Sky Blues crush weary Mariners

Goalscorer ... Sydney FC's Joel Chianese celebrates hitting the net. Source: Dean Lewins / AAP

Sydney FC kept themselves in A-League finals contention with a sensational 2-0 upset win over the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.

Sebastian Ryall put the hosts in front in the opening half and Joel Chianese doubled the advantage after the break to lift the Sky Blues into fifth spot with their sixth win in a row at Allianz Stadium.

The Mariners, suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season, remain in second spot but Sydney FC did cross-city rivals and ladder leaders Western Sydney Wanderers a big favour.

They can widen the gap at the top to five points with a win over bottom-placed Wellington on Sunday.

The win gives Sydney a crucial boost ahead of a difficult run home as they face third-placed Melbourne Victory next week and the Wanderers the week after before travelling to Brisbane for their final-round clash.

The Sky Blues came out swinging, creating a flurry of chances in the first 12 minutes with Joel Griffiths, Brett Emerton and defenders Terry McFlynn and Tiago Calvano all attempting strikes.

It was defender Ryall who put the hosts in front in the 26th minute, getting on the end of a superb McFlynn cross to score his third of the season.

The Mariners looked likely to respond soon after the restart as the season's top scorer Daniel McBreen missed an opportunity to level.

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Re-live all the action from Sydney FC's vital win over Central Coast Mariners in our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights.

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Michael McGlinchey forced Sydney gloveman Vedran Janjetovic into action moments later with a shot of his own.
McBreen threatened again 10 minutes into the second half, curling a dangerous strike just past the post.

Compelled to change things up, Mariners coach Graham Arnold used his full quota of substitutions in the second half, bringing on Mitchell Duke, Oliver Bozanic and Zachary Anderson for Mile Sterjovski, Nick Montgomery and Pedj Bojic in an effort to add some more pace up front.

Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero had the 16,155 crowd at Allianz Stadium on their feet when he let rip with a strike which forced a diving save from Mariners 'keeper Mathew Ryan.

Sydney coach Frank Farina made a change of his own, bringing on Chianese for Griffiths in the 69th minute and it proved a masterstroke as the young gun widened the gap less than five minutes later with a 73rd minute goal.

McBreen had a perfect chance to get one back with two minutes to go but sent it over the crossbar.

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England grind toward NZ draw

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Openers ... Nick Compton and Alastair Cook blunt New Zealand's attack. Source: Ross Setford / AP

England openers Alastair Cook and Nick Compton scored effortless centuries to steer the first Test against New Zealand towards a likely draw with one day to play in Dunedin.

1st Test - University Oval (Dunedin)

6 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 3

England 2nd Innings

N. Compton	102	265	10	0	38.49
S. Finn	0	6	0	0	0
T. Boult	19	5	33	1	1.74

A lifeless pitch and a vastly-improved English approach to batting in the second innings made for a long fourth day for New Zealand at University Oval as the tourists reached 1-234 off 87 overs.

They have nearly overhauled the first-innings deficit of 293 after New Zealand declared their first innings at 9-460 early on Saturday.

Not a sniff of a chance was offered by Cook until he was dismissed late in the day for 116, snicking Trent Boult to wicketkeeper BJ Watling, ending a record-breaking opening stand of 231.

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Compton survived a late runout scare while marooned in the 90s for 48 minutes before reaching three figures for the first time in his fifth Test.

Unbeaten on 102, he has relieved pressure on his place in the team following a first-innings duck and a debut series against India last year in which he made several good starts but failed to register a big score.

"It's the biggest relief of my life to be honest,'' Compton said.

"To get to this moment was something special, I never thought perhaps a year ago, or a couple of months ago, that I'd be sitting here with a hundred. I kept believing, but it's been a long time.''

Compton and Cook surpassed Chris Tavare and Graeme Fowler's previous record for an England opening stand against New Zealand of 223, achieved at The Oval in London in 1983.

It is also a ground record for all partnerships in the five Tests at University Oval, bettering the 200 shared by South Africa's Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis for the third wicket in last year's drawn affair.

Left-hander Cook feasted on runs off his pads, hitting 14 fours during a 252-ball knock which improved a comparatively bleak record against New Zealand.

It was his first century against the Black Caps and improved an average against them that stood at 35, compared to his career average which climbed above 50 on Saturday.

Compton was even more watchful, facing 265 balls and hitting 10 boundaries. Nightwatchman Steven Finn had yet to score.

Gone were the inexplicably-rash shots that pockmarked England's first innings of 167 on Thursday in batting conditions which were just as friendly.

England were 0-58 at lunch and 0-139 at tea as the New Zealand bowlers struggled for any sideways movement on the brown pitch despite overcast conditions.

Boult was the most consistent performer, taking 1-33 off 19 taxing overs.

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Cheetahs stun Highlanders

Instrumental ... Sarel Pretorius opened the scoring for the Cheetahs. Source: AAP

The Cheetahs recorded their first ever Super Rugby win over the Highlanders with a comprehensive 36-19 victory at Rugby Park in Invercargill on Saturday night.

