Around the Betting Planet: Tagovailoa primed for first NFL start

North America sports betting news

Tagovailoa set to start for Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have decided to put in Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for the upcoming clash with the Los Angeles Rams. The change comes during the team’s bye week.

The promotion will see the rookie from the University of Alabama start for the first time in his NFL career, changing places with the veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. While Fitzpatrick has led the Dolphins to back-to-back wins, the franchise sees Tagovailoa as a long-term propsect who can lead Miami to championships.

The rookie impressed the coaching staff in the Dolphins’ 24-0 win against the New York Jets, showing his mobility and leadership in a late cameo appearance. Tagovailoa becomes the 22nd quarterback for Miami since the departure of Dan Marino in 2000. 

While Tua has proven his skill, the next game marks the first time he will be tackled in competitive play since his hip injury in 2019. It will also be interesting to see how the move affects Miami Dolphins odds at NFL betting sites.

UK sports betting news

British & Irish Lions to play Japan for first time

A one-off rugby Test match between Japan and the British & Irish Lions will take place at Murrayfield next year. The game will mark the first time the teams have ever met, making for an exciting test. 

The Lions hope to use the game as preparation ahead of their tour to South Africa, where they will face the world-champion Springboks. The clash with Japan will also give local Lions supporters a chance at watching their team live.

Warren Gatland, head coach of the Lions, said that he believes the game against Japan will point out key areas for improvement. The Japanese play at a high-tempo, giving the Lions a new challenge, and will come fully motivated to win. The Test is scheduled for June 26, 2021.  

Africa sports betting news

Kenya’s national football coach resigns 

Francis Kimanzi, the head coach of the Kenyan men’s national team, has resigned from his position. He had filled the role for a year after replacing Sebastien Minge. The national team only just returned to training following the restrictions set in place due to the pandemic.  

A few other staff members have also left the team, following Kimanzi. The news couldn’t have come at a worse time as the group prepares for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kenya are scheduled to take on Group G leaders Comoros, followed by a match against Egypt.  

The Football Kenya Federation hasn’t appointed a new coach yet and has only said that it wishes Kimanzi well for the future.

Europe sports betting news

Bayern star Gnabry tests positive for COVID-19

Bayern Munich have announced that Serge Gnabry has tested positive for the coronavirus. In a brief statement, the German club indicated that Gnabry is doing well and has begun self-isolating at home. It is the first case of the virus in the team.

Gnabry will miss the next Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at the Allianz Arena. So far, the winger has started every game this season for the club. He also scored a hat-trick last month in the team’s opening match against Schalke.

The club has not commented on whether the news has any additional impact on the next game. Gnabry is the second member of the German national squad to contract the virus, after Ilkay Gundogan also tested positive. 

South America sports betting news

Flamengo’s Henrique picks up gruesome injury

Gustavo Henrique, the Flamengo defender, had to quickly leave the football pitch during the club’s game against Corinthians. The player picked up a nasty injury to his testicles during the first half after an incident with a rival player.

Spectators could see blood appearing through the player’s white shorts, forcing him to fetch a new pair. Gustavo returned to the action in Sao Paulo, pushing through what can only be described as agonizing pain. 

The defender was substituted shortly before the end of the first half and was immediately taken to receive medical attention. According to the club, the bleeding eventually stopped, and medical staff will continue to monitor the defender’s condition closely. 

Australia sports betting news

Cheika breaks promise to never coach against Wallabies

Earlier this year, former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika vowed he would never coach against the Australian national team. However, that’s what he’s now doing after accepting a position to assist the Argentinian rugby squad.

The Australian tactician recently appeared on the Argentine Rugby Union’s social media accounts, which showed pictures of Cheika with the head coach of the Pumas. He will now assist the side by sharing his in-depth knowledge of the Wallabies and advising Mario Ledesma ahead of the Rugby Championship.    

Ledesma and Cheika previously worked together at the Waratahs and Stade Francais. The Aussie’s decisive move has prompted many to question his integrity, as he is reported to have said that he believed coaching against his former side was traitorous.  

New Zealand sports betting news

Savea in trouble for not wearing mouthguard

All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea is yet again in hot water after not wearing a mouthguard in the team’s latest game against the Wallabies. Savea was pictured brandishing his bare teeth while celebrating with his teammates. 

While not against the rules, wearing a mouthguard is a collective agreement amongst New Zealand players. NZ Rugby has made an official statement saying it is aware of the matter. No further comments have surfaced, and it remains unclear how the organization will deal with the issue.