Sport Magazine 227

Issue 277 | October 12 2012

Alex Oxlade–Chamberlain on England, Arsenal and life in the fast lane

16

issue 277, october 12 2012 radar 07 Energy drinks on ice Quite literally – and there’s rather a lot of it at the Relentless Freeze Festival

08 A sneaker peak At some of history’s famous trainers, including the original Nike Air Jordans

10 WRC 3 Take on Seb Loeb and beat him.

Yes, it’s definitely a simulation oFeatures this coming week

16 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Our exclusive interview with England’s brightest young thing – wise beyond his years

30 No place like home Or like St George’s Park: the England football team’s state-ofthe-art new training base

34 Ugo Monye The Harlequins man tells us why it’s so important for his team to perform well in the Heineken Cup

40 The right Price

58

David, that is. He talks to us about his fight with Audley Harrison this weekend

extra time

34

54 Kit The Heineken Cup begins this week. We bring you the shirts you should be wearing

56 Coral Beary The Busted song Air Hostess was (probably) written about her.

And she plays football, too

Cover image by Lee Goldup

58 Gadgets

30

40

An iPod dock seemingly inspired

by Damien Hirst’s For the Love of God skull. For the love of god...

62 Entertainment We get dark and dishonourable, and Noel Gallagher’s birds fly high | October 12 2012 | 05

p08 – The shoes that ran the first four-minute mile

Radar

p10 – WRC 3: no one else can beat Loeb. Can you? p10 – Stuart Broad’s world in cricket: pushes no boundaries

Cost -cutting measures hit the Northern Line extension hard

London on ice I

n the winter of 1683, our fair city was so cold that the Thames froze over for two months, and the citizens of Restoration-era London held ‘frost fairs’ on the ice with sledging, puppetry and horse and coach races. More than 300 years on, and not much has changed – the Relentless Freeze Festival features the modern-day equivalents of sledging (snowboarding) and puppetry (dub-step) in the dilapidated icon that is Battersea Power Station. The world’s best skiers and boarders will demonstrate their talents on huge snow-covered ramps, there’s music and DJ sets from the likes of Grandmaster Flash and Mark Ronson, and a massive retail village where snow-lovers can stock up on winter gear before the start of the season. It’s everything you need to party like it’s 1683.

Relentless Energy Drink Freeze Festival, October 26-27, Battersea Power Station. Tickets from £40 available at relentlessfreeze.com

| October 12 2012 | 07

Colin Adair

Speed gentrification: posh kids being airlifted in straight from the piste

Radar

Kill Bill Onitsuka Tiger Asics (2003) designed by Quentin Tarantino as a Bruce Lee homage, worn by Uma Thurman in the film

Step up E

Air Jordan I (1985) banned by NBA for not conforming to uniformity rules. Nike paid the fine as it was such good exposure

ver wanted to get a closer look at Roger Bannister’s shoes? No? Well if the first footwear to be propelled a mile in less than four minutes doesn’t take your fancy, there’s plenty in this exhibition of rare trainers that might.

There are more than 40 collector’s items on show, including the first ever pair of Nike Air Jordans, and Kanye West’s Nike Yeezys, which fetched nearly $90,000 in an auction. They say if you want to get to know someone, you should try walking a mile in their shoes. We really suggest you don’t try that here – eyes only.

‘Sneaking Into Fashion’, Tracking The Trainers’ Journey Through Popular Culture, presented by javari.co.uk at Covent Garden Piazza, Central Avenue, October 18-28.

For information, opening times or to view the virtual version of the exhibition, go to www.javari.co.uk/exhibition

Converse All Star (1917) endorsed by basketball player Chuck Taylor, starting the trend of using icons to increase desirability

Nike Air Yeezy II (2012) a pair of these Kanye West-designed trainers were bought for $89,000, pre official release, on eBay

Score by numbers P

oor Colin Hendry. More than 50 caps for his country (and the brightest hair ever seen in football) and his most famous act in a Scotland shirt, to English memories at least, is having the ball scooped over him by Paul Gascoigne at Euro 96, during the build-up to that goal.

That goal, depicted here with full dentistchair celebration included, is just one of 100 featured in Back of the Net – a collection of illustrations of iconic goals, from Dennis Bergkamp’s preposterous pull-down and finish against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup to the same player’s ridiculous first touch, spin and finish against Newcastle four years later. There are some goals by other players in there too, we can report.

Back of the Net, out now, Yellow Jersey Press. For more info and to play along, visit facebook.com/backofthenetapp

08 | October 12 2012 |

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Radar

At the end of the road, turn left W

hile cowardly Formula 1 drivers balk at the slightest hint of rain, their braver (and, dare we say, more skilful) counterparts are tearing around the globe on pretty much any surface imaginable.

While you might think that would lend an air of unpredictability to proceedings, you’d be wrong – one man, Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, has won the World Rally Championship for nine years in a row. If, like us, you’re a rally fan getting slightly irked by Loeb’s

continued dominance, you can try and rewrite history in WRC 3.

The game engine has been completely revamped for this year, boosting handling realism; and, in conjunction with the improved graphics, this makes for an utterly immersive experience across 78 stages of rally action. It’s so realistic, in fact, that some of the other drivers might even be able to get in a bit of practice and make the real thing a bit more exciting next season.

Lift the lid E

veryone knows the three coolest things in the world are riding a Vespa, wearing massive sunglasses and adopting a rigorous approach to road safety. That’s what makes these open-face helmets from luxury brand Ateliers Ruby so freakin’ rad; they’re designed to be worn with glasses so you can protect your precious moustache but still let the world see just how edgy you are as you ride to work on your vintage motorbike, latte in one hand, iPad in the other. The range of anti-death headwear has a carbon fibre shell and lamb leather interior, which feels great against your facial hair, while the four colour options evoke the golden age of motorsport.

The Castel full-face helmet by Ateliers Ruby, from €710 at ateliersruby.com

10 | October 12 2012 |

WRC 3 out today on PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Playstation Vita

Broadly speaking I

t’s not at all the story of my life, or an autobiography,” said Stuart Broad when we asked him about his new book, My World in Cricket. “It’s more about how I play the game, training techniques, life on the road and every side of being a professional cricketer. When I was a youngster growing up, I’d have loved to flick through a book like that.”

If you’re looking for an approach with which to tackle this tome, ‘flicking through’ just about hits the bail on the head. Few will much care what Broad has to say about hitting a perfect hard sweep, but the insights he gives into life as an international sportsman are both interesting and articulate.

Nowt juicy about KP, mind. £20, Simon & Schuster

Traditional gondola rides. The nostalgic allure of piazzas and palaces.

Explore living history, then watch in awe as Venice transforms at nightfall.

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Radar Editor’s letter Royal approval: the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge make sure they are pictured with John Ruddy www.sport-magazine.co.uk @sportmaguk facebook.com/sportmagazine Free iPad app available on Newsstand

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A brave new world?

St George’s Park is certainly impressive, but will it produce the goods for English football?

T Editor-in-chief Simon Caney @simoncaney

here is, rightly, a great deal of optimism around the opening of St George’s Park, the FA’s new state-of-the-art training facility that brings our game into the 21st century.

Those behind it, notably David Sheepshanks, deserve much credit for pushing it through (turn to page 30 for our behind-the-scenes look at the place: it’s nothing if not impressive). It will result in much better coaches and act as a wonderful base from which to develop the national team.

However, while coaches will learn their trade there, and players will be able to use facilities that are truly exceptional, what happens next? Yes, Premier League clubs themselves have academies and training centres that are also brilliant, but there are not that many of them. Go lower down the leagues, go into the non-leagues, go

into youth football, into women’s football, and the facilities, such that they are, cannot be compared.

This is not to detract from what we have at St George’s Park. Ultimately it may help England win a World Cup, though that may be some way off. The key, though, is that this is not the culmination of anything, but merely the beginning.

On the subject, it’s not been a great couple of weeks for the game. After it came together to show such solidarity and dignity over Hillsborough, it then slipped back to its bad old ways. Ashley Cole’s mindless tweet did not help matters, but then his colleagues did the game no favours last weekend either. Just a handful of games on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday were depressing viewing: stamps, dives, a flailing elbow... whether they like it or not, players should be role models, and right now they’re not doing a great job.

Paul Wood’s missing testicle is taking on mythical status. In case you missed it, the Warrington Wolves man ruptured it at the start of the second half of the Grand Final last weekend, played on for 20 minutes and then had to have it surgically removed. I don’t know where it is now, though I rather hope it’s in a jamjar on his mantelpiece. A bronze cast of it should be made, placed on a plinth and presented to the footballer who feigns the worst injury: Testicle of the Month.

Terrific to see the West Indies land the World Twenty20 crown last weekend, though it was not entirely unexpected.

A few commentators had tipped them, and our own Alex Reid, in his preview of the event, described them as ’dark horses who could do damage’. The thing is, they’re a very poor Test side. The gap between Test cricket and the express form of the game gets wider and wider.

Editorial Editor-in-chief: Simon Caney (7951) Deputy editor: Tony Hodson (7954) Associate editor: Nick Harper (7897) Art editor: John Mahood (7860) Deputy art editor: William Jack (7861) Digital designer: Chris Firth (7624) Subeditor: Graham Willgoss (7431) Senior writers: Sarah Shephard (7958), Alex Reid (7915) Staff writers: Mark Coughlan (7901), Amit Katwala (7914) Picture editor: Julian Wait (7961) Production manager: Tara Dixon (7963) Contributors: Martin Barry, Martin Potter, Simon Knights Commercial Agency Sales Director: Iain Duffy (7991) Business Director: Kevin O’Byrne (7832) Advertising Manager: Steve Hare (7930) New Business Sales Executive: Hayley Robertson (7904) Distribution Manager: Sian George (7852) Distribution Assistant: Makrum Dudgeon Head of Online: Matt Davis (7825) Head of Communications: Laura Wootton (7913) Managing Director: Adam Bullock PA to Managing Director: Sophia Koulle (7826) Colour reproduction: Rival Colour Ltd Printed by: Wyndeham Group Ltd © UTV Media plc 2012 UTV Media plc takes no responsibility for the content of advertisements placed in Sport magazine £1 where sold Hearty thanks this week to: Rachel Bradshaw, Louise Hewitt, Duncan Ross, Dan French, Dave McCann

Cover of the Year

Reader comments of the week

@AlexRafCam Twitter

12 | October 12 2012 |

Was all set to agree with @simoncaney about footballers v olympians etc ..... and then Ashley Cole piped up #rolemodel?

@simoncaney Please can I retract my tweet printed in @Sportmaguk today?

Cole has proved football & footballers really are THAT BAD after all

@ParalympicsGB review in @sportmaguk with great @davidweir2012 illustration. What I’ve been waiting for. There should be more of this.

Loving @sportmaguk interviews this week with the para champions @SChristiansen87 is especially inspirational, that girl’s awesome!

@Si_Margolis Twitter

@tim_woodhouse Twitter

@shirleysauyinip Twitter

@Sportistblog Twitter

LAUNCH OF THE YEAR

2008

Total Average Distribution: 305,676 Jan-Jun 2012 Don’t forget: Help keep public transport clean and tidy for everyone by taking your copy of Sport away with you when you leave the bus or train.

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@simoncaney Completely disagree about the Ryder cup - golf is a boring sport, the Ryder cup doesn’t change that!

