New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has admitted that watching his brother win Super Bowl accolades inspired him to go even further. The younger of the two brothers stood on the touchline as Peyton Manning claimed the Most Valuable Player award when the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears 29-17 to lift the Super Bowl championship. However, only one year passed before Manning Jr. matched the achievement when he picked up the accolade in 2008 as the Giants registered a shock Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots. And with Manning preparing for Super Bowl XLV1 on Sunday when his Giants side will line up against the Patriots once again, the 31-year old could surpass Peyton and double his MVP title tally.   

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted his side could still finish in the top four of the English Premier League after a goalless draw away to struggling Bolton Wanderers left them five points shy of a Champions League spot.

Wednesday's result was made worse for Arsenal by Newcastle beating relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to leapfrog the Gunners and Liverpool into fifth place, two points in front of Wenger's men.

At the Reebok Stadium, visitors Arsenal dominated possession but, with Robin van Persie off target, dropped down into seventh - a huge 17 points behind leaders Manchester City.

With his 100th international ton continuing to elude him,Indian great Sachin Tendulkar remains a relaxed figure,according to his team-mate Rahul Dravid.Tendulkar is aiming to notch his century of centuries during the the Third Test against Australia at the WACA Ground,starting on Friday.It's been 10 months since Tendulkar notched his 99th international century-against South Africa in a one-dayer in Nagpur.       

New Zealand has won the second Test by 7 runs in Hobart,the first Kiwi win over Australia since 1993 and first away from home since 1985. Seamer Doug Bracewell bowled the Kiwis to victory as Australia collapsed after being comfortable 2-159 chasing 241 runs for victory.The hosts lost 8-74 as Bracewell finished with 6-40.The series finished all square after Australia won the first Gabba Test by nine wickets.  

England's Lee Westwood will rejoin the US PGA Tour in 2012 after spending the past three seasons on the European Tour,the world No3 announced today.

Australia ripped out South Africa's last six batsmen for 25 runs to bowl the hosts out for 266 by stumps on the first day of the second test at Wanderers,taking early control of a match the tourists have to win to level the series.

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The Perth Scorchers have finalised their squad with the signing of Mitchell Johnson for the inaugural KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League campaign.

‘‘I guess putting yourself out there and racing like this is not good for your ego - but I’m comfortable with that,’’ Thorpe said after his 100m butterfly heat.

‘‘It was about the same time as I swam in Singapore (comeback meet last week) so I am happy with how I technically put the race together.

‘‘This World Cup has definitely been tougher mentally than it has been physically".

Thorpe will be in Tokyo this weekend for the World Cup series final. Thorpe in his heyday won 11 World titles, set 13 individual World records and collected five Olympic metals. Its been five years since Thorpe last competed, maybe too much of a dry spiel.

The Australian Kangaroos,despite early injury woes,have banded togrther and continued history with a crushing defeat of England 36-20 in the second match of the double header at the famous Wembley Stadium.

Scott Watters has just been named new coach for St Kilda to help the club contend for 2012 AFL premiership. Watters was the Collingwood Assistant coach for the last two years, and has said his always admired the spirit, leadership and defensive skills of St Kilda.

Watters believes that he will need to rebuild some areas within the club, and build upon certain aspects like player development. "I think where football is right now, certainly you want to contend, but at the same time you need to rebuild," said Watters, who has been appointed on a three-year term.

"It's a constant process and one doesn't mutually exclude the other.

"We've got some really talented kids on our list, that will need to earn the opportunity to play, but you've got opportunities that are going to be there.

Watters said the Saints, who played in grand finals in 2009 and 2010, were admired AFL-wide for the "defensive DNA" his predecessor Ross Lyon had instilled.

It looks to be a big year ahead for Watters, with St Kildas performance to be seen in 2012.

Craig Williams rode the mare Southern Speed to a comfortable win yesterday in the $2.5 million dollar feature Caulfield Cup race.

It was co-trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas first Caulfield Cup win, with Southern Speed's first win beyond a 1400m race.

"Just sensational," an elated Macdonald said.

"As soon as she got to a mile(1600m)-plus (this campaign), she's showed her form.

"She's very sound, she hasn't had a problem.

"She's not in the Melbourne Cup, we've done our job."

It was Southern Speed's fourth career win and she has also recorded three placings for prize money in excess of $1.85 million.

Williams was as rapt in the performance as Macdonald.

"Leon's done a great job," he said.

"He said 'Just go out and win, and win easy'.

"At the end she ran away (from them).

"She was just dominant".

Jorge Lorenzo loses part of his finger in an ugly high speed crash today at the exit of Turn 12 after a warm-up race in Phillip Island. The injury to his left hand has seen Lorenzo unfit to compete in the Phillip Island GP.

Casey Stoner now only needs to get sixth place or higher to score the 10 points more than Lorenzo to seal the 2011 MotoGP world championship, which so happens to fall at his homeground on his 26th Birthday.

Lorenzo severed finger is said to be contributed by the strong wind conditions of Phillip Island. Lorenzo's factory Yamaha teammate Ben Spies as also been ruled out of the race after suffering a concussion in a 270kmh crash during qualifying on Saturday.

Its said Stoner visited his Lorenzo in the medical centre at Phillip Island shortly before the Spaniard was transferred to hospital in a private car.

Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) refused to comment over the embarrassing slip-up with releasing the race route, which gets underway in the Belgian town of Liege on June 30.

The page is no longer accessible but Dutch journalist Stephan van der Zwan has some images he took of it on www.Wielerland.nl, the website that revealed the error.

The 2012 Tour De France will feature nine flat stages, five mountain stages including two finishing at altitude, two individual time-trials and a prologue. There will also be two rest days.

The official unveiling of the route is "due" to take place in Paris on October 18.

  The Baattle of Brookvale is set to rage again this week with a fiery Manly board meeting to be held in coming days--and a push to immediately appoint Geoff Toovey as coach atop the agenda.As the fallout from Des Hasler's stunning defection to the Bulldogs from 2013 continues,it can be revealed that some directors are seriously considering a move to bring in Toovey for next season.And it seems Toovey has strong support amongst the playing group,with Anthony Watmough and Tony Williams both backing him for the top job.

The Wallabies have made it through to this years Rugby World Cup semi-finals after beating the South Africans 11-9 in an epic battle yesterday in Wellington.

The Wallabies struggled the entire game to get possesion of the ball, but a penalty goal from winger James O'Conner eight minutes out from full-time, sealed the Wallabies win.

The South Africans were equal with Australia's record of 12 consecutive World Cup match wins, and after this epic game, Wallabies are advancing to a likely semi-final showdown with the winner of the quarter-finals between the All Blacks and Argentina.

News that former AFL player, Brendan Fevola could be lining up in the NTFL as early this Saturday.

Fevola is said to be playing for the Waratahs in their Round 2 clash against Tiwi Bombers.

Brendan Fevola is said to be among a host of former AFL stars heading up north to the Top End this season, with Fevola's debut with the Red and Whites this week.

Australian comeback swimmer Geoff Huegill has confessed he used recreational drugs and abused alcohol and junk food while suffering from depression in the wake of his retirement after the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Huegill put on 45kg before returning to the sport in 2008 and winning two gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

He said the swimming world was intensely sheltered and he'd struggled to cope with reality when he retired, which caused him to turn to alcohol and drugs.

He thanked his wife Sarah, and coach, Keith Saggers, for helping him back on track and back to fitness.

Huegill is now an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute's Exercise Your Mood Campaign, which promotes exercise as a way to help beat depression.

Storm captain Cameron Smith and coach Craig Bellamy expressed their pride at their team's achievements this year, despite the unexpected 20-12 loss at the preliminary final at AAMI Park last night.

2010 was a black year as they were stripped of two premierships and all of last year's points in the wake of the salary cap rort.

But the Storm have made a rapid recovery this year to win the minor premiership.

Smith said there had been many doubters at the beginning of the season but he hoped they had proved them wrong. 

He said they could all be very proud of their achievements this year. 

Magpies coach Mick Malthouse said  today he will not coach beyond the AFL Grand Final against Geelong next weekend.

Asked on Channel Seven's Game Day this morning whether he believed the match would be his final as coach he replied ''yes I do...this is the end''.

His new role as Collingwood's director of coaching still has to be clarified, as Nathan Buckly takes over the reins as head coach for the Magpies.

Malthouse said his desire to be a coach and the competitiveness that comes with it would never leave him, and pointed to the late great Allan Jeans as a classic example of being a coach until the end.

Last year's Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily has collapsed and died during a jump-out at Flemington this morning.

Champion jockey Glen Boss was aboard the mare and suffered a sore shoulder and has been taken to hospital in Melbourne.

Crystal Lily's co-trainer Simon Zahra said they believe she suffered a heart attack during the jump-out as she dropped out suddenly and collapsed to the ground.

It is devastating news for everyone involved with the mare.

Zahra said she has always been in excellent health and never suffered any issues before in her life.

Boss was due to ride Anthony Cummings-trained Smart Missile in tomorrow's Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield and was to partner Crystal Lily in next week's Manikato Stakes.

Zahra said Boss had a suspected broken shoulder.

Magpies coach Mick Malthouse has opted on the side of experience for tonight's AFL preliminary final against Hawthorn.

