The Morning Sports Briefing

Key decisions for Schmidt

The 2015 Six Nations championship was officially launched yesterday and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has two key decisions to make which could shape the start of his side's title defence.

Firstly, he must choose if Sean O’Brien is to be a part of the Wolfhounds side announced today ahead of tomorrow’s fixture with England at Musgrave Park, which if he gets through could see the flanker playing a part in the opening two tournament fixtures away to Italy and at home to France.

And with Johnny Sexton unavailable for the Italy game as he follows return to play protocols Schmidt must also decide who will be pulling the strings at outhalf, a task expected to go to Ian Madigan in Cork tomorrow.

Ireland have it easy says Andre

At the launch John O'Sullivan spoke to Philippe Saint Andre, who feels central contracts have benefited Ireland while he and the FFR are in a constant battle with Top 14 clubs over player availability.

England injury misery

Meanwhile England's tournament hopes have been dealt a further blow with the news Brad Barritt, Kyle Eastmond, Geoff Parling and Tom Wood have joined the growing list of absentees for their campaign opener at the Millenium Stadium.

Spurs reach Wembley

Tottenham Hotspur will play Chelsea in the League Cup final after they survived a second half scare to escape from Bramall Lane with a 2-2 draw.

This time it was a step too far for giant killers Sheffield United, who looked to be taking the game to extra time after two Che Adams goals in the 76th and 79th minutes had put them 2-1 up on the night, but Christian Eriksen’s late second goal booked Spurs’ trip to Wembley.

Costa to miss City

Diego Costa is set to miss Chelsea's vital fixture against Manchester City after he was charged by the FA for violent conduct following his stamp on Emre Can during his side's 1-0 win over Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Boys join big boys

Cabinteely Boys, who currently run 54 teams across the club, have become the newest members of the SSE Airtricity League, writes Emmet Malone.

Walsh relishing return

After five injury-ravaged years in the AFL Tommy Walsh is back with Kerry and relishing his return to action with the All-Ireland Champions, he spoke to Ian O'Riordan.

Duffy ready to go

Gavin Duffy could finally be about to make his Mayo intercounty senior bow after a year of confusion over his eligibility following his retirement from rugby and return to the county panel, writes Eamon O'Donoghue.

They may have lost the All-Ireland final last year but Christy Toye says Donegal are looking forward to picking up where Jim McGuinness left off.

Cricket Ireland ask ICC to back up decision

Cricket Ireland have called on the ICC to back up their decision to promote Ireland and Afghanistan to join the 10 Full Member countries in a qualification process for the 2019 World Cup by giving them more matches which will enable them to collect the ranking points to climb the qualification table.

Serene progress

Serena Williams will play Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final after she beat surprise package Madison Keys 7-6 6-2, while Sharapova also saw off Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets.

Andy Murray begins his bid to reach a fourth Australian final against Thomas Berdych at 8.30am, and you can watch that live on Eurosport.

Roaring start for Rory

Rory McIlroy may have an impending court case hanging over him but as ever he hasn’t let it affect his golf.

The world number one is currently six under through 16 in the Dubai Desert Classic, one shot off the lead of Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts who carded 65 in his opening round.

What to watch out for:

Rugby:

The announcement of the Ireland Wolfhounds squad for tomorrow night’s fixture against England Saxons will be made today.

Golf:

The Phoenix Open, a tournament unlike any other and 'the greatest show on grass': Sky Sports 4, 8pm-Midnght

Soccer:

Copa Del Rey Quarter-final second leg, Getafe v Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao v Malaga, Sky Sports 5, 6.55pm onwards.