Wallabies to ring changes for England

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In the frame ... Barnes could replace Harris at fullback for the clash with England. Source:News Limited

Berrick Barnes is expected to be among a raft of changes Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will make to his starting line-up to face England this weekend as the Australians look to get their European tour back on track.

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Deans has plenty of quality players returning from injury for the clash at Twickenham with flanker David Pocock, winger Digby Ioane, lock Sitaleki Timani and prop Ben Alexander available for Saturday's (Sunday's AEDT) Test.

Hooker Stephen Moore is also expected to come under consideration after making his return from a hamstring injury off the bench in last weekend's 33-6 loss to France in Paris where he became Australia's most capped hooker, while winger Drew Mitchell could also find his way into the team.

Blindside flanker Dave Dennis, who started against France, could be in the firing line with an option for Deans to start both openside specialists Pocock and Michael Hooper.

"We've got a number of blokes we should be able to consider this week," Deans said.

"We were always going to consider that group when they returned and obviously we consider the previous performance in determining our starting line-up at every instance."

Barnes produced a solid cameo at fullback in his return from injury against France with his effort pleasing Deans.

The NSW Waratahs star came on early in the second half for fullback Mike Harris who was struggling at the back for the Wallabies.

"Berrick did well. He did what he does well. He's a good communicator," Deans said.

Deans was asked if Barnes was ready start against England.

"Yes. He's obviously returning from injury and we sort of managed him through that but he reported as being fine after the game."

Until his French cameo Barnes hadn't played since suffering a punctured lung against Argentina in September.

"It was my first time back for a while and I really felt it out there," he said.

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"It'd be good to start (against England). I've got a bit of work to do fitness wise but some coaches like to start returning players then bring them off later but that's Robbie's call to make."

England are coming off a seven-try 54-12 annihilation of Fiji last Saturday and are looking to chalk up a third straight Cook Cup win over the Wallabies.

"They'll be puffing their chests out. They had a very good win against the Fijians," Barnes said.

"They'll be confident but we have to lick our wounds and get on with it. There's no better motivation than playing the Poms in their own backyard."

Australia's recent nemesis, winger Chris Ashton, is available to make his return for England after missing the Fiji game due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in the Heineken Cup.

Ashton has scored three tries in three Tests against Australia and coach Stuart Lancaster said the speedster will be raring to go.

"Chris was desperately disappointed to miss this game (against Fiji)," Lancaster said.

"He likes scoring tries and, if anything, this will fuel his hunger and desire to get back into the side. It was a tough lesson to learn.

"(Australia) are a top-three side and we recognise the quality of players we will need to beat them."

Lancaster is also expecting to have prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph available to face the Wallabies.

Watch the Wallabies battle England Live and in HD on Fox Sports 3 from 1.30am (EDT) Sunday!

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Crows, Tippett charged by AFL

AFL ... Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face draft tampering and salary cap charges. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Adelaide Crows and Kurt Tippett face serious sanctions after being charged over alleged draft tampering and salary cap breaches.

The club, its CEO Steven Trigg, former football operations manager John Reid and the out-of-contract Tippett were all ordered by the AFL to front a hearing in Melbourne on Monday.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson last week admitting the Crows expected to be hit hard with sanctions for the next two national drafts.

AFL general manager football operations Adrian Anderson said he acted in in accordance with AFL Player Rule 17 which relates to the enforcement of the AFL Draft and Total Player Payments.

"I have charged the Adelaide Crows Football Club, Adelaide Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg, former Adelaide Crows general manager of football operations John Reid and Adelaide Crows listed-player Kurt Tippett each with two charges," he said.

"The Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Tippett were advised in writing of the charges ... and will be heard before the full AFL Commission at 1pm."

The Commission has the power to impose penalties as it sees fit, including:

Clubs - financial sanctions and/ or eligibility to participate in up to four draft selection meetings and/ or loss of the right to register any player to whom a rule breach relates.

Players - financial sanctions and/ or exclusion from the right to participate in the draft process.

Club Staff - financial sanctions and / or the right to perform any role for or on behalf of the club.

Adelaide released a statement shortly after the AFL announced the charges.

"The AFL has advised the Adelaide Football Club of charges arising from its investigation into contract arrangements with Kurt Tippett," the statement said.

"The Adelaide Football Club is determined to explain its position to members, sponsors and all stakeholders as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Club notes that this matter is being investigated by the AFL as a direct result of our decision to report it and offer full assistance to the investigation."

Former Crows captain Mark Ricciuto said based on past cases, the club and Tippett faced heavy penalties.

"The AFL don't do things by half and you look at anyone who's done wrong they've been given a fair whack, so I wouldn't be surprised if they go pretty hard at the Crows," he said.

"At the end of the day if they've done wrong - and it looks like they might have - their going to be hit hard with the salary cap, a fine and draft picks.

"That's not going to affect them so much next year but in four or five years when you're looking for those kids to come through ... then it will hurt a bit."

The news comes on the same day Melbourne Demons escaped immediate punishment for its alleged tanking in 2009.

The Demons still face unprecedented penalties but investigations are continuing, which means its key picks in the upcoming national draft - No.4 and No.27 (reserved for father-son star Jack Viney) will remain in their hands.

Given clubs need a week to respond to any potential charges, there is not enough time for the Demons to reply to any charges.

Should they be charged the penalties would not apply until the 2013 draft, which means Melbourne will be able to take their prized selections.

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Cowan reveals Test inspiration

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Relief ... Cowan locked up his spot for the series against the Proteas with a fine century. Source:AFP

Gazing toward the heavens after reaching his maiden Test ton at the Gabba on Monday, besieged Australia opener Ed Cowan at first looked like a man simply relieved to have silenced his critics.

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But when the dust settled on a remarkable fourth day of Australia's first Test against South Africa, Cowan, 30, revealed a much more poignant reason behind his emotional salute.

Twelve months ago to the day, his mentor and close friend Peter Roebuck was found dead at a Cape Town hotel while covering Australia's Test tour of South Africa.

"I am well aware of the date. That was why I looked skywards upon making a hundred," Cowan said after his 136 helped Australia reach 4-487, 37 ahead of South Africa.

"I had a conversation (about him) with my wife this morning on an earlier than normal walk because I couldn't really sleep.

"(And) it was this day last year that started my season, the day I found out that he had died.

"I was battling away a little bit (for Tasmania) so that kick-started me."

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By the 2011 Boxing Day Test, the memory of the respected commentator, player and writer had helped a rejuvenated Cowan earn his first baggy green.

But by the time Cowan had arrived for the Gabba Test against the world No.1 Proteas, he again seemed in need of inspiration.

On borrowed time after failing to reach triple figures in his 12 previous Test knocks, Cowan had also been passed over when Cricket Australia handed out their 17 contracts this season and had averaged only 21 in Shield cricket this season.

However, Cowan finally got the monkey - and selectors - off his back as he chimed into a record 259-run fourth wicket stand with captain Michael Clarke (218 not out) on Monday.

The usually patient Cowan appeared to follow a new attacking gameplan in his six-and-a-half hour knock - featuring 18 fours - that was abruptly ended after lunch by a freak run out.

But Cowan revealed the plan had been set at his last Test knock - 55 on a difficult Roseau deck against West Indies in April.

"A lot of you weren't watching but in the last innings in the West Indies ... I thought that was a pretty good blueprint," Cowan said.

"Before that I had a heart to heart with JL (batting coach Justin Langer); he was all about going out there and playing my shots.

"I felt like I backed that up."

Cowan survived a caught behind shout at 47 on Sunday before a run out scare on 106 and being dropped on 123 on Monday.

One of Cowan's few complaints was the fact the Gabba crowd's warm applause for notching his ton woke up his 12-week-old daughter Romy while she was being nursed by wife Virginia in the stands.

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Redbacks pay for dropped catches

Punishment ... Marcus Harris dropped twice on his way to a century for Western Australia Source: Alf Sorbello / News Limited

Western Australia opener Marcus Harris made the most of South Australia's butter fingers to put the Warriors in a strong position after day one of the Sheffield Shield clash at the WACA Ground.

Harris made 114 to lift the Warriors from a precarious 3-60 to a competitive 7-327, but the 20-year-old rode his luck along the way.

SHEF - WACA Ground

12 November 2012 - Day 1, Session 3

Western Australia 1st Innings

M. Marsh	51	99	9	0	51.52
M. Johnson	4	5	0	0	80

Michael Klinger was left to rue the one that got away after dropping Harris at first slip when the left-hander was on just six.

Then when Harris was on 51, wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman grassed a tough chance diving to his left.

The double reprieve came back to haunt the Redbacks, with Harris spending 276 minutes at the crease and cracking 19 boundaries to post the second century of his fledgling first-class career.

