Highs and Lows of 2014 - and Tips for 2015!

2014 has been quite a year for world sport.

As usual, there was triumph tinged with tragedy although there were some high-profile tragedies in sport this year. Here is a look back at some of my picks for best and worst sporting moments of the year that was 2014 - and some tips for the new year ahead.

Highs of 2014
1. McCullum's triple ton - the first New Zealander to crack the elusive triple ton, Bazza's achievement was must watch TV and a big crowd on the 5th and final day of the test at the Basin Reserve showed how historic a moment this was for NZ sport. It was the icing on the cake of a highly remarkable season for the NZ captain who broke the 1,000 run barrier this year thanks to some terrific double tons.

2. Atletico Madrid win La Liga title - Spanish La Liga has always been considered to be technically the best league in the world but had always been hampered by the fact that the title race was always a two horse race between the two richest clubs in the land. In 2013/14, Real Madrid and Barcelona's duopoly was smashed by Atletico Madrid - while their rise to the summit during the season was not a surprise, the fact that they could stay there right till the end was, along with their gutsy performance in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona's Camp Nou that sealed their first title win since 1996, and the first for a side that wasn't Real Madrid or Barca in 10 years - shame they couldn't get the trophy later that afternoon too with the Spanish Federation secretary on holiday for that game (ugh!) And Diego Simeone's men could have made it an astonishing double but for that late goal in Lisbon against their biggest rivals in the Champions League Final. However, Atletico are still going strong in their title defence season, still in touch with Real and Barca at the top of the league.

3. Brazil 1-7 Germany - The most astonishing game, scoreline in World Cup history. Brazil at home in a World Cup semi were expected to walk to the Final at the Maracana in Rio only to be denied their key talisman, Neymar due to injury sustained in the quarterfinal against Colombia. But you wonder even with Neymar whether that would have made any difference for Brazil against Germany as they were completely found wanting in the worst half of football a Brazil side had ever played. 5-0 at half-time, the 2nd half was a mere formality as Germany counted down to a Final appearance and their 4th World Cup win. Perhaps their coronation as world champions had already come in this game.

4. Jack Bauer's close run at the Tour de France - No Kiwi rider since Julian Dean in 2001 had won a stage of the Tour de France but Jack Bauer came almightily close to ending that duck only for his legs to give out with meters to go to the finish in Nimes and conceding the stage win to Aleksander Kristoff. So why is this a high? Well it was really a defining moment in the meteoric rise of the Takaka road rider in a year which he started to stake his claim to be one of the best riders in the world. A solid run in the Tour de France where he took on more responsibilities in the team would ensue a terrific 2nd in the Commonwealth Games road race in Glasgow a few weeks later. Well done Jacko, and here's to 2015.

5. All Blacks thrashing Wallabies in Auckland - Many have picked the game in Brisbane for their highlight of the year but for me, that game was a bonus even if it was definitely a cliffhanger. For me, the 2nd Bledisloe Cup test of the year was a key one for the ABs, having just drawn with the Wallabies in Sydney. They needed one heck of a performance to ensure that there was no way the Bledisloe Cup was going to Australia for the first time in 11 seasons, and boy did they deliver. This was about as good and clinical as the ABs were this season.

Lows of 2014
1. Death of Phil Hughes - The death of Phil Hughes was the biggest story in Australian sport and world cricket, with the 25-year-old Aussie test batsman's untimely passing sending shockwaves across a sport that had never seen anything like this - the outpouring of grief in the weeks afterwards was immense and continues throughout this Aussie summer of cricket, as batsmen stop at 68 to point their bats to the boy from the banana town of New South Wales.

2. Schumacher and Bianchi fighting for their lives - In a tragic year for F1, young French F1 pilot, Jules Bianchi, is still fighting for his life after suffering a severe head injury in a sickening crash at the Japanese Grand Prix, while Michael Schumacher has embarked on a long road to recovery after his skiiing accident just prior to the turn of the year.

