Wrap - Overcoming Sandpaupers and Paine-staking Ashes

1. The Ashes. The pathetic softness by our batting was best revealed in the pre Test shootout between our batters. Most players got single figures in both teams. This then continued at Edgbaston in the first Test as well. Our openers with their sandpaper memories and the boos needed to did deep and really be patient. They were sloppy. Warner's form in England has never been great. He has never hit a ton there. He needs to knuckle down and get hectic. My worries re Bancroft's temperament have been founded. He needs to be rested already. Marcus Harris needs to enter the fray.


We also need to quietly remember that these are two teams not at the top of world Test cricket. England (4) v Australia (5).


The selectors are clearly overthinking things. Too much left hander/ right hander obsession. Is Greg Chappell still sniffing around or has he gone? Fancy not playing Starc and thinking that Rory Burns was a soft dismissal that would be easily achieved? Brad Haddin has said that the rest/ rotation policy needed to occur across the series (please...). Rory Burns batted all day and we had nothing - not even Carpet Burns. In fact, Cummins bowled around the wicket to him at one stage, inadvertently emphasising how silly the decision to omit Starc actually was. Sure, Hazelwood rarely gets big wicket hauls, but nor does Siddle. When Matthew Wade is needed to bowl it shows the error too.


The crowds were not strong in number really either. Small grounds. However the theatre and excitement when Steve Smith was in full flight was incredible. A great theatre for cricket at Edgbaston. Smith has been extraordinary and really it is time for Paine to exit quietly and let the real captain takeover. This batting was the quality of a batsman who knows how to lead. Paine meanwhile is painstaking - and his batting in complete ashes...


The crowd's rendition of "He's got sandpaper in his hands..." was very funny. They sing like no other nation those Pommies. However, how much do we love a pompous, arrogant Englishman who thinks their lolly rubbing on the ball and other tactics with zippers on the ball are all forgotten. They are a strange lot.
The efforts of the bowlers are worth congratulating, but Siddle still looks like a trundler. Lyon may be the key man. An Edgbaston Test can turn on its head at times.


2. NRL. Melbourne Storm should do the lap of honour now. No one gets close to them unless there is a major injury to Cameron Smith or someone else like Munster or Chambers. Brisbane, Warriors are finished. Penrith are too (pathetic loss to the Berries) and it looks like the Knights as well. Tigers are rallying and with the semi finals up for grabs, Parramatta. The eight looks like: Melbourne, Roosters, Souths, Raiders...Sea Eagles, Sharks, Tigers.. Eels? St George have a great roster but have been awful. Their coach is under immense pressure.


3. The Gold Coast. I have called for it to be banned for all sporting teams and nothing changes my mind. Thumped in every code. Justin Holbrook is crazy. A cash pit.


4. AFL. GWS again beat the Swans - and the Swans lose by less than a goal for the fourth or fifth time this season. Richmond march on. Geelong are weak...they need to switch on and start dominating or they will bow out early, despite the excellent start to the season. West Coast could do a Storm and sneak back to back titles!


5. Robbie Farah. Almost gone, but continues to mouth off. As a bloke with ability, his attitude has held him back a lot. He needs to become the world president of Lebanon Rugby League now. Oh and don't forget a beer on the scoreboard before you go...


6. Nathan Brown to Jesse Ramien..."I won't take it personally that you want a new club and are looking around without telling me.  So don't take this personally... take your gear and go!". They say that Ramien may head to the Storm. He won't be getting the dollars he seeks there either. has talent however.


7. Tennis. Kgyrios winning in Washington, but can never exhibit enough discipline to win when the whips are cracking. Not getting anywhere near Federer, Djokovic or Nadal in the US Open. Will enjoy the seniors tour when he gets there.

Wrap - Capabianco Capers

1. Ashes Team. The First Test starts this week. Not sure about Bancroft. His temperament worries me at times. That he is a right hander he is lucky as Harris has been the dominant cricketer in Australia in long form cricket. Why did Harris not go to England to play County cricket in advance? Silliness.


Of course Langer ensured Mitchell Marsh was there...and Mrs Marsh, PJ Marsh and Dan Marsh, Rod, Graham, Geoff...


The English crowds are going to be fierce. Steve Smith's form is not great either. The pitch they played their warm up game on was a dangerous joke. Michael Neser may be the x-factor who moves the Duke ball. If Hazelwood gets more than one wicket an innings we should all do handstands. He needs to lift and get multiple wickets if he is to play. What version of Mitchell Starc is going to show up? They have too many blokes in the squad too - 17? Really. When will some of these other blokes actually play? I hope there are tour games in between like the old days... otherwise there will be a lot of blokes practising their scoring and bowling in the nets.


If you are not in the first Test team you are only looking at the third Test. Honestly, when will Siddle play?


This Chris Woakes is bowling really well. He's sharper than he looks. Jimmy Anderson, Stokes and Broad will be tough on their decks as usual.


2. Rugby League. What a stupid rule it is when two footballs come onto the field...as if we need to worry about the other one. That is a new time delay used by players, runners and even the crowd. Get rid of it.


3. NRL. Des Hasler has made a stunning difference at Manly. Their two props - Fanua Blake and Marty Taupou are tremendous players. Finally the value of the off load is being appreciated by NRL coaches. Moses Sueli has been transformed into a super force. Three clubs couldn't cope with him.


Who is coaching this Gold Coast rabble? They need a complete rebuild.


4. Golden Point - Melbourne v Manly. A great game of footy, but can we agree on something else? When they do the Golden Point toss, one answer is needed... either "WE WANT THE BALL" or "WE DON'T WANT THE BALL". Referees of course try to over complicate it all.  Seven tackles plays with silly kicks kills you. The Jake Trobjevic tackle was bad, but that's despite having made 66 other good tackles. 67 in the game - awesome! The first half of golden point was awesome footy - two drop kicks hitting the post, great finish. Manly's effort away at Melbourne was amazing... it was like a GF win with 38 seconds left. I was worried by the Melbourne response to the loss. They are on edge a bit too early for mine. Big deal...a close loss and they are miles ahead on the table. It happens.


5. AFL. Richmond look the powerhouse now on the run in. Brisbane too fast and slick v Hawks...looking sharp. Great tough wins by the GWS who were so strong at the loose ball. Their game v Port was a cracker, winning by a single point away from home. This Nick Haynes from GWS is superb. I also like the Toby Greene competitiveness. Opposing teams hate him, but his teammates love him. A top four finish looms for GWS. Geelong powered over Sydney too. Is Buddy Franklin still alive?


Brett Ratten doing well with the Carlton team. They are surprising a few now.


6. Wallabies v Pumas. Not since Hugo Porta have the Pumas looked this good. A solid win by the Wallabies. It is tight, but also boring. Even the TV commercials in the game breaks are boring. More crowd at Riverview v Joeys. Great effort by the Springboks v ABs... they may surprise.


7. Global T20 in Canada. The worldwide gypsies of T20...Pollard, Gayle, McCullum, Narine, Bravo, Bailey...the world champions at finding a buck. This stuff is ripe for match fixing. Does anyone really care? I noticed even the recently retired Yuvraj Singh is playing. A shame Indian cricketing administration arrogance continues to get in the way of the world seeing their cricketing talents.


8. Swimming. Can you believe another unknowing Australian drug taking swimmer...a stray tablet perhaps? Not great when Mack Horton is standing off the dias! Maybe she should go to the International Court of Sport Arbitration like Dean Capabianco? Arianne Titmus is a legend. She could be our best ever if she stays fit. Interesting reaction when she found out about Shayna Jack, a stablemate.

Wrap - Perry Perry Hittin'

1. Ellyse Perry. Stunning performance. Rarely misses out with bat or ball. She is a superstar and may end her career with a better bowling average than any male - and a better Test batting average than the great Adam Voges, but shorter than Don Bradman's 99.94.


2. World Cup Final. Jofra Archer was impressive but Ben Stokes can change a game like no other. He will dine out on Nathan Lyon and a few of our other players in the Ashes. He will be the difference, like Botham and Flintoff before him.


I cannot believe that there is talk of Mitchell Marsh joining the Ashes squad. A joke. He is no Stokes. The team will come under enough scrutiny without his brand of mediocrity. We all know Langer loves the Marsh family and tries to get them in the team at every turn. Trent Copeland is a better all rounder. A big Australia v Australia A game this week coming, but not too many spots up for grabs.


Will Tim Paine be the first captain sacked since Kim Hughes? If he doesn't score runs, we will hear the calls for axings! Surely Smith returns as skipper in time. Keen for the young opener Cameron Bancroft to miss out on selection. He has much to learn still.


Likely First Test Ashes Team:
Dave Warner
Marcus Harris
Usman Khawaja
Steve Smith
Travis Head
Kurtis Patterson/ Matthew Wade/ Marnus Labaschagne/ Will Pucovski
Tim Paine
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
James Pattinson/ Josh Hazelwood
Nathan Lyon




2. Gold Coast Suns. What a disgrace! The coach, Stu Dew should know better than to blame the opposition coaches box for their woes. Coach better and all changes for you. Take ownership of the performance of the terrible roster. On the other hand Paul McGregor believes his team can win the comp. A dead set optimist!


3. Gold Coast Titans. They axe their coach and then get the Storm the next week with a whole heap of guys rested (Munster, Kafusi, Addo Carr, Chambers, Welch). Couldn't help but notice that Ashley Taylor has suddenly come good now that Garth Brennan has gone. Interesting. Meninga needs to show some stronger leadership. I get the feeling he has not excelled either in the tricky circumstances. A test for a would be immortal of the game. Can he rescue this dismal lot?


4. British Open Golf. Rory at his home course, Tiger and Jason Day all perish before the cut and get a chance to have a good lie down to think about things. How good is Brooks Koepka? Amazing strength and consistency in majors. Four Major wins and two Runners Up. As many majors (4) as Ernie Els, Ray Floyd, Rory McIlroy and the classic...Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris from the 1860s! However it is Lowry's to lose with a seven shot lead heading into the final round. Local knowledge! An 8 under 63 is a clever round in any Major!


5. Wallabies. What has gone wrong with the game? Our team faced a second string Springbox team and lost. Cheika said he would throw it all away if he does not win the World Cup. Newsflash... keep looking for jobs! The number of Polynesians in the national team is incredible. There seems to be a complete over reliance on these boys. Hopefully they do not all do a Fifita and all bail out to a Pacific Nations team. We need anyone who still likes the game. Sad really after the greatness of the Campese-Ella-Eales-Gregan era.


6. NRL. Something needs to be done in the game re penalties by the defensive team in the red zone. Lying on players and the wrestle needs to be met with fire. A five minute sin bin - sent to a cubicle at the end of the ground behind the deadline is necessary. A penalty in the last five minutes or in extra time should be something more dramatic. Refs need to be more vigilant with time on and off too. The game meanders at times and then there is an almighty desire for precision in the last five minutes.


7. AFL. Swans v Freo. Cracking game between the cellar dwellers. Tight one point losses cost you semi final positions. The Swans know about this in 2019! They had plenty of chances. GWS are up and down. If they can get a home semi they would be a chance. They smash Collingwood but will fall in a heap next week. If the Richmond Tigers get a finals game or two on the MCG they will win it! My calls for a free kick from where the ball is kicked out on the full is getting louder with the intentional stuff creeping in - especially when scores are tight.


7. Netball World Cup. A cracking performance, but do minnows just get in the way? Lots of Aussie wins... 88-24 vs Northern Ireland, 73-37 vs Zimbabwe, 99-24 vs Sri Lanka, 91-22 vs Barbados, 74-24 vs Malawi, 50-49 vs New Zealand. Their semi final v South Africa was harder at 55-53. The GF and championship awaits!

Wrap - Group Hugs and Head Pats

1. Cricket. Talk of drop in pitches at the SCG will certainly not help Test cricket in Australia. The predictability of the MCG Boxing test has ended it as the spectacle it once was, making it a "bat-a-thon" and giving bowlers nothing. Made for five days of advertising revenue for Cricket Australia? When will Lords have a drop in pitch? The same answer should be there for the SCG - never.


Can anyone accept the type of pitches England have dished up for the World Cup semi finals in England? Ordinary really. Rain is inevitable, but they should be smarter than this. England too good regardless and have the final to lose. If NZ bat well, they can win it.


2. World Cup Cricket. Stoinis was the dud of the tournament (the new mid career Shane Watson). Overhyped and one dimensional. Can our all rounder obsession end with the departure of Hohns and Bug Snappell? Maxwell of course was not far away from terrible either - and throw in Handscomb. Complete duds and all from Victoria.


Yet Australia put Handscomb forward for all the media in the lead up to the semi final and made him front and centre. Most unfair when you just come in for a semi final. They did not deliver when it mattered. Cummins was too quiet as well. He needs to lift for us to get near a Ashes victory. Only ticks to Finch, Warner, Smith, Carey, Starc (terrible late in the tournament). I get a bad feeling re the Ashes. We do not have the batting skill on the seaming deck...but who does? As soon as the sun shines we are set...if it doesn't, we are in strife!


No ticker tape parades in Sydney this year. Love a ticker tape parade. What is ticker tape? Maybe shred left over fax paper?




3. State of Origin. Tedesco scores a cracking last minute try and the rest is history. How NSW could almost blow a 12 point lead is staggering. The secret to points is out wide in Origin, but how impressive was the Cook try. He is a star. Fittler triumphs and all the critics can dream on. Even though QLD were short staffed (Ponga, Arrow), so was NSW (Cleary, MItchell, Sims). The NSW kicking game is ordinary. Fittler believes in the high bomb. You win more games in Origin when your kicks hit the grass more often that your opposition.


3A. Player of the Series. Apparently Alf Langer, the QLD trainer, was nominated as player of the series.


4. The Team Group Hug in Sport. Does this guarantee a loss? It is out of control? So many teams do this now... I'd love to see the strike rate. I preferred the Jack Gibson method of the team clapping each other on as they entered the field circa 1980.


5. Wimbledon - Serena. 32 Grand Slam finals for 23 wins/ 9 losses... Federer 31 Grand Slam finals for 20 wins/ 10 losses (1 unresolved). Incredible record when you consider she has made three of the last five Grand Slam finals contested. Thumped nonetheless. Halep is a dynamo and hard to beat. Not many Romanians have succeeded on the international tennis stage.


Incredible women's tennis history of USA-UK-AUS women up until the 1990s giving way to Czech-Germany-Belgium and now to the Russians, Serbs and Romanians. Evolving game. Even two Columbians won the men's doubles!


6. Wimbledon - Men. Federer is a magician - and at his age. How good is he? That semi v Nadal was extraordinary. Not getting the No. 1 seeding at these events hurts you big time when there are only three blokes contesting every tournament. Two of the three sit on one side of the draw. Djokovic has had the best of it lately. It makes a big difference with one final (not two) to win!


7. AFL. Swans lost by 7 to Carlton and Collingwood and 10 to Essendon. These tight ones swing your season one way or another. Interesting that Longmire was sought so powerfully. When does a club need a recharge? The players really did not lift for him. A terrible loss quite frankly. Maybe a group hug was needed pre game? Or maybe they had one?


GWS are done. They are perennial losers at the MCG. If Richmond get there, they will be hard to toss. Brisbane look sharp too, but a bit raw. Western Bulldogs coming home hard. Love the pace of Jason Johannisen.


8. Cameron Smith. 400 NRL games is extraordinary. His long term longevity is exceptional. He looks like he could crack 500! The Storm don't lose a lot, but they rarely if ever lose big milestone games. makes Benji's and Cooper's 300 games seem trivial.


Xerri is supremely talented, but he has terrible hands. No Origin for him any time soon. His drop ball rate is horrendous. Group hug him... or shower him with high fives when making an error. Where did this come from in the game? Get around the bloke that makes a terrible error...? A quiet word of encouragement, no head pats, high fives or back slaps. It is still a stinking error.
By the way, Nick Cotric deserves five weeks for his tackle. The NRL needs to toughen up.


9. Gold Coast. As mentioned last month, the Gold Coast should be shut down as a sporting destination and taken to Brisbane. Garth Brennan apparently had the desk packed last week! Goooone! Stuart Dew in a world of pain too with the useless Suns. Most fans would rather give them a new moniker - the moons - and provide samples.


10. INF - Netball World Cup. Surely the minnows are a time waste. Lovely and all that, but in the end, no spectacle v Zimbabwe or Uganda and these games won't fill the stadiums. This was a good feature of the recent cricket world cup...every nation there was competitive, even Afghanistan who have improved more quickly than most other minnows.

Wrap - Mullets and Mulligrubbers

1. World Cup Cricket. It will be an important test for some of Australia's players' futures this week. England is beatable, but how predictable was a loss to South Africa? For all his heroics, Starc was wasteful and terrible early. I cannot see that Maxwell and Stoinis have earned their positions so far, yet they continue being selected. Talk of Mitch Marsh coming in makes the stomach churn. Steve Smith needs to lift as well. Ponting used to rise up so powerfully on this stage.


Matthew Wade could be the man coming in. I think he is a better bet to fill the void. If he gets a duck however... He deserves his chance. He has been completely prolific.


Handscomb in for Shaun Marsh. Hard to believe we have broken wrists from net sessions...What is that about? Cummins needs to do some damage on the pitch instead. He has been average really. Time to move for him. I am not seeing Ashes glory in his efforts to date. Harsh, but true.



The English conditions are cruel. Sunny skies you look like a champion. Cloudy skies you struggle with the seam. Uncanny how Australia finds the cloud in an Ashes series.


