The Morning Sports Briefing

Jim McGuinness column

Dublin’s 4-25 to 0-10 mauling of Longford last Sunday will have done little good for either side - Jim Gavin’s men were barely made to break sweat in the Leinster SFC quarter-final, while it will be hard for the visitors to be anything but dispirited at the ease in which they were swatted away.

Longford manager Jack Sheedy's decision to go toe-to-toe with Dublin raised a number of eyebrows, and his defensive negligence wasn't about trying to win the game but rather uphold a moral philosophy, writes Jim McGuinness.

In his latest column McGuinness suggests there are now three tiers in Gaelic Football - the elite, the challengers and those who don’t have any real hope of competing for honours - and that the hungry middle rung would be unlikely to fold as meekly in the name of philosophy as Longford did.

Last Sunday's other fixture at Croke Park saw Dublin hurlers draw 0-20 to 1-17 with Galway setting up a replay, however it is unlikely Saturday's rematch in Tullamore will be broadcast on television.

Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney has suggested Dublin and Kerry are "way above" the rest in terms of physicality.

Ireland cope with favourites tag

Munster’s Pro 12 final defeat to Glasgow last Saturday was a disappointing way to end what must ultimately be considered a successful season for Irish rugby.

Attentions now naturally turn to the World Cup, and while Joe Schmidt's Ireland appear to deal very comfortably whenever they are tagged as favourites, France have more scope to improve ahead of September, writes Gerry Thornley.

Ireland Under-20s take on a strong Argentina side in their World Championship Pool C clash in Parma today.

International relief after domestic agony

For a number of Ireland players the domestic season proved to be a disappointment, however Martin O'Neill is confident the likes of Robbie Brady and Richard Keogh can put their club woes behind them heading into this month's fixtures against Ireland and Scotland.

Despite it ending in play-off defeat to rivals Norwich, Daryl Murphy enjoyed a good season up-front for Ipswich and with 27 goals was the Championship's top scorer, however his goals are unlikely to get him a starting berth for Ireland.

Juventus play Barcelona in their first European Cup final since 2003 on Saturday night, and while the task of stopping Lionel Messi may be an unenviable one, the pressure in Berlin will be on Luis Enrique's side, not Max Allegri and the Old Lady.

Irish Open good prep for US

For much of the field last week's Irish Open at royal County Down was a chastening experience, however Graeme McDowellbelieves it will have provided ideal preparation for the US Open at Chambers Bay.

Extreme weather meant the East of Ireland Amateur Open was reduced to 54 holes for the first time in its 75-year history, giving Tullamore's Stuart Grehan the win.

Bracewell’s first game

Ireland's bid for Test match status begins today, as new coach John Bracewell's tenure starts with a four-day game against the UAE at Malahide.

Zawraq capable for Derby

Elsewhere, Pat Smullen is confidentZawraq has everything required to mount a serious challenge in Saturday's Epsom Derby.

What to watch out for:

Tennis

The French Open continues today with Roger Federer taking on Stan Wawrinka in an all-Swiss clash. Eurosport 10-12pm and 1-5pm, ITV 4 12.30pm-9pm and Setanta 1pm-8pm.

Rugby

Ireland Under-20s take on a strong Argentina side in their World Championship Pool C clash in Parma. TG4 from 3.15pm, BT Sport from 3.30pm.

Cricket

England look to chase a record total on the final day of the second Test against New Zealand at Headingley. Sky Sports 2 from 10.130pm

GAA

Dublin Under-21s face Kilkenny Under-21s. TG4 from 7.15pm