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Shaun Edwards blames lack of preparation time for Wales" defeat in Australia

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Edwards blames lack of preparation time for Wales' defeat Down Under

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UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 18 June 2012

Wales are ready for one final shot at history in the third Test against Australia thanks to a swim in the sea and the help of some local Swans.

The three-match series is over after the ambush in Brisbane and a last-gasp defeat in Melbourne but this Wales team can still become the first to beat the Wallabies on home soil for more than 40 years.

They spent Monday getting the defeat out of their system. First came an early-morning visit to Bronte beach and an invigorating dip in the ice-cold ocean. ‘Definitely one way to stop feeling sorry for yourself,’ was how defence coach Shaun Edwards described it.

Up and under: Wales have taken extra tips on how to defend the high ball

Up and under: Wales have taken extra tips on how to defend the high ball

On the way back players and coaches stopped off to watch Aussie Rules outfit Sydney Swans perform a technical training session in fielding aerial balls. Catching high balls or ‘bombs’ under intense pressure is one of the core skills of the Tasmanian game and Wales were keen to pick up any extra tips they could get.

‘The aerial side of the game is a huge part of rugby union these days,’ said Edwards. ‘Losing the aerial battle is the hardest thing to defend against, even more so than a turnover, and we work a lot on our jumping technique. But we are grateful to pick up anything you can from the experts in that area.’

Although Ireland and Wales came agonisingly close to causing an upset on the weekend, the north-south divide in rugby seems as profound as ever and Edwards feels the calendar is always stacked against the northern hemisphere sides.

Only Scotland have beaten a southern hemisphere team this summer — and that victory came in near hurricane conditions against a second-strength Wallaby outfit.

Wales themselves are feeling the fatigue of a relentless season that effectively began with the gruelling pre-World Cup training camps more than a year ago.

‘If you look at the results over the
years the strength has been in the southern hemisphere, but you have to
look at the preparation they have had compared to the northern
hemisphere,’ Edwards said.

‘The only time we compete on a level
footing, with equal preparation, is at World Cups. With the Tri Nations,
the Aussies, All Blacks and South Africans have traditionally had four
months together all the way up to the November internationals. The
northern hemisphere teams only have a week to prepare.

Playing for pride: Wales have already lost the three-match series Down Under

Playing for pride: Wales have already lost the three-match series Down Under

‘If you look at the win-loss ratio at
the World Cup you will notice the northern hemisphere teams do
substantially better than they do in the Autumn series and in the
end-of-season fixtures in June. Our guys have been playing non-stop for
12 months.

‘It would
have been an ideal preparation to play a game before we came out here.
Sam (Warburton) hadn’t played for 11 weeks and (Dan) Lydiate for five or
six weeks. It was the same for a lot of the guys who played in
Brisbane.

‘We looked a lot sharper in Melbourne and a little bit more like our own selves. The preparation has been an issue, but then you also have to put up your hands and respect the standard of rugby being played down here.

‘We haven’t gathered to discuss the game together as yet, but you could sense the feeling of huge disappointment and an opportunity definitely missed. Hopefully, as the week progresses, that will turn into a determination to not leave these shores without a victory in a Test match.

‘We will be going all out to win the game. If we win on Saturday it will be the first time in the professional era that we’ve beaten a southern hemisphere side away from home and the first time since 1969 to beat Australia in their own back yard. That’s a big goal to shoot for.’

Edwards has also called on the senior players to pull the side together this week, comparing this scenario to the final week on the Lions tour three years ago where the players earned redemption in Johannesburg in the final Test.

‘The leadership within the team will have to come to the fore,’ he said. ‘It is similar to the scenario we had with the Lions in South Africa in 2009 and we probably saved our best performance until the last game.

‘It is another game for these lads to play together and hopefully we will see another improvement and get our best performance. Whether that will be good enough, I really don’t know, because maybe Australia will improve as well. But I’d like to think we will see our best performance on Saturday.’

London 2012 Olympics: Great Britain hockey coach in tears at squad announcement

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British women's hockey boss in tears as he recalls telling players they won't make squad

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UPDATED:

20:00 GMT, 18 May 2012

The head coach of Great Britain's women's hockey team broke down in tears as he announced his 16-strong Olympic squad, calling the decision to omit 12 other players 'really tough'.

At a press conference announcing his final selection, Danny Kerry was initially too choked to answer a question about the difficulty of telling those left out that their London 2012 dreams were over and had to defer to captain Kate Walsh.

'It's the hardest thing you have to do as a coach,' Walsh said. 'To tell people that you've been working with for years that they're not going to make that squad.'

Feeling the strain: Great Britain coach Danny Kerry broke down in tears

Feeling the strain: Great Britain coach Danny Kerry broke down in tears

When he regained his composure Kerry said: 'It's been a really difficult week since the girls found out. They've had their opportunity to say exactly how they feel. Those meetings have been really tough on me personally, but they served a purpose.'

A team of 28 has trained centrally at Bisham Abbey for the last three years but only 16 players, plus two reserves in case of injuries, can be named for the Olympics.

All were informed of their inclusion or exclusion via email, a medium selected by them, on May 8 and the toll on Kerry of breaking the bad news to the unfortunate dozen was visible at the announcement. It was a show of emotion absent, understandably, from Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 England squad selection.

The women's team won the test event at the Olympic Park earlier this month and go to the Games with gold in their sights. Kerry added: 'We'll win as a squad of 28, we won't win as a squad of 16, 18.'

Two star members of his squad who picked up injuries at the test event were picked. Forward Alex Danson, who suffered a partial dislocation of her left shoulder, and set-piece specialist Christa Cullen, who damaged the ligaments on her right ankle, have places.

Both were given recovery periods of between four to six weeks, which should see them back in full action by the middle of June. The Investec London Cup, the last competition before the Games, starts on June 5, so it could come too soon.

Good sign: Britain's women won the test event for the hockey this month

Good sign: Britain's women won the test event for the hockey this month

Cullen, who attended the announcement at the London Stock Exchange wearing a protective boot and using crutches, said she would play through the pain barrier to get back onto the hockey pitch.

'At the time of any injury you obviously have that heart-dropping moment, thinking, “My lord, I've worked four years in this cycle, are my aspirations gone”

'It's frustrating but I'm already on a bike, cycling, to keep me off my feet to get some stiffness back in that ankle. I've had my elements of tough training sessions on my own, but my focus is very much to be fit for the Olympic Games. Whatever I need to do to be fit for London I will.

'I will always make myself available for selection. I went to Beijing with a fractured wrist and I carried an injury through. The decision is taken out of my hands and put in the head coaches hands as to whether he still wants me part of the team if I'm carrying a niggle.

'It's a management issue. If the worst comes to the worst and I have to have it heavily strapped or get consent to have cortisone injections – the pinnacle of sport is the Olympic Games.'

Danson, who has been compared to Wayne Rooney in terms of goal-scoring stature by coach Kerry, said: 'It's coming on really well, we have the greatest physio on the planet.

'I'm rehabbing every day and hopefully I'll be back before too long. I hate not playing. I won't play in the London Cup unless I am 100 per cent fit.'

Gordon Taylor relieved Carlos Tevez apologised to Manchester City

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Taylor relieved that Tevez appears to be healing bitter rift with Manchester City

Players' chief Gordon Taylor is relieved Carlos Tevez is patching up his relationship with Manchester City.

The 28-year-old striker said in a statement released by City that he was 'sincerely and unreservedly' sorry for his actions in taking an unauthorised three-month leave of absence from the club.

The Argentina international also withdrew his appeal against a fine of six weeks' wages.

Back in town: Tevez leaves training

Back in town: Tevez leaves training

Tevez has not played for City since he was accused of refusing to warm up during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich on September 27.

Manager Roberto Mancini said Tevez was 'finished' at the club as a result and the dispute escalated when the player then flew to Argentina without permission on November 7.

But he could yet have a part to play as City chase the Premier League title over the closing months of the season, and Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Taylor is thankful a reconciliation appears possible.

Building bridges: Tevez and Roberto Mancini

Building bridges: Tevez and Roberto Mancini

'I'm very glad, having dealt with him and represented him,' Taylor said.

'Sorry has been said; sometimes it's the hardest word. Sometimes if you can grasp that nettle early on it makes like so much better for all parties, that's what we're about in football: respect.'

Taylor said: 'I hate seeing such top quality players in trouble with their clubs and in trouble with the game.

'This has gone on for too long and it's a real positive step for football, for Carlos Tevez and Manchester City.'

Carlos Tevez: Five reason why Manchester City fans should welcome him back

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Remember me Five reasons why City fans should welcome Tevez back with open arms

For nearly half-a-year, sorry seemed to be the hardest word for Carlos Tevez.

But after finally apologising for refusing to warm up in a Champions League game at Bayern Munich last September, the Manchester City striker is aiming to kick-start his career at the Etihad Stadium.

For those wondering whether the former Manchester United and West Ham star is worth the hassle, Sportsmail has put together a video special of his five finest moments in a City shirt.

Low profile: Tevez has returned to training and could play again for City soon

Low profile: Tevez has returned to training and could play again for City soon

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (Jan 2010)

This was Tevez's first season at the Etihad Stadium since moving from United, and the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final came off the back of a thrilling but controversial 4-3 derby loss for City earlier in the campaign at Old Trafford.

The hosts went a goal down to a Ryan Giggs tap-in early on but City, and Tevez especially, hit back.

The Argentine netted an equalising penalty before heading home from close range to secure the win. Sadly for City, United would lose the battle but win the war by winning the second leg 3-1.

Chelsea 2-4 Manchester City (February 2010)

A game that centred around Wayne Bridge and John Terry not shaking hands before the match but it was Tevez that stole the show.

The striker equalised in first half injury time when he ended a tricky run by squeezing a weak shot into the bottom corner.

The 26-year-old then doubled his tally in the 76th minute when he slotted home a penalty to hand City a 3-1 lead and eventually a famous win at Stamford Bridge against a Blues side who would go on to win the double.

