Afternoon Sport

Chris Rattue talks about the rise of the Warriors and how good of an advertisement for afternoon sport the weekend's game was.

He says this about afternoon games:

Sunday's match was certainly a great advert for something: afternoon sport.

The clear light, a lack of dew and the effect of the heat which tires defenders can produce the sort of extravaganza in which Ivan Cleary's side blitzed Brisbane with razzle-dazzle tries.

And this is exactly what the NZRU should be taking notice of.  The Super 14 in New Zealand which is invariably played under lights is robbing the competition of the spectacles we should expect.

We get the line rolled out that the games need to be scheduled at those times to cater for the world wide audience.  Has anyone actually thought about the fact that it doesn't matter what time you schedule a game, no-one will watch if the product is crap? 

Basic handling skills and mistakes are something consistently being lamented by the rugby following public and I put this down to the time of day (or more specifically night) these games are taking place.  It's no wonder fans are struggling to get into the competition when the Super 14 serves up the same dour gameplay week in and week out whereas you have the choice of watching an exciting NRL game. 

There are those that are saying you can't compare the codes as they are completely different sports.  I along with others are comparing them every weekend and making our decision by one simple action - changing the channel.

Tua vs Ahunanya

Tua steps back in the ring tonight against Friday the 13th Ahunanya.

I just can't see how this wont be an early round knockout for Tua.   Shane Cameron took Ahunanya to late rounds and we all know what Tua did to Cameron.

As usual the spin doctors are trying to talk up "Friday the 13th" but another good 'ol smackdown will be the order of the day.

NZ vs Aussie - Day 4

Note for next Australian cricket tour - Don't rev up Mitchell Johnson!

Once again Johnson has ripped the heart of our top order and we are now staring down the barrel of another comprehensive loss at the hands of the Aussies.

If you look at the wicket haul by our bowlers in the first session you could be forgiven for thinking it was a great session for NZ.  That's before you pan over to the runs column which shows that Aussie scored a massive 178 runs!  Clearly they had a pressing appointment somewhere because they showed no mercy to our bowlers leaving us 479 to chase.

On cue our woefully inadequate top order collapsed like a poorly made pavlova and left our unlikely run chase in tatters. 

I've been doing some in depth research on this tour and have pinpointed the reason for our poor performance:   Aussie are good - we are crap.

Ernie vs Tiger

The US Masters golf tournament starts next week and I am looking forward to the Ernie Els / Tiger Woods clash.

Els has been quite damning of Woods particularly around the timing of his staged press conference which he called Tiger "selfish".   This is sure to create a bit of tension and it would be great to see the tournament officials pair these two for the first couple of rounds.

Aside from the personal digs this match up would provide a very interesting spectacle.  Ernie Els has just won his last two USPGA tour events and Woods is returning to the course for the first time in 2010.   No doubt they would be the most followed pair around Augusta and it would be sure to boost ratings even more than they are likely to be.

Day 3 - NZ vs Aussie

Unfortunately things are looking pretty dire for the Blackcaps.

The Aussies showed us yesterday exactly how to apply yourself on a pitch that has no real demons.  They are now over 300 runs ahead with two days to play.  A quick look at the weather forecast doesn't provide any hope so it looks like the game will go the distance.  Actually when I say it will go the distance I mean we will probably be bowled out.

At the current rate we will be chasing something in the region of 400-450 which is a mammoth task for any team batting last let alone a struggling NZ batting line up.

We need to bowl the Aussies out and quickly!  Cricket can be a funny game and you never know we just might be able to do it.   History suggests we wont.

As I said yesterday, the third day was critical in deciding this match.  The Aussies knew this and now are in a commanding position.

Give the ball to Bond Mills O'Brien.........   or Martin?

Warriors

Who would have picked it?  I certainly didn't!

At the start of the season I didn't think the Warriors stood a chance.  That's why the unbelievable 48-16 thrashing of Brisbane was a pleasant surprise.  An even bigger surprise was the fact they managed to beat them in Brisbane.

The second half try blitz had me out of my chair and screaming in joy at the television.  The free-flowing style of league on display was extremely entertaining.

To me, having a strong halfback in James Maloney has been a huge influence in the Warriors good form thus far.  If we think back to the periods where the Warriors have played well they had the services of Stacey Jones who could spark their attack and run the plays.  Maloney scored 26 points yesterday which equalled the club record and firmly announced his arrival at the Warriors.

I also think the calming influence of Brent Tate in the backline has been beneficial and as they say "nothing beats experience".

I don't want to build my expectations too high on a team that has a history of disappointing but so far I am very impressed.

Tips of the Week - Post Mortem

I managed a return of $42 which equates to a $8 loss.

The Highlanders ruined my multi after blowing a huge lead to eventually win by 12 and under.   The Hurricanes were very average in losing and the Bulls managed to scrape through with a 13 point victory.

St George romped home as expected and was an easy $26.   The same can be said for Shezoneoftheboys who nailed the NZ Trotting Derby for a $16 return.

Tennis Ball didn't disgrace himself in finishing 5th in the Free For All which as expected was won by Baileys Dream although was a close run thing.

Top 20 for Brown

Mark Brown has finished 20th in the latest European Golf Tour event and continues his consistent form over the last few weeks. 

As I have blogged previously he is a very talented golfer and has won several times on the European Tour.  It appears he is getting his game together so I wont be suprised to see him up amongst the leaders in the coming weeks.

Cambo bombed in his PGA Tour event and surely now must be wondering where he goes from here.

Day 2 - NZ vs Aussie

Today was dominated by one person - Ross Taylor. 

Taylor smashed 138 and in the process completed the fastest hundred in NZ test match history (81 balls). His six hitting ability was again to the fore including one over where he took Hauritz for 25 of a solitary over!  The pity was no other NZ batsman really stood up and built a partnership with Taylor.  The result was a paltry 33 run lead on a pitch that we could have tightened the screws and compiled a large lead.  I have to say that was extremely disappointing.

I don't want to sound negative but Ross Taylor was extremely lucky and if the Aussies were fielding to their usual high standard he wouldn't have made double figures.   He was dropped three times and while he went on to make a magnificent century he still hasn't found that balance in his agressive batting style that will deliver the consistency that is required at test match level. 

He has enormous talent and is undoubtedly the class batsman in this NZ team.  His average of 43 with 5 centuries is an impressive record but he has the ability to put even better numbers on the board.  I hope he finds that balance because he will develop into one of our all time greats if he does.

Back to the test match.... the Aussies have knocked off our lead with consumate ease and once again our bowlers will be under the microscope.   We need another top notch performance and cant let Aussie get away on us today.   If we do I think barring any weather issues we will struggle batting last.

Today is the defininig day.   Let's see if we're up to it.

Day 1 - NZ vs Aussie

This was probably one of the most impressive displays I have seen from a Blackcaps bowling attack.  Early on the first day it seemed normal transmission would resume as our wayward attack proved no match for the Aussie batsman.

Thankfully we managed to collect wickets on a semi regular basis before we blitzed them in the third session.

Southee took four wickets and somehow I have a feeling we saw him come of age.  We saw glimpses of it in the 20/20 matches but he really stood up and took the game by the scruff of the neck.  If he manages to perform well with the ball in the second innings he will pretty much cement his place in the test team.

Daniel Vettorri.  What can you say?  In his 100th test match he continued his outstanding form.  The control he possesses over the ball is nothing short of amazing and he bamboozled the Aussies frequently and ended up taking four wickets himself.

To bowl Australia out for 231 was a very good effort indeed.  Our aim must be to bat the entire day today.  If we can achieve that we can then start to build a lead.  We have not beaten Australia in a test match since 1993 but we have now put ourselves in a position to win if we can hold our nerve and play some consistent cricket.

Tips of the week.

Okay.... let's see if we can make some money.

This is where I'll be putting my $50 this weekend.

$10 Multi - Highlanders 13+,  Hurricanes to win, Bulls 13+
Highlanders should finally chalk up a victory and against a hapless Lions outfit it should be a comfortable win.   The Hurricanes have been pretty average over the past few weeks but should have too much class for the sharks.   The Bulls are the form team of the competition and quite frankly I think they will smash the Force.    RETURN $49.30

$20 Head to Head  NRL  St George vs North Queensland
This is the anchor bet of the weekend with St George at home paying $1.30.  St George have had a storming start to the 2010 season and I can't see North Queensland stopping them this weekend.  RETURN $26.00

$10 NZ Trotting Derby (Meeting 8 Race 6) Fixed Odds - Win
Shezeoneoftheboys is undefeated and looks likely to score again particularly from the 3 draw.  I'd take the $1.60 on offer.  RETURN $16.00

$10 Free For All  (Meeting 8 Race 10)   Tote odds
Baileys Dream is sure to be the hotpot in this one so for a little bit of value I'm putting $5 each way on Tennis Ball.   He won his last start and is likely to be there or thereabouts.  RETURN tbd.

