Sports Wrap

01 December 2009 - 07:49

John Walland’s morning sport

FOOTBALL

191 days to go before world cup kicks off and
Fifa's Sepp Blatter has revealed the Republic of Ireland have requested a 33rd spot in the 2010 World Cup finals as an extra team after their controversial play-off defeat against France when Thierry Henry handled the ball during the build-up.

Extra referee’s assistants could be lining up for matches with Blatter discussing the move tomorrow ahead of Friday's group draw.

A plan to slaughter cattle at 2010 World Cup stadiums across the country has prompted the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to reach out to Fifa.
The slaughter proposal was reportedly made by the Makhonya Royal Trust's chairperson Zolani Mkiva, who said the soccer tournament needed to be blessed in true African style in accordance with tradition.

Locally:

Mamelodi Sundowns have signed goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands from Platinum Stars on a two-year deal with an option to a further one year.

The Carling Cup quarter-finals get underway this evening.
There's a repeat of last season's final at Old Trafford as Manchester United take on Spurs.

Before that kicks off, Premier League bottom club Portsmouth is at home Aston Villa.

Tomorrow Blackburn host Chelsea and Manchester City are at home to Arsenal.

RUGBY

De Wet Barry is likely to feature for the Vodacom Bulls in next year’s Super 14 as a late addition to their provisional squad.

Barry plays for Eastern Province in the Currie Cup First Division and will return to EP after the competition.
South Africa’s player of the year Fourie du Preez has revealed that he came close to retiring this year, but that the Springbok management’s handling of the players convinced him not to give up the game.

Springbok coach Pieter de Villiers has called for the careful management of Springboks over the next two seasons after the senior Springboks were clearly fatigued on the year-end tour, which contributed significantly to their sub-standard performances.

The All Blacks have increased their lead at the top of the IRB world rankings, and will finish the year as the world’s best team following their 39-12 win against France and the Boks’ 15-10 loss to Ireland.

Ireland jumps France into fourth spot as the highest placed European nation. England and Argentina both rise one spot with Wales falling two places after their disappointing 33-12 loss to the Wallabies.
Lower down the rankings, Italy jump Samoa into 11th spot with their 24-11 win against the Pacific Islanders.

CRICKET

On World Aids Day, some of the world's best-known cricketers, the likes of Graeme Smith, Nathan Bracken, Isa Guha, Kumar Sangakkara, and Virender Sehwag have called for the international cricket community to continue to support calls for greater awareness to help continue the fight against HIV.

GOLF

Tiger Woods received support from sponsors Nike and Gatorade but marketing experts have urged him to divulge more about last week's car accident.

Woods, the first billion dollar sportsman, was taken to hospital with facial injuries after crashing into a fire hydrant and a tree near his home but is yet to really explain how the accident happened.

He withdrew from this week's Chevron World Challenge, a tournament he hosts every year to benefit his charity foundation, saying his injuries were such that he was unable to play.

After deciding not to talk with police about the incident and to stay in his Florida mansion, Woods has done nothing to dampen rampant speculation that a domestic dispute was somehow behind the accident.

ON THE COURSE:

Des Terblanche shot a seven-under-par 65 to lead the first round of the 54-hole Nedbank Affinity Cup being played on the Lost City Golf Course.
He led by one from early leader Keenan Davidse as well as Toto Thimba and Mark Murless, who each carded six-under 66.

TENNIS

World number one Serena Williams was hit with a record 175Thousand Dollar fine and two years of probation for her outburst over a foot fault call in a US Open semifinal.
The punishments handed down by the International Tennis Federation's Grand Slam committee could result in a US Open suspension of up to three years if Williams makes another major violation in any Grand Slam event in 2010 or 2011.

Williams was fined a record $175 000 with the amount to be reduced to $82 500 if she stays on good behaviour over the next two seasons.

KFC SPORTS CAGE

JAKE WHITE REFLECTS ON SPRINGBOKS

JONTY RHODES CRICKET

Picture courtesy of: www.mrsgrapevine.com