Will Saturday night finally end a drought of success for these fans?
An enthralling Super Rugby season reaches its conclusion on Saturday night when the Waratahs host the Crusaders at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
After spending much of its existence underperforming compared to its fellow Aussie franchises, the Brumbies and Reds, the Waratahs finally now have a chance to win their own championship in its own backyard.
Indeed, having the Final in Sydney is not just the outcome that New South Welshmen wanted at the start of the season - Australian rugby has been struggling to compete with rugby league and even football (association and Australian rules) in recent times in the country's most populous city and state and the Waratahs' good form has meant crowds at Allianz and ANZ Stadiums have been healthier and better than they have been in recent seasons - boosted no doubt by having quite a few Sunday afternoon games.
A win for the Waratahs would certainly cap off the good work by coach Michael Cheika over the last two seasons to turn around a talented yet underperforming franchise which had lost players to the Brumbies, Rebels and even the Force, and remind people that New South Wales remains Australia's rugby union heart.
As for the Crusaders, the obvious goal here is title number 8 - perhaps it is a bit of a surprise to see the Crusaders make it this far, particularly if you considered the criticisms by many that they were an abomination and disgrace to rugby for their more boring style of rugby. In fact, the Crusaders have been more expansive in recent weeks - after that dour defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes in Wellington, the Crusaders won their last games against the Blues and Highlanders fairly convincingly and then took apart a tired looking Sharks side in the semifinal.
Dour or not, the Crusaders remain a quality side laden with All Blacks in the backs and forwards but like the Waratahs, perhaps have underperformed a bit in recent years. Therefore, it is up to coach Todd Blackadder to finally crack the big time and win a Super Rugby title in his 5th season with the franchise.
The Crusaders' last trip to Australia for a Super Rugby title ended in disappointment - they lost a tight one to the Reds after a slow start and memories of Radike Samo running rampant in open space will still hurt the likes of Read, McCaw, Carter, Whitelock et. al.
Tip - Crusaders to beat Waratahs by 1 point.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (capt), Stephen Hoiles, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: Tola Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbon, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Peter Betham (two to be omitted).
For Jack Bauer of Takaka, New Zealand, that was the minimum goal for this year's Tour de France after his maiden race last year ended with the lanky former bass guitarist with scratches across his face after a nasty crash a day before the ride into Paris.
Indeed, Bauer's second Tour de France was almost a carbon copy of last year's race with Jack involved in a crash that nearly ended his race having helped teammate Ramunas Navardauskas to stage victory earlier in the day. Fortunately, we can say "nearly" and Bauer finally got a chance to ride on the Avenue des Champs-Elysses with overall winner, Vincenzo Nibali.
It was probably the finish Jack deserved after a tour which saw his leader, American rider, Andrew Talansky join a huge list of high profile casualties on this tour, i.e. Chris Froome, Mark Cavendish and Alberto Contador - indeed Bauer can look back on this year's Tour de France and say that he survived the carnage festival while Froome, Cavendish, Contador and compatriot, Greg Henderson, did not.
Moreover, Bauer came close to taking over where Julian Dean left off and become New Zealand's man at the Tour de France but for the last couple of yards going into Nimes, having led the day for a wapping 227 km. The heartbreak and disappointment on Bauer's face was circulated on social and news media the following day as the man whose name gave rise to his TV hero namesake also became an instant favourite with the local and international cycling public.
After years of toiling on Belgium's cobbles and battling Bluff's icy winds, Jack Bauer has never been closer to reaching the pinnacle of his career and this year's performance should see him in many editions of the Tour de France for years to come, barring injury of course - good for Kiwi cycling fans wanting an excuse to fly to warm France during those cold winter months.
Bauer's busy year will continue with the Commonwealth Games road race in Glasgow later this week.
As for the race itself, it lacked the spice of previous editions especially once Contador crashed out leaving Vincenzo Nibali unchallenged to take the yellow jersey. Peter Sagan also won the green jersey virtually unchallenged after Mark Cavendish's bow on day 1, weathering a stunning summer for the Germans - Tony Martin, Marcel Kittel and Andre Greipel sharing the spoils of stage wins with the Manxman gone. It was also a great summer for the French - two of their compatriots, Jean-Christophe Peraud and Thibaut Pinot finished on the podium, the first Frenchmen to do so since Richard Virenque in 1997.
It's that time again. Time when the question is raised by a small minority of Kiwis as to whether New Zealand could ever host the Commonwealth Games again.
Amidst all the debate as to whether the Comm Games have any more relevance and whether they can continue into the next decade or so, the fact remains that New Zealand has a much better chance of hosting the Comm Games than any of the Summer or Winter Olympics.
However, in this age post Global Financial Crisis, nations and cities are now more cautious in coming out and making bids for the likes of the Olympics and Commonwealth Games especially considering that costs of hosting the games have spiralled out of control in recent times - look at the money spent by Russia on the recent 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Nevertheless, after recent experiences hosting the Rugby World Cup and future events like the Cricket World Cup and FIFA U-20 World Cup next year, New Zealand's appetite for hosting top level sport is very much there, backed by a strong and growing economy.
Furthermore, it has three cities that could realistically host the Commonwealth Games in the near future - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
For me, I guess, Wellington is the least favourite given the lack of space in the region - it could partner with Palmerston North and host the games - by 2026, the route from Palmerston North to Wellington should be top notch with the Kapiti Coast and Transmission Gully highways completed along with roadworks to the airport.
Auckland would be considered favourite to host the games given it is our largest city, has the most free land, has our international airport and has quite a few facilities already, ready to host the games. Plus, Auckland's unified council means decision making shouldn't be a problem as it was prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup - that scuppered the waterfront stadium idea of 2006.
I guess what might count against it is the fact that Auckland was the last New Zealand city to host the Commonwealth Games - back in 1990.
Hence, I reckon Christchurch - a city on the rise, a city very much under construction and badly badly needing new stadia and sports facilities to replace those damaged by the earthquake - and last hosted the games in 1974 - could be New Zealand's choice city to host the Games in say 12 years time.
Indeed, Cantabs won't need to wait 12 years for those new sports facilities to come up but hosting the Games could be a great initiative to get those facilities sooner rather than later. Plus, it would fit within the government's plan for the reborn CBD district, i.e. a sports district in the southeast corner of the CBD plus an adjacent Olympic village which could really regenerate the south of the city which has been left abandoned as a result of the quakes of 2010 and 2011.
The problem I guess is the fact that the Christchurch City Council is currently in the red and far too occupied with more pressing matters, i.e. rebuilding the city and trying to get through a backlog of claims with the EQC which will probably only be solved in 2016. It means any bid for the Comm Games will have to be footed by central government - unlikely under this National government even with the impending surplus - or a private consortium - very difficult to do.
But if Christchurch needed that new roofed stadium now along with new swimming pools, hockey park, athletics fields, housing etc., this would be the perfect excuse.
In a weekend of close encounters for New Zealand sportsmen, Jack Bauer nearly pulled off what would have been the most high-profile win of his career and for any New Zealand cyclist - winning a stage on the Tour de France.
Indeed, etape victory was definitely in Jack's grasp with the finish line in Nimes only 50 m away but for fatigue from his massive breakaway ride with Swiss champion, Martin Elmiger - both led the race for a staggering 222 km.
Bauer was inconsolable, in tears after crossing the line in 10th place officially, and definitely did not hide his disappointment at not quite being able to pull off history and become the first New Zealander to win a stage at the Tour de France since the days of Julian Dean.
Nevertheless, Bauer should be proud of his achievements today. Let's hope he can finish the rest of the Tour de France with a week to go and go into the Commonwealth Games on top of the world!
Meanwhile, Vincenzo Nibali is very much on course to win the Tour de France with no challengers in sight and Peter Sagan is set for the green jersey.
The 2014 World Cup is over and what a tournament it has been.
Congratulations to Germany on winning the World Cup - they settled an entertaining, yet gruelling final with a solitary but stunning goal to young Bayern Munich star, Mario Goetze late in the game but it was a deserved way for the best team at the World Cup to win - a penalty shootout would have been an injustice to the best World Cup since 1998.
As for Argentina, they should be proud of their efforts getting this far and this defeat should not take away from Lionel Messi's reputation as one of the greatest ever - however, after a flying start to the game, he looked tired and was easily contained by a German midfield that had to overcome the challenge of losing Sami Khedira only seconds before kickoff.
In the end, the best team in the world beat the team with the best player in the world and in a team sport like football that is a big thing.
And I bet Brazilians like her (below) are glad the Germans won.
As a spectacle, it was a vast improvement over the previous tournament in South Africa, and definitely the best edition we've had in a long time. Whether it is better than the memorable 1970, 1982 and 1998 tournaments is debatable, but Brazil 2014 can definitely be marked down as one of the great World Cups.
The USA provided one of the stories of the tournament
It's a pity that the goal rush that welcomed this tournament dried out in the 2nd round and quarterfinals although Brazil and Germany more than brought the averages back up with that 8 goal salvo in the semifinal.
One must wonder that considering that all the goals and attacking action seems to be in the group stages, should FIFA consider reverting back to the format of 1974 and 1978 and have two round robins before having a Final. Highly unlikely to happen though.
But the game of football is not just about the goals. If it was, all defenders and goalkeepers would quit the sport. There were some eyecatching performances from the men in goal, i.e. Ochoa, Navas, Neuer, Lloris, Romero, Krul, etc.
Ochoa against Brazil in Fortaleza
What is pivotal to a great footballing spectacle is attacking endeavour and there was plenty of attacking intent on display.
Anyway, here is a look back at the sizzling festival of football that was Brazil 2014! Surprise of the Tournament
Costa Rica - Drawn in the Group of Death, Los Ticos were expected to be canon fodder for the likes of Italy, England and Uruguay. Alas, they more than held their own - they finished unbeaten in the group as group winners and after overcoming Greece in extra time, they more than matched the Dutch in their first ever quarterfinal and took them to penalties. Keylor Navas enhanced his growing reputation as one of the world's best keepers and Levante will struggle to hold onto him this summer. Disappointment of the Tournament
Spain - A natural choice despite there being many contenders, ie. England, Italy, Portugal and now hosts, Brazil. They were the reigning world and double European champions going into this World Cup, drawn in a competitive group but given their personnel, were expected to navigate with businessman like ease. Alas, it all went horribly wrong right from the start against the Dutch as they were thumped 5-1 and then in a must-win game against Chile, they lost 2-0 to be the earliest world champions eliminated in history. Much rebuilding beckons for this side as they look to defend their European crown in 2 years time. Game of the Tournament
Brazil 1-7 Germany - Ok, it was not the most competitive match ever played by any stretch of the imagination but it was just enthralling and astonishing to watch the unprecedented unfold just like that. Sure there were better contests at the World Cup, but will we ever forget the moment we saw Germany score 5 goals in 30 minutes in Brazil against Brazil?
Goal of the Tournament James Rodriguez, Colombia v Uruguay - The knockout stages lacked the sumptuous goals of the group stages so this stunner from one of the stars of the tournament definitely takes the cake. A beautiful display of power, poise and bravery - pretty much the perfect goal.
Player of the Tournament
James Rodriguez, Colombia - this World Cup may have been about eventual Golden Ball winner, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at the start, but fans in the know including this writer, were raving about the potential of James Rodriguez to shine with his compatriot, Radamel Falcao out with injury - and boy did he shine. It has been a while since a player scored a goal in every World Cup match he played - 6 for James and he is still the tournament's leading goalscorer even though he is out of the World Cup. With Neymar out due to injury, Messi having not really fired in the knockouts, and Thomas Muller's goals really a bit part of the juggernaut German team effort, surely James Rodriguez must be favourite for player of the tournament?
Team of the Tournament
GK - Keylor Navas, Costa Rica
LB - Jan Vertonghen, Belgium
CB - Ezequiel Garay, Argentina
CB - Mats Hummels, Germany
RB - Philipp Lahm, Germany
DM - Javier Mascherano, Argentina
LM - Arjen Robben, Netherlands
AM - James Rodriguez, Colombia
RM - Toni Kroos, Germany
FW - Lionel Messi, Argentina
Controversy of the Tournament
Luis Suarez Bites Giorgio Chiellini - without a shadow of a doubt. The effects from Luis Suarez's third biting incident on the field in his career continue to be felt with his club Liverpool busy negotiating to sell him to Barcelona while he is worth something, and will be felt for some time particularly at international level, with Suarez out for a mind-boggling 9 matches for country now that his appeal has been rejected. Cue the memes.
So the 2014 Super Rugby season is officially over for 8 teams and Mad Monday beckons as these sides look set to drown their sorrows and disappointment - apart from the Cheetahs who have to play the Southern Kings for a spot in next year's Super Rugby season.
Here is a look back at the 8 sides that missed out on the extended season.
7.Hurricanes, 41 points
An unsatisfactory end after a season that promised so much and looked certain to end with playoffs football for the first time since 2009. In their last game of the season in Hamilton, the Hurricanes failed to get the bonus point against the same Chiefs side they thrashed in Wellington earlier in the season - that point would have seen them in the top six and in the playoffs. Mark Hammett, Andre Taylor, et al. will now head to pastures anew but on the bright side they've got Chris Boyd as coach as well as John Plumtree and Ma'a Nonu back in Wellington so the future is looking a bit more promising for the Hurricanes than they did at the start of the season.
8.Force, 40 points
A fine season from a side that was expected to compete for the wooden spoon, that just fell short at the end. Their failure to turn up in the home loss against the Blues after the international break cost them badly in the end and it'll be difficult to see the very physical Force make another surprise burst for the playoffs, particularly with the Honeybadger, Nick Cummins heading to Japan. Nevertheless, rugby in Western Australia is still alive and kicking.
9.Bulls, 38 points
A disappointing season for South Africa's most successful Super Rugby franchise - their poor away form was to blame and negated all their good work at home. The camouflage away jerseys didn't really help either.
10.Blues, 37 points
A turbulent season for the Auckland based franchise whose troubled start could be put down to the distractions around the failed Benji Marshall experiment at first five. Home form kept the Blues in contention along with the late inclusion of talented Hawkes Bay playmaker, Ihaia West as Benji Marshall's replacement, but in the end, their poor start to the season meant they had too much to do. There is definitely talent in the side worthy of All Black selection but John Kirwan hasn't quite worked out how to get these guys performing on a more consistent basis.
11.Stormers, 32 points
A dire start for the Cape Town franchise whose conservative, cautious style of rugby meant they were horrid to watch. They had a late season revival when they were already out of contention but given the talent in the side, Alistair Coetzee's position must be untenable.
12.Lions, 31 points
A terrific first season back in the big time for the Joburg based franchise, the Lions surprised thanks to their exciting backs and first-five Boshoff who finished amongst the highest point scorers in the competition. Their form at Ellis Park was vital and they got some big wins there to ensure they would avoid finishing in the dreaded last spot of the South Africa conference and avoid a playoff with the Southern Kings for a spot in next year's Super Rugby competition.
13.Reds, 28 points
Reds got hammered by the Crusaders in Brisbane earlier in the season
A hugely first disappointing season under Richard Graham for the former champions and powerhouses of Australian rugby - the Wallabies-laden Reds' season summed up perfectly by that 34-3 hiding at the hands of their interstate rivals and Australian conference champions, the Waratahs. They badly missed Quade Cooper once he limped off with a season-ending shoulder injury against the Crusaders, while Will Genia had his worst season for the Reds - he was dropped by the Wallabies against the French.
14.Cheetahs, 24 points
Another big disappointment, the Cheetahs' deficiencies in defence were uncovered again and they finished last in their conference the season after being playoff contenders. The Cheetahs are set to lose players to the riches of the Top 14 and Premiership - hopefully that won't cost them when they take on the Southern Kings later in the year to guarantee their place in Super Rugby next season.
15.Rebels, 21 points
Another average season from the worst side in Super Rugby right now. Something badly needs to be done about the Rebels or else they could soon fade into oblivion of the highly competitive Melbourne sports market. Yes, they lost their troublesome star players in pre-season but the side itself badly needs some injection of quality to be at least relevant in the Australian conference.
The shape of the 2014 Super Rugby playoffs has been confirmed.
The Waratahs and Crusaders earned a bye next weekend as a result of finishing 1st and 2nd respectively.
Last season's finalists, the Brumbies will host current double champions, the Chiefs next Saturday night in Canberra while South African conference winners, the Sharks will host the Highlanders several hours later in Durban.
The Brumbies have a chance at revenge against the Chiefs who beat them in the Final last year - and beat them in Canberra earlier this season - and are in hot form at the moment. The Chiefs have found their championship form at the right time even if they aren't quite at their best.
The Sharks will also be looking at redemption against the Highlanders who shocked them in Durban earlier in the season. The Sharks ended a two game losing streak with victory over the Stormers in Cape Town to avenge their defeat several weeks ago, while the Highlanders should have Ben Smith back after missing him against the Crusaders due to a leg infection.
My tips - Brumbies and Sharks to win. Brumbies to play Waratahs in Sydney, Sharks to play Crusaders in Christchurch.
The demise of that wonderful thing called Brazilian football has been very public and heavily lamented over the last week.
Their descent from greatest football nation in the world to laughing stock of world football is not dissimilar to that of the Lehmann Brothers in 2008 - their decline resulted in the last Global Financial Crisis.
And it looks like we won't be seeing Jogo bonito for some time yet. The power of football is clearly in Europe and all the stars are either Spanish, German, Dutch, African or Argentine.
Yes there is Neymar & Oscar but they're the best of a very average generation.
It's a shame that Brazil's World Cup did not come ten years earlier when Brazil could call on Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka -boy did they need them here especially once Neymar and Thiago Silva became unavailable.
So can the Selecao ever be number one again? They can but as these points show it'll be a long road back.
1.Have more players based in Brazil - the irony is that while Brazil produces great footballers despite its league being not the best in the world, Brazil's World Cup triumphs have come with many of its players based in Brazil with only the likes of Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo based in Europe. Indeed, the great 1970 side comprised of only players based in Brazil including the great Pele.
Now of course, you can count on one hand, the number of players in this Brazil squad who play at home - and perhaps having too many Europe based players used to the more technical and defensive style of play has destroyed the jogo bonito that made Brazil football great.
It is difficult to counter the wave of globalisation of football that means that Brazil's young talent are now set for Manchester United or Real Madrid in their teens but perhaps if Brazilian football wants to take drastic measures to get back to number one, it needs to go back to the days of allowing players to leave only when they turn 25.
2. More money into Brazil's leagues - to keep players in Brazil, Brazilian clubs need more money to pay their players and give them more incentive to stay. Brazil is now a very wealthy country yet that wealth has barely reached the likes of Corinthians, Fluminese, Vasco da Gama, Santos, Palmeiras, etc. - the clubs that have nurtured all the great footballers past and present before they head to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
There are really no excuses for Brazilian football to be behind the times - the new wealth found by Russia and China has meant investment in their football leagues and even the USA's MLS and Australia's A-League have more publicity and star drawing worldwide than Brazil's own league.
There is no reason too why there could be as many fans buying Corinthians tops as there are buying Man United or AC Milan tops.
3. Tanking Brazil's economy - the other irony is that Brazil's glories have often come at a time when Brazil has been in strife, economically and politically - Brazil in 1970 was under cruel military dictatorship, the peso in 2002 was devaluing at a rate of knots, etc.
Indeed, many other world champions won the World Cup while their countries were experiencing economic or political strife, i.e. Spain's football glories between 2008 and 2012 came while the country was in the midst of one of its worst ever economic recessions, Argentina's World Cup successes in 1978 and 1986 came amid a background of military dictatorship in the country - and defeat to the British in the Falklands War.
I'm not suggesting we send Brazil's economy into recession but I think Brazil football needs to remember that it's glories in the game have come from the favellas and streets, during adversity.
Amidst Brazil's new found wealth and place in the world, perhaps Brazil has forgotten to take pride in itself and remember tougher times.
The World Cup is normally a time when the world's best footballers turn in career-defining performances. However, as is often the case, many of them often have high-profile flops on football's greatest stage.
Here is IMO the World Cup's most disappointing XI -
Goalkeeper -
Spain's fallen rocks at the back - Iker and Sergio
Iker Casillas, Spain - Spain's Crown Prince was not helped by lack of match practice and form in the lead up to this World Cup and looked rusty at the back, and was definitely culpable for 2 of the Dutch's goals in their 5-1 thrashing of Spain in Salvador. Casillas is clearly on the wane - a sad way to bring down the illustrious career of one of the best ever keepers in history - and probably has played in his last ever World Cup.
Defenders -
David Luiz - never has one seen a player fall so much from grace
Leighton Baines, England - Failed to deliver on Roy Hodgson's faith in him after a great season in the Premier League. He was found out against Italy and Uruguay defensively and was lacklustre in attack - clearly not quite up to international standard. With Luke Shaw on the rise, Leighton Baines' promotion to starting left back in place of Ashley Cole might very well be brief.
Sergio Ramos, Spain - The Real Madrid centre back's defensive frailties were exposed by the Dutch and Chileans although he was not helped by Iker Casillas' erratic form in goal. He couldn't quite repeat his EURO 2012 form as opposition sides finally worked him out and must be responsible for Spain's suddenly porous defence.
David Luiz, Brazil - Ok, he scored two goals in the knockout rounds including a stunner but completely blotted his copybook deputising as captain for the suspended David Luiz in that 7-1 thumping by the Germans with one of the worst ever performances by a defender in history. His failure to mark Thomas Mueller for the first goal marked the start of Brazil's collapse into football hell.
Cesar Azpiliceuta, Spain - Another Spanish defender found out by the Dutch and Chileans. Great going forward but ponderous going back, one wonders if Chelsea's talented right back will ever don a Spanish top. Midfielders -
Where (was) Hazard?
Fernandinho, Brazil - Disappointing tournament performance for the Manchester City central midfielder - he failed to control midfield as well as he should have and was at fault for Germany's 30 minute 5 goal salvo in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal - The biggest disappointment of the World Cup albeit hampered by a very average crew to back him up - Ronaldo could have redeemed himself against Ghana but missed far more chances to score than he normally would. A tournament to forget for the current World Footballer of the Year.
Andres Iniesta, Spain - A shadow of the talented, attacking Barcelona midfielder that wowed the last two major football tournaments, Iniesta cast a frustrated, forlorn figure against the Dutch and Chileans and Spain missed his creativity.
Eden Hazard, Belgium - Another very quiet performance from another Premier League star. Eden Hazard failed to find the back of the net at this World Cup and was often overshadowed by former Chelsea teammate Kevin de Bruyne and substitute, Dries Mertens. Hazard can be one of the best players in the world but probably needs a good break now.
