Home Blog Page 286

Ryder Cup – Preview, Teams, Schedule. Odds, Where To Watch

The 2021 Ryder Cup tees off on Friday with the biennial competition between the Team USA and Team Europe set to take place at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, America.

The hosts will be aiming to win the Ryder Cup back after losing out to Europe in 2018 by seven points.

Europe, on the other hand, have dominated proceedings since the turn of century with all but two instalments of the famous competition ending in their favour.

The first two days of the competition is played with four-ball and foursome matches with the home captain selecting the order.

In four-ball, each side has a two-man team in a given match and each competitor plays their own ball. Whichever golfer has the lowest score on a hole secures a point for their team.

In foursome, players on a two-man team take alternating shots. Whichever duo combines for the lowest score on a hole secures a point for their team.

The final round of competition is played in a singles format. Twelve singles matches will take place with each golfer facing a member of the opposing team head to head.

28 points are on offer for the two teams with 14.5 enough to secure a win but the holders only need 14.

Steve Stricker and Pádraig Harrington succeed Jim Furyk and Thomas Bjorn as captains of the two teams and the latter will be hoping to emulate Bjorn’s success.

Harrington and his vice-captains opted to bring Shane Lowry, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia to Whistling Straits alongside the automatic qualifiers.

Lowry will make his debut in the famous competition this weekend while Poulter and Garcia have history with it.

The pair have been top points scorers in the Ryder Cup three times each and bring their veteran experience to Team Europe.

Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood are other players who have had strong Ryder Cup campaigns in the past that are involved with the side once more.

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has had a strong year and could be the key for this European side in their hunt for a second Ryder Cup in a row.

In the red corner, 2018 captain Furyk returns as one of Stricker’s vice-captains alongside Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Zach Johnson and Davis Love III.

Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau will have to put whatever differences they have aside for the benefit of the team.

Patrick Reed, who played a big role in recent campaigns for the Americans, is not on the team this year.

However, they have no shortage of world-class golfers with Justin Spieth, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay looking to expand on strong years.

The USA have hinted at the use of a pod system over the week – the concept of the pod system groups four players together, who will then interchange pairings within that group throughout the first two days of the Ryder Cup.

Thomas, Spieth, DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler is a potential pod that Stricker could deploy after the quartet practiced together in midweek.

Harrington has chopped and changed the European practice groups, thus the intentions of Team Europe do not seem as clear.

Teams

Team USA: Daniel Berger, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson De Chambeau, Harris English, Tony Finau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas.

Captain: Steve Stricker

Vice-captains: Fred Couples, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Davis Love III, Phil Mickelson.

Team Europe: Paul Casey, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Sergio Garcia, Tyrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Jon Rahm, Bernd Weisberger, Lee Westwood.

Captain: Pádraig Harrington

Vice-captains: Luke Donald, Robert Karlsson, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Henrik Stenson.

Schedule

(All times set to British Standard Time)

Friday – Foursomes

1:05 pm Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia (Europe) W v Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth (USA)

1:21 pm Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland (Europe) v W Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa (USA)

1:37 pm Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe) v W Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger (USA)

1:53 pm Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter (Europe) v W Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele (USA)

Friday – Fourballs

6:10 pm Casey/Wiesberger (Europe) v DJ/Xander (USA)

6:26 pm Rahm/Hatton (Europe) v Bryson/Scheffler (USA)

6:42 pm Rory/Lowry (Europe) v Finau/English (USA)

6:58 pm Fleetwood/Hovland (Europe) v JT/Cantlay (USA)

Odds

Team USA 4/9

Tie 11/1 – Europe 9/5 to lift the trophy

Team Europe 5/2

Where To Watch

Sky Sports have the rights to the competition in Ireland and coverage will start at 1 pm on Friday and Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday.

Crystal Palace v Brighton – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Crystal Palace v Brighton – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Crystal Palace and Brighton will go head-to-head on the Gameweek 6 of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will be an interesting game for both teams. The last time these two sides met was last February where then Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson saw his side come out 1-2 victors. Crystal Palace also took 4 points from 6 from West Ham in the 2020/2021 season.

