Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald.
He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News. You can contact Alex at alex.powell@nzme.co.nz.
![Don't blame the boot: Webster dismisses blame on missed conversions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Don't blame the boot: Webster dismisses blame on missed conversions
Chanel Harris-Tavita took over the kicking duties after Adam Pompey left the field.
![Stead makes peace with Black Caps’ lack of home tests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Stead makes peace with Black Caps’ lack of home tests
New Zealand play just one series over the upcoming summer.
![‘I did more’: Red Bull rival hits out at Lawson’s potential F1 promotion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘I did more’: Red Bull rival hits out at Lawson’s potential F1 promotion
The Kiwi is in the mix to step straight into the world champion team.
![‘We have to win’: Now or never for Warriors top eight hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘We have to win’: Now or never for Warriors top eight hopes
A favourable run of fixtures could make or break the Warriors’ season.
![‘Put the team first’: Latham addresses Black Caps white-ball captaincy prospect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Put the team first’: Latham addresses Black Caps white-ball captaincy prospect
Kane Williamson’s resignation leaves New Zealand without a skipper in the shorter formats.
![Warriors ‘very excited’ by Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to wing to face Raiders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Warriors ‘very excited’ by Tuivasa-Sheck’s return to wing to face Raiders
The 31-year-old shifts outward for Friday’s trip to Canberra.
![Kiwi Erin Routliffe loses Wimbledon doubles final, still becomes world No 1](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kiwi Erin Routliffe loses Wimbledon doubles final, still becomes world No 1
The 29-year-old and partner Gabriela Dabrowski were beaten in straight sets.
![‘I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable’: Barrett’s ABs captaincy admission](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘I don’t think I’ll ever feel comfortable’: Barrett’s ABs captaincy admission
The 30-year-old is still coming to terms with his new job.
![‘He’s a good kid’: All Blacks’ faith in first debutant of Robertson era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘He’s a good kid’: All Blacks’ faith in first debutant of Robertson era
The 23-year-old will come off the bench against England at Eden Park.
![Alex Powell: 7 players NZ Cricket should turn to as Black Caps rebuild begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Alex Powell: 7 players NZ Cricket should turn to as Black Caps rebuild begins
OPINION: NZ Cricket has missed a golden opportunity to invest in the next generation.
![Christie wins race for No 9 jersey, Robertson keeps faith with All Blacks squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Christie wins race for No 9 jersey, Robertson keeps faith with All Blacks squad
One player has been named to debut at Eden Park.
!['The only regret I have': Sun reacts after Wimbledon quarter-final exit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'The only regret I have': Sun reacts after Wimbledon quarter-final exit
The 23-year-old reached the last eight after starting as a qualifier.
![Red Bull boss addresses Lawson’s F1 test as pressure builds on Perez](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Red Bull boss addresses Lawson’s F1 test as pressure builds on Perez
The Kiwi will get roughly 34 laps at Silverstone to prove his worth this week.
![Lawson handed Red Bull test drive in new twist for F1 seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Lawson handed Red Bull test drive in new twist for F1 seat
The 22-year-old continues to be linked with a place on next season’s grid.
![Webster counting injury toll after heartbreaking Warriors loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Webster counting injury toll after heartbreaking Warriors loss
Three more players are under clouds following Saturday’s defeat.
![Mo’unga’s verdict on Scott Barrett as All Blacks’ new captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Mo’unga’s verdict on Scott Barrett as All Blacks’ new captain
The 30-year-old will lead his country for the first time against England.
!['The ultimate goal': Mo'unga sets sights on All Blacks return, 2027 World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'The ultimate goal': Mo'unga sets sights on All Blacks return, 2027 World Cup
The 30-year-old will watch Saturday's season-opener from the sidelines.
![All Blacks squad naming: Razor's surprise call, veteran returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
All Blacks squad naming: Razor's surprise call, veteran returns
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson names his squad for the first test.
![Red Bull director doubles down on Lawson for 2025 F1 seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Red Bull director doubles down on Lawson for 2025 F1 seat
The Kiwi is vying with Daniel Ricciardo for a place at the Racing Bulls.