Brown in the hunt

Mark Brown is only one shot off the pace after the first round of the latest European Tour golf event.

He's definitely been improving over the last few weeks and I hope he can hold his form over the next three days.

With Cambo pretty much done and dusted we need another star to emerge - Brown could be that star.

Rene Ranger

Chris Rattue on Rene Ranger:

Rene Ranger. Now there's the future for rugby, even if Ranger's own future is clouded at the moment by an upcoming court case.

Yes it certainly is.  Without this hanging over his head there would be no doubt of his case for inclusion in the All Blacks.

How did Ben Smith end up in the All Blacks last year while Rene Ranger didn't? Actually, how did Smith end up in the All Blacks full stop?

Completely disagree - Ben Smith has been a standout in Super 14 this year and that's no mean feat in an underperforming team such as the Highlanders.

What Ranger proved again with his smashing performance against the Brumbies is that rugby does not have to be a claustrophobic chess battle. There is still room for a few blockbusting superstars.

Exactly what I was thinking when watching him in the weekend.  Not only is he a big man but he has got pace to boot.  We only need to see what a certain J Lomu did with those attributes although I think Ranger has better all round ball skills.

Here is one example of how the Ranger factor works. The Sydney press is writing about Ranger danger when the Blues play the Waratahs on Saturday night.

This is priceless pre-match publicity that Jane and Smith never attract.

Agree that Corey Jane probably doesn't provide the presence that someone like Ranger does but there is no doubt how impressive Jane was for the All Blacks last year.  The interesting thing will be to see if Rene Ranger can produce consistent performances for the entire Super 14.

Williamson in

From the Herald online:

Northern Districts 19-year-old Kane Williamson has been included in the New Zealand cricket team to contest the second test against Australia in Hamilton this week.

Good to see this very promising talent called into the Blackcaps.  Sure he is young but with 19 first class matches under his belt he is sporting a very good average of 48.34.  He has scored 4 hundreds and 6 fifties and in my mind has done everything he can to warrant a call up.

I hope the selectors actually play him, he is quite a useful offspinner also and in Hamilton (his home ground) he could provide some real value to a team down on confidence.

Bet a lazy $5

I see the Blackcaps are now paying $9.00 to win the second test match at Hamilton.   Probably money wasted but at those odds it's worth a lazy five bucks.

Anti Climax or what?

Well the dream didn't come true and we have been smashed by 10 wickets by the Aussies.    Probably not a huge surprise but after the morning started so well with Brendon McCullum  (he bought me a Heineken once) scored his hundred of the third ball of the morning hopes were rising quickly.

Once he went fairly shortly after things went downhill and we only managed to score another 40 odd runs.  Just to rub it in Aussie dispatched the 100 odd runs in super quick time without losing a wicket.

Off to Hamilton for the second test and a chance to restore some pride.  I would suggest the top order will be looked at very closely after another poor test match....

Hayman

There is a lot of comment about Carl Hayman's decision to take up a contract in France instead of returning to NZ for the world cup.

I have no problem with his decision as it is a personal choice and he needs to make Hay(man) while the sun shines.  If a couple of million dollars was waved in front of me I'd take it as well.   Hayman has been up front and said the decision was based around financial reasons and the fact he has honest instead of rolling out the standard bullshit "it's a great opportunity" is refreshing.

There has been further comment around the NZ Rugby Union's policy to insist players who wish to play for the All Blacks must play their provincial rugby in New Zealand.  I applaud this stance and hope they stay firm. 

The result of allowing rugby players to be selected from overseas will mean a highly diluted local competition.  In a small country such as NZ this would be a bitter blow.  

The other consideration is how the selectors are supposed to determine how good a players form really is?  Different competitions will have different standards of play.  A player may stand out in one competition purely due the lower standard and this is hard for selectors to identify.  At least when all your potential players are in the same competition you can compare apples with apples.

At the moment the All Black jersey still provides enough of an incentive for players to stay in New Zealand therefore the current policy should be retained.

Thanks Vettori, McCullum and the wind!

