* Waratahs defeat Reds 43-21 to secure back-to-back Super Rugby crowns * Desiree Miller named player of the match in women’s rugby grand final NSW Waratahs have defended their Super W crown and clinched back-to-back titles with a hard-fought 43-21 victory over Queensland Reds at North Sydney Oval. The victory gives the Tahs their sixth women’s title in eight grand final appearances, and consigns their old rivals to a fifth grand final defeat and the sobering reality that they have never beaten their opponents in 13 attempts. Having already claimed the title in five of the seven Super Rugby Women’s seasons, the Waratahs dominated the early exchanges and almost scored in the sixth minute when Arabella McKenzie kicked over the top into space, catching Reds fullback Charlotte Caslick by surprise. Desiree Miller fumbled that pickup on the line but made amends minutes later when she burst down the left, finding fullback Caitlyn Halse who flicked it inside to Georgina Friedrichs to charge 25m to the line and make it 7-0. Continue reading...

Prime minister to focus on car industry, which has been hit by 25% tariffs on exports to US, but manufacturers say ‘greater action almost certainly needed’ Last night the Conservative party claimed that the changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate announced by the government amounted to a U-turn. But this morning Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, said the changes – which don’t involve 2030 being changed as the phase out date for the sale of most new petrol and diesel cars – would only have a “negligible” on the UK’s carbon emissions. The changes we are making have been very carefully calibrated so as not to have a big impact upon the carbon emissions savings that are baked into this policy. In fact, the impact upon carbon emissions as a result of these changes is negligible. With the challenging geopolitical operating environment and increased intense pressure on the automotive industry, extending the current flexibilities and the introduction of new ones helps Stellantis in continuing to be compliant … We welcome the flexibilities to allow our customers more freedom of choice. However, there is still a need to address market demand and introduce measures to stimulate it. We will continue to work closely with government on this. Continue reading...