3 Tries 3
Kade Poki 26'	Sarel Pretorius 21'
Kade Poki 44'	Robert Ebersohn 30'
Kade Poki 72'	Sarel Pretorius 34'
2 Conversions 3
Lima Sopoaga 27'	Johan Goosen 21'
Colin Slade 73'	Johan Goosen 30'
	Johan Goosen 35'
0 Penalties 5
	Johan Goosen 11'
	Johan Goosen 24'
	Johan Goosen 32'
	Johan Goosen 66'
	Johan Goosen 76'

The Highlanders, coming off the bye, looked disjointed and not even the return of hooker Andrew Hore from suspension and veteran Brad Thorn's first game for the franchise could spark them.

They struggled for momentum against a superb Cheetahs forward pack, and possibly also missed the influence of All Blacks midfielder Ma'a Nonu, out with a late knee injury.

Australia Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Brumbies	2	0	0	35	1	13
2	Reds	3	1	0	6	0	12
3	Waratahs	1	1	0	-3	0	8
4	Melbourne Rebels	1	3	0	-25	1	5
5	Western Force	0	3	0	-29	1	5
New Zealand Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Chiefs	2	0	0	56	2	10
2	Blues	2	0	0	33	2	10
3	Crusaders	0	2	0	-20	2	6
4	Hurricanes	1	2	0	-19	1	5
5	Highlanders	0	2	0	-31	0	4
South Africa Conference		W	L	D	PD	BP	Pts
1	Bulls	2	0	0	18	1	9
2	Sharks	2	0	0	13	0	8
3	Southern Kings	1	0	0	12	0	8
4	Cheetahs	1	2	0	-32	1	5
5	Stormers	0	2	0	-14	1	1

The Cheetahs ran in three first-half tries, a stark contrast to last week's 45-3 defeat by the Chiefs when they couldn't buy a five-pointer, and led 30-7 at the break.

Halfback Sarel Pretorius opened the scoring at 20 minutes, latching onto a well-timed inside flick from flanker Lappies Labuschagne as he burst down the left wing.

Stung into action, the Highlanders replied five minutes later when five-eighth Lima Sopoaga's kick through found winger Kade Poki in perfect position to score.

From then on, however, Sopoaga's night careered downhill as he gifted the Cheetahs 14 points with two horrible mistakes.

The first came on the half-hour mark as he tried to chip over the flat Cheetahs defensive line, only to see inside centre Robert Ebersohn charge the kick down and canter over unopposed for the try.

Pretorius then picked up his second five minutes from halftime, snaffling Sopoaga's attempted flip to Hosea Gear with the Highlanders hot on attack and running 70m unopposed to touch down.

Flyhalf Johan Goosen's boot was clinical in adding the extras, banging over five penalties and three conversions to keep the home team's hopes of a fightback well under wraps.

Coach Jamie Joseph benched Sopoaga for All Blacks No.10 Colin Slade three minutes before halftime, and the Highlanders began the second spell promisingly as Poki crossed for his second try after four minutes.

But the Cheetahs defence regrouped and held strong, and not even Poki's third try of the night, coming after he sliced through four tackles in the 73rd minute, could put the final result in doubt.

The Cheetahs now head to Sydney and Perth to take on the Waratahs and Force while the winless Highlanders face a horror month ahead with clashes against the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Reds and Blues.

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Burns steals show from Hilfenhaus

Joe Burns ... saw the Kookaburra like a watermelon at the Gabba. Source: David Kapernick / News Limited

Three wickets in four balls by ex-Test seamer Ben Hilfenhaus was always going to be a hard act to follow at the Gabba on Friday.

SHEF - Gabba

7 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

Queensland 1st Innings

J. Burns	104	273	8	1	38.1
A. McDermott	2	9	0	0	22.22

But Joe Burns stole the show by surviving a hat-trick delivery then capping a remarkable Queensland fightback with an unbeaten 104 in the Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania.

At stumps on day two, Burns had helped guide defending champion Bulls to 9-262, an unlikely 17-run first-innings lead, after able support from captain James Hopes (72).

Burns lit up the gloomy Gabba conditions in a 138-run seventh-wicket stand with Hopes that turned the match.

Ex-Test seamer Hilfenhaus (3-72) earlier had Burns in his sights after his remarkable four-ball burst reduced the Bulls to 3-18.

Burns held his nerve to survive the hat-trick ball delivery but was again feeling the pressure as Queensland slumped to 4-30 then 5-90 and finally 6-112.

But by stumps it was Tasmania hoping to reverse their fortunes after a Burns-inspired counter-attack landed the third-placed Bulls precious first-innings points as they looked to stay in the final mix with one more match to play.

In his first game for Queensland since returning from Australia A duty, Burns struck his fifth Shield ton in an epic 273-ball knock that featured eight fours and a six.

"That was the best innings I have played for Queensland considering the context of the game and the difficult conditions,'' Burns said.

"When you come out in that situation you can't panic.''

