Three Ways To Get Your Sporting Fix This Weekend

The Premier League is back in action, the cricketing summer is still going strong, and the business end of the GAA season is upon us; cracking news all round, and that’s not even the end of it! 

In fact, you’re positively spoiled for choice when it comes to sporting action this weekend, so whether it’s oval ball action, pedal-pushing drama or fireworks on the course, there’s plenty to look forward to…

SCRUM DOWN SATURDAY

New Zealand v Australia @ 8am, Argentina v South Africa @ 8pm, Sky Sports Action, Virgin TV 403

The new rugby season might not be kicking off in this hemisphere for another few weeks, but the big guns down south are already in action in the Rugby Championship. Week Two sees a reversal of the opening fixtures, meaning that your sporting Saturday begins with the all-conquering All Blacks hosting the Wallabies, while later on the Springboks cross the Atlantic to tackle the Pumas. With the World Cup getting ever closer – just over a year left to wait! – the build-up is beginning in earnest, so there’s seats on the plane to Japan up for grabs along with the trophy and all-important bragging rights this time round!

EXPRESS YOURSELF!

The Northern Trust, begins Thursday @ 5pm, Sky Sports Golf, Virgin TV 404

The season-ending FedEx Cup Playoffs begin at the glorious Ridgewood Country Club, where the top 125 players of the year will tee off with their eyes on a slice of the massive $35m bonus prize fund! It’s a tough month ahead though, as the field will be trimmed following each tournament; only the top 100 will progress to the next stage, so those who are struggling this weekend will have plenty to play for. As for who to watch out for? Well, the usual contenders like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepke and the rest will all be there or thereabouts – but we fancy the chances of a fella named Eldrick. Not won anything lately, mind, but something tells us he’s on the prowl…

THE PAIN IN SPAIN

La Vuelta a Espana, begins Saturday @ 11am, Eurosport, Virgin TV 423

Having barely had time to catch our breath after a rip-roaring Tour de France, we’re back on our bikes once again for the last of the year’s Grand Tours. Setting off from Malaga, the three weeks will see riders cover the length and breadth of Spain before finishing in Madrid. Richie Porte is favourite to cover the colossal 3,271km the fastest, but having suffered a nasty fall in France his fitness is far from guaranteed; up-and-comer Simon Yates and climbing specialist Nairo Quintana will fancy their chances if Porte is anything less than pedal-perfect! 

Make sure you catch every minute of red-hot action on Sky Sports - click here to find out more.