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General Sports News

Lions make eight changes

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 03/07/2009

British & Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan has shuffled his pack ahead of the final Test against South Africa after making eight changes to his starting line-up.

With the series already over following two narrow defeats in Durban and Pretoria, McGeechan has decided to ring the changes for the final game in Johannesburg.

Shane Williams, Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey, Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery, Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams have all been included in the starting line-up, while Tommy Bowe switches from wing to centre.

Meanwhile, South Africa lock Bakkies Botha has lost his appeal over a two-week ban for a dangerous charge.

Botha will now miss the clash in Johannesburg after being punished for an incident in the second meeting of the sides last weekend.

Elsewhere, the International Rugby Board is set to review penalties for eye-gouging following the row which has overshadowed the tour.

Springboks flanker Schalk Burger has been banned for eight weeks after gouging winger Luke Fitzgerald in last weekend's second Test.

In football, Manchester United's hopes of signing Karim Benzema are over after the France striker agreed a six-year contract with Real Madrid.

Benzema was believed to have been earmarked by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea and United also appear to have missed out on signing Franck Ribery after the France star revealed he will only leave Bayern Munich for Real.

The two Premier League heavyweights were set to go head-to-head in a bid to sign the 26-year-old winger.

Can United successfully defend their Premier League crown? - Latest Football Betting

Meanwhile, UEFA president Michel Platini has again spoken out against the escalation of transfer fees after admitting he is 'embarrassed' by Ronaldo's £80million move to Madrid.

Wigan Athletic have finally signed Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas after a 12-month delay.

The 24-year-old international has agreed a three-year contract at the JJB Stadium and will officially join the Latics subject to receiving international clearance.

Thomas was initially expected to join the Premier League club in July 2008 but he failed to acquire a work permit.

In cricket, Steve Harmison believes Australia are lacking in confidence ahead of the start of the Ashes.

The Durham paceman took 3-67 from 22 overs as the England Lions went head-to-head with the tourists in their final warm-up game at Worcester's New Road.

Harmison is currently out of favour in the England set-up but fired a reminder to the selectors ahead of next week's first Test after taking the scalps of Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich and Brett Lee.

He also revealed his surprise at the spirit currently in the Australia camp.

"This is my fourth time against Australia and the one thing I picked up is that they are not as brash and confident as they normally are," he said.

Australia have been made marginal favourites to retain the Ashes in the online betting markets.

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