Betting on rugby world cup

SHANGHAI: Marcello Lippi (pix) was back as coach of China on Friday, four months after the World Cup winner quit and following a failed stint by fellow Italian Fabio Cannavaro. The 71-year-old’s return was broadly welcomed by fans and local media, who are desperate to see China reach the World Cup for only a second time. Lippi, who opted not to renew his contract after China were dumped out of the Asian Cup quarter-finals 3-0 by Iran in late January, is tasked with guiding the team to Qatar 2022. China’s only previous World Cup appearance came in 2002, when they exited without a point or scoring a goal. “Since Lippi coached the national team, they have shown a positive and tenacious fighting spirit,“ the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said. “We believe that in the days to come, under the leadership of Lippi and his coaching team, the national men’s side will make a full impact on their World Cup dreams.” China sit a lowly 74th in the FIFA … [Read more...] about ‘World Cup dreams’

Sport Sonny Bill Williams has enough credit in the bank to only need to prove his fitness to put himself into contention for his third Rugby World Cup later this year, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said. 20 May 2019 01:18PM Bookmark WELLINGTON: Sonny Bill Williams has enough credit in the bank to only need to prove his fitness to put himself into contention for his third Rugby World Cup later this year, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has said.The 33-year-old Auckland Blues back, a member of the World Cup winning squads in 2011 and 2015, suffered a knee injury in late March and had arthroscopic surgery.It was the latest in a long list of injuries that have limited the inside centre's appearances since the last World Cup in England and questions were being asked if he would be able to make the All Blacks squad."I understand why people would say he's running out of time. But is he really?" Hansen told reporters in Auckland on Monday, adding that Williams was back running and … [Read more...] about Sonny Bill only has to prove fitness ahead of World Cup

JOHANNESBURG: Lions coach Swys de Bruin has returned to his post with the South African Super Rugby side after treatment for stress and says he is "ready to go" in his role as attack coach for the Springboks at the World Cup in Japan later in the year.De Bruin left the Lions' Australasian tour four weeks ago and returned to South Africa on the advice of team doctor Rob Collins, but says he is ready to coach the side against the New South Wales Waratahs at Ellis Park on Saturday."I got professional help. It (stress) is something I realise does happen‚ if you don't look after it. But I'm feeling so good," an upbeat De Bruin told reporters on Thursday."I think in most cases you don't see it coming. I take stuff to heart and I make stuff personal. It's not something that happens over a day or two, but comes over a long period."To pinpoint particular stuff is not going to solve anything. For me it's about how do I react when it happens. I'm getting professional help not to get over … [Read more...] about Lions coach De Bruin back at his post and ready for World Cup

LONDON: The European Champions Cup has the heavyweight final it deserves on Saturday with Leinster and Saracens, the two most dominant clubs in the region with teams who would be a match for most countries in the World Cup, going head-to-head.Defending champions Leinster are seeking to become the first club to win the competition five times following their triumphs of 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018 and have the proud record of never losing in the final.Standing in their way are a Saracens team seeking their third European title in four years after wins in 2016 and 2017.The teams met at the quarter-final stage last year when Leinster triumphed but Saracens, favourites to win a fifth English Premiership crown and fourth in the last five seasons, are in fantastic form.They have won all eight of their Champions Cup matches this season. Only two teams have done that and lifted the trophy - Saracens in 2016 and Leinster last season.The Irish side have actually won 16 of their 17 tournament matches … [Read more...] about European showdown worthy of World Cup year

TOKYO: When hosting an international rugby tournament and welcoming thirsty fans from around the world, the last thing you want to do is run out of beer.That's the message from Rugby World Cup bosses to Japanese hosts as they gear up for the global showcase that kicks off on September 20.Japan is the first Asian country to host the World Cup and may be unfamiliar with rugby culture, organisers said, including a healthy thirst for beer - before, during and after the action on the pitch.Rugby bosses have warned host cities about running out of ale, using anecdotes such as when Australian and Irish fans drank the city of Adelaide dry, forcing emergency supplies to be brought in from surrounding areas.Around two million litres of beer were downed at stadiums and nearby areas during the 2015 Rugby World Cup with rugby fans having a reputation for outdrinking their football counterparts.Rugby culture "is not widely known in Japan", admitted a spokesman for the World Cup organising committee, … [Read more...] about Beer fear: Japan urged to stock up for Rugby World Cup