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Preview, Starting teams and how to watch Ireland v Finland

We preview Stephen Kenny’s first home match as Ireland manager, as they face Finland on Sunday evening, how to watch the match plus starting teams. 

How to Watch Match

You can watch the match with a Sky Sports day pass for £9.99

Existing Sky Sports customers can live stream the game via the Sky Go app on a variety of devices.

Probable Starting Teams

Republic of Ireland predicted XI (4-3-3): Darren Randolph, Matt Doherty, Shane Duffy, John Egan, Enda Stevens, Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady, Conor Hourihane, Callum O’Dowda, Adam Idah, Aaron Connolly

Finland predicted XI (3-5-2): Lukas Hradecky, Leo Vaisanen, Juhani Ojala, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Ilmari Niskanen, Glen Kamara, Tim Sparv, Joni Kauko, Jere Juhani Uronen, Joel Pohjanpalo, Teemu Pukki

Preview of Ireland v Finland

Shane Duffy’s late leveller in Bulgaria on Thursday gave Stephen Kenny a point from his first game as Ireland manager.

The old fashioned goal was a contrast from Ireland’s approach in the game, with Kenny trying to implement a new style of play. Finland’s visit to Dublin for a Sunday evening encounter is the opportunity to show what lessons were learned.

Finland were unlucky to kick off their campaign with a defeat to Wales. The Euro 2020 qualifiers created a number of opportunities that they failed to convert. Their historic achievement – the Euros will be their first ever major finals appearances – was built on the remarkable exploits of Norwich’s Teemu Pukki who scored ten times in their group. Pukki hasn’t scored since before the shutdown and endured a frustrating evening.

Kenny’s first game hinted at a work in progress and Ireland will fancy their chances here.

 

Possession game

 

His mission is to alter the perception of Irish sides and 59pc possession away from home in a competitive qualifier was a sign of what’s to come.

That said, there was an absence of real penetration and it was low tempo stuff for long spells, perhaps a product of the fact that the Irish side were coming back out of pre-season mode.

In normal circumstances, the cliched line would be that a lively home crowd in Dublin might stir the senses but Kenny will have to wait for a while to sample that atmosphere.

Still, the game attracted considerable scrutiny in Ireland, especially as the new manager wasn’t afraid to drop stalwarts such as Seamus Coleman and James McClean in favour of Matt Doherty and Aaron Connolly respectively.

David McGoldrick returns from injury and his wellbeing will determine if he gets the nod ahead of Norwich teenager Adam Idah who was pitched in for a senior debut in Sofia. The change of style and focus on youth hinted at a long term mission and that’s why there is perhaps a reluctance to get sucked into a strong play on the hosts in this fixture.

Finland have a poor record on their travels, with their Euros success built on their home form. And it’s probably understandable that Ireland would be priced in or around the 1.83 mark. Kenny should have his team fired up for this occasion and there’s no temptation to lay at those odds. But the lesson of Thursday is that it’s too soon to truly bet the hosts without any conviction either.

Video – Ulster into Pro14 final after dramatic win thanks to Madigan

It was an astonishing five minutes for the new Ulster rugby signing Ian Madigan as he kicked a conversion and penalty to secure a Pro14 final against Leinster.

Tries by Stuart McInally, Darcy Graham, and Chris Dean had given Richard Cockerill’s side a 19-7 lead.

But Rob Herring and John Andrew’s tries added to Rob Lyttle’s earlier score as the visitors drew level with only five minutes left.

And Ian Madigan’s 80th-minute penalty secured Dan McFarland’s team victory.

Ulster will take on six-time winners and current defending champions Leinster at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in a repeat of the 2013 Pro12 final.

Edinburgh: Kinghorn, Graham, Bennett, Dean, Van Der Merwe, Van Der Walt, Groom, Sutherland, McInally, Nel, Toolis, Gilchrist, Bradbury, Watson, Mata.

Replacements: Taylor for Dean (59), Shiel for Groom (76), Schoeman for Sutherland (52), Willemse for McInally (69), Berghan for Nel (48), Davidson for Toolis (69), Ritchie for Mata (64). Not Used: Chamberlain.

Ulster: Stockdale, Ludik, Hume, McCloskey, Lyttle, Burns, Cooney, O’Sullivan, Herring, O’Toole, A. O’Connor, Carter, Rea, Murphy, Coetzee.

Replacements: Lowry for Ludik (41), Madigan for Burns (70), Mathewson for Cooney (41), McGrath for O’Sullivan (52), Andrew for Herring (70), M. Moore for O’Toole (52), Treadwell for Carter (49). Not Used: Reidy.

Ref: Frank Murphy (Ireland).

Nans Peters wins stage 8 as Bennett narrows gap to Sagan

In 2019, he won a stage in the Giro d’Italia and in 2020 Frenchman Nans Peters has added to his Grand Tour victories with a solo success over the col de Peyresourde to impose himself at Loudenvielle this afternoon.

Stage 8 from Cazères-sur-Garonne saw early attacks as Benoît Cosnefroy and Nans Peters (AG2R-La Mondiale), Ilnur Zakarin (CCC), Kevin Reza and Quentin Pacher (B&B Hotels-Vital Concept), Michael Morkov (Deceuninck-Quick Step), Neilson Powless (EF), Fabien Grellier and Jérôme Cousin (Total Direct Energie), Carlos Verona (Movistar), Toms Skujins (Trek-Segrafredo), Soren Kragh Andersen (Sunweb) and Ben Hermans (Israel Start-Up Nation) formed a 13-man breakaway group which at one stage of the day’s race had an advantage of 14’15’.

On the climb of the Port de Balès, Cousin rode away from the breakaway with 60km remaining but was reeled in 9km before the top of Port de Balès. Peters, Zakarin and Pacher moved into position while Jumbo-Visma seized the reins of the peloton.

Eventual stage winner Peters crossed the Port de Balès in first position with 36.5km to go, along with Zakarin but the Russian didn’t manage to follow the Frenchman in the downhill.

Peters started the ascent to col de Peyresourde with an advantage of 45 seconds’ over his rival. Tom Dumoulin (Jumbo-Visma) worked hard at the front of the chase but Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) was first to attack, followed by Primoz Roglic and Nairo Quintana (Arkea-Samsic).

Pogacar went again, so did Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and Quintana at the beginning of the downhill. While Peters kept his advantage to win stage 8, the yellow jersey group was reunited behind Pogacar who reduced his deficit on General Classification.

Bardet gained two seconds to move up as well but Yates remained in the yellow jersey with Rogli content to stay in second place.

Ireland’s Sam Bennett did claw back two points in the green jersey race thanks to the day’s intermediate sprint.

The Carrick-on-Suir rider is now just seven points behind points classification leader Peter Sagan, with 131 points to the Slovakian’s 138.

Team Sunweb’s Nicolas Roche is in 59th place overall, 46 minutes and 36 seconds behind yellow jersey-wearer Adam Yates, while Israel Start-Up Nation’s Dan Martin in 71st, almost an hour down.

Leinster Rugby 13 Munster Rugby 3

Leinster are through to the 2020 Guinness Pro14 Final following a 13-3 defeat of Munster at the Aviva Stadium this evening.

It’s a case of another semi-final and another loss at that stage of the competition for the men in red who had their chances in a disappointing game in D4.

When the sides met recently in the competition, it produced a six-try game. As a result, more was expected of this semi-final but the experience of Leo Cullen’s men got them over the line in a low scoring game.

In a stark contrast to the provinces most recent meeting, a 27th minute try from Ronan Kelleher – which the officials decided did not involve a double movement – was the only five-pointer of the night.

Kelleher’s score put the eastern province into the lead for the first time in the game, after JJ Hanrahan had put Munster 3-0 up early on.

With Jonathan Sexton converting Kelleher’s try, Leinster found themselves 7-3 ahead on the scoreboard.

A Sexton penalty on the stroke of half-time sent his side in 10-3 to the good at the interval.

Though Munster had some penalty opportunities in the second half, some of which Hanrahan didn’t kick for goal, others he missed, the southern province never really looked like getting over the Leinster line to score a much-needed try to get them back into the game.

Another Sexton penalty thirteen minutes from the final whistle secured the win for his side and ended Johann van Graan’s men’s season as a 13-3 final score condemned Munster to a fifth straight semi-final defeat in all competitions.

