The second Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia and Test rugby between the Wallabies and England are on a busy schedule that also includes round 16 of the AFL and just four fixtures in the NRL.
Australia cruised to a comfortable win in the opening Test in Galle and will be looking to wrap up the series in style when the second and final Test gets underway on Friday.
It is also looking good for the Wallabies after they beat the old enemy 30-28 in Perth on Saturday and they too can wrap up the series with another win in Brisbane.
There is a full fixture list to look forward to in round 17 of the AFL with some intriguing games at the top of the ladder on the cards.
With game three of State of Origin fast approaching there is just four games in the NRL but still some big ones with plenty at stake for all involved.
Let’s take a look at the week ahead.
What: Australia v England
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
When: 19:55 (AEST) Saturday 9th July 2022
Odds: Australia 4/6, England 6/5
The Wallabies got their 2022 campaign off to the perfect start in Perth on Saturday with a 30-28 win over England at Optus Stadium.
It was a spirited display from Dave Rennie’s side who had to play most of the game with 14 men, and just held off a late fight-back from England to take the win.
They also had to do without Quade Cooper who reported a tight calf in the warm up. Rather than take any risks Cooper watched on from the sidelines but it is hoped he will be back for the clash in Brisbane.
Australia will take plenty of confidence from the win, their first against England since 2015, but they will be expecting a response from the tourists.
Eddie Jones’ side came roaring back at the death and Australia were relieved the full-time whistle came when it did. If there had been another five minutes, England may have won.
It is all set up for another belter on Saturday.
What: Sri Lanka v Australia 2nd Test Match
Where: Galle, Sri Lanka
When: 14:30 (AEST) 8th to 12th July 2022
Odds: Sri Lanka 5/2, Australia 1/1
Australia cruised to victory in the first Test in Galle, winning by 10 wickets inside just three days, and will be out to do the same in the second Test which starts at the same venue on Friday.
The manner of the victory came as something of a surprise considering Sri Lanka had beaten the Aussies 3-2 in the ODI series.
However the return of Nathan Lyon to the side in the Test arena proved to be crucial. The spin wizard took a total of nine wickets, while Mitchell Swepson also impressed. So did Travis Head of all people with 4/10 off just 2.5 overs in the second innings.
Sri Lanka will be playing for pride and will be desperate to level the series in front of their passionate home support.
But they will need to improve with the bat after being dismissed for 212 and then 113.
Aussie Rules
Round 16 of the AFL gets underway with a cracker of a game on Thursday night when second-placed Geelong entertain the ladder-leaders Melbourne.
A win for the Cats, priced at 11/10, would put them level on points and they are in good touch after winning four on the bounce. The Demons are back in the groove with back-to-back wins and a potential classic could be on the cards.
The other highlights of the round are Sydney v Bulldogs, St Kilda v Fremantle and Brisbane against Essendon.
Carlton will need to bounce back from defeat when they take on the Eagles in the west, while Collingwood are sure to keep the good run going against North Melbourne.
Gold Coast v Richmond, Port Adelaide v GWS and Hawthorn v Adelaide are the other games.
NRL
Just the four games to look forward to next week. Melbourne are licking their wounds after a shock defeat to Manly and will be keen to bounce back.
However it will be far from easy as they travel to Cronulla to take on the Sharks in the opening game on Thursday night. The Storm are priced at 18/25 to win.
Elsewhere the Knights face the Rabbitohs on Friday night, while Wests Tigers entertain Parramatta on Saturday.
The round is completed on Sunday as the Broncos look to boost their top-four hopes on home soil against a resurgent Dragons side. Brisbane are 20/1 to win the Grand Final.