I notice that Marnus Labaschagne has hit over 1,000 County runs this season. Impressive. There is an Ashes showdown match coming up of the current v Aus A players. A score there gets you on the plane!




2. NRL. Would it be that bad if every team had to aim up each week, despite Origin stars being out of action? Blood youngsters and keep the fans happy. The TV is a bit quiet without it of a weekend! Being treated to the Warriors at their worst ill disciplined version of themselves is hard to take, but they won regardless.




How amazing is the 400 games by Cameron Smith for next week..he has peeled off 20 games every year he has played. Indestructible. Tests, origins...300 by Benji too. These are big numbers. The brain testing should include these guys. Concussions are staggeringly common so to get to 300-400 is amazing. Smith may be the best we have ever seen.




The footage of Jordan Periera scoring a try and getting hit is sickening from the weekend. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/jordan-pereira-injury-st-george-illawarra-canterbury-cup-newtown/u0fksz2au6x11avvowe2fb2v5


2A. Are the Sharks that bereft of goalkickers that for three successive weeks they score more tries than their opponents and lose? Millionaire NRL! They have some underperformers there...Moylan and Johnson - both horrible at times. Sharks have always had good goalkickers... Greg Cox, Dean Carney, Barry Andrews, Dane Sorensen (yes), Eric Archer, Steve Rogers, Phil Hurst, Sean (seen) Watson, Allan Wilson, Mitch Healey, Eoin Crossan, Matt Rogers, Luke Covell, Michael Gordon, Valentine Holmes. They need a fix and quick.




3. Wimbledon. Ash Barty. Fabulous to see if she can move through. If she meets Serena, that will be a test. Serena on grass is a sight. She can be awesome.




Bernard Tomic is a complete disgrace. "Tomic The Tank Engine". He should go away and retire. Kgyrios is also an embarrassment. His immature press conference displays and lack of grace says more than all the racquet abuse, swearing and nonsense put together. The world media love it in a twisted sort of way which makes it hard for us to ignore him. If he never played again, would anyone really notice? His disrespect for a legend like Nadal is him at his absolute worst.


4. AFL. An outbreak of mullets has been detected at the Western Bulldogs. What is going on? Port Adelaide are looking powerful. Still liking Geelong despite their dip in form. West Coast are rocks and diamonds. Collingwood are getting the wobbles, but the best teams are stretching away now... this is the hard part of the comp when you need to lift. Brisbane have made a great resurgence...but how hot and cold are GWS.? They can't win it.




Gold Coast are horrible. They give up 100 points by half time. Terrible. They should be closed down for bringing the game into disrepute.




5. Crusaders. The coach, Scott Robertson has been practising his dancing for weeks. Well placed as they smashed the Jaguares. They were never losing that game. A crushing 19-3 victory.

Wrap - Bad English

1. World Cup Cricket. How good is it to see England struggling? Jason Roy was a huge loss for them, but returns v India. Bairstow is a gun and has not fired yet - until tonight. No matter how many they score, Kohli will go close.


Finch and Warner have been immense and I never thought I'd ever say it, but Shaun Marsh may be required in the team. Is Stoinis doing enough? Khawaja has done some good things at number 3, but his fielding? Starc in cracking form. Cummins has not quite had the desired impact yet, but could change a game soon. The GOAT must play. Surely as the weather dries, the off spinner becomes more important. The greatest World Cup player for Australia - Ricky Ponting - is in our corner in that dressing room. He is clever... even plotting to get Smith to bowl a leg spinner or two.. that may have put the knife into Zampa's chances.


The NZ team always seem to produce the goods. They punch well above their weight. I liked Kerry O'Keefe's line about Kane Williamson..."when he hits a hundred he looks like a bloke walking to the letterbox and waving to a neighbour". Composed.


Plenty of left handed pacemen doing some damage in all sorts of teams. Amir and Waib for Pakistan...Boult (hat trick)...Starc, Berhendorff....even the great West Indies salute man: Sheldon Cotterell.


2. NRL. Is Clint Gutherson the worst kick return fullback in the comp? Seriously, he is incredibly average and gets hammered. Better around the ruck and from dummy half,  but no incision through the line from the back. Jarrod Croker's defence continues to be shocking. Good goal kicker however. Liked the Andrew Voss description of Jack Wighton's game - "snakes and ladders"....diamonds and rocks. Impressed with Josh Hoffman's defence. Like this Shaun Lane too. Makes a lot of metres.


Would there be a worse punishment than sitting next to Ricky Stuart on a flight after a loss?


