Ireland bid for first ever Rugby World Cup semi-final berth ruined by wily Argentina October 19, 2015 Ireland coach Joe Schmidt admitted that his under-strength side lacked the necessary nous and knowhow to overcome a wily Argentina after the Pumas wrecked their chances of a first ever World Cup semi-final berth yesterday. An early blitz and tries from centre Matias Moroni and wing Juan Imhoff saw Argentina surge into a 17-0 lead, [...]
Gallant Scotland suffer Rugby World Cup anguish after controversial last-gasp penalty hands Australia 35-34 victory October 19, 2015 Devastated captain Greig Laidlaw insists his fearless Scotland side have a prosperous future after being cruelly robbed of a place in the World Cup semi-final by a contentious last-gasp penalty as Australia prevailed at Twickenham yesterday. Leading 34-32 with a minute remaining, referee Craig Joubert controversially deemed replacement Jon Welsh to be deliberately offside, although [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen dares mercurial French to rekindle old flair October 15, 2015 New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has dared rivals France to rediscover their attacking flair when the two sides do battle for a place in the World Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. There are echoes of the 2007 tournament when France, runners-up in their pool, turned the tables on the much-fancied All Blacks to [...]
Rugby World Cup: Scotland launch robust appeal in aid of banned duo Ross Ford and Jonny Gray October 15, 2015 Scotland have promised a vigorous appeal against the suspensions handed out to forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray, which would rule them both out of the remainder of the World Cup. The duo were slapped with three-week bans for their illegal two-man tip-tackle on Samoa flanker Jack Lam, which precludes them from Sunday’s quarter-final clash [...]
Rugby World Cup: Warren Gatland happy to dole out harsh lessons to stoke Welsh pride October 15, 2015 Wales coach Warren Gatland insists that subjecting his players to a brutal review of their failings against Australia will stoke their desire to overpower South Africa in Saturday’s quarter-final. Two-time world champions South Africa will start as favourites against an injury-ravaged Wales, with a showdown with either New Zealand or France the prize on offer for [...]
Pakistan v England: Ian Bell hails skipper Alastair Cook’s masterclass as tourists retaliate in Abu Dhabi October 15, 2015 England stalwart Ian Bell eulogised the batting majesty of skipper Alastair Cook after the opener notched his 28th Test hundred to lead his side’s retaliation against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Cook batted throughout the third day and amassed an unbeaten 168, sharing century partnerships with fellow opener Moeen Ali and then Bell as England closed [...]
Rugby World Cup 2015: Scotland fired up for quarter-final with Australia in tribute to banned duo October 15, 2015 Scotland forward Josh Strauss insists the suspension of team-mates Ross Ford and Jonny Gray has enraged the remainder of Vern Cotter’s squad ahead of their World Cup quarter final against Australia on Sunday. The Dark Blues duo were dealt the devastating blow on Tuesday evening that their tournament was over after being slapped with a three-week [...]
England cricketers fear reprisals if they seek my advice, says former skipper Kevin Pietersen October 14, 2015 Maverick batsman Kevin Pietersen believes current England players are loath to contact him for advice because they fear incurring the wrath of the country’s cricket bosses. Pietersen, who was sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board in February 2014, conceded last month that director of cricket Andrew Strauss had been vindicated in dashing his [...]
Pakistan v England: All-rounder Ben Stokes backs Adil Rashid after leg-spinner endured the worst debut in Test cricket history October 14, 2015 England all-rounder Ben Stokes has backed under-fire leg-spinner Adil Rashid to rediscover his poise after enduring the worst debut in Test history as his side’s bowlers were put to the sword by Pakistan in Abu Dhabi today. A toiling Rashid returned figures of 0-163 from his 34 overs, surpassing the 0-149 posted by Australia leg-spinner Bryce [...]
Euro 2016: Robin Van Persie scores own goal in defeat by Czech Republic as Holland fail to qualify for first finals since 2002 October 14, 2015 Holland failed to reach a major finals for the first time since 2002 after their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign ended with a 3-2 defeat to Group A winners Czech Republic at the Amsterdam Arena last night. Former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Robin van Persie scored an own goal to hand the Czechs a three-goal advantage [...]
