Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland squad arrived in Sofia last night after receiving negative results from the latest round of Uefa tests for Covid-19. Their opening Uefa Nations League game is against Bulgaria tomorrow night (7.45pm) before hosting Finland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday (5.0pm). For UCD academic and soccer lover James McDermott, Sunday will be the first Irish home game he will have missed in 30 years: "for the first time in decades I will transform myself into what every true supporter instinctively resents – the armchair fan. There are of course many advantages to watching a game on television. It's free, you can bring drinks to your seat and there is no queue for the bathroom. But despite these home comforts I would much prefer to be in my usual spot in the Aviva." Burnley midfielder Robbie Brady is keen to put his injuries behind him and buy into Kenny's passionate approach ahead of this week's Nations League openers and the new Premier League season. "He's shown great confidence in me and has reassured me of my own ability," explains Brady. "It definitely helps after having a bit of a sticky period over the last couple of seasons."
In his column this morning (Subscriber Only), Gordon D'Arcy explains why Munster need constructive chaos to derail Leinster's blue juggernaut: "they must create an environment that makes Leinster extremely uncomfortable. Draw up the blueprint for Saracens to ruin Leinster's flawless season. What Sarries did at St James Park in May 2019 is a good place to start. If given opportunities, I am certain the Munster backline will deliver." The two provinces meet in the Pro14 semi-final on Friday night at an empty Aviva Stadium, and Munster forwards coach Graham Rowntree says "we are playing against our old foes. Why not us? Why shouldn't it be us? We have got so much to go for. That's our energy and belief going into this game. Why not us? There is no reason why we can't win Friday night."
Nicolas Roche reached the line in 22nd place in the fourth stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday, just 28 seconds behind, moving him from 28th to 24th in the General Classification, just 45 seconds off the lead. Roche continues to be the best of the Irish as Dan Martin struggles with the back injury sustained just two weeks before the start. Sam Bennett made one impressive move to win the intermediate sprint after 51.5km at Veynes although he remains some distance back, crossing the line in 169th, leaving him 156th overall. The irrepressible Primoz Roglic took an imperious stage victory in the first first ski station finish to this year's race at Orcieres-Merlette in the Hautes Alpes, but it wasn't enough to lift the yellow jersey from the shoulders of Julian Alaphilippe, who retains his overall lead.
Meanwhile Seán Moran's column explains why club GAA will be reluctant to return to ha'penny place in 2021: "in a time of crisis this volunteerism turned out to be a more accurate expression of GAA priorities than the high-profile events with which it is more associated." Andy Murray ground out a 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over Yoshihito Nishioka - with "a smattering of profane Scottish defiance" - that carries him into the second round of the US Open on Thursday.
