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Folau linked to Waratahs move

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 01 Desember 2012 | 18.49

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Another twist ... Folau has now been linked with a move to Super Rugby with the Waratahs. Source:News Limited

New South Wales Waratahs have emerged as a shock home possibility for code-hopper Israel Folau.

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The former Australia rugby league international quit AFL's Greater Western Sydney Giants last month, claiming he wanted to return to the NRL with Parramatta.

But after stunning Eels management on Friday with the announcement he would not join them for the 2013 season or beyond - despite the club and the NRL agreeing on a deal that would fit within Parramatta's salary cap - Super Rugby are believed to have emerged as the frontrunners for his services.

The Eels are furious, believing Folau used them as a stepping stone to rugby union where the Waratahs have firmed as favourites to win his signature.

Folau has always maintained he wanted to continue to live and play in Sydney where he is close to his church and his mates, giving Super Rugby battlers NSW - who ended the 2012 season on an eight-game losing streak - the inside running.

His acquisition would give the ailing Waratahs, who have struggled for crowds and media space in an increasingly crowded market, a real boost.

"Are the Waratahs on the cards? Definitely ...", a source close to Folau's camp told AAP.

After struggling to adapt to life in the AFL, Folau's undoubted talents would seemingly translate easily to the 15-a-side game.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has signalled his intention to return the side to a running brand of rugby and Folau's speed and agility would be a huge asset there.

It is understood Folau could make significantly more in Super Rugby than he would have with the Eels.

But the deal is far from signed and sealed with Queensland Reds and European rugby also possible landing places for Folau.


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As it happened: AUS v SA, T3, D2

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In a hurry ... Amla was in fine form at the WACA. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

A day of total domination sees South Africa take a 292 run lead at stumps on day two of the third Test against Australia at the WACA.

The tourists rolled Australia for just 163 and then amassed an incredible 230 at more than six runs an over.

Relive the action by reading our INTERACTIVE blog below, and make sure you log on for coverage of day three from 1.15pm (EDT) on Sunday.

Join the conversation by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

Don't forget that foxsports.com.au users have the chance to quiz legendary spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan simply by emailing your question to blogs@foxsports.com.au before midday Sunday (EDT). Send in your question for Murali now!

You can also check out all the stats, pitch maps and wagon wheels at our Cricket Match Centre.


3rd Test - WACA Ground

30 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Africa 2nd Innings

H. Amla 99 84 10 0 117.86
J. Kallis 17 24 3 0 70.83
J. Hastings 8 0 47 0 5.88

Latest comments (all times AEDT):

2110: OK, that will just about do us for our LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of day two of the third Test. This was a day of total domination from South Africa, and Michael Clarke's men will need every ounce of their fighting spirit to claw back some momentum tomorrow. Join us as we find out if that's possible when day three gets underway at the WACA. We'll start the live coverage at 1.15pm (EDT) on Sunday. Until then, this is Antony Pinshaw signing off from Fox Sports Blog HQ.

2107: After what is ultimately a rather depressing day of cricket for Aussie fans, we'll end on a (somewhat) uplifting note, starting with Stan of Stanmore: Anyone knocking the selectors and the bowlers - like Cricket Tragic of SCG - is unAustralian and has never watched cricket. They are in there having a red-hot go - we are still a real chance of winning this. Our batting line-up with Warner, Cowan, Clarke, Punter and Hussey are capable of anything - they are all sensational. Stop being negative and get behind this extraordinary Aussie team!

And Tragic of newcastle says: Those bagging the bowlers have got this all wrong. It's the batsmen that have let us down. This wicket was always going to get better. If we had a few more wickets up our sleeves for the afternoon session, it would be us out there cashing in right now.

2101: STUMPS (SA 2-230, Amla 99*, Kallis 17*) Well that was a day of Test cricket that showed just why South Africa are the No.1 side in the world. From the very first over when Steyn removed Warner, it has been total domination from the Proteas, and they take an amazing 292 run lead into day three of the match.

2100: Amla paddles the last ball of the day to square leg and takes off hoping for a two to get him to his hundred, but can only manage a single and he'll finish the day on 99! SA 2-230

2057: CLOSE! Wow, Amla really wants his hundred tonight! He tries to swat Hastings over mid-off but doesn't quite get hold of it and it only just falls short of the fielder. Calm down, Hashim!

2055: Parko of Queanbeyan says: I blame the selectors and the change in the Blog Host - jinxed us. Bring back the Trentster!

Antony says: Parko, you do know how to break my heart! I'm gutted. But I will pass on your message to Trent.

2052: FOUR! Kallis plays a classic cover drive off Starc and it races to the boundary, all the way along the carpet. FOUR! Aw, I think that one was even better! It wasn't even a genuine half-volley but Kallis had no problem cover driving it for four again. SA 2-227

2049: Bluey of Sydney says: The Saffers must think their playing 20/20 and what the hell happened to the pitch its become more of a road than Adelaide.

Antony says: The pitch is far from a road. The score is a result of excellent batting and poor, inconsistent bowling.

2045: DROPPED! Oh no, Lyon has gone from hero to villain! Kallis drives one in the air to Lyon at cover, but this time he loses his footing slightly and puts the catch down. They really needed that one.

2042: Looks like the Aussie fans are turning on the bowlers after today's performance. Cam of Brisbane says: Can anyone now honestly say Hastings was a better pick than Ben Cutting in this team? Cutting is quick and bowls with intensity and aggression and can rout a team. Johnson looks good but needs support.

Bowling the real problem says: Our bowling attack is average in this match. Leaking runs like a leaky boat. Need Bird and maybe even Copeland to balance the attack. Desperately need Pattinson back. Johnson has been ok but Starc and Hastings have been terrible. What happened to economical pace bowlers in test cricket? The match is for 5 days boys! Trying to bowl super quick, wide, short and overpitched. McGrath was great because he always hit a good length with his height. Keep the pressure on! I think our bowling is more of a concern then the batting.

2036: FOUR! Well Smith's wicket hasn't slowed Amla down, as he plays a nice pull shot in front of square that runs to the boundary. Amla is on 96 now. SA 2-210

2033: WICKET! (Smith 84, c Lyon b Starc, SA 2-206) What an unbelievable catch! Just when it looked like all hope was lost for Australia, Smith skies a hook shot off Starc and Nathan Lyon takes an absolute screamer running in from the mid-wicket boundary, diving forward at full stretch. Australia needed something special, and they got it!

2029: CLOSE! FOUR! Well that was risky. Amla goes for the big straight drive over the bowlers head, he doesn't quite get hold of it but it goes far enough to just elude mid-off and long-on, and bounces over the boundary rope. A couple of balls later, Smith whips Lyon to the boundary for another four. SA 1-205

2025: FOUR! Smith just keeps on keeping on, as he latches onto a short and wide ball from Starc and crunches it to the point boundary. SA 1-194

2023: abigail says: This is what happens when you select the second string bowlers. They bowl well occasionally, but have no consistancy and don't have the disicpline or control to hold a good side. I think the selectors will now realise that their bowling stocks aren't as good as they thought they were. Bowlers (and batsmen) should not be rewarded with Australian selection on the basis of one good Shield performance.

Antony says: To be fair to the selectors, Hastings has taken 22 wickets in his last five Shield games, while Starc was in very good form in T20 cricket as well as the Shield. But I agree re: the lack of consistency - Australia desperately needs someone like Pattinson or Siddle just to dry up the runs.

2020: Check out the picture below - look who was at the cricket! (At least it's a brief distraction for Aussie fans from what's happening out in the middle)

2015: CLOSE! That's good bowling from Johnson! Coming around the wicket to the left-handed Smith, Johnson gets on to keep going straight and it beats the outside edge. He needs to bowl more balls like that.

2013: Terry of Sunny Coast has a different answer for Mark of Melbourne: So that's it Mark, the games' over? Wait and see how the game pans' out. Glad l never played in your team. A third of the way through and your giving up. This wicket will only get better to bat on in the next couple of days'. Back Australia now while the price is good..

2009: Speaking of Twenty20 cricket, guess how many runs South Africa have scored in the last 20 overs? 100? 120? Try 150 runs. Incredible.

2007: Sam of Sydney responds to Mark of Melbourne: hate to state the obvious, but the reason we didn't win in Adelaide is because we couldn't take 20 wickets. There's your answer.

2003: APPEAL! Well that was out of nowhere. Amla punches one to Ponting at mid-wicket, and Punter throws down the stumps at the non-strikers end in a flash! Unfortunately for Australia, Smith had made it back into the crease. NOT OUT. FOUR! And just to rub salt into the wound, Amla smashes the next ball over cover for another boundary. This is like a Twenty20 game here. SA 1-174

2002: FOUR! Nathan Lyon replaces Hussey, but it makes no difference, as the first ball of the over is driven through cover for four.

1957: FOUR! And not on that evidence either. Hussey bowls it too short and Amla pulls it in front of mid-wicket for four. SA 1-160

1954: After the players have a drink, it's Michael Hussey who comes into the attack. Can Mr Cricket geta  breakthrough? WIDE! Not on that evidence. Hussey bowls a very wide one in anticipation of Smith walking across his stumps, but the batsman doesn't move and the ball is called a wide. SA 1-154

1949: Mark of Melbourne says: How frustrating, have the number 1 team completely outplayed for the majority of this series yet one bad innings with bat and ball will result in a 1-0 loss for us. God knows why we didn't win in Adelaide despite completely dominating South Africa, we've been the best team for the most of this series but it doesn't matter if you can't put the other team away.

Antony says: And that, in a nutshell, is what sets Test cricket apart from the shorter forms of the game.

1945: CLOSE! That is sensational work in the field from Ponting. Smith looked to be cruising for a single but Ponting picked the ball up at gully, turned, and threw the stumps down pretty much in one motion. Smith makes it home, but not by much. Now Johnson comes back to bowl.

1941: FIFTY! Amla cuts a ball from Hastings for a single, and that brings up his 50 off just 37 balls! Can you believe that? He's supposed to be a slow, classic Test batsman.

1938: APPEAL! Just when all hope looks lost, Starc gives Australia a lifeline! Or does he? Smith is hit high on his back pad, the Aussies appeal, and umpire Asad Rauf gives it OUT! But Smith goes for the REVIEW straight away and Hawkeye shows the ball is going over the stumps and the decision is reversed. NOT OUT! Australia really needed that one.

1936: FOUR! Starc gives Smith a bit of width and the South African plays a nice late cut past gully for four, and that brings up his FIFTY! FOUR! Just for good measure, he straight drives the next ball to four. FOUR! Why not hit three in a row? This time it's a cut shot through the covers. This is poor bowling, and this situation is getting out of hand for Australia. SA 1-131

1933: mick of The Mountans says: I think we're about to see why South Africa are the number one side in the world !

Antony says: We've seen glimpses throughout the series, but today we saw the real deal.

1930: FOUR! John Hastings replaces Lyon, and induces a loose shot out of Amla. The South African goes for a big cover drive but slices it and the ball ends up going over point for four. That was lucky for Amla. SA 1-119

1927: FOUR! Starc bowls a relatively controlled over but his one loose ball is punished by Smith, who gets a thick edge off a cover drive that sees the ball fly past gully for four. SA 1-115

1920: My colleague Jason Marsh (who by the way is from England - not that there's anything wrong with that) has these words for worried Aussie fans: It's still only day two, and the difference between the scores still isn't that big. It's still anyone's game.

Antony says: You know things are bad when an Englishman starts telling you things aren't that bad. Now I'm worried!

1917: CLOSE! Amla goes for the quick single, John Hastings runs in from mid-off and throws down the stumps at the non-striker's end, but Amla was home safely.

1915: FOUR! Another boundary, this time off the bowling of Lyon, as Smith plays a nice late cut. CLOSE! But the next ball says Smith get an edge and it nearly deflects back onto his stumps. A slight bit of promise for Lyon there. SA 1-102

1912: Yep you guessed it, it's another FOUR! Watson drops short to Smith and the Proteas skipper cuts it to the point boundary. Smith has raced to 34 off 48 balls, and Amla's on 30 off just 22! SA 1-93

1908: FOUR! Shane Watson comes into the attack in place of Hastings, but the result is the same - four runs. Watson pitches up and Amla drives it straight back past the bowler, all the way along the ground. SA 1-84

1904: FOUR! Well the procession of boundaries continues, with Johnson offering up a full and wide one to Amla, and the South African slashing a square drive to the boundary. Now we're going to see Nathan Lyon bowl. Clarke's hand was pretty much forced by his pacemen.

1859: Sam B of NSW says: Australia have to stop allowing so many runs here! We're letting the game get away from us!

Antony says: I agree Sam - South Africa already lead by over 130, which we know is worth quite a bit more than that on this pitch.

1857: FOUR! Wow! Hastings bowls a good ball just outside off stump, but Smith is walking across his stumps virtually every ball and he flicks this one wide of the man at fine leg for four. FOUR! Now it's Amla that hits a boundary, smashes a cut shot past a diving David Warner. Hastings is having some problems. SA 1-71

1854: FOUR! Yet another boundary for South Africa - Australia are losing the momentum here, and fast. Smith whips a loose one from Johnson to the square leg boundary. The Aussies need to stem the flow of runs. SA 1-59

1851: FOUR! Johnson drops a bit short and offers too much width, and Amla crunches it through cover for four. The runs are flowing for South Africa now. SA 1-52

1848: FOUR! That's a nice shot from Smith. He flicks a full ball from Hastings past the man at square leg and it runs all the way to the boundary. The Proteas skipper looks to have got through his shaky stage now. SA 1-48

1841: FOUR! Amla flicks his first ball off his hip but can only get a faint edge, and it goes just past the oustretched arm of Wade. SA 1-40 

1839: FOUR! That's two boundaries in a row from Smith. He continues his tactics of walking across his stumps and this time flicks it along the ground through mid-wicket. SA 1-36

1837: John Hastings comes into the attack now, with the new batsman Hashim Amla at the non-striker's end. CLOSE! From the second ball of the over, Graeme Smith chops one back onto his foot. That looked headed for the stumps for a second. FOUR! Smith follows it up with a nice off-drive for four. SA 1-32

1834: WICKET! (Petersen 23, c&b Johnson, SA 1-28) What a catch from Johnson off his own bowling! He bowls a straight one to Petersen that catches a leading edge and balloons into the air, and Johnson sprints down the pitch before diving full length and taking a very good catch. That's the wicket Australia wanted.

1829: We're almost ready for the start of the third session at the WACA, and it will be Mitchell Johnson, who has replaced Shane Watson, to bowl to Petersen.

1823: ZSM of Brisbane says: Both these South African openeners should buy a lottery ticket tonight. Ridiculously lucky.

Antony says: I agree ZSM, they have been very lucky, but then again they say you make your own luck. Michael Clarke has had his fair share of luck this year.

1818: Just a final reminder to send in your questions for Murali. That's right, THE MURALI! They must be in before midday tomorrow! You can email them to blogs@foxsports.com.au now.

1811: TEA (SA 0-24, Petersen 21*, Smith 2*) That's the end of the second session on day two, one that South Africa would be delighted with. After a bit of resistance from Wade and Hastings, the Proteas cleaned up the Aussie tail and then made it to tea without losing a wicket. If they can make it to stumps with a lead of 150, it would put them way ahead with three days still remaining.

1809: mark says: I just wanna say for Consistency, Watson has had the best consistent scores along with Katich when they both opened. They always scored between 40-60. We don't need Centuries when the players always score 40. The problem with the team is that while one or two players of the top order can score centuries they can fail along with the whole team.

1806: CLOSE! FOUR! South Africa's openers are living dangerously here. Starc gets one to keep going across Petersen and it catches a thick edge, but flies past Shane Watson at third slip and ends up going for four. SA 0-22

1804: FOUR! Petersen opens the face and runs one down through the slips for four, but it was in the air for a little while. Australia won't mind that. SA 0-18

1802: APPEAL! Yet another lbw appeal against Smith, this time off the bowling of Starc, but once again the ruling is not out, and it's correct, with the ball going well over the stumps once more. But the fact remains Smith is shaky at the moment.

1759: APPEAL! Watson hits Smith on the pad and the slips cordon goes up, but the umpire says not out. That looked a bit high, and the replays confirm the ball was going well over the off stump. Good decision by Australia not to go for the review.

1755: FOUR! Starc gets one to swing back into Petersen, but it swings too far and allows the South African to flick it off his pads down to fine leg for four. SA 0-11

1752: One last word on Matt Wade from Geoff of Sydney: Some people just don't get it, it is not about "Wade Haters", at all, hats off to him for a good knock, but, he is in the Team primarily as a Wicket Keeper, and during this Series he has not Kept well. Perhaps he will get there, after all Rod Marsh had a shocker in his first few Tests, (called Iron Gloves), but he improved. At the moment, as a Keeper, Wade is probably # 3 in Australia.

1749: APPEAL! Michael Clarke pulls a surprise by opening with Shane Watson, and it almost pays off immediately! Smith tries to flick one off his hip and there's a noise on the way through to the 'keeper, but the umpire correctly says NOT OUT - the ball flicked the pad.

1747: FOUR! Petersen gets caught between going for the cover drive and leaving the ball, and ends up getting an inside edge that goes just past the diving wicketkeeper and runs away for four. Very unconvincing stroke there. SA 0-4

1744: We're ready for the start of South Africa's second innings, and Mitchell Starc kicks things off with a good ball to Alviro Petersen that the Proteas batsman defends well.

1741: mick of The Mountains says: I'd reckon they should have changed the batsmen not the bowlers!! It must be all that cash they have on there hip thats weighing them down.

Antony says: Yes, maybe it is that ... although wouldn't the cash be weighing down the bowlers as well?

