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If you go back to 2015, there was a huge amount of refereeing experience at that World Cup and it was only really Craig Joubert that retired after the tournament. That meant you had even more officiating experience available for selection in 2019.

About eight months beforehand, the referee manager and selectors decided not to take Glen Jackson and John Lacey, which was a mistake, in my view. There was a blend of youth and experience, but the experience was needed. World Cup matches and big Six Nations clashes are a different beast to a normal international. That is when you find out about referees.

In 2019, I think decision-makers thought that the younger referees would be doing the knock-outs. But some of them just did not perform. It was myself, Jerome Garces, Jaco Peyper and Wayne Barnes that took charge of the quarter-finals onwards. If myself and Jerome had been injured in the semi-finals, I think they would have been in big trouble without being able to select Jaco or Wayne either.

It was similar to 1999, when Jim Fleming and Derek Bevan were the oldest referees there and ended up with the semi-finals Frances wonderful win over New Zealand and a game that went to extra-time between Australia and South Africa.

In the run-up to 2023, we have to be very careful. Jerome has retired, I have retired, Pascal Guazere has retired and now Romain has retired. If England and South Africa do well again, you have to rule out Wayne, Jaco and a few more promising Englishmen like Luke Pearace and Matthew Carley when it comes to the late stages.

I do not know the circumstances around Romains retirement. I sent him a message wishing him all the best and congratulating him on his career. But people should know that losing an experienced referee causes issues beyond the 80 minutes of a game. You could throw Romain into any game in the world and you would know what you were getting. With younger referees, you have to think carefully about whether or not they are ready.

Romain is 46 and it seems at the minute that the powers-that-be want to pension off referees because of their age rather than performances. As I say, I do not know Romains exact circumstances but, when I told him I would be calling it a day myself, he said that he wanted to aim for a knock-out game in 2023 in his home country.

We tend to see young players introduced during the autumn internationals and it is the same with referees. Nika Amashukeli from Georgia, oversaw Irelands impressive win over Japan. At the moment there is a group of hugely talented referees under Jaco and Wayne, but you would have to say there are question marks about whether they can control the very biggest games consistently. World Cups are so difficult and something always happens. Sometimes things just blow up in the face of referees and they fall by the wayside. You need a bit of luck, too. Without a vastly experienced group, it can be a real problem.

Slightly behind Wayne and Jaco is a group comprising Angus Gardner, Ben OKeeffe, Mathieu Raynal, Luke Pearce, Matt Carley, Nic Berry and Paul Williams. Out of those, World Rugby needs two or three to push for a knockout game at the next World Cup. I would put Andy Brace, Karl Dickson and Craig Evans, who was on the whistle for England against Tonga, in the next group down. They will be pushing to take opportunities so they can be at the 2023 World Cup. Then, if they stay in the game, they could be given a knockout game in 2027.

There is a lot of stake for players and coaches this autumn. Crowds are back and the countdown to the next World Cup is on. But there is also a lot at stake for referees, and more so because of Romains retirement.

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Rugby needs to be careful about pensioning off referees... the countdown to the World Cup is on - Telegraph.co.uk

SAN FRANCISCO

For baseball, this is a dream October. For the casual fan, the one attracted by marquee teams and historic rivalries and the drama of a knockout game, this is as good as it gets.

The first game of the 2021 postseason: a winner-take-all wild-card game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. The latest game, coming Thursday: a winner-take-all finale to the National League Division Series between the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

Its what baseball wants, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

The Red Sox and Yankees played on a night with no other ballgames. The Dodgers and Giants will do the same.

For a sport desperate to replenish its customer base with younger and newer fans, this is a golden ticket, an unprecedented marketing opportunity.

Really, pounding home the idea that this a must-watch game, Arizona Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall said Wednesday, on the eve of the Dodgers-Giants game.

I do believe that, if you can catch the attention of the younger fan, or the casual fan, to commit to one game, it will lead to more. Its up to us to make sure they understand the significance of this game, the fact that they have never played in the postseason, and the huge history between these two teams that have the greatest rivalry in baseball.

No sport binds generations like baseball, from Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays and Sandy Koufax, to Mookie Betts and Buster Posey and Clayton Kershaw. History should be a selling point, not a sacrifice at the altar of the TikTok generation.

When youve got generational rivalries playing a meaningful series, and in this case, a very meaningful game, Roberts said Wednesday, it just brings the old, the new, the rivalries, and all that kind of talk back to life. Those generational rivalries are kind of the foundation of this sport and what made it Americas pastime.

So I think that, on both sides, theres just tremendous men, tremendous ballplayers, and for us as an industry not to leverage these guys, its just a missed opportunity.

