Rugby: World Cup
The weight of expectation of a nation lies on England tonight as they begin their own World Cup in Twickenham, against a dangerous Fiji side, kicking-off six weeks of rugby's biggest tournament.
England, the 66/1-on favourites to beat Pacific Nations champions Fiji, have won their last seven matches at Twickenham and enter the tournament on the back of an impressive victory over Ireland that was comprehensive in many areas if not on the scoreboard.
John O’Sullivan is in London: “For now the weight of expectation sits easily on the broad shoulders of a confident, well-prepared England team – they took the away changing room for the Ireland match because that is where they will be for this game in their changed strip of red jerseys – intent on delivering on their pre-match promise.”
Meanwhile Gerry Thornley is in Cardiff, analysing Ireland's XV for Saturday's opening game against Canada - a team he feels represents Joe Schmidt's first choice.
“So it is that Iain Henderson has played his way in ahead of Devin Toner, while Keith Earls and Dave Kearney have claimed the wing positions. Most likely too, Chris Henry has played his way onto the bench ahead of the more versatile Jordi Murphy, who had the misfortune to be pitched against man of the match Justin Tipuric in the defeat to Wales. Hence, Sean O’Brien is effectively covering across the backrow.”
GAA: All-Ireland final
Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice has never been one for niceties - you need look no further than the substitution of so far footballer of the year David Moran against Tyrone, the lack of game time afforded to his brother in law Paul Galvin or returning prodigal son Tommy Walsh, not to mention last year’s big calls - and so why stop now.
Ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland final Fitzmaurice has dropped captain Kieran Donaghy for the in-form Paul Geaney, with Fionn Fitzgerald and Aidan O’Mahony also coming into the full back line in place of last year’s All-Ireland final man of the match Paul Murphy and veteran Marc Ó Sé.
Of course we don’t now how exactly Kerry will line out until throw in on Sunday, but if they do follow the numbers on their back there’s some big calls right there.
Soccer: Europa League
Liverpool's poor form continued last nightas their young second string selection were held, and for large parts outplayed, by French side Bordeaux in their Europa League opening group game.
There was better news for Tottenham fans though, their new signing Son Heung-min found the net twice on his home debut to give Spurs the three points against Qarabag (3-1).
While Celtic battled hard to come away from Amsterdam with a point - the Scottish champions again showed their best form on the big occasion as they twice took the lead against Ajax. If only they could replicate their results against the likes of Barcelona, Milan and Ajax in the Champions League qualifiers.
Golf
Jason Day, in pursuit of world number one status and a fourth win in six starts, was poised for a possible 59 after charging four shots clear in the weather-hit opening round of the BMW Championship in the early hours of this morning.
Day had just hit his tee shot 346 yards into the right rough at the ninth, his final hole, before the siren sounded to halt the action and he faces a second shot from 44 yards for what would be a sensational eagle.
What to watch out for:
The Rugby World Cup opening ceremony will be live on TV3 from 6pm to 7.30pm - with the pool A opener between hosts England and Fiji kicks-off at 8pm.
TV3 from 7.30pm
Airtricity League action tonight, high-flying Dundalk take on their rivals Drogheda and that's underway at 7.25pm.
RTE 2 from 7pm
The golf action continues with round two of the Conway Farms GC BMW Championship getting underway tonight and running into the early hours.
Sky Sports 4, 8pm-midnight
