NZ | Sports Thread

[KLK]

I really hope this event takes off and becomes a tradition like the Sydney to Hobart race in Australia. Could be a real spectacle in the Harbour on Waitangi Day with a big flotilla, recreational boats, helicopters etc.

To be honest, the idea of cutting through the Cook Strait sounds really interesting - would be some great TV shots. There must be issues (wind?) with this not being the preferred route - it will only be used if weather is bad in the Tasman Sea.

Good news for Bluff too - not too many big events down that way I would imagine...

[metroman]

It would showcase our stunning coastline, would be great if that hotel is built in Dunedin, that would look impressive.

[Richard7666]

Originally Posted by KLK

I really hope this event takes off and becomes a tradition like the Sydney to Hobart race in Australia. Could be a real spectacle in the Harbour on Waitangi Day with a big flotilla, recreational boats, helicopters etc.

To be honest, the idea of cutting through the Cook Strait sounds really interesting - would be some great TV shots. There must be issues (wind?) with this not being the preferred route - it will only be used if weather is bad in the Tasman Sea.

Good news for Bluff too - not too many big events down that way I would imagine...

Tour of Southland, Burt Munro Challenge, Bluff Oyster Festival all feature Bluff quite prominently.

This would presumably be bigger though. Great news indeed.

[SYDNEY]

Fantastic news especially when you consider NZ and sailing are two peas in a pod

[SYDNEY]

Baker stars as Sevens ABs win in Republic

It was the Kurt Baker show as New Zealand claimed their first title of the 2012/13 rugby sevens world series and opened up a clear gap between themselves and the pack with a convincing showing on the final day of the South African leg this morning (NZT). Gordon Tietjens' men, who had suffered a 24-12 loss to Fiji in pool play yesterday, thrashed pool C winners Wales 35-5 in the quarterfinals, defended stoutly in a come-from-behind 12-5 semifinal win over South Africa, and humbled France 47-12 in the title decider at Port Elizabeth's Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It was New Zealand's first win of the series after finishing runners-up in the first two legs, to Fiji on Australia's Gold Coast and Samoa in Dubai. With nearest challengers Fiji tumbling out in the quarterfinals following a 15-12 loss to Argentina, and Samoa failing to even make the last eight after losses to Australia and South Africa in pool play yesterday, New Zealand have extended their lead in the overall championship from six to 16 points. They moved to 60 points, with Fiji on 44 and Samoa 39. Three of the nine legs have been completed. Baker, the Manawatu-born Taranaki fullback, was the star of finals day with seven tries ... MORE

[SYDNEY]

NZ keeps on winning from RWC - report

Long-term benefits of hosting the Rugby World Cup last year are likely to be more significant than winning the event, a government report says. Enduring benefits identified in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment study included positive visitor experiences, new connections, new major-event capability, infrastructure developments and raised interest in volunteering. Consistently high attendances at matches demonstrated the tournament's success, with 1.48 million matchday attendances and stadium capacity usage across the entire tournament reaching 94 per cent. Statistics New Zealand estimated 133,200 visitors from more than 100 countries attended, well above forecasts of 71,000 to 85,000 visitors. A key government goal in bidding for the tournament was to demonstrate New Zealand's ability to host major events. This was achieved, the report said. In most cases, necessary infrastructure was provided, with transport infrastructure performing "very well", despite major transport problems in Auckland on opening night, because of a larger-than-expected influx to the waterfront. Overall, sufficient accommodation was provided, with Tourism New Zealand identifying a pattern towards free and independent travel, including the widespread use of campervans. Auckland accommodation was full, but some parts of the country, particularly the South Island, had not been as well patronised as anticipated. "An understanding of the planning and operational excellence required to deliver major events is now embedded within government and the wider sports community," the report said. That was now being applied for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup and the Cricket World Cup in 2015, and the World Masters Games in 2017 ... MORE

[SYDNEY]

Never say never, if the Black Caps can do it then anything is possible

Black Caps make history

How quickly things can change. The Black Caps tour to forget has suddenly become one to remember as they claimed a historic one-day series victory over South Africa this morning. Set up by a brilliant 145 not out by Kane Williamson, the Black Caps bowlers, with the help of a record equalling five run outs, completed a 27-run win to take out the three-match series with one game remaining. Following a 2-1 defeat in the Twenty20s and a 2-0 thrashing in the test series, the Black Caps bounced back to make history with their first ever series win in South Africa. New Zealand set South African 280 to win on a decent Kimberley track and South Africa were in the box seat at 167 for one in the 30th over. However Graeme Smith (66) and Colin Ingram (79) fell within four overs of each other, which proved to be the turning point as the Black Caps took control of the match. South Africa were bowled out for 252 with nine balls remaining. Kyle Mills finished with the impressive figures of 2-28 from nine overs but it was the New Zealand fielding effort that constantly did the damage with Nathan McCullum and Martin Guptill both involved in two run outs each. The total five run outs in the South African innings equalled the one-day record, shared by nine other teams and the third time a New Zealand side has done it ... MORE

[mathlete]

Unbelievabe result. Who would've thought.

[Dazzle]

Not Me!!
Looks like we can only concentrate for one day

[SYDNEY]

Breakers in record win

The New Zealand Breakers are now into uncharted waters after securing a club record-setting ninth straight Australian NBL victory tonight, getting up 91-74 at the Wollongong Hawks. As we've now become accustomed to with this club it was a case of another night, another player's turn to take centre stage as they continue their impressive quest for a title threepeat. This time it was MVP-in-waiting import Cedric Jackson and rapidly improving bench man Leon Henry who led the way for the polished Kiwi club who mixed some slick offence with some outstanding defence as they massaged their record to a sumptuous 17-3. The win was also the Breakers' sixth straight on the road, an achievement that is now just one short of their club-best. Forced to make their fourth trip across the Tasman inside a month, the Breakers simply sucked it up and demonstrated the class that has many now rating them New Zealand's premier sporting franchise. Less than 48 hours after thumping the Sydney Kings at the NSEC, this glorious mix of seasoned vets, hardened competitors and emerging young talents jumped on the big bird once more and delivered yet another high-quality performance. Jackson, who's been content to play a support roles the last few games, was back to his brilliant best finishing with 18 points (8/28 FG), seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals in another virtuoso display ... MORE

[master_klon]

Legend. Hope to see him coaching our national team soon.

Guard of honour for Nelsen after last QPR game

Ryan Nelsen has been chanted off the field by Queens Park Rangers fans and teammates formed a guard of honour after his final English Premier League football match this morning (NZT). The former All Whites captain signed off from a wonderful playing career in typical fashion, with a solid display at the heart of QPR's defence as the hosts held title contenders Manchester City to a scoreless draw at Loftus Road in London. Nelsen had signalled that today's match would be his last before flying out to Canada to assume his new role as head coach of Toronto FC in North America's Major League Soccer. Though reports in England suggest QPR manager Harry Redknapp wants to keep him at Loftus Road a little longer as his team fights to get out of the relegation zone, the post-match scenes suggest this was it for the stalwart. Nelsen has been at QPR for less than a season but he's still won the fans over. As he applauded the faithful in the stands on his way off the pitch, they returned the favour with chants of 'There's only one Ryan Nelsen'. Nelsen's teammates, too, showed their respect for Nelsen's premier league career by forming a guard of honour as he left the field. ... MORE

[metroman]

http://tvnz.co.nz/othersports-news/f...ing-nz-5329791

[mathlete]

Originally Posted by master_klon

Legend. Hope to see him coaching our national team soon.

Lets see how he goes with Toronto first. Coaching is quite a change from actually playing, not all ex-players can pull it off. Good luck to him though.

[master_klon]

True, good luck to him.

[SYDNEY]

Lydia Ko exceeds even her own expectations

Lydia Ko thought her goals for this week's New Zealand Women's Golf Open were so lofty, she kept them to herself for fear of under-delivering. She dodged the topic pre-tournament, then exceeded the expectations anyway. The 15-year-old amateur, who yesterday beat 143 other golfers, most of them professional, to win at Clearwater by a single shot, had worked out a "top three" goal with mother Tina. "[I thought] that's pretty good in a professional tournament that's a pretty good job especially this one with 30-something LPGA players. This was a really good field and the LET [Ladies European Tour] players are great as well." Ko's win is her third in a professional tournament after picking up the New South Wales and Canadian Open titles last year. Ko started yesterday's third and final round tied for the lead and any nerves were soon eliminated with a birdie three at the first. She turned at two-under and ahead of her playing partners, but needed to keep scoring low as Australian Stacey Keating and American Amelia Lewis caught her. Lewis got hot in the middle of her round picking up six shots in six holes including an eagle on the par five 10th. Playing in the group in front of Ko, Lewis piled on the pressure, but let slip a golden opportunity to at least force a playoff. She three putted the final hole in front of the pro-Ko crowd meaning the home-town hero needed only make a four at the last to win ... MORE

[nthbeach]

Highlands Motorsport Park roaring into life

A year ago there was a wasteland area behind Cromwell's industrial zone, home to brown grass, moths and the odd rabbit. Today, a phenomenal amount of work and millions of dollars later, there is a world-class motorsport facility.

The Highlands Motorsport Park has 4.5 kilometres of pristine race track comprising three linked circuits. Drivers will negotiate over and around a bridge, lake, pine forest, a skid pad and some interesting twists, turns, cambers and corners.

The wealthy backer is Queensland-based racing car enthusiast and pet-food tycoon Tony Quinn. Since he took over the project last year, work has progressed rapidly.

Many locals were only vaguely aware of what was materialising on their back doorstep until it was almost completed.

In addition to the main track, there is a go-kart circuit, mini-golf course, national motorsport museum, cafe, restaurant, library, event centre, car restoration facility and a 48-bay "Gasoline Alley".

As the park took shape late last year, people caught on to what was happening and excitement grew, says operations manager Mike Sentch.

"Tony doesn't throw money around, but he wants everything done properly.The people of Cromwell have really embraced the project."

The tracks would mainly be used by members who pay a joining fee of around $25,000. Many will stable their cars at Gasoline Alley year round, Sentch says. Some might fly in from Australia or elsewhere, be helicoptered from Queenstown to Cromwell for a blast around the track, perhaps do a wine tour and then fly out, he says.

Local involvement is being encouraged with a host of initiatives planned such as a young-driver programme, go- kart club, annual pass system for the museum, as well as car club and specialist driver training opportunities.

The 88-hectare park has been developed with a great deal of originality, Sentch says. The location was chosen mainly because of its proximity to Queenstown's international airport and for the arid climate.

Two and a half thousand pine trees were removed to create the European-style wooded section of curved track, he says.

This, along with all other sections, would be monitored by an innovative camera system. Footage would be constantly fed to screens in a control room and a "First Intervention Vehicle" could be sent instantly if required.

"We have taken out a lot of trees, but there will be 20,000 new plants in the ground by the end," Sentch says. "We are also putting up a solar-power challenge to the schools and polytechnic, and working with developers of green technology in the car industry."

It was likely only three major race events would be hosted each year keeping "noise days" to a minimum. The first is likely to be the Australian GT Series scheduled for November.

Anybody passing aerially will get an extra dose of pride at the sight of the park's giant silver fern, formed by a berm planted with many hundreds of native tussocks.

The Highlands Motorsport Park officially opens at Easter on March 30-31 with demonstrations of old and contemporary New Zealand race cars. Also opening will be the National Museum of Motorsport. Already open is the Nose Cafe/ Restaurant and Wine Tasting.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsp...ring-into-life

[BrizzyChris]

Seeing as Kiwis will be paying more attention to the Super Rugby than a lot of Aussies....you guys should join in the Super Rugby Thread in the Sports Lounge.

[SYDNEY]

Black Sox take record-breaking world title

Captain Rhys Casley has shrugged off a shoulder injury to blast a big three-run home run and lead the Black Sox to a record-breaking sixth world softball championship gold medal. The Black Sox, who have been in eight successive world championship finals - surely one of New Zealand sport's most consistently successful teams - beat Venezuela 4-1 in Auckland this afternoon. Casley repaid coach Eddie Kohlhase's faith to the delight of 3500 delirious New Zealand softball fans crammed into Rosedale Park where Queen's big bit We Are The Champions blared out from the speakers. Kohlhase - now the first New Zealand softballer to win a world title as a player and as a coach -retained Casley in the squad after the skipper aggravated a shoulder injury he had had surgery on late last year. The Black Sox selectors made a tough call to cut young outfielder Jerome Haretuku and bring Nathan Nukunuku to cover Casley's position at second base. But Kohlhase wanted Casley to stay for his leadership and batting talent ... MORE

[KLK]

I don't mind softball, but I think its time that all SPARC funding given to the sport be for the purpose of making the transition to baseball.

Baseball is going to be a huge sport globally - big in North America, Latin America and Asia, it has the numbers and a reach most sports could only dream of. Its starting to get its act together in terms of a truly global sport with the advent of the World Baseball Classic.

Many people I ask from north America and Asia consider softball to be for women or senior (old) men. Its why women's baseball was in the Olympics and men's wasn't.

We are clearly good (worlds best?) at softball, and pitching aside they are almost identical. So surely we should be able to transition from one to the other.

[Richard7666]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news...ectid=10871479

Invercargill's new sporting stadium will mark the start of the Silver Ferns quest to defend the Constellation Cup in 2013.

The Silver Ferns will start their international season with a five-test series against Australia - the first two in New Zealand - as they aim to retain the cup spoils they won for the first time last year.

The September 15 test will mark nearly three years to the day that the Stadium Southland roof collapsed under the weight of the heaviest snowfall the region has seen and will be the first test match in the newly restored arena. Netball New Zealand chief executive Raelene Castle said it was exciting to take the series to the deep South.

"As cup holders, we are looking forward to hosting the first two tests of the Constellation Cup and are excited to take the opening match to Invercargill's new stadium," Castle said.

"There is a great rivalry between the Silver Ferns and Australia and I think it is fitting to open the 2013 Silver Ferns international season in front of New Zealand's most passionate Southern supporters."

This will be the first time since 2009 that the Silver Ferns have played against the Australian Diamonds in Invercargill.

Auckland's Vector Arena will then host the last test on home soil on September 19 before the Silver Ferns cross the Tasman and play in Adelaide (October 4), Melbourne (October 7) and Canberra (October 13).

The Ferns will also play a three-test home series against an as yet unconfirmed team following the Constellation series.

If it's finished by then.