NZ Sports Life

NBA: Jeremy Lin - basketball's newest star

2012-02-12T16:23:00.001+13:00

"Who?" I hear you say.

The basketball world might forgive you if that was your reply because the New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin was a virtual unknown until about four games ago when he went four straight games with 20+ points including throwing down a career high 38 on Kobe's Lakers yesterday.

Undrafted out of Harvard University (one of only four NBA players in history from Harvard) in 2010, Lin was signed by Golden State but played very little and was released after a year so the Warriors could try and sign DeAndre Jordan which didn't go down. He signed with Houston during the lockout but was cut for much the same reason as in Golden State. The Knicks picked him up when Baron Davis was injured and he hasn't looked back. As the fourth string point guard behind Toney Douglas, Iman Shampert and Mike Bibby, Lin certainly took his chances. As well as the 38 against the Lakers last night, he had 23 points and 10 assists against the Wizards and 28 points and 8 assists against Utah. It's the first time in NBA history that a player starting in his first three games has scored 20 points in each. The starts came on the back of a 25 point, 7 assist outing against the Nets off the bench.

But it wasn't always this easy for the first Asian/American player to play in the NBA. Lin was a big time high school player at Palo Alto High School in California but despite him being named the Divison II player of the year, he received no athletic scholarship offers from any college in the country. He was guaranteed a spot in the Harvard basketball squad but since the school doesn't give out athletic scholarships, he did it all himself and spent four years there. Then Lin went undrafted in 2010 and the hard grind commenced. As well as his struggles for game time with the Warriors, Lin experienced some racial struggles with some media commentators labeling his signing by the Warriors a publicity stunt.

Turn the clock forward to February 2012 and the Jeremy Lin story has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood movie. The classic rags to riches, underdog story, Lin has become a household name and taking over the Vince Carter mantle of Lin-sanity instead of Vin-sanity certainly sums up the way people are taking this 23 year old: very seriously.

By Rhys Chamberlain

NBA: 2012 All Star starters named

Football: Is the EPL crown for 11-12 now the Battle of Manchester?

2012-02-06T20:47:00.000+13:00

By Alistair Banks

With 14 games to go in the English Premier League season, the race to win the title is hotting up. Realistically there are only three contenders left, the two Manchester giants and the surprising Tottenham Hotspur. Current leading the league by two points is Manchester City. Without a title since the '67-68, City, without a doubt have the most talented and deep squad in the competition. All they lack is the experience in a tight season-long battle. Their blistering early season form included massive wins at both United (6-1) and Spurs (5-1). However, in recent weeks their away form has been patchy, including 3 losses to Chelsea, Everton and Sunderland. One wonders whether they have the experience to win the title this year. Their remaining schedule includes tough away trips to Arsenal, Newcastle and Stoke, and home fixtures versus United and Chelsea.

United are the current champions and despite a number of injuries, their wily manager Sir Alex Ferguson has them just two points behind City. His ability to install belief in his chargers is unparalleled. Yesterday's comeback to snatch a 3-3 draw at Chelsea is a prime example of their never-say-die attitude. United's remaining schedule includes away games at City and Spurs, and a home battle with long time rival Liverpool.

Five points further back and with a decidedly tougher schedule are Tottenham. Spurs are enjoying their best season in over a decade, however they face four of the top 8 teams away as well as United and Chelsea at home in their remaining schedule. One wonders whether the title is a step too far this season. Their fans may have to be content with beating off London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for the 3rd Champions League spot.

The title may well come down to United's experience versus City's depth of talent. The two giants play each other at City's Etihad Stadium on April 28. It's highly likely that because they are within three points of each other at this stage, this battle in the penultimate round of the season will decide the title. City are unbeaten at home in the league this season and have conceded just six goals there in 12 games. United however eliminated them in the FA Cup at the Etihad in a 3-2 thriller. They have played each other three times this season and the goals have flowed - 17 in all.

The two Manchester giants haven't finished 1st and 2nd in the league since 1967-68, when City won their last title. Is this an omen? Or will United add to their already crowded trophy cabinet? It all remains to be seen, but be sure to mark April 28th on your calendar and watch what may well be the battle for the Premier league crown.

You can chew the fat with Alistair on the EPL, NBA and more on twitter at @steelbanks.

Sevens: New Zealand win Wellington leg

2012-02-05T12:30:00.000+13:00

New Zealand has beaten Fiji 24-7 in the final of the Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens series last night.

Frank Halai was the star scoring two tries in the final after his match winner against England (17-14) in the semi-final in the previous match. He was the top try scorer at the tournament with six and leads the series overall going into the Las Vegas leg this weekend.

New Zealand got off to a fast start and by halftime was up 24-0 before Fiji forced the Kiwis to defend for most of the second half. Tries to Halai, captain DJ Forbes ball player Tomasi Cama ensured that the match was all but won by halftime.

Fiji got a consolation late in the match when Waisea Nayacavelu scored, the only blemish in a fantastic defensive performance.

Fiji and New Zealand were level on points for the series before going into the Wellington leg, New Zealand now with a small lead after the win.

New Zealand 24 (Frank Halai 2, DJ Forbes, Tomasi Cama tries; Cama 2 con) Fiji 7 (Waisea Nayacavelu try; Metuisela Talebula con) HT: 24-0

- Rhys Chamberlain

NBA: 2012 All Star starters named

2012-02-03T17:27:00.000+13:00

Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will start for the East.

The All Star starters have been named for the main event in Orlando from February 24th - 26th. Orlando Magic big man Dwight Howard was the top vote getter with 1.6 million votes. The West starters feature four players from Los Angeles, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant the only player not from either the Lakers or Clippers while Kobe Bryant has been named to his 14th All Star game.

Eastern Conference starters:
G - Derrick Rose (Chicago)
G - Dwyane Wade (Miami)
F - LeBron James (Miami)
F - Carmelo Anthony (New York)
C - Dwight Howard (Orlando)

Western Conference starters:
G - Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
G - Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
F - Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City)
F - Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
C - Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers)

- Rhys Chamberlain

Sevens: Wellington Sevens Schedule 2012

2012-02-02T21:09:00.001+13:00

POOL A: New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, Japan

POOL B: South Africa, England, USA, Cook Islands

POOL C: Fiji, Wales, Argentina, Tonga

POOL D: France, Australia, Canada, Kenya

DAY 1 - Friday 3 February

MATCH NO.	POOL	TEAMS	TIME
1	B1 v B3	South Africa v USA	1:00
2	B2 v B4	England v Cook Islands	1:22
3	C1 v C3	Fiji v Argentina	1:44
4	C2 V C4	Wales v Tonga	2:06
5	D1 v D3	France v Canada	2.28
6	D2 v D4	Australia v Kenya	2:50
7	A1 v A3	New Zealand v Scotland	3:12
8	A2 v A4	Samoa v Japan	3:34
9	B1 v B4	South Africa v Cook Islands	3:56
10	B2 v B3	England v USA	4:18
11	C1 v C4	Fiji v Tonga	4:40
12	C2 v C3	Wales v Argentina	5:02
13	D1 v D4	France v Kenya	5:24
14	D2 v D3	Australia v Canada	5:46
15	A1 v A4	New Zealand v Japan	6:08
16	A2 v A3	Samoa v Scotland	6:30
17	B3 v B4	USA v Cook Islands	6:52
18	C3 v C4	Argentina v Tonga	7:14
19	D3 v D4	Canada v Kenya	7:36
Parade of Nations			7:58
Women's Exhibition Match			8:10
20	A3 v A4	Scotland v Japan	8:28
21	B1 v B2	South Africa v England	8:50
22	C1 v C2	Fiji v Wales	9:12
23	D1 v D2	France v Australia	9:34
24	A1 v A2	New Zealand v Samoa	9:56

Day 2 - Saturday 4 February

MATCH NO.	POOL / TEAMS	DURATION	TIME
25	¼ Finals Bowl 3rd Pool A v 4th Pool D	22 minutes	1:00
26	¼ Finals Bowl 3rd Pool C v 4th Pool B	22 minutes	1:22
27	¼ Finals Bowl 3rd Pool D v 4th Pool A	22 minutes	1:44
28	¼ Finals Bowl 3rd Pool B v 4th Pool C	22 minutes	2:06
Interval		5 Minutes
29	¼ Finals Cup 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool D	22 minutes	2:33
30	¼ Finals Cup 1st Pool C v 2nd Pool B	22 minutes	2:55
31	¼ Finals Cup 1st Pool D v 2nd Pool A	22 minutes	3:17
32	¼ Finals Cup 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool C	22 minutes	3:39
Interval		9 Minutes
33	SF Shield Loser Match 25 v Loser Match 26	22 minutes	4:10
34	SF Shield Loser Match 27 v Loser Match 28	22 minutes	4:32
35	SF Bowl Winner Match 25 v Winner Match 26	22 minutes	4:54
36	SF Bowl Winner Match 27 v Winner Match 28	22 minutes	5:16
37	SF Plate Loser Match 29 v Loser Match 30	22 minutes	5:38
38	SF Plate Loser Match 31 v Loser Match 32	22 minutes	6:00
Interval		13 Minutes
39	SF Cup Winner Match 29 v Winner Match 30	25 minutes	6:35
40	SF Cup Winner Match 31 v Winner Match 32	22 minutes	7:00
Interval		8 Minutes
41	Shield Final Winner Match 33 v Winner Match 34	30 minutes	7:30
42	Bowl Final Winner Match 35 v Winner Match 36	30 minutes	8:00
43	Plate Final Winner Match 37 v Winner Match 38	30 minutes	8:30
44	3rd & 4th place playoff Loser Match 39 v Loser Match 40	22 minutes	9.00
Draw for Pools		8 minutes	9.22
45	Cup Final Winner Match 39 v Winner Match 40	30 minutes	9:30

