Every morning, TheScore.ie brings you the sport stories you need to know with your morning coffee.
1. #INJURIES Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney are out of Sunday’s game against Argentina as Declan Kidney counts the cost of Saturday’s defeat to the All Blacks.
O’Driscoll suffered a bruised shoulder in Saturday’s defeat to New Zealand and along with fellow centre Gordon D’Arcy and wing Tommy Bowe, (calf strains), has been prescribed rest. Rory Best also sustained a fractured cheekbone.
2. #STRIKE Fixtures in Scotland face possible postponement next weekend after Category One referees voted to strike. Scottish match officials are upset with the avalanche of flak that has come their way this season.
3. #BLUES Carlo Ancelotti is is, according to sources, considering his future at Stamford Bridge because of his anger over Ray Wilkins’ sudden departure last week. The Italian reportedly believes that the sacking of Wilkins as his assistant and appointment of the little-known Michael Emenalo has undermined his authority.
4. #CHANGE GAA chiefs have re-instated semi-finals in next season’s Division One of the National Hurling and Football Leagues, according to the Irish Examiner. The move will hopefully combat the spate of dead rubbers in the final match of league games.
5. #GOLF Graeme McDowell lost out to eventual winner Ian Poulter at the Hong Kong Open yesterday – but insists he he is playing well enough to win this week’s Dubai World Championship.
6. #SCRAP Wicklow officials will launch an investigation after another club game in the county was marred by ugly scenes. Neighbouring clubs Tinahely and Avoca were battling it out for the Division 4 South East League title on Saturday when up to 20 players were involved in a brawl.
7. #ASHES Former England hero Freddie Flintoff says the tourists will win the Ashes which gets underway in Brisbane on Thursday.
8. #CLUBS St Brigid’s are the new Connacht champions after they stunned Killererin in a dramatic extra-time finish. Leading by three points deep into stoppage time, Killererin were on the verge of victory but St Brigid’s clinched another last-gasp win. Dr Crokes too earned a late, late winner to deny Aherlow.
9. #SNUB Spurs staged an amazing comeback against bitter rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday. But the highlight was before kick-off when Samir Nasri ignored former team-mate William Gallas. Burn. [H/T Balls.ie]
