Posted by Hamish McBrearty on July 1st, 2008
The much vilified rotation policy of 2007 was intended to build depth for the All Blacks, but with injuries to two key forwards, it would seem the talent pool isn’t as deep as we thought.
Posted in All Blacks, New Zealand, Tri-Nations, Uncategorized, opinion | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on June 21st, 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.
Posted in All Blacks, England, New Zealand, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on May 21st, 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.
Posted in All Blacks, New Zealand, Super 14, opinion, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on May 14th, 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.
Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 27th, 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.
Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, opinion, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 25th, 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.
Posted in New Zealand, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 24th, 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.
Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 23rd, 2008
As the Super 14 nears the end of the round robin, there are still nine teams who could claim the four semi final spots on offer. But who stands the best chance of claiming those spots and who has left their run too late? Today Hamish McBrearty takes a look at the chances of the top four keeping their spots.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 17th, 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.
Posted in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Super 14, rugby | No Comments »
Posted by Hamish McBrearty on April 12th, 2008
After a poor start to the game the Crusaders found their feet and beat the Lions 31-6 in front of 16,500 fans at AMI Stadium on Saturday evening.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »