Newstalk ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave and the NZ Herald's Bonnie Jansen get together to preview a packed weekend of sport. Video / NZ Herald
Chris Rattue ranks the top sporting events to watch over the next few days.
3) New Zealand v Pakistan, Saturday 6pm - SKY
Oh dear. It all started so well but the wheels have come off New Zealand’s ODI World Cup cricket campaign, which now appears to be hanging bya thread called Net Run Rate.
The good news: it is a strong thread that should still get them into the semifinals.
But fresh from being humiliated at the hands of South Africa, the Black Caps need to restore winning ways against Pakistan, who are hard on their heels.
Tournament darlings Afghanistan are also lurking as challengers for a semifinal spot, although they have a very tough finish against Australia and a rampant South Africa.
New Zealand's Glenn Phillips hits a six. Photo / AP
2) Black Ferns v England, Saturday 7pm - SKY/SKY Open
The Black Ferns defend their World Cup rugby honour against England at Mt Smart Stadium.
England are poised to claim the WXV 1 title - the world champion Ferns need to win the game and the bonus point battle.
On paper, this should still be a close battle although the livewire Cameron Munster and Harry Grant give the Kangaroos a slight edge.
The Kiwis have one of their finest-ever middle forward combos in James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Joseph Tapine. Australia’s charge will be led by the awesome Payne Haas.
There are great matchups everywhere - but a key area where the Kiwis struggle is at dummy half.
Australia have a great one-two punch at their disposal, with Ben Hunt and Grant offering high-quality and contrasting influences.
Injuries to others mean New Zealand relies on the old shoulders of Kieran Foran, who is not even a specialist No. 9.
The length of Foran’s outstanding but troubled and injury-hit career is a tribute to his toughness and resilience.
He has morphed from NRL star to much-admired veteran so well that the tough times have become integral to the legend rather than sore points.
For all of his stoic influence though, the Kiwis won’t get far until they find true depth and quality in this pivotal position. It might be that we are watching the 33-year-old in a Kiwis jersey for the last time in a test career spanning 14 years.
The Hamilton final will be a thriller if the Kiwis get their act together but New Zealand’s record against Australia is awful.
Leo Thompson in possession against Australia. Photo / Photosport
Chris Rattue has been a journalist since 1980 and is one of the most respected opinion writers in New Zealand sports journalism.
