This week Gary has a look at the Springboks facing the All Blacks in an epic Rugby Championship Test, while Liverpool face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
BOKS TO BENEFIT FROM HOME COMFORTS
Despite being far from the noise, every time I have a look at social media this week has been filled up with Springboks vs All Blacks content. For those living on the moon – does Paris count – the message beamed here is that it will be a close game that the Boks will win.
Apparently, the average score between the two teams, in games played at Ellis Park is 23-22 in favour of the Springboks, who also won the 2023 RWC final by one point, 12-11. However, I’ve seen a lot of chatter and confidence from the South Africans I follow and some are suggesting that the Boks will win this Rugby Championship Test by at least 10 points. There’s no doubt home-ground advantage, and altitude counts. And it’s also true that, as world champions and having the depth that we do, and the fans, Rassie Erasmus’ men shouldn’t lose any games at home.
DJOKOVIC’S MENTAL STRENGTH STILL KEY
Tennis’ US Open is all about keeping on the safe side of the road for the first week for the higher-ranked seeds. Avoid getting into any stamina-sapping five-setters, stay clear of injury and keep an uncluttered mind. For those players, the event only starts on Monday, the beginning of the second week. Over the years no one has approached it better than Novak Djokovic, which is why he’s widely considered the men’s GOAT.
Djokovic’s great mental strength is that he allows himself to play one point at a time, win or lose. Roger Federer was that. Play the point and erase it from your mind. Federer always says you could play a shot that will go viral, but it still only counts for one point. Djokovic’s body is ruled by his mind and that’s why he is still so tough to beat at the age of 37.
ENGLAND GET ON THE FRONT FOOT QUICKLY
Joe Root’s 32nd Test century helped put England in control of their Test against Sri Lanka after the opening day at Lord’s on Thursday. England, to their credit, haven’t abandoned their “Bazball” approach and reached 358 for 7 at stumps on the opening day at a run rate of 4.06 to the over. That has already accelerated this Test, suggesting the chances of the game reaching the fifth day are again remote.
In the other Test this weekend, Pakistan are looking to bounce back from their historic Test loss to Bangladesh a few days ago. The thing with Pakistan is that you never quite know which team will get off the bus, but Bangladesh will know they themselves have taken a big step forward. It would be good for cricket to see them again put up a bold show, once the weather clears.
SAFETY CAR CRASHES OFF IN MONZA PRACTICE!
Not quite squeaky bum time for Max Verstappen and Red Bull, but the Dutchman’s Formula One lead, and his confidence, are being slowly but surely dented by a charging Lando Norris in his McLaren. This weekend’s Italian F1 Grand Prix will add to the intrigue and Verstappen is going for his third win in a row at Monza. Should he not win, then that could be the biggest pointer to Red Bull’s wings being clipped. Lewis Hamilton meanwhile needs one more win for his seventh at the Italian GP, and that would be sole ownership of the most.
Interestingly, the Aston Martin safety car crashed in its own testing on Thursday. It’s the first time a safety car has crashed ahead of a grand prix since 2002. For the punter, it could be an omen. What price a full safety car being employed at Monza in the race itself?
WEIRD: The Safety Car, an Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, crashed at Parabolica in Monza earlier today.
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) August 29, 2024
Driver Bernd Mayländer and his passenger Richard Darker were unhurt in the crash. pic.twitter.com/cM8yHTuZK7
COULD SOUTH AFRICA BE IN SEVENTH HEAVEN?
China are likely to draw clear of other countries at the top of the medals table by the end of the 2024 Paralympics. I have heard stories, which can’t be repeated here, about the “effort” they put into Paralympic success, although they almost pipped the USA to the overall Olympics medals table-toppers – both nations ended with 40 golds.
Team South Africa had six medals at the Olympics and traditionally do better at the Paralympics. Could we see seven this time round for our Paralympians? The star is likely to be our flag-bearer Mpumelelo Mhlongo, who competes in the long jump and the 100m.
🌟🇿🇦 Team SA all suited up, ready for the opening ceremony. #TeamSA #formycountry #Paralympics2024 pic.twitter.com/fSBY7uO41v
— Team South Africa (@OfficialTeamRSA) August 28, 2024
UNITED AND LIVERPOOL HEADLINE EPL ROUND
It might sound like a ruse to get you to have a punt on the EPL, but I can assure you from experience that this week’s results can set you up in punting terms for the next 35 rounds. It’s the toughest of any league and yes, plenty of upsets happen. The first two rounds have been gentle – I’m among many who are averaging over 60% win rates in Superbru – but this week will start establishing the pattern. I’ve already got my notebook filling up.
Not sure what the odds are but I’m expecting both Arsenal (at home to Brighton) and Liverpool (away to Man United) to concede, while Everton simply have to bounce back at home to Bournemouth. I’m not suggesting any counts this week but am happy to advise next round. The biggie of this weekend is at Old Trafford on Sunday with the aforementioned Man United vs Liverpool showdown.
IF BRAZIL TOOK RUGBY SERIOUSLY …
Sort of weekend related. The Olympics has extended into the Paralympics for me as I remain embedded in the athletes’ village with Team SA in Paris. The Paralympics are about half the size of the Olympics and these Games are visually completely different to those of a few weeks ago.
These Games though the two countries that feel like they are making the most noise and have the most “gees” – apart from hosts France – are those who also had a party during the Olympics. The “vibiest” is Brazil and memories flash back to the 2016 Rio Games. I can now understand why Brazil are so tough to beat at football at home. And also why both France and Argentina are difficult opponents at home in terms of rugby. If Brazil truly embraced rugby, they’d quickly be a force to be reckoned with given their passion.
Bravo Gabrielzinho!
— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) August 29, 2024
Brazil's rising star Gabriel Geraldo dos Santos Araújo, six times world champion, won gold in the Men's 100m Backstroke - S2.
A beautiful 3rd Paralympic gold medal added to his list of victories 🥇🥇🥇
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Bravo Gabrielzinho !
L'espoir du Brésil Gabriel Geraldo… pic.twitter.com/D6oEuwcJsk