Young players Tyson Goldsack and Alex Fasolo have been dropped in favour of All Australians Ben Reid and Dale Thomas, while star player Alan Didak is also back on board despite not having kicked a goal in the last seven games.

Malthouse defended the 200-gamer saying many other areas of his game had improved, including his possession rate and his assist for goals.

Malthouse believes Didak is going to produce 'something special' in tonight's game. 

Overall, the coach said his decision to go with the more experienced players was down to the magnitude of the game.

2010 Dally M Rookie of the Year Matt Gillett will replace Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer in tonight's preliminary final against Manly.

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin said Gillett will concentrate on playing to his strengths rather than trying to be Lockyer.

Griffin conceded the team would miss some leadership and direction in Lockyer's absence but he was certain they would find other ways to compensate.

Lockyer took part in  yesterday's training session with the team, to  boost team morale for the task ahead tonight.

Brisbane have won their last eight games this season, but Manly have won five of the past seven between the clubs.

Magpies coach Mick Malthouse believes the team may lose one of their assistant coaches as they could be up for the job at St Kilda after Ross Lyon's departure last week.

Collingwood already lost their midfield coach Mark Neeld last week when he took over as Melbourne's senior coach.

Malthouse said the team would adapt very quickly if it had to.

He added he always practiced empowerment in his coaches and encouraged them to go forward for senior roles.

The future of V8 Supercar racing in Tasmania is secure for the next three years after a deal was struck between the state government the Supercar's governing body.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings confirmed the deal had been made after there had been some concerns that state budget cuts would bring an end to the sport there.

Giddings said the budget had come under the microscope but the government had always been committed to V8 Supercars and they understood the benefits they could bring to the state. 

The government will pay $2.08 million to host a round of the championship at Symmons Plains, near Launceston.

This weekend's Grand Prix in Singapore promises to be exciting as Sebastian Vettel aims to win the driver's championship with first place on the podium.

If he does it, he will also become the youngest man to successfully defend a world title.  

Vettel faces a tough challenge as usual though.

The Singapore racetrack is known for its hot and humid conditions, while last year's winner there and two-time champion Fernando Alonso will be keen to delay Vettel's glory by another week if he can.

Vettel is 112 points ahead of Alonso on 284. To secure the title this weekend, he must increase his lead to 125 or more and Alonso must fail to get a podium finish.

McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will also be strong contenders to win the race.

Cricket captain Michael Clarke wants to have some input into a new coach for the Test team, after Tim Nielsen yesterday announced he is quitting the role.

Clarke paid tribute to Nielsen, saying he had done a fantastic job for Australia, and for him as a skipper and player. 

He added he would be sorely missed.

Clarke refused to be drawn on who he thought would make a good successor, but with less than a month to go before the tour of South Africa begins, it is clear a replacement must be found quickly.  

Sir Alex Ferguson's risky changes paid off for Manchester United as they thwarted Leeds 3-0.

Sir Alex had made 11 changes to a line-up which had defeated Chelsea 3-1 at the weekend, and selected a number of new faces, but it was veteran player Michael Owen who scored two goals within 30 minutes and helped seal their win.

Australia's cricket coach Tim Nielsen is leaving his position with immediate effect.

Nielsen only signed a new three-year contract before the Ashes last year, but Cricket Australia have recently come up with some recommendations to improve national cricket which meant his role would be different and include further responsibilities.

The CA told the head coach he would have to re-apply for the role, but after much soul-searching, Nielsen decided against it.

So it seems that Australia will need to find a new or interim coach immediately.

Wests Tigers halfback Robert Lui has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend and causing bodily harm, after police called to their home yesterday found she had a bruised and swollen face.

Lui had been earlier celebrating with his team.

He has since been stood down by the club and will appear in court to face charges on October 7.  

The player has been charged with nine other assault offences against his girlfriend in the past, although she later dropped the charges.

Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said Lui will remain on the payroll but he will not be allowed to work with other players or take part in any activities with sponsors for the time-being.

Darren Lockyer has announced he will not play in the Broncos match against in Friday's NRL preliminary final at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The captain decided not to play after undergoing surgery on his left cheekbone on Sunday and realising the recovery time was just too short.

A replacement for Lockyer is still to be decided.

Darren Lockyer has began training just 48 hours after surgey. Its still unknown whether he will play against Manly this Friday although his been pencilled in as number six by the Brisbane team this morning. Although Lockyer remains optimistic he said "... the doc has done his bit and advised me of the risks. From now on, it's up to me." he wont decide on whether he will play until as late as game day.

Wallabies skipper James Horwill has been cleared of any serious injury to his shoulder after receiving the results of an MRI scan today.

The Aussie team have been going down like flies with one injury after another, and so could little afford to lose their captain.

They lost 15-6 to Ireland on Saturday night and will next face USA in Wellington this Friday.

High-impact winger Digby Ioane is out of the tournament with a broken thumb, and flanker David Pocock is still uncertain after he was left out of Saturday night's clash against Ireland with a stiff back.

Wallabies star flanker David Pocock will miss tonight's Rugby World Cup clash against Ireland after coach Robbie Deans decided not to risk him as he's suffering from a stiff back.

Ben McCalman will start at openside flanker while backrower Wycliff Palu will take his place on the bench for his first Test of the year.

Collingwood assistant coach Mark Neeld has been appointed as the Demons' new senior coach.

Neeld told the press he would be taking the same approach with Melbourne as he had when he coached Bellarine League club Ocean Grove to four straight premierships, from 2000-03.

He said he would make the club the hardest to lay in the AFL.

Mick Malthouse dismissed any notions Neeld had of continuing with the Magpies after his appointment, telling him his role was effective at the Demons immediately, and solely for the Demons.  

Neeld will now be attending Melbourne's best and fairest awards on Friday night, not watching the Magpies play Hawthorn in a preliminary final.

The Warriors' are confident they can beat the Storm in next week's final at AAMI Park, after their 22-20 defeat over Wests Tigers in last night's semi-final. 

They certainly hold the stats to back up their confidence, being one of just two teams to beat the Storm at their homeground.

Warriors backrower Feleti Mateo said they were looking forward to playing them.

Australia's hopes of returning to the Davis Cup competition draw ever closer as Lleyton Hewitt and Chris Guccione defeated Swiss opponents Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka 2-6 6-4 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in their doubles match at Royal Sydney today.

Australia now lead 2-1 in the playoff tie, with Bernard Tomic set to face Federer in the first of the reverse singles tomorrow. 

Saints coach Ross Lyon caused shockwaves through the club late yesterday when he announced he was leaving to coach Fremantle.

It had been widely believed Lyon would accept a new four-year deal with the club, and the news was to be announced yesterday.

Instead, the coach informed St Kilda of his decision and cut short the meeting with no explanation as to why he was moving.

St Kilda have refrained from making any criticism over his shock decision, and maintain he will always be welcome at the club.

The move means the club now join three other AFL clubs on the hunt for a senior coach.  

Assistant coach Robert Harvey will be the club's interim coach.

Bernard Tomic has got Australia off to the start they'd hoped for in the Davis Cup tie against Switzerland at Royal Sydney.

The World No 59 battled against World No 19 Stanislas Wawrinka to win 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-3 in 2 hours and 26 minutes. 

Australia needs to beat Wawrinka in his two singles matches to win the tie.

However, it is looking exceedingly unlikely, with Inglis still on crutches after injuring his ankle in the game against Brisbane in Round 25.

Selection is due to take place on October 3, the day after the Grand Final

Squad:

15. Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs)
14. James O’Connor (Western Force)
13. Anthony Fainga'a Queensland Reds)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Radike Samo (Queensland Reds)
7. David Pocock (Western Force)
6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies)
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds, captain)
4. Dan Vickerman (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)

Run on Reserves:
16. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)
17. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
18. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
19. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
20. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
21. Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs)
22. Drew Mitchell (NSW Waratahs)

Broncos utility Jack Reed looks set to head back to the UK next month, according to reports emerging today.

The young player has impressed at Brisbane this season and had been earmarked for next year's State of Origin Squad.

However, Australian Rugby League chief executive Geoff Carr has told the Courier Mail he has received a number of emails from Reed's manager concerning the move and it appears the England coach is keen to get him on board for the Four Nations tournament next month.

23-year-old Reed is originally from Yorkshire and moved to Australia when he was two.

Serena Williams has finally explained why she lost her cool at umpire Eva Asderaki in Sunday's US Open women's final against Sam Stosur.

Williams took to Twitter to say, "My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire.

It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year, and I am thankful to have had such a great two weeks in New York."

Williams, was fined US$2,000 for her outburst.

Champions League winners Barcelona and top UK team Arsenal failed to win their first matches of the Champions league season today, both notching up draws in their opening matches.

AC Milan scored an early goal against Barca, but were losing 2-1 until they scored in the third minute

Meanwhile Arsenal appeared to have their match against German champions Borussia Dortmund all sewn up but a brilliant volley from Ivan Perisic two minutes from time resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Three Aussie cricketers have been inducted into the ICC's Cricket Hall of Fame.

Belinda Clark, Alan Davidson and Fred Spofforth joined cricket's most prestigious players

Clark was only the second female ever to be inducted - after UK's Rachael Heyhoe-Flint - with 14 years as an international player, playing 15 Tests and 118 one-day events.

