1) The wait is almost over; the first Lions test against the All Blacks kicks off this Saturday. The last New Zealand tour back in 2005 was a painful one, not least for Brian O’Driscoll, whose tour was ended by an infamous tackle in the opening seconds of the first Test, which ended in a 21-3 defeat. The second Test was even worse, Dan Carter inspiring a 48-18 thrashing in one of the all-time great No10 displays, before the tourists’ misery was completed in the third fixture at Eden Park. Lions fans looking for a little cheer might enjoy England’s women winning in New Zealand this weekend, these five classic Lions moments, or two Lions tries against the All Blacks from the vault: Rory Underwood in 1993 and JJ Williams back in 1977.
2) It’s Queen’s this week, Wimbledon’s fancy cousin, a tournament which takes an awful lot of work and coordination to get ready. There have been some wonderful moments for Andy Murray in recent years – here he is winning last year’s event, having to come from behind against Milos Raonic to claim his fifth title. The lowest point of recent times came in 2012 when David Nalbandian inadvertently injured a line judge, getting himself disqualified and handing the title to Marin Cilic. Queen’s Club has hosted tennis for 130 years, including a Davis Cup tie in 1930 and a memorable women’s tournament one year later.
3) How to catch a dropped item at the supermarket, Brazilian style. How to pay tribute to a hometown hero, Minnesota Twins style. And how to set a team-skipping world record, Japan style. It’s hypnotic: fourteen youngsters from Fuji Municipal Harada Elementary School skipping over one rope in one minute. Look at them go!
4) One-time European kings Parma are back in Serie B, just two years after going bust and reforming down in Serie D. The club of Zola, Asprilla, Cannavaro and Buffon sealed promotion with a wonderfully messy goal against Alessandria. Back in their 90s heyday, the Gialloblu won the Cup Winners’ Cup at Wembley, and followed it up with two Uefa Cups - including a classic all-Italian final against Juve in 1995. Copa 90 has more on their rise, fall and rise:
5) It’s always nice to see Pakistan news channels pick up on Rob Smyth’s Guardian OBO coverage. It’s even better when they use a photo of veteran Irish football pundit Tommy Smyth by mistake.
6) And here’s the ridiculously unflappable Rachel Atherton, the downhill mountain-bike world champion, taking a dislocated shoulder in her stride and even popping it back into place before riding to find medical assistance.
Highlights from last week’s blog
1) Justin Thomas hit a course record 63 – just the nine under par – in the US Open third round at Erin Hills on Saturday. Here’s the best of his round which included this perpendicular putt:
2) In baseball this week the Cincinnati Reds took on the San Diego Padres. Five Reds players gathered underneath an easy high ball that Padres’ catcher Austin Hedges skied near the pitcher’s mound ... but no one bothered to catch the ball. The Reds lost the game, 9–3.
3) The Sturt versus Central Districts match in the SANFL featured one of the worst umpiring decisions ever seen in an Australian rules football game.
4) “Hello, 911? I’d like to report a robbery!” Sergey Kovalev isn’t happy after his controversial defeat to Andre Ward last year. Last weekend’s rematch will not have improved his mood.
5) And how about this for a crazy good save at the Isle of Man TT.
Spotters’ badges: BlackCaeser, LeeWall, TheCedarRoom, Mark L, GrahamClayton, murdamcloud.
