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Ireland's Addison starts at full-back in Cardiff

Published in Rugby

Thursday, 29 August 2019 05:47

Will Addison will make his first appearance since January in Ireland's penultimate World Cup warm-up match against Wales on Saturday.

The former Sale Sharks captain is named at full-back as head coach Joe Schmidt makes 11 changes to the side that was demolished at Twickenham.

Tadhg Beirne will play in the back row as Niall Scannell takes over at hooker.

Half-backs Jack Carty and Kieran Marmion get their first starts of the warm-up matches.

Chris Farrell returns to partner Bundee Aki in midfield while Iain Henderson is joined in the second row by James Ryan, with Devin Toner again on the bench.

Jack Conan is given the chance to stake a claim for a starting berth at the back of the scrum as Munster props Dave Kilcoyne and John Ryan look to cement their places in the final 31-man squad.

For the third game in a row Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls and Robbie Henshaw are omitted from the squad with Schmidt confirming this week that the trio, who sustained minor injuries in training camp, are likely to return to action in Ireland's final warm-up against Wales on 7 September.

Versatile Addison given chance to shine

Addison, 27, impressed in his debut season with Ulster before injury prematurely ended his campaign.

The former England Under-20 player underwent a back operation this year having made his Ireland debut last November.

His ability to cover full-back, centre and wing undoubtedly plays in his favour with Schmidt keen on versatility in his squad, and Saturday provides Addison with an opportunity to prove his match sharpness with the Ireland head coach poised to select his squad before the final warm-up game.

Carty, who enjoyed an impressive season at Connacht, is given his chance at 10 while there is no recognised replacement fly-half among the replacements.

Ireland's problems at the line-out were ruthlessly exposed by England, prompting heavy criticism of captain Rory Best who is named on the bench as Scannell gets the chance to put forward his case.

Schmidt has resisted the urge to revert to usual line-out caller Toner, with Henderson given another opportunity to prove his ability to direct the set-piece.

In Best's absence from the starting XV, Peter O'Mahony will captain the side.

Ireland: Addison; Conway, Farrell, Aki, Stockdale; Carty, Marmion; Kilcoyne, Scannell, John Ryan, Henderson, James Ryan; Beirne, O'Mahony (c), Conan.

Replacements: Best, Porter, Furlong, Toner, Murphy, L McGrath, Ringrose, D Kearney.

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Scotland's Johnson returns for Georgia Test

Published in Rugby

Thursday, 29 August 2019 05:18

Sam Johnson will face Georgia in his first Scotland appearance since breaking into the team in this season's Six Nations.

Johnson is one of 10 changes made by head coach Gregor Townsend from the side that defeated France last weekend.

Rory Hutchinson makes his first Test start for Scotland in Tbilisi on Saturday and hooker Stuart McInally returns to captain the side.

Blair Kinghorn, Allan Dell and Matt Fagerson also feature in the XV.

Wing Darcy Graham replaces the injured Tommy Seymour, with Sean Maitland remaining on the other flank of the back-three. Returning half-backs Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell complete the back division.

Prop Willem Nel starts again on the tight-head side alongside Dell and McInally in the front-row, while second and back-row forwards Grant Gilchrist and John Barclay have been promoted from the bench.

Townsend said: "We're pleased to welcome Sam [Johnson] back into the side, having performed so well for us in the spring, while a number of other players also get the opportunity to build on Saturday's performance.

"There were improvements in our back-to-back games against France, in particular in defence, game management and at scrum, as well some elements of our attack."

Scotland team to face Georgia: Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh); Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Saracens); Finn Russell (Racing 92), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne); Allan Dell (London Irish), Stuart McInally, capt) (Edinburgh, Willem Nel (Edinburgh), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), John Barclay (Edinburgh), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors).

Replacements: Grant Stewart (Glasgow Warriors), Jamie Bhatti (Edinburgh), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Josh Strauss (Blue Bulls), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors).

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Wales make 14 changes for World Cup warm-up against Ireland

Published in Rugby

Thursday, 29 August 2019 03:05

Wales have handed Test debuts to Owen Lane and Rhys Carre for Saturday's Rugby World Cup warm-up against Ireland in Cardiff.

Cardiff Blues wing Lane and Saracens prop Carre are among 14 changes to the side that defeated England.

Back-rower Josh Navidi captains Wales for the first time while regional team-mate Jarrod Evans starts at fly-half.

