'Beast' recovering after heart scare

The Beast ... Mtawarira was forced home after experiencing the heart palpatations in Dublin. Source: AP

Springboks prop Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira is recovering from the heart scare that forced him to pull out of South Africa's European tour and intends to be back in action next year.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Mtawarira returned home to South Africa after he had a recurrence of mild heart palpitations shortly before the South Africans' tour opener against Ireland in Dublin on November 10.

He subsequently underwent "a minor medical procedure to correct an intermittent irregular heart rhythm" in Cape Town and was released from hospital on Friday, a South Africa Rugby Union press release said.

"I am well, so there is really no need to worry," said Mtawarira.

"The procedure went well. It's only a minor procedure and sometimes it needs to be done more than once to clear the palpitations.

"This is something that has happened to me before and that can be treated. Also, it's not career-threatening.

"Sometimes I get quite excited before a game and that is probably what triggered it.

"It's sad to miss out on the last two Tests of the season, but I've enjoyed a good year and am looking forward to 2013 very much."

The 27-year-old Mtawarira has been capped 41 times for South Africa. He was replaced at prop in Dublin by CJ van der Linde as the Springboks went on to win 16-12.

Toulouse prop Gurthro Steenkamp takes over from van der Linde for the second tour game against Scotland at Murrayfield.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Marsh injured as Redbacks win thriller

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Fast finish ... The Redbacks cleaned up the Warriors' tail in quick succession. Source:News Limited

Western Australia all-rounder Mitch Marsh was left a despondent figure after injuring his left hamstring in Saturday's 14-run Ryobi Cup loss to South Australia at the WACA Ground.

ODD - WACA Ground

17 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Western Australia 1st Innings

J. Behrendorf...	0	1	0	0	0
M. Beer	1	1	0	0	100
G. Putland	5.5	0	39	2	6.69

Marsh, who hit the headlines last month following the Perth Scorchers' boozy night out in South Africa, suffered the injury while diving to make his ground late in WA's run chase.

The 21-year-old banged the ground in frustration several times after realising the extent of the injury, before limping off the ground.

WA were 5-183 at the time of Marsh's injury, needing 37 runs for victory off 40 balls to chase down South Australia's 9-219.

Marsh (21 off 21 balls) was looking in ominous touch, but his departure sparked a collapse of 4-22 as Travis Birt, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Hilton Cartwright and Jason Behrendorff all fell in quick succession.

And with Marsh unable to return to the crease, WA had no choice but to call their innings closed at 9-205, giving South Australia their third win from four games in the one-day competition this year.

Marsh's injury capped a turbulent match which featured several momentum swings and a dummy spit from Redbacks coach Darren Berry.

Berry made his way over to WA's dressing room early in the Warriors' run chase before unleashing an animated rant towards new WA coach Justin Langer.

Langer appeared unfazed by Berry's tirade, which was believed to be based around Berry's dislike of the current decision review system being used.

Berry's antics made for an interesting coaching debut for Langer, who would have experienced a wide range of emotions in the topsy-turvy match.

South Australia were in all sorts of bother after crashing to 5-61, before a maiden half-century to 20-year-old Alex Ross (62) and a handy 46 from Johan Botha lifted the Redbacks to their competitive total of 9-219.

In reply, WA were cruising at 1-76 before it all went horribly wrong, despite a career-best 74 from Warriors opener Sam Whiteman.

Redbacks all-rounder Dan Christian (3-62) played a crucial role for the visitors, claiming the key scalps of Whiteman, Marcus North (18) and Adam Voges (15).

Warriors paceman Mitchell Johnson continued his solid start to the summer with figures of 3-47 from 13 overs.

Langer said the initial prognosis on Marsh was that he'd torn his hamstring and would spend around four-to-six weeks on the sidelines.

"It's a huge blow for lots of reasons," Langer said. "We've got a Shield game and one-dayer in Tassie next week which he won't be available for.

"Then it's unlikely he'll be available for the Scorchers. He's pushing hard to play Australian one-day and Twenty20 cricket, so it's going to be hard (to push up for selection) if he's not playing."

Berry confirmed his animated conversation with Langer was about their confusion over the decision review system.

"At the lunch break, JL and I were having a chat about where we were going to go for dinner tonight, and we were chatting about the confusion around the DRS system," Berry said.

"We are all very confused by it."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

McCabe out with fractured neck

Sidelined ... Pat McCabe will be out for three months after fracturing his neck in training. Source: AAP

Wallabies inside centre Pat McCabe will be sidelined for at least three months after scans showed he has a fractured neck.

McCabe's place in the squad will be taken by Melbourne Rebels' centre Mitch Inman, who is on his way to join the Wallabies for the remaining two games of the European tour, against Italy and Wales.

Inman's Rebels teammate Cadeyrn Neville is also joining the squad as cover for Kane Douglas, who is expected to be ruled out of the tour with knee ligament damage.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

McCabe played in Australia's tour-opening 33-6 loss to France and but suffering the injury in training midweek and was withdrawn from the second match against England, with Ben Tapuai now the starting No.12.

Meanwhile Wallabies flanker David Pocock remains on track to return for next weekend's Test against Italy in Florence.

Standby forward Scott Higginbotham joined the squad in the UK this weekend and is available to face Italy after serving a suspension for striking All Blacks' skipper Richie McCaw.

Having used more than 40 players in 13 Tests this year, mostly due to injury, Deans was loathe to say Pocock would be right to face the Italians.

"Given this year's history, I'm not going to make any predictions ... I would suggest he would be right,'' Deans said.

"It's a not a major (injury) ... He's coming back off an injury and we're just making sure that when he returns, he's good to go.''

---

Watch the Wallabies take on England Live on Sunday morning on Fox Sports 3HD at 1:30am.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

England put up second-innings fight

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Captain's knock ... Cook is leading England's second-innings fightback. Source:AAP

England made a solid start to their second innings, reaching 0-111 after being made to follow-on by India on the third day of the first Test in Ahmedabad.

1st Test - Sardar Patel Stadium

15 November 2012 - Day 3, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

A. Cook	74	124	13	0	59.68
N. Compton	34	104	2	0	32.69
R. Ashwin	14	3	49	0	3.50

Pragyan Ojha claimed 5-45 as the tourists were dismissed for 191 shortly before tea to concede a first-innings deficit of 330.

Opening pair Alastair Cook and Nick Compton batted throughout the final session of the day to give England renewed hope of salvaging a draw in the opening match of the series.

Cook led the way with 74 not out, while debutant Compton survived some anxious moments early on to reach 34 as England reduced the deficit to 219 at the close.

England resumed on 3-41 at the start of the day, Cook and Kevin Pietersen dropping anchor during the first hour of the morning against spinners Ojha and Ravichandran Ashwin (3-80).

They had extended their fourth-wicket stand to 39 when Pietersen was once again undone by left-arm spin, Ojha bowling him middle stump for 17 with one that did not turn.

Ojha made it two in two balls when Ian Bell holed out to Sachin Tendulkar at mid-off after coming down the pitch to his first delivery.

Cook, having battled his way to 41 from 109 balls, was next to go, edging a flighted delivery from Ashwin low to Virender Sehwag at slip.

And just to pile on the misery, Samit Patel (10) received a poor lbw decision after seam bowler Umesh Yadav (1-14) had been brought into the attack for the first time shortly before lunch, which was taken with England on 7-110.

Matt Prior struck nine boundaries in his 48 - the top score of the innings - and received some support from Tim Bresnan (19) and Stuart Broad (25) in the afternoon before Ojha completed his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests and England were sent back in after an early tea.

Read more: http://www.skysports.com/cricket/match_report/0,,11066_13373_1,00.html

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Higginbotham rushes to join Wallabies

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

See you hair ... Australia's Scott Higginbotham off to join the Wallabies. Source: Ross Setford / AFP

Wallabies standby forward Scott Higginbotham will arrive in London on Sunday (EDT) for the final two games of Australia's European tour against Italy and Wales.