Unbelievable scenes at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

It was day four in a test match that NZ were getting smashed but thanks to the wind and a gritty display from both Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum  (he bought me a Heineken once) have now seen the Blackcaps with an unlikely 60 run lead with four wickets in hand.

I have two enduring memories of yesterday.  Firstly the sight of the groundsman carrying the large covers out to the pitch before the wind caught them and the blew across the ground like a spinnaker - some poor bugger decided to hang onto the covers and was dragged halfway across the ground!  Secondly the 500kg roller was no match as the wind pushed it several metres, it's bloody 500kg!!!!!

The Aussies did not like being out in the field in those conditions, but lets be honest who would?  The good thing was that NZ capatilised on that situation.  Vettori provided an outstanding knock of 77 and proved once again he is our best cricketer since Hadlee.  McCullum  (he bought me a Heineken once) was left at 94 not out after producing a mature and patient innings.  I hope Bazza can go on to rack up three figures.   It was also pleasing to see the support Darryl Tuffey gave at the other end and there is no doubt his batting has improved out of sight.

A draw from a position where we followed on after a dismal first innings would be a monumental achievement but is still a long way off.   If I was to start dreaming I could see the Blackcaps batting for the best part of two sessions before rolling Australia to take the win......   I did say I was dreaming!

Kiwi golfers in the money

It's good to see Tim Wilkinson back in the money this week on the USPGA Tour.  Sure he finished 46th but it is still a huge effort to make the cut on this ultra competitive tour.   Tim needs some strong finishes to ensure he retains his card on the tour and it would be a huge blow to NZ golf if he is unable to do so.

On the European tour Mark Brown has finished 56th which now makes it consecutive weeks in the money for him.  Mark had a huge year two years a go with multiple wins on the tour so definitely has the talent to compete on this tour. 

Two guys to watch closely this year.

Weekend Picks - Post Mortem

Another blockbuster weekend of wall to wall sport. 

Blues vs Brumbies   My Pick - Blues.   Result - Blues.
A confidence building result for the Blues - a four try blitz over a ten minute period led by an ever improving Rene Ranger secured a bonus point win for the home team.

Bulls vs Hurricanes  My Pick - Hurricanes.  Result - Bulls
This was my upset pick of the weekend that was so close to coming through!  The Hurricanes shot out to a 12 point lead by the Bulls clawed their way back.  Only a late penalty by the Bulls gave them a two point victory.  Bulls still looking good in this years comp - good teams find a way to win.

Crusaders vs Lions  My Pick - Crusaders.  Result - Crusaders
Like taking candy from a baby.  Not a vintage performance by the Crusaders but still far too good for the Lions.

Highlanders vs Sharks  My Pick - Highlanders.  Result - Sharks
The Highlanders at home playing a team that had not won this season should have nailed a victory.  The fact they didn't was a disgrace and has to bring into question their status as a Super 14 franchise.  Another lacklustre season for the boys down south.

Dragons vs Bulldogs  My Pick - Dragons   Result - Dragons
The Dragons showed they will be a real title contender with a comprehensive win.  I thought this would be a bit closer.

Warriors vs Sharks  My Pick - Warriors   Result - Warriors
Good confidence building win by the Warriors.  They lost Seymour right before kickoff but it didn't seem to affect them too much. 

Eels vs Manly  My Pick - Manly  Result - Eels
Manly were cruising at 20 nil but Eels further confirmed the unpredictability of this competition with stirring come from behind performance.

Manchester United vs Liverpool  My Pick - Man U.  Result - Man U
2-1 victory and United cement their spot at the top of the table.  

Arsenal vs West Ham  My Pick - Arsenel.   Result - Arsenel
Arsenal came away with a well deserved victory.  They did everything they could to lose however with one man sent off and then they conceded a penalty.  Fortnately for them West Ham were trying even harder to lose and missed their penalty chance but allowed Arsenal to score theirs.

Blackburn vs Chelsea  My Pick - Chelsea.  Result - Draw
This is one Chelsea really needed to nail but they just seem like they cant win when the pressure is really on.  This gives Man U 2 clear points at the top of the table from Arsenal with Chelsea 4 points behind with a game in hand.


Slightly better effort that last week with 6/10.

Weekend Picks

Another busy sporting weekend.   I've selected a few games to tip on this week.

Rugby
Blues vs Brumbies. 
I'll give this one to the Blues in a close one.  Home advantage should see them right after the bye last weekend.

