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Joined June 2016
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Sell-out home games, plenty of away support, merchandise flying off the shelves and NZ Media outlets leading with Warriors’ game commentary on match day…
England has blamed referee Ben O'Keeffe for their exit from the World Cup rather than looking at their own style of play.
It is a sad time. A solemn time. A day of remembrance to mark the tragic passing of Australian rugby, may they rest in…
What a season for the Warriors. It's not over yet, but it's already been a success for the players, the club and the fans. …
There’s probably not a more popular Australian in New Zealand right now than Andrew Webster and deservedly so. Usually at this time of year,…
If you’re looking for an unbiased, analytical piece citing statistics, this is not the read for you. This is raw emotion – frustration, indignity…
Phil Gould said the New Zealand Warriors wouldn’t win more than four games this year. They’ve already won seven and with four games to…
Moments can define careers; moments of brilliance, pain, achieving the seemingly impossible on the biggest stages. Think that Scott Sattler tackle on Todd Byrne,…
A vasectomy. Israel Folau’s Instagram feed. Ricky Stuart after a Canberra loss. Adam Sandler’s entire filmography back to back. All are less painful than…
Today is goodbye. No, not to Phil Gould, although he assures us his departure is on his terms, assuming those terms include ‘suddenly’ and…
The Warriors hype machine was at full noise leading up to Simon Mannering’s 300th match, and rightly so for a player who has given…
Finals football is almost upon us, and for many NRL clubs the fairytale is over before it could really begin. But before September kicks…
Some turn a blind eye, some condemn it; others say it's the nature of competition. Why can't Australians stop cheating? And I'm not just…
Reports are filtering in of a spectacular crash in Penrose, Auckland, where a huge bandwagon has slammed into the harsh brick wall of reality.…
Do you like balls to get plenty of air, or do you prefer them to be held tightly to avoid popping out in heavy…
Office tipping rivalry aside, this year's NRL competition has been fantastic – even more so if you're a Dragons or Warriors fan, like me. Not…
Among the maelstrom of indignation, there's at least one group of people who must be feeling a quiet debt of gratitude towards the Australian…
I promised myself I wouldn't take them back; they'll only hurt you again. After so much pain, heartache, tears, jeers and lonely beers they…
What is going through David Warner's head? Not much it seems. Australia are undoubtedly a great cricket side. The current team have some world-class…
Sporting rivalries are a funny thing. Everyone has that mate or that team they just can't stand to lose to. At anything. Ever. Anyone…
Agree. Showing his lack of big game experience. No plan B.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
Criminal cynical play for the Lions there.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
It’s 9 -3.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
Can this ref see anything?
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
So inconsistent
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
immense defence from Romano
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
French lotto strikes again.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
Jamie George appears to have unnaturally short arms. He looks like a T-Rex throwing the ball in.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
This is intense. I love it.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
Is anyone else struggling with this referee? Hope the result doesn’t go to the winner of the French lottery.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
Agree. Not much chance to get that back.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog
I agree with both Ed and Yogafire.
Winning percentages aren’t the only measure of leadership. The quality of players, coaching, opposition and frequency of matches against opponents are also contributing factors.
The wallabies played the all blacks more often than any other team during a period in which the men in black won two world cups, maintained a win rate in excess of 90% and featured some of the greatest players they have ever had. The current coach will be considered one of their best too.
Surely this needs to be considered for a balanced assessment?
As an all blacks fan I’ve always found Hooper to be a niggly frustrating type of player; who plays on the edge of the laws.
I think the current Wallaby team could do with a bit more of that.
Michael Cheika drops a couple of bombshells to meet Fiji
I must admit I struggled at times to understand who / what he had penalised, but just assumed that was part of being at the ground and struggling with the big screen. Pleased to hear it wasn’t just me that was confused.
The exception was the second hit on Duffie in the air, I thought the Lions were lucky to escape with just a penalty the first time!
Luatua was immense.
'Sonny Boo' and the Blues give fans a night to savour
There’s a very good chance it will if the ‘Canes are playing.
'Sonny Boo' and the Blues give fans a night to savour
Great article.
Hard to argue with much it, and I admit I am feeling suitably chastised for having voiced an opinion on one of the ‘worst of’ articles recently.
I am also mindful that this is not unique to State of Origin. Origin is undeniably contested by high performance athletes, no argument. Many of them sacrifice much and don’t deserve the often unfounded or misdirected criticism, which can be ridiculously vitriolic.
But primarily Origin is a form of entertainment designed to drive ratings, advertising income, and encourage consumers to engage and more importantly, invest.
And like all forms of paid entertainment, whether it be elite sporting contests, blockbuster movies, international musicians etc., consumers expect a level of performance to receive value for their investment. Consequently, the performers are subject to scrutiny and judged not only on their own performance, but against those of their peers.
If the consumer feels, rightly or wrongly, that they haven’t received value for money, they will voice an opinion, a review, submit an article on-line or spend their money elsewhere.
I’m not suggesting people spending hours pouring over which things in life have disappointed them most is a good or healthy use of their time, or that the resulting opinions are valid or reasonable, but I can understand why they feel they have the right to do so.
Justin O'Neill's a much better footballer than you'll ever be
Thanks Doc, & the neutral view from Sweden.
I always enjoy Hansen. He’s got great insight and doesn’t waste words either.
That’s a terrific link about the Lions under Woodward!
I'd be Lion if I said I wasn't excited
Well said Coaster.
Something that really resonated with me when we watched the All Blacks play the ‘Boks in Soweto was just how much the locals appreciated their rugby and how welcoming they were. It was a fantastic experience.
A little good natured banter is fun too.
I'd be Lion if I said I wasn't excited
I appreciate Australian rugby supporters may be a little… sensitive right now. I did carefully consider this before deciding this could serve as a motivational piece.
So if the Wallabies do improve this year I will take comfort from the knowledge that in my own small way I may have contributed to reinvigorating traditional trans-tasman rivalries.
Would it help if I said my views weren’t necessarily representative of my countrymen? (although I suspect they might be)
I'd be Lion if I said I wasn't excited
Well spotted. Are their All Blacks available? Even without them they have a group of exciting young fringe players like Havili and Richie Mo’unga who will be pushing for selection. Well worth a look!
I'd be Lion if I said I wasn't excited
Dane Nielsen. Another journeyman promoted due to melbourne’s success. Made a few tackles, absolutely no pace, no impact, got signed by the Warriors. Enough said.
The worst players to ever play State of Origin
As a Kiwi I find it deeply insulting that Australia, let alone QLD can leave a player the calibre of Billy Slater out of their team. Billy is not only an incredible athlete, but he brings a real hunger to win. I have no doubt he would have handled the pressure, if not thrived on it.
Leaving Billy Slater out of the Maroons Origin squad was plain bloody stupid
Joining an Australian rugby franchise where being average is nothing to be ashamed of.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: "By the end of the Origin series Mitchell Pearce will be..."
I sincerely hope you are right. And I agree, their line speed was better, Foran seemed to be straightening up the attack and they were able to stay in the grind. There were encouraging signs. But with Mannering out they seem to have lost composure. The loss to Penrith and lacklustre performance the next week is a concern for fans who have seen it before. Improvement during the origin period won’t provide much comfort as that still follows the same tired pattern. Only winning at season end when it counts will restore the faith for many. In the past 5-6 years they haven’t managed that. let’s hope it’s different this year – but if not, surely it’s time to reassess?
Time for the Warriors to put on their big-boy pants
I think you’re right – but I didn’t think they would beat the Crusaders like this either.
Crusaders vs British and Irish Lions highlights: International Rugby live scores, blog