Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 November 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Saturday, 30 Nov 2013 15:32 | Comments
Triolo D'Alene (yellow silks) scored his biggest previous success in last season's Topham Chase at Aintree
Triolo D'Alene gave champion trainer Nicky Henderson a third win in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury with a hard-fought triumph over Rocky Creek.
The six-year-old, winner of last season's Topham Chase at Aintree, gave jockey Barry Geraghty back-to-back victories in the race after the success of the Henderson-trained Bobs Worth 12 months ago.
Rocky Creek fought hard in the closing stages, but it was Triolo D'Alene (20-1) who prevailed by two and three-quarter lengths.
Theatre Guide (33-1) was another length and three-quarters away in third, with Highland Lodge (6-1) fourth.
Geraghty said: "He was great. I had a brilliant ride off him in the Topham and he was brilliant today.
"He's a great attitude. On that ground and on a stiff track, he finds it so easy."
Former Manchester United star Denis Irwin has warned United to be wary of a Tottenham backlash at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Spurs were hammered 6-0 at Manchester City last weekend and whilst they have since bounced back with a Europa League win in Norway, the heat will really be turned on manager Andre Villas-Boas should his expensively assembled outfit fail again.
Suffering heavy losses was not something Irwin experienced that often during his 12 years at Old Trafford.
It did happen though. And it was something the former Ireland defender has not forgotten.
Irwin said: "You would expect a reaction.
"It is not very nice when you get beaten by a scoreline like that.
"You put an extra bit of work in on the training ground. Everyone is more focussed.
"In front of their home supporters, Tottenham will be very motivated so Manchester United will have to be on their guard."
It makes a change for David Moyes to be facing a manager who is under more pressure than him.
After all, since the defeat at Liverpool at the end of August, United have struggled for consistency.
Even their present 11-match unbeaten run has featured results the Red Devils would class as disappointing, not least at Cardiff last Sunday when they conceded an injury-time equaliser that kept them out of the Champions League places and only a point ahead of Spurs.
"When you are playing against Chelsea, Liverpool and City in your first five games, you know it is not easy, either on paper or the field," said Irwin.
"Losing to West Brom after that was not very good.
"Since then United have come back into a bit of form but the international break came at the wrong time for them and they didn't play well against Cardiff.
"At the moment it is two steps forward, half a step back."
Wednesday's five-goal hammering over Bayer Leverkusen was a significant advancement.
Yet Irwin doubts United can start taking their form for granted.
"There are four or five teams who could win it" - Denis Irwin on who will win Premier League
Not that he believes it is any different for his former club's major rivals, none of whom make a cast iron case to be crowned Premier League champions next May.
"There are four or five teams who could win it," said the Corkman.
"That is the beauty of this season's Premier League.
"It is not going to take 90 plus points to win it this year that's for sure. It will be mid-80s at best.
"It is going to be really entertaining."
And, with a list of key fixtures looming in the busiest month of the entire campaign, Irwin doesn't expect anything significant to change until after the turn of the year at the earliest.
"It is going to be one of those topsy turvy seasons," he said.
"I have no doubt that come February time, two or three will break away from the pack.
"But up until then you are going to see teams dropping a lot more points.
"Part of it is there are a lot of new managers.
"That means there are a lot of clubs where the manager is going to take time to find the right team."
Katie Taylor faces Mira Potkonen of Finland at Ballywaltrim Community Centre in Bray tonight
Katie Taylor recorded a unanimous points victory against Caroline Veyre over four rounds at the Mansion House in Dublin in the first bout of a double header this weekend for the European, World and Olympic champion.
The Bray pugilist forced her Canadian opponent, who was a late replacement for Clarissa Parker after the American encountered severe travel problems, to take a standing count in the third round.
Taylor faces Finnish fighter Mira Potkonen at Ballywaltrim Community Centre in her home town tonight in what will be just her second contest since she landed a fifth consecutive European Union title in July.
Speaking after the fight, Taylor said: "Not knowing really anything about her was a bit of a problem, but you just have to deal with these sort of things.
"Caroline is a good fighter and she has a great future ahead of her. I thank her for taking the fight.
"I felt comfortable in there and it was good to get things going again after not having had a fight for nearly five months."
Daniel Sturridge has bagged 11 goals this season for Liverpool
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is set to miss Sunday's match at Hull after sustaining a sprained ankle.
The 24-year-old, who has scored nine goals already this season, limped out of training with the problem.
Liverpool's medical team are still assessing the extent of the problem but the England international will not be fit for the trip to the KC Stadium.
Sturridge's injury could not have been more unfortunately timed after manager Brendan Rodgers praised his attitude in training over the last week after dropping the forward for last weekend's Merseyside derby.
The Reds boss felt the player, who had been affected by a dead leg for a couple of weeks, was not fully fit after 90 minutes for England in the friendly against Germany.
However, he was pleased with the reaction Sturridge's omission against Everton had provoked.
"Players will react differently. You will find some players, if they are not in the team, they just shrivel and die and have no fight," he said.
"The top players when they don't play they show you every single day what they can do and that has been the case this week.
"He has certainly trained very hard this week. He has been really determined, strong and aggressive and he looks ready for the weekend.
"He has worked exceptionally well and when he does that his quality is there for all to see."
Jack McGrath returns to action for Leinster this afternoon
Live
By Brendan Cole
Leinster and Ulster will both expect RaboDirect PRO12 wins on Saturday as they seek to continue to contend for vital top-four places before the next rounds of Heineken Cup action.
Matt O'Connor has named an exciting backline for their clash with a Scarlets side that has struggled to replicate their form of last year.
The back three looks like a dangerous attacking unit. Lote Tuqiri has had hamstring trouble during his stint with the Dublin side but showed some form against Treviso last week, and scored his first try for the province.
Fitzgerald put in an energetic stint for Ireland against New Zealand, albeit with a few errors, but looks fit and obviously keen to show what he can do while Kirchner demonstrated his ability earlier in the campaign with a match-winning linebreak against Newport. The backline also includes a high-energy all-Irish 9-10-12 axis of Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan and Gordon D'Arcy while up front, Leinster have given some young tight five players a chance to shine, though with Leo Cullen in the second row they will not be short of direction or leadership either.
The props will be particularly interesting to watch. Jack McGrath was not found wanting during the November series for Ireland, while Martin Moore is that rare thing, a young Irish tighthead who is potentially world class. Mike Ross is on the bench and could be influential against a Llanelli pack that Leinster have tended to have an edge over at scrum time. Jimmy Gopperth, on the bench after rescuing the game last week, could also have an important role to play.
The danger for Leinster is that they have been inclined to put in slack periods in their matches. In recent weeks they have allowed both Newport and Treviso to stay in games they should have closed out better in the last few weeks. They also had a dreadful opening 40 minutes against this opposition before running out easy winners in the very first match of the campaign.
But while Llanelli have improved after a poor start to their season, beating Ulster and Connacht in their last two outings, the Welsh region does not look strong enough to overly trouble a Leinster side that includes eight Ireland internationals, and Springbok star Kirchner, on home turf.
On paper, Ulster have a relatively easy task against Zebre even away from home. The Italians are without a win in their last five games and, unlike neighbours Benetton Treviso, usually struggle against the top sides.
That said, Ulster could only scrape to victory in this fixture last year and will know Zebre can be a potent and creative attacking team on their day. They concede a lot of points, but they usually register plenty of their own as well.
Ulster also have a lengthy injury list to contend with. Key forwards Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Nick Williams among those unavailable at the moment. Johann Mueller, Ruan Pienaar, Jared Payne and Tommy Bowe have also been given the week off.
Even with that lengthy list of absentees, Ulster have plenty of quality in important areas. John Afoa is a powerful anchor for the pack at tighthead and there is plenty of attacking talent in the backline.
Some of the team leaders are not present, and Pienaar's absence means Ulster are without the control and composure they have at their best.
It will be interesting to see how Ulster cope if they do run into adversity in any shape or form but their well-drilled defence and the quality in the admittedly youthful backline should see them over the line.
