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I don't think he will. Despite the fact that his party still enjoys a 56% – 44% lead in the 2PP in the latest Newspoll, I think Abbott’s reign as Opposition leader won’t continue until the next Federal election. And if it does, then the ALP will be rejoicing. He's been an effective Opposition...

When: Saturday, June 25th 7.35pm NZT 5.35pm AEST Where: Nelson, New Zealand Venue: Trafalgar Park, Nelson Officials: Bryce Lawrence AR 1: Keith Brown AR 2: Vinny Munro TMO: Garratt Williamson Head to Head: Crusaders 13, Sharks 3, Drawn 1 Last Match: Crusaders 44 def Sharks 28...

Throughout this season there have been many vocal critics of the conference system. These critics have alleged that it has cheapened the finals format and assisted teams from supposedly weaker, less even conferences. However with one week of round-robin rugby to play, I think it's fairly...

Where: Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru When: 7.30pm(local time), 5.30pm(AEST) Saturday, June 11th Head to Head: Played 18 - Crusaders 9 wins, Blues 9 wins Last Game: Blues 24 def Crusaders 22, Eden Park, February 19th, 2011 Referee: Craig Joubert Teams: Crusaders Coach...

The Waratahs’ overnight loss to the Sharks sets up a mouth-watering run into the finals. With just three games to play this is the state of play for the teams outside the top 3. 4th - Crusaders 48 points (game in hand) 5th - Sharks 47 points 6th – Waratahs 46 points 7th - Bulls 45 points 8th –...

Seems like Fiji may not be able to afford to send a team to NZ. I know that the Fiji Rugby Union is a finanical basket-case and rife with allegations of corruption, but can the IRB afford not to have them at the RWC? Given the millions the IRB will reap from the tournament, and the massive costs...

It seems very fashionable these days to criticise poorly performing rugby coaches. And this season, coaches such as Mark Hammett and Chris Hickey have felt the wrath of their teams’ supporters, with every aspect of their coaching being heavily criticised and scrutinised in the media. But on the...

I've never been a big fan Wykes, but last night I thought he was very impressive. His workrate and mobility are both excellent for a big man. He gets through a tonne of work defensively and he's also a very good support player. There is just something about him that suggests he's got a long...

Whilst I believe Super Rugby has always been a wonderful competition, it could be argued that in years gone by there has always been one or two standout teams, with the rest of the competing teams simply making up the numbers. But this season is shaping up as being the most even and most...

Where: Napier, New Zealand Venue: McLean Park, Napier When: 7.35pm NZT (5.35pm AEST) Saturday, May 21 Head to Head: Played 16 - Crusaders 12 wins, Chiefs 4 wins Referee: Stuart Dickinson Teams: Crusaders Coach: Todd Blackadder 15. Tom Marshall 14. Brent Ward 13. Robbie Fruean 12. Ryan...

NZ sports journalist Wynne Gray makes some suggestions for improving Super Rugby in today's NZ Herald, including dumping South AfFrican teams, and creating a Trans Tasman competition. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10725555 I actually think that a Trans...

During last night's Reds/Blues clash it was interesting to hear that Will Genia had apparently played every minute of every Reds game up till that point. I imagine there are quite a few other Wallaby players in the same boat? In contrast, the NZRU and New Zealand S15 coches have backed a...

Pick Your 22 For A Test Match This Weekend? Can only be comprised of players who have been deemed fit to play this weekend. Despite all the talk of injury, I;m happy with that 22. 15. Mils Muliaina 14. Joe Rokocoko 13. Richard Kahui 12. SBW 11. Hosea Gear 10. Dan Carter 9. Jimmy Cowan...

There are only four teams which I feel can realistically win the Super Rugby title this year. And unsurprisingly they make up the current top four. They are the Blues, Reds, Stormers and Crusaders. Despite some good performances from teams outside the current top four, I think one of these teams...

The ABs have annnounced their test schedule for 2012 and beyond. They will be playing 14 tests per season. This will be comprised of 3 June tests, 6 Four Nations tests, a 3rd Bledisloe and 4 EOYT tests. I believe this is too many and devalues test rugby and the All Black brand. Fourteen tests...

In the light of Mark Hammett's appointment this season at the Canes, and Jake White's appointment at the Brumbies, it has become increasingly clear that these men were appointed at least partly to change the culture of the Hurricanes and Brumbies respectively. Both Hammett and White were coaches...

In a RWC year, New Zealand is currently facing an almost unprecedented injury crisis. Are the wheels falling off the ABs RWC campaign early? Fortunately not many players have been ruled out for the RWC, but several are out for months and will be cutting it very fine to be ready for the World...

Has anyone else been impressed with Charles this season? Prior to this year I knew little about him, but I have to say I've been very impressed with him every time I've seen him play in 2011. First and foremost, he's a very good, accurate lineout thrower. And his understanding with Sharpe...

Fair or not? Whether you agree or disagree with the decision to sin bin Giteau, you'd have to admit that it was a crucial, arguably match changing decision. Up until that point the Brumbies held a 10-6 lead, and were looking comfortable. Ten minutes later, the Crusaders led 16-10 and were...