Higginbotham will replace suspended reserve lock Rob Simmons who copped eight weeks for a lifting tackle against France.

Melbourne Rebels recruit Higginbotham would have been a definite starter on the tour but was unavailable for the opening two matches due to a suspension incurred for striking All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Higginbotham is available for the third leg of the tour against Italy in Florence on Saturday week and then the following week against the Welsh in Cardiff.

The Wallabies are set to appeal the severity of the Simmons's ban and have 48 hours to do so from the time they receive the written verdict.

But as of Friday in London, they had not received it.

Starting second-rower Kane Douglas, who was ruled out of Sunday's (EDT) Test with England, remains in doubt for the remainder of the tour with a knee injury.

He will be assessed before the squad travels to Florence.

---

Watch the Wallabies take on England LIVE, 1.30am (EDT) Sunday on Fox Sports 3HD.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rory gets it wrong in Hong Kong

Rory McIlroy ... missed the cut in Hong Kong. Source: Kin Cheung / AP

Rory McIlroy's bid to become the first man in half a century to retain the lucrative Hong Kong Open came to an embarrassing end on Friday as the world No.1 crashed out with a double-bogey.

With the 23-year-old almost certain to miss the halfway cut after a disastrous second round, New Zealander Michael Campbell surged to the top of the leaderboard and the tournament is now wide open after McIlroy's meltdown.

Campbell, who won the US Open in 2005 but has struggled since, took the clubhouse lead in blustery conditions with a 64 that was studded with seven birdies against a lone bogey for a two-day total of nine-under-par 131.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, Zhang Lianwei and the Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed were tied in second, a shot behind, with most of the second round completed at Hong Kong Golf Club.

McIlroy, whose third place in Singapore last weekend meant he tied up the European money list to add to his United States cash crown, started his second round brightly, making three birdies in his opening six holes.

But then the wheels came off. With the wind picking up under rolling clouds, the Northern Irishman went on a rotten run: he had four bogeys in five holes, made par on his penultimate hole, then finished with a double-bogey.

His round of two-over-par 72 left the starlet on five-over for the tournament, three shots shy of the projected cut.

He previously failed to make three cuts in May-June, including at the US Open where he was defending champion.

"I always enjoy coming back here. It's just a pity that this year had to end like that,'' said McIlroy, who audibly groaned when his approach shot went wayward on the fifth hole, to gasps from the large watching crowd.

"The wind was tricky. It definitely made play a little trickier. I didn't putt very well in Singapore last week. This week was the same, so a bit of putting practice is required in Dubai," he said.

What had until then been a hugely satisfying season for McIlroy concludes at the lucrative DP World Tour Championship next weekend. He has already sealed the Race to Dubai.

Anders Hansen of Denmark was fifth, two shots off Campbell. Daisuke Kataoka and the shock overnight leader, unknown Spaniard Javier Colomo, were tied sixth.

Marcus Fraser was the best placed Australian, a shot behind Kataoka and Colomo.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roar off bottom despite ADP double

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Happy man ... Berisha's goal trumped a double strike from Del Piero. Source:AAP

The A-League's marquee man Alessandro Del Piero lived up to his superstar billing with two spectacular goals for Sydney FC against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, but it wasn't enough to stop the Roar recording a 4-2 win.

Unfortunately for the inspirational Italian the Roar found their attacking mojo, netting four times for a much-needed victory in front of 22,970 fans, who got more than their money's worth from Del Piero.

One fan was so appreciative of Del Piero's goals he ran onto the pitch in the 87th minute and gave the 38-year-old a hug before he was rounded up by security and escorted off the field.

After losing their coach earlier this week, Sydney slumped to their third straight defeat and are now under enormous pressure to turn their fortunes around and not let Del Piero's talents go to waste.

Brisbane led 3-1 at half-time with German Thomas Broich (30th minute), midfielder Erik Paartalu (33rd minute) and winger Ben Halloran (45th minute) all getting on the score sheet.

Del Piero ignited the big crowd in the 42nd minute when he broke free of Brisbane's smothering defence to crack a left-foot shot wide of mesmerised goalkeeper Michael Theo.

It was a classy piece of work by the World Cup-winning superstar, who topped the effort early in the second half with a brilliant goal which cut the lead to 3-2 and again had the big crowd on their feet applauding.

A swivel, half turn, a few steps and he was goal bound, fooling goalkeeper Theo with a shuffle of his quick feet before knocking it into the net.

Not to be outdone, Brisbane's own super boot Besart Berisha produced some magic of his own with a 56th minute goal that Del Piero would have been proud of.

His 25th goal also made him the club's all-time leading scorer.

In doubt all week with an abdominal complaint which coach Rado Vidosic joked had been cured by some "Balkan tea'', Berisha dribbled his way past four Sky Blues before beating keeper Ivan Necevski with his left foot.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	6	4	1	1	7	13
2	Adelaide	6	4	1	1	5	13
3	Newcastle	6	4	0	2	1	12
4	Perth	6	3	1	2	2	10
5	Victory	6	3	0	3	-4	9
6	Brisbane	7	2	1	4	1	7
7	Heart	6	2	1	3	0	7
8	Western Sydney	6	2	1	3	-1	7
9	Sydney	7	2	0	5	-9	6
10	Wellington	6	1	2	3	-2	5

Brisbane had a lucky escape several minutes later when fullback Ivan Franjic picked off a shot by Yairo Yau when it was centimetres from entering the goal.

Del Piero, who thanked the big crowd for turning out, said it was tough trying to come back at Brisbane all night.

"It was not a bad game, but not enough," he said.

The win lifted the two-time champions off the bottom of the ladder following three straight losses but left Sydney FC, who have now conceded 14 goals in their past three games, just one point off the bottom.

Brisbane boss Rado Vidosic was a much happier man than he was after last week's 4-1 drubbing by Melbourne Heart, after which he threatened to make changes.

"The first half, the way we pressed the way we moved the ball, it was probably the best half so far in our season," he said.

However he wasn't as impressed with the second half effort, critical of his players' defence and their slow ball movement.

"The mojo was back the first half but it was mojo-less in the second half," he said.

Stand-in coach Steve Corica, who had little time to prepare his players after Ian Crook's shock resignation last weekend, summed up his team's problem easily.

Brisbane's four goals made it 14 Sydney FC have conceded in their past three A-League matches.

"We're leaking too many goals. You can't concede that many goals and expect to win," he said.

"It wasn't a great result for us, but we're not giving up.

"We've got three home games to turn things around and we need a few clean sheets."

Review all the stats and watch video of the goals at Match Centre!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

England in a spin as wickets tumble

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

In trouble ... England lost three wickets late on day two. Source: Alastair Grant / AP

England are staring down the barrel after they slumped to 3-41 as they looked to make inroads into India's huge first-innings total in the opening Test of the series.

1st Test - Sardar Patel Stadium

15 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

England 1st Innings

A. Cook	22	39	4	0	56.41
K. Pietersen	6	6	1	0	100
R. Ashwin	8	1	21	2	2.62

Nick Compton fell to the spin of Ravichandran Ashwan - who opened the bowling - for nine as England looked to respond to the home side's daunting 8-521.

Nightwatchman Jimmy Anderson was dismissed soon after for two, exposing Jonathan Trott who became Ashwan's second victim, falling for a duck to a catch at short leg by double centurion Cheteshwar Pujara.

Kevin Pietersen made his return to the international fray and was swiftly greeted by the slow left-arm spin of nemesis Yuvraj Singh but the No.5 survived alongside skipper Alastair Cook (22 not out) to close unbeaten on six.

India's mammoth total was set up by Pujara's eight-and-a-half-hour tour de force which was concluded only when Mahendra Singh Dhoni decided it was time to declare and test England's batsmen.

Graeme Swann's 14th five-wicket Test haul came at the cost of 144 runs in an India innings featuring major contributions from Pujara (206no), Virender Sehwag (117) and Yuvraj Singh (74).

The latter's was a poignant innings, his first in Tests since his recovery from cancer.

But Pujara's 389-ball marathon, containing 21 fours, had done most to tire the tourists' limbs.

If there was a consolation for England, it was that the pitch has yet to show any significant signs of deterioration - and therefore their prospects of closing out a draw remain viable.

During their second consecutive wicketless morning, Yuvraj passed 50 and Pujara completed India's second individual hundred of the match after Virender Sehwag's blistering statement of intent on day one.

Yuvraj reached his 98-ball 50 with a big hit over midwicket off Swann for his fifth four, to go with a one straight six also off the off-spinner.

England immediately gave the ball, only four overs old, to Swann rather than seam at each end.

But the closest they came to a breakthrough before lunch was with a collection of lbw appeals, the most convincing of which was Swann's from only the second ball of the day when Yuvraj missed a sweep without addition to his overnight 24.

He and Pujara then appeared to target Swann, taking 15 off one over - including that six from Yuvraj - but Cook kept his nerve, and the off-spinner continued.

By then, Pujara had moved from his start-of-play 98 passed his hundred, from 190 balls and having hit 13 fours.

It soon turned into a 'groundhog' experience for England - although, to defensive fields, runs did not come as quickly as they had for Sehwag 24 hours earlier.

Cook employed some unconventional fielding positions at times, posting a seven-two off-side arrangement - with no catchers behind the bat - to help James Anderson dry up the run-rate against Pujara.

The stoic No.3 is not a batsman to respond with a loss of patience, however, and it seemed England's best hope was to try to out-bore him and hope for a mistake from Yuvraj.

It was not until early afternoon that they had any respite.

Yuvraj clubbed a Samit Patel full-toss to Swann in the leg-side deep, and then the off-spinner put himself back in the wickets column too when Dhoni deflected an attempted sweep down on to his stumps.

Pietersen's part-time off-spin accounted for Ashwan for 23, while James Anderson finally gained some reward as he dismissed Zaheer Khan.

Pujara remained less cooperative, still showing no signs of weariness as he negotiated a third successive full session in an innings of over eight hours, 389 balls before the declaration came.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rika finds his way out of the rough

Back from the brink ... Queensland golfer Rika Batibasaga. Source: Hamish Blair / AAP

TWO moments - separated by three years - have defined Rika Batibasaga's career.

"In 2008 I went over to Orlando," Batibasaga said.

"I was living with Jason Day. I actually caddied for him at an event. Just getting a taste, being so close to all those boys, being on the range - I wanted it so much.

"I just pushed myself way too hard mentally and physically. I started doing 10 or 11-hour days of hitting ridiculous amounts of balls and doing the gym.

"Before I knew it I was that stressed and wired I couldn't sleep. I went 5 1/2 days without sleeping. There was something inside me that snapped."

What followed was a moment that threatened to end more than just his golf career. Batibasaga, his mind a sleep-deprived mess, ripped off his clothes and jumped into a friend's car. "I crashed the first one into the garage," he said.

"Without even breaking step I got into another car, drove out and was driving around Orlando. I got arrested out the front of Universal Studios without any clothes on by cops at gunpoint.

"A cop here and a cop there (pointing to his temples), through the windows pointing their guns at me.

"They're going mental at me. They ripped me out of the car, cuffed my hands, cuffed my legs. They thought I was on drugs, gone. They rang the ambulance. They cuffed me to the bed in the ambulance and a cop got in the back of the ambulance.

"They took me to the hospital. By this time, I was that gone and screaming to the doctor: 'just kill me, just kill me, I am done'. I woke up in the morning and I remembered everything.

"They checked my system and there were no drugs. They took me to a mental institution in Florida. They had no idea who I was. I was in there two days and that was the scariest time of my life. It was horrendous."

Batibasaga was eventually released and made his way back to Orlando. Day - he and Batibasaga grew up playing golf together - made sure his mother flew over and escorted him back to Brisbane, where he spent another two months in an institution as the medication helped his equilibrium return.

Three years later, his life back on track, Batibasaga was standing on the practice fairway at the Palmer Coolum Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, preparing for the Australian PGA, when Ulsterman Darren Clarke and super-agent Andrew "Chubby" Chandler walked by.

"Chubby was watching, keeping a keen eye," Batibasaga said.

"When I left to do some putting Chubby called my coach over, Kevin Healey. They got to chatting. Chubby asked a few questions. A month or two went past and I was at the Victorian Open this year. I got a call from Chubby. I thought it was a gee-up. He goes 'no it's Chubby Chandler'.

"He said: 'we have taken a look at you and I would like to give you an opportunity and help you'. Before I knew it, I was in the UK, spent six months there and he looked after me.

"I was living in his offices - there is an apartment attached to the ISM offices in Manchester. I was playing the Euro Pro Tour. Chubby looked after everything."

Batibasaga, 25, had two top-10 results on the Euro Pro tour and finished the year in 43rd place on the money list. More importantly, he picked up life experiences that have steeled him for the challenging path ahead. He showed the benefits with a share of 25th at the Perth International last month, winning a cheque for $19,653.

He hasn't forgotten the past either. Batibasaga still has the green uniform from his stint at the Lakeside Mental Institution and he shares his story with schoolchildren, warning them not to be ashamed if they are having problems.

"It's a bit therapeutic for me to let it all out," he said.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Del Piero still has that aura

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Training ... Alessandro del Piero imparts his wisdom to some younger Sydney FC players. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero looked anything but "just another soccer player'' when he arrived in Brisbane on Thursday afternoon intent on helping Sydney FC continue Brisbane Roar's A-League woes on Friday night.

Brisbane coach Rado Vidosic was not being disrespectful earlier when he said of Del Piero: "It's just another game and he is just another player. He is one of the 11 enemies.''

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Vidosic was speaking as a coach intent on winning a big game.

There wasn't quite the media scrum waiting at the airport for him as there was a few hours earlier when former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was humbled by a cuddly Koala at his press conference.

But heads turned and people stopped in their tracks as the 38-year-old Italian World Cup hero strolled through the airport's baggage area before happily answering media questions.

How was the Sydney club handling the shock resignation of coach Ian Crook last weekend?

Did he know who might replace him and had he recommended anyone from Europe who might be interested in the job?

And more importantly, how were the hamstrings of the best overseas big-name player ever to compete in the A-League?

"The hamstrings are feeling better but not 100 per cent,'' said the man whose first appearance in Brisbane is tipped to pull more than 25,000 fans to Suncorp Stadium.

Del Piero said the eyes of Europe were on the Australian competition now that he was playing in the A-League.

"Coaches, I think players, watching, maybe something can change,'' he said.

"About Australia, the eyes of Italy are really open. That's why we have to win because they call me all the time and say 'what's up Ales'.

"I am joking, but it's true. Everybody is watching here with curious eyes and interesting eyes.''

All eyes will be fixed on De Piero on Friday night with Vidosic revealing his match tactics to stop him would be simple.

"Don't let him get the ball,'' said Vidosic.

---

Watch Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC live and exclusively on Fox Sports 1HD at 8pm on Friday.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ioane v Ashton: their debut clash

Threat ... Digby Ioane will have to be at his best to stop Chris Ashton (L), who loves scoring against Australia. Source: AAP

Chris Ashton's inclusion in the England team to face Australia sets up a promoter's dream clash between the rugby league convert and Wallabies winger Digby Ioane.

Two of rugby's most explosive and exciting wingers will face off for the first time in a Test match at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), despite being stalwarts of their respective sides and having amassed 57 caps between them.

Ashton was named on the right wing to mark Australia's left winger Ioane, who is returning from a knee injury.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The 25-year-old Ashton has been something of a nemesis for the Australians with three tries in as many Tests and it's a clash Ioane is looking forward to.

"I've got a lot of respect for Chris Ashton because he's done a lot for England rugby,'' Ioane told AAP.

"But I see him as another stepping stone in my career. I love these challenges and coming up against Chris Ashton will be a challenge.''

