Wimbledon is over so the tennis nuts need to look elsewhere for their fix. NBA’s Summer League and a test between the Springboks and Georgia offer up some decent viewing value.
Springboks vs Georgia
South Africa have opted for an uncapped front row of Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche. Meanwhile, skipper Siya Kolisi returns from injury at flank to captain the side, partnering two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Talented playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at flyhalf, with Handré Pollard one of three backline players on the bench in a 5-3 split. The others are Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, so there’s plenty of firepower and experience there. The only four players in the Springbok starting XV who have 30+ caps are Eben Etzebeth, Kolisi, Du Toit and Damian de Allende.
The Springboks have played Georgia twice in the past, winning 46-19 at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 40-9 in a 2021 Pretoria Test. It won’t be a walk in the park but the Boks on the handicap is a good place to sniff around.
Football bets of the day
UEFA Europa League qualifying
Celje and Sabah meet again in the second leg of qualifiers for the Europa League with Slovenian side Celje holding a 3-2 aggregate lead. Neither side has been keeping clean sheets lately, and with Sabah having to go for it away from home, more goals should be on the menu.
UEFA Women’s Euro
France vs Germany
Group D winners France have been involved in entertaining matches so far; they beat. They should advance here in an entertaining, goal-filled match against a Germany side without injured captain Giulia Gwinn and suspended Carlotta Wamser.
Golf
Open Championship 2025
Last year’s Champion Golfer, Xander Schauffele, will hope to defend his crown but Rory McIlroy will have other ideas. The Northern Irishman is second favourite with bookies after his first Masters title, taking him to a career Grand Slam. World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler is fancied as the outright favourite but Spaniard Jon Rahm will also be a threat.
Why McIlroy for a fast start?
McIlroy ranks 11th in birdie average on the PGA Tour this season, despite playing the bulk of his golf at tougher US venues. He will try for a fast start and get more than a birdie in the opening round.
Basketball
NBA Summer League
Bronny James, LeBron’s son, is starting to find his rhythm after an indifferent 2025 so far. The Lakers guard delivered his most complete outing yet with 17 points, five boards, and five assists against the Clippers last time out. He’ll want more against the Celtics as the Lakers bow out.
Enjoy the weekend!
