New Zealand can handle pressure this time around October 20, 2011 IF SOMEONE had told me a few weeks ago that France would be in the World Cup final I would have said: ‘No chance’. They lost to Tonga in the pool stage and they probably should have gone out, yet they are 80 minutes away from lifting the trophy. It’s incredible. It is also very [...]
Trooper Parra ready for one last battle October 20, 2011 FRANCE fly-half Morgan Parra believes the barrage of criticism his team have faced since booking their place in the World Cup final has helped unify the squad ahead of Sunday’s showdown against favourites and tournament hosts New Zealand. Having been comprehensively outplayed by the All Blacks and humbled by Tonga in the group stages France, [...]
Do France have trick up their sleeve? October 20, 2011 WE ARE approaching another huge game at London Scottish tomorrow, as Bedford Blues are the visitors. We were desperately unlucky to lose last week at Plymouth, nine minutes into injury time and in the last play of the game. We will certainly be aiming to put that right and build on the phenomenal defensive effort [...]
Dembele red caps ‘awful’ night October 20, 2011 WISLA KRAKOW (1) vs FULHAM (0) FRUSTRATED Fulham manager Martin Jol admitted his side endured a night to forget in Poland. Moussa Dembele’s harsh dismissal in the 29th minute, for a push on Gervasio Nunez, meant the Cottagers were up against it before they succumbed to David Biton’s goal on the hour mark. “It was [...]
Dhoni destroys England’s hopes and tells Cook’s men to cut the sledging October 20, 2011 ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook blasted his side’s sloppiness in the field after a failure to defend 298 allowed India to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the one-day series. The tourists may have posted their highest score of the tour, built on the back on an unbeaten 98 from Jonathan Trott and a brisk 70 [...]
The great Tevez shirt giveaway October 20, 2011 FOOTBALL: Manchester United and Manchester City supporters will be afforded the opportunity to shed any unwanted shirts bearing the name of Carlos Tevez ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated derby. Fans will be able to dump the items of clothing in a skip outside Old Trafford in exchange for a new club shirt. The Argentina striker [...]
Lewis rallies despite illness October 20, 2011 GOLF: England’s Tom Lewis overcame illness to card a level par first round of 71 at the Castello Masters in Spain, but lies seven shots behind leader Ross McGowan. The 20-year-old, who won the Portugal Masters last week in only his third event since turning pro, carded four straight birdies after the turn. He said: [...]
All Blacks can end long wait for Webb Ellis Cup October 20, 2011 FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND SUNDAY – 9.00AM ITV1 AFTER seven weeks of scintillating rugby, New Zealand are just one game away from being crowned world champions. The All Blacks meet France at Eden Park in a repeat of the inaugural final 24 years ago, looking to lift the sport’s ultimate prize for the second time [...]
Fencing can win joust against Camelot October 20, 2011 TOMORROW’S Group One Racing Post Trophy (3.00pm) at Doncaster is one of the key trials for next year’s Investec Derby and the Ballydoyle dogs have been barking with force in relation to Camelot. The once-raced Montjeu colt started the week at 5/2, but is now 10/11 with Ladbrokes and it’s clear he is very well [...]
Torres back to his best in Chelsea Euro cruise October 20, 2011 CHELSEA 5 vs GENK 0 CHELSEA manager Andre Villas-Boas praised Fernando Torres after the revitalised striker’s brace helped demolish Genk and equal the club’s record Champions League win. Raul Meireles, Branislav Ivanovic and Salomon Kalou also netted as the Blues ran riot against the Belgian champions. But it was Torres, who is finally rediscovering the [...]