But that must have been a tempting option after Burns was caught off guard by Hilfenhaus's memorable over.

"I had switched off after fielding and it seemed like three minutes later I was facing Hilfy for the hat-trick ball - I was a bit shocked,'' he said.

Burns tried to steady the ship in a 60-run fifth wicket stand with Nathan Reardon (39) before allrounder Evan Gulbis (2-50) struck, ensuring Hopes joined Burns at the crease with Queensland still trailing by 133 runs.

After James Faulkner bowled Hopes to finally end their three-hour stand, Luke Butterworth (2-50) was on a hat-trick as he tried to mop up the tail late on Friday but Burns remained defiant.

Earlier, Cameron Gannon (2-38) needed just nine balls to end the Tigers' first innings after they resumed at 8-236.

Tasmania had recovered from 5-90 after a Ryan Harris-inspired collapse of 3-2 on Thursday to post a competitive first innings total of 245.

Jon Wells (82) - dropped on seven - and ex-Test keeper Tim Paine (42) dug the Tigers out of trouble on Thursday with a 97-run sixth wicket stand.

Injury plagued ex-Test paceman Harris finished with 3-85 off 26 overs in his first first-class match since Australia's tour of the West Indies last April.

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Vics fight back against Blues

Fightback ... Cameron White and David Hussey bat Victoria into a lead. Source: Andrew Brownbill / News Limited

Cameron White and David Hussey conjured an unbroken century stand to pull Sheffield Shield leader Victoria back to the brink of a competitive position against a feisty NSW at the MCG on Friday.

Born-again skipper White (66 not out) and Hussey (59 not out) combined for a 127-run stand that occupied the full final session of the second day, leaving the match poised only marginally in the Blues' favour with two days remaining.

SHEF - Melbourne Cricket Ground

7 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

Victoria 2nd Innings

C. White	68	137	4	4	49.64
D. Hussey	59	104	8	1	56.73

Victoria will resume at 4-224 in their second innings, a lead of 80 runs with six wickets in hand, but an early wicket Saturday would tilt the contest heavily in NSW's favour.

"The heartbeat's still ticking, I think,'' said White.

"It's a long way to go to be in a stronger position. NSW are probably still in front in the game so there's work to be done, but we're in the contest, for sure.''

The Bushrangers have been dominated in the match, bowled out for 128 after batting first on Thursday, and they were on the cusp of outright defeat this afternoon when they slumped to 4-97 at tea, still 43 runs behind, against a Blues team placed on the bottom of the Shield table.

A controversial leg-side stumping of Rob Quiney (45) by Brad Haddin from Trent Copeland's medium-pacers appeared to be crucial, with Quiney angry at umpire Tony Ward's decision.

"His foot was in and it didn't move, but I can't say anything about umpire's decisions,'' said White later.

"I'm sure you (media) saw the replays as well. I can tell you what I saw but I can't comment on the decision.''

But with NSW a bowler down, paceman Doug Bollinger having left the field after complaining of a hamstring strain, White and Hussey capitalised late in the day.

White had hit a big hundred in Victoria's most recent Shield game against Queensland, and he was imperious at times today, striking three big sixes.

Hussey had not offered a half-century at Shield level all season, such has been his run-drought.

But he, too, brought up the milestone late in the day when he slogged Steve O'Keefe over long-off for six.

White was having a good day; he had wiped out the Blues' tail with 3-4 in the morning session with his leg-spinners and googlies, the visitors losing their last four wickets for 14 runs to be all out for 268 in their first innings.

Copeland, whose two wickets complemented an earlier half-century with the bat, was unequivocal the Blues were still in front.

"I would say we are a long way ahead, due to the fact we dominated day one and held our own on day two,'' he said.

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Botha bowls Redbacks into lead

Captain ... Johan Botha helps deliever first inning points. Source: Calum Robertson / New York Post

Captain Johan Botha's best bowling stint for South Australia delivered the Redbacks precious points against Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield match.

Botha captured five wickets as WA were bowled out for 235 on Friday's second day, just 13 runs behind SA's first-innings score.

SHEF - Adelaide Oval

7 March 2013 - Day 2, Session 3

Western Australia 1st Innings

M. Hussey	99	154	7	4	64.29
M. Hogan	31	41	1	1	75.61

SA moved to 26 points on the Shield table, just two behind leaders Victoria.

But a Mike Hussey special almost denied the Redbacks the points, the ex-Test stalwart cracking an unbeaten 99.

WA appeared doomed at 9-166, prompting Hussey to launch an audacious assault with support from No.11 Michael Hogan.

Hussey cracked four sixes and Hogan contributed 31, taking the visitors to the brink of SA's total.

But their partnership of 69 runs, the highest of the Warriors' innings, ended when Hogan was bowled by Chadd Sayers (2-72) in what became the last ball of the day.

Botha had earlier destroyed WA's innings, returning figures of 5-59 from 26 overs, his best return since joining and being appointed captain of the Redbacks for this season.

The South African-born offspinner had taken only six Shield wickets before Friday.