Crystal Palace Retrospective

After their impressive 3-0 home victory against Tottenham on September 11, Palace was brought down to earth with a 0-3 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

They currently sit 14th, with 1 win, 2 losses and 2 draws. 5 points from a possible 15 were to be expected after a change of manager.

With a manager like Patrick Vieira, Palace needs time and patience for the remainder of the season.

Brighton Retrospective

Graham Potters Brighton side have been one of the surprise teams this season, winning 4 and drawing 1, they currently sit 4th in the league table, one point from league leaders Chelsea with 12 points.

In their last Premier League game, they defeated Leicester City 2-1 at home in what was a great result.

Their only defeat being a 0-2 home loss to in-form Everton.

In their last outing, Brighton defeated Swansea City 2-0 in their third-round League Cup tie on Wednesday night.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This game between Crystal Palace and Brighton will kick off at 8 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Monday, September 27, 2021, at Selhurst Park.

Where to watch Crystal Palace v Brighton

The game will televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 7:00 pm.

Crystal Palace v Brighton team news

Jeffrey Schlupp could make his return after suffering from a thigh injury.

While Eberechi Eze is suffering from lower leg problems and will be ruled out long-term.

Adam Webster will be out for Brighton until at least mid-October with a thigh injury.

While midfielder Yves Bissouma is currently being assessed from a knee injury but should be fit enough to be included in the starting 11.

Crystal Palace v Brighton prediction

Palace will be more than up for this game after their 0-3 loss to Liverpool last weekend, although they did trouble Liverpool early on, Liverpool inevitably took over and won fairly easily.

Brighton looks strong and are finally putting their good performances from last season into wins this season. They will be more than confident to carry on their good form come Monday.

Prediction: Brighton 0-2

Predicted Line-Up

Crystal Palace XI – (4-3-3)

V. Guaita, J. Ward, J. Andresen, M. Guehi, T. Mitchell, C. Gallagher, C. Kouyaté, J. McArthur, J. Ayew, C. Benteke, W. Zaha.

Brighton XI – (4-4-2)

R. Sánchez, J. Veltman, S. Duffy, L. Dunk, M. Cucurella, S. March, Y. Bissouma, A. Lallana, D. Welbeck, L. Trossard, N. Maupay.

Crystal Palace v Brighton – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Betting Odds

Crystal Palace To Win: 19/10

Draw: 2/1

Brighton To Win: 6/4

For more news and stories on all things, Premier League click here.

Irish Footballers: All-Time Greats That Bleed Green

Throughout its history, Ireland has produced some of the best players in the world. Irish players have always had the toughness, discipline, and work ethic that made them unique. Some might not have been that talented, but these Paddies have all died on the pitch for Ireland and their clubs. 

 

Football isn’t what it used to be. A lot of people are complaining about players becoming soft. That’s why we’ve decided to mention some of our best aces that have never let us down and always did their best on the pitch. 

Roy Keane 

An absolute legend that played for Manchester United and won tons of titles. If you ask people who aren’t football fans to mention one Irish player, they will probably say – Roy Keane. Keane was a fantastic player, but he also had a temper. 

 

Even though he made outstanding contributions to the national team, he was involved in a controversy during the 2002 World Cup when he had a fallout with former manager Mick McCarty. Even though he was sent home from the 2002 World Cup, Keane capped 67 appearances for the national team. 

Liam Brady 

Brady is a truly unique Irish player. First of all, he is mainly remembered for his club achievements. On the other hand, he is one of the rare Irish players that found his home in Italy’s Serie A. He played there for many years for Ascoli, Sampdoria, Inter, and Juventus. 

 

He won 2 Serie A titles with Juventus and played for Arsenal, winning an FA Cup. To this day, Brady is one of the most creative football geniuses ever to come out of Ireland with fantastic footwork, technique, and passing skills. 

Robbie Keane 

Some would say that the younger Keane has always been in the shadows of his brother. This is understandable, considering how big of a player Roy Keane was. But this doesn’t mean that Robbie wasn’t a great player for Ireland. 

 

Even though many people still don’t believe this, Robbie is currently the all-time scorer for Ireland with 68 goals. He leads in impressive fashion with 30 goals more than Nail Quinn, who sits in second place. 

 

Even though his club career wasn’t that successful, he managed to win a single English League Cup with Tottenham. But Keane always performed as the best version of himself for the national team. 

Roy Haughton 

Even though his birth city is Glasgow, Haughton’s father was Irish, and through his roots, he earned his way into the Irish national team. In his 11-year-long national career, he played over 70 games for Ireland. 

 

Haughton was an outstanding midfielder that had a solid career at Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Fulham. However, he always gave 110% for The Boys in Green. He is the guy behind some of the most incredible goals in the history of the National team. 

 

In 1994, his goal secured the win against Italy led by Roberto Baggio. He scored the only goal in the victory over England during the European Championship in 1988. 

George Best 

An old legend many football fans today don’t even remember. He was one of the first Irish players who joined Manchester United and helped the club grow into the powerhouse that it is today. Some even say that he was the best player ever to set foot on the pitch. 

 

There’s an old saying at Old Trafford that is still chanted today by the fans, and it goes, “Maradona good, Pelle better, George Best.” This shows just how prolific as a player he was in his generation. Sadly, many people downplay his greatness because he only played 37 games for Ireland. 

 

He won two English Premier League Championship titles, a European Champion Cup title, FA CUP, two Super Cups, and won Ballon D’or in 1968. 

Paul McGrath 

One of those sad stories that could have gone into legend if it weren’t for injuries. Even though McGrath was a known alcoholic and suffered from chronic knee issues, he still became one of the best Irish players. 

 

His story is of rebellion, defiance, and stubbornness. McGrath managed to perform 83 times for the national team and score eight goals as a centre back. 

 

He played for Aston Villa and Manchester United and won two League Cup titles and an FA Cup during his career. He was named the best Irish player two times in a row in 1991 and 1992. 

Conclusion 

Today, we have many aces playing in some of the best leagues across the world. Sometimes, it might get difficult to keep track of every match available. In certain cases, fans travel to countries that do not support broadcasts they wish to see. 

 

Fellow Irish fans have a quick solution: a sports streaming VPN. It allows you to pick a location and access any streaming platform that you want. Thus, a VPN is your buddy when you need to see that match regardless of your location. 

 

And while we had many great football moments in the past, we are all excited to see more in the future tournaments to come.

Chelsea v Man City – Preview, Team News, Betting

This is expected to be the game of the weekend. Two Premier League giants face-off in what could be a very important fixture

The match will kick off at 12:30 on Saturday 25th September in Stamford Bridge with Michael Oliver officiating.

Chelsea’s unbeaten run grows longer and longer as each game goes on but this might be their biggest challenge in recent fixtures. If they can manage to keep all their players on the field unlike the Liverpool game, then they should prove to be the dominant force in the game.

Mendy’s hip injury is yet to heal fully so expect Kepa Arrizabalaga to keep his place between the sticks, with the rest of the team looking much different to their EFL Cup side midweek.

Man City has yet to lose a game since the opening match of the season. Since then, the Sky Blues only had one poor goalless draw to Southhampton and now sit in fifth place only three points off top spot.

Pep Guardiola did get the chance to rest much of his backline and midfield in a 6-1 thrashing of Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup on Tuesday while his young forwards should be full of confidence.

This is a very evenly matched fixture that the Blues managed to dominate last year. Since Tuchel took over at the Bridge, Chelsea has won three games in a row against City including the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

Predicted Starting Teams

Chelsea FC

Formation

3-4-2-1

Predicted Starting 11

Arrizabalaga (GK), Rudiger, Silva, Christensen, Alonso, Kanté, Jorginho, James, Havertz, Mount, Lukaku

Injuries / Suspensions

Pulisic (Ankle), Mendy (Hip)

Manchester City

Formation

4-3-3

Predicted Starting 11

Ederson (GK), Cancelo, Aké, Dias, Walker, Silva, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Grealish, Torres, Sterling

Injuries / Suspensions

Zinchenko (Knock), Laporte (Groin), Gundogan (Knock), Stones (Muscle), Rodri (Knock), Mendy (Disciplinary action by club)

Betting

Chelsea 13/8

Draw 21/10

Man City 17/10

 

Score Prediction

There is no doubting that this will be a close affair with many tactics at play between the mastermind managers. Man City’s main problem is the injuries to some of their stronger players, while Chelsea is basically at full strength, minus their goalkeeper.

Expect this game to end 3-1 to the Blues with them scoring in deciding goal in the final minutes on the counterattack.

Manchester United v Aston Villa – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Manchester United v Aston Villa – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Manchester United and Aston Villa will go head-to-head on the Gameweek 5 of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will be an interesting game for both teams. The last time these two sides met was last May where Ole Gunnar Solsjkaers side came out 1-3 victors at Villa Park. Man United also took 6 points from 6 from Villa in the 2020/2021 season.

Manchester United Retrospective

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is coming off a 0-1 home loss to West Ham United in the League Cup and will be hoping to put things right here with a comprehensive win at Old Trafford.

Winning 1-2 away to Wes Ham last Sunday in the league with a Jesse Lingard winner late on, before David De Gea saved a dramatic last-minute penalty from substitute Mark Noble.

Aston Villa Retrospective

Dean Smith’s side will come into this game full of confidence after their last two showings. Winning 3-0 at home to in-form and unbeaten Everton was a major coup and while they did lose on Wednesday to Chelsea in the League Cup on penalties, they managed to create numerous chances late on and could have won it.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This game between West Ham United and Manchester United will kick off at 12:30 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Old Trafford.

Where to watch Manchester United v Aston Villa

The game will not be televised on any UK based platform.

Manchester United v Aston Villa team news

Edison Cavani is still out but may feature from the bench. Amad Diallo Traore is set to return from a thigh injury next month.

Marcus Rashford is still recovering from his shoulder surgery but is back in training. With manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saying on Tuesday;  “I don’t think we’ll see Marcus until after the international break.”

Dean Smith will be without Axel Tuanzebe in his defence as the defender is cup-tied as he is currently on loan from United.

John McGinn is currently being assessed by the Villa medical team after he suffered a head injury in their 3-0 win against Everton but should be fit to play.

Summer signing Leon Bailey is currently suffering from an ongoing thigh injury and is currently being assessed while Matt Targett may return in time to start after a groin injury.

West Ham United v Manchester United prediction

It should be a tight and cagey game, with both teams playing well this season, attacking well and defending adequately.

Man United sit third in the league table, level on points with both league leaders Chelsea and second-place Liverpool. They were knocked out of the League Cup midweek but with many of their big hitters rested this game should be different.

Villa was also knocked out by Chelsea on penalties but they had a lot of chances after equalising and will feel like they should have done better.

Both teams will need the points, for United, it is to carry on their unbeaten run and put pressure on their rivals while Villa will need some form of consistency.

Prediction: Manchester United 1-0

Predicted Line-Up

Manchester United XI – (4-2-3-1)

D, Gea, L. Shaw, H. Maguire, R. Varane, A. Wan-Bissaka, S. McTominay, Fred, P. Pogba, B. Fernandes, J. Sancho, C. Ronaldo

Aston Villa XI – (5-3-2)

D. Martinez, M. Cash, A. Young, T. Ming, M. Targett, E. Buendia, D. Luiz, J. McGinn, D. Ings, O. Watkins

Manchester United v Aston Villa – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Betting Odds

Manchester United To Win: 4/11

Draw: 4/1

Aston Villa To Win: 13/2

For more news and stories on all things, Premier League click here.

Leeds United v West Ham United – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Leeds United v West Ham United – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Leeds United and West Ham United will go head-to-head on the Gameweek 5 of the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

This game will be an interesting game for both teams. The last time these two sides met was last March where David Moyes’s side came out 0-2 victors. West Ham also took 6 points from 6 from Leeds Ham in the 2020/2021 season.

Leeds United Retrospective

Leeds last outing in the league was a 1-1 away draw to fellow strugglers Newcastle last week.

Leeds are still without a win this season and are in dire need to pick up some valuable 3 points to avoid being stuck in a relegation fight so early on.

Drawing 3 and losing 2, Bielsa’s side should gain some form eventually if they pull out a big 3 points here.

However, they did pick up a win in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday, defeating Fulham away from home 5-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw from 90 minutes.

They currently sit at 17th in the league table.

West Ham United Retrospective

West Ham lost their first game of the season against title challengers Manchester United last weekend in a 1-2 home loss.

