Latest from Best of Sport Analysis

Richie Barnett: Our game is bigger, better than its idiots

Many have taken potshots at league over the last few days after the latest incident involving Todd Carney. I can understand why.

Rattue on Vincent: We're flawed too

Chris Rattue examines the Lou Vincent saga: "His twisted ideals at least partly reflect our society."

David Leggat: Hail our born-again winners

It has been easy enough to pick holes in New Zealand's test cricket down through the years. During the lean years, the team have given the critics plenty of ammunition.

Dylan Cleaver: ICC bosses must face the truth

Lou Vincent's life ban is, for him, the culmination of a series of dreadful personal decisions, writes the Herald's Dylan Cleaver.

Wynne Gray: Highlanders impress with run at play-offs

Take a decent bow you Highlanders. It's been a while since you gave Super Rugby a decent rattle and your season-ticketholders much to cheer about, writes Wynne Gray.

Justin Marshall: ABs should have started for Crusaders

A victory over the Hurricanes, with two home fixtures left, would have put the Crusaders in the box seat for a home semifinal. Instead, they lost 16-9, writes Justin Marshall.

Chris Rattue: Colombia win did world a favour

Colombia wiped away the stain of Luis Suarez in the best possible way, leaving this World Cup to reclaim its place as one of the great sporting tournaments of all time.

Paul Lewis: Luis' return leaves game with a gnawing problem

Poor, old Luis Suarez. The more you see the biting incident in this otherwise terrific World Cup, the more you fear for the guy's mental health.

Richard Loe: Carter must earn selection

It would be pretty harsh on Coiln Slade if he was dropped to the bench after the way he's played. But I'm not sure that's what they will do., writes Richard Loe.

Gregor Paul: Hansen right to back top combo

The old guard are back and it feels right. Still feels right five years after Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read first played as a loose trio against Australia in Sydney.

Justin Marshall: Clever use of driving mauls a lethal weapon

The driving maul is one facet of play England have used extremely effectively in this June series.

Dana Johannsen: Ready to be part of game's golden history

Wynne Gray: Questions remain about attitude

The niggle continues even as the All Blacks continue their marvellous unbeaten stretch, writes Wynne Gray. It's not a complaint, more of a misgiving, a twinge about their ability to go the distance.

Justin Marshall: Experience better than new blood

Richie McCaw missed a tackle and England scored, writes Justin Marshall. That's not up for debate, but what I will argue against is the idea older players should be moved on before next RWC.

Paul Lewis: Sponsorship ban simply misguided

Michael Burgess: Spectacle utterly fan-tastic

The scenes leading up to this morning's match between Uruguay and Costa Rica were extraordinary, writes Michael Burgess.

Hugh McGahon: Predicting top eight a puzzle of epic proportions

Halfway through the season, it's apparent how unpredictable selecting a top eight at the beginning of the year really is.

Wynne Gray: Rustiness and complacency no longer factors

Those who feel the errors were first-test blues found comfort in coach Steve Hansen's assessment that his staff had overloaded the group with too many ideas.