Saturday Sport Preview

The Irish Rugby Team face Japan at the Aviva Stadium, Old Trafford is the venue for the Manchester Derby

RUGBY

Jonathan Sexton becomes just the seventh Ireland player to reach 100 caps today.

The 36-year old will captain the team that faces Japan at the Aviva Stadium.

Sexton’s Leinster teammate Dan Sheehan is set to win his first cap off the bench.

Kick-off is at 1pm.


Elsewhere today, the All Blacks warm up for next week’s trip to Dublin with a game against Italy at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

England take on Tonga at Twickenham.

While the Principality Stadium hosts the meeting of Wales and the Springboks.

Then, at 8, France take on Argentina.


SOCCER

Sligo Rovers secured a return to European football last night.

Their 3-nil win away to St. Pat’s - coupled with Derry’s 1-1 draw at Finn Harps - mean the Bit-o-Red will finish third in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers could face stern punishment from the FAI after visiting fans detonated fireworks over the RSC pitch last night.

Referee Rob Hennessy halted the game for ten minutes after a number of explosions close to the players.

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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says their last home game is firmly behind the team.

They take on Manchester City at Old Trafford this lunchtime - their first home game since the 5-nil mauling at the hands of Liverpool.

Paul Pogba is suspended following his red card in that game, while Raphael Varane is injured.

Kick-off is at 12.30.


Leaders Chelsea welcome Burnley to Stamford Bridge at 3.00

Winless Norwich go to Brentford

And two of the league’s in-form sides meet at Selhurst Park, with Crystal Palace facing Wolves.

Then at 5.30, Graeme Jones takes charge of Newcastle - potentially for the final time - as they go to Brighton.

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Galway and Athlone played out a 1-1 draw in the Women’s National League last night.

Peamount can seal the Women’s National League title tonight.

Victory away to DLR Waves will bag a third consecutive championship for the Dublin side.

Before all that, Cork City play Treaty United, and Bohemians take on Shelbourne.

GOLF

Padraig Harrington is nine off the lead going into today’s third round at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.

He’s 3-under par, while Jonathan Caldwell is a shot worse off on 2-under.

Italy’s Nino Bertasio is the man to catch on 12-under par.
 

RACING

There’s an eight-race card at Naas this afternoon.

The first goes to post at 12.15.