Connacht boosted by the return of Aki, Dillane and Heffernan for Cardiff clash.

Guinness Pro14, Round 13 – preview & team news

Connacht v Cardiff

Saturday, February 20th 2021

The Sportsground, Galway @ 7:35 pm

Saturday night’s game at the Sportsground sees the home side looking to rediscover their home form. After four home defeats in a row, Andy Friend’s side will be looking to consolidate second-place in Conference B against the side immediately below them in the table.

Last time out

Connacht’s away from is in stark contrast to their recent troubles at home. A bonus point 20-30 win over the Dragons saw them take 5 points from their visit to Rodney Parade. Two tries in each half from Matt Healy, Abraham Papali’i, Caolin Blade and Tom Daly highlighted Connacht’s undoubted attacking threat. However, the concession of a hat-trick of tries to Dragons hooker Richard Hibbard will be a cause of concern for the Connacht defence. All three tries were a carbon copy of each other. For each of the scores, the Dragons set up a driving maul off a lineout and powered over. The legalities of the attacking side’s bind may have been questionable, but it was effective and the ease with which the Connacht defence was driven back will be of huge concern to the coaching staff.

Dai Young’s Cardiff enjoyed a narrow 10-13 win away to Scarlets last time out. However, that game was played on January 22nd, so this will be their first game in almost a month. They are likely to be without their contingent of Welsh national team players. This includes the impressive Willis Halaholo. The centre who has featured 76 times for the blues signed a new contract with the club yesterday.

Pro14 standings

Despite the probable changes in personnel due to Six Nations action, this is an important game for both coaches. It’s second v third in Conference B. Munster are on top of the pile after 11 rounds on 42 points, with Connacht (32 points) looking to close the gap. Both sides have a game in hand over third-placed Cardiff (26), while Scarlets have a return of 25 points from 12 matches in the fourth European qualification spot.

For complete Conference A & B tables click here

Injury news

Connacht were dealt a blow during the week when it was announced that Quinn Roux will need shoulder surgery. The South African born, Irish international is likely to be out of action for three months. Centre Peter Robb is also set for a spell on the sidelines. He will go under the knife this week due to an abdomen injury sustained against the Dragons last time out. Sean O’Brien and Conor Dean are also ruled out after picking up knocks while in action for the Connacht Eagles against Munster ‘A’ at the Sportsground last Friday. Ben O’Donnell is continuing return to play protocols after a HIA against Dragons.

Long-term absentees Sammy Arnold, Tom Farrell, Stephen Fitzgerald and Cillian Gallagher continue to work their way back to fitness.

Previous meetings

Cardiff ran out convincing 29-7 winners when the sides last met in round 2, back in October. Their last meeting at the Sportsground was just over a year ago. Connacht blitzed their opponents 29-0 in a one-sided game on the 15th February 2020.

Team News

The reduction of Andy Farrell Irish to 24 saw Bundee Aki, Dave Heffernan and Ultan Dillane back to the Connacht training squad. Aki and Heffernan both trained on Monday and Dillane joined the group on Tuesday. As a result, all three have been named to start Saturday’s game. Dillane’s release back to Connacht is particularly timely given Quinn Roux’s long term injury. The Tralee man will partner Gavin Thornbury in the second row.

In the back row team captain, Jarrad Butler returns to the starting line-up alongside Eoghan Masterson and Paul Boyle. The pack is rounded out by a front row of Jordan Duggan, Heffernan and Finlay Bealham.

Caolin Blade and Jack Carty continue their half-back pairing. Expect Kieran Marmion to feature off the bench from about the 50-minute mark. Bundee Aki slots in alongside the in-form Tom Daly in the centre pairing. While Matt Healy. Alex Wootton and John Porch round out the backs.

Cardiff are strengthened by the release of prop Rhys Carre and scrum-half Lloyd Williams from the Welsh squad. While in the back row, Ellis Jenkins is set for his first start in over two years after a prolonged spell on the sidelines. Dai Young has handed a debut to 18-year-old centre Mason Grady.

PRO 14 Rugby – Connacht and Munster name teams for Saturday

PRO 14 Rugby – Connacht and Munster name teams for Saturday clashes against Cardiff and Edinburgh.

