Saturday, December 19, 2009

Breakfast Headlines


There are a few surprises in Springbok coach Peter de Villiers' 28 player squad for the Tri-Nations.
The selectors have opted to drop prop BJ Botha and recall World Cup hero JP Pietersen.
There's no place for Thonderai Chavanga, Gcobani Bobo and Schalk Brits, so they can run out for Western Province against the Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday.
Ryan Kankowski will tour, but not Danie Russouw.
***
SARU President Oregan Hoskins says the Springboks must believe they can beat the All Blacks in New Zealand.
He says the announcement of the 28-player Tri-Nations squad is the culmination of coach Peter de Villiers's preparations over the past few weeks.
Hoskins says he's more optimistic about SA's Tri-Nations chances this year than in previous years...
***
Former bok wing Breyton Paulse says the Boks must take advantage of the absence of injured All Black skipper Richie Maccaw.
He says the team has not yet played to its full potent! ial...
***
The Proteas arrive in England today and will play a few warm-ups before the first test against England on the 10th of July.
Skipper Graeme Smith says they won't be targeting dangerman Kevin Pietersen and says "the best way to silence someone is by the cricket you play."
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur told Supersport, England is a balanced batting side, but a bit lacking in the pace bowling department...
***
Australia hammered the West Indies by 84 runs in the first one-day match.
Newcomer Shaun Marsh scored 81 to help the Aussies total 273 for 8 and Nathan Bracken took 4 for 31 to help skittle the Windies for only 189.
***
Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick are both through to the second round at Wimbledon.
Rising star Benjamin Becker eliminated fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko and home favourite Andy Murray is still in it.
Among the women, Maria Sharapova, second seed Jelena Jankovic and defending champ Venus Williams ! all made it through.
***
With the Beijing Games fast! approac hing, 800 metres star, Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, is looking good.
He finished second at the Andalucia Grand Prix in Spain, but set the fifth fastest time of his career behind Cuban runner, Yeimar Lopez.
***
The first Euro Champs semi-final takes place tonight with Germany the favourites against Turkey.