Davidson was an all-rounder from Gosford, who played 44 times between 1953 and 1963, while Spofforth 'The Demon' played 18 Tests between 1877 and 1887.

Serena Williams' angry outbursts during the US Open finals at the weekend have been met with a US$2,000 fine.

Williams was under a Grand Slam probation for an outburst during the 2009 tournament, and some feel she has been let off rather lightly. 

The match umpire gave her a code violation after the first game of the second set for her shout to Stosur of 'C'mon' before Stosur had hit the ball.

Williams was clearly unhappy with the umpire's decision as she ranted at her after the game in question and during the changeover.

With tournament earnings of US$1.4 million, a $2000 fine will surely bear no impact. 

However the USTA said the fine was ''consistent with similar offences at Grand Slam events." 

Novak Djokovic has won the men's US Open after defeating defending champion Rafael Nadal 6-4 6-2 6-7 (7-3) 6-1 in a final lasting 4 hours 10 minutes.

Djokovic was on typical strong form but it wasn't all plain sailing for the Serb as he dropped the set on a tiebreaker and had to take a medical time-out for a strained back muscle.

Djokovic has now won three Grand Slams this year, after the Australian Open in January and Wimbledon in July.

Nadal has lost each of their six matches this year but is still determined he can turn the tables on his opponent.

Australia's Sam Stosur has won the US Open, beating 13-time grand slam champion Serena Williams 6-2, 6-3.

It took Stosur just 73 minutes to dispose of her ranting opponent and her win brought an end to a 31-year drought for Australian women at Grand Slam finals.

Brisbane second rower Sam Thaiday is in serious danger of missing the opening weekend of the NRL finals.The Broncos Test forward has been slapped with a grade two dangerous throw by the NRL match review committee.Thaiday will miss a minimum of two weeks unless he beats the charge at the judiciary.

Sonny Bill Williams has a massive challenge to make a mark at the Rugby World Cup after being dumped from the All Blacks squad for Saturday's Tri-Nations decider.Williams did not even receive a place on the New Zealand bench as coach Graham Henry named his full-strength team to play the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium

The horrendous weather conditions continue in NSW with both Goulburn and Cessnock meetings cancelled.Echuca is the only meeting on with a 11 race programme on a heavy 9.

Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' former caddie has been widely criticised for his disrespectful comments about his ex-employer after new boss Adam Scott's win on Sunday. 

Many public figures, as well as fans, took to Twitter to express their surprise that Williams would speak in this way.

Paul Azinger, the 2008 US Ryder Cup captain said, "Steve Williams breaks the unwritten caddy rule, by talking to the press. Most don't, a few do at times when appropriate." 

US tennis star Andy Roddick tweeted, "Am I missing something? Was Steve the one actually playing?" 

Sam Thaiday will take over as Brisbane Broncos captain when Darren Lockyer retires later this year.

Coach Anthony Griffin was faced with a difficult decision choosing between Thaiday, Corey Parker and Alex Glenn to lead the team, and said Thaiday would be a strong leader for them.

He said, "Sam has got a very strong character and he's really grown as a person over the last few years, not only as a player but he's taken on a lot more responsibility within the group as he's aged. He's got the respect of everyone in the club, the players, the coaching staff."

Thaiday said he was honoured to have been chosen and he had always looked up to fellow indigenous player Gorden Tallis when he was captain of the club.

Australia's best racehorse export So You Think looks likely to have his next start in the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 3rd.

He has won three of his four races since moving to trainer Aidan O'Brien in Ireland, losing only to Rewilding in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot.

If he wins the Irish Champion Stakes, So You Think will automatically be invited to race in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

The Rabbitohs smashed Parramatta Eels last night at ANZ Stadium - 56-6.

Nathan Merritt scored an impressive five tries, while David Taylor and Greg Inglis were also on brilliant form.

South Sydney outscored the Eels by 10 tries to one and risk claiming the wooden spoon for the first time in 39 years.

Rabbitohs sit just four points away from a top-eight spot, but must face North Queensland, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Manchester United made a stunning comeback against Manchester City to win in the Community Shield 3-2.

Man City led with two goals in the first half of the game, coming from Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko.

But United fought back with a goal from Chris Smalling in the 52nd minute.

Portugal winger Nani scored another just seven minutes later and the game looked like it would run to a penalty shoot out, but Nani scored again in the fourth minute of extra time to seal the deal for United.

After the match Nani said they never gave up hope of winning and their fans would be proud.

NRL fans in Sydney may get just three finals games to watch this season, with the Dragons, Sea Eagles and the Tigers looking most likely to make it at this stage.

NRL marketing manager Paul Kind said the outcome of having a national and international competition was that there are fewer games than before, but there are nine Sydney-based teams.

Kind said they still expected good TV ratings and crowd attendance with teams from Sydney, Auckland, Townsville and Melbourne making it to the finals.

Kind said NRL crowd attendance had slowed this season due to the number of struggling Sydney clubs - six are in the bottom eight.

The Wallabies were faced with the enormity of the task ahead in the World Cup after their hammering at the hands of the mighty All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday night.

The All Blacks made their 30-14 win look easy while NZ coach Graham Henry warned the Wallabies his team were still 'miles off' their best.   

Downhearted Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was left distinctly unimpressed at his side's reluctance to follow orders but he still believes his young side will make vast improvements, spurred on by the experience.

Aussie golfer Adam Scott has won his first World Golf Championships at the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Ohio.

Scott led the tournament each day and closed with a five-under 65 to finish 17-under par 263, three clear of world No.1 Luke Donald and American Rickie Fowler who were 13-under (267).

Aussie Jason Day tied fourth at 12 under 268.

Scott said he was 'stoked' at winning the event. His bank balance will be $A1.34 million the richer with his winning prize money.

His newly acquired caddy - Steve Williams - will be feeling happy to be on a winner's side once again, after Tiger Woods recently sacked him.

Knights coach Rick Stone and Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan are very much in favour of the technology and would like it to come into effect next season.

The Wallabies will face a strong Springboks team in the Tri Nations return Test next weekend.

SA coach Peter de Villiers has brought back the big guns for this one, after leaving the majority at home in South Africa when they played against Australia and New Zealand recently.  

Among the stars returning are winger Bryan Habana, centre Jean de Villiers, halfback Fourie du Preez and locks Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

Squad: Gio Aplon, Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Bryan Habana, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Morne Steyn, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies, Jean Deysel, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Gerhard Mostert, John Smit (capt), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Gurthro Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde

Australian golfer Adam Scott has posted an even-par 70 at the Bridgestone Invitational and keeps a share of the second-round lead along with Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley and Ryan Moore yesterday.

Scott couldn't match his first round, he said he started very solidly but was unable to to make anything on the front nine.

He managed two birdies and two bogeys, and remains in the top four of the tournament on eight-under 132.

St Kilda defeated Freemantle by 41 points at Etihad Stadium last night, winning 16.17 (113) to 10.12 (72).

It was an importantl game for both teams with St Kilda seventh and Freemantle half a game behind.

Essendon and North Melbourne are still to play this weekend so the top eight could see some changes.

The Canterbury Bulldogs' finals hopes live to fight another day after a hard-fought 14-6 win over the Cowboys at ANZ Stadium last night.

The Bulldogs went into the round four points outside the eight in tenth spot, so a win was a necessity.

Replacement five-eighth for an injured Ben Roberts was Joel Reynolds, who scored their only first-half try and set up their second, giving the Dogs the lead on 14-10 at the second half.

The Cowboys lacked muster last night.

Coach Neil Henry said his team had lacked intensity and enthusiasm, and the opposition had been more physical.

Former Australian test cricketer Shane Warne has lost 12kg in the last four months and is looking super svelte in photos taken in London recently.

Perhaps his model girlfriend Liz Hurley has been encouraging his new look, but St Kilda footballer Steven Barker said it was down to his range of diet shakes which Warnie signed up to a few months ago.

According to Barker, Warne loves them so much, he's addicted to them, 

Melbourne Victory have made a u-turn over their ultimatum to Harry Kewell yesterday.

Victory had imposed a Thursday deadline for the indecisive Socceroo to make up his mind.

But today they have turned-about and issued a statement saying, "Melbourne Victory Football Club can confirm that it is in the final stages of discussions with Harry Kewell and his management. We expect to be in a position to announce an outcome shortly." 

Kewell has been linked to a number of other interested parties, but Victory appear to have been the most persistent.

Kewell's British actress wife is known to be pregnant with their fourth child, so it remains to be seen what impact that may have on a move back to Australia.

Football Federation Australia today confirmed the Socceroos will face Thailand in the World Cup qualifying campaign at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on September 2. 

Queensland recently changed government legislation which previously prevented more than 24 games with crowds exceeding 25,000 playing at the stadium.

FFA boss Ben Buckley said they were over the moon to host the game there.

It had been believed that Darren Lockyer would play his final game there on that date, but he is now playing on September 4. 

Australia and Thailand are in Group D with Saudi Arabia and Oman. The top two teams go through to the fourth round.

Aussie golfers Adam Scott and Jason Day outclassed Tiger Woods as he returned to the game after a three month spell while recovering from leg injuries.

Scott and Day both had excellent first rounds at the opening day of the World Golf Championships Bridgestone Invitational in the US.

