Lorenzo on pole in Malaysia

Flying ... Jorge Lorenzo steers his Yamaha to the fastest lap of Malaysian GP qualifying. Source: Vincent Thian / AP

MotoGP leader Jorge Lorenzo seized pole position for Sunday's Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix after the Yamaha rider produced a lap record in the final qualifying session.

The Spaniard clocked a lap of 2 minutes 00.334 seconds at the end of the one-hour qualifying session on Saturday, breaking the Sepang circuit record of 2:00.518 set by Italian rider Valentino Rossi in qualifying in 2009.

Lorenzo's closest rival, fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa on a Honda, was in menacing form and posted the second fastest time while his Australian teammate Casey Stoner, with an ankle injury, posted the fourth quickest.

Italian Andrea Dovizioso was third fastest, with Britain's Cal Crutchlow, also on a Yamaha, taking fifth. American Ben Spies, on a Yamaha, took sixth on the grid.

Pedrosa clocked 2:00.528, 0.194 seconds slower than Lorenzo in a close-fought battle, while Dovizioso posted 2:00.567.

It will be Lorenzo's seventh pole start of the season.

Lorenzo, who is eyeing a win in Sepang, said a pole position would enhance his chances for victory and deny Pedrosa's shot for the championship title.

"I managed to set a new lap time in the last lap with new tyres. Pole position is a very good position but we need to set-up the bike (for Sunday)," he said.

Lorenzo missed last year's Malaysian Grand Prix due to injury, a race which was subsequently cancelled after 24-year-old Marco Simoncelli was killed in a second lap crash.

Lorenzo could take his second title this weekend if he wins and Pedrosa fails to finish in the top 12.

Meanwhile, Pedrosa, who set the fastest time during practice sessions, complained of chatter during the qualifying session, a problem that has plagued Honda from the start of this season.

"The weather was hot and we had a lot of chatter and this made riding difficult. I hope there will be less chatter," he said.

Title-hopeful Pedrosa, who is battling for his first ever MotoGP crown, is 28 points adrift of Lorenzo, who has 310 points. Pedrosa is on 282, while Stoner has 197.

Nine-time world champion Rossi's bad season for Ducati continued after he crashed during the first few minutes of the third practice. He qualified eleventh on the grid.

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Blues win inaugural Sydney derby

Main men ... Sydney FC's Alessandro Del Piero takes on Western Sydney's Shinji Ono. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Superstar Alessandro Del Piero proved the difference as Sydney FC prevailed 1-0 over new neighbours Western Sydney in the city's first A-League derby on Saturday night.

In an entertaining match played in front of a vocal crowd of 19,126 at Parramatta Stadium, the Italian import earned a controversial penalty and scored a short time later in dramatic fashion to give the Sky Blues their first win of the season.

The 37-year-old striker was ordered to retake a successful first spot kick, had his second saved by Ante Covic, but scored from the rebound in the 54th minute for his second A-League goal.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	3	2	0	1	2	6
2	Newcastle	3	2	0	1	0	6
3	Wellington	2	1	1	0	2	4
4	Heart	2	1	1	0	1	4
5	Central Coast	3	1	1	1	0	4
6	Brisbane	2	1	0	1	4	3
7	Perth	2	1	0	1	0	3
8	Sydney	3	1	0	2	-2	3
9	Victory	3	1	0	2	-5	3
10	Western Sydney	3	0	1	2	-2	1

The result eased the early pressure on the Sky Blues after back-to-back losses while the Wanderers were far from disgraced in another performance that showed they won't be easybeats this season.

Tony Popovic's side is still yet to score in three matches, though they were looking threatening until some Del Piero magic broke the deadlock after halftime.

The marquee signing showed superb footwork as he kept possession inside the box before going down, with referee Strebre Delovski ruling a foul on Aaron Mooy.

The decision did not go down well with the home fans, who felt the marquee man had taken a dive.

Drama then followed, as Del Piero coolly slotted the spot kick before being ordered to retake it because of an early encroachment on the penalty box.

He had his next effort saved but showed cool composure to score on the rebound.

While Sydney's marquee signing produced when it counted, in truth it hadn't been his best night up to that point as he coughed up possession several times in the first half.

He did come close to scoring early with an ambitious long-range free kick sailing just over the bar in the 11th minute and had another shot saved a minute later.

Adam D'Appuzo came close for the home side in the 17th minute with a curling long range effort but their best chance of the half came as Mark Bridge's close-range header was blocked after some sloppy keeping from Ivan Necevski.

Bridge was wasteful at times against his former club as he and Dino Kresinger missed good headed chances to equalise late in the second half.

Western Sydney's Japanese star Shinji Ono looked lively but received some close attention early on from midfielder Paul Reid, who started in place of dropped Sydney captain Terry McFlynn.

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Relive the match with all the best highlights and stats in our A-League Match Centre.

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Van Pelt takes lead in Perth

Clubhouse leader ... Bo van Pelt takes a one-shot lead into the final round in Perth. Source: Tony Ashby / AFP

Argentinean Emiliano Grillo showed his first real signs of nerves as powerhouse American duo Jason Dufner and Bo van Pelt made their charge at the $2 million Perth International.

Grillo started the day with a four-stroke lead over West Australian Jason Scrivener and world No.24 van Pelt, and at one point increased his buffer to five shots before four bogeys on the back nine saw him surrender the lead.

Van Pelt ended the day on top of the pack at 12-under after a five-under 67, while world No.10 Dufner carded the same score to be just one shot adrift of his countryman.

