Rugby World Cup 2011: France unchanged for Wales semi-final

Morgan Parra retains his place at fly-half with Francois Trinh-Duc on the bench

France coach Marc Lievremont has named an unchanged side to face Wales in Saturday's World Cup semi-final at Auckland's Eden Park.

Lievremont opted to stick with the same starting XV and bench which overcame England 19-12 in the quarter-final.
Francois Trinh-Duc steered Les Bleus to victory late on but he remains among the replacements with Morgan Parra again starting at fly-half.
It is the most experienced French side for four years, boasting 687 caps.
Eleven members of the side played in their 28-9 victory over Wales at the end of this year's Six Nations.
That is one of six victories by the French in the last seven meetings between the countries, the only exception when Warren Gatland's men won the Grand Slam in 2008.
France have lost at the semi-finals stage in the last two World Cups, both times at the hands of England.
But they are targeting their third final in the tournament, having lost to New Zealand in the inaugural event in 1987 and to Australia in 1999.
Lievremont's team has already played twice at Eden Park at this year's World Cup, losing 37-17 to the All Blacks before beating England in the quarter-final. Wales have yet to play there.
France team: Maxime Medard; Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Alexis Palisson; Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili; Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Pape, Lionel Nallet, Thierry Dusautoir (capt), Julien Bonnaire, Imanol Harinordoquy.
Replacements: Dimitri Szarzewski, Fabien Barcella, Julien Pierre, Louis Picamoles, Francois Trinh-Duc, David Marty, Cedric Heymans.

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Rugby World Cup: NZ call up Gear & Donald for Muliaina & Slade

Gear (right) will replace the unfortunate Muliaina (left)

New Zealand have called up wing Hosea Gear and fly-half Stephen Donald as replacements for Mils Muliaina and Colin Slade.

Full-back Muliaina and number 10 Slade are out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering injuries during the 33-10 quarter-final win over Argentina.
Muliaina was forced off at half-time with a fractured shoulder on the occasion of his 100th cap.
Slade suffered a partial tear in his left adductor groin muscle.
It is a similar injury to the one that forced star fly-half Dan Carter out of the tournament.

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We've lost the first two blokes chosen and that's a setback, that's the reality of it

Graham Henry New Zealand coach

Slade stepped into the side after Carter's departure, but he in turn was forced off after half an hour against the Pumas, which brought third-choice Aaron Cruden into the fray.
Cruden is now set to start Sunday's semi-final against Australia, with Donald - who last played for the All Blacks as a replacement against Scotland in 2010 - likely to be on the bench.
Donald, 27, joined Bath after becoming frustrated by his lack of opportunities and missing out on the original World Cup squad.
"We've lost the first two blokes chosen and that's a setback, that's the reality of it," said head coach Graham Henry.
"We have a group of players who have been on standby. We didn't announce that group and we won't announce that.
"We've got less players here than overseas. Have we got the depth? We'll find out next week."
Despite the loss of his first two fly-halves, Henry was pleased on Sunday with the performance of 22-year-old Cruden, who has not played at Test level since last year and last took the field in the New Zealand domestic season, which ended more than a month ago.
"I think he did very well for a young guy who hasn't played a lot of Test match football," the coach added.
"He's got a lot of talent and he really enjoyed the experience. If you'd asked him a week or so ago whether he would be playing in a quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup he probably would have laughed at you."
Gear, 27, was a surprise omission from the original World Cup squad.
"Hosea was very close to getting in the squad initially...very very close, it was very tight," Henry added.

New Zealand switched centre Sonny Bill Williams to the wing against Argentina after injuries ruled out Israel Dagg, Richard Kahui and Zac Guildford.

The injury to 31-year-old Muliaina, who is moving to Japan after the World Cup, brings his All Black career to an end, having become the second player - after captain Richie McCaw - to win 100 caps for New Zealand.
"From today onwards, I will be a former All Black," Muliaina said on Monday, with tears in his eyes.
"It only sunk in that it was over about five minutes ago. I really wanted to have a finish in a couple of weeks' time but it is not to be. This is rugby. Last night I was on top of the world but it is like a roller coaster.
"Bitter disappointment... but I am particularly proud to be an All Black. I have enjoyed my time and met some amazing people."

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Wales 22-10 Ireland

Shane Williams celebrates Wales' opening try

Wales crushed Ireland's dream and reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1987 with an impressive display in Wellington.

Wing Shane Williams squeezed over for Wales' early opener, Keith Earls responding in kind after the break.
But in-form scrum-half Mike Phillips' clever dive and centre Jonathan Davies' burst past prop Cian Healey settled the contest in Wales' favour.
Rhys Priestland added seven Welsh points to Ronan O'Gara's five.
Wales, led by outstanding flanker Sam Warburton, held off the challenge of an Ireland side that topped Pool C to book a semi-final meeting with France, who beat England 19-12 in Auckland.

Lock Luke Charteris epitomised the Welsh effort, making 16 tackles before being replaced by Bradley Davies at the break.
Whenever Ireland threatened, Wales seemed to have enough numbers and commitment to cope, other than when wing Earls made the most of his chance.
The Welsh line-out also stood up to the notable challenge of Paul O'Connell and Donncha O'Callaghan, while at the scrum Ireland were unable to repeat the effort that led to victory over Australia.
Jamie Roberts was again the focus of Welsh efforts with ball-in-hand and, with Priestland guiding their play and Phillips continuing a rich vein of form, Warren Gatland's side proved superior in midfield to the O'Gara-O'Driscoll axis on which Ireland have relied in the past decade.
Wing Williams extended his Welsh record try tally to 56 in the third minute as the Pool D runners-up began with an assurance that belied the occasion.
They patiently built a multi-phase attack in which Roberts took a high ball going forward before Halfpenny put Williams over in the right corner.
Video referee Giulio de Santis confirmed the score and Priestland converted from the wide angle.
Indiscipline and Ireland's ability to build pressure denied Wales the chance to capitalise on their good start.
In quick succession Faletau went over the top at a ruck, George North failed to roll away from a tackle and Dan Lydiate was caught offside at a breakdown but, instead of kicking for goal, the Irish settled for a series of attacking line-outs.
When Roberts eventually managed to put Wales on the front foot, O'Driscoll intercepted Phillips' pass to launch Ireland's best attack of the opening half, in which Gordon D'Arcy's dummy and run underlined the threat posed by Declan Kidney's side.
However, Shane Williams somehow managed to hold Sean O'Brien off the floor as the flanker crossed the line to deny Ireland a first try.
An O'Gara penalty finally got the Irish on the board after the Welsh again fell foul of the tackle laws but Halfpenny's long-range penalty restored Wales' seven-point advantage by the interval.