Day fired an incredible bogey-free seven-under-par 63 in the morning, while Scott performed even better went one better with a perfect eight-under 62 in the afternoon.

Woods best effort was a two-under-par 68 to be tied 18th.

Scott grabbed birdies on the second, sixth, eighth, 10th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th holes, with newly-employed caddy Steve Williams at his side.

Williams was abruptly sacked by Tiger a few weeks ago after 12 years loyal service.

With his long putter cranking, the world No.17 ensured caddy Steve Williams grabbed bragging rights over his former boss Woods.

New Melbourne Demons coach Todd Viney has dropped 4 players from Saturday's match against Carlton at the MCG.

Viney was appointed as caretaker coach last Sunday after the Demons' nightmare 31 goal loss to Geelong. 

Colin Sylvia, Liam Jurrah, Addam Maric and Daniel Nicholson are the four to go, while ruckman Mark Jamar is sidelined with an injured foot.

Police in Brazil are investigating the death of a football player's young girlfriend, which occurred at the weekend.

Striker for Portuguesa Rafael Silva aged 20, told police his 16-year-old girlfriend jumped from his 15th floor balcony after a violent argument.

Police found blood stains and broken furniture in his apartment and are treating the death as suspicious.

All Blacks selectors and head coach Graham Henry have made no less than seven changes to the side who hammered South Africa 40-7 last weekend.

The Tri-Nations rugby Test against Australia in Auckland on Saturday night will see four NZ players make their first Test appearances of the year.

Coach Henry said they were expecting a completely different level of intensity from the Wallabies in comparison to the Springboks, with Australia and New Zealand being ranked first and second best teams in the world.

All Blacks Squad:

Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crocket: Reserves: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Sonny Bill Williams.

Australian skipper Darren Lockyer may become an ambassador to promote the Test programme as David Gallop revealed talks had already begun to use him.

Preston Campbell, the inspirational leader behind the annual All Stars match, has also invited Lockyer to play at next year's event.

Gallop said he believed the Test skipper would get involved in promoting the Kangaroos to an international audience in years to come.  

NRL boss David Gallop today said there was no definite 'genuine contender' among the seven teams all vying to join the NRL in 2015.

The newest club to join was the Gold Coast Titans in 2007, and their lack of success and crowd pulling power of late would not seem to bode well for more teams to join.

However Gallop said this was not the issue, it is more a case of all interested teams needing to prove themselves in one or more aspects.   

He said "I admire the enthusiasm of all our bid teams but the fact is every one of them have some pluses and minuses.

"Everyone has some stuff that they need to be working on to be genuine contenders to get into this competition and the Bombers are in that position - they have more work to do to convince us of their place.''

India's cricket team has been attacked by its country's press after their humiliating defeat at the hands of England in the second Test on Monday.

The cricket-crazy country is baying for its national team's blood and the general sentiment was reflected in one of its newspapers which read "India don't deserve to be number one Test side in the world." 

India must win at least one of the remaining two Tests and avoid defeat in the other or England will take their place at the top of the ICC's Test Championship table.

Penrith Panthers caretaker coach Steve Georgallis is about to join the Wests Tigers as their assistant coach and right-hand man to Tim Sheens.

He said he'd only just found out about the job there and his manager was currently going through the contract and he hoped the deal would be signed in the next few weeks.

He has also expressed interest in the Bulldogs coach position since Kevin Moore was sacked a few weeks ago.

Georgallis believes that the Tigers would let him go if the first-grade position did come up for him with the Bulldogs however.

But now he is happy, he said it was a good decision for him and his family.

North Queensland Cowboys have re-signed fullback Matt Bowen until at least the end of the 2013 season.

Bowen had been approached by UK Super League club Widnes and rugby union showed interest also, but Bowen wanted to stick close to home.

He said that being a North Queensland boy made it special being part of the Cowboys. 

Cowboys boss Peter Parr was thrilled to have Bowen on board and praised the player's contributions to the game.

The club also announced the signing of Sydney Roosters centre Kane Linnett on a two-year deal commencing next year.

Tiger Woods is keen to win the Stonehaven Cup trophy at the Australian Open in Sydney in October.

Woods said he was impressed by the history and feel of it, and he would love to add his name to the champions list there.

He said this year's tournament had 'an amazing field' and he was really looking forward to it.

Woods has slipped to 29th in the world having not won since the 2009 Australian Masters.

He hasn't visited Sydney since 1996 when he tied 5th.

The MotoGP in Japan will take place after radiation risks there were deemed to be 'negligible'.

The race, scheduled for October 2, has been under doubt since the earthquake and tsunami hit in March this year.

The Fukushima nuclear powerplant which was badly affected, is not far from the racetrack - the Twin Ring Motegi.

But the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) published an official report yesterday admitting to the presence of radioactive contamination but stating that the likely radiation dose for a spectator over the space of a week could be 'considered normal', and along the lines of levels currently in cities such as Rome and Madrid.

Australian championship leader Casey Stoner recently said he would not attend the Japanese race because of the risk of radiation.

Current world champion Jorge Lorenzo has also said he will not attend.

Whether the FIM's report will change their minds remains to be seen.

Swindon Town manager Paolo Di Canio has pulled no punches in an interview on the Italian sports site Gazzetta dello Sport, slating the state of football in Italy.

First he took a swipe at the betting scandals which have been plaguing the sport there and said there were fake contracts and players being paid on the sly.

He said the system there is 'erroneous'.

He was also unhappy with Italy placing so much focus on the older players and not allowing the young ones to come through, pointing to Alessandro Del Piero (36) and Francesco Totti (34) who still play important roles for Juventus and Roma as examples.

He said this is why Italian football is in crisis.

Harry Kewell has not been selected for the Socceroos squad which will play against Wales in a friendly next week due to fitness concerns.

Coach Holger Osieck said Kewell was not in great shape right now and so he'd opted for Lucas Neill in his place, as he had been putting in a lot of work and was fully fit.

Kewell's omission has sparked more stories that he is looking for another club, and it's common knowledge that Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory are both pursuing him, but it's believed his manager is looking to the European A-League for possibilities.   

Osieck said he hoped Harry would be in good shape for the World Cup qualifier against Thailand on September 2.

Adelaide Crows defender Phil Davis has become the first player to join the new AFL franchise Greater Western Sydney from an existing club.

The 20-year-old player has played just 18 games with the Crows.

He said money was not the only factor behind his decision to move.

Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper said they had offered him great financial incentives to stay at the club, but Davis said that the opportunity to start a new franchise along with all its challenges, had been a great lure to him, on top of the money.

Harper said they understood his decision to leave, but were disappointed by it.

It's the second blow of this nature to hit the Crows after losing backman Nathan Bock to the Gold Coast last season.

GWS are allowed to recruit a maximum of one uncontracted players from each of the other 17 clubs over the next two seasons.

Matt Giteau and Nathan Sharpe are surprise omissions from the Wallabies squad this weekend's Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland.

Coach Robbie Deans named his 24-man squad who will face the formidable All Blacks and has included veteran Dan Vickerman and also rookie Sitaleki Timani.

Sharpe's Rugby World Cup hopes will be hanging by a thread after being dumped from the squad.

Wallabies squad: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Pekahou Cowan, Rocky Elsom, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Pat McCabe, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, James O'Connor, David Pocock, Rob Simmons, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, Dan Vickerman.

England has won the second Test against India with a day remaining.

India looked solid with a record victory target of 478, with Sachin Tendulkar's top-scoring 56, but England's Tim Bresnan was unstoppable and the side defeated India by 319 runs.

They could well knock India off the top spot, all they ned to do is maintain or better their lead in the remaining two Tests.

As David Beckham nears the end of his contract with LA Galaxy, he has been looking back at his career decisions and says he has no regrets.

Some thought he ended his career in Europe too soon to move to the US, but Beckham insists he is fully confident he made the right move.

He told Sky Sports News he had been very successful in Europe for many years, winning many trophies with Man Utd before going on to play for Real Madrid.

The question now is what is next? He said he will see how his body feels at the end of the season and decide then whether to continue to play and where. 

Melbourne Storm performed an incredible comeback late in the game against the Eels at the Parramatta Stadium last night.

It seemed like the Eels were onto a dead cert leading 18-0 with 26 minutes of the match remaining.

But from nowhere, the Storm suddenly surged into life and posted four consecutive tries to snatch the game off their deflated opponents, with just four minutes to go.

Jenson Button last night won the Grand Prix in Hungary - the scene of his first-ever Formula One win five years ago and the 200th race of his career could not have been marked in a better way. 

It was a tense and exciting race on a twisting and bumpy track, with wet conditions and some light rain thrown in, it was a test for all the drivers.

Hamilton quickly took the lead from Vettel who had started out in pole, and looked for some time that he might win it, but the wet and greasy track caused him to spin his car and he incurred a drive-through penalty.

A poor tyre strategy added to his woes when he chose to put intermediates on, which ended all his hopes of winning. 

Red Bull driver Mark Webber also made a poor call on tyres which cost him some places.

Vettel finished second, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso was third, Hamilton fourth and Webber came fifth.

Vettel has increased his championship lead again and is now on 234 points, way ahead of his team-mate Webber on 149, followed by Hamilton 146, Alonso 145 and Button 134.

