O’Connell has respect for Johnno’s England March 17, 2011 IRELAND lock Paul O’Connell believes Grand Slam-chasing England are carved in the image of their manager Martin Johnson. Johnson was captain when England completed their last RBS 6 Nations clean sweep with a 42-6 victory at Lansdowne Road back in 2003. O’Connell said: “All the basics, such as set-piece excellence and mauling, were there when [...]
Gatland predicts a bright future for North March 17, 2011 WALES coach Warren Gatland has tipped teenager George North to be “an absolute star” of the future after handing him his RBS 6 Nations debut. The 18-year-old Scarlets wing will replace an injured Shane Williams against France in Paris tomorrow night. Gatland said: “We think George is a real quality player of the future, someone [...]
Mancini can’t defend Balotelli March 17, 2011 FOOTBALL: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he was frustrated with striker Mario Balotelli after the Italian was sent-off in his side’s Europa League aggregate defeat against Dynamo Kiev. Aleksandar Kolarov’s goal gave City a 1-0 win on the night, but the Eastland’s outfit went out 2-1 on aggregate. Of Balotelli’s red card, Mancini said: “When [...]
Evans wants Scots to finish on a big high March 17, 2011 SCOTLAND wing Max Evans hopes to show further glimpses of his talent in a winning cause when Scotland take on Italy in the RBS 6 Nations tomorrow. Evans scored a superb try in last Sunday’s defeat against England, and will be out to ensure his side don’t suffer a fifth straight defeat against and improving Italy. [...]
Imperial Commander to rule at Cheltenham March 17, 2011 THERE have only been five 10-year-old winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1970 and no horse older has won since What A Myth in 1969, but that could all be about to change in today’s highlight. The winners of the last four renewals all line-up and there won’t be a dry eye in the [...]
Nicholls to kick off the last day with big double March 17, 2011 PAUL Nicholls started the 2011 Cheltenham Festival with a bang thanks to Al Ferof’s victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and he could end it in style this afternoon. The champion trainer won the Triumph Hurdle in 2008 with Celestial Halo and he holds outstanding claims this afternoon with SAM WINNER, Zarkandar and Brampour. Ruby [...]
IN-RUNNING TRADING HINTS March 17, 2011 The Cheltenham Gold Cup is arguably the most eagerly anticipated race of the week for in-running players because of the presence of both Kauto Star and Denman. The pair are household names and I’d be staggered if they are sent off as big as the respective 7.5 and 8.5 currently available on Betdaq. If the [...]
Alaivan and On The Fringe can strike for Ireland on final day March 17, 2011 It’s been a memorable week for the Irish already having been responsible for half of the 20 winners so far and their good fortune can continue on the final day of the meeting. The County Hurdle (2.05pm) looks as competitive as ever and it’s impossible to be really confident about any one of the 28 [...]
TIPS FROM THE TOP WITH March 17, 2011 Hopefully ou’ve reached the final day of The Festival with your wallets – and livers – in good shape as we approach the meeting highlight, the Gold Cup. It could be an absolute cracker with some rising stars meeting some declining legends at perhaps the same levels of talent. But I’m trying to go with [...]
Spirited England can secure a clean sweep with narrow win in Dublin March 17, 2011 IRELAND vs ENGLAND TOMORROW – 5.00PM BBC1 GRAND Slam, Grand Slam, Grand Slam. These words will be skipping through the minds of every England player before tomorrow’s clash gets underway at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Their last two performances against Scotland and France tempered a lot of the hyperbole about this England XV being a great [...]