HE FITZ RYDE IN Rookie Matt’s something really special says Paul
AARON ON A MISSION BASSETT’S SWEET RELIEF
THE Detroit Lions are facing a defensive injury crisis for today’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Lions’ star pass rusher Ziggy Ansah (below) has been ruled out with the sprained ankle he suffered last week against the Tennessee Titans.
Linebackers DeAndre Levy and Antwione Williams are also doubts to play against Aaron PHIL GIRVAN and the £2.5million in prize money that Fitzparick, 22, has accumulated since winning his Tour playing rights at Q School late in 2014, that has impressed. It is the way he has gone about his golf. “I describe it as Bernhard Langer style,” said McGinley.
“He is not going to overpower a golf course with his length you just know he is going to beat you with monotony and consistency.”
The bookmakers have the Americans odds-on favourites to prevent Europe winning the Ryder Cup for an historic fourth successive time but McGinley (right) is not overly worried about captain Darren Clarke’s team having six rookies.
“Matt has played some golf in America and won their Amateur Championship,” he said.
“And I think the European team looks very strong – all the other rookies have had to play well for their place in the team.
“Then look at it another way. The Americans may only have one rookie but if you add all the Ryder Cup appearances of their other players together, they have played in less than the six experienced Rodgers’ high-powered offence, which has struggled so far this season. Quarterback Rodgers said: “I didn’t play as well as I wanted to last week and I can’t do that if we’re going to win.” Elsewhere today, the Chicago Bears travel to Dallas, while the Pittsburgh Steelers face Philadelphia with both sides yet to lose a game this season. ALEX MILLER members in Europe’s side. And there are a lot of questions about this Ryder Cup that need answering – a lot of them from the American team and the ownership of it. “They set up their player task-force after Gleneagles, which appointed Davis Love as their captain. “But that has also given their players a lot of decision-making to do since they are going to be consulted on pairings and it will be intriguing to see whether that is validated.” However, McGinley worries about how Europe’s rookies will react to the hostility and noise from the huge crowds. He said: “I would not be surprised if their fans are whipped up into a frenzy. “At Valhalla I remember Paul Azinger going into Kentucky and telling America fans they had to be patriotic and noisy. “I would not be surprised if Davis Love does something similar, as near Hazeltine there is a lot of sporting interest with places like Green Bay and their NFL team.” JOSH BASSETT’S late try saw Wasps sting Northampton to maintain their perfect start to the Premiership season.
Winger Bassett (below) crossed over with three minutes remaining to seal a 20-15 win and send Wasps top ahead of Bath, who face Leicester today.
Saracens missed the chance to move first after losing 17-10 against Harlequins in front of watching England boss Eddie Jones at the Stoop. Olly Woodburn and Thomas Waldrom both scored two tries as Exeter kept up with the leaders as they routed rock-bottom Bristol 41-17. Halani Aulika helped Sale to pinch a 34-34 draw with Worcester while Newcastle saw off Gloucester 13-18.