Leinster now await the winners of the second Guinness Pro14 semi-final between Edinburgh and Ulster.

Second stage win for Wout van Aert as Sam Bennett loses green jersey

Wout van Aert won explosive stage seven of the Tour de France to Lavaur as Adam Yates held on to the yellow jersey of race leader.

Van Aert of Jumbo-Visma became the first rider to win two stages in the 107th Tour de France as he outsprinted Edvald Boasson Hagen (NTT) and Bryan Coquard (B&B) in Lavaur after a fierce battle.

It was a double victory for van Aert’s team after they helped to split the 168 kilometres stage with just over 40km to go in a move that saw them work with rivals Ineos Grenadiers as both teams looked to exploit the opposition in the crosswinds.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Mikel Landa (Bahrain McLaren) both missed the split and would lose well over a minute at the finish but they weren’t the only riders to see their General Classification bids dented with the Trek-Segafredo duo of Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema both missing out. Richard Carapaz, also lost time after he was forced to drop back after a late mechanical on a day that also saw the peloton fracture as early as the first climb due to extensive pressure from Peter Sagan and his Bora-hansgrohe team.

Sagan, for all the effort from his team, could only manage 12th at the line after getting boxed in and being forced to slow. His consolation came from the fact that he now leads the green jersey by nine points ahead of Sam Bennett.

Bennett finished a tough day empty handed, part of a group that finished more than 10 minutes down on the road. That means that Sagan, who began the day trailing Bennett by 12 points in the fight for green, now leads the category by nine.

Nicolas Roche is the leading Irish rider on general classification, 27 minutes 53 seconds down in 54th place, while Dan Martin is 72nd, nearly 14 minutes behind his cousin.

New Zealand Rugby: North vs South Battle Reignited

The successful return of New Zealand Rugby continues this weekend. In June, professional sport in New Zealand returned. In fact, it even had stadiums full of fans. Indeed, the country’s management of the Coronavirus pandemic allowed had just rewards.

Since then, the entire Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament has been played. This one-off competition featured New Zealand Rugby’s five teams. It may have only been intended to fill the void left by this year’s cancellations, but it was extremely successful. In the end, the Crusaders came out winners after seriously impressive performances.

This North vs South Island battle first appeared in 1897. Formally, it was an annual fixture. After 1986 though, it has rarely come around. 2012 was the last time it was played.

After the disappointment of the 2019 World Cup, New Zealand rugby is in transition. Firstly, Steve Hansen stepped down. He was replaced by Ian Foster. Secondly, a team that had been much unchanged in years is in need of new blood.

In fact, it was Foster himself who chose the two squads with help from his selectors. It has not been confirmed whether the international team will play in 2020 yet. However, the coaches had the advantage of using the club games played to look at players. Nonetheless, this is another chance to make notes.

Match-Ups

The squads have revealed some delicious match-ups. Firstly, the battle for out-half resumes. The 2016 and 2017 Player of the Year Beauden Barrett returns to his preferred position. In the World Cup he largely featured at full-back. Consequently, there has been a huge debate over where he should play.

The man keeping him back is Crusader Richie Mo’Unga. His form during 2020 has made him undroppable. They line out on opposite sides on Saturday.

Barrett will be linking up with TJ Perenara who gets the nod at 9. He has a chance to lay down the gauntlet to Aaron Smith.

The North has a backline that any international team would kill for. There is lightning pace along the back with McKenzie, Reece, and Clarke. This compliments Lienert-Brown and Ioane’s power in midfield.

Yet, the South’s backline is more than capable in its own right. Crusaders Will Jordan and George Bridge deservedly get a place on the wings. They’re joined by the versatile Jordie Barrett.

The Crusaders’ club form is further reflected in the pack. Nepo Laulala is the only non-Crusader in the first 5.

Kick-off is at 8.10 am Irish time. For those willing to get up, Sky Sports Main Event is the place to watch it. Otherwise, it will be repeated on Sky Sports Arena at 2.30 pm.

New Zealand Rugby – North vs South Teams:

North: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara. 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Akira Ioane, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Aaron Smith, 22 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23 Mitchell Hunt.

