Latest news with #No3
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Wilco Louw one of three reasons Bulls can upset Leinster in URC final
Wilco Louw has been in outstanding form for the Bulls, and has been rewarded with a Springbok call-up. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The Bulls are outright underdogs for Saturday's United Rugby Championship final against Leinster in Dublin (6pm SA time start) – but that doesn't mean that Jake White's team have no chance. In fact, here are three factors that are actually in the Bulls' favour to cause an almighty upset at Croke Park... 1 Andrea Piardi as the referee At first, you might think that Italian official Andrea Piardi's appointment as the final referee on Tuesday – his third title decider in a row – might work against the Bulls. The 32-year-old was the man in charge in last season's 21-16 victory for Glasgow Warriors at Loftus Versfeld – and Munster's win over the Stormers in Cape Town in 2023 – and White was unhappy with some of his decisions. 'It's twice in a row now where the referees (Piardi) let the away side win,' White said afterwards. 'In fact, it's three times – last year, Munster won in Cape Town, Glasgow won in Munster, we won in Leinster, and this referee let the away team win. So maybe, next year I'll ask when we play away, that I want him to try and ref us!' So, while match officials try to be objective, there is no doubt that the home crowd does have an influence in a match as big as a final. Normally the hosts would be on the right side of a few tight calls, but it seems it's the opposite with Piardi. White's words about last year's final defeat will surely be in the Italian's head, and he will be keen to ensure that it's a fair contest and that Leinster aren't getting any undue rewards. 2 Props with a point to prove Bulls props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw have been sensational this season. Louw has been so good that most SA fans – perhaps even a few Stormers ones – voiced their displeasure with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu being chosen as the SA URC Player of the Season last week instead of the Bulls No 3. The giant tighthead has been a destructive presence in the scrums, and gets around the field as well with his carries and tackles to emerge as the clear front-runner to start for the Springboks in 2025. Wessels hasn't been far behind, with his powerful surges around the fringes and outstanding work-rate on defence complementing his scrummaging work and versatility to fill in at hooker. In contrast, Leinster are missing injured Irish tighthead stalwart Tadhg Furlong, while loosehead prop Andrew Porter infamously said two years ago that 'It's about getting that fifth star (Champions Cup titles) on the jersey. You don't see many URC or PRO14s or whatever you have on the jersey'. With Leinster having tripped up at the Champions Cup semi-final hurdle once more this season, how motivated will Porter be for the URC final? 3 Hunger for glory The Bulls' loss to Glasgow in front of a packed 50,000-plus crowd at Loftus Versfeld really hurt them. They had roared into a 13-0 first-half lead, only to watch their advantage being whittled away by Franco Smith's band of Warriors. Bok World Cup-winning mentor Jake White even questioned himself and his approach in the aftermath, noting that 'I myself lost a Super Rugby final against the Chiefs (with the Brumbies), lost a Rainbow Cup in Benetton, lost two URC finals...' Despite not having a dynamic Bok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse available this time – as well as losing injured star No 8 Cameron Hanekom in the semi-final – the Bulls are undoubtedly a more well-rounded side this season. They have produced some outstanding performances away from home, most notably beating Munster and Glasgow in Europe. So, a packed Croke Park won't be a daunting environment for this group of Bulls. They will also enjoy being the underdogs in Dublin, despite winning the 2022 and 2024 semi-finals against Leinster. If they can avoid the unnecessary yellow cards from the semi-final and put their best foot forward, they have every chance of emerging victorious on Saturday – at long last putting to bed the defeats in the 2022 and 2024 finals.
