Shane Geraghty is convinced England can transform their fortunes in the space of a week and pull off what many fans would view as an improbable victory over New Zealand on Saturday.

British and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan admitted yesterday’s heartbreaking last-gasp defeat to South Africa was one of the biggest disappointments of his rugby career.

IT IS SAFE to say the League Cup has not been Alex Ferguson’s top priority in his 22 years at Old Trafford. He has won it just twice. That’s one less than Leicester City and the same as Norwich.

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO has rejected the suggestion by former captain Will Carling his presence in England’s World Cup squad might affect team spirit.

Three players were sent off as Chelsea came from behind to win the Carling Cup for the second time in three years – but skipper John Terry was not around to lift the trophy after being taken to hospital following a sickening kick in the head.

Will Carling believes Andy Farrell should be dropped for England’s next RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham.

DUTCH GOAL ace Dirk Kuyt refuses to be deflated by Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup as the Anfield men prepare to face Arsenal for the second time in four days.

Brian Ashton’s appointment as England head coach has already come under fire – less than 24 hours since he officially took charge.

Brian Ashton's appointment as England head coach has already come under fire - less than 24 hours since he officially took charge.

ANDY ROBINSON has had his last game as England coach, according to the BBC.

Rangers joined forces with Celtic yesterday to celebrate a new bumper sponsorship deal with Carling – and promptly ensured they would still receive that cash if they joined the Barclays Premiership.

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan has defended Bobo Balde following his leg-breaking challenge on Leicester’s James Wesolowski, insisting what happened was an accident.

Carrick-on-Suir native Kevin Babington admitted that the pressure got to him in last night's show jumping team final, but, having qualified joint-fifth for the individual decider, his thoughts have zoned in on Friday's medal hunt.

Kevin Babington celebrated his 36th birthday in style at the Markopoulo centre, as he guided his mount Carling King to an individual fourth and qualified Ireland as ninth of 10 nations for tonight’s Show Jumping team final.

Will Carling has tipped Phil Vickery to replace Martin Johnson as England captain.

ENGLAND has recruited security experts to stop spies from penetrating the team’s Rugby World Cup camp in Australia.

Rock legend David Bowie has revived his most notorious creation on the stage on which he killed him off nearly 30 years ago.

Britain should be on the alert for a ‘‘spectacular’’ attack by the Real IRA over the next few weeks in revenge for the jailing of three terrorists following a daring sting operation, a former secret agent warned today.