Ashton's inclusion is the only change to coach Stuart Lancaster's side that beat Fiji 54-12 last week with the move seeing Charlie Sharples switching to the left wing in place of Ugo Monye.

Ashton, the former Wigan league player, missed the Fiji match due to suspension.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Ashton scored his first Test try in England's 21-20 victory in Sydney in 2010 and crossed twice in a record 35-18 victory at Twickenham a year later.

The second of his tries, finished a counter-attack from their in-goal and is regarded as one of the best tries scored at Twickenham. Ashton iced the touch-down with his customary swan dive.

Ashton is England's most lethal attacking weapon with 15 tries in 26 Tests but hasn't scored for nine matches.

Ioane, who has 11 tries from 31 Tests, is playing his first match since early last month when he scored in Australia's 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario.

The hulking winger's try against Argentina was the last time Australia have scored a try in a Test match after failing to do in their past two against New Zealand and France.

England: Alex Goode, Chris Ashton, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Charlie Sharples, Toby Flood, Danny Care, Thomas Waldrom, Chris Robshaw (capt), Tom Johnson, Geoff Parling, Tom Palmer, Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Joe Marler. Res: David Paice, David Wilson, Mako Vunipola, Joe Launchbury, Tom Wood, Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown.

---

See who comes out on top as the Wallabies take on England, live on Fox Sports 3HD at 1:30am EDT on Sunday.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sehwag puts India on top of England

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Drought is over ... Virender Sehwag clubbed a century. Source:AFP

Virender Sehwag's century laid the platform for India to reach 4-323 on the opening day of the Test series against England in Ahmedabad.

1st Test - Sardar Patel Stadium

15 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

India 1st Innings

C. Pujara	98	181	13	0	54.14
Y. Singh	24	47	2	0	51.06
J. Anderson	17	3	66	0	3.88

Sehwag hit a run-a-ball 117 and Cheteshwar Pujara finished on 98 not out as India seized the initiative after opting to bat first.

Graeme Swann took all four of the wickets to fall, removing Gautam Gambhir, Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar during the afternoon session to peg back the home side to 3-250.

Swann (4-85) added the scalp of Virat Kohli after tea on a pitch that was already showing signs of wear but Pujara and Yuvraj Singh stood firm for the remainder of the day in a fifth-wicket stand of 40.

Sehwag and opening partner Gambhir had put on 134 in 29.5 overs as England went wicketless in the morning. Sehwag brought up his half-century from 44 balls with James Anderson (0-66) and Tim Bresnan (0-56) - preferred to Monty Panesar in the starting XI - taking the most punishment.

Gambhir was bowled for 45 in the second over after lunch, Swann straightening one from round-the-wicket as the left-hander looked to play through the off-side but Sehwag continued to play his shots, bringing up his 23rd Test hundred by lofting his 16th boundary - 15 of them fours and one six.

His scoring rate slowed in the aftermath of his milestone but it was still a surprise when he misjudged a sweep against Swann and was bowled.

Tendulkar, playing in his 191st Test, received a rousing ovation on the way to the middle but his stay was a brief one, scoring 13 off 17 balls before holing out to Samit Patel at deep midwicket shortly before tea.

Kohli was dropped at slip by Jonathan Trott off Swann on four but had only advanced to 19 when he offered a crooked bat at a delivery from Swann that turned sharply to hit middle stump.

Pujara had no such problems, showing exemplary technique to combat the threat of England's bowlers for 181 balls and he was still there at the end, two short of a century, alongside Yuvraj (24no).

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott unfazed by golf's issues

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Adam Scott ... happy with his winless year and happy to be home. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

The glass half-empty view of Adam Scott's year is he's winless, blew a great major victory chance and will be hurt by a likely rule change to outlaw the long putter.

That's not how the Australian world No.5 sees it.

Scott is intent on breaking his 2012 winning duck at the Australian Masters, which starts on Thursday at Melbourne's Kingston Heath, the subsequent Australian Open at the Lakes in Sydney, or perhaps claiming both.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

He regards July's British Open - where he faltered over the final four holes to relinquish a four-stroke lead, letting South Africa's Ernie Els pounce - as a significant step forward.

And if the long putter that has aided him for two years gets banned, he has no qualms about reverting to the shorter stick.
Not that he thinks he should have to.

While fellow Australian Stuart Appleby added his voice on Wednesday to calls for a ban, Scott said golf's ruling bodies should be more worried about the technology-aided rise in hitting length.

"I don't think putting is the biggest problem in the game of golf at the moment," Scott told reporters at Kingston Heath.

"The holes haven't been made smaller or greens changed because of people putting with longer putters.

"Yet tees are moved a long way back and courses made obsolete."

He also noted that unlike long putter-wielding recent major winners Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson, he has previously succeeded with a conventional putter and can again, if needed, although he did not expect any ban to take effect until 2016.

A more immediate focus is Scott's desperation for a year-ending win.

"I've always kind of prided myself on the fact that I've won a couple of tournaments every year and I'm a consistent winner," he said.

"It's a habit. You've got to get in it, and this is why I'm working hard still late in the year on my game, to get a win or hopefully two."

He came desperately close at the British Open, but Scott said leading into the home stretch was an important achievement in itself.

"I just take so many positives from what I did right that week," he said.

"Obviously, the result was not what I was expecting with an hour or so to play.

"But there's always going to be a lesson to be learned from that.

"I look forward to getting back in that position again next year and hopefully the result goes my way."

Scott will partner fellow Masters drawcard Irishman Graeme McDowell in Thursday's opening round, starting at 7.40am (EDT).

English defending champion Ian Poulter has a 12.10pm (EDT) start, grouped with Australians Appleby and Richard Green.

Catch all the action on Fox Sports from Thursday morning.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Third umpire row mars Bulls' victory

Smashing ... Reardon got the Bulls home with 71 from just 54 balls. Source: News Limited

Queensland coach Darren Lehmann and Tasmanian captain George Bailey have joined forces to blast the controversial third umpire system used in domestic one-day matches.

ODD - Blundstone Arena

14 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

Queensland 1st Innings

N. Reardon	71	54	8	3	131.48
J. Floros	10	11	1	0	90.91
J. Krejza	8.5	0	58	1	6.57

The issue reared its head again with Lehmann showing his frustration at a call during his side's five-wicket win over the Tigers at Bellerive on Wednesday night.

Lehmann brandished the competition's rule book at a television camera after Australian one-day representative Peter Forrest was given out lbw when third umpire Paul Wilson intervened.Forrest had been given not out when

Tigers quick James Faulkner appealed in the 35th over with the score 2-168 and the Bulls chasing 276 for victory.

But on viewing a replay, Wilson reversed the decision and Forrest was on his way for four at a crucial point in the match.

Lehmann was seen leaving the players' viewing area with his copy of the playing conditions, and said he had paid a visit to the match review.

"I think the players and probably the umpires as well are frustrated with the system so we have to look at it definitely and get it right for the future," he said.

"At the moment I think every game's having some issues with this referral system."

Bailey, who made 102 from 124 in the Tigers' innings was quick to back Lehmann."It's just shocking, it's embarrassing, it needs to worked out," he said.

Bailey said the international system of two decision referrals from players should be used.

"I think it confuses the players, I think it confuses the umpires," he said.

"I think leave it in the hands of the players.

"You get two, if you use them with bad reviews then so be it."

Under the playing conditions, the third umpire can change a decision if TV replays show it to be clearly wrong.

The system has recently been under intense scrutiny, with Bulls captain Chris Hartley recently questioning it and also calling for international cricket's system to be adopted.

It created near farcical scenes at Bellerive.

Tasmanian keeper Tim Paine was unsure whether to leave the arena as the new batsman walked out but was eventually sent on his way caught behind when an inconclusive TV replay was viewed and the original decision upheld.

The controversy overshadowed classy knocks from Bailey, and Queensland's former Test batsman Usman Khawaja (78 from 91) and Nathan Reardon (71 from 54).

