THOUGHTS FROM THE RECLINER (PART UNO)

So, while the search for meaningful employment continues, I've reacquainted myself with all that SKY Sport has to offer. Sad, but true :-/

 

Here's some random thoughts about some of the world's sporting events over the past few days ...

 

Super 15 Final

Well done to the Reds! This is a team with virtually no culture of success until this season, so winning the title in their first visit to the final cannot be underestimated.

Spearheaded by electrifying backs Will Genia, Quade Cooper and Digby Ioane, they've been the most exciting outfit to watch throughout the competition. But don't overlook the contribution of their forwards either - you don't win big games unless you can win a reasonable share of the ball. 

Much has been said about how far the Crusaders have had to travel during a season with no home ground. Under the circumstances, making the final was probably achievement enough.

Year in and year out, the Crusaders have been the most consistent performers in the various forms of this competition and that's nothing to sneeze at. They may have bowed to a team with more spark this time, but you know they'll be there or thereabouts again next year.

You probably can't say that about the Reds yet.

And, by the way, just because the Aussies took out the Super 15 doesn't mean they'll win the World Cup. Different ball game, different style of play.

Now, SKY, quit with the endless replays already!

Women's soccer

Seriously!

If you can't get excited by the US team's performance at the FIFA World Cup in Germany, well, you obviously haven't been watching the ESPN coverage.

You kinda expect Americans to get excited about any American, but not so much women's sport. And the gals have done their part, confronting the legacy left by the 1999 championship team, losing to Sweden in pool play, having to beat archrivals Brazil in the quarters and prevailing on penalties after drawing level in the final seconds of OT ...

Commentators have wrung their hands as star striker Abby Wambach struggled with form and injury, but overcame both to carry her team to the title game on Sunday.

It's better than a whole season of Desperate Housewives - is that show still running? - and you just know this is will continue to be a compelling story right up until the Americans beat Japan in the final. Then the displays of nationalistic pride will become just a little too much to stomach any longer. 

Still, it's been a fun (armchair) ride.

And spare a thought for the Football Ferns, who gave the Japanese all they could handle before losing their tournament opener 2-1. Like their male counterparts last year, the Kiwi women provided a glimpse of what's possible with consistent exposure to the world's best teams.

Now the goal must be consistency in opportunities and consistency in performance.

MLB Home Run Derby

Back, back, back zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

There are only so many ways Chris Berman can describe a home run.

The one thing that salvaged this snorefest was the fact winner Robinson Cano had his dad pitching to him. This was a great father-son moment and you simply couldn't watch it without thinking about all the things your own dad had done for you during your life.

Baseball now has 12 months to think up a new plot twist to make the next edition vaguely watchable.

Steve Stricker

OK, so usually USPGA Tour events aren't that interesting, especially when they're won with scores like 30 under par. Golf just isn't meant to be that easy.

But Stricker joined a pretty elite band of threepeaters, including Woods, Nicklaus, Palmer, and Hogan, with his third straight victory at the John Deere Classic. And he did it by squandering a five-shot lead on the final nine holes, falling two behind and then holing from the fringe of the last green.

If only all golf was that thrilling. If only I could produce that kind of comeback against my mother!