IOL News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Wiaan Mulder 'technically good enough' to bat at No 3 in World Test final, says Proteas legend Hashim Amla
Proteas legend Hashim Amla was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in London on Monday evening. Picture: Zaahier Adams/Independent Media Image: Zaahier Adams/Independent Media Proteas legend Hashim Amla has backed allrounder Wiaan Mulder for the crucial No 3 spot for the World Test Championship final against Australia, starting on Wednesday at Lord's. Amla, who was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in London on Monday evening, walked to the crease in the crucial first drop position in 107 of his 124 Tests. He formed the bedrock of the Proteas batting line-up during their most successful era, scoring 7993 runs at an average of 49.35, including a record unbeaten 311 from No 3. The Proteas currently though have been in a state of flux, having utilised Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder, at No 3 in their last four Tests. But with Rickelton having been promoted to the top of order, and successfully banked the opening berth after a double century in the New Year Test against Pakistan at Newlands, and Stubbs now seemingly preferred to slot in the middle-order, it has left Mulder and Tony de Zorzi to battle it out for the vacancy at Lord's. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ De Zorzi is the more accomplished batter, having opened the batting for the Proteas prior to the New Year Test, but it is well-known that Proteas coach Shukri Conrad is keen to get a fifth bowler into the starting XI to support his four-pronged attack. It certainly will be a risk, who has failed in all his three previous starts at No 3, whilst only recently striking his maiden Test century from No 7 against Bangladesh last year. Amla, though, believes Mulder does have the ability to fulfill the role in the WTC final, especially in regards to the Proteas' overall gameplan. 'When I started at No 3, I wasn't a No 3 batter. I actually preferred the Nos 4 and 5, but batting at No 3 for South Africa was the only gap at the time,' Amla said. 'They asked me, and I did it. I had a season doing it for the Dolphins and then got into the national team. 'In this current team, there may not be guys who've batted at No 3 domestically. But there is a time for them to start. Proteas allrounder Wiaan Mulder is being touted to bat at No 3 in the WTC final against Australia. Picture: AFP Image: Tanvin Tamin / AFP 'So, if Wiaan bats at No 3, it might be his time. You need time to learn the position, and although it's a big final, and it's tough to be in the deep end like, but he can make it work. 'Technically, you have some really good players. Wiaan and Stubbs are technically good enough. 'Also the style of cricket South Africa seem to be playing, it's a little bit more attacking, so in many ways your technique is not tested as much because you are playing a bit more shots than normal, so it might work into the way South Africa are playing.' Amla, though, stressed that the essential requirements for long-term success remain the same. 'You have to be able to handle the new ball, because most of the time, you end up coming in pretty early,' he said. 'You're always prepping for that. You have to have good technique. You have to have the experience of batting in the top order for a long time. That makes the quality of a good No 3 batter for a long period of time.' Independent Media's Zaahier Adams will be at Lord's covering the ICC World Test Championship final. Picture: Independent Media Image: Independent Media
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ben Stokes claims Jacob Bethell comments were ‘twisted to suit an agenda'
Ben Stokes has suggested that his comments hinting at a recall for Jacob Bethell were 'twisted to suit an agenda' and given his strong backing to Ollie Pope. The England captain appeared to suggest that Bethell would make an immediate return to the Test side for the series against India later this summer, saying: 'You put two and two together, you probably know what's going to happen." Advertisement The young left-hander made an impressive start to life at No 3 in New Zealand late last year, but had been absent from the Test against Zimbabwe due to his ongoing participation at the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Stokes subsequently clarified, however, that he merely meant that Bethell would return to the wider squad rather than into the XI, with competition for places in the top order fierce. Both Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, returning to No 3 after taking the wicketkeeping gloves in New Zealand, made excellent hundreds at Trent Bridge to set up a comfortable victory. And Stokes believes his words were contorted to suggest he was placing pressure on Pope. Advertisement 'That was written to suit an agenda that was being said away from what is in the team,' Stokes told the BBC after wrapping up victory inside three days. "I got asked a pretty simple question about Beth. I said put two and two together and he comes back into the squad. But it is unfortunate that you say something and it can get twisted to suit an agenda. Ollie Pope made a hundred at Trent Bridge (Action Images via Reuters) "I made it very clear to Popey the night before this Test that is not the case. He's my vice-captain and he's been incredible for me and the team at No 3. I'm very, very pleased for him that he went out there and played the way that he did." England's first Test against India begins on 20 June at Headingley, by which time Bethell will have long since returned. The Warwickshire batter, who also offers a left-arm spin option, made three half centuries and impressed with his calm and composure after a surprise promotion to No 3 in New Zealand. Pope's ton in Nottingham was his eighth in Tests, all against different opposition. The Surrey batter appears likely to retain his spot for the five-match series against India that headlines the English summer.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