It is the final chance to impress coach Warren Gatland before he names his 31-man World Cup squad on Sunday.

"It is a great opportunity for Rhys and Owen, they have worked hard all summer to get to this point so it will be good for them to get their first international caps and put their hands up for RWC selection after the match," said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

"It was a bit of a shock to them when they first came in with regards to how hard we train but they've fitted in well.

"Rhys has lost about 10 kilograms since he's been with us! Owen Lane has continued to improve and impress."

Navidi lines up at number eight, with only Scarlets flanker James Davies surviving from the side who beat England at the Principality Stadium, a result that took Wales to number one in the world rankings.

"For Josh it's a huge honour to be named captain, he has been hugely consistent for us, he has really impressed in the last couple of seasons and he will lead from the front on Saturday and it is a great compliment for him to be awarded the captaincy," Gatland said.

"Saturday is a really big game for the players and I'm really excited about the challenge for this Welsh team. There is so much at stake in terms of World Cup selection with a number of positions still up for grabs - it will be a huge game."

Scarlets flanker Aaron Shingler makes his first Wales start for 18 months after two replacement appearances against England, while Adam Beard partners Bradley Davies in the second row.

Hallam Amos lines up at full-back in a back three with Lane and Steff Evans.

Ospreys centres Scott Williams and Owen Watkin have been paired together in the Wales midfield, while Aled Davies joins Evans at half-back.

Rhys Patchell has been named on the bench and Gatland says the Scarlets fly-half and Evans will get a half each to impress in the number 10 jersey as they look to take their place in Japan alongside Dan Biggar.

"It is probably a straight shootout," said Gatland.

"Jarrod gets an opportunity, we know a little bit more about Rhys Patchell, so the pressure is on him (Evans) and he understands that fully.

"It's about coming out, starting a game and controlling a game. Rhys will get the second half and it's about him coming on and making an impression.

"The two of them are aware they'll get the chance and it's probably a shout between the two of them."

Scarlets prop Rob Evans and Cardiff Blues scrum-half Tomos Williams have recovered from injuries and are named among the replacements.

Only Dragons skipper Cory Hill has not been named in the first three warm-up squads from the extended 40-man World Cup squad as he recovers from a foot injury.

"Cory's had a cortisone injection in his ankle, he's been scanned and nothing showed up on that," said Gatland.

"He's getting a bit of pain and the injection has seemed to improve it. Cory's been off his feet a lot, he's been doing some running and stuff. We're just being precautionary with him."

After Gatland names his World Cup squad, Wales face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, 7 September in their final warm-up match.

Wales

Hallam Amos (Cardiff Blues); Owen Lane (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Ospreys), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Steff Evans (Scarlets); Jarrod Evans (Cardiff Blues), Aled Davies (Ospreys); Rhys Carre (Saracens), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), James Davies (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (capt, Cardiff Blues).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Leon Brown (Dragons), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Jonah Holmes (Leicester Tigers).

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Daly In For Ericsson At Portland

Published in Racing

Thursday, 29 August 2019 03:26

PORTLAND, Ore. — Rookie NTT IndyCar Series driver Marcus Ericsson will not compete in this weekend’s Grand Prix of Portland for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.

Ericsson, who has driven the No. 7 Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda throughtout the season, will be replaced by Conor Daly for this event.

A reserve driver for Alfa Romeo Racing in Formula One, Ericsson has been called by the team to be on hand for this weekend’s Grand Prix of Belgium.

“Following a request from Alfa Romeo Racing for Marcus Ericsson to be on the ground at this weekend’s Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports has granted Marcus a release from his driving duties for the NTT IndyCar Series race weekend in Portland. Conor Daly will pilot the No. 7 Arrow SPM Honda at this weekend’s Grand Prix of Portland,” the team said in a statement.

Daly has made five starts in the series this year for Andretti Autosport and Carlin, earning a best finish of sixth last weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway for Carlin.

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Mercedes Confirms Bottas For 2020

Published in Racing

Thursday, 29 August 2019 03:34

BRACKLEY, U.K. – Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport has confirmed that it has exercised its option with driver Valtteri Bottas for the 2020 Formula One season.

Bottas joined Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport in 2017 and played a key role in the team’s victory in the constructors’ championship in the past two seasons.

