NZ | Sports Thread [Archive] - Page 3

SYDNEY

November 18th, 2009, 05:19 AM

Oh my ... egg on the South African faces AGAIN .... I get such a kick out of this. They are quick to throw it in our faces but go stone cold when it backfires ... reminds me of:

1.
The time before we left South Africa when a certain South African forum member told us that we will be wasting our time promoting photographs of Auckland because nobody will be interested - well it is the 3rd most viewed thread in Urban Showcase and will soon be the 2nd most viewed thread :lol:

2.
There are no super cars in Auckland - Craigy just has to wait 2 minutes to get a snap of one - and another one - and another one ;)

3.
When they said that The All Whites are wasting their time to play in the Confederations Cup and that we will be the first team to be sent packing with no hope in hell of qualifying for the Soccer World Cup .... what a good laugh they were having :lol:

4.
Let's not forget how they celebrated the fact that NZ is in recession and they are not - guess what - we are out of recession and they are still in it :lol:

5.
Our public transport system is a shambles with a mickey mouse BRT system ... heard from the family in South Africa that parts of their BRT has been cancelled due to lack of patronage and some buses have been shot at. Our BRT is still going strong and no shots fired ;)

What is the lesson here ? ..... don't count your chickens before they have hatched or else you get egg on YOUR face :cheers: I have always supported The All Blacks no matter what - they deserve the glory more than any other team :drunk:

KingKong1

November 18th, 2009, 06:00 AM

^^ :lol:, nice one.

Just read that a football club gets $100k for each player they have in the world cup, that would mean the Phoenix are up for $600k!!

spotila

November 19th, 2009, 06:23 AM

The highest ranked teams not going to the world cup are Croatia (8th), Russia (12th), Czech Rep. (15th) and Ukraine (22nd)

spotila

November 20th, 2009, 08:27 PM

The latest FIFA rankings have been released, with NZ jumping up from #83 to #77, between Uzbekistan and Uganda. Other notable moves are Portugal now #5 in the world up from #10, their 2nd highest ranking ever, and Nigeria move 10 places up to #22, right behind Australia. Spain also edged out Brazil for the #1 spot.

SYDNEY

November 21st, 2009, 08:47 PM

All Blacks see off spirited England

England 6 All Blacks 19

bumsmoke

November 22nd, 2009, 03:43 AM

^^ no suprises really, England rugby is in a bit of a mess right now. Well done All Blacks. New Zealand really does punch above it's weight at most sports.

Don't know if you were aware Sydney that my home town (Leicester) beat South Africa last week, don't know if South Africa fielded a weak side?

cambennett

November 22nd, 2009, 05:15 AM

^^It was still a pretty srong SA side and in fact Leiceter were missing a few players. The Springboks lost to another english club side the week after (can't remember which one), they've also lost to France so a bit of a miserable tour for them.

Australia lost to Scotland this morning for the first time since 1982. I could almost feel sorry for them. Almost.

SYDNEY

November 22nd, 2009, 06:39 AM

Don't know if you were aware Sydney that my home town (Leicester) beat South Africa last week, don't know if South Africa fielded a weak side?

Very aware of it and very happy :applause: I have never supported the Springboks ;) I always supported the opposing team. No love lost for the country as you can tell.

bumsmoke

November 22nd, 2009, 08:43 AM

Very aware of it and very happy :applause: I have never supported the Springboks ;) I always supported the opposing team. No love lost for the country as you can tell.

Really? Funny thing is i used to work with a South African and he was exactly the same! He used to say South African teams were too arrogant? Either way you can't argue with the world champs.

bumsmoke

November 22nd, 2009, 08:44 AM

Milan Luka

November 25th, 2009, 08:50 AM

No point saying it coz everyone must agree but University Oval is a beautiful ground.

End of 2nd day of 1st test against Pakistan NZ are 404/8. Vettori out for 99, McCullum got 78.

KingKong1

November 25th, 2009, 09:08 AM

Vettori looked absolutely shattered when he got out on 99, really felt for him.

Milan Luka

November 25th, 2009, 09:26 AM

I will always remember when Warne was caught for 99 by Richardson. I was gutted.

I dont know but, everyone would rather get out for 99 than 51 wouldnt they??????? Still get a half century and improved average.

cambennett

November 25th, 2009, 08:37 PM

I will always remember when Warne was caught for 99 by Richardson. I was gutted

Ha I remember that after he got caught the camera flashed to a bogan in the crowd who (i kid you not) had 'Warnie is grouse at cricket' hand written on his t shirt. He was kicking the boundry fence in frustration. Hilarious :lol:

I've been trying to find the clip on youtube but no luck sadly. Anyone know if it can be found?

IHaveNoLegs

November 25th, 2009, 11:03 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mUo2Zocz8o
gotta love it when cricketers get worked up over pointless numbers, unless there is for some reason a real difference between getting 99 or 100 as there is getting 54 or 55

cambennett

November 26th, 2009, 04:12 AM

^^Brilliant thanks for that.

Howdy

November 26th, 2009, 07:10 AM

Hahaha the fat munter in that video is priceless.

cambennett

November 28th, 2009, 07:47 PM

Rugby: Ireland inflict more pain on Springboks

Ireland 15 South Africa 10

cambennett

November 29th, 2009, 03:20 AM

World Cup co-hosting dream for Auckland
By STEVE KILGALLON - Sunday Star Times

STILL BUZZING from the All Whites' win in Wellington? Think it couldn't get any better? How about seeing Brazil, France or England playing in a World Cup finals game in Auckland?

Football officials say they are confident the World Cup could come to New Zealand in 2018, if Australia is successful with a bid to host the tournament.

Despite the game's world governing body Fifa frowning upon co-hosting arrangements for major tournaments, Oceania Football Confederation general secretary Tai Nicholas believes the Australians would allow New Zealand to host a group stage of the tournament.

Asked about New Zealand's hopes of staging finals matches, Nicholas told the Sunday Star-Times: "Officially, no, but we are talking and once we get the bid, we can ask. I will push for a whole group here.

"Our chances are good. They don't believe in co-hosting, Fifa don't like it, but once they get the bid, let's negotiate."

New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum said: "We have talked to the Australians about it, but first they have to win it and the rest will follow.

"One thing in our favour is the Fifa requirement that stadiums have to be free four weeks before and during the tournament and that really does present some issues for them about rugby league and AFL.

"But we could take Eden Park in June, tell [other sports] to play somewhere else and that would be fine."

Under Fifa regulations, grounds must be left vacant for up to six weeks before and throughout the tournament and no major rival sporting events scheduled against it, which has caused a backlash in Australia from rugby league, who would have to cancel NRL and State of Origin matches.

NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley has said that some clubs' future could be threatened. Rugby union and Australian Football would also be affected and the Australian government may be forced to enact new legislation to force the issue.

Even if New Zealand failed to secure official matches, it would present itself as a prime destination for warm-up fixtures and training camps. "For certain, we will get a whole lot of teams basing themselves here for the world cup," said Nicholas. "We are talking to the New Zealand government now: the likes of Brazil could be based in Auckland or Wellington, and play a friendly against say Croatia. That will happen for sure."

The $A45m Australian bid, led by former Qantas boss Geoff Dixon, has to sign a document by December 11 assuring Fifa it has the capability to host the tournament. The Australians are up against Russia, England, the USA and joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Spain-Portugal for hosting rights.

The 24-man Fifa executive committee, which includes OFC president Reynald Temaari, will make a final decision for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments in December 2010.

Milan Luka

December 2nd, 2009, 09:11 AM

Oh dear lord.

Finally Shane Bond is cleared to play for the Black Caps again. Woohoo he is instrumental in defeating Pakistan in the first test.

And what happens? Bondy is injured and ruled out for the forseeable future.

Yep, God loves playing around with fans of the Kiwi cricket team. Just means other boys have to step up to the plate now.

Milan Luka

December 5th, 2009, 10:06 AM

^^ ML, forget about the cricket. Lets focus on a cool sport for a change.....

Football! Watched the draw this morning- can not wait until next year. I can guarantee I will not be working when the world cup is on. I will be watching every single game, even the budget ones!

My predictions:

Slovakia we draw 1-1.

http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/NWZE0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/SVKA0001.GIF

Italia we lose 3-0.

http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/NWZE0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/ITAL0001.GIF

Paraguay we win 3-2.

http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/NWZE0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/PARA0001.GIF

Germany we lose 3-2.
http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/ASTL0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/GERM0001.GIF

Ghana we win 3-2.
http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/ASTL0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/GHAN0001.GIF

Serbia we draw 1-1.
http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/ASTL0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/SERB0001.GIF

You can get through to the next round on 4 points!

iL_Paragua

December 7th, 2009, 06:24 PM

^^ dont think so :ohno:
Paraguay is muuuch better than NZ.

IHaveNoLegs

December 8th, 2009, 08:59 AM

Slovakia is the team to beat in the group
NZ can draw with Paraguay
If NZ don't beat Italy by at least 16 I will cry.

Marek.kvackaj

December 8th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Slovakia is the team to beat in the group
NZ can draw with Paraguay
If NZ don't beat Italy by at least 16 I will cry.

you are clearly 35 place BEHIND Slovakia in FIFA ranking do not expect from yours footballers miracles :)

IHaveNoLegs

December 9th, 2009, 10:32 AM

the second one says anything bad about anywhere someone has to pop out to defend themselves (I originally thought that only appiled to mo rush).
1) FIFA rankings = lol
2) We will lose every game at not score a goal. But aren't there just for the fun of it, we are their to take the tournament seriously (at least Ryan Nelen is, can't say the same about the rest of the players); otherwise we would be proving everyone right about what they said about us not derserving to be there.
3) If we are going to beat any of the teams in this group then I say would be Slovakia
4) At least we got their on our own merits, we didn't rely on own goals to get us through to the world cup finals; if you think Seweryn Gancarczyks own goal was more impressive than Rory Fallons header then you are by definition a retard. I was also amazed at how few Slovakians travelled to Chorzow to witness what was a very special moment in Slovakian sporting history.

Richard7666

December 23rd, 2009, 06:50 AM

NBL move will cost: Waikato Pistons boss

When the newest National Basketball League (NBL) franchise comes to Hamilton or Te Awamutu to play the Waikato Pistons next year they will have a point to prove.

That's because Pistons boss John Davey says the inclusion of the Southland Sharks will be detrimental to the NBL and the sport in this country and they should not have been given a playing licence.

Southland were last night confirmed as the newest team in the national competition and, along with the returning Otago Nuggets, will extend the competition from nine teams to 11.

"My feelings on the matter are well known," Davey said.

"We should be going to eight teams, not 11."

Davey, whose Pistons won the national title the last two years, said the expansion would cost teams more money and the quality of the competition would drop.

"We had blowouts this year – it's going to be worse next year. They're going to struggle to attract top quality New Zealand players, they'll be able to get imports, but imports don't win you games, you need the quality local players around them."

Davey then made the bold prediction that if his Dean Vickerman-coached side don't get big wins on their 2010 ventures south, he'd be staggered.

"I hope this doesn't come back to bite me," he added.

He said the top teams in the competition were unlikely to lose players to either of the South Island franchises, and that would again mean the lesser teams were battling for the scraps with the same number of players available, but more snouts in the trough.

The added trip south would also put more pressure on in tough economic times, Davey said.

"This will put huge pressure on the teams when most of us would have preferred a year of consolidation."

Tall Blacks Dillon Boucher and Lindsay Tait have both been linked with the new Sharks franchise, but neither looks likely to move south now.

"Who'd want to move there in the middle of winter?" Davey said.

Meanwhile the feeling in Invercargill is one of excitement and optimism.

Southland Basketball Association president Jill Bolger said the organisation had "realistic" hopes for its first NBL season.

"We would like to think that we can make the playoffs, but realistically we will be aiming for somewhere in the top half of the competition." Much depended on the quality of players Southland association general manager Richard Dickel could entice south, she said. Bolger admitted to feeling "excited and nervous" now that the franchise had become a reality and the job of getting it up and running before next season. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/3190380/NBL-move-will-cost-Waikato-Pistons-boss

piles

December 28th, 2009, 09:03 AM

What the smeg? No International Cricket until February! Did someone screw up the schedule this year?

IHaveNoLegs

December 29th, 2009, 12:32 AM

...uh there is such a thing called domestic cricket. Going along to that is far better than sitting at home watching interntional cricket on tv.

piles

December 31st, 2009, 12:38 AM

...uh there is such a thing called domestic cricket. Going along to that is far better than sitting at home watching interntional cricket on tv.

If they could promote it a bit better it would probably appeal to me. Usually I find out about Cricket after it has happened. Would be great if Sky broadcast the games.

IHaveNoLegs

December 31st, 2009, 01:08 AM

they're showing some of the games but you could always try going along to a game

piles

December 31st, 2009, 02:09 AM

they're showing some of the games but you could always try going along to a game

I wish I could but my lifestyle this summer prevents me from doing such.

Milan Luka

January 9th, 2010, 02:02 AM

they're showing some of the games but you could always try going along to a game

I am so anti 20-20 but went to Canterbury-Otago last night. Havent seen a game at QE2 for about 2 years.

My son enjoyed the experience- he's a fan of cricket in all forms having gone to his first test match at 4 months of age.

Despite Otago winning comfortably and boofhead streaking (fcks me right off) was a good atmosphere. Frauenstein's six landed just by us, and also got an autograph "for my son" from Yassir Arafat.

IHaveNoLegs

January 9th, 2010, 02:10 AM

We were complete rubbish last night but Martins 4 runs gave us the moral victory. We need Harris back.

Milan Luka

January 9th, 2010, 02:51 AM

It should never be up to him to have to but I like it when Martin scores runs!

He even had his own fanclub at the ground.

Im watching the replay on SS3 now. More interested in trying to spot us in the crowd than relive the actual game, which as you say was pants.

IHaveNoLegs

January 10th, 2010, 07:00 AM

What the fuck happened? We don't fucking lose like that
Chris Martin having his own fanclub isn't the strangest I've ever seen...

Milan Luka

January 10th, 2010, 07:07 AM

^^ Hahaha. I was just this minute going to post about that match!

I watched it from home, was in the background while I worked on the 'puter.

It looked like Canty had this one in the bag!! No idea how ND ended up winning this one on the last ball.

To be fair Im a bit of an ND fan, just coz they have a higher quota of wog boys playing. So I was happy with their win.

Doesnt a packed out QE2 look damn fine!

piles

January 10th, 2010, 08:42 AM

Doesnt a packed out QE2 look damn fine!

Saw the game on the tele and the park did look good. Is the playing surface a decent size? Looked fairly big on TV, but the tele can be deceiving.

Was in New Plymouth with family and went to the Central v Northern Game. Was really good with a decent crowd. I really wish they would promote the games more though and just try to create a more hype.

IHaveNoLegs

January 11th, 2010, 06:14 AM

cambennett

January 20th, 2010, 07:03 AM

Scottish rugby union commentator Bill McLaren has died aged 86. His broadcasting career spanned nearly 50 years

The "voice of rugby" has died at the age of 86.

Bill McLaren has passed away after a radio and television career spanning nearly 50 years, in which his distinctive Scottish voice became synonymous with the sport he loved.

English rugby commentator Miles Harrison says McLaren was a broadcasting great. He says if you had the privilege to know him as an individual as well, you would know him as a great gentleman too.

McLaren apparently started commentating test matches in his backyard aged around seven, Scotland always won. Until 1987 he combined his broadcasting career with his role as a PE teacher, coaching several players who went on to play for Scotland.

He was honoured with an OBE, a CBE and an MBE for his services to the sport.

McLaren died in hospital in his hometown of Hawick in the Scottish borders

A sad day if you are a rugby fan who grew up with his commentary. Bill Mclaren was one of a kind, the best rugby commentator ever and someone who appreciated good rugby no matter who was playing it. I really used to look forward to his commentary when the All Blacks toured the UK (not only because it meant not having to listen to Keith Quinn). He had so many great sayings my personal favourite was "He's craftier than a bag full o weasals". Legend.

buildemhigh

January 21st, 2010, 12:37 AM

A sad day if you are a rugby fan who grew up with his commentary. Bill Mclaren was one of a kind, the best rugby commentator ever and someone who appreciated good rugby no matter who was playing it. I really used to look forward to his commentary when the All Blacks toured the UK (not only because it meant not having to listen to Keith Quinn). He had so many great sayings my personal favourite was "He's craftier than a bag full o weasals". Legend.

Well said!! There are few iconic commentators left in World Sport... I remember listening to him as a kid...

Certainly beats listening to the Mexteds/Bunce's/Ian Jone's of the World..

RIP big fulla!

Milan Luka

February 2nd, 2010, 11:09 AM

Good to see football moving from strength to strength in this country.

Phoenix just hosted Adelaide at Christchurch's new stadium. A sell out crowd of 20k plus. This is a record for any football game held in the South Island.

Kind of surprised me because you never really hear talk of football from Cantabrians. It seems they are all rugby mad, even more so than most Kiwis. I do have a few football followers at work but they are all like me, fresh off the boat.

Nix won 1-0.

eastadl

February 2nd, 2010, 12:18 PM

KLK

February 2nd, 2010, 05:15 PM

No its a shithole, the boundaries are tiny (and strange size(s)), its terribly exposed to wheather no matter how good or bad; Canterbury cricket are desperate to get the Hagley Oval set up so they can leave that dump, hence why they are now playing so many games in Timaru and Rangiora this season. Its in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to park and nothing to do (the fish and chip shop out there sucks big time) Also the decision to plant trees in the middle of the grass embankment defies logic.

They were showing some of the games from the U19 WC live here (strangely, just the SI games...).

Anyway, during a match from Lincoln (may have been the final), Ian Smith reckoned thats where test match cricket should be played in Christchurch. Reckoned the blocks were some if the best in the country and the ground had trees and a small embankment circling it, and plenty of space for temporary stands. The overseas commentator pointed out the dimesnions were suitable too.

I must admit, you could see the potential just looking at it on TV, but I've never been there - so I'll leave it up to the locals to comment. The obvious downside would be distance from the city (as far as I know).

IHaveNoLegs

February 3rd, 2010, 12:36 AM

Canterbury Cricket is desperate to get out of there and quite rightly so

Milan Luka

February 3rd, 2010, 12:38 AM

a sell out Mr Luka??? I thought the ground now holds 38,000 with the new stand. Is it still not finished

I believe the new stand was not opened for this game.

Whatever the next sporting event at the stadium is Im sure it'll be open all areas.

KLK

February 3rd, 2010, 03:07 AM

Canterbury Cricket is desperate to get out of there and quite rightly so

Well, they need to sort out Hagley Park/Oval then, quick smart. Its shameful that ChCh nor Auckland don't hold test cricket at the moment.

Sadly, Auckland cricket looks like perservering with EP No.2.

KiwiBrit

February 3rd, 2010, 04:29 AM

I believe the new stand was not opened for this game.

Whatever the next sporting event at the stadium is Im sure it'll be open all areas.

The new stand was open for the Phoenix game. It was the PK stand which, apart from some corporate boxes was not used.

IHaveNoLegs

February 3rd, 2010, 10:41 AM

Well, they need to sort out Hagley Park/Oval then, quick smart. Its shameful that ChCh nor Auckland don't hold test cricket at the moment.

Sadly, Auckland cricket looks like perservering with EP No.2.
I'm not convinced the Hagley Oval is the way to go but Canterbury Cricket is well on its way to getting it sorted it out for Test matches; from what I've heard they are planning it to be along the lines of the University Oval. If AMI Stadium Eden Park and Westpac Stadium are 'too big' for test matches then what is Mclean Park? I'd love to hear an official answer from NZ Cricket on what the line is they draw for test match venues.

buildemhigh

February 3rd, 2010, 10:21 PM

I'm not convinced the Hagley Oval is the way to go but Canterbury Cricket is well on its way to getting it sorted it out for Test matches; from what I've heard they are planning it to be along the lines of the University Oval. If AMI Stadium Eden Park and Westpac Stadium are 'too big' for test matches then what is Mclean Park? I'd love to hear an official answer from NZ Cricket on what the line is they draw for test match venues.

NZ Cricket seems to be one of the worst administered sports in the country... the current coaching situation is a glaring example..

Lincoln is a bit of a nothing venue...

Ironmanfood

February 4th, 2010, 12:42 AM

NZ Cricket is indeed the worst administered sports in the country, certainly considering it's considerable resources.

It has no vision despite the fact it is payed considerablly more than it is worth. It seems content to make no progress. Earns approx $40 million a year courtesy of ICC/Indian TV market. It's vision appears to host a 7 hour drinking session in each town/city twice a year - and then add a token 2 test matches at the end during deepest darkest Autumn.

It prepares for it's own test series by keeping it's Black Caps away for any First Class cricket for 2 to 3 months.

It's 2 largest provinces don't even have Test Match venues.

Is there any evidence of;
- desire to improve NZ's test playing standards?
- desire to improve/create international standard cricket grounds?
- desire to create winter training facilites for each association which doesn't break bowlers spines?
- desire to create a consistent calendar built around the copius amounts of public holidays between Dec and early Feb (especially all the provincial anniversary days)?

KLK

February 4th, 2010, 03:26 AM

If AMI Stadium Eden Park and Westpac Stadium are 'too big' for test matches then what is Mclean Park? I'd love to hear an official answer from NZ Cricket on what the line is they draw for test match venues.

Well, McLean Park has a capacity of about 23,000 - which is a big step down from the 38,000 at AMI - but I am guessing that a good chunk of that number relates to what would be acceptable numbers on the embankment.

And that seems to be the first box you have to tick these days to host a test match in NZ. Not "how many seats you have?" but "do you have a grass embankment?" I can't say I'm averse to that, given how few people watch test cricket live in NZ and well, its a pretty relaxing way to watch the game.

KLK

February 4th, 2010, 03:31 AM

It's 2 largest provinces don't even have Test Match venues.

To be fair to NZC, that's not their fault. They had long talked of moving tests away from the concrete jungles. Those two cities didn't their act together - so NZC called their bluff.

piles

February 4th, 2010, 06:41 AM

KLK

February 4th, 2010, 07:50 AM

I wonder if saving Eden Park and AMI Stadium for Tests with India, England and Australia might be the way to go. All those countries tend to get higher patronage with India and England getting a very healthy touring party with them (not to mention a very high number of ex pats) and there is always interest when Aussie come out.

Even in the good times, we are lucky to get 10k to a test in NZ - slightly more if the Balmy Army is on tour I would imagine.

10k in a 50,000 or 40,000 seating-only stadium? No atmosphere, not comfortable - watch the punters stay away.

IHaveNoLegs

February 5th, 2010, 01:11 PM

Whatever crowd shows up in Auckland and Christchurch would be better than the crap excuse in Napier today; if AMI Stadium, Westpac Stadium and Eden Park cannot hold tests then Mclean park should not be holding tests.

cambennett

February 5th, 2010, 09:32 PM

I used to be in favour of Eden Park number 2 but had another look at it recently and saw again how tiny it was. I do now agree it would a bad idea to use that for test matches.

I was thinking how about the Epson showgrounds out next to Alexandra Park could this be converted into a test cricket venue? Is there enough land there next to the Logan Campbell centre. It's a nice central location and is pretty well linked to buses on Manukau rd, the greenlane motorway on/off ramp is just up the road and the greenlane train station is no too far away.

Would this be a viable option? Any thoughts?

piles

February 6th, 2010, 01:06 AM

I wonder what the reasoning was for holding the Napier and Dunedin games on a Friday and Monday and totally ignoring the weekend? I would have thought a Sunday game would've been on the cards.

IHaveNoLegs

February 6th, 2010, 09:58 AM

What a finish to the Canterbury Auckland game today, a pity I wasn't able to see it though

Milan Luka

February 11th, 2010, 09:30 AM

Bangladesh finally put up a fight in todays one dayer in Christchurch. They posted 241/9 in their 50 overs. Just been overhauled by Franklin hitting a four in the 45th.

Couple of weeks and it'll be the tests. Equally one sided they'll be too I reckon.

cambennett

February 11th, 2010, 10:31 AM

buildemhigh

February 11th, 2010, 11:24 PM

Yep then it's our turn to be on the receiving end of the thumpings when the Australians arrive.

well atleast they have a coach now (well sort of) that they can blame...

cambennett

February 13th, 2010, 04:10 AM

Aaron Mauger to leave Leicester and return to New Zealand

• Centre wants to play for All Blacks and Canterbury

• The 29-year-old has eye on playing in 2011 World Cup
Buzz up!
Digg it
Paul Rees guardian.co.uk, Thursday 21 January 2010 20.26 GMT Article history
Aaron Mauger said he intends to leave Leicester Tigers at the end of the season. Photograph: Nigel French/Empics Sport

Aaron Mauger is leaving Leicester at the end of the season to return to New Zealand where he intends to compete for a place in the squad for the 2011 World Cup, which is being held in the country.

The 29-year-old centre, who joined the Tigers after the last World Cup, has spoken to the New Zealand coach, Graham Henry, and his former province, Canterbury and is close to reaching a deal.

"I am leaving Leicester, which is pretty sad because the fans have been the best I have come across and the club has been superb to me, but I want to go back to New Zealand and look at the opportunities of playing over there again with an eye on the World Cup," said Mauger, whose time with the Tigers has been blighted by a back injury. "My desire is to play again for the All Blacks and Canterbury and give it my best crack.

"I caught up with the All Blacks' coaches during the autumn tour and have had some discussions through my agent with the New Zealand Rugby Union about a central contract. I won't sign anything until I am 100% sure that I can give it my best shot because my body has been playing up over the last couple of years."

Mauger's return will be a boost for Henry who has been forced to blood a number of young players after an exodus to Europe after the last World Cup. The centre, Luke McAlister, returned home from Sale last year while the prop, Carl Hayman, is expected to leave Newcastle at the end of the season to challenge for a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad.

Howdy

February 13th, 2010, 06:13 AM

Disappointing start to the season from the Blues. Good turnout at Albany though. Thought Mathewson had a good debut.

GoluBoy

February 13th, 2010, 09:15 AM

Mark Greatbatch

He's going to bring a lot of "cutting edge" savvy play to the BlackCaps.

Bring it on!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10625875

:bow:

cambennett

February 13th, 2010, 10:00 PM

Disappointing start to the season from the Blues. Good turnout at Albany though. Thought Mathewson had a good debut.

Yeah Mathewson was a very good buy. Brett was brillaint at times but flaky at others, but that's always been the case with him.

It's looking like it might be the same old Blues playing dumb rugby, can't stop giving away penalties. It was a great turnout though, 23,000 that surprised me for this early in the season.

Richard7666

February 14th, 2010, 05:41 AM

Nice cheerleaders at the Highlanders Crusaders game...perhaps a bit NRL but it added a bit of 'big' feel.

piles

February 14th, 2010, 06:39 AM

From Cricinfo

USA Cricket Announces First Destination USA Match Series

Sri Lanka Set to Play New Zealand

In the first major announcement since formalizing its strategic partnership with New Zealand Cricket, the USA Cricket Association's CEO Donald Lockerbie - after completing meetings in Dubai, UAE - advised today that Sri Lanka has confirmed and will play the BlackCaps in three Twenty20 internationals in late May 2010.

This match series represents the first ever cricket match played in the United States by two Full Member ICC countries. The series will be played at the ICC-approved Central Broward Regional Park Cricket Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.

The partnership between USA Cricket and New Zealand Cricket is being structured in such a way as to encourage commercial enterprise, develop major cricket events, provide cricket services from New Zealand Cricket operations to USA national, regional and club programs, and to secure external investment opportunities to build and fund the growth of cricket in the USA.

Justin Vaughan, CEO of New Zealand Cricket said, “Given the ‘door to cricket’ has been opened to investment through the sale of Indian Premier League franchises, this model is a logical step to raising the capital required to take cricket in the US to another level.” He continued, “The structure proposed is a wonderful opportunity for someone to get in on the ground floor, particularly given the growing level of interest in the US cricket market.”

Mr. Lockerbie said, “We are experiencing increasing demand for “Destination USA” cricket events from many Full Member ICC countries and the Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand series will bring - as forecasted - world class cricket to the USA. The USA National Team will also participate in warm-up matches for the full members.

Through the strategic collaboration with New Zealand Cricket we now have the additional administrative support and knowledge base to be able to commercialize these opportunities and ultimately grow the revenue streams from one of the world’s largest advertising markets.” He added, “The planned creation of a commercial vehicle with New Zealand Cricket is designed to serve a number of purposes. Firstly, it provides a clear focus on generating revenue, as the commercial rights will be separated from cricket operations. Secondly, the entity will be responsible for creating and/or sourcing cricket content. Finally, and most importantly, it provides an avenue for investment in USA Cricket that will be hugely attractive to both US and international investors who appreciate the potential of this market and have a love for the game.”

The announcement is timely given that IPL Commissioner, Lalit Modi and his COO, Sundar Raman have held talks with USA Cricket with a view to the US hosting IPL related events as early as 2011. USA Cricket is also interested in hosting ICC events in the future and is developing a bid committee to launch this initiative as well; notwithstanding the work that has been done dating back to mid-2009 to start a domestic T20 league of its own by 2012.

Mr. Lockerbie further stated, “These events and initiatives are a small indication of the amount of cricket content under consideration with our partners at New Zealand Cricket. We will be meeting with potential investors and event developers over the next few weeks and months to keep building our momentum. The interest is already high from potential investors in India and the US, and this is very encouraging.”

Milan Luka

March 1st, 2010, 09:34 AM

^^ Pretty cool news that. Think of the possibilities!

Im a 20/20 hater but I really enjoyed last nights game. As much as I hate to say it I backed the Black Caps for a win and also McCullum to get the top score!

As amazing as my betting skills sound I also did the exact same thing for Friday nights game. No $$$$ there!

Really looking forward to this one day series. Ive got this week off work so am going to be watching lots of cricket next few days. I reckon your guys will be pretty competitive.

plph56

March 2nd, 2010, 02:09 AM

I really was a cool game to watch

cambennett

March 2nd, 2010, 07:05 AM

Soccer: All Whites to play before hostile LA crowd
By Michael Dickison Updated 6:43 PM Tuesday Mar 2, 2010

A hostile crowd is expected to engulf the All Whites at Los Angeles's massive Rose Bowl Stadium when they face Mexico's national soccer team this week.

The All Whites will play Mexico - ranked 17th, against New Zealand's 79 - in a World Cup preparation match on Thursday, New Zealand time.

A statement released by NZ Soccer this evening says 50,000 tickets have been sold with the crowd expected to swell to as many as 75,000 people.

In a city home to 4.7 million Hispanics, and California to more than 8 million Mexicans, the overwhelming majority will be Mexico supporters meaning that Rose Bowl Stadium will be anything but a neutral venue.

It is likely to be one of the biggest crowds most All Whites players would have faced.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the crowd in last week's match against Bolivia, played in San Francisco, was "pro-Mexico".

Before 34,244 supporters Mexico thrashed Bolivia - who did not qualify for the World Cup but ranks 23 places higher than New Zealand in FIFA's world rankings - five to zero.

That game was at San Francisco's Candlestick Park, which has 30,000 fewer seats than Los Angeles' Rose Bowl Stadium.

The Rose Bowl Stadium is home to one of the United States' biggest american football games between university teams every year, played on New Years Day.

The 1973 Rose Bowl drew a record attendance of 106,869.

The All Whites' New Zealand-based players and management arrived in Los Angeles this afternoon after an economy-class flight from New Zealand. The team will begin their match preparation tomorrow morning.

They will be without captain Ryan Nelsen, out for up to six weeks with a hyperextended knee.

"The preparation is never how you wanted to be," stand-in captain Tim Brown said upon the team's arrival in Los Angeles.

"We've had enough experience of that we'll be okay and we can rip into it."

Milan Luka

March 4th, 2010, 05:33 AM

^^ Top game Im on the edge of my seat.

Ball going from end to end, very free flowing. Good defense from All Whites and not afraid to attack either. 20 minutes in 0-0.

So All Whites dont have their first squad and are playing in front of 75k + Latinos in LA. That must give the Mexican team a 2 goal start!!

I reckon 3-0 Mexico.

piles

March 5th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Michael Mason to replace Jacob Oram in the side :ohno:

Wouldn't adding an up and comer make more sense than putting in averagely average 35 year old Mason? In fact with Bond, Tuffey, Southee, do we need another med fast/ fast bowler? I would have thought another batter....or at least an allrounder. When is Elliot back?

Milan Luka

March 5th, 2010, 09:31 PM

^^ I didnt believe you when I read that. Why do that? If you are gonna go with oldies why not give someone like Joey Yovich a crack.

Looks like Vettori may be out again too.

I think you Kiwis will lose this one. I believe m:nuts:y team has been read the riot act and will come out all guns blazing after losing two in a row.

Also the All Whites flew back in this morning after the Mexico game. All the Phoenix players have to get over their jetlag and be fit for their big game tomorrow.

Not sure how that'll go.

btw moniaco, did you what the game on Thursday???? Did it make you homesick?

Milan Luka

March 9th, 2010, 02:01 AM

Black Caps paying over $3 for a win.

Good odds them, I just placed a wager on my TAB account. Come on NZ, pay for my trip to see the Phoenix this weekend!!!!!!!

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

IHaveNoLegs

March 14th, 2010, 08:26 AM

You know football is on a roll in this country when this weekends nzfc games attracted a total attendence of 1056

Richard7666

March 21st, 2010, 07:48 AM

Something I counted in my head the other day; how many provinces have their own professional franchises in international competitions.

Auckland 4 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship, NRL, Aus NBL)
Wellington 3 (A-league, Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Waikato 2 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Canterbury 2 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Otago 1 (Super 14)
Southland 1 (Trans-Tasman Championship)

Have I missed any?

cambennett

March 21st, 2010, 08:20 AM

Something I counted in my head the other day; how many provinces have their own professional franchises in international competitions. Wellington won:

Wellington 3 (A-league, Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Auckland 2 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Waikato 2 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Canterbury 2 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship)
Otago 1 (Super 14)
Southland 1 (Trans-Tasman Championship)

Have I missed any?

In Auckland Warriors and Breakers in the NRL and NBL.

Richard7666

March 21st, 2010, 08:26 AM

True, fixered

Richard7666

March 21st, 2010, 09:10 AM

Thought I'd include national pro teams as well. International in bold.

Auckland 9 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship, NRL, Aus NBL, Air NZ Cup x3, NBL [Auckland no longer have a team but North Harbour do], Plunket/State shield)
Wellington 6 (A-league, Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship, Air NZ Cup, NBL, Plunket/State shield)
Waikato 5 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship, Air NZ Cup, NBL, Plunket/State shield)
Canterbury 5 (Super 14, Trans-Tasman Championship, Air NZ Cup, NBL, Plunket/State shield)
Otago 4 (Super 14, Air NZ Cup, NBL, Plunket/State shield)
Southland 3 (Trans-Tasman Championship, Air NZ Cup, NBL)

Hawke's Bay 3 (Air NZ Cup, NBL, Plunket/State shield)
Taranaki 2 (Air NZ Cup, NBL)
Manawatu 2 (Air NZ Cup, NBL)
Nelson 2 (Air NZ Cup, NBL)
Northland 1 (Air NZ Cup)
Bay of Plenty 1 (Air NZ Cup)

IHaveNoLegs

March 22nd, 2010, 03:18 AM

don't forget cricket

Richard7666

March 22nd, 2010, 06:16 AM

I looked at that but couldn't figure out if it was professional or not. It looks like it's on the same level as NPC netball, or the former rugby NPC before the first division went pro. It's one sport I know nothing about so dunno, someone enlighten me =/

IHaveNoLegs

March 22nd, 2010, 07:30 AM

Each side has a certain number of contracted players plus match fees (the same as the national team). This is really old but I don't think it is hugely different to the agreement that is expiring this year; but the amount paid to players now is higher than mentioned in this agreement.
http://static.cricinfo.com/db/NATIONAL/NZ/ABOUT/CONTRACT_NEGOTIATIONS/offer_20021009.pdf
It’s the only thing I could find in 5 mins.
Do bear in mind the cricket season isn't exactly long here and most of the players usually head off to England during the off season; and those who don't tend to have jobs anyway. Certainly more professional than the ANZ Championship; compare the 320,000 mentioned in the article above to the 300,000 salary cap in the ANZ Championship.

Just out of curiosity how professional is the nbl?

Richard7666

March 22nd, 2010, 11:05 AM

I'm not sure; I just recall reading an article about it that said the Southland Sharks would be the third "professional" sporting franchise to be based in Invercargill so that indicates NBL is a professional league. Wikipedia also describes it as professional.

The cricket is gonna be a hard one because Northern Districts and Central Districts are all over the place. It appears ND are based in Hamilton and CD are based in Napier...so I'll go with that.

IHaveNoLegs

March 22nd, 2010, 12:10 PM

And the Mens One Day competition is no longer the State Shield

buildemhigh

April 23rd, 2010, 01:44 AM

Dirty rotten Melbourne Storm.. Interesting to see what happens this weekend with the Warriors

the guys that put $10k down with 250-1 odds must be happy

Milan Luka

May 14th, 2010, 11:03 AM

Good bye Shane Bond. I forgive you for all the spankings you gave my cricket team.

I thought you still coulda given it another season at least. Oh well.

Milan Luka

May 22nd, 2010, 01:32 AM

cambennett

May 29th, 2010, 11:35 PM

I know it was only a friendly but what a result for the All Whites this morning. A victory over a class side like Serbia in any type of match is something to celebrate!!

Must be easily the best side NZ has ever beaten in a football international.

Milan Luka

May 30th, 2010, 10:52 AM

Blimey!

Well done All Whites. I didnt think you were going to do it. A huge victory for New Zealand. Shows we can really mix it with the bigger guys. Some good moments from the boys. Should beat Slovenia as well, just dont peak to soon.

Serbia we won 1-0.

http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/NWZE0001.GIF http://www.flags.net/images/largeflags/SERB0001.GIF

Indictable

May 30th, 2010, 10:58 AM

Watch the changing room song on the news? THey were all happy

GREAT GOB BOYS!!

I signed the big football at AMI a month or so ago xD

darkhorse09

May 30th, 2010, 11:39 AM

Slice of Heaven!!! You beauty!! love the AWs!! Bring on the WC..what a great ride it's been so far.

cambennett

May 30th, 2010, 10:03 PM

Possibly the most miserable, mean spirited article i have read for some time. Belittles what was a great result. Jeez it appears we can't even celebrate a good victory like this anymore, someone has to write an article basically saying "so what, we're still shit". People like this and their negative, self loathing attitudes show the very worst of New Zealanders. Pathetic.

All Whites' path to World Cup title
By Dylan Cleaver 4:00 AM Monday May 31, 2010

Well, that's settled then, the All Whites are practically favourites to win the World Cup.

There remained a lingering suspicion that the All Whites might have been boxing a few weight divisions too high in South Africa, but the 1-0 win over Serbia in Klagenfurt yesterday has erased them.

In fact, stick a lazy tenner on them going all the way.

The All Whites' path to the semifinals is relatively straightforward.

A 3-0 win over Slovakia (they're not even as good as Serbia), in the opening group game will be followed by a gritty, Ryan Nelsen-inspired, goalless draw against an Italian team resting it's best players.

Paraguay will be no match for the aerial assault and are brushed aside 3-1.

Finishing top of Group F sets up a meeting with the flighty Danes in the second round. Thanks to Danish age-group rep Winston Reid's inside intel, one goal should be enough to win this lacklustre encounter.

Portugal's shock win over Iberian neighbours Spain in the second round will come at a cost, with playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo suspended after a fourth yellow card for diving.

In his absence, New Zealand will end up bossing this quarter-final, with goals to Rory Fallon and a deflected Leo Bertos effort each side of the break.

It is likely the All Whites will meet Argentina in the semifinal - a tricky encounter but not impossible. Back a New Zealand win on penalties.

That just leaves the final, probably against Brazil, maybe England.

As you'll be told a thousand times in the lead-up, it just comes down to who wants it more on the day.

If you think that sounds far-fetched, ask yourself this: what are the chances of crowd violence erupting during an international friendly between two countries that share no enmity, played on neutral turf?

With about six New Zealanders in the crowd, it was unlikely that derogatory chanting from the rival supporters inflamed the situation, but somehow the Serbians got worked up enough to invade the pitch twice and fling flares to the turf.

So we were treated to the bizarre sight of Manchester United defender Nemana Vidic, standing with a microphone in his hand addressing his supporters while the New Zealanders milled about in the centre circle thinking: "You don't see this often at Fred Taylor Park."

Having said that, the commentators did try to compare the scenes to Kiwitea St, the home ground of the Croatian-dominated Central United. If that was deliberate hyperbole, it was nothing compared to the claim on the fulltime whistle that the result would "send shockwaves" around the soccer world.

A quick scan of football365, a website dedicated entirely to the beautiful game, turned up not a single word on happenings at Klagenfurt.

Surely the multimedia behemoth that is the Guardian online would have it up in lights? Alas, their sights were set more firmly on Germany winning ... the Eurovision song contest.

The only mention New Zealand gets is a dismissive send-off in its otherwise interesting 32-team guide to the World Cup.

"Did you know," it starts, "[that] New Zealand have only once in their 90-year history beaten a European or South American team? They beat Georgia 3-1 in 2006."

Bit of a hasty rewrite might be required at Guardian Towers. The juggernaut has started rolling.

It's just as well the All Whites are bound for glory because their colour-coded opposites are failing to engender much excitement if yesterday's All Black team naming is anything to go by.

In several positions, most notably halfback, lock and midfield, selection seemed to revolve around the notion of making the best of a bad situation.

There's not a halfback in the country who compares favourably to Fourie du Preez and Will Genia, but if Jimmy Cowan is the answer, the question is far too tricky.

Piri Weepu was picked to cover goalkicking, although there was a strong whiff of Air France insurance about his selection.

As you read this, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Andries Bekker and Danie Roussouw are having nightmares over the prospect of facing Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly and Brad Thorn (if it seems unfair to throw Brad Thorn's name in there, consider the odds of him winning much lineout ball against that mob).

In midfield, Richard Kahui has been picked despite being injured and in "indifferent" form, as Graham Henry euphemistically described it.

At least Benson Stanley had the good sense to admit his selection was down to being the "last man standing".

It was a nice line in self-deprecation, something the All Blacks might need to get used to if the gulf between them and the Springboks is as vast as some good judges fear.

Then again, does it really matter? We're a soccer nation now. Well in, lads.

buildemhigh

May 30th, 2010, 11:35 PM

Cartel

May 31st, 2010, 08:24 AM

Damn fine result, we were robbed in Melbourne too, that really should of been a draw, or a win if they have have been red carded. Well done All Whites.

Richard7666

July 16th, 2010, 04:48 PM

Tour of Southland loses ICU status

New Zealand's most prestigious cycling race – the Tour of Southland – has been stripped of its international status by the sport's world governing body.

The International Cycling Union will not register the six-day bike race as a 2.2-category event because of issues such as the lack of foreign teams, the use of composite sponsor teams and the charging of an entry fee.

News of the status change came as a shock at Cycling Southland.

Race director Bruce Ross is holidaying in Europe and the local organisation had been trying since six months before last November's race to get clarification on how the UCI's regulations would be applied to the Tour of Southland.

The commissaire's report from the 2009 race and news of the status change arrived only this week, eight months after last year's race.

Cycling Southland chief executive Nick Jeffrey said New Zealand's geographic isolation was one of the reasons why it was difficult to adhere to the UCI regulations.

"These (regulations) would be fine if we were in the middle of Europe with 20 countries within three hours. We aren't. To run a financially-viable event is challenging enough in the current environment let alone having to fund extra teams from off shore and not be able to seek any form of even minor contribution from the riders and/or teams."

A frustrated Jeffrey said the UCI's rules had become "suffocating financially and logistically", including querying the lack of open-roofed cars used on the Tour of Southland. "I doubt whether we'd get many volunteers into open-roof cars on the tour given past years' weather conditions."

Jeffrey was stressing the positives of being relegated to a national tour.

Cycling Southland will not have to pay a fee to the UCI, or pay for an international official to oversee the race.

Professional riders such as Hayden Roulston, Julian Dean and Greg Henderson will also be free to ride the tour, with sponsorship restrictions previously making them ineligible.

"We have gone from having to work with over 200 pages of regulations under the UCI to running a national tour with four bullet points to guide us," Jeffrey said.

Since taking up his role with Cycling Southland earlier this year, Jeffrey had struggled to understand what the tangible benefits of being a UCI-accredited race were.

"The reality is that they are a very European-focused organisation ... completely foreign to what our requirements are here. Ultimately, there's been (increased) profile for us over the past couple of years, but moving forward, and one would hope the door isn't completely closed, it's difficult to see under the stringent rules that are in place what part a UCI accreditation would play," he said.

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Richard7666

July 16th, 2010, 05:13 PM

On a related cycling note, look at http://www.cycletournz.com/Default.aspx?alias=www.cycletournz.com/menstour

Not exactly professional, and the guy even tries to sell his book at the bottom.

IHaveNoLegs

July 18th, 2010, 02:29 AM

I wonder if any of the tumbleweed at last nights new zealand game will go on trademe

hakz2007

August 21st, 2010, 05:55 PM

Ironman 70.3 Philippines will be held in our province tomorrow.

The defending champion is Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand. He will again compete tomorrow and defend his title.

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&mid=7854
Terenzo Bozzone in white shirt

Photos and updates will be posted here - Naga and Iriga Cities, and Camarines Sur Province Thread 35 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1198703)

Arrival of Guests and Athletes (http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=viewcategory&catid=290&start=1&Itemid=109)

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7829

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7841

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7867

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7870

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7868

http://www.cwcwaketv.com/index2.php?option=com_datsogallery&func=wmark&oid=7869

Milan Luka

August 22nd, 2010, 03:09 AM

^^ Thx hakz2007. Nice post, good photos too. I reckon Terenzo is a pretty cool guy. I know NZ does well in this but its not a sport I follow though, and its damn good to see something other than rugby in this thread! :lol:

btw did the All Blacks win last night? Just about every second guy (and every single Korean) in town yesterday was in their garb. g

hakz2007

August 22nd, 2010, 03:21 AM

^^Terenzo Bozzone of New Zealand and Pete Jacobs of Australia are now running neck to neck on their way to the finish line....

Over 800 local and international triathletes are currently racing to win the championship...

Pete Jacobs won, Terenzo Bozzone came in second :cheers:

KiwiGuy

August 22nd, 2010, 08:02 AM

Nelson beat Canterbury in the ANZ Cup I think. Do we do that often or is it just a once off?

Richard7666

August 23rd, 2010, 07:52 AM

No one beats Canterbury often. Funnily enough I find myself caring about NPC but not All Blacks stuff.

IHaveNoLegs

August 23rd, 2010, 10:45 AM

Never again. Have a bad feeling we'll miss out on the top 4 this year.

Richard7666

September 22nd, 2010, 05:28 AM

Stadium Southland general manager Nigel Skelt has been given permission to buy a replacement wooden court but he is now awaiting confirmation from the Invercargill City Council on how many spectators can safely be seated in the ILT Velodrome.

Mr Skelt hopes to place the court in the velodrome to provide a training and playing venue for the Southern Steel netball and Southland Sharks basketball franchises.

The Southland Indoor Leisure Centre Charitable trust, which owns Stadium Southland, had given Mr Skelt the nod to buy a barely used beech playing surface left over from the recent Youth Olympics in Singapore.

Mr Skelt estimated it would cost a maximum $150,000 to buy the court and have it shipped to Invercargill.

The main issues were the number of people that could be accommodated in the velodrome and whether the court could be brought into the extension through one of the existing accessways.

Southern Steel needs capacity of 2500 seats to be financially viable, a figure Mr Skelt is not confident the council will allow.

"Say we can only get 1800 people or 2000, then we need to find a way that we can [financially] support those franchises to be economically viable, and that's a big issue," Mr Skelt said.

"I think we will struggle for the 2500, but I think we can get over the 2000 mark, which is a long way towards making it happen, to be fair."

Basketball was arguably the worst affected of Southland's sportingcodes in the weekend's stadium collapse, losing both its administration offices and court space.

I think it would be nice if the Sharks could play in Queenstown, ditto some extra Dunedin games for the Steel.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

December 28th, 2010, 08:51 PM

Sharapova arrives in NZ

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/sharapova_purcell_460x230.jpg

Glamorous tennis star Maria Sharapova arrived in Auckland this morning for the ASB Classic - minus her fiance, New Jersey Nets guard Sasha Vujacic. The world's highest-paid female athlete, who Forbes magazine estimated earned US$22 million ($29.2 million) in endorsements last year, flew into Auckland on Flight NZ5 from Los Angeles, entering arrivals about 8.40am. The sight of one of the world's most recognised sport stars pushing her luggage surprised some passengers at the airport today. "Is that Maria Sharapova?" one Japanese tourist asked incredulously of her partner as they sat at a fast food outlet in the international arrivals hall. Sharapova leads a field of 15 players arriving today.

They include fellow Russians Svetlana Kuznetsova, twice a grandslam winner, and former world No 1 Dinara Safina. But all eyes will be on Sharapova, who is famous for her on-court squeals and grunts. Some ear-splitting efforts have been measured at a record 104 decibels - louder than a small aircraft. She is also known for her on-court attire as well as gracing the covers of fashion magazines. A spokesman for the classic said Vujacic - who asked the former Wimbledon winner to marry him in October - is not on the tournament list of people accompanying Sharapova. Instead, hitting partner Michael Joyce, a trainer and another coach are expected to accompany the three-time grand slam winner.

Last season was stop-start for Sharapova, who was returning from a lingering shoulder injury but had niggles with a foot and right elbow. She was bundled out of the Australian Open in the first round but improved to end the year ranked 18. The Russian-born 23-year-old started playing tennis at 4 and moved to the US at 9 to advance her career. She rocketed into the public eye when she won Wimbledon aged just 17. Tournament organisers say Sharapova, who has also won the 2006 US Open and the 2008 Australian Open, is expected to attend a public meet-and- greet at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour on Thursday between 5pm and 6pm.

A speed serve event and other entertainment are planned and fans will also meet Sharapova and defending champion Yanina Wickmayer. This year's field will be the first to play on the $26 million redeveloped Stanley St courts.

2011 ASB CLASSIC

* Qualifying: Saturday, January 1 and Sunday, January 2.

* Main Draw: Monday, January 3 to Saturday, January 8.

2011 HEINEKEN OPEN

* Qualifying: Saturday, January 8 and Sunday, January 9.

* Main Draw: Monday, January 10 to Saturday, January 15.

Richard7666

January 5th, 2011, 11:46 AM

Southland union in big debt

New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew believes it is up to the Southland public to decide whether they want to see the Stags playing in the top flight of competition.

"We've held Southland up as a good example of a community which is committed to having not just rugby in your town with fantastic facilities, but also a very competitive and proud netball unit," he said.

"That's your community's decision and to date you've always backed it.

"We aren't expecting this to be any different, but obviously the community funders are saying we just need to get a bit better on top of this long term or it's going to be an annual problem at the end of next season."

Rugby Southland will post a heavy financial loss from the 2010 season, and owes $700,000 to creditors.

Tew said the NZRU had been monitoring Rugby Southland's financial situation "for a while" but was informed last month that the issue was more serious than it had thought.

"We've been nervous about a number of unions for a couple of years. That's one of the challenges of this competition," Tew said.

"The size of (Rugby Southland's) problem and the immediacy of it was bit of a surprise but the overall issue is not particularly surprising. It's a concern, but from what I've been told by the people down there it's going to be sorted out locally and that's how it should be."

Tew has been in talks with Rugby Southland and community funders the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the Community Trust of Southland.

It was the Community Trust, which has an observer on the Rugby Southland board and contributed $1.1 million during the past five years – just over 6 per cent of the union's income for that period – which first alerted the NZRU to the scale of debt at Rugby Park.

The message Tew was getting from the funders was that they wanted a competitive team in the national provincial championships, but that it had to be done in a financially sustainable way, he said.

The NZRU had made an advance of $150,000 to Rugby Southland, among other unions, to ease their cashflow worries.

Tew said there was a watch on "a number" of unions, but he would not identify them.

Otago will reportedly make a "small" loss from the 2010 season after finishing bottom of the NPC.

Tew said the lowering of the players' salary cap would take two or three years to settle down.

This season it would be set at a maximum of $1.2 million, although each union was only able to spend 36 per cent of its income on player salaries.

"We think an income linked ceiling is most appropriate for those that are struggling to manage their costs."
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Tew did not believe that salary cap restrictions would prompt a flood of players heading overseas.

"We may lose a few more, but I don't think it will be a mass exodus. They have to have somewhere to go, for a start, and the economic situation, particularly in the UK, is pretty tight. In the end the level of player we are talking about is not that attractive on the European market anyway."

In a sign of just how tight things are at Rugby Southland, the union's website is no longer operational because there isn't enough money to continue administering it. A message was put on Rugby Southland's Facebook site, which has a fan base of just over 5000, yesterday encouraging fans to show their support for the union.

H&J Smith chief executive John Green said Southland's 2010 season had created a positive feeling in the community.

There was also a definite economic benefit from more people being in town around game days.

The Invercargill store had increased its Stags merchandise order to about 800 special Ranfurly Shield and regular season Stags jerseys, more than the combined order of most provinces, Green said.

Most of those had been sold, along with significant quantities of other merchandise including hats and scarves.

It is understood that more Southland jerseys were sold last year than any other province.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/4511974/Public-must-support-rugby-funding-Tew?comment_msg=posted#post_comment

KLK

January 26th, 2011, 03:08 AM

Interesting opinion piece from Martin Devlin (written while cooling off in the Big House?) about moving Wellington ODIs back to the Basin Reserve:

http://tvnz.co.nz/cricket-news/martin-devlin-can-cake-tin-4007799

If that happens, it will only highlight the brainless approach to stadium-design in NZ of trying to please all - designing a stadium to accommodate 2-3 days of cricket a year, thereby compromising the attendees to the rectangular-field events which overwhelmingly dominate its use. Sadly this mistake has been repeated at Eden Park and AMI Stadium. Two thumbs up for Dunedin though for applying common sense.

How much better would it have been had Wellington built this, with its identical capacity:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/MFC_Riverside_Interior.JPG/800px-MFC_Riverside_Interior.JPG

And you could still use it for concerts, motorcross, field-days, etc etc etc....

piles

January 26th, 2011, 07:48 AM

Completely agree with what Devlin says, and I myself have been saying it for years. I've never understood why Westpac Stadium wasn't built rectangular. Would have been much better to slowly over time give the Basin a bit of a facelift so the city has a proper cricket ground and a proper rugby ground.

Similarly, North Harbour Stadium in Auckland should have been made a specialised cricket ground when it was built. It could still have held Harbour Rugby matches in the winter, but would have made a fantastic 25-30,000 seat cricket venue in Auckland.

Hamilton and now Dunedin are the only major NZ cities to have got it right.

buildemhigh

February 9th, 2011, 04:32 AM

my money is on Southee being back at Auckland airport in the next 15 hours...

piles

February 9th, 2011, 06:05 AM

my money is on Southee being back at Auckland airport in the next 15 hours... It was Southee was it? When I read the headline I was sure it was Ryder :lol:

Milan Luka

February 9th, 2011, 10:14 AM

I've been living in a bubble. What happened?????????????

But speaking of the world cup, my moneys on a Pakistan/India final. Also Bangladesh to make the final four.

buildemhigh

February 10th, 2011, 03:03 AM

no doubt the truth will come out at some stage..

any ideas who could be in a position to pick up the Wellington Phoenix? Would seem the Terry is under mounting pressure from the IRD and also now the High Court......

buildemhigh

February 14th, 2011, 04:02 AM

silver ferns want to perform the Haka... pa lease....

Dazzle

February 14th, 2011, 09:00 AM

silver ferns want to perform the Haka... pa lease....

Agreed. It could be a little cringe worthy....!!

buildemhigh

February 15th, 2011, 03:01 AM

cambennett

February 15th, 2011, 04:46 AM

haka full stop is getting a bit cringe worthy.. its a bit like your favourite song on the radio until it gets thrashed and then you cant stand the sight of it...

my question is surely they should focus on the netball...

I agree enough's enough. The sight of netballers doing the Haka is too cringeworthy to contemplate. What's next? Is the NZ lawn bowls team going to throw down and do one before they play at the Commonwealth Games? The All Blacks at least have a tradition of performing the Haka (originally not very well and mainly on overseas tours) but even this is becoming "overexposed" so to speak. The fact that every so many other kiwi sports teams try to ape this tradition makes it even worse.

And why do the likes of Dave Curry think whipping off your shirt and performing a war dance is an appropriate way to celebrate gold medals? Give it a rest pal you look like an idiot.

Sadly the Haka is becoming nothing more than NZ's version of that god awful Aussie, Aussie, Aussie chant. Surely not what it's intended to be.

Richard7666

February 15th, 2011, 06:25 AM

I can't imagine women doing the haka would be approved of?

Svartmetall

February 15th, 2011, 10:42 AM

I can't imagine women doing the haka would be approved of?

It isn't allowed as far as I know... There is no way this would get approval.

piles

February 16th, 2011, 05:37 AM

The Black Ferns do a Haka (albeit a different one).

GSYbt6rFh1c

If they did adopt one, I too would find it quite cringeworthy. I hate seeing the Tall Blacks do it. I'd just leave it for Rugby Union and League.

piles

February 25th, 2011, 05:54 AM

So in their wisdom, after showing the one minute silence, Sky TV go back to the Auckland studio so we can hear Mark Richardson talk bollocks for three minutes while we miss what in all likelyhood was an emotional national anthem... something I wouldn't mind hearing about now.

whkfan

February 25th, 2011, 04:36 PM

The Highlanders are growing in cofidence. They wil b a tough nut to crack at the brook with their big, no frills no-nonsense forwards.Their long suffering fans are getting excited .Jus imagine many of them filling that new stadium when the landers are winning.

Dazzle

February 25th, 2011, 10:22 PM

God we are shit at cricket are we not!!?? :ohno:

piles

February 26th, 2011, 06:28 AM

God we are shit at cricket are we not!!?? :ohno:

I think the problem is deeper than that. 8 or so months ago, we were ranked number 2 in the world (albeit briefly) in ODI's. The team hasn't changed too much in that time, the talent is there they just have to use it probably.

whkfan

February 26th, 2011, 06:13 PM

The blues were back to their old ways.Never mind the travel and humidity of durban ,they were jus aweful.they cant put a few wins together.

nthbeach

March 5th, 2011, 02:02 AM

Another option for Crusaders looking quite possible

Timaru Likely to Host Games

The South Canterbury Rugby Union is on standby to host the Crusaders as the franchise's Christchurch home base remains in doubt after the February 22 earthquake.

Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed Timaru's Alpine Energy Stadium was highly likely to be used as a venue if the Crusaders had to move any more home games away from AMI Stadium.

An engineering report, by stadium owners Vbase, is due before March 15 and would clarify their position, he said.

"We are anxiously waiting for that but clearly we are making plans and Timaru is very much in our thinking.

"The Crusaders are committed to playing in the franchise region and you are certainly likely to see them."

However Riach said speculation that Timaru could host the game against the Super Rugby champion Bulls on April 9 was "premature".

"No final decision has been made on any games."

The Crusaders played the Warratahs in Nelson last night and will also host the Brumbies at Trafalgar Park next weekend.

Their next scheduled home games are against the Sharks on March 25, followed by the Bulls and the Highlanders on April 23.

There are home games against the Chiefs, Blues and Hurricanes in late May and early June.

South Canterbury Rugby Union chairman Brent Isbister said while nothing was confirmed, some dates had been `pencilled in'.

"They are still trying to assess their stadium and that has major implications.

"Obviously the Crusaders' first preference is to play at home but some contingency planning is underway. No decisions have been made."

Last time Super Rugby was played in Timaru was in 2006 when the Crusaders just got home against the Sharks, in front of a full house.

At Trafalgar Park, 1700 temporary seats have been added at the southern end of the ground, bringing its capacity to about 12,000.

Alpine Energy Stadium would also bring in temporary seating to give it a capacity of around 10,000.

Ticket prices in Nelson ranged from $15 to $35 for adults, and $8 to $15 for children and prices would be similar if Timaru hosts a game.

The choice of Timaru for Crusaders matches would make it reasonably accessible to Christchurch-based fans, as well as the 6000 to 7000 people who have temporarily made Timaru their home after the earthquake.

The Timaru Herald

metroman

March 5th, 2011, 02:41 AM

It seems to have gone somewhat unnotised that New Zealand has won hosting rights to the Under 20 Fifa World Cup in 2015, this is an even bigger event than the Commonwealth games.:banana:

nthbeach

March 5th, 2011, 03:01 AM

IHaveNoLegs

March 5th, 2011, 04:18 AM

I sure hope Trafalgar park doesn't host any more Crusaders games, the place is a dump with everyone miles away from the field. Amazing game however.

metroman

March 5th, 2011, 04:44 AM

Sounds like Timaru will host a few games as well, not a huge capacity though.

UglyBob

March 5th, 2011, 04:56 AM

Under 20 FIFA World Cup is fantastic news. ROI will be massive as RWC has done most of the work and will probably gain just as much exposure. Always seems to be large empty stadiums at this event, hopefully NZ can turn it on, this is the biggest football event that we could win and we did.
I read in the Eden Park thread I think that the stadiums would be Eden Park, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington, Chch and Dunedins FBS. Are these actually the six and only six venues confimed?

The six were used for the bid but no confirmed venues have been announced for the tournament. There's been some media coverage that the number of venues may increase to eight, possibly opening the door to places like New Plymouth, Tauranga and Invercargill.

nthbeach

March 5th, 2011, 07:52 AM

Previous FIFA U20 World Cups have had 6-8 stadiums so Tauranga, New Plymouth and Palmerston North should all be pretty keen, personally I dont like the look of Invercargills Rugby Park, and I hope Albany doesnt get used as a second Auckland venue though it would be probable as the so called home of NZ Football.

nthbeach

March 5th, 2011, 07:55 AM

whkfan

March 5th, 2011, 05:40 PM

Timaru's rugby ground does have a pretty small capacity, though the crowd is real close to the action making for a good atomsphere with a full capacity.
Eventually the Crusaders will need to find a lager capacity stadium as the small venues just wont bring in enough gate takings to break-even.

i don't think the crusaders necessarily need a venue with a large capacity. I mean when was the last time the crusaders had a crowd of say more than 20 000 or how often do they get crowds of 15 000.maybe the odd big game.

nthbeach

March 5th, 2011, 11:58 PM

i don't think the crusaders necessarily need a venue with a large capacity. I mean when was the last time the crusaders had a crowd of say more than 20 000 or how often do they get crowds of 15 000.maybe the odd big game.

Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach acknowledged the Tasman union had done well to provide an alternative venue but said the revenue gained from playing at the small ground, which has a capacity of about 12,000, could not justify them remaining there.

Last year the Crusaders regularly exceeded crowds of 20,000 AMI Stadium and they recorded a profit in excess of $100,000.

"We couldn't afford to play all eight games in Nelson – we just couldn't survive from the revenue we get from the games there," Riach noted.

He was less forthcoming on where the Crusaders will play their future matches if AMI Stadium continues to be taped off.

The Press

Strange thing being Wiki says capacity at Trafalger Park has been upgraded to 20,080 for the World Cup, where are all these extra seats?

nthbeach

March 6th, 2011, 12:08 AM

Highlanders beat the Bulls at Loftus, great result, Carisbrook can go out with a bang in 2011.

KiwiGuy

March 6th, 2011, 03:57 AM

I sure hope Trafalgar park doesn't host any more Crusaders games, the place is a dump with everyone miles away from the field. Amazing game however.

Thank you for those kind, kind words of praise. I'm sure Nelson which endeavour to be a better host next time.

whkfan

March 6th, 2011, 07:34 AM

Highlanders beat the Bulls at Loftus, great result, Carisbrook can go out with a bang in 2011.

well done to the landers and may it long continue.It was a bid nail biting stuf towards the end. On this form the house of pain,the legend that is carisbrook, will rock and roar one last time.

metroman

March 6th, 2011, 08:25 AM

Is it possible to increase the capacity of any of these stadiums in time for other Crusader games?

KiwiGuy

March 6th, 2011, 09:36 AM

Is it possible to increase the capacity of any of these stadiums in time for other Crusader games?

It would be. We already increased the capacity at Trafalgar Park and if it means further expansion, then we still have enough time to do so.

Easty

March 7th, 2011, 05:30 AM

With the mighty win of the HIghlanders over the Bulls and if they can keep it up
This is great news for big crowds in the new stadium going forward in Dunedin!
albeit next season

KLK

March 7th, 2011, 06:41 AM

It would be. We already increased the capacity at Trafalgar Park and if it means further expansion, then we still have enough time to do so.

Capacity is supposed to be 20,000, is it not (website, wikipedia, etc). Not the 11,000 that is reported, or reported actually attending the games?

KLK

March 10th, 2011, 07:34 AM

PN on shortlist for cycling centre
JANINE RANKIN

Palmerston North has been short-listed as one of three possible locations for the New Zealand Cycling Centre of Excellence.

The other two still in the running from an original field of seven are Auckland and Waikato-Bay of Plenty.

Mayor Jono Naylor said he was delighted but not surprised that Palmerston North's bid had made it through the first round.

Sport and Recreation New Zealand (Sparc) chief executive Peter Miskimmin said the evaluation team would visit each of the sites and hear presentations before a final decision is announced in May.

The four bidders that missed out were Wanganui, Taupo, Hawke's Bay and Christchurch.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that a mystery donor had given a $1 million boost to Palmerston North's bid.

Palmerston North's proposal, submitted to Sparc last month, is for a $24.3m facility, including an international-standard covered velodrome, with courts in the centre of the track, BMX and mountain-biking tracks.

Palmerston North City Council has identified up to $8.1m over two years that could be used to support the project, and Massey University has pledged $3m.

Sparc would contribute $7 million towards the facility.

The centre would also be the base for Sport Manawatu, BikeNZ, other regional sports codes and specialist sports medicine practitioners.

nthbeach

March 10th, 2011, 08:17 AM

No to Twickers

Twickers is ruled out for Crusaders home game against Sharks, I think a good call, money would have been good for Crusaders but thats a long way to go to get to your home ground.
Funny comment below from Todd Blackadder, not sure if he is refering to the grounds or something else.

"If we had our way, if AMI was not available we would just take everything to Timaru and Nelson because we want to win this competition and we just want to get good performances and make it a crappy place for the opposition," Blackadder said.

"That is what it is about."

- The Press

Richard7666

March 10th, 2011, 08:55 AM

Where is cycling centred in the North Island? From watching races here, any given field will be made up of Southland, Auckland, Canterbury, then Wellington, Otago, Waikato-BoP, then a sprinkling of others (Tasman, Mid-South Canterbury, East Coast North, West Coast North)

Capacity is supposed to be 20,000, is it not (website, wikipedia, etc). Not the 11,000 that is reported, or reported actually attending the games?

The head of the Canterbury RU said the capacity was 12k. You'd expect him to know the capacaties of the stadiums in his franchise area but there seems to be an attitude of arrogance when it comes to secondary unions in Super Rugby (Highlanders being an exception) so wouldn't be surprised if he was wrong.

Speaking of Canterbury, Christchurch Cougars have pulled out of the NZ NBL this season http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/4741653/Christchurch-Cougars-withdraw-from-NBL

KLK

March 10th, 2011, 09:19 AM

Where is cycling centred in the North Island? From watching races here, any given field will be made up of Southland, Auckland, Canterbury, then Wellington, Otago, Waikato-BoP, then a sprinkling of others (Tasman, Mid-Central Canterbury, East Coast North, West Coast North)

Have no idea, but Manawatu riders always seem to feature in NZ track squads.

The head of the Canterbury RU said the capacity was 12k. You'd expect him to know the capacaties of the stadiums in his franchise area but there seems to be an attitude of arrogance when it comes to secondary unions in Super Rugby (Highlanders being an exception) so wouldn't be surprised if he was wrong.

Perhaps there will be a temporary stand at one end during RWC to take it up to 20,080 - which is the capacity listed on most sites I could see on a quick net search

Richard7666

March 10th, 2011, 09:36 AM

Ah okay. They don't have their own teams/riders at a national level so had no idea; they ride as part of 'West Coast North Island'

KLK

March 10th, 2011, 09:47 AM

Speaking of Canterbury, Christchurch Cougars have pulled out of the NZ NBL this season

Is their mascot a hot 40+yr old woman?

IHaveNoLegs

March 10th, 2011, 11:52 PM

There is no way Trafalgar park is 20,000 capacity. The 18,000 quoted on the rugby worldcup site seems far fetched even with temporary upgrades.

KiwiGuy

March 15th, 2011, 07:55 AM

Capacity is supposed to be 20,000, is it not (website, wikipedia, etc). Not the 11,000 that is reported, or reported actually attending the games?

I think 11,000 is the number which can be seated under the two sheltered stands. My guesses anyway, I've only been inside there once.

Richard7666

March 15th, 2011, 09:07 AM

KiwiGuy

March 15th, 2011, 11:02 AM

Wondered about that myself. Pretty poor of the NZRU not to even have the right capacities of the stadiums on the World Cup site. 20,000 is a long way from the 12,000 quoted by the Crusaders boss the other day unless there are more upgrades planned in the next few months?

Actually, are any of them right?

Haven't got a clue. I should think that the council should upgrade it so it is sheltered all the way around (and replace the old sheltered stand with something much newer). But that could happen anytime in the future.

Such a shame for the birthplace of NZ rugby.

Richard7666

March 15th, 2011, 11:26 AM

http://www.suite101.com/content/rugby-world-cup-games-tipped-for-auckland-a358908

Dunedin has been completely ruled out.

However I still think Queenstown should be able to host one of the Major v Minnow/Mid-range ones.

nthbeach

March 16th, 2011, 12:27 AM

nthbeach

March 16th, 2011, 12:43 AM

Crusaders roll dice on London game
Timaru to host Bulls-Crusaders match

He admits it is a "gamble", but chief executive Hamish Riach says the Crusaders' bold plan to relocate their Super match to London is worth a roll of the dice.

After last night confirming a "home" match will be staged at Twickenham against the Sharks on March 27, the Crusaders are now banking on a massive crowd to earn some much-needed cash after last month's earthquake forced them to farm out their lucrative home games from the damaged AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

Consent has been granted to sell up to 55,000 tickets for the sixth-round Super match at the 82,000-capacity Twickenham, with the franchise relying on a big attendance to cover many costs, including both teams' travel and accommodation.

A big profit could allow the Crusaders to host the bulk of their matches in the tiny Nelson and Timaru venues and ensure their players perform in front of their local supporters even if they are not at AMI Stadium.

"I think there is some risk and some gamble here, but I think it is worth it given the outpouring of support for Christchurch all around the world – and that is true in London as well," Riach said.

There will be no insurance policy to counter the risk, however, with the Crusaders to carry the can if the London venture, which will attract the southern hemisphere fans in the city, fails.

"This is on us, this one, there is no underwrite," Riach said. "We are having a home game as we would in Christchurch and will take the risk that they [the fans] are going to come. We think the opportunity to go should be taken."

Tickets will be priced from about $76 to $108 and half price for children.

Had they been forced to flag Twickenham, the match would have been played at Timaru's Alpine Stadium which has a capacity of about 10,000.

In March 2005, 40,200 fans attended a north-south match to raise funds for those affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami.

The British Red Cross are also backing the fixture and about $11 from every ticket will go towards the earthquake appeal fund.

The Crusaders, who employed a third-party in London to organise the fixture, are likely to pay the Sharks a healthy fee for agreeing to fly to England before returning to Durban to face the Stormers the following weekend.

One hurdle to be negotiated was to confirm all of the Sharks squad could be allocated tickets on outbound flights to South Africa after the match.

To have the venue confirmed will be a relief to Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, worried that his players might be distracted..

"It is just creating a lot of uncertainty and a lot of chat in our dressing room which is just a bloody distraction from what we are here to do – and that is to prepare against a good side [the Highlanders] this week," Blackadder said yesterday.

Timaru has also been confirmed as host of the Crusaders clash against the Bullson April 9.

"We're also looking forward to playing the Bulls in Timaru, which is in our franchise area. We're sure the people of South Canterbury and further afield will support us in this match against the champions of the past two years,'' Riach said.

Ad Feedback - The Press

So off to London they go, hopefully they can get the crowd they need to play more games at Nelson and Timaru. And the champion Bulls are coming to Timaru, what a huge game for Timmers

IHaveNoLegs

March 16th, 2011, 02:10 AM

I think 11,000 is the number which can be seated under the two sheltered stands. My guesses anyway, I've only been inside there once.

not even close, those two stands are tiny especially the one the cameras are facing. I'm glad to see this game in London, hopefully it means the rest of the Crusaders home games can be played in Timaru.

KLK

March 16th, 2011, 04:08 AM

I'm glad to see this game in London, hopefully it means the rest of the Crusaders home games can be played in Timaru.

Good point. If the financial windfall from this game is big enough, then it gives them some financial breathing space to play a couple of games in Timaru.

Playing the Blues in Auckland and the Canes in Wellington (as "home" games) would help too.

IHaveNoLegs

March 16th, 2011, 06:07 AM

Certainly Wellington deserves a game after their game was cancelled (why it was simply cancelled and not postponed till later in the season is beyond me). I've never been in favour of the Crusaders taking games outside the region and I was glad the NZRFU stepped in a few years ago to stop them taking a regular season game to Melbourne; but obviously this is a different situation and wil be interesting to see what crowd we see in London. I wonder what will happen if the Crusaders get any home finals this year, I hardly imagine SANZAR will be keen to see the final played in Timaru or what will happen with Canterburys ITM cup games this year.

Richard7666

March 17th, 2011, 05:52 AM

I think its too late foe Qtown. I thought they should of done what they did in South Africa for FIFA World Cup, forgot the place but a very large tourist destination with small population much like Qtown, only they went to the extreme and built a whole new stadium. At Euro 2008 they had some impressive stadiums made mostly up of temp seating. If only they did the same in Qtown with maybe a 20,000 temp stadium at the Events Centre. Not sure if it was considered, but I reckon it would of gone off. Invercargill would have probably been sacrifisced though.

If I recall rightly it would have had to have been Dunedin sacrificed for Queenstown, as the rule was only one host city per Rugby Union; Quernstown and Dunedin would have given the Otago Rugby Football Union 2 cities and Rugby Southland, who are the stronger union, none. Same thing happened in the Bay of Plenty between Tauranga and Rotorua, one had to lose out.

nthbeach

March 17th, 2011, 08:25 AM

If I recall rightly it would have had to have been Dunedin sacrificed for Queenstown, as the rule was only one host city per Rugby Union; Quernstown and Dunedin would have given the Otago Rugby Football Union 2 cities and Rugby Southland, who are the stronger union, none. Same thing happened in the Bay of Plenty between Tauranga and Rotorua, one had to lose out.

Yeah that was right, I was just thinking that Qtown may have been made an exception like with Auckland having two venues because of its special appeal. As is the case I think we are both dissapointed Qtown wont be used as a venue (maybe Cricket World Cup).
I thought Tauranga may have been the better option too over Rotorua, but I dont want to flog a dead horse.

Richard7666

March 17th, 2011, 08:53 AM

Auckland doesn't have two though, North Harbour Stadium is North Harbour rugby union territory. So while it's in Auckland it's not the Auckland union.

nthbeach

March 17th, 2011, 11:35 AM

Yeah, but wasn't Auckland City as a whole city an exception because of its large population relative to New Zealand population?

Richard7666

March 17th, 2011, 11:55 PM

Could be, unique case either way as the only *city* with more than one rugby union.

nthbeach

March 18th, 2011, 12:49 AM

Tickets for Crusaders' London match selling fast

"It is the first time a Super rugby match has been played outside Sanzar countries South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

More than 30,000 tickets were sold in the first 30 hours after they went on sale. A United Ticketmaster spokesman said it was the strongest response to a rugby match outside an international that he had experienced."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/4783052/Tickets-for-Crusaders-London-match-selling-fast

nthbeach

March 18th, 2011, 01:23 AM

I wonder what will happen if the Crusaders get any home finals this year, I hardly imagine SANZAR will be keen to see the final played in Timaru or what will happen with Canterburys ITM cup games this year.

Some possibility regarding ITM games being played in Timaru, SCRFU happy to share Alpine Energy Stadium. Apparently Chchs Rugby Park is not an option because it doesn't have lights for night matches, surely for one season games could be reschuled for Canterbury to play day games, probably be quite popular.
As for Crusaders finals options, a really tricky situation, too hard a decision to make a call. I'm thinking Carisbrook.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/sport/4782212/South-Canty-union-open-to-sharing-venue

nthbeach

March 19th, 2011, 04:40 AM

Been thinking and came to a little conclusion, The Crusaders Board find thenselves in a bit of pickle regarding their home games and I think to certain extent they only have themselves to blame. They have the worst record in taking games out of their number one ground and taking them to the region. Every other team uses at least two or three stadiums a season. Since the start of Super Rugby up until this season Timaru has hosted the Crusaders just 3 times and Nelson just 4 or 5 times. Had they been more willing then these stadiums would have better developed and prepared. About five years ago the SCRFU looked at rebuilding the main stand and further improvements but with the increasingly unlikelyhood of hosting Super rugby they decided against it. Nelson also only improved its stadium to ITM Cup standards as well as they weren't receiving super rugby.
Timaru is smaller than other host venues but Nelson is similar to Invercargill, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Whangarei who get regular games.
When Crusaders never wanted to use their secondary centres, their venues fell behind in quality and now that they're desperate for a decent home venue, there are just isn't one.

nthbeach

March 21st, 2011, 09:28 AM

In todays Press about Crusaders gate takings and Canterbury ITM Cup plans.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/4790018/Earthquake-dents-Crusaders-coffers

...afternoon rugby at Rugby Park could be a reality for the Canterbury NPC team later this year.

Since learning AMI Stadium could be unavailable until February, Canterbury has requested the New Zealand Rugby Union allow them to play matches in Christchurch during daylight hours.

Although Rugby Park has floodlights, there are concerns the lighting is not good enough for television broadcasters and there are no other facilities in the city that would allow games to be played at night.

Riach answered "potentially, yes" when asked if Rugby Park would be the NPC team's home base.

"We have signalled to the NZRU that it is going to be a little hard for us to play night games and they are starting to think about getting the draw tweaked so that it gives an option to play if we are at home."

The small stand at the ground, which is owned by the CRFU, has been inspected by structural engineers and, despite some superficial cracks in the concrete, it has been declared safe.

The ground's small capacity – it could optimistically hold about 5000 fans without temporary stands – will also mean the Ranfurly Shield holders will budget for a slump in gate-takings.

RICHARD KNOWLER - The Press

Richard7666

March 23rd, 2011, 05:08 AM

Rugby Southland to be bailed out $1.5m

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/itm-cup-heartland-championship/4799990/1-5-million-bailout-for-Rugby-Southland

Waikato Rugby Union's debt an rescue package looking to be even bigger

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/itm-cup-heartland-championship/4782162/Waikato-Southland-hope-for-NZRU-aid

KLK

March 24th, 2011, 05:51 AM

A result of:

a) a ridiculously high salary cap ($NZ2m) introduced for an expanded, only semi-professional competition, which ultimately set the benchmark for future salaries and

b) absolute financial negligence by certain Unions in spending up to that limit when the history and forecasts of traditional revenue indicated those salary costs would struggle to be covered.

nthbeach

March 25th, 2011, 09:35 AM

CRUSADERS HOME GAMES

April 9: Crusaders v Bulls, Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru

April 23: Crusaders v Highlanders, Trafalgar Park, Nelson

May 21: Crusaders v Chiefs, McLean Park, Napier

June 11: Crusaders v Blues, Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru

June 18: Crusaders v Hurricanes, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Dazzle

March 25th, 2011, 11:36 PM

God we are shit at cricket are we not!!?? :ohno:

We are still shit at Cricket...
Its just the inconsistency you see...not acceptable ;) :) !!!

Richard7666

March 26th, 2011, 01:45 AM

Timaru's on a roll with all this earthquake business...

metroman

March 26th, 2011, 06:05 AM

We are still shit at Cricket...
Its just the inconsistency you see...not acceptable ;) :) !!!

Well we made it into the semis after beating South Africa in the quarter finals. Kiwi cricket is a bit enigmatic. Hopefully they can go further, New Zealand really needs some good news at the moment.

buildemhigh

March 28th, 2011, 10:07 PM

Well we made it into the semis after beating South Africa in the quarter finals. Kiwi cricket is a bit enigmatic. Hopefully they can go further, New Zealand really needs some good news at the moment.

Go the blackcaps.. hope its not the traditional big game capitulation... and if it is I hope they appease the World Cup gods for the year...

Shayno

April 6th, 2011, 06:43 AM

Neil Wagner took 5 wickets in an over for Otago against Wellington at Queenstown today.

For those who don't know him, he's an agressive left-arm quick, 140kmh-145 from what I've seen and heard, who moved here in 2008 from South Africa because he wasn't happy with the politics of cricket there. He's eligible for NZ now too.

KLK

June 3rd, 2011, 10:40 AM

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201123/201106_Rugby_106127_460x230.jpeg

I'm not from down that way so my view doesn't really count. I expect it to get plenty of flak....... but I like it.

Besides, they've got some Manawatu players in the squad :-)

cambennett

June 3rd, 2011, 11:19 PM

I actually don't mind it either. But like you it's not my team.

IHaveNoLegs

June 4th, 2011, 04:09 AM

buildemhigh

June 7th, 2011, 12:33 AM

I don't mind it. I don't see the change as a bad idea, its the Highlanders, not Otago Southland and North Otago; if they have to wear Southland Colours when the play in Invercargill then it shows they have some issues. I like how someone on a facebook page showed a link to this thread regarding the issue and my avatar came up, the result of talking endless endless amounts of shit in here.

I dont mind it either, but think its a bad idea. they have had 16 odd years to sort this out and to me highlighter green isnt representative of the "highlands".. if all the minor unions that made up the franchises had their say in all the team jerseys it would be a bit of a mess..

either way helps if your team wins, not the colour of their jersey..

UglyBob

June 7th, 2011, 12:38 PM

I dont mind it either, but think its a bad idea. they have had 16 odd years to sort this out and to me highlighter green isnt representative of the "highlands".. if all the minor unions that made up the franchises had their say in all the team jerseys it would be a bit of a mess..

either way helps if your team wins, not the colour of their jersey..

I have very mixed feelings about the green jersey. On the one hand I can accept that the Highlanders is a franchise, it's a commercial entity that is now not owned by the Otago Rugby Union, a franchise that hasn't performed well in recent years and a rebranding is seen as a good idea. On the other hand I find the way this has been handled quite offensive. Clark who has ridden Southland into a financial quagmire, waltzes into Dunedin as CEO of the Highlanders, and pronounces that after 16 years the Highlanders have no tradition and change is needed. The inference is that the blue, gold and maroon are associated with underperformance. Not only is that patently untrue in the history of Otago and Southland rugby but it belies the importance of the colours to the wider fan base across the provinces and alienates a large number of those fans at a time when the team is asking them to 'believe' in it.

The jersey colour is not the problem with the Highlanders. That problem is a relatively small population base and an under-achieving Otago ITM cup team which fails to create any Dunedin interest for the NPC or provide a base for a Super Rugby team that unifies 20,000 uni students with Dunedin rather than their home towns around the country. The successful Otago teams of the 1980s and 1990s achieved that unity. Sadly at present rugby in Dunedin at least is perceived as divisive and unrepresentative of the community

Easty

June 8th, 2011, 02:38 AM

^^

Lets not under estimate what the new stadium will be able to present from a fan aspect and a support to the franchise

Warmth/light/cover...an event in itself

I bet - the'll through in a good cheerleading squad next season..a definate way to attract the boys from uni...along with the biggest indoor pub in New Zealand

The new stadium will attract families..that would of stayed away from Carisbrook...in the first season definatly

One hopes they make the tickets cost effective...and continue with the rebuilding of a good squad that wins the home games.

Irrespective of the local footy competition.

Super rugby should also be about entertainment and team branding is a big way to attact potential fans..to your franchise

In a way thats how they would be packaging the new jersey...as part of a new team and franchise brand.

Lets face it ....the old blue and gold never got the local fans comming into support in droves

KLK

June 8th, 2011, 04:15 AM

The successful Otago teams of the 1980s and 1990s achieved that unity. Sadly at present rugby in Dunedin at least is perceived as divisive and unrepresentative of the community

Yes, I remember all of my mates that went to Uni at Otago came back as Otago supporters (probably helped that Manawatu was locked in the second division then...).

What those Otago teams (of the 90s, anyway) had was an expansive style and characters - a bald Kronfeld, Marc Ellis/Sideshow Bob, "Chainsaw" Laney, and John Leslie - has there ever been a scruffier, more relaxed mid-field back in NZ? In terms of cult following, perhaps only the early Hurricanes had that personality - a bunch of nomads from around the country - half with dreadlocks - who came together to play an attractive, albeit unsuccessful, style.

I find the Highlanders - and the Chiefs for that matter - such a stale, plain, totally unremarkable outfit. And I'm not talking playing style. Perhaps it doesn't help that the roster changes substantially from year to year.

I think the stadium might give the franchise a bit of a lift and I think the board are trying to ride the wave with a change in jersey. Good luck to them

buildemhigh

June 8th, 2011, 05:00 AM

What those Otago teams (of the 90s, anyway) had was an expansive style and characters - a bald Kronfeld, Marc Ellis/Sideshow Bob, "Chainsaw" Laney, and John Leslie - has there ever been a scruffier, more relaxed mid-field back in NZ? In terms of cult following, perhaps only the early Hurricanes had that personality - a bunch of nomads from around the country - half with dreadlocks - who came together to play an attractive, albeit unsuccessful, style.

I think there are two parts to it as well..

Firstly "back then" prior to rugby being professional Dunedin was a great recruiter of talent due to its excellent university + student lifestyle. Now with professionalism it is really the dollar that rules and they (Otago Rugby) dont have the money that say the Akl or Canterbury provinces do and the opportunity for study etc isnt a pulling factor.

Secondly, and this is a wider critisism of mine is that every man and his dog goes through some sort of a tertiary course these days. I cant help but think that this isnt a great thing for society as a whole, but have seen the change in the "typical student" as a result has changed in the last 15 or so years with more of a cross section now going to Uni etc. This has in no small part I am sure contributed to the change in Dunedin (not forgetting that rugby has lost its appeal nationally to a point also) in terms of those that go there and the support that they show (or dont) for rugby..

Richard7666

June 8th, 2011, 04:12 PM

Dunedin students I think are a lot more liberal and cultured than they once were. More hipster than scarfie, even the ones who just go there to drink. Most younger people I know in Dunedin consider rugby a barbaric sport played in Invercargill by Maori and meatheads.

To be honest I think the cultural change that has fostered this attitude is good for Dunedin overall, except for sport.

KiwiGuy

June 14th, 2011, 11:44 AM

Crusaders to host semi-finals in Nelson

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/5142307/Crusaders-to-host-playoff-games-in-Nelson

The Crusaders will play any home Super Rugby semifinal in Nelson. And if they make it to the grand final, the match will be played at Auckland's Eden Park.

The move was confirmed by a franchise spokesman today - with one important caveat.

In the unlikely event the Crusaders draw Auckland-based franchise the Blues in the final, the Christchurch-based team will play their "home game" elsewhere.

Exactly where is yet to be confirmed, but it won't be Nelson, and Wellington's Westpac Stadium is the frontrunner, the absence of earthquake damaged AMI Stadium.

The Crusaders play the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday. They top the New Zealand conference on 57 points while the Blues, who play the Highlanders, are just a single point in arrears on 56.

The news is a big boost for Nelson.

Trafalgar Park's capacity is due to be bumped to 18,000 in time for the match and its Rugby World Cup games in September.

IHaveNoLegs

June 14th, 2011, 12:22 PM

Lame, if the Crusaders were to play say the Bulls then it would be best to play in front of 50,000 screaming fans in Pretoria or Orlando again, certainly would save our money problems better than that farce in London, don't get me wrong I'll go to Nelson for the game but I think it would be better elsewhere. And If the Crusaders were to host the Blues they would move the final, pathetic.

KiwiGuy

June 20th, 2011, 03:18 AM

Mad rush for Crusaders tickets

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/5166779/Mad-rush-for-Crusaders-tickets

Nelson is gearing up for another big Crusaders game this weekend, with organisers already talking of a sellout crowd as tickets went on sale today.

A rush for tickets to Saturday's Crusaders playoff overloaded the computer system this morning, with buyers unable to buy tickets online or from vendors.

Tasman Rugby Union commercial and marketing manager Les Edwards said the system crashed about 9.45am.

He thought an increased demand was responsible. "People want their tickets," he said.

Staff at Ticket Direct were looking into the fault and he hoped it would be fixed soon.

At Nelson i-Site this morning, three people got tickets before the system crashed, leaving a queue of more than 20 fans waiting since 8.30am.

Nelson man Simon Marling said he came to Nelson from London about a year ago, watched the Crusaders last weekend in Wellington and was keen to see the quarterfinal match.

Like others in the queue, he seemed unfazed by the wait. "It's worth it in the long run."

The third-placed Crusaders will play the sixth-placed Sharks at Trafalgar Park on Saturday evening, with a Crusaders win meaning they would face the Stormers in Cape Town in the semifinal the following weekend.

Nelson mayor Aldo Miccio said the game would put Nelson on the map, and was the perfect curtainraiser to the Rugby World Cup.

"It's probably one of the biggest games Trafalgar Park will host this year, possibly bigger than the World Cup games. It's a massive game that's going to be watched by a big audience."

It was fantastic to be able to help Christchurch in this way, and he hoped Nelson residents would get behind the team, he said.

With temporary seating installed, the capacity of the stadium has been increased to 18,000, and Mr Miccio said he hoped to see the whole place full.

"I would love to see it sell out and I'm sure that it will get to at least 15,000. I'm sure a lot of people will come up to see the last game.

"This will give them an excuse to get out of town. I'm sure many of them are looking for a reason to get away. The Crusaders no doubt will win.

"It's going to be very big for Nelson commercially for the retail sector."

The game would also be yet another "dress rehearsal" for the World Cup, he said.

"We have been really fortunate to have three trial runs. Each time they have looked at tweaking parts of it, it's a process of continuous improvement."

Mr Edwards said preparations were well under way for the game.

Organisers were hoping for a sellout crowd, and with about 1600 tickets already earmarked for season-ticket holders, sponsors and New Zealand Rugby Union staff, fans should get in quickly, Mr Edwards said.

The Crusaders would bring their horses and dancers, and the first 2000 fans through the door would get a free Crusaders flag, he said. "I would believe that Nelson would get out to support the Crusaders in a Super Rugby playoff."

Mr Edwards said he understood there were other options for the team that would have had greater financial benefits, but management and players had wanted to stay in the region.

"They have faith that the Nelson crowd will turn out and now we have to prove them right," he said.

"I just think it's great for Nelson and I think it's a terrific dress rehearsal for the World Cup."

Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dot Kettle said the game would be a great opportunity for the city's retailers.

In the days leading up to the previous games, activity in Nelson increased greatly, she said.

"It has a very, very positive impact. The city saw that with the other games and this will be even bigger than those. There may not be a lot of discretionary dollars around, but what there is will be spent in Nelson."

Takaka Rugby Football Club president Wayne Packard said it was very likely a bus would be arranged for Golden Bay people to attend the game.

"I expect lots of people from Golden Bay will go. We are very lucky to get a game of this quality so close. Normally, it would be in Christchurch," Mr Packard said.

If the Sharks win in Nelson, they will create history.

No South African team has won a Super finals match in New Zealand since the competition began in 1996, and the Crusaders beat the Durban-based side 44-28 when they met in London in late March. The Blues will host the Waratahs in the other playoff at Eden Park.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Crusaders v Sharks, Trafalgar Park at 7.35pm on Saturday:

Tickets for the game can be bought at Nelson i-Site, Nelson School of Music, Richmond Mall, Whitwells Motueka, Marlborough Civic Theatre and all New World supermarkets in Nelson, Blenheim and Stoke.

In addition to the embankment for general admission, sales will include tickets to the new uncovered, temporary West, East and South stands, as well as the West & Pavilion stands. These have all been numbered according to their stand name, aisle number, row and seat number in accordance with Rugby World Cup ticketing protocols.

The aisle arrangements are new to regular Trafalgar Park attendees, so spectators are also urged to attend much earlier than normal as the new system is sure to create some confusion.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children for covered seats in the West Stand, $30 for adults and $15 for children in the new uncovered, temporary stands, and $20 for adults and $10 for children on the embankment.

- The Nelson Mail

KiwiGuy

June 22nd, 2011, 06:49 AM

Sharks match in doubt thanks to ash cloud

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/5176858/Sharks-arrival-depends-on-cloud

A cloud of doubt hangs over whether South African Super Rugby team the Sharks will get to New Zealand tonight en route to their game in Nelson, as Qantas keeps all trans-Tasman flights grounded.

The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said today the ash from the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile will again blanket New Zealand by this afternoon, and was expected to remain over the country for several days. Qantas had this morning suspended all trans-Tasman services until further notice. Jetstar has cancelled all trans-Tasman flights and domestic New Zealand flights until at least midday.

The Sharks were this morning in transit from South Africa to Sydney, where they were due to arrive at 3pm today.

They were scheduled to take a Qantas flight to Wellington tonight, Tasman Rugby Union operations manager Mike Kerrisk said.

Excitement is building in Nelson as the South Africans wing their way to face the Crusaders at Trafalgar Park on Saturday for an historic playoff match, following the Canterbury team's decision to relocate from their earthquake-damaged home turf in Christchurch.

Mr Kerrisk said the Sharks were due to leave Sydney on a Qantas flight this afternoon bound for Wellington, where they were due to arrive at midnight. They would spend tomorrow in the capital before heading to Nelson around midday on Friday.

He expected an update on their progress later this afternoon.

The volcanic ash cloud is causing travel chaos as it rounds the globe for a second time and may yet make another lap over New Zealand, authorities said.

Pacific Blue, Aerolineas Argentinas, and Lan Chile also cancelled services yesterday.

CAA meteorological manager Peter Lechner said the cloud was lying to the west of New Zealand and would cover the entire country by this afternoon.

It would stay over the country for a few days.

It was possible the cloud would lap the globe and cross over New Zealand a third time, Mr Lechner said.

"It will disperse eventually – the dispersion process is under way but whether it comes around for a third time we can't tell yet."

When the cloud did disperse, it would do so horizontally, stretching out rather than falling through the atmosphere, Mr Lechner said.

Air New Zealand was continuing to fly this morning.

Last week it introduced more rigorous inspections of its planes because of the ash.

A spokesman said the airline adopted similar measures to those taken when an Iceland volcano erupted in April last year, by randomly checking aircraft for ash.

In addition to the regular plane checks before and after every flight, Air New Zealand would randomly inspect the engines with cameras.

"It's what every airline should be doing when you've got circumstances like this, just checking there is no ash around, and all the aircraft have been coming back clear."

He said eight of about 70 domestic planes were checked for ash at Auckland and Christchurch last week.

The Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano began erupting on June 4, belching tonnes of ash into the atmosphere and on to neighbouring Argentina.

- The Nelson Mail

Well that sucks.

nthbeach

July 22nd, 2011, 12:25 PM

Stu Dickinson is a danger to any rugby team. Tonights performance was far worse than either team, to cap off his game, the penalty try, imagine that going going against you in a big game near the end, reminds me of Colin Hawke 1995

IThomas

July 31st, 2011, 08:34 PM

Adidas and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) have unveiled the new jersey of the All Blacks. The new uniform that has been created and tested with the help of some players including captain Richie McCaw has been shown for the first time today when the All Bllacks entered the field for the game of the Tri-Nations at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, against South Africa, won by 40-7. Although the most obvious is the new white-collar polo, a tribute to tradition and legend of the All Blacks, the entire uniform has been changed using technologically advanced fabrics, created specifically.

THE EXCITEMENT - "It 'great to be involved in the creation of new jersey the All Blacks," said McCaw. "All over the world know our shirt and then change is a big responsibility. This shirt has the revolutionary aspects but nonetheless a top to the bottom of the All Blacks and I am proud to be able to wear. "

THE TRIAL - "This is the most technologically advanced rugby shirt that exists," said David Huggett adidas New Zealand country manager "white collar is a tribute to the traditional design of the shirt worn for most of the twentieth century and in particular by the All Blacks in 1987 one of the most successful teams in history. "

DETAILS - The technology of the new shirt is so advanced that there is only one machine in the world capable of realizing and adidas has secured the exclusive rights to use it. This machine allows you to create links that provide an anatomically correct fit without the need for perfect seams on athletes. And '50 percent lighter than its predecessor (180 grams instead of 360), and this will allow players to be even faster, but it is equally tough. It took over 2 years to achieve this result, including 18 months to test and refine every detail.

by Corriere dello Sport

Milan Luka

August 1st, 2011, 02:01 AM

All Whites have an easy run into the World Cup woohoo!

So beat Oceania teams, then its up against number 4 Conacaf team. Were talking the likes of Honduras, Jamaica, Panama....

Brazil here we come!

Dazzle

August 1st, 2011, 03:26 AM

^^
Sounds good to me :) ;) !!!!!

Davee

August 1st, 2011, 02:07 PM

All Whites have an easy run into the World Cup woohoo!

So beat Oceania teams, then its up against number 4 Conacaf team. Were talking the likes of Honduras, Jamaica, Panama....

Brazil here we come!

Good news - I'm not into football, but I really enjoyed watching the All Whites at the last World Cup! It would be great to see them at the next one as well :banana:

GanEden

August 5th, 2011, 10:37 AM

qeRcBJCXvvU

SYDNEY

August 12th, 2011, 07:00 AM

NZ WINTER GAMES - 14 to 28 AUGUST 2011

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KLK

September 28th, 2011, 11:27 AM

Alot of talk in the Oz press about the potential for a Warriors dynasty, particularly given the dominance of the junior teams of late. Not winning the NRL every year, but every year being a contender like the Broncos or Storm

The question was raised about all this talent and a 2nd NZ team. Its been talked about previously, but probably wishful thinking given how inconsistent the Warriors were.

So would it be Wellington? Christchurch? I'm guessing the former but league has always been strong in Canterbury? I think from a marketing, support, corporate sponsorship point of view it would go well in the Capital - look at the Phoenix. If only there was a decent rectangular ground for a crowds up to 20,000.....

Would be great from a derby perspective and having at least one game in NZ every week.

Thoughts?

Dazzle

September 29th, 2011, 12:09 AM

^^
Canterbury and West Coast have strong League followings.
If a second NZ team was ever allowed in the NRL (big IF!) it would have to be based in Chch and you could call them the "South Island Slayers" ! :)
Would get buy-in from the whole SI and they would have a real identity / connection. Nice thought anyway.

Milan Luka

September 29th, 2011, 12:16 AM

^^ Im definately a bit of a leagee. (however spelt).

Honestly as surprised as anyone else that the Warriors have made the GF. I definately think theres a real strong argument for NZ to have a second team in the competition.

Personally I do see a real following for the sport here in Christchurch, although it is very low key-I have no idea on how the rest of the country views the sport though. Its been bandied around as long as Ive been in Christchurch for an NRL team to be set up here- I say now is as good a time as ever.

Be part of the rebuilding of the city, could be called the Phoen... whoops thats already taken. So, we cant use the word Canterbury, the Bulldogs wouldnt allow that. But Christchurch wouldnt be inclusive of the rest of the island. Doesnt matter either way, will probably end up being called something hideous like the Orcon Jazz or Hallensteins Giants.

metroman

September 29th, 2011, 05:07 AM

If all three teams do well this Sunday there is a very strong case, as the Nrl will be forced to take notise. The Nrl seems more interested in developing within Australia and another NZ team has long been overlooked. In terms of future talent, NZ is producing a substantial amount of it. It is very likely that NZ will become the dominant nation in league in the future, regardless of what happens on Sunday. A triple crown this Sunday would also :) attract more Sparc funding which would also further develop the game.

KLK

September 29th, 2011, 09:59 AM

There was previously a proposal for the Wellington or "Southern" Orcas, that was supposed to be based in Wellington and represent everything south of the Bombay Hills. I think they are still active actually in trying to get into the NRL and if so will be a long way ahead.

Central Coast will be next, along with another Brisbane team.

I guess it could still be called "New Zealand", just with a new knickname. The second team in Brisbane will surely keep the city's name, just with a new mascot (think NY Yankees/Mets, LA Clippers/Lakers). On a daily basis, supporters would just drop the "New Zealand", much like we refer to the exisiting outfit as just "The Warriors". Two "New Zealand" teams would make for quite a derby twice a year.

However, I fear for a new team playing in a new rugby stadium that holds 40,000+ (which the case will be if AMI is demolished). Atmosphere might be lacking. Who knows though, Broncos play in a 54,000 capacity stadium.

IHaveNoLegs

September 29th, 2011, 11:30 AM

Players being developed here is irrelevant, players can be bought and sold. Besides there is not enough support in Christchurch or Wellington to justify a team I remember a few months ago sky came out and said they did want a second New Zealand team in the NRL. Would be nice to have a Canterbury team to go and support rather than be stuck at home watching league on tv.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

November 13th, 2011, 08:26 PM

ASB Classic and Heineken Open

http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_image/ASB%20and%20Heineken.jpg

Women's and Men's International Tennis

ASB Classic 2012 - 2-7 January

The ASB Classic, featuring the Kia Motors Singles and Doubles titles, is part of the WTA worldwide tour and New Zealand’s richest women’s international sporting event with prize money of US$220,000.

Don’t miss your chance to get up close to some of the games best players at this world class international event. Sunshine, strawberries and a feast of great tennis are all on offer at the 2012 ASB Classic.

Tickets on sale from 1 November at www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800 TICKETEK

Tournament Times:
Date Session Start Time
Monday 2nd 1.00pm
Tuesday 3rd 1.00pm
Wednesday 4th 1.00pm
Thursday 5th 1.00pm
Friday 6th 1.00pm
Saturday 7th 1.00pm

Gates open one hour before play.
Evening sessions will be held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with gate sales at the venue only from 6.30pm and entry from 7.00pm.
For more information visit the tournament website – www.asbclassic.co.nz

2012 Heineken Open - 9-14 January

The Heineken Open, featuring the Panasonic Singles and Doubles titles, is an ATP Tour tournament with US$480,000 prize money held in the second full week of January each year, leading into the Australian Open.

It features many of the top 70 ranked players in the world, including recent appearances by David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling. It’s the only place to be in January 2012!

Don’t miss out on the live action and make sure you get your tickets. On sale from 1 November at www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800 TICKETEK

Tournament Times:
Date Start Time
Monday 9th 1.00pm
Tuesday 10th 1.00pm
Wednesday 11th 1.00pm
Thursday 12th 1.00pm
Friday 13th 1.00pm
Saturday 14th 1.00pm

Gates open one hour before play.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

November 13th, 2011, 08:33 PM

ITU TRIATHLON WORLD CUP

http://www.biglittlecity.co.nz/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_image/Triathlon2.jpg

In November 2011, Auckland will host the 2011 ITU Triathlon World Cup. On Sunday 20 November 2011, downtown Auckland will become one big sporting arena with the world’s best triathletes competing in the Barfoot & Thompson ITU Triathlon World Cup 2011. Auckland’s CBD and waterfront will come alive with some of the world’s best elite triathletes, paratriathletes and age group participants from New Zealand and around the globe.

Aucklanders will be able to enjoy a free international sporting festival in the heart of Auckland, and get the chance to be a part of the excitement that is triathlon racing. See the athletes up close as they swim off Queen’s wharf, cycle laps around the CBD and run down Queen Street to the finish line, with FREE track-side viewing throughout the course. Experience the high intensity and excitement that is triathlon on Auckland’s new waterfront. Plus visit the Tri World Cup Expo in the Cloud on Queens Wharf, where you can see and buy lots of great brands and new products.

http://www.triauckland.co.nz/Assets/TriNZ+Digital+Assets/Auckland+Triathlon/Documents/Elite+Road+closure+Map+Nov.pdf

SYDNEY

December 19th, 2011, 07:06 AM

Winter Games NZ announces 2013 plans

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/49/151158693_86a99c33c2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/launceston_lad/151158693/)
Ski Lift (http://www.flickr.com/photos/launceston_lad/151158693/) by launceston_lad (http://www.flickr.com/people/launceston_lad/), on Flickr

Winter Games NZ today announced its plans for the 2013 event that will see the Games increase its standing on the international winter sports circuit with the inclusion of no less than six World Cup events. Previously Winter Games NZ has hosted the FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup, attracting the world’s best riders, including several Olympic medalists. In 2013 the programme will extend to FIS World Cup events in Snowboard Slopestyle, Snowboard cross, Freestyle Ski Halfpipe, Freestyle Ski Slopestyle and Ski Cross, as well as Snowboard Halfpipe. Global governing body, FIS (Federation International de Ski), have already placed the snowboard halfpipe and slopestyle in the preliminary calendar for 2013 and actively approached WGNZ to host the freeski halfpipe and slopestyle as a lead up event to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. There is also international support for the ski and snowboard cross events with both Canada and Australia pushing for WGNZ to host World Cups in these disciplines in the lead in to Sochi which takes place just six months after WGNZ.

The 2013 Winter Games NZ will see a number of format changes with the emphasis strongly on snow sports and working to attract the majority of the world’s top elite athletes to New Zealand. While the Games ran for 18 days in 2011, the 2013 edition will be compressed to run over 14 days from 12-25 August with the opening ceremony on Sunday, 11 August 2013. Winter Games chairman, Sir Eion Edgar, said that the board was excited with the new programme and its potential to lift the Games to an even higher international level. “We have already had considerable success but this further development is wonderful for Otago and New Zealand. We have a real competitive advantage with our snow sports and 2013 is the prime opportunity to fully capitalise on it.” Sir Eion added that the full support of all existing partners will be key for the Winter Games to be able to implement such a bold plan. “We will be talking to all our major partners, including the Government, in the New Year.” Graham Budd of Destination Queenstown said the new format for the Games, while ambitious, was incredibly exciting and could only benefit the region and New Zealand’s profile as a premier winter sports destination.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be significantly raising the bar in terms of delivery and international profile of the Games, positioning it as a premier winter sports event, second only to the Winter Olympics. We’re very happy to support the Games in 2013 and these new developments are entirely complimentary with the Queenstown proposition of positioning ourselves as the leading lake and alpine resort in the Southern Hemisphere as well as promoting the Southern Lakes region as a premier international winter destination.” “The refined programme gives us a sharper focus and will, we believe, ensure entries in most events that will closely match the entries in the Winter Olympics six months later in Socchi, Russia,” said chief executive Arthur Klap. “This is a depth and spread of elite sports talent not seen before in New Zealand and will attract significant international media interest”.

The Board and senior management staff had a strategy workshop in November that resulted in the increased focus on attracting the world’s best. If a sport is unlikely to attract at least six out of the 10 best then that sport was removed from the programme. This has meant that ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating and winter triathlon have all been dropped in the interim. This has also meant that Dunedin and Mt Hutt will not feature in 2013. “It has been a very difficult exercise telling some sports and Dunedin that they will not be part of the 2013 Winter Games but we need to be totally objective in this,” said Klap. The snow sports industry is a significant export earner for New Zealand and an objective of the Winter Games is to boost the profile of New Zealand as a snow sports destination in Asia, North America and Europe. The potential multiplier for the snow industry is difficult to quantify but undisputed by those within the industry.

KiwiRob

December 19th, 2011, 09:07 PM

^^And hopefully in a few year a Winter Olympics bid!

IThomas

January 6th, 2012, 02:38 PM

New Zealand 'third best' sporting nation.

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/207/523584771_7990a5aef1_b.jpg

Kiwis have always considered themselves to be overachievers in the sporting arena and now the figures prove it, with New Zealand placed third on a list of top sporting nations per head.
The list, compiled by greatestsportingnation.com, analysed the sporting achievements of every country for 2011 and found New Zealand to be just behind Jamaica and Norway in their 'Per Capita Cup'.
Jamaica's strong showing at this year's Athletic World Championships in South Korea gave them the top spot with 2541 people per point (ppp) awarded. Norway was narrowly in second place (2623 ppp) with points coming from 26 different sports, with an overall victory in cross-country skiing pushing them higher up the list.
New Zealand also scored across a high number of sports with 18 different codes represented in their score of 3618 ppp. The All Blacks' Rugby World Cup win was listed as New Zealand's one significant win.
Australia finished outside the top 10 per capita with 7050 ppp, while the website labels Jamaica and New Zealand 'outsiders' in the top 10 as the only two non-European countries.
In the overall standings the United States have won the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, beating out Russia, China and France by scoring points in 50 different sports for a total of 8276 points.
New Zealand came in at 24 on the overall standings with a points total of 1182 points up three places from last year.
Points are awarded across 80 sports during any event considered to be the premier international event for that sport. For sports such as football and basketball where there was no global tournament in 2011, continental tournaments are used, but less weighting is given to those sports.

Global Capita Cup
1. Jamaica 2541 people per point
2. Norway 2623
3. New Zealand 3618
4. Slovenia 3778
5. Sweden 4778
6. Austria 4817
7. Denmark 5748
8. Switzerland 5881
9. Finland 6087
10. Croatia 6537

Global Cup
1. United States 8276 points
2. Russia 6295
3. China 4372
4. France 4258
5. Great Britain 3753
6. Germany 3723
7. Australia 3037
8. Japan 3036
9. Kenya 2893
10. Italy 2792

IThomas

January 10th, 2012, 07:23 PM

New Zealand athletes and teams receive
funding investments ahead of London 2012.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/All_London_2012_logos.svg/600px-All_London_2012_logos.svg.png

Less than 200 days at the beginning of the XXX Olympic Summer Games in London.
Kiwi athletes and teams who have performed well this year, and those likely to do well at the London Olympics and Paralympics, are the big winners in the 2012 investment announcement by High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).
Hockey is the big winner after getting a top-up of $600,000 (£367,000/€440,551) as a result of both the men's and women's performances at the 2011 Champions Trophy tournaments.
The men's team finished fourth at the recent Champions Trophy tournament in Auckland and are therefore getting $300,000 (£191,000/€217,000) on top of the $800,000 (£504,000/€605,007) they had already been allocated for 2012.
Meanwhile the women's team, who won a bronze medal at their Champions Trophy tournament, will get a top-up of $300,000 (£191,000/€217,000) on their pre-existing 2012 allocation of $900,000 (£557,000/€668,629).
HPSNZ acting chief executive Martin Toomey says the focus of the announcement is on London 2012 with new and continued investment support geared towards Kiwi athletes aiming for podium finishes or top 16 results in the English capital
"These investment decisions also recognise recent strong performances by Kiwi athletes," he said.
"We're really excited by how New Zealanders have been performing on the world stage and we know we've got a big year ahead of us with the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"With our investment, we're supporting sports with athletes who are capable of top 16 performances and podium finishes in 2012.
"Some new investment has been channelled into sports which have been producing great results on the world stage recently and are focused on doing even better next year.
"While these investment decisions are focused on 2012, we are also signalling support for sports which we expect to prove strong competition for our sporting rivals in 2016."
Rowing is set to get an extra $500,000 (£322,200/€384,143) on top of its previous allocation, bringing annual investment in its high performance programme to $4.82 million ($3.07 million/€5.79 million).
"Because Rowing NZ has already qualified 11 crews for the London Olympics and has more elite athletes in squads, it has higher overheads and some of the increased investment reflects that," Toomey explained
Meanwhile New Zealand's equestrian eventing team is another also among those to benefit from increased investment as they target the podium in London and they will get an extra $250,000 (£178,775/€214,603) on top of the $1 million (£646,120/€768,108) previously allocated for 2012.
The men's and women's basketball teams will benefit as they aim to qualify for the Olympic Games and their allocation includes additional funding if they succeed in qualifying.
Toomey added that HPSNZ is also investing in rugby sevens and has signalled further investment in 2013 as the sport gears up towards entry to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with the sport set to receive $800,000 (£504,000/€605,007) this year and $1.75 million (£1.12 million/€1.34 million) next year.
The investment in the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) for its sevens programme will support full-time rugby sevens coaching staff, sevens-specific training camps and international competition for the men and women, who are aiming for Rio 2016 when the sport makes its debut on the Olympic programme.
Toomey says the applications for investment this year were for about twice the amount of money available.

IThomas

January 10th, 2012, 07:26 PM

New Zealand chooses Wales for London 2012.

New Zealand’s Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its training location leading into the London Olympic Games. The team will be based in Cardiff in the run-up to the Games utilising the first class facilities at Cardiff International Sports Stadium and surrounding areas.
Olympic athletes from New Zealand join the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team, International Boxers from around the world and Paralympic athletes from South Africa and Australia who will all be based in Cardiff. The New Zealand Paralympic team will also prepare for the Paralympic Games in Swansea.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said:
“It is great news that the New Zealand Athletics Team has chosen Wales as its location for pre-Games training ahead of London 2012. The decision reflects the hard work put in by the Welsh Government and its partners over the past few months and shows that Wales has the kind of facilities and sporting infrastructure that Olympic and Paralympic teams are looking for. New Zealand’s athletes are amongst the best in the world and include Valerie Adams, the reigning Olympic, World and Commonwealth champion for the shot put. I’m sure the team will receive a warm Welsh welcome during their stay.”
Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Huw Lewis said:
“I am delighted to welcome the New Zealand Athletics Team to Wales. The decision proves that we have international standard facilities capable of hosting top-class sporting teams and events. I hope the presence of these world class athletes in Wales will inspire more young people to take up sport. We will be looking to work with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Athletics New Zealand leading into the Games to maximise benefits for both nations in a sporting, educational and cultural context. ”
Athletics NZ Performance Director Scott Goodman said:
“I am working closely with the staff at the NZOC to ensure that our athletes have every opportunity to achieve our targeted outcomes in London. I visited the Athletics training venues in Cardiff in 2009 and I know that they will provide our athletes with everything we require for them succeed in London. All of the facilities are first-rate in relation to enabling our team prepare for the Games. In particular, the Sports Medicine facilities are the best I have seen. Most importantly though is the harmony between the two Nations through sport which has been reinforced by the recent Rugby World Cup. Both Nations love of sport and fanaticism for Rugby binds us together, so to me this is a logical partnership on a number of fronts”.
NZOC Chef de Mission Dave Currie said:
“I am working closely with Athletics NZ Performance Director, Scott Goodman, and his staff to ensure the success of the NZ Athletics Team in London. We believe that Cardiff is an ideal base for the Athletics Team members to prepare prior to joining the overall New Zealand Team in London. If all goes well we hope to extend this partnership for athletics, and possibly other sports, leading into the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games”.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee said:
"It’s great to hear that athletes from New Zealand and the National Olympic Committee are developing a strong relationship with Wales to aid their training in advance of London 2012. And it’s fantastic to know that with less than a year to go plans are being developed to maximise benefits for both nations across sporting, educational and cultural agendas.”

master_klon

February 3rd, 2012, 08:20 AM

Mt Smart confirmed for All Whites' ASB Summer International

http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2010/06/new_zealand_s_shane_smeltz_celebrates_after_scorin_4c1e2c372b.jpg

The All Whites will return to the scene of some of their most celebrated victories with Mt Smart Stadium selected for New Zealand’s now-confirmed February 29 ASB Summer International against Jamaica.