Manchester City 3-0 Wigan (March 2010)

Not his first hat-trick in a City shirt, that came two months earlier against Blackburn in a 4-1 win, but arguably his most devastating.

After going down to 10 men earlier in the game, the Latics were just 18 minutes away from holding out for a goalless draw.

Just 12 minutes later they were dead and buried with the Argentine netting in the 72nd, 74th and 84th minute to ensure he was taking home three points for his side and the match ball.

Manchester City 1-0 Stoke (May 2011)

An injury in a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool a month earlier had already ruled Tevez out of the FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United, but the striker won his race to be fit for the final at Wembley.

Despite not scoring, Tevez was a handful all game for the Potters in his first start since returning to the side. His two years of talismanic displays on the pitch finally went rewarded when he lifted City’s first major trophy since 1969.

Manchester City 2-0 Stoke (May 2011)

Three days after the final, the Potters visited the Etihad Stadium where they were taken apart by Tevez at his best.

His first goal after 14 minutes, after a one-two with James Milner, was impressive enough but it was his second strike that will go down in memory.

A stunning curling free-kick into the top corner from 30 yards is to date his last goal for the club and after being substituted on 88 minutes he was given a standing ovation.

He has much making up to do if he will ever get another one at the Etihad Stadium.

Padraig Harrington happy to wait for next win

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Patient Padraig! Harrington happy to wait as Irishman vows to get back to winning ways

Padraig Harrington, down to a shocking 89th in the world, expects to win more majors in his career. Not just hopes to, but expects to.

'That's a big, strong word, but I do – yeah,' the 40-year-old Dubliner said at Fancourt in South Africa, where his season starts with the Volvo Golf Champions.

'I didn't have a great year last year, but it doesn't worry me in the greater scheme of things because I know you just can't win them every year.

Positive Padraig: Harrington is ready to start his season at the Volvo Champions

Positive Padraig: Harrington is ready to start his season at the Volvo Champions

'You have to sit there and be patient and wait for your turn – and, like 2007 and 2008, they all come at once.'

Three years ago Harrington became the first European since 1906 to make a successful defence of the Open, then a month later became the first European to win the USPGA Championship since 1930.

Last season, though, the best he did in the majors was 45th at the US Open and missed cuts at the Masters and Open accelerated his slump down the rankings.

'When you look at Nick Faldo it took him 20-25 years (as a professional) to win six – the most by any European (of modern times).

'I'm not foolish to believe that because I won one in 2007 and two in 2008 I should win three in 2009, or even another one.

Warming up: Harrington in at Fancourt action on Wednesday

Warming up: Harrington in at Fancourt action on Wednesday

'They don't come around that easy. Even in my era the greatest player since I've been a pro – Tiger Woods – has not won one a year. There have been plenty of years he has not won any.

'People have this idea that just because you play well and you win one you should be doing that every year.

'That's the hardest thing. It definitely puts a big burden on anybody who wins a major, it really does. There's a lot of expectation that goes with it.'

Now 15 months on from his last tournament victory, Harrington has done a lot of analysing things and still took positives out of last season.

'I sorted out a neck injury that plagued me for 10 years, then found something in my mental game and got to the bottom of something in my swing which had been annoying me for five years.

Two good: Irishman Harrington has twice won The Open

Two good: Irishman Harrington has twice won The Open

'But the reality is that we are judged by our results – I certainly do when I watch people playing sports – and I have to accept that results last year were poor.'

What he must have found particularly disappointing on realising it was that on the PGA Tour in America he went backwards in every final round, whereas in 2008 he had gone forward every time.

With the world's top four of Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer all deciding not to play – they along with Woods start in Abu Dhabi next week – this week is a golden opportunity for him to stop the slide and start climbing again.

A field restricted to European Tour winners since the start of last season and those with 10 or more titles on the circuit is only 35 strong.

With the Ryder Cup in mind as much as anything else, Harrington desperately wants to be back in the world's top 64 for next month's Accenture world match play and the top 50 for the Cadillac world championship in Miami two weeks later.

Big Easy: Another major winner Ernie Els is also in the field at Fancourt

Big Easy: Another major winner Ernie Els is also in the field at Fancourt

A win on Sunday will achieve the first of those, although the cut-off point for Tucson is not for another three weeks.

Defending champion Paul Casey is another absentee, having dislocated his shoulder snowboarding.

Harrington does not criticise the world No 20 for taking to the slopes in Colorado.

'You wouldn't function as a person or a golfer if you don't live your life,' he said.

'Any accident is unfortunate and some people may think why take the risk, but if you sat in a hotel room or at home looking at four walls you wouldn't be a very good golfer. You have to live your life.

'I don't ski because I didn't grow up skiing. If I had I would see no reason not to. I'm not going to take up a sport with inherent dangers, but you shouldn't stop doing the things you love doing.'

Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is the only player in the game's top 25 taking part, but also present is Open champion Darren Clarke, three-major winner Ernie Els and past and present Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal.