The Irish Times - Sports

Scotland stun Wallabies at Murrayfield

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:25:19 GMT

Autumn internationals round-up:Scotlandcompleted one of the greatest rearguard victories in recent Test history to beat Australia9-8 at Murrayfield, their first victory over the Wallabies in 27 years.

Fletcher finds range as United stroll home

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:09:09 GMT

Manchester United 3 Everton 0:Darren Fletcher added another memorable entry to his bulging CV as he launched Manchester United on their way to a comfortable victory over Everton.

Four-star Chelsea set new home record

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:09:09 GMT

Premier League round-up:Leaders Chelseaset a new record of 12 straight home wins as they beat Wolves4-0 at Stamford Bridge to stay five points clear at the top of the table after Arsenallost away to Sunderland.

Fiji routed as Sexton enjoys dream debut

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:37:23 GMT

Ireland 41 Fiji 6:Ireland remained unbeaten after the second match of their autumn series when they beat Fiji in the first international to be staged in Leinster’s ground in the RDS. On a squalling night in Dublin, Ireland ran in five tries in a one-sided contest.

Berne boots Leinster home in opener

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:06:08 GMT

Plymouth Albion 13 Leinster 16:A late penalty from Shaun Berne helped Leinster seal a gritty victory over Plymouth Albion in the opening round of the British & Irish Cup in Brickfields Recreation Grounds, Plymouth on Saturday evening.

McPhail diagnosed with cancer

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:56:13 GMT

Republic of Ireland and Cardiff City footballer Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement on the club’s website.

Benayoun not a moment too soon

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:39:26 GMT

Liverpool 2 Manchester City 2:Liverpool proved they are not ready to be replaced in the top flight elite by Manchester City just yet as Yossi Benayoun’s equaliser secured a draw at Anfield.

Kauto Star just holds on to claim hat-trick

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:39:26 GMT

Racing:Kauto Star just held on from Imperial Commander ito take a third Betfair Chase in a pulsating renewal at Haydock. The pair had it between them all the way up the straight, with a fine leap three out from Ruby Walsh’s mount looking to have given him the advantage.

McIlroy woe lets Westwood pull clear

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:08:00 GMT

Lee Westwood is now a massive favourite to win the European Tour money list tomorrow after Rory McIlroy had a nightmare finish to his Dubai World Championship third round.

FAI 'disappointed' over replay refusal

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:08:00 GMT

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued a statement this afternoon pointing out their disappointment at their French counterparts in refusing to accede to a replay of last Wednesday’s controversial World Cup play-off in Paris.

Full text of today's statement from the GAA

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:52:27 GMT

A series of discussions have taken place over the last two months between the GAA and the GPA. We are pleased to announce that common ground has been found which safeguards and enshrines the GAA’s amateur status while at the same time affording the GPA official status and recognition as the Association’s Player Representative Body.

GAA and GPA reach interim arrangement

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:35:41 GMT

The GAA have entered into an interim arrangement with the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) with the goal of affording them official status and recognition as the Association’s player representative body.

Gowran meeting blown off course

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:00:36 GMT

Racing:This afternoon’s National Hunt meeting at Gowran has been abandoned due to high winds. Although the fixture survived a morning inspection, called due to the threat of waterlogging, the Co Kilkenny venue has been declared unsafe for racing.

Operation forces Allardyce to miss three games

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:28:59 GMT

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will miss the next three Premier League matches as he is to have an having an angioplasty operation, a procedure which will widen one of his coronary arteries.

'Treachery' will not deflect Trapattoni

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:20:31 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni has targeted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as his possible swansong, despite yet another cruel elimination from international competition, but for now he's finding it hard to move on from Wednesday's disappointment in Paris.

Uefa shocked by huge match-fixing ring

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:30:47 GMT

Twelve matches in the Europa League and three in the Champions League are among “around 200” games being looked at by Uefa as part of an investigation into alleged match-fixing described by one official as the biggest to ever affect European football.

Jordan predicts Schumacher comeback

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:43:47 GMT

Formula One:Former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan believes Michael Schumacher will replace Jenson Button at the newly-named Mercedes team for next season.

Irish pleas for a replay rejected again

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:43:47 GMT

The door appears to have closed on the Republic of Ireland’s hopes of their World Cup play-off second leg against France being replayed after the FAI’s call for their counterparts in Paris to join them in lobbying Fifa was rejected this evening.