Bailey showed the way as his struggling side made 275, Queensland making 5-278 with a single ball to spare.
The win was the Bulls' first for the season, while the Tigers are now 1-3.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

As it happened: South Korea v Australia

Impressive ... Rukavytsya and Oar combined for the Socceroos' first-half goal. Source: AP

Australia have continued their recent resurgence with a 2-1 victory over South Korea in a friendly in Hwaesong.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The victory will be huge boost for Holger Osieck's men as they enter the final matches of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

A first-half strike from Nikita Rukavytsya cancelled out the hosts' opener before Robbie Cornthwaite secured victory for the Socceroos in a goal-mouth scramble just before full-time.

Relive all the action from our live and interactive blog below!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Socceroos leave it late to grab win

Sealer ... Socceroos defender Robert Cornthwaite celebrates his late intervention. Source: JUNG YEON-JE / AFP

Nikita Rukavytsya and Robert Cornthwaite scored their first international goals as an experimental Socceroos ground out a 2-1 win over South Korea in their friendly match in Hwaseong.

In a match where exciting youngsters Tom Rogic, Aziz Behich, Eli Babalj and Mathew Leckie were all handed debuts off the bench, fringe players Rukavytsya and Cornthwaite made the most of rare starts to secure a come-from-behind win.

Striker Rukavystya's first goal in 10 appearances, set up by Tommy Oar, cancelled out Lee Dong-Gook's 12th minute opener after the Socceroos had been dominated early by their Asian rivals.

But Australia improved after half-time, with Cornthwaite tapping home the winner in only his second appearance in the 88th minute after Babalj had struck the woodwork.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Korean-based Cornthwaite was a late call-up to the squad after several players were ruled out with injury and his performance was one of several bright spots in a mixed performance for Australia.

The Socceroos were disjointed at times as coach Holger Osieck took the chance blood some young talent ahead of next month's East Asian qualifiers.

Osieck's starting team featured veterans including Lucas Neill, Mark Schwarzer and Carl Valeri but the German also handed starts to the likes of Rukavytsya, Tommy Oar, James Holland and Ryan McGowan.

Cornthwaite partnered Neill at the centre of defence while Michael Thwaite was a surprise selection at left back for his first appearance in five years.

South Korea also fielded a youthful line-up featuring only three players with 10 or more caps.

But they quickly took control of the game when Dong-Gook netted his 10th international goal.

Lee Seung-Ki caught Thwaite out of position and produced a lovely cross, with Dong-Gook beating Mark Schwarzer with a neatly-taken volley.

Rukavytsya, playing with Mainz in Germany's Bundesliga, came close to scoring in the 38th minute and didn't have to wait much longer to get on the scoresheet.

The striker latched onto a superb Oar through ball and side-footed the ball past Korean goalkeeper Kim Young-Kwang.

Valeri, in his 50th appearance, was forced off with an injury after half-time with Behich handed his Socceroos debut from the bench.

Exciting teenager Rogic followed, given his first cap when coming on for Archie Thompson in the 67th minute before Babalj and Leckie also joined in.

Neill came agonisingly close to an elusive goal for his country when his header was tipped wide in the 73rd minute as Australia came home stronger and they secured a first win in Korea in 40 years when Cornthwaite popped up to score from a goalmouth scrap.

Osieck took plenty of positives from the performance, hailing a host of contributors who played key roles for the first time.

"I think it was good to win on the road but when you look at the team, I'm very surprised how well the boys did,'' Osieck said.

"And not only the ones who got their first cap today, even those who don't usually have much playing time.

"Everybody (did well) ... I'm very happy for those boys.

"I think we saw a lot of very positive elements that give us a lot of hope for the future.''

While warning World Cup qualifiers were of "a different calibre'' to the friendly match, Osieck vowed to continue giving the young players a chance to develop in coming games.

"I think all in all I'm very pleased with what I saw tonight and we're going to build on it,'' Osieck said.

Cornthwaite, of Korean side Chunnam Dragons, admitted his head was spinning after netting the winner just two days after being called into camp.

"To come in and get on the scoresheet and get a win, I think was a great performance by all the boys,'' he said.

"It was a short preparation so I think the lads did a fantastic job tonight.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pocock, Douglas out for Wallabies

Anticipation ... David Pocock - in his last Test appearance - will have to wait another week to return. Source: AAP

Australia's European tour nightmare has continued with star flanker David Pocock and second-rower Kane Douglas both ruled out of the Wallabies' clash with England at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Pocock had a calf muscle injury which is expected to see him miss one Test while Douglas has a knee injury.

The pair had scans on Monday afternoon with the results confirming that both would have to bypass the game, which kicks off at 1.30am on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Pocock hasn't played for the Wallabies since the opening match of the Rugby Championship against the All Blacks due to a medial ligament injury.

As the pair will be reassessed ahead of Australia's next Test the following weekend against Italy, standby forward Scott Higginbotham will not be sent to the UK at this stage.

Higginbotham still has one match to serve in his suspension for striking All Blacks captain Richie McCaw but he would be available for the third leg of the tour against Italy in Florence on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) week if required.

Australia were hammered 33-6 in the opening game of the European tour by France in Paris last weekend.

---

Watch the Wallabies take on England Live on Fox Sports 3HD at 1:30am on Sunday.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Socceroos, Korea at crossroads

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Friendly ... Brett Holman and Ki Sung-Yueng tussle but neither will take part on Wednesday. Source: Marwan Naamani / AFP

Australia's Socceroos are looking for change and perhaps it can be found on Wednesday night in Hwaseong's new stadium, 45 minutes or so south of Seoul.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Maybe the next generation will show, when they step onto the former rice fields converted to a football arena, that there is fertile ground to sustain the nation for years to come. For the Koreans, unsure as what to do with this game in terms of selection, the situation is a little more complex; but then nothing is ever straightforward in the so-called Land of the Morning Calm.

It is Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, that has provided rivalry to the Socceroos in recent years, but a look a little to the west and this bustling nation of 50 million inhabitants, and Australia may find it has a few things in common.

• Eli Babalj
• Aziz Behich
• Alex Broqsue
• James Holland
• Mathew Leckie
• Ryan McGowan
• Matt McKay
• Lucas Neill
• Tommy Oar
• Mathew Ryan
• Adam Sarota
• Michael Thwaite
• Tomas Rogic
• Nikita Rukavystya
• Mark Schwarzer
• Matthew Spiranovic
• Archie Thompson
• Carl Valeri
• Luke Wilkshire.

Both leagues are at something of a crossroads, although the situation in Korea is much more dramatic. The K-League is still recovering from a shocking 2011 match-fixing scandal that implicated over 60 players and coaches, past and present and provoked the suicide of three, probably four, participants.

And that's not all. The recent arrest of  one of the ringleaders and former international striker Kim Dong-hyun for an attempted kidnapping and car chase through Seoul was just depressing as were pictures showing the disgraced Choi Sung-kuk, working as a forlorn-looking hospital receptionist, banned from the beautiful game he once played beautifully.

The scandal stung authorities into action. This is the first season that clubs will be relegated, the league has been split into groups of eight, two thirds of the way through the season and clubs are being forced to get their acts together off the pitch.

The long-term plan is that it will help the K-League catch up with its baseball counterpart. While football Down Under plays catch-up with NRL and AFL, over the past four or five years, the K-League has relinquished its position at the top of the domestic tree.

Even baseball can't compete with the national team though perhaps too much emphasis is placed on the World Cup and Olympic Games by the powers-that-be.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Japan not qualifying for the World Cup would be a massive disappointment but the J-league would dust itself down after a few months and get back on track.

Such an absence would not only be a shock to Seoul, 1982 was the last time the Taeguk Warriors did not make it, it would be a serious blow to the K-League and football in general. Some think it would actually be a good thing and force a real clearout of the well-connected corporate types at KFA House, others are not so sure.

