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Will one of England's Owen Farrell (left), New Zealand's Beauden Barrett (centre) or South Africa's Handre Pollard (right) be on the winning World Cup side? Photo / Photosport

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The real World Rugby rankings: Rating the World Cup contenders

13 Sep, 2019 6:55am
14 minutes to read

Forget World Rugby's rankings, here we list the definitive World Cup contenders.

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Liam Napier: Why Steve Hansen got it wrong in World Rugby spat

10 Sep, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The All Blacks' 92-7 rout of Tonga was an embarrassing look for the global game.

All Black George Bridge in action against Tonga. Photo / Dean Purcell

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Liam Napier: All Blacks reveal World Cup clues in Hamilton hiding

7 Sep, 2019 5:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Clues to how All Blacks will play at Rugby World Cup there for all to see.

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Liam Napier: How this All Blacks squad stacks up against history

30 Aug, 2019 8:17am
7 minutes to read

As the All Blacks chase a third title, we compare their past three World Cup squads.

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Any other nation would pick him: Why was SBW chosen over Laumape?

29 Aug, 2019 9:55am
5 minutes to read

Many were stunned by Owen Franks' omission but Ngani Laumape is the unluckiest All Black.

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Who is in and who is out? Breaking down the ABs 31

28 Aug, 2019 5:20am
5 minutes to read

The big day has arrived. Who will make the All Blacks 31 man World Cup squad today?

Manu Tuilagi and Ben Stokes both led England to victories this week. Photos / AP

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Liam Napier: England's danger now impossible to ignore

27 Aug, 2019 2:05pm
5 minutes to read

England may have more chance of winning the Rugby World Cup than the Ashes.

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Liam Napier: How the All Blacks calmed Kiwis' World Cup anxiety

17 Aug, 2019 10:00pm
4 minutes to read

The All Blacks are not unbeatable but can at least head to Japan ready for what awaits.

Scott Barrett was controversially sent off. Photo / Getty

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'He's not a dirty player': Beauden Barrett's defence of brother

11 Aug, 2019 10:01am
4 minutes to read

Beauden Barrett said his brother Scott was very disappointed in himself.

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Liam Napier: Red card aside - All Blacks were once again below their best

10 Aug, 2019 11:50pm
4 minutes to read

Slow down every pick and drive, and you will find similar instances to Barrett's tackle.

Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks look on after their draw against the Springboks. Photo / Getty

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Liam Napier: What the All Blacks must fix after disjointed draw

27 Jul, 2019 11:00pm
5 minutes to read

The first half performance from the All Blacks was one of their worst in recent memory.

Silver Ferns players celebrate after winning the Netball World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand. Photo / AP

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Silver Ferns coach praised: 'Fossils' sign off in style

23 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

This 52-51 triumph seemed so much more improbable than any before.

World Cup winning coach Noeline Taurua. Photo / Getty

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Secret to success: How Taurua planned Silver Ferns revival

23 Jul, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

Noeline Taurua proves she is one of netball's greatest coaches of all time.

Noeline Taurua coach of New Zealand looks on with Maria Folau, Casey Kopua following the Silver Fern's World Cup victory over Australia. Photo /Getty

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Silver Ferns 'fossils' sign off in style

22 Jul, 2019 12:19pm
5 minutes to read

For some of the Silver Ferns fossils World Cup joy was the perfect way to sign off.

Noeline Taurua has quickly turned the Silver Ferns into world champions. Photo /Getty

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NZ's 'netball genius' behind turnaround

22 Jul, 2019 5:32am
3 minutes to read

Noeline Taurua has led the Silver Ferns from rock bottom to back to where they belong.

The Silver Ferns celebrate beating Australia in the Netball World Cup final. Photo /Getty

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Gold for Silver Ferns! NZ crowned World Champions

22 Jul, 2019 5:08am
4 minutes to read

The Silver Ferns, these marvellous mavens, are world champions.