Information courtesy of wotzon.com

Sevens: New Zealand team for Wellington leg

2012-02-02T17:18:00.000+13:00

Lote Raikabula.

New Zealand side to contest the Wellington leg of the IRB World Sevens Series:

Toby Arnold (Bay of Plenty), Tomasi Cama (Manawatu), DJ Forbes (Counties Manukau), Hosea Gear (Wellington), Frank Halai (Waikato), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Mark Jackman (Hawkes Bay), Solomon King (North Harbour), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Charles Piutau (Auckland), Lote Raikabula (Wellington), Ardie Savea (Wellington).

- Rhys Chamberlain

More rugby reading here.

Cricket: Honours with Mid Canterbury

2012-01-30T09:54:00.001+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

Otago Country was unable to avoid an outright loss to Mid Canterbury in a Hawke Cup elimination match at Molyneux Park over the weekend after a mixed match with the bat.

Country skipper Brendan Domigan lost the toss on Saturday morning and his team was in disarray early at 102 for six.Plenty of batsmen got starts including Fraser Wilson (34), Michael Collins (31), Jarred Andrew (25) and Domigan (24) but none managed to build a big score. As a result, Country was all out for 176, with Jason Morrison taking four wickets for 22 off 12 overs.

By stumps, Country had redeemed itself with the ball and it was Mid Canterbury that was in trouble at 116 for four...

Read the rest in the Otago Daily Times here.

Cricket: Changes at top for Country

2012-01-28T10:43:00.000+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

With two disappointing results for Otago Country in its first two matches of the Hawke Cup season, it will be looking to get back on track this weekend against Mid Canterbury at Molyneux Park in Alexandra.

An outright loss to Southland and then a first-innings defeat to North Otago a fortnight ago have put the side on the back foot.

There have been some positives, with runs coming through lower-order batsman Warren McSkimming and then a century to Dunstan opener Scott Paulin against North Otago, but more is needed from the top order.

Manager Mark Patterson...

Read more in the Otago Daily Times here.

Cricket: Thoughts on Wells, balls and coverage

2012-01-24T10:22:00.000+13:00

Good on John Wright and New Zealand Cricket for finally having some balls and trying something new. That's right, I'm talking about the inclusion of Otago all rounder Sam Wells in the test squad to take on Zimbabwe on Thursday. The next step is for Wright and captain Ross Taylor to actually include him in the playing eleven.

New Zealand cricket is stale at the moment and has been for years. New blood is needed and good on Wells for finally getting a chance. Who cares if nobody actually knows much about him or has seen him play? He averages 38.10 with the bat in first class cricket, has had nine 50s and two 100s in 21 matches and 34.27 with the ball taking 33 wickets. Wells scored 65 for the New Zealand XI against Zimbabwe in the warm-up match earlier this week so deserves his shot.

Rob Nicol, the Canterbury Wizards opener, should be another to get a shot in the national side, at least in the T20s where he and Auckland's Martin Guptill have been by far the best batsmen. I heard some debate over this in the final between Auckland and Canterbury on Sunday, one particular commentator asking where he would fit in the batting lineup? I'll tell you where. Anywhere. In Jesse Ryder's spot seems the best option. Ryder should not get picked for any national side at this point. Why? He hasn't played a game in how long? He shouldn't even be considered.