Grillo, at just 20 years of age and ranked a lowly 516th in the world, is third at 10-under and will need to regain his magic touch on Sunday if he is to snare his first professional win.

England's David Howell and Spain's Alejandro Canizares sit in equal fourth at seven under, while defending Australian Open winner Greg Chalmers, Kiwi Michael Hendry and big-hitting Aussie Steve Jones are one stroke further back.

Chalmers, who shot a three-under 69 to move within striking distance of the leaders, hoped for windy conditions on Sunday to boost his chances of snaring an unlikely victory.

"I think it's doable," Chalmers said of chasing down the leading pack.

"No one's torn up this golf course yet, and I think there's a seven-under out there or an eight-under if you drive the ball in play and things go your way.

"You have to tear the par fives up and most of them are reachable at the moment.

"If you can do that and pick up two or three more somewhere else, you're going to have a big day."

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Tony Greig diagnosed with cancer

Ready for the fight ... Tony Greig says he'll tackle lung cancer head-on. Source: Supplied

Cricketing icon Tony Greig has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.

The former England captain and Nine Network commentator underwent tests earlier this month after failing to recover from a suspected case of bronchitis, the Sunday Telegraph reports.

Doctors discovered a small lesion on the base of his right lung and later revealed he had cancer.

"I have had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one," the South African-born identity told the paper.

"(My wife) Vivian and I are going to put the boxing gloves on and fight this like we've never fought anything before."

Greig will have surgery this week to take a sample from his lung, which will help doctors determine the extent of the cancer and appropriate course of action.

He is unsure whether he will commentate for Nine this summer. The first Test against South Africa begins in Brisbane on November 9.

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McCaw feels for former mentor Deans

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Robbie Deans ... is the target of criticism in Richie McCaw's autobiography. Source: Juan Mabromata / AFP

With friends like Richie McCaw, Robbie Deans sure doesn't need enemies.

Barely a week after launching his autobiography that criticised Deans, All Blacks captain McCaw on Friday revealed he felt for his former mentor when he came under fire as Wallabies coach.

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He even expressed his desire to "hopefully" share a beer with his ex-Crusaders coach after Saturday night's Bledisloe clash at Suncorp Stadium.

But McCaw made it clear he wouldn't be doing Deans any more favours as the world champion All Blacks vied for a record-equalling 17 straight wins.

In his book "The Open Side", McCaw surprisingly criticised the coaching style of the man who helped his Crusaders win five Super rugby titles - even claiming Deans' stubborn approach may have cost him the All Blacks job in 2007.

But McCaw on Friday only had kind words for Deans who is vying for just his fourth win in 18 trans-Tasman Tests.

Asked if he could feel for Deans when the knives came out for the Wallabies coach, McCaw said: "Yeah.

He then laughed: "You don't want to make his job any easier when you come against him.

"But I have a lot of respect for what Robbie has done. He has certainly helped me along the way.

"Just because you want to beat his team doesn't mean you think any less of him as a man.

"We will still have a beer afterwards - hopefully."

But if all goes to plan for McCaw on Saturday night, Deans will be drowning his sorrows rather than raising a toast.

McCaw said equalling a 43-year-old record had not preoccupied the All Blacks, especially during a preparation disrupted by the passing of coach Steve Hansen's father.

And McCaw said even if they equal the record of the 1966-69 All Blacks, few would meet the standard they set during that unbeaten era.

"I am not going to say it has not been thought about a little bit," he said of the record winning run.

"But the first thing is to back up from a good performance.

"There are some real legends amongst them (1966-69 sides). I have been lucky enough to meet a few of them - they are good men.

"They would have played for similar reasons that we do but they did it over a long time, years apart.

"I think every time you play Tests you want to live up to the standards those men set over the years."

The Wallabies denied the All Blacks a record-equalling 17th Test win in Hong Kong in 2010 and were the last team to down New Zealand - in the Tri-Nations decider 14 months ago.

No wonder McCaw ruled out complacency creeping in on Saturday night.

"The last thing we want to do is let our standard slip," he said.

"I thought the intensity at training has been good.

"We want to put a good performance out there because the Wallabies will do that I am sure - we are prepared for a big Test," he said.

Praise wasn't limited to Deans - McCaw dipped his hat to popular hooker Keven Mealamu ahead of his 100th Test and made special mention of Wallabies skipper Nathan Sharpe, who plays his last game on home soil.

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Victory beat Reds to end streak

Rapturous ... Marco Rojas celebrates scoring the winner for Melbourne Victory. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

All week Melbourne Victory have been shaken, and finally they stirred to give new coach Ange Postecoglou his first win in charge of the club on Friday night.

The Victory came from behind to beat arch-rivals Adelaide United 2-1 at Etihad Stadium, ending the Reds' unbeaten start to the A-League season.

Trailing to a Dario Vidosic penalty after 49 minutes, the Victory equalised through a strong Mark Milligan header three minutes later.

Then New Zealand international Marco Rojas scored the winner in the 67th minute after punishing some comical Adelaide defending.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	3	2	0	1	2	6
2	Wellington	2	1	1	0	2	4
3	Heart	2	1	1	0	1	4
4	Central Coast	2	1	1	0	1	4
5	Brisbane	2	1	0	1	4	3
6	Perth	2	1	0	1	0	3
7	Newcastle	2	1	0	1	-1	3
8	Victory	3	1	0	2	-5	3
9	Western Sydney	2	0	1	1	-1	1
10	Sydney	2	0	0	2	-3	0

The win comes after a tumultuous six days in which the Victory were embarrassed 5-0 by Postecoglou's old club Brisbane Roar, striker Danny Allsopp retired on Thursday, and the new coach wielded the axe with five changes to his starting side.

He put his faith in returning internationals Archie Thompson, Milligan and Rojas and dumped goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas and import midfielder Jonathan Bru.

His decision to pair Milligan and Billy Celeski in central midfield immediately gave the Victory more purpose and shape in a first half in which both sides had their chances.

The best fell to Adelaide attacker Jeronimo, but he shot wide on 43 minutes when one-on-one with goalkeeper Tando Velaphi.

But the Reds were in front four minutes after halftime when Celeski needlessly handled the ball in the box, gifting Vidosic a spot-kick he coolly slotted home.

The Victory levelled things up when Milligan, who only returned from Socceroos duty on Thursday morning, powered home a header from a Gui Finkler corner.

Then Adelaide defender Nigel Boogaard was caught in limbo, pushing an Archie Thompson centre against the crossbar.

Rojas pounced on the loose ball but hit the bar, before finally finishing the rebound.

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Relive the match with all the best highlights and stats in Fox Sports' A-League Match Centre.

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Shipperley out of Wallabies' tour

Blow ... Dom Shipperley is out of the Wallabies' European tour. Source: Darren England / News Limited

The Wallabies' wing crisis has deepened with Queensland Test rookie Dom Shipperley the latest flyer ruled out of next month's European tour.

Scans have confirmed Shipperley requires wrist surgery, leaving the 21-year-old unavailable for the four-Test spring tour.

James O'Connor, Joe Tomane, Lachie Turner, Cooper Vuna, Rod Davies and Luke Morahan - all wingers with Test experience in the past two seasons - are currently already sidelined through injury.

Game-breaker Digby Ioane is also in extreme doubt with a knee injury.

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Schwartzel bombs out in Perth

Disappointing ... Charl Schwartzel bombs out of the second round in Perth. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Argentinean Emiliano Grillo became the man to catch at the Perth International as 2011 US Masters winner Charl Schwartzel crashed out in an intriguing second round at Lake Karrinyup on Friday.

Schwartzel shot five bogeys in a disastrous front nine and pushed a crunch five-foot putt on the final hole wide to miss the two-over cut by one stroke.

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Former world No.3 Paul Casey also had a shocker, but his first-day heroics ensured he would be there for the weekend.

Casey started Friday in a tie for fourth at five-under, and took a share of the lead early after a solid start to his round.

But after dropping five strokes in a horror six-hole stretch, Casey finished at three-over for the round to lose touch with the leading pack.

There were no such problems for world No.516 Grillo, who is outright leader at 11-under after recording a five-under 67 in his afternoon grouping.

The 20-year-old's highlight was on the 344m par-four ninth, when he holed a 96m sand wedge to post his second eagle of the day.

"I didn't see it because you cannot see the green from down there," Grillo said of the magical shot.

"But as soon as I heard the crowd, I was very happy with my caddie."

American Bo van Pelt and West Australian Jason Scrivener sit four shots off the pace at seven-under, with world No.10 Jason Dufner lurking dangerously at six-under.

Van Pelt's last visit to Australia was a forgettable one, with the 37-year-old missing the cut when he played in Adelaide nine years ago.

"I was just kind of chuckling inside hoping that I didn't come over here and lay an egg like I did last time," van Pelt said.

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Kangaroos score round one blockbuster

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Draw ... North Melbourne secures a round one blockbuster against Collingwood. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited

The AFL has released its full round one fixture for next year with North Melbourne handed a blockbuster opener against Collingwood.

The opening round, which will be played over two weekends, will also include a western derby and a Monday showdown between bitter rivals Hawthorn and Geelong.

Adelaide and Essendon will open the 2013 season on the Friday night at AAMI Stadium.

DAY 10: Gumbleton, Greenwood, Young

DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

They have bumped Richmond and Carlton, who will clash at the MCG on the Thursday night in the second week of the split round.

It will be the first game in Melbourne for the season.

The Kangaroos will be rubbing their hands together after scoring a home game against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 31.

St Kilda will head north to the Gold Coast while the Bulldogs host the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Premiers Sydney will open their account with a cross-town derby against the GWS Giants.

While forward Chris Dawes will play his first game for Melbourne against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

Round 1, 2013
Friday, March 22
Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium
Saturday, March 23
Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium

Thursday, March 28
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG
Saturday, March 30
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium
Gold Coast v St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans at ANZ STadium
Sunday, March 31
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG
North Melbourne v COllingwood at Etihad Stadium
Monday, April 1
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG

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Virtual prep for Dumbreck

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Video games ... Russell Ingall's co-driver, Peter Dumbreck, has never seen the Gold Coast 600 track. Source: Mark Horsburgh / News Limited

It's hardly ideal preparation but Russell Ingall is hoping computer games will be enough to ensure his co-driver for this weekend's Gold Coast 600 is ready for the Surfers Paradise street circuit.

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The V8 Supercars veteran is teaming up with Scottish endurance racer and former flatmate Peter Dumbreck in this weekend's two 300km races.

But Dumbreck is the first to admit he's coming into the weekend pretty cold, only climbing behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar for the first time in Wednesday's practice session at Queensland Raceway.

Instead, he's hoping lap after lap in a simulator will have him ready to tackle the notorious concrete canyon of the Gold Coast circuit.