Ireland returned rejuvenated for the second period and drew level shortly after the restart when Stephen Ferris and Tommy Bowe combined to give Earls the time and space to cross at the corner, with O'Gara adding the conversion.
The scores were tied for only five minutes as Phillips stole away on the blindside after Alun Wyn Jones' drive to give Wales an advantage they would not surrender.
Priestland failed with the conversion and also saw a penalty rebound off the post, but Wales went further ahead when centre Davies made the most of Healey's appearance in the midfield defence to fend off the prop and burst clear to score.
The time, Priestland was able to add the conversion to put Wales 12 points ahead with 15 minutes remaining.
Ireland's attempt a response saw replacement scrum-half Eoin Reddan conjure a superb pass to O'Brien.
But the Irish flanker was halted three metres short and knocked on before Healey was penalised at the scrum, allowing Wales to clear.
Ireland threw all they had left at Wales in the closing stages, but the defence coached by Shaun Edwards proved equal to the task.
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); George North (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons) Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).
Replacements: Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues, for Charteris, 40), James Hook (Perpignan, for Priestland, 77).
Not used: Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Paul James (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets).
Ireland: Rob Kearney (Leinster); Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), Keith Earls (Munster); Ronan O'Gara (Munster), Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster), Paul O'Connell (Munster), Stephen Ferris (Ulster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements: Donncha Ryan (Munster, for Heaslip, 74), Denis Leamy (Munster, for Ferris, 74), Eoin Reddan (Leinster, for Murray, 55), Jonathan Sexton (Leinster, for O'Gara, 55), Andrew Trimble (Ulster, for Earls, 71).
Not used: Sean Cronin (Leinster), Tom Court (Ulster).
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Romain Poite (France)
TMO: Giulio de Santis (Italy)

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London 2012: LaShawn Merritt gets Olympic doping rule overturned

Merritt was given a two-year ban, later reduced to 21 months

LaShawn Merritt can defend his Olympic 400m title at London 2012 after winning an appeal against an International Olympic Committee doping rule.

The IOC's rule had barred any athlete who has received a doping suspension of more than six months from competing in the next summer or winter games.
Merritt, 25, argued the punishment went beyond World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) sanctions of a maximum two-year ban.
The outcome could force British chiefs to re-think their regulations.

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Manchester United's Phil Jones considered for England debut

Jones joined Manchester United from Blackburn in June

England arrive in Montenegro on Thursday for their final Euro 2012 qualifier with coach Fabio Capello considering a debut for Phil Jones.

The Manchester United defender, 19, could start alongside captain John Terry in central defence.
Everton's Phil Jagielka is in contention to play at right-back in place of the injured Chris Smalling.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has pressed his claims to start alongside Scott Parker.
Lampard's stand-out performance in practice on Wednesday has opened up the possibility of Capello reverting to a 4-4-2 system and playing another striker alongside Wayne Rooney.
Jones has been a revelation at Old Trafford since his £16m move from Blackburn and won public approval from captain Terry after he trained alongside the teenager in Bulgaria last month.

Of the 18-man matchday squad for England's 1-0 win over Wales in September, only eight were in the party for the 2010 World Cup

Capello was pleased with the performances of Gary Cahill against Bulgaria and Wales but the Bolton man has been in a defence leaking goals at an alarming rate after he was the subject of interest from Arsenal and Tottenham before the transfer window closed.
The England boss may yet keep faith with Cahill but Jones is pushing hard for inclusion after continuing to impress the Italian.
Jones's Manchester United team-mate Smalling started against Bulgaria and Wales but has missed the trip to Montenegro with a groin injury.
Manchester City's Micah Richards and Tottenham's Kyle Walker will also be hoping to replace the former Fulham man, but Capello is an admirer of Jagielka and may go with the 29-year-old's experience in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere at the City Stadium.

For latest updates and reaction to this story read Sportsday Live. Have your say on Twitter via the hashtag #bbcsportsday.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Ireland to make late call on Rory Best

Best was injured during Sunday's 36-6 victory over Italy

Ireland have included injury doubt Rory Best in their starting line-up as they name an unchanged team for the World Cup quarter-final against Wales.

Best injured his shoulder during the 36-6 Pool C win over Italy on Sunday.
The hooker's AC joint is responding well to treatment, but Sean Cronin is on standby if Best does not recover.
Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who has to submit a team 48 hours before kick-off, said: "The decision could go to the end, we'll make it when we have to."
The Irish are already without first-choice hooker Jerry Flannery, who tore a calf muscle in training ahead of the match against Australia in mid-September.
Kidney added Ulster player Best was making "great progress" but said: "I wouldn't want to tempt fate by rating Rory's chances, but he's not ruled out, which is always the first sign.

"He had a good day yesterday (Tuesday) which everyone was very positive about."