Ioane to miss Scotland match

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:38:25 GMT

Australia centre Digby Ioane has been ruled out of Saturday's autumn international against Scotland.

Henry admits replay 'the fairest solution'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:33:54 GMT

France captain Thierry Henry has admitted replaying the World Cup qualification play-off against the Republic of Ireland would be “the fairest solution”.

Westwood surges two clear after McIlroy errors

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:45:29 GMT

Lee Westwood is back on course for a €1.83million jackpot on Sunday following a day of amazing twists and turns at the Dubai World Championship. The Englishman leads by two at halfway after a second round 69, but only thanks to late errors by current Order of Merit leader Rory McIlroy and then Pádraig Harrington.

Referee Hanson insists 'life must go on'

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:13:47 GMT

Referee Martin Hansson broke his silence today by insisting “life must go on” after his blunder contributed to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit on Wednesday.

French to abide by Fifa ruling

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:22:00 GMT

The France Football Federation (FFF) believe the controversy of their World Cup qualification should be put aside following Fifa’s decision that the play-off will not be replayed.

Roy Keane has little sympathy for FAI plight

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:06:12 GMT

Roy Keane has little sympathy for the FAI’s campaign to have their controversial World Cup play-off against France replayed and said: “What goes around comes around.”

Flying start puts McIlroy on top

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:45:44 GMT

A blistering opening nine holes helped Rory McIlroy take a one-shot lead over Lee Westwood as the Race to Dubai heated up at The Earth course this morning. The 20-year-old from Holywood was five under through his first nine holes to move to nine under for the tournament.

Delaney keeps the pressure on France

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:19:14 GMT

THE FAI’S hopes of winning what would be a rather remarkable a World Cup reprieve appeared to rest with the French Football Federation last night after officials at the game’s governing body dismissed the idea that Wednesday’s game in Paris might be replayed.

Beckham on hand to defend Henry

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:46:15 GMT

David Beckham has defended French captain Thierry Henry following his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland at Stade de France on Wednesday.

FAI counting on French goodwill

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:37:16 GMT

Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has defended the decision to request a replay of last night's World Cup play-off against France and called on the French federation to agree in the interests of the integrity of the game.

No Semenya deal, says IAAF

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:32:38 GMT

Athletics:The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has insisted no deal has been struck allowing Caster Semenya to keep her World Championships 800 metres gold medal.

McIlroy glad to see back of Westwood

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:32:38 GMT

Rory McIlroy freely admitted that he is glad he is not playing with Lee Westwood tomorrow. The two stablemates have not fallen out, but the 20-year-old came off second best when they went head-to-head in Dubai today in their European Tour Order of Merit decider.

Diarra insists France 'deserve' place

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:15:47 GMT

France’s Lassana Diarra did not endear himself to the Irish nation after the first leg of the World Cup play-off in Croke park last weekend and is unlikely to be back in the good books anytime soon after insisting France "deserve" their place at the World Cup finals.

Sponsors to stand by Henry

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:51:14 GMT

Gillette have no plans to sack Thierry Henry following his role in ending the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup dream. Henry has admitted to handling the ball before setting up William Gallas for the decisive goal in Paris last night but has denied any intent.

Trapattoni concedes rematch is 'impossible'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:38:12 GMT

At the same time the FAI was announcing its intention to request a replay of last night’s play-off second leg against France, Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was insisting the prospect was “impossible”.

Fiji name side to face Ireland

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:38:11 GMT

Fiji have included both of their Gloucester back rows in the side to face Ireland and the RDS this Saturday. Apolosi Satala and Akapusi Qera start as part of a four-strong English contingent that includes Saracens scrum-half Mosese Rauluni and London Welsh lock Wame Lewaravu.

Racing abandoned at Thurles

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:06:42 GMT

Racing:Thurles have abandoned this afternoon’s card due to a waterlogged track. The venue had initially called off the two scheduled chases and had planned to stage a five-race hurdles and bumper card.

Domenech remains under pressure in France

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:50:23 GMT

Thierry Henry was compared to Diego Maradona, although not the way he may have wished, and coach Raymond Domenech faced further criticism after France controversially scraped past the Republic of Ireland to make the World Cup.

Keane hits out at authorities

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:41:30 GMT

Robbie Keane hit out at the presidents of Fifa and Uefa following the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup exit, claiming they would be “delighted” that France had gone through thanks to a hugely controversial winning goal.