The Warriors were coasting at 0-61 when Botha struck twice in two balls, triggering a collapse in which the visitors lost five wickets for 15 runs in a nine-over span.

Two WA batsmen made golden ducks in the batting crash - John Rogers, a Botha victim, and Mitchell Marsh, who was dismissed first ball by rookie quick Carl Tietjens (2-50).

WA's spectacular slide seemingly cruelled their hopes of collecting first-innings points, until Hussey's late barrage.

But Hussey received little support from specialist batsmen after openers Liam Davis (34) and Marcus Harris (22) put on a steady stand.

Wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman (16) was the only other Warrior to reach double figures until Hogan almost repeated his heroics with the ball.

Hogan earlier on Friday completed a five-wicket haul as the Redbacks were bowled out for 248.

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WA take early honours against SA

Ashton Agar ... took 2-63 as the Warriors took day one honours. Source: Stewart Allen / News Limited

Fast bowler Michael Hogan claimed three wickets to give Western Australia the upper hand against South Australia on Thursday's opening day of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.

The Redbacks, after winning the toss, were 7-237 at stumps.

Hogan took 3-38 from 20 overs, including the prized wicket of Callum Ferguson who top-scored with 63.

Ferguson helped steady SA after the home side struggled to 3-56.

The in-form strokeplayer put on 57 with Travis Head (28) before Hogan ended the partnership.

Ferguson then combined with Jake Brown for an 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Hogan again broke through.

Hogan bowled Ferguson with an off-cutter to spark a South Australian slide of 3-19 as the Warriors regained momentum.

Rookie spinner Ashton Agar finished the day with 2-63 from 23 overs while pacemen Nathan Coulter-Nile and Mitchell Marsh each claimed a wicket. 

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Blues hold slim lead against Vics

Nic Maddinson ... continues his impressive form against Victoria. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A brilliant debut by 19-year-old seamer Gurinder Sandhu gave New South Wales the upper hand on Thursday in their important Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.

The former Australian U19 fast bowler took 5-31 from 11 overs as the Victorians, top of the Shield table and looking to secure a spot in the final, were steamrolled for just 128 in their first innings.

New South Wales were 6-201 in reply by stumps on a remarkable opening day, leading by 73 runs with Trent Copeland (20no) and Steve O'Keefe (11no).

Sixteen wickets fell despite the appearance of a relatively-friendly MCG strip.

Sandhu, born in Blacktown as the son of an Indian immigrant father, became the first Blue since Copeland three years ago to take a five-wicket haul on his Shield debut. At one point, he had 4-7.

He had previously played four limited-overs games for New South Wales and shapes as a future international.

Fast bowler Clint McKay top-scored for the Victorians with a belligerent 41 that included two huge sixes -- one over long-on from Sandhu's bowling and another of more than 100 metres to the deep mid-wicket boundary off Josh Hazlewood.

But McKay's innings and a final-wicket partnership of 49 with No.11 batsman Fawad Ahmed only served to show the folly of Victoria's top order, who failed on a pitch that was not conspicuously difficult, slumping to 8-55.

Nic Maddinson's feisty 76 from just 67 balls was the highlight of the New South Wales reply.

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Harris disgusted with Shield return

Tough marker ... Harris was livid with his display despite on day one at the Gabba. Source: News Limited

National selectors will be impressed by Ryan Harris's first-class return at the Gabba on Thursday - until they hear the ex-Test quick's brutally honest self-assessment.

SHEF - Gabba

7 March 2013 - Day 1, Session 3

Tasmania 1st Innings

L. Butterwort...	14	42	2	0	33.33
E. Gulbis	2	11	0	0	18.18

Harris (3-77) was on a hat-trick as Tasmania lost 3-2 to be reeling at 5-90 before Jon Wells (82) helped steer the visitors to 8-236 at stumps on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash.

Queensland rued dropping Wells on seven - but Harris saved his biggest complaints for his display.

On paper, there didn't seem to be much to be upset about.

A gutsy Harris toiled away for 25 overs in his first taste of first-class action since Australia's tour of West Indies last April.

It capped a big week for the 33-year-old who took a match-winning 4-26 to help the Bulls seal a dramatic two-run win over Victoria in the final of the Ryobi Cup at the MCG.

But asked how he went on Thursday, Harris said: "Sh*thouse, to be honest.

"I got through 25 overs which is good but I am a long way away from where I want to be.

"Maybe five overs in my second spell I was happy with.

"I am just disappointed I didn't get enough balls in the right areas."

Harris is still keeping his fingers crossed to be in the frame for an Ashes call-up this year after recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent last August.

Wells also capped a comeback of sorts on Thursday.

Delisted by Tasmania almost 12 months ago, he forced his way back through sheer weight of runs.

Still, he arrived at the Gabba on Thursday with a less-than-impressive 16.74 first-class average.

However, Wells finally began to deliver on his undoubted potential with his third half-century, chiming in for an invaluable 97-run, sixth-wicket stand with Tim Paine (42) that stopped the Harris-inspired mini-collapse.