If Best is not fit to face the Welsh then Damien Varley will be named on the bench with Cronin in the starting XV.
Ronan O'Gara and Conor Murray retain their places at half-back after impressing during the comprehensive win over the Azzurri, with Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan - who had started the tournament as the first-choice half-back pairing - on the bench.
Kidney said the battle for the outside-half and scrum-half spots was the "most competitive area" in the team.
"I know it's unconventional to use different half-backs at different times," said Kidney.
"When they've been on the pitch they've brought their own things to it.
"For example, Jonathan was hugely strong for us in defence in the last 10 minutes against Italy. Eoin robbed two great balls for us in the last 10-15 minutes.
"Leaving them out isn't easy, but Conor and Ronan have gone quite well for us."
Kidney believed Warren Gatland's men had added unpredictability to their attacking play, making them more dangerous opponents. "They're showing different trends in the way they play, but are more unpredictable than before," he said.
"If it was possible to read them before, it's more difficult now."
Ireland: R Kearney (Leinster); T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster); R O'Gara (Munster), C Murray (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster) or S Cronin (Leinster), M Ross (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), S O'Brien (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster) or D Varley (Munster), T Court (Ulster), D Ryan (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), J Sexton (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster).

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Fuimaono-Sapolu banned from playing

Fuimaono-Sapolu deleted tweets directed at Welsh referee Owens

Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has been provisionally suspended from playing rugby after failing to attend a World Cup misconduct hearing.

He was charged by organisers for a Twitter rant, calling Welsh referee Nigel Owens "biased" and "racist".
Owens, who denied the claims, refereed Samoa's 13-5 loss to South Africa.
The hearing was adjourned and the Gloucester player provisionally banned from participating at any level of rugby, pending a hearing.
Samoa were eliminated from the tournament after their loss to the Springboks, which led Fuimaono-Sapolu to question the appointment of Owens.
Owens sent off Samoa full-back Paul Williams The 30-year-old, whose whereabouts is unknown, claimed Owens could not be neutral on the basis that Wales stood to benefit from a South Africa win.
A Rugby World Cup statement said Samoa Rugby Union had made "reasonable attempts" to inform the player of the charges he faced and added that any sanction against the union would be addressed during Fuimaono-Sapolu's hearing.
Fuimaono-Sapolu had escaped official punishment earlier in the tournament when he criticised organisers over Samoa's schedule, comparing their treatment to slavery, the holocaust and apartheid.
He later apologised for his choice of words but Samoa were warned action could be taken if there were any repeat.
Owens endured a difficult night on Friday, showing a red card to Samoa full-back Paul Williams late in the game for a clash with Heinrich Brussow.
The referee, who will take charge of the quarter-final match between New Zealand and Argentina on Sunday, responded on Facebook: "One thing I am not is racist and a cheat."
After the game the referee had tweeted: "That was the hardest game I have ever had to ref. Did my best and no regrets."

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Dan Carter injury rocks New Zealand

Carter shows the pain after suffering a groin injury in training

Star fly-half Dan Carter will miss New Zealand's final pool match against Canada on Sunday with a groin injury.

Carter was withdrawn from the side after pulling up during kicking practice in final training on Saturday.
The All Blacks will release a further injury bulletin on Sunday amid fears his participation in the rest of the World Cup may be in doubt.
Carter was due to lead the side against Canada after captain Richie McCaw also withdrew with a "niggly" foot problem.
Colin Slade will now start at number 10, with hooker Andrew Hore to captain the All Blacks for the first time. Andy Ellis comes onto the replacements bench.
"Carter will be further assessed this evening [Saturday] and an update will be given tomorrow," said an All Blacks statement. "No further updates will be given at this time."
McCaw's place in the side, meanwhile, will be taken by Victor Vito.
"It's a bit frustrating," said the flanker. "I was pretty keen to play, it was important for me and the team. I got through training on Friday fine but I woke up a bit sore."
McCaw underwent pre-season surgery in February to insert a small screw into a bone in his foot that had a stress fracture and missed the first six weeks of the Super 15 season.
After his comeback, the flanker was then sidelined in late May after suffering from recurring pain in his foot.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: England and Scotland make changes for key tie

Recalled captain Alastair Kellock will lead the line for Scotland against England

England have made three changes and Scotland six to their starting line-ups for their crucial World Cup Group B match in Auckland on Saturday.

For England, Delon Armitage replaces Mark Cueto on the left wing with Matt Stevens and Courtney Lawes also picked.
Scotland, who must win for a realistic hope of advancing, see captain Alastair Kellock return at second row and Euan Murray at tighthead prop.
Richie Vernon, Mike Blair, Simon Danielli and Joe Ansbro are also in.
The Scotland side also sees Sean Lamont moves to inside centre, with Jim Hamilton, Geoff Cross, Kelly Brown, Rory Lawson, Graeme Morrison and Nick De Luca the players to make way.
The England changes, despite the dropping of Cueto who scored a hat-trick as England beat Romania 67-3 in their previous match, had been widely predicted. Stevens replaces Alex Corbisieroto at loose-head prop having recovered from injury and Lawes takes Tom Palmer's place in the second row after serving a two-match ban.
"We're reasonably healthy which is great at this point in the tournament and we thought this was the right team," manager Martin Johnson said.
Of the decision to pick Armitage over Cueto - who drops out of the 22 - Johnson added: "We've said all the way through if Delon's playing well and with form he's a Test player.
"Mark's injury was a factor [he had a back problem earlier in the tournament]. He's probably a game short of being back to where he should be."
However, while England need only a losing bonus point to be all-but certain of progressing, Scotland need a clear victory to guarantee their own place in the quarter-finals, a requirement seemingly reflected in coach Andy Robinson's bold selection.

Continue reading the main story Full World Cup tablesKellock was omitted from the team to play Argentina, despite being named tournament captain in August and comes in for Hamilton, who has been struggling with a knee injury. Now scrum-half Lawson, the captain against Georgia and Argentina, must face up to being outside the matchday 22, with Blair preferred for the Edinburgh number nine. Vernon replaces Brown at the back of the scrum and Murray, who performed well against Georgia, is back in for Cross in the front row after being unavailable for last Sunday's match in Wellington because of his religious beliefs. Behind the scrum Lamont switches from the wing to inside centre, while Danielli takes Lamont's place on the wing, with Ansbro joining the Scarlets back in the midfield. BBC rugby correspondent Ian Robertson suggested the changes were made to inject more pace into the team. "It's a risk but it's a very bold selection," he said on BBC Radio 5 live. "What Andy Robinson says is that they have gone for real speed. He has always had this team in mind for the England game knowing he wants to play the game at pace."It is a gamble but Scotland have got to be brave. They've got to win and win by eight points and 1986 was the last time they managed that."The permutations for the match are complex but if Scotland lose by more than seven points - hence failing to gain a losing bonus point - they are out of the World Cup. However Robinson insisted they would still have to play a patient game, adding: "We can't go on the pitch and chase the game, we've got to build ourselves into the game. "We're not playing Argentina, we're playing England. It's a completely different game. "We've got to get the scoreboard moving right at the start of the game, but play what's in front of us and not get concerned about the scoreboard." The meeting will be the first time in 129 matches and 140 years the teams have played on neutral soil. England team: B Foden; C Ashton, M Tuilagi, M Tindall, D Armitage; J Wilkinson, B Youngs; M Stevens, S Thompson, D Cole, L Deacon, C Lawes, T Croft, L Moody (capt), J Haskell. Replacements: D Hartley, A Corbisiero, T Palmer, N Easter, R Wigglesworth, T Flood, M Banahan. Scotland team:
C Paterson; M Evans, J Ansbro, S Lamont, S Danielli; R Jackson, M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, E Murray, R Gray, A Kellock (capt), A Strokosch , J Barclay, R Vernon.
Replacements:S Lawson, A Dickinson, N Hines, R Rennie, C Cusiter, D Parks, N De Luca.

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Troy Cooley is interim Australia coach for South Africa

Cooley (left) has worked extensively with Australia's seam bowlers

Australia have named ex-England bowling coach Troy Cooley as interim head coach for their forthcoming tour of South Africa - but he will not be applying to fill the role permanently.

Tim Nielsen resigned as head coach last week after four years in the role.
Cooley, 45, began working with England's pacemen in 2003 and helped them to win the Ashes in 2005 before returning to his homeland a year later.
He is currently head coach at Cricket Australia's centre of excellence.
Cooley said: "I feel excited and comfortable coming into this 'caretaker's role'.
"My immediate task will be to come up to speed with their plans and work with the players and support team to ensure the preparation is spot on for a successful tour."
As well as coaching, he will also be an acting national selector for the South Africa tour, which begins on 13 October with the first of two Twenty20 internationals, followed by three one-day internationals and two Test matches.
Cooley began his coaching career with Tasmania, but was widely credited with helping England's fast bowlers such as Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones master reverse swing in the lead-up to the 2005 Ashes.
He has since filled a number of roles for the Australia national side, starting as bowling coach but also serving as assistant coach, standing in for Nielsen for part of the one-day series in England in 2009, and coach of Australia A in Zimbabwe earlier this year.

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Rugby World Cup 2011: Mike Tindall recalled by England

Tindall was rested for England's 41-10 victory over Georgia on Saturday

England have recalled Mike Tindall in one of seven changes for Saturday's World Cup Pool B match with Romania.

The centre was rested for the 41-10 win over Georgia and features for the first time since a controversial night out in Queenstown with team-mates.
Mark Cueto makes his first appearance of the tournament on the wing following a back injury, while Jonny Wilkinson takes over from Toby Flood at fly-half.
Steve Thompson, Alex Corbisiero, Louis Deacon and Tom Croft also return.
England manager Martin Johnson is without lock Courtney Lawes, who completes a two-match suspension, and prop Matt Stevens, who has been struggling with an ankle problem.
Northampton full-back Ben Foden, who has been hampered by a side injury, is fit to start along with Chris Ashton, who hurt an elbow in scoring his second try against Georgia.
Nick Easter is again ruled out with a back injury, with James Haskell continuing at number eight, while prop Corbisiero is another player to earn his first start of the competition.
Lewis Moody retains his place as openside flanker and will captain the team, which is arguably Johnson's strongest available despite many expecting him to rest senior players with an eye on completing a 100% record in the group stages in next week's final pool game against Scotland.
After a performance against Georgia that brought five points if not much in the way of plaudits either from within the camp or outside, Johnson suggested he was looking for a marked improvement on Saturday.
Sat alongside Tindall, Johnson made light of the Gloucester player's return, stating: "We've played since [the night out]. We've put it to bed."
For his part, Tindall denied the past few days had been a "challenging time" when asked, saying it had merely been disappointing not to have been picked last weekend.

The 73-times capped player, who married the Queen's grand-daughter Zara Phillips this year, had been at the centre of a media storm since closed circuit television pictures from Queenstown's Altitude Bar were released, appearing to show him in conversation with a mystery woman.

However, a source close to Tindall and his wife has said the woman is an old friend of the couple.
Tindall's performances on the field have also come under scrutiny after Saracens technical director Brendan Venter labelled him "the personification of everything that is wrong with England's attack".
But Foden is certain the 32-year-old can make an immediate impact on his return to the team. He said: "I'm sure he'll answer his critics the same way he usually does. Mike's a very professional guy. He hasn't let it influence him in training or anything like that.
"It's a personal matter that he's sorting out. He seems fine. I think it's all been eradicated and quickly forgotten.
"He'll be keener than anyone to go out there on the weekend and show the critics he is here to win a World Cup and perform well for England. Hopefully he'll answer the critics in the right way."
Meanwhile, Romania have made 11 changes to the team that lost 43-8 to Argentina last time out.
England: B Foden (Northampton Saints); C Ashton (Northampton Saints), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), M Tindall (Gloucester Rugby), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Toulon), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers); A Corbisiero (London Irish), S Thompson (London Wasps), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), L Deacon (Leicester Tigers), T Palmer (Stade Francais), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), L Moody (Bath Rugby, capt), J Haskell (Ricoh Black Rams).
Replacements: L Mears (Bath Rugby), D Wilson (Bath Rugby), S Shaw (Unattached), T Wood (Northampton Saints), R Wigglesworth (Saracens), T Flood (Leicester Tigers), D Armitage (London Irish)

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he needs more midfielders

Mancini perplexed by Fulham draw

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he doesn't have enough depth to his midfield.