In March last year, Harris became the youngest player in Australian first-class cricket history to reach 150 when he made 157 against Queensland.

Harris was just 18 years and 227 days old at the time, and admitted he had struggled to string consistent performances together since then.

"It was a difficult year for me last year. I couldn't consolidate my spot,'' said Harris, who averaged 28.75 from 13 first-class hit-outs before this match.

"And I've had a frustrating start to this season.

"I've been hitting the ball quite well and I haven't been able to get past that 35-run sort of mark.

"So it's good to get a big score under my belt today and hopefully set up a good result for WA.''

After winning the toss, WA were in all sorts of trouble at 3-60 following the cheap dismissals of Liam Davis (four), Sam Whiteman (14) and Marcus North (7).

Harris should have been added to that mix, but Klinger spilled a chest-high catch at first slip off the bowling of paceman Chadd Sayers.

It was a day to forget for Klinger, who also dropped North when the former Warriors skipper was on seven.
North failed to add to his tally before hitting out.

Harris wasn't as generous, but his day was finally brought to an end when he tickled a Jake Haberfield leg-side delivery through to the keeper.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh picked up where Harris left off in making an unbeaten 51, while Nathan Coulter-Nile (52 off 52 balls) and new Warriors skipper Adam Voges (47) also made handy scores.

The Warriors, who will announce Justin Langer as their new coach later this week, sit last on the Shield table following three outright losses, while South Australia have one win from four games.

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Roar living in the past: Slater

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Past glories ... Brisbane Roar sit on the bottom of the A-League ladder after six rounds. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

It is easy to look good when your team is winning, but when you're losing, that is when a player's real character is exposed.

Brisbane Roar is finding that out. The back-to-back champions are living in the past and their results are proving it.

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It no longer matters what the Roar have done in the past two seasons. It's what they are doing now that counts.

During the next few weeks we are going to discover just how much Brisbane's shocking start to the season is hurting the players.

The Roar still has time to save its campaign and there is enough talent in the squad to resurrect its season.

But you find out a lot more about people when things are not going well for them.

While it is a big call to say the Brisbane squad no longer has the same hunger, this is a big test for every player to stand up and show what they are made of.

Rather than talking about how good they are, they need to show it.

The pressure is also mounting on Brisbane coach Rado Vidosic in what is a results-driven occupation.

Vidosic knew his every move was going to be scrutinised when he accepted the head coaching role after seven years as an assistant, the last of two of which were as master mentor Ange Postecoglou's right-hand man.

It is easy to say in hindsight, but Vidosic would have been better off starting his career as a head coach elsewhere.

It would have given him more time to succeed and put his own philosophies in place.

He is virtually on a hiding to nothing in Brisbane, where the expectation is now constant success after the club's deeds in the past two seasons.

There is no doubting that Vidosic is a great football person, who eats, breathes and sleeps the game. But he is such a nice guy and he has known these Roar players for so long, that it looks like it is an effort for him to get angry.

He was as white as a ghost when he described Brisbane's performance as "garbage" in their 4-1 loss to Melbourne Heart on Friday night.

As a head coach, you have to be able to mix things up.

An occasional Vidosic blast will ensure that his Brisbane players get the message that they can no longer consider themselves untouchable.

Rival teams no longer fear the Roar and are coming up with game plans to beat them rather than avoid losing.

Vidosic needs to make team changes for this Friday's home clash against Sydney FC.

The players Vidosic has stuck by are not getting results and a fourth-straight defeat would be disastrous.

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Social Grant no leader: Buzz

Social life ... John Grant must begin the business of running the game of rugby league. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

No wonder the NRL still can't find a chief executive, work out player salaries for next year, find a referees boss, or even decide the venues for our showpiece State of Origin series.

It's become too hard to drag chairman John Grant out of a social event or a meet-and-greet with Prince Charles, a flash restaurant, a hire car or the first-class cabin of a Qantas plane.

Rugby league has now officially become a laughing stock in Australian sport.

Not only are we still waiting for a new boss - it's now six months and counting - no one can tell us where next year's Origin games will be played.

Queensland was expected to have two matches at Suncorp - but we are now told that is all yet to be confirmed.

A commission meeting on November 20 will determine the venues following a late push from Melbourne.

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"It's all up in the air," one senior NRL executive said. "Like most things these days it's very hard to make a decision."

In Melbourne, you rarely see or hear from the AFL's chairman Mike Fitzpatrick.

He does his business from behind the scenes while Andrew Demetriou and to a lesser extent Gill McLachlan are the frontline faces.

Not so John Grant. Since stepping into the role at the beginning of the year, Grant and his lovely wife Helen have become social butterflies.

They were at Epsom Day at Randwick and later at the flash Century restaurant at Star Casino. They were in Melbourne last weekend for Derby Day.

The Maserati-driving multi-millionaire is also often seen in the company of Wayne Bennett and Bob Fulton.

He knows the enormous sway they carry in the game and has made a point of befriending them.

He's been to England - first class of course - on a holiday. It helps to explain the snail-like pace of decision-making at the NRL these days.

At least it's great news for NSW fans that they can't make their minds up about Origin venues. Only one game in Brisbane will help us.

The AFL has had its draw for the entire 2013 season for weeks while the NRL hasn't finalised club or representative schedules.

Blues coach Laurie Daley says he is not overly concerned about the venues.

"It doesn't matter where we play," Daley said. "We've still got to beat them, whether it's Melbourne or Brisbane. Obviously, the boys enjoy the home ground in Sydney with a full house at ANZ, but it's out of our control."

Some on the independent commission are in favour of again playing a game in Melbourne for both promotional and financial reasons.

The Victorian government has come to the table with a huge cash offer for games at Etihad Stadium. And you can bet John Grant will be there to hand out the trophies.

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Did Sydney back Crook?: Bozza

Support? ... Former Sydney FC coach Ian Crook (R), ahead of his resignation, with CEO Tony Pignata. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Following Ian Crook's shock resignation as Sydney FC coach, Fox Sports football expert Mark Bosnich wants the club to start answering the hard questions.

Crook stepped down on Sunday morning following the his side's 3-2 loss to rivals Melbourne Victory after leading by two goals.

Fans booed the tactical decisions Crook made against Victory, and after last week's humiliating 7-2 defeat at the hands of Central Coast the Englishman came under fire as well, from Bosnich in particular, for defending his team's apparent 'lack of heart'.

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Bosnish says he sympathises for Crook and wants to know what is going on inside Sydney FC that led them into this quagmire.

"I'm not surprised after what happened last week at Central Coast Mariners, and then the capitulation in the last 12 minutes (against Victory)," said Bosnich.

"(But) they can take a lot of credit out of the way they came back from last week's debacle. I do have a great sympathy for him.

"The only thing I want to take a little bit of issue with is when he turns around says 'the club never came for me and said we were poor'.

"If they didn't come for him after that Central Coast Mariners game then something is very deeply wrong within the club."

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However, Bosnich thinks that isn't the only thing wrong at Sydney, and he wonders how much support and control Crook ever actually had.

"Once he was appointed did he get the backroom staff that he wanted? Did he want Stephen Corica as assistant? We need to know this," says Bosnish.

"Did he get the players? The recruitment of the players, was that down to the manager as it should be, or was that down to (football director) Gary Cole? Did Gary Cole say 'these are the players that you're getting and that's it'?

"Because if that's the case, that's the wrong way to go about running a club.

"You get a manager in, you pay him good money, and you back him. Give him what he wants and the weapons he needs to make your team a winning team.

"If he doen't do it THEN you sack him."

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SBW ready to sign for Roosters

Unveiling ... Sonny Bill Williams could be unveiled by the Sydney Roosters on Tuesday. Source: John Grainger / News Limited

Controversial code-hopper and boxer Sonny Bill Williams will reportedly sign for Sydney Roosters and be unveiled on Tuesday.

According to Fairfax Media, Williams will formally return to the rugby league fold four years after walking out on Canterbury-Bankstown in 2008.

Speculation has been rife that Williams' move to the Roosters could be scuppered by his agent, Khoder Nasser's, lack of NRL accreditation.

However, the powerful forward was in no doubt were he would be playing in 2013.

"It's a done deal. I made it a long time ago," Williams said in October.

"I know where I'm playing next year and I'm ready to meet the challenge head-on. There's no more negotiations that need to be done."
 

Williams is currently contracted to a Japanese rugby union club and is now in Sydney recovering from surgery on a torn pectoral muscle, an injury that forced him to postpone a fight against South Africa's Francois Botha until February.

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Bird disappointed by Prince move

Disappointing ... Scott Prince will be sorely missed on and off the field by the Titans. Source: Steve Pohlner / News Limited

Gold Coast Titans back-rower Greg Bird farewelled two Princes in the past fortnight, one which left the Test and Origin enforcer star struck - the other simply left him disappointed.

Bird, who was left flustered by His Royal Highness Prince Charles at a beach touch football game on Friday, admits he is disappointed at Scott Prince's messy departure from the Titans.

Prince, the inaugural Gold Coast captain, was recently released from the his contract before signing with local rivals Brisbane.

That surprise connection surfaced after the 32-year-old seemed destined to finish his career in the English Super League with Hull.

The whole scenario left Bird, who admits he is not privy to the full negotiations, upset at losing the team's on-field general and his mate.

"I think it's disappointing," Bird said.

"It's always disappointing when it comes to this time of year and your teammates leave the club and have to move on to greener pastures.

"But that's rugby league. You can't play for the same team your whole career. That's never going to happen."

Bird refuses to lay the blame at the feet of Prince, but said he expects the full story to surface in good time.

"Princey did what he thought was best for his career. I've got nothing bad to say about him," Bird said.

"I'm not too sure of the finer details of how it went down. That's something for the club and him to discuss.

"I'm sure it will come out in the wash.

"For now I'm just happy he's picked up another gig and he's got another two years in the game."

Bird was already thinking about the reception awaiting his former teammate when the two teams clash, which will happen in a trial match at Redcliffe on February 16.

"I'm looking forward to running at him next year," he joked. 

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Victory comeback stuns Sydney

Hero ... Andrew Nabbout (C) celebrates with Melbourne Victory fans after their comeback win. Source: AAP

Melbourne Victory heaped more pain on Sydney FC, coming from two goals down to score a thrilling 3-2 A-League win on Saturday night.

Eager to put last week's horror 7-2 thrashing by Central Coast behind them, the Sky Blues looked set to post a much-needed win after taking a 2-0 lead in front of 21,531 fans at Allianz Stadium.

But two goals by impressive teenage substitute Andrew Nabbout and another by Archie Thompson inside the last 12 minutes gave Ange Postecoglou's side a memorable win.

The Victory had dominated possession for most of the match but the Sky Blues looked set to profit from making the most of their chances.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Adelaide	5	4	0	1	5	12
2	Newcastle	6	4	0	2	1	12
3	Central Coast	5	3	1	1	6	10
4	Perth	5	3	0	2	2	9
5	Victory	6	3	0	3	-4	9
6	Heart	6	2	1	3	0	7
7	Western Sydney	6	2	1	3	-1	7
8	Sydney	6	2	0	4	-7	6
9	Wellington	5	1	2	2	-1	5
10	Brisbane	6	1	1	4	-1	4

An early goal to impressive Panamanian striker Yairo Yau and Dutch defender Pascal Bosschaart's first ever professional goal in the second half looked to have them on course for three competition points.

Sydney welcomed back star signing Alessandro Del Piero after he sat out the loss to the Mariners with a hamstring complaint, and Italian delivered a classy performance before being substituted in the 66th minute - a decision Sky Blues coach Ian Crook may regret in hindsight.

With Bosschaart and Fabio back from injury too, Crook also promoted Blake Powell to the starting line-up and the home side looked determined from the outset.

It didn't take them long to capitalise, with Yau opening the scoring for the second straight week.

Del Piero played Powell into space and the 21-year-old youngster did brilliantly in cutting the ball back to set up Yau for a simple tap-in.

Victory captain Adrian Leijer and Sydney's Seb Ryall were forced off the field midway through the first half after a sickening head clash but were both able to continue after some treatment and heavy bandaging.

The visitors grew into the game throughout the first half, with only a brilliant 44th-minute save by Ivan Necevski preserving Sydney's 1-0 lead at halftime.

Melbourne appeared to start the second half with purpose but Sydney doubled their advantage against the run of play in the 48th minute.

Some more Del Piero trickery led to a Sky Blues corner and, after the Victory failed to clear, Bosschaart struck a sweet first-time volley that Necevski failed stop.

It was the 32-year-old's first goal in almost 400 games played in the Netherlands and Australia.

Victory almost pulled one back in the 56th minute with Necevski's fingertip save denying Marco Rojas from close range.

Teenager Nabbout gave the visitors hope with a brilliant curling finish to set up a nail-biting finish and the home crowd were stunned as the Victory came home like a train.

Thompson struck with a header in the 86th minute to level the scores before Nabbout capped a spectacular performance off the bench with the winner, a pin-point header from Gui Finkler's corner in stoppage time.

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

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