South Africa ‘A’ defeat leaves Lions with plenty to ponder; British Open day one

The Springboks, in the guise of the South African 'A' side, landed a significant blow prior to the first Lions Test in 10 days' time. The Lions will need to take the 17-13 defeat on the chin and learn from it. Gerry Thornley writes: "one hopes they've kept some of their powder dry and, on the plus side, there were good games from Maro Itoje, Tom Curry and Anthony Watson". Alun Wyn Jones is set to resume the captaincy of the Lions from his stand-in replacement Conor Murray after his Lazarus-like recovery from the dislocated shoulder he sustained two-and-a-half weeks ago.

Defending champion Shane Lowry comes in a little under the radar but with the perfect game for links as he aims to defend his British Open title over the next four days. Jon Rahm, rightly, is the favourite but, links being links, the nature of the beast is such that outside factors - predominantly the wind - come into play. Check out the first round tee times here. In his column this morning, Dave Hannigan explains why Phil Mickelson's entanglement with illegal gambling should be a bigger deal.

Lionel Messi is set to extend his stay at Barcelona by signing a new five-year deal, with the Argentine talisman set to take a wage cut. Bohemians host Stjarnan at the Aviva Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) for the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier. They'll hope to build on their 1-1 draw in Iceland last week. Sligo Rovers also play host for their second leg (kick-off 6pm) as they welcome FH Hafnarfjarðar to the Showgrounds. They trail 1-0 after the first leg.

Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar controlled his rivals and extended his overall lead in the Tour de France as the final podium took shape in a gruelling mountain 17th stage won by the defending champion. Ireland's Dan Martin came home in 57th position.