Sports After Dark

New Zealand’s top sports blog

Archive for the 'rugby' Category


Recent losses show All Blacks have learned nothing from World Cup loss

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 28th July 2008

After suffering two Tri-Nations losses in a row, the All Blacks now find themselves under siege from the media and rugby public, all because it seems that nothing has changed since that fateful October evening in Cardiff last year.

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Posted in All Blacks, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tri-Nations, opinion, rugby | No Comments »

England left to wonder after unsuccessful tour of New Zealand

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 21st June 2008

After losing both matches in their short tour to New Zealand, England rugby shown that the gulf between the north and south, which was closed with such authority at the World Cup, is back and wider than ever.

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Posted in All Blacks, England, New Zealand, rugby | No Comments »

Nonu not the answer for All Blacks despite moronic columnist

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 21st May 2008

As an aspiring rugby journalist I sometimes write a story based on my opinion about the game, but I am always careful to back up that opinion with some facts, sometimes taking quotes directly from the law book, other times I present a rounded argument. But some of the inflammatory garbage that gets printed by our major newspapers makes me wonder if dropping a literary incendiary grenade and heading for the hills is what journalism is about.

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Posted in All Blacks, New Zealand, Super 14, opinion, rugby | 1 Comment »

With seven teams still alive, the Super 14 goes down to the wire

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 14th May 2008

As the Super 14 heads into its final round, only the Crusaders are guaranteed a semi final appearance, while six other teams are fighting it out for the remaining three spots.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

If you don’t know the laws of the game, please refrain from commenting

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 27th April 2008

In a nation where rugby is king, it is simply baffling how many people do not know the laws of the game but in New Zealand, ignorance seems to be no hurdle to voicing your opinion. What makes it worse, is when those in the media exhibit that same ignorance.

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Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, opinion, rugby | No Comments »

Crusaders stay at the top of the table, but only just

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 25th April 2008

In a close but error filled game, the Crusaders beat the Blues by 26-22 in front of a capacity crowd at AMI Stadium. The Blues were desperately unlucky, having two close calls go against them and another go in favour of the home team.

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Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Can the chasing pack claw their way into the top four?

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 24th April 2008

With just four weeks left in the 2008 edition of the Super 14, the chasing pack will need to cause some upsets if they are to live to see the semi finals.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Crunch time as semi finals loom

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 17th April 2008

As the Super 14 hits week 10, the Sharks and Crusaders have established a good lead at the top of the table, but with just three points covering third to eighth, points will be vital for those still in the semi final hunt, while those down the bottom of the table are playing for pride.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Playoff hunt hots up as the season gets to the business end

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 10th April 2008

The top two teams in Super 14, the Crusaders and Sharks, have established a small lead over the chasing pack, but there’s a real log jam developing with the Blues, Chiefs, Force, Waratahs and Hurricanes separated by just three points as they battle for two semi final spots. The clash between the Force and Waratahs could well decide those teams’ fates, while the others will need points just to stay in touch.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, Uncategorized, rugby | No Comments »

Super 14: Pack looks to keep leaders in sight

Posted by Hamish McBrearty on 3rd April 2008

Round 8 of the Super 14 has the Highlanders and Cheetahs with their best chance of racking up their first wins of the season, while the Sharks look to keep their unbeaten record intact in Wellington. But it is those teams in the middle of the table like the Brumbies and Chiefs who need the points the most if they are to keep in touch with the leaders.

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Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »

 
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