Auckland, Sept 24 NZPA - Allrounder Jacob Oram and seamer Ian Butler have been ruled out of New Zealand's opening match of cricket's Champions Trophy against hosts South Africa tonight.

Coach Andy Moles said Oram damaged a hamstring in training and would undergo a scan.

Auckland, New Zealand, September 23, 2009 - Successful Canterbury coach Brent Stuart was today named head coach of the Bartercard Premiership Selection to face the Samoan Residents at Mount Smart Stadium on October 10.

Auckland, Sept 24 NZPA - Northland see defence as the key as they try to pull off a major rugby upset on Saturday and topple Air NZ Cup leaders and Ranfurly Shield holders Canterbury.

Auckland, Sept 24 NZPA - Returning All Black squad members Colin Slade and Wyatt Crockett were today included in the Canterbury rugby side for their Ranfurly Shield defence on Saturday.

BLACKCAPS coach Andy Moles confirmed that Jacob Oram and Ian Butler have been ruled out of tonight's opening ICC Champions Trophy match against South Africa

Oram damaged his hamstring in training and will under go a scan once to assess the damage.

Moonee Valley Racing Club will launch Friday Night Racing for the 2009/10 season on AFL Grand Final Eve, 25th September, with the running of the $500,000 Group 1 Sportingbet Manikato Stakes (1200m) and the Cathay Pacific Superstar8 Jockey Challenge.

After Venice, Hyres, Cowes then Kiel, it's the turn of Amsterdam to play host to the Extreme 40' circuit. Racing in this penultimate event of the 2009 will take place from 25th to 27th September, right in the heart of the Dutch capital.

Former FIA World Rally Championship works driver and British Rally Champion Alister McRae will return to a manufacturer's rally car and an FIA championship next month, as he drives the official Proton-entered Satria S2000 on Rally Indonesia.

The ICC has confirmed the event technical committee of the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 has approved Virat Kohli as a replacement player for Yuvraj Singh in India's squad for the tournament.

The Ranfurly Shield appears to be quite safe in Canterbury’s hands & with the All Blacks set to return to the competition it really looks like it’s not going anywhere. Northland is the latest challenger then Manawatu & Southland remain.