Cricket: Australia vs New Zealand - 1st Test preview

The Aussie public doesn’t know half its team let alone the touring New Zealanders' – yet expectations are fever pitch on the Black Caps to finally defeat the Australian Test team for the first time in 17 years.

We've heard it all before. Trust me. If you follow New Zealand's cricket team, they have been talked up as much as the Ipad, Iphone or Ipod when they first were released. Yet the results has more often produced a Walkman which works only every now and then ( in a manner of speaking). World-beaters, capable of reaching the World Cup semi-finals... but a poor test record. However......

Much has been written about Australia fielding three debutants. This includes an unproven pace attack with honest toiler Peter Siddle suddenly anointed the attack leader (news to him too), whilst colleagues Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Ben Cutting were savaged by New Zealand in the Australia A tour match; a scratchy batting line-up headed by Twenty20 supremo David Warner and Phil Hughes, the latter a batsman capable of scoring runs but equally as falling cheaply in trying something rash. Former skipper Ricky Ponting has been written off by every Australian who watches cricket and ex-NZ all-rounder Chris Cairns as being past his used by date. Brad Haddin, the wicket-keeper, was tipped to be dropped by some newspapers after the South Africa tour. Yet he was appointed vice-captain ahead of this series (news to him also). Michael Hussey and Michael Clarke are the in-form batsmen, as well as the experienced heads apart from Ponting.

New Zealand will point to their strong looking batting line-up and confidence in their bowling attack as areas to be confident. Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum form a complementary opening partnership – Guptill has excelled in the past 12 months as opener in tests and ODIs, while McCullum averages 50 as a test opener – then there is young Kane Williamson, heralded as a batsman of extreme talent capable of emulating Martin Crowe’s feats, with captain Ross Taylor and Jess Ryder rounding off an impressive middle order, with ex-Aussie Dean Brownlie looking promising in his early career. Tim Southee and Chris Martin are experienced as an opening bowling duo, with confident newcomer Doug Bracewell and classy Daniel Vettori providing further impetus. Martin has had success at the Gabba, with 9 wickets at 27 in 2 tests.

In short – New Zealand will need to bat well, score more than 400, then unleash their pace attack and get amongst Ponting and Hussey.

Australia will also want to bat first as they traditionally do at home and amass a big score themselves.

Look for Guptill, Williamson and Ryder to make an impact with the bat, Bracewell and Southee with the ball. The Aussies need production from Hughes – anything from Warner is a bonus – and expect Ponting to make a half-century. The Aussie bowling is less clear.

The Black Caps have a very poor test record of late - against the Aussies it is worse - however now is the time to at least put in a much better, competitive performance. Bring on the first ball.

Rugby League: Four Nations wrap-up week 1

Australia and England both showed great execution in their wins over New Zealand and Wales respectively in week 1 of the 2011 Four Nations.

The Kiwis paid the price for their slow start and did well to come back from a 16-0 deficit at halftime. In recent history, when the New Zealanders have won against the Kangaroos, they stay within four points at halftime. The Kiwis did manage to score two tries quickly at make it 16-12 with 25 minutes to play but the Aussies were too clinical and the 14 win may have been a reflection on the handling and completion rates more than anything.

I certainly think the Kiwis can make the final and many of their side like Lewis Brown, their captain Benji Marshall and Gerard Beale were much improved over last week, and Sam McKendry and Ben Matulino had strong games against their forward counterparts. With a couple more weeks together, if they can get their defence clearer and tweak their execution, they should be within a real shot of winning the competition.

I thought Wales played quite well and had some good structure in their attack. England were too slick with the ball and when you have only been together for a week, like the Dragons, defense is going to be the area which suffers. Sam Tomkins was exceptional and the England fullback will relish the chance to play his idol next week Billy Slater.

England will view their next match against the Kangaroos as the crunch match as far as the tournament goes – however Australia should win this one too, making the subsequent match against the Kiwis the big one. For the sake of international rugby league, it will probably be better for England to win the tournament. My gut feeling is they are another year or two away from being a real force and both Australia and New Zealand still have too much quality across the park.

I really liked Rangi Chase’s play at halfback for England and he will be the key to unlocking defenses over the next few weeks. Keep your eye on Chase along with Tomkins to do some special things in this tournament. In the latter’s case, four tries this weekend was a great start.

Ten reasons to watch the NRL Grand Final

If you aren’t a huge Rugby League fan or are new to the game, here are ten reasons to watch tomorrow’s 2011 NRL Grand Final.

