SPORTSPORT Ireland flanker david Wallace believes South africa will be inspired by the battle of the hemispheres as they launch one final defence of their global supremacy. The injury-ravaged Springboks end a gruelling year against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday in a contest that sees the Grand Slam and world champions collide. So far this season, Peter de Villiers side have won their first Tri-nations title since 2004 and conquered the lions but have suffered defeats to France, leicester and Saracens during their tour of europe. They arrived in dublin with an extensive injury list forcing them to delay their team announcement until lunchtime today as Fourie du Preez, Bakkies Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, CJ van der linde, adrian Jacobs, Zane Kirchner and Schalk Burger all face fitness tests. despite their legions of walking wounded, Wallace is certain the Springboks will be galvanised by the prospect of adding the Grand Slam winners to their list of victims. I dont believe for a second that South africa wont be at their best because its the end of a long season, he said. Theyll be very aware of whats at stake and that its being billed as the best of the northern hemisphere against the best of the southern hemisphere. Theyll be turning up to win and theyll give everything. Theyll raise their game for this. South africa are always very physical and have some world-class guys who can turn a game at any stage with moments of individual brilliance. They do the basics well and punish mistakes ruthlessly. Irelands strong presence on the lions tour half the team for the second Test were Irish has shrouded Saturdays game with a sense of unfinished business. Springbok skipper John Smit claimed there was animosity during the series coming from a senior Irish players refusal to allow the lions to join their opponents for a drink after each match, but Wallace insists he was unaware of such an offer although he did hint at the hurt caused by the 2-1 series loss. I never detected any animosity and I wasnt aware of the invitation to join the Springboks, but we lost the series and we want to step it up a gear, Wallace said. 24 METROSPORT Thursday, November 26, 2009 D Certified Distribution October 5 to November 1, 2009: 60,200 Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Dublin 4 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 637 5900 Advertising: (01) 637 5989 Classified: (01) 637 5979 Distribution: (01) 637 5901 Boks will step it up Wallace Battle: David Wallace in action against Australia Picture: GettyBurger: Among Boks injured Chelsea on top as Alex gets a shock CARLO ANCELOTTI insists Chelsea will now step up their quest for the Premier League title after confirming their route to the Champions League knock-out stages as winners of Group D after a 1-0 victory in Porto last night. But Manchester United, who had also already qualified for the last 16, lost 1-0 to Besiktas at Old Trafford. It was a first home defeat in the group stages of the competition since 2001 for Sir Alex Fergusons side. Nicolas Anelka, who also scored the winner when Chelsea and Porto met at Stamford Bridge, was again on target in the Estadio do Dragao as the Blues maintained their unbeaten record in Europe this season. Chelsea have just one remaining group game at home to Apoel Nicosia on 8 December And Ancelotti said: The game was good, to win here is not easy but were very happy. The Champions League is our aim for the future. Now we focus on the Premier League. Chelsea skipper John Terry was proud at the way his side maintained their momentum head- ing into Sundays clash with Arsenal. Its always difficult here, now we need to make sure were sharp for Arsenal. By RiChARD hOOkhmA Match reports: Page 23 Free as a bird: Nicolas Anelka celebrates with Didier Drogba Torres injury cost Pool dearly, says Benitez Page 22 index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html