While I'm talking to you New Zealand Cricket, pick Kruger van Wyk over BJ Watling as your test keeper please. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise that Watling is not actually a keeper. I don't care if he was at high school or not. And, he can't bat. He has shown us this on the many chances he has had in New Zealand teams. Van Wyk scored 61 in the same warm-up match and averages 38.66 in first class cricket while Watling has a piss poor record in test matches scoring at just 24.50 and 12.84 in one dayers. Not a fair comparison? Okay his first class record is also not as good as van Wyk at 33.07. Give the 31 year old a shot.

We need to keep blooding these new guys, Dean Brownlie, Doug Bracewell, Wells and van Wyk for the good of cricket in this country. One win over Aussie doesn't mean we are contenders in World cricket. In fact in the first test against Australia this season, we bowled Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey back into form. They were done. Had it. On their way out. Until we dished up a few pies for them to wack. India has New Zealand to thank for Ponting and Hussey's fine performances.

Richie Benaud, Wide World of Sports commentary captain.

One last thing. Sky Sports, sort out your television coverage of cricket in New Zealand. Nobody wants to listen to Simon Doull. To put it politely, he is a tool. Smithy, tick. Rigger, tick. Macca, tick. That's it. Take a page out of the Wide World of Sports team's coverage. Super slow mo and emotional build ups are where it is at. Marvellous.

- Rhys Chamberlain

More cricket reading here.

Cricket: Top 10 fastest test match hundreds

Basketball: USA squad for London Olympics 2012

2012-01-19T12:22:00.000+13:00

LeBron James of the Miami Heat will compete in London.

USA Basketball has named 20 players to prepare for the Olympic Games in London later this year with no less than 18 players having participated in either the 2008 Olympic gold medal winning team or the 2010 World Championship winning side. Only the Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin and Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge did not feature in either.

USA Olympic squad:

Forwards — Carmelo Anthony (NYK), LeBron James, Chris Bosh (MIA), Kevin Durant (OKC), Rudy Gay (MEM), Andre Iguodala (PHI), Kevin Love (MIN), Lamar Odom (DAL).

Guards — Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul (LAC), Kobe Bryant (LAL), Eric Gordon (NOH), Derrick Rose (CHI), Dwyane Wade (MIA), Russell Westbrook (OKC), Deron Williams (NJN).

Centers — Dwight Howard (ORL), Tyson Chandler (NYK).

- Rhys Chamberlain

NBA: Kobe vs. LeBron, the stats don't lie

Cricket: NZ squad named for Zimbabwe test match

2012-01-17T11:34:00.000+13:00

Ross Taylor will again captain New Zealand.

The only non-forced change to the New Zealand cricket squad to face Zimbabwe on January 26th is wicketkeeper Reece Young's omission in favour of using BJ Watling and new face Kruger van Wyk as the test keeper. Watling has been around the Black Caps setup for a number of years now but has never kept wicket. He was however a wicketkeeper right throughout his high school days and at age grade level. Van Wyk, South African born, plays for Central Districts and has an impressive first class record with over 4000 runs at an average of 38.

The other change is a forced one, Jesse Ryder out with injury.

New Zealand squad:
Ross Taylor (c), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Martin Guptill, Chris Martin, Brendon McCullum, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori, Kruger van Wyk, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson.

- Rhys Chamberlain

More cricket reading here.

Cricket: Top 10 fastest test match hundreds

Cricket: First-innings points to North Otago in Hawke Cup

2012-01-16T11:52:00.000+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

Otago Country was looking for maximum points in its second Hawke Cup match of the season against North Otago but instead gave up first-innings points to the visiting team during the weekend.

Rain delayed the start at Molyneux Park in Alexandra until just before noon on Saturday.

Captain Brendan Domigan put North Otago into bat after winning the toss.

The home side was looking for early wickets and picked up three before lunch.

North Otago was 115 for three when rain halted play for half an hour just after the lunch break.

Eight overs were lost during the delay but it was a blessing in disguise...

Read more in the Otago Daily Times here.

More cricket reading here.

Cricket: Top 10 fastest test match hundreds

2012-01-15T13:06:00.002+13:00

As we reflect on Aussie batsman Dave Warner's 69 ball hundred on day two of the third test against India at the WACA, let's take a look at the top 10 fastest test match hundreds of all time.

10. Gilbert Jessop - England - 1902 - 76 balls

9. AB de Villiers - South Africa - 2011 - 75 balls

8=. Muhammed Azharuddin - India - 1997 - 74 balls
Kapil Dev - India - 1987
Majid Kahn - Pakistan - 1977

7. Roy Fredericks - West Indies - 1976 - 71 balls

6. Chris Gayle - West Indies - 2010 - 70 balls

Chris Gayle smacked a 70 ball century in 2010.

