Rugby: World Cup
Little did Scotland know a few weeks ago that such emphasis would be on their Rugby World Cup opener this afternoon - as they take on a Japan side fresh from Saturday’s heroic win over South Africa.
The Scots then will certainly have their part to play in how this sporting fairy-tale develops, or perhaps how it might suddenly ended – yet they insist it's business as usual, no added pressure.
As for the Brave Blossoms this is their chance to show that Saturday was no dream fluke. That chance has been somewhat diminished though by the four days rest/preparation afforded to them for this game, a feature a number of the tier-two nations will have to deal with as the tournament runs out, and one which Andy McGeady has questioned in his column this morning.
Scotland could do with reading Gordon D'Arcy's column this morning – to help dampen the impact of Japan's centre Ayumu Goromaru who was so influential in the winning try against South Africa. The long-time Irish number 12 is explaining the art form that is a centre's defensive work.
“If you dive into that hole and don’t make a clean tackle you disappear from view and it looks like someone else has missed a tackle. Your team-mates know who is to blame. So does your coach.”
In Ireland’s pool tonight France play Romania (our opponents at the weekend), while elsewhere Australia play Fiji.
GAA
Meanwhile Darragh Ó Sé's column this morning, widely anticipated by the Dublin supporters, is looking at how Kerry simply did not turn up in Sunday's All-Ireland final defeat to the boys in blue. He says that Philly McMahon's point was the moment he knew that Sam Maguire would be staying in the capital.
“Kerry needed someone who was going to bully him back. Somebody who was going to be just as much of a needler of McMahon as he is of others. Fight fire with fire. Kerry didn’t do that. It isn’t Colm’s game and nobody else took it upon themselves. I felt that was a mistake.”
Sean Moran's column is asking why we all doubted Dublin in the first place?
Soccer
Elsewhere and Diego Costa was handed a three match ban by the FA for violent conduct during Chelsea's win over Arsenal – Gabriel was given a reprieve.
To make matters worse for Chelsea, team doctor Eva Carneiro is said to be considering her legal position having apparently left the London club.
She fell the full heat of Mourinho’s anger when she and the club physiotherapist, Jon Fearn, ran on to treat Eden Hazard during injury-time of the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on 8th August - leaving the team temporarily down a player as they defended a Swansea attack.
Manchester City bounced back in the Capital Cup last night after back-to-back defeats - they beat Sunderland 4-1, and while most of the games involving Premier League sides followed the script, a David Meyler goal secured a surprise win for Hull City over Swansea.
Back in the domestic game and a late free kick from Brandon Miele gave Shamrock Rovers a laboured but welcome first win in five games against Bray last night.
Racing
Aidan O’Brien is targeting in strength what could be a record-breaking 15th Juddmonte Beresford Stakes success at the Curragh on Sunday.
He has 11 options to choose from for this weekend's domestic feature among the 17 left in at the five-day stage, including Deauville, who also has the option of Saturday's Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.
What to watch out for
Japan versus Scotland kicks-off at 2.30pm while Australia and Fiji follows that at 4.45pm.
TV3 from 2pm
There's the north London derby tonight as Tottenham and Arsenal meet in the Capital Cup.
Sky Sports 1 from 7pm
