http://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Sports FanAtticenThu, 17 May 2012 19:12:33 GMT60http://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/692The 2011-12 season has been a tumultuous one for the Brisbane Roar, coming on the back of a break out 2010-11 season. The Roar hit the ground running back in October starting the season with a 1-0 vic...Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/690The Warriors may have a new home in the form of Auckland's biggest stadium, Eden Park. The council are looking at using Mt Smart (the Warriors current home base) as the new location for the Western Sp...Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/691We are just one week away from the start of the 2012 State of Origin series, kicking off in Melbourne next Wednesday night. Queensland is heading into the series on the back of six straight series, a ...Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/689GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND 11 - Wests Tigers V New Zealand Warriors - Friday, Leichardt Oval 19.30 local time.LAST WEEK: Wests got an easy two points with a bye. Struggled up front early but eventually ...Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/688Steve Hansen has today announced his first All Blacks squad, naming a 35 man training squad that will be cut back to 30 when the three Test series against Ireland gets underway in June. As with most t...Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/687This side has been the best for the last six years of the State Of Origin as much as it pains me to hear that. Queensland will once again be the team to beat, a side which is dominant from 1-17. There...Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/686It's been an agonising six years for me, and the other New South Wales supporters. Probably has been a long six years for the players and coaches too. On the verge of this side being named on Sunday -...Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/685Dan Carter's return to rugby has presented Steve Hansen with an interesting dilemma. Since making his return to the Crusaders, DC has been playing second five outside of Tom Taylor who has been doing ...Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/684GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND NINE - Cronulla Sharks V Melbourne Storm - Sunday, Toyota Stadium 15.00 local time. LAST WEEK: Cronulla fell short against South Sydney Rabbitohs in a game which had every...Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/683Dane Nielson is heading to New Zealand. The Melbourne Storm center has signed a three year deal with the NZ Warriors as of 2013. It's a very good signing for the Warriors who have struggled to fill th...Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/682A dominant first half performance has seen the Warriors pick up their fourth win of the year, with a 30-20 victory over the high flying Brisbane Broncos. The Warriors got the game off to a great start...Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/681Its good news for New Zealand rugby, and not so good for England; Wayne Smith has announced he is staying in New Zealand for the foreseeable future. Smith has turned down what would have been a very l...Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/680GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND NINE - South Sydney Rabbitohs V Cronulla Sharks - Monday, ANZ Stadium 19.00 local time.LAST WEEK: South Sydney put in a strong first half effort which saw them hold off a fast...Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/679Are there any Blues supporters out there? If you just said yes, then you should be commended on your loyal support, because let+rsquo;s be honest, no one would be too surprised if you'd given up in th...Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/678At the beginning of the Super Rugby season I said I didn+rsquo;t think the Chiefs would have what it takes to have much of an impact in 2012. I knew their back line would have the potential to score p...Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/677After a slow start to their 2012 season the Crusaders are starting to find that form that has seen them become the competitions most dangerous team. Wins over the Stormers and Hurricanes in the past t...Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/675GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND EIGHT - Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs V Manly Warringah Sea Eagles - Friday, ANZ Stadium 19.30 local time. LAST WEEK: Canterbury Bankstown went down in a gutsy effort against...Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/676We're only a few weeks away from the opening game of the 2012 State of Origin series, and while we're all awaiting the naming of the two squads, more so for NSW supporters as Queenslanders pretty much...Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/673Anzac Day clashes have usually been kept to the traditional Dragons vs. Roosters in the NRL, but this year we're treated to not just that game but also a showdown between the Melbourne Storm and New Z...Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/674History has been made with Brisbane Roar going back to back as champions, the first team to do so in the 7 season history of the Hyundai A-League, but their win was not without controversy, so let+rsq...Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/672It was international rugby league at its best last night at Eden Park in Auckland, as around 40,000 spectators flooded in to see Australia and New Zealand go head to head in what was a gruelling chall...Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/670The A-League season has reached its climax, with the Grand Final set to be played this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, when defending champions Brisbane Roar host an in form Perth Glory side.The stats don+...Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/671This Sunday (or Saturday if you're reading this from the States) two of the most dominant light heavyweights in recent times will go head to head for the UFC LHW belt. Jon Jones and Rashad Evans are f...Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/668In Gallipoli, we were brothers in arms - on Friday, we are enemies.The ANZAC spirit makes me proud, and seeing Australia and New Zealand clash in what is always a battle, makes every piece of hair on ...Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/669Forget Michael Jordan+rsquo;s glorious return to the Chicago Bulls in 1996, I think we may have the greatest comeback, OF ALL TIME, on our hands, in the form of Willie Mason, who has been signed by th...Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/667The only good thing about the Super Rugby conference system is the extra local derbies on offer, and this weekend we're treated to two absolute classics on New Zealand soil; Highlanders vs. Blues, and...Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/666After a lacklustre fortnight from the Warriors, which saw them get soundly beaten by the Roosters and Raiders, yesterday's game against the Rabbitohs was an important one for the club. A ton of critic...Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/665So it+rsquo;s that time of the season, ANBL finals round and it appears a few diehard fans are coming out of the woodwork. Yup, the tracks are bending under the newfound, additional weight of the band...Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/664The NRL has always been known for being a physically tough game especially when it comes to the tackling side of it. There's nothing fans live more than watching a good old fashion shoulder charge, bu...Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/663All is not well in the land of the New Zealand Warriors. After six rounds of the NRL regular season the team currently sits on a 2/4 record, with wins only against the struggling Eels and Titans. In t...Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/662Melbourne are just so good right now!GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND SEVEN - Melbourne Storm V Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs - Saturday, Toyota Stadium 19.30 local time. LAST WEEK: Melbourne was lightning h...Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/660With the ANZAC test looming only fifteen days away - It's time to predict who will make this Kangaroos side to play the Kiwi's at Eden Park in Auckland.Five rounds of NRL so far, and it's great to hav...Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/661With my Australian team named, here is a rundown of my boys - the Kiwis.Fullback: Josh Hoffman (Broncos) - Pledging his allegiance but yet to play for New Zealand, the Brisbane fullback deserves this ...Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/658That Melbourne Storm vs. Newcastle Knights game was a bit of a blow-out, but still very entertaining!GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND SIX - Cronulla Sharks V Saint George Illawarra Dragons - Saturday, Toyota ...Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/659After six thrilling rounds of Super Rugby action it feels like an eternity since the All Blacks beat the French to claim the 2012 Rugby World Cup. After every World Cup there is always an exodus of pl...Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/657The game of the round as I see it!Round five already? WOW!GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND TWO - Melbourne Storm V Newcastle Knights - Friday, AAMI Park 19.45 local time. LAST WEEK: Melbourne inflicted more ...Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/656After four wins from for starts to begin the 2012 Super Rugby season the Highlanders hit a small snag in the form of a Brumbies side that is exceeding everyone+rsquo;s expectations. The Brumbies are c...Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/654The game of the round as I see it!GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND TWO - South Sydney Rabbitohs V Brisbane Broncos - Friday, NIB Stadium Perth 18.00 local time. LAST WEEK: South Sydney notched up their first...Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/655 The rotating door of the Black caps is back in full swing after the demolition job they were exposed to at the hands of the South Africans in the second Test in Hamilton. The Black Caps put up a bra...Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/652The curse of the slow start has once again cost the Warriors two vital competition points as they went down 32-18 to the Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. It's the third week running that the team has lea...Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/653And then there were two.After heading into round 34 the penultimate round of the season with the mathematical probability that (results dependant) 4 teams could still win the Premiers Plate, we now fi...Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/651Things aren+rsquo;t going to well in the land of the Parramatta. After three rounds the Eels are sitting down the bottom of the competition ladder after three straight losses. In round one they were b...Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/650It's a shortened round of Super Rugby action this weekend with three teams having a bye. The Bulls, Lions, and Crusaders will be playing the spectator role in round four, but even with one less game t...Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/648New Zealand is today mourning the loss of a legend. Jock Hobbs, a former All Black and the man largely accredited with bringing the 2011 Rugby World Cup to New Zealand+rsquo;s shores has passed away f...Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/649Last weekend I got the right team winning and predicted the score as 22-16 but was just off as it was 22-18! Great game too, anyway here is this week+rsquo;s match of the round.GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUN...Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/647In just over a few hours from now the mighty New Zealand Warriors will be taking on the Parramatta Eels in the final game of round 2 NRL action. With both teams coming off of first up losses this serv...Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/646Last night the Highlanders made it three wins from three games with a hard fought 18-17 win over the NSW Warratahs. In front of around 17,000 fans the boys were made to fight for their victory, as the...Sun, 11 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/645Last night I was privileged enough to score a free ticket to the see the OceanaGold Nuggets take on the Wellington Saints at the Edgar Centre. When I say privileged I more mean unfortunate and when I ...Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/643Round 3 of the 2012 Super Rugby season is almost here, and like always there are a few decent games to watch out for. My tips in the opening rounds have been fairly good, in fact if it wasn't for the ...Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/644Who will top the A-League table?With just three rounds of the regular season remaining, who will top the A-League table? And what can we expect from the two Sunday games this week; those are the quest...Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/641What+rsquo;s the difference between the Highlanders and the Blues?Well for starters the Highlanders sit on top of the New Zealand conference with two wins from their opening two games (third overall),...Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/642The road to Asian glory has proven it+rsquo;s no simple task for the Brisbane Roar, who had a baptism of fire last night in the Brisbane rain. They lined up for the first time in the AFC Champions Lea...Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/640Each week I will give you an insight on what will be my opinion for the game of the round. This week, it's going to be a cracker! Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. Wests Tigers.GAME OF THE ROUND: ROUND T...Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/638It was a rematch of the 2011 NRL Grand Final, and as far as games of rugby league go it was about as exciting as you can get. At least that was the sentiment on Twitter following the game. I found the...Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/639It has been a painful weekend as a football fan, with the Brisbane Roar failing to put the Heart away, Sydney FC not taking their chances against the Mariners and Wellington struggling to score agains...Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/636Home Away, Neighbours, Shortland Street, Eastenders, Coronation Street, Days of Our Lives, The Young The Restless. AMATEURS. These television soap operas have nothing on the real life soap opera tha...Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/637Week 2 of the Super Rugby is only a couple of hours from getting underway, so I guess I better give you all a rundown on who I+rsquo;m tipping this weekend. There are some really great games on offer ...Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/634In Breaking News the FFA have this afternoon announced they have suspended the operating licence of Gold Coast United effective immediately. They announced this at a press conference held at 2pm AEDT ...Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/635Blues coach Pat Lam has resisted the urge to make a few changes to the side that lost to the Crusaders last Friday night, making only one change to the starting line up for this Fridays clash with the...Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/632We've all known for a while that a few Rugby Unions around the country have been struggling financially for a few years, and yet yesterday's announcement that Otago Rugby Union was facing liquidation ...Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/633The NRL gets underway this Thursday night, yes that+rsquo;s right I said Thursday night, when the Newcastle Knight play host to the St. George/Illawarra Dragons. The Thursday night game is only happen...Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/631NRL is just 3 days away but where is the hype? As a Kiwi living in Brisbane I am used to not hearing about the Warriors pre-season but this year the Broncos hype seems to be missing.There is coverage ...Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/628Here it is, your top four this season predicted by myself! 4th: Newcastle KnightsHello: Wayne Bennett (Dragons), Danny Buderus (Leeds-ESL)Goodbye: Adam MacDougall (Retirement), Steve Southern (Wakefie...Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/629Brisbane flew cross country to take on Perth Glory at nib Stadium in their round 21 clash. Travelling to Perth is one of the most arduous trips in domestic football, but more so when you stay in Brisb...Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/6301. Rene Ranger is back: After fading away throughout the 2011 competition, the Rene Ranger of old is back with some scintillating runs and outstanding attacking ability. He+rsquo;s always had the good...Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/626The 2012 Super Rugby season is underway, and we were well and truly treated to a great game first up with the Crusaders holding on to a narrow 19-18 win over the Blues at Eden Park. Both teams played ...Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/6278th: Canterbury-Bankstown BulldogsHello: James Graham (ST Helens-ESL), Des Hasler (Sea Eagles)Goodbye: Jamal Idris (Titans), Ben Roberts (Eels)A family club with family values which have a lost a whol...Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/625So yesterday I linked you up with 16th-13th positions on the 2012 NRL preview - today we look at 12th-9th to round out the bottom eight.12th: Parramatta EelsHello: Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs), Ben Robert...Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/623Back for another year, and as the league season sits only seven days away I will give you my two cents worth on the upcoming season with a briefing of where I think each club will finish. NRL is back...Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/624In a round 24 hours we+rsquo;ll all be settling in to watch the opening round of Super Rugby with the Blues taking on the Crusaders. It+rsquo;s fair to say I am very excited about having rugby back in...Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/622This Friday night we+rsquo;ll all be basking in the glory of the opening game of the 2012 Super Rugby season, and what better way to get it all started than with a showdown between the Blues and Crusa...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/619Saturday night was an entirely new experience for me. As always I went along to the Brisbane Roar+rsquo;s home game, this weekend against the +ldquo;struggling+rdquo; Melbourne Victory. The one differ...Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/620I am an avid NZ Warriors supporter through and through, and have been since game one against the Brisbane Broncos back in 1995. I have ridden through the highs and lows over the past seventeen seasons...Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/621 Fold Coast Untied... (yes intentionally misspelled) Once upon an A-League a rich rotund man came a knockin+rsquo; offering abounding riches and hope to a fledgling league desperate for investment. ...Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/618The Highlanders have had a pretty tough time during their pre-season trials, dropping all three games against the Crusaders, Chiefs, and the Blues, and losing a whole host of players to injury, forcin...Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/617The Zimbabwe tour of New Zealand has come to an end, and while they put up a valiant effort in their final game on tour, it+rsquo;s fair to say this wasn+rsquo;t a tour to be remembered for most crick...Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/616 Brian McClennan is on the verge of his first season in charge of an NRL team, and after just two trial matches he+rsquo;s facing some tough challenges before the actual season has even begun. The Wa...Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/615The Super Rugby franchises are in the midst of their pre-season warm-up games, and while the games mean very little with regards to the end results, they are important for the players as they get that...Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/614I feel like I+rsquo;ve said this a few times over the past week or so, but the NRL is almost upon us, and so today I want to run through the teams I think will be good enough to make the coveted top e...Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/613Following their revival season in 2011, the Highlanders are facing a spate of injuries, which has left Jamie Joseph a few things to ponder before the opening game against the Chiefs on February 25th. ...Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/612As the A-League gets ready to enter week 19 of the competition, three teams are building for the storm that will take place at the end of the regular A-League season; post season football for 2 of the...Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/611First things first I do not pretend to be an expert when it comes to the game of American Football. As much as I enjoy watching the NFL, I very rarely get to watch any games due to an unfortunate work...Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/610The NRL season is less than a month away, but already footy fever is beginning to spread, helped in part by the NRL All Stars game last night. The NRL All Stars made it back to back victories when the...Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/608With the NRL All Stars game taking place tomorrow night one thing is clear; the NRL season is just around the corner, and I for one cannot wait to have the footy back on my TV. Last year was a good ye...Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/609If Zimbabwe were hoping to impress the cricketing world with the efforts today, they failed miserably. After suffering a massive loss to the Black Caps in the one off Test in Napier, Zimbabwe made it ...Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/607Possibly a magical window that lets you transfer through time and space, leaving your hum-drum life on one side, and entering a magical winter wonderland on the other, or just the four week period of ...Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/605Ice Hockey Anyone?I am so sorry.I+rsquo;m back for one day and have betrayed your trust already. So you know when I said that I didn+rsquo;t really do any sports spectating all summer? Well that just ...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/606Sports is full of athletes who fall from grace, get back on their feet, fall again, get back up and tell the world they+rsquo;re ready to put their woes behind them and concentrate on their chosen cod...Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/603For a fanAttic, a summer without sport may seem like no summer at all, but just hear me out for a minute and I+rsquo;ll explain my situation+hellip; 2011 was a big year, especially for any New Zealan...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/604Those of you tuning into Sky Sport today to watch the final day of the Test between the Black Caps and Zimbabwe have obviously had your heads buried in the sand for the past few days. OK so if you are...Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/602And the winner is...BJ Watling has today been named wicket keeper for the Black Caps for the one off Test against Zimbabwe, which gets underway in Napier tomorrow morning. Watling had competition for ...Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/601What chance are the Wellington Phoenix to join the ranks of the Breakers and Warriors to make an Australian grand final, and to emulate the Breakers by winning an Australian title? With nine home and...Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/600Last week it was announced there was a new face in the Black Caps Test squad in the form of Kruger van Wyk, and today, somewhat out of the blue, another new face has been added to the squad to take on...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/599A week out from the UFC second Fox Network event and the main card has had a major overhaul following an injury to Mark Munoz, who was scheduled to face Chael Sonnen in a number one contenders fight i...Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/598The NRL All Stars have been named today for the upcoming game against the Indigenous All Stars, which is being played on February 4 at Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. The All Stars game has been a reg...Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/597There is something about a perennial battler, the player or team that is always struggling, that has the crowd get behind them as the underdog. They occasionally lift markedly when the crowd gets in b...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/596The Chiefs are doing things differently in 2012 by today naming both Liam Messam and Craig Clarke as co-captains for the upcoming Super Rugby competition. Co-captains is not a new thing to the world o...Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/595John Wright has today named his 12 man Test squad for the upcoming Test against Zimbabwe, and he+rsquo;s made one change from the squad that toured Australia and came away with that famous Test win ov...Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/594Over the past couple of days we+rsquo;ve covered the New Zealand and Australian Super Rugby franchises, and so last, but by no means least, we+rsquo;ll cover the five South African teams and their cha...Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/593Yesterday we had a look at how the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises are shaping up for the upcoming season, and so today our attention shifts across the ditch to the five Australian teams. Last...Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/592 After what seems like an eternity since we+rsquo;ve had any rugby to watch, seeing pictures of Piri Weepu wearing a Blues jersey, and footage of Sonny Bill Williams training with the Chiefs, can onl...Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/591What does a cold, windy wet night in Hobart have to offer? One of the best KFC Big Bash games so far. The home side came into the match still smarting after their 3 run loss to cellar dwellers Brisba...Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/590It looks as though fans of Jonny +ldquo;Bones+rdquo; Jones won+rsquo;t have to wait too long to see the light heavyweight champion defend his title again. Following his win over Lyoto Machida at UFC14...Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/589Who would have thought scoring 100 Test match centuries would prove so elusive. For Sachin Tendulkar during this Test series against Australia, it+rsquo;s proving to be very elusive. There is little d...Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/587Yesterday the A-League launched a new concept +lsquo;Big Wednesday+rsquo;. Aussies are used to +lsquo;Super Saturday+rsquo; in the NRL, and Kiwis associate Big Wednesday with cash, holidays, houses, c...Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/588While I was away camping in the 30+ degree heat of Central Otago over New Years, it seems Sonny Bill Williams has been busy having coffee with the chairman of the Sydney Roosters, Nick Politis, which ...Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/5852011 has come and gone, and after a bit of a holiday it+rsquo;s time to get the ball rolling in 2012. There hasn+rsquo;t been too much action on the sporting stage other than a bit of cricket (Aussies...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/586It+rsquo;s finally summer in the grand old land of Aus, with temps in the early 30s or higher across most of the eastern states. Today for instance the sun is shining brightly here in Brisbane with th...Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/584Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite highlights from 2011 has got to be that glorious day when the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup, ending a 24 year drought, and providing me with my happiest s...Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/582I went along to the Gabba for just the second time last night to be a part of the spectacle that is the KFC T20 Big Bash League. As I headed out and jumped onto the game bus, I felt a little under dre...Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/583October 2nd was a day of mixed emotions for Warriors supporters. For only the second time in the clubs history the boys were lining up for a shot at the NRL Premiership. Standing in their path was the...Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/581Day two of my look back at the 2011 sporting year, and I thought I better pay homage to the Black Caps famous Test victory over Australia. These sorts of victories only come round once in a blue moon,...Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/579Tis the Monday before Christmas, the day after a forgettable weekend as a fanAttic, with the Heat going down to the 6ers on Friday night in the BBL, the Roar falling to the Mariners on Saturday, and t...