Sport magazine Issue 282

Issue 282 | November 16 2012

Life at the top Alastair Cook: England captain

hugoboss.com

“I DON’T EXPECT SUCCESS I PREPARE FOR IT” RYAN REYNOLDS

BOSS BOTTLED. FRAGRANCE FOR MEN

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issuE 282, novEmbER 16 2012 Radar 07 North London numbers We crunch the important ones (since 1996) ahead of the Arsenal v Tottenham derby

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08 Boy racers The youngest F1 champions ever – brought to you by the men who count cow-related fatalities

10 Offering strength

We look back at when strongmen were the pop stars of their day.

And nothing was prolapsed

oFeatures this coming week

Cover image: Pal Hansen/Contour by Getty Images

20 Letter from India

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We talk exclusively to Alastair Cook as he begins his first Test series as full-time England captain

27 Danny Care

The Harlequins scrum half tells us about his England return

31 Suso The Liverpool starlet on breaking into the first XI, and choosing the Reds over Barca and Real Madrid

36 The Bookie prize We run the rule over the William Hill Sports Book of the Year shortlist – and pick our winner

Extra Time 56 Grooming Three pages of scents that won’t sting the nostrils this Christmas – and not just for yourself, either

62 Elaine Alden NBA wag fond of quoting Forrest Gump on Twitter. That’s all we have to say about that

66 Gadgets We smarten up our act with the best smartphones on the market

68 Entertainment

Red Dwarf X on DVD and the baddest, baldest assassin since Bruce Willis in Hitman: Absolution | November 16 2012 | 05

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p08 – Go, go, go and direct your own F1 race. Sort of

Radar

p10 – Bobby Moore Fund Sports Quiz: harder than we thought p12 – UEFA’s 21-disc football boxset: clear your schedule

oct 2008: 4-4 draw Spurs score twice in the dying moments in harry Redknapp’s first game in charge

ARSenAL TOTTenhAm hOTSpUR FinAL LeAgUe pOSiTiOnS

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nov 1999: sPurs win 2-1 After six successes, Arsene Wenger loses a north London derby for the first time

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Great north reign S

eptember 30 1996, and with Deep Blue Something’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s sitting pretty at the top of the UK music charts, Arsene Wenger arrives at Arsenal to take over from Bruce Rioch.

Sixteen years later, the Frenchman has three league titles, four FA Cups and 918 games in charge to his name – and, incredibly,

he’s outlasted nine Tottenham managers (not to mention Deep Blue Something, who disbanded in 2001) during his time in charge.

On the eve of his 39th north London derby, however, it’s worth taking note of our table above. Twitchy trigger finger aside, Daniel Levy has overseen a steady increase in Tottenham’s fortunes, and his latest head

coach arrives at the emirates tomorrow with a one-point advantage over the gunners.

Can Andre Villas-Boas mastermind what would be Wenger’s sixth derby defeat? is the north London tide about to turn? Can anyone actually remember the verses to Breakfast At Tiffany’s? All but one of these questions will go a long way to being answered tomorrow.

| November 16 2012 | 07

All pictures Getty Images

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JODY SCHECKTER

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ALAIN PROST WON 6/10/1985

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JOCHEN RINDT AGE 28 y 5 m 17 d

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JOHN SURTEES WON 25/10/1964

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WON 7/9/1975

WON 13/10/1994

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ebastian Vettel is used to being in front, and naturally he leads the way in being the youngest ever Formula 1 champion, as shown in this exclusive infographic designed for us by the authors of Infographica: Visualizing a World of Information. The new book is packed with data visualisations, including the number of people killed by cows in 2011, the average lifespan of the population on each continent and the number of McDonald’s restaurants in different countries.

Though there is not, we are assured, any correlation between those last two.

Infographica by Martin and Simon Toseland, out now (Quercus)

E

ver fancied yourself as a television director? Well here’s a chance to try your hand at a little bit of Formula 1 broadcasting. Sort of.

While you don’t get to choose the shots, shout ‘action’ or any of that other directorial stuff, Making View’s 360-degree camera technology does give you a more, erm, rounded look at sport. Their latest video features a lap of a track in a Red Bull

08 | November 16 2012 |

F1 car – but instead of the usual fixed camera position above the driver’s head, you can use your mouse or keyboard to have a gander in any direction you wish while the car flies around the track.

We can definitely see this technology catching on with die-hard F1 fans – cue hours of heated discussion about Mark Webber’s rear end.

Try it on our website: sport-magazine.co.uk

Andrew Hone/Getty Images

Take it for a spin

Radar

Formula Young

Fingers on buzzers Y

ou’d think, as we did, that working for this magazine would put us in the upper echelons of sporting trivia knowledge. The Bobby Moore Fund Celebrity Sports Quiz, however, smashed our confidence around this time last year, as we scraped to a League One finish.

Embarrassing.

If you think you can do better – and raise money for the fight against bowel cancer to boot – sign up for this year’s event, which will be hosted by luminaries including Clive Tyldesley and Jeff Stelling on Thursday November 29 at The Brewery in London.

Visit bobbymoorefund.org for more info

I

f you’ve ever had the misfortune to catch The World’s Strongest Man with John Inverdale, you’ll know that the world of modern professional strongmannery is a terrifying place full of talcum powder, lorries and hernia operations.

It wasn’t always like this. In the lateVictorian and Edwardian eras, while the Downton set were shooting pheasants, the masses were enthralled with the physical feats of strongmen like Charles Sampson (above, right) and Eugen Sandow.

New book The Strongest Men on Earth tells the tale of the sport in these heady times, when the focus was more on

10 | November 16 2012 |

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Historic hulks

entertaining crowds with astonishing feats than simply lifting more than the other guy.

So we read of Cyclops (below) who could break coins between his fingers, and Louis Cyr (above, left) who could lift a platform of 25 men on his shoulders. An uplifting look at the sport’s rich history.

The Strongest Men on Earth by Graeme Kent, out Wednesday, £20

Radar

Holy driver C

avity-backed irons transformed the golf club industry more than 30 years ago, so it’s a surprise it’s taken this long for a cavity-backed driver to hit the market. It’s Nike who have done it, so their new VR_S Covert driver will probably soon be in the hands of a certain Northern Irish golfer.

It’s visually striking and the cavity back should provide more forgiveness on those all-too-familiar shots that don’t come out of the middle. It’s fully adjustable for loft and lie, too.

VR_S Covert £249 and VR_S Covert Tour £349. Available February, nike.com

Classic clips Y

ou can accomplish a lot in 24 hours – just ask Jack Bauer. But if saving the world isn’t your thing, you can instead spend a day lost in nostalgia with this incredible 21-disc European football boxset courtesy of UEFA. Covering UEFA’s international and club football competitions, it’s packed with 24 and a bit hours of match highlights – from Antonin Panenka’s penalty to Andrea Pirlo’s Panenka, as well as some classic Champions League encounters. Ask for it for Christmas, clear your schedule on Boxing Day and tell the in-laws to clear out – Manchester United are 1-0 down in the last minute of the 1999 Champions League final, and they have a corner...

UEFA Presents the Official Archive Films, out Monday, £82

12 | November 16 2012 |

Radar Editor’s letter Zaha: worth £20m, say Palace.

But can you put a price on playing for your country? www.sport-magazine.co.uk @sportmaguk facebook.com/sportmagazine Free iPad app available on Newsstand

Sport magazine Part of UTV Media plc 18 Hatfields, London SE1 8DJ Telephone: 020 7959 7800 Fax: 020 7959 7942 Email: firstname.lastname@ sport-magazine.co.uk 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: Stevie Lewis, Doug Rankine

Kissing the badge In international football, you need to play for the right country – not the convenient one

N Editor-in-chief Simon Caney @simoncaney

o problem here with Wilfried Zaha being called into the England squad, and certainly no problem with a player who is, let’s say, not short on confidence. It’s very refreshing.

By all accounts, Zaha has set the Championship alight this season, and is clearly a player of some talent. He is eligible to play for England, so why shouldn’t Roy Hodgson select him?

The question is this: does Zaha actually want to play for England? Ivory Coast could also claim him, and no less a national hero than Didier Drogba has personally called him and asked him to consider his options.

International football is not like club football; while there is an element of cash in terms of sponsorship and profile, it is not a question of who will pay the most. And it’s not really a question of who will win the most, unless one of the nations is Spain.

After all, even the most one-eyed England fan must admit Les Éléphants have just as much chance of winning a major tournament as the Three Lions right now.

Zaha claims he remains “50-50“ over who will eventually claim his allegiance. Ryan Giggs, who could have played for England, was never that unsure.

Raheem Sterling is in a similar situation.

Like Zaha, he is a thrilling young player who appears to have the world at his feet. But he’s eligible to play for Jamaica, the country where he spent his first few years. His parents are both Jamaican and it seems his mum has left him in no doubt over who he should play for – and it’s not England.

“I suppose I have the somewhat naïve point of view that, if you’ve been brought up in England and you have the chance to play for the national team, that should be a very joyous occasion,“ said Hodgson.

But we know it is not that simple. Not at all.

Last season I wrote something along the lines of Arsenal fans demanding Arsene Wenger’s head being careful what they wished for.

It garnered some rather choice abuse, as I recall. On the basis of what he has done at the club, I still maintain Wenger is one of the most important figures in the English game in the past 50 years. But, increasingly these days, he looks tired and his team looks short of ideas. Perhaps Piers Morgan, who actually spoke very well on this subject on talkSPORT this week, is right: it’s time for Wenger to step down. But Arsenal fans should not have unrealistic expectations about his successor...

Surprise: the ATP World Tour Finals final was contested between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, and what a show they put on. While Andy Murray has done brilliantly this season, we are privileged to be around at a time when the likes of Djokovic and Fed (and Nadal) are playing.

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: Jack Davy, James Woodroof, Matt Hocken, Alban Remy

Cover of the Year

Reader comments of the week

@davidtrow Twitter

14 | November 16 2012 |

Desperate to go snowboarding after reading this weeks @Sportmaguk #powder

@noppo85 Twitter

@simoncaney Levein’s results were poor but a manager should not be sacked unless a suitable replacement exists.

Strachan is not the answer.

@simoncaney find your comments extremely arrogant about Scottish football. What have England won since 1966?

A raffle?

@McBrideRJ Twitter

@samwjb Twitter

10 Things We Have Learned, Number 11: national sports press continue to ignore the achievements of the 5th placed team. Cut us some slack! (And I’m not talking about Everton)

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.

Ant, via email

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

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Winter sports edition of @sportmaguk today has made me happy, ski season is so close

Frozen in time

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Gladiator, ready...

Wearing some kind of get-up that made him look like an extremely muscular wasp, a stony-faced Andy Murray strides into the 02 arena to a barrage of photographers and dry ice. He is about to face, and coolly dispatch, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, to take his place in the last four of the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals. Sadly, despite his London 2012 and US Open victories, the last four still mostly appears the limit for Murray’s ambitions at the moment – but by crikey, look at his guns. If nothing else, look at his guns.

16 | November 16 2012 |

| 17

BOW LANE LONDON

RUGBY

GOLF GOLF CLOTHING

Alastair Cook

Leading edge As he embarks upon his first series as full-time captain of the England Test team, Alastair Cook reflects on the departure of Andrew Strauss, his ascension to the top job and what he wants to achieve with his England side

Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images

Friday-Monday INdIA v ENglANd: 1ST TEST | SARdAR PATEl STAdIuM, AHMEdABAd | SkY SPoRTS 1 3.55AM (SkY SPoRTS 2 oN SuNdAY)

20 | November 16 2012 |

That Alastair Cook was to succeed Andrew Strauss as captain of the England Test team has been an open secret for some time; he was made vice-captain at the relatively tender age of 24, and has spent the past 18 months preparing for the role as captain of the one-day team. He took charge of the Test side when Strauss was rested, against Bangladesh in March 2010, and has long been known as a calm, unflappable character whose temperament as an opening batsman has stood up to the toughest attacks in world cricket. Yet, for all that, the man they call Chef has found himself front of house a little sooner than he expected.

“Clearly, when the phone went during the one-day games against South Africa, when I was walking down to a meeting in my flip-flops and pretty much my pyjamas, I did not expect to be walking out of a room a little later having been asked to be England captain,“ Cook told Sport in an exclusive interview before flying to India for his debut series as the full-time Test skipper. “Now, going back and speaking to Straussy since, it has made far more sense to me; his retirement wasn’t a snapshot decision, but something he’d been thinking about for a

long period of time. But nobody – neither the team as a whole nor myself as an individual – knew it was coming.

It was certainly a shock.“ Really? Could Cook, for so long his captain’s trusted lieutenant, the right-hand man with the classic left-hand drive, genuinely have had no idea that Strauss was about to call it a day? “I think it shows the strength of the man, that he had been thinking about it but continued to lead as well as he ever had, all the time giving no inclination that he was thinking about going,“ says Cook. “As a captain, you have to be so level the whole time – especially in tough situations, when people around you are looking for clear thought. That just proves to me what a good leader of men he was.“

Right in the mix Strauss may not be on the field against India in Ahmedabad as you read this, but the affection and respect his successor evidently has for him suggest his influence will endure for some time to come.

“I don’t know what he calls me behind closed doors, but I consider him a friend,“ smiles Cook. “He had that amazing balance of being right in the mix of the side, but he was so emotionally strong that he never let his own problems affect the team. He knew how important that was, because people look to you in those difficult situations – and if you’re showing signs of nerves, then that will transfer to the team. He was never distant, but he had an amazing strength of character. >

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Alastair Cook

“I’ve spoken to him a lot in the past few weeks, of course, but I think it’s important that I don’t just become a Strauss clone.

We are quite similar people, so it might be that I’m not that different from him as a captain – but I still have to do it my way.“ As Cook talks, we find ourselves wondering just what his ’way’ will be like – although it soon becomes apparent that we’re going to have to wait and see for ourselves.

“People always ask me what kind of captain I’m going to be, but that’s probably my least favourite question,“ he explains. “It’s very hard to answer, and it’s almost for other people to define. Decision-makers have looked at me and decided that they see leadership qualities in me; that’s why I’ve been chosen, I suppose, but it’s quite hard for me to talk about that without sounding horrendously arrogant. But people with good opinions have seen something in me, and I think I can take a lot of confidence from that.

“Clearly, though, over the next few months and years – however long it may be – I will learn about the captaincy of Test cricket on the job. Because no matter how many books you read or how many people you talk to, the only way you actually learn captaincy is by doing it. Sitting here now, though, I’d be a lot more nervous about what’s to come if I hadn’t been one-day captain for the past 18 months.“

Baptism of fire And quite a spell that has been for the England one-day team. Since being named captain of the one-day side, Cook has led England in 30 of 31 matches (Eoin Morgan took the reins in a game against his native Ireland), winning 18 and losing only nine as the team has risen to the top of the world rankings. Encouragingly for his new role as Test skipper, Cook’s average with the bat while one-day captain is 46.77 – significantly higher than the 33.00 he averaged while a mere foot soldier. It’s a run of form, both individual and team, to which he refers when we put it to him that a tour in India is about as tough as it gets for a new captain.

“Their home record is obviously very strong,“ he admits. “But if you look back at when I first took over the one-day captaincy, we played Sri Lanka, who had just reached the final

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of the World Cup, and India, who had won it.

But we won both of those series, and even though we lost away in India, we came back this year by beating both the West Indies and Australia. I had a pretty tough start with the one-day captaincy, so we know exactly how tough these next two months are going to be.

It’s going to test our resolve as a team – as a different team with a different leader and some different personnel. That’s an exciting challenge, but if we are to have any chance of winning over there, then scoring heavy runs in the first innings is going to be vital.“ On that score, it has been pleasing to see Cook and the rest of England’s top-order batsmen – including new opening partner Nick Compton – finding form on the subcontinent pitches that have so often been their undoing in recent times. The hosts may have kept their frontline spinners largely under wraps in the build-up to this four-Test series, but the tourists have looked in good nick – and none more so than the returning Kevin Pietersen.

What, we ask, was Cook’s role in Pietersen’s now infamous ’reintegration’ into the team?

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Cook is the 13th highest run-scorer in England’s Test history.

He started the current series on 6,555 runs – 416 from a place in the top 10, with Graham Thorpe (6,744), Ken Barrington (6,806) and Len Hutton (6,971) standing in his way

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

“Strauss had that amazing balance of being right in the mix of the side, but he was so strong he never let his own problems affect the team.

He had amazing strength of character”

“It’s very important for any captain in any sport to be at the forefront of decisions, because it’s effectively your side,“ he answers.

“Clearly I have to work extremely closely with Andy Flower, so I have been heavily involved in the process – and it was a process we had to get right because it’s hugely important to this England team. We all know how important a united side is, because a harmonious side can bring great success. Dysfunctional teams might do well for short spells, but they won’t have success for any long periods of time.

“You are most successful when you’re at your tightest as a unit, and I think that has showed in our success over the past couple of years. It’s important that the process we’re going through now is one we get right – not just with KP, but with everyone in the side.

“But this is a fantastic group, and sometimes what gets reported in the papers is not true. We all know how the media works, and what has happened in the past few months has really pulled the team apart. It has shown that you can’t take team unity for granted – it is something you have to keep working on.“ >

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Alastair Cook Taste for a ton: Cook celebrates his Test debut century in India in 2006.

He did the same against India A in the opener of the current tour

51.59

Success breeds success Despite the recent internal problems, and a year in which both Pakistan and South Africa have exposed the weaknesses in the current England team, Cook inherits a group of players that has known more success than failure in its recent history. He follows on from a line of captains, most notably Nasser Hussain, Michael Vaughan and Strauss himself, whose combined efforts have dragged English cricket up from mediocrity to, until recently, the top of the world rankings in Test cricket.

But does that bring with it a certain pressure to maintain such high standards?

“There are two ways of looking at it,“ he muses. “You could say that if you were at rock bottom then the only way would be up – but a captain is only as good as the players around him, and I’d much rather be in the position I am now. Whether you consider it luck or not, we have a good group of very talented cricketers – both youngsters and more experienced players – which proves that the English system is producing top-class players.

“I’m lucky that I’m inheriting a side that has been successful. Some might say that’s daunting, but I say it’s a great opportunity to continue that success. Clearly, over the past year or so, we haven’t played the cricket we would have liked – certainly in the Test team.

There is always room for improvement, but we’re in good hands with Andy Flower. We have a lot of exciting cricket coming up, and I know

24 | November 16 2012 |

that the lads are as keen to get stuck in and meet that challenge head on as I am.

“There’s a great balance to the squad, too.

You have three or four players with more than 70 caps, a few with around 50 and some exciting young players coming through. It’s exciting to see that talent mixed in with the senior players; I think we have an opportunity to build another very successful team.“

Second coming For Cook personally, there is a nice symmetry in beginning life as the England Test captain in India – the country where his Test career started with a debut century back in 2006.

“To me, this is kind of the start of my second journey as a Test player,“ he reflects.

“But it’s a very exciting one. The amount of cricket we have over the next two years is huge, but we have some amazing opportunities to do something very special. I’m not saying we’re definitely going to do that, but as a player you want to play in big games – and for me to have the opportunity to captain England into such a period is an amazing honour. It’s truly an amazing thing to be sat here talking to you as the England captain.“ The period of which Cook talks begins with the current tour of India, but also comprises home-and-away series against New Zealand and back-to-back Ashes series against the old enemy, Australia. And sandwiched in between next summer’s visits from our Antipodean

36.15 Cook’s Test average so far in 2012 – his lowest since averaging just 36.09 in 2008

cousins is the last ever ICC Champions Trophy – something that Cook the one-day captain is keeping a very close eye on.

“Having the chance to play in a worldwide tournament on our home turf is fantastic,“ he says. “With home conditions, and playing in front of the fantastic support we always get in England, we have a great chance to win an ICC tournament. We’ve only ever won one in our history [the 2010 World Twenty20], so it will be a real opportunity for the players – and great for the public to have a high-profile tournament in the run-up to a huge Ashes series.“ But that’s for then. Right now, Cook’s mind will be focused on guiding his new team to the best possible series result against an Indian side that doesn’t take well to losing on their own patch. England may have a fight on their hands over the next two months, but in Cook they have a captain who couldn’t be more up for it. As our time with him draws to a close, the 27-year-old looks reflective for a moment.

“Sporting careers are short,“ he says. “I just want to get stuck in.“ Tony Hodson @tonyhodson1 See the best eight teams in one-day international cricket take part in the ICC Champions Trophy in June 2013 – tickets for The Oval, Cardiff and Edgbaston are on sale now at icc-cricket.com, or call 0844 249 2013

Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images

Alastair Cook’s Test average from 36 matches away from England.

On home shores, it is a more modest (but still impressive) 44.84

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Danny Care

Standards of Care After a torrid 14 months on and off the field, Danny Care cemented his place back in the England side against Fiji last weekend. And, he tells Sport, he’s in no mood to give his international shirt up just yet

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster 14 months for you. How much does this season represent a fresh start?

“Yeah definitely, this season is a massive clean slate for me. I’m not looking back at all, I’m just looking forward. And the way the season finished – winning the

Was there any one moment that made you realise you were going down a bad road?

“Obviously missing the Six Nations was a massive wake-up call for me. To be fit and playing well but not being able to play for my country because of the stuff I’d done off the field was very hard to take – that made me more determined to sort things out and get back in an England shirt.“ Do you regret the off-field headlines, then?

“Of course, but I wouldn’t change what happened to me in the past year because that’s given me the drive and determination to play well for my club and get my place back in the England side. It’s such a privilege to be in that position, and I was letting a lot of people down with my actions. I was unlucky with what happened, I think, at times, but I put myself in the situations to be in trouble – so I know I was at fault for a lot of it. I’m putting it all behind me and I’m just delighted to be back playing.“ You’re back in the nine shirt for England, but Ben Youngs and Lee Dickson are pushing you all the way. Are you the sort of player who likes that challenge?

“Yeah, definitely. There’s some great competition at nine; it just means that I know I have to play well every week at Quins, and I’m sure the others are the same. I’m just trying to play as well as I can to be in with a shout of starting at nine. That’s where I want to be, and I’ve got a lot of confidence – I know that if I play well, I can do a good job for England.“ >

| November 16 2012 | 27

David Rogers/Getty Images

W

hile a sin bin just 11 minutes into the autumn Test schedule is far from the ideal start, Danny Care might be forgiven for the slight grin across his face as he left the field to ’cool off’ against Fiji last week.

After the journey he’s been on in the last year, just being back as the first-choice number nine for his country is enough to keep Care smiling.

Ever since injury ruled the Harlequins man out of England’s World Cup touring party late last year, Care’s problems off the field have been well publicised.

Two drink-related offences within the space of three weeks, a police caution for urinating in public and an arrest over an alleged sexual assault (later dropped by the police) all contributed to him losing his place with the national side when he was dropped from the Six Nations squad in January.

