Healey backs Ashton and Lancaster pairing April 1, 2012 FORMER England star Austin Healey has hailed new national team boss Stuart Lancaster as the ideal man for the job and backed 2007 World Cup coach Brian Ashton to be an “inspirational” addition to the set-up. Lancaster was handed the top job on a permanent basis last week, after revitalising a despondent squad and leading [...]
Trott: Strauss still has years left as captain April 1, 2012 ENGLAND’S Jonathan Trott threw his weight behind under-fire captain Andrew Strauss yesterday, insisting that his fellow batsman will lead the side into the 2013 Ashes series and beyond. Strauss has delivered England to the top of cricket’s world Test rankings yet faces growing criticism ahead of tomorrow’s second and final battle against Sri Lanka, with [...]
Djokovic too hot for Murray April 1, 2012 BRITAIN’S Andy Murray blamed the energy-sapping Florida heat after succumbing to world No1 Novak Djokovic in last night’s Miami Masters final. Murray’s early sloppiness handed the Serb the first set and, though the Scot improved, he failed to earn a single break point before losing 6-1, 7-6 (7-4). “The conditions were tough,” said the world [...]
United seek five-point title lead April 1, 2012 Manchester United could go five points clear in the Premier League tonight when they visit struggling Blackburn. Title rivals Manchester City were held to a 3-3 draw by Sunderland on Saturday.
Last-ditch Wasps ease drop fears April 1, 2012 Centre Eliot Daly’s last-gasp penalty eased Wasps’ relegation fears and snatched a 26-24 Premiership win over Gloucester yesterday at Adams Park. Wasps boss Dai Young said: “The game has put three to four years on me.”
Henson’s Blues future in doubt April 1, 2012 Controversial back Gavin Henson’s Cardiff Blues future hung in the balance last night after he apologised for “inappropriate” drink-fuelled behaviour on a flight. Blues chiefs will meet today to decide whether to retain the 30-year-old.
Lancaster vows to unshackle England and win World Cup March 30, 2012 ENGLAND’S new head coach Stuart Lancaster laid out his blueprint for leading the team to glory on home soil at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after his promotion was finally cemented yesterday. The Rugby Football Union plumped for the inexperienced Lancaster over decorated former Italy and South Africa coach Nick Mallett after the 42-year-old led [...]
Stuart’s task is about to get far more difficult in unforgiving world of Test rugby March 30, 2012 STUART Lancaster’s appointment as England head coach is, I think, a good move. Nick Mallett would have done a good job as well, but after a very good Six Nations Lancaster deserves an opportunity to go forward with this job. I do believe, however, that it will become more difficult for Lancaster from now on, [...]
Strauss defiant as spotlight falls on under-performing skipper March 30, 2012 ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss admits his position is under pressure after the tourists slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat of the winter, losing the first Test in Sri Lanka by 75 runs yesterday. Batsman Jonathan Trott’s 112 gave England hope of successfully chasing a record 340, but the spin of Rangana Herath, who finished the [...]
Jayawardene showed tourists the way but batsmen flopped March 30, 2012 ENGLAND’S problem is their batting approach to spin and slow pitches, and they blew this match in the first innings. Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene gave them the perfect example of how to play these conditions with his immaculate first-innings century. But instead England batted without a strategy, were too desperate and frantic in their [...]