Predictions:
Leinster 23-10 Llanelli
Zebre 16-30 Ulster
Leinster: 15 Zane Kirchner 14 Lote Tuqiri 13 Brendan Macken 12 Gordon D'Arcy 11 Luke Fitzgerald 10 Ian Madigan 9 Eoin Reddan 1 Jack McGrath 2 Aaron Dundon 3 Martin Moore 4 Leo Cullen 5 Mike McCarthy 6 Rhys Ruddock 7 Shane Jennings (captain) 8 Jordi Murphy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin 17 Michael Bent 18 Mike Ross 19 Tom Denton 20 Dominic Ryan 21 Luke McGrath 22 Jimmy Gopperth 23 Darragh Fanning.
Ulster: Ricky Andrew, Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall, Tom Court, Rob Herring, John Afoa, Neil McComb, Dan Tuohy, Robbie Diack (captain), Mike McComish, Roger Wilson.
Replacements: N Annett, Callum Black, Declan Fitzpatrick, C Joyce, S Doyle, M Heaney, J McKinney, Mike Allen.
Live television coverage of Zebre v Ulster from 13:55 on Saturday 30 November on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only).
My Tent Or Yours looks set to contest the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on his next start
My Tent Or Yours made an impressive return to action with a stylish victory in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Given a patient ride by Tony McCoy, the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old jumped into the lead at the second-last and quickly stamped his authority on proceedings.
The 8-11 favourite galloped on strongly to win this Grade One for owner JP McManus by three lengths from Cockney Sparrow (6-1), with Grumeti (9-1) another two and a half lengths away in third.
Delroy Facey is understood to be have been arrested in an investigation into alleged match-fixing.
Video
Former Premier League footballer Delroy Facey is understood to be one of six people arrested in an investigation into alleged match-fixing.
The arrests are reported to also include three current footballers and are part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) crackdown on a suspected "international betting syndicate".
Facey, who was a Bolton Wanderers player from 2002 to 2004, did not turn up to play for his club Albion Sports as scheduled against Athersley Recreation in the NCEL Premier League on Wednesday night, according to the club's secretary Jaj Singh.
Singh said: "He was due to come but didn't turn up. He was named on the sub's bench but was a no show. I have no idea. He's been with us about three months and is a cracking lad."
Facey scored two in an 8-1 win over Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday and has scored six goals for Albion Sports this season.
The arrests were made following a sting by the Daily Telegraph, in which it claims undercover reporters discussed the possibility of influencing the scores and outcomes of lower-league English games for as little as £50,000.
A spokesman for the NCA said: "Six men have been arrested across the country as part of an NCA investigation into alleged football match fixing. The focus of the operation is a suspected international illegal betting syndicate.
"The NCA is working closely with the Gambling Commission and the Football Association. This is an active investigation and we are unable to provide further detail at this time."
In a meeting filmed secretly by The Daily Telegraph, a fixer from Singapore claimed gamblers could stand to make hundreds of thousands of pounds using insider information to place bets with Asian companies.
The man, who met undercover reporters in Manchester, is reported to have planned to target two matches this month.
Explaining how he would ensure players deliver a particular scoreline, he told an undercover reporter: "In England the cost is very high... usually for the players it is £70,000.
"So I talk to them. Double confirm. I also tell them, I tell ... this [is] what I want ... Because simple, I commit myself and they commit. So you tell me how many goals ... Give me at least five ... either 3-2, 4-0 or zero, ... for me four is enough."
It is not believed that any Premier League sides are involved in the scandal, but the identities of those clubs affected cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
A Football Association spokesman said: "The FA has been made aware of a number of arrests in relation to an NCA investigation.
"We have worked closely with the authorities in relation to these allegations. The FA will make no further comment at this time due to ongoing investigations."
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that it has liaised with the NCA during the investigation.
In one of the Manchester meetings, the alleged fixer explained that the syndicate would use a yellow card at the beginning of the game as a signal that the match was fixed.
He said: "For example, within the first 10 minutes, I will ask them to take one yellow card. So, one yellow card is about £5,000.
"So I say [to the player], okay, in the first 10 minutes I need to see the yellow. If there's no yellow, that's it, I will not pay you anything."
In a statement, Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said the league had not yet been contacted by the police.
"We understand from media reports that there is an ongoing Police investigation into alleged match fixing in domestic football," the statement said.
"To date, we have had no contact from the Police regarding this matter.
"The threat of corruption is something that The Football League and the other football authorities treat with the utmost seriousness.
"The integrity of our matches and our competitions is the bedrock of the domestic game."
Meanwhile, the Football Conference issued a statement on its official website this morning.
It said: "The Football Conference has become aware of a story published today concerning arrests being made over alleged match fixing.
"The Football Conference takes all matters relating to the integrity of the game very seriously but it cannot make any comment on today's story as it would be inappropriate to do so."
Alan Brogan: 'At this stage I'm just happy to be back playing'
Video
Audio
Dublin footballer Alan Brogan says he would love to make a comeback for the All-Ireland champions but knows he has work to do at club level first.
The 2011 Player of the Year was part of the Dublin panel that won their second All-Ireland title in three years but failed to see any action due to pelvis and hamstring complaints.
The 31-year-old last played for the Boys in Blue during their 2012 semi-final loss to Mayo.
Speaking at the launch of fundraising website RunLastMan.com, the St Oliver Plunkett's clubman told RTÉ Sport: "It would be nice [to get back on the Dublin team]. I wouldn't like to finish the way the last year and a half has gone.
"I was harbouring hopes all right [of seeing some game-time this year] but a couple of things went against me, a few of the injuries didn't help.
"I probably hadn't played enough football to warrant Jim [Gavin, Dublin manager] putting me into the game. But it was great to be part of it and see the lads winning Sam Maguire again.
"Since the All-Ireland final I've played three or four games with the club, so far so good, easing back into it. At this stage I'm just happy to be back playing.
"I hadn't played a competitive game of football in over a year so when I got the chance to come back I was happy to be back playing.
"I haven't really thought about next year yet. We've a couple of games left with the club to finish out this year and we want to get through them and hopefully put in a couple of performances and I'll know then if my body is okay going into next year and I'll worry about that then."
Andre Villas-Boas saw his Tottenham side hammered 6-0 by Man City last week
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas insists he is too thick-skinned to worry about any criticism of his regime.
Spurs landed deep inside the Arctic Circle on Wednesday morning amid reports that Villas-Boas' days as Spurs boss could be numbered.
Tottenham's board indicated on Monday they were unhappy with Sunday's 6-0 defeat at Manchester City, but the Portuguese came out fighting in Tromso, bristling at suggestions that he was a dead man walking.
Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville did not hold back on their criticism of Tottenham following their humiliating loss in Manchester, but the 36-year-old Spurs boss could not care less.
"I am immune (to criticism) right now," he said.
"I used to read a lot into situations like this, into pressure points when I was at Chelsea, but not any more. I am very indifferent.
"There is only one (area) that I come under pressure from, which is the press."
"I am immune (to criticism) right now" - Andre Villas-Boas
Coming in front of a packed media conference in Norway, that was quite a bold shot from the Tottenham manager, but on Wednesday night he was in combative mood.
Villas-Boas did not get animated or slam the table in frustration. That is not his style. Instead, the former Porto and Chelsea manager chose his words carefully in a controlled manner.
He did not even pause to change his white sweatshirt just before the press conference despite spilling coffee down it.
Villas-Boas said he retained the full backing of the board and playing staff in what was a tense press conference in Tromso ahead of tonight's Europa League match.
"I have the confidence of the board. I have the confidence of my players and I have to move on to do a proper job," Villas-Boas said.
The Spurs boss has the perfect chance to boost morale by giving Tromso a good thumping on the artificial surface of the Alfheim Stadium.
Tromso were relegated from the Norwegian top flight two-and-a-half weeks ago and they have only collected one point from their opening four group stage games.
Villas-Boas has left ten first-team players in London ahead of Sunday's visit of Manchester United, including Jermain Defoe.