Bulls vs Hurricanes
Bulls are averaging nearly 50 points a match and the Canes have been struggling.  Everything points to a Bulls win but I'm going to call an upset on this.  Hurricanes (just)

Crusaders vs Lions
Even though they have rested 6 All Blacks the Crusaders should still win this with a bonus point.

Highlanders vs Sharks
Both teams have struggled so far this year.  Once again I think home advantage will be the difference here. Highlanders to win.

NRL
Dragons vs Bulldogs
Should be another cracking Friday night game.  NRL games are tough to pick in such a close competition but Dragons for me in this one.

Warriors vs Sharks
Back at Mt Smart Stadium for their first home game.  I saw enough last week against the Titans to suggest the Warriors will win their fair share of games.   Warriors comfortably.

Eels vs Manly
Two of the more favoured teams and also two teams that lost their first game.  Should be another close encounter but I'm going for Manly.

English Football
Only three sides in the race for title, let's take a look at their games.

Manchester United vs Liverpool
Man U are leading the comp by 2 points but have played one more than second place Chelsea.  They will be up for this one and should put an inconsistent Liverpool away.

Arsenal vs West Ham
The Arse have fought on well to keep in the title race.  On paper this should be an easy victory but West Ham are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone.  Nonetheless Arsenal for me.

Blackburn vs Chelsea
A Ryan Nelson-less Blackburn who sit mid table don't really have much to play for in this one.  Chelsea will be smarting after being unceremoniously dumped from the Champions League midweek and should take their frustrations out on Blackburn.  Chelsea to win.

Another boxing joke

From Stuff:

New Zealand heavyweight boxer Shane Cameron won his comeback fight in farcical fashion when his Australian opponent John Hopoate was disqualified in the second round of their Melbourne bout. Australian referee Malcolm Bulmer stopped the fight 43s into the second round of their 10 round fight with Hopoate guilty of persistent holding and wrestling tactics. Hopate stormed from the ring and the result also left Cameron's camp livid, believing the referee stopped the fight too early.

Yet another boxing farce in a sport struggling for credibility at the best of times.  I'm a boxing fan but I feel sorry for the people who forked out $24.95 to watch this garbage on Sky.

The Aussie Test

The Blackcaps will have to experience an unbelievable turn around in test match form to have any chance of beating the Australians.

We definitely have the talent amongst our batting lineup but generally don't have the ability to apply ourselves for long periods of time - unfortunately that's the key to test matches.

The other worrying consideration is whether our bowling attack has enough firepower to roll the Aussies twice.

Aussie have won the toss and have decided to bat - let's see if we can get some early scalps.

Tiger is a smart man

While the world's media goes crazy over the decision Tiger Woods has made to return to golf at the US Masters I sit back and say "well played".

The media are accusing Woods of playing it safe behind the protection the Masters provide.  They say he knows with the strict behaviour requirements and restricted media access he will get a far easier ride.

Of course he will - and he knows it!!  It a is a smart play by Woods to do this and I applaud him.  If you had an opportunity to slip back into professional golf without being subjected to a potentially hostile crowd and a frenzied tabloid media you would take it every time.

I want to see him play golf and that's it.   The PGA Tour needs him and golf is a far better sport with him and I for one am looking forward to seeing him tee it up again.

Weekend Picks post mortem

Another busy sporting weekend, let' see how I did.....

Chiefs vs Crusaders    My Pick:  Chiefs    Result:  Crusaders
I really thought this was a golden opportunity for the Chiefs to stamp their mark on the 2010 Super 15 but the class of the Crusades prevailed.  A loss at home like that will hurt the Chiefs and they will need to lift their game big time if they want to be serious contenders.

Auckland Trotting Cup   My Pick:  Monkey King    Result: Monkey King
Monkey King looked a little tired and wasn't at his best but he is a tough horse and took advantage of a very nice run in the trail for most of the race.  An amazing year for Monkey King winning the NZ Cup, The Free for All, Miracle Mile, Second in the Interdominions and now winning the Auckland Cup.

Eels vs Dragons   My Pick:  Eels     Result: Dragons
A close game as predicted but the Dragons did the business.

Cricket - NZ vs Aussie  My Pick:  Aussie   Result: NZ
This was a tip I didn't mind getting wrong.  Finally a strong bowling peformance by the Black Caps.   I'm looking forward to the test matches but am not confident we can compete.

Football - Sydney vs Phoenix   My Pick: Sydney  Result: Sydney
This game will probably be remembered more for the hand ball which resulted in a Sydney goal.  To be honest I don't think it would have made a huge difference to the result of the game with Sydney dominating in most aspects.  A fantastic season by the Phoenix and continues the surge of football in New Zealand.

Titans vs Warriors  My Pick:  Titans    Result:  Titans
Half way through this encounter I thought the Warriors just might pull this off but a lacklustre last 30 minutes ensured the Titans got the two points.   I saw enough from this Warriors team (particularly the new half combination) to suggest they will win their fair share of games.


So 3 out of 6 for a 50% record this weekend.  Not great but not bad.

Monkey is the King

Monkey King has topped off an amazing season by winning the Auckland Cup tonight. 

His brilliant season started by winning the NZ Trotting Cup followed by the Free For All in the same week.  He then went on to win the Miracle Mile in Aussie before finishing second in the Interdominions.

He's stamped his mark on Harness Racing and can now be mentioned in the same breath as all of the other great harness racers.

There is no doubt that this Monkey is the king.

Sporting paradise this weekend

A HUGE sporting weekend.   Here's the highlights and my tips:

Tonight

Auckland Trotting Cup - I'm looking forward to this.  Half a million dollars on the line and there is a great field.   My pick is Monkey King who has been on fire this season with Changeover in second.  Georgetown is another to watch and will be at good odds.

Super 14. Chiefs vs Crusaders.   Big game to start the weekend.  Although the Crusaders will be favoured I think Chiefs will win this.

NRL starts this weekend.  Should be a cracker opening match with the Eels taking on the Dragons.  I'm picking the Eels in a close one.

Saturday

Cricket.  Us vs the Aussies.  Another smashing at the hands of the Aussies I'm thinking.

Football.   Phoenix vs Sydney.   Undoubtedly the sporting highlight of this weekend.  The Phoenix have been on an unbelievable roll but now must travel to Sydney to try to book a place in the final.  My heart says Phoenix but this Sydney teams is full of class and I just can't see the Phoenix being able to beat them.  Sydney 1-0.

Sunday

NRL. Titans vs Warriors. This is a tough first up game for the Warriors. I can't seem them beating the Titans on the Gold Coast - a place where the Titans lost only twice last year. Titans by plenty.


Definitely a great weekend to spend on the couch!

Rain delays - what a joke

I attended the cricket at Eden Park yesterday.  The absolute hammering at the hands of the Australians was bad enough but having to sit for an hour and half waiting for the second innings to start was in perfectly good playing conditions was a joke!

At worst there was a misty drizzle which judging by those exposed to the elements in the stands who remained in their seats and the players continuing to warm up on the field indicated it was not going to cause any issues.  But no.... the over precious decision makers decided it was too dangerous and play was delayed. 

There were thousands of people who paid good money to be provided with entertainment but for some reason the best interests of the customer (you know the person who pays the wages) are not taken into consideration.   They should have started on time at 6.02pm.  The full 50 overs would have been available and there would have been plenty of time to use them if required.  The customer would have got value for their money rather than be short-changed once again.

They simply need to harden up and play even if conditions are not 100% perfect - that's what the public demand and that's what they should get.

Aussies too good

Let's be honest.   Are we really surprised that Australia coasted to a comfortable 6 wicket win last night in Hamilton?

Traditionally for NZ cricket teams to compete with Australia we need to have our best players on the park.  When you run through the list of absent players I think our expectations may be set a little high in this series - those off the top of my head I can think of are:  Ryder, Mills, Oram not to mention injury clouds hanging over Vettori and Taylor.

That's not to say we shouldn't expect a good performance and to be honest a couple of selection decisions have me scratching my head.   Firstly Mason, he has never set the world on fire and to be honest has only really helped opposition players increase their strike rates.  To me someone like Ian Butler who has performed well in domestic cricket and has international experience would have been a better option.   Peter Ingram athough exciting when he gets going has proven that against quality opposition he doesn't have neither the skill or the technique.  I do think he was worth a shot but we must now accept this is a failed experiment and bring back Lou Vincent who in my opinion should have been there from the start.

So we move onto Auckland this Thursday 2-1 down in the series.  A must win game and we need all our players to fire  (particularly the top order) or we could be in for another tough day.