He was caught behind off James Hopes (2-57 off 22 overs) with just nine balls left for the day.

Harris celebrated his first Shield game of the season as Tasmania stumbled after emerging from lunch at 1-48.

He trapped Alex Doolan (21) in front and, next ball, had Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey fending a ball to third slip.

And the Bulls were roaring when former national skipper Ricky Ponting - averaging more than 111 in Shield this season - inexplicably pulled Hopes straight to Joe Burns on 14.

After cruising at 0-47 before lunch, Tasmania were suddenly 5-90.

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Uate re-signs with Knights

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Akuila Uate ... re-signs with Newcastle Knights until the end of 2017. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

Akuila Uate has re-signed with Newcastle for four more years, the NRL club announced on Wednesday.

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The former representative winger, who was linked to a move to Japanese rugby, has committed to the club until the end of the 2017 season.

"I love playing for the Knights and am really happy to stay here for the next four years,'' Uate said in a statement.

"I can't imagine playing anywhere else and the decision to re-sign was an easy one.

"Now my future is secured I am even more excited about running on to Hunter Stadium on Monday night.''

Chief executive Matt Gidley said the Knights were pleased to have fought off interest from rival codes and rival clubs to retain the Dally M winger of the year.

"There was obviously some interest in Aku from other clubs, so it is pleasing we have been able to secure him at the Knights for the next four years,'' Gidley said.

"As a fan favourite, we know our members and supporters will be happy to hear this news today.

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"Aku is one of the most exciting players in the competition and we look forward to his further development at the Knights."

Uate, who has scored 70 tries in 90 games for Newcastle, will this season be keen to atone for an indifferent 2012 in which he lost his NSW jersey.

Newcastle begin their 2013 campaign on Monday night at Hunter Stadium against Wests Tigers.

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Coaches to have say on cap: Malthouse

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Meeting ... Mick Malthouse wants all coaches to have a say on rules. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

A meeting with the AFL's rule-makers has reassured Carlton coach Mick Malthouse that he and his colleagues will get their say on next year's interchange cap.

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And the authors of the AFL's own annual injury survey say they've found nothing to convince them a cap will reduce injuries.

After AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou declared on Tuesday a cap was a certainty for next year, Malthouse said on Wednesday the league should at least set a limit that suits clubs.

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He said that would be well above the maximum of 80 rotations being trialled this pre-season.

Last season clubs averaged 131.

"I'm sure each club would have an optimum number,'' Malthouse told reporters.

"If you took that over 18 clubs and knocked off the bottom one and the top one then you're going to get somewhere near the number that most clubs think is the right number.''

Malthouse's meeting with the AFL's laws of the game committee came after the three-time premiership coach questioned whether the committee was being dominated by one or two figures who were out of touch with the modern game.

In return, committee member Kevin Bartlett accused coaches of acting purely out of self-interest and riding roughshod over the game.

On Wednesday, Malthouse was more conciliatory.

He said the committee convinced him it had the game's interests at heart.

He, in turn, had stressed that coaches also valued the game and its players.

Malthouse pointed to former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams advocating rule changes to protect players' heads, despite the adverse effect on the career of his own hard-hitting player Byron Pickett.

"He was virtually nailing the coffin of that player, at the detriment of his football club, for the betterment of the game,'' Malthouse said.

Malthouse maintains there is evidence that increased rotations decreases injuries, which the AFL's injury survey, released on Wednesday, did nothing to contradict.

It found that AFL players missed fewer games through injury last year than for any other season since 2008, when rotations averaged 81.

"I don't think we can draw interpretations about caps or no caps from this particular data,'' survey co-author Hugh Seward said.

But while many coaches and players fiercely oppose a cap, West Coast coach John Worsfold says it will bring greater player fatigue so there will be more one-on-one rivalries and special moments.

"You'll see the old Gary Pert on Tony Lockett, and you'll know it's going to happen a couple of times each year over 10 years,'' Worsfold said.

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Hartley eyes national honours

Honours ... Chris Hartley still dreams of a baggy green. Source: Mark Calleja / News Limited

Thursday's Sheffield Shield battle between defending champions Queensland and a desperate Tasmania on a wet Gabba pitch will also feature a host of sideshows.

The prime objective for both states however will be an outright victory to push their Shield claims with just two games remaining.

But Australia's ordinary form so far against India on the sub continent has upped the stakes for several fringe Test players still hoping to push their case for the coming Ashes series.

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One of those is Bulls wicketkeeper Chris Hartley whom many believe is not only the best gloveman in the land but also the kind of rear guard fighter with the bat Australia is lacking.

The hero of Queensland's thrilling Shield final victory over Tasmania last summer - where he made a first innings 111 and a crucial 19 not out in the second dig - Hartley is hoping to produce something similar as the third placed Bulls fight to defend their crown.

While Hartley's focus is locked on the Shield trophy, he admits he still has an eye on making the national team.

"You never give up and my goal is still to play for Australia,'' he said.

"I'm keeping as well as I have ever done, and I was amongst the top run-scorers in the Ryobi Cup just gone and I'm probably in the top 10 in the Shield runs, so I am pretty happy with how I am hitting them.

"Hopefully I'm still in the selectors' thoughts if a spot comes up.''

One of several individual highlights will feature the clash of Queensland's Ryan Harris - in many ways Australia's forgotten fast bowler - and Tasmania's Test experienced Ben Hilfenhaus, the pair not long back from lengthy injury lay-offs.

Brisbane's big wet will ensure a lively wicket giving both sides hope of a result.

Tasmania's line-up boasts eight players with international or Australia A experience, headed by former national skipper Ricky Ponting who's averaging 111 in the Shield this season.

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Stop lying Sam: Sturm

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Honesty ... Felix Sturm and Sam Soliman continue to spar. Source: Rolf Vennenbernd / AP

Sam Soliman's management will demand the B sample of his positive drug test be opened in Australia, while opponent Felix Sturm has questioned his honesty.

A test taken prior to Soliman's IBF middleweight boxing title eliminator win over Germany's Felix Sturm in Dusseldorf last month revealed the prohibited substance oxilofrine.

After the test result was revealed last Sunday, Soliman tweeted drug allegations against him were complete nonsense and an insult and the matter was in his lawyer's hands.

Sturm turned to Twitter himself to demand the IBF alter the fight result to a no contest and also questioned Soliman's honesty.

"In my opinion Soliman should do himself a favour, stop lying and confess his wrongdoing,'' Sturm tweeted.

"His A-sample was positive and that was confirmed by both the NADA (German national drug testing agency) and WADA (World Anti Doping Agency).

"Come on, Sam, stop lying.

"Or are you trying to tell me that someone slipped you a drug? One that's difficult to find?

"That makes no sense to me. No sense at all.''

Sturm said Soliman had taken a substance that was hard to trace and invited the Australian to return to Germany for the opening of his B sample.

Soliman's manager David Stanley said his legal team were working towards getting the B sample being opened in an independent Australian laboratory.

"We won't be travelling to Germany, we require the B sample to be sent to Australia to a WADA approved organisation,'' Stanley said.

"We just think it's absolutely appropriate and Sam Soliman's right that the sample come into a WADA-approved laboratory in Sydney.

"Sam Soliman is not a drug cheat, we here in Australia know his values in that regard.

"I've got no issue with Sturm coming to Australia or sending a representative to go through the B sample.''
Stanley reiterated complaints about what he perceived as the Sturm camp's failure to comply with all the drug testing requirements in the fight contract.

He said while the situation had become very messy, he had no regrets about insisting on pre-fight drug testing.

"We do not resile, WADA testing should be universal right through boxing,'' Stanley said.

The negotiating period for Soliman's mandatory challenge to IBF champion and compatriot Daniel Geale has ended, with the IBF asking for more time to consider the position before heading to purse bids for the fight.

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Clarke confirms he'll move up order

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Decision review ... Clarke looks set to part ways with the No.5 spot. Source: Adam Head / News Limited

Australia captain Michael Clarke says he has no choice but to promote himself into the top four of his side's batting line-up following their crushing loss to India.

2nd Test - Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

2 March 2013 - Day 4, Session 1

Australia 2nd Innings

J. Pattinson	0	27	0	0	0
X. Doherty	1	26	0	0	3.85
R. Ashwin	28	12	63	5	2.25

India took a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series on Tuesday with a massive victory by an innings and 135 runs in the second Test in Hyderabad.

The home side's win came at lunch on day four with spinners Ravi Ashwin (5-63) and Ravindra Jadeja (3-33) in dominant form.

Resuming on day four at 2-74, Australia were bowled out for 131.

Ed Cowan top-scored with 44 in a shocking collapse of 8-56 which followed Australia's eight-wicket loss in the first Test in Chennai.

Cowan, his fellow opener David Warner, No.3 Phil Hughes and No.4 Shane Watson are all averaging under 30 after two matches in the series, while Clarke has made 267 runs at 67.00 including a century in Chennai batting at No.5.

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Join us @FoxCricketLive from 12pm (EDT) Wednesday for a live Twitter chat as we dissect Australia's disastrous defeat in Hyderabad and debate what decisions need to be made to turn the side's fortunes around.

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Hughes has scored 25 runs at 6.25 in two matches and could be facing the axe for back-up batsman Usman Khawaja.

"I think I have no choice,'' an ashen-faced Clarke told his post-match media conference on Tuesday when asked about promoting himself up the order.

"Again, it hasn't been about me, it's about trying to do what's best for the team, and I think now, especially in these conditions, I have to bat higher."

Asked where in the top four he would bat, Clarke added: "I've got nine days to work it out.

"Wherever I can go and put some runs on the board to help the team."

Clarke's 1595 runs in 2012 was the fourth-highest tally in Test history for the calendar year.

The third Test starts in Mohali on March 14.

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Watch the third Test between India and Australia LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.

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NRL teams: SBW to start from bench

SBW ... will begin life as a Rooster from the bench against the Bunnies. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

Sonny Bill Williams is in, as is Todd Carney, but Canberra duo Josh Dugan and Jarrod Croker were the big names missing when the teams for the opening round of the NRL season were unveiled on Tuesday.

As expected Williams was named on an impressive Sydney Roosters bench for Thursday night's season-opener against South Sydney - Martin Kennedy, Luke O'Donnell and Boyd Cordner alongside him as one of seven interchange options.

The dual international still has to prove his fitness with concerns over his surgically-repaired pectoral muscle, but Roosters official remain hopeful that he will be right.

The Rabbitohs have skipper Michael Crocker starting from the bench.

Carney, who like Williams failed to feature during any of his side's trials, was also named in the Cronulla No.6 jumper to face Gold Coast on Sunday - the NSW Origin pivot given the green light by coach Shane Flanagan.

Carney hasn't played since tearing his Achilles tendon during last year's finals series, and only returned to full training last week.

He is part of a powerful Sharks squad that includes ex-Penrith duo Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis in the starting side - while Chris Heighington, Anthony Tupou and Jayson Bukuya are all on a six-man interchange bench.

There was no such good news for Raiders fans however, with Dugan (virus) and Croker (knee) not named to play Penrith - though officials haven't given up all hope that either could be a late addition.

"We're in a position where we've basically got everyone fit so we don't see any need to be rushing those guys back for the first round, because it's a long season," assistant coach Andrew Dunemann said.

"There's still a possibility that they could play, but they'd have to prove they are 100 per cent fit.

"If they're not 100 per cent fit then we won't play them because we're more than happy with what we've got as far as replacements."

Monday

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Tuesday

The Back Page LIVE 7.30pm (EDT)

Wednesday

NRL 360 LIVE 7.30pm (EDT)

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Sterlo 6.30pm (EDT)

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Late Night League (Delayed Friday night football) 10pm (EDT)

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Up to 3 LIVE NRL matches

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NRL Sunday from 11.30am (EDT)

Up to 3 LIVE NRL matches

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Reece Robinson will fill in for Dugan at fullback, with Jack Wighton the new man in the centres.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson will return from an elbow injury earlier than expected, with former Wigan playmaker Thomas Leuluai to partner him in the halves against Parramatta on Saturday night.

Steve Turner will fill the Canterbury-Bankstown No.1 jumper vacated by the suspended Ben Barba against North Queensland Cowboys, for whom Ray Thompson has got the jump on Robert Lui to be Johnathan Thurston's halves partner.

The Titans have surprisingly named key recruit Dave Taylor on the bench to face the Sharks, with Ben Ridge preferred in the run-on side, while Albert Kelly will be given another crack at the NRL against the team that gave him his first chance.

Wests Tigers have included prop Aaron Woods on a six-man bench as he looks to return from minor knee surgery, with rookie front-rower Jack Buchanan given a starting berth against a powerful Newcastle side that features Beau Scott, Chris Houston and Jeremy Smith in an ominous back-row.

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Demons edge Power in NAB Cup

Tussle ... There was very little between the Demons and Power in Renmark. Source: News Limited

Key forward James Sellar kicked five goals to inspire Melbourne Demons to a two-point triumph over Port Adelaide in Sunday's NAB Cup game in South Australia's Riverland region.

0.2.3 (15)	Q1	0.4.3 (27)
0.5.3 (33)	Q2	0.8.5 (53)
0.8.4 (52)	Q3	0.9.6 (60)
1.10.7 (76)	Q4	0.12.6 (78)

Daniel Stewart 3	James Sellar 5
Hamish Hartlett 2	Aaron Davey 3
Sam Colquhoun 1	Dean Kent 2
Jake Neade 1	Michael Evans 1
Ben Newton 1	Luke Tapscott 1
Chad Wingard 1
Aaron Young 1

The Demons held off a fast-finishing Port to win 0.12.6 (78) to 1.10.7 (76) before more than 3,000 spectators in Renmark.

Sellar's haul was supported by three goals from evergreen Aaron Davey while James Magner and Neville Jetta were prominent as Melbourne lodged their first win from three outings this pre-season.

Port forward Daniel Stewart booted three goals, with rookie Kane Mitchell and first-year players Oliver Wines and Sam Colquhoun among their best.

The Demons were without co-captains Jack Grimes (rested) and Jack Trengove (foot), while regulars Jack Watts, Chris Dawes, Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones and Jeremy Howe were rested.

But after Sellar kicked the initial goal of the game, Melbourne never relinquished their lead in a match played in 30 degree heat.

The Demons led by three goals at half-time, 0.8.5 to 0.5.5, against an inefficient Port, who couldn't capitalise on having more disposals and more entries into their attacking 50 metre arc in the opening half.

But the Power's Stewart sparked a revival in the third term as Port crept within two points - only for Sellar to then boot his fifth goal and restore Melbourne's advantage.

The Demons extended their lead to 19 points early in the final quarter when Davey snared his third major to seemingly seal victory.

