Plauderecke » favourites by most pundits and bookmakers

CARDIFF -- Wales survived a second-half fightback by Italy to launch the defence of its Six Nations title with an unconvincing 23-15 win at Millennium Stadium on Saturday. First-half tries by Alex Cuthbert and Scott Williams combined with flawless kicking by Leigh Halfpenny to give the Welsh a 17-3 lead at the break. Unlucky to be so far behind, Italy dominated the second half, with Michele Campagnaro scoring two tries to leave his team just five points behind with 11 minutes left. However, another penalty by Halfpenny ensured Wales preserved its unbeaten home record against the Italians and saw the fullback finish the match with a personal haul of 13 points. "It will focus the minds for next week," said Wales coach Warren Gatland, referring to Saturdays match in Ireland. "It wasnt an easy run-out -- it was tough, which was the way we wanted it." The Welsh are seeking an unprecedented third straight title since the tournament expanded in 2000, and have been installed as favourites by most pundits and bookmakers. Yet they were given a real scare by Italy, and with the score at 20-15 after Campagnaros second try, there was a real danger that Wales would lose its opening match -- like it did last year to Ireland. In the end, Wales limped to victory and there were muted celebrations by the players after the final whistle. "We certainly made it hard for ourselves," Wales centre Jamie Roberts said. "We have to tighten up those mistakes in our game. If we dont, then well lose against Ireland." It had all looked so different after just four minutes, when covering winger Angelo Esposito failed to gather a grubber kick by Wales flyhalf Rhys Priestland. The ball slithered through into the in-goal area and the inrushing Cuthbert had the simple task of collecting and diving over for a try that was converted by Halfpenny. The Italians didnt buckle, though. And after Allan and Halfpenny traded penalties to leave the score 10-3 after 29 minutes, Sergio Parisse was denied a try in the 35th by the video referee, who adjudged the Italy captain to have knocked on as he challenged for a high ball with George North. Somewhat against the run of play, Wales scored its second try three minutes later when Roberts broke a tackle in midfield before passing inside to centre partner Williams, who cantered over to ground near the posts. Italys comeback was launched in the 43rd, though, when Campagnaro chased down Leonardo Sartos smart kick down the line and dived over just before the ball went dead. Crucially, Allan missed the conversion, then a penalty in the 50th. Halfpenny booted another penalty in the 67th but blotted his performance by sending over a floated pass that was intercepted by Campagnaro, who raced clear from inside his own half to dive over. Italy couldnt complete the recovery, and remains with just one away win in the Six Nations -- at Scotland. "As a captain, I am very proud of what the youngsters achieved today," Parisse said. "They were facing some of the most talented backs on the international stage, but they showed they can compete at this level." Adidas Superstar Australia Cheap . Rookie Christian Vazquez got his first three major league hits and drove in three runs, while David Ortiz had three RBIs to break open the game in the sixth inning and lead Boston over the Houston Astros 8-3. Adidas Superstar Shoes Australia . -- The road to the Masters got off to a bumpy start Sunday for Tiger Woods when he withdrew from the Honda Classic with what he said was a lower back injury. http://www.wholesalesuperstaraustralia.com/. 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Cheap Superstar Australia . - The Florida Panthers are getting some Army training to finish off their preparations for the season.METAIRIE, La. - Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton doesnt necessarily believe New Orleans much-maligned defence needs wholesale changes heading into next season.While some roster adjustments will have to be made following a non-playoff campaign, Lofton thinks many pieces are already in place that will allow New Orleans to regain the form that took the Saints to an 11-5 record in 2013 and a spot in the NFC Divisional playoffs.One thing is clear, Lofton insists defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan has to stay.I think Rob is one of the best defensive co-ordinators Ive ever been around and played for, Lofton said. Throughout the year, he stayed confident in himself and us.We let him down this year, so thats disappointing. He stayed the same old same old. We all love Rob and wed run through a wall for Rob.Lofton isnt alone in his assessment of Ryan.After the Saints 30-14 loss to Atlanta last week knocked New Orleans out of playoff contention, many players who were asked about the defence backed up their embattled coach.Why shouldnt he be back here? outside linebacker Junior Galette said. Were the ones out there on the field at the end of the day. He put us in a lot of good situations. I think its unfair.Images of irate coach Sean Payton yelling at Ryan became commonplace as the Saints (6-9) struggled this season. Criticism has been heaped on Ryan because the defence has looked more like the historically bad 2012 unit than the near NFL-leading group of last year.You cant just blame him when things go wrong, cornerback Keenan Lewis said. I dont think the blame should go to the coaches at all. Were the ones out there playing. Weve got to find a way to get it stopped.New Orleans has given up nearly a touchdown more per game this season than in 2013 when the Saints ranked fourth in the NFL by holding teams to 19 points per game.dddddddddddd The current Saints are second to last in yards allowed, giving up 390.9. That is 85 yards more than a season ago.The 2012 defence, which gave up more yards than any other team in NFL history, only allowed two points more per game than this seasons group. The unit also stopped teams more often on third down. This years Saints are ranked 30th, allowing teams to convert on 45 per cent of third-down plays.Change helped last seasons defence improve as there were seven new starters. This season has featured only three new starters from last year.Still, the players dont believe Ryans sometimes complicated schemes are the reason for the decline.The guy came here and turned around a defence that was historically one of the worst defences ever, Galette said. We have one bad year and its like, Aw, Rob get out of here. Its unfair. Its crazy to me.This season has proven to be quite a lesson for younger players such as second-year safety Kenny Vaccaro, who came off a rookie campaign in which he played a key role in the Saints defensive success.This year, however, Vaccaro has had trouble backing up his sensational first season.Youve got to detail everything, he said. You cant take anything for granted. Just because you were successful the season before doesnt mean in the next season.But Vaccaro said that is on him, not Ryan.Robs my guy. I love Rob, Vaccaro said. Ill fight for Rob every game. Im a Rob guy, so theres no point even asking me about Rob. Hell ride with me until the end.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '