Weekend sport preview

With the Rugby World Cup entering its knockout phase, that tournament is naturally the big focus of the sporting world this weekend.

Weekend sport previewWeekend sport preview

Weekend sport preview

In the early hours of Monday morning, Australia will be expected to beat Scotland and earn a place among the final four teams of the Rugby World Cup.

 

Wallabies winger Rob Horne has recovered from a dislocated shoulder and is back at training, but Drew Mitchell is expected to keep his place on the wing despite Horne's return.

 

Matt Giteau and captain Stephen Moore will get their 100th test caps.

 

Moore is mindful of not underestimating the challenge Scotland will pose.

 

"I don't want the boys thinking about anything other than the opportunity we've got, preparing really well this week and playing our best rugby on the weekend, because we're going to need to do that against Scotland."

 

Scotland has forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray suspended for the clash.

 

But despite that setback, which potentially improves Australia's chances, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says he remains wary.

 

"We understand there's going to be 23 players in the Scotland jersey, and they're going to be trying to smash us. We've got to react. It doesn't really matter the names on the jerseys."

 

Australia has doubts over the fitness of Israel Folau and David Pocock.

 

The winner of that match will meet the winner of Ireland's match against Argentina.

 

The other quarter-finals over the weekend have Wales taking on South Africa on Sunday, while tournament favourite New Zealand takes on World Cup nemesis France.

 

Turning to football, in the A-League tonight, the Western Sydney Wanderers are in Adelaide looking for their first win of the season.

 

For new Wanderers signing Dario Vidosic, the match is a return to the club where he enjoyed three successful years.

 

"There's been a few phone calls this week and, you know, speaking to one or two of the boys I'm still friends with from the team and other people I became very good (friends) with away from the football pitch as well, so that's why it's a very special one to come back for, and I'm just really looking forward to it."

 

That match will be televised on SBS Two tonight.

 

The biggest match of the A-League on Week 2 of the season is the Melbourne derby, with the reigning champion Victory and City going head-to-head at Dockland Stadium.

 

Victory skipper Leigh Broxham is missing after he was sent off in the opening fixture of the season against Adelaide.

 

The captain's armband will be taken by Carl Valeri, who missed the 0-0 draw at Adelaide Oval.

 

But he says he is more worried about doing his job for the team than the extra responsibility of being captain.

 

"That I'm wearing the armband is something I'm very proud of, but when I'm playing, the thing I love about football is that I forget about everything else. I'm just entranced in what my job is, how I can help my teammates and how I can get the job done."

 

And the Melbourne Victory women's team kicks off the W-League tomorrow when it hosts the Perth Glory.

 

Melbourne City will make its tournament debut against Sydney FC on Sunday.

 

The big domestic leagues in Europe get back to action over the weekend after the International break.

 

In the English Premier League, Tottenham's clash with Liverpool holds heavy interest.

 

Liverpool has new German coach Jurgen Klopp taking charge for the first time since taking over from Brendan Rodgers.

 

In Spain's La Liga, leader Villarreal takes on third-place Celta Vigo.

 

In Italy, ladder leader Fiorentina welcomes sixth-place Napoli, while Serie A big gun Inter Milan welcomes Juventus.

 

And in motorsport this weekend, the Australian Moto G-P takes place at Philip Island, with Italy's Valentino Rossi holding a slim 18-point lead over Spanish rival Jorge Lorenzo.

 

With just three rounds of the season remaining, the result of Sunday's race could well be pivotal in deciding the championship.

 






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