They did, however, knock Ole Gunnar Solskjaers side out of the League Cup on Wednesday with a 0-1 away win at Old Trafford.

They currently sit 8th in the table with 8 points. Winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 1.

Date, kick-off time and venue

This game between Leeds United and West Ham United will kick off at 3 pm BST (British Summer Time) on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Elland Road.

Where to watch Leeds United v West Ham United

The game will not be televised on any UK platform.

Leeds United v West Ham United United team news

Patrick Bamford should be fit enough after picking up an ankle injury in his side’s 1-1 draw to Newcastle.

Luke Ayling picked up a knee injury against Newcastle and his fitness is still up in the air.

While Jack Harrison is out after contracting Covid-19.

In-form striker Michail Antonio is back from suspension after serving his one-game ban against Manchester United after picking up a red card against Southampton.

Leeds United v West Ham United prediction

Leeds look slightly leggy in their last few games, with a 0-3 home loss to Liverpool and then a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle. Bielsa’s side needs a win here so they will be more than up for it.

West Ham will be happy after redeeming their first loss in the league to Manchester United after they knocked them out of the League Cup Wednesday.

It is too close to call, but I expect goals here.

Prediction: Draw 2-2

Predicted Line-Up

Leeds United Predicted XI – (4-1-4-1)

I. Meslier, J. Firpo, L. Ayling, L. Cooper, S. Dallas, K. Phillips, D. James, M. Klich, Rodrigo, Rafinha, P. Bamford.

West Ham United XI – (4-2-3-1)

L. Fabianski, A. Cresswell, A. Ogbonna, K. Zouma, V. Coufal, D. Rice, T. Soucek, P. Fornals, S. Benrahma, J. Bowen, M. Antonio

Leeds United v West Ham United – Preview, Lineups, Betting, TV Coverage

Betting Odds

Leeds United To Win: 19/10

Draw: 5/2

West Ham United To Win: 5/4

For more news and stories on all things, Premier League click here.

Ireland Confirm Warm-Up Games Before World Cup In October

Cricket Ireland have confirmed that the men’s team will play a three-game T20I series with the United Arab Emirates and a match against Scotland as part of their preparations for the upcoming T20I World Cup.

The fixtures were officially announced by the Emirates Cricket Board this morning as part of the ‘DafaNews Summer T20 Blast’ – a series of fixtures between 5-10 October also involving UAE, Scotland, Namibia and Papua New Guinea.

Warm-up matches against Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh are also set to be played on October 12 and October 14 respectively.

The side’s T20I World Cup campaign is set to begin on October 18 against the Netherlands.

They most recently played a three-game One Day International series with Zimbabwe earlier this month.

Graham Ford and his squad will leave for the UAE tomorrow and will undertake a mandatory six-day hotel quarantine before being able to begin training.

A preliminary 18-player squad was recently announced – this will be reduced to 15 for the T20 World Cup tournament.

However, the three other players will still travel to the UAE as reserves.

Squad

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

Fixtures

Pre-T20 World Cup – preparation period

• 5 October 2021: Ireland v Scotland – warm-up match (ICC Academy Oval 2; start 9am local time)
• 7 October 2021: Ireland v UAE – 1st T20I (ICC Academy Oval 1; start 9am local time)
• 8 October 2021: Ireland v UAE – 2nd T20I (ICC Academy Oval 1; start 9am local time)
• 10 October 2021: Ireland v UAE – 3rd T20I (ICC Academy Oval 1; start 9am local time)

Official T20 World Cup warm-up matches

• 12 October 2021: Ireland v Papua New Guinea – warm-up T20I (Abu Dhabi; start 2pm local time)
• 14 October 2021: Ireland v Bangladesh – warm-up T20I (Abu Dhabi; start 6pm local time)

T20 World Cup – Round 1

• 18 October 2021: Ireland v Netherlands (Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi; starts 10am GMT)
• 20 October 2021: Ireland v Sri Lanka (Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi; starts 2pm GMT)
• 22 October 2021: Ireland v Namibia (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah; starts 10am GMT)

Ulster v Glasgow Warriors – Preview, Lineups, Odds, Where To Watch

Ulster begin their inaugural United Rugby Championship campaign when they welcome Glasgow Warriors to the Kingspan Stadium on Friday, September 24.

