The Sports Agenda July 2017
THE LIONS TOUR
By the start of July, the red shirts of Lions supporters in the picture will drastically increase and Warren Gatland’s statement of intent will be put to the test. To be judged on the Test results was the catch cry at the beginning of the journey, but as losses to Super Rugby sides mounted, and an underwhelming attacking record increased, so did the pressure. The series may be over in Wellington come July but there’s never been much charity from an All Blacks side on the paddock and they won’t want a stain on the series. This could be the last we see of the Lions as commercial and professional forces further dominate.
TOUR DE FRANCE OR TOUR DE FARCE?
Same time every year and dozens of the world’s best riders punish themselves for three weeks, all for a countryside bike ride. Masochists of the sporting world, the Tour de France participants haven’t always been good sports and as captivating as the breathtaking scenery of the French countryside, is the seedy and evolving petri dish of sports doping. Each year, riders fall foul of the bodily auditors which is all part of the sideshow. Chris Froome, 2016’s winner, will be making sure he peaks at the right time of the northern summer and will be preparing to run the gauntlet that follows anyone who dares wins the race.
SUPER ‘KIWI’ RUGBY FINALS
Four Kiwi teams are still in the running for the Super Rugby title and no one except for the Lions from South Africa appear capable of pegging them back. Since the infancy of the 18-team competition in 2016, criticism of the draw has run right up until the final, where by dubious merit or fortune the two best teams met last year. Present day, and the New Zealand teams have bolted away further still from their SANZAR partners, with only the Lions putting up any sort of fight. Adding to the season’s plot mix is the potential cutting of one Australian and two South African teams for 2018.
WIMBLEDON
The farewell roadshow for fan favourite Roger Federer continues at Wimbledon, even though murmurs are around that he still might continue on past 2017. His win at the Australian Open was one of the most popular in recent times and the majority will be rooting again for the Swiss maestro to win his 8th at the All England Club and surpass Pete Sampras’ record. Standing in Federer’s way is the resurgent and fit again Rafael Nadal, warrior Novak Djokovic and a host of big servers who thrive on the grass. One thing is for sure, Federer will be the major drawcard.