South: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Brayden Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Brad Weber. 1 Joe Moody, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Nepo Laulala, 4 Samuel Whitelock (c), 5 Mitchell Dunshea, 6 Shannon Frizell, 7 Tom Christie, 8 Tom Sanders.

Replacements: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 George Bower, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20 Dillon Hunt, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Leicester Faingaanuku.

https://twitter.com/AllBlacks/status/1301814760963559424

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/video-new-heineken-champions-cup-rugby-format-explained/

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/video-new-heineken-champions-cup-rugby-format-explained/

Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix League at Portmore on Saturday

Some of the country’s top showjumpers will be in action in the Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix League at Portmore Equestrian on Saturday.

With only three rounds of the competition remaining, riders will go in search of crucial extra points in the Bluegrass Horsefeeds-sponsored class worth €4,000.

With the top four contenders in the Underwriting Exchange League all due to contend in Portmore exciting action is expected tomorrow.

Current leader Jonathan Smyth and Crystal Tom lead the competition on 38 points, having shown great consistency in securing three wins and a second-place finish.

The reigning National Grand Prix Champion, Liam O’ Meara and Curraghgraigue Jack Take Fligh, are hot on Smyth’s heels on 30 points, while in third place is Derek Mc Connell and Dothraki Warlord sit on 28 points. Despite both of these riders failing to register a win in the competition so far this season, they have been consistently placed throughout the rounds.

Mark Finnerty is on 25 points in fourth place, following a win and three other placings.

Winner of the round in Tipperary Equestrian, Joan Greene and Vivendi Tipperary are declared to jump on Saturday and will also be looking to gather extra points and will be one to watch.

In total, 47 combinations have been declared for this round, and of those 15 spots are occupied by young riders. Amongst the young riders on the list is Mikey Pender, Molly Hughes Bravo, Adam Carey, Annie Courtney-Cadam (JU/YR), Jon McEntee, Brendan Murphy, Katie Conlon, Kerrie Kerr and Mackenzie Healy (JU/YR).

Following his big win in the Irish Breeders Classic on Monday (5 & 6 yr championship), Kevin Gallagher will be looking to add to his record sheet. Gallagher has declared three horses to contest this round (Arcadia LVS Z (8 YO), ESI Star Struck, Flexability).

Ulster riders won’t let the win go that easily and amongst those to watch are Luke Campbell, Frank Curran and Kenneth Graham. The Army Equitation School will be represented by Captain Geoff Curran and Captain Charlene Kehoe.

How to watch Ulster vs Edinburgh plus match preview

We have how to watch Ulster v Edinburgh plus a preview of the match, Ulster has a big task if they are to add to their single League title.

Finishing second in Conference A, they’ve earned a semi-final against Edinburgh. The Scottish side trumped Munster to top Conference B. As a result they have the home advantage for this game.

How to watch Ulster v Edinburgh

Éir Sport 1 are offering this game live. Kick-off from Murrayfield is at 7.35 pm. Coverage begins earlier at 6.45.

Preview of Ulster v Edinburgh

Ulster have lost both of their games since rugby returned. Firstly, Connacht gave them a rude awakening in the Aviva. Dan MacFarland’s side had some good spells in the game. However, the westerners finished stronger for a 26-20 win.

Secondly, they fell to Leinster. With Leinster comfortably on top of the conference, Ulster were up against a rotated side. This went unnoticed though. They looked to be carrying a hangover from their previous defeat. As a result, they lost 28-10. This won’t be too demoralising as Leinster are very much the team to beat in the competition.

Ulster Squad Announcement

Billy Burns returns to captain Ulster at out-half with Ian Madigan an option off the bench. Also, John Cooney will hope to continue his form from scrum-half. Jacob Stockdale remains at 15 after shaking off a knock. Rob Lyttle and Louis Ludik are on the wings. On the other hand, Stuart McCloskey and James Hume continue their partnership in the center.

Alan O’Connor is the only change in the pack. He comes in to join Sam Carter in the second row. Eric O’Sullivan and Tom O’Toole surround Rob Herring in the front row. Finally, Matthew Rea, Jordi Murphy, and Marcell Coetzee complete the scrum.

https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/1301837719081975810

The Opposition

Likewise, Edinburgh were table toppers in Conference B. Nonetheless, they were lucky to pip Munster.

