July 26, 2018 / News Why August is one of the best sporting months
Like most of us, you’re probably still catching your breath after the incredible sporting smorgasbord that was served up in July.
Brace yourselves for another epic feast in August. It’s a month where the European summer clashes with our own footy codes, as the finals draw near.
Here’s the lowdown, courtesy of Sportsyear. All times AEST.
English Premier League
The best antidote to a World Cup hangover is the new season of the world’s top domestic football competition. Many of those who starred in Russia will come out to play in the English Premier League, including French dynamo Paul Pogba, England’s captain fantastic Harry Kane, and Belgium’s golden glove, Thibaut Courtois.
Manchester United and Leicester will kick it all off on Saturday August 11, while Manchester City’s championship defence begins against Arsenal a couple of days later.
The rest of Europe’s elite leagues also get underway this month, including Serie A where Cristiano Ronaldo will make his highly-anticipated Juventus debut.
Rugby Union
Rugby’s classic rivalry re-ignites on Saturday, August 18 when the Wallabies and All Blacks face off in the first Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney. It’s been a one-sided affair since 2003, with the New Zealanders notching up 15 consecutive series wins.
Australia will be desperate to finally wrest the prized trophy out of the All Blacks’ clutches.
Don’t forget the Super Rugby Final either. It’s currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 4, although the exact time and venue is yet to be confirmed.
UFC 227
The biggest grudge match of 2017 gets a second act at UFC 227 when T.J Dillashaw takes on Cody Garbrandt on Sunday, August 5 in Los Angeles.
Dillashaw secured an emphatic knockout victory nine months ago, and has expressed his displeasure about the immediate re-match with the man he de-throned for the bantamweight crown.
Expect plenty of fire between the Americans this time around.
The rivalry continues... #UFC227 pic.twitter.com/2Hc1lukmHh
— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2018
PGA Championship
Australian golfers Jason Day and Adam Scott will get one last shot at major glory in 2018, when the PGA Championship begins on Thursday, August 9 at the Bellerive Country Club in Missouri.
Tiger Woods showed glimpses of his vintage best at the British Open and will be itching to add major number 15 to his resume.
Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Dustin Johnson are amongst the favourites with punters.
AFL
August is make or break for teams aspiring to play finals footy. After last year’s feel good breakthrough Premiership, Richmond is threatening to do it all again, and the Tigers have a favourable run through to the end of the home and away season.
The top eight is far from set though and every match carries plenty of significance for those aspiring to win the flag. AFL live and loud in your venue is almost a must.
NRL
It’s a similar story for the final month of the NRL’s regular season, with barely anything separating first to eighth. The standout fixture in the lead up to the finals will see the Rabbitohs face the Storm on Monday, August 3, in what could well be a Grand Final preview.
Super Netball Grand Final
Ok, so it might not be everybody’s cup of tea but the second season of Super Netball is proving even more popular than the first, and it comes to its climax at the end of the month.
West Coast Fever and the Giants have been leading the way this year, and both will be aiming to lift the trophy for the first time.
The Grand Final is on Saturday, August 25.
