Good afternoon sports fans.
RUGBY / LIONS
As the Lions prepare for the second test, the greatest challenge in world rugby since last week, here are two questions to ponder. One, should the Lions pick 15 players from one team (via Economist)? In terms of results, it might be better; in terms of ethos, I say – what’s the point? The other is why the All Blacks are so good. The FT has a stab at answering.
GENDER TENNIS
Was McEnroe right to say that Serena would only be around 700 in the world on the men’s tour? To my mind, it’s a non-starter. Comparing across the sexes is pointless, and only gets people unnecessarily annoyed. Anyway, Vox has a good explainer here.
NFL ECONOMICS
How much is a quarterback really worth? Nobody actually knows, even with Derek Carr’s contract. Here’s a great rundown via the Ringer.
BASEBALL AND THE ABSENCE OF ACTION
What happens to a sport when nothing happens? Sports Illustrated gets existential.
BOXING
Remember when Mike Tyson took a chunk out of Evander Holyfield’s ear? the Guardian goes back in time.
Cheers