Reports suggested that the England striker has already agreed to join MLS side Toronto FC in the new year, and Villas-Boas was hardly convincing in his denial.
"We've spoke a lot about this, I can't dwell on it again," said Villas-Boas, who recently said Defoe would not leave in January despite his lack of first-team football.
"I'm happy with his performances, it's been a wonderful season where he has beaten the club European record. He is a fantastic player for us. We are happy to have him on board."
A potentially lucrative move to Major League Soccer would have its benefits, but if Defoe left for Canada he would be putting his already fragile World Cup chances in severe doubt.
In Defoe's absence, Roberto Soldado will lead the line in Tromso, where locals see just half an hour of sunlight per day at this time of year.
A win would guarantee Spurs top spot in Group K with one match to go.
The game will go ahead as planned despite concerns over the weather in Tromso, which is so far north that it shares the same latitude as Alaska and Siberia.
Under-soil heating at the stadium helped clear 20cm of snow which fell on Tuesday. Temperatures are still expected to fall below zero, though.
Paul O'Connell will start for Munster this weekendGerhard van den Heever will make his Munster debut against Dragons
Live
Video
Audio
Paul O'Connell will start just his second RaboDirect PRO12 game of the season for Munster against Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday night (1915 kick-off).
South African winger Gerhard van den Heever will make his debut with Keith Earls, James Downey and Ian Keatley all returning from injury.
Billy Holland will captain the side at Rodney Parade.
Munster go into the game as league leaders and will be keen to extend their five-game winning streak.
In making 12 changes to a side that performed so impressively last weekend against Cardiff, Rob Penney has given his players a chance to impress ahead of the crucial Heineken Cup double-header against Perpignan.
"There are some players getting an opportunity this week that will need to play well to force their hand in terms of ERC selection," said the New Zealander.
"It's exciting because the other guys have done their job and when you're growing in depth and guys are getting rotated in, then they've got to perform well when they get their opportunity."
Munster: Felix Jones, Gerhard van den Heever, Keith Earls, James Downey, Denis Hurley, Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Billy Holland (c), CJ Stander, James Coughlan.
Replacements: Damien Varley, James Cronin, BJ Botha, Ian Nagle, Barry O'Mahony, Cathal Sheridan, JJ Hanrahan, Ivan Dineen.
Connacht head coach Pat Lam has recalled Robbie Henshaw to his team to face Edinburgh in Friday's RaboDirect PRO12 clash at Murrayfield (1945 kick-off).
Henshaw is one of six changes to the team that lined out against Scarlets last weekend.
Irish international Henshaw returns to the mix and starts at full back against the Scottish side, fresh from signing a new two-year deal with the Westerners.
Henshaw is joined in the back three by Connacht's record try scorer Fionn Carr and last week's try scorer Matt Healy.
Former Scottish international Dan Parks has been named at out-half.
Up front, Ronan Loughney starts at loosehead in place of the injured Brett Wilkinson. Mick Kearney has been handed his first start of the season after coming off the bench in the last two PRO12 games. At 6'5", the 22-year-old joins skipper Craig Clarke in the second row.
Eoin McKeon returns to the side after missing three months due to injury. The back rower, who played 80 minutes for club side Buccaneers last weekend, starts at Number 8.
Prop Denis Buckley is named on the replacements bench which also includes forward John Muldoon on his return from injury.
Scrum-half Frank Murphy, who played his first minutes of senior rugby in over a year last weekend, is also included.
Commenting on the team selection and the upcoming game, Lam said: "We know winning at this level comes down to fine margins which has been frustrating for all of us so far this season. But we are determined to capitalise on every opportunity we create to give us a chance of a much needed win here.
"This season Edinburgh have proven a strong side who are tough to beat at home. They've won their last three games at Murrayfield, including an excellent Heineken Cup win over Munster.
"Our squad has been boosted by the return of Robbie (Henshaw) and Eoin (McKeon) while John (Muldoon) passed a late fitness test which sees him named on the bench. We need to deliver a performance that gives us every chance of getting the result."
Connacht: Robbie Henshaw, Fionn Carr, Eoin Griffin, Dave McSharry, Matt Healy, Dan Parks, Kieran Marmion, Ronan Loughney, Sean Henry, Nathan White, Mick Kearney, Craig Clarke (c), Aly Muldowney, Jake Heenan, Eoin McKeon.
Replacements: Jason Harris-Wright, Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You, Michael Swift, John Muldoon, Frank Murphy, Craig Ronaldson, Gavin Duffy.
Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 November 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Wednesday, 27 Nov 2013 13:50 | Comments
AC Milan were comfortable winners last night
Neil Lennon acknowledged a lack of firepower finally caught up with his Celtic side after they crashed out of Europe on Tuesday night with a thumping 3-0 defeat against AC Milan in their Champions League Group H clash at Parkhead.
The Hoops were made to pay for missing several chances against the Serie A side, who went ahead through Kaka in the 13th minute when he headed a Valter Birsa corner past Fraser Forster.
Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk missed a sitter at the start of the second half when he blasted a shot straight at Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati - a minute before Rossoneri defender Cristian Zapata made it 2-0 from close range before Mario Balotelli added a third.
With Ajax beating Barcelona 2-1 at the Amsterdam ArenA, the Scottish champions remain bottom of the pool with three points ahead of their trip to the Nou Camp next month and do not even have the safety net of the Europa League this season.
Lennon said: "Tonight was symptomatic of the campaign. We missed good chances and I was really disappointed in the two goals we lost from corners because we take a lot of pride in that.
"I think it some time for a long time that someone scored from a corner.
"The Virgil chance was a great chance, and at 1-1 the game could have gone either way. And then we go and concede again from a corner. That was the most disappointing aspect - as was the opportunities we have missed.
"I didn't think we were outplayed or there were waves after waves of attack.
"But big moments change the psychology of the game. Milan took their chances when they came along, albeit we contributed to our own downfall.
"When our opportunities arose, Beram Kayal, Charlie Mulgrew, Van Dijk, James Forrest, snatched at them - that was the difference in the game.
"We have to improve if we are going to continue to play in the Champions League."
Asked if he felt a better quality of player was needed for the Champions League, the Northern Irishman replied: "I think that has been apparent over the course of the campaign.
"Realistically, getting into the Champions League was fantastic for us.
"When the draw was made, we knew how difficult it was going to be but we have competed - and we competed again tonight. But just that quality at the top end of the pitch has caught up with us, certainly this season anyway.
"Some of the players have covered themselves in glory, but it is mainly the defensive end of the pitch we are talking about.
"We all enjoy the European experience, but hopefully we can learn from this campaign and we will do everything we come back next year and compete in it again. That's the target now."
Forrest, who recovered from a hamstring strain to start the game, was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault in the build-up to the match, police said.
Asked if the player's off-field issues were a problem for him, the Hoops boss replied: "No it's not, no."
AC Milan arrived in Glasgow without a win in seven games and 13th in Serie A but were emphatic winners in the end, although coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted his side had to do some resolute defending.
He said: "It wasn't an easy win. Celtic played well but we were able to nullify them. They created three or four chances but we defended well.
"It is not about a turning point for us. We played well tonight, and were technically very good, but we have played well in other matches.
"We have to make sure we have a good Champions League campaign and, of course, we have to get back to form domestically.
"But it was a good result and a great performance."
Anthony Pilkington was stretchered off in Newcastle
Norwich manager Chris Hughton expects Anthony Pilkington's hamstring injury to sideline the midfielder for up to six weeks.
The Republic of Ireland international will not be back in contention until the new year after sustaining a grade two tear.
News on Robert Snodgrass' knee problem is slightly better, with Hughton saying he will be out for a few weeks but not as long as Pilkington.
"Anthony has had a scan which shows a grade two strain which usually means five or six weeks out," canaries.co.uk reported Hughton telling the club's annual general meeting.
"Robert came back from international duty with Scotland and felt his knee at the beginning of training on Friday.
"He travelled with us to Newcastle as we hoped it would settle down, but unfortunately it didn't, and he could be out for a few weeks but not as long as Anthony."
Striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel (toe) is expected to be fit for the home match against Swansea in mid-December but the comebacks of Mark Bunn (ankle), Alex Tettey (ankle) and Elliott Bennett (cruciate ligament) will all be longer.
Injuries have not helped the Canaries' run of form which has seen them win just once in their last six matches, dropping them to 16th in the Barclays Premier League.
"You go through good periods where you've got no injuries, you keep doing things the same, and then you can pick up some," added Hughton, in comments reported by the Norwich Evening News.
"It's just unfortunate we're going through one of those periods at the moment, but we have to be able to cope with that, and it'll give others an opportunity.
"I'm not going to sit here and say I'm completely happy with our performances.
"Are we where I'd hope we would be at the moment? No, we're not. It's my responsibility to make sure we do something about that, starting with Crystal Palace on Saturday."
Rory McIlroy competes at the Australian Open this week
The pressure to succeed in sport is pushing more and more athletes towards stress-related illnesses, according to Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy is looking to put a troubled year on and off the course behind him at this week's Australian Open.
The 24-year-old, who slipped from the top of the rankings to world number six after a winless 2013, said the mental toll of sport could far outweigh the physical pressures and cases such as that of England cricketer Jonathan Trott were becoming more frequent.
Trott flew home from Australia on Monday to deal with a stress-related illness following England's calamitous start to the Ashes series.
"It's sad to see something like that happen and it just shows what a mental toll sport can take on you sometimes," McIlroy told reporters at Royal Sydney.
"Hopefully he gets home and spends some time with his family and recovers and can come back.
"As sport becomes so big and there's so much pressure and so much on the line, it's becoming more and more common that these sorts of stress-related illnesses are happening and it just shows how much of a mental toll it takes on you sometimes."
"It's becoming more and more common that these sorts of stress-related illnesses are happening" - Rory McIlroy
He acknowledged there was a world of difference between casual banter on the golf course and the sledging that took place in Brisbane, where England were thrashed by 381 runs in the first test.
"I think the sledging this year has probably been a bit worse than other years as well," the Northern Irishman added.
"It looks like they're just having a go at each other after every ball. It would be really tough to take that for however long you're out there for.
"They seem to really get at each other's throat whenever they're in there."
McIlroy has had to deal with a myriad of off-course distractions this year, but his form seems to be improving heading into the final events of the year.
In addition to his high-profile switch to Nike, a dispute with American sportswear company Oakley and his split with Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management, McIlroy has also had to deal with the media focus on his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.
"It's been a long year, I guess mentally more than physically," he added.
"Physically, golf doesn't take that much out of you but mentally it's quite draining, especially this year for me, not just the golf and being frustrated with my game but having to answer the questions and having to come up with reasons why I'm not playing well and all that stuff."
McIlroy will face stiff competition at Royal Sydney from US Masters champion Adam Scott and another Australian Jason Day, who won the World Cup's individual trophy by two strokes on Sunday.
"I've said for the last couple of months I just wanted to try and finish this season strongly and get some momentum to go in 2014," he added.
"This would be the perfect place to get that first win of the year and give me a sort of springboard into the next season."
Eamonn O'Hara retired from inter-county football earlier this year
New Sligo manager Pat Flanagan has refused to rule out reaching out to Eamonn O'Hara for a comeback with the Yeats County.
The former All Star retired after being left out by former boss Kevin Walsh this year and went on to feature as an analyst for RTÉ.
Flanagan told the Irish Daily Mail: "I was only ratified on Monday night so as far as I'm concerned my plan would be to get the best for Sligo football.
"And whatever that is and whatever that takes I'll be doing it.
"The door won't be closed on anybody and my idea is to try and improve players and get the best out of their ability.
"That was a controversial incident between Kevin and Eamonn.
"What I want to do tonight is meet with several individuals and from there I'll draw up a plan. I wouldn't rule out anything at this point."
Ireland will play three of their games on Sundays at 1700
Organisers of the 2015 Rugby World Cup have announced the times for Ireland's group games, with a 2.30pm kick-off against Canada starting the tournament for Ireland on 19 September,
Three of Ireland's four Pool D games take place on a Sunday at 5pm.
After the clash with Canada at the Millenium Stadium, Sunday 27 September sees Ireland take on a qualifier from Europe at Wembley at 5pm.
The Olympic Stadium hosts Ireland's clash with Italy on Sunday 4 October at 5pm.
Joe Schmidt's side meet France at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 11 October at 5pm.
England 2015 has announced that over one million of the total 2.3m available tickets will go on sale at £100 (€119) or less with 500,000 selling at £50 (€59) or less.
Ticket prices for the final will range from €179 to €857.
"Our key priority is ensuring we give the teams a balanced and equitable schedule which we believe we have achieved," England 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans said.
"We have consulted with all our transport providers, our venues and host cities and we feel that we have put together a schedule that takes into account all of the needs of our stakeholders.
"Now that fans have the final piece of the jigsaw, they can start to plan their tournament, be it in stadia or watching from home, and make this a truly memorable celebration of Rugby."
Fixtures
19 Sep: Ireland v Canada 1430 27 Sep: Ireland v Europe qualifier 1700 4 Oct: Ireland v Italy 1700 11 Oct: France v Ireland 1700
Written By Unknown on Selasa, 26 November 2013 | 23.07
Updated: Tuesday, 26 Nov 2013 16:02 | Comments
Jezki has only lost one race over hurdles
Video
Two of last season's star novices could face off in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Sunday with Jezki and Rule The World on course to meet.
In seven races over hurdles Jessica Harrington's Jezki has only been beaten in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, behind Champagne Fever and My Tent Or Yours.
He missed an engagement in the Morgiana Hurdle against Hurricane Fly to wait for this Grade One over an extra half-mile.
Rule The World, who was second in the Neptune at Cheltenham to The New One, made a winning reappearance at Naas last month after picking up an injury at Punchestown. He had been due to run in the Lismullen Hurdle after Naas but was taken out after picking up a leg infection.
In the same Gigginstown House Stud ownership Tony Martin's Dedigout, an impressive winner of the Lismullen, has been supplemented into the race.
Willie Mullins can pick between last year's winner Zaidpour or Diakali, one of the leading juveniles last season.
Eddie Harty's veteran Captain Cee Bee and Gordon Elliott's Flaxen Flare make up the seven possibles.
United beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 when the sides met earlier this season
Live
Audio
The latest instalment of the Bundesliga-Premier League rivalry takes place on the banks of the Rhine on Wednesday when Bayer Leverkusen attempt to block Manchester United's path through to the last 16 of the Champions League (Live on RTÉ Two from 7.30pm).
Victory for United in the Group A clash would seal a spot in the knockout rounds with a match to spare and leave Leverkusen scrapping with Shakhtar Donetsk for second place.
While the clash of the national teams at Wembley last week showed Germany were a cut above England internationally, Premier League clubs have done better in this season's duels in Europe.
United beat Leverkusen 4-2 at Old Trafford, Chelsea crushed Schalke home and away, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund shared a win apiece while Bayern Munich beat Manchester City.
Leverkusen have turned the Bayer Arena into a fortress, winning their last eight Champions League group games there, and will seek to redress the balance for the Bundesliga against a United side not firing on all cylinders despite a marked improvement in results since a poor start to the season.
They are one point behind United in Group A and victory would put them in the driving seat although a draw would actually send both clubs through to the last 16 should Shakhtar suffer a surprise loss at home to Real Sociedad.
That is unlikely to be the game plan of either Leverkusen coach Sami Hyypia or United's David Moyes.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in 13 home matches while United are enjoying a ten-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, even though their mood was soured by conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Cardiff City on Sunday.
"The team is at a very good level at the moment and the trend is upward," Leverkusen's Stefan Kiessling, who has scored eight Bundesliga goals this season, told the club's website.
"It would be great if it could continue like that. Manchester is a decisive game for us, it is a home game and it will be fun to be playing on the day.
