SA hopes lie with Stormers and Sharks

Craig Shelver Today, 9.35am: Auckland: Blues vs Hurricanes If the Hurricanes win ? even without a bonus point ? they will be guaranteed a semifinal spot, and their points difference suggest a home semi should be secured too. A bonus point will put it beyond doubt.. . . .

Sidebottom strikes for England

Sidebottom got the important wicket of Jacob Oram
AFP LONDON — Ryan Sidebottom took his first wickets of the series as England reduced New Zealand to 260 for eight at lunch on the second day of the first Test at Lord's today. Left-arm quick Sidebottom, who'd struggled to find his line yesterday, turned in a. . . .

Hurricanes given the Blues

The Hurricanes need other results to go their way if they are to make the semi-finals
AFP AUCKLAND — The Blues did the South African teams a favour by beating the Hurricanes 19-17 in their Super 14 match this morning. The result keeps the Blue's Super 14 semi-final hopes alive and put a big dent in the Hurricanes’ play-off ambitions. The win,. . . .

Oscar Pistorius wins his appeal

Double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius won his appeal today and can compete for a place in the Beijing Olympics, reports Talk Radio 702. Pistorius still has to achieve the minimum Olympic qualifying time of 45.95sec, or 45.55 if another South African runs less than. . . .

Pironkova stuns Ivanovic

Ivanovic was the top seed in the tournament
By Barnaby Chesterman, AFP ROME — Bulgarian qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova stunned top seed Ana Ivanovic in the Rome second round yesterday, beating the Serbian 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Related stories: World number three Ivanovic struggled throughout with her fellow. . . .