Wrap - Rare Sightings

1. Tiger Woods. Following planning for the rain and storms that never ever arrived at Augusta, the red shirted Woods seized his fifth green jacket in an awesome display. The media's obsession with his trumping of Jack Nickalaus's majors win record is back in fashion, but this was a supreme comeback on the most glorious of stages. How good is the Masters? My tip Koepka was a shot back and is one to watch in majors. He has the poise and composure to win a few more yet.


2. New Greg Inglis. Inglis retires and the memories keep being relived, but already this week we have two "nexts". Xerri scores a try and they have him in the Origin frame all of a sudden. A dangerous game looking for 'nexts' for one who had so much talent. Ask the "next" Peter Sterling... Galbraith, Bell, Kusto, Fitzhenry, Tollett, Lawler, Blackett, Frare, Freeman, Simon, Penna, Pezet, PJ, McFadden, Dykes, Drew, Green, Witt, Thorman, Smith, Finch, Keating...


3. Roosters v Storm. Latrell Mitchell's field goal was awesome. He is some sort of player (some say the next Greg Inglis!). And what of Melbourne? Still super competitive until the death. Fantastic team still, but gave a big lead up early. Cameron Smith is an awesome champion.


4. IPL. Steve Smith has been given the captaincy reigns from the unpredictable Ajinkya Rahane in a massive move by the Rajasthtan Royals in the IPL. He looks a touch overweight to me, but still carved out a matchwinning innings. Andre Russell (377 runs striking at 220) and Chris Gayle (421 runs) have been awesome in the IPL this year. Rahul, de Kock and Bairstow have been some of the other stars. Dave Warner (450 runs) still leads the way. Kohli's century yesterday was again amazing (100 off 58 balls). Rabada has 21 wickets and Tahir 15 with the ball.


5. Smile. Hard to believe I know, but I just may have seen Ricky Stuart smile yesterday. Rare sighting, probably a mirage. There will be no smiles for Cleary... Seibold... Kearney and Nathan Brown. Sadly, some of these blokes may not have a job soon. The Broncos and Panthers are under extreme heat.


6. Federation Cup Tennis. Ash Barty and Sam Stosur lead Australian' women's tennis to the Federation Cup final on the weekend. Barty is a star, dominating the Belarus team - Azarenko in particular. She is a star on the rise and so competitive for Australia. All strength to her with such a resurgence following a stint in the WBBL.


7. Winx. 33 in a row and never to be beaten. We have all waited a life time to see anything similar. Tremendous crowd and in the end the show rolls on. Osborne Bulls is a tough horse, but too often the bridesmaid for mine. Liked the run of Castelvecchio too. A crushing victory with excellent pace.


8. Waratahs. They did well to toss the Rebels after staring defeat in the face. Looked like the SCG turf held up this week too. Still a terrible ground to watch footy at. How did we cope in those 1980's semis and GFs?


9. AFL Upsets. Suddenly losses to the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne, West Coast, GWS and Brisbane have the tipsters in a world of pain. The Hawthorn-Geelong game tomorrow looms as a massive showdown. Hard to tip early. Slightly bigger than the Bank West game between Tigers and Eels.


10. ACB Contracts. Thankfully no Mitchell Marsh or Peter Siddle in the contracted players for Cricket Australia this week. Hopefully they are looking ahead at this point... Harris, Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Head...but no Kurtis Patterson? Odd.


11. MLB - Red Sox. Off to their worst start in franchise history. 8 wins/ 13 losses is not good and they are propping up their American League East rivals, trailing badly as the carry over champs.


12. EPL - Liverpool. They have only lost one game this season, yet could still trail Manchester City. They need to maintain the rage!