Team	Drivers
TeamVodafone	(#1) Sebastien Bourdais (#888) Richard Lyons
Dick Johnson Racing	(#12) Gianni Morbidelli (#17) Max Papis (#18) Peter Kox (#49) Boris Said
Kelly Racing	(#7) Marco Andretti (#11) Franck Montagny (#15) Graham Rahal (#51) Justin Wilson
Tekno Autosports	(#19) Marc Lieb (#91) Lucas di Grassi
Ford Performance Racing	(#5) Will Power (#6) Mika Salo (#55) Nick Heidfeld
Stone Brothers Racing	(#4) Simon Pagenaud (#9) Jeroen Bleekemolen (#47) David Brabham
Holden Racing Team	(#2) Ryan Briscoe (#22) Darren Turner (#66) Peter Dumbreck
Garry Rogers Motorsport	(#33) Ricky Taylor (#34) James Hinchcliffe
Brad Jones Racing	(#8) Stephane Sarrazin (#14) Nicolas Minassian (#21) Jamie Campbell-Walter
Lucas Dumbrell Racing	(#30) Mike Conway
Hi-Flex Racing	(#3) Vitantonio Liuzzi

"The simulator has taught me which way the track goes and I think I've got a handle on that, but nothing prepares you for actually being out there in real life,'' Dumbreck said.

"The last time I was on the Gold Coast was New Year's Eve almost 20 years ago, when I was backpacking around Australia.

"It was a party then but, this time, I have some work to do. Hopefully, we'll still be able to have a celebration afterwards though.''

Dumbreck at least has form on his side coming into this weekend after coming fifth in the Fuji Six-Hour world endurance sportscar race in Japan last Sunday.

"It's nice to have my most competitive result of the year at the Fuji 6 Hour, and it's a good way to come to Australia,'' he said.

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Chooks, Bunnies set to open season

Blockbuster ... the Roosters and Rabbitohs are likely to open the 2013 season. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

The NRL is planning another blockbuster to kick-off the 2013 season on a Thursday night, but Canterbury-Bankstown boss Todd Greenberg looks unlikely to be granted his wish of a season-opening grudge match against a Sydney Roosters side containing Sonny Bill Williams.

Following a meeting of club chief executives on Thursday, the NRL announced it would kick-off the first four rounds of the season with a Thursday night fixture.

The 2013 NRL draw, including the days and times of each match for the first 20 rounds won't be finalised until mid-November, but a Roosters v South Sydney round one Thursday night showdown before a bumper crowd is looming as the ideal way to kick off the new broadcasting deal.

The two matches between the Roosters and Rabbitohs this year were among the most memorable games of the season, with both clashes between the bitter rivals being decided in the final seconds of play.

Matches between the foundation clubs have been a tradition feature of the NRL's opening round for a number of seasons now and it is understood Channel Nine and both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs are keen to continue that on the opening day of the year at Allianz Stadium.

The 2011 season began on a Friday night with another epic contest between the Rabbitohs and the Roosters, while this year started on a Thursday night with a Wayne-Bennett coached Newcastle coming up against his former club St George-Illawarra.

Greenberg had been keen for Canterbury to host an opening round match against a side containing former Bulldog Williams - who is yet to be confirmed as a Roosters signing for 2013.

Williams controversially walked out on the Bulldogs midway through the 2008 season to play rugby union in France.

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But it is increasingly unlikely to happen with the Roosters and Rabbitohs eyeing off the round one opener, in what would be a mouth-watering start to the new season.

The match is sure to be afforded star billing given the Rabbitohs fantastic season this year, and the hype surrounding Williams' probable signing with the Roosters and the acquisition at Bondi Junction of rookie coach Trent Robinson.

It is the Roosters turn to host the round one match.

New Roosters chief operating officer commercial Ted Helliar was reluctant to be drawn on a Thursday night start between the arch enemies until the draw was finalised.

But he did say: "Obviously it is the desire of both clubs to play against each other in round one as has been the case for a number of years.

"And it would be a great opportunity for the members, sponsors, players and staff of both the Roosters and the Rabbitohs to be involved in the first game of the season, no better way to kick off 2013."

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Wallabies must avoid McCaw: Kafe

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Tackle-machine ... All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been a wreaking ball against the Wallabies. Source: William West / News Limited

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has always been known as a danger around the breakdown but during The Rugby Championship he has become a tackling machine.

McCaw has attempted 80 tackles during the tournament and made a staggering 78 of them and Fox Sports rugby analyst Rod Kafer has implored the Wallabies to avoid the champion flanker.

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Speaking on Fox Sports' The Rugby Club, Kafer said the Wallabies had targeted McCaw on several occasions in recent Tests and been punished for it.

"The Wallabies have often attacked through a narrow channel - right at Richie McCaw," he said.

"They've got to think about not taking the ball at McCaw because he's not going to miss the tackle, they've got to get it out to the guys a little wider."

Kafer said McCaw dominated the breakdown through his tackling and physicality.

"He's a player who's redefined how you play the game at the breakdown," he said.

"He's so physical, he wins the collision, he knocks you down behind the game line, then he's a chance to steal the ball and we know how good a pilferer of the ball he is."

The Wallabies will attempt to break New Zealand's 17-Test winning streak when the rivals meet at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday.

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Watch the Wallabies take on the All Blacks LIVE from 8pm (EDT) on Saturday on Fox Sports 3HD.

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Earlier in the night, Australia No.8 Wycliff Palu was The Rugby Club's special guest and said it would be a tough challenge against the All Blacks.

"They're a really good side at the moment but we just have to worry about ourselves and get ourselves right," he said.

