Wilkinson: I’ll defy critics against Irish February 23, 2010 UNDER-FIRE England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is refusing to let personal criticism reduce him to a “quivering wreck” after being named in an unchanged team for Saturday’s showdown with Ireland. Wilkinson was singled out for condemnation after an uncharacteristically sloppy kicking performance in last week’s victory over Italy. Matt Dawson, his half-back partner during the 2003 [...]
Ancelotti ignoring distractions February 23, 2010 INTER MILAN VS CHELSEA CHELSEA manager Carlo Ancelotti has vowed not to let his players’ turbulent private lives upset the dressing room ahead of tonight’s clash with Inter Milan. Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho’s feverishly-anticipated first match against his old club threatens to be overshadowed by a series of lurid off-field headlines. First Chelsea skipper [...]
Portsmouth set for administration as clock ticks down on takeover talks February 23, 2010 CASH-STRAPPED Portsmouth will enter into administration on Friday in a bid to safeguard the club’s future, according to owner Balram Chainrai. Hong Kong businessman Chainrai is in talks with four potential buyers about a takeover of the south-coast club, but accepts it is unlikely that a deal will be struck before they are due to [...]
Canada end British curling hopes February 23, 2010 BRITISH curling skip Eve Muirhead showed glimpses of her undoubted potential but admitted it was too little, too late after she crashed out in Vancouver. The three-time world junior champion may need a few days before she can see the positives from a debut Olympics, although the 19-year-old is clearly a name for the future. [...]
Kidney gives Sexton Twickenham role February 23, 2010 IRELAND coach Declan Kidney has handed fly-half Jonathan Sexton his first Six Nations start for Saturday’s trip to face England at Twickenham. Sexton, 24, is given his chance to shine in place of Ronan O’Gara, while fit-again Geordan Murphy replaces the injured Rob Kearney at full-back. Kidney’s two other changes to the team beaten 33-10 [...]
Star Kieswetter makes dream England start February 23, 2010 BATTING sensation Craig Kieswetter enjoyed a dream debut for the England senior side with a boundary-strewn 143 as they began their tour of Bangladesh with a convincing victory over a Cricket Board XI in Mirpur. The Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 13 fours and six sixes as he announced himself on the world stage with a blistering [...]
No issue between Terry and Bridge, says Pearce February 23, 2010 ENGLAND coach Stuart Pearce insists simmering animosity will not boil over when John Terry and Wayne Bridge come face to face on international duty next week. The former Chelsea team-mates fell out over claims Terry had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of Bridge – a scandal that earned him tabloid infamy and lost him the [...]
Capello happy with England’s World Cup base February 23, 2010 FABIO CAPELLO insists he is happy with England’s World Cup training camp at Royal Bafokeng, near Rustenburg, despite criticism that construction is not fully complete. “I’m really happy,” he said. “We checked everything and it improved a lot from the last time we stayed here. The pitches are good and will be better for June. [...]
IPL will not be moved again, insists Modi February 23, 2010 INDIAN Premier League chief Lalit Modi insists the tournament will not be moved for a second year running despite security concerns. An independent report, written by British security expert Reg Dickason, has raised “serious” concerns about safety at the tournament, and now Australia’s players have refused to commit to playing until the issues are addressed. [...]
Craig has world at his feet February 23, 2010 HE may have only been on the scene five minutes, but Craig Kieswetter is almost nailed on to retain his place in the side for the three one-day internationals with Bangladesh, starting on Sunday. True, he couldn’t have wished for a gentler introduction to international cricket than in the form of a Bangladesh Cricket Board [...]