England snub Cipriani again May 19, 2009 ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson last night defended his latest snub to Danny Cipriani, after omitting the Wasps fly-half from the squad for the upcoming Tests against Argentina. Cipriani has been left out in favour of the uncapped but in-form Sam Vesty – one of six untried players in a 34-man squad depleted by injury and [...]
Captain Strauss is target for Ashes, admits Ponting May 19, 2009 AUSTRALIA captain Ricky Ponting has begun the mind games ahead of this summer’s Ashes series by admitting his side will target England skipper Andrew Strauss. Strauss struggled to contain the Australian pace attack during the tour Down Under in 2006-07, averaging 24.70 in a series in which England were whitewashed 5-0. But since taking over [...]
Victory won’t scare Aussies May 19, 2009 IN terms of Test cricket, there is little more England can do now before the Ashes series starts in Cardiff on 8 July. My advice to Andrew Strauss’ men following their comprehensive series success over the West Indies this last fortnight is to savour the moment and take confidence from your victory. It’s true the [...]
Strauss remains cautious despite Windies mauling May 18, 2009 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss insisted he won’t be getting too carried away despite his side’s crushing defeat of the West Indies. Strauss led his side to a comprehensive innings and 83-run victory over the Windies in the second Test at Durham yesterday to clinch a 2-0 series success. Victory ensured England exacted revenge over the [...]
Lions coach McGeechan will not replace injured Shanklin May 18, 2009 ENGLAND duo Delon Armitage and Mike Tindall have been handed a second British and Irish Lions snub after coach Ian McGeechan opted not to replace injured centre Tom Shanklin for the tour of South Africa. Both Armitage and Tindall were high on the list of possible stand-ins for Shanklin after the Welshman dislocated his shoulder [...]
Shane’s in no hurry to make pro choice May 18, 2009 SHANE LOWRY will be feeling on top of the world right now. His victory in his home Irish Open was the stuff that dreams are made of, and he was well worth his place in golfing folklore. After missing a four-foot putt on the 18th to win in regulation, Shane must have thought the dream was [...]
Scotland race hotting up May 18, 2009 RUGBY UNION: South Africa’s World Cup-winning coach Jake White and former Australia chief Eddie Jones have entered the fray to become Scotland’s new coach. Both join ex-England boss Andy Robinson on a three-man shortlist with interviews expected to be held in the next few weeks ahead of an expected decision in early June.
Ranieri sacked by Juventus May 18, 2009 FOOTBALL: Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri was last night sacked as manager of Juventus after a run of seven matches without a win. The Turin-based club lie third in Serie A but are in danger of losing their Champions League spot with Fiorentina closing in. Junior team coach Ciro Ferrara has been promoted to first-team coach.
Sunderland in danger after letting it slip May 18, 2009 SUNDERLAND’S bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League will go right to the very last game of the season after they relinquished a one-goal lead to go down at Portsmouth. Ricky Sbragia’s men had survival in their sights when striker Kenwyne Jones tapped home the opening goal. But the optimism lasted barely a minute [...]
Milan step up renewed chase for Adebayor May 18, 2009 THE future of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor looked all the more uncertain last night after AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi insisted there was a “good chance” the Togo international would sign in the summer. Adebayor was a target for the Italian giants last summer before the striker signed an extended contract at the Emirates Stadium. [...]