"Hopefully that will make us play well on the weekend."

"I think stopping their momentum (is key). They like to get over the advantage line, so if we can stop that it will make our job a lot easier.

"It's going to be won and lost up front and this week is no different. All the boys have talked about it and come Saturday we'll see what happens."

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Trade Wrap D10: Stevens, Tippett, Young

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Trade ... Get all your AFL trade week news here. Source:FOX SPORTS

We keep you up to date with the latest offers, moves and rumours doing the rounds in the AFL trade period.

The AFL free agency period runs from 9am October 1 to 5pm, October 19.

The AFL trade period runs from 9am October 8 to 2pm, October 26.

Got a whisper? Leave it below.

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DAY NINE: Jurrah, Brown, Warnock

DAY EIGHT: Ray, Giles, Gillies

DAY FIVE: Rodan, Murphy, Dawes

DAY FOUR: Dawes, Gumbleton, Young

DAY THREE: Moloney, Caddy, Giles

DAY TWO: Fevola, Caddy, Gilham

DAY ONE: Monfries, Lake, Tippett

ESSENDON EXPECT GUMBY TO SIGN
Essendon expect Scott Gumbleton to sign a new deal this week and remain with the Bombers despite interest from a number of clubs. Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and Melbourne have enquired about Gumbleton. While a contract hasn't been signed yet, Essendon are confident a commitment from Gumbleton isn't far away. The Bombers also expire David Hille will sign a deal that is currently before him.

BOMBERS HAVE INTEREST IN EAGLE
Essendon are interested in luring Victorian-raised midfielder Koby Stevens from West Coast but not at the current asking price. The Bombers have discussed Stevens with the Eagles but, to this point, haven't been able to broker a deal. The Eagles must construct a trade for the 21-year-old in the trade window or risk losing the talented on-baller for nothing in the draft. The Bombers, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs are said to be looking at Stevens. The Bombers, meanwhile, have ruled out bringing in Hawthorn wingman Clinton Young due to a lack of room in the salary cap.

PLENTY STILL ON MELBOURNE RADAR
Melbourne have not closed the door on attracting Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton. The Demons have added Chris Dawes in their active off-season. The Dawes deal means Melbourne have only pick No.4 in the first 50 selections in the national draft. But more kids aren't the aim for Mark Neeld. "We think we've got enough kids," Neeld said. Neeld said that the Dees remained interested in North Melbourne's Cameron Pedersen and Gumbleton, although it was unlikely they'll have space for both players.

DEMONS NOT DONE WITH YET
Melbourne have been one of the most active players so far in the trade window and still have work to do, says list manager Tim Harrington. The Demons have brought in Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes and traded for boom 17-year-old Jesse Hogan. The Demons are waiting on a decision from veteran Jared Rivers, who is being courted by Geelong, but haven't given up on keeping the NAB Rising Star winner. North Melbourne utility Cameron Pedersen and St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray remain on the Melbourne radar. Ray, however, is said to be leaning towards sticking with the Saints.

MAGPIES UNLIKELY TO LAND YOUNG
Collingwood have all but ruled out luring Hawthorn running machine Clinton Young. Young, 26, was linked with the Magpies as well as Brisbane Lions, Essendon and Port Adelaide. But Magpies football director Geoff Walsh said Collingwood were probably done for the trade period. Collingwood and Melbourne reached an agreement which sees struggling forward Chris Dawes become a Demon. In return, the Magpies, who had picks No.17 and No.18, also snared pick No.20 and No.45 for the November 22 draft. Collingwood parted with Pick.58. "I think we're pretty much done and dusted," Walsh told SEN. "We'll be happy to go to the draft with three selections in the top group, so we're pretty satisfied."

LEVI WON'T BE LEAVING: KANGAS
Forgotten North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood is still wanted by the Kangaroos. North Melbourne football manager Donald McDonald told the club's website that the stocky 23-year-old wanted to make amends for a disappointing 2012 campaign. And the Kangaroos are keen for him to do that at Arden Street. The South Australian had been linked with a return to his home state but that's not on the cards. "Very much," McDonald said when asked if Greenwood was still wanted by coach Brad Scott. "He's the first to admit he had a disappointing season and will do everything to improve."

POWER, KANGAS READY TO TALK
North Melbourne goalsneak Matt Campbell could be a part of Port Adelaide's compensation for promising defender Ben Jacobs. With North hopeful of luring Jacobs to Arden Street, Campbell looms as a likely candidate to return to South Australia after he was put on the trade table by the Kangaroos. After delisting David Rodan and Simon Phillips last week, Port are left with just one - injury-prone Cameron Hitchcock - genuine small forward on their senior list. Campbell, who has played 82 AFL matches since being rookie-listed in 2006, would not only add valuable goalscoring ability for the Power but also great leg speed.

TIPPETT NOT KEEN ON GWS TALKS
Kurt Tippett remains in control of his plan to be a Sydney Swan by declaring he will not join Greater Western Sydney, reports Michelangelo Rucci. The Adelaide Advertiser scribe says as much as Adelaide can get a better deal from the Giants than Sydney, Tippett has the right to veto any trade the Crows conjure before next Friday's deadline. The Giants have declared that they are willing to offer Tippett his much-wanted lifestyle change to Sydney by offering to hand Adelaide anything but their No.1 draft pick for the 25-year-old Queenslander. Greater Western Sydney's early draft picks are far more tempting to the Crows than Sydney's offers of a second-round draft pick or out-of-favour ruckman-forward Jesse White. But they are a wasted offer while Tippett remains steadfast on becoming a Swan. Tippett's Brisbane-based manager Peter Blucher questioned GWS's interest in Tippett. "We've had no contact from the Giants ... and it doesn't matter because Kurt has chosen to be with the Sydney Swans," he said. "I remain supremely confident a deal will be done. The Adelaide and Sydney football clubs are two good groups - they will work it out."

