Written By Unknown on Kamis, 31 Januari 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Thursday, 31 Jan 2013 16:03 | Comments
Wales are without several players including locks Alun-Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris
Andrew Coombs will make his Test debut when Wales launch their RBS 6 Nations title defence against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons forward packs down in the second row alongside Ian Evans. Wales are shorn of injured locks Alun-Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris, while Evans has not started a game since November due to knee trouble.
Ospreys playmaker Dan Biggar, meanwhile, fills the fly-half role vacated by an injured Rhys Priestland as Wales look to end a seven-game losing run that represents their worst results sequence since 2003.
Interim head coach Rob Howley has resisted any temptation to field two openside flankers - skipper Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric - with Warburton retained in his familiar number seven shirt, Aaron Shingler filling blindside duties and Tipuric on bench duty.
Former Wales captain Ryan Jones, who would have offered a back-row or second-row option, is sidelined after dislocating his thumb during the Ospreys' Heineken Cup game against Leicester 18 days ago.
Jones, hooker Richard Hibbard, backs Liam Williams and Eli Walker and lock Lou Reed were all unavailable for selection due to injuries.
Howley has reunited the 2009 British and Irish Lions Test front row of Gethin Jenkins, who wins his 95th cap, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones, with powerhouse scrummager Jones back in action after missing Wales' entire autumn series this season because of a knee injury.
And there is a role among the replacements for uncapped Harlequins lock Olly Kohn. Born in Bristol, 31-year-old Kohn has Welsh qualification through his late grandfather, who hailed from the Rhymney Valley.
Coombs' elevation to Test match status comes less than three years after he made his Dragons debut, and he only recently switched positions from back row to lock.
Coombs, a former computer software salesman, played Welsh Premiership club rugby with Pontypool and Newport before graduating into the Dragons' professional ranks.
But the Wales coaching staff have watched him closely, and he was among five newcomers announced earlier this month by Howley in the Six Nations squad.
"It's a great opportunity for Andrew, who has been performing well at regional level, to show what he can do on this stage," Howley said.
"As a squad, we have worked hard over the past two weeks and go into Saturday excited and confident at defending our title.
"The Six Nations is all about momentum, and we know we have to hit the ground running against Ireland."
Wales have not beaten another Test-playing country since defeating France at the Millennium Stadium last March to secure a third Six Nations crown and Grand Slam in eight years.
But they have defeated Ireland three times in a row, including a 2011 World Cup quarter-final victory, and field 10 starting XV survivors from the side that triumphed 23-21 in Dublin last season.
Wales team to play Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday:
L Halfpenny (Cardiff); A Cuthbert (Cardiff), J Davies (Scarlets), J Roberts (Cardiff), G North (Scarlets); D Biggar (Ospreys), M Phillips (Bayonne); G Jenkins (Toulon), M Rees (Scarlets), A Jones (Ospreys), A Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), I Evans (Ospreys), A Shingler (Scarlets), S Warburton (Cardiff, capt), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: K Owens (Scarlets), P James (Bath), C Mitchell (Exeter), O Kohn (Harlequins), J Tipuric (Ospreys), L Williams (Cardiff), J Hook (Perpignan), S Williams (Scarlets)
There will be full live coverage of Wales v Ireland and England v Scotland on Saturday 2 February from 12.30pm and Italy v France on Sunday 3 February on RTÉ Two. (Live streaming Ireland only). Ireland v Wales is also live from 1.00pm on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. (Live streaming Worldwide)
Danny Graham failed to establish himself as the first-choice striker at Swansea this season
Sunderland have completed the signing of Danny Graham from Swansea for £5million.
The striker has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, just days after he was booed by some of the Black Cats fans when he appeared against them for the Swans.
"As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table," the 27-year-old told safc.com.
"I was born and brought up in the north east so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world - it's special and there's nowhere else like it."
An attractive double header at Croke Park gets this year's competition under way as champions Cork face Dublin, while All-Ireland winners Donegal tackle newly promoted Kildare.
Also back in the top tier are Tyrone, with Kerry, Mayo and Down completing the line-up.
CORK
The Rebel County have been installed as favourites to land another Division 1 title – a fourth on the trot. Indeed, under Conor Counihan, the tag of 'league specialists' is a true assessment as they also claimed Division 2 honours in 2009. There is no doubting that Cork have many fine footballers at their disposal and at full flow are pleasing on the eye. Yet there is the view that despite their league haul in recent times, the team have underperformed in the heat of championship battle, with only one All-Ireland to show since Counihan took charge in 2008.
The Aghada man would probably sacrifice more glory this spring for a second winning of Sam Maguire come 22 September next. Counihan has signed on for two more years as Cork boss and has freshened up his backroom team, with former minor manager Brian Cuthbert now on the ticket.
Apart from Nicholas Murphy's retirement the current squad is a settled one. Midfield dynamo Aidan Walsh will again be expected to have a telling effect, while up front Colm O'Neill's prowess as a score getter is not in doubt, though a greater contribution from those around will be expected if Cork are to be contenders on all fronts. Eoin Cadigan has decided to concentrate solely on football in 2013, while Damien Cahalane is also throwing his lot behind the new Counihan regime after switching from Jimmy Barry Murphy's hurling set-up. Daniel Goulding requires knee surgery and is not expected to return until mid-March.
Cork's interest in the McGrath Cup ended with a quarter-final defeat to Tipperary on 13 January. Counihan gave fringe players their chance that day, with the more established names like Aidan Walsh, Pearse O'Neill and Paul Kerrigan only seeing action late on.
All the big guns should be ready to tackle the Dubs at HQ this weekend. Beyond that, Cork will play host to Kildare, Donegal, Tyrone and Mayo, while their other travels see them face Down and Kerry.
The latter engagement is the penultimate game of the series, where much will probably be decided and a better assessment of all sides can be made.
After their All-Ireland semi-final loss to Donegal, Conor Counihan felt his side panicked and made bad calls when Jim McGuinness' side upped the ante. If Cork are to have a successful year, they are likely to encounter similar pressure situations and so must find a level of composure that doesn't see them fade well before the final whistle.
Last season: Allianz League Division 1 champions
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Dublin (a) 9 February v Kildare (h) 3 March v Down (a) 10 March v Tyrone (h) 16 March v Donegal (h) 24 March v Kerry (a) 7 April v Mayo (h)
DUBLIN
Jim Gavin is the new man at the helm in Dublin after a successful stewardship of the county's U-21 side that saw him mastermind two All-Ireland victories.
A conveyer belt of talent is there, with Gavin using the O'Byrne Cup to try out many players. The likes of Cormac Costello, Eric Lowndes, Shane Carthy and Tomás Brady are among a bunch of exciting newcomers who are likely to see action in the spring campaign.
Ciarán Kilkenny's decision to cut short his AFL stay and return home is an obvious boost. The Castleknock native is a real talent and did not look out of place when he featured in last year's All-Ireland semi-final.
Jack McCaffrey, another of last year's winning U-21 side, who subsequently was promoted to the senior squad by Pat Gilroy, is an assured and tidy defender and will be looking to cement his reputation further in the coming weeks.
It seems then that coach Gavin has plenty of options to consider during the league, before settling on a side that will do battle in the summer. He and his backroom staff, which includes former boxing champ Bernard Dunne, will strive to have Dublin chomping at the bit from the off.
Last year's league campaign was mixed for the squad and included a heavy defeat to Mayo in Castlebar. Whether it was a hangover from the glory of the previous year, 2012 was ordinary in many ways for Dublin, despite the retention of a Leinster title and a brave last 20 minutes in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Having five games in Croke Park will be advantage for this league campaign, though away trips to Kerry and Donegal won't be easy. At this remove Dublin look well poised to claim a semi-final berth – if they can rediscover the dash and verve that characterised their journey to the final in 2011.
Their rivals and interested observers will take note of how Jim Gavin blends youth and experience. If he gets the balance right, Dublin have the potential to be a serious force year on year on all fronts.
Last season: 5th in Division 1
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Cork (h) 10 February v Kerry (h) 2 March v Mayo (h) 10 March v Kildare (h) 16 March v Tyrone (h) 23 March v Down (h) 7 April v Donegal (a)
DONEGAL
After their deserved All-Ireland success last year and the celebrations that followed, minds in Donegal are now focused on a new set of challenges.
As befits a manager as diligent and thorough as Jim McGuinness, the word echoing loudly from the camp is that what happened in 2012 is now firmly in the past.
Donegal open their campaign against Kildare at Croke Park against the backdrop of limited preparation. The team only arrived back from a holiday in Dubai on 8 January and their McKenna Cup campaign featured many inexperienced players.
They were well beaten by both Fermanagh and Monaghan. It possibly may take Donegal a few games to find their rhythm, with much emphasis being placed on their intense training regime.