3. Lou Vincent's fall from grace - It was the moment that NZ cricket lost its innocence, as Lou Vincent's cricketing career and reputation all burnt down in a flash. The little attacking batsman will forever be labelled a cheat and questions will be asked - who else was involved? The fingers are currently wagging in the direction of a Mssrs Cairns at the moment - Cairns apparently led Vincent down this dark trail.

4. Luis Suarez's biting incident - On the back of an epic season with Liverpool, Suarez decided to blot his copybook by biting Giorgio Chiellini and then claiming that his teeth happened to be open when he collided with the Italian defender in Uruguay's critical World Cup game against Italy. That the referee failed to see it was incredulous although Suarez would get his punishment post-match - suspended from all football until October - by then, with his relationship with Liverpool now in disarray, Suarez was now a Barca player. A dirty stain on a fine year.

5. Silver Ferns - In a year when New Zealand sports teams and athletes all performed, the Silver Ferns were conspicious for their absence. Without Irene van Dyk who retired mid season, the Ferns limped to the Commonwealth Games Gold Medal Final with Australia who would also hammer them in the Constellation Cup. With limited firepower up front, the Silver Ferns could continue to struggle even though their defence remains as valiant as ever.

Tips for 2015!
1. Patriots beat Seahawks in Super Bowl
2. South Africa win Cricket World Cup
3. Chelsea win Premier League and Champions League
4. West Brom, Burnley and Hull City are relegated from Premier League
5. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Marseille and Juventus win their domestic leagues
6. Queensland bounce back to win State of Origin - Mal Meninga steps down after that
7. Chiefs win Super Rugby title
8. Australia win Asian Cup, the Ashes and Netball World Cup
9. Brisbane Broncos win NRL Grand Final
10. All Blacks beat England to win Rugby World Cup

A Look Back at 2014 - Football!

It's a bit odd doing a review on the football year that was when the 2014/15 season has only started. Alas, there have been enough highlights to cover the 2014 year, i.e. the World Cup, Club World Cup, Champions League, etc. so it warrants a review.

2014 saw the world game somewhat redeem itself on the field, if not off it - Rudi Garcia's report into corruption at the highest levels in FIFA did little to change people's opinions about Sepp Blatter and the governing body, particularly with Qatar further confirmed as hosts of the 2022 World Cup to the dismay of many.

The 2014 World Cup was a commercial and footballing success even if the hosts, Brazil didn't quite deliver in front of their home fans.

Indeed, 2014 might very well be the year that Brazil lost its title as the best footballing nation in the world.

Their replacements could very well be the team that thrashed them so convincingly in Belo Horizonte, i.e. Germany, the new world champions.

After years of promising to deliver, yet failing when it mattered, Joachim Loew's men finally won the biggest prize on offer with some of the best football you'll ever see, played by the best footballers in the world - Kroos, Mueller, Neuer can all claim to be amongst football's elite.

Meanwhile, their fellow Europeans, Spain suffered an alarming if not surprising, fall from grace. For so long, Los Rojas dominated the world game with their tikka-takka football. But like all good sides, players age and the age of the likes of Casillas, Xavi, Fernando Torres and David Villa was evident and once they were beaten 5-1 by the Dutch in their first World Cup game, Spain never really recovered. Just as well that Del Bosque is staying around as he guides the next generation of great Spanish footballers to continue their recent dominance in the European championships.

On the bright side, Spain continue to dominate in club football, with Real Madrid winning their first European title in 12 years and then winning the World Club Cup ahead of San Lorenzo and Auckland City (yes I kid you not). Atletico Madrid sprung a surprise by upsetting the Real Madrid and Barcelona duoply to win the title this season - and they look like they want to be challengers for a while yet based on their current form.

As for New Zealand, club football raised its profile this season what with the rise of Auckland City in the Club World Cup to a shock 3rd place. The Wellington Phoenix are also doing extremely well in the A-League and flying the flag for NZ football albeit on the back of Aussie Nathan Burns.

So without further ado, here's a look back at the world of football for 2014.

Team of the Year (4-3-3 formation) -
GK - Manuel Neuer, Germany

DF - Philipp Lahm, Germany
DF - Mats Hummels, Germany
DF - Vincent Kompany, Belgium
DF - Pablo Zabaleta, Argentina

MF - Toni Kroos, Germany
MF - Angel di Maria, Argentina
MF - James Rodriguez, Colombia

FW - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
FW - Lionel Messi, Argentina
FW - Arjen Robben, Netherlands

Goal of the Year -
Stephanie Roche, Peamount United v Wexford Youths - there have been some smashing goals this season including James Rodriguez's pearler against Uruguay and Robin van Persie doing things with his head that you didn't thing were possible, but a late shock contender has emerged from the other gender. To be honest, I would not be surprised if Irishwoman, Stephanie Roche's wins the goal of the year comp this year.

Game of the Year -
Brazil 1 Germany 7 -

A Look Back at 2014 - Cricket!

2014 was a roller coaster year of emotions for cricket fans.

On one side, the game experienced death on a high profile scale with the tragic death of 25 year old Australian test cricketer, Philip Hughes in November, sending shockwaves across the cricket world. For the first time, the game itself seemed meaningless compared to the tragedy that unfolded on the SCG and afflicted the Hughes family and Australian cricket fraternity.

The Australian media coverage in regards to Phil's death may have seemed at times not dissimilar to the coverage devoted to the death of Princess Di, but there was no doubt that the sport was clearly grieving for a future Australian cricket legend.

On the bright side, 2014 was the year that the Blackcaps finally seemed to consistently deliver the performances that its fans had wanted for so long.

It started with the West Indies last summer, and on New Year's Eve when Corey Anderson hit that brilliant record hundred. The Blackcaps carried over that performance in the abbreviated series against India, capping the tour with their first test series win against a top 3 side in over 20 years.

The highlight of that series was Brendon McCullum's triple ton at the Basin Reserve to help draw the 2nd test. It was the first time a New Zealander had breached 300 and one of the top 3 sporting highlights of 2014, if not number one, for Kiwi sports fans.

Indeed, 2014 saw the captain really hit the zenith of his career, as he couldn't stop scoring wherever he bat, helping the Blackcaps win the test series in the West Indies and draw the test series in Pakistan. Sri Lanka beckons and a ton in the Boxing Day test in Christchurch would be a fine way to cap a fine season for Baz.

But Baz wasn't the only reason why the Blackcaps made huge progress this season with Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Corey Anderson and Jimmy Neesham all shining with the bat - and then there was always ex-captain, Ross Taylor, who came back after a brief exodus from the side. Then there is the bowling attack which has so much depth and balance, that the selectors can afford to be adventurous on any pitch. Tim Southee is the clear leader of the bowling attack with Dan Vettori slowly stepping aside, aptly supported by Trent Boult in the tests and Mitch McClenaghan in the ODIs and T20s.

Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Neil Wagner, Ish Sodhi, Mark Craig, Nathan McCullum and of course Dan Vettori - the selectors can afford to say Doug (Bracewell) and Jesse (Ryder) who?  

So to 2015 - a season which cricket fans can look forward to what with the World Cup, Ashes and the Blackcaps taking on Australia home and abroad later in the year.

Player of the Season - Brendon McCullum.

Performance of the Season - Brendon McCullum's triple ton.

Corey Anderson's rapid hundred comes close though.

Au Revoir Dan!

The worst kept secret in world rugby has finally come out.

Dan Carter will be playing his rugby in France next year with ambitious Parisian club, Racing Metro, writing the Southbridge lad a world record fee for any rugby player - $3 million per season over 3 seasons.

