The Tour de France is turning into a one man show with Britain’s Christopher Froome breaking the hearts of all that try and challenge him. His Sky racing team suffered some criticism early in the event but they have answered their critics with some heroic displays in the French Alps. The tall, gangly Froome has legs of iron and when he leans back and puts on the afterburners, his main rivals appear to be peddling backwards. It’s been a huge effort and even though he is into around $1.10 (which is too short to back) he really is a marvel to watch.
The Poms went 1-0 up in the Ashes with a nail biting win in the First Test. Over five days the old enemies butted heads and it finally ended in heartbreak for the Aussies as they lost by 14 runs. The good news for the Aussies is that they bowled well in patches and answered any suggestion they weren’t up to the challenge. Their top order batting is still in a state of disarray but coach Darren Lehmann has given this side a tough edge which will see more close Test matches this season.
Forget all the talk about the third umpire, too. The Aussies just have to start using their reviews better. The difference between the two sides was English quick James Anderson who is clearly the best bowler in the world at the moment.
There was also plenty of Australian Rules football, rugby league and rugby union played over the weekend. The Cheetahs from South Africa scraped into the Super Rugby finals which is great for the competition. Two teams from each of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa make up the six team finals which is a nice spread. I think the Chiefs are the team to beat as they will have home ground advantage throughout the finals. Having said that, outside the Cheetahs at around 30/1, any of the other five could come from nowhere and lift the trophy. State of Origin Game 3 is on this Wednesday night. Do yourself a favor and get in front of the TV for the decider. The Blues have lost their captain but at around $2.50 on home soil look great value to me.