Such is the competitive nature of this division that playing catch up come the latter end of March may leave them with little wriggle room in avoiding relegation.
Away games against Tyrone, Cork and Mayo won't be easy, but then again Donegal will find that all their rivals in the months ahead will be keen to lower their colours.
Jim McGuinness will no doubt have tactics in mind that will add another dimension to their game. The league may well be used to fine tune such tweeks. Add in the manager's firmly held view that his All-Ireland champions have not yet reached the peak of their powers and the sense of expectancy is heightened.
Only two sides in the last 23 years have gone on to retain the All-Ireland – more often than not we have seen squads fail to get to the required pitch in the following year. McGuinness will also be placing much emphasis on making sure that his side are mentally focused on what lies in store – insofar that they will not be found wanting in tight encounters.
On the personnel front, Karl Lacey will miss the campaign as he recovers from hip surgery. Mark McHugh is nursing a pelvic injury, but will hope to return for the latter stages. McHugh's brother Ryan, an exciting minor from last year, has joined the squad, while Mark McGowan, a member of the St Eunan's team that won last year's county championship, gets a recall having last featured in the senior ranks in 2008.
Last season: 6th in Division 1
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Kildare (h) 9 February v Down (h) 3 March v Tyrone (a) 10 March v Kerry (h) 16 March v Cork (a) 24 March v Down (a) 7 April v Dublin (a)
KERRY
Eamonn Fitzmaurice has been handed the management keys in the Kingdom and with it the pressure of keeping the county at the forefront in all competitions.
He has made a good start, with victory in the McGrath Cup. The selection of Fitzmaurice may have surprised a few, but the early season vibes are positive regarding his stewardship.
After the heartache of the All-Ireland loss in 2011 and a season of underachievement last year, Kerry need to reassert their toughness in the months ahead.
In the aftermath of their defeat to Donegal last August, then manager Jack O'Connor spoke about how is side were forced to play the game on Donegal's terms. Kerry sees themselves, and rightly so based on their haul of silverware, as the kingpins of football. They don't like being subservient to anybody!
The appointment of the highly regarded Cian O'Neill as fitness trainer is a shrewd move as Fitzmaurice plots a new way forward. Eoin Brosnan will captain this side this year, though he and his Dr Crokes colleagues will miss the early stages of the league as they strive for All-Ireland club glory.
Familiar names such as the Ó Se brothers, Bryan Sheehan, Kieran Donaghy, Paul Galvin, Darran O'Sullivan, Anthony Maher and Brendan Kealy are still involved. Of the new names used in the McGrath Cup, Jack Sherwood from the Firies club has acquitted himself well in the half-back line.
Kerry begin their campaign away to Mayo, with the Dubs next up at home. After that are testing assignments away to Kildare and Donegal, before consecutive matches in Tralee against Down and Cork.
The season finishes with a trip to Omagh and a meeting with Tyrone. Many fans in the Kingdom are obviously looking towards a potential Munster final meeting with Cork in early July, but Fitzmaurice in his first year in charge would surely reckon some extra competitive games in the league.
With the talent he has at his disposal, you would not bet against them reaching the knockout stages again.
Last season: Beaten Division 2 semi-finalists
2013 League fixtures 3 February v Mayo (a) 10 February v Dublin (h) 3 March v Kildare (a) 10 March v Donegal (a) 16 March v Down (h) 24 March v Cork (h) 7 April v Tyrone (a)
MAYO
The Connacht side's record in the league's top flight since the turn of the century is quite impressive. They were champions in 2001 and have been beaten finalists on three occasions since then. Indeed in the overall roll of honour for the competition, Mayo are ranked second behind Kerry.
Despite another All-Ireland final defeat last September, there is much optimism among green and red supporters that James Horan is the right man to take the team forward that extra step.
Now into his third year at the helm, the Ballintubber could down with some more attacking options.
The team failed to find the net in last year's league final and in three of their championship games. In spite of that, Horan has a squad of players that are capable of having a say in matters again this year.
It's all about maintaining momentum – something the westerners haven't always done after an All-Ireland loss. Galway all too often have been their conquerors the following summer. This year's championship opener sees them face the Tribesmen again on 19 May next. A decent league run will have Horan's charges well primed for that date in Salthill.
The manager will obviously use the next few months to assess other available talent within the county, while also hoping that Andy Moran is back fit to lead the team from the front again.
Apart from those crucial first half lapses against Donegal last September, the defence is a solid enough unit, spearheaded by custodian David Clarke and the All Star trio of Ger Cafferkey, Keith Higgins and Lee Keegan
Mayo kick-off their spring programme with two games at home against Kerry and Tyrone respectively – opposition that will be a few weeks further on in terms of their preparation. 2 March will see them renew rivalry with Dublin in Croke Park, exactly six months on from their All-Ireland semi-final triumph.
A week later, Down are the opposition in Newry, followed again by consecutive games in Castlebar, with Kildare and Donegal the visitors. The series finishes with an away trip to Cork.
Last season: Beaten in Division 1 final
2013 League fixtures 3 February v Kerry (h) 10 February v Tyrone (h) 2 March v Dublin (a) 9 March v Down (a) 16 March v Kildare (a) 24 March v Donegal (h) 7 April v Cork (a)
KILDARE
Kieran McGeeney begins a sixth year in charge of the Lilywhites knowing that the pressure will be on him to deliver something tangible later this year. Playing in the league's top tier is ideal preparation for those championship tests and you can be sure the side will be all fired up for their opening test against Donegal at Croke Park on Saturday.
That match will be evoke memories of the titanic struggles between the sides in the 2011 All-Ireland quarter final. Kildare lost narrowly that night after extra time – but they went down fighting.
In 2012, they exited the race for Sam at the same stage, but their resistance was timid. A spring that had brought a Division 2 title was meant to be the forerunner for another productive summer. Meath ambushed them in Leinster; Limerick should have done something similar in the qualifiers – but lacked the cuteness to do so. The Rebels then carved them open with ease. Of course, there was also the Seanie Johnston saga!
McGeeney has brought in former Wexford manager Jason Ryan to assist with the coaching for this year – and the later appears to be making an impression with the squad. Current player Emmet Bolton recently told RTÉ Sport "He's a fantastic addition to the background panel. He brings fantastic, fresh ideas. In training, he is really vocal and extremely keen. I doubt you'll speak to any Wexford footballer that has anything bad to say about him."
2013 has started well, with victory over Dublin in the O'Byrne Cup final.
James Kavanagh's decision to leave the squad over the winter was a surprise, but Johnny Doyle, committing for another season and the possibility that Dermot Earley may feature for the county again, are pluses.
Seanie Johnston can now concentrate fully on playing without any distractions. Tomás O'Connor, Daniel Flynn and newcomer Niall Kelly have all impressed in the January games ahead of a tough series of matches in the coming weeks.
After Donegal this weekend, games against Cork, Kerry and Dublin follow. A week before St Patrick's Day, McGeeney will have a good indication as to how his side are shaping up.
Last season: Division 2 champions
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Donegal (h) 9 February v Cork (a) 3 March v Kerry (h) 10 March v Dublin (a) 16 March v Mayo (a) 24 March v Tyrone (h) 7 April v Down (a)
DOWN
Newry is the venue this Saturday as Down begin their campaign against Tyrone. Traditionally, the Mourne county have no fear of the mid Ulster outfit and they will know that picking up points at home will be key in their bid to stay in the division.
Cork, Mayo and Kildare are also visitors to The Marshes. Three wins out of four at home could see James McCartan's side safe.
Last year, Down finished third in the division – a noteworthy achievement. Their chances of a attaining a similar berth this year have been dealt a blow with Daniel Hughes, Dan Gordon and Ambrose Rodgers all out injured at the moment. Paul
McComiskey's return to action after frequent spells on the sidelines is a boost, and the player got game time in the McKenna Cup. Mayobridge's Keith Quinn has committed himself to the county for this season, while the likes of Danny Savage, Ryan Boyle Ryan Mallon and Connaire Harrison caught the eye with their performances in January. The latter is one to watch – a mobile attacker – well capable of kicking scores from all angles.
Defensively, however, Down have shipped some big scores in the last year, most notably in last year's league semi-final; Ulster final against Donegal and All-Ireland quarter-final. McCartan, now in his fourth year in charge, and his selectors must reverse that trend.
Away games against Donegal, Dublin and Kerry will be a test of the Mournemen's resolve. It's an examination that squad should welcome as they bid to rediscover the tempo that brought them to an All-Ireland final appearance in 2010.