1)    It’s New Zealand versus Australia. Everyone loves this sporting rivalry. Cricket, rugby union, netball, soccer – Kiwis love to beat their Aussie counterparts and vice versa. If the Warriors win tomorrow, they will be the first team from outside the Lucky Country to win Australian rugby league’s club competition.

2)    It’s just like this year’s AFL grand final. A lot of people seem to hate Collingwood because they have a history of success, have won lots of premierships and have been accused of poaching the best players from other sides. Manly can claim all of the above and more. Even Sydney folk are divided on whom they are supporting.

3)    Manu Vatuvei. Nicknamed “The Beast”, this hulking winger running at top speed is a sight to behold. Watch him skittle opposition defenders and carry blokes on his back. With a set of gold teeth, afro hair, 1.89 metres tall and 112 kilos, this guy is what Jonah Lomu was to rugby union or Wayne Carey did for the AFL.

4)    Young guns. The halves in both the Warriors and the Sea Eagles are all under 25. In fact Shaun Johnson, Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are under 22. It is always exciting to watch young athletes in any code be put on the biggest stage and see how they go. What’s more, these guys are in charge of directing their sides around the park. Freakish talents anyone can admire.

5)    The fullbacks. The last line of defense. Kevin Locke and Brett Stewart are two of the code’s top custodians. Electric speed, exuberance, no fear, lightening feet.. these guys are worth the cost of the train ticket to ANZ Stadium plus extra. Amazing skills.

6)    Big hits. We all love those massive collisions – bone on bone, the thwack as heads rock back, thunderous plays which inspire others – you be guaranteed a fair share of big tackles. Watch for Brent Kite or Glenn Stewart for Manly and Ben Matulino and Sam Rapira for the Warriors to shake some of their opposition up.

7)    Touch football. Johnson is a former touch rugby star and his try to set up Lewis Brown last week against the Storm showed these freakish skills. If you enjoy touch footy or appreciate the skill involved, keep your eyes glued to the young Warrior halfback.

8)    Goal kicking. Its central to many other sports – AFL, rugby union, even American Football – and the two on show tomorrow are among the game’s best. James Maloney leads the way for the visitors striking at 90% halfway during the year while Jamie Lyon is a consistent sharpshooter for Manly.

9)    ANZ Stadium. The second largest ground in Australia behind the MCG, seating up to 83,500 spectators, it is the only venue in the world designed to host five professional sports – rugby league, football, cricket, rugby union and Australian rules. It will be breathtaking viewing. And then there’s the action on the field.

10)  Most importantly...don't risk looking like a sporting idiot. On Australia’s biggest sporting weekend of the year, featuring the AFL and NRL grand finals, people will talk about what happened. Don’t look like a donkey when people talk about it on Monday. Recite a line or a big hit or who scored the winning try. 

Enjoy everyone!

Cricket: Is Shoaib highlighting international cricket's slow death?

Shoaib Akhtar has claimed he deliberately ball tampered during his career.

Should we be shocked? Appalled? Angry? Indifferent? Cricket has had its fair share of scandals including match fixing and ball tampering. Messing with a cricket ball isn't fresh news. For Akhtar to admit it publicly in a book is slightly different. He isn't fronting a press conference or a committee. He is straight up telling the world he cheated. What's more, he seems indifferent, nonchalant even.

Other Pakistani fast bowlers have admitted they ball tampered in the past. Just ask Chris Pringle and the New Zealand side on the Pakistan tour in 1990. After witnessing their opponents pick at the ball, Pringle, a medium pacer at best, decided to do the same. He preceded to claim career best figures with a period of outrageous swing bowling in a test match.

In a career spanning more than a decade, Akhtar, the man dubbed the "Rawalpindi Express' certainly had his share of headlines. He was a self-anointed ‘rock-star’ who thrived on the notion of 'celebrity'. He was the fastest bowler the world has ever seen (clocking up to 161 kph) and at times was accused of blindly trying to break the speed record rather than win matches.

But back to his ball tampering. Akhtar says he did it because cricket now is more in favour of the batsmen. No ball rules, more Twenty20 cricket, bouncers becoming stricter, shorter matches. Should we be concerned? How many other international cricketers feel this way?

Akhtar’s comments won’t affect or change the way domestic or club cricket is played. With the direction cricket is heading – more cricket packed into limited timeframes, astronomical earning potential – is international cricket heading into a farce? And can it be stopped?

