This year promises to be the closest yet February 4, 2010 THE Six Nations Championship never fails to produce thrilling, hard-fought contests, but I honestly believe this year’s tournament has all the ingredients of being the closest for many years. Any one of four nations can challenge for the big prize this year, while the other two will make them sweat every last drop. There really [...]
Who can conquer Ireland to land the greatest prize? February 4, 2010 England Manager: Martin Johnson Captain: Steve Borthwick Last season: Italy (h) won 36-11; Wales (a) lost 15-23; Ireland (a) lost 13-14; France (h) won 34-10; Scotland (h) won 26-12 = 2nd. Where they stand: Endured a disappointing autumn international campaign when they lost to Australia and New Zealand and looked unconvincing in their narrow victory [...]
‘Prescriptive theory just an excuse’ February 4, 2010 IRATE is not a word that springs to mind frequently during a chat with the affable Mark Cueto. The very epitome of laid-back, he seems the kind who would meet the clamping of his car with a good-natured shrug. But the England wing bristles and takes a deep breath when one particular subject is brought [...]
It’s D-Day for Terry as boss Fabio flies in February 4, 2010 JOHN TERRY will finally discover whether he will remain as England captain today following showdown talks with boss Fabio Capello. The Chelsea defender is set for talks with the Italian coach after stories emerged at the weekend of an alleged affair with an ex-partner of England colleague and former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge. Capello touched [...]
New Pompey owner applies for stay of execution February 4, 2010 PORTSMOUTH have appealed for next week’s potentially fatal winding-up hearing to be delayed after being taken over by Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainrai. Chainrai’s company Portpin was yesterday confirmed as the financially-stricken club’s fourth owner in the space of six months. The 51-year-old took charge after previous owner Ali Al-Faraj defaulted on a loan repayment, [...]
Chelsea get transfer ban overturned February 4, 2010 CHELSEA are free to embark on a summer spending spree after their 18-month transfer ban was revoked by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Blues were banned in September after world chiefs Fifa ruled they had illegally induced French youngster Gael Kakuta to break a contract with Lens and move to England. Chelsea [...]
Wilko’s centenary waltz February 4, 2010 JONNY WILKINSON says he is honoured to become a part of history tomorrow when England celebrate 100 years of rugby at Twickenham with a crunch Six Nations opener with Wales. Wilkinson, 30, has been the jewel in England’s crown since making his international debut in 1998 and has gone on to score a world record [...]
We have no-one to fear, claims Wales coach Gatland February 4, 2010 WALES head coach Warren Gatland says his side fear no-one in their quest to reclaim the Six Nations Championship. Gatland’s men meet England at Twickenham tomorrow looking to recreate their start of two years ago when victory in south-west London launched their Grand Slam campaign. The Welsh suffered heartbreak last season when Stephen Jones’ missed [...]
Mancini fury at ‘incredible decision’ to deny Kenya star Mariga a work permit February 4, 2010 MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini has slammed the Home Office for scuppering his deadline-day move to sign Kenyan midfielder McDonald Mariga. City agreed a fee with Parma and terms with the player but could not complete the signing because Mariga was refused a work permit on the basis of Kenya’s low world ranking. Mariga, 22, [...]
Bruce predicts curtains for the transfer window February 4, 2010 SUNDERLAND boss Steve Bruce believes the transfer window will be scrapped when a player eventually challenges the system in court as a restraint of trade. Bruce succeeded in pushing through a loan deal for Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari despite missing the Monday deadline, but said the episode might otherwise have provided a test case. [...]