Arsene Wenger: Arsenal ready to "spend big" in transfer window after paying off Emirates Stadium

Posted on January 15, 2013 by adminsports

Wenger delivers the news Arsenal fans have been waiting for… I'm ready to spend big now the stadium is paid off

By
Jim Van Wijk, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

16:59 GMT, 15 January 2013

UPDATED:

18:06 GMT, 15 January 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club are ready to 'spend big' again.

The Gunners slumped to a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday which saw them lose further ground on the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Wenger insists Arsenal are in the market to bolster their squad during the January transfer window but will only do so if they can find the right quality.

Keeping watch: Arsene Wenger oversees training with assistant manager Steve Bould on Tuesday

The Gunners have been linked with a string of players across Europe, with Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff and West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame the latest rumoured to be on Wenger's radar.

But he is also keen to have a core of players who are already at the club – like Barcelona – with a new contract for Theo Walcott expected to be pushed through shortly.

With Arsenal set to see new commercial deals kick in following their 390million move to the Emirates Stadium and with plenty of cash in reserve – resources which were further boosted by last summer's 24m sale of captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United – Wenger insists he will be able to invest heavily in the playing staff.

Jack Wilshere

Santi Cazorla

In training: Jack Wilshere (left) and Santi Cazorla will feature for Arsenal in their Cup replay against Swansea

'My plan is to keep all of the players we have and then to add maybe, if possible, two new players to the squad. We will spend big (again) because we had restricted finances because we had built the stadium and had to pay that back,' Wenger said in an interview with Al Jazeera Sport recorded before the City defeat and broadcast on talkSPORT this morning.

'You look at any club who has done that, and they have gone down (in performance).

'We stayed at the top level, yes without winning the Premier League, but we were always at the top level.

'Now we have come out in a much stronger position financially again, so we can spend.

'But our way is a bit like Barcelona as well, to produce the core of the team from inside and add from outside the players who give really a plus.'

Wenger accepts Arsenal will always be an easy target for those who claim the board put the balance sheet ahead of success on the pitch.

'The biggest challenge so far is to convince people we have a good team, that we have good quality and that we lead the club in the right way, because many people doubt that,' the Frenchman continued.

'I am convinced this team has a
fantastic mentality, fantastic quality and with the right level of
confidence, if we can create the momentum, we can be a positive surprise
until the end of the season.'

Wenger may have transformed Arsenal's fortunes since taking
over at Highbury in September 1996, but he accepts his time
will soon 'be up' as the club must one day look for new leadership.

No deal: Theo Walcott is yet to sign a new contract with Arsenal

Arsenal v Swansea: Team News

Arsenal will be without suspended defender Laurent Koscielny and injured midfielder Mikel Arteta (calf) for tomorrow's FA Cup third-round replay against Swansea at Emirates Stadium.

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (calf) is also sidelined. Forward Gervinho is away at the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast.

Provisional Squad: Szczesny, Gibbs, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna, Podolski, Cazorla, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Walcott, Mannone, Coquelin, Santos, Jenkinson, Diaby, Giroud, Arshavin.

'It is (time up), because I am 63 years old and will not work at 100. That, though, is not the most important, what is important is that when you are somewhere, you give your best,' said Wenger, whose side host Swansea in their FA Cup third-round replay tomorrow night, with Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla set to feature.

'How long will I stay I have a contract until 2014, and I always respected my contracts.

'It is important is that the club goes the right direction – we have a very young team who have fantastic qualities and (it is important) that I help them to get their qualities transformed into positive results.

'Let's not forget that last year we finished third (in the Premier League), as long as that is seen as a disaster, it is not too bad for the future of the club.'

Thierry Henry trains with Arsenal

Posted on December 28, 2012 by adminsports

I'm back in town! Henry trains with Arsenal but no playing deal has been signed… not yet anyway!

UPDATED:

14:37 GMT, 28 December 2012

Thierry Henry could be set for a third stint with Arsenal as he trained with the Gunners at their Colney base on Friday.

The club's record goal-scorer is just keeping fit during the MLS off-season and, as yet, no playing deal has been signed.

But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hasn't given on securing the French forward on loan next month.

'I've not lost interest in him,' said Wenger.

Reunion: Henry linked up with the man who brought him to England from Juventus

Going for a jog: Henry gets put through his paces

He added: 'He's still coming to practice with us. We are very close (personally), but at the moment I think he has had a second spell at the club that was very successful. You have to be cautious that it's not one time too many.

'I have not completely ruled it out but I haven’t spoken about it with him at all.'

Henry scored the only goal in Arsenal’s FA Cup tie with Leeds when he was on loan at the Emirates Stadium in January before netting the winner in 2-1 league win over Sunderland.

Impact: Henry scored the winner against Leeds in an FA Cup tie when he returned to Arsenal on loan at the beginning of 2012

Amir Khan sets sights on Danny Garcia revenge mission after blowing away Carlos Molina

Posted on December 16, 2012 by adminsports

Khan sets sights on Garcia revenge mission after blowing away Molina in LA

UPDATED:

14:50 GMT, 16 December 2012

Amir Khan has targeted a revenge fight with Danny Garcia after his cool and calculated performance in beating Carlos Molina.

Khan knew nothing less than victory would do after losing against Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia in the last 12 months.

Scroll down for video

Powering on: Amir Khan lands a punch on Carlos Molina during their super-lightweight title bout in Los Angeles

Back on track: Khan shows off his belt after brushing aside Molina

There was no such upset at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, though, as the former unified light-welterweight world champion produced a measured, mature performance to break down unfancied Molina and prompt his corner to pull him out after the 10th round.

Khan's 26-3 (18KOs) record bore the scars of a turbulent year which the fighter himself admitted was the worst of his professional life. Molina, meanwhile, was unbeaten – with 17 wins and a draw – but also untested, having campaigned mainly at the lower lightweight division.

The form book suggested the apparently light-punching Californian was the perfect opponent in this 12-round fight for the vulnerable Khan, who still bristles at suggestions his punch resistance is weak.

Returning in style: Khan lands a right hand on Molina at the Los Angeles Sports Arena

Bouncing back: Khan proved too strong for the previously-unbeaten Molina

After being given a largely hostile welcome by the largely Latin American crowd, Khan stayed true to his pre-fight vow that he would be more patient.

He moved forward in measured bursts, landing shots before coming out of the way and breaking his outclassed opponent down.

'I thought I stuck to my gameplan and was keeping faith in my jab,' he said. 'Carlos took some really good shots but was still coming forward, so I thought to myself 'I'd better stick to this gameplan'.

'Virgil Hunter, my new coach, is a great trainer and I'm getting better at boxing, being a complete fighter. He's teaching me things, like speed, patience, picking the right shots and when to throw them. Sometimes I'm too brave for my own good but now I know it is better to stick to a gameplan.'

Khan, who lost to Garcia in July, added: “I'm my own biggest critic after a loss and I always ask “what did I do wrong, why did I make those mistakes” In the Garcia fight he caught me with a good shot but I'll fight Danny Garcia again anytime, anywhere.'

Delight: Khan's team rush in to celebrate with their fighter after Molina's struggle was halted

Hands up who's back: Khan was all smiles at the end of the contest

Molina was quick to hold his hands up and give credit to the better man.

'I don't know what happened,' he said. 'I wanted to pull the trigger but for some reason I couldn't get my hands to go. I had a lack of precision. He was fast with his jab and I was hesitant, trying to get in because he has a long reach.

'I didn't use my jab and I lost my undefeated record. I felt like I connected two or three times but not from the right distance to reconnect after I wobbled him. I'm going to go back, work hard and get back into the ring.'

Khan was patient throughout, refusing to stand and trade for extended periods. Instead he landed trademark lightning-fast combinations before utilising his footwork to get out of harm's way.

Even Molina was arguably still in with a puncher's chance but after another round of one-way traffic in the 10th, the American was spared further futile punishment and the win was Khan's.

VIDEO: Amir Kahn: 'trainer changed me…'

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Nigel Adkins says Southampton won"t change style of play

Posted on October 22, 2012 by adminsports

Adkins insists Saints will continue to play passing game despite Hammers defeat

UPDATED:

21:46 GMT, 21 October 2012

Nigel Adkins said Southampton will continue to play passing football despite admitting his side are getting ‘found out’ after another defeat which exposed a chronic inability to defend properly.

The Saints manager is coming under increasing pressure after a 4-1 defeat by West Ham made it 24 goals conceded in eight matches. His baffling decision to leave out top scorer Ricky Lambert was also called into question.

Keeping faith with his style: Nigel Adkins says Southampton will play passing football

‘There’s a brand of football the club wants to play, but you’ve got to win,’ said Adkins, who is second-favourite with bookmakers to become this season’s first top-flight sacking. ‘We want to pass the football quickly and calmly. We’ve done that consistently over the last two seasons and scored a lot of goals.

At this level we’re getting found out and conceding far too many which, ultimately, is losing us games.’

Bad day at the office: Southampton were comprehensively beaten by West Ham

Adkins declined to explain why Lambert, who has four goals from six starts, was dropped, but said: ‘Rickie Lambert has been phenomenal and outstanding for Southampton. I love the bones on him. I have to make a decision that I believe is right at the time. Everyone would pick a different team and different formation.’

In contrast West Ham, who went up via the play-offs, have enjoyed a great start — one which Sam Allardyce labels his best as a manager.

He agreed Adkins is feeling the heat.

Allardyce said: ‘You cannot keep not winning — you have to win at some stage, no matter what.

‘He has some real good players, I think, but they are not firing like they did last year in front of goal.

‘It is that much harder in the Premier League.’

Mikael Silvestre back training with Manchester United

Posted on October 1, 2012 by adminsports

Silvestre back training with Manchester United… and will Fergie fancy a return amid his defensive crisis

UPDATED:

11:02 GMT, 1 October 2012

Mikael Silvestre is back training with Manchester United – over four years after quitting the club.

The veteran Frenchman was put through his paces on Monday morning at Carrington before the squad jetted out to Romania for their Champions League game with Cluj.

Old face: Mikael Silvestre takes part in training drills at Carrington on Monday morning

Remember me Silvestre battles with Wayne Rooney for the ball during their session

With captain Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all out injured – and United conceding three goals in the home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday – boss Sir Alex Ferguson could be tempted with a surprise swoop.

Silvestre, 35, is available on a free transfer after being released by Werder Bremen at the end of the season.

He spent almost 10 years at United after signing from Inter Milan in 1999 and was always regarded highly by Ferguson.

Keeping pace: Silvestre is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Germany

First time around: Silvestre in action for United during his playing days with them

He eventually lost his place to Patrice Evra and eventually joined rivals Arsenal on a free transfer.

West Ham recently considered signing Silvestre but boss Sam Allardyce eventually declined the chance to bring him in.

Vidic is ruled out until the end of November with a knee injury, while Smalling and Jones are yet to appear this season.

However, there is some good news with Jonny Evans able to train on Monday morning after being helped off at the end of United's 3-2 defeat to Tottenham.

Ferguson claimed the Northern Ireland international was only suffering from a dead leg.

Stuart Broad says England can defend World Twenty20 title

Posted on September 28, 2012 by adminsports

Broad still believes England can defend Twenty20 title despite last two losses

UPDATED:

08:35 GMT, 28 September 2012

ICC World Twenty20 champions England insist they can still complete a successful defence of their title, despite back-to-back defeats in their last two matches.

Captain Stuart Broad rued the 'unacceptable' loss of two wickets in the first over, which undermined England's attempt to chase 179 for five against West Indies in their first Super Eight match at Pallekele last night.

Even after Eoin Morgan, with 71 not out, and opener Alex Hales, with 68, had kept faint hope alive in a century stand, Broad's team fell 15 runs short of what they thought might be an achievable target.

We can do it: England's captain Stuart Broad (left) still believes

England must surely therefore beat New Zealand back at the same venue tomorrow, if they are to retain realistic hopes of returning to Colombo next week for the knockout stages.

Broad, for one, is keeping the faith.

'We hope we've got four games left in this “World Cup”,' he said.

'We back the guys up there (at the top of the order); we know they're all dangerous players.

'But losing wickets in the first over, especially, is not acceptable.'

Good work: Broad and Steven Finn (right) celebrate the dismissal of West Indies' Kieron Pollard

England's latest setback followed a record defeat against India in their final Group A match last weekend – and was all the more dispiriting because they thought they had restricted the Windies well with the ball.

'It's disappointing,' added Broad.

'At the halfway stage, we thought we'd done a good job – especially after the start they got, on an absolutely belting track.

'Batsmen would have wanted to roll it up, and take it with them everywhere.'

Openers Johnson Charles and Chris Gayle both made fifties for the Windies, and shared a century stand.

Got you: West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle (right) celebrates the wicket of Jonathan Bairstow

But Broad said: 'We thought we had them probably just below par, very chaseable.

'So to then lose two wickets like we did, in a disappointing manner, was frustrating – but I thought we rebuilt pretty well.

'It was always going to take some overs out of the game, because we couldn't afford to lose more.

'We still tried to keep wickets in hand, and explode in the last eight – but we didn't quite get there.'

Brighton 0 Cardiff 0 – match report

Posted on August 22, 2012 by adminsports

Brighton 0 Cardiff 0: Kuszczak saves Seagulls a point with stunning stops

UPDATED:

21:15 GMT, 21 August 2012

Goalkeepers Tomasz Kuszczak and David Marshall ensured an entertaining game ended goalless with a series of top-class saves as Brighton registered their first point in the npower Championship this season.

Brighton goalkeeper Kuszczak, a free summer signing from Manchester United, and opposite number Marshall were both in imperious form as their respective sides created a hatful of chances in either half.

The pick of Kuszczak's efforts was a double save in the 77th minute to deny Cardiff substitutes Joe Mason and Etien Velikonja, while Marshall kept out goalbound efforts from Brighton pair Craig Mackail-Smith and Saltor Bruno among others.

Stalemate: Brighton and Cardiff could not be separated at the Amex

MATCH FACTS:

Brighton: Kuszczak, Bruno, Greer, El-Abd, Bridge, Crofts, Dicker (Harley 82), Bridcutt, Barnes (LuaLua 63), Noone (Vicente 82), Mackail-Smith.

Subs Not Used: Ankergren, Dunk, Calderon, Agdestein.

Cardiff: Marshall, McNaughton, Taylor, Hudson, Turner, Whittingham, Cowie, Gunnarsson, Mutch (Mason 46), Helguson (Velikonja 77), Bellamy (Conway 73).

Subs Not Used: Lewis, Kiss, Earnshaw, Blake.

Booked: Mutch.

Attendance: 25,518

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Check out all the latest, stats, facts and table from the Championship

Both managers named unchanged sides
at the Amex Stadium, Gus Poyet fielding the same Brighton XI that
started in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Hull and Malky Mackay keeping faith
with those that had earned a 1-0 win over Huddersfield last Friday.

Bluebirds defender Ben Turner saw his
goalbound header from Peter Whittingham's seventh-minute corner blocked
by Brighton striker Mackail-Smith, while returning hero Craig Bellamy
crashed a 30-yard shot straight into the hands of home goalkeeper
Kuszczak.

Brighton took a little longer to get
going, but Marshall was forced to hold Ashley Barnes' angled drive in
the 12th minute before the visitors threatened again.

Cardiff defender Andrew Taylor swung
over a decent cross, but Bellamy's strike partner Heidar Helguson
steered the ball tamely over the bar.

Mackail-Smith went close to giving
the Seagulls the lead in the 22nd minute. His first shot was deflected
for a corner and when the ball was played back in the Brighton forward
was quickest to react, only to see Marshall parry the ball to safety at
full stretch.

Marshall then kept out Craig Noone's
angled effort from inside the penalty area before the action shifted to
the other end, where Whittingham's excellent free-kick from 25 yards –
after he was fouled by Brighton defender Gary Dicker – brought the best
out of Kuszczak.

Cardiff midfielder Jordon Mutch was
forced out through injury at half-time and replaced by Mason, but it had
little effect on the visitors, who threatened first after the break
through Whittingham's curling effort that flew just wide.

At the other end Brighton went closer
to breaking the deadlock, first through winger Andrew Crofts – whose
shot was blocked by Turner – and then Spanish defender Bruno, whose
effort from the subsequent corner was superbly saved by Marshall.

Brighton boss Poyet sent on Kazenga
LuaLua for Barnes in the 63rd minute and, after midfield team-mate Craig
Noone had fired a shot straight at Marshall, opposite number Mackay
responded by withdrawing Bellamy and sending on Craig Conway.

Conway's midfield partner Don Cowie
let fly from 30 yards, but was thwarted by Kuszczak as both sides went
in search of the winner.

Kuszczak came to Brighton's rescue
again with a fine double save to deny Mason and substitute striker
Velikonja, who had replaced Helguson moments earlier, in quick
succession with 15 minutes left.

The goalmouth action dried up in the
closing stages as both sides settled for a point at the end of a
thoroughly entertaining goalless draw.

Joey Barton set to join Fleetwood Town on six month loan

Posted on August 3, 2012 by adminsports

QPR badboy Barton close to shock loan move to League Two newboys Fleetwood Town

UPDATED:

16:35 GMT, 3 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

QPR midfielder Joey Barton looks set to join Football League newboys Fleetwood Town on a six-month loan deal.

The 29-year-old midfielder will serve a 12-match suspension at the start of the season but a move to the Football League will see him return to action sooner because they play more games early on.

He could now return on 6 October or sooner, six weeks earlier than if he stayed at QPR.

Friendly appearance: Joey Barton played for Fleetwood Town in a friendly match against SPL side Kilmarnock

The loan deal is expected to be finalised over the weekend, according to BBC Radio Lancashire.

But Barton took to his Twitter account to say that the deal was not yet done, but did not denied a possible move, he said: 'I've not signed for Fleetwood. Just currently enjoying training there…'

Barton played 45 minutes of Fleetwood's friendly with Kilmarnock on Tuesday and is now hopeful of playing against Tranmere in Saturday's friendly.

Keeping fit: Barton joined the League Two newboys to train during pre-season

Joining in: Barton has been training at Fleetwood while he was banned from QPR's pre-season tour of Asia

The one-time England international agreed to join the Football League newcomers for a week during pre-season, but was not expected to play a match.

He was sent off on the final day of last season as QPR lost at Manchester City and was later found guilty of two counts of violent conduct by the Football Association.

Rangers fined Barton six weeks' wages and stripped him of the club captaincy, as well as leaving him out of the squad for their pre-season tour of Malaysia.

England v Italy – Euro 2012 live

Posted on June 24, 2012 by adminsports

EURO 2012 LIVE: England v Italy – follow the quarter-final action as it happens here

UPDATED:

17:00 GMT, 24 June 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of Euro 2012 as England attempt to reach their first semi-final in 16 years in Kiev when they take on Italy in a last eight clash. Roy Hodgson's side impressed to top Group D and face an Italian team that finished as runners up to Spain in Group C. Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me @Ripinho.

England v Italy (7.45pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

England: TBA

Italy: TBA

17.53: Italy have their own players walking on a tightrope though with Federico Balzaretti, Mario Balotelli (surprise, surprise), Leonardo Bonucci, Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele de Rossi, Christian Maggio, Thiago Motta and Riccardo Montolivo all one careless foul away from missing a last four clash.

Giorgio Chiellini is also on a booking but he is out with a thigh injury.

How long did that take Crop circles are given a new take on the outskirts of Verona

17.45: Let's do some Spring cleaning ahead of the game. There are a number of players on both teams that are one booking away from being suspended for the semi-final.

For England that is Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ashley Young.

In other words; Roy Hodgson's most experienced player, his captain, James Milner, his secret weapon and arguably his most creative player.

17.35: Team news not in yet but I will post it as soon as I get it. Plenty of questions are in the air – will Ashley Young overcome his fitness concerns, which of Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll will partner Rooney

Glove affair: An England fan shows his prediction for the match as he enjoys a beer in the sun

Chilling out: England fans sunbathe at the Kiev fan zone ahead of the big clash on Sunday night

Keeping the peace: An England fan swaps hats with a British bobby helping out in the city

All ready: Ukrainian interior servicemen sit in front of the Olympic stadium in Kiev

Loud and proud: England supporters in full voice as they look forward to the match

Refreshment: An England fan sips his beer in front a huge flag

A tattoo on an England fan

An England fan shows his tattoo

Hope you've got the lotion on, lad: England fans show off their tattoos ahead of the big match

Suits you, sir: A male England fan shows off his legs for the clash with the Italians

Have a rest while I keep an eye out: An England fan with his 'British Bulldog' mascot

Ready for the big match: A young England fan has his face painted in the fan zone

17.30: Let's not kid ourselves folks, we've been here before. World Cup 2002, Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006 all brought quarter-final spots for England but that's about as good as it's got since that glorious summer at Euro 96 when the Three Lions were within touching distance of bringing football home.

So will Steven Gerrard and co go one step closer to the final Or will Italy be the latest nation to condemn England to quarter-final misery Good afternoon folks, welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of England v Italy in the last Euro 2012 quarter-final.

Ready: England captain Steven Gerrard (left) and Wayne Rooney take time out inside Kiev's Olympic Stadium

Wales pick strong team to face Australia

Posted on June 7, 2012 by adminsports

Big guns back as Wales look to build on Grand Slam win down under

UPDATED:

06:02 GMT, 7 June 2012

Wales will head into the first of their three Tests against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday with 11 of the starting XV that clinched Grand Slam glory against France in March.

Despite seeing a fringe side beat the Barbarians 30-21 last week, caretaker coach Rob Howley has picked a completely different team to that which played at the Millennium Stadium last weekend.

Keeping the faith: Wales have picked the bulk of their Grand Slam and Triple Crown-winning side

A total of 16 players were sent Down Under early for acclimatisation purposes, with all but Ashley Beck named to start the series opener.

Fit again Sam Warburton will return to lead the side after an 11-week break since leaving the field at half-time in the 16-9 win over the French.

Only six of the players who figured in the Baa-Baas win are asked to act as replacements, with Matthew Rees, Paul James, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams and James Hook all joining Beck on the bench.

Caretaker role: Howley (left) is in charge down under as Warren Gatland (right) recovers from a heel operation

The only other changes from the Grand Slam winning team see Scarlets centre Scott Williams, who scored the crucial try in the Triple Crown triumph over England at Twickenham, take over from the injured Jamie Roberts at centre, hooker Ken Owens replace his Scarlets team-mate Matthew Rees and Blues lock Bradley Davies pack down with ex-Dragons skipper Luke Charteris in the second row.

Davies has not played for Wales since
picking up a six-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the opening victory
over Ireland in February. He replaces Wyn Jones, while Charteris moves
up off the bench to take over from Ian Evans, who is getting married.

Teams for first Test, Australia v Wales, Brisbane, Saturday June 9 (k-o 1105 BST)

Wales: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, J
Davies, S Williams, G North; R Priestland, M Phillips; G Jenkins, K
Owens, A Jones, B Davies, L Charteris, D Lydiate, S Warburton (Captain),
T Faletau.

Replacements: M Rees, P James, AW Jones, R Jones, L Williams, J Hook, A Beck.

Australia: A Ashley-Cooper; J Tomane, R
Horne, P McCabe, D Ioane; B Barnes, W Genia; B Robinson, T Polota Nau, S
Kepu, R Simmons, N Sharpe, S Higginbotham, D Pocock, W Palu.

Replacements: S Moore, B Alexander, D Dennis, M Hooper, N White, A Fainga'a, M Harris.

'We are well prepared and looking forward to the challenge this weekend,' said Wales caretaker head coach Rob Howley.

'We have created some winning momentum, we have a recent home win against the Barbarians to take into this game and have built a certain amount of confidence within the squad.'

Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made nine changes after his side lost 9-6 to Scotland on Monday.

There are five newcomers in the pack, including an all-new Waratahs front row, and three more behind the scrum.

Loosehead prop Benn Robinson makes a welcome return to the Test arena after an 18-month absence and fit-again Wycliff Palu gets the nod at No 8.

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Tag Archives: keeping

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal ready to "spend big" in transfer window after paying off Emirates Stadium

Thierry Henry trains with Arsenal

Amir Khan sets sights on Danny Garcia revenge mission after blowing away Carlos Molina

Nigel Adkins says Southampton won"t change style of play

Mikael Silvestre back training with Manchester United

Stuart Broad says England can defend World Twenty20 title

Brighton 0 Cardiff 0 – match report

Joey Barton set to join Fleetwood Town on six month loan

England v Italy – Euro 2012 live

Wales pick strong team to face Australia