That may be a hypothetical debate at the moment but the growing number of Koreans heading to the Middle East is a genuine issue. Until now, shoulders have been shrugged in the face of 'oil money' but that could change if bigger and younger talents start to make the move. For players, it can be risky with even established internationals losing their places after moving west.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

What has been welcomed is the influx of Australians, most of which have made a positive impact. After the roaring success of Sasa Ognenovski, other clubs wanted Aussie defenders of their own and the likes of Adrian Madaschi and especially Luke De Vere have impressed, and not just in the expected terms of power, leadership and set pieces.

The arrival of Matt McKay marked an important change, the first Aussie not signed because he was big and strong. He has been perhaps the best attacking player with, an admittedly defensive, Busan. His incisiveness, consistency, and versatility have led the local media to start calling him the 'Australian Park Ji-sung' and a move to a bigger club, in Korea or Japan, in the winter is possible.

Park himself is rarely discussed these days in relation to the national team - he retired almost two years ago. The search for his replacement seems less intense after the emergence and/or development and genuinely exciting attacking talent. It is the search for a new defence that is on the mind of Korean coach Choi Kang-hee.

Neither of the full-backs who played in last month's loss in Iran will feature and it could be a new centre-back pairing too with captain Kwak Tae-hwi, fresh from lifting the Asian Champions League trophy, rested rather than dropped.

The English-based trio of Ki Sung-yeung, Kim Bo-kyoung, Lee Chung-young, the Bundesliga's Koo Je-cheol and Son heung-min and Park Chu-young in La Liga have been left with their clubs by coach Choi.

The eternally glum-looking tactician who led Jeonbuk Motors to one Asian title and one final (and who never wanted the Korea job in the first place, refusing the KFA a number of times before they took him out and got a drunken agreement) explained there was little point in having players arriving jetlagged for training on Monday, if they were lucky, for a Wednesday friendly.

Partly because of this and the Australian selection - as well as Ulsan's Asian Champions League win, the upcoming change of president at the Korean FA, various new teams being formed, one team's boycott of the K-League and the first ever relegation battle in the country -the build-up to the friendly has been muted.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Fans to get club-themed cemetery

Afterlife ... Schalke fans will be able to continue supporting the club from their graves. Source: AAP

Many fans devote their lives to their beloved clubs, but in Germany fans can continue that support in the afterlife.

German side Schalke have opened up a cemetery which overlooks their stadium in which fans can reserve plots for $1525, with an annual upkeep of $152.

The 'Schalke Fan Field' will be a replica of the stadium, complete with full-size goals and substitute benches, all surrounded by blue and white flowers - the club's colours.

However Schalke, who follow in the footsteps of Argentine club Boca Juniors and Bundesliga rivals Hamburg in setting up club cemeteries, say the venture is not a money-spinner for them.

The club has stated that they don't do "business with death" and that their is a desire amongst their fanbase for the scheme to exist.

The club's official graveyard, just outside Schalke's Veltins Arena, will open in December and some supporters have already booked their spots, including fan club vice chairman Rolf Rojek.

"My life is Schalke and at some point I will lay on the fan field, with my friends having a view of the stadium forever," said Rojek.

"What more could you want?"

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hughes falls short against WA

Just short ... Phil Hughes narrowly misses out on a century against WA. Source: Renee Nowytarger / News Limited

Former Test opener Phil Hughes was run out for 92 before South Australia's middle order wilted in their Sheffield Shield clash with Western Australia at the WACA Ground.

Hughes, who moved from NSW to the Redbacks earlier this year, cracked 17 boundaries and looked in ominous touch as he moved into the 90s.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Australia 1st Innings

J. Botha	3	27	0	0	11.11
T. Ludeman	6	26	1	0	23.08

But Callum Ferguson's attempt at a quick single brought about the undoing of Hughes, who was short of his ground following a direct hit from ace Warriors fielder Nathan Coulter-Nile.

At stumps on day two, South Australia were 6-209 in reply to WA's 9(dec)-400, with captain Johan Botha unbeaten on three and Tim Ludeman on six.

The Redbacks were cruising at 1-141, but Michael Klinger's dismissal for 37 and the run-out of Hughes sparked a collapse of 5-59, with Ferguson (23) and Dan Christian (8) among the victims.

Although disappointed in his failure to reach three figures, Hughes could take comfort in his sizzling stroke play against a strong WA pace attack featuring former Test star Mitchell Johnson, the ever reliable Michael Hogan and Australia A representative Coulter-Nile.

Hughes, who was dumped from the Test fold last year following a lean trot with the bat, has now posted scores of 114, 95no, 95, 92 and 83 this summer in various forms of the game.

Stand-in WA coach Adam Griffith praised the influence of Coulter-Nile, who scored 52 in the Warriors' first-innings before completing the crucial run-out of Hughes.

"They're the game-changing moments that special players with that athletic ability can do, and he's done that today,'' Griffith said of the run-out.

Meanwhile, Australian Test great Justin Langer is set to be unveiled as WA's new coach on Wednesday.

Langer wanted to complete his duties as Australia's batting coach for the first Test against South Africa before confirming his new deal with the Warriors.

The 41-year-old's arrival comes at a crucial time for WA, who have been rocked by a series of off-field misdemeanours over the past few years, including the Perth Scorchers' boozy night out in South Africa last month.

"No doubt there was a lot happening there and the team did get distracted a little bit,'' Griffith said.

"But now we've made a conscious effort to move on from that, and I think the guys have done that this week.''

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wallabies to ring changes for England

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

In the frame ... Barnes could replace Harris at fullback for the clash with England. Source:News Limited

Berrick Barnes is expected to be among a raft of changes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will make to his starting line-up to face England this weekend as the Australians look to get their European tour back on track.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Deans has plenty of quality players returning from injury for the clash at Twickenham with flanker David Pocock, winger Digby Ioane, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Ben Alexander available for Saturday's (Sunday's AEDT) Test.

Hooker Stephen Moore is also expected to come under consideration after making his return from a hamstring injury off the bench in last weekend's 33-6 loss to France in Paris where he became Australia's most capped hooker, while winger Drew Mitchell could also find his way into the team.

Blindside flanker Dave Dennis, who started against France, could be in the firing line with an option for Deans to start both openside specialists Pocock and Michael Hooper.

"We've got a number of blokes we should be able to consider this week," Deans said.

"We were always going to consider that group when they returned and obviously we consider the previous performance in determining our starting line-up at every instance."

Barnes produced a solid cameo at fullback in his return from injury against France with his effort pleasing Deans.

The NSW Waratahs star came on early in the second half for fullback Mike Harris who was struggling at the back for the Wallabies.

"Berrick did well. He did what he does well. He's a good communicator," Deans said.

Deans was asked if Barnes was ready start against England.

"Yes. He's obviously returning from injury and we sort of managed him through that but he reported as being fine after the game."

Until his French cameo Barnes hadn't played since suffering a punctured lung against Argentina in September.

"It was my first time back for a while and I really felt it out there," he said.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

"It'd be good to start (against England). I've got a bit of work to do fitness wise but some coaches like to start returning players then bring them off later but that's Robbie's call to make."

England are coming off a seven-try 54-12 annihilation of Fiji last Saturday and are looking to chalk up a third straight Cook Cup win over the Wallabies.

"They'll be puffing their chests out. They had a very good win against the Fijians," Barnes said.

"They'll be confident but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it. There's no better motivation than playing the Poms in their own backyard."

Australia's recent nemesis, winger Chris Ashton, is available to make his return for England after missing the Fiji game due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the Heineken Cup.

Ashton has scored three tries in three Tests against Australia and coach Stuart Lancaster said the speedster will be raring to go.

"Chris was desperately disappointed to miss this game (against Fiji)," Lancaster said.

"He likes scoring tries and, if anything, this will fuel his hunger and desire to get back into the side. It was a tough lesson to learn.

"(Australia) are a top-three side and we recognise the quality of players we will need to beat them."

Lancaster is also expecting to have prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph available to face the Wallabies.