Vowing to clean up his act, Care bounced back to help Harlequins claim Aviva Premiership glory, before returning to the international fold with a man-of-thematch performance against South Africa in the summer. Having played a key role – his early misdemeanour aside – in England’s 54-12 win over Fiji last week, Care has Australia in his sights tomorrow. Whatever happens at Twickenham this weekend, then, don’t expect to see a smile far from his face.

Premiership and getting on the South Africa tour – was a great way to start again. I had a good pre-season, we’ve had a good start with Harlequins and I’m obviously delighted to be back in the England squad for the autumn.

Everything’s going well at the moment, and I’m really enjoying life.“

Danny Care

“We want to be an attacking team, physically dominate and score from anywhere”

So he’s not trying to rein you in at all?

“All he has told me is to keep playing the way I’m playing, bring the energy and the buzz that we have at club level to international, and try to translate that into an England shirt. It’s great to be able to go out there, express myself and have a bit of fun.“ How different is Stuart Lancaster’s England to Martin Johnson’s England?

“There’s definitely a different feel around the squad, because there’s a lot of new faces. The likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody, Mike Tindall were here – characters who have been in the game a long time and know the game so well – in the squad a year ago, and they’ve all gone. It was a bit weird the first time I came back in, because younger players are speaking up a bit more, so it took me a while to kind of get used to that.“ We imagine it didn’t take long for you to fit in...

“Yeah, I slotted in quite well because I don’t mind speaking a bit, obviously! But yeah, it’s a different philosophy and a different environment here now. The younger players have the same passion for the shirt, though, because everyone wants to represent their country – especially at Twickenham, in front of the brilliant home crowd.“

28 | November 16 2012 |

How big are these games?

“Obviously we know the implications of the World Cup rankings, so we know we need to play well. We want to win every game, especially because we’re at home. Your country expects you to win at home, we expect to win at home. We want to be known as the best in the world, so we have to beat the best in the world. It’s such an exciting time to be involved in the camp, playing four games back to back. We’re loving it.“ How important is it not to underestimate Australia?

“It’s an absolute massive game against one of the best teams in the world – on their day, probably the best when they get on the attack. Their backs are incredible and they can score from anywhere, plus England versus Australia is always a massive game. We just hope we can do ourselves proud on our home ground.“ Mark Coughlan @coffers83 Care spoke on behalf of England rugby at the team’s official Eden Park formalwear suit fitting

Beware the backlash SATURDAY England v Australia | Twickenham | Sky Sports 1 2.30pm

A

fter the opener against the Fijians, it’s the Aussies next for Stuart Lancaster’s men, and the England coach is not getting carried away by either England’s 54-12 win or the Aussies’ 33-6 defeat to France last weekend. “They will be very motivated coming here and we need to make sure we are ready”, he said, and his side would do well to take note.

Yes, Australia were hammered by France last week, but they also recently drew 18-18 with world champions New Zealand. David Pocock remains sidelined, but Ben Alexander

will sure things up in a creaking scrum, and Digby Ioane offers a powerful finishing option to a backline that squandered too many opportunities last weekend.

For England, Chris Ashton is back on the wing – but it’s up front where they will look to do real damage, because Australia’s scrum – as usual – looks to be their weakness. Led by Chris Robshaw, this England pack is made for ball-carrying, so expect them to wear the Aussies down and once again utilise the rolling maul that caused Fiji so many problems.

David Rogers/Getty Images

Harlequins have played together so long and have such a natural creative game. Does Stuart Lancaster tell you to bring that to the international stage?

“Yeah, I think the way Quins play is very similar to the philosophy that Stuart wants to play. We want to be an attacking team, we want to physically dominate teams, and we want to be able to score from anywhere. That obviously fits in with how we play at Quins, with our high-tempo game. From a personal point of view, Stuart’s all about scrum halves who like to run with the ball and keep the game moving quickly, and that’s music to my ears because that’s how I play. I think we have a great philosophy here in the England side, and hopefully we can put that on the park in the next few weeks.“

Suso

Red dawn

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new five-year deal, confirming his key role in Liverpool’s cultural revolution under the former Swansea boss. We recently caught up with the attacking midfielder, whose accented English carries just a hint of Scouse on certain words. As quickly becomes apparent, he loves life in the northwest.

Why did you choose Liverpool over one of the big Spanish clubs?

“I think the feeling of playing every game at Anfield was something different to Real Madrid or Barcelona. I signed a new contract a few weeks ago – I’m really happy and hopefully it will carry on like that.”

Was it hard to adjust to life in England at first?

“Oh yeah, yeah – it was a little bit difficult because it was a different culture, a different language. I didn’t speak English before, so it was really hard. But I came here to play football, so I tried to learn the English and adapt to the city really quickly.” >

Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Liverpool’s newest Spanish star could be a key player in their youth-led revolution. Suso talks to Sport

or all his faults, Rafa Benitez could clearly be pretty persuasive. Why else, when faced with a choice between Real Madrid or Liverpool, would a Spanish starlet who spoke no English opt for the latter? But that’s just what Benitez persuaded Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saenz de la Torre, better known as Suso, to do in the summer of 2010, at the age of just 16.

“It was Rafa who signed me,” he explains.

“We had a lot of Spanish people here and it was him who told me to trust him and to come here.” Just days later, though, Benitez was on his way out of Anfield – and the future looked decidedly uncertain for the promising attacking midfielder signed from Cadiz.

Two years of youth and reserve-team football followed, but this season the 18-year-old has been given his chance by Brendan Rodgers – who, as Suso points out more than once, really likes the club’s young players. Suso has played only a handful of games for the Reds, but recently signed a

| November 16 2012 | 31

Suso

Michael Steele/Getty Images, Sam Fairbrother

“Brendan Rodgers is similar to a Spanish manager, so that’s really good for me”

You’ve now had a taste of first-team action this year – what has that been like?

“The first game was away against Young Boys; three days later I played the second half against Manchester United and everything changed really quick. I’m playing now every game and starting every game except in the Premier League [though he has started five of Liverpool’s league games so far this season].”

What was it like walking out at Anfield for the first time?

“Well, I think it’s one of the best football stadiums in England, and maybe in the world.

I think the support is brilliant as well, so I think it’s one of the best feelings ever.”

Were you expecting a first-team call-up?

“I didn’t expect it. I didn’t have the chance last season – but Brendan, he really likes the young players, and he’s giving us a chance and we are playing and doing well. So he keeps trusting us.”

Did he say he would be giving young players a chance when he joined?

“Yeah, at the beginning of the season he mentioned that he really likes the young

32 | November 16 2012 |

players and he will give us the chance if we are working hard. As I say, he really likes the young players and three young players are starting every weekend for Liverpool – Nuri Sahin, me and Andre Wisdom. That’s important, and it’s nice for him to give the chance to three young players in a big team like Liverpool.”

What’s Rodgers like as a manager?

Is Being: Liverpool accurate?

“He’s really nice. He’s more like a friend.

He really likes the young players and he’ll try to help everyone, but especially the young players because he knows that we have to improve. I think he’s similar to a Spanish manager, so that’s really good for me.”

It’s been a tough start to the season, though...

“Yeah we didn’t start really good, but it’s a new manager with different ideas. Obviously it doesn’t work in a week, but now we are improving every day. It takes time for us to know him and what he wants, but now after a few months we are getting it – we are

improving and playing really good football.

Before the goals didn’t come. But now they are arriving, we are scoring and winning games.”

Who were your favourite players growing up?

“When I was young, I really liked Zidane, but now he’s not playing anymore. Messi and Cristiano are excellent players. But I will say Iniesta.”

And if you had to pick someone whose playing style is most like yours?

“I think the most similar is David Silva.”

Are you hoping to get a call-up to the main squad soon? You’ve played a few games at youth level for Spain...

“We played the U19 Euro Championship last summer and we won. It’s really important to play for your country, and if you’re playing for Liverpool – one of the best teams in the country – you have the chance to play for the full national side.”

Amit Katwala @amitkatwala Suso was speaking at the launch of Need for Speed Most Wanted, out now for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PC, iOS and Android

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World Touring Car Championship

Last chance hatchback WTCC leader Rob Huff spoke to Sport before the final races of the season in Macau. Can he finally win the title he narrowly missed out on last season? And will he have a job next year?

B

ritish World Touring Car driver Rob Huff is on the brink of his first title. All he needs to do is win one of the two races in Macau this weekend, and he will be crowned WTCC champion. But he’s been here before – last year, in fact – when he led the standings for much of the year only to be overtaken in the final few races by Chevrolet teammate Yvan Muller. This will be the team’s last outing in the sport, despite three constructors’ titles in a row, and Huff wants to end on a high...

You came so close to winning the title last season – can you get it done this time?

“That’s the goal – it’s always been a huge dream of mine. Last year we came very close and missed out by three points. We went to Macau this time last year 17 points down; I had to qualify on pole and win both races, and did. Unfortunately Yvan Muller, my teammate, did what he needed to do. But I learnt a lot and that’s definitely helped this year.”

The team have occupied the top three positions for the past two years, so were you surprised at the decision to pull out?

“I was naturally very upset and disappointed.

But it’s been a brilliant ride with Chevrolet, it’s

been awesome. With the news they released four months ago that they won’t be continuing, there’s even more of a focus to go out and win the championship for them. They took a very big gamble on me eight years ago as a rookie driver. It would really be the perfect present to give back to them, to capitalise on leading the championship.”

Do you have something lined up for next year?

“At the moment I have nothing sorted, in the sense that I’ve not signed a contract with anyone. No one has been thrusting paperwork in my face yet, but of course I’m talking to a lot of people. My dream goal is to stay in the WTCC. If we could secure some private funding or find some way of continuing to run Rob Huff with RML in a Chevy Cruze in the 2013 World Championship, that would be ideal.

But I’ve gotta search for other options as well, and of course I’m doing that.”

This season didn’t start that well, with your first win not coming until the eighth race...

“Oh yeah, I was taking it easy – I didn’t need to go winning races [laughs]. Last year, we started off with three pole positions and won six of the first 10 races, and I think I really

focused on just being the fastest driver in the championship and hoping that everything else fell into place. This year I’ve focused on being as consistent as possible and making sure we’re on the podium at every round and race, ideally, and trying to make sure we finish every race. We’ve managed to do that and not make any mistakes – mistakes are what have cost others around me the points.”

SATURDAY World Touring Car Championship Round 12 | Circuito da Guia, Macau, China | British Eurosport, 3am

You’re 35 points ahead of Alain Menu.

Have you done the sums, and what do you need to do this weekend?

“I think you can always sit there and mathematically analyse every position you need to be in and where you need to qualify.

The past four years in Macau have been fantastic – I’m very confident. As much as I’m thinking of the championship, my goal is to go there, put it on pole and try and win that first race. We’ve gotta go there with that attitude.

Macau is possibly the hardest circuit we do.

It’s very narrow, it’s almost eight kilometres a lap. I don’t want to make the mistake we made at times last year, of taking it easy in certain races and thinking sixth place would be fine. I wanna go there, have my normal attack mode head on and get stuck in.”

Amit Katwala @amitkatwala Huff’s lead in points going into the last two races of the championship – with 50 still up for grabs

| November 16 2012 | 35

William Hill Sports Book of the Year

AND THE WINNER IS...

On November 26, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year will select the finest piece of sports writing of the past 12 months from a shortlist of seven. Before they do, however, we’ve done it for them...

36 | November 16 2012 |

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR Simon Jordan (Yellow Jersey)

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hich should but doesn’t feature the sub-heading How Not To Run A Football Club. When Crystal Palace fan and self-made multimillionaire Simon Jordan took control of his beloved Eagles in 2000, he was a 32-year-old worth somewhere in the region of £78m. By the time he walked away 10 years later, Palace had slid into administration and Jordan had lost it all. This is his story.

As brash and big-balled as you would imagine from a man who once announced he wanted to strangle Craig Bellamy with his own tongue, Jordan seems incapable of writing a bland sentence as he recounts the internal workings of an industry he so vocally detests. His genuine passion for his club shines through – this is a man who missed just 10 of the 500 games Palace played during his tenure – and Jordan is never afraid to laugh at the absurdity of his own shortcomings. An annoying excess of exclamation marks overegg too many punchlines, but that is the only blip in an otherwise illuminating affair.

SAmpLE qUOTE “One of our more talented young players was Clinton Morrison, who had a rather unfortunate attitude, so I had formed a dim view of the little ratbag.

He was a belligerent little runt and on one afternoon he sauntered past me with some of his teammates. I went to acknowledge them and was greeted by Morrison with a scowl and a kissing of his teeth. No, Clinton, not at me. I called Morrison over and let him have both barrels. ‘Listen, you, I have had about enough of your shitty little attitude.

Next time you kiss your teeth I am going to kick them down the back of your throat.’

This shocked him and his teammates: it was not how the chairman was supposed to speak to his players.”

FIBBER In THE HEAT: FOLLOWIng EngLAnd In IndIA – A BLAggER’S TALE Miles Jupp (Ebury Press)

T

he author of this book is, he freely admits, a total charlatan.

Miles Jupp is a comedian, ‘frequently out-of-work actor’ and cricket nut.

Despite no journalistic experience, he decides that he wants to be a cricket writer covering a tour of India, so gains a tenuous freelance connection via BBC Scotland – who turn out to show as much interest in the English cricket team’s fortunes as you’d expect – and sets himself up on the official media tour with flights, hotels and press passes. Well, that’s the plan.

This is Jupp’s account of his travails – drinking with his heroes from the commentary box, arousing the suspicion of his new ‘colleagues’ in the press and desperately hoping he won’t be discovered for the faker he is. Books such as this succeed or fail on the strength of their author’s charm – and Jupp has the wit to pull it off, recounting whimsical, amusing anecdotes of his mishaps (even the obligatory ‘dicky tummy’ story is funny).

It’s too slight a tale to win Willy Hill’s big prize, and does lose momentum towards the end, but there are plenty of chuckles along the way.

SAmpLE qUOTE “I was finding the heat more and more unbearable, and the sun was at such a point in the sky that it was beaming down on to the pitch, reflecting off it and then coming up at me from underneath like a solar bouncer.

If the sun had been coming from directly above I would probably have been fine with my sun hat. But the sun’s glare was attacking me from an angle that would have been very hard to defend oneself from without being dressed in a ruff, which was hardly the sort of inconspicuous look that I was aiming for.” >

| 37

William Hill Sports Book of the Year

a life without limits: a woRlD champion’s JouRney

Running with the Kenyans: DiscoveRing the secRets of the fastest people on eaRth

that neaR-Death thing: insiDe the tt: the woRlD’s most DangeRous Race

shot anD a ghost: a yeaR in the BRutal woRlD of pRofessional squash

adharanand finn (faber and faber)

Rick Broadbent (orion Books)

James willstrop (self-published)

F

our-time ironman world champion Chrissie Wellington is exceptionally driven. We know this because she tells us so, over and over again in the opening chapters.

But once you get past the slightly nauseating detail of her straight-A schooldays, Wellington reveals some of the darker places to which her drive for perfection took her – and how it ultimately led her, at the age of 30, to line up for her first Ironman World Championships as an unknown rookie, with just one race over the full distance under her belt.

There’s little glamour in the world of endurance racing, and Wellington spares us none of the dirtier details of what it takes to be the best in the world (see below). If you can swallow her overwhelming niceness (there’s a whole chapter devoted to the unsung ‘Heroes of Ironman’) you’ll find Wellington shines a revealing light on one of sport’s toughest events. Consider it your very own test of endurance.

M

I

T

sample quote

sample quote

“It is on the bike that you may first develop a need for the toilet. It pays not to be squeamish. There is the occasional Portaloo on the course, but the most time-efficient solution, I find, is to go in my pants. On the bike, unless a flat tyre causes a natural break, going on the saddle is the best way. This is when the earlier application of Vaseline really comes into its own. And don’t underestimate the use of urine as a weapon... To get too close to the bike in front is not only dangerous but cheating...

If anyone does it to me, I let off a warning shot, and they usually back off. It is yet another reason to keep hydrated.”

“Even if you never become an Olympic champion, or even manage to race abroad, just being an athlete here seems to lift you above the chaos of daily life. It marks you out as one of the special people, who have chosen a path of dedication and commitment. You can see it in the runners’ eyes when they talk to you. Even the slowest of the runners talk about their training with an almost religious devotion. They may live in makeshift houses, without running water, and sit by candlelight each night, but their best times for the half-marathon are recalled with reverence. Running matters.”

chrissie wellington with michael aylwin (constable)

38 | November 16 2012 |

ost of us have grown up watching Kenyan athletes dominate the world of longdistance running in no small amount of wonder, but few have been so intrigued as to uproot their wife and three young kids and actually bloody well move there. That’s exactly what Adharanand Finn did, however, and the result is this good-natured and insightful tome.

There is more than a whiff of vanity project about Finn’s tale – at times you are left with the impression he’s there purely to see how fast he can run himself – but his passion for long-distance running, and admiration for the many Kenyan athletes he meets during his time there, are evident throughout.

It would be all too easy for the western journalist to patronise a committed and endearing group of people whose lives are as simple as their dreams are soaring – that he doesn’t is central to why Running with the Kenyans works so well.

t’s a punishing experience, a lap of the 37.7-mile TT course around the Isle of Man, assaulting the senses and often the body as well.

That Near-Death Thing tries to get inside the heads of the men and women who take it on, despite the dangers and the deaths, and give a sense of the community spirit that binds them and keeps the TT going despite annual howls of protest.

The book weaves in storied names from the race’s long history, but focuses on the most compelling tales from recent meets. There’s the Dunlop brothers, William and Michael, who lost father Robert and famed uncle Joey to motorbikes, but race on. Or fan favourite Guy Martin, desperate to win a race there so he can “tick it off the list” and go climb Everest. And Connor Cummins, who recovered from horrific injuries sustained at the 2010 TT to race in 2011, when it looked more likely he’d never walk again.

It is, at times, a difficult read.

There are 242 corners on the TT course, and this book leaves you with the impression that death is lurking round every one.

sample quote “Cummins had broken his back in five places, fractured his pelvis and had severe bruising to his lungs. His left side was carnage, his upper arm broken in four places, his leg dislocated, his knee joint shattered.

There was a broken collarbone and nerve damage and there was also the unseen trauma to the bruised mind of a TT dreamer. Yet he had survived.

Perhaps the power of prayer had worked. Maybe it was the fairies.”

he account of the 2011 pro squash season as seen through the eyes of James Willstrop, the English player who became world number one, is certainly searingly honest. Willstrop gets very down on himself very easily, and his is a career blighted by injury, illness and self-doubt. Candid flashbacks – mostly to darker periods of his life, such as the death of his mother, or times when he considered giving up squash altogether – pepper the diary.

From his reluctance to have children, much to the frustration of his partner (former world number one Vanessa Atkinson), to his sometimes volatile relationship with father and coach ‘Malc’, nothing is taboo. But although Daily Telegraph writer Rod Gilmour assisted, this is clearly Willstrop’s work, and in places his writing is accidentally hilarious. A comparison between the Rocky Mountains and Pontefract, a mention of “rambunctious Arabs”, his belated discovery of the music of Morrissey... not to mention a detailed account of his ‘expulsions’ on a day when he was feeling particularly poorly. Certainly enjoyable, although not always for the reasons intended.

sample quote “Kneeling down near to the tennis courts, I scream. I can’t do this any more. I can’t want it this much, and work so hard for it, only to suffer setback after setback with this bloody injury. I can’t do it. I convince myself at that precise moment, within the glare of all that pent-up intensity, that it is the end. I now opt for the easy life, with none of the extremes, none of the excess.” >

William Hill Sports Book of the Year

Sport’s Bo ok the year of THE SECRET RACE: InSIdE THE HIddEn WoRld of THE TouR dE fRAnCE: dopIng, CovER-upS, And WInnIng AT All CoSTS Tyler Hamilton and daniel Coyle (Bantam press)

T

hough ostensibly a confessional on how and why he came to become a prodigious cycling dope, Tyler Hamilton’s tome made headlines across the globe this autumn for being more about another man’s alleged wrongdoing. That other man is not mentioned by name on one of the longest book titles you’ll ever read, but sits on the cover on the shoulder of Hamilton, looming large like the alleged drug-chugging monster he allegedly became.

The Secret Race is effectively the tale of Lance Armstrong and his alleged drug abuse and colossal and calculated cover-up, giving new meaning to the seven-time Tour winner’s own best-selling autobiography – It’s Not About The Bike. According to Hamilton, it was more about the blood booster erythropoietin (EPO), the steroids and the regular blood transfusions that took place in secret locations across Europe. It was about Armstrong’s Golden Rule of drug taking: “Whatever you do, those fuckers [his rivals] are doing more.”

It was also far more about the intimidatory influence Armstrong exerted not only over his teammates (which Hamilton was for six years) but also over the world governing body, Union Cycliste Internationale, who were allegedly complicit by willingly turning a blind eye.

Written with respected cycling journalist Daniel Coyle, The Secret Race adds weight to

similar allegations made by David Walsh and Pierre Ballester in L.A. Confidentiel in 2004, but Hamilton’s claims seemed to break Armstrong’s spirit and resistance. Shortly before The Secret Race’s release, he announced he’d no longer contest USADA’s litany of charges for using banned substances as far back as 1996. Taken as an admission of guilt, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour titles and most of his sponsors quickly moved to distance themselves from him. The book that finally broke Lance Armstrong, then. And yet the most memorable revelation of the entire book is not the drug abuse, because we all assumed they were all at it, or that Lance Armstrong was a power-crazed maniac, because that’s not news. Rather, it was the insight into Hamilton’s pain tolerance.

In 2002, he crashed in the Tour of Italy, fracturing his shoulder. Rather than quit, however, he kept riding, enduring such pain that he ground 11 teeth down to the roots.

The drugs don’t work? His certainly did.

SAmplE quoTE In 1999, when Hamilton ran out of EPO and asked Armstrong for more: “Lance pointed casually to the fridge... and there, on the door, next to a carton of milk, was a carton of EPO... I was surprised Lance would be so cavalier.”

Read more at www.williamhillmedia.com

40 | November 16 2012 |

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Trendmicro.co.uk | 41

Advertising Feature

Power of three Last October, The North Face® climber Conrad Anker was part of the first threeman team to ascend the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru - one of the most difficult routes in high-altitude alpinism. It didn’t come easy...

Conrad Anker, Mt Meru, India. Photos: Chris Figenshau

Your successful ascent of the Shark’s Fin came after two failed attempts. What makes it such a challenging climb?

“It’s Himalayan big-wall climbing – that’s the style of it. That kind of climbing takes place on granite peaks and this one has ice at the bottom, mixed climbing in the middle and wall climbing at the top. So the most difficult part is at the top, whereas a lot of climbs have the steep stuff at the bottom and snow at the summit. But this was upside down – some of the most technical, high-altitude climbing on earth in unimaginably punishing conditions.”

What happened the first two times you attempted it?

“When I went there in 2003 I was climbing alpine style, with lightweight equipment, and it didn’t work out – I only made it about two-thirds of the way up. When I came back in 2008 with Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk, for our first try together, we went big-wall style with portaledges. That worked better, but we were denied by a huge storm that dropped around six feet of snow. We were probably only around 100 metres from the

42 | November 16 2012 |

summit, but by the time the storm passed we’d been up there for 19 days on 10 days’ worth of food. So we had to turn back.”