In their own two games since the restart, they have beaten and lost to rivals Glasgow. For starters, they won 30-15. Then, they were deservedly defeated at home 15-3.

Head Coach Richard Cockerill was happy to see the game as preparation ahead of this weekend. “We have to look at the bigger picture of next Saturday and a semi-final.”

This will be Éir Sport 1’s second Pro14 semi-final of the weekend. They are also covering the Leinster and Munster tie at 19.35 on Friday night.

https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/1301179335492198405

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/rugby_irish/video-new-heineken-champions-cup-rugby-format-explained/

http://34.245.76.62/rugby/rugby_irish/video-new-heineken-champions-cup-rugby-format-explained/

This Weekend’s Live GAA Preview

Saturday 5 December 

All-Ireland Football semi-final
Dublin v Cavan, Croke Park, 5.30pm – RTÉ

All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football final
Fermanagh v Limerick, Parnell Park, 4pm – TG4

All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Final
Antrim v Down, Kingspan Breffni, 3.45pm – RTÉ Newsnow

All-Ireland Premier Junior Camogie Final
Armagh v Cavan, Kingspan Breffni, 1.45pm – RTÉ Newsnow

 

Sunday 6 December

All-Ireland Football semi-final
Mayo v Tipperary, Croke Park, 3.30pm – RTÉ

All-Ireland Ladies Football semi-final
Cork v Galway, LIT Gaelic Grounds, 1.30pm – TG4
Saturday 12 December

All-Ireland Senior Camogie final
Galway v Kilkenny, Croke Park, 7pm – RTÉ

 

Sunday 13 December

All-Ireland Hurling final
Waterford v Limerick, Croke Park, 3.30pm

Joe McDonagh Cup final
Antrim v Kerry, Croke Park, 1pm

 

Saturday 19 December

All-Ireland Football final
Dublin or Cavan v Mayo or Tipperary, Croke Park, TBC

Dublin v Mayo (Well that’s what Mayo people hope)

Late Duffy goal gives Ireland a point

Bulgaria 1 Republic of Ireland 1

Shane Duffy played a captain’s role as his equaliser against Bulgaria in injury time gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Nations League game in Sofia tonight.

A Bozhidar Kraev goal in the 56th minute gave Bulgaria the lead despite an impressive display from the Republic of Ireland before the new Celtic signing Duffy equalised with a powerful header from a corner to give his side a point.

With Stephen Kenny beginning his tenure as national team manager, the former Dundalk FC manager gave a senior international debut to 19-year-old Adam Idah, and also named new Tottenham signing Matt Doherty instead of Séamus Coleman, Callum O’Dowda started, while the Dubliner also chose James McCarthy for his first international game since 2016.

Bulgaria coach Georgi Dermendzhiev made numerous changes to the side that beat the Czech Republic in their last Euro 2020 qualifier with only keeper Georgi Georgiev, defenders Strahil Popov and Petar Zanev and midfielders Georgi Kostadinov and Kristiyan Malinov surviving.

Despite retaining possession well, showing some composure on the ball, and pressing impressively in the opening 45 minutes, the game was scoreless at the interval, as Aaron Connolly had the best chance for Kenny’s side during that period.

Bozhidar Kraev, who had been pretty anonymous throughout the game, broke the deadlock in the 56th minute. Nedelev sent a perfect pass up the middle for the unmarked Kraev, who has been played onside by Shane Duffy. The Bulgarian took a touch before slotting the ball low past Darren Randolph and into the net.

Just when it looked as though Stephen Kenny’s managerial stint would begin with a loss, Shane Duffy cropped up at the far post in the 93rd minute to score from a Robbie Brady-taken corner kick. Brady, who had won the corner, curled the ball into the Bulgarian penalty area, finding Duffy, who headed past goalkeeper Georgiev to claim the equaliser.

Final score: Bulgaria 1 Republic of Ireland 1.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph, Doherty, Egan, Duffy, Stevens, Hendrick, McCarthy, Hourihane, Connolly, Idah, O’Dowda.

Bulgaria: Georgiev, Popov, Zanev, Dimitrov, Nedyalkov, Malinov, Kostadinov, Ivanov, Kraev, Delev, Nedelev.

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