The Munster team has been named for Saturday night’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield (7.35pm).

There are nine changes to the side that defeated Benetton last time out as Billy Holland captains the team on his 240th appearance for the province.

Holland joins Ronan O’Gara on 240 Munster appearances and is now joint-second on the all-time list behind record-holder Donncha O’Callaghan (268 appearances).

Five of the players who signed contract extensions with the province this week are among the 23-man squad.

Andrew Conway returns to the side for his first appearance since December and is one of four players returning from Ireland camp in the starting backline along with Craig Casey, Shane Daly and Chris Farrell.

Mike Haley is named at full-back with Conway and Daly on either flank.

Damian de Allende is partnered by Farrell in the centres with JJ Hanrahan in the half-backs with Casey.

James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Holland in the engine room.

Jack O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete and Gavin Coombes form the back row.

Rory Scannell, who has made 138 appearances for the province, is in line to make his 100th PRO14 appearance off the bench.

Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland (C); Jack O’Donoghue, Chris Cloete, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Sullivan, Nick McCarthy, Ben Healy, Rory Scannell.

IRISH INTERNATIONAL TRIO DRAFTED INTO CONNACHT XV FOR VISIT OF CARDIFF BLUES

Bundee Aki, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan will all start for Connacht in tomorrow’s crucial inter-conference clash with Cardiff Blues at The Sportsground (k/o 7.35pm).

With 6 points separating the two sides between 2nd and 3rd in Conference B, the Connacht management team have drafted the trio straight into the starting team for tomorrow’s clash.

Jarrad Butler returns to captain the side from openside flanker, with Eoghan Masterson and Paul Boyle forming the rest of the back row. Dillane is partnered by Gavin Thornbury in the second row, while Heffernan is joined by props Jordan Duggan and Finlay Bealham to complete the pack.

Duggan will make his first start for the province with his 7 previous appearances coming off the bench.

Caolin Blade and Jack Carty start at 9 and 10 respectively, while Bundee Aki forms an exciting centre partnership with Tom Daly. John Porch continues his run of starting every game this season, forming a back three with wingers Matt Healy and Alex Wootton.

Tiernan O’Halloran, who picked up some game-time for the Eagles last week, is named among the replacements having last played against Ulster during the Christmas interpros.

This week all Connacht players and management returned negative results in the latest round of PCR testing.

Commenting on his team selection, Head Coach Andy Friend says:
“It’s great to welcome Dave, Ultan and Bundee back into the fold, and they’re re-joining an already healthy group of players. We had tough news for Quinn Roux and Peter Robb this week but overall we’re in a good spot and that’s allowed us to pick a squad based on form.”

Regarding the game itself, Friend added:
“Tomorrow marks the start of a block of games that will ultimately define our season. We have a great opportunity to keep the pressure on Munster at the top while opening some daylight between ourselves and the chasing pack. We know our home form isn’t where it should be so this is our opportunity to put that right”.

CONNACHT MATCHDAY 23 VS CARDIFF BLUES
Saturday 20th February, The Sportsground, k/o 7.35pm

Name/Number/Caps
15. John Porch (31)
14. Alex Wootton (13)
13. Tom Daly (38)
12. Bundee Aki (106)
11. Matt Healy (144)
10. Jack Carty (150)
9. Caolin Blade (122)
1. Jordan Duggan (7)
2. Dave Heffernan (137)
3. Finlay Bealham (150)
4. Ultan Dillane (107)
5. Gavin Thornbury (50)
6. Eoghan Masterson (102)
7. Jarrad Butler (66) (C)
8. Paul Boyle (50)

Replacements
16. Shane Delahunt (90)
17. Denis Buckley (192)
18. Jack Aungier (10)
19. Oisin Dowling (1)
20. Abraham Papali’i (6)
21. Kieran Marmion (176)
22. Sean O’Brien (Acad) (3)
23. Tiernan O’Halloran (187)

Leading Jockey Davy Russell set to miss Cheltenham

Leading Irish jockey Davy Russell is set to miss next month’s Cheltenham festival due to injury.

Russell released a statement on Twitter through Bill Esdaile account stating that despite the progress he is not going to be fully fit in time for the festival.