Frozen in time

El tower Anyone wondering why Spain’s economy is in the toilet should study this shot, in which we find our continental cousins buggering about once again when they could be cracking on.

This time, instead of running with the bulls or lobbing their rancid tomatoes around, we find them constructing a large tower of human people. Why? Just because (though they prefer to call it the Tarragona Castells Competition).

Clearly economic growth and locating those green shoots can wait. Mañana, señor, mañana.

14 | October 12 2012 |

| 15

David Ramos/Getty Images

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

16 | October 12 2012 |

Pace, power and fearless play saw Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fasttracked into the England side for Euro 2012. Three months on, he’s still there. Sport spoke exclusively to the winger about his rapid rise, and why his new nickname has made his mum particularly happy victory against Moldova and a tricky 1-1 draw against an impressive Ukraine side), Chamberlain is hoping to make it a hat-trick against San Marino at Wembley.

Not that the son of former England player Mark Chamberlain is getting ahead of himself. Indeed, over the course of the afternoon he spends posing for pictures and being interviewed in a central London studio, it becomes clear that Chamberlain junior is one young footballer who knows exactly where he’s at, and where he’s headed.

That’s even more impressive, given that Chamberlain has made the long-haul trip from Championship to fully fledged England international (becoming a Premier League and Champions League regular along the way) in less time than it takes to say his full name after a night on the sauce.

It’s been a suitably rapid rise for the winger who ambles into our interview room and – after the polite bits are done with – throws himself on to a comfy chair. >

Lee Goldup

S

ince I’ve come to Arsenal, ‘The Ox’ has really taken off,” Alex OxladeChamberlain tells Sport, with a grin.

Taken out of context, it’s a line that suggests the young Arsenal and England winger has started to believe his own hype; that before long, he’ll be referring to himself as ’The Special One’ and insisting on wearing a box-fresh pair of trainers every day.

Fortunately, the line is actually part of a wider conversation about Chamberlain’s recently acquired – and rather apt - nickname. It is not, as it might seem, a sign that the 19-year-old is cultivating an ego big enough to fill Wembley Stadium.

Which is exactly where he’ll be tonight for the third instalment of England’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Having been selected by manager Roy Hodgson to start both of England’s previous qualifiers (a thumping 5-0

| 17

Alex Stuart Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Oxlade-Chamberlain Broad

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Strong as an ox: Chamberlain makes his England debut against Norway in May

“Age is irrelevant, really. At a certain point you have to go in and prove that you’re good enough”

Want more?

To find out who the Ox’s favourite all-time Arsenal player is, and what his best chat-up lines are, download the iPad app version of Sport now 18 | October 12 2012 |

You were called up to your first [under-18s] England squad in 2010. Did you have a target age in mind for when you wanted to be playing for the senior side?

“I wanted to make sure I was in and around the senior squad by the time I was 21. So for it to happen when I was 18, you know, I was happy with that. But the thing with England is you can drop out of it just like that. If you switch off or your performances with your club don’t merit a squad place, then I don’t think you deserve to be in it. If I take my foot off the pedal, I know I might not be back in that squad by the time I am 21.”

When Roy Hodgson selected you for his Euro 2012 squad, you were yet to win your first senior cap. How did it feel to find out you were in?

“I was at my friend’s house when I got a phone call from the boss. I had a hint I might be getting a call because someone at the FA

had rung me the day before to make sure I was around in the morning. But, at the same time, I still didn’t expect it. The next morning I was up waiting for this phone call and it was the manager, Roy Hodgson. He let me know that I deserved a place in the squad and that I needed to prove him right. I was delighted, but it hadn’t been announced yet and my friend had other mates round who weren’t close to me, so I wasn’t going to tell everyone – I kept it to myself. I didn’t even tell my dad or anyone – they found out when it was announced on TV.” Did you go to the Euros feeling pressure-free because you were so inexperienced, or does putting on the England shirt bring a certain pressure with it regardless?

“Even though I was going out there with the least experience and no one – especially fans who weren’t Arsenal supporters – really knew what I was capable of, I still expected myself to be able to take people on and do well if I got a chance on the pitch. I always put a high demand on myself. If I’m not playing well, I beat myself up a bit. If I have high standards, I think it’s always more likely I’ll play and train well.”

Were you still able to enjoy the experience?

“I enjoyed every minute. To go there and gain

experience from the likes of Steven Gerrard and John Terry was amazing. Then to get a call to play – it was a really big surprise.

I received a lot of support from fans, too.

Not just Arsenal fans, but England fans.

That helps you to relax, because you know they realise your age and stuff. But age is irrelevant, really. At a certain point you have to prove that you’re good enough. If you are, then it doesn’t matter how old you are.”

Hodgson tends to be seen as the good cop in contrast to Fabio Capello’s stricter, bad cop. Is there another side to Hodgson that we don’t see, though?

“Definitely. He’s the old-school type of manager – when something needs to be said, he just says it. I think that’s why the boys have so much respect for him. He treats the lads as adults and the senior boys get to have a say in how we feel as a team, which helps the boys’ morale. He’ll give you down time when you can go and play a round of golf or see your loved ones – the boys really appreciate those little things, and it makes them want to do well for him. So he’s really good at that side of things. His man-management is excellent, but when it’s business time, it really is.” >

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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The accompanying sigh is that of a man who has spent the morning grafting on the training ground. But the broad smile as he hears our first question is that of a teenager who’s determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

A seat at the top table: taking instruction from Roy Hogdson, taking on Sweden at the Euros (above, right) and promoting FIFA 13

“The fact the manager is bringing a lot of us into the squad now, when we’re young, means we can grow up together”

Goals scored for England so far – all at under-21 level, including a hat-trick against Iceland

20 | October 12 2012 |

He seems like a manager who likes to be quite involved on the training pitch…

“Yeah he does, but he does it in a clever way. It’s not like you hear him shouting a lot in training, but he’s always watching – he doesn’t miss anything. And if he sees something, he’ll always remember it and bring it up next week or the week after – to remind you what you weren’t doing or what you need to be doing. So he’s very clever in the way he watches training and observes all of us.”

When you were at Southampton, you had Arsenal and Manchester United fighting for your signature. Was it hard to stay focused?

“It was a bit surprising at first, because I used to watch all these clubs on Match of the Day every week and dream of coming to a massive club like Arsenal. But my parents never let me get carried away, and at the same time I had a lot of respect for all my teammates at Southampton. We were trying to get promoted, so when all the speculation was coming out my number-one priority was still to get promoted with Southampton and develop there. It was nice to hear all those clubs were interested, but it wasn’t hard for me to keep my feet on the ground – I had a lot of commitments at Southampton that season.

So I just kept my head down and focused on that. You almost let everything take care of itself, as it did in the end.”

Did it get to the stage where you had to make a choice over where to go?

“I always favoured Arsenal. It’s a massive club and I’ve loved the way they’ve played football

and brought players through. When I was younger, I used to go and watch Southampton versus Arsenal when they came to the club, and loved watching Thierry Henry. I went to the Emirates a few times, too, and the atmosphere was just unbelievable. So it wasn’t a hard decision for me.”

Have you always been known as ‘The Ox‘, or is that only since you moved to Arsenal?

“Yeah, before that I used to sort of hide the Oxlade name because everyone said it was too long – but my mum never used to like it being left out because that was her part of my surname. Since I’ve come to Arsenal, ’The Ox’ has taken off. Before, everyone just called me Chambo, but the Oxlade has stuck and I like it.

It’s a good nickname. Will I get it on my shirt?

[Laughs] I don’t think the boss will let me.”

Your Premier League debut came during the infamous 8-2 defeat to Manchester United.

How difficult was that experience?

“Not difficult at all, really. I was just dying to get on the pitch for Arsenal and to make >

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Michael Regan/Getty Images, Christopher Lee/Getty Images

What about your manager at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger – what were your first impressions of him?

“The first time I met him was actually on the day I signed. He’s a nice man, you know?

He’s very calm and has that aura about him – you know he’s the boss. The way he speaks is really intelligent and everything he said to me on that first day was quite inspirational.

It gave me a lot of drive to come in and prove that he made the right decision to sign me.”

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

“As a young lad in a big environment, it can be daunting”

Clive Rose/Getty Images

my debut at Old Trafford was an unbelievable moment. Obviously it was difficult after the game, to realise we’d lost 8-2. You never expect that to happen to anyone, let alone Arsenal. So that was hard to take and it did put a dampener on the occasion really, because we were all gutted about the result.

In the end, making my debut didn’t really mean anything at that time. Looking back at it now, though, to be able to come on at Old Trafford and try to help my team was a massive experience – and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I learned a lot that day, so soon in my Arsenal career. I think we all did.”

Has it been difficult to handle the attention since moving to Arsenal? Suddenly you’re making headlines and crowds are chanting for The Ox...

“I’ve noticed that coming into a big club and when you play for England, stuff evolves on to a bigger level – especially in the media.

But you learn to ignore it, to a certain extent.

You know what you need to do and what your aims are, and you just have to get on with it.

If you read the papers too much – whether it be good or bad – you can get distracted.

At the same time, when you do hear people appreciating what you’re doing, it’s a nice boost. When I warm up at the Emirates and get a big cheer or the fans are singing for me to come on, it’s a huge confidence boost – because as a young lad coming into a big environment, it can be daunting.”

22 | October 12 2012 |

Both your dad [Mark Chamberlain] and your uncle [Neville] played professional football.

Do they give you advice on your game now?

“My dad does all the time. I’ll always try to get a copy of my games for him to watch because he’s always honest with me. Even when he was my under-11s coach at Southampton, he wasn’t biased towards me at all. We were away at Tottenham one game and in the first period – we used to play four periods – he took me off because I wasn’t doing something well enough, and he never put me back on.

I remember crying on the sidelines, but I never made the same mistake again. So, right from when I was younger, he’s always been honest with me. And, if I’m not doing something well enough, he’ll let me know. I let him watch my games as much as I can.”

You play mostly as a winger, but you played in central midfield for Arsenal’s Champions League game against AC Milan last season.

Which do you think is your best position?

“I grew up playing in central midfield and naturally I’m more of an inside midfielder. But at the same time, when I play there, I like to dribble. [Smiles] So playing out wide is good for me because I get the licence to express myself in that way. But for the boss to put so much trust in me on a big occasion like the Milan game was massive. I was dying with flu that day too – I didn’t even think I’d make the game. First half I was okay, but when we stopped for half time I was coughing

and spluttering. Gaining experience in the Champions League playing in a central midfield role was a big eye-opener for me, though.

I think the boss sees me developing into a central midfield player as I get older, but if I stay on the wing I’m happy to do that, too – we’ll just have to see where I’m best suited and go with that.”

Back to England, then. When people talk about the future, your name is among the first mentioned, along with Jacks Wilshere and Rodwell, and Kyle Walker. Can your generation be trophy winners?

“Yeah, why not? There are boys from the top football clubs in England. Everyone raves about how highly rated English football is, and those boys are all playing with fantastic players from other countries at their own clubs. The likes of Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Walker are strong players and strong characters as well. There’s a lot of talent, and the fact the manager is bringing a lot of us into the squad now, when we’re young, means we can grow up together. For the next generation, it’s looking positive.

I think it is, anyway.”