Was it the frustration of getting so close but being denied that convinced you to go back for another try?

“It’s not really frustration. Frustration is an accident, someone getting frostbite or a fatality. Looking at the big picture, we were up there having fun – so it was like: okay, we tried, and down we went. But I was pretty motivated to finish the project we started on.

When some friends of mine from Slovenia – Silvo Karo, Marko Lukic and Andrej Grmovsek – tried it the year after we were there and didn’t have success, the mystique of the climb just kept building.”

Is that ‘mystique’ what pulls you back to these mountains?

“The more elusive the prey is, the more challenging the hunt. We’re not killing things, we’re climbing mountains, but it’s still the same emotion that brings people into it. It’s not ‘conquering’, though. It’s more that you

get to climb the mountain by its good graces, with luck and good weather and by being prepared. It’s more of a partnership between the mountains and your team.”

When you reach the top of a history-making climb like that, are there wild celebrations at the summit – or do you just want to head for home as fast as possible?

“We stayed up there for about an hour or so, gave each other a hug, had coffee then went back down. We were happy we’d pulled it off, but you’re only halfway there – you still have to think about getting back down. Although descending takes less time, it’s still very risky; you have to make sure you’re doing everything right. The descending is less dangerous because you’re not exposed for as long – going up took us 10 days and it took us two days to go down – but you’re rappelling, so you have to make sure your anchor’s always solid and that you set things up right.”

Your extensive climbing experience includes many first ascents. Do you ever think: ‘That’s it now – enough is enough’?

“Climbing 8,000m peaks – I’ve had a good run at that, so I don’t need to be going back to them. I’ll be 50 this month too, and for the 8,000m peaks the suffer-to-fun ratio is... well, it’s very risky, and it’s harder on your body to climb at that altitude. I’ve had a good run though, and my wife and kids are pretty psyched about that.”

On top of the world: but don’t be fooled by the stunning shots – the Shark’s Fin ascent took place in ‘unimaginably punishing conditions’ The North Face Store 30/32 Southampton Street Covent Garden WC2E 7HE 020 7240 9577 ellis-brigham.com/thenorthface

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Advertising Feature

Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that bring man the most pleasure. Fixing stuff with his bare hands, building a fire from sticks, eating a bacon sandwich smothered in HP Sauce on a Saturday morning... To help achieve the simple pleasures, we’ve compiled a 10-strong list of the essential skills every man must memorise and master...

THE MODERN MANIFESTO Listen to the Weekend Sports Breakfast every weekend on talkSPORT from 8am to find out who Micky Quinn gives his “Give That Man A Bacon Roll” award to with HP Sauce

44 | November 16 2012 |

10 Do It Yourself

The three cast-iron principles of DIY that every man must abide by are very simple.

First, the right tool for any job is always the most powerful. Second, anything and everything can be fixed by duct tape. And thirdly, if, when constructing anything flatpack you find yourself with a part left over, you haven’t constructed it wrong. The part should never have been included in the first place.

Their mistake, not yours.

still water and a flat circular stone – the shape encourages more bounce. Entry into the water should be bang on 20 degrees, say boffins who have studied this. Anything less will drag through the water and lose energy, anything over 45 degrees will not bounce but sink, like a stone. In terms of technique, spin the stone in a clockwise motion (if you’re right-handed) with your index finger as you release it to increase its speed of rotation. The greater the flick, the greater the rotation and – look at that – the greater, more manly the skim.

9 lIft AnD CArrY HeAvY stuff 4 speAketH onlY sport The key rule here is simple enough: bend at the knees, never the waist. Simply lower, in one smooth motion, grasp and possibly gasp if it’s heavier than you thought, then elevate again, making it look as effortless as possible. Never attempt to lift anything bigger than you, and if you hear anything crack on either the object or your own body, put the thing straight back down and act accordingly. Because man must always know his limitations.

8

sHAke HAnDs lIke A MAn

Do note that ‘Like A Man’ doesn’t mean by attempting to break the other person’s hand – this is not a test of strength. Make eye contact, smile or say hello and extend your hand, held at a slight downward angle. Grip firmly but never squeeze, and shake using only the lower arm – bring the upper arm into it and it becomes more muscular and appears you have something to prove. Grip for two or three seconds and apply a couple of short, controlled shakes for sincerity. Any more or any less and they’ll think you’re weird. Maintain eye contact throughout, then withdraw the hand. One handshake should fit all occasions – but if shaking hands with a fine lady, or indeed any lady, lighten the grip ever so slightly so she doesn’t get scared.

7 HAve A HAIrCut

Though the short back and sides is clearly the only style a man should ever need, we are not here to judge. Whatever you ask for, remember just one thing. It should never cost you a penny more than £5: scientific fact. And that should include the tip.

Note: Any attempt at facial hair should be literally applauded, regardless of the results.

6 DAnCe lIke A MAn 5 skIM A stone

Real men don’t dance. Move on.

To achieve this true Man Skill, which impresses women and children alike, you’ll need to register more than two sorry bounces. You need a stretch of

When viewing sport of any kind, the only subject of conversation between those watching should be sport. Not work, not your other half, not politics, quantum physics or Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Simply sport. And those who need reminding of this twice should be banished from the room or stadium.

3 BBQ lIke A pro

We all think we know, but we don’t – not really.

Cooking food over raging flames might seem manly, although you’ll end up charring but undercooking your food and poisoning your guests. That’s bad.

The simple rule is this: always wait for the flames to die down and for the coals to become dusty white with a menacing red glow. Only now is your BBQ ready, and only now should you add your food – by which, of course, we mean a massive slab of MEAT.

2 BuIlD A fIre

To huddle round in the great outdoors after a day spent foraging for berries? Are you sure?

There’s sport on the television and bacon in the fridge. What are you thinking? Well, if you must.

Find a space well away from overhanging branches so you don’t set light to the entire forest, then place dry tinder (dead grass, straw) in a nice pile and build up a few small sticks and strips of wood into a nice little teepee over the top. Leave a space to get your hand in to light the tinder, and let it breathe as it burns. Keep adding tinder to build the fire up, then as the teepee burns, the outer logs will fall inwards, feeding the fire. Keep adding the smaller wood, then apply the bigger, bulkier bits until you have a raging fire. Where’s your bacon though? That’s right: at home in the fridge.

1 eAt lIke A MAn

Simple, this, and the true test of any man. Take two slices of bread and a pile of bacon – in itself a very fine sandwich. However, to transform it into a true show-stopper, finish with a good covering of HP Sauce and turn your humble sandwich into a manwich. And with that, my son, you truly are a Man.

Hp: A sAuCe of™ MAnlIness | 45

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

NOV HIGHLIGHTS 16-NOV 22 » Football: Premier League Preview » p48 » Football: Champions League Preview » p50 » Formula 1: US Grand Prix » p52 » Golf: DP World Tour Championship » p53 » Rugby Union: Wales v Samoa » p54

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

FRIDAY > CYCLING | UCI TRACK CYCLING WORLD CUP | SIR CHRIS HOY VELODROME, GLASGOW | BBC RED BUTTON 7.10PM

With two of British Cycling’s biggest names still recovering from on-road collisions, Dave Brailsford will be relieved to see his track team safely ensconced indoors all weekend.

Indoors, and on a new track named after one of the team’s leading lights: six-time Olympic gold-medallist Sir Chris Hoy. The big man himself isn’t competing – he’s busy holidaying/presenting the match ball at Murrayfield/driving a racing car, etc.

Instead, the first international event to be held at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will see Ed Clancy (pictured), himself a two-time Olympic gold-medallist in the team pursuit, fill Hoy’s role in the team sprint alongside Jason Kenny and Philip ‘I fell over’ Hindes. It’s a drop down in distance from the 4km Clancy is used to riding in the pursuit, but a step up in speed.

The 27-year-old admitted he’s “going into the unknown”, but then he is used to that, having taken on the Omnium for the 2012 Olympics.

With Clancy’s absence from the team pursuit, as well as that of Geraint Thomas, Steven Burke and Pete Kennaugh, there’s the opportunity for younger members of the squad – Sam Harrison, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull and Simon Yates – to make an impression on Brailsford in Glasgow.

In the women’s sprint events, Victoria Pendleton’s teary retirement has opened a door for 20-year-old Becky James.

The Welshwoman teamed up with Pendleton’s

46 | November 16 2012 |

unfortunate London 2012 partner Jess Varnish to win the team sprint at the opening round of the 2012-13 Track Cycling World Cup in Colombia last month, so the pair will look to make it two out of two in Glasgow.

Double gold-medallist Laura Trott is back in competition mode this weekend, in the team pursuit with Dani King – although usual third member Joanna Rowsell makes way for junior world time trial champion Elinor Barker to have a go in the record-breaking hotseat.

Tickets for the three-day event in Glasgow sold out within an hour. There are plenty then, alongside Hoy, who are looking forward to his velodrome taking its competitive bow.

7 Days

Premier League

saturday qpr v southampton | loftus road | 3pm

Goals, gaffes and defensive disasters: it’s often the way in the north London derby. Saturday’s promises more of the same saturday arsenal v tottenham | emirates stadium | sky sports 2 12.45pm

“Must win next...” tweeted QPR chairman Tony Fernandes after QPR’s defeat at Stoke last weekend left them rooted to the bottom of the table.

It’s hardly as though Mark Hughes needed reminding, with the QPR boss lamenting “it needs to happen next week” when pressed on where QPR’s first league win of the season might come. Enter Southampton – the team with the worst defensive record in the division and seemingly the perfect fit for a side desperate for three points.

Saints looked set for their second win of the season last weekend, before a defensive howler gifted Swansea an equaliser and left boss Nigel Adkins just as fearful of the chop as Hughes. A draw on Saturday would do neither any favours – this one needs a winner.

Feeling blue

saturday west brom v chelsea | the hawthorns | 3pm

‘Bedlam’ was the word used by one observer to describe Arsenal’s most recent Premier League outing, against Fulham. From two goals up to one goal down, to an equaliser and finally a fluffed chance to win it from the penalty spot – bedlam was indeed the word.

Now Arsenal face the prospect of a north London derby – a meeting that has seen more than three goals on each of its past seven renewals (a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane in 2009 was the last time fewer were notched).

Little wonder Arsene Wenger started bleating about the dastardly international break almost as soon as the final whistle was blown on their entertaining draw last weekend – he’s a worried man.

The Arsenal boss will hope to have firstchoice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny back for Saturday’s game, though. The Pole was in the squad last weekend after almost two months out with an ankle injury, and is likely to start against Tottenham – especially after stand-in Vito Mannone was left red-faced by Fulham youngster Alex Kacaniklic’s equaliser.

48 | November 16 2012 |

Spurs were undone by an Edin Dzeko last-minute special at the Etihad last Sunday, after manager Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to give Emmanuel Adebayor his first start of the season against his old club didn’t quite pay off. If he gives the former Arsenal man the same opportunity on Saturday, few would begrudge Jermain Defoe – who scored a hat-trick in Spurs’ Europa League tie against Maribor before being benched at City – a mardy glance in AVB’s direction.

With both clubs without a league win since the end of October, defeat for either would lead to more post-derby consternation than usual. Both Wenger and AVB have their critics among their own fans – they will expect to hear them loud and clear if they fail to win.

27

Goals scored in the past six Premier League meetings between Tottenham and Arsenal

Steve Clarke won trophies with Chelsea in his playing days and was assistant manager when the club won two Premier League titles.

