Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 24 February 12:30 pm

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

# First up is cricket: Australia will play a Test at Newlands in Cape Town for the first time since the infamous Sandpaper-gate incident in 2017. Captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and bowler Cameron Bancroft were sanctioned after television cameras picked up Bancroft using sandpaper to rough the ball during the third Test against South Africa. The Proteas went on to win the match by 322 runs and clinch the series 3-1. October’s first two Tests will be played in Durban and Gqeberha, and the final one at Newlands.

# Rugby: Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, describes the potential in his squad as huge after they annihilated England in a Six Nations clash at Twickenham on Saturday. They won 42-21 after very few supporters and experts gave them a chance. This put them squarely back in the running for the title after losing to New Zealand and South Africa in November, and France early this month. Farrell is also pleased with the performance of his more experienced players after questions about their form.

Other rugby news: Defending champions University of Cape Town-Ikeys bounced back from last week’s defeat to beat Central University of Technology 83-34 in the second round of the Varsity Cup. North West University-Eagles made it two victories from two with a commanding 63-15 victory over newly-promoted Emeris. University of Pretoria-Tuks also secured back-to-back victories with a clinical 38-22 win over Free State-Shimlas. University of Stellenbosch-Maties returned to winning ways, defeating University of Johannesburg 39-19.

# Soccer: UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger, Gianluca Prestianni, for one match following allegations he used racist language directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. The incident happened during last week’s first leg Champions League meeting, where Madrid won 1-0. UEFA has imposed the ban on a provisional basis, pending the result of a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector. Prestianni will miss the second leg of the tie in Madrid. Benfica say they will appeal Prestianni’s temporary suspension.

# And, Paralympics: The International Paralympic Committee has urged Ukrainian athletes not to boycott the opening ceremony of the Winter Games. This comes after the committee permitted certain Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paralympics under their flags and with their national anthems. The Czech Paralympic Committee will also boycott the opening ceremony in solidarity with Ukraine. IPC president Andrew Parsons expressed concern that these situations can sometimes be politicised. The Milano Cortina Paralympics are scheduled to run in Italy from 6 to 15 March.

Stay tuned for more news………….