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Clubs to get their TV cash

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Cash ... NRL clubs will soon receive the promised $500,000 TV rights bonus. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

NRL clubs will receive their sustainability grants from the ARL Commission on Thursday after a $30 million funding payment was negotiated with the Nine Network.

Clubs were each promised $500,000 before October 31, but were told this week to expect delays by the ARLC who were still waiting to be paid by Nine.

But after the network avoided administration on Wednesday when Nine Entertainment chief David Gyngell thrashed out a deal with lenders, the funds were transferred to the ARLC and will be in clubs' bank accounts by Thursday.

"From the moment we signed the heads of agreement with our broadcast partners we've been working towards providing this payment to the clubs,'' ARLC interim chief executive Shane Mattiske said.

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"This afternoon we reached a point where Nine was sufficiently comfortable to make the payment.

"This is just the start of the benefits the new broadcast rights deal will provide to the game's stakeholders over the term of the agreement but it's a significant step for the clubs.''

Given Nine's parlous financial state, the commission demanded an up-front $80m payment before signing off on the joint billion dollar broadcast deal with Fox Sports in August.

The news comes at a perfect time for Mattiske, who will host the monthly meeting with club CEOs on Thursday morning in Sydney.

However, he's certain to be grilled by club chiefs about the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement talks with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).

Clubs are desperate to discover how much they'll have to work with under the new salary cap, which cannot be locked in until the two parties reach a compromise.

The new billion dollar broadcast deal will facilitate an increase to the current $4.4m cap, but the two parties are believed to be some way away from signing off on a deal.

The RLPA want a dramatic increase for representative payments to players and to raise the minimum wage from $55,000 as part of the agreement.

"I was hoping to know more after the meeting, as it will make things a lot easier to budget for,'' Canberra CEO Don Furner said.

"The RLPA are working on a new EBA, but I know Steve Noyce was involved - he's now left the Roosters - and Richo (South Sydney CEO Shane Richardson) is overseas. So I am not too sure what the situation is.''

North Queensland CEO Peter Jourdain is also keen to find out so he can begin his task of keeping his big-name stars who are off-contract at the end of 2013.

Johnathan Thurston, Matt Bowen, Matt Scott, James Tamou, Dallas Johnson and Brent Tate are among the 20 Cowboys players who are chasing new deals.

"We've been given a fair indication of what the cap will be,'' Jourdain said.

"We have another year to go with most of this group and we're hopeful we can keep them.''

RLPA chairman David Garnsey said he's hopeful of rubber-stamping an agreement by October 31, but said the association would not be rushed.

"It's not like a football game, there's no halftime and fulltime,'' Garnsey said.

"We're working nominally to a October 31 deadline, makes sense as that's when the current agreement ends.

"We'll be resuming our talks in the near future.''

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I love Mancini: Balotelli

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Striker ... Mario Balotelli expresses his love for Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Source: Antonio Calanni / AP

Mario Balotelli has declared his love for his Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini but appears less impressed with others at the Barclays Premier League club.

The Italy forward, who was on target for the Azzurri against Denmark, revealed his relationship with his club manager remains strong despite reports he may leave England.

Balotelli told Rai Sport: "With Mancini all goes well, we have a good relationship even though someone always tries to put discord among us. We love each other."

"I am fine at Manchester City even though there are people who like to talk in the newspapers, instead of saying certain things to my face. I do not give a damn."
Mario Balotelli Quotes of the week

But the 22-year-old suggested he did not welcome the remarks of football administrator Brian Marwood who accused him of being a poor role-model.

Balotelli added: "I'm fine at Manchester City even though there are people who like to talk in the newspapers, instead of saying certain things to my face. I don't give a damn."

The former Inter man was in fine form for Cesare Prandelli's Italy side against the Danes on his return to San Siro, scoring one and setting up Riccardo Montolivo for another in a 3-1 win.

"I felt shivers returning to San Siro," he said. "This is the most beautiful stadium. If it was full it would have been even better.

"With the national team and with City I'm getting better in terms of work-rate and commitment. I always try to be humble."

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8172292/Manchester-City-forward-Mario-Balotelli-hails-relationship-with-Roberto-Mancini

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Brits want sanctions for Serbia

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Not on ... Danny Rose (R) was left incensed after he was racially taunted by the Serbian crowd. Source:AP

The British government wrote to UEFA President Michel Platini on Wednesday demanding "tough sanctions" against Serbia following the racial abuse of England players by fans during an ill-tempered under-21 match.

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Abuse was hurled at the England players throughout Tuesday's game in the Serbian city of Krusevac, with monkey chants heard in the stadium.

After England's 1-0 victory, which secured qualification for the 2013 European Under-21 Championship, scuffles broke out between fans, players and coaching staff.

Serbia had previously been warned by Platini that ongoing crowd trouble at matches is risking its teams being banned from European competitions.

The English FA reported a "number of incidents of racism" to UEFA immediately after the match, and that was followed by sports minister Hugh Robertson writing to Platini on Wednesday "urging them to investigate immediately."

Downing Street said that British Prime Minister David Cameron was "appalled by the scenes" and wants UEFA to impose "tough sanctions" against Serbia's football body.

"We are determined to stamp out racism overseas and at home and we are giving full backing to the FA's complaint," said Cameron's spokesman, Steve Field.

"If we are going to stamp out racism from football then it is no good handing out derisory fines as has happened in the past."

In a reference to a much-criticised suggestion by FIFA President Sepp Blatter last year, Field said: "It is no good telling players to shake hands and forget about it."

England defender Danny Rose complained on Wednesday that trouble had been brewing throughout the evening.

He was sent off after the final whistle following apparent provocation, gesturing to the crowd that he was racially abused.

"The monkey chanting started long before I got sent off," Rose told British broadcaster Sky Sports.

"After 60 minutes my head wasn't really on the game. They have to be banned. I don't understand how else they can learn from it. They have to be banned."

Rose said he complained to assistant coach Steve Wigley about problems when the team went out to warm-up before the game.

"They started the monkey chanting straight away. I asked the lads if they could hear it and they said they could hear it," Rose said.

"Halfway through the warm-up I went to 'Wigs,' the assistant manager, and told him what was happening. He said I had to try my best to get through it and they would deal with it straight away after the game.

"In the first half I went down to get the ball for a throw-in and the fans started again with the monkey chants, but the first half was nowhere near as bad as the second half.

"In the second half I had two stones hit me on the head when I went to get the ball for a throw-in. Every time I touched the ball there was monkey chanting again."

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Ioane may join long injury list

In doubt ... Ioane is battling a knee injury and may miss Bledisloe III. Source: News Limited

The Wallabies most potent attacking weapon, Digby Ioane, is in doubt for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash which is being viewed as anything but a dead-rubber by the trans-Tasman arch-rivals.

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Destructive winger Ioane is struggling with a lingering knee problem following the 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario, is a serious concern for an Australia outfit desperate to end the high-flying All Blacks' 14-month winning streak.

New Zealand head into the Brisbane encounter aiming to equal their record of 17 consecutive Test victories by continuing a roll which started after the last trans-Tasman clash in Brisbane.

That night the Wallabies triumphed 25-20 to claim the Tri Nations but fortunes have wickedly reversed since and injury-ravaged Australia will start rank underdogs against an outfit near the peak of their powers.

Despite being without more than half of his best side, coach Robbie Deans refuses to accept it's Mission Impossible and says his players are buoyed by a "great" opportunity to upset the world champions.

"We will give it everything," he said.

"We respect them as a team but we also respect what we're doing and it's something that really excites the group and we're looking forward to it.

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"It's important to us.

"(New Zealand) will obviously be very proud of (their streak) but it's not a motivation for us - we've got reason enough."

The potential loss of Ioane would be a major blow as he's the line-breaking threat the All Blacks would fear most.

The 31-Test flyer - who crossed for the match-winning try against the Pumas - saw out the match in Rosario but pulled up sore after carrying severe bruising into the game from a heavy knock in the 31-8 loss to South Africa the week before.

Ioane will be fully assessed on Monday and the report could determine where stalwart utility Adam Ashley-Cooper returns to the backline after overcoming his sickening head knock against the Springboks.

Ashley-Cooper's availability makes for a welcome selection dilemma as rookie trio Ben Tapuai, Nick Cummins and Mike Harris all performed strongly against the Pumas.

Forever a Mr Fix-It, Ashley-Cooper would prefer to stay at outside centre - which would come at the expense of Tapuai - but did play both wing and fullback in the opening two Bledisloe losses - 27-19 in Sydney and 22-0 in Auckland.

"We're waiting to hear on Digby and then we'll go from there once it comes clear," Deans said.

Dom Shipperley and the returning Drew Mitchell (ankle) would also be in the frame to start if Ioane fails to recover.

Like the unexpected prospect of rushing back Mitchell, Deans did not rule out selecting No.8 Wycliff Palu who last played in the three-Test whitewash of Wales in June.

Watch Bledisloe III Live and in stunning HD on Fox Sports!

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Save of the Week - R2

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Great save ... Kennedy's reflex effort was good enough to get Bozza's nod. Source:News Limited

All the post-match talk may have been about Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero but the Sydney FC-Newcastle Jets clash also produced the Hungry Jack's Save of the Week for round two.

While Del Piero and Heskey both put their names on the scoresheet with fine goals, it was Jets gloveman Ben Kennedy who featured in one of the crucial moments of the closing stages.

With Sydney on the hunt for a late equaliser striker Krunoslav Lovrek sent a thunderous shot towards Kennedy, who palmed the ball away with a wonderful reflex block.

"As usual there were some fantastic saves over the weekend," Fox Sports football commentator Mark Bosnich said.

"But the save from Lovrek, when he turned and volleyed at a very important time in the game – this would have made it three-all – it was great reflex save and up very quickly.

"So this week's Hungry Jack's Save of the Week – Mr Ben Kennedy."

Do you agree with Bozza? Watch the video at the top of the page and have your say by leaving a comment below!

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'Ange needs to re-think tactics'

Style ... Mark Bosnich says Ange Postecoglou may have to re-think the Victory's tactics. Source: Jono Searle / News Limited

Fox Sports' Mark Bosnich says new coach Ange Postecoglou might have to reconsider Melbourne Victory's playing style following their 5-0 hammering at the hands of Brisbane Roar. Read Bozza and Jason Culina's full review of round two of the A-League.

