Sport news in brief
Willis dropped for South Africa Test
England have dropped Jack Willis for their final match of the autumn against South Africa on Saturday in order to boost their lineout options. Willis came on for the final quarter of last weekend’s 25-25 draw with New Zealand as part of an impressive contribution from the bench that helped reel in a 19point deficit. But the Toulouse-bound flanker has been omitted from a 26-man squad that will complete preparations for the Springboks’ visit to Twickenham.
Instead, Eddie Jones has opted to pick additional lock cover in the form of Hugh Tizard having indicated after the All Blacks stalemate that three jumpers would be needed for the climax to autumn. Jones reduced the number of jumpers against New Zealand to two in the hope that by picking Sam Simmonds at flanker they would take control of the breakdown.
But South Africa’s reliance on kicking is expected to produce more line-outs, pointing to Maro Itoje switching back to blindside flanker and Dave Ribbans partnering Jonny Hill in the second row. Bevan Rodd features among the 26 as loosehead prop cover for Mako Vunipola, whose back stiffened up during a scrummaging session yesterday. PA
Kane waiting on ankle scan for USA match
England captain Harry Kane will undergo a scan on his right ankle to determine whether he sustained an injury during the World Cup opener against Iran. Kane stayed down after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge during Monday’s Group B match, with the striker’s foot appearing to twist awkwardly.
The Tottenham forward has a history of ankle injuries and he was subsequently brought off in the 75th minute of the 6-2 win. England face the USA in their second group stage match on Friday night, with Kane now considered to be a doubt for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Callum Wilson, who replaced Kane and set up England’s sixth goal with an assist for Jack Grealish, would likely deputise if the captain was ruled out. Wilson, however, was absent on from training yesterday as England undertook a light session following the win over Iran in Qatar.
Ronaldo leaves Manchester United with immediate effect
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United with immediate effect in the wake of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan ahead of the World Cup. Ronaldo lashed out at United’s owners,
executives, manager and even some of his own teammates in an extraordinary tirade that aired in the week leading up to the tournament, effectively torching his bridges with the club. In a statement yesterday, Ronaldo said that he “loved” the club and their fans, but that it was time for a “new challenge”.
“Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early,” Ronaldo said. “I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future.”
Manchester United said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect. The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.” The 37-yearold striker, who is in Qatar captaining Portugal, spent a significant portion of the interview making a pitch for a new club in January, insisting he can still score goals at the top level, and he is now free to seek out a fresh contract.
Ronaldo confirmed during the interview with Morgan that he had received an enormous offer to play in Saudi Arabia last summer, and he has been repeatedly linked to Major League Soccer in the US, but the Portuguese made it clear he believes he still has more to give at the top of the European game.
Wright named new selector for England
Former England all-rounder Luke Wright has been named as the new selector for the men’s national side. Wright, 37, represents a close link to the current domestic game and was an active Sussex player this summer. Generationally, he represents a more youthful pick than the likes of Surrey’s director of cricket, the 59-year-old Alec Stewart, who had previously been heavily linked.
Wright won 101 white-ball caps for his country and was part of the T20 World Cup-winning team in 2010, but never made a Test debut despite appearing in squads. “It’s a huge honour and privilege to take on this role, one that I am incredibly excited about,” he said. “With the Ashes and ICC men’s 50-over World Cup next year, I can’t wait to get started and try to contribute after what has been a fantastic year for England men’s cricket.” PA
Colsaerts appointed European vice-captain for Ryder Cup
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald appointed Nicolas Colsaerts as his third vice captain yesterday for next year’s event in Rome. The Belgian golfer, who turned 40 last week, joins Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and Edoardo Molinari of Italy as vice-captains for the European team. Colsaerts helped Europe win the 2012 Ryder Cup and has three tournament victories on the European tour.
“My first reaction when Luke asked me was sheer joy,” Colsaerts said in a statement. “Every time I hear the words ‘Ryder Cup’, it takes me back to the edition I played in, how proud I was to wear the European colours and be part of such an unbelievable event.”
“I played in the team with him in 2012 and you could just see how much it meant to him,” Donald said. “He understands what it means to represent the European crest and what it means to be part of the Ryder Cup setup. When I asked him, he literally had goosebumps.”
The 2023 Ryder Cup will be played at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome from 29 September to 1 October. AP
England forward Mead sustains torn ACL
England forward Beth Mead sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Arsenal, raising questions about her availability for the women’s World Cup next summer.
The 27-year-old Mead, who helped England win the European Championship, was injured Saturday during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the Women’s Super League. “Unfortunately, this means that Beth is set for an extended period on the sidelines,” the club said in a statement yesterday confirming the torn ACL. “She will see a surgeon in the coming days, after which further details on timescales will be established.”
Australia and New Zealand are hosting the World Cup which begins on 20 July where England will be one of the pretournament favourites. AP
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