New Zealand's Latest Breaking News, Business, Sport, Weather, Entertainment, Politics

Latest FromPaul Lewis

SPORT

Paul Lewis: More tackle nonsense from World Rugby

11 Aug, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Where's Tana Umaga's number? I need to ring him and ask about tiddlywinks.

New Zealand's Anton Lienert-Brown, left, Beauden Barrett and Angus Ta'avao show their disappointment at the 16 all draw against South Africa during a Rugby Championship match. Photo / AP

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Bluffing or shuffling? The All Blacks' big gamble

3 Aug, 2019 9:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The All Blacks could be selling a dummy to the rest of the world.

China's Sun Yang, centre, holds up his gold medal as silver medalist Australia's Mack Horton, left, stands away from the podium with bronze medalist Italy's Gabriele Detti. Photo / AP

SPORT

Paul Lewis: New weapon to fight swim dopes

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

COMMENT: The world of international swimming could be about to change.

SPORT

Injury-prone SBW and the tough questions ABs must answer

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

Sonny Bill Williams' omission against Argentina this weekend prompts many questions.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The NZ changes needed to beat England

13 Jul, 2019 10:43am
5 minutes to read

Comment: The way to beat England is to make a couple of adjustments to the Black Caps.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The rugby club no NZ player wants to be a member of

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

COMMENT: Spare a thought for Jordan Taufua – a member of a small, sad band.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Kane Williamson is already a NZ great - but how far can he go?

29 Jun, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

Williamson is still only 28. It begs the question of just how far he will go in this game?

SPORT

Paul Lewis: A few things Folau fans should consider

22 Jun, 2019 12:53pm
5 minutes to read

There are just a few things that those who have given Israel Folau money should know.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The fresh faces who could start All Blacks' opening test

15 Jun, 2019 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The first All Black selection of the year could be one of the most experimental.

SPORT

Dead in the water: World Rugby's latest missed tackle

1 Jun, 2019 11:00am
5 minutes to read

Paul Lewis: World Rugby should be applauded for trying to make the game safer. But...

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Time for Sanzaar to act on Super Rugby farce

26 May, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

What's worse – financial pressure or farce? Why Super Rugby desperately needs a change.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Why a Lydia Ko comeback is unlikely

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

Will Ko regain former glories, a la Tiger? Possibly – but the signs are not promising.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: How to fix modern rugby's snorefest

27 Apr, 2019 1:30pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Let's do away with what has become a modern snorefest in rugby games.

Damian McKenzie's was ruled out of this year's World Cup squad. Photo / Getty

SPORT

The answer to McKenzie's World Cup exit that was overlooked

20 Apr, 2019 10:03am
5 minutes to read

Comment: The All Black we've all overlooked in the wake of Damian McKenzie's injury.

Israel Folau pointing to the heavens. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Folau beliefs a case of tweet and be damned

14 Apr, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Israel Folau has sadly managed to colour his sporting prowess with cruel bigotry.

Crusaders horses provide the pre match entertainment during the match between the Crusaders and the British and Irish Lions. Photo / Getty Images.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The 'right' change Crusaders should make now

23 Mar, 2019 9:37am
5 minutes to read

There is something that can happen straight away and it should, writes Paul Lewis.

CVC reportedly bought Formula 1 for £1.4 billion in 2004 and made £3.5 billion over the next decade. Photo / AP

SPORT

Paul Lewis: CVC's Six Nations bid threatens future of rugby

17 Mar, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: It isn't just the world rugby championship threatened by CVC's £500 million bid.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The hypocrisy behind rugby's World League outrage

9 Mar, 2019 4:30pm
5 minutes to read

There's a contrary point to make about the hubbub surrounding the so-called World League.

Julian Savea during the Pasifika Challenge clash between the All Blacks and Samoa at Eden Park in 2017. Photo / Greg Bowker.

SPORT

'Hilarious': How Savea saga did All Blacks a favour

23 Feb, 2019 3:30pm
5 minutes to read

Paul Lewis: The real danger to NZ rugby is in shrinking numbers playing at schools.

SPORT

Dutch challengers on America's Cup mission

17 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

America's Cup challengers from The Netherlands are in New Zealand.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: How to deal with players accused of rape

16 Feb, 2019 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Athletes need to be on notice that their career is not an inviolable gift.

SPORT

Yachting: Luna Rossa bid to block rivals

10 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Three of six challengers for 2021 America's Cup in Auckland are target of legal action.

