The notion that Gatland is armed only with a rigid and ancient gameplan not only ignores his coaching record but the way Wales played in New Zealand last yearThe British & Irish Lions had a farewell dinner on Sunday, a rallying cry before they flew to New Zealand the following day, although not everyone believes they will fare well.“I am not sure Warren Gatland has the playbook and flexibility for this challenge,” the 2005 Lions wing Shane Horgan wrote in his newspaper column. “I would be more confident if any of the other three home nation coaches were in charge. So I ask myself: is Gatland the weakest link on the tour?” Related: Warren Gatland out to make Lions players...
Tennis players whether past or present need to realise that while everybody is entitled to an opinion these arguments are not about morality but toleranceIt is encouraging and correct that tennis players are prepared to comment on issues from homosexuality to sexual harassment, and occasionally politics. Sport does not have to exist in a vacuum. It is not that their opinions matter more than those of anyone else’s, but it is good to know they are not Daleks.Maybe other sports will follow the example of Andy Murray and others who have spoken out at the French Open, for instance, about Margaret Court’s antediluvian outrage over gay marriage. Related: Margaret Court says reaction to her same-sex marriage opposition is bullying Related:...
The Champions Trophy’s format is a favourite with players and fans and all eight teams in it, including England, can dream of victoryAll eight teams competing in the Champions Trophy are here now; all can harbour thoughts of winning it. It takes five wins in a row to be guaranteed the delight of raising the cup to the skies in south London on 18 June. This is a far more palatable format for the players than the World Cup because no time is wasted. It is far more palatable for the fans as well. If the sun continues to shine the tournament will be a success.From 1 June to 12 June there will be a match every day at one...
Australian cricketers have a history of taking on their board over money but this time it seems they are making a stand for those further down the ladderSo let’s unpack the sun cream, cancel the Melbourne Christmas party and stop studying our Aussie phrase books because the Ashes may never happen this winter. David Warner, no-nonsense opening batsman, has morphed into a no-nonsense Scargillian spokesman in the dispute between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (the players union).“If it gets to the extreme they might not have a team for the Ashes,” said Warner, who speaks as forthrightly as he bats. “We won’t buckle at all; we are standing together and very strong.” Related: Australian Cricketers' Association responds to...
Beale brings a touch of the craftsman among the muscle of the Premiership and he will be missed in England, but the game in Australia will welcome him backSome marquee players fail to make a mark, others live up to their marque; a few add to their reputations, like Kurtley Beale this season. When Wasps signed the Australian back last summer, with the option of a second year, they were taking on a player whose temperament was threatening to flat-line his career at the point he should have been nearing his peak.His debut was delayed until December because of an injury he sustained in Australia and he has only played 16 matches for Wasps – 11 in the Premiership and...