1. #RWC2011 It’s showtime. The talking stops and the action starts this morning as the 2011 Rugby World Cup gets underway in New Zealand.

We’re going minute-by-minute for every single game, starting now with New Zealand v Tonga. You have been practicing your Haka, right?

2. #RWC2011 While you were tucked up in bed, Declan Kidney announced his starting XV to face America on Sunday morning, handing World Cup debuts to no fewer than nine players.

Munster’s Conor Murray is the surprise inclusion at scrum-half, while Jonny Sexton gets the nod at 10.

3. #EUROPA LEAGUE A delighted Shamrock Rovers last night welcomed UEFA’s decision to allow them to play their Europa League games in Tallaght Stadium.

First up for the Hoops will be Rubin Kazan of Russia who travel to Dublin next Thursday, but before that, Michael O’Neill’s men will face a stern test against fellow title contenders Sligo Rovers tonight.

4. #US OPEN Over in Flushing Meadows, the rain stopped for long enough last night to allow Andy Murray to seal his place in the US Open quarter-finals.

The Scot took less than two hours to see off America’s Donald Young, winning 6-2 6-3 6-3.

5. #KLM OPEN Simon Dyson and Marcel Siem lead the way on five under-par after the opening day of play at the KLM Open in Hilversum.

Gareth Maybin is the best of the Irish on one under, though he only managed to get through 12 holes before the action was suspended due to course flooding.

6. #NFL As they say in Wisconsin – WOW.

The 2011 NFL season got underway last night with an absolute belter of a game as defending champs Green Bay held off the New Orleans Saints with a last-gasp goal-line stop, winning 42-34.

If you’re looking for one highlight (there were plenty, trust me), how about this effort from Packers debutant Randall Cobb?