New Zealand players celebrate after beating England during the semi final match between England and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

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Silver Ferns stun England to reach Netball World Cup final

21 Jul, 2019 5:09am
4 minutes to read

Get set, New Zealand, for another Monday morning World Cup final!

Caitlin Bassett of Australia looks on from the bench during their semifinal against South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

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Arrogance, disrespect or tactical? Why Australia rested their stars

21 Jul, 2019 1:05am
3 minutes to read

Australia forced to defend semifinal tactics after resting players nearly backfires.

The New Zealand Silver Ferns. Photo / Getty Images.

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Taurua fires up Ferns: 'This is it for us and for them'

20 Jul, 2019 7:05am
5 minutes to read

Now or never for the Silver Ferns to reveal progress as World Cup semifinal looms.

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Semifinals set: Silver Ferns' path to World Cup glory confirmed

19 Jul, 2019 8:51am
4 minutes to read

New Zealand and England will face off in another World Cup knockout contest.

New Zealand's Casey Kopua in action against Australia. Photo / Getty

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Out of reach! Aussies edge Silver Ferns in World Cup thriller

18 Jul, 2019 11:05pm
4 minutes to read

Ferns likely to play England in semifinal after promising showing ends in one-goal defeat.

Steve Hansen, Mike Cron, Darren Shand and Gilbert Enoka will combine for their 200th tests together against the Pumas. Photos / Getty

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15 years of unrivalled success: The four men oiling the All Blacks machine

18 Jul, 2019 9:00am
3 minutes to read

Four of the All Blacks management will notch their 200th tests together this weekend.

Maria Folau of New Zealand looks on. Photo / Getty

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Netball World Cup: Why pressure is off Silver Ferns ahead of Australia clash

18 Jul, 2019 6:30am
4 minutes to read

Thankfully the Netball World Cup shadowboxing is complete as NZ and Australia face off.

Bailey Mes of New Zealand and Niamh Cooper of Northern Ireland in action. Photo / Getty

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World Cup semifinal secured: Why Silver Ferns look a different beast

17 Jul, 2019 4:11am
4 minutes to read

Now the real tests arrive, first in the form of defending champions Australia.

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Liam Napier: The five stages of Cricket World Cup grief

16 Jul, 2019 11:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Surely it's acceptable to rage at the world a little longer.

The Black Caps suffered a cruel defeat - on boundary countback - in the final. Photo / Getty Images

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Black Caps ratings: Who wilted in the heat of Lord's battle?

15 Jul, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

Two Black Caps stood out more than anyone else in the final but how did Martin Guptill go?

New Zealand's Martin Guptill, center, waits for the trophy presentation after losing the Cricket World Cup final match between England and New Zealand at Lord's cricket ground. Photo / AP

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Liam Napier: Losing World Cup final in these circumstances simply not right

15 Jul, 2019 8:01am
5 minutes to read

Comment: Those are the rules, so the cruelest defeat in cricket history is in the books.

New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson speaks during a press conference after attending a training session ahead of the Cricket World Cup final match against England at Lord's. Photo / AP

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Liam Napier: A sense of something special brewing at Lord's

14 Jul, 2019 5:51am
5 minutes to read

Comment: Maybe this time with the Black Caps there's reason to truly dare to dream.

Maria Folau of New Zealand in action against Malawi. Photo / Getty

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Encouraging start: Silver Ferns thrash Malawi in World Cup opener

12 Jul, 2019 9:30pm
4 minutes to read

Tougher tests await but this opening victory is the first step in the right direction.

England (left) and New Zealand celebrate making the Cricket World Cup final. Photo AP/Getty.

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Liam Napier: Cricket's fickle nature captured by NZ v England final

12 Jul, 2019 5:05am
4 minutes to read

Why New Zealand and England are the most unlikely Cricket World Cup finalists.

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Liam Napier: How Black Caps pulled off one of our greatest sporting upsets

11 Jul, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Few gave the Black Caps more than a puncher's chance - now they're in the final.

Matt Henry celebrates taking a wicket in the Cricket World Cup semifinal against India. Photo / Getty

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Five talking points: Black Caps have the attack to win World Cup

11 Jul, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Why England would be better in the final, and Virat Kohli on how the Black Caps can win.

When Taylor goes well, the Black Caps follow. Photo / Getty Images

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Who was good, who was great? Black Caps v India player ratings

11 Jul, 2019 8:53am
4 minutes to read

How the Black Caps rated following their 18-run semifinal win over India.

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Liam Napier: Damp squib exit looms for Black Caps

10 Jul, 2019 3:00pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Are the Black Caps prolonging the pain or holding on to a glimmer of hope?

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Liam Napier: Now or never for Black Caps' supporting act

9 Jul, 2019 5:34am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Who will help the Black Caps skipper shoulder the burden?

The London New Zealand Cricket Club hosted the Black Caps last month. Photo / Peter Livingstone

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Meet LNZCC: 'The best little cricket club in the world'

8 Jul, 2019 3:00pm
8 minutes to read

London New Zealand Cricket Club has been bringing Kiwis together for almost 70 years.

Noeline Taurua's side enjoyed a warm welcome to the UK. Photo / Getty

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World Cup resurrection: Silver Ferns arrive in UK with point to prove

6 Jul, 2019 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

Silver Ferns arrive in London for the World Cup sweating over Katrina Rore's fitness.

Australia's Mitchell Starc clean bowls New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson during the Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London. Photo / AP

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Liam Napier: Why we should worry about the Black Caps

5 Jul, 2019 7:11am
4 minutes to read

New Zealand are into the semis. What now?

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How the Black Caps rated: Which players got a 3?

4 Jul, 2019 11:00am
3 minutes to read

How the Black Caps rated in their heavy World Cup loss to England.

Matt Henry is clean bowled in New Zealand's heavy defeat to England. Photo /Getty

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Liam Napier: The rot has set in! Black Caps going backwards fast

4 Jul, 2019 5:39am
5 minutes to read

Comment: The Black Caps will make the semis thanks largely to a wash-out result.

Fans pose for a picture outside London Stadium before a baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Photo / AP

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Liam Napier: The most entertaining sporting event I've ever been to

3 Jul, 2019 7:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Yankees and Red Sox took London by storm - and we witnessed it.

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The winners and losers from 'brutal' All Blacks squad naming

3 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Who were the winners and losers from the All Blacks squad naming?

New Zealand lost to Australia at the Cricket World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

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Too many dots? Five things to take from Black Caps' loss

30 Jun, 2019 5:00pm
3 minutes to read

Five talking points from the Black Caps' loss to Australia at the Cricket World Cup.

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Black Caps player ratings: Who stood out among struggling stars?

30 Jun, 2019 10:01am
3 minutes to read

Liam Napier judges the performances in the Black Caps' loss to Australia.

Australia celebrate victory during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between New Zealand and Australia. Photo / Getty Images.

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Liam Napier: No evidence Black Caps are true contenders

30 Jun, 2019 8:09am
5 minutes to read

Comment: A glorious day at Lord's contrasts the gloom enveloping NZ's World Cup prospects.

Kane Williamson during the Black Caps' loss to Pakistan. Photo / Getty

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Five talking points: Bad news for Black Caps, it isn't getting any easier

28 Jun, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Australia v New Zealand at Lords should be a belter.

Shaheen Afridi of Pakistan celebrates after taking the wicket of Tom Latham. Photo / Getty

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Player ratings: Which Black Caps duo rated just a 3?

27 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

How the Black Caps players rated in their six-wicket defeat to Pakistan.

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Liam Napier: The sad story of the Super Rugby finals

26 Jun, 2019 2:15pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Super Rugby's unwitting sacrificial lambs and a new heavyweight boxing contender.

Sonny Bill Williams will play for Ponsonby Rugby Club this weekend. Photo /Getty

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Back to grassroots: SBW to play club rugby

26 Jun, 2019 3:14am
3 minutes to read

Sonny Bill Williams given clearance to turn out for Ponsonby over the next two weeks.

Colin Munro departs for a duck against the West Indies. Photo / Getty

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Five key talking points: Should the Black Caps make changes?

23 Jun, 2019 6:30pm
4 minutes to read

Liam Napier looks at five key talking points from the Black Caps' five -run win.

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Player ratings: Williamson near perfect in thriller

23 Jun, 2019 2:30pm
3 minutes to read

How the Black Caps player rated in their thrilling five-run win over the West Indies.

New Zealand won a dramatic last-ball thriller against the West Indies to all but secure a semifinal spot. Photos / Getty

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Liam Napier: How the Black Caps' World Cup Jenga refuses to fall

23 Jun, 2019 9:28am
5 minutes to read

Comment: Under immense pressure, all the other top teams have already crumbled.

Matias Moroni of the Jaguares scores a try against the Chiefs. Photo / Getty

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'More was expected': Chiefs stunned by Jaguares in playoffs

22 Jun, 2019 9:45am
4 minutes to read

There was to be no fairytale finish for the Chiefs in 2019.

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Black Caps player ratings: Guess who got a perfect 10

20 Jun, 2019 3:00pm
3 minutes to read

Liam Napier judges the performances in their four-wicket win over South Africa.

All Black coach Steve Hansen and Mike Cron, right. Photo /Getty

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Why All Blacks' secret weapon is walking away

20 Jun, 2019 12:00pm
6 minutes to read

All Blacks forwards coach to conclude his 16-year tenure after the World Cup.

Colin Munro walks off the pitch after being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada. Photo /Getty

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Five things: Should the Black Caps change a winning side?

20 Jun, 2019 10:53am
4 minutes to read

Are the Black Caps into the semis? Will there be changes? And how good is Williamson.

Kane Williamson celebrates another milestone in New Zealand's Cricket World Cup victory over South Africa. Photo /Gettu

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Liam Napier: Can we start to believe in World Cup title?

20 Jun, 2019 6:10am
4 minutes to read

The push and pull between optimist and realist with the Black Caps remains after big win.

Liam Squire on the charge for the Highlanders against the Waratahs (main) and injured on All Blacks duty (inset). Photos / Getty

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Bruise control: The big All Blacks poser ahead of World Cup

18 Jun, 2019 11:00am
6 minutes to read

Comment: Liam Squire is back with a bang but will his body last through to the World Cup?

Liam Squire of the Highlanders makes a break against the Waratahs. Photo / Getty

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Try-Landers! Highlanders thump Waratahs to keep playoff hopes alive

14 Jun, 2019 9:20pm
4 minutes to read

Red-hot Highlanders run in six first-half tries - and now the waiting game starts.

Liam Messam playing for Toulon against Perpignan in the Top 14. Photo / Getty Images

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Chasing 20 seasons as a pro: Why Liam Messam wants more

14 Jun, 2019 9:28am
6 minutes to read

Liam Messam sets sights on cracking 20 years of professional rugby - a feat few achieve.

Warren Gatland, the newly reappointed British and Irish Lions Head Coach speaks to media. Photo / Getty

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Gatland rules out England, keen to coach in NZ

13 Jun, 2019 3:51am
4 minutes to read

Warren Gatland rules out coaching England and the All Blacks but is keen on the Chiefs.

All Black Captain and number 8 Kieran Read and Lions Captain/flanker Sam Warburton share the Lions Trophy. Photo / Greg Bowker

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'Iconic photo': Gatland open to Lions extra time

13 Jun, 2019 12:46am
4 minutes to read

Warren Gatland says extra time may be added for the Lions tour of South Africa in 2021.