Sports news, analysis, opinions, and rumors
From the Last Word on Rugby department. Over the years of his International coaching career, Steve Hansen looks like a man who is becoming more comfortable in his role. The success of the team during his term (2004-11 Assistant/2012-present as Head Coach) appears to have given Hansen confidence to show his personality. If ever there […] READ MORE
The outcome of the game was an All Blacks win. And each side will walk away with questions over 'what went wrong' as much as 'what did we do right'. READ MORE
In the epic climax to a thrilling test series, rugby fans worldwide are the beneficiaries. The United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, will be enthralled. The anticipation of a rebuke from the home side or a more confident Lions team entering the 'fortress' of Eden Park, the implications for the Lions 2017 tour pinboard are truly mesmerizing. READ MORE
While the execution let the side down in the end; in the opening attacking play, and in the middle of the second half, this Lions team showed the glimpses that everyone knew they possessed. Quality players, good motivation and combined strength. But with mixed messages issued from the coaches box, it had a counter-intuitive affect. READ MORE
And on every occasion the two sides have faced the other, it has required a total effort. Where both the new stars of the day, and the old hands combine to see off that challenge. READ MORE
Last Word on Rugby, by Scott Hornell. The presure is now on, as Steve Hansen names his All Blacks ‘wider training group’ for the DHL Lions Series. The selected 33 men will be challenged to hold-up the aura of the New Zealand team, and the New Zealand (NZ) rugby public’s expectation. That factor will weigh […] READ MORE
Last Word on Rugby, by Scott Hornell. Overnight, the Kieran Read injury sustained during the Cheetahs v Crusaders game has raised concerns for the New Zealand All Blacks team. That, along with minor surgery taken by Jerome Kaino and an ankle sprain for Ben Smith, places a injury-cloud over the inbound British and Irish Lions […] READ MORE
In the end, it was a factory like performance by the All Blacks, as they won the opening Rugby Championship match. Won handsomely in fact, as the Australian team was dismantled expertly. Clinching the victory 42-8, based mostly on a staggering first half that saw ups and downs. Those ups came all for the visitors, […] READ MORE
As the All Blacks had made good preparations over the week, news broke today that sudden injury had hit the selected match-day squad. It subdued the quiet confidence building within the group. While not ideal, it might not be devastating because every one of the players involved knows that everyone of them have a part […] READ MORE
On Saturday August 20, The Rugby Championship begins. The annual competition between SANZAAR partners South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina generate plenty of interest worldwide. In readiness for that important initial clash next Saturday, an All Blacks squad travels across the Tasman to continue a battle with their closest rivals. This first match will see […] READ MORE