With that in mind, those who place their moods on the outcome of a result will either explode in volcanic rage or hit the roof in unbridled joy as South Africa and the world’s nations put their sporting pride on the line.
What to watch (8-9 June):
Rugby
8 June: Scotland vs Samoa, 2.15pm, Kings Park, Durban (Supersport 1)
8 June: South Africa vs Italy, 5.15pm, Kings Park, Durban (Supersport 1)
The Sprinboks will look to impose their will on the Scots, Italians and Samoans in a unique quadrangular Castle Lager Incoming Series played over the next three weekends. Heyneke Meyer’s boys, though injury ravaged, should do the job against the lowly ranked opposition, but Italy should still provide a stiff test as the Boks look to adequately prepare for the Rugby Championship in August. (Boks by plenty, Scotland to edge it)
Others to watch:
8 June: New Zealand vs France, 9.35am, Eden Park, Auckland (SS 1)
9 June: IRB Junior World Championships, South Africa vs England, 4.45pm, Stade Henri Desgrange, La Roche-sur-Yon (SS 1)
Soccer
8 June: FIFA World Cup Qualifier, South Africa vs Central African Republic, 4pm, Yaounde, Cameroon (SABC 1, SS 4)
Bafana Bafana require victory and other results to go their way in a group including Botswana and Ethiopia as they look to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil. The match will be played at a neutral venue in Cameroon because of the unrest in their opponent’s country, with Gorgon Igesund’s Bafana having defeated CAR 2-0 in Cape Town back in April. Expect a pivotal nail-biter and do not be surprised if the well-documented conflict between South Africa’s defence force and CAR rebels earlier this year spills onto the pitch with a few nasty moments between opposing players… (Bafana by a single goal)
Tennis
8 June: French Open women’s singles final, Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova, 3pm, Roland Garros, Paris (SS 6)
Fittingly, number one seed Serena Williams takes on second seed Maria Sharapova for supremacy on the clay courts of the City of Light. Williams is chasing only her second singles title at Roland Garros and 16th career Grand Slam, while Sharapova hopes to defend her sole French Open crown by making it five Grand Slam victories. Both player’s aggressive, high-risk style will make for an intriguing contest which will be decided in the full three sets. (Williams for the win)
9 June: French Open men’s singles final, tbc, 3pm (SS 1)
Number one seed Novak Djokovic, third seed Rafael Nadal, fourth seed David Ferrer and sixth seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are set to tussle it out for a spot in the final. Hot favourite Nadal, the King of Clay in line for his eighth French Open title, goes up against current world number one Djokovic, who hopes to win the only Grand Slam missing from his trophy cabinet in the first semi-final. Ferrer can spoil the party for the whole of France when he collides with the sturdy hometown hero, Tsonga in the second semi, with both men looking to etch their name on a Grand Slam trophy for the first time in their careers. Unfortunately, a previous winner will take this one… (Djokovic to beat Tsonga)
Cricket
8 June: ICC Champions Trophy, England vs Australia, 11.30am, Edgbaston, Birmingham, (SS 2)
One of the biggest rivalries in the gentleman’s game will be renewed as the English and Australians collide in this crucial group A match. Australia has seen better days as a cricketing force while England heads into this one on a poor run of form. It will be an entertaining match during which South Africans will have a hard time deciding which team they dislike the least. (England will be too strong)
What do you think?