4=. David Warner - Australia - 2012 - 69 balls
Shivnarine Chanderpaul - West Indies - 2003

3. Jack Gregory - Australia - 1922 - 67 balls

2. Adam Gilchrist - Australia - 2007 - 57 balls

1. Viv Richards - West Indies - 1986 - 56 balls

Note: This is for 0-100. New Zealand's Nathan Asttle scored 100 runs in 39 balls in 2002 but it was his second 100 runs in an innings of 222.

- Rhys Chamberlain

Thanks to cricinfo.com for the stats.

Cricket: Country bolsters top-order batting

2012-01-14T11:08:00.000+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

Otago Country will be looking to flush the memory of a heavy defeat to Southland in its opening Hawke Cup match with a win over North Otago at Molyneux Park this weekend.

A confidence boost for the side heading into the match is the fact that North Otago also suffered a heavy defeat in its first match, losing to South Canterbury by 10 wickets.

Country manager Mark Patterson said...

Read the rest in the Otago Daily Times.

Cricket: Warner's 69 ball century puts Aussie in control

2012-01-14T10:58:00.000+13:00

The fourth fastest test century hit by Dave Warner at the top of the batting order for Australia has put his side firmly in command of the third test against India in progress at the WACA in Perth.

Dave Warner.

Warner smashed 100 off just 69 balls in an innings that included 13 boundaries with three huge sixes, one of those when he was on 95 to bring up the feat. Only Viv Richards (65) of the West Indies, and fellow Aussies Adam Gilchrist (57) and Jack Gregory (67) have hit a faster ton.

Earlier India was bowled out for just 161 thanks in part to fast bowlers Ben Hilfenhaus who picked up four for 43 and Peter Siddle who had three for 42. It was a sense of deja vu for all involved as India's batting was mysteriously like its first innings in Sydney the week prior. Australia's decision to play four fast bowlers and leave out a recognized spinner certainly paid dividends as India's last four wickets fell for just 17 runs.

Australia was 141 for no loss at stumps yesterday with Warner on 104 and fellow opener Ed Cowan on 40 and will resume today at 3pm (NZ time) looking to build a large lead.

- Rhys Chamberlain

More cricket reading here.

Rugby: Auckland wins National Sevens title for second straight year

2012-01-08T18:47:00.000+13:00

Auckland has beaten Otago 36-24 in the final of the New Zealand National Sevens held at the Wakatipu Rugby Club in Queenstown this afternoon. The win is the second time in as many years that Auckland has taken the title and its 11th overall after it was triumphant over Taranaki last year.

Auckland found itself down 12-17 at halftime but came back in the second half with tries to Tenina Sauileoge, Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Lam and Alex Samoa.

Otago's Buxton Popoali'i was named the player of the tournament after a scintillating display on the way to the final. He won't be available for the New Zealand side however as he is in the Highlanders wider training squad.

Auckland and Waikato set a scrum in the semi-final.

Earlier Auckland beat Waikato in extra time to get to the final while Otago beat Canterbury in a crowd favourite match of the day.

- Rhys Chamberlain

Cricket: Tendulkar out 20 short of making history

2012-01-06T15:49:00.000+13:00

India's Sachin Tendulkar has failed in his bid to become the first man ever to score 100 hundreds in international cricket after being caught by Mike Hussey off the bowling of Michael Clarke for 80 at the Sydney Cricket ground this afternoon. His sits on 48 one day hundreds and 51 test match hundreds and has done for over nine months.

Tendulkar bats against Australia.

India was still 196 runs behind Australia when Tendulkar was dismissed after it scored 659 for four which included 329 not out from captain Clarke, the third highest score by an Australian and the highest for any Australian captain. Mike Hussey (150no) and Ricky Ponting (134) also scored centuries in the innings.

- Rhys Chamberlain

More cricket reading here.

Rugby: National Sevens Draw and Squads

2012-01-06T12:11:00.001+13:00

The New Zealand National Sevens kicks off tomorrow in Queenstown from 11am with 16 teams all vying for the title of national champion. Last years champion Auckland will again be a handful as will finalist Taranaki who has been in sublime form already this season winning the Bay of Plenty warmup event. The tournament also sees the return of Southland and Canterbury who were both absent at last years event.

Draw:
Pool A: Auckland, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Mid Canterbury.
Pool B: Taranaki, Horowhenua Kapiti, Southland, Otago.
Pool C: Waikato, Counties Manukau, Northland, Wellington.
Pool D: Bay of Plenty, North Harbour, Tasman, Canterbury.

