Daily Talking Points: Wales Shock All Blacks, England Thrash Japan

1 Wales beat New Zealand 35-28 to end 73-year wait

International Rugby

Wales beat New Zealand in round five of the Nations Championship, winning 35-28 at the Principality Stadium to end a run of 34 straight All Blacks wins and a wait of 73 years. Steve Tandy's side scored five tries and led 14-0 early on before New Zealand leveled at half-time, but Wales struck twice after the break and held on through a desperate finish.

Fans are talking about a landmark result that provides a huge lift for Wales after hard years, while for the All Blacks it is a painful setback before they face England next weekend. Generations of great Welsh players never managed the feat, but Tandy's young side secured a historic victory in Cardiff.

Read the full story → By Jack Shaw

2 Will Joseph scores five tries as England thrash Japan 78-15

International Rugby

Will Joseph scored five tries on his first England appearance since 2022 as Steve Borthwick's side beat Japan 78-15 at Allianz Stadium in the Nations Championship. The Gloucester back equalled England's record for tries in a Test as the hosts ran in 13 tries in total, taking advantage when Japan were short-handed after a red card.

Fans are discussing Joseph's remarkable return and a second big win in successive weekends for England following victory over Australia. The team now faces New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, with the All Blacks arriving after their historic defeat by Wales.

Read the full story → By James Chettle

3 Rickie Lambert warns Man Utd players about Pochettino’s running

Premier League

Manchester United's players have been warned about Mauricio Pochettino's intense training demands by his former Southampton and Tottenham players Rickie Lambert and Toby Alderweireld. Lambert recalled struggling with severe Monday running sessions under the Argentine, while Alderweireld stressed that the manager brings intense fitness requirements, food rules and gym work.

Supporters are talking about what this means for a United squad currently ranking low for distance covered and sprints in the Premier League. Lambert believes the dressing room will turn the club around if the players get behind the new manager.

Read the full story → By Jack Shaw

4 Wilder vs Opetaia: Eddie Hearn warns ‘there could be a problem’ with Cardiff fight

Boxing

Eddie Hearn has cast fresh doubt over the upcoming Wilder versus Opetaia bout, stating he has been told there could be a problem with the fight just four weeks before it is scheduled in Cardiff. Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia are due to meet on the Fury versus Joshua card at the Principality Stadium.

Fans are concerned that the bout could fall through as it serves as the chief support on a major British boxing night. Hearn also questioned whether another heavyweight bout on the card between Martin Bakole and Solomon Adebayo would receive clearance.

Read the full story → By Jack Shaw

5 Chris Dobey beats Jan Schmidt 5-2 to start Grand Slam campaign

PDC Majors

Chris Dobey beat Jan Schmidt 5-2 to win the final match of day one at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton. The 14th seed won the first three legs and averaged 98.66 against his opponent's 78.73 to take a strong position in Group N under the tournament's new format.

Supporters are following the action as only group winners reach the knockout stage in the new setup. Dobey will next face Martin Schindler, while Schmidt still has a route back into the group despite his opening defeat.

Read the full story → By Jack Shaw

6 Teofimo Lopez vs Ryan Garcia: special-permit route remains open

Boxing

Teofimo Lopez could seek permission to face Ryan Garcia before fulfilling his mandatory obligation to Jack Catterall, according to reporting attributed to The Ring's Mike Coppinger. The WBA has reportedly told all parties that Lopez can apply for a special permit under its Rule C.39 for a unification fight, despite recently reaffirming that Lopez must face Catterall.

Fans are debating the situation because Catterall has done everything asked of him to earn his shot at the full title. Expect Catterall's team to push back hard if Lopez applies for the permit during the ten-day deadline.

What is being said:

The WBA has notified all relevant parties that Teofimo Lopez has the right to apply for a special permit to unify against Ryan Garcia in a super fight, sources tell @ringmagazine.

Lopez was ordered to defend against Jack Catterall but is looking to unify against Garcia, the WBC… pic.twitter.com/Q2k0rFfX8z

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) November 14, 2026

Read the full story → By Jack Shaw

7 Tyler Adjei: Man Utd agree deal for Reading teenager, says Romano

Premier League

Tyler Adjei has agreed terms to join Manchester United from Reading, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 16-year-old England youth international is an academy addition who registered with United and will start in Darren Fletcher's Under-18s at Carrington as a centre-forward.

Fans are linking the signing to the club's ongoing youth recruitment drive following recent deals for other teenagers. The arrival also coincides with the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, whose record of giving chances to young players has drawn attention.

Read the full story → By Matt Price