The Breakdown | Six Nations half-term report: France are flying while England’s decline is steep

Les Bleus have variety and gifted youngsters but, by contrast, Steve Borthwick’s men are predictable and flawedFrance (15 points) Three games played, three bonus-point victories banked and the title at their mercy. If they claim another four-try win at Murrayfield on Saturday week, they will secure the crown with a round to spare, setting up a rousing grand slam opportunity in Paris. Above all else, though, Les Bleus have illuminated this year’s championship with their pace and attacking grace, not least “King” Louis Bielle-Biarrey who has been spectacularly good. How many other sides in the world, aside from South Africa, can also interchange their second-row and midfield pairings without missing a beat? Or casually whistle up gifted youngsters such as Fabien Brau-Boirie, Émilien Gailleton and Gaël Dréan who all look instantly to the manner born. When you factor in the squad’s collective ability with and without the ball – to date France have scored the most tries, 18, and conceded the fewest, five – the future looks dazzlingly bright

If you think politics shaped these Winter Olympics, just wait until LA 2028

In Milan, athletes showed that patriotism can be generous. In Los Angeles, that definition will be tested on the biggest, loudest stage sport can offerThe Milano Cortina Winter Games ended on Sunday night as the Olympics always do: in light, spectacle and speeches about unity. In Verona, the Olympic flag passed to the French Alps and the twin flames were extinguished. But unofficially, at least, a flame also flickered 6,000 miles west.If these Games felt political, just wait until Los Angeles a little more than two years from now

Australia beat India by six wickets in first women’s cricket one-day international – as it happened

Comprehensive win for the Aussies. Litchfield gave them the early momentum, then there was a small wobble when she and Voll went quickly, but the old heads filled in for the youngsters, with Healy and Mooney putting the chase back on course, and Sutherland finishing the job.Australia draw level on points in the multiformat series, having lost the T20 leg 2-1. We’ll have the next ODI in a couple of days. Thanks for your company

US basketball player Jarred Shaw escaped execution in Indonesia, but his prison ordeal continues

Jarred Shaw is locked up in an Indonesian prison – but at least he isn’t facing execution, something that appeared a possibility less than a year ago.The 35-year-old American was a key member of the Prawira Bandung team who won the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) in 2023, the latest highlight in a fascinating professional career that had taken him to countries as varied as Tunisia, Lebanon, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and Japan.Shaw did so despite suffering from Crohn’s, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease which affects the digestive tract. Like many who live with the condition, he found cannabis helped alleviate his often excruciating symptoms and would use the substance legally for medical purposes in Thailand, where he lived during the IBL’s off-season.That was until he made what he calls a “stupid mistake” and ordered a package of 132 cannabis gummies to be delivered to his apartment complex in Indonesia – leading to his dramatic arrest in May 2025

‘Resilience is the biggest lesson’: Raducanu is ready for revival after setbacks

Emma Raducanu has no immediate plans to appoint a new coach as she attempts to kickstart a frustrating season in the US next month. The British No 1 will play at Indian Wells and in the Miami Open in March without a full-time replacement for Francisco Roig – her ninth coach since she turned professional – with whom she parted company after her second-round exit at the Australian Open in January.“Right now I wouldn’t say I’m actively looking for a coach,” Raducanu says in Tokyo, where on Tuesday she was unveiled as a global brand ambassador for the Japanese clothes retailer Uniqlo after ending her association with Nike.“I think I had a great experience with Francis in terms of how we got on so well … the rapport was great. I think in the end, we just weren’t aligning on certain key aspects

‘Landmark moment’: Emma Lawrence to become first woman to call NRL games

Emma Lawrence will become the first woman in NRL broadcast history to call a game, with Triple M including “one of the sharpest broadcasters in rugby league” on its play-by-play commentary team for the new season.Lawrence, one of the most respected voices in the game, will enter the domain previously reserved for men in a move the radio station called a “landmark moment”. Female voices are present across broader coverage of the NRL, but a woman has never been handed the prestigious play-by-play call before.The move follows other sports which showcase women as lead commentators for men’s matches, including Kelli Underwood on AFL and Isa Guha on cricket.Sports commentator Kate Allman said it was “a win for all women working in commentary and sport broadcasting”