Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Connacht return to top of table, Schmidt and Noves ring the changes, Woodward avoids shareholder wrath

Connacht’s Eoghan Masterson scores his side’s third try. Photograph: Craig Thomas/Inpho
Connacht’s Eoghan Masterson scores his side’s third try. Photograph: Craig Thomas/Inpho
Fri Feb 12 2016 - 08:35

Rugby

Connacht returned to the top of the Pro12 table last night after bonus-point win over the Dragons in Wales. The hosts made life difficult for the Irish province but Pat Lam's side edged in front in the final quarter thanks to tries within a five minute spell.

There were changes aplenty for both Joe Schmidt and Guy Noves ahead of Ireland's visit to Paris tomorrow.

The respective head coaches have made nine changes between them for the Six Nations clash, with the Irish head coach welcoming back brothers Rob and Dave Kearney, as well as the fit-again Sean O’Brien. The two Kearneys profit from injuries to Simon Zebo (knee) and Keith Earls (concussion).

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Ahead of the crunch encounter Liam Toland says that Schmidt's team can exploit France's lack of preparation in the build up to the Six Nations.

“There was only so much Guy Novés could achieve in his first international week. His side tomorrow is drawn from eight clubs (only two players from Toulon). Remember that many of his squad were playing Top 14 rugby seven days before the Italian match.”

Golf

An opening eagle helped Paul Dunne card a four-under 67 in his opening round at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California - leaving him four shots behind leader Chez Reavie who also played the par-71 Monterey Peninsula course, one of three played in the event.

Pádraig Harrington was a shot behind Dunne on three under after five birdies and three birdies in a 68, also at Monterey. Shane Lowry carded an even-par 71 on the same course.

Soccer

Manchester United shareholders gave executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward an easy ride during a conference call on Thursday - Woodward was expected to receive a grilling but not one investor questioned Woodward on Louis van Gaal's position as manager or the team's performances.

England footballer Adam Johnson has been sacked by Premier League Sunderland after he admitted a charge of grooming and one of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

Meanwhile UCD, reigning champions DCU and University Limerick joined UUJ in booking their places in the last four of the Sigerson Cup after quarter-final wins yesterday evening.