Wales captain Sam Warburton has been backed to make a quick recovery from the crushing blow of his World Cup being ended by suspension. Warburton has started serving a three-week ban following his sending off by Irish referee Alain Rolland for a dangerous tackle on France wing Vincent Clerc during Saturday's 9-8 semi-final defeat. He will miss the bronze medal match against Australia next Friday and cannot return to action until 7 November. Prop Gethin Jenkins is favourite to assume leadership duties when Wales face the Wallabies at Eden Park, with Dan Lydiate possibly being switched from blindside to openside as Warburton's replacement. "What's gone is gone, there is not an awful lot we can do about it," Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins said,
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Luis Suarez denies Evra racism claim
FA investigation launched Liverpool say that Luiz Suarez categorically denies the accusation of racism made against him by Manchester United's Patrice Evra. GettyImagesPatrice Evra battles Luis Suarez • Gerrard: Rooney must go to Euro 2012• FA to investigate Evra claims During Saturday's 1-1 draw at Anfield, the players were involved in a lengthy dispute and Evra was booked by referee Andre Marriner. In post-match, Evra told Canalplus: "There are cameras, you can see him. He says a certain word to me at least 10 times. "I was very upset. In 2011 you can't say things like this. He knows what he said, the ref knows it, it will come out. I won't repeat what he said, but it was a racist word, and he said it more
Rangers win second straight AL pennant (AP)
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—Nelson Cruz(notes) and the Texas Rangers are headed to their second straight World Series, finishing off the Detroit Tigers with a huge offensive burst to become the American League’s first repeat champion in a decade. Cruz set a postseason record with his sixth home run of the series, Michael Young(notes) hit a pair of two-run doubles in a nine-run third inning, and the Rangers romped to a 15-5 win Saturday night that won the AL pennant in six games. “It’s very sweet,” said Young, the Rangers’ longest-tenured player, in his 11th season. “We’re happy we’re going to the World Series right now. But we have a lot of work to do. Happy, but not satisfied.” They’ll open the World Series on
FA to investigate Evra’s Suarez accusations
The Football Association has confirmed it will look into a report made to referee Andre Marriner after Saturday's 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester United. GettyImagesPatrice Evra battles Luis Suarez • Premier League: City go top• Jolly: Ferguson shuffles his pack• Premier League gallery It is believed the investigation will follow claims of alleged racist abuse made by United defender Patrice Evra against Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. In a statement released late on Saturday, the FA said: "The Football Association has this evening been made aware of an incident that is alleged to have occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield today. "Referee Andre Marriner was made aware of an allegation at the end of the fixture and has subsequently reported this to The
Cards move within 1 win of World Series (AP)
ST. LOUIS (AP)—Tony La Russa called up some more bullpen magic for the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet another round of spotless relief has a team that squeaked into the postseason on the final day one victory away from the World Series. Not bad for a team that’s on its fifth closer, and Jason Motte(notes) remains unofficial in that capacity. “We’re just trying to win,” Matt Holliday(notes) said after the Cardinals beat Milwaukee 7-1 on Friday night to take a 3-2 lead in the NL championship series. “He’s (La Russa’s) just trying to do whatever he can to win. If the spot calls for it, our bullpen’s been incredible. They’re really fit into roles and it’s been fun to watch.” The Brewers helped out
Tigers force Game 6 in ALCS with 7-5 win (AP)
DETROIT (AP)—A loss from elimination, the exhausted Detroit Tigers needed another big start from their determined ace. When Justin Verlander(notes) began to struggle, a fluky bounce helped extend their season. Verlander kept Detroit in the game with a gutsy effort, and Miguel Cabrera(notes) put the Tigers ahead with a sixth-inning grounder that hit third base before bouncing down the line for a double. Detroit held on for a 7-5 victory over Texas on Thursday that cut the Rangers’ lead to 3-2 in the AL championship series. “We were lucky, but we need lucky times right now,” Cabrera said. Delmon Young hit two home runs for the Tigers in their Game 5 win.(AP photo) The Rangers get another chance to reach the World Series for the
Dalglish: United clash a game like any other
Liverpool vs Manchester United Kenny Dalglish insists Saturday's derby with Manchester United is merely a chance for Liverpool to move within three points of their title rivals. PA PhotosKenny Dalglish is keeping his cool ahead of the derby • Henry: I knew very little of Reds United moved ahead of Liverpool by winning their 19th league title last season, so for the first time in several decades the Reds go into the derby as England's second most successful side when it comes to league championships. Sir Alex Ferguson, traditionally, has made no effort to hide the fact that he views United's clashes with Liverpool as the biggest of the season, but Dalglish says he will treat it like any other game and the opportunity to earn