Rugby and wine: NZ’s state of play September 12, 2011 QUAFFER’S CORNER IT’S Rugby World Cup time so let’s cast an eye over the state of play in host country New Zealand – also my home nation. I’m confident in predicting that the winning country will be a wine producer but I won’t tempt fate by going any further. It’s been a tough couple of [...]
Youngs enjoys the winning feeling September 11, 2011 Turning on the style not the priority, insists scrum-half as England get off to a turgid start ENGLAND saviour Ben Youngs insists winning is all that matters at this stage of the World Cup after his side laboured to a scarcely deserved victory over Argentina on Saturday. It wasn’t until Youngs’ introduction, nine minutes into [...]
Gatland tells Wales they must rise again after heroic defeat September 11, 2011 SOUTH AFRICA (17) vs WALES (16) WALES coach Warren Gatland has warned his demoralised charges they must not dwell on the pain of yesterday’s narrow defeat against South Africa if they are to resurrect their World Cup campaign. The world champions narrowly averted disaster in Wellington, recovering from a six-point deficit with 15 minutes remaining [...]
Late slip-up sours Irish relief at end of losing run September 11, 2011 IRELAND (22) vs USA (10) IRELAND captain Brian O’Driscoll blasted his team’s display after they began their World Cup campaign with a stuttering victory over the United States. Two tries from winger Tommy Bowe and another from hooker Rory Best ensured they emerged from their Pool C opener in New Plymouth with the minimum requirement. [...]
THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS September 11, 2011 MISS WON’T HAUNT HOOK Wales full-back James Hook claims he was denied a successful penalty kick which could have cost Wales an historic victory over South Africa. His 14th minute effort sailed high and apparently through the posts, but assistant referees Vinny Munro and George Clancy failed to signal that the attempt had been successful [...]
Murray: I’ve got to improve September 11, 2011 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray insists an end to his grand slam drought is in sight despite Saturday’s US Open semi-final defeat at the hands of his nemesis Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard had already ended Murray’s dreams of glory at the semi-final stage of the French Open and Wimbledon this year and inflicted more misery on [...]
GRAND SAM: STOSUR STUNS WILLIAMS September 11, 2011 AUSTRALIA’S Sam Stosur caused a major upset in the final of the US Open by beating Serena Williams in straight sets to claim the first grand slam title of her career at the age of 27. It took just 73 minutes for the underdog to record a 6-2, 6-3 win.
Vettel moves to within one race of title September 11, 2011 WORLD champion Sebastian Vettel toasted an emotional triumph after tightening his grip on the title at the scene of his first ever Formula One victory. Vettel won the Italian Grand Prix – his eighth of the season – to extend his lead in the drivers’ standings to 112 points, with six races left. Britain’s Jenson [...]
Bopara rains on frustrated India’s parade September 11, 2011 ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook believes his side are ready to be considered a genuine force in the one-day game after they clinched the NatWest Series against India with a rain-affected tie in the fourth ODI at Lord’s. The tourists looked primed to gain a belated first win of their tour after posting 280-5, but Ravi [...]
Kroenke: Arsenal got transfers right this summer September 11, 2011 ARSENAL majority shareholder Stan Kroenke has broken his silence over the club’s summer of crisis, insisting they were right not to cave into pressure and blow their entire transfer kitty. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger had an estimated £80m at his disposal following the sales of star duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. But the Frenchman [...]