It's looking like a close fight for who will finish second overall in the drivers championship.

Formula One now takes a four week break before returning in Belgium at the end of August.

Reigning Olympic and world champion swimmer Michael Phelps took gold in yesterday's 100m butterfly finals in Shanghai, while Aussie comeback swimmer Geoff Huegill came a disappointing last. 

Huegill had won this event at last year's Commonwealth Games, but struggled in the last 15m.

Phelps praised Huegill's comeback accomplishments of losing the weight and getting back to top form.

Huegill admitted he was "swallowed up" in the late stage of yesterday's race but was still happy with where he's at ahead of next year's London Olympics.

Penrith Panthers star player Luke Lewis suffered a nasty knock to the head in last night's 30-18 loss to the Cowboys in Townsville and missed the second half of the game.

Penrith led 12-6 at half-time but imploded after losing their inspirational backrower Lewis.

He had dived for the ball in the Cowboys' in-goal on the half-time buzzer but was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the ground.

He had to be assisted off the field on regaining consciousness.

Lewis is expected to be fit to play the Melbourne Storm next week.

The Cowboys were able to take great advantage and put themselves back in the top four on the NRL ladder.

Gold Coast coach John Cartwright has been admitted to hospital this morning with suspected appendicitis and will not be heading to Newcastle for the Titans v Knights clash tomorrow.

The coach will most likely undergo surgery today. He had originally hoped to travel tomorrow after the operation, but doctors have ordered him to rest.

Assistant coaches Steve Murphy and Trevor Gillmeister will take over the team for tomorrow's match as they try to get off the bottom of the NRL ladder.

Australia will host the opening race of the Formula One season once again next year, while the Turkish Grand Prix has been dropped and Bahrain is back in.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has shared the proposed schedule for 2012 with the teams in Hungary this weekend, and get their feedback before it goes to the FIA for approval. 

The Bahrain race was axed this year due to political unrest, but has been proposed for November next year.

Lewis Hamilton has recorded the fastest times in both free practice sessions ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, and would appear to be holding onto his winning momentum from last week's success in Germany.

His best time of 1 min 21.018 seconds put him ahead of Ferarri's Fernando Alonso who was second fastest, followed by McLaren team mate Jenson Button in third, with Australian Mark Webber fourth for Red Bull, and Vettel was fifth fastest.

The Red Bull team seemed more concerned with testing their tyres than quickest times however.

Tiger Woods has confirmed he will play in the US PGA Championship, which takes place at Atlanta Athletic Club August 11-14.

He is also set to play in next week's WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, where he has won seven titles in the past.

Woods has not played since pulling out of the Players Championship in May after aggravating his left knee and Archilles tendon injuries incurred at the Masters in April. 

Woods tweeted he was feeling fit and ready to tee it up at Firestone next week and was excited to be back out there.

He will be using a new caddy after sacking New Zealander Steve Williams who worked for him for 12 years.

Geoff Huegill last night qualified sixth fastest for the 100m butterfly final at the world championships in Shanghai.

His semi-finals time of 51.85 seconds clocked up against American superstar Michael Phelps' 51.47 seconds.

Huegill is going for gold tonight, but said he would not be underestimating the 14-time Olympic gold medallist, and feels honoured to be able to race him.

West Tigers defeated Manly 14-12 in a stunning comeback at Bluetongue Stadium last night.

Tigers have their star player Benji Marshall to thank for their fortune, along with Chris Lawrence, Robert Lui and Blake Ayshford, as they came from 12-0 down in the second half to dominate with three unanswered tries in seven minutes.   

McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton are both eager for this Sunday's Grand Prix in Hungary.

For Button, the race marks his 200th for Formula One and it was here he won for the first time 5 years ago.

Hamilton is still feeling the glow of success from last weekend's win in Germany and said he wants to maintain the momentum.

Hamilton said he is a fan of the Hungaroring track, which he described as 'old school' with its twists and turns, hills and bumps, and its character which give it a feel of Monaco.

But he said this weekend's challenge would be an entirely different one, with much hotter conditions and the track itself would make all the drivers work very hard.

Hamilton is currently third in the championship, behind Red Bull's Mark Webber in second and of course Vettel in first.

Melbourne Storm are struggling with their preparations this week for their clash against Parramatta on Monday night as a number of them have been struck down with flu.

Coach Craig Bellamy, who also has flu, told media some of the players were ill and had missed training sessions this week, and some were still not 100%.

However, no-one has been ruled out of the game at this stage.   

Storm have won their last eight games and have named the same line-up that quashed Brisbane 26-6.

Swimmer James Magnussen made history last night as he became the first Australian man to win the 100m freestyle at a world championships.

20 year-old Magnussen of Port Macquarie clocked a strong time of 47.63 seconds, leaving Brent Hayden of Canada in second on 47.95 and William Meynard of France, third with a time of 48 seconds.

It was Australia's second gold medal of the meeting, and makes him just the fourth Australian to earn a medal in the event at a world championships after Eamon Sullivan (bronze, 2007), Ian Thorpe (bronze, 2003) and Michael Klim (silver, 1998).

Beckham spoke proudly of his old club Manchester United after playing against them in the MLS All-Stars clash in the US on Wednesday. 

Becks said they are the biggest and best team in the world.  

"There is no other team like them. I have been lucky enough to play with AC Milan and Real Madrid but there is no other club with that attitude. Any new player that comes into Manchester United feels it straight away.

The MLS All-Stars were no match for England's premier team, and they lost 4-0, despite Beckham's best efforts.

Beckham even had plenty of praise for Sir Alex Ferguson. The two fell out years ago, but have since got back on good terms.

He said "I had many successful years at Manchester United playing under Sir Alex Ferguson." 

"I wouldn't be in the position I am today if it wasn't for him."

"He gave me a chance when I was 16 and I owe him a lot."

"He has been a father figure to me for many years." 

Brisbane skipper Paul Gallen is aiming to play against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.

He has been fighting a calf muscle injury and did not look viable earlier in the week.

It seems he has been making good progress since however, and Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said the team were preparing as if he was playing.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil will take place from June 12 until July 13 FIFA announced today.

The host city for the opening game of the tournament will not be decided until October however.

There are major concerns over the readiness of the 12 venues however, with a number of them behind schedule on construction or renovation, and/or over budget.

Organisers believe the Maracana venue will be ready, but its renovations will cost in the region of $A570 million.  

The airport system is also a worry as it is already running at capacity and will need to accommodate an estimated 2.5 million incoming  football fans.

Australian and Western Force loose forward Richard Brown is out of the running for September's Rugby World Cup as he will undergo surgery on his dislocated shoulder today.

Brown injured his shoulder at the start of the season, but played on, hoping he could manage the injury and put himself up for selection to play for the Wallabies.

He said he had pushed himself for as long as he possibly could but was unable to do it anymore.

He said he was disappointed, but would ensure he was fit and ready to play his best next season.  

It's believed Brown should be able to return to team training in about four months.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter pledged zero tolerance to corruption when he faced media in Rio three days after former Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam was banned for life for his involvement in the bribery-for-votes scam.

Blatter said there would be'zero tolerance for everybody, on the pitch and off it... not only for my neighbour, my friends, my colleagues, my opponents, referees, but also for presidents of associations"

Blatter refused to make any comment on his former ally Hammam's punishment.

He is currently in Rio for the 2014 World Cup draw which takes place on Saturday.

FIFA has issued all 25 Caribbean football associations with a 48 hour deadline to explain if they had any part in the Trinidad bribery rort, or face being banned for life.

FIFA says that any person with relevant information who does not come forward 'will be subject to the full range of sanctions.'

FIFA banned former Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam on Saturday after a two day hearing where they established he had offered $US40,000 cash bribes to Caribbean officials to back his presidential bid.

The deadline for evidence to be submitted is Wednesday.

There is precisely one year to go until the 2012 Olympics commence in London and everything seems to be very much under control.

The Olympic stadium and velodrome have been built and finished, the aquatics centre is not far behind, and the athlete's village is on schedule for completion by December.

In addition to all the new venues, London has the added benefit of being able to showcase some of its must stunning and well-known heritage.

Hyde Park will play host to the triathlon, Regents Park will stage the road cycling event, while the majestic Horse Guards Parade will host the volleyball just six weeks after Trooping the Colour.

No architect or builder will interfere with the historical courtyard however, as everything will be built from the ground up, not to mention the tonnes of sand which will need to be brought in.

Phil Gould continued the cull at Panthers yesterday as skipper Petero Civoniceva become the third senior figure to leave the club.

Civoniceva has been granted a release to return to Brisbane to play. The official line is that he's returning for family reasons.

He joins former Panthers player Trent Waterhouse and coach Matthew Elliott who were both released from the club by Gould.

Penrith chairman Don Feltis said the club had needed some refreshing and Gould was the right person to do it.

He said they needed stability now in order to be ready for a confident start next year.

Sydney Swans have scored a 39-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the SCG this afternoon.

Former Swans hero Barry Hall scored five goals for the Bulldogs and faced boos from Swans supporters but Sydney broke through in the third quarter to win 16.18 (114) to 11.9 (75).

Sydney midfielder Craig Bird kicked a career-best four goals.