Yaya Toure has started every match this season, while Gareth Barry has only missed one game.
James Milner and Nigel de Jong are both injured, with Owen Hargreaves not yet match-fit.
And Mancini said: "We are lacking at this moment because we lost two midfielders. I don't have players. I can only change the full-backs."
The Italian has plenty of attacking options, with David Silva and Samir Nasri in excellent form and Adam Johnson a more than capable back-up.
But he feels he is short of holding midfielders and handed a debut to trainee Abdul Razak, 18, in the 3-0 win over Wigan.
He added: "I have only two midfielders, because James [Milner] and De Jong have injuries."
Mancini also thinks letting a two-goal lead slip against Fulham would serve as a lesson for the rest of the season.
Sergio Aguero struck twice to give City a healthy lead but Fulham drew level following a goal by Bobby Zamora and Danny Murphy's deflected shot.
The result was the first time City have dropped league points this season.
Mancini told BBC Sport: "It's incredible, we lost two points after we scored two goals and dominated the game.
"But I think this can be a lesson for us. When we have the chances we should score."
Mancini complained of his team's wastefulness after the 3-0 win against Wigan last Saturday, where they had a host of chances but only led 1-0 at the break.
This time, although Aguero scored within 12 seconds of the re-start to give City a two-goal cushion, they were made to pay.

Fulham 'kept believing' - Jol

It was the first time City have played a game after a Champions League fixture but, while they faced Napoli at home on Wednesday, Fulham had played a day later in midweek, hosting FC Twente in the Europa League on Thursday.
Mancini bemoaned his side's concentration, with Fulham's first goal coming from a Micah Richards foul throw, while he also believed that Edin Dzeko was fouled in the build-up to Fulham's equaliser.
"For 10 or 15 minutes after Fulham scored, they played very well," Mancini added. "But a football match is 95 minutes and a top team like us needs to have more control of the game.
"I'm not angry. I'm just disappointed because we conceded two stupid goals."
The Italian also defended his decision to withdraw David Silva, who was replaced by Pablo Zabaleta before Murphy struck.
"In the middle I didn't have any players because we have James Milner and Nigel de Jong out injured," he said. "So I didn't have a chance to change it in the middle."

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Manchester United 'will only get stronger' - Roy Keane

Keane made 480 appearances for Manchester United over 12 years

Roy Keane has warned Manchester United's title rivals that his former club will "only get stronger".

Keane said United were "red hot favourites" for the Premier League and believes only an injury to Wayne Rooney could pose a serious problem.
And with Chelsea due at Old Trafford on Sunday, Keane said he could not see United losing to their London rivals.

Roy Keane

But the former Ireland captain praised blues manager Andre Villas-Boas on BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek programme.
Keane, 40, who was sacked as Ipswich manager in January after 20 months in charge, said: "United to me are just going to get stronger and they are the team to beat as usual.
"At reserve and academy level, they have got such good young players coming through.
"Eventually you hope they get into the first team, just as Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have.
"And they settle straight into the team because they've got good habits, good attitudes and a good spirit.
"The only major question mark would be if Wayne Rooney picks up an injury, because he's a big, big player for them.
"He is scoring goals for fun. Since he signed his contract, he has settled down and his best years are still ahead of him."
With the two Manchester clubs scoring so freely in their first few Premier League games, Chelsea have rather been in their shadow so far, but they are unbeaten and just two points behind United and City.
And Keane says he has been impressed with new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.
"I like him," he said. "I think he's going to do a good job down there.

"I think the [Juan] Mata signing was a massive signing, because there was a lot of talk that things had gone flat.

"I think it's suiting them that United and City are grabbing all the headlines.
"I've said before the biggest danger to Chelsea always seems to be that self-destruct button among their own players.
"There are massive egos with that bunch."
Keane explained why he believes United will beat Chelsea on Sunday: "I always look at United and, even if they are not at their best, they seem to get results.
"I certainly can't see them getting beaten today, but it will be their first big test."
Keane also said he was ready for a return to management: "I am enjoying my break but football's in my blood and I hope to get back into at some point.
"If an opportunity comes up in the next few months, I will be ready for it.
"I am only 40. If Chairmen and chief executives do their homework I'm sure I have a chance."

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Floyd Mayweather knocks out Victor Ortiz in controversial win

Mayweather is now 42-0 in his career, with 26 knockouts

Floyd Mayweather claimed the WBC welterweight title with a controversial victory over Victor Ortiz in Las Vegas.

Mayweather knocked out Ortiz at the end of the fourth round to extend his unbeaten record to 42 fights.
But the 34-year-old appeared to land the knockout blows while Ortiz was apologising after delivering a headbutt seconds earlier.
After the fight, Amir Khan told BBC 5 live's Sportsweek that he was hopeful he would take on Mayweather in 2012.

Sunday's bout started quietly, before bursting into life in the fourth round with Ortiz getting Mayweather on the ropes without quite being able to find a decisive blow.

