Wrap - Mount Midoriyama Globetrotters

1. Origin Washup. Surely Aaron Woods, despite the media attention, has become the most overrated forward in the game. The Bulldogs will be worried. Where did NSW go wrong? As predicted:

i. No second phase ball and no width. Ferguson and Brett Morris only got the ball twice each. Morris has retired in seeming protest.
ii. Horrible kicking game. Only hit the grass once.
iii. Slow defensive line speed as opposed the to rapid fire surging defence from OLD. Lazy forwards who do not want it enough.
iv. Lack of 'bend' in their defence (bar 15 minutes at the start of the second half). QLD landed on stomachs all night and had much quicker play the balls.
v. Nathan Peats is a great defender with a strong pass, but no zip from dummy half is a problem. Too predictable. No creativity.
vi. Lack of halves that have creativity and penetration.
vii. No grind in tough moments by NSW. They prefer the miracle low percentage play. QLD are just simply too good in the grind.
viii. Lack of leadership.

2. Origin Discards - Gone and not to return: Hayne, Morris, Pearce, Woods, Peats. Klemmer was outstanding. Melbourne Storm have an awesome impact every week and in Origin. The Smith defence, the Cronk kick, the Slater yards......on it goes. Tough and resolute under pressure.

As predicted, Munster did the business - no need for DCE and an excellent selection.

3. Stuart Broad. Like him or hate him, Broad (373 Test wickets) has been a dominant force in world cricket for a long time. His combination with Jimmy Anderson (475 Test wickets) has been immense for a long time. They are almost unplayable in England as well on those seaming decks. They are going to absolutely carve us up if there are overcast conditions. South Africa's Vernon Philander would be the world's best bowler if he could stay fit. Awesome on English decks. They are missing Dale Steyn who has a stunning record...a mirror of Richard Hadlee.

Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath is also a Test phenonemon. 382 wickets...in 81 Tests (better than Marshall and Akram). Why he is not playing ODIs for them is beyond me. They just lost to Zimbabwe!

4. Wimbledon - Garbine Muguruza - Roger Federer Double? Federer is simply outstanding. 11 Wimbledon finals! His character, skill and class is spectacular. We have been privileged to see one of the all time greats. Cilic is no pushover. He has aggression and a pacy serve - if he lands it consistently. He is like Stan the man. A "lights out" player - if the coal powered electricity has not been wiped out.

Muguruza smashed Venus Williams it must be said. She hits with power. A good time to load up on Grand Slam titles with Serena having a baby. Neither would have a chance if she was fit and well. Venus looks like the classic older sister who has had so much expectation on her and little chance to live her life. She did wonderfully well, but there is simply not enough power in her game - a career long flaw. Hopefully she can retire soon and enjoy life.

5. AFL. Geelong defeated Hawthorn in a tight one on Saturday (loss by three points), but were impressive. 'Danger' was a strength despite injury. The Hawks have had a some narrow wins beating Melbourne (3 points) and Swans (6 points), but they may be in trouble now for semis. Adelaide looks favourites for some GF representation while GWS-Swans was a cracker! Swans on an absolute march, but cannot afford to drop a game. St Kilda v. disappointing!

6. Mayweather. I get the sneaky suspicion that 'Money' Mayweather may absolutely smash Connor McGregor. As a boxing bout, McGregor will not aim up, but as Horn proved, strange things can happen. I note Mayweather was polite but definite - no money for Horn. I also noticed that McGregor is a showboating, loud mouth who may soon be a rich showboating, loud mouth.

7. Arsenal. Their flying visit to play in front of 80,000 twice, is a handy little pre-season earner for the club. They made Sydney FC look like those hapless mobs that the Harlem Globetrotters used to belt. The Western Sydney Wanderers would want to improve too. Their goal counted, but was comical. Clearly our mid fielders are simply not quick enough or skilful enough to compete on the world stage. Their pace was blinding. Ours...? Well...

8. Rugby. The NZ domination continues. We cannot match them and are simply not as good - like NSW in the Origin. The Waratahs' 41 point loss caps off a dismal year of embarrassment. Surely the coach must go. Hooper's reign as a skipper has also been terrible.