New Zealand track cyclist Sam Webster poses with his three medals. Photo / Greg Bowker
New Zealand track cyclist Sam Webster poses with his three medals. Photo / Greg Bowker
Herald reporters David Leggat and Kris Shannon, who are covering the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, answer three questions on the New Zealand team's performance so far and what to expect in the remaining days of competition.
The most impressive New Zealand performance so far?
Kris Shannon:While the men's sprint cyclistswere the most dominant and Anton Cooper's efforts this morning the most exhilarating, the most impressive performance of these games, for mine, belongs to the Robertson twins. Few Kiwis would have seen the brothers race before these Games; even fewer who watched their efforts in the 5000m would forget them any time soon. Coming up against a cabal of Kenyans, the Robertsons controlled much of the race until Jake was accidentally tripped by compatriot Nick Willis. Zane barely blinked as his brother hit the deck, staying with the decisive surge on the final lap before hanging on for bronze on the home straight.
David Leggat: Sam Webster, the headline act in an outstanding track cycling group. His performance in the individual sprint was brilliant. He cleaned out good mate Eddie Dawkins in the semifinals, displaying blistering pace and smart tactical nous, then saw off the Olympic champion Jason Kenny in a three-race final. Webster had to regroup after dropping the second race and did so expertly. He was part of the team sprint gold medal trio. Although Tom Scully (points race) and Shane Archbold (scratch race) deserved accolades for their successes in the bunch endurance events, and 11 medals were gathered in a stellar collective performance, Webster stood supreme.
Image 1 of 9: Supporters of New Zealand Men's Cross Country Mountain Biker Anton Cooper before the race at Cathlin Braes Mountain Bike Trail. Photo / Greg Bowker.
Biggest disappointment?
Shannon: The team triathlon relay. As individuals, they weren't great, with Andrea Hewitt's fourth place the solitary finish inside the top 10, but only Hewitt was a legitimate chance for a medal. Together as a team, though, the result was much worse. The Kiwis came second in the relay at last year's world championships, and a repeat performance appeared on the cards for much of the race. But poor Ryan Sissons made a crucial error in the final transition, slipping to fifth and later saying he felt like he let down his mates.
Leggat: Swimming, if you take out Lauren Boyle and Sophie Pascoe. Flattering to deceive and due a hard look from the country's sports funders. That said, the triathlon team runs them a close second.
How many more golds to come?
Shannon: Val Adams, obviously. Linda Villumsen will be a strong hope in the road cycling time trial, and Joelle King has a shot at a couple in the doubles, teaming with Amanda Landers-Murphy in the women's and Martin Knight in the mixed. The Kiwis could also get lucky in the 1500m, with both Nick Willis and Zane Robertson set to race, while the Silver Ferns and both Black Sticks sides will have likely have to get past the arch-enemy in the gold medal match. I'll say five.
Leggat: Adams is the banker. Linda Villumsen should figure at the sharp end in the individual time trial. Joelle King and Martin Knight, silver medallists in New Delhi, will be a good bet, then there's the women's Black Sticks. They have the ability to beat, almost certainly, Australia if they make the final. The Silver Ferns have big injury issues but would have to rate a chance. That said, getting past Jamaica, England and Australia will be a tall order, even if all players are fully fit. And down at the scenic Kelvingrove bowls centre, how about two medals? Jo Edwards and Val Smith in the women's pair. Good mates, they already have a medal apiece - Edwards gold in the singles, Smith bronze as part of an otherwise young four - and have begun strongly. Then there's Shannon McIlroy in the singles, whose begun with four wins from as many matches, and the young women's triple. Sod's Law says they won't all get there, though. A number? The young colleague is a wise fellow. Try five.
Image 1 of 8: New Zealand hockey player Simon Child in action during New Zealand's match against England on day six of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Photo / Greg Bowker