“I am very happy and proud to be part of the team for a fourth season and wish to thank every team member and the board of Mercedes for their trust and belief in me,” Bottas said. “My performances have been getting better and better each year, and this is a great way to kick start the second half of 2019.”

The 30-year-old Finn is currently second to teammate Lewis Hamilton in the world championship standings with 188 points. During his two and a half seasons with the team so far, he has scored five race wins and 10 pole positions.

Bottas hopes to continue to improve.

“My overall target is to become Formula One world champion,” he said. “I believe that on paper, and from my experience with the team, Mercedes is the best option for me to achieve that goal in 2020.

“We have nine races to go this season and I am determined to keep improving at every one of them. Now, all my thoughts are on Spa and delivering a strong performance with the team this weekend.”

Team principal Toto Wolff addressed Bottas’ return to the team next season.

“For 2019, we set Valtteri the challenge of coming back even stronger than we saw him in the first part of 2018 – and he has achieved that, with some really impressive performances in the early races this year,” Wolff said. “Although it has been his most successful first half of a championship so far, he is hungry for more and determined to keep on improving and raising his level. That’s the mindset we want from all our team members.”

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Ocon Joins Renault For 2020 F-1 Season

Published in Racing

Thursday, 29 August 2019 05:20

ENSTONE, England – After sitting on the sidelines this year, Esteban Ocon will return to Formula One competition in 2020 with Renault.

Ocon will replace veteran Nico Hulkenberg, joining forces with seven-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo at the French racing squad. Ocon signed a two-year contract with the team.

“We are very happy to work with Esteban for the next two seasons,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of the Renault F-1 Team. “Over his F-1 career Esteban has experienced the highs and lows of the sport, and fully understood the need to seize every possible chance. In addition to lending his natural talent, Esteban’s aim will be to focus his natural energy and drive, both of which have been intensified by a year away from racing. It is then up to us to infuse them into the next phase of the team’s progress.

“He has shown his ability to score points, has great professionalism on and off the track, plus his recent experience as reserve driver to the current world champions will be a valuable asset to the development of our entire team.

“I wish to thank Nico for his phenomenal involvement and massive contribution to our progress over the past three seasons. When Nico decided to join us, the team was ninth. He brought us to fourth place last year, and was classified seventh in the drivers’ championship. The imminent end of his contract made this decision a difficult one as Nico has been a pillar of this progress. The first part of this season has been more challenging, but I know we can count on him and deliver together throughout the second half of the year.”

Ocon, 22, was previously part of Renault’s program as a reserve driver in 2016 and was a Lotus junior program member prior to Renault taking over the Lotus F-1 program.

The native of France made his F-1 debut in 2016 with Manor Racing before moving to Sahara Force India F-1 Team in 2017. In his first full season in the sport, he collected 87 points and finished eighth in the drivers’ championship. In 2018, Ocon collected 49 before joining Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team as reserve driver for the 2019 season.

“First and foremost, I am very proud to become a Renault driver. I have grown up at Enstone, starting with Lotus in 2010 and then with Renault,” Ocon said. “I am very attached to this team and everyone who works there; they are the ones who opened the doors of top level motorsport for me. Secondly, I am pleased that a team with big ambitions has entrusted me with the opportunity to once again demonstrate my skills at the highest level of F-1. It is a responsibility I take very seriously. The confidence they have in me to help the progression of the team is a very positive pressure and I look forward to giving the best of myself.”

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Sprint Cars Galore For Louie Vermeil Classic

Published in Racing

Thursday, 29 August 2019 06:16

CALISTOGA, Calif. – At least four drivers from the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series will take on the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series regulars during the Louie Vermeil Classic this weekend at Calistoga Speedway.

For the first time in its 12-year history, the race will be an all-sprint car program, with the King of the West series replacing the USAC Western States Midget Series and joining the non-winged USAC/CRA series as they make their annual appearance at the half-mile oval in the Napa Valley for two nights of racing on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to the $6,000 winner’s purse for each series on each night, promoter Tommy Hunt has added a $2,000 bonus to any driver with the versality to win both a winged and non-winged main event on the same night. To help teams run both ends of the program, Bianchi Farms of Sacramento and Hoosier Tire West will give away 10 tires a night (five to each series each night) to teams picked by a random draw.

Among the drivers taking up the challenge is former King of the West champion Bud Kaeding, who has won the Louie Vermeil Classic twice in a non-winged car.