"With that kind of support from our fans we will try to win it and to decide it in our favour."
United defender Rio Ferdinand was equally upbeat.
"We want to finish the job, get it done early so we can get back to the Premier League and have nothing else distracting us," he said.
"They're a well-equipped team and it's not going to be easy but we're more than capable."
"The team is at a very good level at the moment and the trend is upward"
Both managers have selection headaches.
Leverkusen are without winger Sidney Sam after he limped off with a thigh injury four minutes into their 1-0 victory at Hertha BSC Berlin at the weekend which put them second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern Munich.
United, sixth in the Premier league, will be hoping Robin van Persie and Phil Jones (both groin injuries) and Nemanja Vidic (concussion) recover in time after missing the trip to Cardiff.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini is suspended.
"Robin's groin is the problem at the moment; his toes are much better. We are hoping to get both Nemanja and Robin back as soon as we can," Moyes said on Monday.
"I hope they'll be in contention for Wednesday but I couldn't give you a definitive answer."
Live television coverage of Bayer Leverkusen v Manchester United from 19.30 on Wednesday 27 November on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (RoI only). Live radio coverage on Game On on RTÉ 2fm and RTÉ.ie (RoI only) from 7pm.
Jose Mourinho: 'After the first match, we did our job and they didn't do theirs'
Video
Audio
Jose Mourinho has warned tonight's opponents Basel that Chelsea are much improved from the side beaten in September as the Blues bid to advance in the Champions League.
Chelsea play at St Jakob-Park (7.45pm) seeking a fourth successive win - following the defeat to the Swiss in the opening game at Stamford Bridge - to seal top spot in Group E for Mourinho's men.
Basel, meanwhile, sit third, one point behind Schalke, and to advance must match the German side's result against Steaua Bucharest before going to Gelsenkirchen and winning.
"If somebody has to feel the pressure, it's not us," Mourinho said.
"It's Basel, because they are in a limited situation to qualify for the next round.
"They are under pressure and we are not. We can finish the job to qualify and Basel, even if they win, have to play a last final at Gelsenkirchen.
"For them, the situation is difficult. This shows clearly that, after the first match, we did our job and they didn't do theirs.
"This Chelsea is better than the Chelsea that played at Stamford Bridge.
"Hopefully we can continue the good run we've had in the Champions League and finish the job."
"If somebody has to feel the pressure, it's not us"
If Chelsea do as Mourinho hopes their focus will turn to the Premier League, beginning with Sunday's match with Southampton - the first of eight domestic games in December.
Mourinho has talked of six title contenders and maintains Tottenham are one of them despite their 6-0 loss at Manchester City.
"It's better to lose one game 6-0 than to lose six matches 1-0," Mourinho said. "It hurts more, but it's better.
"I don't remember in one of these fixtures that all of us, all the six contenders, when we win all of us at the same time.
"Next weekend somebody will lose points, again and that's the Premier League.
"In Spain they are complaining the championship is not good. In Germany they are complaining the championship is not good.
"We should not complain about our Premier League. We should say it's the best championship in the world."
Mourinho's determination to beat Basel is so the 11 December clash with Steaua becomes an irrelevance and full focus can be applied to domestic competition, namely the seven Premier League fixtures.
He added: "That's our motivation for (tonight), to try to kill the situation in the group phase and give us a little bit of space in December; instead of having nine real, competitive matches, we only have eight."
Milan scored two late goals to see off Celtic in the reverse fixture
Video
Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League this time around will be an even more impressive achievement than last year's success in the competition.
The Hoops progressed to the knockout stages last season from a group that also included Benfica, Spartak Moscow and Barcelona, before eventually exiting to Juventus.
This year saw them grouped once again with the Catalan giants, as well as AC Milan and Ajax, with mixed results so far.
Ahead of tonight's game (7.45pm), Lennon was asked if qualification this year would be a bigger achievement.
"Unquestionably, yes," he said. "I think it's a tougher group and we are in a rebuilding process at the minute. While that rebuilding is going on, we are still trying to be successful.
"At any time, if we were to qualify from a group as illustrious as this one it would be a fantastic achievement, but even more so with the current state of the squad."
The Scottish champions sit bottom of Group H but a win over Milan - combined with Barcelona denying Ajax victory - would see them move into second spot.
"We are playing against a very good side, despite what their recent league form is maybe showing" - Neil Lennon
As far as Lennon is concerned, tonight's clash is now one of the biggest games of the season.
He said: "Certainly in the context of the Champions League it is. It's a game we have to win to have any chance of qualifying.
"It's a great game for the players to be involved in. We have performed very well in the group apart from the first half in Amsterdam, so I want that to continue.
"I don't think we need much incentive or motivation for the game. We are playing against a very good side, despite what their recent league form is maybe showing.
"I watched their game on Saturday and they dominated the game against Genoa and were unfortunate not to win the game.
"Some of the football they played, and the tempo they played at, was of a very high calibre."
Lennon added: "We will try to take the game to Milan at every opportunity.
"That's the way we always play and have done historically in the Champions League at home, whether it be under myself, Gordon Strachan or Martin O'Neill.
"That's imperative and I think the fans will want that. Whether we can do it or not is another thing.
"We will try to dictate the game but how much Milan allow us to do that remains to be seen."
Connacht and the IRFU have extended the contract of 20-year-old back Robbie Henshaw as the Westerners continue to secure the future of their squad.
Henshaw joins teammates Kieran Marmion, Willie Faloon, Craig Ronaldson and Matt Healy who all recently penned two-year deals that will see them play at the Sportsground until at least 2016.
The former Westmeath minor footballer earned his third Ireland cap this month, coming on from the bench against the Wallabies in Ireland's second test game of the Autumn Internationals.
Commenting on the new deal, Henshaw said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract with Connacht. Playing for Ireland recently was a huge honour and I was so proud to be representing my home province as well as my country.
"It's been an unbelievable 15 months and I'm so happy that I was given my first chance here at Connacht and can now continue to improve under Pat [Lam] and the coaching team."
Connacht head coach Lam added: "It's fantastic that Robbie has committed his future to Connacht Rugby.
"He is an extremely talented young man and is constantly improving as a player. I'm pleased that he sees Connacht as the place for him to continue that progress, playing week in week out in big games.
"Robbie has proven himself to be one of the best young players in the country and I have no doubt that he will continue his remarkable career both with Connacht and Ireland."
Ireland and Ulster hooker Rory Best will be out of action until January after undergoing surgery on his fractured arm.
Best suffered the injury during Ireland's heartbreaking 24-22 defeat to New Zealand on Sunday and there were fears that he could miss the start of the Six Nations campaign.
However, Ulster have confirmed that Best's surgery was successful and that he is expected to return to rugby in mid to late January, with Ireland's Six Nations getting under way against Scotland on 2 February.
Best will, however, miss a good part of Ulster's Heineken Cup campaign.
The 31-year-old had already been ruled out of his side's double header with Treviso but will now also miss the home clash with Montpellier, although he could be back for the trip to Leicester in January.
Meanwhile, forward Iain Henderson is facing up to six weeks out after an MRI scan confirmed that he sustained a torn hamstring during Ulster's win over Edinburgh.
Written By Unknown on Senin, 25 November 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Monday, 25 Nov 2013 11:08 | Comments
Rob Kearney scored a first-half try against the All BlacksRob Kearney scored a first-half try against the All Blacks
Full-back Rob Kearney says he rejects the notion Ireland that need to grow in mental strength in the aftermath of their narrow defeat to New Zealand.
Kiwi head coach Steve Hansen had suggested Ireland do not quite realise how good they can be after the 24-22 Dublin victory for the All-Blacks on Sunday.
Try-scorer Kearney rejected the notion Ireland can grow in mental strength after so nearly registering their first-ever win over the Kiwis.
He said: "When we tell you that when we play our best rugby we can beat any team in the world, that's not a party-line that we trot out, that's what we genuinely believe.
"We played well today for 50 to 60 minutes, and we probably could have done a little bit more at the end.