The Broncos have rarely been this poor. Too young and Boyd, Millford and some of the experienced guys have been terrible. The coach is suddenly under immense pressure...but Bennett is not going too much better after five straight losses. Reynolds will change that. Hoping to see George Burgess stamped out of the game (a Parramatta recruit? Just what you need...more ill discipline).


3. The Crusaders. They march on ruthlessly. 30-26 an a home final. Well positioned for more Irish dancing/ break dancing. Three in a row beckons loudly. The Jagures are pretty handy and did a number on the Brumbies. Set to be a cracking game.


4. Melbourne Storm. Six points clear and the minor premiership well in sight. What a powerhouse of a club. No one close now. Their Origin form has been excellent without their stars.


5. AFL. Sydney Swans suddenly just one win out of the eight. They are storming back. However Geelong, Collingwood and Port look the best. Why are video reviews so hard to get right in every code? AFL is one of the worst? Looks like they use a BETA videocam... give us a clearer picture, please...


6. Wimbledon. Upon us already from 1 July - 14 July. Had to laugh about Kygrios who said he can't wait to play Nadal and get his revenge. I suspect Nadal won't be able to (a) contain his laughter and (b) drop a set. Hopefully Barty does well too.


Federer (38 years old) heads the Grand Slam list at 20 wins, Nadal next at 18 (33 years old) and Djokovic third at 15 (32 years old) have shared the Grand Slams since August 2014. No one else but these three! Amazing.


7. MLB Baseball - New York Yankees v Red Sox in London. A crazy time in England at present... they have the cricket World Cup, the baseball, Wimbledon... Hopefully the weather stays clear. Their women's soccer team are into the semi finals of the Women's Football World Cup as well! Very soon they will have the British Open Golf and the British F1 from Silverstone!


The baseballs used in London must be lighter. They were popping them over the fence with absolute ease! Big score...big crowd. What a great spectacle with the two great rivals and the best eastern conference teams. The Red Sox pitching rotation is terrible this season.

Wrap - Lebanon Island

1. NSW Origin Win. A much better performance. Kicks that hit the green grass. Quick defensive speed and spreading the ball. Interesting that they went away from Cook running the ball too much. Maloney has the Origin mongrel and was great. Sadly Cleary was not missed and is under the microscope. Tedesco superb as usual. Cordner tough, but Finucane was a big difference. Even Saifiti went well. Ado-Carr made plenty of metres and was more aggressive too. Both Tobjevics are the best two players in the comp at present. Amazing...and another brother yet to arrive on the scene who is a gun.


The selections of Fittler last week proved to be good at this stage. Jack Wighton played pretty well but never passes the ball to unmarked players.


Interesting that one Sims brother plays for Fiji (skipper) and one plays for NSW... go figure.


2. Lebanon in the Pacific. Does anyone remember when Lebanon moved into the Pacific? They were small and unfortunately a bit dreadful. One good winger only. The great Tim Mannah even offloaded more for Lebanon and played pretty well. Admittedly they were missing a fair few of their best players. Robbie Farah's kicking game back at Leichhardt almost had him heading to the scoreboard ledge for a fire side retirement chat. He tried hard, but was found out. Liked the young centre. Incredible talent.


The pacific teams have talent...Tonga, Samoa, NZ, PNG... great contests, even if the crowds were a little thin.




3. Barty. Destined to be world number one after the Birmingham Classic on grass against Goerges. A tremendous effort and it shows what determination can bring. A loss brings her two points short of being world number one. Hopefully not.


4. AFL. Port Adelaide trounced Geelong really and are on track for the semis. Good win by Sydney again and they are not far away. A few tight losses will prove costly. West Coast and the mighty Brisbane looking better.


5. Super Rugby. Apart from the Crusaders, the Brumbies have the next best and quite an amazing record. What a franchise record they hold? Again winning a final and progressing. Their steel under pressure has been immense for a long time. Mercifully, the end of Daryl Gibson came after our mention last week. The Waratahs need surgery. Combinations and youth might be a great start.


6. World Cup Cricket. A big week ahead for Australia v NZ and England. How good would it be to knock England out? They have been disappointing, but we have beaten those we needed to beat. India still look too good for mine. Great matches this weekend with the Afghans and the power of Carlos Brathwaite. NZ are also tough in ODI cricket. They have more all rounders than most.


7. Israel Folau. It is starting to become a circus now... Clyde Rathbone has had a complete shocker however with his comments. Silliness seems to be repeatedly duplicated in this sorry mess.