The win has put the Swans back in the top eight, while the Bulldogs sit at least six points outside with five rounds remaining.

Mark Webber recorded the fastest times in yesterday's two opening practice sessions ahead of tomorrow's German Grand Prix.

His best time of one minute and 31.770 seconds was one-tenth of a second faster than Fernando Alonso for Ferrari.

Vettel was third quickest, followed by Felipe Massa  in fourth, then the two Mercedes drivers Michael Schumaker and Nico Rosberg were fifth and sixth respectively.

Lewis Hamilton was seventh for McLaren, followed by the Renaults -  Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov. 

Adrian Sutil was tenth quickest in his Force India.

Tiger Woods' sacked caddy Steve Williams has spoken of losing his respect for the former world no 1 golfer.

Woods announced on his website this week that he had parted company from Williams saying he felt it was time for a change.

Williams had stuck by the falling icon through the sex-scandal which was revealed almost two years ago.

He worked for Woods for 12 years, during which time he won 13 of his 14 majors.

But since the scandal broke, Woods has slipped down through the rankings and not played as much or as well.

Williams said he felt like he had wasted the last two years of his life as Woods showed no loyalty in return.

He said he had told Woods at the time of the scandal that he lost respect for him, and it needed to be earned back.

But since the sacking any respect has well and truly gone.

He said he was disappointed by the timing given how loyal he had been, and felt that it didn't mean much to Tiger after all.

Canterbury Bulldogs narrowly defeated Parramatta Eels 8-7 in extra time at ANZ Stadium last night.

The Bulldogs entered the game with just two wins out of ten games and spent much of the game trying to defend their line.

The Eels looked to have the game in the bag when Jarryd Hayne kicked a close-range field-goal with four minutes remaining, but Bulldogs' Trent Hodkinson levelled 7-7 with two minutes reaming.

Hodkinson then produced a 41-metre field goal two minutes into extra time to win the game.

It was caretaker coach Jim Dymock's first victory for his club.  

After the match he said there was no better feeling.

Test captain Michael Clarke has announced his decision to opt out of Cricket Australia's Twenty20 competition this summer.

Clarke said he would play domestically, but wanted to prioritise his role as captain within the Test team.

He said he would only be available for one BBL game this year as well.

Essendon captain's Jobe Watson will miss tomorrow night's AFL clash against Carlton at the MCG with a continuing hamstring injury, however coach James Hird was eager to quell fears there was no long term problem.

It will be Watson's fourth missed match in a row, but the coach said he will be available to play in the big match against Collingwood next week.

Watson had been expressing concerns over the injury this week and so the decision was made not to put him at risk.

Sydney's inclement weather means disruption for Toyota Cup games this weekend.

Tonight's National Youth competition match between Canterbury and Parramatta will be played at Wentworthville on Sunday in order to preserve the ANZ Stadium surface.

The stadium is hosting tomorrow's Eels v Bulldogs NRL clash and also the rugby union Tri Nations match between the Wallabies and Springboks tomorrow night. 

Saturday night's Toyota Cup clash between Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters has been moved to Campbelltown Stadium to preserve the Leichhardt Oval surface. 

Eight members have been announced for the independent NRL commission, which will eventually take over from current owners News Limited and the Australian Rugby League.

South Sydney president Nick Pappas revealed the names at yesterday's meeting of club bosses in Sydney.

Former international John Grant will chair the group which includes Catherine Harris, Ian Elliott, Peter Gregg, Gary Pemberton, Jeremy Sutcliffe, Chris Sarra and Wayne Pearce. 

NRL chief executive David Gallop said there was still a fair amount of progress to be made before the commission would be ready to take control.

It is expected they may take the reins in time for the start of the new season on November 1 this year.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested this morning charged with stealing Newcastle Knights owner Nathan Tinkler's $500,000 Ferrari.

The boy has been charged with 10 stealing offences, six of which are for stolen cars, worth a combined total of $700,000.

The high-performance Ferrari was discovered burnt out in bushland off the Pacific Highway at Raymond Terrace on the Monday following its disappearance during the last weekend of June. 

Police believe a number of other boys were also involved and have appealed for them to come forward before the police find them first.

The accused boy is expected to go to Broadmeadow Children's Court tomorrow to face charges.

The player said far from wanting to leave, he wants to extend his contract next year and very much hopes the Roosters will keep him on.

St George Illawarra Dragons announced their team of the century at a gala dinner last night.

Only one current player - backrower Ben Creagh - appears in their line-up.

Team: Graeme Langlands, Ian Moir, Harry Wells jnr, Paul McGregor, Rod Wishart, Bob Fulton, Trent Barrett, Steve Roach, Kevin Schubert, Craig Young, Ron Costello, Craig Fitzgibbon, Noel Mulligan. Interchange: John Dorahy, Shaun Timmins, Bruce Olive, Ben Creagh.

Coach: Harry Nolan

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has come under fire for his decision to axe Matt Giteau from the squad for this weekend's Tri-Nations opener with South Africa.

Former World Cup coaches and players have openly criticised the decision, and have defended Giteau's corner, saying he is the one player they would keep right now. 

World Cup final 2003 coach Eddie Jones said he was baffled by the move and said the opposition teams would be pleased Giteau had been left out, while another former Wallabies Head coach John Connolly rated Giteau as one of the toughest players he'd ever coached.

Wallaby great Horan said Giteau was too good a player to miss out on the World Cup.

Tiger Woods has sacked his long term caddy, New Zealander Steve Williams, after 13 years loyal service.

Woods said on his website he wanted to express his deepest gratitude to Steve for all his help, but he felt it was time for a change.

Williams was understandably very disappointed, having stuck by Tiger's side throughout his sex scandal.

Theirs was one of the most successful partnerships in the golfing world.

But Williams said he will now work for an Aussie golfing great - Adam Scott - who he has been working with recently at the US and British Opens. 

He said he had started his caddying career working with Aussies Peter Thomson and Greg Norman, and he was excited to be working with another Australian on a permanent basis.

American boxer Antonio Tarver defeated Australian Danny Green at the Sydney Entertainment Centre last night to became a five-time world champion.

Tarver said he knew Green would not be able to stop him with the punch he wanted.

Instead, Tarver rained a flurry of blows on Green until the fight was stopped in the ninth round as Green clung dazedly to the ropes.

Four-time light heavyweight world champion Tarver's record now stands at 29 wins (20KOs) and six defeats in 35 professional fights.

Former Hawthorn player John Kennedy junior said Jeans was a coach who loved his players and who guided them in life as well as football. 

"Allan's philosophy was to teach us who we were, who we wanted to be and what we wanted to stand for," said Kennedy.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten will bring back forward Setanta OhAilpin for their clash against Essendon on Saturday.

The Blues are missing full-back Michael Jamison, Shaun Hampson, Jarrad Waite and Simon White this week.

OhAilpin's return could be at either senior or reserve level.

He has been out of action for a month with a hand injury, but Ratten believes he plays well when he's fresh. 

Brisbane Lions skipper Jonathan Brown is sidelined for the remainder of the season after last Sunday's loss to Geelong when he suffered another sickening blow to the head.

Brown already had a small plate in his face after horrific facial injuries in round one against Fremantle.

The plate has had to be replaced and he has also suffered some fractures to his jaw, which are expected to heal on their own in a few months.

He is expected to make a full recovery, but his season has ended prematurely.

Former Australian cricket captain and member of the world cricket committee of MCC Steve Waugh has taken a lie-detector test to show how cheating could be eradicated from the game if players showed willing.

The committee is proposing voluntary tests, and believes their use should be widely debated.

Waugh was tested in April by one of Australia's leading polygraph examiners and passed the test convincingly.

He said he underwent the process to encourage other players and was convinced that it would reveal those who had something to hide.

His drastic actions followed last year's betting scam which involved former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif, who were all suspended for five years and await trial in the UK.

MCC also wants the ICC's anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) to carry out 'sting' operations similar to the one carried out by the News of the World last year.

Boxer Danny Green is pumped for tonight's clash with American Antonio Tarver at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Green is defending his IBO cruiserweight title against the four-time light heavyweight world champion and said this is the most important fight of his career. 

Green said there was a lot of international interest in their fight tonight.

He is the favourite to win, but Tarver believes Green's aggressiveness will work in his favour, and he will knock him out.

Green's trainer Angelo Hyder said it was important to keep his fighter as calm as possible, which could be tricky given that Green is steaming mad over the American camp's efforts to trash talk him in the run up to the fight. 

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire spoke to AFL umpire boss Jeff Gieschen on Monday after the Swans contentious loss to Fremantle on Sunday.

Longmire said they had discussed the refs' calls made during the match, going through some of the free-kicks and Gieschen did admit some of those given were wrong.

But the coach said there was no point dwelling on the past, and has decided to drop the issue.

He said the team remains disappointed but they must get on with the next game, when they will face  the Bulldogs, who are vying for a place in the finals.

He said a win for the Swans was crucial this weekend. 

Rod Marsh looms as a potential replacement for departing chairman of selectors,

Canterbury Bulldogs acting coach Jim Dymock has axed former Test centre Josh Morris, after the player has struggled for form this year, with just four tries from 12 games.

Young player Tim Lafai will partner Jamal Idris in the centres in Friday night's match against Parramatta.

