Tag Archives: superiority

Brendan Rodgers rues Jose Enrique being ruled offside

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It was a goal! Rodgers rues Enrique being 'wrongly' ruled offside in Swansea return

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UPDATED:

17:56 GMT, 25 November 2012

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers felt his side had a perfectly good goal ruled out as his 'emotional' return to Swansea ended in a goalless draw.

The Northern Irishman was given a good reception by the Liberty Stadium faithful, but he could not leave with the three points as the Reds failed to make the most of the superiority they enjoyed for much of the opening hour.

The closest they came to a goal was Jose Enrique's close-range first-half effort from Luis Suarez's delicate pass, but it was chalked off for offside by the assistant referee.

Not given: Jose Enrique put the ball in the Chelsea net, but was flagged for offside

Not given: Jose Enrique put the ball in the Chelsea net, but was flagged for offside

Rodgers said: 'We were unfortunate with the offside goal we had ruled out; that was a goal, I have seen it on the replay.

'But we are now eight games unbeaten and we are chipping away and our method was good today.'

Enrique and Glen Johnson also wasted presentable chances for the Reds, while Raheem Sterling hit the bar and conspired to bungle a two against one situation with Luis Suarez as the pair bore down on Swansea left-back Ben Davies after a rapid break.

Rodgers admits his side need to be more clinical as they look to continue the progress being made at Anfield.

He said: 'The difference is that little bit of quality in the final third and that's something we will look to improve on as time goes on.

'But I was pleased with our build up, creativity and method and we were just a bit unfortunate with the offside goal and the chance we had with the two v one.

'It was a great opportunity to be two against one on a young defender. It was one where as a coach you look at it and think if Luis had gone three or four more yards he would have committed him and Raheem would have been in on goal.

Remember me Brendan Rodgers returned to the Liberty Stadium

Remember me Brendan Rodgers returned to the Liberty Stadium

Off or on The linesman did not give Enrique (back right) the benefit of doubt when he latched onto a Luis Suarez cross

Off or on The linesman did not give Enrique (back right) the benefit of doubt when he latched onto a Luis Suarez cross

'It looked like he played the pass too early and Raheem then gave him a ball that knocked him wide on the return.

'We would have hoped to be more clinical on that but that is experience, he is only 17.'

Rodgers praised the home support for the greeting he received.

He said: 'It was very respectful and I thank them for that, I will always remember my time here with good memories.

'It was an emotional return, I have seen so many people I shared great moments of my life with. It is a fantastic place to come back to and I was really looking forward to coming back to it.'

A point also continued Swansea's good run as they recorded a first clean sheet since August.

Michael Laudrup's side have now lost just one of their last eight games and remain above Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League table.

The hosts had their own chances to find a winner during an improved second-half showing and Ashley Williams, the focus of attention following his comments on Suarez, saw his header cleared off the line by former team-mate Joe Allen.

Frustrating: Luis Suarez could not add to his tally

Frustrating: Luis Suarez could not add to his tally

Man of the match Pablo Hernandez twice went close from distance and also forced Jose Reina into a superb fingertip save from his low free-kick in the dying seconds.

Laudrup was pleased with a point and praised the way Williams and Chico Flores had handled the threat of Suarez.

He said: 'I think it was a good point, I think we deserved that point.

'In the first half they had more chances than us but we had chances too and I am pleased with the performance.

'You know when you play against Suarez and (Steven) Gerrard they can always invent something, but I think we handled it well.

'There has been a lot of talk about Suarez and Ashley and today we saw two guys trying to do their best.

'Suarez did some good things, but maybe less than he is used to as he played against two guys who did very well. There was one foul and yellow card for Chico but it was a fantastic game defensively.'

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Marquez will have fourth bout

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Destroy the doubt! Pacquiao wants to show who's boss in fourth bout against Marquez

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UPDATED:

08:26 GMT, 18 September 2012

Manny Pacquiao wants to put an end to any doubts regarding his superiority over Juan Marquez and claims he is aiming for a knock out when the two meet for a fourth time in December.

Three bouts in eight years have not resolved the rivalry so they meet again on December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

'I want to erase the doubt of the last three fights,' Pacquiao said. 'There's so many people still asking if I won the fights. I think to myself, “Something is wrong. I have to do it again.”

Big plans: Manny Pacquiao wants to KO Juan Marquez (right)

Big plans: Manny Pacquiao wants to KO Juan Marquez (right)

'This time, I will train hard to put this fight up in the history of boxing. I want to make this fight short. I want to knock him out.'

Although they are extending a rivalry to rare lengths in modern boxing, the fighters and promoters believe fans will warm to the matchup when they remember just how good the first three fights were.

Pacquiao and Marquez fought to a draw in 2004, while Pacquiao won by split decision in 2008 and again by majority decision last year. The bouts featured knockdowns, wild momentum swings and fascinating contrasts in technique – but Marquez and many fans still believe he won all three fights, while Pacquiao says he clearly won the last two.

'It's been an incredible ride,' Top Rank promoter Todd duBoef said. 'People ask me whether it's going to be hard to sell a fourth fight. Did you see the first 36 rounds There wasn't a dull moment.'

Laughing mattter: Pacquiao with his trainer Freddie Roach

Laughing mattter: Pacquiao with his trainer Freddie Roach

With a combination of unfinished business and unmatched financial reward, Pacquiao and Marquez both had plenty of incentive to get together again. They have fought at 125, 130 and 144 pounds, and their fourth fight will be a straight welterweight contest at 147.

Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) is coming off his first loss since 2005, a wildly disputed decision to Timothy Bradley. Still stinging from that embarrassment, he says he is going back to the ferocious, relentless style of fighting that made him an eight-division champion. Pacquiao hasn't stopped an opponent in more than three years, a once-unthinkable drought for a relentless puncher.

'I want to be the other Manny Pacquiao, like when I was 24, 25 years old,' Pacquiao said. 'I want people who watch this fight to be satisfied. I don't care about a belt. I don't care about the money. I want the win.'

Arguments: Debate still rages over who won certain fights

Arguments: Debate still rages over who won certain fights

Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) has tested Pacquiao more than any opponent, with counterpunching skills and comprehensive boxing knowledge that can negate many of Pacquiao's strengths. But Pacquiao also is a nightmare matchup for Marquez, whose relentlessness hasn't been enough to overcome Pacquiao's once-in-a-generation combination of speed and strength.

While Pacquiao has a plan to recapture his best form, Marquez believes the only way to be sure he'll finally get his hand raised is to stop the Filipino congressman. Marquez swore off the rivalry and nearly retired in frustration immediately after Pacquiao's victory last fall, but agreed to return after a few months to cool down.

'I won all of the last three fights,' Marquez said. 'I would like the referee to raise my hand. Everybody knows I won the fights, and I don't know what happened with the judges. I have to take it out of the judges' hands this time.'

Settle the debate: In December we may get a resolution at last

Settle the debate: In December we may get a resolution at last

Pacquiao will not train in Baguio, the high-altitude northern Philippines city where he has traditionally started training camp before heading to trainer Freddie Roach's gym for the final few weeks.

Instead, Pacquiao and Roach will be in Hollywood for their entire training camp, dramatically reducing the number of distractions for the Philippines' most famous person.

Pacquiao and Marquez will join the short list of rivalries that couldn't be contained by a mere trilogy, including Sugar Ray Robinson's six fights with Jake LaMotta and Robinson's four bouts with Gene Fullmer. More recently, Israel Vazquez's sensational rivalry with Rafael Marquez, Juan Manuel's brother, extended to four fights, concluding with Marquez's third-round stoppage of Vazquez in May 2010.

'I never thought it would go to four fights,' Pacquiao said. 'It's a first for me.'

Usain Bolt one step close to legend – COMMENT

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Bolt moves one step closer to legend with Olympic record-breaking run

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UPDATED:

00:03 GMT, 6 August 2012

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LIVE RESULTS |
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MEDALS TABLE

If only he could start. If only he did not party until 5am. If only he was not 95 per cent fit. If only he did not guzzle chicken nuggets.

Just think how good Usain Bolt could be.

But, really, what a performance we witnessed as the world’s most elusive man returned to being the world’s fastest man.

The questions had assailed him across the year and across the globe. He pulled out of competitions, he was in a car crash, he visited his doctor in Germany for magic potions to soothe his back-related injuries, he did not race his training partner and chief rival Yohan Blake other than when he had to — at the Jamaican trials — where he lost.

Close call: Usain Bolt did not run away with the race as he had done four years ago in Beijing, with Blake, Gatlin and Gay all running super quick times

Close call: Usain Bolt did not run away with the race as he had done four years ago in Beijing, with Blake, Gatlin and Gay all running super quick times

Close call: Usain Bolt did not run away with the race as he had done four years ago in Beijing, with Blake, Gatlin and Gay all running super quick times

Here he was back to something approaching his best. His time of 9.63sec was faster than he ran in Beijing four years ago (9.69sec), when his superiority was so great that he launched a mid-race chest-thumping celebration that beguiled the world, if not the IOC president, who thought it disrespectful.

On Sunday he pushed all the way. Yes, he had strolled to the final. But once he got to the start of the big one — 9.50pm London time — he left nothing to chance.

His start was not brilliant but his technique held together. His face told of total application and, given all Bolt’s natural long-striding gifts, it was enough.

‘You guys doubted me and I’ve shown the world that I am the greatest,’ he said. ‘The last 50 metres is where I shine, so I just did that.

‘I’m not concerned by what people
have said. I’ve said it from the start: people can talk. All they can do
is talk. When it comes to the championships, it’s all about business to
me — and I brought it home.’

Bolt’s victory was precisely the
result that athletics needed. He is the star turn, the cavorting
highwire act who reaches out to all ages and colours.

Simply the best: Bolt still crossed the line with daylight between him and the rest

Simply the best: Bolt still crossed the line with daylight between him and the rest

With respect to Blake, the silver medallist, he does not possess the magnetism of Bolt.

As for Justin Gatlin, the bronze
medallist, a victory for him would have represented a desperately low
point in these celebratory Games given his drug-taking habits.

As everyone left the stadium
yesterday — other than us scribblers and a group who hung on to cheer
Bolt’s name — our great former decathlete Daley Thompson’s voice spoke
out, encouraging parents to help their kids take up sport.

It is that near-exhausted word
‘legacy’ that Thompson was addressing. What happens in this stadium will
beget the next generation of our athletes. And no single foot racer
can do more worldwide towards that ideal than the gallivanting hero of
last night.

Yes, it will take schools and clubs
to make themselves available to accommodate newcomers to their ranks,
but the first requirement is for kids to be inspired by Bolt and his
ilk.

We all cherish our Olympic memories
from childhood and are thankful for the nourishment, health-wise and
culturally, that they have given us.

The one hope, which Bolt has
addressed, is that athletics would wither if he fell under suspicion of
drug-taking. He has never failed a test and until he does, should it
ever come, we must celebrate him as a beacon of hope for sport.

Trademark: Bolt strikes his usual pose for the cameras after winning the 100m final in London

Trademark: Bolt strikes his usual pose for the cameras after winning the 100m final in London

Mummy's boy: The sprinter's mother Jennifer and silver medallist Blake join the celebrations

Mummy's boy: The sprinter's mother Jennifer and silver medallist Blake join the celebrations

That sentiment chimes with the
feelgood mood of these Games. You go on to a Tube and people speak to
each other. Yes, on the London Underground with its tradition of blank
faces and averted stares. The stadium roar registers high on the decibel
scale.

It reached its zenith on Saturday
night with the cacophony that cheered on Mo Farah to his 10,000m win,
just after Greg Rutherford and Jessica Ennis had started the athletics
gold rush.

In terms of electrifying capacity,
last night’s race may not have equalled Ben Johnson’s epoch-making run
in Seoul in 1988, before the race was discredited as the most infamously
dirty track deed of all time, or of Bolt’s Beijing pyrotechnics.

It was though, still the fastest race
ever, Olympic or otherwise. Seven of the finalists went under 10sec,
with only Asafa Powell, who pulled up, spoiling the single-figure
neatness.

‘It was wonderful,’ said Bolt of the
atmosphere. ‘I knew it was going to be like this. There wasn’t a doubt
in my mind that it was going to be loud and it was going to be great.
You can feel that energy, so I feel extremely good and I’m happy.

‘This win means I’m one step closer to being a legend. I have the 200m to go.’

As everyone in the stadium
recognised, his status as the presiding genius of the sprinting world
is not in doubt. He just had to show up and prove the point in the blink
of an eye.

Audley Harrison ready to take on David Price

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I will show up and fight, Harrison makes vow ahead of fight with rising star Price

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UPDATED:

09:41 GMT, 24 July 2012

Audley Harrison has vowed to carry the fight to David Price at Liverpool's Echo Arena on October 13.

Harrison's abysmal three-round capitulation against David Haye in 2010, during which the terrified Olympic gold medallist barely threw a punch, has permanently stained his reputation.

But the 40-year-old refuses to end a hugely disappointing professional career and is determined to seize Price's British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

Chance for redemption: Audley Harrson disappointed against David Haye in 2010

Chance for redemption: Audley Harrson disappointed against David Haye in 2010

'David has done no wrong and is a likeable guy,' he said.

'Whatever way you look at it, it's a crossroads fight between two Olympic medal winners.

'It's uncertain which direction I'm headed in while David is on the way up.

'My career has had tremendous highs and incredible lows. I've ridden the ship as best I can.

'On a few occasions I haven't shown up which has really hurt my reputation, but I will show up in Liverpool.

Rising star: David Price is considered to be one of the boxers to watch on the heavyweight scene

Rising star: David Price is considered to be one of the boxers to watch on the heavyweight scene

'I have the spirit and tenacity to dust myself off and give it another go.'

The clash will see Britain's two Olympic super-heavyweight medallists collide, with Harrison having won gold in 2000 and Price taking bronze eight years later.

'Audley might have a superiority complex because he won a gold and me a bronze, but the Olympics are in the past,' Price said.

'Now I'm hell-bent on succeeding as a professional and nothing will stand in my way.

Flay out: Harrison lies on the canvas after being knocked out by David Haye

Flay out: Harrison lies on the canvas after being knocked out by David Haye

'If Audley Harrison is still dining out on his Olympic gold medal that's up to him.'

Price admired Harrison after his success at the Sydney Games, but is ready to extinguish the dying embers of his career in his voluntary title defence.

'I never thought I'd fight Audley because when I was growing up on the GB team everyone looked up to him,' he said.

'He was bit of an inspiration and I'm not afraid to admit that. But come fight night I'll be there to do a job.'

Euro 2012: Cesc Fabregas complains about Spain v Italy pitch

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Fabregas blames state of 'lamentable' pitch as he tries to explain Spain's draw with Italy

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UPDATED:

20:51 GMT, 10 June 2012

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas hit out at the state of the pitch in Gdansk after the defending European champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy.

The Barcelona midfielder grabbed the equaliser for Vicente Del Bosque's men shortly after Antonio Di Natale had put the Azzurri ahead after 61 minutes.

Spain had late chances to win it, most notably through Fernando Torres, but Italy held on for a deserved point in the Group C opener.

Not good enough: Cesc Fabregas claimed the pitch was 'lamentable'

Not good enough: Cesc Fabregas claimed the pitch was 'lamentable'

Fabregas, who was preferred to Torres in the starting line-up in a 4-6-0 formation, felt the slow pitch at the Arena Gdansk prevented Spain from playing their high-tempo passing game.

He said: 'I don't want to complain, but we deserve much more. It is lamentable that we have to play on a pitch like this.

'It has been a difficult match, the most difficult one we have in the group against a very strong rival.

'After going behind it is not a bad result. We are still dependent on ourselves. We have shown character and played well.'

Let's go: Fabregas netted the equaliser

Let's go: Fabregas netted the equaliser

Del Bosque was not displeased with his side's performance.

He said: 'We have worked hard and put in a good effort. We are relatively satisfied with our work and the result.'

On the inclusion of Fabregas, the former Real Madrid boss insisted he had made the right call.

'We wanted to have superiority in the midfield so that we could have possession and arrive higher up the pitch. David Silva, Cesc and Andres Iniesta arrived very well from the second line of attack and I think they did very well in a lot of moments.

Shove: Fabregas gets well acquainted with the pitch

Shove: Fabregas gets well acquainted with the pitch

'The plan didn't go badly, Cesc did very well in this position. When Fernando Torres came on the match was much more open. We had more chances to score, but so did they and we can't forget that. Time will tell whether this is a good point or not.'

Spain at times looked uncharacteristically slack in possession, particularly in the first half, but Del Bosque was quick to give credit to Italy's pressing game.

Risks and rewards: Italy's pressing game saw them put in some tough challenges

Risks and rewards: Italy's pressing game saw them put in some tough challenges

'We knew Italy were going to press us high and they wanted to take the initiative. I had already warned that they are very dangerous and that has been the case,' he added.

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli was disappointed his side allowed Spain back into the game just three minutes after Di Natale's opener.

'What disappointed me about this evening was that we allowed them to equalise so quickly. We were playing against the world champions but we should have made it more difficult for them after we scored,' he said.

Opener: Antonio Di Natale broke the deadlock

Opener: Antonio Di Natale broke the deadlock

'We need to improve on certain things.

'We were a little surprised with Spain's line-up but we agreed that we needed to focus on our own game.

'We will analyse this game and work on some things. We expended a lot of energy which we will need to recover for our next match.'

SIX NATIONS 2012: England have no fear, says Andy Farrell

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England have no fear, says Farrell ahead of Six Nations showdown with Ireland

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UPDATED:

22:21 GMT, 16 March 2012

England will confront Ireland at Twickenham this evening with 'no fear', insists coach Andy Farrell.

Farrell believes the home side can cause a shock by beating another vastly more experienced team in what might be the last game of Stuart Lancaster's regime.

Chasing the pack: England will host Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday

Chasing the pack: England will host Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday

England will set about breaking a run of failure against the Irish which extends to seven defeats in eight championship clashes.

The final game of this season's RBS Six Nations comes against a team who have accused their hosts of 'arrogance' and stated a firm belief in their superiority.

Yet, Farrell still believes England can make light of a comparative lack of experience to secure a fourth victory in their five games.

We're not afraid: Farrell insists England will hold 'no fear'

We're not afraid: Farrell insists England will hold 'no fear'

The coach said: 'These boys aren't frightened of anything. We are up for any type of challenge. We have no fear.

'We are aware of the record (against Ireland), like we were aware of the one at Murrayfield, the challenge of Rome, the form Wales were in and France's home run. But our focus has only ever been on us.

'Maybe other people have had their expectations exceeded but not us. We were always confident we could get results.'

Showdown: Twickenham will be full for England's game with Ireland

Showdown: Twickenham will be full for England's game with Ireland

Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris called England arrogant, but Farrell said: 'They obviously haven't been watching. You couldn't get a harder-working, more humble group of blokes. Ireland have a good record here, but that means nothing to this England group.'

Ireland captain Rory Best is wary of England, saying: 'They've been very efficient. The level of performance against Wales was upped and it upped again against France. They look like a team hungry to win for each other and that rings alarm bells.'

Cheltenham Festival 2012: Day three live

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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL LIVE: All the action as it happens on day three of the greatest show on turf

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UPDATED:

14:05 GMT, 15 March 2012

1.30 – JEWSON NOVICES CHASE1st – Sir Des Champs (D Russell) 3/1
2nd – Champion Court (A Cawley) 8/1
3rd – For Non Stop (N Fehily) 8/1

Sir Des Champs maintained his unbeaten record for Willie Mullins with a clear-cut victory.

The six-year-old, ridden by Davy Russell, shrugged off the attentions of Champion Court after the last to bound clear for a convincing four-and-a-half-length success.

For Non Stop was another nine lengths back in third, while fancied runners Peddlers Cross and Cristal Bonus were both disappointing as Sir Des Champs proved a classy winner.

Up and over: Davy Russell and Sir Des Champs on the way to winning the Jewson Novices Chase

Up and over: Davy Russell and Sir Des Champs on the way to winning the Jewson Novices Chase

Champion Court and Zaynar took the field along in turns, with Micheal Flips close up and Sir Des Champs not too far away.

Cristal Bonus was soon struggling, while Peddlers Cross lost as good early pitch and a couple of mistakes saw him lose further ground.

Champion Court went on at the 11th fence, but Mullins representative followed his move and they battled it out over the last couple of fences.

The Irish raider then showed his superiority to score in tremendous style for owners Gigginstown House Stud, the racing establishment of Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary.

Winning jockey Russell said: 'He's a very good horse. A lot of the credit should go to Aaron Madden who absolutely adores this horse, and since the first day he landed he's looked after him and he's done such a wonderful job. He jumped every fence, he never missed a beat.'

Fight to the end: Champion Court (centre) battles with eventual winner Sir Des Champs (right)

Fight to the end: Champion Court (centre) battles with eventual winner Sir Des Champs (right)

Owner Michael O'Leary, who sponsors the feature race of the day, the Ryanair Chase, said: 'It was a wonderful ride by Davy.

'We've been hitting the crossbar all week so it's great to finally stick one in the net.

'It's hard to know what you've got until you get here. Willie brought him along slowly and probably thought he wanted a lot further – he could have run in the other race (RSA Chase). We went close in that with First Lieutenant but we've won this.'

Up and running: Davy Russell and Sir Des Champs

Up and running: Davy Russell and Sir Des Champs

Mullins said: 'He was very good and I'm really looking forward to next year over longer trips. He was foot-perfect. Davy asked him plenty of questions and he came up every time.

'Davy rode him with great confidence. A good pace and plenty of jumping will suit him best.'

Sir Des Champs was winning at the
Festival for a second consecutive year, having struck 12 months ago in
the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap.

Mullins
added: 'This is the first time he's had a real test this year as
Gigginstown have had so many good novice chasers so we've kept him going
out in the country in lesser races.

'That has obviously built up his confidence because he was very good. Hopefully it will be the Gold Cup next year.'

Peddlers Cross is set to revert to hurdles after finishing last.

Trainer
Donald McCain said: 'I think we'll have to go back over hurdles. Jason
(Maguire) said he was neat and grand, but just isn't as effective over
fences as hurdles.

'It
was still the right idea to try it and his work has been as good as ever
- he worked all over Overturn (Champion Hurdle runner-up) last week.

'We'll put him away now and maybe start off over two miles hurdling.'

Trainer
Martin Keighley said of runner-up Champion Court: 'I think the winner
is a Gold Cup horse so that was a great run and everything went to plan.
We'll see how he comes out of the race and maybe look at Aintree and
Punchestown.'

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

We're just 10 minutes away from the
first race – the Jewson Novices Chase – and it's another great day at
Cheltenham. It's not quite as bright as yesterday but the mist is
clearing.

All the money is for Peddlers Cross and Sir Des Champs in the opener while Bold Sir Brian and Imperial Shabra are non-runners.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL DAY THREE

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Sam Turner's top tips for Thursday

Our guide to the World Hurdle

Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival is all about the craic as the Irish take over to make it a day to remember – and Prestbury Park playing host to one massive party is as safe a bet as Big Buck's winning the World Hurdle.

Known as 'the cash machine' to his army of fans, Paul Nicholls' superstar is aiming for a record-breaking fourth straight triumph in the big race and a 16th successive victory.

We'll bring you the winners as soon as they pass the post plus all the latest action as it happens and the best pictures throughout the day.

Busy at the bar: The Guinness Village is guaranteed to be packed all day

Busy at the bar: The Guinness Village is guaranteed to be packed all day

Four in a row Big Buck's (left) is aiming to rule the World Hurdle once again

Four in a row Big Buck's (left) is aiming to rule the World Hurdle once again

SIX NATIONS 2012: Ireland desperate to beat England

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Ferris determined to lead Ireland to victory against 'arrogant' English

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UPDATED:

18:13 GMT, 14 March 2012

Stephen Ferris has accused England of being 'bad losers' as Ireland prepare to launch their assault on Twickenham.

Losing has become a habit in the fixture for the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions, who have tasted defeat in seven of their past eight championship meetings.

Ireland have also triumphed on three of their previous four trips to Twickenham and Ferris, the destructive Ulster flanker, hopes that sequence improves this weekend.

Up for it: Stephen Ferris (centre) is desperate to help Ireland beat England

Up for it: Stephen Ferris (centre) is desperate to help Ireland beat England

'If you ask any team who do they like beating and it's always the English. Why It's something I can't really put my finger on!' he said.

'We took so many beatings from England at under-age level. Any time we played under-18s, 19s or 20s we always received a thumping. I never beat them.

'They come with a bit of a tag about being arrogant and if you asked any team they'd probably say the same thing.

'They're a good side and are full of winners, but when they lose they don't like it.

'They're bad losers and hopefully they'll be bad losers on Saturday.'

Ferris' Ulster team-mate Rory Best, who will lead the side once again in the injury-enforced absence of Paul O'Connell, insists Ireland's superiority explains their impressive record against England.

'They've always been tough, close games but this Ireland side have been very good over the last 10 years and that's why we've edged it,' he said.

Winning feeling: A rejuvenated England beat France in Paris last weekend

Winning feeling: A rejuvenated England beat France in Paris last weekend

'England are on a high but we're going well as well. It will be mentally challenging. Whoever can start the best will win the game.'

The match falls on St Patrick's Day and while Best acknowledged such an occasion can be motivational, he warned of the perils of becoming too wound up.

'A little bit of emotion in international rugby does no harm as long as it doesn't consume you,' he said.

'Emotion allows you to go to places that your body didn't think you could and you need that to win internationals away from home.

'But we have to make sure we have clear heads so that we can execute our game plan.'

Leinster's Sean O'Brien will start against England despite having spent last week in hospital recovering from a skin infection on his foot.

Munster openside Peter O'Mahony, who impressed on his full debut in Saturday's 32-14 rout of Scotland, drops to the bench to make room for the 25-year-old.