While Melbourne’s constant self promotion as the sporting capital of Australia may bring enraged responses from their northern neighbours there can be little argument this weekend when one sees the feast of sport they are putting on.
This is particularly true if you enjoy a clash between Australia and Ireland.
International Rules
The action started tonight when Australia played Ireland in the International Football Series. A hybrid game that borrows some Gaelic football and some Australian Rules saw Irish fans celebrate for what they hope won’t be the last time this weekend.
Ireland won the Second Test against Australia 48 to 45. However Australia were the winners of the series thanks to their 10 point victory in the First Test in Subiaco last weekend. More than 60,000 fans were on hand to enjoy what is essentially an attempt to give the respective games an international calendar.
Action at the track
Saturday sees Melbourne’s home of horse racing, Flemington, open its gates for Derby Day. Widely regarded as Australia’s best day of racing, the nine race program provides a full day of entertainment with all the attention on the A$1.25million Victoria Derby.
Pool A decider
The excitement then builds to a crescendo with the gigantic clash in Pool A between defending champions Australia and the highly ranked Ireland.
Telstra Dome will be packed to the rafters as the Irish look to spoil their host’s finals plans. The battle between the third and fourth ranked sides in the world will have a large impact on the shape of the quarter finals.
The winner will face the victor from the final Pool B match of Scotland v Fiji. The loser will face the daunting task of facing Pool B perfectionists France on November 9.
Fans and critics of the Wallabies will see the game as their side’s first real test of the RWC as they try to defend their title and they face a full strength Irish side which will be looking to protect the ranking of which they are rightly proud.
The round ball game
Those with a sporting withdrawal come Sunday can wander down to Bob Jane Stadium to watch the National Soccer League round seven fixture between South Melbourne and Sydney’s Marconi Stallions. A crucial game for the top six between these two traditional rivals comes as a terrific nightcap to a great weekend of sport.
The race that stops the nation
Interstate and international visitors should not be heading home come Monday with Tuesday seeing the famed Melbourne Cup taking place. Australia’s most famous horse race, one that reportedly stops the nation, will take place at 3.10pm and has become a centrepiece for lunches and afternoons out of the office around the country.
Rugby World Cup fans will have until Saturday, November 8 to recover when the quarter finals kick off at the Telstra Dome with the winner of Pool D taking on the runner up of Pool C.