Event of the Day: Australia versus Ireland
Our event of the day is the International Rugby Union Match taking place between Australia and Ireland at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. This is the third match of a three-test series between the two nations. The Wallabies opened the series with a decisive 18-9 win in Brisbane on June 9th. However, the Irish prevailed 26-21 last week in Melbourne leveling the series and making a deciding match. It was Ireland’s first test win in Australia since 1979. Coincidentally, that was the year they last won a series down under. The Irish side would like to put an end to that drought and will no doubt be using it as motivation in today’s match.
This year’s Six Nations Champions have done some lineup shuffling ahead of the third match. Head Coach Joe Schmidt has made five changes and four positional switches as he hopes to keep his side fresh and fit. The Aussies have made two lineup changes of their own. Veteran Nick Phipps has been inserted as halfback and strong man Lukhan Tui has been named as blindside flanker in an effort to add some muscle up front. The first two matches of this series have been hard hitting, physical and exciting to watch. Today’s decider should be even more enjoyable with the high stakes of a series win on the line.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Football World Cup 2018 match between Germany and Sweden at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi. Germany, who are the defending World Cup Champions, lost in their opening match to Mexico. If they wish to move forward out of the group stage the German side will need a win against the Swedes, who currently sit atop Group F. In other group matches being played today, South Korea play Mexico in Rostov-on-Don and Belgium are up against Tunisia in Moscow. In MLB, the Seattle Mariners travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox at Fenway Park. In International cricket, New Zealand Women and South Africa Women both play England Women in the Women’s T20 Tri-series in England. The final day of Royal Ascot wraps up an exciting week of flat racing. Qualifying takes place for Sunday’s French Grand Prix Formula 1 race at the Circuit Paul Ricard. In Men’s Tennis, the Queen Club’s Championships and the Gerry Weber Open both enter their sixth day. WTA World Tour action continues in Spain with Day 6 of the Mallorca Open. The Nature Valley Championships also carries on in Birmingham. The third round of the PGA Tour Travelers Championship tees off at TPC River Highlands. Third round play of the European Tour BMW International Open also takes place at Gut Laerchenhof Golf Club in Germany. In AFL action, the Western Bulldogs clash with North Melbourne at the Etihad Stadium.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Wallabies and Irish Rugby