Last season: Beaten Division 1 semi-finalists
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Tyrone (h) 9 February v Donegal (a) 3 March v Cork (h) 9 March v Mayo (h) 16 March v Kerry (a) 23 March v Dublin (a) 7 April v Kildare (h)
TYRONE
After a two-year absence, Tyrone will once again mix it with the big boys over the spring months. Despite their promotion run last year, 2012 was something of a disappointment for Mickey Harte's side. After exiting the Ulster championship, they subsequently suffered a heavy defeat to Kerry in the qualifiers. Their performance in Killarney would not have satisfied many purists - as they concentrated more on the man than the ball for parts of the game.
There is no doubting that Tyrone have produced some talented young players over the last decade. Perhaps, Harte in the last few seasons, has been too slow to give youth a chance along with those who brought All-Ireland success to the county. Father time does march on, however, and we should see the likes of Danny McBride, Tiernan McCann, Kevin Gallagher, Plunkett Kane and Ryan McKenna get game time during the league.
Niall Morgan, has switched from Irish League soccer to challenge Pascal McConnell for the No 1 berth. With Ronan O'Neill set to return, allied with Seán Cavanagh and Stephen O'Neill starting the year in a positive way, there is much to be positive about.
Speaking to the BBC at the start of the year, Mickey Harte outlined his belief that he has a squad that can genuinely challenge for the All-Ireland. As for now, much focus will be on whether Harte gets the blend right during the league ahead of that crucial championship opener against Donegal on 26 May.
Tyrone ran out easy winners in the end over Monaghan in the McKenna Cup final, but the clash with Down in Newry should be a tighter affair. A week later they visit Mayo, while consecutive home games follow against Donegal and Cork. A tough enough start! Yet, many agree that for the first time in a long while the best eight teams in the country are operating out of the top division.
Last season: Promoted from Division 2.
2013 League fixtures 2 February v Down (a) 10 February v Mayo (a) 3 March v Donegal (h) 10 March v Cork (h) 16 March v Dublin (a) 24 March v Tyrone (a) 7 April v Kerry (h)
*Highlights of all the weekend's action on League Sunday at 7pm on Sunday 3 February on RTÉ Two. (Live streaming Ireland only).
Annalise Murphy holds an advantage over Paige Railey
Irish sailor Annalise Murphy leads the field at the midway point of the Sailing World Cup regatta in Miami.
It is Murphy's first competitive event since the London Olympics.
The 29-boat Laser Radial fleet have had three days racing and six races in fantastic conditions on Biscayne Bay, Miami.
Murphy's first day on the water resulted in fifth and a sixth place finishes but on day two she took a stranglehold on the event.
A second and first result catapulted Murphy into an overnight lead.
Day three produced similar results as she won one race and placed third in the other, maintaining her lead overall.
American Paige Railey, who was a medal race finalist in London and a bronze medallist from the 2011 World Championship, closely trails Murphy.
The second half of the regatta comprises a further five races, which will be sailed on Thursday and Friday.
After racing on Friday, the top ten will advance to the medal race on Saturday.
ISA Performance Director James O'Callaghan said: "It is great to see Annalise back competing. Her hunger for success makes her a great role model for our young sailors coming through our ISA programmes."
Brian O'Driscoll: 'There's a strong possibility that this could be the last one'
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Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll has given his most definitive admission yet that the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations could be his final championship.
O'Driscoll has lost the captaincy to Jamie Heaslip but has been restored to the midfield for Saturday's opener against Wales in Cardiff after missing the autumn internationals because of an ankle injury.
The 34-year-old is Ireland's second most-capped player behind Ronan O'Gara with 120 Test appearances and their leading tryscorer with 45.
But his contract with the Irish Rugby Football Union expires at the end of the season and he concedes his fitness will determine his future beyond the summer.
"There's a strong possibility it could be my last," O'Driscoll told BBC Sport.
"There's every chance it's my last Six Nations, but I haven't really allowed myself to start thinking about finishing.
"If you start thinking about it too early, you've one foot into retirement already. I'm contracted until the summer and I'll see how my body feels."
"I'm contracted until the summer and I'll see how my body feels" - Brian O'Driscoll
A strong Six Nations would guarantee O'Driscoll a spot on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer and propel him into the reckoning for the captaincy.
It was a post he filled in New Zealand in 2005, although he only played less than a minute of the opening Test after a spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu resulted in a shoulder injury that ruled him out of the series.
Wales' Sam Warburton is favourite for the position, but O'Driscoll is a strong contender,
"It would be an honour that would be too big to pass up again. I got to do it once, albeit for only 25 seconds of a Test match, so it would be nice to get another opportunity," he said.
"But first I've got to get into a position to get myself on the tour and deserve my spot."
There will be full live coverage of Wales v Ireland and England v Scotland on Saturday 2 February from 12.30pm and Italy v France on Sunday 3 February on RTÉ Two. (Live streaming Ireland only). Ireland v Wales is also live from 1.00pm on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. (Live streaming Worldwide
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 30 Januari 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 30 Jan 2013 11:16 | Comments
Jonathan Sexton's move to France has hit the headlines in the build-up to the Six Nations
Jamie Heaslip insists Jonathan Sexton is fully focused on Ireland's RBS 6 Nations campaign after ending his contract stand-off with the IRFU.
Sexton, who will start at fly-half against Wales on Saturday, informed the IRFU on Friday that he would be leaving Leinster at the end of the season, with Racing Metro his expected destination.
Leinster colleague Rob Kearney revealed that Sexton was "upset" by the way negotiations unfolded and did not want to leave Dublin.
It has been reported that Sexton was disappointed not to have been offered parity with Heaslip, but Ireland's new captain denied the issue had affected their relationship.
When asked if there was any tension between himself and Sexton, Heaslip replied: "No, not in the slightest.
"It (France) has always been there, it's not like it's a new ball park. I doubt Jonny's thinking about being a guinea pig for anyone else.
"There hasn't been much chat except a bit of banter and trying to speak French to him.
"Jonny had to weigh up the offers and chose the option he chose. As a club-mate at Leinster and friend it's disappointing to lose him. We're going to miss him.
"It will be an amazing adventure for him and I'm sure he's looking forward to it.
"He's the ultimate professional. He came in on Sunday night and was good to go.....as cranky as ever. The business is done and now he's onto the next challenge."
Ireland have restored centre Brian O'Driscoll, full-back Kearney, hooker Rory Best and openside Sean O'Brien to their starting XV against Wales after the influential quartet missed the autumn through injury.
The exciting Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo have been named on the wings as Ireland seek to end their three-match losing streak against the Grand Slam champions at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
"Wales are the champions, we're going to their back yard and they'll be smarting from their disappointing November, so we know we're fully up against it," coach Declan Kidney said.
"The Six Nations has now become unique in that there is no back door - there are no bonus points or home and away games like there are in the Heineken Cup.
"It's not quite knock-out rugby but if you get off to a good start in your first game, it gives you a great chance to go on and do things."
Peter Casey believes Flemenstar is "better than he ever was" ahead of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Saturday week.
Having looked all over the winner rounding the home turn on his first attempt at three miles in the Lexus Chase last month, the seven-year-old began to tread water after the final fence and was caught close home by both Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant in a barnstorming finish.
Given he was beaten just three-quarters of a length, connections are keen to have a second attempt at the longer distance in the Hennessy.
Casey said: "He's in really great form at the moment. I think he's better than he ever was.
"He went to the Curragh for a bit of work yesterday (Tuesday) and it went very well, I'm delighted with him.
"Saturday week is going to tell us whether he stays three miles or not. We'll know a lot more about where we're going after that.
"I hope it's not sticky ground like it was in the Lexus. He can handle good ground and he can handle wet ground, but he doesn't like it when it's sticky.
"If the ground is like it was at Leopardstown last weekend, that will do me."
Casey has previously expressed doubts about how Flemenstar would take any potential journey across the Irish Sea, but he is not as concerned as he once was.
"Since Christmas I've been taking him down to the beach and he absolutely loves going down there. I don't think he'd have any trouble with travelling now," said the trainer.
Flemenstar holds Cheltenham entries in the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase, the two-mile-five-furlong Ryanair Chase and the extended three-and-a-quarter-mile Betfred Gold Cup.
Liam Brady will step down from his role as head of Arsenal youth academy in May 2014
Arsenal have announced Liam Brady will leave his role of head of their youth academy in May next year.
The former Republic of Ireland international and analyst for RTÉ Soccer has worked with Arsenal's academy for the last 17 years.
Arsenal has said they are discussing potential other roles for Brady at the club.
Brady - who also had spells in management with Celtic and Brighton, as well as being assistant to Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni - took over as Arsenal's head of youth development and academy director in July 1996, helping bring through the likes of current England internationals Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.
Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level. He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal Football Club.
"It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created."
