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Leinster v Dragons – Preview and Team News – Kick off Friday 7:35pm

Pro14 Rugby – Leinster v Dragons – Preview and Team News – Kick off Friday 7:35pm. Match live on EirSports.

Luke McGrath will captain the side as Jack Conan makes his 100th appearance for his home province from the base of the scrum.

In the back three Max O’Reilly starts at full back with Cian Kelleher on the right wing and Dave Kearney on the left.

In the centre Ross Byrne is joined by the fit-again Rory O’Loughlin who has recovered from a shoulder injury.

In the half backs captain McGrath is joined by Harry Byrne. It will be the first time that brothers Harry and Ross have started a game together in Leinster colours.

To the pack and Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Michael Bent are the front row selected by Cullen, with Bent back after a neck injury. Ross Molony and Ryan Baird are selected in the second row.

In the back row Josh Murphy starts at blindside with Scott Penny at openside having recovered from a neck injury.

Finally, Wicklow man Conan will win his 100th cap for Leinster Rugby from number eight.

The 28-year-old, who has 17 Ireland caps also to his name, made his debut almost seven years ago to the day also against Welsh opposition when winning the Man of the Match award in a try-scoring performance against Cardiff Blues.

In his seven years in blue he has, to date, scored 21 tries in his 99 appearances.

It could also be a memorable occasion for Marcus Hanan who is in line to make his Leinster Rugby debut off the bench should he be introduced.

The 20-year-old played his age grade rugby with Clane RFC in Kildare and was capped by Ireland Under 20s during the 2020 Six Nations. The six foot tall, loosehead prop plays his club rugby with Old Belvedere.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):

15. Max O’Reilly (2)
14. Cian Kelleher (21)
13. Rory O’Loughlin (74)
12. Ross Byrne (95)
11. Dave Kearney (159)
10. Harry Byrne (18)
9. Luke McGrath (140) CAPTAIN
1. Peter Dooley (85)
2. James Tracy (121)
3. Michael Bent (151)
4. Ross Molony (107)
5. Ryan Baird (18)
6. Josh Murphy (40)
7. Scott Penny (20)
8. Jack Conan (99)

16. Dan Sheehan (5)
17. Marcus Hanan (0)
18. Tom Clarkson (5)
19. Devin Toner (256)
20. Scott Fardy (70)
21. Rowan Osborne (6)
22. David Hawkshaw (5)
23. Jamie Osborne (1)

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

Video – Keane, Neville and Carragher discuss selling Pogba

Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Gary Neville give their views on whether Manchester United should be selling Paul Pogba.

Roy Keane was adamant he should be sold

“If it’s not right for the club and people are almost laughing at you, these agents, let these lads go,” he told Sky Sports News.

“Look at the bigger picture. We’re talking about a great club like Manchester United. Don’t go chasing after these agents and these players who, I think, the bottom line, don’t really want to be at the club.

“The agents don’t want them to be there, I don’t think Pogba wants to be there. Just shake hands and say, ‘Off you go’. He’ll go this summer. He’ll go in the summer, 100%.”

Meath, Donegal and Mayo favourites for relegation

Meath, Donegal and Mayo are favourites for relegation in the Division 1 of the Allianz Football League.

At the moment Meath are 1/100 to go down to Division 2 in 2021. Andy McEntee’s charges have yet to win any of their three games so far against Tyrone, Donegal and narrowly to Mayo. Donegal despite having one win and one draw from three games are 15/8 to go down to Division 2 next season. They have beaten Meath, drew with Mayo and lost to Galway 2-08 to 2-07.

Next in the betting is James Horan’s Mayo. They have one win, one loss and one draw in three games. The draw came against Donegal in the first round of the league, the loss came at the hands of Dublin and the win came narrowly against Meath 1-09 to 2-05. Further down the betting is Monaghan at odds of 7/2, so you might get 4/1 using a Ladbrokes Bonus Code. They also have one win, one draw and one loss in three games.

In terms of outright betting on who will win the league Dessie Farrell’s Dublin are 11/8 to win the league title. The Dubs have been impressive in their three games winning two and drawing one. They look strong favourites to reclaim the league title. Kerry are next in the betting at odds of 4/1. Galway look decent odds at 11/2 given the performances so far under Padraig Joyce. They have 2 wins and 1 loss from three games. Mickey Harte’s Tyrone are 7/1 to win the league title at present. They had a good win over Kerry last time out. Monaghan are an 8/1 shot to win under Banty McEnaney. However, I feel they will have a mid table finish.

The bet would have to be both Meath and Mayo to go down on current form.

Possible Ireland rugby team to play England

A big week for the Ireland rugby team as they go to England to take on the World Cup finalists at Twickenham. Let’s take a look at the possible Ireland team to play England on Sunday. A Triple Crown is at stake for Andy Farrell’s men.

I think the front row will stay the same as the opening two games. This will mean Leinster’s Cian Healy, Ulster’s Rob Herring and Wexford man Tadhg Furlong will all start. In the second row I expect James Ryan to continue with Iain Henderson. The back row is where again debate will arise. However, for me Peter O’Mahony has to start after his impressive performances against Scotland and Wales. CJ Stander put in two man of the match performances so he is a shoo in to start. Josh Van Der Flier will likely continue at number. Caelan Dorris’ debut was cut short in the win over Scotland but I expect him to get game time in Twickenham. England will be favourites so any matched betting ireland will give a nice reward to winners.

Johnny Sexton will likely partner Conor Murray once again. Murray’s position though could be under pressure from John Cooney who has yet to get a start this Six Nations. In the centre Garry Ringrose is out for the Six Nations, so it is likely that the same partnership of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose will continue. Stuart McCloskey and Chris Farrell will likely be in the mix as well but Aki and Ringrose for me. On the wings Andrew Conway played one of his best ever games in an Ireland jersey against so he will certainly start. Jacob Stockdale will likely take the other place on the wing. Jordan Larmour will continue in the full back position.

So to summarise here is the possible Ireland starting team to take on England on Sunday:

15 Jordan Larmour, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Josh Van Der Flier. 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 James Ryan, 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2, Rob Herring, 1 Cian Healy.

 

What the Cheltenham Festival is sure to throw up in 2020

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the most celebrated meets of the horse racing calendar. And, with four days of pure horse racing entertainment taking place between the 10th and 13th March, is there any wonder why?

 

The Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup stand out amongst the multitude of races as hundreds of four-legged stars take to the Gloucestershire turf. Al Boum Photo is 4/1 favourite to win the Gold Cup, with Epatante at 10/3, Altior at 9/4 and A Plus Tard at 3/1 favourites to win the other respective races. But, with the horse racing calendar live for ten months of the year, taking advantage of the horse racing tips for today can yield much greater results, rather than waiting for the big event in March.

 

Cheltenham is, however, a major attraction, but just what can be guaranteed to happen during the Festival in 2020?

Debates for a five-day Cheltenham to intensify

The Cheltenham Festival is currently four days long with calls to increase that to five coming from wide and far including from Champion Hurdle winner Alderbrook and Gold Cup winner Master Oats in 1995, trainer Kim Bailey.

 

There is, naturally, opposition to such a move, but there was opposition when race organizers increased the number of days from three to four way back in 2005. Some say it will dilute the quality of racing, spreading the action more thinly whilst those such as Bailey believe commercial pressures will make it happen eventually.

 

Endless tips from someone ‘in the know’

Each year, horse racing enthusiasts place a number of bets on potential winners at Cheltenham. But, there is always one person out of a friendship group that pretends to know someone in the game that recommends ‘bankers’ – that is, surefire horses to win. 

Of course, most of it is nonsense even if one of the horses does indeed come in. But, just be wary of endless tips that more often than not fall way short of the mark.

 

An exaggerated amount of alcohol to be consumed

It’s the Cheltenham Festival, it’s party time, right? That is certainly true for not only those thousands that flock to the Cheltenham Racecourse, but also those watching intently at home or at a local pub.

 

Copious amounts of booze will be consumed as punters either drown their sorrows or celebrate a windfall, but, preferably stay out of the way of those revellers the morning after.

 

A victory in numbers

Whilst the pull of pound sterling yields over a £100 million boost to the Gloucestershire economy, the numbers in general will hit unbelievable heights. For example, 134,600 people will use Cheltenham Spa train station over the four days of racing whilst over 45,000 bread rolls will be eaten by spectators and over 8,000 gallons of tea and coffee will be served with over 350 chefs on site. It truly is a celebration of numbers.

 

Say how much you are looking forward to next year

This year’s Cheltenham Festival won’t even be over by the time you say how excited you are for Cheltenham 2021. Live in the moment people. Don’t throw away this year’s fun for thinking about how it can be topped the year after.

 

Watch out for these Cheltenham festival underdogs in 2020

Taking place on the 10th-13th March, the 2020 Cheltenham festival promises to be yet another rip-roaring show of horse racing entertainment.

The four days of pure horse racing joy features the Champion Hurdle, the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the Ryanair Chase and the Gold Cup with hundreds of four-legged phenomenons taking to the turf in Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham festival betting hit the £500 million mark in 2019 with the likes of Espoir D’Allen and Al Boum Photo causing big upsets. But, who could well be the dark horses in 2020?

Supasundae – Champion Hurdle

At 33/1, Supasundae is an outside bet for taking the Champion Hurdle title. But, jockey Robbie Power has been with his horse for 18 races, finishing in an average of third position, including five first-placed finishes.

In 2017, Power won the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle on Supasundae and the ten-year-old mare could rekindle that form that saw the duo take first place at Aintree in April 2019.

Un de Sceaux – Queen Mother Champion Chase

Ridden by Paul Townend, the 12-year-old mare Un de Sceaux has her work cut out to challenge in the Queen Mother Chase alongside the likes of Altior and Cyrname. But, in the past five years, Un de Sceaux has won at Cheltenham three times. And, in Townend’s last three races, Un de Sceaux has finished second, second and first.

At 25/1, Un de Sceaux could certainly be worth a punt especially given Townend’s close relationship with trainer Willie Mullins.

 

Cadmium – Ryanair Chase

Yet another one of famous trainer Willie Mullins’ huge stable of horses, Cadmium is priced at 33/1 to take home the Ryanair Chase title. In terms of rider, it all depends on who is on the saddle. Paul Townend – also likely to be on Un de Sceaux – has won two out of five races on the eight-year-old mare and has been by far the most successful, especially after his Aintree victory in April 2019.

 

Danny Mullins (no relation to trainer Willie) rode Cadmium last time out, but came sixth out of seven riders at Leopardstown. A talented horse and still very much a threat, if Mullins can build on Townend’s success then anything can happen.

 

Frodon – Gold Cup

Winner of last year’s Ryanair Chase, Frodon is definitely not a frontrunner for this year’s Gold Cup with odds of 33/1. Yet, Bryony Frost has ridden the eight-year-old mare to five triumphs in her last eight races, giving both horse and rider ideal preparation for the big one as Cheltenham nears.

 

GAA: Kelly stars as Clare beat Laois

Tony Kelly was the star after he put in another super performances as Clare made it three wins from three in the Allianz Hurling League. Clare beat a stubborn Laois side 0-17 to 0-09 at a wet and windy Cusack Park in Ennis.

To be fair to the players they all gave 100% from looking at the game. Clare eased into 0-05 to 0-1 lead after 7 minute. Tony Kelly to the fore with three of those scores from Brian Lohan’s team. Clare did fail to score for the next 15 minutes however. Laois took advantage of that and were back within two points. Ross King and Willie Dunphy knocking over points to leave it 0-06 to 0-04 after 30 minutes. However, Ballyea sharpshooter Kelly would add three further points to the home sides tally to leave it 0-09 to 0-04. Using the Betway promo code you could have got 1/1 on Clare -5pts

James Keyes and Willie Dunphy both had goal chances but they weren’t to be. However, Eddie Brennan’s side hung on with scores from Willie Dunphy and Ross King keeping it 0-10 to 0-07 in favour of Clare. Brian Lohan unleashed Aaron Shanagher and his three points from play seemed to be the winning of the game. Domhnall McMahon and Ian Galvin added further points to close out the game in the end.

Clare: E Quilligan; J Browne (0-01), S Golden, L Corry; S O’Halloran, C Malone, A McCarthy (0-01); D McInerney, T Kelly (0-08, 0-05f); D Reidy (0-01), D Fitzgerald, S Morey; R Taylor, S O’Donnell, A Cunningham (0-01).

