Hansen wary of Boks threat
We are now well and truly at the business end of the Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand taking on South Africa in the tournament’s first semi-final tomorrow.
And All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is under no illusions as to the size of the challenge facing the defending world champions at Twickenham, despite his side having hit their straps during the 62-13 evisceration of France in the last eight.
Responding to the gushing praise afforded to the All Blacks by Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer earlier in the week, Hansen said: “He’s a cunning wee devil, Heyneke.
“He’s been praising us all week and, while I know he means some of it, they’re getting ready to rip our heads off. If we go lapping up all the praise, then we won’t be in the right mental state to play.”
Tomorrow's game will be All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw's 147th cap, and Hansen has paid tribute to the number seven he calls, "a complete rugby player."
Liam Toland column
In his column Liam Toland looks at New Zealand and how they devastatingly implement the OODA loop in a way Ireland are yet to master.
IABA reneged on Walsh deal
Following his resignation on Monday, yesterday morning Billy Walsh departed Dublin for Colorado Springs to take up his new role with the US Olympic committee.
And it has been revealed the IABA reneged on a six-part agreement with the Sports Council over the terms of Walsh’s employment, with terms agreed at a meeting in August only to be withdrawn days later.
The agreement made would have seen Walsh earn less than he will do in his new role in America, however the 52-year-old was happy to sign up to the new deal as it would have formalised his role as the leader of the IABA's high performance unit, writes Malachy Clerkin.
IABA president Pat Ryan has told The Irish Times they are hoping to hold a press conference today to discuss the matter.
Liverpool held by 10-men Rubin Kazan
Meanwhile Jürgen Klopp is still searching for his first win as Liverpool manager after his side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Rubin Kazan in the Europa League last night, despite the Russians having a man sent off after 36 minutes.
Elsewhere Celtic’s european hopes also took a hit after they were beaten 3-1 away at Molde in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first game of his second spell in charge of the Norwegian club.
All-Ireland reform
18 different blueprints to reform and improve the provincial and All-Ireland championships have been circulated to the counties for consideration ahead of next month’s Central Council meeting.
The most striking thing about the proposals for reform is how difficult it is going to be to reach a consensus motion which can be put before congress in 2016, writes Sean Moran.
Australia can send Ireland to Olympics
Meanwhile the Ireland men's hockey side could secure a place at the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908 in the arly hours of sunday morning, providingAustralia beat New Zealand in the final of the Oceania Cup.
What to watch out for:
Golf
The second round of the Hong Kong Open is currently underway and after his fine start yesterday Kevin Phelan is now facing an uphill battle to secure the sixth-place finish he needs to secure his European Tour card for next season.
Phelan is currently two over par for his round and two under overall, leaving him seven shots off the lead of Justin Rose. Peter Lawrie meanwhile has failed to make the cut after posting a second round 74. (SS4, 7am-10am, 11.30am-2.30pm)
Rugby
Three of the provinces are in Pro 12 action tonight, with Leinster welcoming defending champions Glasgow to the RDS (SS2, 7.45pm ko), unbeaten Munster travelling to West Wales to face the Scarlets (TG4, BBC Wales, 7.05pm ko) and Ulster welcoming Cardiff to Ravenhill (BBC 2 NI, 7.45pm ko).
Football
Defeat for Limerick at home to Shamrock Rovers tonight coupled with wins for Drogheda and Sligo would see them relegated from the Premier Division. (RTE 2)