1735: South Africa's openers run off the field as they prepare to bat. Australia will be disappointed with that total, which gives the tourists a lead of 62, although if it wasn't for Matthew Wade and John Hastings, it could have been a lot worse. We'll have the start of South Africa's innings in just a few minutes time.

1733: WICKET! (Hastings 32, c Petersen b Peterson, AUS 163) And that's the end of Australia's innings. Hastings goes for another heave-ho off Peterson but doesn't get enough on it and Alviro Petersen takes a very good catch on the long-off boundary - he nearly fell over the rope so he threw it back into the air and then caught the ball safely.

1731: CLOSE! Looks like Starc isn't planning on hanging around too long. He takes an ungainly swipe at a good length ball from Morkel - I think it could be called a cover drive - and misses the ball by a fair bit.

1730: Bowling man says: i would like to say where are  thepeople that said mitchell johnson wont play for the aussies again. welcome back mitchell

Antony says: I wonder if the selectors will just roll Mitch out once a year whenever the Aussie team comes to Perth?

1725: WICKET! (Johnson 7, b Peterson, AUS 9-162) Peterson has clean bowled Johnson! It was similar to Wade's wicket, the spinner gave it some flight and Johnson simply couldn't resist taking a bit swipe at the ball, but he played completely across the line and missed the ball. One wicket remains for Australia, and it's Mitchell Starc that comes to the crease.

1722: Let's see the haters.... of Sydney says: credit where credit is due, Wade's innings has saved Australia!

Antony says: I wonder if he'll receive the same plaudits as Faf did yesterday.

1716: FOUR! Graeme Smith brings the field in with Peterson bowling, and Hastings accepts the invitation and slogs it to cow corner for four. FOUR! And follows it up with just about a carbon copy the next ball. FOUR! How about three in a row? You bet! Hastings gets more bat onto this one and it bounces once before going over the mid-wicket boundary. AUS 8-161

1712: CLOSE! The next ball Johnson goes for a very loose cut shot that beats the edge. No appeal this time, but Johnson is living dangerously. And that will bring drinks onto the ground.

1710: APPEAL! Johnson waves his bat at a short and wide one from Morkel, and as the ball goes through to the keeper the Proteas go up as one appealing for caught behind. The umpire says not out, so Graeme Smith calls for a REVIEW! The replays don't appear to show an edge and the decision remains NOT OUT.

1708: Check out awesome picture below of Matt Wade playing a sweep shot, which was the shot that eventually brought about his demise.

1706: OUCH! Johnson wears another one from Morkel on the arm. Looks like Mitch has put away the pull shot for now. Oh no, I stand corrected, the very next ball Johnson goes for the big pull shot but mis-times it completely and it rolls back down the pitch.

1702: Scott Harding of Springfield Lakes says: In all honesty, there is no clear no.1 in Test cricket, regardless of the outcome of this Test. These two sides, England, India and, arguably, Pakistan should be playing a Test Championship home and away. Bottom team after two years gets relegated.

Antony says: Not a bad idea, Scott. I think many within the ICC are pushing for this but we may need to wait a while as they want to stick with their Future Tours plan for now.

1658: OUCH! Johnson wears a short one on the arm from Morkel. Maybe some payback for when the roles were reversed yesterday?

1655: WICKET! (Wade 68, b Peterson, AUS 8-140) Oh dear, Wade has gone for one big shot too many and been bowled by Peterson. It was the trusty sweep shot, but this time it wasn't so trusty for the Aussie 'keeper. In comes Mitchell Johnson - can he wind back the clock to his batting form from the last time he played South Africa?

1653: CLOSE! Peterson tempts Hastings with by adding some extra flight, and Hastings takes the bait completely and goes for a slog over mid-wicket. The ball hits the toe of the bat but luckily for Hastings it falls short of the fieldsman at point.

1649: Cam of Brisbane says: Our biggest problem is the fact our top 4 are boom or bust players. Having 1 in Marcus North was bad enough but now Warner, Cowan, Watson or Ponting will either score less than 20 or get 100. And they never fire together. We always lose 3 cheap wickets every innings. What is wrong with a solid 30 - 50 and take the shine off the new ball. We need to find some players with consistency who may not get 150 too often but can be counted on getting 40 or 50 80% of he time.

Antony says: I've noticed for a while that there is such a massive emphasis placed on hundreds these days. If a batsman averages 50, then that is what he should expect to make whenever he bats (depending on circumstances obviously). Australia's batsmen do either seem to get out early, or dig in for a big innings. The problem is, when a player like Ed Cowan consistently gets 30-40 and takes the shine off the ball, he is considered under pressure to retain his spot.

1645: FOUR! That's a nice shot from Hastings. Philander bowls it short and a touch wide, and Hastings lifts it over about fifth slip, and the ball races to the boundary. AUS 7-139

1642: CLOSE! Steyn bowls a bouncer to Wade and the Aussie keeper can't resist taking a swipe at it. It ends up being quite an ugly hook shot and he's lucky not to get any bat on it. Wade regains his composure and pushes the next ball to point for a single. AUS 7-134

1637: Rippersportspro of NSW says: The Aussies need the tail to wag badly. Hastings is no slouch with the bat, Johnson has got a Test century (against South Africa I might add) and loves batting at the WACA and Starc has shown he can bat too. Just need them to stick around a bit with Wade.

Antony says: Very good point sir. Peterson, Philander and Morkel chipped in to help du Plessis out. The Aussie tail - which is one of the strongest ones we've had in a while - will need to do the same for Wade.

1634: DROPPED! Was that a chance? Steyn bowled a wicked bouncer to Hastings, who stuck up his arm to protect his head. Replays show that the ball struck Hastings on his armguard, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway as A.B. de Villiers dropped a tough chance behind the stumps.

1630: CLOSE! Steyn gets one to cut away from Wade off the seam and it beats the Australian's bat. That was a ripper delivery.

1628: David and Jackie Taylor say: Why is Wade so selfish, he faces nearly all of the bowling from one end and leaves Hussey to face the danger...So many coaches including Arthur have talked about how important it is to turn the stike over and and get both batters moving against all of the bowlers. Even if Wade gets a century he still remains a selfish player in all forms of the game.

Antony says: That certainly is an interesting way of looking at it. If you went into the Australian dressing room and asked them to describe Wade's innings, I doubt any of them would use the word 'selfish'.

1624: CLOSE! Wow, that was almost a replay of the last time Hastings almost got run out. Once again he punches one into the covers, and once again Dean Elgar runs in and takes a throw at the stumps but once again he misses. Hastings is a lucky man.

1621: Chris of Brisbane has emailed in: I think we're seeing why South Africa are still the number one test side.  When South Africa had their backs to the wall in this series, they have dug deep and hung on.  Australia - take away Michael Clarke, and the skeletal nature of our batting line up is fully exposed.  Instead of going into the middle session of day two 100 runs in front, the Australian bowlers took their foot off the South Africans throat, and the batsmen then failed with withstand a world class attack with the wind at their back.  Mickey Arthur, you still have a way to go.

Antony says: I agree Mickey Arthur's job is far from complete, but it must be pointed out that Australia are in a very similar position to what South Africa were yesterday. If Wade can kick on like du Plessis did and get a bit of help from the tail, then this game is very much alive.

1617: Mark takes issue with Disgusted Cricket Tragic: Cricket Tragic, WORST TEAM??? AUSTRALIA HAVEN"T LOST A MATCH THIS YEAR.

Antony says: I think the Tragic has a short memory.

1615: Hastings and Wade combine to successfully negotiate the first over after lunch. Now it's Philander to take the ball from the other end.

1611: The players are making their way out into the middle for the start of the second session. Matthew Wade has a big job here, but first up it will be Hastings to face the bowling of Steyn.

1607: Disgusted Cricket Tragic of SCG ends the lunch break on a somewhat pessimistic note: I am so angry and ashamed to be an Australian. This is one of the worst Aussie teams in decades, just hopeless. Inverarity and the selectors are clueless, they know nothing, and put in duds like Cowan, Quiney (2 Tests!), Warner etc - instead of picking guys in FORM in the shield. We are getting smashed by the Saffers and England will almost certainly beat us 5-0 unless the selectors resign en-masse. Yes - the Saffer bowling line-up is sensational and world's best - but our bats should be doing way better on home soil.

1604: Don't forget that foxsports.com.au users have the chance to quiz legendary spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan simply by emailing your question to blogs@foxsports.com.au before midday Sunday (EDT). Send in your question for Murali now!

1359: Come on aussies!! of Sydney says: The pitch is looking good now! Just been good bowling... Lets hope the tail wags as well as it use to, Johnson does like batting against the saffas as well!! Wade is batting beautifully. Attacking but with great shot selection, exactly what we need!! Hope he makes a 100 and shuts people up about his position, has keeping has been great this match and now leading with the bat!!

