Lancaster trusts continuity to breed improved display February 9, 2012 ITALY vs ENGLAND ENGLAND coach Stuart Lancaster has backed his embryonic side to learn the lessons of last week and sharpen their attacking threat when they collide with Italy tomorrow in the Six Nations. Lancaster has kept faith with the same team that eked out a 13-6 victory over Scotland in their opening fixture, despite [...]
When in Rome, exploit back three February 9, 2012 GIFT OF A WIN AT MURRAYFIELD England’s opening Six Nations win in Scotland left me with mixed feelings. It was good to win, not having done so there for a while, and the young guys did well so they can enjoy that experience. But I think the game was gifted to England more than they [...]
Scots will raise roof in Cardiff, promises Ford February 9, 2012 SCOTLAND captain Ross Ford insists they want the Millennium Stadium roof closed so they can take on Wales at their own game on Sunday. Ford rejected suggestions the forecast rain and slippery conditions might offer the visitors better hope of pulling off a surprise Six Nations win. “We’ve asked for the roof to be closed [...]
O’Connell eyes end to Ireland’s away day Bleus February 9, 2012 IRELAND skipper Paul O’Connell is adamant they can bounce back from defeat to Wales and record only their second win in France since 1972. Outside centre Keith Earls replaces Fergus McFadden in the lone change to Declan Kidney’s side for tomorrow’s Six Nations clash in Paris. O’Connell said: “Against France away from home you need [...]
Former Tour winner Ulrich banned February 9, 2012 CYCLING: Former Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich has been handed a two-year ban for blood doping by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ullrich was ruled by CAS to have been linked with the Spanish-based doping probe Operation Puerta. All of the German’s results since May 2005 have been struck from the record books, [...]
Price agrees Sexton contest February 9, 2012 BOXING: British heavyweight David Price will fight Sam Sexton for the British and Commonwealth titles vacated by Tyson Fury. Olympic bronze-medallist Price, 28, has a perfect 12-win record (10 KOs) and will be favourite against former Commonwealth champion Sexton. Price said: “I’m disappointed he didn’t step up to the plate because it was the fight [...]
Red alert: shortage of fire power to give Dalglish a headache February 9, 2012 MANCHESTER UNITED vs LIVERPOOL Tomorrow – 12.45pm Sky Sports 1 EXTRA motivation isn’t normally required in this north west derby, but the additional carrot for Manchester United tomorrow is that victory will take them top of the Premier League, until Sunday evening at least. However, Old Trafford hasn’t been the fortress it was last season [...]
Gary Moore can be the scourge of the bookies once again February 9, 2012 ARCTIC weather looks like once again decimating this weekend’s racing action and Newbury can really be no more than optimistic about staging tomorrow’s bumper eight race card. Temperatures are set to plummet to ludicrously low levels again overnight and the frost blankets, which have been down all week, have their work cut out. If the [...]
BLUE SQUARE WINTER CARNIVAL February 9, 2012 THE Blue Square Sprint Series has split into two divisions again this week and the first (2.15pm) is typically competitive. Ron Harris continues to fire in plenty of winners and his Night Trade has to be a danger with the promising Darren Egan taking off 7lb. Valmina ran a cracker at Kempton last time following [...]
Expect the Red Rose to rejoice in Rome February 9, 2012 ITALY vs ENGLAND Tomorrow – 4.00pm BBC One IT was by no means a classic performance, but England’s new boys can be pleased to have a first Six Nations win under their belts. Victory was all that was asked of them against defensively-minded opposition at Murrayfield and the Red Rose’s gutsy performance was a hint [...]