"I haven't learned a huge amount from that 80 minutes: I know what we can do as a team when we fulfil our potential.
"I know we can beat the best teams in the world, and we came pretty close on Sunday."
"We can beat any team in the world - that's not a party-line that we trot out, that's what we genuinely believe" - Rob Kearney
Kearney's first-half score added to earlier tries for Conor Murray and Rory Best, but Ireland failed to protect their 22-7 half-time lead.
New Zealand hit back through Ben Franks, before Ryan Crotty crossed in overtime.
Aaron Cruden fluffed the conversion, only to be handed a reprieve with Ireland starting their chase too soon.
Kearney said peaks and troughs between performances are understandable – but not acceptable.
Ireland leaked four tries in a lacklustre 32-15 defeat to Australia, just eight days before producing a gritty, intense battle against New Zealand.
Kearney warned Ireland must stay far closer to the All Blacks showing than the Australia offering in future.
He said: "It enhances the next time we do play them; it will heighten our belief a bit more. We weren't there mentally last week. But the margins in these games are tiny.
"Look at the stark contrast between New Zealand Tests two and three last season.
"We're not going to get to that level every week, but we've got to be coming pretty close to it. And anything nearing last week will simply not be good enough."
Jonathan Sexton missed a 74th-minute penalty that would have stretched Ireland's lead to eight points.
Kearney admitted that proved the match-turner, but refused to lay any criticism on the Racing Metro fly-half.
Kearney said: "If we got that penalty, it's an eight-point game and difficult to come back. It was a lifeline for them. But obviously as players we will never, ever criticise our kickers, because they have the hardest job of all.
"And it was a massive pressure kick for him, and he was carrying a bit of a knock too.
"Had he got that kick it might have been different, and it was a lifeline for them. But despite missing the kick we should still have come through with the result."
New Zealand's get-out-of-jail victory over Ireland did not just come down to a re-set conversion, according to goal-kicker Aaron Cruden.
Goal-kicker Aaron Cruden admitted a slice of fortune in referee Nigel Owens ordering a retake after he fluffed a first attempt at the winning conversion in stoppage time on Sunday.
Ryan Crotty's last-gasp try levelled the game at 22-22, before Chiefs fly-half Cruden shanked the conversion.
Ireland had started their chase too early though, handing Cruden the immediate reprieve that confirmed New Zealand's 14th-consecutive victory and the perfect season.
Crotty said he expected Ireland to be aware of his stutter kick-approach, which has caught out opponents rushing up early in the past.
But he said New Zealand's victory owed everything to their never-say-die attitude.
"I would say that is the biggest kick of my life yeah" - Aaron Cruden
He said: "I was pretty stoked to get a second opportunity.
"My kicking style didn't change throughout the game so you would have thought they would be aware of my set-up and that little stutter I do to calm myself.
"It was a shame they charged early but for us, it was great to have another chance and see it go over.
"The fact we can produce a comeback like that, it says so much about this team, and the All Blacks' ability to produce when it matters most.
"You can sense runners coming as you line up the kick but you're trying to stay focused on the task. But I was pretty stoked to get a second crack at it.
"I suppose it was a reprieve, I just wanted to stay focused, stay in my rhythm and strike the ball well.
"And I was pretty happy to see the flags go up after I'd kicked it. I would say that is the biggest kick of my life yeah.
"I don't think it comes down to the kick: with 30 seconds to go we were able to get a penalty and launch an attack. We stayed to our gameplan, identify space on the left and get over in the corner.
"There was a lot of work done previous to that that helped get into the history books."
Tyrone's All-Ireland winning goalkeeper Pascal McConnell has announced his retirement from inter-county football.
The Newtownstewart clubman enjoyed a glittering career, winning All-Ireland medals at senior, Under 21 and minor levels, as well as four Ulster championships.
Meanwhile, O'Connor Park in Tullamore has been selected as the venue for Sunday week's Leinster club football final.
St Vincent's of Dublin will meet Laois champions, Portlaoise on Sunday 8 December with a 2pm throw-in.
This Sunday's hurling final between Oulart the Ballagh and Mount Leinster Rangers will be refereed by John Keenan of Wicklow.
My Tent Or Yours is a best-price 6-1 for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival
My Tent Or Yours is among 12 possible runners in the StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
My Tent Or Yours won four of his six starts over hurdles as a novice last season, with a scintillating display in the Betfair Hurdle the clear highlight of his campaign.
Nicky Henderson's six-year-old is likely to be a hot favourite for the Grade One feature at Gosforth Park this weekend, but there are sure to be a few talented rivals in opposition.
Jeremy Scott's stable star Melodic Rendezvous was another horse to take high order in the novice ranks last season, but the Tolworth Hurdle winner missed the big Festivals in the spring.
He appeared better than ever, however, when winning on his recent return to action in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.
Elite Hurdle fourth Cotton Mill could renew rivalries this weekend.
His trainer, John Ferguson, told At The Races: "Cotton Mill is getting older and wiser.
"When he was a novice he showed some serious pace. He looked like he might give Simonsig a race in the Neptune and ran through the wing."
Alan King's Grumeti is set to make his return, while Nicky Richards could saddle the talented Duke Of Navan.
John Quinn's Cockney Sparrow and Oliver Sherwood's Puffin Billy also feature among the acceptors at the latest forfeit stage.
Rory Best suffered a fractured arm shortly after touching down for this try
Rory Best looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines after Ulster confirmed that he suffered a fractured forearm during Ireland's 24-22 defeat against New Zealand.
Best is due to see a specialist after he was forced to withdraw in the early stages of Sunday's game at the Aviva Stadium, just after touching down for Ireland's second try of the match,
The experienced hooker looks certain to miss Ulster's Heineken Cup double header with Treviso in December as well as Saturday's RaboDirect Pro12 trip to Zebre.
Ulster have further injury worries with the news that Iain Henderson suffered a hamstring injury in the province's victory over Edinburgh on Friday.
He will have an MRI scan this afternoon to determine the extent of the injury.
Written By Unknown on Minggu, 24 November 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Sunday, 24 Nov 2013 11:19 | Comments
Jason Day and Adam Scott finished ten shots ahead of nearest rivals
Australia's Jason Day held off the challenge of Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and countryman Adam Scott to win the individual prize at the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne as the antipodean duo also claimed the team prize.
Day had held a one-shot lead overnight and a fourth-round 70 meant he finished on 10 under, two shots clear of Bjorn who finished with a 71.
Scott closed with a five under par 66 to finish a further shot back and hand Australia an aggregate team score of 17 under, 10 shots clear of nearest challengers the United States.
Ireland's duo of Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry finished in 11th spot, with McDowell finishing one over for the tournament and Lowry on eight-over-par.
The home win was a first victory for Day since the HP Byron Nelson Championship in 2010 and the 26-year-old feels it is just reward after finishing second three times at majors since then.
"It was a complete honour to win here at Royal Melbourne," he said.
"To win in front of the Melbourne fans who are so passionate about their sport was an amazing feeling.
"It feels great. I just really don't know what to think right now.
"All the hard work and dedication that I have put into my game over the last five or 10 years is paying off.
"It's taken me a while to get my second win as a pro, and it couldn't be more fitting with Scotty by my side winning the World Cup here in Melbourne."
Paul Stirling produced a stunning man of the match performance to guide Ireland to automatic qualification for the ICC World Twenty20 finals in Bangladesh next March.
The Middlesex all-rounder top scored with 77 from 46 balls (nine fours, three sixes) to help Ireland to a mammoth 207-4, and followed that up with a stunning spell of 4-10 to restrict Hong Kong to 122 all out.
Stirling's figures were the second best in T20 cricket for Ireland – bettered only by Boyd Rankin's 4-9 against Uganda last year.
He and George Dockrell (2-18) combined to spark a dramatic Hong Kong collapse, which saw them lose their last eight wickets for just 30 runs – indeed at 92-2, Hong Kong were actually a run ahead of Ireland at the comparative half-way stage.