Just before the bell Ortiz had Mayweather on the ropes for a third time, only to be penalised for a headbutt.
The 24-year-old then seemed to be apologising and was not protecting himself as Mayweather landed two punches - the second a big right hand - to end the fight.
Ortiz claimed he was hit by a punch before the referee had asked the fighters to continue.
"I got hit by a dirty shot. The rule is protect yourself at all time," Mayweather insisted afterwards.
"We are not here to cry and complain about what he did or I did dirty."
Ortiz said he was "blindsided".
"I took the break by the referee and I obeyed exactly as I was told," he said.
Mayweather has won 11 world titles "There's two ways to look at it but as far as I was concerned I came here to entertain the fans and they were entertained.
"There was a miscommunication with the referee but nobody is perfect and this was a learning experience."
Mayweather had returned to the ring for the first time in 16 months.
Some critics had suggested the bout would be a 'tune-up' for Mayweather before an agreement is finally reached for a Manny Pacquiao fight next year.
But Khan said he would fight at 140lbs for the final time on 10 December before stepping up to welterweight with an eye on Mayweather.
"The fight between me and Floyd Mayweather has to happen next year," Khan said.
"In my eyes he is the one I want. If I want to be the best pound-for-pound fighter, I have to beat him.
"I know I have got his number because I have got the technique and skills to beat him."
Khan said Mayweather's camp wanted him to take on one of the American's gym fighters Jessie Vargas before getting to take on Mayweather himself.
"I am happy if Floyd says I have to beat him," Khan said. "I am happy to move up to 147, fight him and take on Floyd around November time."

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Rugby World Cup 2011: New Zealand 83-7 Japan

Conrad Slade, in for the injured Dan Carter, scored a try and kicked 16 points

World Cup hosts New Zealand laid down a marker with a one-sided mauling of Japan in their Pool A encounter.

The All Blacks, showing 10 changes from the side that beat Tonga in their opening match, ran in 13 tries at a packed Waikato Stadium.
And while there will be far sterner challenges to come, the scoreline itself will make New Zealand's rivals sit up and take notice.
The All Blacks' next game is against France in Auckland next Saturday.
Much of the pre-match conjecture centred around the missing star duo Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, as well as full-back Mils Muliaina, with some sections of the New Zealand media suggesting they were not injured at all but merely being rested by coach Graham Henry.

While Henry denied the accusations, the raft of unenforced changes in the starting XV also caused disquiet, with some critics suggesting a lack of continuity could be the undoing of the All Blacks, as it has been in the past.

Nevertheless, when outside-centre Conrad Smith, playing his 50th Test, opened the scoring with a try after only two minutes, it looked like a repeat of the record 145-17 beating New Zealand gave Japan at the 1995 World Cup might be on.
But it took until the 15th minute for the hosts to extend their lead, left-wing Richard Kahui darting over for a try after the ball was shipped down the line.
Blind-side Jerome Kaino scored his side's third try six minutes later after sustained pressure on the Japanese line before hooker Kevin Mealamu went sliding over following a scything run by centre Ma'a Nonu.
Shortly afterwards, scrum-half Andy Ellis touched down under the posts after a line-break by Smith before Slade made it six tries almost directly from the restart following a cute inside pass by Nonu to full-back Isaia Toeava.
Japan's backs did look to put width on the ball when they gained possession, but with coach and All Blacks legend John Kirwan having rested 10 of the side that performed so creditably against France in Albany last week, gaining possession was a rare occurrence.
In contrast, when the All Blacks had ball in hand, they found holes everywhere in the Japanese defence, with Nonu and Smith looking particularly potent.
Kahui sauntered over for his second try four minutes into the second half and replacement Sonny Bill Williams, playing on the wing for the first time in his eighth Test, brought up the half-century courtesy of a scissors move with Slade.
Toeava went over unopposed to stretch his side's lead but Japan got on the scoreboard on 56 minutes, wing Hirotoki Onozawa intercepting an attempted offload from Slade, who had a rather flaky game, and running in from the All Blacks' 10m line.
However, the hosts hit back and hit back hard, first replacement hooker Andrew Hore sliding over, then Williams careering out of his own half and leaving several defenders for dead before flipping the ball to Nonu to finish off a scintillating move.
With 10 minutes remaining, Onozawa, playing in his 10th World Cup game, thought he had scored a second but replacement Kensuke Hatakeyama's round-the-back pass was adjudged to have been forward.
And there was time for two more All Blacks tries, first flanker Adam Thomson flopping over after a break by Jimmy Cowan, before Williams latched onto a clever cross-kick by Kahui for his second touch-down with three minutes remaining.
While Henry will no doubt earmark areas for improvement, and take into account the weakness of the opposition, it was a far more efficient and focused display than against Tonga and suggests the French will have their work cut out to avoid finishing second in the group in Auckland next week.

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New world record-breakers debut in Guinness book 2012

Click to play

The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display

A woman with 10-foot fingernails and a student with a four-inch tongue are among entries in the 2012 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Doncaster man Rob Hull, 49, is also in the book for having 571 Daleks - despite not being a Doctor Who fan.
Aevin Dugas from New Orleans in the US also gets an entry for having grown the world's largest natural afro.
Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Lenday said the book celebrates "the weirdest and wackiest".
Dalek collector Mr Hull bought his first replica at the age of 29, and while he may not love the BBC sci-fi series, he says he became "enchanted" with them after seeing one in a toy shop.
The 2012 edition of the famous record book also sees a new face claiming the prestigious title of longest fingernails in the world.
Christine Walton, 45, from Las Vegas, has 10ft 2in (3.1m) fingernails on her left hand and 9ft 7in (2.92m) talons on her right hand.
"I hate all the cleaning, but I do it. And the makeup, I only wear so much," said Walton, who has also been working on a singing career while raising a family.

