Saturday Sport

Last 16 of the World Cup gets underway.

SOCCER

Switzerland and Brazil secured their places in the World Cup last-16 last night.

The Swiss were 3-2 winners over Serbia to finish as Group G runners-up.

While Brazil lost by a goal to nil to Cameroon, but still finished top of the group to set up a Monday night date with South Korea.

Switzerland’s reward is a tie with Portugal on Tuesday evening.

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There’s no rest for the tournament, with the second round getting underway this afternoon.

Despite suffering a pelvic injury in their win over Iran, Christian Pulisic (pr: Pool-iss-ik) has been passed fit for the United States.

They play the Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium.

This evening, Australia will be firm underdogs as they take on Argentina in Al Rayyan.



RUGBY

Munster won away from home for the first time this season in the United Rugby Championship last night.

They secured a 38-points to 17 bonus point win at Edinburgh.


Joey Carbery scored Munster’s fifth try, while also maintaining a 100 per cent record with his boot.

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A host of internationals return to provincial action at the RDS tonight.

Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, and Jamison Gibson-Park all make their first starts of the season for Leinster.

Ulster are the visitors to the RDS, and they welcome back captain Iain Henderson and centre Stuart McCloskey.

Kick-off in Ballsbridge is at 7.35.


Prior to that, Mack Hansen is back on the Connacht wing for their game with Benetton.

There’s a 3.15 start at the Sportsground.

Naas are away to Armagh in the AIL and MU Barnhall host Dolphin this afternoon.

GAELIC GAMES

Ballygunner are looking to become the first side since 1999 to retain the Munster Club Hurling title.

The reigning All Ireland champions face 2016 Munster champions Ballyea in this year’s provincial decider.

There’s a 3.15 throw-in at FBD Semple Stadium.



HOCKEY

Malaysia stand between Ireland and a place in the final of the Men’s Nations Cup in South Africa today.

That semi-final is underway at 11.30 this morning.

The other semi follows, and sees South Africa play South Korea.



GOLF

Shane Lowry is propping up the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the Hero World Challenge.

His 77 yesterday included back-to-back double bogeys on his front nine.

The Offaly golfer is 7-over par.

Viktor Hovland holds a one-shot advantage on 5-under par.



RACING

There’s an eight-race card at Fairyhouse today, with the first off at 25-to-midday.

Across channel, the Nicky Henderson-trained Shishkin is the evens favourite for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.