Subs: D McMahon (0-01) for Fitzgerald (32), A Shanagher (0-03) for Cunningham (45), I Galvin (0-01) for Morey (47), P Collins for O’Donnell (56), N Deasy for Taylor (65).

Laois: E Rowland; F Flanagan, D Hartnett, D Conway; P Delaney, R Mullaney, C McEvoy; C Stapleton, F Fennell; W Dunphy (0-02), J Ryan, P Purcell (0-01); R King (0-05, 0-05f), S Bergin, J Keyes.

Subs: J Lennon for Stapleton (10), M Whelan for Conway (44), A Dunphy (0-01) for Mullaney (44), R Broderick for Flanagan (59), C Taylor for Bergin (62).

GAA: Rebels edge out Westmeath in 3-12 to 1-14 win

Kieran Kingston Cork just had enough to edge out Westmeath in Mullingar in a 3-12 to 1-14 win. The Rebels needed 2-08 from multiple all-star winner from Patrick Horgan from placed balls to record the win.

In truth as you probably know by now the conditions were horrendous for a game of hurling. Cork had the wind in the opening but they never got going in truth. Luke Meade opened the scoring inside 20 seconds with a point. Derek McNicholas had the sides level on 2 minutes. Conor Lehane registered two points, despite going off injured after them scores. Patrick Horgan knocked over four placed balls as Cork took a 0-07 to 0-01 lead after 20 minutes. However, Westmeath thundered into the game then with four points in a row. Allan Devine with two frees and one from play, Joey Boyle also getting on the scoreboard. Tim O’Mahony completed the scoring in the opening half, his delightful sideline splitting the posts to give Cork an 0-08 to 0-05 lead at the interval.

Westmeath found themselves in trouble though within 30 seconds of the restart. Patrick Horgan was fouled in the box which meant a penalty. Horgan stepped up and finished to the net giving keeper Aaron McHugh little chance. The Cork defence though were scratching their heads two minutes later. An Allan Devine 65 went all the way to the net. Derek McNicholas added a further point.

Both teams were then reduced to 14 players after a skirmish. Damien Cahalane picking up a straight red for Cork, while Joey Boyle was dismissed on a second yellow. Bill Cooper popped up with a 55th minute which gave the Leesiders a cushion. It was another lucky goal, his 45 metre effort went through the hand of McHugh to the net. Allan Devine added a further free. He would also go on to point from play. Centre back Aonghus Clarke had the gap back to a goal 2-10 to 1-10 with 10 minutes left.

Seamus Harnedy was then fouled as he bored down on goal inside the box. Once again Patrick Horgan stepped up and made no mistake. Shane O’Brien’s charges to their credit hung in. If it wasn’t for the penalties the game could of went either way.

 

 

GAA: Wexford beat Kilkenny 1-16 to 1-14

Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald will be delighted on Sunday evening as his Wexford side beat old foes Kilkenny 1-16 to 1-14 at Wexford Park. Wexford were playing into a gale into the second half but they hit late scores to win the game.

Brian Cody and his management team of former players DJ Carey, Martin Comerford and James McGarry opted once more to rest the Ballyhale and Tullaroan contingent. It was Kilkenny who made a good start with midfielder James Maher driving over a 3rd minute score from play. However, the Model County thundered into the game. Naomh Eanna club man Conor McDonald knocking over a point as did Jack O’Connor.

McDonald then got a Wexford goal after a long delivery from a sideline ball from Jack O’Connor, McDonald grabbed the ball and beat his marker before an overhead flick beat Darren Brennan. Reck and Paudie Foley added further points to edge them further clear. It was 1-08 to 0-02 after 23 minutes. Aidan Nolan and a couple of Paul Morris surging the Leinster champions clear. Mark Fanning had to be at his best making saves from Billy Ryan while Kevin Foley playing in the sweeper role also had to cut out goal chances. Brian Cody’s men cut the gap though with scores from Richie Hogan, John Donnelly, Walter Walsh and Glenmore’s Alan Murphy. 1-10 to 0-06 at the break.

Kilkenny were now aided by the strong gale and they started to eat into the Wexford lead. Billy Ryan had a goal on 38 minutes after he got on the end of a delivery from Walter Walsh. 1-11 to 1-07 and all to play for. Martin Keoghan, Darren Brennan (free) and two scores from Richie Hogan levelled up the game. John Donnelly gave the Cats the lead then on 51 minutes, 1-12 to 1-11.  Paul Morris knocked over two frees, while Jack O’Connor also pointed from play. Paddy Deegan and Alan Murphy though levelled up the game once again. Davy released all-star Dee O’Keeffe from the bench and came up trumps with a super score, before Morris made it 1-16 to 1-14.

Wexford held on for the win as they beat their near neighbours.

Wexford: Mark Fanning; Joe O’Connor, Liam Ryan, Simon Donohoe; Shaun Murphy, Pádraig Foley (0-1 free), Damien Reck (0-1); Liam Óg McGovern, Aidan Rochford; Jack O’Connor (0-3), Aidan Nolan (0-2), Kevin Foley; Cathal Dunbar, Conor McDonald (1-1), Paul Morris (0-7, 6 frees).

Subs: Rory O’Connor for Dunbar (45); Lee Chin for McGovern (45); Diarmuid O’Keeffe (0-1) for Nolan (50) Matthew O’Hanlon for Reck (65); Mikey Dwyer (Fethard) for J O’Connor (67).

Kilkenny: Darren Brennan (0-1 free); Conor Browne, Huw Lawlor, Ciarán Wallace; Conor Delaney, Paddy Deegan (0-1), Cillian Buckley; James Maher (0-1), Michael Carey; John Donnelly (0-2), Alan Murphy (0-4 frees), Martin Keoghan (0-1); Billy Ryan (1-0), Richie Hogan (0-3), Walter Walsh (0-1).

Subs: Darren Mullen for Carey (53); Bill Sheehan for Hogan (58); Michael Cody for Maher (64).

Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary).

Dublin power to 0-20 to 0-09 win over Carlow

Dublin powered to a 0-20 to 0-09 win over Carlow at Dr Cullen Park on Saturday. Mattie Kenny’s side need to put in a big second half performance to come away with the two points which puts them in a nice position in Division 1B.

Colm Bonnar’s charges had the better of the opening 20 minutes. Marty Kavanagh knocked over two nice frees, while John Michael Nolan registered a score from play, while Rian McBride knocked over two points for Dublin. It was 0-03 to 0-02 in favour of Carlow. Dublin did however move into the lead. Sean Moran, the impressive McBride and Oisin O’Rorke all pushing the Dubs into a 0-06 to 0-04 advantage at the break.

Dublin should have two goals within the space of  few minutes on the resumption. Chris Crummy raiding forward from midfield. His first chance he was adjudged to have over carried, while the second chance he went wide of the right post. Dublin obviously got a stern dressing down by Kenny at half time. Dublin were against the wind but the intensity in everything they done was raised. Paul Ryan who was called upon from the bench knocked over 5 points. John Hetherton then had a goal chance saved by Carlow netminder Jordan.  Dublin powered home their advantage in the end and were full value for their 11 point win in the end.

Carlow: Damien Jordan; Ross Smithers, Paul Doyle, Michael Doyle; Richard Coady, David English (0-01, 1f), Gary Bennett; Jack Kavanagh, Aaron Amond; John Michael Nolan (0-02), Marty Kavanagh (0-06,4f), Kevin McDonald; Ted Joyce, Paul Coady, Cathal Tracey.

Subs: Sean Whelan for R. Coady (16 mins), Ciaran Abbey for Jordan (47 mins), Dean Tobin for Smithers (59 mins), Dara Tobin for P. Coady (60 mins), Tadgh Daly for Amond (69 mins).

Dublin: Alan Nolan; Paddy Smyth, Eoghan O Donnell, James Madden; Chris Crummey (0-02), Daire Gray (0-02), Sean Moran (0-02, 1f); Jake Malone, Rian McBride (0-04); John Hetherton, Donal Burke, Mark Schutte; Oisin O’Rorke (0-03, 3f), Ronan Hayes, Shane Barrett.

Subs: David Kehoe (0-02) for Schutte (h/t), Cian O’Callaghan for Barrett (h/t), Paul Ryan (0-05, 3f, 1′ 65) for O’Rourke (49 mins), Alex McNeill for McBride (blood 63 mins), Fiontán McGibb for Burke (67 mins), Andrew Dunphy (67 mins) for Madden (69 mins).

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