In a statement he said on Thursday: “I met with my surgeon earlier today and, although he is delighted with the progress I have made, he feels I’m not quite where I should be in order to ride at Cheltenham next month.

“It is frustrating as I feel I have made giant strides in recent weeks on the road to recovery. However, after talking things through with Gordon, we both feel it sensible for me to follow advice and miss Cheltenham as it is only weeks away.

“To ride horses of the calibre of Envoi Allen you have to be 100% fit and I would be doing the team a disservice to ride when I’m not ready.

“Obviously, it is hugely disappointing, but it is important to make the call early. I will continue to work hard on my recovery and look forward to getting back in the saddle the following month.”

Just spoke to ⁦@_Davy_Russel_⁩ who has asked me to put out the following statement sadly confirming that he will miss next month’s ⁦@CheltenhamRaces⁩ Festival pic.twitter.com/KwMck24VjB

— Bill Esdaile (@BillEsdaile) February 18, 2021

Arsène Wenger confirms Arsenal could have signed Kylian Mbappé for free

The French striker scored a stunning hat-trick against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Arsenal, like many clubs, have more than once failed to sign players that would go on to become world superstars. However, the North London club seem to have done so more often than others in recent years.

Perhaps the most famous – or infamous – example of which includes Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal were nailed on favourites to sign a young and very much raw Ronaldo in 2003 before the Portuguese winger decided to head up North to Manchester.

There have also been other high-profile instances including the likes of Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimović and more recently, Kylian Mbappé.

The French international is far from his prime but has already established himself as one of the football’s world superstars. Some have called Mbappé the current best player in the world, particularly after his awe-inspiring performance against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Chelsea declined the opportunity to sign Mbappé for less than £1 million several years ago. Arsène Wenger has now revealed that Arsenal were in a similar situation during contract talks with the Frenchman in 2017.

However, this time it was the other way around, Mbappé rejected Arsenal in favour of staying at Monaco. Even more painful is the fact that they could have signed him for free.

“We can talk about Mbappé, I was at his home when he was undecided whether to extend his contract with Monaco,” Wenger said on beIN Sports.

“He could have come to Arsenal for free.”

Where would Mbappé be now if he chose to sign for Arsenal? What impact would his arrival have on the success of Arsenal?

We’re sure Mbappé isn’t dwelling on his decision given his career to date.

He has a trophy cabinet that most footballers could only dream of.

His accomplishments to date include winning the 2018 World Cup, helping Monaco and PSG to Ligue 1 glory 4 times collectively, leading PSG to 3 Coupe de France trophies and a host of individual honours, also.

The best is yet to come from Mbappé as well as he’s still just 22, scarily. We could be witnessing the makings of a football icon.

🔥 Champions League goals before 21st birthday:

⚽️1⃣9⃣ Kylian Mbappé
⚽️1⃣8⃣ Erling Haaland#UCL pic.twitter.com/5ykhqy6Hg4

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Pro14 team news & TV details – Friday, February 19th 2021

Pro14 team news & TV details – Friday, February 19th 2021 – The teams for Round 12 Guinness PRO14 fixtures have been confirmed and are listed below alongside live TV Broadcast information.

TEAM NEWS HEADLINES

#DRAvLEI

Dragons name an exciting backline including Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies and Rhodri Williams (capt)
Aneurin Owen makes his full debut at centre while new signing Dan Baker is named on the bench
Leinster name 7 Irish internationals in their starting XV with Test forwards Devin Toner (Ireland) and Scott Fardy (Australia) named on the bench
Jack Conan makes his 100th appearance for Leinster

#GLAvULS

Scotland fly-half Adam Hastings makes first Warriors start since October
Head coach Danny Wilson can call upon 12 Scotland internationals in his match-day squad including Huw Jones, Richie Gray and Ryan Wilson while Fiji star Leone Nakarawa takes his place in the second row against the team he is signing for next season
Jordi Murphy will captain Ulster for the first time as Kieran Treadwell wins his 100th cap while Marty Moore earns his 50th
Eight Ireland internationals named in the starting XV for Ulster in addition to Springbok No 8 Marcell Coetzee

Friday, February 19

Dragons v Leinster Rugby – KO 19:35

Rodney Parade, Newport

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 71^st competition game)

Assistant Referees: Dan Jones, Mike English (both WRU)

TMO: Ian Davies (WRU)

Live on Premier Sports 2, eir Sport 1, TG4, Super Sport (SA), ESPN+ (USA), pro14.tv.