Watch the Wallabies battle England Live and in HD on Fox Sports 3 from 1.30am (EDT) Sunday!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cowan reveals Test inspiration

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Relief ... Cowan locked up his spot for the series against the Proteas with a fine century. Source:AFP

Gazing toward the heavens after reaching his maiden Test ton at the Gabba on Monday, besieged Australia opener Ed Cowan at first looked like a man simply relieved to have silenced his critics.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

But when the dust settled on a remarkable fourth day of Australia's first Test against South Africa, Cowan, 30, revealed a much more poignant reason behind his emotional salute.

Twelve months ago to the day, his mentor and close friend Peter Roebuck was found dead at a Cape Town hotel while covering Australia's Test tour of South Africa.

"I am well aware of the date. That was why I looked skywards upon making a hundred," Cowan said after his 136 helped Australia reach 4-487, 37 ahead of South Africa.

"I had a conversation (about him) with my wife this morning on an earlier than normal walk because I couldn't really sleep.

"(And) it was this day last year that started my season, the day I found out that he had died.

"I was battling away a little bit (for Tasmania) so that kick-started me."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

By the 2011 Boxing Day Test, the memory of the respected commentator, player and writer had helped a rejuvenated Cowan earn his first baggy green.

But by the time Cowan had arrived for the Gabba Test against the world No.1 Proteas, he again seemed in need of inspiration.

On borrowed time after failing to reach triple figures in his 12 previous Test knocks, Cowan had also been passed over when Cricket Australia handed out their 17 contracts this season and had averaged only 21 in Shield cricket this season.

However, Cowan finally got the monkey - and selectors - off his back as he chimed into a record 259-run fourth wicket stand with captain Michael Clarke (218 not out) on Monday.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

The usually patient Cowan appeared to follow a new attacking gameplan in his six-and-a-half hour knock - featuring 18 fours - that was abruptly ended after lunch by a freak run out.

But Cowan revealed the plan had been set at his last Test knock - 55 on a difficult Roseau deck against West Indies in April.

"A lot of you weren't watching but in the last innings in the West Indies ... I thought that was a pretty good blueprint," Cowan said.

"Before that I had a heart to heart with JL (batting coach Justin Langer); he was all about going out there and playing my shots.

"I felt like I backed that up."

Cowan survived a caught behind shout at 47 on Sunday before a run out scare on 106 and being dropped on 123 on Monday.

One of Cowan's few complaints was the fact the Gabba crowd's warm applause for notching his ton woke up his 12-week-old daughter Romy while she was being nursed by wife Virginia in the stands.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows, Tippett charged by AFL

AFL ... Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face draft tampering and salary cap charges. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face serious sanctions after being charged over alleged draft tampering and salary cap breaches.

The club, its CEO Steven Trigg, former football operations manager John Reid and the out-of-contract Tippett were all ordered by the AFL to front a hearing in Melbourne on Monday.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last week admitting the Crows expected to be hit hard with sanctions for the next two national drafts.

AFL general manager football operations Adrian Anderson said he acted in in accordance with AFL Player Rule 17 which relates to the enforcement of the AFL Draft and Total Player Payments.

"I have charged the Adelaide Crows Football Club, Adelaide Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg, former Adelaide Crows general manager of football operations John Reid and Adelaide Crows listed-player Kurt Tippett each with two charges," he said.

"The Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Tippett were advised in writing of the charges ... and will be heard before the full AFL Commission at 1pm."

The Commission has the power to impose penalties as it sees fit, including:

Clubs - financial sanctions and/ or eligibility to participate in up to four draft selection meetings and/ or loss of the right to register any player to whom a rule breach relates.

Players - financial sanctions and/ or exclusion from the right to participate in the draft process.

Club Staff - financial sanctions and / or the right to perform any role for or on behalf of the club.

Adelaide released a statement shortly after the AFL announced the charges.

"The AFL has advised the Adelaide Football Club of charges arising from its investigation into contract arrangements with Kurt Tippett," the statement said.

"The Adelaide Football Club is determined to explain its position to members, sponsors and all stakeholders as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Club notes that this matter is being investigated by the AFL as a direct result of our decision to report it and offer full assistance to the investigation."

Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto said based on past cases, the club and Tippett faced heavy penalties.

"The AFL don't do things by half and you look at anyone who's done wrong they've been given a fair whack, so I wouldn't be surprised if they go pretty hard at the Crows," he said.

"At the end of the day if they've done wrong - and it looks like they might have - their going to be hit hard with the salary cap, a fine and draft picks.

"That's not going to affect them so much next year but in four or five years when you're looking for those kids to come through ... then it will hurt a bit."

The news comes on the same day Melbourne Demons escaped immediate punishment for its alleged tanking in 2009.

The Demons still face unprecedented penalties but investigations are continuing, which means its key picks in the upcoming national draft - No.4 and No.27 (reserved for father-son star Jack Viney) will remain in their hands.

Given clubs need a week to respond to any potential charges, there is not enough time for the Demons to reply to any charges.

Should they be charged the penalties would not apply until the 2013 draft, which means Melbourne will be able to take their prized selections.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Redbacks pay for dropped catches

Punishment ... Marcus Harris dropped twice on his way to a century for Western Australia Source: Alf Sorbello / News Limited

Western Australia opener Marcus Harris made the most of South Australia's butter fingers to put the Warriors in a strong position after day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

Harris made 114 to lift the Warriors from a precarious 3-60 to a competitive 7-327, but the 20-year-old rode his luck along the way.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Western Australia 1st Innings

M. Marsh	51	99	9	0	51.52
M. Johnson	4	5	0	0	80

Michael Klinger was left to rue the one that got away after dropping Harris at first slip when the left-hander was on just six.

Then when Harris was on 51, wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman grassed a tough chance diving to his left.

The double reprieve came back to haunt the Redbacks, with Harris spending 276 minutes at the crease and cracking 19 boundaries to post the second century of his fledgling first-class career.

In March last year, Harris became the youngest player in Australian first-class cricket history to reach 150 when he made 157 against Queensland.

Harris was just 18 years and 227 days old at the time, and admitted he had struggled to string consistent performances together since then.

"It was a difficult year for me last year. I couldn't consolidate my spot,'' said Harris, who averaged 28.75 from 13 first-class hit-outs before this match.

"And I've had a frustrating start to this season.

"I've been hitting the ball quite well and I haven't been able to get past that 35-run sort of mark.

"So it's good to get a big score under my belt today and hopefully set up a good result for WA.''

After winning the toss, WA were in all sorts of trouble at 3-60 following the cheap dismissals of Liam Davis (four), Sam Whiteman (14) and Marcus North (7).

Harris should have been added to that mix, but Klinger spilled a chest-high catch at first slip off the bowling of paceman Chadd Sayers.

It was a day to forget for Klinger, who also dropped North when the former Warriors skipper was on seven.
North failed to add to his tally before hitting out.

Harris wasn't as generous, but his day was finally brought to an end when he tickled a Jake Haberfield leg-side delivery through to the keeper.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh picked up where Harris left off in making an unbeaten 51, while Nathan Coulter-Nile (52 off 52 balls) and new Warriors skipper Adam Voges (47) also made handy scores.

The Warriors, who will announce Justin Langer as their new coach later this week, sit last on the Shield table following three outright losses, while South Australia have one win from four games.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Did Sydney back Crook?: Bozza

Support? ... Former Sydney FC coach Ian Crook (R), ahead of his resignation, with CEO Tony Pignata. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Following Ian Crook's shock resignation as Sydney FC coach, Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich wants the club to start answering the hard questions.

Crook stepped down on Sunday morning following the his side's 3-2 loss to rivals Melbourne Victory after leading by two goals.

Fans booed the tactical decisions Crook made against Victory, and after last week's humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of Central Coast the Englishman came under fire as well, from Bosnich in particular, for defending his team's apparent 'lack of heart'.

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bosnish says he sympathises for Crook and wants to know what is going on inside Sydney FC that led them into this quagmire.

"I'm not surprised after what happened last week at Central Coast Mariners, and then the capitulation in the last 12 minutes (against Victory)," said Bosnich.

