This week Gary Lemke has a look at a new-look Springbok team set to face Portugal, while Max Verstappen's dominance seems to be under threat.
RASSIE RINGS THE CHANGES FOR PORTUGAL
It’s all change for the world champion Springboks who shared the “series” against Ireland 1-1 over the past fortnight. This weekend, in Bloemfontein, the match temperature is a lot cooler. Instead of playing Ireland in a decider, the Boks meet Portugal and have retained only four of the match-day squad from last week.
Portugal deserve their chance against a top-tier team. But, there are seven uncapped players and lock Salman Moerat becomes the 66th Springbok captain in history. Despite the inexperience, coach Rassie Erasmus has managed to balance that with some experience in the form of Lukhanyo Am, Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach and Trevor Nyakane.
FRANCE’S YOUNGSTERS GOING FOR GLORY
The Baby Boks will finish either seventh or eighth at the Under-20 Rugby World Cup that they are hosting, as things wind up in Cape Town this weekend. The youngsters in green and gold meet Wales in that playoff.
The playoff for third and fourth is juicy, with Ireland taking on New Zealand, which means the final will be decided between England and France. The latter are going for four in a row, having won in 2018, 2019 and 2023. New Zealand did the awesome foursome from 2008-2011
Will history repeat itself on Friday in Le Crunch?#WorldRugbyU20s | #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/Atn2diO8yU
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 18, 2024
A BIT OF COMPETITION FOR MAX?
Signs that Max Verstappen’s total dominance in 2024 is under threat can be seen by the way the season is unfolding. After winning four of the first five races of the season, the world champion has “only” won three of the last seven grands prix.
It’s unfamiliar territory for the Red Bull driver to see a car in front of him, which admittedly does add spice to the championship. All of Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton have taken the checkered flag in recent races. However, Verstappen is still 1/1 favourite to regain winning ways at the Hungaroring.
TWO EVENTS JUST WORTH ENJOYING
With The Open Championship currently in progress, as is the Tour de France, it’s rather pointless speculating on either. We know that Tadej Pogacar has “won” cycling’s blue riband event and will ride down the Champs Elysees drinking champagne, while the golf at Royal Troon will be much less predictable. In fact, it’s always risky to have a bet, even if you’re sure that the 54-hole leader will go on to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday. Rather sit back and enjoy the drama. Because there will be plenty of it.
The birdie run continues.
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 19, 2024
Marcel Siem is 4-under par on his round and only 4 shots off the lead. pic.twitter.com/iCzJuTBI2M
ALSO WORTH A PEEK …
Into the third week of the domestic Currie Cup and in Pool A it’s the Cheetahs and Blue Bulls who are unbeaten, while in Pool B it’s the Pumas and Golden Lions. This week the big match is between the Cheetahs and Bulls – someone’s “O” has got to go – while the Sharks, at home, will be looking to knock the Pumas out of their stride …
There’s Test cricket where England go up against West Indies, having hammered the Caribbean visitors by an innings and 114 runs last week. On day one of the second Test they went all “Bazball” and reached 416 in 88 overs.
💥Carling Currie Cup Team Release💥
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) July 18, 2024
Your Hollywoodbets Sharks XV
Read full team release article on https://t.co/bxuq9t7Gb1#CarlingCurrieCup #SHAvPUM pic.twitter.com/GzsXcTWzEV