Handy Henry ends Ireland dream

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:42:11 GMT

France 1 Republic of Ireland 1 (France won 2-1 on aggregate):An epic performance from Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland side was cruelly undone at the Stade de France after Thierry Henry’s double handball went unnoticed in the build-up to William Gallas’s extra-time winner as France booked their place in next summer’s World Cup.

Portugal, Slovenia, Greece and Algeria go through

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:55:37 GMT

World Cup play-offs:Portugalreached next year's World Cup finals after a 1-0 win in Bosniaon Wednesday gave them a 2-0 aggregate victory over the Balkan country in their two-legged play-off.

All Blacks make 13 changes for England clash

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:45:16 GMT

New Zealand have named virtually their strongest side — including Richie McCaw and Dan Carter — for Saturday’s clash with England at Twickenham. Only prop Neemia Tialata and fullback Cory Jane, both of whom are rested, are missing from what is otherwise the All Blacks’ most formidable line-up on tour.

Ancelotti rules out Italy job for now

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:30:01 GMT

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists he will not quit the Blues even if the Italy job becomes vacant at the end of the summer amidst speculation that Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi will step down after the World Cup.

Argentina make two changes for Wales game

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:38:19 GMT

Argentina coach Santiago Phelan has made two changes from the team beaten by England for Saturday’s Millennium Stadium clash against Wales.

World champion Button completes McLaren switch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:42:06 GMT

Motorsport:McLaren today announced the signing of reigning world champion Jenson Button on a “multi-year deal” that will see the Briton paired with Lewis Hamilton from the start of the 2010 season.

Kennelly in it for the long haul

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:21:21 GMT

Tadhg Kennelly plans to put down permanent roots in Australia after his decision to move back to the Sydney Swans. Kennelly, who fulfilled his dream of winning an All-Ireland with Kerry during the summer, is back in training with the AFL club.

Geraghty out of England side

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:34:07 GMT

England v New Zealand team news:Ayoola Erinle will make his first England start after replacing Shane Geraghty at inside centre in the team to play New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday.

Button set for McLaren switch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:17:47 GMT

Motor Sport:Jenson Button’s projected move to McLaren appears to have taken another step towards completion amid reports the Briton is set to be confirmed at the team this afternoon.

Ramzi stripped of gold medal

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:33 GMT

Drugs in Sport:Bahrain's Olympic 1,500 metres champion Rashid Ramzi has been stripped of his gold medal for doping, a source within the Olympic movement said today. Four other athletes have also been sanctioned for doping.

Springboks smarting after another defeat

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:14:17 GMT

There were South African celebrations at Wembley last night but they were not coming from the touring Springboks after the world champions' second string were beaten by Saracens.

Murray to face Federer in finals

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:14:17 GMT

Tennis:Andy Murray has been drawn in the same group as world number one Roger Federer for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Endeavour and a rub of the green ...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:14:16 GMT

France (1) v Rep of Ireland (0) - kick-off 8pm:SOME YEARS back an Irish journalist at the Barcelona Olympics caused quite a stir amongst his English colleagues by getting the wrong end of the stick regarding an agency story, reporting back to Dublin that the British runner Steve Crabb rather than the German one, Katrin Krabbe, had failed a drugs test.

McIlroy explains rationale for US switch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:42:44 GMT

Rory McIlroy said today he had decided to join the US Tour next year because he chose to “listen to my own heart” - and to Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh.

Springbok woes continue at Wembley

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:21:06 GMT

Ireland's World Cup hopes recede

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:05:20 GMT

Belgium 3 Ireland 0:A dreadful opening 10 minutes did for Ireland in Argentina tonight as their hopes of claiming the last remaining place in next year’s World Cup were dealt a huge blow.

Buffalo sack head coach Jauron

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:32:11 GMT

American Football:The Buffalo Bills today parted company with head coach Dick Jauron after he guided the NFL team to just three wins from their opening nine games of the season. The Bills went down 41-17 to the Tennessee Titans in their last outing.

England chase hard in South Africa

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:00:58 GMT

Cricket:Half-centuries from Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior helped England seal a fighting four-wicket victory over South Africa A in a thrilling encounter at Potchefstroom tonight.

Keane strikes confident note in Paris

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:45:30 GMT

Robbie Keane is relishing being cast in the role of underdog as he attempts to lead the Republic of Ireland to a historic World Cup victory over France.

