australia in successive Tests for the first time before Wallabies captain Harry Wilson crossed for the match-winning try in a 21-18 win. Australia lifted the newly-named Vuvale Bowl trophy, presented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Test front-rower. The Wallabies haven't played in Fiji since 1984 and Byrne said he hoped the Pacific nation's growing presence on the world rugby stage would entice Rugby Australia to consider a Test in Suva. Earlier in the week, he plumped for the series to be decided by one Test in each country. "Look, I think we're talking on it - it would be great to play Australia in Fiji," Byrne said. "That would be pretty handy." Leading 18-14, Fiji were desperately unlucky to be denied another try when the Television Match Official ruled Wallabies winger Harry Potter had stepped into touch before the ball was turned over to the visitors. "I just need to clarify with World Rugby ... the Brumbies got a try taken off them this year, and I think they went back 19 phases so you can go back as many phases as you can in your possession," a frustrated Byrne said. "I didn't know now we can go back to opposition possession as well. Maybe I'm wrong so I'll just get clarity on it." Fiji trailed 14-0 before a try right on halftime by Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. After the Wallabies blew an early second half try with a forward pass, Fiji lifted their tempo and physicality to dominate the home side, bringing back memories of their 2023 World Cup shock. "I feel for the players," Byrne said. "We did everything we could in the first half to hang in there, scramble, do what we needed to do. "Numbers were against us, came in at half-time, regrouped, came out the second half to do a job. "The boys did really well so yeah, it is a gut punch." Fiji coach Mick Byrne has again called for Australia to play in Suva after the Pacifc islanders took the Wallabies to the wire in their Test match in Newcastle. The Fijians came within minutes of securing a historic first by beating Australia in successive Tests for the first time before Wallabies captain Harry Wilson crossed for the match-winning try in a 21-18 win. Australia lifted the newly-named Vuvale Bowl trophy, presented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Test front-rower. The Wallabies haven't played in Fiji since 1984 and Byrne said he hoped the Pacific nation's growing presence on the world rugby stage would entice Rugby Australia to consider a Test in Suva. Earlier in the week, he plumped for the series to be decided by one Test in each country. "Look, I think we're talking on it - it would be great to play Australia in Fiji," Byrne said. "That would be pretty handy." Leading 18-14, Fiji were desperately unlucky to be denied another try when the Television Match Official ruled Wallabies winger Harry Potter had stepped into touch before the ball was turned over to the visitors. "I just need to clarify with World Rugby ... the Brumbies got a try taken off them this year, and I think they went back 19 phases so you can go back as many phases as you can in your possession," a frustrated Byrne said. "I didn't know now we can go back to opposition possession as well. Maybe I'm wrong so I'll just get clarity on it." Fiji trailed 14-0 before a try right on halftime by Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. After the Wallabies blew an early second half try with a forward pass, Fiji lifted their tempo and physicality to dominate the home side, bringing back memories of their 2023 World Cup shock. "I feel for the players," Byrne said. "We did everything we could in the first half to hang in there, scramble, do what we needed to do. "Numbers were against us, came in at half-time, regrouped, came out the second half to do a job. "The boys did really well so yeah, it is a gut punch." Fiji coach Mick Byrne has again called for Australia to play in Suva after the Pacifc islanders took the Wallabies to the wire in their Test match in Newcastle. The Fijians came within minutes of securing a historic first by beating Australia in successive Tests for the first time before Wallabies captain Harry Wilson crossed for the match-winning try in a 21-18 win. Australia lifted the newly-named Vuvale Bowl trophy, presented by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Test front-rower. The Wallabies haven't played in Fiji since 1984 and Byrne said he hoped the Pacific nation's growing presence on the world rugby stage would entice Rugby Australia to consider a Test in Suva. Earlier in the week, he plumped for the series to be decided by one Test in each country. "Look, I think we're talking on it - it would be great to play Australia in Fiji," Byrne said. "That would be pretty handy." Leading 18-14, Fiji were desperately unlucky to be denied another try when the Television Match Official ruled Wallabies winger Harry Potter had stepped into touch before the ball was turned over to the visitors. "I just need to clarify with World Rugby ... the Brumbies got a try taken off them this year, and I think they went back 19 phases so you can go back as many phases as you can in your possession," a frustrated Byrne said. "I didn't know now we can go back to opposition possession as well. Maybe I'm wrong so I'll just get clarity on it." Fiji trailed 14-0 before a try right on halftime by Salesi Rayasi, with the debutant fullback beating three Australian defenders to put his team on the scoreboard. After the Wallabies blew an early second half try with a forward pass, Fiji lifted their tempo and physicality to dominate the home side, bringing back memories of their 2023 World Cup shock. "I feel for the players," Byrne said. "We did everything we could in the first half to hang in there, scramble, do what we needed to do. "Numbers were against us, came in at half-time, regrouped, came out the second half to do a job. "The boys did really well so yeah, it is a gut punch."
