Rugby fans across the globe should be looking forward to the start of the Test series between the British & Irish Lions and Australia this weekend. Australia hosts the Lions just once every 12 years and the Lions only get together every four years, so this is an event that captivates fans of the “game they play in heaven”. It also unites the best from both the southern and northern hemispheres which usually only happens at the World Cup.
The Wallabies look underdone. This is their first test match for some time and they are a team that consistently struggles with continuity, especially after breaks in their schedule. There are so many reasons why the Aussies should be ready for this challenge but outside of the green and gold spirit, I can’t see them beating the tourists. I will be backing the Lions to win every Test and I also backed them to win the series some time ago at around $1.70. This has shortened dramatically in recent weeks but shop around and you might find a decent price. Anything above the $1.60 mark represents value for a Lions series win.
The British Grand Prix will take center stage for all of you petrol heads this weekend and this is arguably the most prestigious Grand Prix behind Monaco. Sebastian Vettel will start favorite in early betting again just ahead of Fernando Alonso. It is a little sad that it appears to be a two horse race for the Drivers’ Championship already with these two clearly in front of the rest. Kimi Raikkonen has had a commendable season so far but is realistically only a 20/1 shot to win the title from here. I would either back Vettel to win this weekend or Alonso to find his way to another podium finish.
After a crazy few weekends of sport we get to relax a little this weekend. Football players across the globe will enjoy a well-earned rest. The NBA and Ice Hockey seasons will be done and dusted by the weekend, leaving us with only baseball until the NFL season starts in a few months’ time. Golf and tennis are in a temporary hiatus until both sports turn their attention to Britain for the British Open and Wimbledon. There is even a reduced round in Australian Rules football and the NRL with many teams enjoying a bye weekend. It’s like the eye of a storm, so if you need an excuse to have a weekend away from sport this might be the right time to take someone special away for a few days. Or you can remain at the front line with me.
Good luck and good punting.