The turning point was an athletic one handed catch at midwicket by William Porterfield to dismiss Hong Kong dangerman Jamie Atkinson, who had struck 48 from 38 balls (three fours, six sixes) to offer his side some hope.
Ireland's fielding was exemplary, with James Shannon, brought in to the team in place of Niall O'Brien, taking two stunning efforts at long-off. Gary Wilson had also produced an outstanding piece of glove-work to stump Irfan Ahmed off Max Sorensen in the first over of the Hong Kong reply.
Earlier, the Ireland opening partnership of William Porterfield and Paul Stirling had got their team off to a blistering start after opting to bat, adding 91 in just 61 balls before Porterfield was dismissed.
Porterfield had made 38 from 30 balls (five fours, one six), playing second fiddle for once in the competition to Stirling, who was at his belligerent best.
The departure of Stirling, caught on the long-on boundary, paved the way for Kevin O'Brien to take centre stage, and the powerful Railway Union man showed echoes of Bangalore as he was at his destructive best to take the match away from Hong Kong.
He hit five sixes and three fours in an unbeaten 62 from just 27 balls, as Ireland added an incredible 70 runs in the final five overs.
On another record breaking day for Ireland, the 85-run margin of victory was their best in a T20 game, as were the ten sixes hit by the team.
Ireland qualify for their 7th World Cup in eight years, continuing their excellent record amongst their fellow Associates.
Ireland progress to the semi-finals, where they will play on Friday against the winners of The Netherlands v UAE clash, which takes place on Wednesday.
Simenon had a disappointing run for Willie Mullins
Ryan Moore played a major part in Gentildonna's historic Japan Cup victory as she became the first horse to win the Tokyo feature twice.
The English rider was on board Sei Ishizaka's filly for the very first time, as Yasunari Iwata had been in the saddle when she took a rough renewal 12 months earlier.
There was no luck for the three European raiders - Dunaden fared best to be fifth - but Moore was at the very top of his game in a race he wanted to win as he drove her past the line a nose ahead of the fast-finishing Denim And Ruby.
Gentildonna had finished second to St Nicholas Abbey in Dubai's Sheema Classic last March and was always in a prominent position, with Moore taking a commanding position with a furlong remaining but having to hold on desperately at the finish with rivals appearing from right across the track.
"Gentildonna has never run a bad race," said Moore.
"Unfortunately the race went very slow, and I had to let her take me into it. We were a little more forward than I had originally planned to have been.
"When we started racing from the 800 (metre-mark) she picked up very well to get to the front by the furlong marker. She's just so honest, and being a top horse she just kept giving that little bit more and just had enough."
Willie Mullins' Simenon, the Gold Cup runner-up who was fourth in the Melbourne Cup, could only manage 13th under Richard Hughes.
"I was surprised how slow it appeared to be early on," said Mullins.
"We thought it would be faster, but that's racing. I learned a lot and hopefully we'll be back with the same horse, or with a better one."
Ed Dunlop's Joshua Tree raced prominently for Johnny Murtagh but faded to eventually trail home last.
Dunlop said: "I think he got upset with all that razzmatazz and the build-up before the start.
"Johnny said that he lost the plot before the race and didn't want to run in the race. It's fantastic though, Gentildonna winning twice in a row, and we'll be back."
Fionnualla Britton now prepares for upcoming European Championships
Fionnualla Britton finished seventh in the Cross the l'Acier in northern France today in her final preparatory race for next month's European Championships.
The race was won by Ayelew Hiwott of Ethiopia with other Kenyan and Ethiopians occupying the top four places.
There was just one European ahead of Britton – Sophie Duarte of France who will be a rival for Britton when the Wicklow woman seeks to win her third European title in a row in Belgrade in a fortnight.
Ireland's Michael Mulhare finished 11th in the men's race.
Remember the buoyant optimism of the first week of November? International rugby has all of a sudden looks a very inhospitable environment for Ireland.
Ireland are the final obstacle between a New Zealand side with a perfect calendar year of rugby in its sights. Dismissed last week by Australia, Ireland will know in their hearts that if they are out-thought and out-fought in the same manner, they will be nothing more than a speed bump on the All Blacks' road to history.
Ireland must also address their dreadful overall record of one draw and 26 defeats in the 108-year history of this fixture. New Zealand have been several steps ahead of Ireland for a long time.
Adding to the difficulty of Ireland's task is that these All Blacks are among the best ever to travel north – some are already calling them the best ever, though that will not be settled until Rugby World Cup 2015 at the earliest.
But they have won 13 Tests from 13 this year. The reality behind that number is even more impressive than the bare statistic: ten of those victories have been against South Africa, Australia, England and France, who are the four next best teams in the world.
It is achievements like that which lead the All Blacks to place placards proclaiming that they are "the most dominant team in the history of the world" on the wall of their team room.
And yet...Ireland know that they are not as bad as last week's second-half performance against Australia suggests. They had clawed themselves back into the game at half-time but lost Jonathan Sexton , the player most likely to producing when the going gets tough, at the crucial stage.
They were also badly hindered by an unexpected scrum collapse and a major miscalculation in the defensive strategy that saw Australia take full advantage of additional leeway out wide. A different concept will be employed against New Zealand, who allow their brilliant number eight Kieran Read free reign to roam the tramlines.
And while the history of playing against New Zealand is mostly grim, Ireland have performed well on tour in New Zealand on more than a few occasions in the last decade or so and were only denied a famous draw when a mis-hit Dan Carter drop goal beat them in the final minute of the second Test in 2012.
There have been near misses at home as well – a one point defeat in 1963, that draw in '73 and a final quarter collapse in 2002. Could 2013 be the year?
It is also worth taking into account that on this November tour, New Zealand only beat France by seven points and England by eight, while the majority of matches in their Rugby Championship clean sweep were at least competitive. With one or two exceptions, they have not been registering blowout wins.
Ireland could, of course, be the team to suffer a proper hammering. They will need to get absolutely everything right to even give themselves a chance.
To that end, there is a ruthless tinge to the selection. The two players who made the biggest individual tackling mistakes – Eoin Reddan and Luke Marshall – have been unceremoniously shipped out of the squad and back to the RaboDirect PRO12.
In that light, it seems unjust that the entire pack that got out-scrummaged and mauled over its own line gets a second chance. The hope is that the scrum brains-trust can engineer a similar about face to the one which turned Leinster's Heineken Cup final clash with Northampton on its head two years ago.
The scrum is arguably the key factor that will dictate the scoreline, if not the result.
It is a positive for Ireland that Tony Woodcock is absent from the New Zealand starting XV but while Charlie Faumuina and Wyatt Crocket are not household name prop-forwards, it is worth noting that Faumuina locked the scrum during New Zealand's epic victory over South Africa at Ellis Park earlier this year, while Crockett has played in 12 of their 13 matches this season, starting five.
Ireland's backline changes, which sees the midfield trio of Sexton, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll restored to the starting XV, should yield more cohesion. But the key to the backline having a chance is good quality ball. The athletic Australian backline was able to smash into Ireland's complicated attacking structures at will last week.
New Zealand will no doubt seek to do the same, not allowing the loops, switches and inside pops time to develop. They must be given something to think about around the ruck.
What else can Ireland do? New Zealand have a formidable combination of size, power, speed and height in the backline. The likes of Ma'a Nonu and Israel Dagg are familiar foes, but the reality is that every single backline player is a threat athletically. This is a New Zealand team that backs its speed in both attack and defence.
Alongside that, their ability to get decisions right time after time is hugely impressive. Aaron Cruden is not far off Dan Carter's standard in this vital area.
The final, crucial ingredient is Kieran Read's ability to ride shotgun to the backline patterns and collect the killer pass. This New Zealand team is by no means the first to use a back-rower to change the balance of the game. A previous All Black, the Samoan-born Michael Jones, is arguably the greatest exponent of the art in the game's history.
But this side has adapted it to the modern game with incredible success, becoming the platform for a record-breaking run of try-scoring for the number eight.
