Ireland swap four for All Blacks June 14, 2012 RUGBY UNION: Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made four changes for tomorrow’s Test away to New Zealand, in Christchurch, the second of their Tour. Backs Andrew Trimble and Gordon D’Arcy start alongside forwards Mike Ross and Kevin McLaughlin, with 10 Leinster players among those selected.
Resolute Swedes can continue strong record against England June 14, 2012 SWEDEN ENGLAND 7.45pm BBC 1 THERE was a collective sigh of relief around the country when England managed to take a point from their opening group game against France. It was a solid, if unspectacular, start for Roy Hodgson’s men, but the new manager will be feeling confident his side can take three points against [...]
It would be nice to pick up a Priceless Jewel before Royal Ascot June 14, 2012 UNSURPRISINGLY the racing fare on offer this weekend isn’t the best with Royal Ascot just around the corner, so we’ll concentrate on tomorrow’s main three-year-old handicap, York’s Bond Tyres Trophy Handicap (3.10pm). Roger Charlton has already scooped plenty of big Saturday prizes this season and I expect him to land another with PRICELESS JEWEL. This [...]
Moyes in frame as Redknapp leaves Spurs June 13, 2012 TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp’s reign came to an abrupt end last night. Redknapp and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy had been due to meet in an attempt to resolve increasingly tense discussions over a new contract. But rather than mend his differences with the north London club’s hierarchy, Redknapp has parted company with them, despite a [...]
Van Marwijk: We were too tired to beat Germany June 13, 2012 HOLLAND 1 GERMANY 2 HOLLAND manager Bert van Marwijk blamed his player’s conditioning after last night’s 2-0 defeat to Germany brought them to the brink of elimination from the European Championship. Two masterful finishes from striker Mario Gomez gave Germany complete control, even after a typically-powerful strike from Arsenal’s Robin van Persie, leaving Van Marwijk’s [...]
Murray falls at Queen’s Club first hurdle June 13, 2012 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray last night dismissed concerns his shock second-round exit from the Aegon Championships will derail his chances of winning a first grand slam at Wimbledon next month. Murray lost 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (1-7) to Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, the world No65, in his first match and failed to perform anywhere near his [...]
Di Matteo gets permanent deal after four-week wait as Chelsea chief insists he was clear choice June 13, 2012 CHELSEA chiefs last night insisted Roberto di Matteo had been the “clear choice” to be their next manager after confirming the Italian’s appointment on a two-year contract. Di Matteo took over on a temporary basis in March following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas and transformed a flagging side, leading them to the FA Cup and [...]
Gerrard not an injury concern June 13, 2012 ENGLAND manager Roy Hodgson has dismissed fears that his team’s European Championship campaign could be derailed by the inability of key midfield pair Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker to cope with a demanding schedule. Hodgson can ill afford to see captain Gerrard or ball-winner Parker become the latest to suffer injuries but believes they are [...]
Springboks whitewash is no disaster, insists Greenwood June 13, 2012 ENGLAND World Cup winner Will Greenwood believes current coach Stuart Lancaster can survive a 3-0 Test whitewash in South Africa, provided results improve in the autumn internationals. Greenwood has thus far been impressed with Lancaster’s long-term project and believes England’s 22-17 Durban defeat to South Africa provides cause for optimism ahead of Saturday’s second Test [...]
Wade shines in England victory June 13, 2012 WASPS wing Christian Wade scored a hat-trick as an experimental mid-week England side ran in eight tries against SA Southern Barbarians in Kimberley in an action-packed 54-26 victory. George Lowe and Graham Kitchener added further tries, as did the impressive Thomas Waldroum, who scored two, and returning scrum-half Danny Care. There were also 14 points [...]