The 56-year-old former Ireland midfielder made more than 200 appearances for the Gunners between 1973 and 1980, winning the FA Cup in 1979, before joining Juventus where he went on to claim the Serie A championship twice.
The PGA Tour has said it will look into a report linking Vijay Singh with the use of a deer antler spray previously found to have contained a banned growth hormone.
The Fijian will still play in this week's Waste Management Open in Phoenix, but Tour vice-president Ty Votaw has said they will investigate the claims made in an article which appeared in Sports Illustrated.
"As we have just been made aware of the report we have not had a chance to review it in depth, but we will be looking into it," Votaw told USA Today Sports.
The article quotes former world number one Singh as saying he used the spray "every couple of hours...every day" and was "looking forward to some change in my body".
Two years ago, 1999 Open champion Mark Calcavecchia was advised to stop using such a spray, and PGA Tour spokeswoman Laura Hill said at the time: "The PGA Tour regularly warns players of the risks associated with all supplements."
Deer antler spray is manufactured from the 'pre calcified cartilage', or velvet, from the antlers of a male deer. Popular in Chinese medicine it is often used to treat arthritis and related ailments.
Conor Murray has been given the nod on the wing by Declan Kidney
Conor Murray has warned Welsh giants Alex Cuthbert and George North that Ireland's less imposing wings will withstand the brutish assault they can expect in Cardiff.
A daunting physical mismatch awaits Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations opener with both players conceding at least three inches and two and a half stones to their adversaries.
In experience terms they are also trailing, possessing only four caps between them and making their championship debuts while Cuthbert and North have accumulated 29 Test appearances.
Evening the odds, however, are their pace and finishing skills in what should be two fascinating duels between players of contrasting styles all capable of winning a place on the Lions' summer tour to Australia.
And while Gilroy and Zebo are famed for their slippery running, Murray has dashed Welsh hopes that they will wilt defensively.
"Craig and Simon are lethal finishers and are the type of players who can pull out a piece of magic from nowhere," the Munster scrum-half said.
"They have the ability to get us going, put us on the front foot and light up a game.
"If it's Cuthbert and North they're up against, it will be a huge physical challenge.
"We'll have to make our first up tackles and I don't think Zeebs and Gilroy will shy away from that, they've been making their tackles all year.
"Obviously they came onto the scene because they were try-scoring wings, but their game has come under the microscope a bit more because now they're internationals and they've passed every test they've faced.
"Craig and Simon are very exciting players, but their basics are good too.
"Their defence has been quite solid all year. It's not just because of their attacking abilities that they are in the team."
Murray also has his own duel to worry about as he prepares to face the vastly more experienced Mike Phillips for the third time.
A series of strong performances during the 2009 Lions tour identified Phillips as one of the game's finest scrum-halves, but Murray is confident he will trouble a player who is seven years his senior.
"Mike's someone I looked up to when I wasn't in the Irish set-up and I've taken a few things from his game," the 23-year-old said.
"It will be another interesting battle. Hopefully I've gained a bit more experience now and it will be a close one.
"The main reason people compare is because of our similarities in height and the way we look. But we're both physical scrum-halves."
The rivalry between Ireland and Wales, who possess a similar playing philosophy, has escalated throughout the Six Nations following a string of tight games and the fixture has become one of the most eagerly awaited in the calendar.
The Irish endured controversial defeats in the last two championship meetings, including a nerve-jangling 23-21 loss at Aviva Stadium in 2012, but it is the outcome of the 2011 World Cup quarter-final that rankles most of all.
Toppling the Grand Slam champions, who have lost their last seven matches, has turned into something of a crusade for Ireland, not least as it will ignite their own title hopes.
"We have lost to Wales the last three times we've played them, so we owe them one over there," Murray said.
"They probably feel the same because we had a few good tussles before I came into the team. They're great games and we're pretty familiar with each other.
"They won't be happy with how the autumn went, but they're champions and will be defending their title.
"There will be backlash and a much stronger performance than we saw in November. It's a huge game for both sides."
Taylor's fights are sure to have special atmosphere down by the Liffey
Katie Taylor will face German champion Maike Klüners in her return to the ring at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Sunday, 24 February.
The bout with Klüners sold out in a matter of hours leading to the addition of a second date at the same venue on Friday, 22 March, where the Olympic gold medallist will tackle Yulia Tsiplakova from Ukraine.
Katie's father and trainer Pete admitted that securing worthy opponents had not been easy, with the American Queen Underwood one of those sought, but she could not commit.
Looking forward to the upcoming bouts, Pete Taylor said: Katie is the one they all want to beat and that's something we're very aware off.
"Both girls like to come and have a fight so they should be exciting bouts and good to watch. Katie is training as hard as ever.
"She's moving on from the London games now and looking to the future and retaining her Olympic, World and European titles."
Katie Taylor added: Boxing at home is always special and I'm really looking forward to the fights. I've boxed both girls before and they are very experienced international boxers so I know what to expect.
"My Dad is already working on the tactics for those fights and we're working hard in the gym every day so it's great to have some fights coming up again and the fact they are in Ireland is an added bonus."
Klueners says she's looking forward to renewing her rivalry with Taylor. "Katie is a big role model for boxers across the world both male and female. Her success has been really important for female boxing and it's now taken seriously as a sport across the world and given the respect it deserves."
However despite her respect for Taylor and what she has done for the sport Klueners says she won't be intimidated and is happy to meet Taylor head on in Dublin. "Katie is the best female fighter in the world today but she is human too and boxing is a sport where anything is possible. I know it won't be easy but I have a brave heart and I believe I will be a very dangerous opponent for Katie.
"Boxing at home is always special and I'm really looking forward to the fights" - Katie Taylor
"I recently won the German national championships so I'm looking forward to this fight and the European Championships later in the year with confidence.
"Of course like Katie I am also looking forward to the 2016 Olympics. I have considered turning professional and that is always an option but once the Olympic dream catches you it's hard to let that go."
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 29 Januari 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Tuesday, 29 Jan 2013 15:03 | Comments
Simon Zebo celebrates his try against Argentina with Craig Gilroy
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Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo will start on the wings in Ireland's opening Six Nations match against Wales on Saturday, in a side that shows four changes from the team that defeated Argentina 46-24 at Aviva Stadium in Ireland's last Test match.
In the back three, Simon Zebo switches to the left wing from fullback, with Tommy Bowe dropping out of the side due to injury. Rob Kearney comes into the side at fullback.
Brian O'Driscoll replaces Keith Earls at second centre, the latter drops to the bench as the utility back replacement.
In the pack, Rory Best replaces the injured Richardt Strauss at hooker, while in the back row Sean O'Brien comes into the side for Chris Henry, who is named among the replacements.
Ireland team to play Wales at Millennium Stadium, Saturday 2 February, kick-off 13:30:
15 Rob Kearney 14 Craig Gilroy 13 Brian O'Driscoll 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Simon Zebo 10 Jonathan Sexton 9 Conor Murray 1 Cian Healy 2 Rory Best 3 Mike Ross 4 Mike McCarthy 5 Donnacha Ryan 6 Peter O'Mahony 7 Sean O'Brien 8 Jamie Heaslip (captain).
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 David Kilcoyne 18 Declan Fitzpatrick 19 Donncha O'Callaghan 20 Chris Henry 21 Eoin Reddan 22 Ronan O'Gara 23 Keith Earls.
Gilroy is named on the right wing, to take up the last spot in the back three vacated by Bowe, while Gordon D'Arcy is named at first centre alongside his provincial partner at Leinster, O'Driscoll.
Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray remain the half-back partnership.
The props either side of Best are Leinster duo Cian Healy and Mike Ross. Behind them in the engine room are second rows Mike McCarthy and Donnacha Ryan.
O'Brien is joined in the back row by Peter O'Mahony and captain Jamie Heaslip.
On the bench, Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has named Sean Cronin as back-up hooker.
David Kilcoyne provides cover for loosehead prop, while Declan Fitzpatrick is the second choice tighthead prop.
Donncha O'Callaghan provides the third option at second row, while Chris Henry covers the back row.
Eoin Reddan and Ronan O'Gara are the replacement half-backs, with Earls the utility back cover.
Wales will name their team to face Ireland on Thursday.
Roberto Mancini looks ready to cash in on Mario Balotelli
Manchester City have held talks with AC Milan and Juventus over the possible sale of Mario Balotelli, according to reports.
Press Association Sport claim that the Premier League champions will only let the controversial Italian leave if they receive an offer which matches their valuation of the 22-year-old striker.
City are not actively seeking to sell Balotelli, a position publicly maintained by manager Roberto Mancini, but contact is understood to have been initiated by the Italian clubs.
Balotelli has been consistently linked with a move Milan before Thursday's transfer deadline throughout January but Juve's interest has only just emerged.
It now remains to be seen whether either of the Serie A clubs can push through a deal of sufficient value and, if so, in time for City to find an adequate replacement.
Speculation in Italy has suggested Milan are prepared to pay around £20million plus add-ons but no offer has yet been accepted by City.
Previous reports have claimed City rate Balotelli's worth at around £28million but there has been no confirmation of this.
Balotelli cost £24million when he signed from Inter Milan in August 2010.
Contrary to some reports, Balotelli has travelled with the City squad to London for Tomorrow's Premier League game at QPR.
The forward is in contention to play having overcome the virus which kept him out of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round win at Stoke.
Balotelli's future has been a matter of uncertainty since a below-par display in the derby defeat by Manchester United on December 9.
He has not started a game for the club since, first after being dropped and then because of a spell out through illness.
There have been two substitute appearances in January but he has long been fourth-choice striker behind Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko.
Balotelli's campaign as a whole has been an underwhelming one with just three goals, only one in the Premier League, to his name.
There had been fewer of the off-field controversies which blighted his first two seasons at City this term, but then came a high-profile training-ground bust-up with Mancini earlier this month.
Yet even as many observers were claiming that incident must be the final straw for Mancini, the fiercely loyal manager himself said he was prepared to give him "another 100 chances".
Mancini has also stated repeatedly that Balotelli will not be leaving that club and pointed out that, with three years left on his contract, his former Inter protege remains a big part of his plans.
But that did not quell persistent rumours from Italy suggesting that Milan would make a move, nor did conflicting statements from senior figures at the San Siro.
Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has been quoted describing Balotelli as a "rotten apple" and that the club cannot pay "Monopoly money" for him in recent weeks. Chief executive Adriano Galliani has also made regular statements about the player.
Whether or not Balotelli plays, the matter is likely to be raised in the aftermath of the game at Loftus Road as the transfer window enters its final 48 hours.
One important player who will not feature against the bottom side is captain Vincent Kompany, who limped off with a calf strain in the first half at the Britannia Stadium.
Kompany is also doubtful for Sunday's home clash with Liverpool and, with the defender having been troubled by similar injuries in the past, assistant boss David Platt admits there is a worry.
Platt said: "It is a concern that it's not a fresh injury. The calf is the strangest muscle - there is probably more re-occurrence than with hamstrings, groins and things like that.
"And it has happened on a couple of occasions, but the concern is to make sure we clear the problem and that is what we will be working through."
City, short on defensive options with Kolo Toure at the African Nations Cup, are hoping Matija Nastasic can overcome a minor knee problem to return alongside Joleon Lescott.
Alternatives include 18-year-old Karim Rekik, midfielders Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell or playing a three-man defence. With leaders Manchester United not in action until Wednesday, City can apply pressure to their rivals by cutting their lead at the top of the table to two points with victory over Harry Redknapp's QPR.
Rafael Benitez may not have to dig out his boots, but he's unlikely to get any new players
Rafael Benitez has admitted he did not think Chelsea would give him any more money to spend before the transfer window closes.
Interim Blues boss Benitez confirmed last week he had told owner Roman Abramovich that his squad was not strong enough to cope with the unprecedented fixture pile-up facing them this season.
But he appears to have given up hope of being allowed to add to the January signing of Demba Ba before Thursday's transfer deadline.
Asked if he anticipated any movement in the final 48 hours of the window, he said: "I don't think so but my job is to improve my squad and manage the situation we have."
Abramovich and the board's reluctance to back Benitez in the transfer market will reinforce the view that he has become a dead man walking at Stamford Bridge just over two months after succeeding Roberto Di Matteo.
It is understood there is currently no prospect of him losing his job before his contract expires this summer but reports persist that the club are already actively discussing replacing him next season.
Benitez shrugged off the speculation, which has included Everton boss David Moyes being linked with his job.
"My position is exactly the same," he said, confirming he had held talks with technical director Michael Emenalo in the wake of Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round draw at Brentford.
"I was speaking about football with Michael Emenalo, as normal.
"I will try to do my job as well as I can, and try to do my best every game."
Former Leinster and Ireland prop Reggie Corrigan has highlighted the fact that the Ireland scrum could be in trouble should the frontline props get injured in this RBS 6 Nations, and that Wales will target the Ireland scrum this Saturday.
Corrigan told RTÉ Sport: "It's difficult to say whether the Ireland scrum has improved yet, because we haven't had enough time to analyse it. Certainly in the autumn internationals we were looking at that area closely and looking at new players to see how they'll perform.
"It held up pretty much okay with the frontline players, but once the subs were brought in there were problems at scrum time.
"That's pretty much the story coming into the Six Nations. If we have them we'll be okay, if we lose them we'll be in trouble."
The former loosehead prop also feels that Rob Howley's Wales will target the Ireland scrum as a point of weakness in their clash at Millennium Stadium this Saturday.
"First and foremost, the Welsh will target the scrum. They don't have that many second rows at the moment because of injury, so the scrum is the one set-piece area they probably feel they can do some damage," said Corrigan.
"So, the mindset has to be 'We're ready for battle in this', because it's coming. If I'm coaching the Welsh team, and I'm telling them to target someone it's got to be Mike Ross, who's the tighthead prop.
"I'm going to tell my loosehead and my hooker to work together to try to isolate him and split him away from his hooker and disrupt the scrum on that side.
"Adam Jones is back in the equation and he's an extremely technically sound prop that will strengthen the front row no end. So they can count on him to look after Cian Healy.
"If that's the case, they can allow the hooker to go with the loosehead and target Ross. If they can take him out, Ireland will be in trouble."
Refereeing of the scrum has become a contentious issue of late, with calls for referees to be given more specific training on how to officiate at scrum time.
Corrigan agrees with those sentiments: "In truth, they [referees] don't really have the knowledge to know which side the scrum should be given to.
"They [referees] don't really have the knowledge to know which side the scrum should be given to" - Reggie Corrigan
"They usually just even it out. They give one to one side, and then even it out with a penalty to the other side. That is the difficulty, and it is difficult for them for them because they haven't played in the position.
"They don't understand the intricacies of who's bringing it down and who's not going in correctly. And it makes it very hard for them."
To counter this lack of understanding, Corrigan advocates specialised scrum training for referees.
He said: "They have to be educated, it's not their fault. You cannot expect them to understand what's going on in there. When I look at a scrum, I can tell who's gone in correctly and incorrectly for the most part.
"You can spot the little things that are going on: shoulders and head might be below the level of hips; backs aren't straight; one prop is not engaging and deliberately allowing the hit to come against him.
"Those small details you gain over time and can spot with experience.
"It does go on, they do analyse games and opposition. I know John Hayes came in for a lot of flack from referees, because they had a preconceived notion of stuff he does. But if they do it for all the games and all the props, you'd say fair enough."
Cian Healy and Mike Ross are Ireland's first-choice props, that much is beyond question. Corrigan feels Ireland have strength in depth at loosehead, but acknowledges that tighthead prop remains a problem area.
"In the loosehead position, it's pretty straightforward, you've got Tom Court and David Kilcoyne battling for the position," said Corrigan.
"Court's done a lot of damage at scrum time at Ulster and he has improved no end. His reputation was very badly damaged in Twickenham last year and unfairly so, because he's not a tighthead prop and it's like writing with your left hand instead of your right, that's the difference.
"He came in for a lot of flak over that. He's got his confidence back playing in the loosehead position.
"Kilcoyne has been a revelation this year. He's really done well for Munster. The reality is he is probably just slightly ahead of Court at the moment and if Cian Healy wasn't there he'd get the nod.
"Tighthead: we just don't know. We really don't know. Declan Fitzpatrick has been injured for a long period of time.
"He did get some runs in the past and seemed to be going okay, but he hasn't been tested at that level.
"Michael Bent: every media and paper and reporter you look at it is talking about the fact the last three, four outings he's been in, he's been in trouble.
"It's difficult on him, he's been catapulted into the side, brought in from nowhere. Without any real feel for the place and he's expected to come in at tighthead.
"I think what everyone is hoping is that the necessity is not there [to bring in a replacement tighthead]."
Such is the problems in the Ireland scrum that Ireland could be in for a serious grilling at scrum time over the course of the championship.
"Three of the four [teams after the Wales clash] we might struggle against," said Corrigan.
"The Italians: what they lack in skill they make up for in brawn and sheer determination. Historically, and from experience, you come off the pitch having played Italy battered, bruised, and you have scrummaged your ass off.
"They know they have to try gain an advantage in the set piece, because they know their other skills might not be as good as opposition's.
"France put so much time and resources into scrummaging. They actually have a scrum machine in the academy in Paris that was designed and built by an aircraft simulator engineer.
"It re-enacts all the pressures and angles of a scrum in a training environment.