Ireland will be aware that New Zealand's overloading of the wide channels can lead to opportunities at the ruck, and England's successful strategy two weeks' ago will have been of particular interest.
Ireland must also kick better, much better, than they have in recent seasons, doing so less as a last resort. A repeat of last week's spoon-feeding of Israel Folau will lead to disaster.
Kicking to touch will also be a tempting option though in Luke Romano, Steven Luatua and Sam Whitelock, New Zealand have a trio of athletic jumpers. Ireland have a high-quality corps of lineout players themselves. Devin Toner has the height to be rock solid on Irish ball, while Paul O'Connell is as good as any lock in the world at contesting on his day. Peter O'Mahony and Jamie Heaslip are also highly effective in the air. Here's hoping the video analysis went well this week.
But it is on the ground where Ireland will hope to make real hay. With Liam Messam out and Brodie Retallick on the bench, this New Zealand pack is a shade less gritty than it might have been and if Ireland can get to the required emotional pitch, they may just expose a slightly soft underbelly.
Overall, it is Ireland's ability to bring and sustain that emotion will determine how the day goes.
Last week, they seemed to struggle to combine the concentration level and accuracy demanded by the coaching style with the emotion they need to bring to compete as underdogs.
If they can get the mind and the gut working in tandem, they will become that bit more dangerous.
The reality is that even if Ireland can improve across the park and get a few breaks, this New Zealand team has shown it has the character, athleticism and skill to respond to everything the very best in the world can throw at them. It hardly bears thinking about what might happen if things go against Ireland, with something like an injury to Sexton, or another rout at the scrum likely to lead to disaster.
A couple of games into Schmidt's reign, a smarter, more committed performance is the most that can be expected.
Guinness International Prediction:
Ireland 12-25 New Zealand
Ireland: R. Kearney, T Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, D Kearney, J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, P O'Connell (c), D Toner, P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, D Fitzpatrick, K McLaughlin, M McCarthy, I Boss, I Madigan, L Fitzgerald.
New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (c), Steven Luatua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Charlie Faumuina, Andrew Hore, Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty.
Live television coverage of Ireland v New Zealand from 13:00 on Sunday 24 November on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 21 November 2013 | 23.06
Updated: Thursday, 21 Nov 2013 10:55 | Comments
Ireland captain William Porterfield
There was frustration for Ireland this morning with heavy rain in Abu Dhabi meaning that their ICC World Twenty20 qualifying game against Italy was abandoned without a ball bowled.
William Porterfield's men came into the Group A contest brimful of confidence following Wednesday's record-breaking win over USA but were left kicking their heels as the rain continued through the morning.
Heavy rain left the adjacent pitches and run-ups sodden, and despite several inspections, play was officially called off at 12:35pm local time.
The consolation for Ireland is that with the sides picking up a point apiece they remain in pole position in the group – one point ahead of Hong Kong, and three ahead of hosts UAE, who have a match in hand.
Two more wins, against Uganda on Friday and second-placed Hong Kong on Sunday would see Ireland emerge as group winners and into the semi-finals of the tournament.
The match tomorrow against Uganda gets under way at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium at 10am Irish time.
New Zealand number eight Kieran Reed on the charge against Ireland
Live
Video
Audio
By Bernard Jackman
Rugby was invented by the English but it has almost been perfected by New Zealand.
The All Blacks have a win record of 77% since the start of Test rugby and 86% since 2004. The current group has lost just once in 34 matches since winning the World Cup in 2011 and has a perfect record in 2013.
They are arguably the most dominant team in world sport.
But even though these All Blacks have compiled an incredible record over the last few years, I am not convinced that they are worthy of the "best team ever" mantle.
Their record is in part down to the quality of the opposition at the moment. South Africa, their nearest rivals, are on an upward curve but their game is very power-orientated while Australia and Argentina are in transition. On this tour, England and France have both caused major problems for New Zealand.
But New Zealand are special and they do have some big advantages that drive their success.
"The All Blacks have a win record of 77% since the start of Test rugby"
It starts with the skill levels of their players and their ability to replace top players who go to Europe or Japan to cash in with top quality replacements year on year.
That skill level is no accident. They start playing rugby at a young age in NZ, often in bare feet, and they concentrate on four key skills: catch, pass, run and evade.
Kids only start playing 15-a-side games from the age of 11 and even then, they are encouraged to keep the ball in hand with penalties resulting in a turnover of possession rather than an opportunity for three points.
That means New Zealand have the most complete footballers from 1 to 15. As a result, they can always stress the opposition in attack, unlike most teams who need certain players to be available at first and second receiver.
Look at the skill level of Ulster's John Afoa as an example and compare him to the majority of tight heads you watch play.
There is no comparison.
At a strategic level, New Zealand rugby understands clearly that the end product is the national side. There is a real cohesion from the top down.
Their High Performance Program is second to none and you rarely hear of disputes between the national squad and the club sides like we are used to in Europe.
At a practical level, every team follows the philosophy of New Zealand scrum coach Mike Cron.
They also have an unbelievable culture to support the talent. They select on character, not talent and believe "better people make better All Blacks".
The seeds of that were sown in 2003 when, after a disappointing year, Graham Henry completely overhauled the standards of the group.
Steve Hansen has modified some areas, but the core values have not changed much since then.
They aim to stay humble. A small but significant example is that they never leave a training facility or stadium dressing room without cleaning it leaving it ready for the next team.
It is the biggest names in rugby who implement this.
Staying humble means they rarely become complacent and are in touch with the effect their performances have on the New Zealand public.
They are something of an anomaly in that statistically, they are far from flawless.
Defensively, they have missed an average of over 20 tackles per game. On this tour, that number is actually 30 against England and 28 against France. That is an inordinately high number.
Against France two weeks ago, they also failed to convert forays into the opposition's 22 into points as often as they would like.
Going back to the Rugby Championship, they were ranked third of four in ball carries, metres made, offloads, and scrums and lineouts won on own throw.
On the positive side of the ledger, they scored the most tries (four per match on average) and had the most defenders beaten (21.8 per match).
They certainly benefit from being innovators. Other teams copy their tactics and techniques but they usually stay a step ahead.
For example, they kick from the hand a lot, averaging 29 per match. In part, that is because opposition teams have stopped kicking to them as it was such an effective source of unstructured ball for them to attack from.
But they have recognised that and evolved into a team that kicks with a view to winning the ball back. They are organised, accurate and contest the ball brilliantly and from any turnover ball they are lethal.
Their approach to strength and conditioning is another excellent illustration of how they think. I attended a presentation given by their Head of Strength and Conditioning in Paris two weeks ago.
For me, the biggest difference in what they do compared to what I have seen in other professional rugby environments around the world is that they bring everything back to what will make them better rugby players or a better rugby team.
They used to train slow in 2008 and as a result, they played slow. Now they train at the exact same speed they wish to play at, using technology like GPS to control what they are doing.
How does that manifest itself? Two years ago, New Zealand scrum-halves were running an average 7.5km per match. Now, they run just over 10km. As a result, their training program is designed to prepare them to run 10km at the same speeds they will need in a game.
They look at what they expect from each position from loose-head prop to full-back and design their strength and conditioning around that.
They do not try to create the best athletes, they try to create the best rugby players, fit enough to fulfil their potential on the rugby pitch and no more.
In Ireland, we sometimes miss the link between the athlete and the rugby player. What is the relevance of the ability to bench press or power clean to Test match rugby? Does it transfer simply from one sphere to the other?
And speaking of Ireland, on paper, New Zealand are probably the last team you would want to play when your are out of form. But despite the poor performance last week against Australia, I think New Zealand will actually be a good opponent for Ireland.
This match can help Ireland to get back on track and give Ireland a real barometer of where we are before the Six Nations in the Spring.
I am, obviously, a huge fan of this New Zealand group. But I believe we will test them in certain areas this weekend.
Read Bernard Jackman on where Ireland can target New Zealand tomorrow on RTÉ.ie/sport.
Live television coverage of Ireland v New Zealand from 13:00 on Sunday 24 November on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage on Sunday Sport from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).