Sarah Shephard @sarahsportmag

Months between Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s first ever England game for the under-18s in November 2010 and his first senior call-up in May

Head to YouTube.com/EASPORTSfootball for highlights of the #FIFA13CelebCup, including Joe Hart, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and The Enemy battling it out. EA SPORTS FIFA 13 is out now on all formats

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World Cup Qualifiers: England

Hodgson’s cHoice for now Roy Hodgson must do without him against the might of San Marino and the even greater might of Poland.

After England’s contrasting performances in their first two qualifiers (the 5-0 drubbing of Moldova followed by a tepid 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine), Hodgson needs to stress that there can be no more slip-ups.

San Marino, we’ll no doubt be told, consist of a teacher, a carpenter, a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker, and a few other plucky-yet-nameless chaps, and will be dispatched with ease at Wembley tonight.

Hodgson will experiment, partly out of necessity. With captain Steven Gerrard missing through suspension, and Frank Lampard an injury worry, England’s lack of experience is demonstrated by the captaincy

“iT’s 40 yeARs since BRiAn clougH WAs so AppAlled AT englAnd’s inABiliTy To BeAT polAnd in A WoRld cup quAliFieR” All aboard: Hodgson is set to give Walker (below, left) the opportunity to add to his three caps, while Defoe (below, right) will provide England’s main goal threat

24 | October 12 2012 |

conundrum – a toss-up between Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney. In defence, Kieran Gibbs has withdrawn because of injury. Ashley Cole’s tweets gave the FA a headache, but he is clear to play. Whether he or Leighton Baines starts at left back, then, is up to Roy. Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka were shaky against Ukraine, so Gary Cahill should start – as will Kyle Walker, in for the suspended Glen Johnson.

Arsenal’s pacy duo of Alex OxladeChamberlain and Theo Walcott are likely to be given the task of terrorising the part-timers’ defence: more exposure at the top table has not made San Marino any better over time (they lost 6-0 at home to Montenegro in their one qualifying match so far) and they won’t be able to cope, especially if Jermain Defoe continues his club form. He’s the most natural goalscorer at Hodgson’s disposal, and alongside Rooney he’ll have plenty of chances against San Marino.

Poland, on the other hand, will present a stern test in the hostile National Stadium of Warsaw. Defeat is not an option, with points already dropped at Wembley, but in the brave new world of Low Expectation England, a draw would not be a bad result.

England will need to be much more circumspect against the Poles. Cole will certainly play, along with Johnson. Gerrard will be back in as skipper, and the make-up of the midfield will be crucial. James Milner may add some stability, although Tom Cleverley offers invention. Hodgson knows this is where the game will be won or lost (or, more likely, drawn).

Of course, England also need to be wary of Poland. Borussia Dortmund’s Robert Lewandowski is likely to pose problems, and New England will be relieved to see his club teammate Jakub Blaszczykowski ruled out with an ankle injury. It’s almost 40 years since Brian Clough was so appalled at England’s inability to beat Poland in a crucial World Cup qualifier, but times have changed.

Hodgson will be happy with a point.

group H Friday England v San Marino iTV 8pM MoldoVa v UkrainE Tuesday San Marino v MoldoVa poland v England iTV 8pM UkrainE v MonTEnEgro Montenegro England Poland Ukraine San Marino Moldova

Pl 2 2 2 1 1 2

W 1 1 1 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 2

D 1 1 1 1 0 0

F 8 6 4 1 0 0

A Pts 2 4 1 4 2 4 1 1 6 0 7 0

Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images, Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images, Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

A

nd so John Terry and Rio Ferdinand are gone. of course, should england reach the World cup final we can expect Terry to very quickly reverse his decision, but

As two of his most capped defenders disappear over the horizon, and another tweets himself into trouble, Roy Hodgson needs to focus his troops

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World Cup Qualifiers

Destination Brazil It’s not just England in World Cup action, of course. There is a full programme of European qualifiers, so we start our round-up of previews with a very British affair...

Group B

Euro 2012 runners-up Italy lead Group B, having bumbled their way past Malta in Modena last time out. Cesare Prandelli will be looking for his side to do the same in Armenia tonight, while hoping that Bulgaria and Denmark – two of the sides most likely to challenge the Italians for top spot – take points off each other in Sofia. Perennial dark horses the Czech Republic should kickstart their campaign at home to Malta this evening, but the pick of the games is Italy hosting Denmark on Tuesday – our money is a on a spawny home win.

Friday CzeCh RePuBlIC v MAlTA 5PM ARMenIA v ITAly 6PM BulgARIA v DenMARk 7PM

Group a

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images, Mike Hewitt/Getty Images, Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

What always looked a close group has proven just that, with Serbia, Belgium and Croatia on four points apiece from two fixtures. The first two of those meet in Belgrade tonight, in what is the pick of the games in Group A – although we‘re going to be typically introspective and claim that Wales v Scotland in Cardiff is of more interest.

The hosts are under some pressure, with Chris Coleman removing AAron rAmsey as captain after the 6-1 drubbing they took in Serbia, while Craig Levein will be desperate to nick a first win for a Scotland side already off the pace. With both teams facing tough away trips on Tuesday, tonight‘s game is a must-win for both.

Tuesday CzeCh RePuBlIC v BulgARIA 7PM ITAly v DenMARk 7.45PM

italy Bulgaria Armenia Czech republic Denmark malta

p 2 2 2 1 1 2

W 1 1 1 0 0 0

D 1 1 0 1 1 0

L 0 0 1 0 0 2

F 4 3 1 0 0 0

A 2 2 1 0 0 3

Group C

Group D

This evening’s meeting of Ireland and Germany in Dublin is the obvious highlight in Group C, with the Irish looking to improve after they escaped Kazakhstan with a richly undeserved three points last month. Coach GiovAnni TrApATToni is under pressure to change the direct approach that failed so miserably at Euro 2012, but whether he is willing to change tack against the group favourites must be in some doubt. Germany host Sweden, the team likely to battle the Irish for second place, on Tuesday.

A new-look Netherlands under the old-look Louis van Gaal have started their bid for Brazil in encouraging fashion, thrashing Hungary away before easing to a home win over Turkey last time out. Tonight‘s penalty kick of a fixture at home to whipping boys Andorra is followed by a tough-looking trip to face currently unbeaten Romania in Bucharest on Tuesday. >

Friday SeRBIA v BelgIuM 7.30PM MACeDonIA v CRoATIA 7.30PM WAleS v SCoTlAnD 7.45PM, Sky SPoRTS 1

Friday FARoe ISlAnDS v SWeDen 5PM kAzAkhSTAn v AuSTRIA 5PM RePuBlIC oF IRelAnD v geRMAny 7.45PM, Sky SPoRTS 2

Friday TuRkey v RoMAnIA 6.30PM neTheRlAnDS v AnDoRRA 7.30PM eSTonIA v hungARy 7.30PM

Tuesday CRoATIA v WAleS 7PM, Sky SPoRTS 2 MACeDonIA v SeRBIA 7.30PM BelgIuM v SCoTlAnD 7.45PM, eSPn

Tuesday FARoe ISlAnDS v RePuBlIC oF IRelAnD 7PM AuSTRIA v kAzAkhSTAn 7.30PM geRMAny v SWeDen 7.45PM

Tuesday AnDoRRA v eSTonIA 6PM hungARy v TuRkey 7.30PM RoMAnIA v neTheRlAnDS 8PM

serbia Belgium Croatia scotland macedonia Wales

p 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 1 1 1 0 0 0

D 1 1 1 2 1 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 2

F 6 3 2 1 1 1

A 1 1 1 1 2 8

pts 4 4 4 2 1 0

pts 4 4 3 1 1 0

Germany sweden republic of ireland Austria Kazakhstan Faroe islands

p 2 1 1 1 2 1

W 2 1 1 0 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 1 2 1

F 5 2 2 1 1 0

A 1 0 1 2 4 3

pts 6 3 3 0 0 0

romania netherlands Hungary Turkey estonia Andorra

p 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 1 1 0 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 1 2 2

F 6 6 6 3 0 0

A 0 1 4 2 5 9

pts 6 6 3 3 0 0

| October 12 2012 | 27

World Cup Qualifiers

Group E It’s hard to look at this group and feel anything but indifference, but Switzerland are the team in the best recent form and can take control of matters with a home win over Norway tonight.

Captain Gokhan Inler has scored in both of their fixtures thus far, and is a driving force in a Napoli side currently sitting second in Serie A. With the wily Ottmar Hitzfeld still in charge, and the rest of a bog-average group likely to take points off each other (as results to date suggest), our money is on the neutrals to storm clear and put Group E to bed before the cuckoo clock strikes 2013. Your guess is as good as ours as to who will finish second.

Group F

One look at the current state of the Group F table will tell you that this is a two-horse race and no mistake – and those two horses meet like a pair of prancing stallions in Moscow this afternoon.

Whether Cristiano ronaldo and co will enjoy the likely chilly temperatures in the Russian capital is open to question – as is their current form, being that they had to come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win in Luxembourg last month. If the Portuguese do fail to get anything from today‘s match, they can at least get back to winning ways on Tuesday, when a struggling Northern Ireland arrive in Porto.

Friday RussIa v PoRTugaL 4PM LuxeMbouRg v IsRaeL 8PM

Friday aLbaNIa v IceLaNd 6PM sWITzeRLaNd v NoRWay 7.30PM sLoveNIa v cyPRus 7.45PM

Tuesday RussIa v azeRbaIjaN 4PM IsRaeL v LuxeMbouRg 5PM PoRTugaL v NoRTheRN IReLaNd 7.45PM, sky sPoRTs 1

switzerland iceland albania Cyprus norway slovenia

P 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 1 1 1 1 0

d 0 0 0 0 0 0

l 0 1 1 1 1 1

F 4 2 3 2 2 1

a 0 1 3 3 3 4

russia Portugal luxembourg northern ireland azerbaijan israel

Pts 6 3 3 3 3 0

Group G

Group I

If you thought Group E was uninspiring, take a butcher’s at Group G – where four goals in two games from Edin dzEko have helped Bosnia-Herzegovina to the top of the table with a maximum six points.

That run might come to an end in Piraeus tonight, however, where unlikely Euro 2012 quarter-finalists Greece await with the lights on and a full complement of points in their own otherwise empty sack. Slovakia can keep the pressure on the ‘big‘ two with a home win over Latvia tonight, before then hosting the Greeks on Tuesday evening.

An 86th-minute winner from Valencia’s Roberto Soldado was required for reigning champions Spain to get their 2014 campaign rolling in Georgia last month, but they will need to produce a better performance if they‘re to maintain their 100 per cent record through the next round of qualifiers. A trip to Belarus – two defeats from two – tonight shouldn‘t trouble La Roja too much, but the visit of group leaders France to the Vicente Calderon on Tuesday might. The visitors, with Real Madrid striker karim BEnzEma likely to start up front, would rather like revenge after going out to Spain in the Euro 2012 quarter finals.