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/5802011 is drawing to an end and after another action packed year of sports I thought I+rsquo;d take a look at some of the best moments from the sporting calendar. Over the next course of the week I+rsqu...Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/578With the end of the year fast approaching I+rsquo;m sure many of you are anticipating just who will make the New Years Honour board. What+rsquo;s that? You really don+rsquo;t care that much? Well neit...Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/576And the All Blacks new head coach is (insert drumming noise) - Steve Hansen. The NZRU today announced New Zealand+rsquo;s worst kept secret when they announced Hanson as the successor to Graham Henry...Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/577So with the Big Bash beginning how do the sides shape up? I+rsquo;ve given an overview of the revamped league, and now it+rsquo;s time to look into the makeup of and +lsquo;names+rsquo; in each squad...Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/572Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, Sydney 6ers, Brisbane Heat, Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades, and Hobart Hurricanes +ndash; the eight brand new city based teams in the all new ...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/573 Last night I ventured along to Forsyth Barr Stadium for an A-League showdown between the Wellington Phoenix and the Brisbane Roar. This was the second time the two teams had played at New Zealand+rs...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/574It+rsquo;s the end of the world! Well if you listen to many football commentators it is. The champion Brisbane Roar have now lost 3 in a row, hot on the heels of their record 36 straight unbeaten run...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/575While it may only be round 11 for the league, this weekend will see the Roar and Phoenix playing their 12th games, after their mid week +lsquo;regional round+rsquo; fixture in Dunedin.The round begins...Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/571One day after the Black Caps historic win over the Aussies I now feel it+rsquo;s time to put the win in perspective. Twenty six years is a long time to wait between wins, and it was definitely great f...Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/569Don+rsquo;t be mistaken; this is in no way an opinionative piece on my predictions for the upcoming Phoenix/Roar game that+rsquo;s taking place in Dunedin this Wednesday. I have never pretended to be ...Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/570Doug Bracewell has etched his name in the history books with an outstanding 6/40 off 16.4 over+rsquo;s, helping the Black Caps to a historic Test win over Australia. OK I suppose I should give the oth...Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/567I+rsquo;m not really one for the whole Christmas thing. Be it cheer, spirit or miracle I just don+rsquo;t subscribe to it. I guess my grinch-like qualities stem mainly from my experiences of the holid...Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/568UFC140 has just wrapped up, and fans were not left disappointed by the action inside the Octagon. From start to finish the fighters put on a show. We had several big knockouts, and a couple of brutal ...Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/566Yesterday I spoke about how terrible the Black Caps were with the bat following their dismissal for 150 in the first inning of the second Test against Australia. Fortunately for the team+rsquo;s sake ...Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/564With my working week over I jumped in my car and made my journey home, thinking how it would be good to crack open a few beers and watch a bit of cricket. Well trust the Black Caps to spoil half of t...Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/565I think as a Breakers fan I+rsquo;m starting to get a little spoilt. The continual improvement in performances by the likes of Abercrombie, Corletto and of course Pledger brings alive exciting basketb...Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/560The round begins at Suncorp as Brisbane Roar host Melbourne Heart. The hosts return home after their loss to Sydney in Kogarah last weekend that ended their record streak, while the Heart come to Bris...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/561The NBA has announced the line-up for the shortened season, and the compact nature is going to push players to their limits. Managing to squish 66 games into the remaining season means asking teams to...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/562The UFC is heading north of the border this weekend with Toronto playing host to UFC140. Once again the UFC have put together another stacked show, with Jon Jones and Lyoto Machida headlining the card...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/563The UFC+rsquo;s welterweight division has been shaken up with today+rsquo;s announcement that current champion Georges St. Pierre has torn his ACL, and will be sidelined for a minimum of six months, a...Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/559Following his game securing performance against the Tigers, Thomas Abercrombie has been named ANBL Player of the Week for the leagues 9th round. This is no real surprise considering his incredible gam...Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/557Post-surgery, Richie McCaw has taken to speaking out about some of the truths of the RWC, mainly the alleged eye-gouging incident that occurred in the final. We had all (except officials) thought it w...Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/558Boxing fans around the world can rejoice because the fight they+rsquo;ve all been calling for is finally going to happen. No I+rsquo;m not talking about Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather, I+rsquo;m ...Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/554Apparently thrashing the Barbarians, followed by a narrow win over Wales, is enough to get the Wallabies thinking they+rsquo;re primed to take the number one ranking from the World Cup winning All Bla...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/555It+rsquo;s been announced that Wallaby, Digby Ioane, has turned down a seven million dollar sum to play rugby in Japan, to instead sign a three-year deal with Queensland and the ARU. To tell the trut...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/556The $20 million revamp of Addington+rsquo;s Rugby League Park stepped up a gear last week as demolition began on the park+rsquo;s former main stand. This clears the way for renovation as the western s...Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/553There we have it, an absolute thrashing at the hands of the Aussies. Last night the Black Caps went out to bat trailing by 132 runs, and things got off to the worse possible start when Brendon McCull...Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/551What a game! I don+rsquo;t even mind sparing a half hour of this beautiful day to report on last night+rsquo;s trans Tasman showdown of epic proportions. The guys in the know have been saying it all ...Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/552How often have we seen the Black Caps top order batsmen get into strife only to have the lower order troops get them into any sort of respectable total? For anyone that+rsquo;s watched the Black Cap...Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/549Stuck for a good Christmas present for that sports fanAttic in your life? How about a Super rugby team? It+rsquo;s official. Four of the countries five New Zealand Super Rugby franchise licences are ...Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/550With no UFC event last weekend, we+rsquo;re back this Sunday (NZ time) for The Ultimate Fighter 14 finale. For those of you unfamiliar with the The Ultimate Fighter (from here on referred to as TUF), ...Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/546NBA lockout negotiations are progressing nicely as a judge ruled a stay on the lawsuits filed interchangeably against the players and owners in order for both parties to sort out their labour dispute....Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/547Thank goodness for Dan Vettori. Day one of the first Test between the Black Caps and Australia in Brisbane, and all the talk about the Black Caps taking aim at a rare series win over our neighbours a...Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/548The round begins in Adelaide as United host the Central Coast Mariners. Adelaide enters the game on the back of a 0-0 draw with the Jets, while the Mariners come into the game buoyed by a 3-1 win over...Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/544Whatever Happened to the NFL? Ok. So for those regular fanAttics out there you may recall a while back that I said I was going to get into American Football during the NBA Lockout. You don+rsquo;t r...Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/545For those of you who know me, or at least have the privilege of following me on Twitter, you'll be aware I'm not the biggest fan of soccer, or football as I know it's meant to be called. Growing up I ...Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/542There are moments in sport when the script is thrown out the door, and the underdog steps up to triumph over their opponent. Call it a David vs. Goliath moment when the lesser opponent causes the upse...Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/543I+rsquo;ve said it from the start; Fastnet is to netball as Sevens is to rugby. When I said this I meant it in the strategic sense of game play, the increased pace, faster turn around and an overall m...Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/539We+rsquo;re only a few days away from the opening Test between the Aussies and the Black Caps, and with the current injury crisis hitting the Australian team, many people on this side of the Tasman be...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/540Ever wondered why your coach offered a contract to a certain player instead of someone else who was available? In this article I will try to give you a little bit of an insight into how the Salary Cap...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/541And just like that it+rsquo;s all over. It+rsquo;s not the best note to close the New Zealand netball calendar on, but unfortunately the Fastnet Ferns lost in the series final vs. hosts England. The ...Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/536Today I awoke to brilliant news. Never mind the election result, the NBA lockout is over! However, before you get too excited, when doing my morning reading, I did find that a lot of reporters were us...Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/537The day after announcing James Maloney+rsquo;s departure from the Warriors at the end of the 2012 NRL season, the club has today given us some great news in the re-signing of the very talented Shaun J...Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/538As you may recall, earlier in the month we introduced the Fastnet Series, an adapted version of netball. Well the series has now well and truly started with a grand introduction in Liverpool. The Fas...Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/535James Maloney is departing the shores of Auckland, announcing today that 2012 would be his final year for the Warriors. We all knew it was a likely decision even if we (Warriors supporters) were hopin...Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/533Graham Henry may have removed himself from the list of potential coaches for England, but the Poms may yet have a New Zealand connection with former Italy and Japan coach, John Kirwan, putting his nam...Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/534Discussions have again resumed on the topic of the NBA lockout this week as those in charge desire to resolve discrepancies to see the new season start before Christmas. Rumour has it that Tuesday saw...Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/530The round opens in Adelaide with home side Adelaide United hosting the Newcastle Jets. Adelaide returns home after a 1-1 draw in Auckland, while the Jets head down on the back of the loss to the Roar....Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/531If you+rsquo;re anything like me then you would have been a little surprised when the Australian Rugby Union resigned Robbie Deans for a further two seasons before the RWC had even began. Most coaches...Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/532It+rsquo;s 7.30 and I am geared up in my newly won Cedric Jackson heritage round jersey (sorry I didn+rsquo;t tell you guys about the auction, I didn+rsquo;t want the competition) and I am listening t...Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/528With the Pumas set to join the All Blacks, Springboks, and Wallabies in next year+rsquo;s Rugby Championship, previously known as the Tri-Nations, talk is now starting to build around the idea of a Su...Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/529It has been reported that manager of Manu Samoa Tuala Mathew Vaea has been fined 100 sows (female pigs) for +ldquo;disgracing his village and discrediting his chiefly title.+rdquo; Sala Lose, chief of...Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/526LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. In NBA terms there doesn+rsquo;t get much more of a heavyweight bunch than this lot and with the help of internet heavyweight, Google they+rs...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/527If you haven't already heard Martin Crowes bid to return to the New Zealand domestic cricket scene has come to an end with the 49 cricketing legend's knee giving him grief. So it was the comeback that...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/522The Saturday triple header began at the home of rugby in New Zealand Eden Park, as the Nix took their home game against Adelaide united on the road. This almost proved a costly mistake as Adelaide too...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/523Two questions: how and why? How could the Breakers lose after being eight points up at the end of the third? And why did Taipans import Drew Warren choose round seven to step up his game and silence ...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/524There is a lot of debate currently surrounding the feat by the Brisbane Roar of equalling the Australian Football Codes unbeaten record of 35 games set by the Eastern Suburbs Roosters in the 1930s. A ...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/525The recent Four Nations campaign is one best forgotten for Kiwis supporters. The defending champs weren't even good enough to make the final and defend their title, which has since been claimed by the...Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/519The Warriors have wasted little time in announcing the first big signing under new coach Brian McClennon+rsquo;s watch. Thomas Leuluai will return home from England where he has been plying his trade ...Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/520The UFC keeps rolling out fantastic events, and today+rsquo;s UFC139 card held in San Jose was no exception, in fact the main event took this card from being fantastic to being one for the ages. From ...Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/521Ok, so I don+rsquo;t know if I+rsquo;m allowed to do this sort of thing on the internet, but I did. I made up an acronym. You+rsquo;re all probably familiar with the phrase WAGs, or wives and girlfrie...Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/518So with a forgettable loss against the to the Hawks last week, the Breakers now set their sights to the 7th round where they face the Cairns Taipans in the leagues heritage round. The Cairns Conventio...Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/516What else would Stephen Donald want to do after, effectively, securing the All Blacks the 2011 RWC than travel half way around the world to play more rugby? To be fair, he did missing the extensive tr...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/517While the rugby may have dried up in these here parts of the world, there is still plenty to discuss, with the upcoming Super Rugby season offering plenty of talking points, and we+rsquo;re still a co...Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/513Imagine this, all spring you anticipate the Super season coming back around. The announcements of the sides are made and you begin your predictions for the year until, the season is put on hold. And w...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/514Round 7 begins on Friday night with Gold Coast United hosting Melbourne Heart at Skilled Park. The Heart travel north on the back of their morale boosting first win of the season at home to Newcastle,...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/515Call it a case of jumping before getting the dreaded push in the back, as England coach Martin Johnson calls it quits on his time as head coach of the English rugby team. Following his sides early exi...Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/512The Black Cap selectors have named their squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, and as far as Black Cap squads go, it+rsquo;s not looking all that shabby. Fresh off their recent tour of Zimbabwe th...Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/511Fresh off the heels of their first ever event on mainstream television, the UFC now prepares for its next pay preview event, UFC139. UFC139 is a stacked card from top to bottom with Mauricio 'Shogun' ...Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/509New Zealand has found itself divided, and although we+rsquo;re not far off Election Day it+rsquo;s not politics that has us choosing sides. The talk of the town is centred on an incident involving Zac...Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/510The Melbourne Heart have finally got themselves a win after a well played 3-0 victory over Newcastle at AAMI Park on Saturday. The hapless Jets have yet to score a point on the road, and were out gunn...Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/508It was one of the biggest nights in the UFC+rsquo;s history, as the leading MMA organisation made its FOX Network debut, and with a heavyweight title fight originally slated as the only fight on offer...Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/507Australia have been handed a humiliating loss at the hands of South Africa, as Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla guided the South Africans to victory, scoring 101* and 112 respectively. South Africa now ha...Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/504Last night was a big night for cricket as the annual New Zealand cricket awards were held in Auckland. As the captain of the YesNoWaits, the champion indoor cricket team in Dunedin+rsquo;s Tuesday nig...Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/505One of rugby+rsquo;s greatest orators, Peter de Villiers, has indicated that he will reapply for the coaching job with the Springboks, should the South African board seek applications for the top spot...Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/506The Breakers came out looking a little weathered against the Wollongong Hawks tonight in front of a home crowd in what was always going to be a tough battle. The fans were given some hope in the appea...Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/501Another round of mouth-watering match ups awaits us this weekend in the A-League. Friday night kicks off with the battle of the United+rsquo;s, Adelaide vs. Gold Coast. Saturday we get a triple header...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/502The 2011 New Zealand Rugby Award (The Steinlager Rugby Awards) nominees are out and surprise, surprise, the RWC winning All Black side have stolen the show. Featuring in six of the thirteen categories...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/503Given the events over the past few days you would almost be forgiven for not knowing that the Manly Sea Eagles had recently won the 2011 NRL Premiership. Not long after the Sea Eagles downed the Warri...Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/499There are few sporting organizations that are as evolving as the UFC, and this Sunday the UFC takes a massive leap forward in the world of sports broadcasting when the first ever UFC event is held on ...Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/500In this post Rugby World Cup 2011 era it+rsquo;s good to know that rugby shall continue on into 2012, and even better to see the IRB is considering future changes framework that regulates citing decis...Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/497Off the back of a treacherous year of environmental instability the Canterbury Crusaders all but had the dream season, falling short only at the final hurdle and getting a second placing. The region o...Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/498Given its only been a few short weeks since the end of the Rugby World Cup, and the glorious victory over the French by the All Blacks (sorry had to throw that in there), it seems strange to be talkin...Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/495With the New Zealand Super 15 franchises naming their 2012 squads last week, it's time to look at the Top 5 Super Signings. 5. Aaron Cruden: To be honest, this kid wasn+rsquo;t on my radar pre RWC. B...Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/496Another weekend has passed by, and so too has another UFC event, this time UFC138, which was held in jolly old England. It+rsquo;s been a while since the UFC took a trip across the pond, and although ...Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/492Winning 36-0 is usually equated with a strong, dominant performance, but in the case of the Kiwis thumping the Welsh there+rsquo;s still a lot of holes in their game, and with a tough game against Eng...Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/493This is a tale of the twos, of two teams, a game of two halves, a penalty (twice) a 2-2 draw and of course of 2 red cards. The only +ldquo;2+rdquo; that failed to fire (again) was the double two (22) ...Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/494Having been personally introduced to FastNet newbie, Shannon Francois, I thought it was only fair to profile the other young Fern named in the team to compete in the series, Kayla Cullen. Cullen steps...Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/490Every year when they roll out the Super 15 squads there are always one or two names that aren+rsquo;t mentioned whether it be due to a slump in form or an ongoing injury, but I don+rsquo;t think many ...Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/491Given the recent announcement of the FastNet Ferns team set to travel to Liverpool in late November, here at SFA we thought we+rsquo;d get to know some of the largely unknown players named. To kick it...Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/487Whilst an avid Highlanders supporter, Dunedin being my current defaulted residence for a large portion of the year, my loyalties are and will always lie firmly with Todd and the boys. Therefore, the n...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/488The 12 players that will represent New Zealand, the FastNet Ferns, at the World Netball series in Liverpool have been named. The all-important mix of experience and young-blood has seen the addition o...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/489In the past couple of days we+rsquo;ve looked at the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Chiefs and Crusaders, so all that leaves is the Blues. The three time Super Rugby champions (96, 97, and 03), were once a ...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/485The round kicks off in Wellington where the Phoenix hosts the Central Coast Mariners. The Mariners, who sit 8th one place below the Nix in 7th, will be on the hunt to secure their second win of the se...Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/486Continuing with our look at the New Zealand Super 15 franchises, today I+rsquo;m going to take a look at the Chiefs who will be keen to make amends for their poor showing in 2011 where they finished 1...Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/481Despite there still being almost four months till kickoff, the New Zealand Super 15 squads have been announced today, with some exciting prospects. There are 28 new signings and 14 colour changes. As ...Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/482With the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises announcing their 2012 we thought we+rsquo;d take a look at them over the next few days, and give you a rundown on who made the cut, and who missed out....Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/483The social media juggernaut that is Twitter has completely changed the way we watch sport, and has created an avenue for the average man (or woman) to communicate with their favourite athletes, coache...Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/484So you+rsquo;ve probably heard by now that the New Zealand Super Squads were named today and if you haven+rsquo;t, shame on you. You will however be forgiven if your excuse for ignorance on the matter...Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/479Shadowed only by the Kimmy/Kris divorce announcement earlier this morning (totally predictable btw), my full attention today, even during the exam period, went towards Graham Henry+rsquo;s official de...Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/480With the Rugby World Cup over for another four years it+rsquo;s been a struggle to cope in a week without any rugby, but like any good fanAttic I filled my weekend with a multitude of different sports...Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/475It had come down to the wire in the series deciding Constellation Cup game in Melbourne last night, as the Silver Ferns and the Diamonds were drawn two games apiece. In what has now become all too fam...Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/476Following hot on the heels of Man City+rsquo;s historic 6-1 against Man U in the Manchester Derby last weekend, the all-powerful Brisbane Roar have dismantled Adelaide United 7-1 in their Friday night...Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/477By now you+rsquo;ve probably heard that Sonny Bill Williams has signed on for one more year with the NZRU, and will link up with the Chiefs in the 2012 Super 15. After months of speculation over where...Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/478UFC137 is done and dusted, and although a couple of the fights were a little lacklustre, there was still plenty on offer to wet the appetite of the hungriest MMA fan, and the fallout from the main eve...Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/474It seems young Tim Moltzen is learning a thing or two about the importance of contract signing. Part way through the 2011 NRL season it was reported that the 22 year old Tigers fullback had signed a t...Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/472The Black Caps face a tough challenge keeping the fans happy at the best of times, but with the All Blacks claiming the Rugby World Cup last weekend, their task just became that little bit tougher. Th...Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/473It was a case of too little too late for the Kiwis today as they went down 26-12 to the Kangaroos in the opening game of the Four Nations. It was a much more impressive performance from the Kiwi boys,...Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/470Unless you+rsquo;ve had your head buried in the sand, or you+rsquo;ve been in a coma for the past week or so, then you+rsquo;re probably more than aware that the All Blacks have safely locked away the...Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/471The coach of the newest Rugby World Champions, Graham Henry, is in two minds about his departure from the All Blacks side, but has indicated setting his sights now to the other side of the world, and ...Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/467Just days out from the opening of the Four Nations tournament, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney has made minimal changes from the team that copped a 42-6 thumping at the hands of the Kangaroos, a few weeks...Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/468The weekend kicks off with top of the table defending champions Brisbane Roar hosting Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium. The Roar will look to push on from their first 3 wins of the season to take o...Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/469The Australian Diamonds shone through last night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, to remain in contention and tie the Constellation Cup 2 all. The final score, 51-44, was aided largely by the Dia...Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/464The a-league is crowing about record crowd numbers in season 2011/12 and I decided to take a look and see what all the fuss was about and answer one very big question - is it the draw card of Harry Ke...Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/465It looks like the IRB is continuing to squeeze every last cent they can out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, now turning their tyrant hand to punish the French side, who already received the hardest punis...Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/466The Cronulla Sharks have today announced the signing of NRL +lsquo;bad boy+rsquo; Todd Carney, on a two year deal rumoured to be worth around $700k. Carney+rsquo;s journey in the NRL has been tumultuo...Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/462A lot has been said about the players following their triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign, and rightly so, but we shouldn+rsquo;t forget the +lsquo;Three Wise Men+rsquo; who have guided the team for t...Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/463Last night played host to Rugby+rsquo;s black tie event of the year, as Auckland played host to the International Rugby Board awards ceremony. All of ruby+rsquo;s big names were present, along with an...Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/457Finally the William Webb Ellis Cup has returned to New Zealand soil. After 24 years of sightseeing in South Africa, Australia, and England it has come back to its rightful home, and just like the prod...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/458The Rugby World Cup has come to an end, with the All Blacks claiming their first title since 1987 after a hard fought battle with the French. It wasn+rsquo;t the thrashing many people were expecting, ...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/459Rugby can be a funny game at times. The day after the Rugby World Cup final there will be no one laughing more than Stephen Donald. Only a matter of a few weeks ago Donald was keeping himself occupied...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/460Last night The All Blacks ended the 24-year drought, when Richie McCaw lifted the Web Ellis Cup high above his head, in front of the exuberant, blacked out crowd, at Eden Park. The moment will forever...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/461Good: Sports wise, I+rsquo;m going to say winning the Rugby World Cup last night falls pretty well into this category. Yeah, I+rsquo;m almost 100% confident that it does on second thought. Apart from ...Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/454So we+rsquo;ve made it. Here we are at the end of a six-week campaign, facing the possibility of becoming a nation of winners, as the All Blacks tackle France in the Rugby World Cup grand final. I ...Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/455And so the victorious run is broken. Last night at Melbourne+rsquo;s State Netball and Hockey Centre the former NBL champs, The SkyCity Breakers, came down to the wire with the 6th placed Tigers. The...Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/456We+rsquo;re only a week away from UFC137, and although the welterweight title fight between George St. Pierre and Carlos Condit has been put on hold due to GSP+rsquo;s knee injury, there are still som...Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/451As we prepare for the end of the RWC 2011, regardless of the outcome New Zealanders will look to 2015, either as reigning champs, or with contempt to avenge. It+rsquo;s strange to think what the face ...Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/452Handling errors and missed opportunities were the story of the night for Wales as they went down 18 +ndash; 21 to the Wallabies in their Rugby World Cup Bronze Final clash at Eden Park in Auckland on ...Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/453The French believe they+rsquo;ve found the Achilles heel of the All Blacks line up, or should I say Achilles foot. It seems France have placed a major target on the foot of All Blacks captain Richie M...Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/450Graham Henry has named the exact same starting line up as the one that took on the Wallabies last Sunday, to play France in the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It's been quite some time since we've...Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/447Looks like the Australians have finally found their fight, but a few days too late and not on the field either. Two of Fairfax+rsquo;s online Australian channels, The Age (Melbourne) and The Sydney M...Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/448In what is one of the toughest matches to get up and prepare for, Wales will meet Australia on Friday night at Eden Park in Auckland to determine who finishes third and forth place at the 2011 Rugby W...Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/449Only a week and a half out from the UFC+rsquo;s next major card (UFC137), the main event, a welterweight title fight between George St. Pierre (champion) and Carlos Condit (challenger), has been pulle...Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/443Sacre bleu! The French have lost their imagination.The country that brought the world Impressionist painting, blue vein cheese and the Eiffel Tower found themselves bereft of ideas on Saturday night.D...Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/444Warren Gatland shocked the rugby world last night when he confessed to the Welsh Press that he had considered having a prop fake an injury in order to have non-contested scrums, instead of the makeshi...Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/445From spending his days lying on the couch, shredding it up on his skateboard, and planning a trip to Disneyland with his girlfriend, to being on the verge of playing in the biggest game of his career,...Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/446I don+rsquo;t know if you know, but this Sunday plays host to a big event on the 2011-sporting calendar. The Silver Ferns head across the Tasman tho take on reigning world champs, Australia in Perth....Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/438Here at SportsfanAttic HQ we believe that one-day sports such as Rugby Union and League will compete with the like of the NBA and NFL. We have a dream that no longer will the world be blind to these c...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/439This may differ slightly from the usual reporting+rsquo;s and ramblings of SportsfanAttic, but today I+rsquo;m going to brake the rules and write on Motorsport following the 15 car pile-up that result...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/440Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League season 11/12 is Rivalry Round and the billing proudly states +ndash; +ldquo;Rivalry Round, its personal+rdquo; but how on earth do they work out some of the clashes as ...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/441Making it three from three on the road the Breakers continue their dream start to their ANBL season with a convincing 98-61 victory over the Sydney Kings on Saturday night. A performance and margin l...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/442It+rsquo;s funny what a difference a week can make in sport. This time last week the nation+rsquo;s nerves were on edge as the All Blacks were preparing to face the Wallabies in the semi final showdow...Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/434This weeks Top Five is all about bad officiating. It's been a hot topic throughout the Rugby World Cup with some truly crazy decisions being made by the men in the middle. Bad officiating is nothing n...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/435Time for a look back at the week that was.Monday: New Zealand woke up happy in the knowledge the All Blacks had successfully made it past Argentina, and had booked a date with the Wallabies in the sem...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/436Last night New Zealanders were treated to a brilliant team performance by the men of the moment, the All Blacks, so much so that all those I watched the match with had differing opinions on who could ...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/437How good was that game last night? I+rsquo;ll admit that like most New Zealander+rsquo;s my nerves were in full flight as we drew near to kick off time, but it didn+rsquo;t take long before they sett...Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/431Another big game, another big occasion ruined by a single moment. I speak of course of the moment where Alain Rolland reached for his pocket, and removed the infamous red card to be presented to Welsh...Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/432Wow. Nobody could have seen this one coming. Sitting down to enjoy the first of this weekends RWC semi finals, I thought the exuberant Welsh were going to scrape through ahead of the French, but that...Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/433From the giddy heights of the 2009 NRL Grand Final, to fighting it out for the wooden spoon only two seasons later, the rise and fall of the Parramatta Eels has been an emotional journey for their fan...Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/429I+rsquo;m going to take an hour or two out of my day today from the usual rugby contemplation and turn my thoughts to Rugby+rsquo;s lesser-loved cousin, Touch. Actually, this isn+rsquo;t totally accur...Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/430The inclusion of Stephen Donald in the All Blacks World Cup squad, as a result of Colin Slade+rsquo;s injury, has once again raised the question of whether or not the NZRU should allow overseas based ...Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/427We are only two days away from arguably the biggest game of the Rugby World Cup. While the Wales vs. France battle should be a good game, the one everyone is looking forward to, at least in the Southe...Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/428While Dan may have flown the white flag, the other heavyweight of the All Blacks is still alive and kicking. Well actually not really kicking, given the fact that is the skipper, Richie McCaw+rsquo;s ...Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/422I+rsquo;m sure you+rsquo;ll all have your eye glued to the Rugby World Cup semi finals this weekend; I mean who really needs a reason to watch rugby? But just in case any of you were considering skipp...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/423So this is part two of the ANZAC Test earlier in the year, and I couldn't be happier with a test at the end of the NRL season. International rugby league is at its best when it's New Zealand versus Au...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/424The A-League competition just seems to get better and better with another week of great block-buster matches. This week sees Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory, The Mariners hosting Gold Coast Un...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/4252010 was a stellar season for the Raiders, making the Top 8 when no one gave them a chance, and knocking over the Panthers in the first round of the playoffs. Although they got beaten 26-24 by the Tig...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/426The stage is set for a northern hemisphere battle this Saturday at Eden Park between France and Wales to see who can prove themselves as worthy finalist for this years RWC. This is guaranteed to be 8...Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/419For all of you who felt nervous at the sight of Dan Carter writhing on the ground in pain, I ask you this. How much more nervous are you now that Colin Slade has been ruled out of the World Cup, and N...Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/420Stephen Kearney has named five debutantes in his Kiwis side to take on Australia. You would think it was a remodelling phase for New Zealand rugby league but these guys have performed to a high standa...Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/421It+rsquo;s been an incredible month an a bit since the All Blacks/Tonga game kicked it all off, teams have come and gone and now only the best of the best remain to face this weekends semi finals. Inc...Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/417It was a strange experience for several reasons last Sunday as I squared up in front of the TV for a solid three hours. Firstly due to my lack of SkyTV and freeview my flatmates and I roamed the stree...Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/418It+rsquo;s the end of an era for South African rugby, with a few veteran Boks calling it a day on their international careers following their sides devastating loss to the Wallabies on Sunday. John Sm...Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/412I know it was a team effort that lead the All Blacks to seal the deal against a courageous Argentinean side last night on the field of Eden, and ideally I would now be writing about how Mils Muliaina ...Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/413The Breakers have done it again whilst on the road, this time taking down the Wollongong Hawks 98-82, keeping their late comeback at bay. Breaking away early, the Kiwi boys took a comfortable lead and...Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/414With Wales and France already safely through to the Rugby World Cup semi finals, all eyes turned to the last two quarter finals, and just who would come out on top between the four giants of southern ...Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/415We have just experienced the first post-pool play week of the RWC where the excitement is reserved strictly for the weekend. Making it through the working week, or in my case, the pretending to be stu...Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/416Ok, so there I was, two days before the first match of the season. It was back, the A-league +ndash; I was pumped all week, not to mention the RWC happening as well +ndash; truth be known; this little...Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/408+ldquo;Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home. Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home.+rdquo; England+rsquo;s Rugby World Cup campaign has come to a crashing halt at the...Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/409The stage was set at The Caketin in our country+rsquo;s capital with a fanatic crowd to kick off the first quarterfinal of the Rugby World Cup 2011. And what a quarterfinal it was, but as my 12 point ...Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/410Six months after the narrow escape by the Roar in the Grand final, the two teams lined up again to open the new season of the A-league. A disappointing crowd of only 13,467 witnessed the Premiers tak...Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/411They say first impressions matter the most, here+rsquo;s hoping the saying rings true as Tom Abercrombie awoke from his Tall Blacks slumber to fire the Breakers to a 102-87 over the Gold Coast Blaze i...Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/407Is anyone aware of the upcoming Black Caps tour to Zimbabwe? For all of us who have been caught up in the hype and excitement of the Rugby World Cup it+rsquo;s going to be nice to get back into a bit...Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/403The current Rugby World Cup has been one to remember; more so than ever for its close margins and upset wins. But there is an undeniable separation in quality of the game played by those who could be ...Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/404Only two days out from the All Blacks quarter final showdown with Argentina, Graham Henry has named his strongest possible side for the do or die clash. Despite a few of the boys suffering from minor ...Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/405It+rsquo;s the first weekend of A-League season 11/12 and in my opinion there are 3 games to watch; the grand final replay, Brisbane Roar vs Central Coast Mariners, the Wellington Phoenix vs Gold Coas...Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/406This weekend Europe contests in age-old rivalries where +ldquo;love thy neighbour+rdquo; is easier said than done. Tomorrow we will witness the two northern hemisphere quarterfinals that will decide t...Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/401So we+rsquo;re coming to the do or die rounds of the Rugby World Cup, and this weekend the best of the best battle it out to progress to the top four standing. Riddled with injury, the big guns face t...Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/402Well folks as you+rsquo;re all probably aware the 2011 NRL season has come to an end, and we fans now face a long wait before the 2012 season kicks off. Fortunately we have the upcoming Four Nations t...Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/398It+rsquo;s not breaking news that the Tuilagi brothers, Alesana (Samoa) and Manu (England) have been in hot water with the IRB for wearing non-regulatory mouthguards featuring unofficial RWC branding ...Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/399Is there anything more frustrating as a sport fan than watching a game being ruined by poor officiating? Regardless of the sport, a bad decision by a referee can be the difference between winning and ...Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/400We've all heard about the possibility, however unlikely it may seem, of the All Blacks missing the 2015 Rugby World Cup due to the whopping $13.2 million they lose during a World Cup year. The idea of...Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/395We+rsquo;re all getting an eyeful of the union boys of late, what with this World Cup thing on the go at the moment, but in my opinion league has always had the best looking bunch. Bigger, broader, br...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/396First of all I must apologise. In the weekend I, as a lot of the country, over dosed a little on the oval ball code and subsequently failed to note my beloved Breakers final preseason game. In the sha...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/397With Daniel Carter being the latest fatality to the ever-increasing pitch toll, I can+rsquo;t help but begin to question whether the current tournament structure is the best at determining the world+r...Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/392Well it was yet another jam packed week of sporting action, with the Rugby World Cup winding up the Pool stages, and the NRL entering Grand Final week. I+rsquo;m pretty sure there were other sporting ...Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/393With the Italy/Ireland game now behind me, my RWC live experience is over and I do count myself lucky to have been included in this group at all, especially part of Sunday+rsquo;s crowd at Otago Stadi...Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/394It+rsquo;s almost been 24 hours since the Manly Sea Eagles downed the Warriors 24-10, to claim the NRL Premiership, their second in four seasons. As a diehard Warriors fan, the loss was hard to take,...Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/390Nine years has been a long wait for this Warriors fan. I remember our first time at the big dance, and although we lost to the Roosters that night (how I despise the Roosters), today we get our chance...Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/391Well New Zealand, the unthinkable has happened. Dan Carter has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering a groin injury at yesterdays captains run. When I heard the news I raced to my win...Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/388Tomorrow, oh glorious tomorrow.So over the week, I've taken you through the forwards, the backs, the halves and the interchange bench. Today I am going to tell you who will win it.The Grand Final is t...Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/389With the All Blacks taking on Canada this Sunday, it's expected that 98 Test veteran, Mils Muliaina, will take his place at fullback in what will be his 99th Test. With Israel Dagg staking his claim a...Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/384Graham Henry has named his All Black team to take on Canada this Sunday, and as expected there are a few changes from the line up that beat France. Most notably we see the return of Mils Muliaina to ...Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/385Day 5 of the Grand Final Countdown. Today it+rsquo;s all about the interchange bench.Manly Warringah Sea EaglesThe bench is not as solid as their starting thirteen, but they give a good effort.Shane R...Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/386Sunday plays host to the final Pool play match for both Italy and Ireland at Otago Stadium, and come rain or shine (not that it really matters) I+rsquo;ll be sideline to catch the action live. When I ...Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/387I must have missed this in the +ldquo;Cool Auctions+rdquo; category on Trade Me, but Owen Glenn sure didn+rsquo;t. Rumour has it that the lucrative expat Kiwi businessman, and highly held philanthropi...Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/382What most coaches would give to have the player depth at the disposal of Graham Henry? The All Blacks have always had good depth in most positions, with the exception if perhaps first five and opensid...Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/383Day 4 of the Grand Final countdown.The halves, finally!Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Five eighth, Kieran Foran is not a familiar face to all Kiwis, but he pairs up with legend Benji Marshall in the halve...Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/377For years people have joked that the national religion of New Zealand is the oval ball code, a statement which has probably never rang so true. However what happens when a player+rsquo;s love of the g...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/378I thought this week was going to go slow, but knowing its Wednesday makes me very happy. The Grand Final is only five days away! Today I continue the Grand Final countdown with a run through of the ba...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/379The moment I first heard about rugby my life was forever changed. I can+rsquo;t remember how old I was, but my childhood is filled with memories of watching the likes of John Kirwan, Michael Jones, an...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/380The 2011 Rugby World Cup has been a complete success in regards to the interest it has raised with the public and most importantly the rugby that has been produced on the field. The New Zealand public...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/381I hope I have that annoying Miley Cyrus song stuck in your head now. Anywho. Let+rsquo;s discuss the one-win wonders, the United States, as we farewell them from the 2011 Rugby World Cup. A quick re...Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/374Day two into my NRL Grand Final countdown and I am going to run through each of the side's forward packs, and why they are just so dominant.Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Given there was no key signings...Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/375They came, the fought and not surprisingly, they lost. I must admit my lack of geographical knowledge did have me grabbing the atlas to double check that Namibia is an African country. In my research...Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/376This week+rsquo;s game between the All Blacks and Canada may not be the highlight of the weekend, that tag will no doubt belong to the NRL Grand Final between the Sea Eagles and Warriors, but it will ...Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/369Wow. Just wow. I woke up this morning in an uneasy state of exhaustion and exhilaration. Add on the confusion that daylight saving brought to the table and you could somewhat imagine the deranged loo...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/370We've past the halfway mark of the Rugby World Cup so I thought I'd take a look back at what I think have been the five best games so far. We've really been spoilt for choice with the 'minnow' teams p...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/371Ah, it seems not long ago that the confetti was strewn across The North Shore Events Centre, Paul Henare was hoisted up to the rim, the net cut down and the New Zealand Breakers were crowned Australas...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/372The NRL Grand Final is in six days. The Grand Final, WOW! Whenever I think of a Grand Final, I think about how it's here that legends and legacies are made. The good being the best, the best being th...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/373Today a bronze statue of Charles (CJ) Monro was unveiled, fittingly, outside the New Zealand Rugby museum in Palmerston North. Erected a little further north than the birthplace of New Zealand rugby, ...Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/365We did it. The Warriors are going to the NRL Grand Final after a 20-12 victory over the Melbourne Storm. Just like last weekend they weren+rsquo;t expected to pull off the upset, but this is a team t...Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/366The World Cup represents 20 different countries, encompassing 600 players. These players are of different nationalities, different colours, creeds and come from vastly different walks of life. Some ha...Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/367It looks like Adam Ashley-Cooper and the boys read my rant on Thursday, because their Friday night contest against Barack+rsquo;s boys, the USA, proved to be the confidence builder that the Aussies, a...Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/368It seems in the wake of the Warriors fantastic effort to beat the Melbourne Storm, the All Blacks victory over France, their World Cup rivals, has been overshadowed. But we can+rsquo;t forget this was...Sun, 25 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/364One game down in the NRL Preliminary Finals and two things are clear. One, the Manly Sea Eagles will make up one half of the NRL Grand Final, and two there will be no Fairytale ending for Darren Locky...Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/362As long as there have been sports there have been sporting rivalries. In the days of ancient Greece the Spartans would cheer on their favourite athletes, and boo their Athenian counterparts. There's n...Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/363Whilst the flatmates now despise the six o+rsquo;clock news due to the sporting dominance, detest how TVNZ+rsquo;s Breakfast coverage has diminished to a grassroots rugby tour and loathe my constant d...Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/359Graham Henry has made a huge statement naming virtually his strongest possible team to take on France this Saturday night. The team has been strengthened by the return of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and ...Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/360With majority of this weekend+rsquo;s Rugby World Cup focus being directed at the highly anticipated Pool A throwdown between the All Blacks and feared foe, France, attention has somewhat been diverte...Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/361When we talk of Fairytale endings in the NRL our minds immediately think of the great Darren Lockyer who although not playing this Friday against the Sea Eagles due to a smashed face, will be hoping h...Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/356Are we really only three games away from the end of this National Rugby League season? The only up side I see to all of this is that we are lucky enough to have the four best teams in this year+rsquo;...Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/357The opening week and a half of the Rugby World Cup has undoubtedly been a success. Aside from a couple of off the field issues, we've been treated to some fantastic rugby, which has more than made up ...Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/358Agricultural products such as meat, wool, forestry, aquaculture and dairy are considered New Zealand+rsquo;s largest export sector of international trade. Generating tens of billions of dollars annual...Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/353The Rugby World Cup is supposed to provide an international stage for our country to the showcase itself to the world; our people, our culture and the spectacular unspoilt landscape. For the most part...Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/354We all know Peter de Villiers as a man who makes intelligent observations, and even more intelligent comments. Ok, so maybe not, but his latest comment about the overuse of the haka, and the loss of i...Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/355Following my Sunday stadium extravaganza, I have contemplated the quality of the experience I was part of, particularly with regards to the Otago stadium structurally and what it can offer the city of...Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/351One word. Amazing. Ok, if I left it there, this article wouldn+rsquo;t be all that substantial so I will elaborate. Last night I was privileged enough to experience my first live Rugby World Cup matc...Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/352There comes a point in every athlete+rsquo;s career when it+rsquo;s time to hang up the gloves, or boots as the case may be. For most the decision to retire is made easy by the fact they no longer hav...Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/349Come the day and come the hour, come the power and the glory. We have come to answer our country+rsquo;s call, from the four proud provinces of Ireland. Oh to have been on the streets of Dublin yeste...Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/350With all the Rugby World Cup hype about it is easy to forget that there are sports played in the world that don+rsquo;t involve 15 men running around a pitch trying to place an oval ball over a white ...Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/347The Warriors have pulled off an impressive 22-20 comeback win over the Tigers to secure a place in next weekend+rsquo;s Preliminary Final against the Storm. The Tigers went into the game on the back ...Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/348Rugby, for over a century, has been an iconic part of our nation+rsquo;s heritage and an influential component of our culture, and on top of all that, our national sport. Growing up in New Zealand, it...Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/344For years All Black fans have watched easy, knowing two of the most influential positions in our team are filled with two of the world+rsquo;s best, and arguably, two of the best of our generation. Ho...Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/345It was our thing. Kind of like the Haka, and the All Blacks being the only team with New Zealanders playing for them, it appears our days of individuality are over, as now 1/5 of the 2011 RWC teams ar...Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/346The All Blacks have won their second game of the World Cup, putting on a great display against a very enthusiastic Japanese side. It was a clinical performance from the All Blacks who scored 13 trys o...Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/341Tigers V Warriors - ANZ Stadium These are the two teams everyone else in the Top eight feared, going head to head in another game that sums up what finals footy is all about.The Tigers are a well oil...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/342So a lot has changed since 2007. Soulja Boy+rsquo;s +ldquo;Crank That+rdquo; has been replaced by a number of pre-pubescent pleasing tunes from Justin Bieber. Sushi is no longer a novelty, nor is the ...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/343If you're anything like me you've probably been emersing yourself in the Rugby World Cup for the past week. There's been so much quality rugby recently you'd think it's the only thing on the Sky Sport...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/340With a short six minute, two point World Cup debut in last Friday nights All Black vs. Tonga opener, the 23 year old Colin Slade has, by default of injury, been named in this weeks starting line up to...Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/337Well Graham Henry has named his team to take on Japan this Friday, and in a fashion we've become accustomed to there's plenty of changes from the line up that faced Tonga. There are eight changes to t...Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/338"I haven't seen him play, but it seems incredible to me that they so easily can put No 7s in+hellip; You might as well just give All Black jerseys to everybody.+rdquo; Well, well, well Mr Kronfeld, an...Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/339Canada have got off to a dream start at the World Cup after scoring an 'upset' 25-20 win over the 'favoured' Tongans in Whangarei. Tonga undoubtedly went into this game as favourites after putting in ...Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/335The All Blacks performance against the Tongans could best be described as a +ldquo;Game of Two Halves+rdquo;. The first half they looked slick, scoring some really good trys, however in the second for...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/336We can+rsquo;t ignore the perks of the Rugby World Cup. A stimulated economy, a cultural injection and more importantly, eye candy central. We all know the household named hotties like Dan Carter, Ric...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/334To see the massive euphoria surrounding the All Blacks on Friday was incredible, however while Auckland basked in the festive vibes created by the men in black, the majority of the country was left wi...Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/333When asked what I thought the highlight of Friday nights Rugby World Cup opener between the All Blacks and Tonga was, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind to the reply. The moment the thread that ...Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/332When I bought my tickets for the England vs. Argentina game I knew it was going to be a great experience, but as we (my Dad came with me) made our way to the Forsyth Barr Stadium, known as the Otago R...Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/331The Rugby World Cup has kicked off with a hiss and a roar. Auckland was transformed into party central as hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets and Viaduct basin to celebrate the opening o...Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/330You may have noticed there+rsquo;s a Rugby World Cup about to begin in a couple of days, and for the next month or so a lot of our focus will be squarely placed on said Cup, but have no fear we+rsquo;...Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/329 We+rsquo;re only a couple of days away from the biggest sporting event to hit our shores, and as the competing nations start to arrive, the excitement around the country is getting bigger and bigger...Mon, 05 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/328 So Graham Henry+rsquo;s World Cup squad is no longer a secret. Yesterday Henry unveiled his 30 man squad, and of course there were a couple of surprises thrown into the mix. There was always going t...Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/327 The Springboks have picked up a much needed 18-5 win against the All Blacks at Port Elizabeth. The Springboks were always going to be better after the loss last week to the Wallabies, but today they...Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/326 The Warriors will be looking to make it two wins in a row this Saturday when they head back across the ditch to face the Penrith Panthers. After a slow start against the Knights, the Warriors fought...Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/325 With only three rounds left in the NRL regular season the race for a Top 8 spot is still up for grabs for a number of teams. At this stage of the season it+rsquo;s pretty safe to say only four teams...Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/324 The Wallabies have kept their Tri-Nations hopes alive with a narrow 14-9 win over the Springboks in Durban over night. The game was expected to be a fiercely contested battle, with both teams select...Sun, 14 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/323 First we had the B-Boks, then the Walla-B+rsquo;s, and now a Baby Blacks squad has been selected for their upcoming game in South Africa. Graham Henry has opted to rest nine frontline players from t...Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/322 The Wallabies have made two changes to the starting line up that lost to the All Blacks at Eden Park, as they prepare to take on the Springboks on Saturday (Sunday morning NZ time). Rob Simmons miss...Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/321 Oh dear here we go again. It would seem Todd Carney can+rsquo;t go five minutes without getting himself into strife. Carney was spotted out drinking with fellow Roosters, Nate Myles and Frank-Paul ...Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/320 The first three Tests of the year have presented Graham Henry with a few things to ponder over. Heading into the opening Test against Fiji there were some question marks over the selections of Cory ...Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/319 The Warriors' four game winning streak came to an end on Saturday night as a last minute field goal from Peter Wallace gave the Broncos a 21-20 win on home soil. It was a special night for Broncos c...Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/318With the 2011 Rugby World Cup just around the corner all eyes were on the first Bledisloe Cup clash of the year. With both the All Blacks and Wallabies coming off big wins over the Springboks, albeit ...Sun, 07 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/317Any Parramatta fan will tell you 2010 was a terrible season, and one they'd rather forget. After sacking Daniel Anderson from the head coaching position, fans began to look forward to the 2011 season ...Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/316It wasn't a perfect performance, but the Warriors have claimed their second scalp of 2011. Coming off the back of their 26-18 win over the Cronulla Sharks in Taupo last Sunday, the Warriors had plent...Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/315After the third round of NRL action I've come to the conclusion that I am terrible when it comes to picking winners. Things got off to a great start for me when the Rabbitohs downed the Eels 32-18, b...Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/3142011 could not be any bigger for the game of rugby in New Zealand. With the World Cup on the line, it's now or never for the players to up their game if they want to take part on rugbys grandest stag...Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/313Round 2 of the NRL is over, and I'm ashamed to say that all I could manage from my weekly tips was a measly 2/8. That's right, only 2/8. From what I can gather, it was low scores all round. The only ...Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/312After starting the Super Rugby season at 3/0, the Highlanders have hit a small speed bump in the last two weeks after going down 18-6 to the Stormers, and 44-13 against the Crusaders on Saturday night...Sun, 20 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/311Chris: Week 1 of the NRL has been and gone, and IT WAS AWESOME. The Rabbitohs and Roosters kicked things off in what turned out to be a very entertaining game, while we also got maximum excitement o...Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/310The NZ Warriors' first-ever venture to Eden Park could not have gone worse for the club. Take away the fact it was a massive turnout from the fans, the game itself was just one disaster after another...Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/309 Tomorrow is the day all us NRL fans have been waiting for. It's the dawn of a new NRL season, and we here at Sports FanAttic HQ could not be more excited! In fact, I actually think I heard Israel ...Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/308Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water... It probably is. The Cronulla club has been struggling for the last few years, not just on the field, but also financially. The club is ...Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/307 A lot can happen in the space of a season. By the end of the 2009 season the Roosters were stuck at the bottom of the Premiership ladder, the winners of the most unwanted prize in any sport - the ...Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/3062010 was a stellar year for the Penrith Panthers. After missing out on the playoffs for several years, the Panthers finished the season in 2nd place, and although the finals series didn't go according...Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/305The last few years have not been kind to the Newcastle Knights. Off field dramas like the Danny Wicks drug investigation have overshadowed what's been happening on the field, which I guess isn't the w...Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/3042010 promised so much for the Parramatta Eels. At the start of the year they were considered Premiership favorites, but as the year went on they looked less like Premiership favorites and more like wo...Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/3032010 was a huge year for the Canberra Raiders. Not only did they defy the odds in making the playoffs, but they unleashed a whole host of new talent along the way. The faith the club has shown over t...Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/302The last few years have not been good for the North Queensland Cowboys. In fact, since finishing 3rd in 2007 they've finished 15th, 10th and 15th the last three years. The reason for this is no real ...Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/301When you think of Premiership favorites, teams like the Dragons, Warriors and Titans spring to mind, but in 2011 you just can't help throwing the Tigers into the mix. Last year was a great year for t...Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/300In the wake of the salary cap scandal last year, there will be few teams more desperate for success in 2011 than the Melbourne Storm. While most teams are talking about the players they've signed for ...Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/299As far as clubs go there will be none with more to prove than the Rabbitohs leading into the 2011 season, and most of that pressure will be placed firmly on the shoulders of one Greg Inglis, who has h...Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/298The last few years have been an interesting ride for Bulldogs fans. Since their last Premiership victory in 2004 they've experienced a roller coaster ride up and down the competition ladder, recently ...Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/297The rise of the Gold Coast Titans over the past four season has been nothing short of amazing. Since their inaugural season in 2007 they have established themselves as one of the top teams in the NRL....Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/2962010 won't go down in history as one of the Brisbane Bronco's better years. In fact, you could say it was their worst since entering the competition in 1988. 2010 was the first time the club failed ...Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/295After a couple of years of hell following a sexual assault charge, Manly Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart is set to put all his troubles behind him, and once again take to the field to unleash the Se...Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/294Since looking at last years Champions, I thought I'd ask the good people of Twitter who they thought would most likely win the Premiership (if of course they couldn't choose their favorite team). It ...Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/293If you're anything like us here at the Sports FanAttic headquarters, then you'll be hanging out for the 2011 NRL season to kick off. The good news is there's only 54 days to go before the regular sea...Sun, 16 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/292He's the man we've all been calling for for the past few seasons, and now that he's got the job John Wright has his work cut out for him. I am of course talking about one of the toughest jobs in all s...Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/291If you thought building a rugby team to be competitive in the Super 15 was a tough gig, spare a thought for the Rebels who are attempting to do this in the AFL-dominated city of Melbourne. The Melbou...Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/290Happy New Year everyone! 2010 is done and dusted, and that brings us to 2011 - which promises to be an exciting year of sporting action. For New Zealanders it doesn't get any bigger than the Rugby W...Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/289It's now time to look at the Auckland Blues - a team that at one time was the benchmark for the rest of the competition. The Blues hold three Super rugby titles, including the first two ever tourname...Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/288So we've had a look at the Highlanders squad for 2011, and now we're going to take a look at the Waikato Chiefs. Like the Highlanders the Chiefs know what it's like to be among the bottom of the herd...Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/287You could be forgiven for thinking the biggest thing to happen in 2011 will be the Rugby World Cup, and rightly so. The way the International season has panned out it's shaping up to be one hell of a ...Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/286It seems as though much of New Zealand is torn as to whether or not Sonny Bill Williams deserved a spot in the All Blacks end of year tour squad that was named on Sunday. I myself was torn - part o...Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/285With the All Blacks end of year tour coming up, there are a couple of questions on every ones lips. 1) Will Sonny Bill get selected? 2) Who will get the nod as Dan Carter's understudy? To briefly a...Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/284After 26 gruelling rounds of NRL action, and three weeks of Finals, only two teams are left standing. The Dragons and Roosters will do battle this Sunday for the NRL Premiership in what should be a pr...Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/283Episode Two of Attic TV is live! This week the boys play Paper-Scissors-Rock to decide who will walk up Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. Yes, in the WORLD. Watch for some highlight...Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/282We're one week down in the NRL finals, and the Warriors and Sea Eagles have already been given the chop. With only two more rounds before the Grand Final, things are really starting to heat up.The Dra...Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/281By now I'm sure you're all aware of the devastating earthquake that struck the Canterbury region on Saturday morning. The 7.1 magnitude quake has left a lot of the city of Christchurch damaged, and...Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/280After 26 gruelling rounds of NRL action, we've come to the business end of the season. Eight teams remain to fight it out for the Premiership, and I'm very happy to say the Warriors are there. The ot...Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/279Finally, after months and months of procrastinating, we've finally pulled Attic TV together! Here's the concept - rather than just talk sport, we want to show you our city, Dunedin, and as far afield...Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/278Adam Thomson is at a cross road in his career path. He had a great start to the year with the Highlanders, and rightly earned his place in the All Blacks for the June Tests against Wales and Ireland....Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/277Once again the cricketing world has been rocked by allegations that several Pakistan players have been involved in match fixing. It's been alleged that Pakistan bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Ami...Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/276It's a great day for the Warriors, who have secured the services of Manu Vatuvei until the end of 2013 - possibly their most important signing since luring Steve Price and Ruben Wiki across the ditch ...Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/275South Africa have never really been a happy player in the SANZAR alliance. Their relationship with the New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions has always been a little strained, and now it seems they...Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/274There was a time not so long ago when rugby was considered a tough sport. You knew that if you were walking into a rugby game there was a good chance you were going to leave a little battered and bru...Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/273It's amazing how quickly things can change in the NRL. Just over two weeks ago the Warriors had beaten the Storm claiming their fifth straight win, and looked like a team that had the goods to go all...Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/272This Thursday the ITM Cup will kick off for 2010, so I thought I'd take a quick look at the 14 teams set to do battle for New Zealand's premier Provincial competition. I'll look at who the contenders...Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/271Who would have thought that after three rounds of the 2010 Tri Nations the Springboks would be sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder? After last years series they had to be considered favor...Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/270The 2010 NRL Premiership has once again proven why it is one of the toughest competitions in sport. As we head into Round 20 there are only six points separating the 8th placed Titans (22 points) fro...Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/268There's not too much I can say about the All Blacks performance on Saturday night, other than it was an extremely clinical display, and one that has set a very high standard for the rest of the Tri Na...Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/267Unless you've had your head under a rock for the past month or so, you'll be fully aware that Sonny Bill Williams has signed on with the NZRU and will be playing his rugby for the next 18 months with ...Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/266By now you all will have heard that Steve Price has called it quits on his NRL career, after succumbing to the ongoing heel injury that has kept him off the field for all of the 2010 NRL season. Pric...Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/265Donation page - http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/IsraelButson/ On September 12th, I'll be lining up to run the full 42.2km Moro Marathon here in Dunedin. I'm doing it for a couple of reasons - I want...Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/264A couple of Wednesdays ago New South Wales sink to it's lowest point in Origin history. Queensland once again turned up to play Origin, while NSW turned up to do...well...very little. It was in fact ...Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/263The House of Pain is an icon here in Dunedin, and although the All Blacks have failed in their last two outings at Carisbrook (losses to South Africa and France), they made no mistake in sending the f...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/262Next Wednesday is without a doubt the biggest game for NSW in the past five Origin series. Losing the past four series has been embarrassing enough, but the prospect of losing a record fifth straight ...Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/261The Super 14 is over (the Bulls beat the Stormers 25-17 for anyone who still cares), and that means one thing - it's International season time. In two weeks the All Blacks will take on Ireland in the...Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/260It wasn't the most memorable Origin game of all time, was it? In fact in a few days I don't think we'll be talking about it at all, other than the few (read: A LOT) of changes NSW need to make. Whil...Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/259The Warriors have finally managed to find a way to win at home. Neither win (against the Cowboys and Rabbitohs) was pretty, but in both games the boys managed to dig deep for the win. After 11 rounds...Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/258Graham Henry is facing a major dilemma just weeks away from the opening Test against Ireland. All Blacks are dropping like flies, meaning Henry will be forced to make a few selections that he may not...Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/257It's an interesting thing living in Dunedin and not supporting the Highlanders. People almost get offended when I tell them I support the Hurricanes, and I wouldn't even dare tell them I don't drink ...Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/256It's been a pretty hard month for Warriors fans. After beating the Dogs in Sydney our season looked on track, but after three losses on the trot things seem to be heading in the same direction as las...Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/255If you could see me right now, you'd notice that I have not a single strand of hair left on my head.No, I've not gone bald from natural means (although I think I might be heading that way). I've gone ...Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/254There seems to be a lot of talk floating around New Zealand regarding the importance of the Anzac Test, and whether or not it should stay on the rugby league calender. So, I might as well give my t...Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/252Well, I think it is now officially time to hit the panic button. The Warriors crashed to their third straight loss in the weekend, after the Raiders came to Auckland and stole two points off a Warrio...Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/251Last Thursday was one of the darkest days in the NRL's history, and even though things have died down a little, Storm Gate has created a whole new bunch of issues over player retention. Rumours are...Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/249There's no doubt about it, Damien Martyn is one of our cricketing heroes. He made batting look so simple, compiling runs with such ease. By the time he retired from International cricket during the 2...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/248We all know what happened this week surrounding the Melbourne Storm and their breach of the salary cap (if you've been hiding under a rock, check out this article to catch up...), so I'm not really go...Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/247Wow. Wow. And WOW.That was my response when I turned on my laptop after getting home today to discover the Melbourne Storm were being stripped of all their Premiership points in 2010. Then, it was a...Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/245It's about this time of year that I start thinking about the players that are putting their hand up for an All Black jersey, and those that are slipping away from higher honours. There are still a fe...Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/244Each week the guys at The Dropkicks and us will pick an issue to debate and post our respective arguments on - one for and one against a specific statement. This week's debate - "All Blacks coaches ...Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/243Not long ago I wrote an article about the Warriors, and why we shouldn't believe the hype just yet. It came just after the thrashing we gave the Broncos, and just before the loss to Manly, so it was p...Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/242For the past few weeks the rugby league world has been talking about Darren Lockyer, and whether or not he would hang up his boots for Queensland and Australia. After 50 Tests for Australia and 30 ga...Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/241Often when a cricket series ends, I sit down and analyse it from a statistical perspective. It's extremely interesting - the series is over, but in any sport statistics tell so much more than the end ...Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/240I'll admit it - I was really hopeful of Carl Hayman returning to New Zealand at the completion of his Newcastle contract. I mean, a guy like that would be a huge asset to the All Black's World Cup hop...Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/239Sunday's 48-16 win over the Broncos was the best performance by the Warriors that I've seen in a long time. I'm pretty sure only a true Warriors fan would have picked them to win against the Broncos ...Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/231I've just finished watching some highlights from the latest round of the Super 14 (weekend of the 13th/14th), and it was all going well until they came to the game between the Force and the Warratahs....Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/238We all remember the drama that surrounded Sonny Bill Williams when he left the Bulldogs to take up a lucrative contract with Toulon. I mean, if you were a Doggies fan (or a fan of league at all), you ...Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/237Last nights Charity Shield clash between the Rabbitohs and Dragons (which ended in a 26-all draw, by the way) has got me amped for the upcoming NRL season, kicking off in two weeks. Each season gets b...Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/236The NZRU is set to end months of speculation by naming Mark Hammett as the new head coach of the Wellington Hurricanes. Current coach Colin Cooper is hanging up the coaching boots at the end of this s...Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/235The new NRL All-Star game played between the Indigenous All-Stars and a fan-selected NRL team is now an absolute must for the rugby league calender. Not only is it a fantastic way to celebrate the inp...Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/234Well, we've had a look at the Super 14 teams from New Zealand and Australia, so that just leaves us the five South African sides. While I'm hoping for a clean sweep from the New Zealand teams, there ...Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/233It's part 2 of our Super 14 review...although you probably could have guessed that from the title. Yeah. Anyway, today I'm going to look at the four Aussie teams, and how I think they're shaping up ...Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/232If you're like me, then you're sure to be hanging out for this Friday when the Hurricanes and Blues kick off the 2010 Super 14. It seems like an eternity since we've had any rugby...in fact, I'm seri...Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.sportsfanattic.co.nz/Articles/article/269When I got out of bed this morning, I tuned in to Breakfast to find out the state of the England vs. New Zealand cricket Test that's currently being played at Old Trafford.Live television coverage sta...Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT