Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 2 October 12:30 pm

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

# We start with rugby: Springbok centre Damian de Allende expects a tough and physical battle against Argentina on Saturday when the Rugby Championship concludes at Twickenham. South Africa recorded a commanding 67-30 victory over the Pumas in Durban last weekend. The Boks top the Championship table, one point clear of New Zealand, who play Australia in Perth earlier on Saturday. De Allende says both teams will have good support in London, despite it being neutral ground:

More rugby news: The Lions welcome back three key players before Sunday’s United Rugby Championship match against Zebre in Italy. Regular captain Francke Horn, prolific goalkicker Chris Smith and centre Eduard Keyter all return from injury for the Johannesburg team, who lost to Cardiff in last weekend’s opening round. Zebre beat Scottish side Edinburgh in the first round and the Lions’ defence coach, Jaque Fourie, realises the Italians will pose a huge threat at home on Sunday.

# Cricket: Experienced Proteas batter Tazmin Brits believes her young teammate, Karabo Meso, will catch the world’s attention at the Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. The 18-year-old wicketkeeper is expected to play in her first major tournament after making her international debut at the age of 16. Thirty-four-year-old Brits says she has seen Meso’s development first-hand at the Lions in Johannesburg, and believes her club teammate will use the tournament as launchpad to grab the global spotlight. The Proteas start their campaign against England tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Australia began the defence of their title with a commanding 89-run victory over New Zealand in Indore. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner scored 115 off 83 balls, her second ODI ton, as Australia posted 326. In reply, captain Sophie Devine’s 112 was not enough as New Zealand were bowled out for 237, with Sophie Molineux and Annabel Sutherland taking three wickets each. Today, Bangladesh takes on Pakistan in Colombo.

# And finally, tennis: Veteran Frenchman Gaël Monfils plans to retire at the end of next year. The 39-year-old former world number six has won 13 ATP Tour titles throughout his career, the last in Auckland, New Zealand, in January, almost two decades after his first in Poland in 2005. Monfils reached two Grand Slam finals; the French Open in 2008 and the US Open eight years later. The popular player says he cherished the privilege of turning his passion into a profession all through his career of 21 years.

Stay tuned for more news………….