“I enjoy non-winged racing, but we just don’t have many opportunities to do that anymore in Northern California,” said Kaeding, a three-time USAC Silver Crown champion who is also a three-time winner of the prestigious Oval Nationals.

Two other regulars on the King of West tour, Geoff Ensign and Chase Johnson, also have accepted the challenge.

“I love racing without a wing,” said Ensign, a former Petaluma Speedway track champion who has raced in the Louie Vermeil Classic the last eight years.

“With two races on the same night, why wouldn’t we drive a non-winged car?” said a rhetorical Johnson, who won an early-season race this year in USAC’s Western States Midget Series.

Ryan Bernal, one of the most successful drivers in the USAC Western States non-winged machines before making the transition to the winged King of the West series, is looking forward to returning to Calistoga where he holds the track record for non-winged sprint cars.

“The Louie Vermeil Classic has been one of my favorite races since I was young and I always wanted to put my name in the winners list,” Bernal said.

The USAC/CRA sprint cars are led by six-time champion Damion Gardner, a resident of the San Francisco Bay area with a rare chance to race close to home, who is in a heated points battle with second-generation racer Brody Roa in an effort to win his seventh series’ title.

The Louie Vermeil Classic weekend begins on Friday night at the Napa County Fairgrounds, with an induction dinner for eight new members of the Calistoga Speedway Hall of Fame.

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PHOTOS: Chevrolet Silverado 250

Published in Racing

Thursday, 29 August 2019 07:00

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McIlroy begins bid to overtake Koepka with 67 in Switzerland

Published in Golf

Thursday, 29 August 2019 01:54

Rory McIlroy continues his globetrotting tour this week in the Swiss Alps, but he's keeping an eye on more mountains than just those surrounding the Omega European Masters.

McIlroy cashed in on a $15 million payday Sunday at the Tour Championship, but he had little time to rest on those lucrative laurels before jetting to Switzerland for this week's European Tour event. He opened with a 3-under 67, which left him four shots behind early leader Matthias Schwab.

McIlroy started on the back nine and made the turn in 3 under, but short missed putts on his final two holes prevented his solid opener from being even better.

"It's so different to the golf I've played the last few weeks," McIlroy said. "So just trying to adjust and get used to these sort of greens again, and how far the ball's going, and what the ball's going to do out of the rough. But I feel like I did OK."

McIlroy's win at East Lake moved him back to No. 2 in the latest world rankings, behind only fellow four-time major champ Brooks Koepka. It marked the first time the Ulsterman had gotten as high as No. 2 in the rankings since the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills.

McIlroy has spent 95 weeks as world No. 1, most recently in September 2015. While Koepka still maintains a healthy advantage in point average, McIlroy remains optimistic that his strong season and eight-figure payday can help fuel a return to the top spot in the coming months.

"I feel like when I'm playing my best, I'm the best player in the world. And I'd like to get back there," McIlroy said. "It's been a goal of mine for a while. I haven't experienced that summit for the last four years. So I feel like with the work that I'm putting in, and the consistent golf that I'm playing, hopefully it's only a matter of time."

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Wan-Bissaka, Mount named in England squad

Published in Soccer

Thursday, 29 August 2019 07:02

Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been included in Gareth Southgate's latest England squad, while Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been recalled.

Uncapped Wan-Bissaka left Crystal Palace to join United in a deal worth £50 million this summer and has promptly earned his first call up, as has Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who has scored twice this season following his loan spell at Derby.

- Euro 2020 qualifying: All you need to know

The inclusion of Wan-Bissaka, alongside Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, for Euro 2020 qualifiers at home to Bulgaria on Sept. 7 and Kosovo three days later, meant there was no place for Manchester City's Kyle Walker.

"We tracked him very closely last year and thought he had an outstanding season but we wanted him to stay with the under-21 group, he has adapted well and quickly to a high-profile move," Southgate said of Wan-Bissaka.

"We are looking at him and Trent, that is reason Kyle Walker is not with us."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been included in an England squad for the first time since a 1-1 friendly draw with Italy at Wembley in March 2018, having suffered a serious knee injury a month later.

The ex-Arsenal man played just 19 minutes of the entire 2018-19 campaign following the injury, but has appeared in four of Liverpool's five matches across all competitions this term.

Leicester midfielder James Maddison has also been included, alongside Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, who could earn his first cap.

Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton (Aston Villa), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United).

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham), Harry Winks (Tottenham).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth).