The Sports Matrix: Thursday 13 October 2011

Wales fear worst over injured pair

Wales are expecting the worst as they await injury updates on Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris ahead of the semi-final against France. Priestland’s participation is in jeopardy due to a shoulder injury and Charteris is suffering from a similar complaint. MORE

Ellis acknowledges Edwards’ effect

France defence coach Dave Ellis has praised the effect of Welsh counterpart, Shaun Edwards on the country’s recent success. “Shaun is the [defence coach] I respect the most,” Ellis revealed. “I think he’s good at what he does. Very good.” MORE

Borthwick admits Warne is his model

England leg-spinner Scott Borthwick says he was influenced by Shane Warne: “I could have bowled finger spin, but it was just watching Warne on television, and trying to spin it like him. I like being in the batsman’s face.” MORE

Sibling rivalry inspires Warburton

Ben Warburton admits to being envious of twin brother Sam as his sibling prepares for a World Cup semi-final. “There is a bit of envy when I see him run out in front of 75,000,” he said. “But I’m not jealous. We’ve always been best mates.” MORE

Cotton to lead England review

Fran Cotton will lead a panel charged with carrying out an independent review of the England structure at the Rugby Football Union following the country’s failure at the World Cup. The panel will report back its findings to the RFU in December. MORE

Liverpool TV plans doomed to failure

Liverpool’s hopes of negotiating their own international TV rights deal are dead in the water, with not a single elite side supporting their view that the Premier League allocation to modest clubs is too high; 14 clubs would have to agree to pass the plan. MORE

Government asks for changes at top

English football’s governing bodies have been given a deadline of 29 February next year to act on Government recommendations or else face legislation. The Government has demanded changes at the FA, and a club licensing system to give fans a voice. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

With the growing Kiwi fear that Richie McCaw is likely to join Daniel Carter on the sidelines on Sunday, Bradley Carnegie Thorn is a one-man task force against a possible nervous breakdown by the All Blacks. MORE

Tevez to fight expected £1.5m fine from City

Carlos Tevez was last night facing the prospect of the heaviest fine in British football history, but hopes to fight the findings of the club inquiry which is expected to find him guilty of multiple breaches of contract. Tevez may receive a fine of six weeks’ wages – £1.5m – and/or a six-week ban, after the club’s two-week investigation into allegations that he refused to play at Bayern Munich two weeks ago. Tevez demanded that Mancini retract his allegation when he met with his employers in central London yesterday. But it is understood that City’s inquiry has found that there is a case for Tevez to answer over the events in Germany. The former City captain is ready to appeal any sanction the club apply, but City believe that even a failure to warm up itself constitutes a serious breach of contract. City have asked Tevez to be at training at Carrington today, where Mancini will tell him that he is working with the reserves. Tevez will appear early next week at a disciplinary hearing. City will not sack Tevez but hope to sell him in January. MORE

Uefa to announce Rooney ban today

Uefa will today decide on the length of Wayne Rooney’s ban after his dismissal against Montenegro, likely to be one or three games. Former England defender Terry Butcher is pessimistic: “If he gets one game he’s the luckiest man in the world.” MORE

Ireland seeded in Euro play-off draw

The Republic of Ireland have been seeded for today’s draw for the Euro 2012 play-offs. Ireland have lost their five previous play-offs against European opposition, but will avoid fellow seeds Portugal. They will face Turkey, Estonia, Bosnia or Montenegro. MORE