"(But) they can take a lot of credit out of the way they came back from last week's debacle. I do have a great sympathy for him.

"The only thing I want to take a little bit of issue with is when he turns around says 'the club never came for me and said we were poor'.

"If they didn't come for him after that Central Coast Mariners game then something is very deeply wrong within the club."

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

However, Bosnich thinks that isn't the only thing wrong at Sydney, and he wonders how much support and control Crook ever actually had.

"Once he was appointed did he get the backroom staff that he wanted? Did he want Stephen Corica as assistant? We need to know this," says Bosnish.

"Did he get the players? The recruitment of the players, was that down to the manager as it should be, or was that down to (football director) Gary Cole? Did Gary Cole say 'these are the players that you're getting and that's it'?

"Because if that's the case, that's the wrong way to go about running a club.

"You get a manager in, you pay him good money, and you back him. Give him what he wants and the weapons he needs to make your team a winning team.

"If he doen't do it THEN you sack him."

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bozza's Save of the Week, R6

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Reflex ... Mark Birighitti denies Shinji Ono a near-certain goal. Source:FOX SPORTS

Newcastle Jets held on to beat Western Sydney 2-1 in Round 6, and they owe that largely to shot stopper Mark Birighitti making a string of impressive saves.

Wanderers produced arguably their best performance so far this season but were repeatedly thwarted by Birighitti in the Jets goal.

---

Click on the video at the top to see the block Bozza nominated as Save of the Week and tune in to Sunday Shootout on Fox Sports 1HD every Sunday for analysis of every round of A-League.

---

In particular was a quick reaction save from Wanderers marquee man Shinji Ono, who looked certain to score when put through on goal, only for Birighitti to rush off his line and block the shot.

"It was a very important save at a crucial period," said Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich.

"The ball was basically behind him. Great reflexes. He also manages to keep his body as upright as possible, which is very, very difficult when you come out like that.

"Just a magnificent athletic save at a crucial time of the game."

At the end of each round of A-League action, Fox Sports Football expert Mark Bosnich will nominate his Save of the Week on Sunday Shootout.

---

Did you think Birighitti's save was the best from all the games in A-League round five? Leave a comment below to have your say on Bozza's pick!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

'It's not pretty at the moment'

Dejected ... Roar's defence looks on as Patrick Gerhardt celebrates his first-half goal. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich is joined by Brisbane Roar defensive midfielder Erik Paartalu to review the weekend's A-League action, with Paartalu accepting something's going wrong at the Roar.

Melbourne Heart 4 defeated Brisbane Roar 1 at AAMI Park

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Paartalu says: It's not pretty at the moment. Obviously we're not hiding from the fact that we were pretty poor against Melbourne. Before that game I could probably say we were unlucky in a few games which could have gone either way. But the result against Melbourne - we just didn't turn up and we've only got ourselves to blame. The players at the club know it wasn't good enough. We've had a long look at ourselves over the weekend and all we can do is pull together now. We're still the same players that have been at the club for two years and I believe we've got the character to turn it round.

Bozza says: As Erik says they are the same players, except perhaps for Ben Halloran who I believe has added to the side. Is that maybe the problem? What they've done in the last two years has been unbelievable. They've transcended the game in this country to a different level, but is it a case that they do need to tweak something a little bit just to give it a little bit of a shake up?

---

Newcastle Jets 2 defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 1 at Parramatta Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bozza says: Wanderers at minimum deserved a point, if not to win. You have to give a lot of credit to Mark Birighitti - he made two outstanding saves at crucial moments. But for the vast majority of the game, with the exception of the period maybe when Newcastle equalised, it was all Western Sydney. Deep down I think (Wanderers manager Tony Popovic) will still be very pleased. They created more chances in this game than for the whole season I would say. It was just the finishing and some fantastic goalkeeping, and sometimes you come up against a goalkeeper like that and it can be very difficult to cop. I can understand his disappointment totally.

Paartalu says: When the Jets brought in Emile Heskey everyone was thinking they're going to be a bit more direct now and it might change their whole game plan. But Heskey's been a quality addition. He's been the best player inside the 18-yard box in the league. Going away from home and getting points is a must in this league and they're certainly a strong side.

---

Melbourne Victory 3 defeated Sydney FC 2 at Allianz Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bozza says: Sydney FC can take a lot of credit out of the way they came back from last week's debacle (against Central Coast). What they need to do is very, very quickly find somebody (to replace Ian Crook) who is going to come in and give the whole place, not just the team, a bit of a shake. I think there's too many people there that haven't got clearly defined roles. The bottom line is, in football, the manager has got to be the boss. There's a reason why we call him the boss. What he says go. Ange Postecoglou wouldn't have it any other way, Erik will tell you that.

Paartalu says: You could see after the game that Crooky was obviously pretty upset from some of the fans' abuse. But you can take nothing away from Melbourne Victory, it was a great comeback from them. Sydney probably should have held on with 15 minutes to go, 2-0 up. But when you start talking about health problems, and if you're not really up for it, then the best thing is to move on, everyone clear out and let's get on with moving forward. I had Crooky as a coach when I was younger and I know the type of character he is and he wouldn't have made this decision lightly.

---

Central Coast Mariners 1 defeated Wellington Phoenix 0 at Westpac Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Bozza says: It wasn't a game that reached any great heights, but I thought overall on the balance Mariners did deserve their victory. A fantastic defensive performance once again - they're a very solid unit. I think (Mariners coach) Graham Arnold will be very happy because after that win last week the easiest thing in the world is for a team to take their foot off the pedal, so to speak. Wellington's not a nice place, or an easy place, to go. Wellington have some problems. Three losses on the trot now. They've really, year in-year out, continued to prove all the critics wrong with their performances. Is this maybe the year where they start to slip a little bit? I don't think it will be but definitely three losses on the trot at any club is a bit of a crisis.

Paartalu says: The Mariners are a real team, and you can tell when you go across to Wellington and you're grinding out results that's a sign of a good team. I think they're definitely well positioned at the moment compared to us, so I think they've got to be favourites (for the title).

---

Adelaide United 1 drew with Perth Glory 1 at Hindmarsh Stadium

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Paartalu says: (Adelaide striker) Dario Vidosic's finishing has been very clinical. He hasn't had to have too many opportunities in a game to find the back of the net. He's a very good player technically - we all know this - but he's banging in the goals and having a super season.

Bozza says: There's great competition for places at Perth. They've got a very good squad and that's going to become more and more important as the season progresses. To have someone like Shane Smeltz waiting in the wings surely makes you focus.

Paartalu says: Perth Glory are similar to us in terms of the core group being together for a couple of seasons now. Liam Miller's definitely a player that can unlock defences and change the game for them. You've got Billy Mehmet scoring goals, winning headers. What I like about them is that they put in for each other - they're a real team. Particularly when you're across the west coast of Australia, a lot of time is spent traveling and staying in hotels, they've got that togetherness. You can see it.

---

Watch the A-League, Live and Exclusive, and in stunning High Definition, on Fox Sports!

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

SBW ready to sign for Roosters

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

Unveiling ... Sonny Bill Williams could be unveiled by the Sydney Roosters on Tuesday. Source: John Grainger / News Limited

Controversial code-hopper and boxer Sonny Bill Williams will reportedly sign for Sydney Roosters and be unveiled on Tuesday.

According to Fairfax Media, Williams will formally return to the rugby league fold four years after walking out on Canterbury-Bankstown in 2008.

Speculation has been rife that Williams' move to the Roosters could be scuppered by his agent, Khoder Nasser's, lack of NRL accreditation.

However, the powerful forward was in no doubt were he would be playing in 2013.

"It's a done deal. I made it a long time ago," Williams said in October.

"I know where I'm playing next year and I'm ready to meet the challenge head-on. There's no more negotiations that need to be done."

Williams is currently contracted to a Japanese rugby union club and is now in Sydney recovering from surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, an injury that forced him to postpone a fight against South Africa's Francois Botha until February.

20.47 | 0 komentar | Read More