Forwards -
Robin van Persie, Netherlands - Ok, he scored the second best goal of this World Cup with that wonderful diving header from an impossible position but after the Australia game, van Persie was conspicuous with his absence particularly in the games that mattered, and was often substituted early, looking exhausted.
Sergio Aguero, Argentina - Another Premier League star missing in action. Had it not been for Messi and di Maria, Argentina would be in big big trouble. Aguero does have one more chance to shine and score on the big stage - but it won't redeem what has been a dreadful performance by Maradona's son-in-law.
They say that all good things must come to an end.
After nearly 30 years as a coach of some capacity, Sir Graham Henry will bid farewell to the rugby scene. The 68-year-old who has been the Blues' technical director for the last two seasons, guiding head coach, John Kirwan, will step away from the coaches' box into retirement.
Uncle Ted's record speaks for itself. Having started out as coach of Kelston Boys and Auckland Grammar
rugby teams, Uncle Ted took over as coach of the successful Auckland side of the 1980s and early 1990s and then the Blues when rugby turned professional in 1996.
With the New Zealand rugby union not offering him the head coaching role at the All Blacks, Uncle Ted moved to Wales to become head coach there, laying the platform for their regeneration as a respectable international side.
He controversially took the role as British & Irish Lions coach when they toured Australia in 2001, thus becoming the first foreigner to coach the side. The series left a bitter taste for British rugby fans as they lost a series for the first time ever against the Wallabies, and Henry quickly returned to New Zealand to become coach of the Blues.
As he did back in the late 90s, Uncle Ted guided the Blues to Super 12 success in 2003 before the All Blacks came calling.
We all know what he did with the All Blacks, the highs and lows he experienced - the highs being, a 3-0 thumping of the Lions, 3 Grand Slam successes and of course, the Rugby World Cup success in 2011, and the lows being that shock quarterfinal exit at the hands of France in the 2007 Rugby World Cup and that thumping by the Wallabies in Sydney in 2008 at the hands of Robbie Deans, the man that everyone wanted for the head coach role after that ignominious 2007 exit.
Through it all, Uncle Ted stood firm and stoic and helped to reaffirm the All Blacks as the number one international rugby team in the world - probably the number one international side in any sport particularly considering Brazil's recent demise as a football superpower. Not only that, he reinstilled a better culture in the All Blacks dressing room.
Previous AB sides had failed on the big stage because they were afraid to fail. Ted removed that fear and created a dare-to-fail culture which allowed young players with no caps to enter the All Blacks environment and blossom straight away - Hansen's recent success is all down to Uncle Ted.
Moreover, he restored mana and pride to play for the silver fern.
One of the greatest rugby coaches ever at least, if not the greatest.
Uncle Ted, you'll be missed. Now get out there and enjoy the spare time with Raewyn and the grandkids.
The Highlanders' place in the Super Rugby playoffs has been confirmed after Friday night's results.
The Brumbies' 47-25 win over the Force eliminated the Force from contention and ensured that the Highlanders will only be playing the Crusaders for the New Zealand conference title on Saturday - the worst they can finish now is 6th which could mean a quick trip to Durban to play the Sharks next weekend.
Earlier on Friday night, the reigning double champions, Chiefs just beat the Blues 11-8 to seal their place in the playoffs.
The Highlanders were last in the playoffs in 2002 - they finished 4th on the table and lost to the Crusaders in the semifinal in Christchurch.
The Highlanders will join the Crusaders and Chiefs as New Zealand's representatives in the Super Rugby playoffs - they will take on the Waratahs and Brumbies from across the ditch and the Sharks from across the other ditch over the ditch.
Estadio Maracana - sorry there'll be no Brazil, Rio
The big game is finally here. Much as we loved all the excitement, all the goals and all the shocks of the earlier rounds, everyone knows that the one game that matters is the World Cup Final.
For the first time in a while, there is consensus that Germany and Argentina have been the best teams at this World Cup and therefore, deserve to be in the Final in Rio - much as some die-hard Brazilian fans would like to disagree.
Both Germany and Argentina are unbeaten in this tournament - both have drawn one game and won the rest (Argentina did draw 0-0 with Holland in the semifinal but won the shootout). Normally that would mean you should make the Final.
At the moment, Germany seem to be the favourites objectively and subjectively. Objectively because their last performance was a 7-1 win over hosts, Brazil and they have scored the most goals at this World Cup and conceded few. The Germans have a good record over Argentina having won 2, lost 1 and drawn 1 (the Germans did win the shootout there too back in 2006).
Subjectively, because they clearly have played the best football at this World Cup and if this World Cup is to be remembered as one of the greats, it would need a great team to win the World Cup - this German side seems to fit the criteria of being one of the great teams.
However, favouritism means nothing in such big games - the Germans should know all about that given they were the underdogs to Hungary when they won their first World Cup in 1954.
Which is why Argentina with their underrated defence and the best player in the world cannot be completely counted out. Yes they haven't been as impressive as many would have liked but they have gone about the tournament professionally and gotten to where they want to be. It's an old cliche that real champions know how to win when they don't play well.
How will Lionel Messi perform in what could be his only chance to win a World Cup? Given his past performances for Barcelona in Champions League Finals, you could say he could do pretty well - however, Germany are admittedly a better team at targeting their man than Manchester United were against Barcelona. Furthermore, Messi doesn't have his usual Barca teammates to bail him out here - although Angel di Maria could very well still feature in the Final after missing the semifinal with injury.
Finally, Argentina are effectively the home team - they're on their home continent and should expect a large contingent from just across the border. That could very well play a factor in their 3rd Final against the Germans.
Adidas will be the guaranteed winner in this Final, being kit sponsor for both sides. Will football be a guaranteed winner in this Final?
We'd like to think so after this goal fest of a World Cup, whether it's Germany or Argentina who turn up with their attacking play and goals.
It's been quite a Tour of attrition so far and we haven't even reached the end of the first week!
Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish added to Britain's horror year of sport; both riders are out of the Tour de France - Froome pulled out the day before leaving Team Sky's Tour hopes in the hands of Aussie Richie Porte.
At least Jack Bauer, wearing 93, is still very much in the Tour. He finished the latest stage today to Reims in the peloton - classified a credible 19th.
Germany continued their brilliant year of sport with Andre Greipel this time taking compatriot Marcel Kittel's place for the stage honours.
So Jack is 125th overall, 32 minutes and 17 seconds behind leaders Vincenzo Nibali, Jakob Fulgsang and ladies' man, Peter Sagan. Jack is also the lead and sole Kiwi in the race following Greg Henderson's retirement from the race as a result of his big crash.
32 teams made it to the start of this World Cup Finals but only two would make the Final and play for the chance to be world champion.
16 teams were already gone almost 2 weeks ago.
Here were the first 8 that didn't quite make it
Chile - A fantastic tournament by the Chileans was ended prematurely on penalties after a brave draw with hosts Brazil in the game that many didn't give them a chance to win - yet they almost did with a dramatic shot that hit the post. Expect Chile to get stronger as more of their best players ply their trade in Europe, led by key talisman, Alexis Sanchez whichever club he ends up with. Best to work on those penalties.
Uruguay - Uruguay's 2014 World Cup will forever be associated by "that" bite. The resulting ban to Luis Suarez took away Uruguay's most creative outlet and they finished the tournament the same way they started - without Suarez and clearly second-best. It's a shame as Uruguay showed great heart to turn it around from their horror start to beat Italy 1-0 and knock them out, just days after effectively ending England's campaign.
Mexico - The most improved side in world football over the last 12 months, Mexico bellied their poor qualifying campaign with a strong campaign in the Finals which ended in their customary participation in the 2nd round. Indeed, they really should have made their first appearance in the quarterfinals since 1986 but for that resounding Dutch comeback and that controversial penalty. Will Herrera stay in the job post Brazil - hard to say. But at least he has restored pride in the Mexican top.
Greece - Possibly the weakest team in the 2nd round on paper - but they pushed Costa Rica all the way with their never-say-die attitude and only just went out on penalties to Los Ticos. Making the 2nd round itself is a big achievement for the 2004 European champions and fans of this economic pariah will look back on this World Cup with fond memories.
Nigeria - Their best performance at a World Cup since 1998 and probably their best performance in the 2nd round since 1994 - they were thrashed by Denmark in 1998. Defensively tough and wonderful on the counter attack, Stephen Keshi showed his great coaching abilities to guide a side to the 2nd round despite the distractions over bonuses in the build-up. Nigerian football seems to be back.
Algeria - One of the surprise packages of the World Cup, belatedly making their debut in the 2nd round after controversially missing out in 1982. Motivated by events in 1982, Algeria pushed Germany hard in their 2nd round tie and deservedly took the game to extra time, and deserved their consolation goal at the end of the game. Algerian football is back with its rising young stars and could be here to stay for a while.
Switzerland - The unfashionable Swiss actually had a decent tournament and displayed some talented young players, including Bayern Munich youngster, Xherdan Shaqiri, who was a menace for Argentina's defence. They blotted their copybook with that 5-2 defeat to France but other than that were solid in midfield and the back and great up front. Swiss football can only get better even without Ottmar Hitzfeld.
United States - The USA failed to make the quarterfinals but in terms of getting the public support, it was a massive success, even surpassing the 1994 World Cup which they hosted - if you measure support by facebook and twitter updates. A solid tournament for a limited side that managed to knock out Portugal. Good result for the game as it establishes as the "football" of the USA.
The next 4 that didn't quite make it..
Colombia - It was Colombia's best ever performance at a World Cup Finals surpassing the achievements of Valderamma, Higuita and Asprilla. Yet there is a tinge of disappointment and feeling that James Rodriguez et al. couldn't quite take the next step against Brazil, falling flat in their quarterfinal - that feeling probably would be accentuated after Brazil's calamitous collapse in their semifinal against Germany. Nevertheless, Colombia are back as a force to be reckoned with in world football - and James Rodriguez is still very much in contention for the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament titles.
France - A much better World Cup than the last and the signs are promising just 2 years before they host the European Championships. To win EURO 2016, Didier Deschamps' men have to shed the cautious tactics that cost them badly against Germany. Les Bleus fans will be glad that once again they have a side that wants to play for the country, though.
Belgium - A solid return to the World Cup Finals for a very talented side. Yes, they had many big names but one must remember that Belgium hadn't been in a major tournament in 12 years so tournament experience was always going to count against them especially up against a side like Argentina. Belgian fans can look forward to EURO 2016 though.
Costa Rica - The surprise of the tournament easily. Few would have expected little Costa Rica not only to make it out of the Group of Death and eliminate Italy and England, then with a bit of luck meet the weak Greeks in the 2nd round and win their shootout to make the quarterfinals where they pushed the Dutch all the way to another shootout. There are some real stars in this Los Ticos side, i.e. goalkeeper, Keylor Navas and winger, Joel Campbell, but there were many others who could see themselves in the big leagues in the near future.
And then the 2 that fell one game short.
Brazil - Oh dear. This World Cup was meant to show the best of the country deemed the world's best footballing nation. Instead, dissatisfaction at the costs of hosting the World Cup from the locals overshadowed the start and while the Selecao did manage to grab the nation's attention once they kicked off in Sao Paulo, there were many question marks whether this side really could make the Final and win the World Cup at home. Brazil were trundling along nicely, and gradually improving only for the shock double blow of losing Neymar and Thiago Silva in their quarterfinal against Colombia. Then came Germany and the rest is history.
As it stands, Brazil has never won a World Cup when hosted at home - at least the All Blacks have won the World Cup when hosted at home (twice). Aotearoa Number One!
Netherlands - They got as far as they probably deserved to - thanks to sheer determination and grit, rather than the guile and flair that characterised their performance in the group stages, including that 5-1 win over Spain that was close to being the game of the tournament until Germany's 7-1 thrashing of the hosts. Robin van Persie's mid-tournament loss of form coincided with a sudden change of style for the Dutch as they suddenly became cautious - everything that is against the philosophy of football established by Johan Cruyff's generation. Louis van Gaal showed his best and worst when it came to tactics in a space of several days - it's a shame his worst came when the Dutch needed him to shine to make the World Cup Finals.
So it's just Germany and Argentina then - can the star beat a star team? More on that later!
It's ok. Ask every Kiwi old enough to remember the 1999 Rugby World Cup semi loss to France
8 July 2014.
The day Brazil died as the world's greatest footballing nation.
The Selecao, the team in yellow were once the most feared and respected team in the world's most followed sport.
Only New Zealand's All Blacks enjoyed as much domination and billing in their sport as Brazil's best XI.
Now Dan Carter, Richie McCaw et al are alone.
On a warm night in Belo Horizonte, Brazilian football's pride and prestige was brutally and efficiently ripped apart by a side that claimed to be a more fitting tribute to the great Brazil teams of old.
Brandenburg Gate like the days of yor
Those Germans, so long associated with clinical, efficient yet boring football, played with more flair and guile than Scolari's men have all tournament.
Neymar and Thiago Silva won't have made any difference. This was a performance that this country of 80 million had been waiting for from this, the new golden generation of Ozil, Goetze, Mueller, Mertesacker, Neuer, etc. It was even better than what the likes of Beckenbauer, Rummenigge, Gerd Muller, Mattheus, Klinsmann had all achieved in the past.
They had after all beaten Brazil at home. Actually, no they had actually thrashed Brazil at home.
Think the All Blacks being humbled 30-0 by France after 20 minutes at Eden Park in the Rugby World Cup Final.
This match will live long in the memory of those who stood and cheered around the big screen at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin or in front of their televisions or computers around the world.
If there was any criticism of this World Cup, it was that the storm of goals that had gotten this tournament off to a flying start seemed to have past and that the second round and quarterfinals were bereft of the goalmouth action that had made the first round so watchable.
What also threatened to turn this World Cup into a damp squib was the lack of a genuine all star team emerging just when the tournament should be hitting its climax.
After this 7-1 mauling, the biggest winning margin in any semifinal of a major football tournament, and against a side who hadn't lost at home since 1975 - and their biggest defeat ever in a competitive match, the Germans can now lay claim to be that star team everyone was waiting for.
Now everyone will be hoping that it'll be a team with the star player to make it a potentially magnificent final in Rio.
(Bauer watch will now be every 2 days - or after a significant event involving Jack)
Takaka's finest, Jack Bauer has survived England and will now head with the rest of his Garmin-Sharp team towards Lille, France to kick off the Tour in the country proper.
Bauer had a fine race on the streets of London and finished in the peloton behind eventual stage winner, German Marcel Kittel - he was classified 27th on the stage and is now 164th overall, 19 minutes and 50 seconds behind Italian Vincenzo Nibali - teammate, Andrew Talansky is the highest ranked Garmin-Sharp rider in 21st, 2 seconds behind Nibali.
The Blackcaps may have lost the last game - a Twenty20 match in Dominica - of their otherwise successful tour of the West Indies but they'll leave the sunny Caribbean with the memory of Trent Boult's amazing catch.
Thanks to a rule change, fielders are now able to step in and out over the boundary and still complete a legitimate catch and Boult has made the most of this rule change which has definitely livened up cricket!
After the excitement of the group stages and arm wrestle of the 2nd round and quarterfinals, the semifinals have finally arrived.
This is no doubt the phase which no team wants to lose in considering a place in the Final is up for grabs.
Yes there is the consolation of playing for 3rd but really it is nothing more than a consolation and an extra game for FIFA's coffers.
World fans may be hoping that South America wins it's tussle with Europe given the recent domination by teams from the UEFA zone and while a potential Brazil v Argentina has been denied it's battle between Messi and Neymar, it's still universally the Final everyone wants to see.
Here's a look at all the semifinals ahead.
Tuesday, 8 June 2014, 5pm local time
Brazil v Germany, Belo Horizonte
The buildup to this game has no doubt been overshadowed by Neymar's tournament ending back injury. However, Brazil still have one record in hand - they haven't lost a competitive match at home since losing to Peru in the 1970s and even though the Germans will be the toughest opposition the Brazilians have yet to face, the Selecao can rely on home support to lift them even without Neymar and Thiago Silva.
Brazil's lineup will be very interesting - could Willian finally feature in a key role as a false 9 - think Piri Weepu for the ABs when Carter was ruled out at the 2011 RWC. Meanwhile, Germany should have a settled lineup with the only question being whether to stick with veteran Miroslav Klose.
Whatever happens this very much feels like last chance saloon for both Scolari and Loew - both will be gone as coaches in the weeks after the next two games.
Brazil win 1-0 thanks to a David Luiz special.
Wednesday, 9 June 2014, 5pm local time
Netherlands v Argentina, São Paulo
1978 and 1998 all over again. The stakes are high again for both these old foes with a place in the World Cup Final up for grabs this time.
Funnily enough, it's Argentina who have the form ahead of this clash while the Oranije have struggled in their last two clashes against CONCACAF opposition. Argentina will definitely be a bigger test for van Gaal's men and the new United manager will be hoping captain, Robin van Persie can find his earlier tournament form again. Arjen Robben's hard work needs someone to finish it.
Sabella's only injury concern is that of Angel di Maria with the in form Real Madrid winger out due to injury. At least, Higuain has found his scoring boots again so that should take the pressure off Lionel Messi who is in the middle of a 2 game goal scoring drought. Marcos Rojo is back from suspension too to boost a defence that has actually performed much better than expected.
