The Morning Sports Briefing

Rugby

Rugby’s governing bodies must clamp down on dangerous tackles at all levels of the game, so writes Gerry Thornley in his column today.

Organisers clamped down on dangerous hits at last year’s Rugby World Cup but, as the events in Paris two weeks ago showed, that clamp down hasn’t reached all levels.

“The game’s governing body and major tournament organisers have a duty of care not only to the participants but in presenting the game in the correct light and also establishing benchmarks for the sport all the way down to grassroots level. The World Cup and after that the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship set the tone in how the game is played, how laws are applied and what is permissible.

Viewed in that light, the referee for the recent France v Ireland game, Jaco Peyper of South Africa, and his TMO George Ayoub of Australia fell way short of the standards required.”

In team news, Joe Schmidt will make a decision on his squad for Saturday’s game against England after training at Carton House today. Main injury concern Jared Payne will have to prove his fitness.

Conor Murray goes into the game feeling that Ireland can rediscover their clinical best if they just clean up the small errors which have so far proved costly.

“We didn’t take our opportunities, didn’t convert them into scores, especially in the second half and it’s not often you come away from France losing narrowly and be quite frustrated and annoyed,” Murray said.

Meanwhile Eddie Jones has cheerfully stirred the nationalistic pot by claiming the other Six Nations countries still harbour an instinctive “hatred” of England.

“Maybe Clive Woodward summed it up best when he said everyone hates England,” suggests Jones. “It’s true. Because of the history that is involved with England and the surrounding countries there’s that long-seated hatred of England and you can feel that.”

Soccer

Manchester United eased their way into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last night thanks to a 3-0 win over League One Shrewsbury. Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard were on the scoresheet for the Reds and they will face West Ham in the next round.

Meanwhile it’s a huge night of Champions League action as Arsenal attempt to stifle the incredible attacking force of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Daniel Taylor writes: “Their opponents, Wenger acknowledged, will be “super favourites”. Arsenal will have to reach the point of maximum expression not just once, but twice, and even then it might still not be enough judging by Wenger’s response when he was asked whether Barcelona had any discernible weaknesses. “Of course,” he replied. “No team is perfect.” And then he paused. “Though they are not far from it, I must say.””

In tonight’s other last 16 clash, Bayern Munich travel to face Juventus in the first leg of their tie.

In other news, more than half of soccer fans worldwide do not believe Fifa can restore its tattered reputation, according to a poll commissioned by Transparency International before this week’s presidential election.

Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman are the favourites to take the position on Friday.

Golf

The R&A has dealt a blow to Donald Trump by confirming the Open Championship will not be held at Turnberry before 2022. The chief executive of that governing body, though, still refuses to provide a public stance on whether Trump’s offensive opinions should exclude his venues from golf.

Trump owns a number of golf resorts around the world – including that at Doral where the WGC Cadillac Championship will take place next week – and recently described his business at Doonbeg in Co. Clare as “small potatoes” compared to his quest to reach the White House.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’ agent has denied claims that the former world number one has siffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a back injury.

Reports from the Secret Tour Pro, and golf writer Robert Lusetich claimed that Woods, who hasn’t played since August, is struggling to walk, and needs a driver to take him anywhere while he sits in the passenger side with his seat fully reclined.

But agent Mark Steinberg completely rejected the claims on Monday.

GAA

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald is still unconvinced by the current Allianz Hurling League format and feels a change is needed.

An expanded top flight of 12 teams, divided into two mixed-ability groups of six counties, is needed, according to Fitzgerald - a sentiment echoed by Waterford’s Derek McGrath.

Meanwhile, it now seems likely that one of few GAA Congress motions submitted by the Standing Committee on Playing Rules may be withdrawn from the clár before it is either discussed or voted on.

Motion 41, submitted by Central Council on foot of proposals agreed with the Standing Committee on Playing Rules, is seeking to introduce the ‘mark’ in Gaelic football.

Racing

Willie Mullins is set to make a call on whether or not Don Poli will wear some sort of headgear at Cheltenham.

Owner Michael O’Leary’s brother, and bloodstock adviser, Eddie O’Leary, has stressed running plans for most of Gigginstown’s massive festival team won’t be finalised until as late as possible.

What to watch out for

Soccer: Arsenal take on Barcelona in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash. BT Sport Europe from 7pm/TV3 from 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich travel to fave Juventus in the night’s other tie. BT Sport 2 from 7pm/Setanta from 7.30pm.