On the market: Four homes close to leisure amenities
Asking price: €950,000 Agent: AOK Properties (056) 780 4510 When it comes to proximity to leisure amenities, this French-style country house aces many others, as it stands on 4.5 acres with its own tennis court, a large outbuilding with separate kitchen and a barn that could be used for stables if required. At 3,186 sq ft, it has 12ft high ceilings, air-to-water heating and an A2 BER. Accommodation includes a kitchen/breakfast/sitting room with patio doors to the back garden, utility/boot room, guest WC, home office, five double bedrooms (two en suite) and a family bathroom. Apartment 3, Clearwater, Bath Avenue, Malahide, Co Dublin Asking price: €715,000 Agent: Corry Estates (01) 846 1122 Rightsizers are queuing up to drop anchor at this ground floor apartment in Clearwater, an 11-unit development opposite Malahide beach. Malahide Yacht Club is 500m away and it's within easy reach of centres for watersports, tennis, cricket, golf, GAA, rugby and other activities. ADVERTISEMENT Spanning 1,108 sq ft, No3 has an entrance hall with two storage rooms, an open-plan living/dining room with doors to an outside terrace, a kitchen also with outdoor access, two bedrooms (one en suite) and a bathroom. The annual management fee is €4,720. Killineer, Broadfield, Naas, Co Kildare Asking price: €995,000 Agent: Coonan Property (045) 832 020 Set on a 0.59 acre site in the Thoroughbred County, this bungalow is within galloping distance of two racecourses: Punchestown, located 2km away and Naas, 4km. Upgraded and extended to 2,250 sq ft in 2021, it has an air-to-water heating system, solar panels, underfloor heating and a toasty A3 BER. Accessed via electric gates, it opens into an entrance hall, off which are a kitchen/breakfast room, dining/living room, utility, four bedrooms (one en suite), a home office, playroom, shower room and a family bathroom. Clanmoor, Newcastle, Castletroy, Co Limerick Asking price: €695,000 Agent: Rooney Auctioneers (061) 413 511 Located 700m from Castletroy Golf Club, this dormer bungalow is also close to Castletroy Urban Greenway and riverside walk. UL Sport, five minutes away, offers a range of activities and it's a 20-minute drive to Thomond Park rugby stadium. Measuring 1,731 sq ft, it has a living room, sitting room with doors to the back garden, a kitchen/diner, sunroom, utility, a double bedroom and a main bathroom on the ground floor. Upstairs are three more bedrooms (two double, one single) and a separate WC.
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
England ready to hand Sam Cook long-awaited Test debut against Zimbabwe
Sam Cook is in line to make a long-awaited Test debut against Zimbabwe in three weeks' time after receiving his first England call up. Essex seamer Cook has been a prolific wicket-taker in the County Championship (he has 318 first-class wickets at an average of under 20) since making his debut in 2017. He is one of two uncapped players in the squad to face Zimbabwe, which will be announced on Friday. Sam Cook is a star: A hat-trick in the first innings, 6/14 in the second Watch all six second-innings wickets - Essex's best County Championship figures since September 2022! — Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) April 8, 2024 Another uncapped player selected is Cook's Essex team-mate Jordan Cox, who is likely to be the spare batsman in the squad. Cox came very close to making his Test debut as a wicketkeeper-batsman when Jamie Smith was on paternity leave for the tour of New Zealand in December, only to go down injured. In his absence, Jacob Bethell impressed at No 3, but is now at the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, effectively ruling him out of selection. That means Cox is back after another prolific start to the season with Essex. It appears there is no place yet for Ben McKinney, the tall Durham opening batsman. There is a return for the twice-capped Josh Tongue, who has been in fine form for Nottinghamshire after not playing a single match in 2024. Gus Atkinson, Cook and Tongue looks the likely seam attack, with Matthew Potts in reserve. In a settled squad, the likes of opener Zak Crawley and Shoaib Bashir are retained after tricky tours of New Zealand and modest returns early in the Championship season. Pope looks poised to return to No 3, while it is unclear if captain Ben Stokes will bowl. He has not played since undergoing surgery on a hamstring tear suffered in New Zealand. The one-off, four-day Test against Zimbabwe – the two teams' first Test meeting since James Anderson's maiden series in 2003 – represents an appetiser for the five-match series that follows against India. After that, England travel to Australia for an era-defining Ashes series they have been building towards. Cook will debut at a time when England have an extensive fast-bowling injury list, with Mark Wood and Olly Stone ruled out until midsummer. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are closer to returning, while Jofra Archer is not considered 'red-ball ready'. He is at the Indian Premier League until late this month, and has not played a Test for more than four years because of serious elbow and back issues. If he returns from India in good health he is expected to play at least one first-class match for England Lions to prove his fitness for Test cricket later in the summer. While sidelined, Wood will join Andrew Flintoff's Lions coaching staff for one of those matches. A statement from Warwickshire said Woakes was back in training and that 'coach Ian Westwood hopes to be able to call on him later this month'. Carse, meanwhile, is expected to join England's training camp at Loughborough, then play a couple of games for Durham to gear up for the India series. Joe Root and Harry Brook will play their first – and likely only – Championship games of the new season for Yorkshire against Warwickshire at Headingley from Friday, while Crawley will continue his search for form by turning out for Kent at Lord's.