Joel Romelo will replace the injured Michael Ennis.

The AFL is planning to set up its own player agent system to act on behalf of young players before they're drafted and approached by accredited agents.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said they want to set up an independent division or separate company that would abide by the player accreditation rules.

Demetriou denied they were acting in response to being unhappy with current player agents' performance, but the move is sure to cause friction there.

He also denied there would be any problems managing the young players and working to develop the game, but accepted there was some conflict of interest.

Former Sydney Rooster Ben Jones has been promoted to replace an injured Johnathan Thurston in Saturday's NRL match, Cowboys v Gold Coast.

In the halfback role, Jones has been throne in at the deep end, said Thurston.

He will be up against experienced Titans halfback and skipper Scott Prince.

Canterbury Bulldogs caretaker coach Jim Dymock is ready to shake the side up for their clash against the Eels this Friday night at ANZ Stadium. 

Dymock has until the end of the season to prove he can manage the head coach job proper, and he is keen to make his mark.

He said he would definitely be making some much-needed changes, and hoped they would bring a first win for him. 

Two sure changes are utility Kris Keating, who is out for up to a month with an elbow injury, and NSW Origin hooker Michael Ennis has an injured neck and will miss this Friday's match at least.

Western Bulldogs player Barry Hall has announced his retirement from the AFL at the end of this season.

The 34-year-old paid tribute to the club, thanking them for giving him a chance to play when no other club probably would have.

Feisty Hall is well known for his altercations on the field and has been suspended a number of times over the years.

But he has kicked 715 goals in his career, and played 283 games.   

Cricket fans have voted online for their top Test side in the last 134 years.

India and Australia attributed for 8 players in total - 4 from each, while England had none. 

Of the 10 Test playing nations, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and South Africa are also without representation.

ICC TEST DREAM XI: Virender Sehwag (IND), Sunil Gavaskar (IND), Donald Bradman (AUS), Sachin Tendulkar (IND), Brian Lara (WIS), Kapil Dev (IND), Adam Gilchrist (AUS), Shane Warne (AUS), Wasim Akram (PAK), Curtly Ambrose (WIS), Glenn McGrath (AUS)

British Open winner Darren Clarke lived up to his promise to celebrate his win long and hard.

He faced the media yesterday and confessed he hadn't slept yet, and had only just stopped drinking about 30 minutes before meeting the press.

Clarke said he'd been looking at the trophy all night and it was beginning to sink in that it was actually his.

He said he'd finally managed to speak to his two young sons, Tyrone and Conor and dedicated his win to them.

His wife Heather sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2006, but he said he felt her watching over him during the tournament.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said the team used former Saints premiership coach Allan Jeans as inspiration to beat West Coast Eagles last night.

Jeans passed away this week after a long illness. Lyon said he was the greatest leader in St Kilda's history.

 The Saints got off to a winning start, with seven goals early in the second quarter.

But the Eagles fought back and dominated the game's middle stages, kicking eight of the next nine goals and taking a two point lead at three-quarter time. 

The Saints responded and it was a tough battle between the two teams, before the Saints finally won 13.4 (82) to 9.7(61).

Australian golfer Jason Day yesterday encountered his toughest day on the golf course playing in the worst conditions he said he'd ever encountered.

Playing in the British Open at Royal St George's, Day had been down as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

But his chances were literally blown away by 40 mph gusts of winds and driving rain.

Royal St George's is one renouned to be one of the toughest Open courses and the typical British summer unleashed some wild weather, as Day found himself going through three pairs of gloves, three caps and five towels.

 The world No.8 finished the third round six-over 76  - 12 shots behind tournament leader Darren Clarke (69).

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheen hopes the team's 38-18 win against North Queensland Cowboys last night will serve to revive and motivate them to make their way into the NRL finals.

The Tigers had lost their previous three matches before last night, and with injuries, transfer speculation and some bad luck added to the mix, team spirit had taken a knock.  

The Tigers have now moved to seventh spot on the ladder, and with eight matches still remaining there is plenty of work to be done.

England's rugby team has caused widespread anger amongst New Zealand rugby fans after announcing it will play at least one of the World Cup games in black this year.

Traditionally they play in a white strip but have confirmed they will don black for the September 10 pool meeting with Argentina.

The New Zealand team has been known as the All Blacks since 1905.

NZ's captain Richie McCaw played down England's decision, but former national players were disappointed while New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key expressed his distaste by calling England 'a bunch of wannabes.' 

The practice sessions ahead of Sunday's German MotoGP saw five crashes this weekend so far.

Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa all came off their bikes, along with last year's Moto2 champion Toni Elias, who crashed twice.

Honda rider Marco Simoncelli has recorded the fastest time in each of Friday's two free practice sessions, clocking up one minute 22.924 seconds in wet and windy conditions.

The Bulldogs nightmare week ended with a massive defeat at the hands of the Warriors in Auckland last night.

They gave away their 12-0 lead as the feisty Warriors took over to win 36-12. 

Jim Dymock has taken over as head coach after Kevin Moore left on Thursday.

He said the team needed to have a good look at itself...effort alone was not enough to win and they were all accountable.

With just seven weeks left in the season, having lost eight of their ten last matches, something major needs to happen within the team to turn it around.

Mal Meninga's refusal to back down over last week's comments in the Sunday Mail has been met with defamation proceedings from the NRL match review committee. 

MRC members Greg McCallum, Bradley Clyde and Peter Louis have launched the action, and are backed by the NRL and its chief executive David Gallop.

The NRL released a statement confirming a claim had been filed with the Supreme Court of NSW on behalf of the committee yesterday afternoon, as attempts to find an alternative solution failed.

David Gallop said "This has nothing to do with interstate rivalry or a person's right to challenge a decision but it has everything to do with the fact that there are laws against falsely attacking a person's good name and reputation."

NSW coach Ricky Stuart told the Ten Network last night that Meninga should apologise and get the matter sorted before ending up in court.

Essendon Bombers thwarted Adelaide Crows last night at AAMI Stadium by 11 points.

The Bombers had been trailing 37 points down midway through the second term but made a stunning comeback 12.12 (84) to 10.13 (73) to win.

Two Collingwood players have today been sensationally fined for breaking AFL anti-gambling rules, and one will miss eight games after also being suspended.

Magpies Defender Heath Shaw will not play at any level now until the AFL finals. 

He was banned for 14 matches, with 6 suspended and was also fined $20,000.

Magpies captain Nick Maxwell was fined $10,000, with half suspended, for his part in a betting plunge before the round-nine win over Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.

The betting plunge relied on Maxwell kicking the first goal in the match against the Crows.

He normally plays as a defender, but started the game in attack.

Shaw had shared $10 with a friend in a $20 bet, while that same friend and another friend made two small bets, totalling $15.

The AFL uncovered the plunge during routine checks with bookmakers.

Maxwell's fine was due to three of his family members making bets totalling $85.

Danish golfer Thomas Bjorn is leading the British Open jointly with 20-year-old English amateur Tom Lewis.

Bjorn lead early on with a five-under 65, including seven birdies.

Newcomer Lewis surprised all in the evening in better weather conditions.

One stroke behind the leaders was 47-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, along with two Americans, 2009 US Open champion Lucas Glover and Open debutant Webb Simpson.

Recently crowned US Open champion Rory McIlroy, began the tournament by bogeying two of his first three holes, but went on to fire a one-over 71.

The proposed name for Brisbane's new NRL team - the Brisbane Bombers - is causing some ripples with Essendon Bombers, but bid director Nicholas Livermore said they had got the name cleared by three different legal experts.

AFL club Essendon are reportedly looking at their legal options.

Livermore defended their choice and said there were already 5 crossovers between brands in the NRL and AFL.

He explained they had put together a shortlist of 15 names and decided on the one that would work best commercially.

He went on to reveal their second choice name was the River City Kookaburras.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga has not apologised for last weekend's comments in the Sunday Mail and has today backed what he said with a follow-up in the Courier-Mail.

Meninga said there was 'no way to put it delicately' and that the people of Queensland needed to know what hurdles their team had had to overcome to gain victory this Series. 

He explained he'd been unable to say anything before, for fear of harming his side's chances before the final, but the fight had been started by those responsible, and next year they wouldn't be able to get away with those tactics again. 

Meninga could face legal action for not retracting his comments.

Brisbane's second planned NRL team today announced they will be called the Brisbane Bombers.

If accepted into the NRL, they will make their homebase at Albion Park Raceway with a community club, training facilities and admininstration hq.

The Essendon Bombers are reportedly none too happy with Brisbane's choice of name and are seeking legal advice.

Red Bull firmly believe Mark Webber will re-sign with them next year.

Owner Dieter Mateschitz said there was no doubt the Aussie great would stay with them next year, and even backed Webber's decision to ignore 'team orders' at Silverstone last Sunday when he made moves to overtake Vettel in the closing stages of the race.

Mateschitz said Webber was very popular with the team, and had a great relationship there.

He added there was no better choice for the driver than the fastest car, and no better for Red Bull than a fast driver.

US Open winner and golf's latest rising star Rory McIlroy is beginning to realise his life has changed forever since the win.

The 22-year-old Irishman admitted he'd had no idea how much of a fuss and buzz his incredible win would create.