SPORT

The fascinating sub-plot to this year's Super Rugby season

9 Feb, 2019 12:30pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: With three international blindside flankers missing, competition is formidable.

Emirates Team New Zealand have confirmed that cases are being heard by the Cup's arbitration panel. Photo / Getty

SPORT

America's Cup in turmoil: Three challengers face legal action

9 Feb, 2019 9:30am
4 minutes to read

Tension is simmering below the surface as Emirates TNZ confirm cases are being heard.

SPORT

Lewis: The brave idea which can save dying rugby

2 Feb, 2019 5:05pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Rugby is in a boring place right now and a global championship could fix that.

SPORT

Tricky times for Parker: Dethroned champion a difficult sell

26 Jan, 2019 3:30pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: The next two or three bouts will be especially delicate for Joseph Parker.

Novak Djokovic is leading a war over men's player pay. Photo / AP

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Why tennis needs to stop kissing the rings of blokes

19 Jan, 2019 4:30pm
5 minutes to read

Tennis tug-of-war: There are inequities more urgent than shoring up lesser-ranked males.

SPORT

All eyes on Aussie Open: Will Williams be serene?

13 Jan, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

The most fascinating match at the Aussie Open could be a rematch between Serena and Osaka.

SPORT

Stop the hysteria: NZR can't be blamed for rugby deaths

5 Jan, 2019 5:00pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Reaction to recent rugby deaths obscures genuine concern for player welfare.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Neesham's Cricket World Cup audition

30 Dec, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jimmy Neesham must show what he can do with the ball.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Is time running out for Neil Wagner?

22 Dec, 2018 4:00pm
5 minutes to read

Sri Lanka test highlighted the first threads of doubt over Wagner's career at the top.

Emirates Team New Zealand celebrates after they beat ORACLE TEAM USA to win the America's Cup. Photo / Getty Images.

SPORT

America's Cup: The looming test of Team NZ's relationship

22 Dec, 2018 10:16am
4 minutes to read

Six challengers for the America's Cup, yes, but there could still be only five.

SPORT

'Greatest ever': The quiet brilliance of Kane Williamson

16 Dec, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: My new year's resolution is to watch more of Kane Williamson this summer.

The America's Cup on display to the public. Photo / Getty

SPORT

Paul Lewis: The beefiest America's Cup yet

8 Dec, 2018 5:30pm
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: A fifth challenger confirmed, with six a possibility and a slim chance of seven.

Boxers Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury exchange words. Photo / AP

SPORT

Lewis: Sorry Parker, but Fury v Wilder has all my interest

1 Dec, 2018 9:22am
5 minutes to read

Sorry, Joe Parker, but the fight I am really looking forward to is Fury v Wilder.

SPORT

Alarming ABs tactics: Worry over 'brave little chap'

24 Nov, 2018 2:17pm
5 minutes to read

Comment: Ben Smith is the best fullback in the world. But is he the best in the country?

SPORT

Lewis: Umaga ousted, not diminished

18 Nov, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Difficult not to admire Tana Umaga's dignity this week.

SPORT

Lewis: ABs coach blind in defence of Barrett's goalkicking

10 Nov, 2018 1:20pm
5 minutes to read

Foster somehow managed to make Barrett's goalkicking some sort of media conspiracy.

SPORT

Lewis: Disgraced Aussie cricketers bans should stand

3 Nov, 2018 10:06am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Let's see Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, and David Warner's bans stand, shall we?

SPORT

Lewis: The many ABs hoping to avoid 'Japan Syndrome'

27 Oct, 2018 10:53am
5 minutes to read

For some the tour will be an AB trial, others are more like participants in an academy.

Waterfront Stadium proposal October 2018 A partially submerged stadium on the Bledsiloe Wharf would be paid for by a private consortium.

SPORT

Lewis: New waterfont stadium proposal doesn't go far enough

20 Oct, 2018 10:27am
5 minutes to read

The new waterfront stadium proposal doesn't go quite far enough, writes Paul Lewis.

SPORT

Comment: SBW is looking a bit SBW (slow, battling, wobbly)

13 Oct, 2018 3:30pm
5 minutes to read

A few ABs emerged from Boks test with question marks as opposed to exclamation points.

Steve Bruce was sacked after cabbage attack. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Vegetable-hurling habit simply good, healthy fun

7 Oct, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The noble art of vegetable throwing has a proud tradition in sport.

Jordie Barrett and Beauden Barrett. Photo / Getty

SPORT

The answer to All Blacks' kicking woes

29 Sep, 2018 1:00pm
5 minutes to read

ABs' kicking is a selection conundrum, wrapped in a dilemma and tied up with a quandary.

SPORT

ABs UK exodus: What Sopoaga got wrong, and right

15 Sep, 2018 12:17pm
5 minutes to read

Lima Sopoaga was wrong – but he was also right, writes Paul Lewis.

Colin Kaepernick kneels for the National Anthem. Photo / Getty

SPORT

How sport became Trump's biggest enemy

8 Sep, 2018 4:30pm
5 minutes to read

It might just be sport that sticks the biggest spear in Trump's side, writes Paul Lewis.

Simon Mannering in front of a mural for his 300th match created by artist Emily Gardner aka Adore, Vodafone Warriors NRL rugby league training session. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

SPORT

Lewis: What you might not know about Mannering

1 Sep, 2018 11:31am
5 minutes to read

Mannering is a throwback. There's no discernible ego, no need for any "look at me" stuff.

All Blacks prop Owen Franks during the All Blacks team training session, held at Mt Smart Stadium, in preparation for the second Bledisloe Cup rugby test against the Wallabies. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

SPORT

What the stats don't say: Inside rugby's strangest brotherhood

25 Aug, 2018 6:52am
5 minutes to read

The Front Row Club will all be cheering if he scores his first try 100th test tonight.

Richie Mo'unga of the All Blacks. Photo / Getty

SPORT

All Blacks beware: Mo'unga could be victim of 'Sopoaga Syndrome'

11 Aug, 2018 11:20am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The All Blacks may want to guard against what happened to Sopoaga.

Joseph Parker reacts after being knocked down by Dillian Whyte during their heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena in London. Photo / AP

SPORT

Lewis: Don't crucify Parker for not being a bully

4 Aug, 2018 11:20am
5 minutes to read

Good old boxing. Sometimes it manages to knock itself out.

SPORT

Comment: Where have all our world-class no.7s gone?

21 Jul, 2018 9:20am
5 minutes to read

Where the hell are the international-class openside flankers, asks Paul Lewis.

SPORT

Why the world needs France to win the World Cup

14 Jul, 2018 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

France must win the World Cup if there is a faint hope the world could be a better place.

The hands, words and actions of Diego Maradona are an embarrassment to football. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Lewis: Time for FIFA to clean up Maradona mess

8 Jul, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Maradona's perspective demonstrated how deluded even former players can be.

SPORT

What the All Blacks should learn from German football

30 Jun, 2018 1:30pm
5 minutes to read

Paul Lewis: Watching Germany depart the World Cup brought to mind the All Blacks.

SPORT

Paul Lewis: Head contact rule is an ass

16 Jun, 2018 4:30pm
5 minutes to read

'The only way to beat head clashes is by adopting Rippa Rugby at international level.'

Ben Smith of the Highlanders and All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Is this the beginning of the end for All Black Ben Smith?

9 Jun, 2018 10:20am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Is Ben Smith's shift from fullback to wing the beginning of the end?

A dejected goalkeeper Loris Karius of Liverpool. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Lewis: Karius' mistakes shine light on cruel sports fans

3 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Athletes mistakes also offer a view into how people watch sport, writes Paul Lewis.

Mathieu Bastareaud is a key figure in the French team to tour New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Paul Lewis: We can't write off French

27 May, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Yet it may be French rugby is on the way back.

Samuel Whitelock and Brodie Retallick. Photo / Getty Images

SPORT

Lewis: Where have all the quality NZ locks gone?

19 May, 2018 4:45pm
5 minutes to read

What would happen if the All Blacks were to lose Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick?

Dan Carter of Racing 92 looks on during the European Rugby Champions Cup Semi Final between Leicester Tigers and Racing 92. Photo / Getty Images.

SPORT

Lewis: 'Anti-NZ' rugby writer's swipe at Carter embarrassing

12 May, 2018 10:23am
5 minutes to read

UK scribe's wind-up tactics have wound right down.

SPORT

Lewis: Shame on the IAAF over discrimination

29 Apr, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Caster Semenya has been controversial in athletics for years and it's wrong.

Richard Fale, an Hawaiian politician and chief executive of the Tongan/US bid to buy the Auckland-based NZ Warriors NRL rugby league team. Photo / Greg Bowker

SPORT

Comment: Fale harpoons his bid to buy club

22 Apr, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Prediction: The Warriors will soon be sold to the Auckland Rugby League.