Like clockwork, the weekend is coming up thick and fast with an exciting menu of sporting action for us on tap. We’ve got the long-awaited return of NPC rugby to our screens, the third and final test between the Wallabies and the Lions, and so much more to sink our teeth into.
As always, we’re going to break down all the different codes and come up with some of our betcha best bets for the slate. So let’s crack in and see what’s worth a punt this weekend.
We’re being treated to a seriously good Test series right now, with everything coming down to a fifth and final game. England are chasing a coveted series win while India have the chance to steal an away draw, which would be massive. One of the best parts of the tour so far has been the fire both teams have brought to the table, with players squaring up and that classic cricket pettiness that somehow just fits the beauty of the game.
Heading into the decider, one name stands out more than anyone. Shubman Gill, the 25-year-old, has absolutely lit it up, scoring 722 runs in 8 innings at an average of 90. That’s not just impressive, it’s elite. Beyond the numbers, it’s the way he’s carried himself on and off the field that’s exciting. He’s putting his stamp on this Indian team as a genuine leader through performance.
There’s no better time to cement that than in this final Test. If he comes out and delivers again in the first innings, there’s every chance he keeps the runs flowing and makes another strong statement.
The Broncos were in red-hot scoring form, coming off five straight victories and looking like they were getting back to contender status until they stalled against the Eels last time out. That loss has led to a few changes in the side, with Selwyn Cobbo and Dean Mariner being brought onto the wings in hopes of reigniting their high-powered attack.
On the other side, Souths are in scramble mode, sitting at the bottom of the table with things continuing to go from bad to worse. Without Latrell Mitchell once again and with a clear lack of belief in the changing room, there are serious questions about how they will fare against a Broncos team looking to bounce back.
With that in mind, I expect the Broncos to come out with something to prove and to try to pile on points against the struggling Rabbitohs on Friday night. While their total points line is set high, I am leaning toward them going over in this matchup.
We head into the final game of the Lions’ three-match tour of Australia, and they’ll be hoping to close it out with a 3-0 sweep. On the other side, the Wallabies showed signs of life last weekend after leading for 79 minutes, only to let it slip after the 80-minute mark. They’ll be looking to bring a similar effort in Sydney this weekend.
That being said, it took a pretty disjointed performance from the Lions for the game to be that close. Some of that may have come down to missing key players like Sione Tuipulotu, who could be back in the lineup for this one. If the Lions can finally find their rhythm, Andy Farrell’s side will be aiming for a more controlled, wire-to-wire showing rather than the up-and-down effort we saw last week.
That’s why I still think the Lions will come out on top. But after what we saw from the Wallabies, they won’t roll over easily, which makes the 1–12 margin a very reasonable play.
Out of all the games on the Week One NPC slate, this one feels like it could be the best of the bunch. Early-season favorites Tasman are heading north to take on one of the sleeper teams in this year’s comp, the Bay of Plenty Steamers. Honestly, what more could you ask for on a Sunday afternoon? Two stacked teams, hopefully some clear skies, and some fast-paced footy that should deliver plenty of points.
Looking at the team sheets, there’s no shortage of finishers on either side, and I think a few of these players will find their way over the chalk. First up, Kyren Taumoefolau has been one of the top try-scorers in New Zealand rugby over the last year, so you’d be silly to count him out. On the Bay of Plenty side, there are plenty of options, but I’m going with Leroy Carter. He must have been close to an All Blacks call-up, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts on a show to remind the selectors what he can do.
Back over to Tasman, a name flying a bit under the radar is Macca Springer. He hasn’t had many chances with the Crusaders, but he’s still one of the best young talents in the country. I expect him to be right in the thick of things. With Leicester Fainga’anuku returning soon, Springer will want to make sure it’s not his jersey getting taken by the soon to be All Black.
Ever since the highly anticipated rookie secured his first podium finish in Canada, Antonelli has struggled with form, recording two DNFs and a 16th-place finish in his most recent outing. This is a big race for the Italian, who needs to get back on track if he wants to keep impressing his bosses and the higher-ups at Mercedes.
For the Mercedes drivers, they may have a slight edge over the rest of the field thanks to the makeup of their car. Toto Wolff and his team appear to have developed a strong race package for tracks that prioritize cornering and downforce rather than raw horsepower, as seen in their best performance of the season in Canada.
For Kimi, this should be a welcome development and an opportunity to take a step back in the right direction. If Antonelli can stay composed and build confidence on a circuit that plays to the car’s strengths, a points finish is a realistic goal for Mercedes’ number two driver.