World Cup: home nations falter
The Rugby World Cup is well under way now, but none of the home nations stormed through their first matches as confidently as anticipated.
After a lacklustre victory over an unfancied USA side on Saturday, England will have to step up their game significantly to come off best in tomorrow's match against one of the tourament favourites, South Africa.
Friday evening's clash against the Springboks in Paris could decide the winner of Pool A. Whoever takes that coveted top spot could avoid meeting Australia in the quarter-finals. Tune in to ITV1 at 8.00pm.
On Saturday, Wales tackle a difficult fixture against 2003 runners-up Australia. Gareth Jenkins sent on Stephen Jones at half-time in their first match to rescue a side floundering against Canada, and Jones will be justified in looking for a start against the Wallabies in Cardiff (ITV1, 1.45pm).
Setanta will screen Saturday's Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge (5.15pm) as Chelsea look to get their title chase back on track with a win over Blackburn Rovers, who remain unbeaten in eight league and cup games. Rovers boss Mark Hughes was pleased with his side's win over Man City and will be looking to carry on that momentum against a shaky-looking Blues side.
Sven-Goran Eriksson's transition to club-level football looked to be going smoothly for the first few weeks of the season but Man City's defeat at Ewood Park left the Sky Blues' confidence dented. They take on a rejuvenated Aston Villa on Sunday at 3.30pm on SS1.
The first Champions League group matches kick off on Tuesday, with Liverpool taking on FC Porto and Chelsea hosting Rosenborg. On Wednesday Manchester United travel to the Portugal Liga's number three side, Sporting Lisbon, while Arsenal are at home to Sevilla.
Fresh from victory in the one-day series against India, England's cricketers open their Twenty20 campaign against Zimbabwe in Cape Town on Thursday (12.30pm, SS1).