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Adelaide United 1 defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 0 at Hindmarsh Stadium

There was one of the best goals of the A-League round in this match, with the reverse pass to play to Jerónimo Neumann in for Adelaide United a thing of beauty. The Argentine made some smart runs and caused Wanderers a lot of problems all night. The performance of former Sydney FC player Iain Ramsey was another highlight for the Reds. He showed great composure in setting up the winner for the Argentine. To come inside and make that pass, when many other players would rush the play, was great to see. He used his pace well out wide and was very hard to contain. It was also another clean sheet for the Reds, Kossie will be stoked with that. Not the worst result for Wanderers. They'll be a better side with the experience under their belt.

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Sydney FC 2 defeated by Newcastle Jets 3 at Allianz Stadium

Jason Culina says: Based on the first half I would say Newcastle deserved to win in a really entertaining game in front of a huge crowd. Sydney gave away a couple of scrappy goals which they won't be happy about. In the end they left their comeback just a bit too late. Alessandro Del Piero's brilliant free kick gave the Sky Blues some momentum, but that was taken away when Emile Heskey put the Jets ahead again. There were certainly positives for the home side though. The last 30 minutes was great, the team was pushing forward well. It wasn't the best result but there is plenty to be happy about heading into the derby next weekend.

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Brisbane Roar 5 defeated Melbourne Victory 0 at Suncorp Stadium

New coach Ange Postecoglou has made his name playing a certain philosophy at the Roar, which he is now trying to ingrain in the Victory players. It will take time to bed in, it didn't happen overnight at Brisbane Roar. The coach will need to sit down and decide if he wants to persist playing out from the back at all costs or maybe mix up his tactics with the players he has at his disposal. When it got to about 3-0 I noticed a few Victory players shy away. That was disappointing. Not just a few, probably most of the team really. This loss will sting the Victory, and so it should. When you're talking about 5-0, that's pride at stake.

Jason Culina says: The Victory were missing a few players, but they have plenty of other good quality players and people expect better than a 5-0 loss. Brisbane are a very good side though. The Roar's motivation is to keep winning. They're enjoying themselves and banging goals in. They're a brilliant team to watch.

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Melbourne Heart 1 drew with Wellington Phoenix 1 at AAMI Park

This was a case of one incident totally changing the game. Melbourne Heart were outstanding in the first half, but they were made to pay for not taking their chances. One of the things that makes football so attractive is that it can turn in one second. That's what happened with Simon Colosimo's handball, which was the right decision. Heart will be disappointed, there were three points there for the taking. I'm a big fan of Aziz Behich. He's got pace and skill. It was brilliant work to set up Matt Thompson's goal. It's about time the left back gets his chance for the Socceroos.

Jason Culina says: Simon Colosimo certainly handled the ball and he gave the referee no choice. It left the Heart a bit short, but all-in-all it was probably a fair result with the points shared.

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Central Coast Mariners 1 defeated Perth Glory 0 at Bluetongue Stadium

The first half was poor with both sides cancelling each other out. The second half really picked up and Graham Arnold made the change that turned him into a super-coach, brining on Daniel McBreen, who went on to net the winner. The Mariners have two clean sheets in two games now - they are a very difficult side to break down.

Jason Culina says: It's a difficult time to play at Bluetongue as the sun is coming down. The sun and heat can be an issue for players. I tipped the Glory to be up there at the end of the season. They're a tough team to face - they are very experienced. Any team with the likes of Jacob Burns and Liam Miller is going to be hard to beat. They'll bounce back.

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Tigers down Redbacks in Ryobi Cup

Day to remember ... Krejza starred with both bat and ball to lead the Tigers to victory. Source: News Limited

Tasmanian Jason Krejza followed a batting cameo with a star showing with the ball as the Tigers downed South Australia by three runs in Sunday's Ryobi Cup match in Adelaide.

ODD - Adelaide Oval

14 October 2012 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

D. Christian	81	98	6	1	82.65
J. Haberfield	0	0	0	0	0
B. Laughlin	9.5	0	46	2	4.68

Chasing 222 to win, the Redbacks were bowled out for 218 with one ball remaining.

Krejza claimed four wickets after earlier smacking three sixes in a vital 33 in the Tigers' 9-221 from 50 overs.

Krejza's return with the bat was the second-highest contribution in Tasmania's innings behind Ricky Ponting's top score of 47.

But Krejza's feats with the ball, taking 4-35 from 10 overs, proved match defining despite a sterling knock from SA all-rounder Dan Christian.

Christian made an unbeaten 81 but couldn't conjure victory when needing 11 runs from Ben Laughlin's final over.

SA were in relative comfort at 1-71 in the 16th over only to lose five wickets in the next 20 overs.

But from 6-143 in the 37th over, Christian paced the chase despite frequently losing partners, only to ultimately fall short.

Earlier, Ponting was in fine touch before falling to a freakish catch when just short of a half-century.

The ex-Australia captain drove a Jake Haberfield delivery straight, hard and head high, and the paceman instinctively stuck out his right hand on his follow through.

The ball whacked into Haberfield's hand, popping out of his initial grasp before lobbing up and falling softly into his hands.

Ponting stood bewildered for about 30 seconds - either in disbelief at the catch, or at bunch of bees surrounding Haberfield as he delivered the wicket ball.

Ponting, who struck three boundaries and two sixes in his 63-ball knock, was the sole batsman in Tasmania's top six to pass 20.

The Tigers instead relied on handy late order contributions from Krejza and James Faulkner (32).

Redbacks skipper Johan Botha claimed 3-43 and paceman Daniel Worrall took two wickets on debut for SA.

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