The provincial outfit will be looking to get off to another good start in the league and build upon their three previous seasons – both seasons saw the side come close to silverware but fall short.

Dan McFarland, formerly an assistant coach with the Scottish outfit, led Ulster to 10 straight wins in the Pro14 at the start of last season but two losses to Leinster denied the Ulstermen a second league final in a row.

Ulster won both meetings with Glasgow Warriors last season and earned a bonus point in a 25-point win over Danny Wilson’s side at Ravenhill.

Glasgow, on the other hand, have not got one over their opponents since May 2019 – a 30-point thrashing in the 2018-19 Pro14 semi-final.

The side will be looking for their first win against Ulster on the road since September 2013.

The Warriors lost the final to Leinster that year and have not finished in the top two of their conference since.

10 players were unavailable for selection by McFarland and his backroom for the Ulster matchday squad, including Kieran Treadwell and Jordi Murphy.

New signing Duane Vermuelen will not join up with the squad until his duties with South Africa wrap up for the year.

The backs in the starting XV are mostly Ireland internationals – all aside from Ethan McIlroy have lined out for the boys in green.

Sam Carter captains the side from the second row.

Brad Thyer and Simon Berghan are in line for their debuts with the club at prop with Johnny Matthews starting at hooker in between them.

Scott Cummings and Richie Gray form a respectable second-row partnership while Ryan Wilson captains the Warriors for his 193rd cap with the side from blindside flanker.

Fly-half Duncan Weir is the most experienced player in the starting lineup with 107 caps and he plays in the same backline as a back three with only 46 caps to their name altogether.

The sole survivor from Glasgow’s last win in Belfast, Rob Harley, begins the game on the bench.

Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti and Ross Thompson are among the names that join him there.

The Fagerson brothers and Ali Price are among those unavailable for selection while Sebastian Cancelliere, Domingo Miotti and Enrique Pieretto are all on international duty.

Lineups

Ulster Rugby: Ethan McIlroy, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney; Andrew Warwick, Brad Roberts, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Sam Carter (C), Greg Jones, Sean Reidy, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Rob Herring, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Mick Kearney, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, Mike Lowry, Will Addison.

Glasgow Warriors: Forbes, Steyn, Tuipulotu, Johnson, McLean, Weir, Horne; Thyer, Matthews, Berghan, Cummings, Gray, Wilson (C), Darge, Dempsey.

Replacements: Brown, Bhatti, McCallum, Bean, Harley, Dobie, Thompson, Smith.

Odds

Ulster Rugby 1/8

Draw 25/1

Glasgow Warriors 5/1

Where To Watch

The game will kick-off at 7:35 pm and will be available to watch on  Premier Sports 1 and URC TV (dependent on location).

Mack Hansen handed debut in URC opener with Cardiff

Mack Hansen handed debut in URC opener with Cardiff

The Connacht Rugby team has been named ahead of their matchday squad for Friday night’s United Rugby Championship opener away to Cardiff (kick-off 7.35 pm).

After a two-try performance for the Eagles last week, new signing Mack Hansen has been handed his Pro debut after he was named on the wing. Fellow Aussie John Porch is named on the other wing with Tiernan O’Halloran operating at full-back.

Tom Farrell starts his first competitive game since November after his serious knee injury, with the 28-year old named in the centre alongside Tom Daly who makes his 50th appearance for the province. Irish internationals Kieran Marmion and Jack make up the half-back pairing.

Club captain Jarrad Butler is named at number 8 alongside flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver, while Oisín Dowling and Ultan Dillane start together in the second row.

The starting line-up is completed by hooker Shane Delahunt and props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham.

There’s also a potential debut off the bench for Hubert Gilvarry. The scrum-half has represented Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School and has been integrated into the Pro setup the last number of weeks.

Mack Hansen handed debut in URC opener with Cardiff

Head Coach Andy Friend says;

“It’s been a really productive pre-season campaign so we’re all really looking forward to this URC opener. It’s a difficult opening game as Cardiff are always a formidable outfit especially at home, but we’ve prepared in the right way and are confident we can put in a really strong performance.