NRL: Warriors all-time team

With the New Zealand Warriors making only their second ever grand final appearance since 1995, I started thinking about all those players who have tried to win the holy grail of Australian rugby league. This is my team:

Fullback: Brent Webb (notable mentions – Ivan Cleary for his prolific goal-kicking and reliable kick returns, Matthew Ridge for his leadership and prolific boot)

Wing: Sean Hoppe and Manu Vatuvei (Hoppe was arguably the Warrior’s most consistent try scoring winger in early years, whilst Vatuvei has the Warrior’s best try scoring record compared to games played. Francis Meli was rated the world’s best winger in 2003 but his form dropped off from 2004.)

Centres: Clinton Toopi and Jerome Ropati (Toopi was rated the close to the game’s top centre in 2002 and 2003. Ropati’s season has been curtailed by injury this year but is a very reliable and game-breaking player in his own right.)

Five-eighth: James Maloney (five-eighth has been a long running problem area for the side. Maloney has performed well enough this year to be picked here on potential through his hole-running and ultra steady boot. Many were tried including the likes of Motu Tony and Gene Ngamu the most successful)

Halfback: Stacey Jones (Mercurial halfback who ran the side for more than a decade and has the team record for games and point scoring. Shaun Johnson looks the most likely as a potential contender. Greg Alexander was probably the next most prolific due to Jones’ mortgage on the role for 10 years)

Props: Ruben Wiki and Steve Price (the Warriors always had good propping options including more recently Russell Packer and Sam Rapira. However Price and Wiki were inspirational, powerful figures who both captained the sides at different times)

Second row: Ali Lauititi and Steven Kearney (Kearney’s ball playing skills alongside Lauititi, once anointed ‘the Michael Jordan of rugby league’ would be a match for any side’s defence)

Lock: Kevin Campion (Campion was the side’s first ‘hard man’ who was a tackle machine and again was a key leadership figure. The side has been served more recently by Michael Luck and Simon Mannering who are of similar ilk.)

Interchange:

Lance Hohaia (Hohaia has been used at fullback, hooker, centre, five-eighth and halfback during his 10 years with the side and continues to be one of their most consistent players)

Mark Tookey (journey-man prop who had cult figure status due to his charging runs which skittled opposition defences)

Awen Guttenbeil (consistent second rower/lock who added off-loading skills to his armoury at the end of his career)

Jerry Seuseu (strong prop who was consistent and reliable in the front row over many seasons)

Who would you have in the Warriors all-time team? Comment below.

NRL: Warriors, Marmont win in semi-final

I hate to say it all you Melbourne Storm fans and the rest of the rugby league world…. but I told you so.

The mighty Warriors are now in the NRL grand final after beating the Storm 20-12 at AAMI Park tonight.

The visitors played clinically, stuck to their game plan of dummy-half running, good kick chases and most importantly didn’t freeze. They backed their ability and didn’t give the likes of Cameron Smith or Cooper Cronk any chance to play footy.

I thought young half back Shaun Johnson was brilliant and captain Simon Mannering lead the way beautifully. James Maloney’s sideline conversation to make the scores 20-12 showed a calm mind under pressure. He has been their best player this year.

It also continues on the brilliant tipping form of Andrew Marmont who picked Manly and the Warriors to make the grand final. He even said it on national radio. Actually, national Australian radio (check it out - http://www.radiosportnat.com.au/audioplayer/1316736461.mp3). Someone should buy that man a VB.

Actually, all those Melbourne Storm fans will be spewing into their VBs tonight and for many seasons to come. I’ll have a Carlton Draught instead.

The Warriors showed they are the real deal and will not be overawed by next week. Their class of 2011 is punctuated by a lot of youth but can call upon Michael Luck, Lance Hohaia, Mannering and others to keep them in shape. And they can go out successfully giving coach Ivan Cleary, Hohaia and Aaron Heremia the perfect send off.

Look out Manly, the Auckland boys are coming to get you.

RWC: France v All Blacks match brings back sinking memories

The last time I watched France play the All Blacks, I was in a pub in Paris. It was September 2007. I was 21 and was the only Kiwi surrounded by passionate French supporters.

I was living in France at the time and working at this pub. I remember leading up to the match being very confident. Yes New Zealand were beaten by Australia in the semi-final in 2003, but luck went their way after Stirling Mortlock intercepted a Carlos Spencer pass and the Wallabies ran away with the match. This time it would be different. This time, we had a team without any weaknesses. This time we had Dan Carter, the most experienced forward pack in All Black history and could point to a massive victory the last time we played them.

I remember feeling extremely patriotic. I'll admit now. Cricket and rugby league are my huge loves. But rugby is in my blood. The All Blacks are more than a team. They seem to embody a sense of country and pride no other sports team can produce.

The match came on. It was a quarter-final. The loser would get knocked out, curtains, all over. Running on adrenaline, I did an impromptu haka much to the delight of all those French. At half-time (13-3 to NZ) I remember smiling broadly and asking my new French friends, les Blacks, tres bon, oui? Les Bleu, gagner, peut-etre? Mai non. Roughly translated, the All Blacks will be too good and the French will bow out.

That sinking, yucky feeling hit me about the 70th minute. France had just scored to take a 20-18 lead. Dan Carter went off injured. Why oh why? Luke McAlister was going to line up for a drop goal. You are too far out man. He botched it. The French burst into joy and kept consoling me. I spent two hours walking home through a sea of cars, French flags, noise and tri-colours.

Whatever happens on Saturday night, it will good to put those memories to rest! All Blacks to win by 15 points.

RWC: Irish win a tale of the good guys finally winning

Ireland's Rugby World Cup win over Australia last night has a certain sentimental feeling to it - even if you are a Wallaby supporter you can agree with me on this.

Although the men from Europe might get the occasional win over a Six Nations country - France withstanding, sometimes England - traditionally they have a very poor record against the southern hemisphere powerhouses. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia trample all over Ireland in their end of season tours. In World Cups, the Irish have an even worse record.

Close loses are articulated by their press as positive outcomes - apparently mediocrity is cause to be celebrated. Of their 23-34 loss against New Zealand in 2006, the Guardian started with this warm fuzzy opening - "Ireland's latest near miss against southern hemisphere opposition will be both a rallying cry and warning..".

When they won the Six Nations in 2009 they toured the country as if it was the World Cup. It was their first tournament win in 61 years. http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/map_grand_slam_2009.php

The Irish players understand their rugby history too. Ronan O'Gara, who was key to their second half revival last night, told media he was proud to be Irish after their win against Australia. Taken as emotion perhaps, it does epitomize how seldom they beat the likes of the Wallabies or the Springboks. Ireland haven't beat New Zealand for more than 100 years.

Ireland's World Cup record reads as though they are a team of little kids competing against big kids, always winning the participation prize. Their best performance was a 18-19 loss to Australia in the 1991 tournament and were quarter-finalists in five of the seven events. Arguably their worst performance came in 2007. After narrowly winning against Georgia 14-10, they were crushed by Argentina 15-30 and knocked out in pool play.

Let's celebrate Ireland's victory as one for the underdog - and the World Cup in its literal sense. 

Book your grand final tickets if you support the Warriors

The Warriors will head to Melbourne on Saturday believing they have a real shot at beating the minor premiers.

Everyone will be tipping Melbourne to win again next week but I am going to back the Warriors. They are such a powerful, talent-laden team and have such strong belief. They have proven they can reach the second grand final this year with some very strong performances and if they beat the Storm, the Warriors would certain earn it.

They are one of only two teams to beat the Storm on their home turf in 2011 (an 18-14 win) and has won exactly fifty percent of all games against the Melbourne since since their inception in 2008. Only Canterbury has a better record against the Victorian outfit.

Key to any premiership win – or any successfully rugby league team – is key players in the ‘spine’ of the side, namely fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker. The Warriors can boast this with Kevin Locke in career best form at fullback, James Maloney’s sound general kicking game, reliable goal kicking and try scoring ability, Shaun Johnson’s electric running and attacking skills and either Aaron Heremia or Lance Hohaia doing a great job at hooker.

One of the Warriors’ most famous victories came in the first week of the playoffs in 2008. Finishing eighth and playing minor premiers Melbourne at Olympic Park, the Auckland side were trailing by two points with time almost over until a length of the field try ensured a 18-15 victory. I had the fortune of watching this at the stadium and it was one of sweetest moments I can recall in my Warrior-watching days.

Melbourne can point to another strong season this year but it only takes one game to undo all that good work. Just ask West Tigers coach Tim Sheens. Actually he may still be angry, don’t ask him yet.

The Warriors to win by four.