Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor says incoming boss Gregor Townsend should follow the blueprint of predecessor Vern Cotter.
[b]Doc Rivers Jersey[/b] . Glasgow coach Townsend takes over from the Kiwi next summer after the SRU confirmed Cotters contract would not be renewed at the conclusion of the 2017 Six Nations.Taylor works closely with both men - assisting Townsend at Glasgow while also helping Cotter prepare the Dark Blues - and believes the latter has put Scotland on the path to success Im lucky enough that Im in the Scotland set-up under Vern but also work with Gregor at Glasgow, said Australian-born Taylor who will remain Townsends No 2 with the national side.There hasnt been a formal plan drawn up [to ensure a smooth transition] but I know Gregor is on the phone to Vern a lot and they talk about different things. Vern Cotter will bow out at the end of the 2017 Six Nations I report back to Gregor too and tell him what were doing here in the Scotland camp and how were doing it. He recently said to me to make a note of anything that works well so we can continue with it going forward.Gregor is very detailed in his coaching so he is very conscious of things that work well and things that can be improved on. I would imagine he is only thinking about making small adaptations rather than wholesale changes.He will want to put his own spin on things as all new coaches do but hed be crazy to change everything, because were doing reasonably well. So there will be things that change, but also things that stay the same. Matt Taylor will join Townsend in the Scotland set-up next year Townsend could be left with a nasty hangover of the Cotter era, however, should Scotland lose out to Argentina on Saturday.Scotland - ranked ninth in the world, one place behind the Pumas - can overtake them with a win at Murrayfield. Defeat, however, could have a knock-on effect for their World Cup seeding hopes.The draw for Japan 2019 takes place next May and governing body World Rugby will use the rankings to calculate the seeding for the pool stage. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price If Scotland end up outside the top eight, they face the daunting prospect of having to overcome two major nations to make the quarter-finals.But Taylor said: We have talked about winning and the processes we need to win, but we havent said we need to win because of our ranking. We know in the back of our minds its important but so is winning every Test match.Youre right to say this game has more importance in that sense but does that add pressure by saying that to the players? Were not preparing any less but of course we understand it. Were just looking to win first and foremost. Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Rugby on Sky Follow @SkySportsRugby Pundits Fixtures and results
[b]Lenny Wilkens Jersey[/b] . A day after FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said three stadiums would not be ready in time for the Dec. 31 deadline, Brazilian officials said they actually plan to deliver all six remaining venues after that date. They claim only three are delayed, with the other three being handed over after the expected date only because of problems accommodating the schedule of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who wants to be present for the ceremonies.
[b]Tom McMillen Jersey[/b] . - Kevin Labanc and Joseph Blandisi were a potent combination for the Barrie Colts on Friday night.(SportsNetwork.com) - SMU forward Markus Kennedy, a unanimous preseason all- conference selection, has been cleared to play, according to multiple reports Friday. The junior forward was ruled ineligible before the season started, reportedly over academic issues. He is available to play in Saturdays game against Michigan, the reports said. Emails sent to SMU athletic department spokesmen and coaches for the mens team were not returned Friday night. News of Kennedys ineligibility came months after SMU learned that prized incoming freshman Emmanuel Mudiay had decided to play in China rather than join the Mustangs.
[b]Tyrone Wallace Jersey[/b]. SMU was still ranked No. 22 in the preseason Associated Press poll, but lost three of its first five games. The Mustangs have won five in a row since. Kennedy was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team as a sophomore after leading the Mustangs in rebounding, blocked shots and steals. He averaged 12.4 points in 37 games after sitting out the previous season following his transfer from Villanova. ' ' '