The beautiful game - Oh yes it is!!

The Phoenix have triumphed in extra time 3-1 against the Newcastle Jets and all I can say is what an advertisement for football.

The game had it all.  Sweeping movements from one end of the pitch to the other, dramatic extra time and balls firing off the woodwork with uncanny regularity.

The Phoenix dug deep and showed a hell of a lot of guts.  A number of the team had traveled with the All Whites to Los Angeles mid week but they were still running strongly during extra time.  Sure the skill level wasn't A-Grade at all times but what it lack in skill at times it made up for in buckets full with the drama and atmosphere.

Nearly 33,000 fans turned up to support the boys and is a reflection of the growing popularity of football in this country.  I hope NZ Football seizes this golden opportunity to grow the game in this country, there's no doubt it has all the elements of a great sport and there is no wonder it is the most popular game in the world.

It's 1 All

The Aussies managed to beat us by 12 runs tonight.   To be honest I'm pretty proud of the effort - we had four down before we had 50 on the board and the boys fought right to the end.

Styris played well but the man for me was Vettori - is there nothing this man cant do?  70 off 49 balls - he is an absolute legend.

This result should guarantee sold out crowds for the next 3 games and if we can get Taylor back I think we are a big chance of taking out this series.

Chiefs *shakes head*

What's up with the Chiefs?  Three wins away from home including two elusive wins in the republic then in front of a good home crowd get beaten by the Reds.   If they are trying to empty their stadium they are going about it in the right way.

A bumbling ineffectual performance which capped off a pretty average week in the Chiefs camp with Sione Lauaki being questioned by police.  Note to management - RED FLAG!  He's been in trouble before with the cops not to mention is serving a two match ban presently for a spear tackle.  I would let him go now - the team don't need any other distractions.

Styris brings us home!

It's one minute after Styris just hit a six to beat the Aussies and put us 1-0 up in the series.

A tense game that showed just how important experience is - Styris under huge pressure brought us home.

Make no mistake this is a huge win.  With no Vettori and a batsman down we still managed to beat a team who have not been defeated this summer in a ODI.

The game had it all and threatened to boil over with an altercation mid pitch between Styris and Mitchell - no guessing who eventually came out on top with that one.  Bond chimed in unexpected fashion with some very useful boundaries late in the game.

We won and simply because of that fact it was a great game.  Woot!

Tiger to return soon?

Stuff reported today:

Tiger Woods is back at home after a week of family counselling in Arizona and is trying to get into a routine that includes golf and fitness, a person with knowledge of his schedule has revealed.

Let's hope Tiger is back playing soon.   The tour has been boring as batshit without him and I want to see him break Jack Nicklaus's major record. 

I don't give a toss what he does off the course.  His golf is the reason I watch him and there's no doubt he's good for the game.   I do note the number of woman he supposedly shagged equals the number of majors he has won - perhaps a reward he gives himself for each win?

Oram or Ignore Him?

Jacob Oram.  Give him the boot seems to be the word on the street.  Should he stay or should he go?

After two pretty average efforts with both the ball and the bat in T20's against Australia I have to admit I was firmly in the "boot Oram" camp.

To be honest it was an emotional reaction and on retrospect maybe he should be involved in the upcoming ODI series.  With that in mind I've done some research to see whether my gut feeling was justified.

This season has seen five innings with a top score of 83 (sure only Bangladesh but you've still gotta score them) and a 33 not out.  Taking into account his role in these games where he was required to come in late in the innings to slog it's no worse return than probably most of the other batsmen.  Even with a poor T20 series he still warrants a go in the one dayers with that form.

The rest of 2009 was pretty much a disaster. Eight other innings with a top score of 25.  Being the freshest memories to most people it's no wonder they are calling for his head.  Only a top bowling performance during that period could justify his place.  The stats don't lie.... 11 wickets at 35 with a best return of 3/20, not amazing,  BUT with an economy rate of 4.11 which in modern cricket is very impressive.

To me he is filling the "Gavin Larsen" role.  A stock bowler who isn't flashy but doesn't go for many runs.  We all know his explosive power with the bat and that's what most people are judging him on.  Dan Vettori has indicated he is there more for his bowling and the stats back him up.

In true couch expert style I have done a 180 and decided he should be there for the first two ODI's vs Australia.   But be warned, I'm fickle and if he doesn't perform he's out!