Now he welcomes the Blues to the Hawthorns for a match against his high-flying Baggies, who have been beaten just once at home so far this season (by Manchester City). Not that Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo will need warning about the challenge ahead. A former teammate of Clarke’s, di Matteo also held the reins at West Brom for a while, failing where Clarke is now succeeding. Both sides were under different management when West Brom beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Hawthorns last season, but many of the same players will take to the pitch on Saturday.

If the Baggies needed any more reason to believe, there they have it.

With four draws in their past five league games, Liverpool are struggling to hide the fact they’re a striker short. Still, they’re showing signs that when that man arrives, things might just be okay, with Luis Suarez seemingly keeping them running on his own. Wigan sit just one point behind the Reds, but could be without keeper Ali Al Habsi at Anfield after he played 90 minutes against West Brom with a crocked shoulder.

saturday norwich v man utd carrow road | espn 5.30pm

The Canaries have been beaten only once at home this season, by Liverpool and a Luis Suarez hat-trick. On Saturday another hat-trick hero (okay, one goal was not entirely his), Javier Hernandez, will look to inflict their second defeat.

United boss Alex Ferguson almost guaranteed the Mexican a starting spot after he notched eight goals in his last five appearances. So, the Canaries know he’s coming – but can they stop him?

saturday man city v aston villa | etihad stadium | 3pm

Aston Villa sandwich home games against Manchester United and Arsenal with a trip to the Etihad, leaving City as the meat in a rather tricky sandwich. Paul Lambert’s side did pinch a win there in the Capital One Cup in September, but Roberto Mancini is unlikely to make 10 changes to his side this time around.

With City unbeaten at home in the league since December 2010, Villa’s young side will need something special.

sunday fulham v sunderland craven cottage | sky sports 1 4pm

Finally, someone other than Steven Fletcher scores for Sunderland, and what do they do? Concede two goals in three minutes to render Adam Johnson’s strike meaningless. But that was last weekend. This weekend, the Black Cats try to repeat their scoring feat at Fulham, where a happy (as he can be) Dimitar Berbatov is adding a spark to the Cottagers’ play – one that almost blew Arsenal apart last weekend.

saturday newcastle v swansea | st james’ park | 3pm

The Magpies were disappointing against West Ham last weekend, failing to score despite starting with Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba. Manager Alan Pardew was left bemoaning a “lack of verve and imagination”, which he will hope return for Saturday’s game. Swans boss Michael Laudrup saw his side steal a point at St Mary’s, but will know they too need a better performance if they’re to leave St James’ Park with anything.

monday west ham v stoke upton park | sky sports 1 8pm

Sam Allardyce is trying to conceal his delight at his side’s impressive start to the season, but it almost overcame him after the Hammers’ win at Newcastle last weekend. “Let’s hope we can keep picking up points against the big boys,” he said afterwards. Stoke’s massive lads are probably not what he had in mind when he said that, but Allardyce should know better than to underestimate Tony Pulis’ side – a timely banana skin.

saturday reading v everton madejski stadium | 3pm

Reading kept their first clean sheet of the season in last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Norwich and are on a run of three without defeat. They are also without a win in 10 in the league, however, and with Manchester United and Arsenal their next two visitors, are in danger of reaching Christmas without a home victory. In-form reported wantaway Marouane Fellaini and company could be their best chance, then. Good luck.

Premier League table 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

P Man Utd 11 Man City 11 Chelsea 11 Everton 11 West Brom 11 West Ham 11 Tottenham 11 Arsenal 11 Fulham 11 Newcastle 11 Swansea 11 Stoke 11 Liverpool 11 Wigan 11 Norwich 11 Sunderland 10 Aston Villa 11 Reading 10 Southampton 11 QPR 11

W 9 7 7 5 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 3 2 1 2 0 1 0

15

D 0 4 3 5 2 3 2 4 4 5 4 6 6 2 5 6 3 6 2 4

L 2 0 1 1 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3 3 6 4 3 6 4 8 7

F 29 20 23 21 17 14 18 18 24 12 16 9 14 12 8 7 10 12 15 8

A 16 10 11 14 12 11 16 11 19 15 15 10 16 18 18 11 17 18 29 20

Pts 27 25 24 20 20 18 17 16 16 14 13 12 12 11 11 9 9 6 5 4

Manchester United have won 15 points from losing positions so far this season – the most in the Premier League

| 49

All pictures Getty Images

saturday liverpool v wigan anfield | 3pm

7 Days Champions League

THE POINT OF NO RETURN As the Champions League enters its penultimate round, there is no longer any margin for error. To recap, this is how they stand...

50 | November 16 2012 |

GROUP A

FC Porto and Paris SaintGermain will both qualify from Group A. Dynamo Kiev can still mathematically make it but won’t, Dinamo Zagreb have no points whatsoever so are just taking up space here. The only real question is over which of the top two tops the group. The pair meet in the final game at the Parc des Princes – a game likely to decide it all, and a game ITV1 should perhaps consider showing, rather than insulting our intelligence with Manchester United versus CFR Cluj.

GROUP B

One more win from Arsenal should see them through to their 71st consecutive Champions League knockout stage – and the good news is that group whipping boys Montpellier await on Wednesday. Win and they hit the 10-point mark, which is often enough, but it relies on Schalke beating Olympiacos on the same night. If Arsenal beat Montpellier but Olympiacos take a point or more in Germany, everything will rest on Olympiacos v Arsenal. In the Gunners’ current malaise, elimination wouldn’t surprise many.

wEdNEsdAy

wEdNEsdAy

Dynamo Kiev v Paris Saint-Germain, FC Porto v Dinamo Zagreb

Arsenal v Montpellier (Sky Sports 4, 7.45pm), Schalke 04 v Olympiacos

FINAL GAMES Dinamo Zagreb v Dynamo Kiev, Paris Saint-Germain v FC Porto

FINAL GAMES Montpellier v Schalke 04, Olympiacos v Arsenal

GROUP C

The most curious development of this Champions League campaign: having sold all their best players last summer, the now penniless Malaga have romped to the brink of the last 16 with three wins and a draw – Manchester City, perhaps take note. AC Milan (with five points), Anderlecht (four) and Zenit (three) can all still progress with them, with the pale imitation of AC Milan looking most likely.

wEdNEsdAy Zenit St Petersburg v Malaga, Anderlecht v AC Milan FINAL GAMES AC Milan v Zenit St Petersburg, Malaga v Anderlecht

The most complicated group of all eight, in which any of the four teams, Manchester City included, can still – theoretically – scrape through. The permutations are too complicated for this space here, so we’ll boil it down to brass tacks.

Manchester City have to beat Real Madrid at home and Borussia Dortmund away and pray other results (involving Ajax) somehow go their way.

Even the optimists will admit, it’s not going to happen. Not a prayer.

WeDnesDay Ajax v Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City v Real Madrid (Sky Sports 2, 7.45pm) FINAL GAMES Borussia Dortmund v Manchester City, Real Madrid v Ajax

Group e

Victor Moses’ last-gasp header against Shakhtar has given Chelsea a little more breathing space, but they still need to return home from Juventus with something to progress.

Lose in Turin and they’ll beat Nordsjaelland at home, but need Juve to drop points at Shakhtar in their final game. Win in Turin and they’re through; draw and their fate will rest entirely in their own hands. If they lose, they’ll need to pray to progress.

TuesDay Juventus v Chelsea (ITV1, 7.45pm), FC Nordsjaelland v Shakhtar Donetsk FINAL GAMES Chelsea v FC Nordsjaelland, Shakhtar Donetsk v Juventus

Group F

Group G

TuesDay

Spartak Moscow v Barcelona, Benfica v Celtic (Sky Sports 2, 7.45pm)

The only certainty in Group F is that Lille are definitely gone: four games, no points and no real point, if truth be told – how different it could have been had they kept hold of Joe Cole. Valencia host Bayern Munich in a game between second and first, but the fact BATE Borisov will likely beat Lille the same night means the group should go to the final game.

BATE Borisov v Lille, Valencia v Bayern Munich FINAL GAMES Bayern Munich v BATE Borisov, Lille v Valencia

After the stirring fashion in which they vanquished the almighty Barcelona at Parkhead last week, Celtic only need a single win from their two remaining games to progress – most likely behind the Catalans. One win from Benfica away and Spartak Moscow at home.

We still wouldn’t bet big cash on them getting it.

TuesDay

FINAL GAMES Barcelona v Benfica, Celtic v Spartak Moscow

Group H

Manchester United are into the last 16, guaranteed top spot and a theoretically easier draw in the knockout stages. Four wins from four and the only 100 per cent record in the tournament should not be sniffed at, but all is not rosy. Behind three times in their four games, United have shown a steely resolve. But give any of Europe’s better sides a head start in the last 16 and they’ll find it far harder to claw back. All three of the other teams maintain hopes of progressing. We favour Braga – currently bottom.

TuesDay CFR Cluj v Braga, Galatasaray v Man Utd (Sky Sports 4, 7.45pm)

All pictures Getty Images

Group D

FINAL GAMES Braga v Galatasaray, Man Utd v CFR Cluj

| 51

SUNDAY FORMULA 1 | US GRAnd PRix | CiRCUit OF the AMeRiCAS, AUStin | Sky SPORtS F1 7PM

Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Red Bull, Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Coming to America Loud, brash and consuming an inordinate amount of resources – Formula 1 and the United States really do seem like a match made in heaven. It seems incredible, then, that we’ve had five years without an American round of the championship.

That changes this weekend with a brand new circuit in Austin, Texas – deep in NASCAR country.

The previous F1 outing in the US was in 2007 at Indianapolis, a couple of years after the hugely damaging Michelin tyre fiasco in which just six cars raced. Because of ‘Indygate’, the sport has some work to do

United States Grand Prix Sky Sports F1 commentators David Croft and Anthony Davidson share their views on the new circuit.

DC: “It’s great that Formula 1 is back in the USA – it should never really have left.”

AD: “As for the circuit, from what I’ve seen of the plans, it looks really good.

I’ve heard that Tilke [F1 track designer 52 | November 16 2012 |

to change perceptions in the US – and a potential title-deciding battle between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso ought to do the trick. The German is 10 points ahead in his quest for a third consecutive title – and a sixth win of the season will seal it if Alonso fails to finish fourth or higher.

The track itself is still something of an unknown quantity – but it is a departure from most modern circuits, as Anthony Davidson explains below, with steep elevation changes that are sorely missing from recent additions to the calendar.

Hermann Tilke] sometimes has his hands tied with what he can do: not just the limitations of the land, where it lies, but also in terms of what the FIA allows him to do with the tracks – stuff like camber, elevation change, kerbs. By all accounts, he’s taken a few more chances by overriding some of the controls that he’s had set down. The rise into turn one is incredibly steep.”

DC: “It’s proper roller-coaster stuff.”

AD: “And when you rise up that high, start that high up, you’ve gotta come back down through the S’s that follow.”

LapS 56 CirCUit Length 5.516 km raCe diStanCe 308.896 km

StArt

In particular, the climb from the grid to turn one is unlike anything else on the schedule... and the drivers seem enthused as well. “The circuit looks to have a little bit of everything,” said Jenson Button. “The plan-view certainly looks familiar. You can see elements of the Maggotts/Becketts complex from Silverstone; there’s a reverse of Istanbul Park’s turn eight, too.

“And I can even see a bit of the Hockenheim infield. Whether those elements will blend together to make a satisfying whole remains to be seen – but there are a couple of long straights into tight corners, too, which should at least open up the possibility of overtaking.”

For a race in need of redemption, plenty of overtaking would be a good start.

driver StandingS 1 SebaStian Vettel (red bull) 2 fernando alonSo (ferrari) 3 kimi raikkonen (lotuS) 4 mark webber (red bull) 5 lewiS Hamilton (mclaren)

255 245 198 167 165

SChedULe (gMt) SatUrday noveMber 17 Qualifying 6Pm SUnday noveMber 18 race 7Pm

THURSDAY > GOLF | DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP | JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES, DUBAI | SKY SPORTS 1 8AM

Lap of honour Season-climaxing tournaments have the potential to be absolute thrillers, as long as there is something at stake. The problem can arise when one golfer has been so far ahead of his rivals that the big event at the end of the year becomes a dead rubber.

That’s what we have at the DP World Tour Championship, the 2012 denouement of the Race to Dubai.

Even though it has an enormous $8m prize fund, with a $3.75m bonus pot, nobody can catch Rory McIlroy – so good has he been this year.

Remember that, just a few months ago, critics were claiming he’d taken his eye off the ball and was too worried about spending time with tennis-playing girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki than playing golf.

How wrong they were – another major is in the bag and he has topped the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic, emulating the remarkable feat of Luke Donald last year. McIlroy has pocketed more than $9m in total this year, and is now miles clear of the field as world number one.

This week, then, becomes a ceremonial 72 holes for the Northern Irishman, although in his current form he will take some beating. Peter Hanson currently holds second spot, but can be caught by a posse of players. Louis Oosthuizen, sixth here last year and beaten only in a playoff by Matteo Manassero last weekend, could be the man to give McIlroy a run for his money... even if it is all in vain. | 53

7 Days Friday rugBY union | Wales v saMoa | MillenniuM stadiuM, CardiFF | BBC tWo Wales 7.30pM

Worried Wales drift aimlessly Well, that wasn’t in the script. Seven days ago, Rob Howley’s temporary charges (Warren Gatland returns for the New Zealand game next week) were planning an assault on the top four ranking spots ahead of next month’s World Cup draw. One dismal showing against Argentina – arguably Wales’ worst home performance since defeat to England back in 2003 – later, and holding on to a place in the top eight becomes the priority. And that starts with Samoa’s visit to Cardiff tonight.

The problem for Howley is where to start the healing process. Wales looked rusty and out of sorts across the park against the Pumas, but neither Jamie Roberts (concussion) nor Alun Wyn Jones (shoulder) will be fit for tonight’s game, and captain Sam Warburton’s poor form has provoked previously unthought of criticism from his own fans. Justin Tipuric should add a freshness to the pack, while a possible return to the centres for Jonathan Davies would be well timed. Rhys Priestland continues to misfire at 10, however, with cries for the Ospreys’ Dan Biggar getting louder by the week.

Samoa, meanwhile, come into the game on the back of a 42-12 win over Canada, and will fancy their chances of causing more Welsh heartache. Sevens flyer Robert Lilomaiava is the man to watch after his four-try debut haul last weekend, but Wales will need to nullify the Samoan power and keep livewire fly half Tusi Pisi quiet if they’re to put down a marker ahead of visits from both New Zealand and Australia over the next two weekends.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Argentina take their fine form across the Channel to face a flying France, who battered Australia last weekend, while Scotland will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to New Zealand when they host South Africa at Murrayfield (BBC Two 2.30pm). Wing Tim Visser looked impressive on his Scotland debut, but it’s up front where the Scots need a big performance, because the Springboks blew Ireland away in the second half of their 16-12 win in Dublin last week.

Ireland, eighth in the IRB rankings, are well within Scotland’s sights this autumn – a Scottish win here would have their Celtic cousins looking over their shoulders.

Saturday Boxing | Carl FroCh v YusaF MaCk | Capital FM arena, nottinghaM | skY sports 1 8pM

Michael Steele/Getty Images, Andrew Yates/AFP/GettyImages

Easy does it

54 | November 16 2012 |

Carl Froch is in an unfamiliar position. Britain’s IBF world champ has spent four years taking on the best the super-middleweight division has to offer in a fight schedule so tough that even BA Baracus would take one look at it and book himself on the next plane home.

But in Nottingham on Saturday, against Yusaf Mack, Froch is in the unusual role of being expected to win comfortably.

Not that Mack is a journeyman. The 32-year-old is a fast, rangy boxer with a solid record of 31 wins and four losses (plus two draws). However, the American has come unstuck at the highest level before.

All four of his defeats have come by stoppage, often featuring him tiring as a fight progresses. Froch, meanwhile, has the stamina of a racehorse and gave a thoroughbred performance in May when dismantling Canada’s previously unbeaten Lucian Bute in five punishing rounds.

Providing the 35-year-old Froch is at his best, everything points to Mack on his back before the end of the 12th.

A strong undercard bout sees Liverpool light-heavyweight Tony Bellew attempt to set up a 2013 world-title shot by disposing of Roberto Bolonti. The Argentine’s 26-bout winning streak impresses, although the fact that he’s never fought outside of his homeland does not.

Saturday Horse racing | Paddy Power gold cuP cHase | cHeltenHam | cHannel 4 2.35Pm

Happy hunting

The first major jumps race of the new National Hunt season takes place at Cheltenham tomorrow, when the remarkable Hunt Ball and his entertaining connections have the chance to continue one of the more bewildering upward sporting curves of recent times. the seven-year-old chaser began last season rated just 69. to put that into perspective, the recently retired legend that is Kauto star was rated 193 at his peak. in short, then, Hunt Ball started his last campaign rated as an absolute donkey. But, trained by the talented tyro handler Keiran Burke and owned by the effervescent (and ever so slightly bonkers) dairy farmer anthony Knott, the gelding went on a run of seven wins from nine races, including a valuable handicap at the

cheltenham Festival, before ending the season by placing third in the grade 1 Betfred Bowl at aintree. as a result, Hunt Ball heads for tomorrow’s Paddy Power gold cup rated a staggering 157 – with the ever-enjoyable Knott claiming he still has a stone in hand of the handicapper. if he is to fulfil his owner’s dream of running in the cheltenham gold cup, however, this is a race he should be winning – a tough task, with david Pipe’s extravagant grey grands crus and the Paul nicholls-trained al Ferof also in the field. whatever happens in tomorrow’s race, though, it’s worth tuning in. if Hunt Ball wins, his owner may just become the first person ever to spontaneously combust on live television.

SHOW US YOUR

CATWALK

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DRY EQUALS WARMER.

BESt OF tHE rESt

FRIDAY

golF Hong Kong open: day 2, Hong Kong golf club, sky sports 2 5am tennis davis cup Final: czech republic v spain, o2 arena, Prague, British eurosport 2 2.30pm FootBall league one: tranmere v mK dons, Prenton Park, sky sports 2 7.45pm

SATURDAY

Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

FootBall sPl: aberdeen v celtic, Pittodrie, esPn 12pm FootBall championship: Peterborough v Blackburn, london road, sky sports 2 5.20pm FootBall la liga: Barcelona v Zaragoza, nou camp, sky sports 4 7pm

winter sPorts FiBt Bobsleigh world cup: round 2, Park city, utah, British eurosport 2 8pm FootBall la liga: real madrid v athletic Bilbao, Bernabeu, sky sports 4 9pm

nFl new england Patriots v indianapolis colts, gillette stadium, sky sports 2 9.25pm

MONDAY nFl chicago Bears v san Francisco 49ers, soldier Field, chicago, BBc red Button 1.30am

uFc uFc 154: st-Pierre v condit, Bell centre, montreal, esPn 3am

WEDNESDAY

SUNDAY

cricKet australia v south africa: second test day 1, adelaide oval, sky sports 1 11.30pm

FootBall championship: millwall v leeds, the den, sky sports 1 1.15pm nFl detroit lions v green Bay Packers, Ford Field, sky sports 2 6pm

FootBall superclasico de las americas: argentina v Brazil, antonio Vespucio liberti, Buenos aires, esPn 12am

snooKer european Ptc, Bulgaria: Final, sofia, British eurosport 6pm

THURSDAY

darts grand slam of darts: Final, wolverhampton civic Hall, sky sports 1 8pm

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| 55

Extra time Fragrance Special: For Him

P68 Working flat out or sleeping one’s way to the top: business advice in Who Moved my Stilton?

Extra time Making the most of your time and money

Bold fragrances, scents and mirth

(Clockwise from top) 1. Tom Ford Noir Black pepper and nutmeg blended with masculine florals, enveloped in leather, amber and vanilla. Smooth, rugged £60 for 50ml | selfridges.com 2. Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge Bold aromas of red roiboos tea, mandarin liqueur and juicy mango with black pepper, ginger and cardamom. Spicy £42 for 100ml | Available nationwide 3. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Masculine blend of mint, lavender and vanilla. Bottle comes in a tin. Full of beans £38.50 for 75ml | houseoffraser.co.uk 4. Joop! Homme Wild For the ‘wild boy hiding in each of us’. Notes of rum, tobacco and pink pepper. Bold £39 for 75ml | Available nationwide 5. Ted Baker Pashion Balances leather, cedarwood, olibanum and amber.

Top notes of ginger, pink pepper, fennel, pimento berry and tea. Zesty £45 for 75ml | debenhams.com 6. Davidoff Cool Water Mint and orange blossom with coriander, cedar, geranium and musk. Fresh £38 for 75ml | Available nationwide 7. David Beckham The Essence Grapefruit with violet leaves and lavender. Some kick £25 for 50ml | beckham-fragrances.com >

56 | November 16 2012 |

Steve Gallagher, stevegallagher.com

Three pages of what to buy this Christmas for your dad, your other half – and yourself

(Clockwise from top) 1. Dolce&Gabbana Pour Homme Aggressive citrus combined with the freshness of lavender gives way to notes of woods and tobacco £56 for 125ml | boots.com 2. James Bond Gold Lavender and vetyver, complemented by coumarin and hints of apple. Schophischticated £32 for 75ml | Available nationwide 3. Scuderia Ferrari Sicilian lemon, green tangerine, musk, cedar wood and Indian amber. Fast and furious £29 for 75ml | debenhams.com 4. Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey A blend of citrus, precious woods and spices.

Energising £40 for 75ml | houseoffraser.co.uk 5. Boss Bottled Night Lavender and birch leaves set the tone; notes of amaretto, sandalwood and musk leave a lasting impression. Rich £37 for 50ml | Available nationwide 6. Lacoste L12.12 Grapefruit, cardamon, tuberose absolute and vetyver. Life is a game, say Lacoste. #winning £42 for 100ml | Available nationwide 7. Molton Brown Valbonne Bergamot and dewy orange flower give way to mimosa, rose and deep purple orris in this luxurious unisex fragrance £65 for 50ml | moltonbrown.co.uk >

58 | November 16 2012 |

Steve Gallagher, stevegallagher.com

Extra time Fragrance Special: For Him II

H T SH UT THE M H E MU M U ST S T H AV AVE E F FR R AGRANCE A G R A NC E HT M O IF FOR HO R H IM I M T H IIS S C HR H R IST ISTM MAS AS

T H E

N E W

F R A G R A N C E

(Clockwise from top) 1. Roger & Gallet Rose Imaginaire Mandarin, strawberries, jasmine, violet, sandalwood and patchouli. But no roses. Fruity £32 for 100ml | marksandspencer.com 2. Viktor & Rolf Christmas 2012 Flower Bomb Smells like ‘1,000 flowers in a bottle’. Full-bodied and opulent £74 for 50ml | johnlewis.com 3. Boss Nuit Sparkling notes of aldehydes and peach, with jasmine and violet. Flowery and sensual £59 for 75ml | Available nationwide 4. Jimmy Choo Pear and sweet Italian orange come together in this fruity chypre.

Seductive £49 for 60ml | houseoffraser.co.uk 5. Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme A blend of neroli, raspberry and tangerine leads to a heart of jasmine and orange blossom. Elegant £69 for 100ml | boots.com 6. Ted Baker Langley Rejuvenating petit grain and refreshing green tea infused with a twist of orange flower. Charming £45 for 75ml | debenhams .com 7. Carolina Herrera New York 212 VIP Heady notes of rum and exotic passion fruit give way to vanilla and sensual tonka bean. Glamorous £38 for 50ml | selfridges.com

60 | November 16 2012 |

Steve Gallagher, stevegallagher.com

Extra time Fragrance Special: For Her

Advertising Feature

he Galapagos Islands are heavily protected, both on land and in the ocean. There are strict rules on the population numbers and tourists allowed to travel here each year; but equally as highly protected and difficult to police are the oceans surrounding these fragile islands.

The 70,000 square kilometre area around the islands is rich in marine life, but easy work for illegal fishermen. The water was declared a marine reserve in 1986 and is second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef. Helicopters and ships are used to protect this vast area, but the poachers are always finding ways to avoid capture.

Large manmade rafts with dozens of trawling lines placed underneath are set into the water and later picked up by the fishermen. They have hundreds of hooks on these long lines – and, being unmanned and disguised as drifting debris, they are difficult to identify. If they are picked up, it is almost impossible to link them to any one fisherman; this is a low-risk but high-prize method of fishing.

LovING T The oCeAN Davidoff Cool Water and the Pristine Seas Mission of the National Geographic Society made it possible for one lucky Sport reader to join the mission on its latest project in the Galapagos Islands. Jimmy Sallis was that reader, and here he gives his final report on the trip of a lifetime...

There are many threats to the islands and ocean, but most are under control – and the work being done to protect this special place is clearly evident. Introduced species such as rats, goats and cattle are being removed, and the human population is rigorously controlled.

A natural gem Despite the threats, the Galapagos Islands remain one of the world’s few natural gems – a fact fortunately recognised by the majority of world organisations, including UNESCO. The 10 days I spent there were probably the most memorable of my life. There were so many great memories, but there is one special moment that I think of most days – and which will stay with me forever.

We spent most of our last full day in the water snorkelling along a large cliff face. We had seen white-tipped

reef sharks, octopuses and even had a swim with the ever-playful sea lions – but there was one animal that had eluded me the whole trip: a Pacific Green Sea Turtle.

All that was about to change, though. Out of the dark depths towards me came a beautiful large male turtle, gracefully and effortlessly drifting towards the surface for air. I swam alongside him for what seemed like forever, neither of us with a care in the world. I soon lost the group but found the water had become uncomfortably deep, so I bobbed around on the spot and watched as the stunning creature swam away.

Davidoff and the National Geographic Society had given me the opportunity of a lifetime to visit these islands, and I am forever grateful.

If you get the chance to go, then you must. I promise you won’t regret it.

Stay cool with Davidoff this Christmas Davidoff Cool Water is a fresh contemporary fragrance that conjures up a feeling of total refreshment. Based on the concept of new freshness, Cool Water Man conveys strength, sensuality and purity. Notes of ocean air tumble with mint, coriander, geranium, cedar, oak moss and musk to create a calm, pure fragrance that is

perfect for daytime wear. Now, in time for Christmas, Davidoff Cool Water is available in a range of gift sets, featuring the iconic fragrance alongside associated products including aftershave balm and shower gel*. Maybe this Christmas it is time to share the freshness with your friends and family, and all enjoy a Cool Christmas!

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*Featured set includes 75ml Eau de Toilette, 50ml Shower Gel and 50ml Aftershave Balm

At one with nature: a selection of the photographs Jimmy took while in the Galapagos, including (left) getting up close and personal with the Pacific Green Sea Turtle

Extra time Elaine Alden

62 | November 16 2012 |

| 63

ollowing Elaine Alden on Twitter is like a box of chocolates – only with the little card that tells you exactly what you’re going to get. Alden is the Sports Illustrated model and “stiletto enthusiast” currently stepping out with Toronto Raptors forward Landry Fields, and happily plays to type as an NBA wag – even outing herself as one with the tweet: “I guess I’m a WAG ha! Proud to be a NBA wag especially since @landryfields is my ole ball & chain..haha #jokes #happylady #peas&carrots.”

Forrest Gump references aside, Alden splits her time between Los Angeles and Toronto, doing her model thing, cheering on the Raptors (with only one win in the NBA’s Eastern Conference at the time of writing), baking and working out.

Which was where our interest became piqued, with Alden using hashtags including “#bootypop” and “#bubblebutt”. With that in mind, we may not have shown you her best side here, and you might wonder why we’ve left her legs off altogether. Just what, we hear you cry, is wrong with her legs?

Nothing at all, thank you. Her legs are just fine and dandy.

F

Peas and carrots

APIX Syndication

Extra time Kit

Cover-up operation

4

The weather outside is frightful, but these coats are quite delighftul 1

1 The North Face Argento Jacket

This expedition-quality puffa coat is ideal for extreme winter endeavours. It’ll keep you warm in freezing conditions, while velcro cuffs on the wrist combine with an adjustable hood to keep out rogue snowflakes. Alternatively, it’ll also help bulk you up for the morning commute. £220 | surfdome.com

2 Nike 550 Down Parka

This filbert and black number… hang on, is filbert a colour? Okay, we’ve looked it up – filbert is an alternative name for a hazelnut.

And, like a warm hazelnut toddy, this mid-length jacket’s fur-lined hood and down lining will keep you warm this winter. £160 | prodirectselect.com

3

Rohan Affinity

5

2

Rohan’s promise that the Affinity offers you “the protection you need, 90 per cent of the time” might sound a bit Sex Panthery for some, but we are big fans of this fleece-lined polyester number.

It’s windproof, warm and breathable. In a good way. £135 | rohan.co.uk

4 Indicode David Parka

Imagine how different Oasis could have been if this was their jacket of choice. Some might say this full-length parka isn’t just about standing out, though: the faux fur hood and padded finish will keep you snug on the coldest nights. £65 | usc.co.uk

5 Adidas Originals 2 in 1 Long Parka

Adjustable cuffs and a faux fur-lined hood mean this‘ll keep you toasty in the cold, while its detachable lining means you can comfortably still use it once the weather picks up. A winter coat for the long-term optimist, then. £200 | prodirectselect.com

6 Vans Bridger Jacket

For the braver among you, this jacket is also available in gilet style – or sans sleeves, if you will.

In this weather, though, we reckon sleeves might be the way to go, and this polyester duck down insulated jacket with adjustable clinch-style hood will certainly do the job. £160 | prodirectselect.com

64 | November 16 2012 |

6 3

Upgrade season Coming to the end of your contract?

Fear not, we’ve picked the best new devices to ask for this Christmas November

Motorola RAZR iu This phone promises to take you to the edge.

And no, we don’t mean the chap with the hat and the guitar in U2, or Pizza Hut’s short-lived crustless pizza. The RAZR i boasts an almost borderless 4.3-inch screen and speeds of up to 2.0 GHz – a smartphone first. It means the camera loads in less than a second. Snappy.

Free on £20.50/month contract | phone-shop.tesco.com

pGoogle nexus 4 The search giant’s innovative software is this phone’s real selling point, with great features such as Google Now, which automatically gives you information about the weather or traffic when you need it.

And, of course, Google Maps, which might be enough to persuade disgruntled iPhone users to make the switch.

Free on £31/month contract | carphonewarehouse.com

t nokia Lumia 920 The Finnish mobile giant has been struggling of late – its new phones have never quite achieved the popularity of the 3210 and its friends.

That could be set to change, because the Lumia 920 runs the new Windows Phone 8 OS, and is one of the first 4G phones to hit the UK. Check out Nokia City Lens, the first augmented reality app built into the operating system.

Free on £41/month contract | phones4u.co.uk

pSony Xperia T This is the phone James Bond uses, apparently, although we’re not convinced a man in his line of work would care too much about having a 4.6-inch HD screen – which is one of this device’s main selling points. A 13MP HD camera can record 1080p video and it’s easy to share to bigger screens. Plus it comes with 60 days of free music. We can just picture 007 now, tapping along to One Direction.

Free from £37/month | vodafone.co.uk

66 | November 16 2012 |

t HTC One X+ As the name suggests, you’re looking at a souped-up version of HTC’s flagship smartphone. It’s 67 per cent faster, has twice as much internal storage (64GB) and the battery lasts up to 50 per cent longer.

Basically, it’s like the difference between Usain Bolt and Samit Patel.

Free on £31/month contract | phones4u.co.uk

Download the free Sport iPad app from the Apple Newsstand

Extra time Entertainment

Guns for hire

GAME

Business advice from the 19th century, ol’ chrome dome is back and there’s the whiff of death in the air in the capital booK

Who Moved My Stilton? Tyers & Beach

Hitman: Absolution (PC/PS3/Xbox)

Get ahead in the business world Victorian-style via this new book, full of amusing illustrations and advice from Wodehousian wags Tyers and Beach. Strategies include implementing ‘employee enfearment’, repeating useful acronyms to yourself, sloganeering and being born with an enormous fortune.

Follow all this and many more nuggets to become a “tigerish titan of industry”. Tally-ho!

It’s been six years since slapheaded stealth assassin Agent 47 was last on the scene, but he returns on Tuesday to tauten his garroting wire once more. Hitman: Absolution retains the cinematic feel and attention to storyline that are a series strong point. This time you’re charged with finding and protecting a lass called Victoria, but everyone else is fair game – particularly the

booK

dvd

The Killing Handbook Emma Kennedy

Death: A Self-Portrait Wellcome Collection The dark nights are drawing in, but you can cheer yourself up with this – a new exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection that is all about, well, death.

Among the macabre exhibits are prints by Goya and Rembrandt displayed alongside ancient Incan skulls and 20th-century installations celebrating Mexico’s Day of the Dead. The aim is to explore the ‘iconography of death and our complex and contradictory attitudes towards it’, but we’ll probably just enjoy gawping at the skulls and pretending we’re Indiana Jones. Just make sure not to open the Ark.

68 | November 16 2012 |

This guide to the murky crime drama series may be a Christmas cash-in as blatant as (aptly) a big knitted jumper – but it’s written by the witty Emma Kennedy, which is a mark of quality. At the very least, you’ll learn how to say ‘piss off’ in Danish. (It’s ‘pis af’, boringly enough).

blu-rAy Citizen Kane

Red Dwarf X The material was hit and miss in the 2012 version of Red Dwarf (gags about being on hold for ages in a telephone queue seem dated now, let alone in a sci-fi series set three million years in the future), but the show’s main strength endures. Despite middle age, the chemistry between the cast still sizzles, and that’s why Monday’s DVD and Blu-ray release is so welcome. The extras and ‘smeg-up’ outtakes are lots of fun, particularly because they give Chris ‘Rimmer’ Barrie a chance to ham it up with varied impressions. Bring back The Brittas Empire – now.

Available on UK Blu-ray for the first time, Orson Welles’ masterpiece isn’t your only incentive to buy this on Monday. You also get his The War of the Worlds radio drama, which in 1938 panicked listeners so much some thought his mock news bulletins were covering a real-life alien invasion.

Two classics in one go.

Haines Gallery

Exhibition

elite executioners that are hunting your bald ass down. New features include the ‘instinct mode’, which allows you to sense the movement of others, plus your kill options have expanded: everything from a golf club to a poisonous aquarium fish can be used to slay your enemies.

With the gameplay looking slick and the range of missions diverse, this looks a surefire hit for the old killer.