So for Carter, the ideal scenario would be playing his last game for New Zealand rugby in black in the Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham next October, and then catching the Eurostar to Paris to start life in the Top 14.

Racing Metro have been brave in forking out so much money. While there is little doubt that Carter is the best first five in world rugby ever, Carter will be 33 by the time he arrives, so isn't exactly a spring chicken and his luck with injuries in the last couple of seasons hasn't been particularly good - even more so when you consider his brief ill-fated stint with Perpignan in 2009.

On the other hand, the Top 14 isn't as aggressive on the body as Super Rugby or the English Premiership - Jonny Wilkinson managed to eck out a couple more years from his ragged body to lead Toulon to double European success. Dan the man will be hoping to emulate Jonny boy when he starts life in the French capital next year.

Cheers Dan for all the memories - now bring home the bacon for the Crusaders and ABs next year!

A Look Back at 2014 - League!

2014 was a season of redemption for New Zealand rugby league following the disappointment and scandal surrounding the Kiwis' World Cup defence the year before. 

Indeed, it was a stunning turnaround for the Kiwis as the young rising stars of Peta Hiku, Kevin Proctor, Jason Taumololo and Dean Whare carried their stellar form from the NRL into the 4 Nations, taking advantage of a Kangaroos side in transition, yet strong as ever to deservedly win the 4 Nations. 

The fact that the Kangaroos were missing Johnathan Thurston, the best player in the world, should not take away anything from Stephen Kearney's achievements this season which were capped off with a stunning performance in the Final in Wellington. 

The Kiwi forwards were more powerful than their Aussie counterparts in the last two tests against their trans-Tasman counterparts and their backs led by Shaun Johnson made the most of the space created by their powerful forwards. 

Shaun Johnson continues to show his talent, as he finished the year strongly - can he finally translate his talent on a more consistent basis and lead the Warriors to the Grand Final - to be fair, after the mid-season coach change, the Warriors did much better than anyone expected and the future is bright under coach, Andrew McFadden, especially if they could nail the signing of one of the form players of the season, Kieran Foran from Manly. 

Were it not for Dale Cherry-Evans' heroics for Manly this season, Shaun Johnson would have been one of the halfbacks of the season particularly on the back of his efforts in black. 

As for the NRL, they got the finish they wanted - an all-Sydney final and a win to the most famous name in the game. The Rabbitohs have been through a traumatic last 40 years, almost going extinct, but thanks to the efforts of Russell Crowe, Michael Macguire, player of the year, Sam Burgess and his star-studded teammates, the green and red are back where they belong.

Greg Inglis' late try was the icing on the cake for the thousands of Bunnies fans worldwide, completing the most remarkable Lazarus story in Australian sport.

It was a good year for New South Wales, as they finally ended a 8-year-hoodoo in State of Origin to the northerners, triumphing in an epic 2nd game in Sydney, 6-4 for their first series win since 2005. The Blues played a hard-nosed brand of code with their victories in the 1st 2 games all hard-earned, but they couldn't quite contain the Maroons at home in Brisbane who thumped the Blues in the dead rubber 3rd game.

All in all, a fine year for rugby league which continues to rise following a successful World Cup last year. While the loss of its stars, Sam Burgess and Sonny Bill Williams to rugby union, and Dally M winner, Jarryd Hayne to (?) NFL was unfortunate, there are definitely plenty of stars in the game who can take their place - and for once, they don't have to be Aussie, with the Brits and Kiwis starting to show they can be the best in the game.  

Team of the Year - 

1.Jarryd Hayne, Eels

2.Semi Radradra, Eels

3.Dylan Walker, Rabbitohs

4.Jamie Lyon, Sea Eagles

5.Josh Mansour, Panthers

6.Johnathan Thurston, Cowboys

7.Dale Cherry-Evans, Sea Eagles

8.Jesse Bromwich, Storm

9.James Segeyaro, Panthers

10.James Graham, Bulldogs

11.Beau Scott, Knights

12.Simon Mannering, Warriors

13.Sam Burgess, Rabbitohs 

Game of the Year - 

Try of the Year - 

A Look Back at 2014 - Rugby!

2014 saw the IRB make its boldest move yet towards modernisation - a change of name to World Rugby.

On the field, the All Blacks remain the cream of the crop and New Zealand the country to beat as they came and conquered all. They remain the perennial favourites as the young guns continue to develop under the guidance of the old head of Richie McCaw who became world rugby's most capped captain.

the gap between the top tier nations and the rest appears to be closing with the likes of Ireland and Scotland benefiting from the Kiwi influence thanks to Jo Schmidt and Vern Cotter, and Argentina also making big progress against the established SANZAR nations.

On the other hand, some of the established Southern powers took a step back - Australia after a promising start under Ewen McKenzie, ended the season in total disarray and an inexperienced coach at the helm; Michael Cheika has found out that international rugby is a big step up from Super Rugby. South Africa also seemed to go backwards a bit although they were the only side to beat the mighty ABs this season - defeats against Ireland and Wales soured the end to the season and Heynecke Meyer has a big job to do to make the Boks contenders at the World Cup next year.

England also seemed to stagnate a bit after all the buildup over the last couple of seasons. There is no doubting their depth of talent and that they will be a force at next year's World Cup but they still seem to lack the consistency and final killer edge to beat the likes of the All Blacks and Boks when it matters or at least beat their neighbours to win the Six Nations having been billed as favourites.

Ireland made the biggest progress of the season and could emerge as surprise contenders at next year's World Cup at this rate - they're in the same pool as France, Italy, Canada and Romania so must surely back themselves to at least, make the quarterfinals. Winning the Six Nations championship was a big milestone for Jo Schmidt's side who look very well organized and play a good brand of rugby.

Japan and the Pacific Islands also made some strides but remain comparative minnows at best. The gap is clearly going down which is a good sign ahead of next year's rugby extravaganza.

So here's a look back at 2014, the year that was in rugby.

Team of the year -
1.Wyatt Crockett, New Zealand
2.Agustin Creevy, Argentina
3.Mike Ross, Ireland
4.Victor Matfield, South Africa
5.Brodie Retallick, New Zealand
6.Peter O'Mahony, Ireland
7.Michael Hooper, Australia
8.Duane Vermeulen, South Africa
9.Aaron Smith, New Zealand
10.Johnny Sexton, Ireland
11.Julian Savea, New Zealand
12.Jamie Roberts, Wales
13.Malakai Fekitoa, New Zealand
14.Ben Smith, New Zealand
15.Willie le Roux, South Africa

Rookie of the year - Malakai Fekitoa. Out of nowhere, the Auckland born Highlanders centre burst into the black jersey and pretty much made it his own once Ma'a Nonu was ruled out of the season due to injury. Able to play 12 and 13 with consumate ease, Fekitoa is likely to be the future of New Zealand rugby once the Wellington combo of Nonu and Smith eventually bow out. Handre Pollard and Condral Hendricks also get honourable mention.

Game of the year - South Africa 27-25 New Zealand, Johannesburg - another thriller at Ellis Park, but this time it was the hosts who would come out on top, albeit in controversial circumstances with Liam Messam penalised in retrospect after the referee caught his late high tackle on the replay screen - the TV producers and not the refs would be every rugby coach's nemesis this year with the timing of their replays seeming to prove key in some big game-changing decisions.

Moment of the year - Argentina winning their first Rugby Championship game, a 21-17 win over Australia. It may have been ugly but it was deserved in a season where Los Pumas made great strides against their more experienced Southern Hemisphere rivals. Moment of the season for New Zealand rugby was Taranaki winning the NPC title for the first time in their history in front of a sell-out Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, beating Tasman who along with the Naki, brought back the feelgood factor to New Zealand provincial rugby as they upset the big cities to make the Final of the Premiership.

Try of the year -