Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 11 February 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with lots of rugby news: Coach Cecil Afrika retained the tried and tested core of Springbok Women’s players for this coming weekend’s Sevens 2 tournament in Kenya. Ten of the players were in the squad that won the Sevens 3 tournament in Dubai last month, which saw them progress to the next qualifying phase. Speedster Shannon-Lee Windvogel can make her debut in Nairobi, replacing the injured Vianca Boer, while Lerato Makua comes in for Zintle Mpupha, who is on duty for the Bulls Daisies. Experienced Nadine Roos will lead the squad.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Hollie Davidson says refereeing in the Six Nations is a massive honour. The 33-year-old is set to become the first female to take charge of a men’s Six Nations match on Saturday, when Ireland hosts Italy in Dublin. She already officiated 47 Tests – 34 women’s and 13 men’s – Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and two Women’s World Cups. Davidson hopes to inspire young girls and boys:

Meanwhile, captain Maro Itoje returns to England’s starting line-up for their Six Nations clash against Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday. The 31-year-old came on as a second-half replacement in the 48-7 victory over Wales last weekend. Jamie George, who deputised as captain in Itoje’s absence, makes way for Luke Cowan‑Dickie at hooker in the other change. Fly‑half Fin Smith, who has recovered from a calf problem, comes on to the bench in place of Marcus Smith. England is seeking their first victory in Edinburgh since 2020.

# Cricket: Pace bowler Nathan Ellis believes Australia can still win the T20 World Cup despite being without injured fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and retired Mitchell Starc. Ellis will lead the pace attack also featuring Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis. He says they had two years together without the experienced trio, and their big workloads in Tests will carry them to the shortest format. Australia plays Ireland in their first group match in Colombo, Sri Lanka, today.

# And, Olympics: Ukrainian skier Vladyslav Heraskevych won’t be allowed to wear his so-called remembrance helmet when he participates at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy. The helmet features pictures of children killed since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The International Olympic Committee says it fully understands athletes’ desire to remember friends who died in the conflict, but Heraskevych’s helmet contravenes the guidelines. He would be allowed to wear a plain black armband when competing.

Stay tuned for more news………….