Much has been mentioned about the new world order at this World Cup, i.e. the rise of Costa Rica, Colombia and Belgium as potential contenders for the title.
In the end, the old heads, Brazil and Germany and now Argentina and the Netherlands showed why they have won the World Cup multiple times - well in the case of the Dutch, made the World Cup Final so many times.
Glimpses of the Argentina that people have long been waiting for starting to surface - as did signs that Argentina could count on anyone other than Lionel Messi to score goals for them with Gonzalo Higuain finally chipping in for country. Higuain's goal was finely taken after a pass that deflected off a defender which the Napoli man half-volleyed into the bottom corner - Courtois who has been one of the keepers of this tournament had no chance.
Belgium gave it all they could but ultimately their long absence from this stage of any major tournament was evident as the Belgians, who for so long in this tournament, had been patient, reliant on their depth off the bench, panicked in the search for an equalizer - caught offside so many times by the linesmen in search of an equalizer. Romero in goal had his best game as did Garray and Fernandez in defence as they rebuffed a quiet Hazard and Mirrallas.
Nevertheless, Belgium have made a good impression in their first tournament appearance in 12 years and no doubt, this should be credited to coach Marc Wilmots. Fans of the Red Devils can look forward to EURO 2016 with their side as firm title contenders to take over from an aging Spain.
Costa Rica provided the surprise performance of the round - incredibly holding off the Dutch in their quarterfinal in Salvador and taking the matter of making the semifinals to penalties. The Dutch were surprisingly pessimistic in the opening exchanges and Costa Rica were more than comfortable hitting the Dutch on the counter-attack in a dull 90 minutes.
Extra time would prove far more exciting as incredibly both sides expressed themselves more and went for victory - a trend that seems to be common at this stage of this particular World Cup. Indeed, Costa Rica definitely had a chance to win the game only for Jasper Cillasen to save.
Cillasen came off for Newcastle's Tim Krul - the first time a keeper has come on just for the sake of taking part in the penalty shootout.
It was a masterstroke that worked brilliantly for Louis van Gaal - something to watch out for in the Premier League next season - as Krul's arrival definitely put off the previously successful Costa Ricans - two penalties were saved as the Dutch finally won a penalty shootout at a World Cup Finals.
The semifinals are now absolutely mouth-watering - add Neymar's premature departure from the tournament and Thiago Silva's suspension for Brazil and it's definitely not quite the hosts' tournament to lose. Germany will feel they have a chance against a Brazil side lacking their best striker.
Meanwhile, old foes Holland and Argentina will spar again with the Dutch looking to repeat history and make it two World Cup Finals in a row - and perhaps it'll be 5th time lucky for the Oranje. Lionel Messi, in the middle of a 2 game goal drought would hope otherwise, motivated by the fact that his closest challenger for the Golden Boot is now out of the tournament and he has 2 games to at least tie James Rodriguez's goal tally.
Highlanders right winger, Richard Buckman, has come a long way this season. Thrust into the limelight from the wider training squad after Buxton Popoali'i's rugby career was prematurely ended due to a heart condition, the Hawkes Bay 24 year old has really stepped up and shown the talent that quite a few of us knew he had.
Buckman, with his bogan hairdos and white skin, appears to be a big hit with teammates too who made this video of him while on tour recently in South Africa.
The Tour de France got underway in picturesque Yorkshire today although the home fans probably left a bit disappointed following the news that Mark Cavendish's Tour de France could be over for 2014 after he was involved in a nasty crash with Australian Simon Gerrans in the sprint to the finish in Harrogate.
Cavendish sustained a dislocated shoulder and was in a considerable amount of pain after the race - it would be a big shame for the Tour and for British cycling fans, if the injury was enough to end his Tour effort after only just one etape.
Cavendish's great rival, the German Marcel Kittel won to become the first rider to take the yellow jersey this year ahead of another great sprinter and arch nemesis of the podium girl, Slovakia's Peter Sagan and Jack Bauer's Garmin-Sharp teammate from Lithuania, Ramunas Navardauskas.
Jack himself stayed away from the carnage to finish in the pack - he's classified 56th with the same time as Marcel Kittel. So a good solid start from Takaka's finest.
The Highlanders are set for their first appearance in the Super Rugby playoffs following results overnight in Australia and South Africa.
The Southerners still have to play their game against the Waratahs on Sunday afternoon in Sydney but after the Blues and Bulls all lost on Saturday, the lowest the Highlanders can drop on the final table is 6th.
This is because the Brumbies have to play the Force next weekend in Canberra and the Hurricanes have the bye next weekend. Even if the Brumbies score a remarkable and unlikely draw with the Force and the Chiefs beat the Blues in Auckland - also not a given considering the Blues' home form this season - the Highlanders are pretty much set for an extended season.
A bonus point this afternoon in Sydney will guarantee the Highlanders playoff football as that point will lift them to 43 points - the Brumbies and Force can only go up to 43 (a draw with both sides scoring 4 tries each), while the Chiefs can only score a maximum 42 points. Even without a bonus point this weekend, the Highlanders are still in control of their destiny with a trip to Christchurch next weekend giving them the chance to secure that precious bonus point.
A win to the Highlanders in Sydney will mean that game in Christchurch will decide the New Zealand conference.
It's a shame the Blues couldn't beat the Crusaders last night as that would have left the New Zealand sides only separated by 2 points and all with a chance of winning the conference. Victory too could mean a bye in the first weekend of the playoffs with the Sharks in freefall - they lost to the Cheetahs 27-21 - and set to face the in-form Stormers in Cape Town - the Stormers have already beaten the Sharks once this season in Durban.
It should still be a thrilling finish to the season nevertheless with only the Hurricanes not in control of their destiny.