Each team plays all other teams in its pool. The top two sides from each pool at the end of pool play go through to the quarterfinals on Sunday with the teams that failed to qualify playing in a bottom tier section.

Teams:

*some squads are unavailable and will be added*

Auckland
Nathan Hughes, Joe Tupe, Ben Lam, Ed Cocker (capt), Auvasa Faleli’i, Rocky Khan, Tom Iosefo, Timoteo Iosua, Tenina Sauileoge, Malakai Fekitoa, Lolagi Visinia, Alex Samoa

Manawatu

Hawkes Bay
Adam Bradey (c), Mathew Gordon, Levi Armstrong, Ihaia West, Gillies Kaka, Brad Nicol, Shannan Chase, Isaac Paewai, Michael Ruru, Tivaini Fomai, Adam Blake, Junior Armstrong

Mid Canterbury

Richard Catherwood (c), Andrew Smith, Greg Spence, Jon Dampney, Will Mackenzie, Ryan Williams, Sia Fifita, Nick McKain, Faaleapu Faalavaau, Josh Colgan, Dwyane Burrowes, Mark Maitland

Taranaki
Ben Souness (capt), Warwick Lahmert, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Kylem O'Donnell, Brett Goodin, Frazier Climo, Waisake Naholo, James Marshall, Seta Tamanivula, Riki Hoeata, Jackson Ormond, Whaimotu Craft-Chemis; coach Clark Laidlaw.

Horowhenua-Kapiti

Southland

Otago
Paul Grant (captain), Josh Clark, Brad Cameron, Kieran Moffat, Luke Herden, Tumua Ioane, Brad Weber, Joe Hill, Buxton Popoali'i, Marshall Suckling, Tony Ensor, Matt Faddes.

Waikato
*see comments*

Counties Manukau
Mark Selwyn, Maama Vaipulu, Sean Reidy, Sikeli Nabou, Manoa Lesavua, Tevita Tuipulotu, David Bason, Bundelu Aki, Reynold Lee-lo, Tyrone Lefau, Uwa Tawalo, Ahsee Tuala, Troy Michie, Kaino Kaino, Josh Van-Leishout, Ritchie Ah-Chong, Danny Tusitala

Northland
Josh Caldwell, Vili Seveti, Jone Seveti, Beau Dickens, Dan Faleafa, Siaosi Tuatao, Tane Takalua, Karaitiana Vette Welsh, Jimmy Horsfold, Alesio Patelo, Matt Wright, Anaru Thompson, Mateo Malupo, Matty Mattich, Taylor Miller, Rhys Te Nana

Wellington

Bay of Plenty
Jack Wilson, Marnus Hanley, Matt Clutterbuck, Paul Tietjens, Lance MacDonald, Whakataki Cunningham, Quentin Gardiner, Toby Arnold, Nathaniel Walker, Ben Paltridge, Zar Lawrence, Itaitia Lomani.

North Harbour
Solomon King, Jim Tuivaiti, Jordan Manihera, Phil Tuigamala, Jack McPhee,Luke Hamilton (capt), Michael Little, Codey Rei, JJ Taulagi, Nafi Tuitavaki, Luke Devcich, Ken Pisi

Tasman
Liam Squire, Brenton Connell, Shane Grieve, Tevita Koloamatangi, Willis Scott, Trael Joass, Shane Christie, Jack Umaga, Junior Sifa, Shawn Begg, Eliot Smith, Seta Sauira, Mike Wells, Phil Gibson, James Lowe, Sione Holani, James Marshall, Mitchell Scott, Kim Bateman, George Millar, Kieran Fonotia, Joe Stewart. Academy players: Steven Soper, Mitchell Drummond, Pita Siaki, Kareama Barrett.

Canterbury

NBA: Season Preview in One Sentence Per...

2011-12-23T15:12:00.001+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

With a shortened NBA season set to kick off in three days time, I thought it only fair to give you a preview of each team in just one sentence.

Atlanta
All-Star's Joe Johnson and Al Horford along with Josh Smith and veterans Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse make the Hawks a playoff certainty.

BostonThe Big Three are still together and along with Rajon Rondo running the point, will look to push for another title, probably the last chance for the aging Kevin Garnett and three point king Ray Allen.

Kevin Garnett and coach Doc Rivers.

Charlotte
Frenchman Boris Diaw and former Bull Tyrus Thomas will need to be back to their best in the wake of the franchises only All-Star depating for Portland in Gerald Wallace.