Dragons: Jordan Williams, Jonah Holmes, Aneurin Owen, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (CAPT); Brok Harris, Richard Hibbard, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, Ben Fry, Huw Taylor

Replacements: Ellis Shipp,Greg Bateman, Chris Coleman, Joe Maksymiw, Dan Baker, Luke Baldwin, Josh Lewis, Connor Edwards.

Leinster: Max O’Reilly, Cian Kelleher, Rory O’Loughlin, Ross Byrne, Dave Kearney, Harry Byrne, Luke McGrath (CAPT), Peter Dooley, James Tracy, Michael Bent, Ross Molony, Ryan Baird, Josh Murphy, Scott Penny, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Marcus Hanan, Tom Clarkson, Devin Toner, Scott Fardy, Rowan Osborne, David Hawkshaw, Jamie Osborne.

Commenting ahead of the fixture, Dragons Head Coach Dean Ryan said: “We are excited by the challenge of playing Leinster.

“We couldn’t show the best version of ourselves in the Champions Cup and derby games and then were disappointed where we came out the back of that against Connacht.

“We’re desperate to get out and play again. To do it against Leinster is exciting because it gives us a real marker over making improvements.

“We want to be competitive in these games,” he added. “That’s why we wanted the Champions Cup experience, to get better at these pressure games.

“We look forward to the test that is coming on Friday evening and seeing how we perform.”

Glasgow Warriors v Ulster Rugby – KO 19:35

Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow

Referee: Ben Blain (SRU, 8^th competition game)

Assistant Referees: Hollie Davidson, Dunx McClement (both SRU)

TMO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)

Live on Premier Sports 1, eir Sport 2, Super Sport (SA), ESPN+ (USA), pro14.tv.

Glasgow Warriors: Huw Jones, Ratu Tagive, Robbie Fergusson, Sam Johnson, Rufus McLean, Adam Hastings, Jamie Dobie; Oli Kebble, Johnny Matthews, Enrique Pieretto, Richie Gray, Leone Nakarawa, Rob Harley, Thomas Gordon, Ryan Wilson (CAPT).

Replacements: Grant Stewart, Aki Seiuli, D’arcy Rae, James Scott, TJ Ioane, Sean Kennedy, Ross Thompson, Ollie Smith.

Ulster: Michael Lowry, Craig Gilroy, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Lyttle, Ian Madigan, John Cooney; Eric O’Sullivan, John Andrew, Marty Moore, Alan O’Connor, Kieran Treadwell, Nick Timoney, Jordi Murphy (CAPT), Marcell Coetzee.

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Andrew Warwick, Tom O’Toole, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, Alby Mathewson, Stewart Moore, Matt Faddes.

Speaking following his selection, Glasgow Head Coach Danny Wilson told glasgowwarriors.org: “It’s great to be back and looking forward to playing some rugby.

“It’s good to have five players back from Scotland camp to get some game time, and it’s great to have Adam [Hastings] back fit and available to us.

“Ulster gave us a real tough day over at the Kingspan earlier in the season. They’re a very powerful side and I’m sure they’ll also have Irish internationals back with them.

“Tomorrow night will be a big challenge.”

Four Irish Bankers For The Cheltenham Festival

With the Dublin Racing Festival out of the way, all attention will swiftly change towards the Cheltenham Festival in March.

We may have learned a lot about some of the biggest names that will be heading to the Cotswolds in March over the past weekend, but which Irish-trained horses have the best chance of claiming success on English soil next month?

Appreciate It

Willie Mullins cleared up during the Dublin Racing Festival, and his stable look in incredible form as we head towards the Cheltenham Festival.

One of his many winners from the Irish festival was Appreciate It, who won by three and a quarter length from Ballyadam in the Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle.

After 256 days away from the track, his form has been excellent, as he has won on all three starts this season.

