The Week in Review: Sport

SOUTH AFRICA pull off an unlikely five-run victory over Australia in the second Test in Sydney to go one up with one to play. The match-winner is the fast bowler Fanie de Villiers, once of Kent, who takes 10 wickets to help overcome the 12-wicket contribution of Shane Warne.

Terry Venables becomes the first of the likely lads to be interviewed for the England manager's job. Gerry and Trevor Francis stand by, while Kevin Keegan lurks in the shadows.

Manchester United emerge from a tough holiday programme still well clear of the Premiership pack, despite being held by Leeds and Liverpool, who come back at Anfield in thrilling fashion from 3-0 down.

Blackburn Rovers establish themselves as the champions' chief concern after victory at Aston Villa; Norwich, meanwhile, slip out of the frame and the manager Mike Walker slips out of the door, probably in the direction of Goodison Park.

The Paul Gascoigne saga limps on and off in Italy. He plays brilliantly for 45 minutes in Lazio's 1-1 draw with David Platt's Sampdoria, then manages to crack a rib on the stroke of half-time.

Finally, and appropriately as snow began to settle everywhere, a nation starved of sporting success began to warm to the return of Torvill and Dean at the British Ice Dance Championships.