Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Sportsball Special!

20 Responses

  • Russell Brown,

    One more thing about the cricket. How my heart sank when I realised that Danny Morrison had crossed the Pacific to join the test commentary team. Sigh.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel,

    However this match goes, there’s going to be quite a lot of cricket with your cornflakes and Sky subscription on this tour

    ...surely?

    or is it just the Cricinfo updates?

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • Peter Darlington,

    Hard to go past Brazil really, however Germany and Spain wold be no surprise (surprised Silver has Spain rated so low) and Argentina and the Netherlands (again, so low?) will be a chance. England have no chance, won't stop the hype though, although my mate Sean puts it very nicely here at Stuff.

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Ian Dalziel,

    and Sky subscription

    True. But I don't think there's ever been live coverage from the Windies on free-to-air TV.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • James Millar, in reply to Russell Brown,

    How my heart sank when I realised that Danny Morrison had crossed the Pacific to join the test commentary team. Sigh.

    This. Cricket is muted and music goes on whenever he comes to the commentary box. Worst. Sports commentator. Ever.

    Tāmaki Makaurau • Since May 2007 • 20 posts Report Reply

  • Emma Hart, in reply to James Millar,

    Worst. Sports commentator. Ever.

    Seriously. Worse than Justin Marshall.

    Christchurch • Since Nov 2006 • 4651 posts Report Reply

  • JacksonP, in reply to Emma Hart,

    Seriously

    It's a constant surprise to me he doesn't spontaneously combust, after a batsman nudges one through mid wicket for two.

    Good grief man! Settle down!

    Auckland • Since Mar 2011 • 2450 posts Report Reply

  • matthew,

    Oh contraire, my sommet sports love affair began with their coverage of the Caribbean premier league last year. Its only 20/20 but its still cricket.

    auckland • Since Nov 2013 • 22 posts Report Reply

  • Alan Perrott,

    I can't see Brazil doing it - too much pressure and I'm not impressed with the squad they've selected. reckon this might be Argentina's to lose. that pairing is my dream final.
    I've had my fill of Spanish passathons. as effective as it is it ain't the old samba style.
    otherwise, and like many, I'm interested in how Belgium goes, they've targeted this cup pretty well and have an interesting squad. also wondreing if England can get out of their group and I'd love to see an African team kick on.
    gonna be damn hard to concentrate on work in the mornings but. those 4am kick offs are looking harsh.
    who cares, it's the bloody world cup. bring it on now. that opening game will be huge.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 438 posts Report Reply

  • Mr Mark,

    Tis The Beautiful Game for me. Can't wait.

    Dear old England - every 4 years it turns out "We was robbed !"
    No, England, not so much robbed as rubbish. They last won the Cup around the time I had my 2nd Birthday. I'm now just a few weeks from hitting the Big Five Zero.

    Wellington • Since Dec 2009 • 128 posts Report Reply

  • Grant McDougall,

    I'm going to the test here in Dunedin on Saturday. If the ABs don't drastically improve, I suspect it'll be nasty viewing.

    If they'd played the Boks last Saturday, they'd have been hammered.

    The fitba World Cup should be great viewing. I'd love to see the Dutch win it, they've been so near yet so far, so often.

    Dunedin • Since Dec 2006 • 760 posts Report Reply

  • Peter Darlington, in reply to Mr Mark,

    Dear old England - every 4 years it turns out "We was robbed !"
    No, England, not so much robbed as rubbish. They last won the Cup around the time I had my 2nd Birthday. I'm now just a few weeks from hitting the Big Five Zero.

    Think they were a bit unlucky with the penlalties hoodoo in 1990. That was a good side who, if they could have passed Germany, faced a lack lustre Argentina and a cynical, ageing Maradona in the final. Since then though, all down hill.

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Paul Williams,

    Nelson's stats are a little surprising, not that I question them, as I thought McCaw was well short of an imposing presence. I didn't enjoy the game at all and that makes it easier to miss next weeks in preference for going to the Sydney Swans v Port Power.

    Still, next Monday night, BOP Magic might win the ANZ Netball Championship having beaten the Sydney Swifts by one goal in the dying moments of last week.

    Sydney • Since Nov 2006 • 2273 posts Report Reply

  • Rich of Observationz,

    feel free to tell me what else to look for

    The protests of the Brazilian people against the bloody thing?

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report Reply

  • andrew r,

    Spain's to lose. Easily the most talent stacked side. But tis the World Cup and randomness generally prevails, so hmmm Germany ? - Solid solid solid.
    England lol no chance - might make it out of their group, maybe.

    auckland • Since May 2007 • 100 posts Report Reply

  • Peter Darlington, in reply to andrew r,

    Spain's to lose. Easily the most talent stacked side. But tis the World Cup and randomness generally prevails, so hmmm Germany ? - Solid solid solid.

    They're certainly right up there but maybe a little more defensively brittle than in previous tournaments with no super permed Puyol at the back. Also have Xavi getting older so how he'll last through the tournament will be a factor. Think Diego Costa will also prove important, most particularly his recovery from the hamstring injury.

    Nelson • Since Nov 2006 • 949 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to Rich of Observationz,

    The protests of the Brazilian people against the bloody thing?

    It's certainly looking like a mess.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Myles Thomas,

    Gp a - Brazil and Croatia
    Gp b - Nederland and Spain
    Cp c - Columbia and Côte d'Ivoire
    Gp d - Uruguay and England
    Gp e - France and equador
    Gp f - Argentina and Bosnia
    Gp g - Portugal and Germany
    Gp h - Belgium and Korea
    Brazil beat Spain
    England beat Columbia
    Nederlands beat Croatia
    Uruguay beat Côte d'Ivoire
    France beat Bosnia
    Portugal beat Korea
    Argentina beat equador
    Belgium knock out Germany!
    France beat Portugal
    Brazil beat England
    Argentina beat Belgium
    Nederlands beat Uruguay
    Brazil beat France
    Nederlands beat Argentina
    Argentina beat France for third
    Brazil beat Nederlands and win.

    Ok so I'm following form and favourites but it's pretty much preordained.

    Auckland • Since Apr 2011 • 130 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Really nerdy ESPN article comparing Saturday's rugby test stats with the recent records of the respective teams. The All Blacks were down in various ball-in-play stats, but actually did better on scrums and lineouts than usual.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Don Christie,

    "Tracey Nelson has done the numbers" Good lord, haka.co.nz is still going. Copyright 2000 Catalyst.Net Ltd. Halcyon days.

    And....nice work Tracy!

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1645 posts Report Reply

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