There is every indication that the seven-year-old will be heading towards the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but he still does hold an entry for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. The Supreme looks the most realistic chance for Appreciate It, and a win over Metier would certainly be the best possible start for Mullins.

Envoi Allen

Envoi Allen has already reached heights that many expected, and will be looking to become a three-time Festival winner at this year’s National Hunt showpiece event. Very few would be willing to bet against the seven-year-old achieving that target, as the Gordon Elliott-trained horse has been exceptional not just this season, but throughout his career.

However, it has been this term where his dominance on the track has been more evident than ever before, as no horse has been able to get near him over two miles and four furlongs.

He started the season with comprehensive wins at Down Royal and Fairyhouse, before winning by three and a half lengths from Fils D’oudairies at Punchestown in the middle of January.

Envoi Allen holds entries for the Arkle, Novices’ Chase and Marsh Novices’ Chase, but whichever one of the connections decides to enter, they will win.

Chacun Pour Soi

Chacun Pour Soi’s victory at the Dublin Racing Festival was largely overshadowed by the Honeysuckle and Native River on Saturday, but make no mistake, it was still one of the best that we have seen all season.

His dominance in that race has seen Altior’s price for the Champion Chase skyrocket, while his has plummeted.

Mullins has a number of horses that many will consider to be bankers for the Festival this year, but Chacun Pour Soi is more than deserving of his place on that list. The only question that hangs over the nine-year-old is how he will fare with the course at Cheltenham, as he hasn’t raced there in the past.

Nonetheless, if his runs at Leopardstown are anything to go by this season, then he will settle like a duck to water.

Al Boum Photo

It seems bizarre to put a horse running in the Gold Cup on a list of bankers for the festival, but Al Boum Photo certainly seems like a good thing in this year’s race.

We have only seen the two-time winner on one occasion this season, as he won by 19 lengths at Tranmere, but it is more so what is going on with his rivals that has increased the confidence in a third consecutive win.

Santini looks nothing like the horse that he was 12 months ago, Kemboy still has questions to answer, while there are still doubts as to whether Frodon is talented enough to emulate his rule in the King George in the Gold Cup.

Champ’s reappearance could be important, while Royale Pagaille, should he declare for the Gold Cup, may be the only one to stop history being made at Cheltenham.

There you have it, four Irish horses to back during the Cheltenham Festival. And if you like horse racing go to TwinSpires and click here for Kentucky Derby Odds 2021.

Swim Ireland Announce Details of 2021 National Team Trials

Swim Ireland has today announced details of their Irish National Team Trials for the 2021 International Summer Meets, including the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Trials, which will run from 20^th – 24^th April 2021 at the National Aquatic Centre on the Sport Ireland Campus, will replace the formerly announced ‘2021 Irish Open Swimming Championships’.

Athletes will have the opportunity to meet qualification standards for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2021 LEN European Championships in Budapest (Hungary) in May, the FISU World University Games in Chengdu (China) in August and the LEN European Junior Championships in July, with a venue yet to be confirmed.

The competition will comprise of a full Olympic programme with heats, semi-finals, and finals in all 50m, 100m and 200m events and heats and finals in 400m, 800m and 1500m events. It will give our top athletes several qualification opportunities and will provide some very exciting swims over the course of the meet.

The Trials will be open to Performance athletes currently training in recognised onshore training bubbles in National Centre Dublin, National Centre Limerick and at Bangor Aurora, as well as those identified athletes of similar standing who are living and training offshore.

Swim Ireland wholeheartedly recognises the support of the Irish Government, Department of Sport, Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Institute, the Olympic Federation of Ireland, the National Aquatic Centre, and Sport Northern Ireland and its Institute for supporting us to deliver this event for our top Irish performance athletes.

Irish International Brendan Hyland is just .07 of a second from the qualification time in the 200m Butterfly and is relishing the opportunity to qualify for his first Olympic Games, he commented ‘The addition of semi-finals gives us an extra chance to perform at our best and ultimately my aim is to nail the 200m Butterfly time (1:56.48) at the start of the meet. That’s always been the plan for a long time now.’

Speaking on today’s announcement, Swim Ireland National Performance Director Jon Rudd commented, “As we continue to deal with the challenge that COVID presents us, we felt that it was important to provide athletes with the best possible opportunity to qualify for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and/or for other Irish National Teams this summer whilst recognising that a lot of the athletes that would normally partake in this competition will not feature as they have not been able to train and prepare for a number of weeks. The event will be live streamed, and our swimming community will be able to join us each day to cheer on those looking to represent their nation this summer and we believe that the balance that this gives us in April is one which will be fully understood and supported by those involved in Irish swimming. For those who are not able to train right now, please remain patient, as your day will come”.

Which Runners Stand Out In The Grand National Ante-Post Betting Market?

There was a massive disappointment after the 2020 Grand National was called off, as Tiger Roll was denied the chance to create history in the most iconic of British races. The Gordon Elliott-trained horse was going for an unmatched third consecutive Grand National success, and while the famous horse will be among the favourites for this year’s race once again, the eleven-year-old hasn’t particularly impressed so far this season.

But, which horse could be best placed to challenge for the top prize in the famous race at Aintree this year according to the ante-post Grand National betting markets?

Secret Reprieve

One of the biggest market movers so far this year has been Secret Reprieve, who is as short as 20/1 with some of the leading sportsbooks following his success in the Welsh Grand National in the middle of January. Evan Williams produced a masterful training performance with Secret Reprieve to get the win at Chepstow earlier in the year, and on that form, he could be set to go on and win the Grand National itself.

The distance never seemed to be an issue for the seven-year-old on that occasion, and his jumping was smooth over the fences. However, the fact that all three wins that he has achieved during his career have come at Chepstow, there may be a concern whether he could replicate his form at Aintree.

Yala Enki

Yala Enki is one of the horses that has prior experience of racing around Aintree. His fall in the 2020 Becher Chase has been used by a catalyst for his upturn in form by Paul Nicholls, as he has been excellent so far this calendar year. There is every indication that the eleven-year-old will be heading towards the National this year, and could be an excellent each-way bet for punters.

Bryony Frost will be looking to follow in the footsteps of her father and win the National, and in the process, she could create history by becoming the first female jockey to win the famous race. Yala Enki’s form has been good over the National distance, as he recently won at Taunton over three miles and four furlongs.

Burrows Saint

Willie Mullins has endured mixed fortunes with Burrows Saint so far this season, but there is no denying that the eight-year-old will be more comfortable over the longer distance at the Grand National. Both defeats that he has suffered this season have come over three miles as Clonmel and Gowran Park. But, his record in races over distances of three miles has historically been decent.

Burrows Saint won over three miles and five furlongs at Fairyhouse in April 2019, and won over three miles and half a furlong at Limerick in March 2019. This horse is certainly one to keep a closer eye on.

Potters Corner

If the Virtual Grand National was to be believed then last year’s race would have been won by Potters Corner. This year he will have the chance of winning the race for real. The eleven-year-old is a former Welsh Grand National winner, as he won the race in 2019. His staying power isn’t even in question, as the distance of the Grand National will not phase the Welsh-trained horse.

He was disappointing earlier in the year when finishing 35 lengths behind Imperial Alcazar at Warwick, but he will certainly be a solid each-way bet for the Grand National if he can follow up the form that he showed at Cheltenham on his reappearance this term.

Wins in Florida for Sweetnam and O’Connor

Both Shane Sweetnam and Cian O’Connor recorded notable successes at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida over the weekend.

Corkman Sweetnam beat off a world class field to score a superb victory in Saturday $401,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate five-star Grand Prix.

Sweetnam and Alejandro, a 12-year-old gelding, won after a stunning jump-off round when last to go against the clock.

Switzerland’s world number two Martin Fuchs and his 2018 world championship individual silver medalist mount, Clooney 51, had held the lead with a clear round in 37.16 seconds. However Sweetnam crossed the line in 37.03 seconds after a daring gallop to the last fence to take victory.

American Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue finished third with a clear in 38.74 seconds. Wexford’s Bertram Allen and The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro were sixth with one fence down against the clock in 37.18 seconds.

Final Results: $401,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix CSI5*

Alejandro and Shane Sweetnam 0/0/37.03
Clooney 51 and Martin Fuchs 0/0/37.16
Eddie Blue and Devin Ryan 0/0/38.74

O’Connor wins on Sunday

Cian O’Connor and the 10-year-old gelding Careca LS Elite won Sunday’s $50,000 Restylane two-star Grand Prix.

Seven of the 44 starters made it through to the second round. O’Connor, despite being first to go in the jump-off led from start to finish with his clear in 45.65 seconds proving unbeatable.

Canada’s Rachel Cornacchia and Valkyrie De Talma were second, two-hundredths of a second behind the winner. Jennifer Waxman of the USA and Mecho Van’t Kiezelhof finished third in 46.07 seconds.

The Olympic individual bronze medalist who has represented Ireland in 15 international championships has a string of up-and-coming horses at WEF this season with a very specific goal in mind for the 2021 season.

O’Connor will continue to campaign for the duration of WEF. He is also training students at the elite level, including Canadian Nicole Walker and up-and-coming Irish riders Max and Tom Wachman, grandsons of Coolmore owner John Magnier.

Final Results: $50,000 Restylane Grand Prix CSI2*

Careca’s LS Elite and Cian O’Connor 0/0/45.65
Valkyrie De Talma and Rachel Cornacchia 0/0/45.67
Mecho Van’t Kiezelhof and Jennifer Waxman 0/0/46.07

Champions League round-up: PSG and Liverpool victorious

Match ball for the best player on the Camp Nou pitch tonight, Kylian Mbappe 👏

(via @btsportfootball) pic.twitter.com/BFgo6AsDKP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 16, 2021

Kylian Mbappe put in the performance of the night with a brilliant hat-trick.

The long-awaited Champions League knockout stages kicked off today with fans being treated to a gripping pair of fixtures.

One of those fixtures seen Paris Saint-Germain take on Barcelona at the historic Camp Nou. In the other fixture, Liverpool travelled to Germany in order to face an RB Leipzig side who has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the years.

BARCELONA vs. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

With Neymar and Di Maria not available for selection, eyes turned to Kylian Mbappe as the man capable of getting PSG over the line.

Barcelona, however, had their say first as Lionel Messi converted a penalty after 27 minutes.

The penalty came after Messi played a fantastic long ball into the path of Frenkie De Jong who was then inadvertently fouled inside the box. The former then stepped up to the spot and dispatched with the coolness he’s displayed throughout his career.

Kylian Mbappe looked dangerous throughout the first half and his efforts paid off just minutes after Barcelona’s goal as he managed to get on the scoresheet himself.

The goal came after a brilliant team move starting down the left flank which had been exploited by PSG for much of the game. The ball was lofted into Mbappe’s feet after a good passing move and he then did well to evade a Barcelona defender before smashing the ball past Ter Stegen at the near post.

Mbappe didn’t slow down in the second half, either. In fact, he only got better.

He put PSG ahead in the 65th minute to make the scoreline 2-1. He was presented with a near open goal and he made no mistake in finding the net.

Former Everton striker Moise Kean then found the net in the 70th minute as he headed in from a well executed PSG free-kick to make it 3-1.

Mbappe wasn’t satisfied with a brace as he continued to terrorize the Barcelona backline. He got his hat-trick in the 85th minute after a brilliant PSG counter attack as he finished expertly into the top corner, leaving no chance for Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

MBAPPE. HAT-TRICK. pic.twitter.com/uULVl7kMWr

— B/R Football (@brfootball) FEBRUARY 16, 2021

Full time: Barcelona 1-4 Paris Saint-Germain

RP LEIPZIG vs. LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have come under scrutiny lately due to uncharacteristic poor performances including losses in their last 3 Premier League games.

They could have done with a positive result tonight to end their poor form. If they were to do so, though, they’d need to put together a convincing performance against an in-form RB Leipzig.

No goals were scored in the first half but Liverpool certainly made up for that in the second.

Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead as he so often does with a well executed finish into the bottom corner. It was the Egyptian’s 4th goal in 7 Champions League games this season.

Sadio Mane has come into criticism for his potency in front of goal – or lack of – in recent matches but he managed to get on the scoresheet in the 58th minute. He capitalized on a defensive mistake from Leipzig as he went through on goal and finished into the left-hand corner.

Full time: RB Leipzig 0-2 Liverpool