Latest from Best of Sport Analysis

Chris Rattue: I'll take Nonu over SBW any day

Ma'a Nonu's impressive burst of form isn't just giving the Blues a belated, unexpected shot at making the Super Rugby playoffs.

Wynne Gray: 'Spark plugs' can fire sluggish side

They are known as "spark plugs", the blokes who can inject some sting from the bench.

Paul Lewis: Dark side of sport exposed

NBA basketball owner Donald Sterling's viciously racist comments in the US remind again how lucky we are in NZ to have a comparatively settled racial landscape, writes Paul Lewis.

Hugh McGahan: Kiwis play with desire at last

Richard Loe: Kaino is ready to be back in black

The return of Jerome Kaino has taken competition for places among the All Black loose forwards to an even higher level.

Wynne Gray: Champions must make a statement

Are we thinking the Chiefs' wobble is serious? Or is it a glitch which afflicts every side along the lengthy Super 15 road?

Scotty Stevenson: How to crack code on expansion

Scotty Stevenson asks, "It is possible, under this system, for teams to actually find themselves drawn from the hat to play themselves, and they will be forced to field two teams?"

Wynne Gray: Cooper brings flair to game

The rugby world would be drearier without Quade Cooper. In a sport which has become increasingly programmed as it careers deep into its second decade of professionalism, Cooper offers an all-too-rare palette of boisterous invention.

Chris Rattue: Sky is the limit for amazing prodigy Ko

Lydia Ko is too good to be true. She is so good that golf aficionados speak their mind in hushed tones, or behind closed doors, writes Chris Rattue.

Wynne Gray: Kirwan's men need to win on the road

Rugby remains a work in progress for Benji Marshall just as the Blues have to find a way to win away from home.

JK making a hash of running Blues

John Kirwan's deep into his second season and still doesn't know who the first five-eighth should be, writes Chris Rattue. It's the cardinal sin of rugby coaching and selecting.

Scotty Stevenson: Watch this space for a special face

Tanerau Latimer walks across the training field like a Maori cowboy (Hone Wayne?) who's spent seven days in the saddle.

Dana Johannsen: New ABs hashtag is #overshare

We often complain in our industry that the All Blacks' tightly managed media sessions leave little room for the players to show their personality.

Paul Lewis: Ship these fools out as Warriors sink to new low

The ship of fools sails on ... the Warriors' chaos in the aftermath of Matt Elliott's sacking as coach demands that someone take an axe and blowtorch to the club, top to bottom.

Andrew Alderson: Commonwealth Games now struggles for relevance

In a world which has become a global sporting village, the Commonwealth Games are struggling for traction, writes Andrew Alderson.

Richard Loe: Whistle blowers need to front up

It has become a constant theme that a lot of refereeing decisions being made in Super Rugby are fairly average, writes Richard Loe.

Chris Rattue: It's business as usual at Warriors

Owen Glenn, it looks clear, is positioning himself for an exit, writes Chris Rattue. If it comes down to which co-owner becomes the remaining owner, I'd plump for Watson.

Michael Brown: Club's lack of honesty insults the fans

The Warriors made a decisive call to get rid of Matt Elliott as coach but they should have acted more decisively when handling his "resignation", writes Michael Brown.