But Port came steaming home, with a super goal from Hamish Hartlett helping reduce the margin to the final two points.

Melbourne host St Kilda on Saturday while Port travel to Alice Springs to meet West Coast on Saturday night as the NAB Cup continues.

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Rojas helps Victory shoot down Jets

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Melbourne Victory ... Mark Milligan scores his second penalty in their smashing of Newcastle. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

Archie Thompson's comeback has helped Melbourne Victory soar out of an A-League form slump to hand 10-man Newcastle a five-goal hiding.

Marco Rojas and Mark Milligan both scored twice, Milligan's goals both from penalties, as the Victory won 5-0 at AAMI Park on Sunday to climb to third.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Western Sydney	23	15	2	6	14	47
2	Central Coast	23	13	6	4	24	45
3	Victory	23	12	3	8	3	39
4	Adelaide	23	11	3	9	1	36
5	Newcastle	24	8	6	10	-11	30
6	Brisbane	23	8	4	11	1	28
7	Heart	23	8	3	12	-2	27
8	Sydney	23	8	3	12	-10	27
9	Perth	23	7	4	12	-3	25
10	Wellington	24	6	6	12	-17	24

It broke a run of three losses which culminated in last round's shock 6-2 defeat to Central Coast.

Thompson, sidelined with a hamstring injury while his team lost those games, was in the thick of it on return as the Victory scored three times in the first 30 minutes.

He played the ball which put Rojas clear into the box for an easy goal in the eighth minute.

Rojas, who was given far too much space by the Jets' defence, was again involved in the next, seven minutes later.

The New Zealander's corner kick found Victory skipper Adrian Leijer, who firmly headed home from the near post.

There was almost a replay two minutes later when another Rojas corner found the Victory's other central defender, Daniel Mullen, who also headed truly.

The goal was disallowed as Milligan was penalised for making contact with the head of Newcastle defender Ruben Zadkovich.

That didn't stop the home side for long.

Thompson was brought down after weaving into the box, earning the Jets' Taylor Regan a yellow card and Milligan a 30th-minute penalty, which he converted.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors early in the second half when Regan gave away another penalty and picked up his second yellow - for dragging down Mullen off the ball - allowing Milligan his second goal from the spot and reducing the Jets to 10 men.

With the win safe, Thompson was subbed off.

But the Victory kept surging.

Rojas showed off his fast feet to dribble past a defender and keeper Mark Birighitti and walk the ball into the net to make it 5-0 in the 66th minute.

The Jets - who rested strikers Emile Heskey and Michael Bridges and were missing Zenon Caravella and Sam Gallaway to injury - stayed fifth.

But their goal difference sank to minus 11, which could prove costly given the tight fight for the bottom two spots in the top six.

The Victory are all but guaranteed of a home elimination final but remain six points shy of the second-placed Mariners.

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Saints' late surge downs Swans

Battle ... St Kilda's Sean Dempster takes on Jesse White of the Swans. Source: David Crosling / AAP

St Kilda took control in the last term for a 23-point win over Sydney in their AFL pre-season game at Etihad Stadium.

0.1.2 (8)	Q1	0.3.2 (20)
0.6.6 (42)	Q2	1.5.6 (45)
0.8.9 (57)	Q3	1.7.9 (60)
0.13.12 (90)	Q4	1.8.10 (67)

Trent Dennis-Lane 2	Andrejs Everitt 2
Sam Dunell 2	Jake Lloyd 2
Ahmed Saad 2	Jed Lamb 1
David Armitage 1	Dane Rampe 1
Clinton Jones 1	Sam Reid 1
Beau Maister 1	Dean Towers 1
Terry Milera 1	Jesse White 1
Leigh Montagna 1
Farren Ray 1
Arryn Siposs 1

The Saints trailed at every change, but kicked five goals to one in the final quarter to win 0.13.12 (90) to 1.8.10 (67).

The win could come at a heavy cost, with Saints key position player Rhys Stanley to have scans on Monday for a knee injury.

The Saints experimented with Stanley as a key defender and it paid off as he kept Swans star Sam Reid quiet. Stanley then hyper-extended his knee in the third term and was subbed out of the game.

Height in defence is a weakness for the Saints, who finished ninth last season.

Midfielders David Armitage, Leigh Montagna and Clint Jones were solid for St Kilda, while Swans onballer Dan Hannebery had a game-high 30 disposals.

Sydney kicked three goals to one in the opening term and then cleared out to an 18-point lead at the start of the second quarter.

Dane Rampe kicked a super goal for the Swans, but the Saints closed out the half better and only trailed by four points at the main break.

The Swans were again on top with the first two goals of the third quarter.

Saints small forward Ahmed Saad then snapped a goal and dished off another to Armitage, reducing the gap to three points at the last break.

When Terry Milera goaled at the start of the final quarter, it was the first time the Saints had led since the opening term.

Former Swan Trent Dennis-Lane sealed the win with a running goal 20 minutes into the quarter.

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Check out the full 2013 AFL premiership season fixture

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