![Webster’s call on State of Origin stars comes up trumps for Warriors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Webster’s call on State of Origin stars comes up trumps for Warriors
Kurt Capewell and Mitch Barnett both backed up, as the Broncos rested their Origin trio.
![Kiwi teams in the Big Bash League? The Grade Cricketer on NZ’s T20 future](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kiwi teams in the Big Bash League? The Grade Cricketer on NZ’s T20 future
The Australian duo spoke to the Herald about the state of the game.
![‘Pretty disappointed’: Blues captain reacts to star forward's All Blacks snub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Pretty disappointed’: Blues captain reacts to star forward's All Blacks snub
There was no room for the 25-year-old in Scott Robertson's squad.
![Webster’s apology to fans as Warriors approach make or break](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Webster’s apology to fans as Warriors approach make or break
Last weekend’s loss against the Titans equalled the worst result in the club’s history.
!['We have to act': Lawson tipped to win race with Ricciardo for 2025 F1 seat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We have to act': Lawson tipped to win race with Ricciardo for 2025 F1 seat
One senior figure has given the biggest hint yet over the Kiwi's future.
![‘Always beside Scooter’: Savea vows to support new All Blacks captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Always beside Scooter’: Savea vows to support new All Blacks captain
The 30-year-old was the public favourite to take the job.
![Sotutu urged to represent Fiji after All Blacks selection snub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Sotutu urged to represent Fiji after All Blacks selection snub
The 25-year-old was a shock omission in Monday’s squad.
![Who are the five new All Blacks picked by Scott Robertson to face England?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Who are the five new All Blacks picked by Scott Robertson to face England?
Stop the presses, we’ve got a genuine bolter.
![Scott Barrett unveiled as new All Blacks captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scott Barrett unveiled as new All Blacks captain
Relive the naming of Scott Robertson's first squad as All Blacks head coach.
![Ex-Black Cap urges against split coaches, defends under-fire Stead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Ex-Black Cap urges against split coaches, defends under-fire Stead
'We're a victim of our environment,' says Kyle Mills.
![Alex Powell: Sacking Gary Stead won’t solve the Black Caps’ problems](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Alex Powell: Sacking Gary Stead won’t solve the Black Caps’ problems
OPINION: Issues with the New Zealand side extend far beyond their coach.
![Black Caps great’s fears for future of test cricket as T20 surges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Black Caps great’s fears for future of test cricket as T20 surges
'The sport comes down to what the fans want, and what the public want.'
![NZ Rugby doesn't need 'Matt Giteau law', says Matt Giteau](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ Rugby doesn't need 'Matt Giteau law', says Matt Giteau
Coach Scott Robertson has outlined he’d like a change.
![Boult vents frustration over T20 World Cup pitches, despite Black Caps’ win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Boult vents frustration over T20 World Cup pitches, despite Black Caps’ win
"They just haven’t been very good wickets."
![Black Caps star confirms T20 World Cup will be his last](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Black Caps star confirms T20 World Cup will be his last
The news comes with the Black Caps' exit already confirmed.
![Too little, too late: Black Caps destroy Uganda for first win of T20 World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Too little, too late: Black Caps destroy Uganda for first win of T20 World Cup
Already out of the tournament, New Zealand won't go home winless.
![‘They both get to shine’: Why Johnson's return won't hurt Martin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘They both get to shine’: Why Johnson's return won't hurt Martin
Coach Andrew Webster has no worries that the pair can share the field against Melbourne.
![Kane Williamson claims NZ's golden era not over, despite T20 woes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Kane Williamson claims NZ's golden era not over, despite T20 woes
The Black Caps are all but out of the tournament after a second loss.
![Black Caps all but out of T20 World Cup as West Indies inflict second straight loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Black Caps all but out of T20 World Cup as West Indies inflict second straight loss
Facing a must-win equation, the Kiwis couldn't get the job done in Trinidad and Tobago.
![Liam Lawson in two-way shootout for 2025 F1 seat as another domino falls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Lawson in two-way shootout for 2025 F1 seat as another domino falls
Could the Kiwi be forced to look elsewhere for next season?
![Warriors face Johnson headache as Martin continues halfback hot streak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Warriors face Johnson headache as Martin continues halfback hot streak
The 28-year-old has stood up in the star man’s absence.
![‘I know what I’m capable of’: Returning Warrior's warning to rivals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘I know what I’m capable of’: Returning Warrior's warning to rivals
Marata Niukore is back to full fitness as the Warriors look to reignite their season.
![‘A huge honour’: Barrett open to taking All Blacks captaincy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘A huge honour’: Barrett open to taking All Blacks captaincy
The 30-year-old is seen to be vying with Ardie Savea for the role.
![Star duo close in on Warriors returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Star duo close in on Warriors returns
The pair’s comebacks would be a huge boost for Andrew Webster’s side.
![Alex Powell: Too many Cricket World Cups risk killing the game](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Alex Powell: Too many Cricket World Cups risk killing the game
OPINION: Less is certainly not more in the eyes of administrators.
![Black Caps worryingly underdone for T20 World Cup, but family comes first](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Black Caps worryingly underdone for T20 World Cup, but family comes first
New Zealand are entering this year's tournament without any significant preparation.
![Scott Dixon moves top of IndyCar standings with victory in Detroit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Scott Dixon moves top of IndyCar standings with victory in Detroit
Fellow Kiwi Marcus Armstrong also crossed the line third for his first IndyCar podium.
![Fans let down by provincial unions as NZR maintains status quo: Players' boss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Fans let down by provincial unions as NZR maintains status quo: Players' boss
'The game is in trouble, it needed to change.'
![IPL report card: Black Caps struggle to make an impact](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
IPL report card: Black Caps struggle to make an impact
The 2024 season was one to forget for most of the Kiwis.
!['We can't tolerate it': Webster passes Fonua-Blake test with flying colours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'We can't tolerate it': Webster passes Fonua-Blake test with flying colours
Dropping the game's best front-rower was a brave call by the Warriors coach.
![Broken thumb a blessing in disguise for Black Caps opener Conway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Broken thumb a blessing in disguise for Black Caps opener Conway
New Zealand’s T20 wicketkeeper hasn’t played since February.
![‘Quite emotional’: Penney thanks fans as Crusaders keep playoff hopes alive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Quite emotional’: Penney thanks fans as Crusaders keep playoff hopes alive
The reigning champions will have to wait another week to learn their fate.
!['Tough little bugger': Martin stands tallest when Warriors need him most](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Tough little bugger': Martin stands tallest when Warriors need him most
The 28-year-old has filled Shaun Johnson’s boots with aplomb.
![McLaughlin out to replicate Kiwi icon Dixon to claim Indy 500 crown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
McLaughlin out to replicate Kiwi icon Dixon to claim Indy 500 crown
Only one New Zealander has ever won America’s great race.
![‘An honour and a privilege’: Unlikely skipper Barnett’s pride in leading Warriors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘An honour and a privilege’: Unlikely skipper Barnett’s pride in leading Warriors
The 30-year-old will captain against the Dolphins on Sunday.
![‘We can beat anyone’: Crusaders not giving up on slim playoff hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘We can beat anyone’: Crusaders not giving up on slim playoff hopes
The reigning champions now need other results to fall their way.
![Back in blue? How Beauden Barrett could play rest of 2024 season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Back in blue? How Beauden Barrett could play rest of 2024 season
The table-topping Blues will need special dispensation to add All Black to their squad.
![Penney’s pride as Crusaders’ dynasty all but toppled, finals unlikely](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Penney’s pride as Crusaders’ dynasty all but toppled, finals unlikely
The seven-time reigning champions appear certain to miss the playoffs.
![‘Un-Kiwi’: Lewis’ All Whites career in jeopardy after fixing arrest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Un-Kiwi’: Lewis’ All Whites career in jeopardy after fixing arrest
The 27-year-old was one of three players charged on Friday.
![Blues back 'warrior' Papali’i over Cane to fill All Blacks' No 7 jersey](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Blues back 'warrior' Papali’i over Cane to fill All Blacks' No 7 jersey
The 26-year-old is the leading contender to don the iconic jersey.
![Why Wayde Egan didn't entertain rival Aussie offers to stay with Warriors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why Wayde Egan didn't entertain rival Aussie offers to stay with Warriors
'I don't even want to look anywhere else.'
![Why Kieran Read backs Barrett over Savea as next All Blacks captain](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why Kieran Read backs Barrett over Savea as next All Blacks captain
The race to succeed Sam Cane is a two-horse race.
![Why stars won’t play Super Rugby finals despite Japanese returns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Why stars won’t play Super Rugby finals despite Japanese returns
Competition rules will likely leave NZ’s best unable to feature.
![‘Maintain perspective’: Kiwi neurologist on dangers of contact sport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Maintain perspective’: Kiwi neurologist on dangers of contact sport
Dr Helen Murray is more qualified than most scientists in her field.
![Inside the mind of a neuroscientist and unlocking the mysteries of CTE](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside the mind of a neuroscientist and unlocking the mysteries of CTE
Meet the experts unravelling the mysteries of brain trauma and sports with research.
!['Not a popularity contest’: Cane hurt by All Blacks scrutiny, says Foster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Not a popularity contest’: Cane hurt by All Blacks scrutiny, says Foster
The former captain will retire from test rugby after 2024.
!['I'd probably be annoyed': Former test star on possible return of Mo'unga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'I'd probably be annoyed': Former test star on possible return of Mo'unga
Nemani Nadolo discusses the All Blacks' bid to recall Richie Mo'unga.
![‘Blacklisted’: Batting star takes aim at NZ Cricket](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Blacklisted’: Batting star takes aim at NZ Cricket
The 37-year-old has called time on his Black Caps career.
![‘Out of my control’: Hurricanes standout addresses All Blacks speculation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Out of my control’: Hurricanes standout addresses All Blacks speculation
The 24-year-old has been one of the table-toppers’ best in 2024.
!['Too much doubt': NRL stands by controversial refereeing call against Warriors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Too much doubt': NRL stands by controversial refereeing call against Warriors
'There’s no such thing as an automatic penalty try.'
![‘I don’t understand’: Webster reacts to controversial call in Warriors’ loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘I don’t understand’: Webster reacts to controversial call in Warriors’ loss
A refereeing decision has overshadowed Sunday’s result.
![Better late than never: Wales icon firms for Super Rugby bow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Better late than never: Wales icon firms for Super Rugby bow
The 35-year-old will start at fullback for the Crusaders against the Reds on Saturday.
![‘So much courage’: Blues blown away by teammate’s cancer comeback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘So much courage’: Blues blown away by teammate’s cancer comeback
Cameron Suafoa has been named on the bench to face the Rebels.
![All Blacks, Razor behind 'world-class' player's switch to No 10 for Crusaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
All Blacks, Razor behind 'world-class' player's switch to No 10 for Crusaders
David Havili will take the reins for his side's clash against the Reds.
![The biggest risk with Black Caps’ Twenty20 World Cup squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
The biggest risk with Black Caps’ Twenty20 World Cup squad
There is a glaring hole in New Zealand’s 15-man group.
![‘Still got a lot to show’: ABs hopeful admits frustration amid Crusaders’ woes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘Still got a lot to show’: ABs hopeful admits frustration amid Crusaders’ woes
The 29-year-old has struggled to find his best form in Christchurch.
![McLaughlin wins Alabama GP after Indycar cheating scandal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
McLaughlin wins Alabama GP after Indycar cheating scandal
The Kiwi has taken the chequered flag at Alabama for the second successive year.
![McLaughlin delivers perfect response to cheating scandal with Alabama pole](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
McLaughlin delivers perfect response to cheating scandal with Alabama pole
The Kiwi will start at the front of the grid for Monday’s race.
![Black Caps forced to settle for T20 series draw as Pakistan save face in decider](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Black Caps forced to settle for T20 series draw as Pakistan save face in decider
The series' spoils were shared in Lahore.