"The props are heroes in France and they love their scrum. You go in against France, all you're going to do all day in scrummage.
"England have gotten very strong. Last year they did a job on us and they'll see this year as another opportunity to gain an advantage on the Irish team.
"The one team we might get some dominance over is the Scottish, they're not that strong in that area."
A lack of props in Ireland has become a major concern at all levels and Corrigan highlights better coaching as the key to solving the conundrum.
"There's only one answer, coaching – simple as that," said Corrigan. "You've got to try to spot players at a young level that have potential, that can come through the system and be brought up as props and widen the net a little bit more.
"Look at back rows with size and turn them into front rows. The resources have to be there to do that.
"I know in New Zealand they had big problems in this area and they addressed the problem by creating the Front Row Factory, basically employing ex-props within the provincial setup and getting them to coach players how to become props.
"It's a lengthy process, it took them a long time to get there, but they're now reaping the benefits of that.
"France had big problems for a long time, with foreign props coming in left, right and centre.
"They also had major issues with neck injuries, at one point they had nine debilitating neck injuries in a season and the insurance companies told them 'We're not insuring you any more, that's it'.
"So they had to address it and they put huge resources into it. Also in England there are specialist coaches too.
"Grek Feek is the scrum coach at national level [in Ireland]. But down throughout the academy system here, it's devoid of the right coaching staff.
"Twelve months ago after the Twickenham encounter they announced that there was going to be a specialist scrum coach employed.
"That hasn't happened twelve months on, and the question has to be asked: 'Why?'
"Until you address the issue which is the coaching element, and you try to bring the players through, we're going to be in this problem for a while."
The UCI have dropped their inquiry into the Lance Armstrong doping scandal
The decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to disband its own inquiry into the Lance Armstrong doping scandal has been branded "a rank and disgraceful manipulation of power" by campaigners.
The UCI's decision to terminate the independent commission followed weeks of wrangling over its powers and whether those who testified could receive an amnesty.
The central issue concerned two donations by disgraced drugs cheat Armstrong to the governing body, and whether there was any complicity by the UCI in covering up his doping.
Change Cycling Now (CCN), the pressure group set up in November, called for the UCI's leadership including president Pat McQuaid to be removed.
A CCN statement read: "The UCI's unilateral decision to disband the independent commission set up to review the UCI's own management of anti-doping procedures, is a rank and disgraceful manipulation of power by a governing body concerned only with self-preservation.
"Change Cycling Now today calls on the general sport of cycling, its national federations and other global stakeholders to enforce the removal of a manipulative and contemptible administration that is content to drag cycling further into disrepute in order to safeguard the positions of its leaders.
"As soon as it became apparent that the commissioners had escaped its covert control, the UCI simply dismantled the whole process rather than risk being unmasked."
The UCI insist it has switched its focus to a truth and reconciliation commission after the World Anti-Doping Agency and US Anti-Doping Agency said they would take no part in the commission unless an amnesty was offered to witnesses: something the UCI said could not happen.
UCI president Pat McQuaid said last night that WADA's refusal to participate had made the decision to scrap the commission necessary.
He added: "We have decided that a truth and reconciliation process is the best way to examine the culture of doping in cycling in the past and to clear the air so that cycling can move forward.
"We have therefore decided to disband the independent commission with immediate effect."
CCN founder Jaimie Fuller called the UCI's statement "an odorous mismash of self-serving misinformation".
Fuller, the head of sportswear giant Skins, said: "It is disgraceful and, frankly ridiculous that the UCI now suggests it is saving the whole process by organising its own review of itself and suggesting that it is merely complying with the wishes of others.
"Cycling's future prosperity can only be assured by an administration that cares about the sport rather than itself. There can surely be no doubt that the president and his senior colleagues must now be removed from office."
Damien O'Meara: "Game On marks a big departure for both RTÉ Sport and 2fm"
A new one-hour sports show called Game On will begin broadcasting next Monday on RTÉ 2fm, with Damien O'Meara in the presenting chair.
The programme will air each weeknight between 7pm and 8pm and will replace Sport at 7 on RTÉ Radio 1.
Speaking about the new show, John McMahon, head of RTÉ 2fm, said: "I'm delighted we are bringing a new strand of programming to 2fm on a nightly basis.
"Sport is hugely important to so many Irish people, none more-so than 2fm's core 20-44 year old age group.
"By providing an entertaining, informative and expertly assembled sports programme every night, and including some great live coverage on 2fm, we are increasing RTÉ's commitment to public service programming for all audiences across RTÉ's channels."
Game On promises to be pacey, informative, interactive and agenda-setting; underpinned by credibility and expertise.
Along with live match commentary, the best interviews, latest sporting news, insightful features and live broadcasts from the country's top sporting venues, Game On will also feature expert analysis from the country's leading pundits.
It will be extended on occasion to feature full, live and exclusive commentary from the most important sporting events.
Game On will exclusively be bringing 2fm listeners the chance to hear live and exclusive commentary from each match week of UEFA Champions League, kicking off with Celtic v Juventus on 12 February.
Presenter Damien O'Meara says: "Game On marks a big departure for both RTÉ Sport and 2fm, and to be handed the reins of the show is both an honour and the source of great excitement.
"UEFA Champions League action; coverage of the Republic Of Ireland's soccer internationals; the provinces' progression in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 and much more is set to provide us with live action that is unrivalled on Irish radio.
"We can't wait to compliment that with the best in analysis, comment and insight into sport and the big stories as they break."
Written By Unknown on Senin, 28 Januari 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 28 Jan 2013 09:39 | Comments
Brendan Rodger criticised his squad after their FA Cup exit
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes it is about time someone other than captain Steven Gerrard has to lead the team out of trouble.
The England midfielder came off the bench yesterday just before the hour with his side trailing 3-1 at Oldham and although it prompted an improved display it could not stop a shock FA Cup fourth-round exit.
Rodgers rested the 32-year-old, who has played every minute of every league game this season, along with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Stewart Downing but found their replacements wanting.
"I can't rely on Steven for 70 games. He has been absolutely incredible," said the Reds boss.
"He shouldn't be expected to come and win games on his own.
"He came on and gave a real impetus to the team and his quality was there to be seen.
"Steven Gerrard and Stewart Downing come on and it is a different game and for 35 minutes we were terrific but it is too late then because we are 3-1 down then.
"It wasn't good enough."
Rodgers criticised his younger players - only Martin Skrtel, Luis Suarez and goalkeeper Brad Jones were aged over 23 - for lacking the appetite for a fight against the npower League One side.
Latics front man Matt Smith scored either side of Suarez's 21st goal of the season before Reece Wabara made it 3-1 just after half-time, leaving Liverpool summer signing Joe Allen's first goal for the club little more than a consolation.
"The big guy Smith did well but it is not as if we have not played against that type before," Rodgers added.
"I was disappointed with the young players, I've got to be honest.
"It is not just about playing for Liverpool, you have to be competitive and be part of a group that is going to challenge for trophies.
"It is not enough to play for Liverpool and get up for the Arsenal and Manchester City games (later this week) because if we are going to win trophies you need to be able to come to places like Oldham and win and we weren't good enough for that.
"These games are a different type of football (to the Premier League), you have to roll your sleeves up be strong and aggressive and unfortunately for us there were too many who were.
"It is great to put young players in but you have to have personality and the young players disappointed."
Asked whether younger players were too cocooned in a Premier League environment Rodgers replied: "They will never get comfortable, you can't be comfortable at Liverpool and they are never allowed to be."
Rodgers rejected suggestions his team selection, making six changes and leaving Gerrard on the bench, was an error.
"It is not complacency. We haven't enough depth," he added.
"We have three tough games this week and we put out a team we thought could get the result.
"This is a trophy we really put our focus on to hopefully go far in and it is a competition we are out of so we are all disappointed."
Everton have announced they have reached a deal with FC Twente to sign Holland midfielder Leroy Fer.
The 23-year-old will now travel to Merseyside to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Fer started his career at Feyenoord before moving to FC Twente in 2011, for whom he scored 10 goals in 29 appearances.
Fer has made two full appearances for Holland and is an international team-mate of Johnny Heitinga, who scored a late winner to sink Bolton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
After the game, Everton boss David Moyes bemoaned the lack of options in his squad but indicated he was hoping to bring in either a striker or midfielder before the end of the month.
Fer, nicknamed 'The Bouncer' due to his physical strength, hit headlines last year when he spent £22,000 on a horse for his girlfriend, only to find she could not keep it as she lives in a block of flats.
Manu Tuilagi will miss England's Six Nations opener with Scotland
Manu Tuilagi will miss England's RBS 6 Nations opener against Scotland, coach Stuart Lancaster has announced.
Tuilagi has been ruled out of Saturday's Twickenham encounter with an ankle injury but could return for the second round of the championship against Ireland on Sunday week.
Lancaster also confirmed that prop Alex Corbisiero will be sidelined for the entire RBS 6 Nations with a knee problem.
"Manu has run out of time for Scotland and we'll make a call on him for Ireland early next week," Lancaster said.
Tuilagi was devastating during last autumn's record 38-21 victory over world champions New Zealand, scoring one try and creating two more.
The explosive 21-year-old is England's most dangerous player and, when fit, has been an ever-present in their midfield since making his debut in 2011.
"By the end of the week we expect Manu to be running fully and changing direction," Lancaster said.
"The message I'm receiving from the medical team is that he will be training fully by Tuesday or Wednesday next week, but I'll need to make a call earlier in the week. He won't be training properly until at least Friday.
"Manu is a big loss - he was outstanding against New Zealand. But he missed the first two games of last year's Six Nations because of a hamstring and it's an opportunity for someone else.
"It's disappointing for him, but it's not a long-term injury so he'll be back soon."
England must decide whether to draft in Billy Twelvetrees or Jonathan Joseph to partner Brad Barritt, while fly-halves Toby Flood and Owen Farrell are alternatives.
"We have a pretty good idea of how we'll rejig the midfield. We have our thoughts," Lancaster said.
"It changes the emphasis a little bit, but it won't fundamentally affect the way we play.
"Brad will be in the equation and we need to make sure we can still break the gainline and have physical defenders. We've got to have the ability to get across the gainline and defend."
The initial outlook on Corbisiero's knee problem was that he could return against France on February 23, but London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith revealed last night that his rehabilitation will take longer.
Lancaster, however, denies Smith's suggestion that the injury is more grave than has been made public.
"The reality is the surgeons recommended two weeks rest and said it would then take six to eight weeks to be back playing, so that will rule him out of the Six Nations," said Lancaster.
"Hopefully he'll be back around the final game against Wales, but the reality is he'll have to play two or three Premiership games first.
"It's a shame because everything I heard about the operation was positive, but it's going to take a while to get right. Everyone's positive and upbeat about his recovery.
"Alex is a big loss, but Joe Marler has played well for Harlequins recently. Mako Vunipola is improving all the time and Nick Wood was outstanding for the Saxons."
Gloucester fly-half Freddie Burns has been ruled out against Scotland and Ireland with knee ligament injury damage, while Wasps number eight Billy Vunipola is struggling with an ankle problem.
Mario Balotelli's future at Manchester City remains unclear, despite David Platt's claims
Manchester City have continued to play down speculation that striker Mario Balotelli could leave the club for AC Milan.
City manager Roberto Mancini has consistently said his fellow Italian is not for sale throughout this month's transfer window but that has not quashed rumours linking him with the San Siro giants.
Milan have made their liking for the 22-year-old clear but have previously baulked at City's reported £28million valuation.
Now fresh reports have emerged claiming negotiations between the clubs have begun but City's public message on the matter has not changed.
First-team coach David Platt said: "I saw that speculation yesterday but I've not heard anything.
"As far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player. I don't think there is anything is going to happen."
Platt was speaking on Mancini's behalf at a press conference to preview City's Barclays Premier League trip to QPR.
"As far as we are concerned I think he is still a Manchester City player" - David Platt
Mancini was equally forthright on the Balotelli subject when asked when he last met the press last week.
Mancini said: "No, it is not true, Mario stays here. We didn't have any requests about Mario or other players."
Balotelli has been involved in a number of high-profile controversies on and off the field during his time at City, including a training-ground bust-up with Mancini this month.
But Mancini said he remains part of his long-term plans.
He said: "Yes, Mario has another three years on his contract."
Platt claims that situation has not changed.
He said: "I can only go off what you know and I have seen. I know exactly the same as you, which is speculation.
"It's a shame Robbie's not here. He might know more than me."
Paddy Maguire of Leitrim makes a catch despite the attentions of Sligo's Adrian MarrenEmlyn Mulligan lifts the FBD Connacht League trophy
Audio
Leitrim captain Emlyn Mulligan says their FBD Connacht League win will act as a great boost for the upcoming Allianz League season.
The St Brigid's-bound forward led his county to a famous three-point win over Sligo in Markievicz Park yesterday and said that the win justified their approach to the competition.
"Some people mightn't treat the FBD League as seriously as other competitions but for our lads it is huge," he told RTÉ Sport.
"Over the years of not being successful, this is only our fourth ever trophy in 127 years, so it's huge for the players and huge for the supporters. We are all delighted here this evening."
"The main thing for us is to build a bit of momentum going into the National League because we've a tough division in Division 4."
He added: "We've Limerick away next weekend. We set out our stall to take the FBD seriously, to reach the final and hopefully win it and the draw wasn't in our favour, coming down here to play Sligo in Markievicz Park but we grinded out a result.
"It was a sticky pitch and the conditions weren't the best but we've a nice squad coming together."
Despite Leitrim languishing in the bottom tier of the league, Mulligan feels that the Connacht win can help the team push on.
He said: "We want to keep everyone here and be as successful as we can. [This win] gives the supporters a huge lift, a lot of them live and die for GAA and if we can be successful and keep our strongest panel here, we'll be confident enough for the future.
"It's an honour for myself, our fourth ever trophy, 19 years since the last one."
Celtic fans may soon be watching their side play in a revamped 12 team league
Scottish Top-flight clubs have given their "unanimous backing" to plans for a revamped 12-12-18 league structure.
Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster revealed consensus had been achieved at a meeting of the 12 clubs at Hampden today.
Scottish Football League clubs will meet to discuss the proposals, which include a merger of the two bodies, on Thursday.
Doncaster said: "We got unanimous backing of the way forward today so it now goes to Thursday and the Scottish Football League clubs will have their views.
"But today, the Scottish Premier League clubs were united in their view that this is the way forward."
The plans were originally backed by SPL clubs last year before Doncaster stepped up talks with his SFL counterparts.
But some doubt had emerged since both leagues agreed in principle to the plans earlier this month in conjunction with the Scottish Football Association, whose professional game board (PGB) has been driving reconstruction attempts.
Some clubs who were not involved in the previous meeting had requested more information amid scepticism from fans but they appear to have been satisfied today.
Doncaster said: "We provided further details that have arisen from meetings over the past weeks.
"The last time that all of our SPL clubs got together was on December 3 so in the intervening time there has been some more detail that's been discussed with the PGB and with the SFL board.
"All of that was provided today and the clubs are clear and united and unanimous in their view that this should be taken forward to the next stage."
The plans, if approved by the SFL clubs, would see both leagues merge and a fairer distribution of income, along with a pyramid system that would allow clubs to move into the professional league.
The controversial aspect of the new structure is a plan to split the top two leagues into three groups of eight after 22 games to create an extended play-off system.
The middle eight clubs would all have their points reset to zero and the top four at the end of the season would start the next campaign in the 'Premiership'.
The SFL needs 22 of its clubs to back the plans with Rangers not allowed to vote as they are only associate members.
Rangers came out vociferously against the proposals when the leagues reached broad agreement with chief executive Charles Green vowing to look for a way out of Scottish football if they were introduced.
Rangers would still be in the bottom tier if the new system comes into force in time for next season, but the timescale of their anticipated ascent to the top flight would not be affected.
However, there is no guarantee the plans would be ratified in time to take effect next season.
Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 26 Januari 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 26 Jan 2013 09:39 | Comments
Tiger Woods hit four birdies and an eagle three in his opening 11 holes
Tiger Woods took a two-shot halfway lead at the Farmers Insurance Open after a seven-under-par second round of 65 in La Jolla, California.
The former world number one Tiger Woods made a blistering start on Torrey Pines' north course, with four birdies and an eagle three in his opening 11 holes after starting three shots behind overnight leaders Brandt Snedeker and KJ Choi.
His last three holes saw two birdies sandwiching a bogey, and his 11-under total was enough to keep him clear of Billy Horschel, who followed yesterday's 66 on the north course with a 69 on the south. Woods is nine under par for the par-five holes so far, with five birdies and two eagles in the eight holes, and he told pgatour.com:
"That's basically where the round could be had.
"On the north course, drive the ball well here and you're going to probably have four-iron shots into the par-fives. We just happened to have the wind turn into us on nine, so I ended up hitting five-wood.
"But you sprinkle that in with probably four or five wedge shots in there, a round of six or seven under par is definitely conceivable."
Canada's Brad Fritsch shot 67 to join an otherwise all-American group of six players at eight under. Casey Wittenberg also shot 67, Erik Compton matched Woods' 65 and Steve Marino, Jimmy Walker and Josh Teater completed the group.
England's Ross Fisher was on the same score at Horschel until two late bogeys dropped him to seven under alongside Tag Ridings, who hit a hole in one yesterday, and Korean Charlie Wi who carded 66 on the north course today.
Choi fell to six under after a round of 73 while defending champion Snedeker fared worse still, four bogeys and only one birdie dropping him to four under.
Ryder Cup stars Phil Mickelson and Nicolas Colsaerts, major winners Trevor Immelman and Ben Curtis, Australia's Jason Day and Scot Martin Laird were among those who scraped through right on the cut line of one under.
But there was no such relief for Camilo Villegas, Stewart Cink or John Daly, while Scott Stallings (78) and Ryo Ishikawa (79) fell below the cut line despite opening rounds of 66 and 68 respectively.
Victoria Azarenka - The world number one bounced back from a set down to retain her Australian Open title2013 Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka successfully defended her Australian Open title - and retained the number one world ranking - after hitting back to beat a battered and bruised Li Na in three sets.
A final low on quality but high on drama was claimed by the Belarusian 4-6 6-4 6-3 as Li's hopes of becoming the first Asian player to win in Melbourne were dashed.
Twice the Chinese had to call for the trainer - the first time after going over on her ankle midway through the second set and again after tumbling in the first point after play resumed following a third-set stoppage for a nearby firework display.
Roared on by a partisan crowd, she battled on bravely but, despite her best efforts, she was unable to prevent Azarenka from claiming the trophy and holding off Serena Williams at the rankings summit.
On a cool night, the final took some time to heat up with both players struggling with nerves.
They exchanged early breaks before Li held and then broke again for 3-1.
Azarenka, whose controversial semi-final win over Sloane Stephens meant she had to face a smattering of boos when she made her way on to Rod Laver Arena, hit back after Li missed a routine drive volley on game point.
But she was still struggling on serve and the Chinese, who won the 2011 French Open, took advantage again with her backhand proving her most potent weapon.
Li held, as did Azarenka for the first time in the match to force her opponent to serve it out at 5-3.
The sixth seed wobbled, making numerous unforced errors, to gift Azarenka the game but she hit back impressively.
Preying on Azarenka's serving struggles, Li set up four set points and eventually claimed it as the 23-year-old tossed in a double fault.
Although she dropped the opener, there were signs that Azarenka was starting to find her range.
And that trend continued at the start of the second as the power and poise normally associated with the defending champion returned.
Most importantly, her serve also improved.
Azarenka broke for 1-0, held comfortably, and then broke again for 3-0.
A woeful game, in which her forehand broke down completely, slowed the Belarusian's momentum before the match took another dramatic turn.
Li appeared in serious trouble of having to retire when she went over on her left ankle during the fourth point of the fifth game - the trainer dashing straight on to court before administering seven minutes of treatment.
When she returned, having had the joint heavily strapped, there appeared no immediate sign of her movement being impaired as she started hitting winners from all angles to get it back to 2-3.
She then set up three break points at 0-40 for 3-3 but put an easy backhand into the net, allowing Azarenka to rattle off five points on the trot to hold.
Azarenka was also proving profligate on break-point chances, with two coming and going before Li held to keep just one game behind at 3-4.
And she managed to draw level as Azarenka put a routine forehand beyond the baseline.
Having worked so hard to get back into the set, Li promptly undid it all by playing a sloppy game, culminating in a mis-hit backhand on break point as Azarenka sensed her chance.
And she took it to claim the set and take the match to a decider.
Azarenka remained on the front foot as the third set got under way, breaking for an early advantage.
But her issues on serve returned as a double fault saw Li draw level at 1-1.
Li held before a 10-minute stoppage due to the fireworks to celebrate Australia Day.
In the first point following the resumption, Li was down again, tumbling over on the same ankle before hitting her head on the hard surface.
The trainer was called once more, with Azarenka doing well to keep her composure to claim the game after going back behind her opponent with a forehand down the line.
The world number one was starting to get up a head of steam and she broke for 3-2 and swiftly made it 4-2 with one of her best games on serve in the match.
Li had a chance to draw level at 4-4 only to push a backhand return beyond the baseline.
And it proved to be her final opportunity as Azarenka held and then broke to claim her second successive Melbourne crown.
After throwing away his overnight lead, Chris Wood battled back to win in Doha
Chris Wood finally grabbed his first European Tour title today - and did it in brilliant fashion with a closing eagle at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha.
After no fewer than 19 top-10 finishes, the 25-year-old from England was in danger of missing out again when a nervy start turned a three-stroke overnight lead into a two-shot deficit before the turn.
Wood battled back, but came to the par-five last one behind Spanish star Sergio Garcia and South African George Coetzee.
The tee had been moved forward over 60 yards, and after a booming drive the 6ft 5in golfer - best remembered for coming fifth in the 2008 Open as an amateur and then third at Turnberry a year later - hit a 202-yard five-iron over the water and straight at the flag.
It came up just short, but he was celebrating the 12-foot putt going in before it dropped and two fist-pumps showed what it meant.
He did take the Thailand Open last August for his first professional success, but still remembered how he lost the 2010 BMW PGA Championship with a closing 77 and the 2011 Majorca Open with a 76 after leading by four.
"It feels good. Blimey, I've seen a few mates picking up trophies and I've been waiting patiently for my time," he said.
"I felt like I was due to win for a couple of years, but now there's an enormous weight off my shoulders and I feel I can go on and win more."
As for the eagle, Wood added: "Nice way to finish!"
His 69 gave him an 18-under-par total of 270 and should take him from 142nd in the world into the top 64, who will contest the Accenture Match Play in Arizona next month, although the cut-off is not for another two weeks.
Coetzee was left as the nearly man once more - this was his 21st top-10 finish on the circuit - despite a superb 65 containing an eagle and six birdies.
The last of those came courtesy of a pitch to five feet on the 18th. The putt took him one in front, but Garcia birdied the final two holes for a 66 and they then sat and waited to see what Wood could produce.
It was a remarkable effort given a start in which he missed a three-foot birdie chance on the second - he blamed a spike mark for that - and a double bogey on the 223-yard next after he fired his tee shot wide and then hit the rock face in front of him.
Putts of 35 and 18 feet at the eighth and ninth were just the boost he needed, however, and a 15-footer on the 14th kept him in touch as the pressure built.
Garcia would have gone back into the game's top 10 for the first time in over three years if he had won, but he will take a lot of positives from his first tournament of the year.
Swede Alex Noren and England's Steve Webster tied for fourth, while Justin Rose's 68 for joint 16th kept him at fourth in the world ahead of Louis Oosthuizen.
Still unbeaten over fences, Sprinter Sacre strolled home in the Victor Chandler
Sprinter Sacre took Grade 1 honours in the Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham with his now-customary panache.
Nicky Henderson's pride and joy was again electric at his fences, taking it up on the run to the sixth-last, after Mad Moose had opened a sizeable early advantage on the field.
Barry Geraghty quickened matters noticeably going to three out and while Sanctuaire had crept into it from the rear, his threat was only a fleeting one and Sprinter Sacre was majestic over the last two fences.
The gallant Mad Moose rallied as Sanctuaire began to toil, and got up past Somersby to take second, some 14 lengths adrift of the 1-5 favourite.
"It's so easy for him, he travelled so easy, he jumped so well. He's all class" - Barry Geraghty
Geraghty said: "He's so natural, he's one of the most natural I've ridden.
"I was afraid of the ground and didn't think it would suit him as well. He was very relaxed today, he jumped brilliant and I never had a moment's concern. He was very good.
"He coped with that (heavy) ground so well. I've not sat on him since the Tingle creek and when I got up on him in the parade ring I remembered why I love him so much. He's just unbelievable to get on.
"It's so easy for him, he travelled so easy, he jumped so well. He's all class."
Henderson said: "I'm glad it's over. I had reservations about running, but we had to run. Barry was worried about the ground, I was worried he was a bit fresh.
"He can handle any ground, I think, and that's what a good horse should be able to do.
"I said to Barry before the race if you do make five lengths in the air then there is point giving it back.
"Barry's confidence in him is unbelievable. He knows you can jump anything with him.
"He's such a gorgeous horse to look at, you would think he would be something special. He knows he is special and I suppose we are all starting to believe he might be."
Sprinter Sacre is now expected to head straight for the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March, for which he is 2-5 favourite with Paddy Power and BetVictor.
Henderson said: "It is a shame to be going to Cheltenham as his third run of the season, but that's the sort of season it's been. Aintree is two and a half (miles) which opens Punchestown.
"He's all speed, I'm not saying he wouldn't go two and a half at Aintree but we'll have to see."
Nigel Twiston-Davies said of Mad Moose: "He was given 25 lengths at the start and that makes a difference, but he does stay well and I thought that was a good run."
