MEN’S RUGBY UNION

The Under-20s World Cup draws to a close in Cape Town this evening as the cup holders and top seeds France take on Ireland in the final.

Ireland have never won the title before but are the current Under-20s Six Nations champions.

England will contest the third place match against South Africa this afternoon after Wales and Australia play off for fifth place.

WOMEN’S CRICKET

Two teams struggling for form will clash in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy tomorrow as the Sunrisers, one point and one place above basement dwellers Western Storm, take on North West Thunder, who are only one place and two points better off, at Northampton’s County Ground.

The Storm are up against the Southern Vipers on Saturday when second-placed Central Sparks travel to Headingley to take on the Northern Diamonds.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE

Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best scored twice on his State of Origin debut as New South Wales came from behind to beat Queensland 24-10 in Sydney to avoid a State of Origin whitewash.

Queensland’s prop Reuben Cotter, who played the full 80 minutes in all three matches of their 2-1 success, was awarded the Wally Lewis medal as the outstanding player of the series.

MEN’S FOOTBALL

Orlando Masquera saved two penalties as Panama beat the USA on spot kicks after their 1-1 draw in extra time in the first semi final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Panamanians, who have never won the tournament before, will face Mexico in the final. The top seeds brushed aside Jamaica 3-0 with goals from Henry Martin, Luis Chavez and Roberto Alvarado.