KIERAN READ IS deservedly lauded as the best No. 8 in the world, but the Springboks’ Duane Vermeulen is increasingly challenging the crown. Standing 6ft 4ins tall and weighing in at around 118kg, Vermeulen is very much in the mould of a classic South African ‘eighthman’. His ball-carrying can be destructive, while his power in…
Author: THEJOHNANTONIOBLOG
Arteta praises ‘mature’ Arsenal after win over ‘talented’ PSV, provides promising Saka update
Mikel Arteta thinks his Arsenal players put in a “really mature” performance as they beat PSV to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League. The Gunners have been nothing short of sensational at the start of this campaign and their win over PSV on Thursday night was their eighth in a row across…
Trimble and Briggs pick up Player of the Year gongs at rugby writers’ awards
THE RUGBY WRITERS of Ireland have tonight named Andrew Trimble and Niamh Briggs as their male and female players of the year. Briggs, centre, celebrates at the final whistle of the World Cup meeting with New Zealand. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO Briggs, a working Garda, wins the honour for the second year in a row having…
Emery wants to bring Villarreal star to Aston Villa; updates on Coutinho, Kamara World Cup hopes
New Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly keen to bring Villarreal and Spain winger Yeremi Pino with him to the Premier League. It was announced on Monday that former Arsenal manager Emery would replace Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dugout. The Spaniard’s time at the Emirates was disappointing as he was dismissed within…
Ian Madigan’s display pleases Schmidt as new Ireland caps impress
JOE SCHMIDT WAS encouraged by the performances of debutants Dave Foley, Dominic Ryan and Robin Copeland in Ireland’s 49-7 win over Georgia yesterday, while out-half Ian Madigan also came in for praise. Second row Foley was named man of the match for a hard-working display in which he also ran Ireland’s line-out, while Leinster flanker…
Carragher claims Tottenham must back Conte with two signings as one star ‘not good enough’
Jamie Carragher has pushed Tottenham Hotspur to back Antonio Conte in the transfer market as their current squad is not good enough. Spurs have come under fire recently as their form has dipped somewhat. They have suffered two consecutive defeats in the Premier League but they still sit third in the table. In the Champions…
Tommy Walsh to take up baseball? It’s comments of the week
Career move for Walsh? Probably not. Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO William Grogan tells a good story about racehorse trainer Dessie Hughes, who passed away at the age of 71 this week: Wondering what USMNT stands for? Well now you know thanks to John Smith (okay, it actually means US Mens National Team): Maybe Tommy Walsh will head to the…
Uruguay international’s agent confirms Arsenal interest and offers update on ‘imminent’ Man Utd transfer
The agent of Facundo Torres has confirmed that Premier League side Arsenal are interested in the Orlando City winger. Arsenal made a number of additions in the summer with Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko the most high-profile signings. The new players, especially Jesus, have helped to take Mikel Arteta’s squad to a new level…
England axe Farrell for Australia clash, Cheika makes three changes
ENGLAND HAVE DROPPED Owen Farrell to the bench and recalled specialist centre Billy Twelvetrees to midfield in a bid to finish a disappointing November campaign with victory against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday. Specialist 10 Farrell played at inside centre in the 28-9 win over Samoa last weekend after Bath’s George Ford made his first…
Six things we want to see from Ireland’s provinces this weekend
Keep the good times rolling, Connacht IT’S SIX GAMES and counting in Connacht’s unbeaten stretch at the Sportsgrounds. And while the Challenge Cup offers little more than pride and a medal if you go all the way and win it, a seventh win would ensure Connacht take that unbeaten home record in to 2015. Source:…