Mack Hansen has been very impressive since arriving so fully deserves his first start, and in Hubert Gilvarry we have another Connacht native ready to make his debut if called upon. I know his inclusion in the matchday 23 will be a very proud day for all at Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS CARDIFF RUGBY
Friday 24th September, Cardiff Arms Park @ 19:35

Number/Name/Caps (* denotes uncapped)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (190)
14. John Porch (40)
13. Tom Farrell (62)
12. Tom Daly (49)
11. Mack Hansen *
10. Jack Carty (159)
9. Kieran Marmion (187)
1. Matthew Burke (23)
2. Shane Delahunt (100)
3. Finlay Bealham (159)
4. Oisin Dowling (7)
5. Ultan Dillane (114)
6. Cian Prendergast (10)
7. Conor Oliver (20)
8. Jarrad Butler (73) (C)

16. Dave Heffernan (144)
17. Jordan Duggan (13)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (68)
19. Niall Murray (18)
20. Paul Boyle (57)
21. Hubert Gilvarry *
22. Conor Fitzgerald (36)
23. Sammy Arnold (16)

For more News and Stories on all things Rugby, click here.

Aviva Stadium to host URC interpro between Connacht and Ulster

Aviva Stadium to host URC InterPro between Connacht and Ulster

Connacht Rugby and the URC have both confirmed that the Round 5 fixture between Connacht and Ulster will take place at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 23rd October (kick-off @ 5.15 pm).

The fixture is due to be one of the first professional sporting events in Ireland following the planned relaxing of most remaining restrictions the previous day.

Andy Friend’s squad previously played two fixtures at the ground in August 2020, including a win over Ulster in their first game back since the suspension of the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14.

Connacht Rugby also confirmed the following ticket info:

  • All Season Tickets will be valid, with holders provided a complimentary upgrade to Premium Level seats. Emails will be sent to all ST holders tomorrow where they can choose their location in the ground and purchase additional tickets.
  • The remaining 1885 Club members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets from Friday for the weekend. As a thank you, these members can also purchase tickets in the Premium Level for the same price as a Category 1 ticket.
  • The remaining tickets for the Lower Level and Premium Level will go on General Sale this Monday from 9 am.

Aviva Stadium to host URC InterPro between Connacht and Ulster

Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby, says the day promises to be a memorable occasion;

“Connacht Rugby are really pleased to confirm our fixture against Ulster is to be held at the Aviva Stadium next month. This will be the first time that our supporters will have the opportunity to watch our Professional squad in the Aviva Stadium, and I’m confident that as usual they will turn out in force and make it a memorable occasion.

With all of the uncertainty surrounding capacities over recent months, the opportunity provided to us by the IRFU to play at the Aviva Stadium is one that we felt we could not pass up. As we all know there are tens of thousands of people living in Dublin who are originally from the West of Ireland, and we hope to use this game to not only provide our supporters living in the west with the opportunity to make this a memorable day but also for our supporters living outside the province to come along and cheer on their home team.

We’d like to thank our official supporters club the Connacht Clan for their support of this fixture since we first engaged with them last month, the IRFU in helping us bring this game to the home of Irish Rugby, and to broadcasters TG4 for accommodating a change in kick-off time to allow this game take place.”

Head Coach Andy Friend says the whole squad can’t wait to return to the Aviva;

“Our fixture against Ulster at the Aviva last year was a really special occasion. At the time it was our first game in six months and for most of the players, it was their first experience playing at the stadium. You could see straight away that the venue was ideal for the type of rugby we want to play, and that helped give us the win we deserved.

The prospect of returning there – but this time with thousands of Connacht supporters behind us – is something the staff and players have been fully behind since the start, and we can’t wait until that day arrives.”

For more News and Stories on all things Rugby, click here.

1...285286287...611Page 286 of 611

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

SportsNewsIreland is an Irish website launched in 2009 to offer sports fans in Ireland an alternative and independent source to keep them up to date with all the news from around the country. Every week we bring you live score updates from all levels of GAA, rugby, soccer, racing and athletics. Contact

Contact us: Email: info@sportsnewsireland.com

FOLLOW US

Design by SportsMediaIreland.ie