He will now be concentrating all his efforts on the British Open tournament which starts tomorrow, although some in the industry have questioned his approach to preparation.

McIlroy has not played competitively in the three weeks since the US Open, but has opted to visited the course and put in a few practice rounds.

He acknowledged this might not work for most, but believes this approach works best for him

Turkish football clubs Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor have had their proposals to enter the Champions League accepted by UEFA, despite a police investigation into match-fixing after suspicions recently emerged that they had bribed and cheated their way into the top of the league last season.

Socceroo midfielder and former Central Coast Mariners' player Mile Jedinak has signed a three-year-deal with Championship club Crystal Palace in the UK.

Jedinak had played two seasons for Turkish club Genclerbirligi, but he ended his contract a season early.

He said he was delighted to be joining Crystal Palace and couldn't wait to get started.

He added it had always been his ambition to play for a UK club.

Jedinak was recommended by Palace first team coach and former Socceroos' defender Tony Popovic.

Former Hawthorn coach Allan Jeans passed away yesterday aged 77, after a long illness.

Jeans was a remarkable coach and great motivator.

He coached the Saints to successive grand finals in 1965 and 1966, and another in 1971.

He retired from coaching in 1976 but returned to coach Hawthorn from 1981 to 1990.

He finally ended his coaching career after a year coaching Richmond in 1992.

Jeans was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame when it first began in 1996.

North Melbourne's captain Brent Harvey will be sidelined after breaking his thumb during Sunday's big loss to Collingwood, dealing the Kangaroos another harsh blow after Collingwood smashed them by 117 points on Sunday.

It's not clear at this stage how long Harvey will be out of action for.

23 AFL players have accepted penalties from the match review panel this week.

Most were fines for melee involvement. 

Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens copped a one-match AFL ban for striking West Coast utility Mark Nicoski, and will consequently miss this Sunday's match against Brisbane at the Gabba. 

St Kilda player Nick Dal Santo copped the biggest fines as he received two for $2,100 each.

Australian Formula One newcomer Daniel Ricciardo was thrilled to finish his first ever Grand Prix on Sunday.

On loan to Hispania Racing for the remainder of the season, he completed the race without incident. 

He started and finished last but said it was the experience which had been the most important thing for him.  

"Understanding the tyres, the pit stops and the strategy, it's really very complex and something I've never really done before so, in this respect, I think it was a step forward," he said.

The aftermath of Sunday's Grand Prix continues for Red Bull as its 'team orders' row escalates.

Mark Webber was closing in on teammate Vettel in the final stages of the race, but was apparently instructed not to overtake.

Boss Christian Horner had already been under great stress over the weekend as controversial technical rules were introduced mid-season and yesterday admitted he was surprised by Webber's decision to ignore his instructions on Sunday.  

Horner appeared worn out as he attempted to deal with the press who were targeting Red Bull over their team orders.

He said "This is something we have to discuss in private, behind closed doors... at the end of the day, the team is the biggest thing - and no individual is bigger than the team."

Webber has admitted he was furious and had disobeyed orders on Sunday.

NSW fullback Josh Dugan will return to NRL for the Canberra Raiders match against Melbourne this Sunday.

Dugan has been sidelined for 6 weeks with an ankle injury.

New Zealand international forward Bronson Harrison will play in place of Josh Papalii, while Daniel Vidot wins a recall after winger Reece Robinson hurt his knee against the Sharks.

The Raiders announced today that lock Shaun Fensom has extended his contract to stay until the end of 2014 season at least.

The Brisbane Broncos are adding six Origin stars to their extended 19-man squad for Friday night's NRL derby against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium.

Darren Lockyer, Jharal Yow Yeh, Justin Hodges, Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker have rested up since last Wednesday's epic Origin Series final and will just train once with the squad this Thursday ahead of the match.

Coach Anthony Griffin hopes Broncos will make a late season surge, with 8 games still to play. 

Brisbane squad: Josh Hoffman, Gerard Beale, Jack Reed, Justin Hodges, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer, Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Scott Anderson, Alex Glenn, San Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire, Kurt Baptise, Dunamis Lui (two to be omitted).

Manly star Kieran Foran last night proved his mettle as he inspired the Manly Sea Eagles to turn their 16-22 loss to the Rabbitohs into 36-22 victory in the final half hour at Brookvale Oval. 

 Tour de France riders were yesterday endangered once again by media vehicles, as one car ignored the race's official radio channel which advised all cars give priority to team cars.

Riders Johnny Hoogerland and Juan Antonio Flecha had been part of a five-man breakaway that was vying for victory in the 208km ninth stage from Issoire to Saint-Flour in the Massif Central.

But they were hit by an overtaking television car 35km from home. 

Hoogerland was thrown into the into air and crashed into a fence while Flecha smashed into the ground at full speed.

Miraculously neither rider was seriously injured.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme was livid with the media car for failing to take heed of the radio directive, and the car has been banned from the remainder of the race.

Fernando Alonso has won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, giving Ferrari its first win of the season.

On a wet-dry track, drivers were challenged to make best use of their tyres as they switched from intermediates to slicks as conditions warranted. 

Mark Webber started out in pole but teammate Vettel quickly took the lead, and it looked as though the German would win another round, but a slow pit-stop was his undoing and Alonso took the lead.

Alonso opened up the gap and the race was his.

It was his 27th Formula One win, and puts him equal with three-times champion Jackie Stewart in the record books.

 Webber challenged Vettel's second position in the final laps but Red Bull issued team orders to prevent the Aussie from overtaking, while Felipe Massa tried to take Hamilton's fourth, as the Brit struggled to conserve fuel to finish.  

The pair clashed tyres, but Hamilton held onto fourth, Massa finished fifth. 

Nico Rosberg for Mercedes finished sixth, Sauber's Sergio Perez came in seventh, and Renault's Nick Heidfeld was eighth.

 Michael Schumacher was ninth for Mercedes and Jaime Alguersuari was 10th for Toro Rosso.

Last night's Super Rugby finals glory has led the way to an unprecedented 15 Queensland Reds being named in Australia's 40-man Test squad.

Biggest surprises were Fijian-born Samo, along with Reds reserve hooker James Hanson and Melbourne Rebels utility back Mark Gerrard.

Veteran second-rower Dan Vickerman and fellow Waratahs forwards Sitaleki Timani and Dave Dennis were also selected by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and Rocky Elsom retains captaincy.

The Wallabies will announce their 30-man squad for the tournament on August 18.

It takes place from September 9 to October 23 in New Zealand.

Wallabies squad;

Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Ben Daley, Rod Davies, Dave Dennis, Rocky Elsom (capt), Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Mark Gerrard, Matt Giteau, James Hanson, Scott Higginbotham, Matt Hodgson, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Salesi Ma'afu, Pat McCabe, Ben McCalman, Stephen Moore, Luke Morahan, Dean Mumm, James O'Connor, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota Nau, Beau Robinson, Benn Robinson, Radike Samo, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, Dan Vickerman.

The Queensland Reds have beaten favourites Christchurch Crusaders to win the Super Rugby final at a packed-to-capacity Suncorp Stadium last night.

After a 13-all deadlock, Will Genia delivered  a stunning solo 65m try from nowhere in the 68th minute, giving the Reds an 18-13 victory.

Halves partner Quade Cooper was right beside him as he scored the winning points, giving the first Super Rugby title to an Australian side in seven years.  

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is trying to keep midfield pair Cesc Fabragas and Samir Nasri from being poached by other clubs.

The Gunners already said goodbye to defender Gael Clichy who was lured by a deal with Manchester City.

Barcelona have offered over $A40 million for Fabregas, who is keen to return to the club he joined at the age of 10, but Arsenal have rejected the offer.

Wenger re-iterated he will fight to keep the two players.

Nasri has 12 months of his contract remaining, but Man Utd are reportedly going to offer $A30 million for him.

Arsenal are believed to be bringing in Lille striker Gervinho and have possibly Valencia's Under-21 Spain midfielder Juan Mata.

Mark Webber was fastest in the first practice session yesterday for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Brits are enjoying a typical English summer, with heavy rain so conditions were hampered.

Webber's quickest lap was 1m 46.603 seconds, while Michael Schumaker, who is renouned for his love of driving in wet conditions, was two-thirds of a second behind.

The afternoon session was halted as rain fell down.

Webber will be hoping for a second consecutive win at Silverstone.

Teammate Vettel limited his time on the track yesterday.

F1 newcomer, Daniel Ricciardo was slowest. He is driving for Hispania Racing and making his Formula One debut this weekend.

The Warriors defeated the Titans last night 22-6, and so ended their four-match losing streak.

The Titans' terrible season just continues, with only 4 wins so far.

But for Warriors coach Ivan Cleary, the win was affirmation his team was still behind him, as recent suggestions were that he could be out before the end of the year.

Cleary joins Penrith next season.  

He said last night's win would give them some confidence and something to build on.

Harry Kewell may still return to Australia after both Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory confirmed they are in talks with his agent to secure him.

Kewell's manager Bernie Mandic had said earlier this week that a move to either Sydney FC or Melbourne Victory was a no-go after talks with FFA broke down over a top-up component to his club contract.

But Sydney FC  say they have put forward a number of proposals to Kewell, while Melbourne Victory's managing director said he was confident the Socceroos' star would sign with them.