Wrap - My Word Is Stronger Than OAK

1. Jimmy Anderson. In England and especially at Lords, Jimmy Anderson wreaks havoc. His swing bowling is easily the best in the world and he can rip through an attack like India with ease. He is almost unplayable after rain. Night Test cricket would make him also unplayable. 550+ Test wickets says he is a legend of the game. India's top order are on notice...nervous and unable to make a difference on foreign soil.



2. US PGA Golf. Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland are on fire at what appears to be an interesting PGA course. Adam Scott is also well placed. Such days in majors are rare in a professional golfer's life. You have to rise up and seize the chance.



3. AFL - Hawthorn. This footy club has spirit and tenacity. Amazing strength and will to win. There are never any easy victories against this mob. Geelong are disappointing under pressure and all that with a roster that screams premiership. No one beats Richmond this year on what we have seen so far.



A gutsy win by the Swans and all of that away from home at the MCG where they are typically barbecued! GWS on a mission and on a roll now. They have more speed that most other teams and it could just make the key difference.



4. Memo Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould. There is no use crying over spilt (OAK) milk. Reminds me of the Jerry Maguire movie..."my word is stronger than OAK"


See Gus and Anthony Griffin in their negotiation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exKGizfJ0s




5. Clearyesque. This dad and son combo is fascinating. Obviously Ivan will walk away after his Tigers contract is up. He hasn't been a real successful coach when it is all said and done. He's won 137/288 (148 losses and three draws), a tick over 50%. Not good enough really. Would you want him?



6. NRL. The Roosters look good things this year. They'll have Sonny Bill next year to replace Blake Ferguson as well. Angus Crichton will be a star there too. Storm will need to lift now that Slater is fading out. It will be intriguing to see how long Cameron Smith continues, but he never gets injured. He is made of steel. The Storm are looking like becoming like everyone else again. A few losses back to back and they have to play Parramatta next week. That should fix it.

Souths and the Roosters will challenge the Storm this year. The others don't seem to have it. Penrith are loose. Saints are falling hard. Sharks may have some bite left, but are way too inconsistent.


7. EPL. Back underway with the shortest off season in world history. These guys are machines. Entertainment machines...and fit! The usual suspects are in line to win it, but the minnows still love it and those small English grounds make for outstanding atmosphere.


8. Bledisloe... can we come within 20 points of the All Blacks?