Friday LIechTeNsTeIN v LIThuaNIa 6.30PM sLovakIa v LaTvIa 7.15PM gReece v bosNIaheRzegovINa 7.45PM

Friday FINLaNd v geoRgIa 4.30PM beLaRus v sPaIN 7PM

Tuesday bosNIa-heRzegovINa v LIThuaNIa 7PM LaTvIa v LIechTeNsTeIN 7PM sLovakIa v gReece 7.30PM Bosnia-Herzegovina Greece slovakia lithuania latvia liechtenstein

28 | October 12 2012 |

P 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 1 0 0 0

d 0 0 1 1 0 0

l 0 0 0 1 2 2

F a Pts 12 2 6 4 1 6 3 1 4 1 3 1 2 6 0 1 10 0

Tuesday beLaRus v geoRgIa 5PM sPaIN v FRaNce 8PM France spain Georgia Finland Belarus

P 2 1 2 1 2

W 2 1 1 0 0

d 0 0 0 0 0

l 0 0 1 1 2

F 4 1 1 0 1

a 1 0 1 1 4

Pts 6 3 3 0 0

P 2 2 2 2 2 2

W 2 2 0 0 0 0

d 0 0 1 1 1 1

l 0 0 1 1 1 1

F 6 5 2 1 1 1

a 0 1 3 3 4 5

Pts 6 6 1 1 1 1

Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty Images, Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images, Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Tuesday IceLaNd v sWITzeRLaNd 5.30PM cyPRus v NoRWay 6PM aLbaNIa v sLoveNIa 7.45PM

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30 | October 12 2012 |

Martin Handley

INSIDE ENGLAND'S NEW HOME

Wattbike races get the competitive juices flowing. Loser buys the (non-alcoholic) beers

m

ore than 11 years after the Football Association coughed up £2m for the Byrkley Park Estate in Burton upon Trent, the England football team finally has a new home.

St George’s Park – named to project a sense of chest-beating national pride – officially opened on Tuesday, and is to be the mothership for all 24 of England’s football teams. Such a place has been discussed for years, according to Gary Lewin, England’s head physiotherapist. He recalls the need for a national football centre (NFC) being a hot topic at the FA as far back as 1988.

The money pit that became the new Wembley meant the idea was shelved. Only in 2008 did the FA make the decision to reignite the project, and gave the green light for the NFC to be built. Taking its lead from other centres of sporting excellence around the world, including France’s Clairefontaine academy, the Aspire Academy in Qatar and the Australian Institute of Sport, it would be a place where a coaching network could develop and a team of sports science and rehab specialists would ensure players are at their best. Four years on, it’s here. Allow us to show you around...

An anti-gravity treadmill like the one used by Mo Farah in his training for the Olympics

Human Performance Lab In a room adorned with inspirational quotes (such as this from Mo Farah: “It’s just hard work and grafting. Then anything is possible!”), England’s finest have access to kit so advanced, it’s actually from space. Sort of.

Take the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill (right, second down), developed using NASA technology originally designed to help astronauts keep fit in space. It used differential air pressure to increase the amount of gravity felt, so space travellers could run a quick 5km before exploring a galaxy far, far away.

Reverse that technology and you have the AlterG, which pumps air into the zip-locked chamber that covers the treadmill below the user’s waist in order to counteract gravity.

That means the user can offset their bodyweight by up to 80 per cent, protecting joints from high impact while still giving them an effective cardiovascular workout.

Recovery time from injury can be reduced by two to four weeks thanks to this contraption, according to specialists at St George’s Park.

Roy’s boys will likely come to despise the Altitude Chamber, in which oxygen is filtered out of the air to simulate training at altitude.

This means players must work harder to push the pedals round on the bikes in there. Humidity and temperature can also be controlled. So ahead of Rio 2014, for example, Hodgson’s squad can adapt to exercising in unfamiliar conditions.

Endorsed by British Cycling and used by Jess Ennis as part of her training, Wattbikes replicate the challenge of riding on the road.

They measure the power players push through the pedals, and can tell if one leg is working harder than the other. They’re also great for racing, with a big screen on the wall displaying riders’ progress.

Gym

The layout of the gym’s equipment is designed so players can work on similar things alongside each other

This body composition monitor measures body fat, hydration levels, muscle mass, metabolic rate and more

Players can work on their strength and conditioning in this vast gym filled with equipment designed to hit every single sinew in ways you never even knew were possible.

The kit is all supplied by Technogym, which stocked out the gym in the Olympic Village this summer and supplies AC Milan, Ferrari and McLaren. No stone has been left unturned in ensuring muscle strength, movement patterns and flexibility can all be improved in this one giant room. Even the layout of the machines has a purpose – it is designed to enable groups of players to work on similar things alongside each other. Bit of team bonding over the squat rack? Maybe not. >

| 31

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St George’s Park

HydrotHerapy

The hydrotherapy suite (right) is the “jewel in the crown” of St George’s Park, according to Gary Lewin. After a hard training session on the pitch, players come here to refresh and recover aching muscles using contrast therapy – the contrast being that between the intense stabbing feeling of ice-cold water and the soothing warmth of a hot tub. Players complete five laps of the horseshoe shaped cold pool before they’re allowed to sit in the warm water for two minutes. And then it’s back into the ice water for another go. It’s strictly a No Speedo Zone. Here’s the science: cold water reduces any inflammation, while the heat widens blood vessels, encouraging more blood into tired, aching muscles. The day after a tough session, players should feel ready to go all over again.

The larger pool is the Variopool, which has a moveable floor, so water depth and buoyancy levels can be controlled. Players use this to stretch and do some gentle swimming or jogging, although the latter can also be done on a HydroWorx underwater treadmill. Only eight of these exist in the UK – one of them in Olympic triathlon champ Alistair Brownlee’s garden. He used it while recovering from an achilles injury before the Games, but it can also be used for resistance training and massage, thanks to powerful jets under the water. There are cameras under there too, allowing video analysis of running style – and choice of bathers. Again, it’s a No Speedo Zone.

It looks inviting, but those steps lead to a whole world of ball shrivelling pain The rehab facilities overlook a lush indoor pitch – so injured players have something to aim for

The unoffical world record on the Batak boards is 155.

In 60 seconds. Rapid.

reHabilitation gym

The room where injured players come to rebuild is positioned to give the poor blighters a birds’-eye view of the indoor pitch (left). The idea is that they take inspiration from watching their teammates train while they do endless repetitions of one-legged squats – that line between inspiration and frustration must be thinner than we thought. Then again, there are also two Batak boards to lighten up those rehab sessions. Each board has 12 numbered targets, which light up at random intervals for 60 seconds. The aim is to hit each one as it lights up as quickly as possible, with adjacent boards introducing an element of competition.

Batak boards improve reaction times, hand-eye co-ordination and peripheral vision. Formula 1 drivers are, unsurprisingly, among the best at it. Jenson Button has scored 136 in 60 seconds, but if Peter Crouch ever wins another England cap, those go-gadget arms could have a decent go at bettering him.

Sarah Shephard @sarahsportmag

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| October 12 2012 | 33

Heineken Cup: Ugo Monye

“We’ve learned from our mistakes”

34 | October 12 2012 |

This is your 11th season at Harlequins.

How has the club changed over the years? ”It’s unbelievable. The stadium’s gone from about 8,000 to just under 15,000, we’ve got a full academy set-up and where we train is amazing. On the pitch, too, we’re a different side. Harlequins of old used to be known as champagne-swigging City boys – and we still are, to be fair – but we used to be a good cup side who could cause an upset. Now we’re a team others look to. We’re in great shape compared with where we first started out.”

Does it feel like your 11th year in rugby?

[Laughs] ”My mind says no, but my body is screaming yes! Time really has flown by, but I guess those 11 years have been so eventful, what with relegation, promotion, Bloodgate, the Premiership, the Amlin Challenge Cup. There have been lots of ups and downs, but I love being here. I’m a big fan of the club as well, so even when I stop playing I’ll always try to be involved.”

And the club awarded you a testimonial year.

What does that entail? ”Yeah, we’ve had a couple of events already, but there’s a big ball in the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31 and that’ll be my big celebration. It’s amazing that they awarded it to me, and it’s a great opportunity for me to thank the charities and people who have supported me.”

Back to the rugby side of things.

How big a step was it for this side to win the Premiership? ”Yeah, I guess it’s the first major trophy we’ve won, and Harlequins is such a massive brand that it’s only suitable for the club to have that on its honours board. It was a huge achievement, and a little bit of relief to have finally cracked it to be honest. But I guess as satisfied as we were having done it, it’s now a case of kicking on and repeating it. You look at teams like Leinster; they’ve won the Heineken Cup and, when they first won it, they said they wanted to do it again. That’s what we’re striving for.”

How much are you looking forward to having another stab at the Heineken Cup after last year’s disappointment? ”Unbelievably so. To miss out on the quarter finals down at Connacht, when we’d done the hard work and won in Toulouse, was really hard. We were bitterly disappointed, but there’s no better place for us to be starting than to be playing a team like Biarritz at home.

They’ve got a plethora of outstanding, worldclass athletes and they have a rich history in the Heineken Cup. If we consider ourselves to be the best team in the country, then we have to challenge ourselves against the best worldwide – and we’ll certainly be doing that against Biarritz.”

The cliché goes that you target your home games, then see what you can get away.

Is that true? ”I guess there’s probably a greater emphasis on your home games because that’s where you build your foundations. But when we go away, we certainly don’t go with the attitude of ’let’s see what we can get’. We don’t fear anyone, and we go to win matches. That’s not an arrogance, it’s just a real self-belief of what we’re about and we’re capable of.

We’ve been to Munster and done a job, been to Stade Francais and done a job, been to Toulouse and done a job. We can look back on those memories and those experiences to know that, if we get our game right, we’re a tough team to beat.”

And no disrespect to Connacht and Zebre but, on paper, you have a pretty good pool... ”A lot of people looked at the draw and said we have a good group, yeah. But I guess we only have to look at last season to know how easy it is to slip up when you think you’re over the line. There were times last year when there were some really big upsets in the early stages, so we won’t take anything for granted. You get what you deserve out of the Heineken Cup, and we have to make sure that we earn the right to be in a good position.”

On a personal note, are you happy with your start to the season? ”Yeah, I’m pleased. I’m on good try-scoring form, and my all-round game has improved.

For me, it’s about staying fit and playing consistently well, and those two boxes have certainly been ticked. I’m definitely happy, but like the team as a whole I feel I have a lot more to show and to offer the boys. So hopefully the Heineken Cup can bring out the best in me.”

A piece in the papers said everyone at the club loves you. What do you say to that?

[Laughs] ”Oh man, I’ve had so much stick for that. I literally walked into the changing room to a barrage of abuse from the boys. I’m just interpreting that as a sense of endearment – you’ve got to take the positives out of everything! Seriously, though, there were a couple of nice pieces about me. They weren’t my quotes, someone else said it, but if that’s the way I’m viewed, I’m a happy man.”

Is it true you call your mum before each game? ”I just find a corner and call her to say a little prayer. It can be hard to do it some places, depending what the changing room is like, so I’ve been in showers, car parks and all sorts.

I’ve even taken my phone out on to the pitch and sat by the posts before – I had to really hide it when I did that. It gives me a real good sense of security going on the pitch just knowing I’m covered and everything will be alright. It’s a nice crutch just to lean on.”

And what does the future hold for you? ”I’ve signed for three more years and I’m just in the first year of that, then we’ll see what happens after that. It feels a bit weird to even talk about playing for someone else, to be honest. We’ve gone through so much that we’ve really built as a squad, so I’m planning to be here for as long as they want me!”

Mark Coughlan @coffers83 Tickets are still available for Harlequins v Biarritz this Saturday. Visit quins.co.uk

What went wrong last year? Anything you can put your finger on? ”It was a bad day at the office over in Connacht.

I guess 60mph winds and horizontal rain don’t help, but you get those conditions and we know we have to deal with it.

We took a long look at ourselves after last year’s slip-up and, if anything, it spurred us on to the Premiership win. Thankfully, we used the motivation well, but we’ve parked that one and moved on. We’re a team that learns quickly, and I’d be pretty upset if we made that same mistake again.”

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 35

Tom Shaw/Getty Images, Pete Norton/Getty Images

Premiership champions they might be, but failure to make the Heineken Cup knockouts last season hurt Harlequins. With this year’s tournament kicking off this weekend, Biarritz are first up for the Londoners – and winger Ugo Monye tells us his side are in no mood to fail again

Heineken Cup: The Pools

Euro vision Week one Fixtures Friday Ulster v Castres Sky Sports 3 8pm Ospreys v Treviso Sky Sports 3 (red button) 8pm

The Heineken Cup is back and, if the headlines are to be believed, this might be our last chance to enjoy it in all its glory. Ahead of the opening weekend, we take a look at the six pools, with a little bit of help from Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison

SUnday northampton v Glasgow Sky Sports 1 12.45pm Sale v Cardiff Sky Sports 1 (red button) 12.45pm Toulouse v Leicester Sky Sports 1 3pm Toulon v Montpellier Sky Sports 2 8pm 36 | October 12 2012 |

All pictures Getty Images

SaTUrday racing Metro v Munster Sky Sports 1 1.35pm Edinburgh v Saracens Sky Sports 1 (red button) 1.35pm Zebre v Connacht 1.35pm Leinster v Exeter Sky Sports 1 3.40pm Clermont v Scarlets Sky Sports 1 (red button) 3.40pm Harlequins v Biarritz Sky Sports 1 6pm

POOL

1 2 3 POOL

POOL

Miles Harrison says...

Pool 1 and, already, it’s a tough one to call. Edinburgh, last season’s semifinalists, know they have to try to build on that significant breakthrough achievement – both for themselves and for Scottish regional rugby.

Standing in their way are European giants Munster and English giants Saracens. Both have points to prove – Munster will be keen to show that their European glories are not exclusively former ones, and Saracens want to move the club on to the next level, to truly break into the Euro zone. Also, Racing Metro should prove to be a difficult opponent for all concerned, especially when they are in Paris.

This is the classic ‘can’t afford to drop any points at home’ pool – those that do will undoubtedly live to regret it.

Miles Harrison says...

There’s a real powerhouse showdown between Toulouse and Leicester to start things off, and this clash could well be the one that decides things in Pool 2. At the very least, their two matches will have the greatest bearing on the overall outcome. Ospreys are in transition right now, although they are never an easy proposition at the Liberty Stadium. That said, Treviso might cause them a few problems, as they did last season; but if they are to do so, it will most likely happen in Italy – and that will have to wait, because the two meet first in Wales in round one. All things considered, two teams might well get through from this pool, but don’t expect Toulouse and Leicester to do each other any massive favours along the way. A tight one to call.

Miles Harrison says...

Can English champions Harlequins make Europe their stage this season?

I don’t think they will claim this is a bad pool in which to be. But, despite their troubles earlier in the year, Biarritz can never be written off. We saw just how much this qualification meant to them through their Amlin Cup efforts at the end of last season. Quins won’t be taking Connacht too lightly either, after what happened when the two bumped into each other during the last campaign. Zebre are rather an unknown quantity when it comes to Europe, but you would have thought that this season is more about the ’experience’ for them. In summary, Quins should fancy this if they have ambitions to go a long way, – which I’m sure they do. >

One to watch ROnan O’GaRa Munster He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Munster fly half has the record for most appearances and most points in Heineken Cup history, so his experience is invaluable.

If the Irishmen are to get out of this pool, ROG’s right boot will have to be in imperious form.

Sport’s PredictiOn SaRaCEnS MunSTER EdinBuRGH RaCinG METRO

One to watch VinCEnT CLERC Toulouse With 98 tries for Toulouse under his belt, and 32 for France just for good measure, Clerc is the very epitome of a dangerous finisher.

A quality backline and powerful pack means focus is often elsewhere, but leave a gap for the poaching master and he‘ll be under your posts before you can decide how to pronounce his name.

Sport’s PredictiOn TOuLOuSE OSpREyS LEiCESTER BEnETTOn TREViSO

One to watch niCk EVanS Harlequins If Quins are to win this group and make their mark on Europe, their number 10 is the key.

Since he arrived in London, Evans has been at the centre of Harlequins’ rise thanks to a metronomic right foot, a sharp turn of pace and his willingness to play from anywhere. He can make the difference between a win and a loss.

Sport’s PredictiOn HaRLEquinS BiaRRiTZ COnnaCHT ZEBRE

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 37

Heineken Cup: The Pools

4 5 6 pOOL

pOOL

38 | October 12 2012 |

ulster’s runner-up spot last year was just reward for all that they put into the competition. In the end, they did not deserve to win the cup, but second place is to be respected. However, things have been put into perspective with the tragic events surrounding the death of Nevin Spence, and the thoughts of everybody are still with Ulster. northampton Saints were runners-up two seasons ago and will look to put last season’s disappointments in their pool behind them. Castres away will not be an easy fixture for any side, and it’s about time glasgow did an Edinburgh and made a European Cup impact. It is, however, those games between Ulster and the Saints before Christmas that really catch the eye – those should decide qualification from this pool.

Miles Harrison says...

There are two other eye-catching contests in the ‘back to back’ weekends before the festive season: those Munster versus Saracens battles in Pool 1 and, in Pool 5, it will be Leinster versus Clermont auvergne home and away in December. In fact, in view of the recent history between these two, including last season’s epic semi final, it doesn’t get any bigger in Europe these days. Waiting like vultures to pounce will be the Scarlets and the exeter Chiefs, but Leinster and Clermont are unlikely to offer any more than mere crumbs.

Exeter’s first taste of Europe is quite a mouthful – their home game with Clermont in round two will be a romantic European night but, when it comes to deciding the pool, you can’t really look beyond those titans Leinster and Clermont.

Miles Harrison says...

Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson and Danny Cipriani of Sale are in the same pool, so that will make the headline writers happy. There is, however, a danger of following those headline acts too closely, because this is a pool that could turn out to be the closest of the lot. The presence of Montpellier, making it two teams from France in this group, means there will be no travelling freebies on offer either there or in Toulon. Sale will surely see this as a great chance to really fire up their season after their poor start in the Premiership. Cardiff will probably look at what they are up against and consider things could have been worse. It is that kind of pool – with everybody thinking they could progress.

So, as with Pool 1, don’t expect two qualifiers from this one either.

One to watch Soane Tonga’uiha northampton Northampton have an impressive backline, with the likes of Lee Dickson, and George Pisi – but it’s their pack that does the serious damage, and Tonga’uiha leads from the front. The Tongan is as comfortable smashing his opposite man in a scrum as he is providing a one-handed offload – no team will want to face him.

Sport's predictiOn norThaMPTon uLSTer gLaSgow CaSTreS

One to watch Morgan Parra Clermont Clermont are full of quality names, but like any good French side they’re cursed by their own inconsistency. As a result, Parra’s ability to link the forwards and backs, and bring some semblance of a game plan while all around him are losing their heads, makes him a key figure. Oh, and his pinpoint accuracy from the tee helps, too.

Sport’s predictiOn LeinSTer CLerMonT exeTer SCarLeTS

One to watch STeffon arMiTage Toulon Tantalisingly outside the England selectors’ grasp – thanks to their self-made rules – Armitage has been playing his best rugby in Toulon. A powerhouse seven who can shift up through the gears like a back (he played sevens for Ben Ryan’s England team), he is also a master poacher on the floor and regularly bags the man of the match award – no mean feat in Toulon.

Sport's predictiOn TouLon MonTPeLLier SaLe Cardiff

All pictures Getty Images

pOOL

Miles Harrison says...

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David Price Saturday david price v audley harrison | liverpool echo arena | box nation

40 | October 12 2012 |

Unbeaten British champion David Price tells us he’s closing in on world level, as we take a look at boxing’s best up-and-coming heavyweights

You’re defending your British title against Audley Harrison on Saturday. What challenges does Audley bring to the ring?

“He’s an experienced fighter and he’s a tall southpaw, so he’ll be awkward. Plus Audley is good defensively and he’s got a big punch with his left hand. So he’s got a lot of qualities.”

He won an Olympic gold medal, but the general view is that Audley Harrison’s pro career has been a flop. What’s he lacked?

“The Olympic medal proves that, talent-wise, he has as much ability as any heavyweight.

But it comes down to desire, hunger, heart – and I think at times that’s something he

Heavies on the rise has lacked. That’s where he’s suffered as a consequence – not achieving what he should have in the professional game.”

Speaking of knockouts, you’ve been stopping opponents early in recent fights. What’s the increase in power down to?

“I really can’t tell you. Maybe it’s because I’m really starting to mature physically: turning into more of a man. I’ve always been a late developer, so at 29 I’m starting to mature and get that strength that maybe I’ve lacked in previous years. I’m doing a lot of strength and conditioning work, so it’s probably a result of how hard I’m working in the gym as well.”

How gutted were you that Tyson Fury chose to vacate the British title rather than defend against his mandatory challenger: you?

“Because it got right up to the deadline for the purse bids and he hadn’t vacated, I had a feeling that they were gonna put a purse bid in and hopefully the fight would happen. >

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand | 41

Scott Heavey/Getty Images, Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

So what are your keys to beating him?

“Don’t let him into the fight from the word go.

Put the punches straight on him. Every fight I go into, I go in with intentions of throwing hurtful, spiteful punches. This one’s going to be no different: I’m going to be looking to land big bombs on Audley Harrison’s head, face and chin. Hopefully I’ll get him out of there before the final bell.”

David Price Power Ranger: Price celebrates beating John McDermott in January this year

Box to the future Six of the best heavyweight contenders worldwide

“You push friendship aside for one night.

Boxing is a business, after all”

David Price GB · 29 years old · 13-0 (11 KOs)

The 6ft 8ins Scouser has hit form of late: each of his past five opponents have been stopped before the end of the fourth round.

A good amateur with a weighty jab and a punishing right hand, the big question mark is that we’ve yet to see him tested under serious return fire from an opponent.

Tyson Fury GB · 24 years old · 19-0 (14 KOs)

Big man, big heart, big mouth: the 6ft 9ins entertainer with the traveller heritage can look clumsy, but showed his grit and effectiveness in beating Dereck Chisora in 2011.

Has faced criticism over his level of competition since then, but his conditioning has improved of late.

Seth Mitchell

The last 12 months have gone very well in the ring, but there have been frustrations outside – the Fury fight not happening, losing a TV deal. So has it been a good or bad year for you, on balance?

“It’s been really good. My dream doesn’t revolve around fighting Tyson Fury – I’ve won the British and Commonwealth titles anyway.

As far as the TV situation was concerned, it was a bit of a kick in the balls – but we have another broadcaster in BoxNation that we’re really happy about. So it’s been a really positive year for me, and I intend to make it even better on Saturday.”

