Wrap - Tin Cup Half Full

The month of October brings cups of all sorts - World Cups, President's Cups...horse racing cups...the only cup not won this weekend was the Jamie Whincup.

1. Michael Cheika's Wallabies have thrilled us again - unexpectedly - over the past fortnight. First England then a magical defensive performance against Wales. Some tough games which will either prepare us well or take its toll later in the event. No tries is interesting, but once more the referees seemed to actually take a back seat to the players. Unusual. The team is built on some hard heads who remain focused on victory...not excuses. All the while the other Groups meander along. Ludicrous scheduling. Scotland will be quaking in their boots. The rigour of the scrum seems to finally be biting. Foley superb as well. Best since Larkham?

This World Cup organising mob have lost the plot. They let the fans vote on the man of the match...biggest country wins of course...they stuff up the draw and they have farcical match review situations. Bring back the World Court of Arbitration In Sport (and Dean Cappabianco).

2. President's Cup Golf. Hard to imagine golfers actually caring about a team, but it was a good tussle and a nail biting finish. We have not won the thing for an eternity. Jason Day did not really contribute which was disappointing. I suspect the Ryder Cup has more spirit and magic. It needs a permanent home.

3. Liked Criterion, but Press Statement's run in the Caulfield Guineas was particularly impressive. The fifth Sydney-trained three-year-old to win the Caulfield Guineas in the last five years! Get it into the Cox Plate.

4. The form of Mitchell Starc in the Matador/ Riobi/ Gillette/ McDonald's Cup extravaganza is quite something. He is the best white ball bowler in the world at present. Even the Cricket Australia XI under Bug Snappell had a win against Tassie. Too much map and not enough earth. Intriguing to see Watson get to 20, if that, when batting of late and that other talent waste - Shaun Marsh - get low score after low score. His career makes a good phone number: 0402 871 003.

5. Bathurst. They need to build a new dam at Bathurst. It rains there more often than most places. The driving at that event is something else. Those nasty accidents remind you of the skill and danger involved. It is gutsy, earthy and dangerous. Possibly akin to watching a full day of test cricket, some watch the whole race (and they are truly admired). The Peter Brock Cup risks being re-named the Craig Lowndes Trophy. He now has had more podium finishes than the great man himself.