The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 27 September 2011

Lawes ready after ‘harsh’ punishment

Courtney Lawes is back from suspension for England’s game against Scotland on Saturday. “I thought the punishment was a bit harsh,” he said of his fortnight ban for striking Mario Ledesma with his knee. “I’m just looking forward to making amends.” MORE

Haskell: Scotland game is do-or-die

James Haskell has insisted how important England’s match with Scotland is. “This is a do-or-die game for them,” he said, “but then, it’s do-or-die for us too. I’ve felt that about every game: this is a World Cup and everything is a fight for life.” MORE

Hamilton is ‘out of gear mentally’

Sir Jackie Stewart said that Lewis Hamilton needs to drive more cautiously. “If he is going to be a great driver he cannot have serial incidents,” Stewart said. “Lewis has all the skills, but he jumps out of gear mentally.” MORE

Wilshere out for up to five months

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will be out for “four to five months” after ankle surgery yesterday morning. The 19-year-old had a stress fracture in his right ankle repaired. He sustained the ankle injury on international duty in June. MORE

Wales hit form against Namibia

Wales strengthened their push for a quarter-final place yesterday with an 81-7 defeat of Namibia, as Scott Williams scored three tries, and George North two. Victory over Fiji on Sunday will ensure Wales’ passage to the last eight of the competition. MORE

Touré confident of City challenge

Yaya Touré believes that Manchester City can live with the best teams in Europe, ahead of tonight’s game at Bayern Munich. “I don’t think there is a big space between us and the top teams in this competition,” he said. “We can do fantastically well.” MORE

New Hull KR coach attracted by youth

Hull KR’s new coach Craig Sandercock took the job because of the club’s young players. “That was one of the attractions of Hull KR,” the 42-year-old said. “The number of quality junior players coming through is a credit to all concerned.” MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Someone should tell Lewis Hamilton that in his reckless driving he is not only failing certain tests of maturity, but that he is in danger of becoming the little boy with the big man syndrome who is getting progressively lost. MORE

Norwich pick off sloppy Sunderland for first home win

Norwich City recorded their first home league win of the season last night with a 2-1 victory over Sunderland. The first goal for the hosts came after 31 minutes when winger Elliot Bennett crossed to Leon Barnett, unmarked, who finished comfortably. Three minutes into the second half Norwich scored again when Mark Tierney’s cross was headed in by towering centre-forward Steve Morison. Kieran Richardson scored a consolation goal from distance for Sunderland but Steve Bruce’s side could not get back into the game despite late pressure. MORE

Ferguson: Game ruled by TV god

Sir Alex Ferguson, whose Manchester United host FC Basle tonight, believes that television has too much power over English football. “When you shake hands with the devil you have to pay the price,” he said. “Television is God at the moment.” MORE

Woods backs his pursuit of caddie

Tiger Woods has defended his employment of Dustin Johnson’s caddie, Joe LaCava, after criticism from former coach Butch Harmon that he had gone behind Johnson’s back. The 14-time major winner said that he was approached by LaCava instead. MORE