Ahead of Saturday's match between Ireland and the All Blacks at the Aviva, Gerry Thornley tells us - for one week only let's park the World Cup. "For the first time ever, Ireland host New Zealand as the second best side in the world," he writes in his column. "This is the Grand Slam champions of the north against the champions of the south. This billing has never happened before, and might never happen again." The IRFU confirmed on Monday that Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw will not play any part in the rest of Ireland's November internationals. Meanwhile, Johnny Sexton knows beating the best could crown him The World Player of the Year when the trophy is handed out on November 25th.
Martin O'Neill hasn't rule out capping Dublin-born Southampton striker Michael Obafemi, who is eligible to declare for Ireland, England or Nigeria. The 18 year-old might well get a run out against Northern Ireland, and O'Neill would not rule out the prospect of an appearance in Denmark, something that rules out a future change of international allegiance. Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of the Football Association betting rules in January. Sturridge insists that he has "never gambled on football", although it's been reported that the charge is in relation to providing information for a bet rather than making one himself.
This week's European Tour season finale – the DP World Tour Championship – looks set to be a coronation in the desert for Francesco Molinari. It also provides an opportunity for other players to reap some overdue dividends from their seasons. A return to Dubai is something that always seems to stir Rory McIlroy's senses. He has four career wins in the desert, two in the Dubai Desert Classic (2009 and 2015) and two in the DP World Tour Championship (2012 and 2015), and he's determined to make that five this week.
Dublin hurler Eoghan O'Donnell says that news of Pat Gilroy's departure as manager earlier this year "was like a death in the family almost, a shock to everyone. I was in Croatia on holiday and Pat phoned me and I was thinking this is about physio or something like that, so it was like bomb dropped."
Grand National hero Tiger Roll is all set to reappear in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham on Friday. Having sprung back to life last spring, he will find life tougher off top weight back at Prestbury Park. Meanwhile Samcro, who was surprisingly beaten on his first outing of the season at Down Royal, remains on target for the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Sunday.