In 22 'A' Internationals at Mt Smart, the All Whites have tasted defeat just four times and posted notable victories over China, Japan, Israel, Australia (three times) and a then-World record 13-0 thumping of Fiji in 1981. England visited in 1991 to celebrate New Zealand Football’s centenary and the ground has also hosted matches against a USSR XI, Glasgow Rangers, Newcastle United, and Watford. Many of New Zealand’s 13 wins at Mt Smart came in 1981 during a memorable run to New Zealand’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, who scored the winner against China and a crucial 87th minute equaliser against Saudi Arabia at the ground during that campaign – and two years later would score a match winner against Australia – has fond memories of the ground. "Obviously the win over China and the draw against the Saudis have special resonance with me but that '82 campaign had so many highlights," Herbert said. "The crowds building as our momentum did, Steve Sumner scoring six in one game and even the drama against Kuwait is still pretty vivid not just for me but probably for lots of fans as well. I was also assistant coach when Ryan Nelsen scored against Australia to send us to the Confederations Cup so I've been lucky enough to be involved in some big results. The national team have got a pretty good record there and we'll be looking for another good result against a talented Jamaican outfit to kick-start our 2014 campaign."

New Zealand Football has confirmed that reserved seating tickets will be priced at just $29 dollars for adults and $15 for children, with equivalent seats in a family zone on the embankment set at $25 and $10 respectively. A family pass of two adults and two children in the family zone will cost $60.

"We’re setting our stall out to get as many people in as possible and create the kind of atmosphere that only a football crowd can," said New Zealand Football Chief Executive Grant McKavanagh. "A summer evening kick off is a bit of a novelty for an All Whites match, Jamaica are a very entertaining side and we’ll be close to full strength so we’re expecting a healthy turnout." McKavanagh also reminded fans to get in early. "We know football fans tend to be part of a walk up crowd but we saw the danger of that from the Phoenix match in Auckland recently. We have priced the game affordably to encourage fans to get their tickets as early as possible."

The match is likely to be the last outing before New Zealand begins its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign at the Oceania Nations Cup in June.

ASB Summer International
New Zealand v Jamaica
Mt Smart Stadium
February 29, 2012
Kickoff: 7.30pm

Ticket details
Reserved seating: Adults $29, Children $15
Embankment: Adults $25, Children $10, Family (2 adults + 2 children) $60
Purchase from www.ticketek.co.nz

Corporate Lounge: $99 (includes carvery)
Corporate boxes: 12 person - $1600, 16 person - $2500, 26 person - $3500
Purchase from www.mtsmartstadium.com

SYDNEY

February 6th, 2012, 08:29 AM

Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover 30 days to go!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6797529467_dab363f9e8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6797529467/)
30 JAN 12 25°C AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6797529467/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

VOLUNTEERS OVERSUBSCRIBED!

Hundreds of applicants have signed up as volunteers for next month's Auckland Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race and the organisers have now closed volunteer registration. “Just under 500 volunteers have registered on the database and we’ve been blown away by the quality and commitment,” says Port Director Tom Mayo. “Professionals and superannuants, students and yachties from all over New Zealand and overseas have got involved and many have already put in long days in the final planning phase for the event.”

The majority of volunteers are New Zealanders but applications also came from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Indonesia, Italy, Lithuania, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The age range is from 16 to 78. The volunteers are filling roles both on and off the water including accreditation, information services, media operations, Volvo Experience assistants, backstage positions, drivers, dock marshals, Try Sailing, spectator services and much more. One will be dressed as Wisdom the Albatross, the official mascot of Keep the Oceans Clean! initiative.

Others will be assisting with the Air Balls, the Grinding Challenge and the model Volvo Cars and Trucks. Groups will work in spectator services, shore team support, event operations, container storage and other support areas. “We’ve appointed 320 volunteers to specific roles to date,” says Mayo. “We’ve got one final big training session on 11 February and ten days later we will start to build the Race Village. It’s exciting times with only 30 days to go now until the arrival of the fleet.”

•
The 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race started in Alicante (Spain) on 29 October and features nine Legs with Stopovers in Cape Town (South Africa), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajai (Brazil), Miami (USA), Lisbon (Portugal) and Lorient (France) with the finish in Galway (Ireland) in July 2012.
•
The Auckland Stopover runs from 8 – 18 March 2012
8 March: boats scheduled to arrive for finish of Leg 4 from Sanya (China)
16 March: Pro-Am Race
17 March: In-Port Race
18 March: Start of Leg 5 to Itajai (Brazil)
•
The last Auckland Stopover was a decade ago, during the 2001/2002 Race. There was a brief 48 hour pitstop in Wellington in 2005/6.
•
The 2012 Stopover will be the eighth time the Race has come to Auckland. This is the eleventh edition of the Race which was first held back in 1973/74.
•
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) owns the rights to stage the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover (VORAS), and is the primary funder of the event.
•
Government support for the event has been confirmed, including a grant from the Major Events Development Fund.
•
ATEED has appointed Auckland major events company Mayo& to deliver the Stopover on its behalf.
•
For more information on the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover, please visit www.volvooceanraceauckland.com

Milan Luka

February 7th, 2012, 09:33 PM

Ryan Nelsen sat on the benches on his first outing for Spurs at Anfield yesterday.

0-0 draw. I had $50 on the Yids winning.

Milan Luka

February 7th, 2012, 09:36 PM

Cobham Oval hosted its first ever ODI on Monday. Black Caps demolishing Zimbabwe.

Damn good looking ground it is too. Have seen it before for some Knights games but stood up well to the one dayer.

South Africa arrive in a couple of days- really looking forward to that.

http://www.hbarchitecture.co.nz/images/10.jpg

KiwiRob

February 8th, 2012, 09:28 AM

Nice looking trad pavilion, are there embankments areound the ground?

IThomas

February 16th, 2012, 07:03 PM

Who will win the Olympic Summer Games 2020?
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3049/2799589191_c0a39dac3d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/enil/2799589191/)
The rings aloft (http://www.flickr.com/photos/enil/2799589191/) di Mr eNil (http://www.flickr.com/people/enil/), su Flickr

On 15 February 2012, was the deadline for submitting the bid to the IOC officially of the candidate cities for the Olympic Summer Games 2020. The next stop on the tour will be in Moscow in April, after which the candidate cities will be reduced by the IOC, in three (May 23 in Canada). The city finalists will compete in Buenos Aires, September 7th of 2013.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/ItalicSiciliano/LOGOOLYMPICGAMES.png

Initially, the cities that had expressed willingness were: Rome, Tokyo, Madrid, Istanbul, Doha, Baku. But the Italian capital, had to give up: the Prime Minister, Mario Monti, has not signed the plan that supported his candidacy. He said: "I had to make a difficult decision and I chose to give up this great project. In this moment Italy is facing huge structural change with maneuvers and huge economic sacrifices. Imperative essential for Italy is to avoid downloading charges on future generations. We can not afford an economic catastrophe, such as occurred in Greece, where the enormous costs of the 2004 Olympics, led the country to collapse. In addition we also consider the example of London 2012, where costs of the Olympics has more than doubled. Italians have understood that we had to give up for the good of the country. Now we must focus on the big event to be held in Milan in 2015, Expo. However, Rome must not lose his Olympic dream in the future may also apply for the Olympic Games of 2024 ". Output Italy from the competition, the game has brought only five competitors.

Tokyo is a candidate for the second consecutive time after an unsuccessful attempt in 2016. His position could be weakened by the allocation of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang (South Korea), but can play for the emotion aroused by the "suggestion" of reconstruction after the catastrophe of 2011.

"Ispiring change" is the slogan chosen by Doha, which has included in his presentation included a project to promote, through sport, to the advancement of women. The Qatar has already been allocated the organization of the World Cup in 2022. Moreover, the international media have noted the goodwill shown by the IOC, which has allowed to move the entire period of the Olympics in September and October, to avoid the peak summer heat.

The logo of the Spanish bid is a stylization of "M" in Madrid and the number 20 in front of the Olympic rings, which remind one of the symbols of the city Puerta de Alcalá. But the writing seems to "20020", an effect that has been criticized in the country's most influential media and social networks: the question was if Madrid want to submit the candidature for the Olympic Games of 2020 or 20020. Beyond the controversy, one of the main handicaps of the city - in addition to the economic downturn, higher than the Italian amplified because the explosion of the housing bubble - is the recent death of Juan Antonio Samaranch, one of the most prominent men of the IOC. Madrid has its good results of his previous nomination, only beaten by Rio in the third, suffered and voting - then this will be his third consecutive attempt.

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan. He has about three million inhabitants, overlooking the Caspian Sea and is also the country's main port. The "old city" in 2000 was declared a World Heritage Site, Azerbaijan has significant growth rates and is the richest, largest and important state in the Caucasus, based on the economic power of oil and thus (like Qatar) with substantial resources to be deployed to conquer this goal. Not only an important energy hub, but also a crossroads of spheres of influence.

The latest challenger is Istanbul, which has very specific credentials to be asserted: rampant economy, a vast program of expansion of infrastructure - ports, airports, railways and highways - that is transforming the face of the country. Also in the last decade, after three unsuccessful nominations, have been improved and the equipment of installations of all kinds be measures to promote the sport among young people in school and racing. At a geopolitical level, his being a "bridge" between cultures and continents never before appeared in keeping with the Olympic spirit. Finally, it seems to boast an ally in weight, Germany's Angela Merkel.

Milan Luka

February 16th, 2012, 10:46 PM

Madrid would be my call. Barcelona 92 was probably the best games ever so Im sure they could replicate that again.

tbh though Im over the Olympics, I only just realised there was a games on this year a couple of weeks back and had to scratch my head trying to recall who was hosting it.

KLK

February 17th, 2012, 03:49 AM

I have a sneaky feeling Istanbul is going to get it.

Turkey is a bit of a star economically speaking, its a bridge between Africa and Europe, is an Islamic country but operates, really, as secular, so it takes the games to a new market (both from a geographical and ideological point of view)

With Europe on its doorstep it provides the same revenue potential (TV, visitors, advertising) that Madrid would.

It is, by all accounts, an absolutely fascinating city to visit - I'll get there eventually.

KLK

February 17th, 2012, 03:52 AM

Barcelona 92 was probably the best games ever......

Sydneysiders and Juan Antonio Samaranch might take issue with that claim..... :)

master_klon

February 23rd, 2012, 08:00 AM

Nelsen cleared to lead NZ against Jamaica

http://www.london24.com/polopoly_fs/nls_wk7_12_ryan_nelsen_1_1_1210261!image/30894211.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_490/30894211.jpg

In between Arsenal away and Manchester United at home, All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen will fly to New Zealand to lead his country against Jamaica.

New Zealand Football chief executive Grant McKavanagh spoke to the Tottenham defender overnight and confirmed his availability for the fixture at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Wednesday night.

"It shows just how committed Ryan is to representing New Zealand,'' McKavanagh said. "It's a heck of a trip, and we wanted to make sure given his recent run of injury that he was 100 per cent fit and prepared for game.''

Nelsen's whirlwind trip will see him depart for New Zealand after Monday morning's (NZT) North London derby between Spurs and Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, arriving in time for the captain's run on Tuesday evening. He will then fly out immediately after the game to return in time for Tottenham's clash against Manchester United, the club directly above them on the Premier League table, at White Hart Lane the following Monday.

Because the international, the All Whites' last before they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign, is inside a Fifa window Spurs were obliged to release Nelsen for the match, but McKavanagh preferred a communicative approach. "Given he has just signed for one of the biggest clubs in England and is trying to cement a spot, we wanted to give him time to personally discuss it with his manager rather than just wave the rule book at his employers.''

Nelsen signed for Tottenham, currently third place in the English Premier League, from Blackburn Rovers on the last day of the transfer window in January. He made his debut after coming off the bench during Spurs' 5-0 win over Newcastle earlier in the month, before starting and keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Stevenage in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The draw against the League One outfit was a disappointing result and sees Spurs forced into a replay at White Hart Lane to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition, but Nelsen did impress.

"I thought Ryan was fantastic,'' Tottenham captain Michael Dawson told the club's website. "We changed the formation a little, played myself, Younes [Kaboul] and Ryan [at the back]. He played in the middle and he was outstanding. He won everything in the air, was strong and played really well. He showed all his experience in what was a real test for us against a big, physical team.''

The replay will be played on March 8 (NZT), three days after Tottenham's match against Machester United, ensuring a hectic 10 days for the All Whites captain.

ASB Summer International
New Zealand v Jamaica
Mt Smart Stadium
February 29, 2012
Kickoff: 7.30pm

KLK

March 7th, 2012, 08:14 AM

...presumably at Eden Park.

Owen Glenn eyes south Auckland for second NRL side
By David Skipwith

Published: 11:04AM Wednesday March 07, 2012 Source: ONE Sport

New Warriors co-owner Owen Glenn has shifted the focus of his hopes for a second New Zealand NRL side from Christchurch to Auckland.

There were reports Glenn wanted to invest in a Christchurch-based team however he is now said to believe Canterbury may not be the best location for another New Zealand NRL side.

Glenn held informal talks over dinner last week with NRL chief executive David Gallop, about the prospect of a second side gaining entry to the NRL competition, and further pressed Shane Mattiske, the NRL's director of strategy and special projects, on the matter after the Warriors defeat at the hands of Manly at Eden Park on Sunday.

On Monday The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Glenn as saying, "But I asked this gentleman [Mattiske], what criteria do you want? If you say to me, 'Sign up another 100,000 people [supporters], or another 20 [junior] clubs', whatever you want - tell me, and I will do it, and I will come knocking on your door.''

''Sydney has got nine [clubs], why can't we get two?," Glenn wondered.

On his switch from Christchurch to Auckland as the ideal location for the second Kiwi side, Glenn is believed to be excited by the rugby league talent around the south Auckland and Manukau area and feels Auckland would be the best place to make the bid and subsequent side successful.

Sydney has a population of over four million people while Auckland has just cracked the 1.5 million mark.

master_klon

March 8th, 2012, 07:56 AM

:lol: I think the majority of Warriors supporters are in South Auckland.

Christchurch,Wellington, or Dunedin are much better options.

KLK

March 8th, 2012, 08:35 AM

It has some merit given that a large percentage (70%+?) of league's NZ base - supporters, players, etc - are in the wider Auckland region.

If it went ahead, would love to see Mt Smat ditched and a new 20,000 rectangular stadium built close to the CBD. It would be much more financially viable if the two teams shared it - meaning it would be in use practically every weekend - as well as being used for football, maybe some ITM cup games against smaller teams, and, being downtown without noise restrictions - things like concerts. For bigger games (finals, and the derby) they would use Eden park.

One alternative put forward was having a team based at Waikato stadium in Hamilton. league is pretty strong in that region apparently, its only 1hr from Auckland, and the Auckland-Hamilton rivalry is pretty big, in union anyway.

Dunedin doesn't really have a league pedigree, Christchurch not much of one these days. Wellington would be the only other alternative - mind you, getting crowds of 10k in the Cake Tin. Depressing atmosphere.

Snorky33

March 9th, 2012, 11:56 AM

"Jesse Ryders' got a fat arse & a small dick...nek minnit"

cambennett

March 9th, 2012, 09:57 PM

^^Mr Kiwifruit and chance of removing the troll?

cambennett

March 9th, 2012, 10:01 PM