Former Saracens boss Brendan Venter could have set a precedent with remarkable Italy “ruckgate” tactic against England February 28, 2017 One can only speculate on what was said in the home dressing room deep beneath Twickenham’s West Stand on Sunday afternoon. After the first half’s bemusing events, themselves the result of a considered Italian strategy, England eventually hauled their way back into the match before recording a 36-15 victory. Brendan Venter, Italy’s defence coach, employed [...]
Next Liverpool CEO Peter Moore signals new direction for the club – six things you need to know February 28, 2017 As their team nursed the wounds of a bruising 3-1 defeat to Leicester City on Monday night, Liverpool made an announcement that could have much further-reaching implications than a disappointing loss in the league. The club revealed that from June its new chief executive will be Peter Moore, currently chief competition officer at video game giants Electronic [...]
Seamer Jake Ball a doubt for England’s one-day series, although opener Alex Hales returns February 28, 2017 England seamer Jake Ball could be forced out of his side’s one-day series against West Indies after suffering a knee injury during Monday’s final warm-up clash in St Kitts. The 25-year-old, who played all three of England’s 50-over matches against India in January, limped from the field following the first delivery of his third over [...]
Leicester City 3, Liverpool 1: Ranieri-less Foxes summon spirit of 2016 as Klopp slams Reds February 27, 2017 Leicester caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare insisted the strength of criticism his players received following the sacking of Claudio Ranieri provoked the retaliation witnessed in victory against Liverpool. Goal-shy Foxes forward Jamie Vardy rediscovered his Premier League scoring touch after seven barren matches by netting twice, either side of a Danny Drinkwater stunner, while Philippe Coutinho [...]
Lewis Hamilton fastest as Mercedes leave rivals in shade in Formula One’s first pre-season test February 27, 2017 Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton underlined his determination to reclaim the drivers’ title by setting the pace on the first day of Formula One’s pre-season testing. Hamilton’s best time of one minute and 21.765 seconds at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona was 0.113 seconds faster than Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who was second quickest. It [...]
Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives no guarantees over Manchester United future but claims his decision does not hinge on Champions League qualification February 27, 2017 Manchester United’s talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has refused to confirm whether he will commit his future to the club and remain at Old Trafford next season. The 35-year-old scored twice as United beat Southampton 3-2 on Sunday to lift the EFL Cup and seal the first major silverware of the Jose Mourinho era. It was the [...]
Rickie Fowler’s Honda Classic win is a timely reminder that he belongs in the top bracket February 27, 2017 It feels like a while ago that Rickie Fowler responded to being voted one of the most overrated players on the PGA Tour by his peers with a burst of impressive victories. Fowler started by winning the Players Championship in May 2015. He followed it up at the Scottish Open a couple of months later [...]
Formula One: Brakes slammed on European investigation into the sale to Liberty Media February 27, 2017 European competition authorities have drawn a line in the sand on an investigation into the sale of Formula One, rejecting calls from hundreds of MEPs to look into Liberty Media's takeover of the sport. UK MEP Anneliese Dodds this morning received a response from Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, saying she would not be further investigating [...]
Manchester United 3, Southampton 2: Jose Mourinho relieved to win first Old Trafford trophy but now wants more February 26, 2017 Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho revelled in the burden of winning his first Old Trafford trophy being lifted after his side sealed a late victory over plucky Southampton in the EFL Cup final. Talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted the winner after Manolo Gabbiadini’s double had dragged Southampton level following strikes from the Swedish hitman and Jesse [...]
England 36, Italy 15: Eddie Jones hits out at Italy tactics before firing early shot across Scotland’s bow February 26, 2017 England head coach Eddie Jones slammed Italy’s tactics as his side suffered an almighty scare before maintaining their quest for a second successive Six Nations grand slam with victory over Italy at Twickenham. The hosts were baffled by the Azzurri’s game-plan of not committing men at the breakdown, meaning no ruck could be formed, which [...]