Neither Major League Baseball nor TBS, which is broadcasting the Dodgers-Giants game, would say whether there would be any extraordinary promotional pizzazz in advance of the game, or during it. The league did cite its successes in reaching younger fans: 57 million views of videos from an 11-person TikTok Creator Class; an audience almost exclusively in the 13-34 age range for an MLB Originals series on YouTube; 500 million engagements this season among MLB accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This historic Game 5 will allow us to build on this momentum by continuing to tell the story on various platforms, MLB chief marketing officer Karin Timpone said in a statement, though social media is particularly powerful in reaching new fans because of its shareability. We love the idea that fans are co-creating their experience, highlighting what makes October baseball so special. Together, were broadening our baseball community through a cadence of stories that invite everyone in.

It is unfair, perhaps, to expect a marketing campaign for a Game 5 that the league did not know would happen until late Tuesday night. From the sports marketing community, however, there was no shortage of suggestions.

Dodgers Corey Seager scores past San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey on an RBI double by Trea Turner during the first inning in Game 4 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Andy Dolich, a Bay Area consultant and former marketing chief for the Oakland Athletics, said MLB could leverage its broadcast partnership with ESPN to access the movie, TV and cartoon assets of Disney for use in promotional spots. Disney is the parent company of ESPN.

In July, the Field of Dreams game attracted the highest television audience for a regular-season game since 1988. Before that game, the players emerged from a cornfield, and Dolich suggested a similar cinematic introduction in San Francisco, whether real or virtual.

They could come out of the fog, he said.

And, given the leagues embrace of gambling, Dolich proposed a free-to-play daily fantasy game just for this day, perhaps nicknamed for the colors of the teams.

The Black and Blue Battle, he said.

Jason Klein, partner at the San Diego-based Brandiose, the firm best known for designing creative and inventive minor league logos, suggested the mayors of Los Angeles and San Francisco dispense with the usual sporting bet and engage in arm wrestling, via live stream.

Klein also said he would have proposed a 24-hour flash sale of Dodgers and Giants merchandise on the leagues website, energizing the fan bases, with a portion of the proceeds donated to charity.

The Golden State Showdown for St. Jude, Klein said. Everybody loves alliteration. If it rhymes or alliterates, you can sell that idea.

What is good for the Dodgers and Giants is good for the entire league, the Diamondbacks included.

Were going to be telling the story of the Dodgers-Giants game too, Hall said. Weve got them coming in next year, and we want to sell tickets.

Originally posted here:
Dodgers-Giants MLB golden ticket: Will the league cash in? - Los Angeles Times

KTS vs WEP Dream11 Team Prediction and Suggestions for todays CSA Provincial T20 Cup 2021 between Knights and Western Province:Knights are all set to lock horns with Western Province in the second quarter-final match of the CSA Provincial T20 Cup 2021. The encounter will be played on October 19, Tuesday, at 06:00 PM IST at the Diamond Oval. This will be the first time in the T20 Cup that Knights and Western Province will go up against each other.

Knights formed a part of Pool B during the league stage. The team was phenomenal during the group stage as it finished at the top of the table. Knights secured victory in two out of three league matches. Zubayr Hamza has been the highest run-getter for the team so far with 168 runs to his name in three matches. Knights will be hoping for Hamza to deliver another good performance in the knockout game for the team to move ahead in the competition.

Western Province also enjoyed a terrific ride in the group stage of the CSA T20 2021. The team finished second in the standings with two victories and one loss For Province, Tony de Zorzi and Wayne Parnell have been the star performers so far.

Ahead of the match between Knights and Western Province; here is everything you need to know:

KTS vs WEP Telecast

The Knights vs Western Province match will not be broadcast in India.

KTS vs WEP Live Streaming

The knights vs Western Province match will be live-streamed on Cricket South Africas official YouTube channel.

KTS vs WEP Match Details

The second quarter-final of the CSA Provincial T20 Cup 2021 will be played between Knights and Western Province at the Diamond Oval on October 19, Tuesday at 6:00 PM IST.

KTS vs WEP Dream11 Team Prediction

Captain: Beuran Hendricks

Vice-captain: Tony de Zorzi

Suggested Playing XI for KTS vs WEP Dream11 Fantasy Cricket

Wicketkeeper: Kyle Verreynne

Batters: Farhaan Behardien, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Rilee Rossouw

All-rounders: Wayne Parnell, Migael Pretorius, Kyle Simmonds

Bowlers: Alfred Mothoa, Beuran Hendricks, Mbulelo Budaza

KTS vs WEP Probable XIs

Knights: Rilee Rossouw, Gerald Coetzee, Pite van Biljon(c), Gregory Mahlokwana, Migael Pretorius, Wandile Makwetu(w), Alfred Mothoa, Jacques Snyman, Mbulelo Budaza, Matthew Kleinveldt, Farhaan Behardien

Western Province: Jordan Woolf, Nandre Burger, Kyle Simmonds, Zubayr Hamza, Wayne Parnell(c), Kyle Verreynne(w), Jonathan Bird, Mihlali Mpongwana, Tony de Zorzi, Aviwe Mgijima, Beuran Hendricks

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KTS vs WEP Dream11 Team Prediction: Check Captain, Vice-Captain And Probable XIs For Todays CSA Provincial - News18

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been the mainstay for Kolkata Knight Riders in absence of Andre Russell, might miss the playoff game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as he is set to join his national squad for the T20 World Cup. According to Cricfrenzy, Shakib Al Hasan, along with his Bangladesh teammate Mustafizur Rahman, who was part of the Rajasthan Royals dugout, will join the national side on Sunday to start the mandatory one-day quarantine ahead of their warm-up game against Sri Lanka on October 12.

According to the report, the Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup will depart for the UAE on Sunday, where they will be joined by Shakib and Mustafizur. Bangladesh is all set to play a warm-up game against Sri Lanka on Tuesday before starting their World Cup campaign against Scotland on October 17. Shakib Al Hasan was included in KKR's starting XI after Andre Russell was ruled out due to injury concerns. Shakib performed exceptionally well for KKR in the two league games that he played in phase 2 of IPL 2021.

Although Shakib did not get to bat in the previous two games that he played for KKR, the World No. 1 ranked all-rounder contributed in the other aspects of the game, including bowling and fielding. During KKR's game against SRH on October 3, Shakib picked onewicket and also effected an all-important run out to dismiss Kane Williamson. Shakib has played a total of five matches in IPL 2021 and has scored 38 runs at an average of 12.36. He also has fourwickets to his name.

As far as KKR is concerned, the team finished fourth in the points table after the completion of the league stage on Saturday. KKR became the last team to qualify for the playoffs, where they will lock horns against Virat Kohli's RCB on October 11 in the eliminator match. KKR have two IPL trophies in their cabinet and the side will look to make it three when they come out on the field on Monday.

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KKR suffer massive jolt with team's big player all set to miss knockout game against RCB - Republic World

Gareth Southgate believes that his England team have gained more respect in other countries than at home for the way they have transformed their fortunes and style of play.

England had not won a tournament knockout game in a decade before Southgate took charge in 2016 but then reached their first major final in 55 years in Euro 2020 after playing in the semi-finals of both the World Cup and the Nations League.

They have only dropped two points in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup and can close in on a spot in Qatar by beating Hungary at Wembley on Tuesday.

And Southgate, who inherited a side who had been beaten by Iceland in Euro 2016, said: I think across Europe we have gained a lot of respect. When I travel in Europe and talk to European coaches there is probably a greater recognition of what we have done and how we have played than there is here. That is always reassuring because you want the respect of your peers.

England beat Andorra 5-0 on Saturday but Southgate is set to make a host of changes, including recalling Harry Kane. The captain is one of only six Englishmen to score 40 international goals and is three behind the late Jimmy Greaves, who got 44.

Southgate added: When you put that scoring chart and that other five names, it is a reminder of how much Harry has already achieved and I know it is more important to him that the team has got to two semi-finals and a final.

Phil Foden pressed his case to start with a starring role in Andorra and Southgate admitted that he will be criticised, whoever he omits. I have a headache and I commit a crime every time I pick a team, he smiled. We have so many good players and such strong competition for places.

Foden and Kane are among four Englishmen on the 30-man Ballon dOr shortlist, along with Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount, who savoured his presence in a group that also includes Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

ENGLAND RATINGS v ANDORRA: Sam Johnstone - 6: Not a save to make until last 10 minutes although had been flagged for offside anyway. Well protected by defence on few occasions Andorra threatened and earned assist with throw to Grealish for fifth goal. Getty

It was special, said the Chelsea midfielder. To see that and be alongside those names, it is a dream, for all the years you work hard and dedicate, it shows it all pays off.

With Harry Maguire injured, Tyrone Mings is set to partner John Stones in the centre of defence, just as he did when the Manchester United captain was not fit to face Croatia and Scotland in the summer. Mings subsequently admitted that he struggled with his mental health in the tournament, feeling the country had doubts in him after shaky displays in friendlies.

Southgate said: I think this was a bit of performance anxiety. There is always that doubt as a player if you have not been in that situation before, you dont know if you can do it. There is a lot of pressure on young people. He dealt with two really high-profile and difficult games when he started.

England will play further qualifiers in November and Southgate is against proposals by Fifas head of global football, Arsene Wenger, to have either one or two longer international breaks a season.

Southgate added: There can be tweaks to the calendar that would help everyone. If there is only one per year I dont understand that as a concept from Fifa. If you are a player and you miss that one month, then you dont have an international career at all that year, that doesnt seem to make sense to me at all.

I gave some opinions to Arsene when he showed me his ideas. But the calendar needs joining up, we cant just keep adding.

Updated: October 11th 2021, 4:02 PM

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Gareth Southgate says England are given more respect across Europe than at home - The National