McKenna takes young driver award

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:45:30 GMT

Motorsport:A fine season in the British Formula Ford Championship has helped Patrick McKenna claim the Dunlop Young Racing Driver of the Year title for 2009.

France apologise over anthem 'debacle'

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:13:59 GMT

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) have received an apology from their French counterparts after they complained about the performance of their national anthem before last Friday’s Test match in Toulouse.

Trapattoni calls for warm hearts and cool heads

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:42:11 GMT

Giovanni Trapattoni is confident his Republic of Ireland players will not allow their anger to boil over as they attempt to dump France out of the World Cup at the Stade de France tomorrow night.

Lievremont makes 12 changes for Samoa game

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:51:50 GMT

France coach Marc Lievremont has made 12 changes to the line-up that beat South Africa for Saturday’s match against Samoa, with wing Benjamin Fall and flanker Alexandre Lapandry handed first caps.

France apologise over anthem 'debacle'

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:25 GMT

Habana cleared over France citing

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:50:53 GMT

South Africa wing Bryan Habana has been cleared at his disciplinary hearing in London today after being cited for allegedly kicking Vincent Clerc during the Springboks’ 20-13 defeat to France on Friday night.

Coyle rules out taking Scotland post

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:50:53 GMT

Former Republic of Ireland striker Owen Coyle has ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland manager’s job by committing his future to Burnley.

Gatland brings back big guns for Argentina clash

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:32:10 GMT

Wales coach Warren Gatland has made six changes from the team that edged past Samoa for Saturday’s Millennium Stadium clash against Argentina.

Yerevan thrashing puts Under-21s bottom of table

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:32:10 GMT

Armenia Under-21 4 Republic of Ireland Under-21 1:A Henrik Mkhitaryan hat-trick all but ended Ireland’s slim hopes of qualification for the European Championships as they plummeted to the bottom of Group 2 in Yerevan today.

Sexton to start against Fiji

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:12:44 GMT

Ireland v Fiji:As expected, Jonathon Sexton will make his Ireland debut against Fiji this weekend. Sexton follows in the footsteps of Cian Healy, who made his international bow against Australia last Sunday.

Scotland unchanged for Wallabies

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:14 GMT

Rugby – Scotland v Australia:Andy Robinson today named an unchanged side to face Australia in this weekend’s second autumn international at Murrayfield.

Mercedes still an option for Button

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:14 GMT

Motor Sport:The rebranded Mercedes Grand Prix will continue talks with Formula One world champion Jenson Button over a new deal for the 2010 season despite speculation the buy-out might mean a move towards an all-German driver line-up.

France coach rings the changes

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:14 GMT

Rugby - France v Samoa:France coach Marc Lievremont has rung the changes for Saturday's match against Samoa, resting 12 of the side that defeated world champions South Africa last Friday.

RTÉ secures rights to World Cup play-off

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:14 GMT

France v Rep of Ireland:Tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against France will be shown on free-to-air television after RTÉ secured the television rights this morning. The match will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports and on RTÉ radio.

Ravens take flight as Browns draw a blank

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:09:14 GMT

American Football:The Baltimore Ravens overcame a horrendous start to beat the Cleveland Browns 16-0 in the NFL's Monday night game. For 30 minutes, the Ravens were inefficient, unproductive and disorganized. In 17 seconds, they changed all that.

Westwood regrets playing in Hong Kong

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:25:26 GMT

Lee Westwood today admitted that it was probably a mistake to play last week’s Hong Kong Open. The event saw Rory McIlroy finish as runner-up for the second year running and take over the European Tour Order of Merit lead with only this week’s Dubai World Championship remaining.

Benitez will quit if Torres sold

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:06:37 GMT

Rafael Benitez will quit as Liverpool boss if star striker Fernando Torres is sold against his will. The club's well-publicised debts have led to questions about whether owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett would be tempted should a big-money offer come in for the Spain striker.

Fingal advance after frantic finish

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:56 GMT

Bray Wanderers 2 Sporting Fingal 2 (agg 2-4):Sporting Fingal are in the League of Ireland Premier Division after a 2-2 draw with Bray Wanderers gave them an aggregate win of 4-2 in the two legged play off.

Broadcast rights race rumbles on

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:20:04 GMT

The race to bring some sort of coverage of the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against France to an Irish audience was still ongoing tonight but there were expressions of confidence from some quarters.