Month: June 2017
All Blacks: Ben Smith ruled out of rest of Lions series
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has ruled out selecting fullback Ben Smith for the third test against the British and Irish Lions a week on Saturday due to the player’s concussion issues.Hansen today said even if Smith, now back home…
Lions replace captain for second test against All Blacks
The British and Lions have changed their captain once again.Sam Warburton will lead the Lions in the second test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday with first test skipper Peter O’Mahony dropped from the squad. …
Rugby: All Blacks brush aside Lions late hit controversy
It is the rugby version of let sleeping dogs lie. The All Blacks continue to adhere to their policy that any possible foul play or unsavoury incidents against them that aren’t picked up by the officials, should be ignored.There…
Former US, Canada rugby coach Ric Suggitt dies at 58
LETHBRIDGE, Alberta (AP) ” Rugby coach Ric Suggitt, who guided national teams for both the United States and Canada, has died. He was 58.Suggitt, coach of the women’s team at the University of Lethbridge, died Tuesday from a medical…
Rugby: How the Lions will change their strategy
The All Blacks know the Lions are going to come back at them in Wellington harder and more determined. They can now assume the Lions are also going to play that little bit wider, more freely and throw more resource into the breakdown…
Wimbledon plot lines: What to watch
As tennis turns to Wimbledon, there’s been a bit of a throwback feel to this Grand Slam season so far.At the year’s first major tournament, the Australian Open in January, Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal for the men’s title, and…
Marina Erakovic one win away from Wimbledon
Marina Erakovic is one win away from qualifying for Wimbledon.The New Zealand tennis number one has beaten Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-1, 7-5 in her second round qualifying match at Roehampton.Erakovic will face 17-year-old Australian…
Rugby: Dropping O'Driscoll was daring this appears a bit desperate
Brian O’Driscoll in 2013. Now Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell. Warren Gatland certainly does not shy away from making the big calls. Four years ago it landed him a series win in Australia with O’Driscoll’s contentious replacement,…
Hockey: Black Sticks qualify for World Cup after beating Italy
The Black Sticks Women have qualified for the 2018 Hockey World Cup after defeating Italy 2-0 to progress to the semi finals in Brussels.Five automatic berths for the Women’s World Cup were available at the tournament with the Kiwis…