The nails on Ms Walton's left hand measure more than 10ft (3m) in length

The previous record-holder, Lee Redmond of Salt Lake City, lost her nails in a car crash in 2009.
Rev Darrell Best, of Illinois in the US is a newcomer to the book, having taken the title for the fastest wedding chapel after converting his 1940s fire truck into a wedding chapel on wheels.
The wedding chapel entitled The Best Man, allows lovers to tie the knot while they are on the road and is capable of reaching speeds of 62mph.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old Aevin Dugas from New Orleans also gets a mention in the new edition.
Ms Dugas is the proud owner of the largest natural afro in the world - her massive head of hair has a circumference of 4ft 4in (1.32m).

Click to play

The world's most elastic woman, pierced man and longest fingernails were on display

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Borussia Dortmund 1 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal goalscorer Robin van Persie shows his disappointment at the whistle

Arsenal's hopes of starting their Champions League campaign with an away win were dashed when substitute Ivan Perisic's superb late volley rescued a point for Borussia Dortmund.

Robin van Persie looked to have secured the points for the Gunners with a fine goal from Theo Walcott's through ball.
But Perisic dipped a sublime 20-yard shot home to salvage a draw.
And only a fine Wojciech Szczesny save from Robert Lewandowski in injury time stopped Arsenal finishing with nothing.
A defeat would have been harsh on the Gunners, especially after an improved rearguard action in the second half, but few could begrudge the German side a point from a match they dominated for long spells.
In fact, for 40 minutes in the first half Arsenal were kept almost completely on the back foot.
After Gervinho had been brilliantly denied an early shot on goal by Mats Hummels' outstretched boot, the German champions made a mockery of their fourth-seeding in this season's group-stage draw.

Mario Gotze was inventive, Lewandowski a menace, and Shinji Kagawa a constant source of energy as, time and again, the hosts played through a porous Arsenal midfield.

Kevin Grosskreutz fired over when well-placed in the box, Kagawa did similarly after being put through on goal and then Lewandowski, having rounded Szczesny, was denied by Bacary Sagna's goalline clearance.
With the Gunners far too lightweight in midfield, Mikel Arteta dropped back into a deeper-lying role. This freed Yossi Benayoun to go further forward, a move that helped forge a rare Arsenal chance on 30 minutes when the Israeli released Van Persie, only for the Dutchman's snap-shot to be tipped around the post.
Dortmund continued to control proceedings, however, and it looked only a matter of time before they would break through.
But then Arsenal scored. Sebastian Kehl's poor touch ended at Walcott's feet via Van Persie. The Englishman's return pass was a delight, allowing Van Persie to take a touch before rifling a rising drive past Roman Weidenfeller.
It was a big goal at the perfect time for the Gunners - and Wenger, seated in block 27, row 24, seat 63 of the 80,000-capacity stadium as a result of his touchline ban, will have liked what he saw after the break, too, Arsenal emerging in far better shape than they did the first.

Though Dortmund continued to boss possession and territory, they did so with far less venom than in the first half with Arsenal frustrating them by dropping a touch deeper and looking a lot more compact in midfield.
The outstanding Alex Song was at the heart of that for the visitors, and he played his part in creating a chance for Gervinho on the hour mark. The Ivorian danced past Neven Subotic and then Hummel before being denied by Weidenfeller.
With the clock ticking down and the hosts increasingly erratic in their attacking play, Arsenal looked comfortable.
It was then, though, that Dortmund finally produced a killer finish. Kieran Gibbs's half-clearance fell to substitute Perisic, who unleashed a fabulous dipping volley into the top corner.
Buoyed by their late strike and driven on by a rejuvenated and passionate home crowd, Dortmund went in search of a winner.
Lewandowski almost provided it in the dying seconds when he found himself one-on-one with Szczesny, but could not force the ball past the Polish keeper.
In the end, then, the Gunners were grateful for the final whistle - though a decent away performance overall should ensure they go into Matchday Two in a fortnight's time against Olympiakos in a confident mood.

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Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool C: Ireland make four changes

O'Brien's last game was against France on 20 August

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made four changes to the side which laboured to a 22-10 victory over the United States in their World Cup opener.

Eoin Reddan, Sean O'Brien, Rob Kearney and Cian Healy return for Saturday's key Pool C clash against Australia.
European player of the year O'Brien is named at open-side after completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury which has kept him sidelined since 20 August.
Kearney has not played for a month due to a groin strain but is fit again.
He replaces Geordan Murphy at full-back while Healy is fit again after sustaining an eye injury against England two and a half weeks ago.

Declan Kidney

Apart from the absence of David Wallace, who was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a knee injury in the warm-up defeat by England, Kidney has named his strongest side to face the Wallabies.
"The players coming back will bring freshness to the team," Kidney said.
"If you play the same team week in, week out, it becomes difficult for everybody.
"I didn't think Sean, Rob or Healy were as fit as they needed to be to play against the USA last week so they got another week under their belts.
"They're raring to go and that brings its own impetus into the team. That's what you need."
Kidney added he had no concern over Kearney's ability to finish the match, even though he has been restricted to just 140 minutes of rugby since last autumn.
Kidney revealed that blind-side flanker Stephen Ferris has played only a limited role in training since his comeback from a serious knee injury.
Kidney also said that hooker Jerry Flannery, who has been named on the bench, is to undergo a scan on a calf injury sustained in training.
The results of the scan are not expected until later on Wednesday at the earliest. Sean Cronin is on standby to fill the vacancy on the bench should Flannery fail to pull through.
Ireland team to play Australia:
Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Stephen Ferris, Sean O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements: Jerry Flannery, Tom Court, Donnacha Ryan, Denis Leamy, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Andrew Trimble.

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US Open 2011: Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal in epic final

Djokovic has now won four Grand Slam titles in his career

Novak Djokovic confirmed his status as the world's best player with a stunning victory over defending champion Rafael Nadal to lift his first US Open title.

