Defending champion Serena Williams and top seed Justin Henin survived gritty encounters on the first day of the Australian Open on Monday, while Maria Sharapova set up a tough clash with Lindsay Davenport. Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo also showed glimpses of the form that won her the 2006 championship.

Fiji says they refuse to be intimidated by SA's lineup for Saturday's World Cup match, and the Boks' list of injured player won't make them complacent

South Africa will take only two players from the side that defeated Australia last month into Saturday's Tri-Nations clash in Sydney against a Wallabies outfit missing suspended winger Lote Tuqiri. Backs Ruan Pienaar and JP Pietersen were the only survivors from the Springboks' starting line-up that won 22-19 in Cape Town.

While the Crusaders' match at Twickenham on Sunday was an on-field success, the New Zealand club says it was not the financial lifeline it hoped for.

New Zealand's famous war dance was in danger of losing its potency because it was being performed too often, says Peter de Villiers.

Sex workers in New Zealand expect to be rushed off their feet as 95 000 fans arrive for the Rugby World Cup, with brothels doubling condom orders.

The New Zealand government has announced the end of a 10-year moratorium on aquaculture on the South Island.

James Horwill says he's taking no comfort from Australia's recent success against South Africa ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal clash.