1. #RWC2011 Cian Healy is Ireland’s only injury absentee ahead of Sunday’s World Cup opener against the USA in New Plymouth. The Leinster prop has failed to fully recover from an eye socket injury and will not be able to resume contact training until this weekend at earliest.
Earlier this morning, team manager Paul McNaughton confirmed that Gordon D’Arcy, Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien are all fit and available for selection on Sunday. Declan Kidney names his team tomorrow.
2. #EUROPA LEAGUE Shamrock Rovers must wait patiently as UEFA continue deliberations on whether or not the Hoops can host their Europa League games in Tallaght Stadium.
Reports last night indicated that Tallaght had been unofficially approved for use by UEFA, but the club were quick to stress that no decision has been made yet.
3. #US OPEN The weather once again played havoc with the schedule at the US Open yesterday, forcing the cancellation of both the day and the evening sessions.
A number of men’s fourth round matches — including Andy Murray versus Donald Young — are still waiting to be played, with officials hopeful that some of the men’s and women’s quarterfinals will finally get underway today.
4. #CRICKET A brilliant 123 not out by Alex White helped Ireland to a narrow first innings lead in their Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia in Belfast yesterday.
Play is due to resume at 10.30am this morning. Namibia currently lead by four runs with nine wickets remaining in their second innings.
5. #NFL Rejoice, American football fans, for the new season is upon us (as if you needed to be reminded).
The road to Indianapolis and Super Bowl XLVI begins tonight in Lambeau Field when the Green Bay Packers, last year’s champions, take on the New Orleans Saints. Tasty.
6. #YOUTUBE It’s Thursday, which means that we’ve only got one more day to wait before the 2011 Rugby World Cup begins.
Thursday is also YouTube day, and we’ll be compiling our weekly chart this afternoon. Send your suggestions to sport@thescore.ie.
This one, which we brought to you last night, is almost certain to make the cut.
