Chambers joins Castleford...Your view

Castleford have confirmed that controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers has joined the Super League strugglers on a one-month trial.

The Tigers have denied that this is a publicity stunt but will struggle to explain why they have signed a cheating athlete who before a photo shoot last week, had never held a rugby ball.

Chambers, who previously served a two-year drug ban in athletics, spent a brief spell playing American Football after a stint on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell's Kitchen.

However, Chambers couldn’t stand the heat and walked out of the reality show in tears. If he thought that was tough then he hasn’t got a chance of surviving in the Super League.

If by some miracle, Chambers makes a competitive appearance for the Tigers, the opposing players are going to take great joy in welcoming the disgraced athlete into their game.

What do you think of Chambers joining the Super League? Is it just a publicity stunt? Will his speed be enough or will the trial end in more tears? Let us know by adding you thoughts below.

Football blog: Your matchday views

Liverpool effectively wrapped up fourth place with victory over Everton, who are fading badly, in the Merseyside derby. What did you think of the match?

Meanwhile, Chelsea churned out another three points with victory over Middlesbrough, but in comparison with Manchester United, their style is extraordinarily pragmatic. Do you admire their determination or just think they're a bore?

Kevin Keegan appears to be getting to grips with matters at Newcastle. They beat Spurs 4-1 to pretty much eradicate any relegation fears. What can they achieve under KK? And what on earth is going on at Spurs? Is Juande Ramos making any progress?

From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip

New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans has started a bidding war for next season between Leicester and Harlequins, although the clubs will have to fork out £300,000 a year for his services.

Evans is seen as a back-up plan by the Tigers, who are still keen to secure the services of Juan Martin Hernandez, while Quins are desperately on the look-out for a world-class fly-half after Adrian Jarvis's recent move to Bristol.

Other All Blacks on the move include lock Ross Filipo, who is searching for a move to England, and Northampton Saints scrum-half Mark Robinson, who Wasps have been tipped to snap up. In the final bit of transfer gossip this week, Wallaby Rocky Elsom's big-money move to Leicester now looks dead and buried because of his ever-increasing wage demands.

Do you have any gossip from your club or is there a player you'd like to sign? We want to hear your rumours and comments so post below...

Bye bye Beckham

David Beckham seems confident that he 'proved his fitness' in England's lifeless friendly defeat in Paris, but the only thing his display really revealed is that his international career is nearing its end.

Sure, the 32-year-old ran around eagerly and delivered a handful of crosses and corners with that trademark banana bend of his, but the days when he can make a telling influence on a game are clearly behind him.

In his prime, Beckham was able to play such a central role for England because he played to our strengths - delivering pinpoint crosses and set-pieces. Fabio Capello is clearly trying to implement a change in style and Becks simply isn't condusive to that continental masterplan.

That said, it's perhaps unfair to focus on Beckham when the rest of England's players showed they're not yet ready to comply with Don Fabio's revolution either. Yet again, our galaxy of Premier League talent showed they are unable to pool their undoubted skills into a slick, cohesive unit at international level.

Four days after a terrific all-action display against Liverpool, Wayne Rooney was totally anonymous up-front, ditto Joe Cole and Ashley Cole was utterly dire - putting successive crosses into Coupet's gloves or over the bar. None of the six substitutes made any impact.

After some brief flickers of promise in the first half, the second period saw England regress to the bad old days. No shots, no periods of possession and no threat whatsoever. Six changes by Capello undoubtedly didn't help (and revived horrible memories of multiple substitutions during equally tedious frendlies under Sven) but it was dispiriting how horribly familiar it all was.

Capello was 'happy' with what he saw as 'improvements' from the Switzerland game. Privately he must be aghast as he begins to realise the size of the job he has taken on.

What did you think of Wednesday night's game in Paris? Is Beckham's England career finished? Give us your views below.

By Mike Dale

England win in New Zealand... Your view

After many nervous nights, after countless twists and turns, England have done it. They've won their first Test series away from home since South Africa in 2005.

But the victory, reviewed here, has produced as many negative as positives. How on earth did England allow such a mediocre Test nation - shorn of the talented Shane Bond for the whole series and Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills in the final match - to come so close to causing a huge upset?

What does the future hold for Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard - and Michael Vaughan, if his current lack of form continues? What can be done about England's frail batting line-up which too often fails to deliver big centuries?

Perhaps it's best to focus on the fabulously consistent performances of Ryan Sidebottom - England's man of the series by a country mile - and the promising start made by Stuart Broad. Even Monty Panesar is back taking wickets!

Send in your thoughts on the above and anything other cricket-related matters using the boxes below.

F1 gossip column... Your view

So Nigel Mansell could make a return to front-line racing action this season.

The one-time Formula 1 world champion is eyeing up a Le Mans 24 Hours bid alongside his sons Greg and Leo. You can find out more about his possible return by clicking here.

We also want to hear your rumours and opinions. Can Mansell still cut the mustard behind the wheel? And what are your favourite memories of the man? Have you heard any other rumours on the grapevine? Use the boxes below to add your comments.

Football blog: Your matchday views

The main talking point of Grand Slam Sunday will no doubt be the sending off of Javier Mascherano in Liverpool's clash with Manchester United.

Having been yellow-carded early on for a reckless challenge on Paul Scholes, Mascherano later launched into a diatribe of dissent aimed at Steve Bennett, who had just booked Fernando Torres.

Mr Bennett promptly produced a second yellow for Mascherano, and off the Argentine went amid the usual flurry of controversy.

So was the ref wrong? Or is Mascherano the daftest player in the Premier League for what he did, coming so soon after Ashley Cole's antics during Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Tottenham?

Later on in the day, Chelsea perhaps ended Arsenal's challenge thanks to a late brace from Didier Drogba, after the Gunners had taken the lead. Is it now a two-way battle for the title between United and Chelsea?

We want to hear your views. Using the boxes below, send in your opinion. You can also view pictures from today's games by clicking here.

From the Touchlines: Johnson's a must for England

England coach Brian Ashton looks certain to hold on to his job when the RFU make an official decision over the way forward for England rugby next week but, as to who comes with him, is very much open to discussion.

Ashton's preferred choice of Phil de Glanville as team manager looks unlikely to be agreed by the RFU, mainly due to his inexperience. Rob Andrew's first choice as manager is clearly Martin Johnson but, depending on what newspaper you read, that may or may not happen.

There's no denying the ex-England captain has been offered a role by Andrew but there are plenty of obstacles still to overcome: first off he must find a way of working with Ashton and he must also get approval from the RFU board. Another stumbling block is Johnson's apparent desire to have Austin Healey as backs coach (Ashton's domain) despite Healey's complete inexperience in the role, and there is some suggestion Johnson won't take the job without his ex-team-mate.

We'd give our full backing to getting Johnson on board. Both the fear and respect he'll instill in his players is second to none, he'll take no nonsense from either the coaches, players or the RFU for that matter. And if he can find a way to work with Ashton, England should get themselves back to the top of the tree in no time.

Do you think Martin Johnson's the right man to inspire England and should Brian Ashton stay on as national coach? We want to hear your views so post your comments below...

The league's most hated player

Ashley Cole must be the most despised and despicable player in the Premier League - and not simply in the minds of Arsenal fans.

Cashley's acrimonious transfer from the Gunners to Chelsea was bad enough, as were the tabloid tales of his alleged extra-marital adventures.

But from a purely footballing point of view, his behaviour during Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Spurs really does take the biscuit. Cole's so-called tackle on Alan Hutton was as bad or worse than Martin Taylor's foul on Eduardo that resulted in a badly broken leg.

Cole was lucky to receive only a yellow card from Mike Riley. But did this beacon of sporting probity show any gratitude towards the referee for showing leniency? Of course not. Instead Cole pointedly turned his back on the official in a disgraceful fit of pique.

Sadly, Riley didn't do what he should have done - produce a second yellow for dissent. And he failed to include Cole's reaction to the booking in his match report, so no further action will be taken on the matter by the Football Association.

"We cannot re-referee matches," says the FA, who have to abide by daft Fifa regulations which stipulate that a decision taken by a referee can only be rectified by a disciplinary committee if the ref sends off the wrong player, or makes an obvious and serious error.

It's about time the authorities realised the amount of damage which is being done to the glorious game by players and managers who seem to think they're above the laws.

Other sports - most notably rugby - have clamped down on such behaviour, so why can't football do the same?

Is Ashley Cole a disgrace to the game? And is there a more hated player in the Premier League? Have your say below.

Back to square one with Becks

Those England fans who were hoping finally to see the back of David Beckham have once again been let down by a coach who has succumbed to little more than sporting sentiment.

Fabio Capello, contrary to the expectations of many true football fans, has decided to include Beckham in his initial 30-man squad for the friendly against France on 26 March.

So yet again the spectre of a fading star will be casting its usual shadow over a squad which should be being built exclusively for the future.

Yes Becks has been a fantastic servant for his country, but playing mediocre football in America should not entitle him to another cap, even if it is his 100th. In fact giving him a place in the team against France would be an insult to the other players vying to impress Capello as the Italian sets about steering England into a brave new world of enterprising and progressive football.

For those who don't keep tabs on American 'soccer', it's worth pointing out that Beckham's return to action for LA Galaxy last weekend in a friendly against FC Dallas was far from convincing. He put in a low-key shift in a drab 0-0 draw which ended with his being yellow-carded for dissent in the 87th minute. And team-mates had to pull him away from two Dallas players after an unsavoury shouting-match.

Is that really England form? Surely young players like David Bentley and Theo Walcott who can play wide on the right and actually beat defenders are the key to England being able to unlock defences at the highest level.

If Capello must pander to public sentiment and give Beckham his 100th cap, wouldn't it be better to give him one last hurrah against the United States in the Wembley friendly on 28 May? And in the meantime give the likes of Bentley and Walcott their chance to shine and learn against such top sides as France.

What do you think? Should Becks play against France? And if not, who should take his place wide on the right? Have your say below.

From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip

The Six Nations may be over but, with the season drawing to a close, the transfer speculation is mounting over who's going where in the Premiership over the summer.

Bath lock Danny Grewcock, who was overlooked by England during the Six Nations, is lining up a shock move to National League One Exeter. However, Grewcock, who owns a house in Devon, will see out the final year of his Bath contract by which time he is confident the Chiefs will have been promoted to the Premiership.

There is mounting speculation that Wasps' dynamic flanker James Haskell is on the move imminently. Haskell, tipped by many as a future England captain, has grown frustrated at the London club and is keen to go elsewhere. However, the cost of such a high-calibre player has massively cut the number of potential suitors.

And finally this week, Jonny Wilkinson and his Newcastle team-mates could see their ranks swelled by France flanker Serge Betsen at the club. Betsen had been lined up by former Newcastle boss John Fletcher and, despite Fletcher's recent departure, it is thought Betsen could still make a big-money move to the club from France.

Do you have any gossip of your own? We want to hear it and any of your rugby-related comments...

Football's biggest fools

Matty Pattison made tabloid headlines for all the wrong reasons after being arrested for alleged drink driving while travelling to the club for training wearing no shoes and only a T-shirt and underpants.

Bizarrely, the Norwich midfielder didn't even have training on the day in question!

But such barmy behaviour isn't anything new in the wacky world of football. There have been all sorts of antics, both on and off the pitch.

We all know about big-name players like Stan Collymore or Paul Gascoigne, but the behaviour of some lesser-known mortals in the lower leagues has been equally impressive for all the wrong reasons.

In the wake of  Pattison's arrest, we've compiled a top 10 of football fools, which you can check out by clicking here.

And we're giving you the chance to have your say and add to our list. Post your comments below.

F1 gossip column...Your view

The Formula One season is underway with Lewis Hamilton taking early control after driving a perfect race to win the opener at Melbourne last week.

Ahead of this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, our Orange F1 expert has all the latest news and gossip with Ferrari tipped to bounce back after their disastrous start to this season's Championship. To read more click here.

We also want to hear your rumours and opinions. Will Hamilton seal his second successive win? Or will Ferrari recover from their minor blip? Use the boxes below to add your comments.

Burlington Bertie... A winner at last

A winner! Yes, after nine successive losers I shamefully turned to a trio of favourites to break my duck. And, in the 2.40 at Lingfield on Saturday, Paco Boy grabbed me 40 notes with a barnstorming victory!

What happened to the other two? Quite frankly, I don't give a damn. It's come to something when you have to celebrate such a measly return, but beggars can't be choosers.

For the record, Prideus was unplaced in the 1.50 at Uttoxeter while Star Beat finished second in the 3.55 at Newcastle.

I'll be back on Friday with some weekend punts, but in the meantime, feel free to send in your tips and betting stories.

Record: Bets 15; Winners 2; Losers 13; Non-runners 0; Profit £192.50

From the Touchlines: Team of the tournament

The Six Nations drew to a close at the weekend with Wales deservingly crowned Grand Slam champions for the second time in four years after a stunning tournament.

With the dust now settled on the championship, we pick out our team of the tournament:
15 Lee Byrne (Wales)
14 Vincent Clerc (France)
13 Tom Shanklin (Wales)
12 Gavin Henson (Wales)
11 Shane Williams (Wales)
10 Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
9 Mike Blair (Scotland)
1 Andrew Sheridan (England)
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (France)
3 Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)
4 Lionel Nallet (France)
5 Nathan Hines (Scotland)
6 Jonathon Thomas (Wales)
7 Martyn Williams (Wales)
8 Sergio Parisse (Italy)

Anyway, we want to hear your team of the tournament and to find out what you made of ours so post your comments below...

Sporting strops... Your View

After Robbie Keane and Shane Long threw their shirts to the floor in disgust having being substituted during away defeats with Tottenham and Reading respectively, we began thinking of other sporting temper tantrums.

We've come up with a top ten which you can check out by clicking here. However, this list is far from exhaustive. You must have your own favourites which we've either forgotten about or chosen not to include. Send in your views using the boxes below.

Burlington Bertie... The misery continues

"I can't see Denman beating Kauto Star..." The fateful words I uttered this time yesterday! What was I thinking? Denman was in awesome form; sadly I wasn't.

Group Captain was never in the mix in the 1.05pm while County Zen finished adrift in a different county to the leaders 35 minutes later. Middleton Dene put up a braver fight in the 2.50pm, but still didn't really threaten the each-way spots before Halcon was just edged out into fourth in the Gold Cup. My best result was Franchoek in the 2.15 but he was well beaten into second by Celestial Halo. All in all, diddly squat, nothing, zilch.

But it's a new day and, therefore, fresh hope of success. I've picked out three from racing at Uttoxeter, Lingfield and Newcastle.

My top tip for the day is Prideus in the 1.50 at Uttoxeter. Ridden by Robert Thornton, this Irish mount is in great form. I'll slap a tenner on him at 3/1.

At Newcastle, I like the look of Star Beat in the 3.55. He won last time out at Doncaster and the ground will be more suited to him today. Another tenner at 3/1.

So, to Lingfield. Paco Boy is my selection here in the 2.40 after an impressive win at Newmarket in November. At 11/4, £10 will give me a decent return.

Here's a recap of my tips: Uttoxeter 1.50, Prideus £10win. Lingfield 2.40, Paco Boy £10win. Newcastle 3.55, Star Beat £10win.

Hope you enjoy the racing today and don't be scared to post your tips and your thoughts below.

Good luck!

Record: Bets 12; Winners 1; Losers 11; Non-runners 0; Profit £172.50

Burlington Bertie.....Up for the Cup

Ugh.....a poor day with the tips yesterday. I went for the wrong horse in the Queen Mother, as Ruby Walsh cruised home on Master Minded, leaving my punt Voy Por Ustedes trailing in his wake in second.

Here's Johnny finished last in the 12.30 after making a mistake at the first fence, while Oscar Park jumped like a goat in stilettos in the 1.05 coming home in seventh.

Despite yesterday's mess I'm feeling confident today. I'll start with Group Captain in the 1.05. He's good over this distance and also has Choc Thornton on board. £10 win at 4/1.

In the 1.40 the consistent County Zen has a good each way chance, so I'll take £5e/w at 7/1. In the 2.15 Franchoek is a class act; it's a very short price (6/4) so £40 win on that.

Then in the 2.50 Middleton Dene catches my eye, it's been teed up for this race and has a big price (25/1), so £5e/w should cover it.

Finally the big one, The Gold Cup. I can't see Denman beating Kauto Star and there is no point in backing it with the cash I have, so I'm looking at finding third place. It's a toss-up between Halcon Genelardais (16/1) and Exotic Dancer.....I'll put a £5e/w on Halcon mainly because I rate old squiggy face Thornton.

So I'll recap today's tips: (1.05) Group Captain £10win, (1.40) County Zen £5e/w, (2.15) Franchoek £40 win, (2.50) Middleton Dene £5e/w, (3.30) Halcon Genelardais £5e/w.

Hope you enjoy the racing from Prestbury Park - it's going to be a great day; don't be scared to post your tips and your thoughts below.

Good luck

Record: Bets 7; Winners 1; Losers 6; Non-runners 0; Profit £252.50

F1 gossip column... Your view

On the eve of the new Formula 1 season, Orange's insider has the latest news and gossip from the pitlane including big boosts for Williams and Super Aguri and the truth behind Ron Dennis' decision to stay at McLaren.

We also want your views. What do you make of our paddock rumours? What are your predictions for the 2008 season? Use the boxes below to send us your opinions.

From the Touchlines: Weekend predictions

England have been written off by all and sundry ahead of the game against Ireland but we're going to take a punt and tip Brian Ashton's men to turn things around at Twickenham come 3pm on Saturday.

Anyone who watched the Scotland game might think we're barmy but England have a reputation for pulling it out of the bag when the pressure counts so we'd tip them to outplay and outscore Ireland this weekend, despite the fact the Irish look to be showing good form at this stage of the tournament.

Also, we're tipping Scotland to slip up in Rome against Italy while in the remaining match of the weekend we expect the French to do the unthinkable and dash Wales' Grand Slam dream.

So, here's our predictions in full:
England 29-15 Ireland
Italy 15-12 Scotland
Wales 21-25 France

Anyway, what do you think of our predictions? Have we lost the plot or are we spot on? Also, let us know your plans for Saturday's big day of rugby. Post your comments below...

Formula 1: Lewis to be pipped again

Lewis Hamilton is many people's favourite for the 2008 Formula 1 title after last season's near-miss - but his fans would do well not to count their chickens ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.

Defending champion Kimi Raikkonen looks to have the mind-set and the machinery to repeat his success in his second season behind the wheel of the Ferrari.

With Hamilton's team-mate Heikki Kovalainen and Raikkonen's Ferrari sidekick Felipe Massa lacking the all-round packages to challenge for top spot, another Hamilton-Raikkonen duel is very much on the cards.

But what about Fernando Alonso in his second spell with Renault? He'll be hoping that his R28 car is better than its predecessor. If it isn't, the feisty Spaniard will struggle to finish fourth.

So that's it then...Raikkonen to finish first in the championship race, Hamilton second, Massa third, and Alonso fourth if he's lucky and doesn't throw his toys out of the pram.

What do you think? Can Hamilton triumph this time round? And who'll be the biggest chump of 2008? We want to hear your views, so post your comments below...and check out what Orange's Formula 1 crystal ball predicts for the new season.

Burlington Bertie.....Mum's the word

Thank the Lord the racing is back on and what a bumper day we have in store. The Queen Mother Champion Chase (hence why I'm dressed for the occasion) is the big one of the day having been squeezed into the ten-race schedule at 2.20.

It's a tough one to call but I've whittled it down to two, it will either be Master Minded or Voy Por Ustedes......I think I'll go for Choc Thornton on Voy Por Ustedes, a £10 win at 3/1.

For the other races I fancy Here's Johnny in the first (12.30), £5e/w at 16/1, mainly because he is wearing my favourite piece of sporting equipment cheekpieces, much like an old binman I used to know who had huge mutton chop sideburns......think he was called Jeff....or Bill....mmmmm.

Anyway back to the tips; it's a toss up between Air Force One and Oscar Park in the 1.05, but I throw a £5e/w on Oscar Park as it has longer odds at 7/1.

So I'll recap today's tips: (1230) Here's Johnny £5e/w, (1.05) Oscar Park £5e/w and (2.20) £10 win Voy Por Ustedes.

Oh yes forgot to mention my tip from yesterday, Yes One, which sadly finished third in the 3.00 at Southwell, close but no cigar.

Good luck today, as per usual post your tips below and feel free to tell me how you are getting on.

Cheerio

Record: Bets 4; Winners 1; Losers 3; Non-runners 0; Profit £282.50

From the Touchlines: Worse to come for England?

England coach Brian Ashton's week could be set to go from bad to worse with a vital part of his England backline demoralised by a week of turmoil at club level.

Centre pairing Toby Flood and Jamie Noon - along with substitute Jonny Wilkinson - were hit with a further setback to the Scotland video nasty last weekend with Newcastle boss John Fletcher being removed of his duties at the club.

The news is particularly instrumental to Flood, whose mentor for the past 11 years has been Fletcher, and talking to the press yesterday it was all too apparent that Flood's confidence is shot to pieces. And at a time when new fly-half Danny Cipriani needs all the experience and guidance he can get, the man outside him hardly sent out a warning call to Ireland at the end of his chat with the press. His reasurring summary at the end of it all was: "I struggle to make my mark on games and more often than not end up in limbo".

Ireland's backline are hardly likely to be quaking in their boots with such sentiments and worse could be to follow for Ashton come Saturday.

Will it be a case of worse to come this weekend for Flood, Ashton and England? We want to hear your views so post your comments below...

Burlington Bertie....Damn you Mother Nature

After a fantastic day yesterday, where I made a £312 profit on Katchit in the Champion Hurdle, I awake this morning to find the Cheltenham Festival has been abandoned.

Yes high winds at Prestbury Park mean that all Wednesday's races will be stuffed into a throbbingly busy schedule on Thursday and Friday. I can hear the Queen Mother spinning in her grave.

Hospitality has taken the brunt of the weather so the Cheltenham bigwigs have decided to stop racing for customer safety reasons. I've kicked seven shades out of the monster wheelie bin in the office car park to vent my anger.....sorry Uncle Charlie.

Regards yesterday Katchit was superb and I was slightly unlucky with Ashkazar who finished second to Crack Away Jack. Sadly, I had him on to win.

Anyway, I've now got 300 notes burning a hole in my pocket so I'll turn my attention to Southwell. Yes One in the 3pm takes my fancy. Bit of a risk at a very short price, but I'll lump 20 sheets on it to win.

Enjoy the rest of the day if you can. Feel free to post below and tell me how boring your day will now be and make sure you tell me about any tips you might have

Cheerio

Record: Bets 3; Winners 1; Losers 2; Non-runners 0; Profit £292.50

From the Touchlines: Is it the end for Jonny?

This morning's newspapers are awash with Wilkinson stories, deeming it a case of Gone Jonny Gone after he was axed by Brian Ashton, and every pundit worth his salt has weighed in with their opinion on the matter.

The general consensus is that Wilkinson's international career is over after 69 caps but that's utter nonsense. For starters, he's not been dropped from the squad - he's on the bench for Saturday's game against Ireland - and secondly he's as driven as ever, which is typified by the two hours he spent in the gym on Sunday morning despite nursing aches and pains from the Scotland game.

Ashton's decision might just be what's needed for Wilkinson as he tries to lift his game to another level and it also might expose the lack of decision making by those around him. Richard Wigglesworth and Toby Flood are both superb players but neither man has rushed to make the big decisions in the game. That's been left to Wilkinson and the inexperienced Danny Cipriani could, like Jonny, be left out on a limb this weekend if Messrs Flood and Wigglesworth fail to step up. It might be a fear factor - with Jonny held so high on a pedestal for so long - that's held that pair back and, with a fly-half as green as Cipriani running the show, they know they'll have to take greater responsibility.

So, it might just prove a midas touch by Ashton and it might bring the very best out of Wilkinson for future seasons. He may be a little out of the limelight for now but has every aim of being at the 2011 World Cup and I for one wouldn't bet against him.

Do you expect Wilko to bounce back or is this the end of his international career. We want to hear your comments...

From the Touchlines: Wilko axe not enough

Around about lunchtime in Bath, England coach Brian Ashton finally decided to go for broke, do the unthinkable and axe the former wonderkid of English rugby, Jonny Wilkinson.

There's no denying that replacing him with the new wonderkid in Danny Cipriani was the right choice and perhaps a tad overdue after some lacklustre displays in this Six Nations from the Newcastle fly-half - not least of all his virtual no-show against Scotland. But it's unfair that Wilko should be the sole scapegoat from that match. How on earth Ashton made just a solitary change after such an abject performance is completely baffling.

Wing Lesley Vainikolo looked like a player learning the rules - which he is - and made three or four absolute clangers before half-time. How he stays in the side ahead of Mark Cueto, James Simpson-Daniel or Josh Lewsey is absolutely extraordinary.

Then there's the Newcastle midfield of Toby Flood and Jamie Noon who lacked any imagination, with the usually hard-hitting Noon even lacking that against the Scots. And to round off the backline misery, Iain Balshaw's still there.

So, looking at it, Ashton's made one good call in replacing Wilkinson and giving nightclub regular Cipriani his first start (you can be sure he'll be steering clear of London's W1 this week!) but he's missed the chance to do something radical and save a job which may no longer be his after the weekend.

Was Ashton right to axe Wilko and is Cipriani the man to replace him? What would your England XV be - are there other players you'd replace? We want to hear your comments so post them below...

Burlington Bertie.......Fired up

What a rubbish start to the blog; McCoy stumbled home on Mighty Bold last night at Stratford, finishing fourth, and was no match for the winner Have You Seen Me.

Despite that I'm really fired up for Cheltenham.

To start I'm sticking a pony (£25) on Katchit in the Champion Hurdle each way. Katchit is in good form, he won the Triumph Hurdle last year and his mount Robert "Chocolate" Thornton was leading jockey at the Festival twelve months ago.

In the last (5.20) I'll put a tenner on Ashkazar. He was an effortless winner of the Imperial Cup on Saturday and this race looks the easiest of his Cheltenham entries. The Pipe yard love to win this bonus and trainer David will be keen to follow in his father's footsteps and win for the second year in a row. Plus Timmy Murphy is on board and I know plenty of binmen called Murphy.

So I'll recap today's tips: £25e/w Katchit (3.15 Cheltenham) and £10 win on Ashkazar (5.20 Cheltenham)

Good luck, enjoy the first day of what I hope will be a great week.

Post your own tips and Festival gossip below.

From the Touchlines: Last post for Ashton

Unless England put together an all-singing, all-dancing performance against Ireland in the final round of Six Nations matches, Brian Ashton will be axed as national coach.

The Rugby Football Union bosses have finally lost patience with England's stop-start form under Ashton, particularly after the abject performance against Scotland, which pundits deemed as the worst by England for quarter-of-a-century. Ironically, Ireland - the team that sacked Ashton after just a year at the helm in 1997 - hold the key to the Lancastrian's future.

RFU boss Rob Andrew is thought to be putting together a proposal to sign South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White, the union's first choice in the winter despite Ashton guiding England to the World Cup final last October.

Ashton's stock has fallen so rapidly in the last five months that even Sir Clive Woodward has turned on his former friend, hitting out at his decision to axe Danny Cipriani for the Scotland game, saying, "If I'd dropped every player who had not got to bed by one o'clock I wouldn't have had anyone in the team".

Has the time come to axe Ashton and is White the man to replace him? We want to hear your views...

Burlington Bertie.....Let's get started

Afternoon all, I'm Burlington Bertie and welcome to my very own racing blog.

Throughout the Cheltenham Festival I'll be trying to give you punters some winning tips, hints and gossip. If I'm good enough Orange might even keep me on after the dust has settled at Prestbury Park.

My racing pedigree is pretty good; my father was a wheelie bin outside Martin Pipe's yard while my mother worked at a bookies in Newmarket, as a waste paper basket.

The roar goes up at 2pm on Tuesday so make sure you tune in for my tips.

To get you started, though, I'm going for Tom Scudamore as top jockey for the Festival. I'm also going to place a cheeky £10 win on Mighty Bold in the 5.10 at Stratford today, it could be AP McCoy's only winner of the week.

I'd be more than happy for you to post your tips and gossip below.......let's beat the bookies together.

Cheerio

From the touchlines: Ashton on the brink

Only England could win convincingly in France and follow up with such a pitiful display against Six Nations whipping boys Scotland.

The disastrous 15-9 defeat once again leaves beleagured fans questioning the future of coach Brian Ashton and pondering the fading Jonny Wilkinson's right to his place in the side, despite the fly-half breaking the world record Test points tally.

Wilko was woeful. Unable to influence the game with his below-par tactical kicking and decision-making, Ashton replaced him with 10 minutes remaining. Captain Phil Vickery is also unable to last a full 80. Why, therefore, is he captain? Other experienced players - Andrew Sheridan, Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw - were also at fault, crucially accumulating a penalty count double that of the disciplined Scots. The immaculate Chris Paterson made them pay.

Then there's Ashton's treatment of Danny Cipriani, which he defended vociferously, but attracted unrelenting criticism. Did this contribute to England's horror show?

After such a result the talk was always likely to centre around England's woes, but Scotland must be lauded for their resolve. Coach Frank Hadden lives to fight another day and with the determination, togetherness and strong defence on display at soggy Murrayfield, they have something on which to build. England, on the other hand, sink further into the sand.

What's your view on Brian Ashton and Jonny Wilkinson's future? Should Phil Vickery remain captain? Is this the start of something for Scotland?

Cricket blog: Shameful England

In 1999, England scraped the most grotty of barrels with a despicable series defeat at home to New Zealand. Today, a depressing symmetry of sorts was 'achieved'. In less than three years since that win over Australia, Michael Vaughan's men have regressed to the spineless, dispiriting rabble of the late 20th century.

England's display in the 189-run defeat to New Zealand must rank among their worst in Test history. Not only have they lost by a mammoth margin to a side recently humiliated in South Africa and missing their best fast bowler, they've done it in a style so far removed from the heady entertainment of 2005, it almost feels like that glorious summer was a ridiculous dream.

Can Peter Moores be blamed? Aside from his extraordinarily astute selection of Ryan Sidebottom, the only man who can hold his head up high, he's changed little (by choice) from the latter days of Duncan Fletcher's regime. But the manner of performances as well as results have declined steadily since last summer. If he's not feeling the pressure following this abject surrender, he damn well should be. His job's on the line.

Coaches don't win or lose matches, though. Cricket, more than most team sports, largely comes down to the individual. And too many of them look short of Test class, out of nick, mentally shot or all three.

Steve Harmison is an easy target, but he simply isn't mentally tough enough for Test cricket - and never has been aside from one freak year. England simply cannot keep "Waiting for Godot". If you've read or seen the play, you'll know he never comes. Stuart Broad must play in Wellington.

On current form, many of the rest should join Harmy on the sidelines, but what is there to bring in? James Anderson perhaps? Surely Matthew Hoggard is allowed an off-day. No, it's the batsmen who have principally let the side down with their lamentable run-rate, indecision and final-day choke. They don't score hundreds, don't adapt to conditions, don't show intent and don't justify their reputations. But they'll all keep their place. After all, Moores tells us they are "world class". And he's not joking.

Is Peter Moores on borrowed time? What should England do before the second Test in Wellington? Send in your views now!

by Chris Dempster (written at 2am in depressed state)

The magic of the FA Cup

Not content with dumping out Liverpool in the previous round, Barnsley have gone one better and beaten the holders Chelsea after an incredible game at Oakwell.

Those who failed to watch the match will probably assume that the win was a pure fluke but this couldn't be further from the truth.

The Tykes huffed and puffed and at times outplayed a lacklustre Chelsea side who struggled to deal with the Championship outfit.

Goalscorer and match winner Kayode Odejayi ran hoops around the Chelsea defence and gave John Terry and co one of their most difficult games of the season.

The magic of the FA Cup is well and truly alive with Barnsley proving that you don't need Roman Abramovic's money to make the headlines. One thing money can't buy is team spirit and these Barnsley players have shown it in abundance during their magnificent run.

Now the Tykes are heading to Wembley and who knows, with the 'big four' failing to reach the semi-finals, Simon Davey's team could go all the way and lift the trophy.

Elsewhere, not content with just lambasting the referee following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth - in which Sulley Muntari netted the winning penalty past makeshift goalkeeper Rio Ferdinand in the 78th minute - Sir Alex Ferguson widened his fury to include referee's boss Keith Hackett as well.

Ferguson was particularly worried at the alleged treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was denied a clear penalty in the first half as he was barged off the ball by Sylvain Distin. Ferguson echoed Wenger's recent comments about star players receiving little protection.

But on Sky Sports, red-faced Fergie also accused Hackett, manager of the Professional Match Officials Board, of picking "his favourites" to officiate United's games and not punishing referees for their mistakes.

Sounds like sour grapes with one suspecting that the 66-year-old's virtiol was ignited most of all by his side's amazing profligacy as Pompey reached their first semi-final since 1992.

Have your say on Barnsley's shock win, United's surprise defeat, Fergie's reaction and all of this weekend's games. And after another thumping, is the axe hanging over Kevin Keegan? Leave your comments by using the boxes below.

Does Chambers deserve another chance?

Whatever the result in the final of the 60m at the World Indoors today, all the chat will be about Dwain Chambers, according to former hurdling world champion Colin Jackson in an interview with Orange.

And Jackson also insists Chambers has no place in Team GB and will prove a disruption and irritant to his fellow team-mates at the championships in Valencia, Spain.

But does the former drugs cheat deserve a second chance or should Chambers be banned from competing ever again for Team GB? Read our interview with Colin Jackson in full and post your comments below...

From the Touchlines: What Danny did next

This morning's tabloids are full of revelations of Danny Cipriani's nightclub shenanigans, with the time of his spotting by the snappers varying from 12am to 2.30am depending on the paper you read.

The outcome is that the Wasps wonderkid has been handed his punishment - a one-match ban for the Six Nations game against Scotland. But while everyone has weighed into the debate, with Lawrence Dallaglio, Shaun Edwards and Matt Dawson all insisting England coach Brian Ashton has lost his marbles in dishing out the penalty, Cipriani has handled himself admirably.

He's come out in the papers and apologised saying, "I had made a mistake and I am truly sorry but at least I have not done something - I hope - people in the game can't forgive me for." Perhaps even more touchingly, he added: "I am now totally heartbroken not to be taking part in the match."

Such words are likely to have at least marginally appeased Ashton and his RFU head honchos but what Cipriani does now is even more important. He's been selected for the all-London derby against Harlequins on Sunday and you get the impression he's going to have a blinder to prove a point. Hopefully, the England ban will have the desired effect and Cipriani will become a stronger player because of it.

How do you think Cipriani has handled himself and will this punishment hold him in good stead? Also, who would you bring in to replace him - would it be Ashton's choice of Iain Balshaw?

Haye v Maccarinelli...who will win?

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Londoner David Haye will step into the ring with Welshman Enzo Maccarinelli to see who will become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.

The fight at the London's O2 Arena is being billed as the biggest British contest since Nigel Benn's clash with Chris Eubank in 1993.

It should be a titanic battle between two heavy hitters but who's your money on? The "Hayemaker" or "Big Mac"? Let us know by adding you pre-fight thoughts and predictions below. Plus, don't forget to read what Maccarinelli's trainer Enzo Calzaghe has to say by clicking here.

From the Touchlines: Cipriani dropped

Imagine you've just been handed your first England start and then given the day off. What do you do? Well, if your name's Danny Cipriani, you get photographed coming out of a London nightclub in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Cipriani's idiocy was met with him being unceremoniously dumped from the starting line-up to face Scotland less than 48 hours after he was first named at full-back, a fair enough punishment considering he and his team-mates were given a 12am curfew.

However, what's not clear is who was behind the punishment. It's been suggested - at least publicly - that coach Brian Ashton was the man dishing out the penalty but there are suggestions that Ashton was merely acting out to his puppeteers on the Rugby Football Union board.

Whoever's responsible, what it means is that one of the most exciting talents in world rugby won't get his first international start and, instead, the habitually under-achieving Iain Balshaw will start in the No.15 shirt instead.

Is Cipriani's punishment fair or too harsh? And does he deserve to return for the final game of the Six Nations?

From the Touchlines: Weekend predictions

From the Touchlines makes its predictions before the weekend of matches...

There's another salivating trio of matches this weekend in the Six Nations, as Wales bid to keep alive their 100% record in this year's tournament in Dublin, a resurgent England travel to Scotland, and France host Italy. The Welsh may well have been the form side so far but, with so much instake in the Irish capital, we expect Warren Gatland's side to be derailed... just.

As for the game at Murrayfield, England look to have the making of an out-of-sorts Scottish line-up although, with ex-England coach Andy Robinson as part of their coaching set-up, the Scots will make it incredibly tough in Edingburgh. As for the final game - France v Italy at the Stade de France - it's a no-contest I'm afraid.

Anyway, here's our weekend Six Nations predictions in full:
Ireland 26-21 Wales
Scotland 15-22 England
France 41-18 Italy

Do you agree or are we totally off the mark with our predictions. We want to hear what you have to say?

Bizarre excuses...Your view

From playing video-games to claiming your grandmother has passed away, footballers have come up with some pretty bizarre reasons to be excused from the sport in the past.

Joey Barton is the latest player to provide us all with a chuckle with the midfielder unavailable for Newcastle's trip to Liverpool this weekend.

The reason? He is barred from Merseyside as part of his bail conditions ahead of his trial for assault and affray.

In wake of this, we've come up with a list of comical explanations provided by players and managers who have gone missing in the past which you can check out by clicking here.

What's your favourite excuse? Have we missed any from the list? We also want to know if you have ever had a cracking excuse which has seen you pull out of a Sunday League footy game. Let us know by adding your comments below.

From the Touchlines: Six Nations gossip

We find out all the latest Six Nations gossip ahead of the fourth weekend of tournament action in our blog, From the Touchlines...

Should Scotland pull off a surprise win over World Cup runners-up England at Murrayfield on Saturday, it'll be all down to former England coach Andy Robinson. The Edinburgh boss has been working closely with Scotland's forwards giving tips on how to disrupt England's pack and derail their Six Nations ambitions north of the border. His key focus has been on the lineout style of locks Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw, plus the scrummaging style of Messrs Sheridan and Vickery.

Another rugby Robinson, former England full-back Jason, is making a sensational return to rugby league. The former Wigan star is set to be unveiled at a press conference in Bradford. However, those salivating at the prospect of him running rings around league defences will be disappointed. Robinson is taking up a post as an international ambassador for rugby league.

Finally, it transpires that Wales coach Warren Gatland decided his fly-half for the vital Irish game by the toss of a coin. The former Ireland boss couldn't decide between Stephen Jones and James Hook although, judging by his starting XV, the coin favoured Jones.

Let us know any of your Six Nations gossip, views and predictions ahead of a scintillating weekend of action...