1. World Cup Rugby. Starting to hot up now...a really slow and laboured draw however. Glacial speed. Rugby operates on a sun dial at the best of times...slow games, slow changes, slow TMO.
The All Blacks will go very close for mine after a top win v Ireland who have been on a long successful stint. The work of Michael Cheika with the Pumas has also been exceptional. That is a big statement to those who sacked him and instead went with the skinny blue jumper wearer who loves to coach Japan.
A big semi-final - All Blacks v Argentina... the easier side of the draw! Missing England-France-South Africa is a big plus in a gruelling competition. Box seat.
2. World Cup ODI Cricket. As mentioned three weeks back, Australian cricket is heading the way of the Wallabies. Terrible batting and we are on the slide out the back door. The batting issue has been problematic in the past three years in all forms of the game. Retirements will make it much worse soon.
Mitchell Marsh is not the answer as opener - or skipper. Carey and Green have been struggling for some time. Pat Cummins' captaincy when under pressure is a problem too...so is his short form bowling unfortunately. We have no devastating player who can turn the game outside Starc. Our spin stocks are terrible (but don't look to Todd Murphy who has been terrible in Shield). Tim David turns games.
3. Cricket - India v Pakistan. A clash of the Titans. Such rivalry. India is an amazing cricketing nation and should be paying $1.02 to win the tournament at home. They are on fire. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in incredible form. Ominous. Bumrah has bounced back strongly and the great all rounder Jadeja mesmerises everyone - especially Australians. How amazing if a few of these blokes could play in the Big Bash!
4. Tim Tszyu. Lots of hype (Origin style). So much before the actual fight... but he obliterated Mendoza in the end. Charlo next. The lad can fight! He is actually a funny bloke too in the media.
5. English Super League Premiers - Wigan (10-2 v Catalans). Mitchell Pearce is finished now. Older than the old TV advertisement shots of Junior Pearce on the beach with Tina Turner.
6. The Everest - Think About It. What a tremendous event! Such a short run for big cash! Great to see the jockey Sam Clipperton achieve so highly. The trainer Joe Pride seems like a likeable lad too. That is a premiere racing event on the calendar...yet no Group 1 status because of interstate politics (limited entry access chiefly). A grand plan that has become an institution. I Wish I Win was very unlucky. It could have won with a better luck in transit.
Imperatriz is the fastest horse in the country. Its owners are crazy (and obviously already wealthy) to refuse entry into the event. Fancy saying that it was because it is not a Group 1 event and the horse prefers running left handers (counter clockwise). Have they asked it? Strike while the iron is hot. Four slot holders tried unsuccessfully to convince them!
How about Fangirl blitzing Mr Brightside? Amazing effort.
7. AFL Trades - Swans. Three great early trades in the 2023 draft for next year...Brodie Grundy, James Jordon, Taylor Adams... This could really make a difference to their chances, but the forward line is still a worry for mine. Experience and talent... with a little extra pace too.
8. Michael Maguire. An interesting selection as Blues State of Origin coach. The footage from Tiger Town still haunts around the lack of poise and calm under pressure. He may have a Johnny Peard experience...one season. Daniel Anderson would be an inspired choice in time. Sadly Andrew Johns seems to fight with others too much and will not fulfil his potential. Matthew Johns could do it. There are some great older coaches who could advise, if their egos were checked...not just Gus.
9. NRL Pacific Championships. I wonder who will be crowned world undisputed, inter-continental, carryover champion of the Pacific? Australia I would have thought. Is there a rule to say that once you have represented one country you can't swap to another in any worldwide tournament? Surely.
10. Josh Curran. Ex-Warriors. Surely Parramatta sign him as a former junior player and St Pats Blacktown graduate. Tough, uncompromising and a biffer from way back. He could have an awesome presence off the bench, especially alongside J'maine Hopwood.
11. 'Big Ange' Postocoglou. EPL Manager of the Month again - back to back. However, he wants silverware for the team!
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