Antony says: Many Aussie fans wouldn't have seen Wade's innings in West Indies, so he has a big chance to make a name for himself on home turf here. I hundred at the WACA would leave a lasting memory, especially in Ponting's final Test.

1553: I wonder if Matt of Brisbane will pick Hastings or Johnson in his Fantasy Big Bash side!? Make sure you register your team now to get your chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes, and bragging rights over your mates!

1547: Matt of Brisbane says: 30 minutes into today put yesterday into perspective. Steyn & Philander - fast, menacing, pitching it up, swinging it, pressure, wickets. Hastings - maybe opening the bowling in the backyard at mums (or for the Vics), but not in a "grand final" test. Johnson - tatts a plenty and pies a go-go. That guy is success poison. Despite the current doom and gloom though. Wade seems to be finding the middle of the edge, so things aren't all bad. Need a 1st innngs lead or I fear there'll be a truckload of pommies trolling the Fox comments section again.

Antony says: Are you saying Johnson didn't bowl well yesterday, Matt? I think you might be in the minority there. As for Wade ... he's hit a few in the middle of the bat as well as the edge so far. 

1539: A lot of people may not know it, but many of the players in action at the WACA will be playing some part in the Big Bash League this summer - the likes of Dale Steyn, David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis are all signed up for Big Bash teams. You can watch EVERY GAME of the Big Bash League Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports!

1535: As the players gets stuck into some food, Paul of Wyong gets stuck into the Aussie players: This test match will be over within 3-4 days we're woeful.

Antony says: I agree the Test will be over in 3-4 days, but it's far from certain who the winner will be at the end of it. Will Paul be made to eat his words in a couple of days' time?

1531: LUNCH (AUS 7-118, Wade 60*, Hastings 2*) That's the end of a session that completely belonged to South Africa. It took just a few balls for Dale Steyn to remove David Warner, and after that it was a procession of wickets as Lyon, Ponting and Clarke came and went in the blink of an eye. Hussey put up a bit of resistance but at the moment Matthew Wade looks like Australia's only saviour. Stay with us through the lunch break as we discuss all the big issues - join the conversation by sending in an email or leaving a comment at the bottom of the page!

1529: Philander will bowl the final over before lunch, with Hastings on strike. As he does that, Andre of Dubai says: As a South African, I have no love for Ricky Ponting, but I do respect what he has done for Australia and the game. When Gary Kirsten retired I watched him walk off the field with tears in my eyes, he was all intact, with Ricky it feels like Mohammad Ali coming back too often and Ricky deserves better than that !!!

Antony says: In some way I agree Andre, but you just get the feeling Punter has one last significant dig up his sleeve.

1524: FOUR! Wade goes very hard at a short one that wasn't quite wide enough to cut from Philander, but luckily he swung hard enough that his top edge goes flying over the slips and into the boundary rope. Lucky. Dale Steyn comes back into the attack. AUS 7-116

1522: CLOSE! Hastings pushes the ball to point and takes off for a quick single, and ends up having to go for the big dive to get home safely. That's his first run in Test cricket.

1520: pk of Sydney says: Dammit our saviour Imran Tahir isn't playing. Why did Robin Peterson have to play? Tahir could've given some hope to the Aussie batsmen!

Antony says: Haha well pk, Peterson does seem to be filling the Tahir role quite nicely at the moment. Wade is loving Peterson's bowling!

1517: FOUR! Great shot from Wade there, he punches one off the back foot through the covers for four. AUS 7-111

1514: CLOSE! Wade nudges one from Peterson off his hip and it almost hits Hashim Amla's hand at short leg, but just evades him.

1512: SIX! FIFTY! Yet another six from Wade off Peterson, and that brings up a much-needed 50. Once again it was from a lofted drive over wide mid-on. Wade needs to kick on now and stay with the tail. AUS 7-106 

1509: Zoro of Christchurch says: Ahahahahah, NZ's batsmen are better than Australia's! Hell even our bowlers are better! Got to love it

Antony says: Perhaps that's taking it a touch too far? I doubt many Aussies would dare say the Wallabies forwards are better than the All Blacks!

1507: WICKET! (Hussey 12, c Smith b Morkel, AUS 7-100) Just as Australia were wresting back the momentum, South Africa strike again! Morkel bowls a good length ball that moves away a fraction, Hussey edges it, and Graeme Smith does the rest at first slip. That's a big wicket for the Proteas, and brings debutant John Hastings to the crease.

1503: FOUR! Another great shot from Wade brings up the 50 partnership with Hussey. Peterson drops slightly short and Wade punches it to the cover boundary. He's on 44 off just 47 balls now. AUS 6-98

1501: Mark says: Hi Antony, Can you remind the readers/commenters that the Saffers were also 6/70s and made 225? The Saffers had Faf who is like Hussey, determined to play and score and the help of Peterson and the tail enders. Australia still have Hastings and Johnson and Johnson has shown he loves batting at the WACA.

Antony says: Very good point Mark, and I think you just reminded everyone for me!

1458: SIX! Another splendid shot from Matt Wade! He dances down the pitch to a flighted ball from Pieterson and smashes it over the long-on boundary for six. The very next ball he nearly gets himself out by top edging a sweep, but the ball doesn't reach the man at short fine leg. AUS 6-94

1455: CLOSE! Morkel digs one in short to Hussey, who gets caught in between ducking and playing a shot and ends up letting the ball hit his bat. Luckily for him, it falls short of the man at leg gully.

1454: Rippersportspro of NSW says: Familiar situation at the moment ... Hopefully Hussey can come to the rescue again like he has done a few times over the years.

Antony says: This situation just screams Mr Cricket's name - this is the kind of innings he's built for.

1450: FOUR! That's a very confident stroke from Wade. Peterson gives the ball some flight and Wade gets onto one knee and plays a cracking sweep shot that goes all the way along the deck to the square leg boundary. AUS 6-88

1447: Here's a surprising bowling change from Graeme Smith - spinner Robin Peterson comes in to bowl, replacing Philander.

1444: Mouse says: This is the real Steyn, not the imitation version we saw in the first two Tests. Fast, accurate skilful and mean. Fantastic bowler.

Antony says: I totally agree, Mouse (Mickey or Mini?). His spell this morning was absolutely devastating. Fast bowling at its best.

1440: Good fielding! Wade plays a nice pull shot that looks destined for the square leg boundary until somehow Morkel uses his Inspector Gadget arms to pull the ball back just inches from the rope. The batsmen run three. AUS 6-79

1434: And as the players have a drink after a frenetic opening hour, Paul of Wyong gets fired up: The Chairman of selectors John Inverarity and his fellow selectors have got to address our BRITTLE top order IMMEDIATELY!. I'm not convinced that Warner is made of test material. What a shocking shot knowing we were in trouble. Cowan also has to go, he puts his teammates under pressure with such a poor strike rate.

Antony says: Think that might be a bit of a knee-jerk reaction, Paul - Warner showed how effective his style can be just a week ago and Cowan showed his method works with his hundred in the first Test.

1431: FOUR! Shot! Wade crunches a cover drive off a ball that's overpitched from Morkel. The Aussie 'keeper has raced to 20 now. He nudges the next ball to square leg for two. AUS 6-73

1427: SIX! What a shot from Wade! Philander drops short and Wade absolutely crunches his hook shot, and the ball makes it all the way over the square leg rope for six. FOUR! Wade follows it up with a back foot cover drive that catches a thick edge and flies exactly to where third slip would be - but he isn't there! That was lucky for Wade. AUS 6-66

1423: FOUR! Classic cover drive from Hussey there, Steyn overpitches ever so slightly and Mr Cricket drives it beautifully between cover and mid-off. AUS 6-56

1420: Meanwhile, the debate over Warner's wicket goes on. Mark says: So how come they give Warner out but not for Smith? It's these inconsistencies that screw the game over.

Mr Cricket will do it again of WACA says: Agree even though i think warner hit the ball how come Smith exact same thing is not given out quite stupid I think.

Antony says: I agree that incosistency is the biggest problem with the DRS at the moment, but have to say that I think the decision with Warner this morning was the logical one.

1416: Morne Morkel comes into the attack in place of Philander. Hussey grabs a quick single off the first ball of the over.

1413: FOUR! Wade goes hard at a wide one from Steyn, it cathces a bit of the edge and goes through the gully for four. That was uppishly played. AUS 6-51

1411: A few thoughts on what will either be Ponting's last or second-last innings...

Parko of Queanbeyan says: Utter DISGRACE and embarrassing - what a way to send a Champion off.

jc  says: thank god it's ponting's last game. getting embarrassing!

1408: CLOSE! Wow, what a chance that was! Hussey goes for a suicide single and left Matthew Wade way short, but luckily for him Hashim Amla's throw was wide of the stumps. What was Hussey thinking? AUS 6-46

1406: It didn't happen all that long ago, but Warner's wicket is a distant memory now. Even so, here's what RB of Brisbane says: I doubt we'll see a worse shot all summer than what we saw from Warner there. Absolutely ridiculous.

