The Sydney test match between Australia and India  is easily the most talked about sporting event of the year so far with allegations of racism, poor sportsmanship, underhanded tactics all served with a side of incompetent umpiring. But the amount of spin that surround the game would make Shane Warne proud, and as a neutral observer, perhaps I can cut through it.

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The first test of 2008 is just two days old but has already produced some controversial umpiring decisions. Is it time for cricket to move into the 21st century and allow technology a greater role, or does the human element still provide some charm?

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Cricket was originally a game played by English gentlemen, and one of the virtues those gentlemen held in high regard was honesty. However today’s modern cricketers do not seem to have the same level of honesty as those who played the game once had, chosing to stay at the crease rather than walk when they mistakenly given not out.

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After the Twenty20 game in Perth the Black Caps camp subtly raised questions over the legality of Australian tearaway bowler Shaun Tait’s action. While Tait angrily denied these allegations, it would seem the ICC’s own rules leave officials hamstrung for the time being.

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The loss in the Twenty/20 international against Australia showed that New Zealand have a long way to go if they are to defend the Chappell-Hadlee trophy. The biggest improvement must come from the batsmen, who struggled in the Australian conditions.

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The NZRU board met yesterday to discuss whether Super 14 coaches Robbie Deans and David Nucifora should be allowed to remain in charge of New Zealand franchises for the 2008 Super 14 should one of them be appointed to the vacant Wallabies coach’s role. However, the loss of a head coach will be devastating for either franchise, should the board decide to oust them.

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There was only one name on the lips of New Zealand sports fans this weekend: David Beckham. Overshadowing the New Zealand Golf Open and two ODI cricket matches, it was the exhibition match between the LA Galaxy and the Wellington Phoenix which everyone was talking about, but will this one game vault football into the nation’s national consciousness? Or is it just celebrity chasing by fans for whom football hold little appeal?

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In a city where rugby is king and the Sevens is a two day party, there is a new sport in town: football. And despite some shaky beginnings, Wellington is embracing the Beautiful Game.

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When Graham Henry was appointed as All Blacks coach in 2003, he was given one simple goal: win the 2007 World Cup. Henry not only failed to do that, he was given everything he wanted to achieve that goal and for that reason he has to go.

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The Wellington Phoenix crashed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Adelaide United over the weekend, extending their losing streak to four games. The fans continue to rally behind their team, but the cries of “it can only get better” are getting a little tiresome, especially as things continue to get worse for the club.

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