It was quite the blockbuster weekend to bring you this Monday’s weekly sports news.
We’ve witnessed NASCAR’s long-awaited return at Chicagoland off the back of an oval-dominant Toyota Camry performance led by Chase Briscoe.
Then Super Netball signed off for 2026 where one former premiership team reclaimed the Grand Final win over the incumbent with the Commonwealth Games (multi-sports event) not too far from now.
Also, a bold new International Rugby competition featuring the best of SANZAAR v Six Nations teams across July & November windows biannually has officially been launched.
Sports Benches is the place to be for your weekly sports news while we encourage you to check out our weekend GH fix along the way.
We just had our own Mission Impossible but on Port Charles backyard v the WSB outside Wyndamere Castle including a cameo from Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver who finally got his wish on a daytime soap.
NASCAR Cup Series at Chicagoland Speedway
Chase Briscoe: he’s gone one better in victory lane with No.19 Toyota Camry team for Gibbs following his solid but gradual progress after being so close last week behind SVG at Sonoma.
Particularly 2nd half by staying patient before he took advantage of the green flag cycles that turned out to be his race-winning moment over Gibbs team-mates Christopher Bell & Denny Hamlin.
Talking about a fast race car, William Byron also did well during the first two stages in the No.24 Hendrick-Chevy — just been eventually outsmarted though where he finished 4th.
Whoever is in charge of Ford’s NASCAR engine program needs to be looked at seriously when Ryan Blaney wish his Team Penske-Mustang ran as good as the Camrys & Camaros for race wins.
However, he still kept posting Top 10s consistently in 7th thanks to his Plan B, having steered clear with track position & then went all out okay towards the end.
Nations Championship: Wallabies v Ireland at Allianz Stadium
The Nations Championship entered a new era in International Rugby history but more like the UEFA Nations League with top-notch North v South countries contest every two years.
This opener was a close one actually between Wallabies v Ireland at Allianz Stadium and the Irish were so relived following a few nerves to overcome throughout the 2nd half, 31-33.
Hugo Keenan from the back (No.15) just couldn’t ignore the word pressure where he launched attacks the right way that stretched run metres out wide like opening curtains, embedding their attack through an aggressive kicking game and has good oversight with some terrific tries.
Then there’s Jack Conan who became a huge presence at the breakdown, especially in top-notch physical contests at 8 while Thomas Clarkson helped maintain that Irish expansive play whenever they needed some fresh legs as the reserve prop.
Josh Canham: he’s been reaping the rewards since joining the Reds last year with a good Wallabies impact & he didn’t disappoint either on the second row 4.
Just unlucky though where Wallabies should’ve scored more than protect their lead.
Super Netball Grand Final, Adelaide Thunderbirds v Melbourne Vixens
What a Grand Final between past & present Super Netball champions as the Adelaide Thunderbirds were too good over Melbourne Vixens by 60-41.
Gotta start the people’s choice award with Jamaican International Latanya Wilson who provided the perfect balance of a strong defense and a swift passing game at Wing Defense.
She can also play Goal Defense whenever Tilly Garrett needs some rest while complementing fellow compatriot Shamera Sterling-Humphrey really well.
No wonder T-Birds blew Vixens out of the park.
Here’s a Goal Shooter everyone should trust in Proteas star Elmere Van Der Berg off the back of her Basketball-style buckets & that’s something Vixens couldn’t do — not even the recoginsed club and country duo of Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin.
Don’t forget there’s good homegrown talent like Georgie Horjus where she’s been destructive both mid-court (WA) & also as a relief two-point specialist (GA) whenever games get tired.
Finally, the experienced Jo Weston continues to sidestep some amazing defensive Vixens performances mainly at Goal Defense.
Just can’t help with that frustration though after Vixens threw themselves in the towel despite some possession but then were a touch isolated with their attacking third plays.