Antony says: Defintiely won't be pretty viewing for Warner when he's reviewing that later on.

1403: WICKET! Clarke 5, c de Villiers b Steyn, AUS 6-45) Now Clarke is gone! What a brilliant delivery that was from Steyn, it angled in and then swung away late to catch the edge of Clarke's bat and present an easy catch the wicketkeeper. Australia are in huge trouble here, with the world's No.1 batsman back in the pavillion. In comes Matthew Wade.

1359: Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey, comes to the crease with Australia in big trouble here. Can he play another trademark match-saving innings? As an aside, I wonder if anyone else would have got away with using a review on an lbw call that was so obviously out?

1355: WICKET! (Ponting 4, lbw Philander, AUS 5-43) Oh dear, Ponting has been given out! The ball hit him flush on the pad and looked to be hitting middle and off. The umpire had no hesitation giving it out but after consulting with Clarke, Ponting calls for the REVIEW! But the replay shows it was hitting middle stump and was absolutely plumb.

1348: Croweater of Adelaide says: Isn't it time for Pup to bat at 3? Especially with the retirement of Punter, I think Clarke should come in at first drop and Mr. Cricket promoted to no 4. I mean, they're practically batting there already with the recent top order collapses. I think it's time to stop wasting time with top order experiments and when we select guys like Quiney or Khwaja, we should bat them at 5 or 6 instead of throwing them in the deep end. What do you think Antony?

Antony says: I agree that it's ideal for someone like Khawaja to be eased into Test cricket via no.6, just as Ponting was early in his career, but I don't think Clarke is suited to No.3 - and more importantly, I doubt he would want to change anything about his game at the moment.

1346: SHOT! Ponting goes for a signature pull shot off Philander, and it goes high to square leg but not quite all the way to the boundary, and his picks up three.

1342: WICKET! (Lyon 7, c du Plessis, b Steyn, AUS 4-35) And there's another one! Steyn bowls a good length ball to Lyon that just straightens a bit, catches a thick edge and flies to du Plessis at gully. Australia are four down now and in trouble, but they've got Ponting and Clarke in the middle.

1341: CLOSE! Ooh, Ponting clips his first ball in the air towards mid-wicket but it falls short of the fielder. That looked like a nervy shot. He follows it up with a push to cover and scrambles through for a single.

1339: Ponting strides to the crease with a huge cheer in the background. This is a massive moment.

1336: WICKET! (Warner 13, c de Villiers b Steyn, AUS 3-34) Warner goes hard at the first ball from Steyn and feathers it through to the keeper. The South Africans go up as one and eventually the umpire gives it out, but Warner isn't convinced and calls for the REVIEW! There was definitely a noise, and hotspot is showing a mark on the bat, but neither the sound nor the mark give a strong indication it was ball on bat. But where would the sound have come from? Either way, the third umpire makes the call and it is OUT!

1334: CLOSE! Philander beats the outside edge of Lyon's bat with an absolute peach of a delivery. I feel like I've seen that before. Oh yeah, it was last night. Dale Steyn to bowl the second over of the day now.

1330: OK, the players are out in the middle and it will be Vernon Philander to bowl the first over of the day, with David Warner on strike. Warner blocks the first ball.

1326: Arthur kicks off the conversation with an email: What is it about the whippet the Aussies call "Gary" Lyon???? It is easy to see why Australian selectors and the team itself just love him to bits. I have to admit I have always preferred Nathan Hauritz to Gary, but today I learned a lot about the Slim Jim of Australian cricket. Here's a statement. Ricky Ponting wouldn't be retiring if he had a forward defensive like Gary's. Ed Cowan and Shane Watson would still be batting if they had a forward defensive like Gary's. Technically, it is the best forward defensive of all the Australian bats, even Mike Hussey.

Antony says: Those are some bold statements, Arthur!

1321: Don't forget to join in the action by sending a question or comment to blogs@foxsports.com.au or by leaving a comment - or sending in your message of support to Ricky Ponting - at the bottom of the page.

1315: Hello and welcome to foxsports.com.au's LIVE and INTERACTIVE coverage of the third Test between Australia and South Africa at the WACA Ground in Perth. Antony Pinshaw here, looking forward to sharing a fascinating day of Test cricket with you. David Warner and Nathan Lyon are set to resume their stays at the crease shortly, but it can't be too long before the man of the moment, Ricky Ponting, will stride to the crease. How will Punter go in his final Test?


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Ruthless Proteas in control at WACA

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No answer ... Nathan Lyon looks on as Hashim Amla hits another boundary. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Clinching the No.1 ranking and a series-winning send-off for Ricky Ponting appears little more than a distant dream for Australia after South Africa breathed fire on day two of the third Test.

3rd Test - WACA Ground

30 November 2012 - Day 2, Session 3

South Africa 2nd Innings

H. Amla 99 84 10 0 117.86
J. Kallis 17 24 3 0 70.83
J. Hastings 8 0 47 0 5.88

With everything on the line, Australia collapsed meekly with the bat and floundered badly with the ball on a disastrous day in Perth.

It was a swift and humiliating turnaround in the match, given Australia had bowled their opponents out for just 225 in the first innings on day one.

South Africa were 2-230 at stumps from 38 overs, with a commanding 292-run lead and Hashim Amla (99 off 84 balls) and Jacques Kallis (17) unbeaten at the crease.

Spearhead Dale Steyn (4-40) starred with the ball before Graeme Smith and Amla took the match from Australia with a thundering 178-run partnership from 153 balls.

Smith (84 from 100) and Amla scored at nearly seven an over and at one point were on track to post the best run-rate ever recorded in a century-partnership. It was the third-fastest 150-partnership of all time.

The veteran pair smashed Mitchell Johnson (1-35), Mitchell Starc (1-76), Shane Watson (0-17), John Hastings (0-47) and Nathan Lyon (0-38) to every corner of the WACA.

Smith was eventually sent packing by Starc after an extraordinary full-stretch diving catch from Lyon in the deep - but Lyon dropped his head shortly after in another Starc over when he put down Kallis.


Relive all the action from day two with our INTERACTIVE blog.


The day was meant to be about retiring great Ponting rising from the canvas.

Instead, South Africa went to another level and ensured Australia must produce a special performance if they're to push the Proteas off top spot in the Test standings and give Ponting a fairytale.

The record for the highest fourth-innings chase at the WACA was ironically the Proteas hunting down 4-414 to beat Australia in 2008.

Australia's new-look bowling attack were praised for their efforts in dismissing South Africa for 225 on day one.

But in the second dig, they lacked any penetration and looked lethargic.

The quicks were severely punished, and the aggression of James Pattinson and Peter Siddle was sorely missed.

Smith and Amla stuck the boot in with the bat, but earlier Steyn and Vernon Philander (2-55) were the instigators - exploding out of the blocks to have Australia reeling at 6-45 just six overs into the day.

Wicketkeeper Matt Wade (68) resisted with an entertaining display, but Australia were bowled out before tea for their lowest total since their 136 against New Zealand in Hobart last December.

David Warner (13) and nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (7) were gone in the blink of an eye, edging behind in Steyn's first over of the day.

Ponting brought the crowd to their feet when he walked to the middle but lasted just 17 minutes and seven balls before being trapped lbw to Philander.

Michael Clarke's untouchable form hit its first hurdle when he copped the ball of the series from a sizzling Steyn.

Mike Hussey (12) fell cheaply to the unplayable Morne Morkel (1-19).

Not to be outdone in the classic catches department, Alviro Petersen took a beauty on the rope off Robin Petersen (3-44) to get rid of John Hastings (32), and for Australia, Johnson produced one of the great caught-and-bowled efforts to dismiss opener Alviro Petersen (23).

Wade admitted Australia have long way back to win.

"Not an ideal day obviously. We had pretty high hopes when we turned up this morning, having bowled them out for 225," he said.

"Things didn't go well this morning - we probably played and missed at a lot of balls through this series and today we unfortunately nicked them.

"It's a new-ball wicket and they cashed in with the new ball and I think the wicket played a lot better towards the afternoon session and we probably didn't play at our best."

Proteas firebrand Vernon Philander said it was a ``special'' moment to dismiss Ponting in his farewell Test.

"And there's no greater time to do it and in Perth," said Philander.

"Getting the 10 wickets today was an unbelievable effort ... the way the guys played was unbelievable."


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Roar, Jets see red in Brisbane win

Decider ... Besart Berisha (R) celebrates what turned out to be the only goal of the match. Source: AAP

Referee Brenton Hayward was booed off Suncorp Stadium as Brisbane Roar rebounded from a dramatic week to beat their A-League bogey side Newcastle Jets 1-0 in a spirited clash on Saturday night.

Sections of the 12,546 crowd heckled and booed Hayward as he walked from the field at half-time, minutes after showing Brisbane star Thomas Broich and Jets central defender Josh Mitchell red cards.

The flare-up came five minutes after Brisbane striker Besart Berisha converted a penalty to give the Roar a 1-0 lead they would never relinquish.

Mitchell, who had already picked up a yellow card, collided with Broich as they competed for a ball, shoving the German to the ground.

Broich jumped to his feet to confront Mitchell as players from both sides raced from all parts of the ground to join the 43rd minute melee.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Central Coast 9 6 2 1 9 20
2 Adelaide 9 6 1 2 6 19
3 Victory 9 5 1 3 -1 16
4 Newcastle 9 4 1 4 -3 13
5 Perth 9 3 2 4 0 11
6 Brisbane 9 3 1 5 1 10
7 Western Sydney 8 3 1 4 -2 10
8 Wellington 8 2 3 3 1 9
9 Heart 8 2 2 4 -1 8
10 Sydney 8 2 0 6 -10 6

Lanky Roar midfielder Erik Paartalu appeared lucky to escape with just a yellow card after running into Mitchell, both sides headed for the sheds reduced to 10 men.

''I didn't see it live,'' Vidosic said of the incident.

''I saw it on the highlights. There was absolutely nothing in it.''

Brisbane's much-needed win ended a tough week in which Paartalu was critical of his coach Rado Vidosic for comments he made after their loss to Central Coast last weekend.

The two-time champions also took the field without their skipper Matt Smith and experienced defender Ivan Franjic, the pair heading to Hong Kong on Friday for Socceroos duty.

The game should have been over in the 68th but striker Henrique inexplicably duffed a sitter following some excellent lead up work by Jack Hingert.

With a goal at his mercy, Henrique's limp attempt gave Jets keeper Matt Nash just enough time to scramble across the face of goal and smother the shot.

Despite winning the last two championships, Brisbane have been Newcastle's A-League bunnies.

In 10 clashes the Jets had won seven and drawn two, losing only once, four years ago.

Until the 1-0 loss, Newcastle coach Gary Van Egmond had enjoyed a 5-1 domination over Brisbane.

Teenage James Donachie was impressive in his first start at the back for Brisbane while another youngster James Meyer looked strong after Vidosic reshuffled his troops at halftime.


Relieve the game with stats and video replays of the action in our Match Centre!


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Crows abused my trust: Tippett

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 30 November 2012 | 18.48

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Blame ... Kurt Tippett says his trust in Adelaide Crows has been to his substantial detriment. Source: Norm Oorloff / News Limited

Kurt Tippett has blamed Adelaide Crows for the salary cap scandal that has plunged his career into turmoil.

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Tippett was banned for the first 11 rounds of the 2013 premiership season and will not be able to take part in the pre-season competition.

The full punishment was a 22-match ban, but 11 of those games were suspended. On top of that he was hit with a $50,000 fine.

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Tippett said in a statement he had pleaded guilty "without any admission of liability" and placed all blame with the Crows.

The 25-year-old said it was only during October's trade period that he learnt that his agreements with Adelaide contravened AFL rules.

"I trusted the Adelaide Football Club and for the duration of my contract I did my utmost for the club on and off the field," Tippett said.

"It is bitterly disappointing, then, to learn that my trust and best endeavours have been to my substantial detriment.

"I have nothing to hide and have only refrained from media comment in recent weeks on legal advice and out of respect for the AFL investigation process.

"Through my legal representative, I asked for an open hearing today in the hope that the truth would be revealed.

"I pleaded guilty to the two charges on advice without any admission of liability and despite being assured there were valid defences available to me in respect to both charges.

"I am glad that this matter is now finalised and I look forward to moving on and playing football."

Greater Western Sydney has expressed interest in Tippett, but the Giants are now considering their position

 "We now want to see the financial terms on which he will nominate for next month's draft so we can assess his affordability," a statement from CEO David Matthew said.

"We also have to consider whether he is the right fit for the club as we continue to build a strong culture amongst our young playing group.

"These are all factors we will now carefully consider over the coming days before making a decision on whether to draft him with our first selection."

But the Sydney Swans re-affirmed their commitment to securing the key forward in the pre-season draft on December 11.

"Although today's decision is obviously a disappointing setback for Kurt, we have always seen Kurt as a long-term player and we will go to the pre-season draft with the intention of selecting him if he's available at our pick," Sydney Swans General Manager – Football, Dean Moore said.

The ban means Tippett will miss his former club's Round 11 clash against the Swans at AAMI Stadium.

Asked how he felt about Tippett, Crows chairman Rod Chapman said: "Kurt is a fine young man, I think I had a good relationship with him.

"He will be picked up by another club and he will be treated like any other player at another club."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said he expected Tippett's manager Peter Blucher to face punishment when the AFL Players' Association begins its investigation into his part in the affair.

The AFLPA said it noted Tippett had accepted the sanctions with legal advice but was concerned about the severity of the sentence.

"We do have some concerns at the severity of the penalty imposed on the player, given that he was taking advice from senior executives at the club and his advisors," a statement from player relations general manager Ian Prendergast said

"Half a season out of a short playing career has a much more serious impact than 6 months out of a much longer career in administration or management."


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Aussie bowlers stand tall at WACA

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Impressive ... Australia celebrate a wicket from Mitchell Johnson. Source: Theron Kirkman / AAP

Australia's ring-in bowling attack stood tall on day one of the third Test, but South Africa's big guns had the final say as the Proteas rallied hard in their fight to protect their No.1 ranking.

South Africa were bowled out for just 225 on Friday, but without another defiant knock from rookie batsman Faf du Plessis (78 n.o.) may not have made it to 100.

3rd Test - WACA Ground

30 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Australia 1st Innings

D. Warner 12 31 2 0 38.71
N. Lyon 7 22 0 0 31.82
D. Steyn 6 2 21 1 3.50

After the change of innings late in the piece, Dale Steyn (1-21) and Vernon Philander (1-8) immediately struck back in the 11 remaining overs to leave Australia 2-33 at stumps.

South Africa lead by 192 runs, and if the game's premier fast bowling attack continues to fire on day two, the match with seemingly everything on the line is very much alive in Perth.

The WACA crowd thought retiring champion Ricky Ponting was coming to the crease with 25 minutes left in the day, after Ed Cowan (golden duck) and Shane Watson (10) continued the flimsy run of form from Australia's top three.

But unbeknownst to the crowd, Australia sent nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (7 n.o.) to the crease to join David Warner (12 n.o.), meaning Ponting was saved from having to start his attempted fairytale innings in difficult conditions.

The late drama threatened to undo some of the brilliant work done by Australia's underdog bowlers.


Relive all the action from an enthralling day one with our interactive blog, and don't forget to join us for day two from 1.15pm (EDT) on Saturday.


Lyon (3-41) was the only survivor from the second Test in Adelaide, leaving pacemen Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, debutant John Hastings and Shane Watson to play their first Tests for the summer in the deciding match.

The decision to leave battle-weary Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus out of Perth was a massive gamble, but Australia's bowlers stood up to be counted.

In Johnson's first Test in more than 12 months, he rediscovered some of his best form and he was unlucky not to finish with more than 2-54.

Lyon broke up key partnerships in the tail, while 22-year-old Starc (2-55) recovered from an inconsistent opening spell to bowl Alviro Petersen (30) and Jacques Kallis (2) before lunch.

Watson (1-22) did his job when injected into the attack, getting Graeme Smith (16) cheaply, while Hastings (1-51) overcame a simple dropped chance off his bowling from Ed Cowan, to claim AB de Villiers (4) as his maiden Test scalp from his next over.

Hashim Amla was the man dropped by Cowan, but it mattered little as David Warner ran-out the No.3 batsman with a direct hit during Johnson's next over.

Du Plessis came to the crease at 5-67 on Friday, and at one point South Africa had lost 5-14 in just eight overs.

At the death, Steyn had Cowan caught at second slip from just the third ball of the innings, before Philander made a spot-on DRS challenge to have Watson lbw.

Hastings said Australia did miss an opportunity to bowl South Africa out quickly, but believes a 225 first innings total was still a good result.

The Victoria seamer said the team was motivated by Ponting playing his record-equalling 168th and final Test for Australia.

"It's been an emotional few days for everyone I think but Ricky is such a legend," said Hastings, who was presented with his baggy green by Adam Gilchrist.

"I've been lucky enough to play a few one-dayers with him as well and have him as my captain for a few games as well.

"It's the end of an era and I don't think we'll know what we've lost until he's actually gone. His presence in the dressing room is just phenomenal."

Hastings said he only found out about his selection on the morning of the match.

"I didn't have too much time to think about it ... but I knew my role already if I was to play," he said.

South African spinner Robin Peterson, who combined for a crucial half-century stand with du Plessis, said the Proteas were happy with their recovery.

"We're pretty happy with getting 225 and especially getting two wickets late made it look like a decent score if we can get one or two early in the morning," Petersen said.

"When we were under pressure with Faf and I out there we put some of the pressure back on Australia."


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Rojas stunner sinks Perth

Beauty ... Marco Rojas (L) celebrates scoring the winning goal for the Victory. Source: Salpigtidis George / News Limited

Melbourne Victory's hot run of A-League form has continued with a Marco Rojas goal capping a 1-0 win over travel-shy Perth Glory at AAMI Park.

Rojas' classy second-half score continued an excellent season for the New Zealand speedster as the third-placed Victory made it four wins and a draw from their past five games to move within a point of second-placed Central Coast.

The fifth-placed Glory have managed just two points from their past four games and only one from four away matches this season.

Perth, missing Jacob Burns (suspended) along with Michael Thwaite and Scott Jamieson (Socceroos), were further hit by the pre-game withdrawal of Liam Miller, injured in the warm-up.

P W D L GD Pts
1 Adelaide 8 6 1 1 7 19
2 Central Coast 8 5 2 1 8 17
3 Victory 9 5 1 3 -1 16
4 Newcastle 8 4 1 3 -2 13
5 Perth 9 3 2 4 0 11
6 Western Sydney 8 3 1 4 -2 10
7 Wellington 8 2 3 3 1 9
8 Heart 8 2 2 4 -1 8
9 Brisbane 8 2 1 5 0 7
10 Sydney 8 2 0 6 -10 6

They still created two decent opportunities in the first 15 minutes, both involving Nick Ward pushing unmarked into the penalty area.

If not for Dean Heffernan putting slightly too much power on a free kick Ward would have had an open header.

Soon after, Steven McGarry found Ward again unmarked in the box from a free kick, with Ward's header across goal floating narrowly off-target.

But Victory started to work their way on top and spent much of the first half in attack, although without giving Glory keeper Danny Vukovic too much work.

The closest Melbourne came to scoring before the interval was when a clever Andrew Nabbout chip set Rojas free in the box in the 28th minute, but Rojas' attempt to lob Vukovic grazed the top of the crossbar.

Victory's dominance continued early in the second half.

A penetrating Rojas run delivered Nabbout a great opportunity within three minutes of the restart, although Nabbout's left-footer was just wide.

But Rojas didn't need any help nine minutes later, slotting a deft chip inside the right post from the left flank.
Perth pushed hard for a late leveller, again looking most threatening in the air, with a Shane Smeltz header forcing a sharp Coe save in the 75th minute.

Substitute Chris Harold, who had earlier botched a chance with an open header of his own, almost made amends in the 90th minute with a surging run into the box and fierce shot, which Coe blocked to ensure Victory's second clean sheet in as many games.


Relive the game with highlights of all the action in our A-League Match Centre.


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Lyon steals Ponting ovation

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Ovation ... Nathan Lyon replaced Ricky Ponting, confusing the WACA crowd. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon isn't accustomed to much fanfare.

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But the 25-year-old would have been lapping up every moment when he was given a standing ovation by a confused WACA crowd as he strode out to bat in the third Test against South Africa.

Lyon posted handy figures of 3-41 with the ball as South Africa were skittled for 225.

But the standing ovation was nothing more than a case of mistaken identity, with the crowd thinking it was retiring batsman Ricky Ponting making his way to the crease.

After all, Australia had just lost their second wicket and Ponting was slated to come in at No.4.

But with just 25 more minutes remaining in the day, Australia decided to send in Lyon as a nightwatchman.

Even Ponting's wife Rianna was confused for a moment, nervously clapping as the new batsman made his way to the crease before realising it wasn't her husband.

The WACA crowd were clearly disappointed when they, too, realised it wasn't Ponting.

And with Lyon (7no) and Dave Warner (12no) guiding Australia to 2-33 at stumps, fans will have to wait until Saturday before seeing their hero Ponting in action.


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Aussie sevens teams eye Dubai glory

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 29 November 2012 | 18.48

On the charge ... Pama Fou (C) is one of the few Aussie boys returning from the Gold Coast. Source: AAP

Dubai plays host to the second of nine legs in the men's IRB Sevens World Series this Friday and Saturday, and it's also the start of the Women's World Series.

Australia is represented in both the men's and women's draw as the world's top sevens talent continue the long build-up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Just like his Wallabies counterpart Robbie Deans, Aussie Sevens Coach Michael O'Connor has also had his share of bad luck on the injury front.

Senior players like Captain Ed Jenkins and Jesse Parahi have been ruled out along with playmakers Alan Fa'alava'au, Lewis Holland, Jacob Taylor and league convert Shannon Walker.

In fact 12 of the 22 contracted Sevens players are on the injured list, so O'Connor's job this week in Dubai and next week in Port Elizabeth is not an enviable one as he tries to make a bunch of youngsters competitive.

He has five 19-year-olds in the 12-man touring squad. Just four players, Sean McMahon, Will Miller, Jordan Tuapou and Pama Fou are backing up from the opening event on the Gold Coast in October.

Greg Jeloudev, Damon Anderson and Cameron Clark are returning from injury, while Junior Laloifi, Peter Lee, Nick Malouf and Jack Grant are set to make their debut.

Con Foley will captain the side in Jenkins's absence and while the team has a development feel about it, they do have what appears to be a favourable draw.

Australia are in Pool D with France, Canada and the USA, so if the youngsters can click from the outset they have a good chance of at least advancing through to the top  eight and the Cup quarter-finals on day two.

It will be valuable experience for the young men and hopefully O'Connor will have a full squad to choose from when the series heads to Wellington in February, followed by Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Tokyo, England, Scotland.

Then it's onto Moscow for the Sevens World Cup next June.

Meanwhile, Dubai is the first of four tournaments in the new Women's World Series. Australia coach Chris Lane has also named a new-look side with four uncapped players included. The experienced Rebecca Tavo will captain the team.

12 nations will compete with Australia in the same pool as the Netherlands, France and the United States.

Catch live coverage of the day two action on Fox Sports from 4pm (EDT) Saturday.


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As it happens: Aus v SA, T3, D1

Final farewell ... Ricky Ponting will play his final Test in Perth. Source: Daniel Wilkins / News Limited

Be part of history as one of Australia's greatest ever cricketers plays in his final Test match at the WACA.

The stakes couldn't be higher as Australia and South Africa lock horns with the number one Test ranking on the line and the great Ricky Ponting to honour.

If you can't get to the ground or to a TV screen you can still stay across every ball by joining us on Friday for day one of the third Test with our live and interactive blog starting from 12.30pm (EDT).

Don't miss a ball - bookmark this page and return at 12.30pm (EDT) Friday for what shapes as an enthralling day one of a pivotal Test match.


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Bottas gets Williams seat

Driver change ... Valtteri Bottas and Pastor Maldonado will pilot Williams cars in 2013. Source: Greg Wood / News Limited

Finalnd's Valtteri Bottas attempted to lower expectation levels after being named as the replacement for Bruno Senna in the Williams Formula One team next season.

Bottas, a test driver for Williams since 2010, will join Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado next season after the British team announced their driver line-up for 2013 on Wednesday.

Driver Team Pts
1 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull 281
2 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari 278
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Lotus 207
4 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren 190
5 Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren 188
6 Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull 179
7 Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari 122
8 Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 96
9 Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 93
10 Sergio Perez (MEX) Sauber 66
11 Nico Hulkenburg (GER) Force India 63
12 Kamui Kobayashi (JPN) Sauber 60
13 Michael Schumacher (GER) Mercedes 49
14 Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India 46
15 Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Williams 45
16 Bruno Senna (BRA) Williams 31
17 Jean Eric Vergne (FRA) Toro Rosso 16
18 Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso 10
19 Vitaly Petrov (RUS) Carterham 0
20 Timo Glock (GER) Marussia F1 0
21 Charles Pic (FRA) Marussia F1 0
22 Heikki Kovalainen (FIN) Carterham 0
23 Jerome d'Ambrosio (BEL) Lotus 0
24 Narain Karthikeyan (IND) HRT F1 0
25 Pedro de la Rosa (ESP) HRT F1 0

Williams team principal Frank Williams described the 23-year-old Bottas as "quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across" in a team statement, saying he expected "great things" from him in the future.

However, Bottas said it might be the second half of next season when he starts to show what he is capable of.

"I had a little factory talk with Frank and I said to him "thanks for the pressure", Bottas said in a conference call.

"Being successful in the future is my own goal and I want to compete against the best in the world and one day be the world champion.

"Pastor is going to be a really strong team mate. It's his third season in the Williams car. If in the second part of the season I can match him or better him it would be really nice but I have a lot to learn."

While he will be a rookie, Bottas will be no stranger to the Williams set-up, having been given the use of Senna's car on Fridays at most of this season's races.

A protege of McLaren's double world champion Mika Hakkinen, he has been groomed by Williams over the past two years and his lap times during practise sessions have turned heads.

"I have been in most of the Friday sessions and that has been perfect preparation and gave me a chance to prove what I could do in the car," Bottas said.

"I'm really happy the team gave me the opportunity for that."

The accident-prone Maldonado was rewarded for winning this season's Spanish grand prix, the team's first race victory since 2004, with a third year at the team.

"In Pastor and Valtteri we have two of the most exciting talents in motor racing and I am especially excited about what 2013 can bring for Williams," Williams said in a statement.

"Pastor has always demonstrated remarkable pace and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver. Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across and we expect great things from him in the future."

Bottas was even being linked to McLaren as a possible replacement for departing 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"It has always been my life-long dream to compete in the Formula One world championship," he said.

"To do so with one of the most legendary teams in the sport is incredibly special."


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Roar's ACL participation in doubt

In doubt ... the Roar don't have an automatic spot in the Asian Champions League. Source: Jono Searle / News Limited

Brisbane Roar's participation in next year's Asian Champion's League is in the balance after the A-League was stripped of one of its automatic allocations in the competition.

The Asian Football Confederation on Wednesday announced the A-League would be left with one automatic spot and a qualifying position - a decision made at an AFC executive committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

The 2013 allocation compares to previous years where the A-League was given two automatic spots plus an additional qualifying position.

The Roar secured their spot in the 2013 champions league competition by defeating Perth Glory in the 2011-12 A-League grand final.

However, due to the first allocation being given to the premiers, Central Coast Mariners, the Roar will now be subject to a qualifying campaign to confirm their spot.

The rule change also eliminates the possibility of a fairytale run from the third placed A-League side - a feat accomplished by Adelaide United in the 2012 Champions League, where they were knocked out in a thrilling quarter-final clash with Uzbekistan club side Bunyodkor.

In a statement released by Football Federation Australia on Thursday night, Head of the A-League, Damien de Bohun, said the AFC's decision was disappointing.

"It's important for us to maintain a strong presence in the ACL through the Central Coast Mariners' direct participation and the strong prospect of Brisbane Roar also qualifying," de Bohun said.

"Our real focus and that of our Clubs this year is the Hyundai A-League, the consolidation of the 10-team competition and continuing to build on the exciting start to this season."


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Mason: Why not just call it rugby?

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 28 November 2012 | 18.48

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Not happy ... Willie Mason doesn't want the shoulder charge banned. Source: Brett Costello / News Limited

Willie Mason has been on both ends of a shoulder charge over the course of a long and decorated career and he thinks the NRL will suffer without it.

Echoing the sentiments of a host of current players, Mason believes the ARL Commission's decision to ban the shoulder charge will strip rugby league of one of the features that makes it unique.

The newly re-signed Newcastle enforcer has had a taste of rugby union during an ill-fated stint with Top 14 French rugby union side Toulon.


Watch the video at the top for Willie Mason's full views on the shoulder charge ban.


The 15-man game just wasn't for him and the different tackling technique used was part of the reason why.

Speaking on Fox Sports program NRL Summertime, Mason said he was all for protecting the head but implored the ARLC to look at ways other than a total ban of the shoulder charge to achieve this.

"I think that's what separates us from union. They can't shoulder charge and we can," Mason said.

"So I don't think they can't wipe it out of the game, I think they just need to monitor it a little bit.

"You don't want a shoulder to the head, obviously, but when two big guys run at each other, there's going to be some contact."

That was demonstrated in 2012, during a season when several high profile hits to the head put a ban of the shoulder charge on the agenda.

Greg Inglis, Ben Te'o and Frank Pritchard were among the exponents to come under the spotlight when they were banned for incidents where they just missed the target and made contact with the head.

In each case the offender copped a suspension and Mason believes time on the sidelines is the best way to change the habits of those who choose to attempt a high-risk big hit.

"They can't wipe it out, they just need to monitor it and make sure there's no shoulders to the face, which I don't agree with," Mason said.

"They need to rub that out and they pretty much policed that this year. But contact from forward to forward still has to be big, that's why people love our game, because you can just get out there and just rip in."


For your off-season NRL fix, tune in to NRL Summertime on Fox Sports 1HD from 7pm (EDT) Thursday.


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Proteas sweat on Kallis's fitness

Injury ... Jacques Kallis is in doubt for the third Test against Australia. Source: Rick Rycroft / AP

South Africa face an almighty dilemma over what to do with Jacques Kallis for the third Test against Australia starting on Friday.

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Kallis batted on one leg for both innings in Adelaide but found a way to post crucial scores of 58 and 46 despite a hamstring injury which will rule him out of bowling regardless in Perth.

But if running quickly between the wickets becomes more of a priority in Perth then Kallis might find the going a bit tougher.

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There's also the dilemma of picking someone who South Africa already know might have to spend extended stretches in the stands when the team fields.

Either Dean Elgar or Ryan McLaren would likely replace Kallis should he be ruled out.

Veteran batsman Mike Hussey doesn't expect Kallis to be passed fit and said it would be a massive psychological and competitive boost for Australia as they aim to steal the Proteas' No.1 world ranking.

"He's a freak that guy. He's on one leg and he still managed to nearly get 50 in both innings. And he just did it easily,'' Hussey said.

"I don't know where he's at. I'd say he'd be a big doubt for this last Test match, which is a big loss for them because he gives their team great balance being able to bowl and bat in the top-four. He's a great player. It would be a blow for them.''

Proteas teammate Dale Steyn said the unusual scenario of having the ever-durable Kallis in doubt for a Test match was a sobering reminder of what life will be like when the champion 37-year-old allrounder retires.

"We know what he's capable of doing with the bat but with the ball he's just crucial for us,'' Steyn said.

"I don't know what we're going to do about him ... an injury like this puts an emphasis on how great a cricketer he really is.

"If he just misses one game it's massive but the day he retires it's going to be a whole different story.''


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IÂ’ve done my time over DUI: Frank

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Second chance ... Frank Farina says he deserves a clean slate. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

New Sydney FC coach Frank Farina has tackled the issue of his sacking over a drink driving charge during his previous A-League experience, and accepted he is not a universal choice for the club's fans.

Writing on his own website, Farina said: "I know I'm not the popular choice with all fans but that's football and that's life. 
 
"To those fans who don't want me because they disagree with me on football issues, that's great. Football is a game of opinions, and you are entitled to your opinion. 

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"To those who criticise and denigrate me because of the circumstances under which I was sacked by Brisbane Roar, I would just ask you two questions: Have you ever done anything you wish you hadn't done? Do you think people should be punished for the rest of their lives?
 
"If the answer to the first question is "no", then good on you. And if the answer to the second question is "yes", then we'll have to agree to disagree. Let's leave it at that."
 
Farina, a former Socceroos star and coach, was sacked by Brisbane Roar in 2009 over a drink driving charge.

When foxsports.com.au revealed on Wednesday that he would be announced as the club's new coach, many fans voiced disapproval.
 
Farina says his aim is to restore success to the team, which has the competition's highest-profile player in Alessandro Del Piero, but is languishing on the bottom of the table.
 
"Sydney is not only big, but has to be big. It's a foundation club for the A-League in Australia's biggest city and it's essential for the success of the A-League that Sydney teams perform well," writes Farina at www.frankfarina.net.
 
"To all of you have written or tweeted congratulations and good wishes – thank you. It's truly been overwhelming and I can't possibly thank you all personally," he wrote.

"You can be absolutely certain that the task at hand will have my full focus and commitment
 
"I know that Sydney FC fans are amongst the most knowledgeable in the country and I'm really looking forward to having The Cove on my side for once. You guys and gals are a formidable outfit and I hope you're out in full voice on Sunday and every game."

P W D L GD Pts
1 Adelaide 8 6 1 1 7 19
2 Central Coast 8 5 2 1 8 17
3 Victory 8 4 1 3 -2 13
4 Newcastle 8 4 1 3 -2 13
5 Perth 8 3 2 3 1 11
6 Western Sydney 8 3 1 4 -2 10
7 Wellington 8 2 3 3 1 9
8 Heart 8 2 2 4 -1 8
9 Brisbane 8 2 1 5 0 7
10 Sydney 8 2 0 6 -10 6

Farina said his discussions with players and staff would be private, but "it's been a pleasure to deal with Tony Pignata in recent days and I look forward to working with him to help Sydney FC be the great team that Sydney deserves".
 
He said his ascension to the job to replace Ian Crook was "a bolt from the (sky) blue".

"When I last updated my blog, Crooky – who is one of the nicest blokes in the game – was in charge at Sydney FC and I was off to PNG to start my new job as OFC Technical Advisor and Coach Mentor.  Crooky - all the best mate. I hope to see you around."

Farina also thanked the President of Oceania Football Confederation and the PNG Football Association, David Chung, as well as David Brand who is a consultant to PNG FA and Tai Nicholas and his team at OFC for their support.

"Not only did they offer me the opportunity to work with them, but they also understood my wish to return to the A-League and try my hand again at that level of football," Farina wrote.
 
"But PNG is the country of my boyhood, and is very mixed up for me with memories of my late father who made his home here for many years after arriving as a migrant from Bologna, Italy.

"So it will always be special for me as are many of the people and players that I have come into contact with."

Farina will take charge of Sydney FC for the first time against Melbourne Heart on Sunday.


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