Scotland ring changes for Italy trip February 18, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has made three changes for Saturday’s Six Nations visit to Italy. Scott Lawson replaces Ross Ford at hooker, Richie Gray replaces Tim Swinson in the second row and Johnnie Beattie is preferred at No8 to David Denton.
Curitiba to remain World Cup host February 18, 2014 FOOTBALL: World governing body Fifa confirmed yesterday that Curitiba will remain a host city for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, despite concerns over delays to stadium construction. The Arena da Baixada is set to host four fixtures, including holders Spain’s final group match against Australia.
McCullum passes 300 in India draw February 18, 2014 CRICKET: New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hit 302 in a drawn second Test with India in Wellington. McCullum became the first Black Cap to scored a triple century and ran up a Test record sixth-wicket stand of 352 with wicketkeeper Brad Watling. The hosts declared on 680-8 and India trailed by 268 when a draw [...]
Ibrahimovic at the double for PSG February 18, 2014 FOOTBALL: Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain toppled Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie in Germany. Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye were also on target.
City only team in Manchester, says Pellegrini February 17, 2014 MANCHESTER City manager Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed rivals Manchester United as a realistic threat, claiming his team have become the only club in the city. Barcelona, dubbed “the most important club in the world” by Pellegrini, visit the Etihad Stadium tonight in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash, as City’s bid to [...]
Lancaster warns Burgess he faces World Cup fight February 17, 2014 ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster has warned rugby league star Sam Burgess that he faces an uphill battle to break into his squad for next year’s World Cup. Burgess, 25, has targeted a spot in Lancaster’s team at the tournament on home soil after agreeing a £500,000 deal to switch codes later this year and join [...]
Murdoch vows not to waste lifeline in Sochi February 17, 2014 BRITISH skip David Murdoch knows his rink have been handed a lifeline to reach the curling semi-finals and has vowed not to waste it in today’s tiebreaker with Norway. Team GB suffered a 6-5 defeat to China in their final round robin match in Sochi yesterday, but a surprise 5-3 loss for Norway against Denmark [...]
Wilkins and Curbishley axed by Fulham February 17, 2014 FULHAM sacked technical director Alan Curbishley and assistant head coach Ray Wilkins yesterday, following the arrival of manager Felix Magath. The pair joined previous boss Rene Meulensteen at Craven Cottage in December, but were dismissed after the Dutchman was told to step aside on Friday. Meulensteen remains under contract at Fulham, however.
Golf Comment: Upsets on the cards in welcome return to drama of match play February 17, 2014 I LOVE match play golf and I believe crowds really enjoy it too, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s WGC Match Play Championship in Arizona. It’s a totally different contest to stroke play and you really get to see the guts of a competitor. So it’s a great shame that three of the world’s top [...]
Hodgson’s visit ends concerns over Brazil heat February 17, 2014 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson insists the heat in Manaus is not a cause for concern, following yesterday’s visit to the city which will host their World Cup opener with Italy on 14 June. Hodgson had said prior to the draw for the group stage that the Arena Amazonia in Manaus was “a place to avoid” [...]