Cleveland
Not even the leagues best rookie in Kyrie Irving will be able to stop the Cav's from ending the season with the worst record.

Dallas
Tyson Chandler has gone to the Knicks but the core of last seasons championship winning squad is still together and will go close to another title.

Denver
No Carmelo, no championship...although watch out for young UNC point guard Ty Lawson who should have a breakout season.

Detroit
Another year at the bottom of the standings for Tayshaun Prince and the Pistons but rookie shooter Kyle Singler out of Duke will be interesting.

Golden State
Steph Curry and the explosive Monta Ellis will push for a playoff spot in a jam packed Western Conference.

Steph Curry.

Houston
Since the retirement of Yao Ming, the Rockets fortunes have gone downhill and won't get better any time soon.

Indiana
A lot of pundits are talking about the Pacers as a playoff team this season but they are not and will still be as boring as old boots.

LA Clippers
Blake Griffin and the addition of superstar guard Chris Paul from the Hornets have a number of people suggesting the Clips are now the best team in Los Angeles...

LA Lakers
...but the Lakers still have Kobe, Pau, Bynum and a man called Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) and will be a conference finalist at least.

Memphis
The surprise package of the playoffs last season will look to back up their feats on the back of Zack Randolph who just keeps getting better.

Miami
They have to win a championship sometime and this season is it with LeBron, DWade and third wheel Chris Bosh out for revenge after a poor showing in the finals last season.

Milwaukee
Perennial bottom feeders, the Bucks will not do much better this season.

Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee.

Minnesota
Another of the strugglers who will battle Cleveland for the worst record although Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio is there...finally.

New Jersey
With four Williams on the roster, led by the best of them in Deron, the Nets will be hoping for a playoff spot this season.

New York
Finally a roster that could challenge for a title, the Knicks have their own "Big Three" in Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler.

Oklahoma City
A fan fav, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Thunder should go a step further this season and make the finals.

Orlando

Will make the playoffs again this season but can't be true title contenders until Dwight Howard gets some help.

Gilbert Arenas.

Philadelphia
The home of Allen Iverson, this seasons squad still looks raw and even though Andre Igoudala is entering his eighth year, he and former All-Star Elton Brand can't do it all on their own.

Phoenix
Steve Nash is on the wrong side of 35 and is still producing but since Amar'e left for New York, the Suns have battled.

Portland
The up-and-comers should push hard for a playoff spot this season and their All-Stars in LaMarcus Aldridge and Gerald Wallace will help that cause but the early retirement of superstar Brandon Roy won't.

Sacramento
The Kings have always been there or there abouts and that's where they will be again this this season.

San Antonio
Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are past their used by dates and will struggle to make the post season.

Tony Parker.

Toronto
The only Canadian team might as well stay in Canada.

Utah
Trying to rebuild after the departure of hall of fame coach Jerry Sloan and their star in Deron Williams, they will struggle.

Washington
Watch carefully the rise and rise of point guard John Wall.

More basketball reading here.

NBA: The battle of Los Angeles

NBA: Charlotte Bobcats will finish with worst record...nek minnit

2011-12-20T12:37:00.001+13:00

After reading Otago Daily Times sports editor Hayden Meikle's back page in Saturday's edition(read it here), I have to say that I disagree on two statements made in his bit focused on the upcoming NBA season. In fact, it prompted me to text him and tell him that he was wrong and that the Charlotte Bobcats would not end the regular season with the worst record to which he replied that if they didn't, he would buy me a beer. Of course I was ecstatic because it is free beer and I look forward to that day. However, I may have got a little excited during our text conversation and said that the Bobcats would make the playoffs. After pondering this for a while I realised that this is an even bigger long shot than it has ever been thanks to the trade to Portland of the clubs only all-star in history, Gerald Wallace. I can't see the sporadic Tyrus Thomas picking up the Wallace pieces but rookie Kemba Walker looks the goods although not good enough to take the team to the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history this season.

Gerald Wallace.

The second thing Meiks implied was that everyone loved the Celtics. He went so far as to say that "you rarely, if ever, find someone with a bad word to say about the Celtics." What? The current Boston Celtics are the dirtiest team in the league, especially Kevin Garnett and for me, Paul Pierce is the most arrogant, annoying player in the league.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed it Hayden and I'm hoping for some kind of miracle acquisition for the Bobcats in the next week or...

- Rhys Chamberlain

Rugby: Barbarians hammered by Australia

2011-11-27T12:01:00.000+13:00

The Barbarians have been hammered 60-11 by Australia at Twickenham this morning in a record breaking score.

Australia scored eight tries to the Barbarians one, Wigan league star Sam Tomkins the only player to score for the Baa Baas in the 79th minute.

James Horwill, Lachie Turner and Digby Ioane all scored doubles for the Australians who looked devestating at times against a hapless Barbarians defence. Five-eighth James O'Connor had a great day with the boot for Australia kicking seven of eight conversions, a penalty goal and a dropped goal in his first game in the pivot role.

AUSTRALIA 60 (James Horwill 2, Digby Ioane 2, Lachlan Turner 2, Robert Horne, Radike Samo tries; James O'Connor 7 cons, pen, dropped goal)
BARBARIANS 11 (Sam Tomkins try; Danny Cipriani 2 pens)

- Rhys Chamberlain

BREAKING NEWS: NBA lockout over

2011-11-26T23:42:00.001+13:00

The lockout is over, Wade and James will suit up on Christmas Day.

After 148 days, the National Basketball Association player lockout is over and the rescheduled 66 game season will start on Christmas day with a triple header.

It was announced today in New York City that league officials and lawyers representing the players had reached a deal that would see owners and players split basketball related revenue 50-50 costing the players $300 million in salary cuts. All that was left to do was for the players to officially withdraw its lawsuit.

The deal reached was a 10 year deal, the longest in NBA history but teams have the option to pull out of the deal after six years of the contract.

Training camps and free agency will open on December 9th with teams having about three weeks to prepare after collective bargaining is completed in 10 days time.

The opening matches on December 25th will remain as per the original schedule with Boston hosting the New York Knicks followed by Miami at Dallas and Chicago in Los Angeles.

- Rhys Chamberlain

NBA: The Lockout Explained

Rugby: Australia vs. Barbarians Match Preview

2011-11-26T15:27:00.001+13:00

By Rhys Chamberlain

Australia vs. Barbarians

Twickenham, England

Kick off: 3.30am (NZ time)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

The inclusion of Wigan rugby league star Sam Tomkins on the wing for the Barbarians in Sunday mornings clash with Australia at Twickenham is just one of the intriguing match ups in what should be an entertaining encounter.

Tomkins (22) sparked controversy when he accepted the offer to play for the Barbarians just a week after he signed an extended contract with Wigan and it has some league fans outraged and calling it a publicity stunt. But whatever his reasons, Tomkins sure can play. He scored five tries on debut for Wigan in 2008 and has played 15 times at fullback for England including in the recent Four Nations final loss to Australia.

He is not the only star lining up for the Barbarians however. South African lock Victor Matfield will captain the side which includes five World Cup winning All Blacks in Isaia Toeava, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu and Richard Kahui. It also features uncapped Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean. Former Australian captain Stirling Mortlock will start at second five-eighth. The side will be coached by All Blacks coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen.

For Australia, David Pocock will captain his country for the first time from openside flanker while wonder kid James O'Connor will test his nerve at first five-eighth in another first.

Head to head Australia has beaten the Barbarians on eight of the 12 occasions the two teams have met including a 55-7 thumping in Sydney in 2009.

Barbarians: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Sam Tomkins, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Sylvain Marconnet, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Eusebio Guinazu.
Reserves: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Jason White, 19 Marco Bortolami, 20 Nemia Kenatale, 21 Richard Kahui, 22 Seru Rabeni.

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock (c), 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 James Horwill, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Matt Hodgson, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Ben Tapuai.

More rugby reading here.

Rugby: Here's an idea...leave Zac Guildford alone

Rugby League: Aussies beat England, win Four Nations title

2011-11-20T12:46:00.000+13:00

Australia has beaten England 30-8 at Elland Road to win the Four Nations title in front of 35,000.

It scored five tries to one in the romp and continued its unbeaten title match record over England which dates back to 1972.

Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh, Johnathan Thurston Greg Inglis and captain Darren Lockyer all touched down in the final while a penalty try was the only try England scored after a high shot from Thurston on Ryan Hall early in the first half.

It was a fairytale finish to an illustrious career for Lockyer who touched down under the sticks right on full time. The rugby league great finishes his career having played 59 tests, 36 State of Origin matches for Queensland and 355 NRL games.

Australia 30: (Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh, Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis, Darren Lockyer tries; Thurston 4 conversions, penalty goal).
England 8: (penalty try; Kevin Sinfield conversion, penalty). HT: 8-6.

- Rhys Chamberlain