The top seed from Serbia gave a display of breathtaking quality to triumph 6-2 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 in four hours and 10 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nadal, who was bidding to win his 11th Grand Slam title, has now lost all six of his meetings with Djokovic in 2011.
Djokovic holds the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles.
And he becomes only the sixth man in the Open Era to win three of the four majors in the same year.
"It's an incredible feeling," said the 24-year-old, who has lost only two of his 66 matches in 2011. "I've had an amazing year and it keeps going. Every time I play Rafa it's a big challenge.

"He's had a great tournament and I wish we have many more tough matches in the coming years."

Djokovic was beaten by Nadal at the same stage 12 months ago, but he turned the tables on the Spaniard this time around - and how.
The crowd were treated to several pulsating baseline rallies in the opening stages, Nadal breaking serve for 2-0 only to surrender his advantage immediately.
Djokovic showed brilliant skill in windy conditions to save three break points for 2-2 and constructed a couple of stunning combinations to strike in game five.
The top seed was dictating the tempo and he broke again when Nadal netted a backhand under pressure before serving out the 53-minute opener to love.
Nadal enjoyed a relatively comfortable service game to start the second set and then managed to break his opponent with a trademark forehand down the line.
But the errors returned in a truly incredible game three, which saw Djokovic squander five break points before converting a sixth when Nadal netted a routine smash.

It was a game that whipped the crowd into a frenzy but seemed to sap the life out of Nadal and after watching Djokovic hold to love, he fell 3-2 behind with a double-fault.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion dug deep to break back for 4-4 with a backhand pass, yet Djokovic quickly regained the momentum and served out for a two-set lead.
Both men produced some astonishing tennis at the beginning of the the third and, after swapping breaks, a perfectly-timed drop shot helped Djokovic move 3-2 ahead.
Nadal shook his head in disbelief but managed to level with a forehand down the line, secured the first service hold in five games and then engineered a break point at 4-3.
Djokovic averted the danger with a backhand winner to end a jaw-dropping 31-shot rally and another to break for 6-5, meaning he would serve for the match.
However, this time Nadal came out on top in a dramatic exchange that left Djokovic on his knees and helped the Spaniard force a tie-break.
The noise reached a deafening crescendo and Nadal responded with an all-out attack, crafting his way to 5-1 and taking the first of three set points when Djokovic lashed a tired forehand into the net.
Djokovic looked in real trouble when he required a treatment for a back problem at the changeover, but he came out firing and snapped up three straight games to put himself firmly on course for victory.
A comfortable service hold made it 4-1 and Djokovic thumped his chest with delight on breaking a weary Nadal to love in game six.
He unleashed a glorious inside-out forehand - his 51st winner of the match - to seal an unforgettable win and his fourth Grand Slam title.
"I'm disappointed but Novak is doing unbelievable things," said second seed Nadal. "What he did this year is probably impossible to repeat.
"I tried my best in every point. I tried to play aggressive but he made fantastic comebacks. I fought until last ball. I won a lot in the past but I have to work hard and come back stronger next year."

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US Open 2011: Andy Murray loses to Rafael Nadal in semis

World number four Murray has yet to win a Grand Slam title in 24 attempts

Andy Murray's hopes of reaching the US Open final came to an end as Rafael Nadal outclassed him in four sets to set up a meeting with Novak Djokovic.

The British number one lost 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-3 in three hours and 24 minutes to ensure his wait for a maiden Grand Slam title goes on.
Murray was no match for the Spaniard in the first two sets and despite rallying in the third, he wilted in the fourth.
Nadal faces Djokovic on Monday after the Serb beat Roger Federer.
"Tonight I played my best match so far and I'm very happy to be in the final," said the world number two.
"The beginning of the fourth set was really important because Andy had a break point but I managed to save it."

Murray beat Nadal at this stage in 2008 to reach his maiden Grand Slam final, but Nadal had won each of their previous four meetings and it was swiftly clear why.
The second seed had a clear game plan and stuck to it, played with maximum aggression from the first point, targeted Murray's weaknesses and stayed calm at all times.
By contrast, Murray struggled to execute his strategy, lacked intensity, was unable to take Nadal out of his comfort zone and wasted energy berating himself.

The Scot dug deep to save a break point and hold firm in an eight-minute opening service game, and registered a chance of his own in game six.
But he failed to capitalise as Nadal came up with one of numerous stunning forehand winners - and he was soon in total control.
Nadal broke in game seven when Murray framed a return and easily saw out the opening set.
He came under severe pressure in game two of the second but again Murray could not capitalise, squandering three break points.

Nadal was left to applaud an incredible Murray forehand in game three but there were no niceties when the 10-time Grand Slam champion forced an error to break for 3-2.
Murray looked to be feeling the effects of Friday's victory over John Isner and Nadal struck again to move 5-2 ahead before securing a two-set lead with an imperious hold to love.
The momentum swung both ways in a high-quality third set and it was Murray who made the first move with a volleyed put-away in game two.
A first double-fault of the match helped Nadal hit straight back, but Murray stuck with him brilliantly, regained his composure and cut down on the errors.
He was rewarded with a hard-earned break of serve for 5-3 and then converted his third set point when Nadal netted a forehand.
Murray's big chance came at 1-1 in the fourth but, after reeling Nadal in from 40-0, he netted a backhand on break point.
Punishment was instant as Nadal broke for 3-1 and then again to seal victory when the world number four put a backhand into the tramlines.
It is the third time this season that Murray has lost to Nadal in a Grand Slam semi-final.
"I've got to improve," he said. "It's disappointing to get so close. I've lost to Rafa a few times this year. I need to work on my game and get physically stronger.
"I was disappointed with first two sets but the third and fourth better. I know the right tactics for playing against Rafa but I didn't implement them in the first two sets.
"It's very easy from the side to suggest what I should be doing out there - you should see some of his passing shots. There's many things I could have done a bit better but I didn't.
"He's probably the greatest player who has played tennis."

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