Ireland can’t soothe World Cup pain but All Blacks offer important benchmark

Pol Espargaro is racing again at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his second appearance in three MotoGP events after stepping in for injured Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Vinales at the Czech GP. Although Espargaro progressed directly to Q2, he expressed discomfort with replacing a teammate due to injury. Want More Context? 🔎

On August 23, 2025, Stanford football lost to Hawaii 23-20, with Hawaii's Micah Alejado throwing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, while Stanford's Micah Ford rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown. Interim head coach Frank Reich acknowledged the tough loss but emphasized the importance of continued improvement throughout the season. Want More Context? 🔎

The San Francisco 49ers secured a 30-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in their final preseason game, opting to rest most starters to evaluate depth players before roster cuts. Notable performances included rookie LB Nick Martin with eight tackles and a forced fumble, WR Demarcus Robinson with a touchdown, and LB Curtis Robinson, who returned an interception for a touchdown. Want More Context? 🔎

Luka Doncic is currently with the Slovenian national team preparing for EuroBasket 2025, with their first game against Poland on August 28. After improving his fitness, Doncic showcased his skills in recent tune-up games, prompting German player Franz Wagner to highlight his versatility and offensive manipulation, making him a challenging opponent. Want More Context? 🔎

The Mets continued their offensive surge with a 9-2 victory over the Braves, hitting six home runs, including three by Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso, and Mark Vientos. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised the team's improved approach at the plate, while Starling Marte excelled with three hits, showcasing his health and contribution to the team's recent success. Want More Context? 🔎

Ryan Blaney clinched victory in a thrilling four-wide finish at Daytona International Speedway during NASCAR's regular-season finale, impacting the playoff landscape. His win prevented a long-shot driver from qualifying while simultaneously providing Alex Bowman a chance to compete in the postseason. Want More Context? 🔎