Providing you win at the weekend, how far are you from world title level?

“It might come sooner, but realistically you’re talking between 12 and 18 months. I’ll be a 30-year-old heavyweight by then, and that’s a good age to come to world level. Another four fights, maybe, but I can’t really say because but that’s up to [my promoter] Frank Maloney.

I’m going in the right direction.”

Do you think fighters such as the Klitschko brothers and David Haye will still be active when you get to that level?

“It depends. Wladimir Klitschko will be around, I think, but David Haye will probably be retired by that stage. There’s not that many big fights out there for David Haye now – and David is all about the big fights. So I think if he gets to fight Vitali, he could quit afterwards – unless someone else pops up who could make him a lot of money. But I feel Wladimir still has a good few years left in him.”

42 | October 12 2012 |

So you don’t see a situation where you’ll ever box your pal and old sparring partner Haye in a professional fight?

“Well, we are friends, but if it’s a fight that the public really want to see and will pay to see, then that could secure it. If there’s money on the table that can help the future of your family, then you push friendship aside for one night. It’s a business, after all.”

USA · 30 years old · 25-0 (19 KOs)

Look at the next generation of heavyweights coming through – apart from yourself, who would you tip as a danger man?

“I rate the Bulgarian, Kubrat Pulev. I’ve spent time training and sparring with him and he has a great engine, a solid chin and he has great skills as well. He’s a well-schooled amateur with a good jab and movement.”

Kubrat Pulev

There seems to be a buzz about you in Liverpool right now. How important is it you build up a real support at somewhere like the Echo Arena?

“It’s a massive thing for me. This city has the greatest sports fans in the world as far as I’m concerned – and boxing is the second sport of the city, after football. With me being the first British heavyweight champion from Liverpool, I’m just happy that I’ve been able to provide some excitement. The fact that I’ve been selling so many tickets is proving that they’re getting behind me.

I’m really grateful and I want to make a statement with my performance on Saturday night.”

Alex Reid @otheralexreid Watch Price v Harrison live on BoxNation – Sky ch 437 and Virgin ch 546 from 7pm

Put on boxing gloves for the first time in 2006, but the hardpunching latecomer – a former college football linebacker – is a natural athlete with an exciting style. Still raw, but improving.

Fights US contender Johnathon Banks in a crossroads bout next.

Bulgaria · 31 years old · 17-0 (9 KOs)

Highly rated by Price, ’The Cobra’ may not punch with the venom that his nickname suggests, but he’s a fine technician with excellent stamina. Having won the European heavyweight title in April, Pulev is the nearest boxer on this list to challenging for a world title.

Vyacheslav Glazkov Ukraine · 27 years old · 13-0 (9 KOs)

A super-heavyweight bronzemedallist at the 2008 Olympics (as was Price), Glazkov is relatively shrimp-like for a heavyweight at ’just’ 6ft 3ins – but he’s developing into a sharp, accurate boxer with good footwork. Beat Price as an amateur back in 2006.

Deontay Wilder USA · 26 years old · 25-0 (25 KOs)

The whipping power conducted via the 6ft 7ins Wilder’s long arms is illustrated by an unblemished KO streak. Despite winning a bronze medal at heavyweight in the 2008 Olympics, his technique can still be sloppy. However the power – and sharp jab – of the Tuscaloosa-born ’Bronze Bomber’ is undeniable.

All pictures Getty Images

As it turned out, they decided not to bother and he vacated the belt. That’s disappointing for me and for fight fans, because they wanted to see it. His team obviously didn’t. But that’s for another day – it could still happen.”

Advertising Feature

Let the Lions lead you Next summer, the British & Irish Lions take on Australia in their own back yard. In a series of three features, we look at why you should join them to discover a nation whose attractions are as diverse as they are unique ack in the summer of 2009, we were lucky enough to watch the second Test of the British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa – an amazing game of rugby won by a barely believable last-minute penalty from the Springbok fly half Morne Steyn. At the same time, however, we were unlucky enough to be watching the game from a pavement in central London, being that the pub we had chosen to meet our friends in was already full when we got there.

That day, a lesson was learned. If you want to experience all the drama and tension of a major sporting event, there is nowhere better to do it than in the stadium. This is a truth we Brits know better than most,

B

bearing in mind the summer we have just had in London – and it is one we can bring to bear again next year, as the Lions travel down under for their tour of Australia.

Once a decade Anyone who has attended a Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG or felt the intensity of a bruising State of Origin rugby league encounter will know that there are few nations on earth able to match Australia when it comes to putting on a sporting show. But the Ashes visits once every four years and the State of Origin is an annual event; Lions Tours of Australia, by contrast, take place once every 12 years. A much rarer spectacle, so ask yourself the following question: do you really want to miss out in 2013?

Your answer should, of course, be no. So while we return to our anointed pavement next June, you could be on a flight to the southern hemisphere – not just to enjoy the rugby, but also to lap up everything that Australia has to offer.

Go west And that all starts in Perth, the jewel in the crown of Australia’s west coast and venue for the opening match of the

44 | October 12 2012 |

Lions Tour, against Western Force. The nation’s fourth largest city it may be, but Perth is known for its mix of sunshine, natural beauty and relaxed pace.

Take a cruise down the shimmering blue Swan River, or look over the city and its waterways from the picturesque Kings Park.

If you fancy something a little more active, pay a visit to Rottnest Island, where you can explore history, cycle to secret beaches and kayak to secluded bays. Or get on down to the uncrowded beaches of Cottlesloe or Scarborough for some swimming, surfing, fishing or just plain lounging.

Enjoying Perth to its full doesn’t always mean taking things slowly, however. Beyond its tranquil river and spacious beaches, the city pulses with great shops, dining and nightlife. Browse the boutiques along Leederville’s stylish Oxford Street, catch live music in Mount Lawley and then settle down for an evening of great value eating and drinking in trendy Northbridge.

They say that a day at the rugby is about much more than the sport. Follow the Lions down to Australia next summer, and you can find out just how true that is.

To find out more about the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia, head online to

www.australia.com/lions

While you’re there...

Perth

NexT W BrISBAeek!

ANd Th Ne e coASTeAST

Visiting Perth to watch the first game of the Lions Tour, against Western Force on June 5, doesn’t just enable you to enjoy one of Australia’s fairest cities; it will also act as a portal to the whole of Western Australia. Here is just a small selection of the delights on offer...

Ningaloo Reef A virtually untouched barrier reef running 260km along the length of the North West Cape, Ningaloo Reef is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish and 200 species of coral. If you get there before the rugby, you may be able to swim with the whale shark, the world’s largest fish. If you go afterwards, you

may have to content yourself with hour upon hour of the most spectacular snorkelling you have ever experienced.

Get there A two-hour flight from Perth will get you to Exmouth, a modern outback town that acts as the ideal base from which to begin your Ningaloo adventure.

Margaret River Visit one of the 60 wineries situated in Margaret River, one of Australia’s foremost wine-producing regions. The Mediterranean-style climate provides ideal growing conditions for the local grapes. Once you’ve tasted all the wine you want to, you can explore tall forests, underground caves or crashing surf

beaches – all are within touching distance of the river itself.

Get there Margaret River is 277km (172 miles) south of Perth. That’s a three-hour drive; or if you'd rather be driven, a bus service operated by South West Coach Lines runs daily.

Broome Broome is a small town of about 15,000 people, but its history as a centre of the Australian pearling industry attracts tourists in their thousands throughout the year. Buy yourself some pearls from Chinatown, enjoy the spectacular ’Staircase to the Moon’ lunar illusion

from Roebuck Bay, or enjoy a leisurely camel ride across Cable Beach.

Get there Broome is 2,200km north of Perth; which sounds a lot less when we tell you that an internal daily flight with Skywest takes only two and a half hours.

British & Irish Lions in Australia 2013

Next summer’s Lions Tour of Australia comprises nine games, including the big three Test matches, played across six major cities. You can plan your big trip around the following schedule: Tour match 1 Lions v Western Force, Perth, Wednesday June 5 Tour match 2 Lions v Queensland Reds, Brisbane, Saturday June 8 Tour match 3 Lions v Combined NSW & QLD Country, Newcastle, Tuesday June 11 Tour match 4 Lions v HSBC Waratahs, Sydney, Saturday June 15 Tour match 5 Lions v ACT Brumbies, Canberra, Tuesday June 18 First Test Lions v Australia, Brisbane, Saturday June 22 Tour match 6 Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne, Tuesday June 25 Second Test Lions v Australia, Melbourne, Saturday June 29 Third Test Lions v Australia, Sydney, Saturday July 6

| 45

7 Days OUR PICK OF THE ACTION FROM THE SPORTING WEEK AHEAD

» Football: England Under-21s v Serbia » p48 »Horse Racing: Dubai Dewhurst Stakes » p48 » Formula 1: Korean Grand Prix » p50 » MotoGP: Japanese Grand Prix » p51 » UFC: Silva v Bonnar » p52

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SATURDAY > BRITISH SUPERBIKES | ROUND 12: BRANDS HATCH | BRITISH EUROSPORT

OCT HIGHLIGHTS 12-OCT 18

Season showdown If last year’s season finale is anything to go by, then the final round of the 2012 MCE British Superbikes season should be a barnstormer.

Heading into the last of three Showdown races, which conclude the British Superbikes season, Kawasaki’s Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne leads the standings by nine points from his nearest rival, Aussie rider Josh Brookes.

The two-time British Superbikes champion (in 2003 and 2008) secured a double podium last time out at Silverstone to put him in pole position for a third title, with last year’s champion Tommy Hill 42 points behind Byrne and fourth in the overall standings.

46 | October 12 2012 |

But with three races at Brands Hatch this weekend, all six of the ‘Title Fighters’ still have an opportunity to pick up plenty of points, having seperated off into their own mini-league after the regular season, taking with them 500 points plus a total worked out according to their finishes throughout the season. “We definitely want to go to Brands Hatch and turn things around,” said Hill. “I just need to try and win all three races, and then anything can still happen.”

Last year’s riders’ championship was decided by just six-thousandths of a second, in a race remembered as one of the greatest motorcycle races ever seen. It came down to a shootout between Hill and Samsung

Crescent Suzuki’s John Hopkins, with whoever crossed the line first in the last race of the weekend taking the title. And, in front of 50,000 fans, Hill held his line to win by just two points from Hopkins.

While Hill has struggled in the Showdown races so far, Honda’s Alex Lowes has thrived, rising to third in the standings with a huge double win at Silverstone. The 22-year-old pulled off a superb overtaking manoeuvre on the final lap of the second race to relegate Byrne to second – something the youngster will remember for some time. “Ten years ago he [Byrne] was my hero in World Superbikes, and I was able to pull that cheeky move on him,” he said after the race. ”I enjoyed that.”

Byrne will have to be on high alert for Lowes as well as Brookes this weekend, then, if he’s to make it a hat-trick of British Superbike titles.

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7 Days FRIDAY FOOTBALL | UEFA UNDER-21 EURO 2013 PLAYOFF: ENGLAND v SERBIA | CARROW ROAD | ESPN 5.30PM

Double jeopardy

For Stuart Pearce’s young lions, there’s just a double-header against Serbia standing between them and the Under-21 Euro 2013 finals in Israel next summer.

Tonight’s game at Carrow Road is the first of a two-leg knockout tie that concludes on Tuesday at the Mladost Stadium in krusevac (also on ESPN, at 4.30pm). With England having topped their group thanks to a 1-0 win over Norway at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium last month, Pearce might have expected a more favourable draw than Serbia, who also won their group and were unbeaten in all eight games.

It’s the first meeting between the sides since a bad-tempered affair at Euro 2007, when England’s 2-0 group-stage win was marred by racist abuse (for which Serbia were fined £16,500 by UEFA) and a brawl after the final whistle (for which the FA were slapped with a £2,000 fine).

Pearce’s 26-man squad includes a first call-up for Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling, who was an unused sub for Roy Hodgson’s senior squad against Ukraine last month, while Spurs winger Andros Townsend and Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell also join up with the squad for the first time.

Should England make it past Serbia, they’ll qualify for their fourth straight Euro Under-21 finals – and probably land Pearce a job for life.

SAtuRDAY HORSE RACING | DUBAI DEWHURST STAkES | NEWMARkET | CHANNEL 4 & RACING Uk 2.55PM

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images, PA Wire/Press Association Images

Like father like son?

48 | October 12 2012 |

Five years ago, New Approach established himself as the champion two-year-old racehorse in Europe with victory in the prestigious Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

On Saturday afternoon, in the same race at the very same venue, his son Dawn Approach (pictured) will bid to do exactly the same.

The two-year-old, trained like his sire by Jim Bolger in Ireland, heads to Newmarket unbeaten from five starts, including an impressive victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He still has a way to go emulate his old man, who as a three-year-old produced a stunning performance to win the Derby at Epsom; but the signs are that he is something special, and as such will be expected to see off a field that could include Aidan O’Brien’s Cristoforo Colombo and the John Gosden-trained Ashdan.

Elsewhere on a card dubbed ‘Future Champions Day’, star two-year-old sprinter Reckless Abandon puts his own unbeaten record on the line in the Middle Park Stakes.

By contrast, a bunch of grizzled handicappers take to the track for the two and a quarter miles of the historic Cesarewitch. With a decent draw, Martial Law can go well for prominent jumps trainer David Pipe.

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7 Days SUNDAY FORMULA 1 | kOReAn GRAnd PRix | YeOnGAM | SkY SPORtS F1 7AM

Korea over?

This weekend the Formula 1 roadshow hits Korea and the Korean International Circuit.

It may be the last time we see this track on the Formula 1 calendar, as despite it being included on the provisional 2013 schedule, circuit officials are struggling to secure funding for its future.

Come Sunday, however, all eyes will be on the duel between Sebastian Vettel and world championship leader Fernando

Alonso, with the Spaniard holding a slim four-point lead over his nearest rival.

With the championship reaching the final stages, though, it looks like it’s advantage Vettel and Red Bull. Alonso has failed to finish in the top two since his win in Germany back in July, while Vettel heads into the weekend looking to make it three wins in a row.

Full points for the reigning world champion will see him leapfrog Alonso in the title race at the perfect time, as he looks to emulate the heroics of Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher in winning three drivers’ crowns in a row.

Sunday’s race holds importance for drivers all over the grid though, as they look

Mark Thompson/Getty Images, Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty Images

Korean Grand Prix Sky Sports F1 commentators David Croft and Anthony Davidson give the lowdown on the Korean Grand Prix DC: “This is probably going to be the last time we go to Korea unless there’s a minor miracle in terms of the funding.

Everything could have been lovely about this circuit. We’ve been to Seoul; it’s an amazing city, very cosmopolitan, and would have welcomed Formula 1 with open arms. So they take it to a place that’s four and a half hours from the capital and hasn’t got the greatest infrastructure to get you there, hasn’t 50 | October 12 2012 |

LAPS: 55 CIRCUIT LENGTH: 5.615KM RACE DISTANCE: 308.630KM LAP RECORD: 1:39.605 – S VETTEL (2011)

to secure a drive for next season by performing well in the final few Grands Prix.

Lewis Hamilton may already be confirmed as a Mercedes racer for the next three years, but the 2008 world champion will hope to rectify his below-par performance last weekend; while Jenson Button could do with a good result as he takes on the mantle as McLaren’s number one driver for next year.

Felipe Massa’s second place in Japan was his first podium in two years, meanwhile.

The Brazilian will hope for more of the same as he aims to keep his seat at Ferrari, while the likes of Bruno Senna and Kamui Kobayashi need to impress this weekend if they are to keep their Formula 1 careers alive.

DRIVER STANDINGS 1 FERNANDO ALONSO (FERRARI) 2 SEBASTIAN VETTEL (RED BULL) 3 KIMI RAIKKONEN (LOTUS) 4 LEWIS HAMILTON (MCLAREN) 5 MARK WEBBER (RED BULL)

194 190 157 152 134

got the hotels to put you up. You just think: ‘What are we doing in Mokpo?’”

AD: “It’s a real circuit of two halves – in the first sector it’s that traditional [Hermann] Tilke circuit, the straights joined up with tight corners basically in between. And then you get to this second half of the track that suddenly opens up, and then there’s the flowing undulating nature that we love. That first and second sector is a fantastic bit of circuit design; it’s really well thought out and challenging.“

StArt 2011 RESULT 1 SEBASTIAN VETTEL 2 LEWIS HAMILTON 3 MARK WEBBER

SCHEDULE (GMT) SATURDAY QUALIFYING 6AM SUNDAY RACE 7AM

Sunday MotoGP | JaPanese Grand Prix | MoteGi | BBC two 6aM

Beginning of the end With four races to go in the MotoGP season, all eyes will be on Casey Stoner (pictured) yet again this weekend, even though he’s not in the mix to win the championship.

The Australian is in his final MotoGP season and has been sidelined by injury for the past two months, so expect him to come back firing for the final four races, starting this Sunday in Japan. And after the drama and build-up that surrounded the ‘will they or won’t they’ potential boycott debacle that was last year’s Japan Grand Prix, it’s nice to focus on the action on the track this time round.

More than 100 points separate Stoner and championship leader Jorge Lorenzo, so the Australian’s dream title-winning finish when he

retires from the sport at the end of the season is long since out of his reach. That being said, Stoner’s teammate Dani Pedrosa trails Lorenzo by just 33 points, so the Australian knows wins will help his teammate.

With two of Repsol Honda’s finest to face instead of just one, Lorenzo will have his work cut out to maintain his lead over the coming weeks. The good news for the Spaniard, though, is that this weekend’s track suits his racing style. The mixture of hairpins and long straights mean a stop-start race is assured, and nullifies Stoner and Pedrosa’s faster bikes. Get a good start, and Lorenzo should have enough to hold off the twopronged challenge. | 51

7 Days Saturday UFC 153 | Anderson silvA v stephAn BonnAr | rio de JAneiro, BrAzil | espn 3AM

Psycho thriller

The Spider spins his web around another victim

In the early hours of Sunday morning, UFC middleweight champ and the number one mixed martial arts fighter on the planet (Steven Seagal aside, obviously), Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva (dishing out the punishment, right), steps up to light-heavyweight for the third time. He takes on ‘American Psycho’ Stephan Bonnar in a highly anticipated bout in Silva’s native Brazil.

While 37-year-old Silva may be the UFC’s torchbearer, it was Bonnar – in his epic Ultimate Fighter season one finale against Forrest Griffin (which he lost on points after a slugfest) – who first set the sport alight.

What makes this fight intriguing is the fact that although 35-year-old Bonnar has been defeated on seven occasions (with 14 wins), he’s never been knocked out or submitted, while Silva (32 wins, four losses) has won both previous forays into the light-heavyweight division by first-round stoppage.

While it lasts, this fight could well be explosive, with Bonnar living up to his crazed nickname and refusing to take a backwards step. As brave as he is, though, expect to see the psycho slain by the pinpoint-accurate Muay Thai strikes of The Spider. That man Seagal will also be cage-side, dispensing words of wisdom to his charge Silva. Seriously.

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tennis Atp shanghai Masters: semi Finals, Qizhong Forest sports City Arena, shanghai, sky sports 1 9.30am

CriCKet Champions league t20: Chennai super Kings v sydney sixers, new Wanderers stadium, Johannesburg, British eurosport 2 12.20pm FootBAll league one: preston v MK dons, deepdale, sky sports 2 1pm GolF portugal Masters: day 4, oceanico victoria Golf Course, vilamoura, sky sports 3 2pm FootBAll league one: shrewsbury v Walsall, Greenhous Meadow, sky sports 2 3.15pm nFl: philadelphia eagles v detroit lions, lincoln Financial Field, sky sports 4 5.30pm

CriCKet Champions league t20: Kolkata Knight riders v delhi daredevils, supersport park, Centurion, British eurosport 2 4.20pm

dArts World Grand prix: Final, Citywest hotel, dublin, sky sports 1 7pm

dArts World Grand prix: semi Finals, Citywest hotel, dublin, sky sports 2 7pm

tennis WtA linz: Final, intersport Arena, linz, Austria, British eurosport 2 7.45pm

rUGBY leAGUe Amlin Challenge Cup: Wasps v dragons, Adams park, sky sports 1 8pm

nFl: san Francisco 49ers v new York Giants (featuring Alex smith, pictured), Candlestick park, sky sports 4 9.15pm

SUNDAY tennis Atp shanghai Masters: Final, Qizhong Forest sports City Arena, shanghai, sky sports 1 9.30am

52 | October 12 2012 |

BAseBAll MlB: national league Championship series: Game 1, espn 12.30am

MONDAY FootBAll league two: port vale v oxford, vale park, sky sports 1 7.45pm

TUESDAY CriCKet Champions league t20: Chennai super Kings v highveld lions, sahara park newlands, Cape town, British eurosport 2 4.20pm

WEDNESDAY FootBAll Johnstone’s paint trophy: notts County v sheffield United, Meadow lane, sky sports 1 7.45pm

THURSDAY GolF perth international Golf Championship: day 1, lake Karrinyup Country Club, Karrinyup, sky sports 1 6.30am CriCKet Champions league t20: highveld lions v sydney sixers, sahara park newlands, Cape town, British eurosport 2 12.20pm rUGBY Union Amlin Challenge Cup: Gloucester v Bordeaux-Begles, Kingsholm stadium, sky sports 1 7pm

If you can’t be good, be lucky...

O ur search for London’s best golfer, in association with Pebble Beach, is now entering its final week of qualifying.

There have been plenty of good scores and a thrilling final is guaranteed. Equally there have been some less impressive scores, with any success now depending on a couple of good bounces in the draw to become London’s Luckiest Golfer.

Life is full of ‘what ifs’: what if Geoff Hurst’s goal hadn’t been given in the World

Cup final? What if Rory McIlroy had missed his Ryder Cup tee-time? What if Maradona hadn’t used the hand of God? What if Mark Robins hadn’t scored that goal? What if Kim Jong Il did score 38 for 18 holes?

What if you don’t enter the Search for London’s Best Golfer (for free)? Well you might miss out on the golf trip of a lifetime to Pebble Beach, flights, accommodation... for you and a friend! After all, you don’t even have to win, to win...

The leaderboard (scores over nine holes) 1.

Luke Donald 30 (-6) 2.

Alistair Downes 34 (-2) 3=.

Trevor Nelson 35 (-1) David Andrews 35 (-1) Fraser Devlin 35 (-1) John Willcox 35 (-1) Steve Sargeant 35 (-1) 8=.

Sean Cook 36 (level) Graham Harris 36 (level) Matt Chaplin 36 (level) 11=.

Tony Moss 37 (+1) Mark Richards 37 (+1) Nick Saunders 37 (+1)

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*Terms and Conditions apply – please visit www.urbangolf.co.uk/thanksteameurope. Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Sport Promotion

P62 Don’t look back in anger: turn forward eight pages for Noel’s new DVD instead

Extra time Kit

Making the most of your time and money

Dress up for Europe’s finest Six English clubs in the Heineken Cup. Six rugby shirts on this page 4

1 Harlequins Home Shirt

The self-confessed champagne-swigging City boys (well, confessed by Ugo Monye on page 35, anyway) welcome French giants Biarritz to town tomorrow, so they can do with all the help they can get. Grab yourself a shirt and get down to the Stoop. All you need to know: Chris Robshaw is captain, Nick Evans is star man and the Jolly Hogg does superb snacks! £50 | quins.co.uk

2 Saracens Home Shirt

Their rugby might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly does the job, so the Sarries will be there or thereabouts come the business end of the season. With Nike and Allianz involved in sponsorship, Sarries are only going to get bigger and bigger – now’s the time to get involved with a replica shirt, before you get accused of glory hunting. £55 | saracens.com

Sharks 3 Sale Home Shirt The season hasn’t started quite as planned for the Sharks – six defeats from six has left them bottom of the Premiership table – but European rugby means a clean slate, and with Danny Cipriani, Richie Gray and Andy Powell among their number, they do have quality. If nothing else, their navy top is smart enough to wear out and about. £50 | prodirectrugby.com

54 | October 12 2012 |

1

4 Northampton Saints Cup Shirt Dylan Hartley and pals will be wearing this cup special into battle with Glasgow on Sunday, and the Cooldry technology means the shirt will absorb the players’ body moisture just as well as it will absorb those drinks you’re sure to spill up in the stands. A true all-rounder. £65 | northamptonsaints.co.uk

5

5

5

Exeter Chiefs Euro Shirt

Exeter might be making their European debut at Leinster tomorrow, but they certainly won’t be overshadowed in this pink number, complete with a large Chiefs logo on the front.

Apparently, Sireli Naqelevuki’s a big fan, so we love them as well (please don’t hurt us)! £50 | prodirectrugby.com

2

Tigers 6 Leicester Euro Shirt They’ve been there and done it before, and the Tigers are preparing another assault on Europe in this snazzy number. The tiger-stripe look is prominent on a shirt that will make its competitive debut away in Toulouse tomorrow. £55 | leicestertigers.com

6

3

WHEN YOU’RE LED BY YOUR HEART, SOMEONE HAS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HEAD.

Shadow III Headguard – Battle Gear for the Battle Field With built-in TBT Temperature Balance Technology (that’s air conditioning for when you might get hot-headed) plus EVA foam, for that perfectly moulded fit. www.kooga-rugby.com

Extra time Coral Beary

56 | October 12 2012 |

| 57

For the latest Pantofola d’Oro boots and the best football equipment, visit prodirectsoccer.com

N

ot for us, the glossy it-girls and international catwalk models associated with the world of sport (not until next week, anyway).

Give us a good, old-fashioned British midfielder like Coral Beary any day.

The Leighton United Ladies – known as ‘The Vixens’ – captain and central midfielder led her team to promotion to the Eastern Region Women’s League last season, in between picking up the title of Miss Dunstable and becoming a Miss England finalist – all on top of her day job as an air hostess.

It’s the sort of work ethic of which a man such as Welsh great John Charles would approve. In fact, Beary follows in his footsteps – as well as those of Marco Van Basten, Jurgen Klinsmann and Paolo Di Canio – in wearing Pantofola d’Oro boots. Her favourite player, however, remains Andrés Iniesta.

“I’m a huge fan of his tiki-taka style and try to base my game on him,” she explains. If Beary’s even half as good, The Vixens ought to prepare for take-off.

Top flight

Photo by Arfa

Skeletal sounds Damien Hirst called his gem-encrusted skull For The Love of God. That was our reaction to the green thing below

2

1. Jarre Aeroskull

2. Playstation 3 120GB

It looks like the kind of thing future archaeologists might find when they dig up the ruins of Hoxton in about a thousand years. It’s actually, however, a pretty effective iPod dock, with Bluetooth and auxiliary inputs to speakers behind the sunglasses. Loud, in both senses of the word. £349 | jarre.com

Don’t worry, we’re not just pitching you a six-year-old games console – that would be really lazy. The new-look PS3 is even sleeker and cheaper, with a 120GB hard drive that can be expanded to 500GB – if you have the time and the means. £185 | amazon.co.uk

3. Libratone Zipp

1

4

3

Soft to the touch, by contrast to the hard lines of most Air Play speakers, this might be for you if you’re in need of some gentle musical support. For an extra £40, you can get two different coloured woollen jackets to change it into. Aww. £330 | libratone.com

5 5. Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones 4. HTC Desire X The original rival to Apple, HTC have always distinguished themselves with their software innovations. Their latest model is no exception, with the ability to capture photos and high-res videos simultaneously, and Beats audio processing to boost your music. Cracking. £ dependent on contract | htc.com

58 | October 12 2012 |

We can’t bear to listen to music played through inferior quality audio equipment, and dragging our hi-fi system behind us on a trolley during our runs was really starting to grate. Luckily, these sweat-resistant sport headphones combine great sound with sports styling. £130 | bose.co.uk

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

Stop searching, start watching

the smart new TV Guide from freesat Introducing that makes it easier to ďŹ nd the programmes you love. <free time> lets you roll backwards through the TV guide to ďŹ nd shows that have already been on. You can also enjoy On Demand TV with BBC iPlayer and ITV Player (4oD and Demand 5 expected late 2012). Plus, with Clever Recording you can record a personal library of your favourite shows.

The Humax Freesat+ box with <free time> features:

500GB hard disk drive

Applications

Low power consumption

offering 125 hours of HD recording.

via Humax TV portal, access applications such as: YouTube, social networking, news, magazines and games.

under 0.5W power consumption in standby.

Flexible playback various video, audio and photo formats (XviD, H.264, MP3, JPEG).

Home network linking share media content.

Find out more at www.humaxdigital.com/uk/freesat

Extra time Grooming

Not the face!

the aNti-perspiraNts £2.03 for 150ml

But the underarms, the neck and, er, most other areas are all catered for.

You’re welcome

£2.49 for 40ml

£2.03 for 50ml

Nivea For Men Sensitive Protect For those of you out there far too nervous and sensitive for your own good (you know who you are), Nivea has gone and done you a solid with its Sensitive Protect range of antiperspirants. They’re all enriched with chamomile, recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with nourishing avocado oil to help moisturise your underarms and prevent irritation. It’s not only what’s in there that makes this selection a fine one, however – it’s what’s not. Nivea’s formulas are free of parabens and preservatives. Even the stick and roll-on are fragrance-free.

And they’ll last for 48 hours, which by our reckoning means you can pretty much cut the time devoted to your grooming regime in half. Time you can spend watching Gone with the Wind, or something similar. niveaformen.co.uk

the razOr

the fragraNce MOistUriser

Braun cruZer Body

Calvin Klein: Encounter

You know that all-in-one hair suit you wear beneath your more socially acceptable attire?

Well, step out of the bathroom wearing it no more, sasquatch, because you can actually use this clever two-in-one gadget in the shower. The cruZer Body changes from a trimmer to a shaver at the touch of a button, and trims to three lengths (0.6mm, 3mm and 8mm) as well as giving you the option of a clean shave with Gillette Fusion blades. Its small teeth and sensitive comb ensure your, er, safety. And, while we’re not suggesting you get too creative, it promises to “boost your body looks – including down there”. Does it really say that? Yes it does. braun.com/uk

60 | October 12 2012 |

£49.99

CK’s latest offering is, it says, at the centre of a “story of unresolved tension and desire between a man and a woman” – much like your commute into work, then.

Unlike your journey from the outer reaches of the Northern Line to your desk, however, Encounter smells crisp and fresh, blending as it does spices with warm cognac and sensual woods. Its base of agarwood, atlas cedarwood and musk underpin top notes of mandarin cardamom and rum. Wait a minute. Maybe that last one does smell a little like your journey in.

0800 083 6310

£49 for 100ml

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Extra time Entertainment

A kind of magic

DVD

Noel Gallagher displays his guitar wizardry, while Dishonored allows you to have fiendish fun with the dark arts GAME

Dishonored starts with you framed for murder, so to prove your innocence you get to go on a killing spree.

Thankfully, this is a game as engrossing as it is insane.

As a supernatural assassin, you sneak through a grimy, plagueridden port, upgrading yourself and your weapons in a range of imaginative ways – from short-range teleportation to summoning an army of rats.

It’s a fetid world, but a breath of fresh air as a game. Out today.

BOOK

Back Story David Mitchell Known for ‘his look of permanent discomfort’ (the book’s publicity spiel adds ‘on Channel 4 comedy Peep Show’, but really it’s widely applicable), David Mitchell has a memoir out this week.

The sharp-witted comedian uses it to recount his Cambridge uni days, pal Robert Webb’s wedding and the pain of being denied a childhood birthday party at McDonald’s. You didn’t miss out on much, Dave.

62 | October 12 2012 |

International Magic Live At The O2 Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds For a man who spent much of his Oasis career glaring moodily down at his Gibson (even when he was on vocals), Noel Gallagher has proved himself a remarkably adept live performer over the past year.

He and his new flock have played a series of rousing, sell-out gigs, and one of their London shows is

BLu-RAY

captured on the first disc of this release – well worth it for Noel’s stirring acoustic version of Supersonic alone. Disc two features live sets from Toronto and the NME Awards, plus three High Flying Birds videos. Great value (making up for those last five Oasis albums we invested in).

Music

BOOK

Avatar 3D

The Bat Jo Nesbo

A low-key hit in 2007, Avatar has been unavailable to buy in its best-suited home format (as a 3D Blu-ray) until this Monday. No matter what you think of James Cameron’s ‘Thundersmurfs’ or the film’s cheesy dialogue, those Pandora action scenes are worth the price of a 3D TV alone.

The first novel featuring the boozy but brilliant inspector Harry Hole is available in English for the first time this week.

The Bat sees Harry in Australia on the hunt for the killer of a Norwegian girl – only to discover he’s on the trail of a serial killer. A welcome debut for an old friend.

The Haunted Man Bat for Lashes She’s unclothed on the cover (wearing a man, no less: personally we’d have waited for a shirt to dry) and Bat for Lashes has stripped down her lavish arrangements for this third album. In songs such as All Your Gold, it’s her gossamer vocals that take centre stage, backed by buoyant synths. Far more fun than the somewhat maudlin ballads, these pop songs show Miss Lashes at her best.

Ian Gavan/Getty Images

Dishonored (PC/PS3/Xbox 360)

TM

uk.medalofhonor.com

© 2012 Electronic Arts Inc, EA, the EA logo, Medal of Honor and Danger Close are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Frostbite is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. “2”, “PlayStation”, “PS3”, “Ã’’ and “À” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. KINECT, Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.