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The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 5 June 2013

 

Tuesday 04 June 2013 22:41 BST
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Rowntree says Lions must keep calm and carry on

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree has called on the British and Irish Lions to ignore provocation and keep their discipline as their tour continues this morning.

Brian O’Driscoll, right, captains the side against Western Force in Perth today, with all eyes on the travelling Lions players following Owen Farrell’s violent reaction to a punch from hooker Schalk Brits, during Saturday’s opening tour match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.

“The hard man is the man who doesn’t retaliate,” Rowntree, a veteran of Lions tours in 1997 and 2005, said. “Provocation will always be there, but you can’t afford to be drawn into things. If we’re doing that, we’re not performing our tasks elsewhere on the pitch. We can’t be standing there getting into fights.

“We’re here to play positive rugby, to play our own game – to be competitive and physical within the laws. We’ll be very strong with anyone who allows himself to be drawn into any silliness, because you can be banned and miss matches, even miss the rest of the tour, if you get involved.” MORE

Federer flattened as Serena recovers

Roger Federer was beaten in straight sets by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals of the French Open, failing to make the last four for only the second time in nine years. Elsewhere, Serena Williams defeated Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. MORE

Broad and Finn set to bolster England

Stuart Broad is likely to return from injury for England in today’s dead rubber third ODI against New Zealand. Steve Finn also has a hope of returning as England seek to recover form ahead of their opening Champions Trophy match against Australia this Saturday. MORE

Bolt’s back with Worlds on his mind

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt insists that he still has plenty of targets to hit as he begins a summer where the main focus is on reclaiming World Championship gold. “I definitely have goals,” he said. “I have accomplished all my dreams but I do have goals that I make myself.” MORE

Pearce wants to stay with under-21s

Stuart Pearce has stated his hopes of remaining in charge of the England under-21 side beyond the expiration of his contract at the end of the European Championship. “I really enjoy working with young players,” the 51-year-old said. “I have a real passion for it.” MORE

Robson brings in ex-Murray coach

Laura Robson is to work with Miles Maclagan, former coach of Andy Murray. The Briton has been without a coach since parting company with Zeljko Krajan. “We’re going to start out for a period over the grass,” Maclagan said.

British superfight equals big business

The reality is that a heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and David Haye will do sensational business and the winner will inevitably get a world title fight against one of the Klitschkos, who hold all four meaningful belts. STEVE BUNCE, MORE

Townsend handed four-month ban

Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend has been banned for four months for breaching betting regulations. However, three months of the ban have been suspended for the player, who will be available for the start of next season. MORE

Ramos: Navas will thrive in England

Jesus Navas has been tipped to be a success in England before a prospective move to Manchester City. “He will enjoy himself,” former Spurs coach Juande Ramos said. “In England they love players that run with the ball and he responds to the crowd.” MORE

Air of Glory brings Godolphin cheer

Godolphin’s reputation may not be restored overnight but Saeed bin Suroor made a perfect start to his tenure at Moulton Paddocks when Air of Glory – a first runner from the stable since it was relicensed – won at Lingfield.

James Lawton

Lord Gower knows what he is doing. He always has, as anyone at Lord’s on the day that the England captain told the media he could not talk because it would make him late for the theatre, could attest. MORE

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