The ref who said 'I can't do this'

In many respects, refs like Cecchin are the game's punching bag.

9 min ago  He's rugby league's most experienced whistle blower. But all he wanted to do was fake an injury.

Sanctions for drunk outburst

A hefty fine and a ban from playing for New South Wales in next season's one-day competition has been handed down to ...

Second alcohol-related offence sees Aussie spinner sent to counselling, benched and fined $20,000.

Oracle survive close shave

Skipper Jimmy Spithill at the helm of one Oracle's smaller AC45s.

1:50 PM  America's Cup holders close to capsizing new boat in Bermuda practice race.

Brothers Barrett come together

Scott Barrett, centre, has joined brothers Jordie and Beauden in signing with Taranaki.

"We're proud Taranaki people," trio says, as ABs rookie Scott Barrett follows his brothers home.

Hoffman's historic lead

Charley Hoffman leads by four shots after a scorching opening round in tough conditions.

American leads by four after remarkable round, while world No 1 Dustin Johnson has been forced to withdraw.

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Warriors focus on little things video

Simon Mannering is expecting the Eels forwards to come with plenty of aggression on Sunday.

Warriors look to solve defensive woes ahead of Eels clash.

'Greatest honour I can imagine'

Ali Riley, middle, sings the national anthem alongside Abby Erceg, left, who she takes over the Football Ferns captaincy ...

She was born and raised in LA, but Ali Riley but couldn't be prouder to be the Football Ferns new captain.

NZ's soggy cricket capital

The Black Caps-South Africa test in Dunedin was evenly poised before a day-five washout.

After the wettest cricket season in more than a decade, Dunedin snags a dubious honour.

Chiefs to unleash giant prop

Sosefo Kautai, right, is set for a Chiefs debut against the Stormers on Sunday.

The 133kg, 20-year-old prop, Sosefo Kautai, gets a spot on the bench in Cape Town.

Leg worth more than life? video

New York City has paid a multi-million dollar settlement to Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha over his broken leg.

Payout for NBA star's broken leg more than that given out by US police for some deaths.

Kiwis can't stop Smith at IPL

New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan made a promising start to the 2017 Indian Premier League.

Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan claim scalps but Aussie star Steve Smith has the final say as IPL blasts into action.

Pulse won't be complacent

Katrina Grant of the Pulse has been in good form to start the ANZ Premiership season.

Katrina Grant says the Central Pulse won't slip against the struggling Mainland Tactix.

Kiwis hoping for big finish in Egypt

Joelle King is out to finish her season on a high at the women's world champs in Egypt.

Joelle King and Paul Coll will be looking to finish their Squash seasons on a decent note.

Waller's immense Winx pressure

No one will be more relieved than trainer Chris Waller if his champion mare Winx can win her 17th successive race at ...

OPINION: Black Caviar's trainer knows the massive burden Chris Waller faces with Winx.

Aussie rugby chief should 'resign'

Bob Dwyer says there is a "total lack of leadership" in Australian rugby.

Former Wallaby coach calls for Australian Rugby Union heads to roll.

H2H: Can Kiwis stay undefeated?

Beauden Barrett and the Hurricanes continued the Kiwi domination of Super Rugby by putting the Reds to the sword last ...

So far undefeated vs overseas foes, can the Kiwi Super Rugby teams keep it up?

Olympic champion fails drugs test

Kenya's Jemima Sumgong has had much success on the international stage, until now.

First Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the marathon tests positive for EPO.

McLaughlin up for Tas test

Scott McLaughlin and DJR Team Penske are the talk of the paddock after their hot start in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Kiwi driver and team-mate Fabian Coulthard are ready to challenge for the top spot.

Lochte back in the pool

Ryan Lochte did well in the Rio Olympics - and then tarnished his name with a major scandal.

Despite having three months left of a post-Olympics suspension, US swimmer Ryan Lochte's diving back into the limelight.

Storm consider Foran

Kieran Foran is a Warrior for now, but the Storm are among other clubs who might make a play for him.

Watch out Warriors. The Storm are looking at Kieran Foran.

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opinion

Waller's immense Winx pressure

No one will be more relieved than trainer Chris Waller if his champion mare Winx can win her 17th successive race at ...

OPINION: Black Caviar's trainer knows the massive burden Chris Waller faces with Winx.

How to improve rugby

OPINION: Making rugby a 13-man game would revitalise the sport, writes Peter FitzSimons.

Who would bet against SBW?

Pedants rob Thompson of major

Rugby

Brown to miss Lions clash

A clash of coaching commitments will see Highlanders boss Tony Brown in Japan when his team play the touring Lions.

Blow for Highlanders with coach unavailable to guide team against famous tourists.

'Canes thinking expansively video

Hurricanes captain TJ Perenara is eager to use the ball against the Waratahs on Friday.

Will the Hurricanes' ambitious approach cause them problems?

'Turn up' plea: Hooper video

Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper says his forwards have to take their Super Rugby match to the Hurricanes.

Waratahs skipper calls on his big forwards to "turn up" against the Hurricanes.

Eden Rugby goes hybrid

Nixon Park in Kingsland along with Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham have received a makeover, which is the first of its ...

An Auckland rugby club's hybrid field is being hailed as the first of its kind for a community club in Australasia.

Cricket

Pakistan test captain to retire

Misbah-ul-Haq's Pakistan lost the recent test series in New Zealand.

Misbah-ul-Haq was made captain in 2010 and has played 72 test matches.

Defending champs open with win at club cricket finals

Otago Volts all-rounder Sam Wells hit 60 for Dunedin club Albion at the national club cricket finals in Auckland on Thursday.

 Eastern Suburbs off to winning start at club cricket 50-over finals.

Rance stunned by late reprieve

Central Stags swing bowler Seth Rance topped the Twenty20 Super Smash wicket-taking charts with 15 this season.

At age 29, Seth Rance had almost given up on a Black Caps call.

Latham's big chance in charge

Tipped as an obvious successor to Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, Tom Latham will lead the ODI team in the absence ...

Uncapped ODI bowlers Seth Rance, Scott Kuggeleijn and Neil Wagner get callups for Ireland.

Video

Whangarei to Invercargill

Judd Flavell reflects on an impressive career in New Zealand basketball which has stretched from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Football

Socceroos coach to quit in 2018

Ange Postecoglou was appointed coach of Australia's national soccer team in October 2013.

Ange Postecoglou says he will end his reign at the conclusion of Australia's 2018 World Cup campaign.

Brazil back on top of rankings

Paulinho of Brazil gestures during a match between Brazil and Paraguay.

Five-times world champions return to number one for first time in seven years.

Roy Hodgson mentoring Melbourne City

Roy Hodgson has been coaching for 40 years.

Former England national team coach in an advisory role to assist A-League club.

Nix GM happy with co-coaches

Roly Bonevacia's return to form for the Wellington Phoenix has coincided with their form revival.

David Dome says Des Buckingham and Chris Greenacre have not got the credit they deserve.

League

Broncos run rampant

David Mead finished off the Broncos' scoring in their 32-8 rout of the Sydney Roosters in Brisbane.

​Attack is no longer a problem for the Broncos but halfback Ben Hunt joins a growing injury list.

Recap: Broncos v Roosters

Mitchell Pearce of the Roosters takes on the defence.

Brisbane Broncos score 18 unanswered second-half points to cruise to victory.

Storm consider Foran

Kieran Foran is a Warrior for now, but the Storm are among other clubs who might make a play for him.

Watch out Warriors. The Storm are looking at Kieran Foran.

James Tedesco: Wanted man

James Tedesco is a NSW State of Origin representative.

Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters are tempting the Wests Tigers fullback.

Basketball

Whangarei to Invercargill video

Southland Sharks coach Judd Flavell talks to players during a time out in a National Basketball contest.

Judd Flavell reflects on an impressive career in New Zealand basketball which has stretched from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Alipate to be more involved

Rams guard Marcus Alipate drives to the basket against the Wellington Saints in Christchurch last month.

The Canterbury Rams are searching for ways to feed Marcus Alipate the ball.

Taranaki take a breather

Taranaki Mountain Airs back-up big man Thane O'Leary held his own against the bigger Wellington Saints.

After playing three matches in seven days, the Taranaki Mountain Airs get a much needed week off.

Giants and Hawks chasing first win

Dion Prewster led the Nelson Giants' scoring against the Southland Sharks with 22 points.

The Nelson Giants and Hawke's Bay Hawks desperate out to break losing streaks.

Golf

Family won't sell to golf course

Augusta spent US$40 million to buy neighbouring homes, offering the residents price tags that were simply too enticing ...

The Thackers turned down millions of dollars for their modest 3-bedroom house next to the US Masters course.

DJ fails to fire a Masters shot

Dustin Johnson of the United States walks to the clubhouse after announcing his withdrawal.

World No 1 gets a WD instead of a W at Augusta.

Paddison excels in wind at Muriwai

Wellington's Gareth Paddison holds a five shot lead after round one of the Muriwai Open.

Wellingtonian dominates in the wind at opening round of Muriwai Open.

Tiger's greatest golf story

Tiger Woods shot 270 to break Jack Nicklaus's Masters record and claim his first major.

It is 20 years since a young Tiger Woods became an icon with a mesmerising 12-shot Masters victory.

Netball

Time for Tactix shooters to step up

Tactix shooter Kadeen Corbin puts up a shot during the loss to the Northern Stars on Sunday.

Pressure on Tactix shooters to perform after coach's tirade in last match.

Magic pass their first real test

Casey Kopua led a great Magic defensive effort on Wednesday against the Pulse.

After two easy victories to start the ANZ Premiership, the Magic were tested in their third match, but still came away with a win.

Erwood inspired by grandmother video

Southern Steel defender Abby Erwood ahead of their first home ANZ Premiership netball game against the Waikato-Bay of ...

Abby Erwood is hoping to emulate her late grandmother, Shirley Annan and become a Silver Fern netballer.

Bird takes Phoenix to new heights

Goal shoot Ellie Bird training in Christchurch on Wednesday night.

Bird is making a great impression in the Beko netball league for the Mainland Phoenix.

Tennis

Venus switches to singles mode video

Michael Venus will play only his third singles match of the year on the opening day of the Davis Cup tie against Korea.

Kiwi doubles specialist ready to take solo responsibility for Davis Cup tie against Korea.

NZ wary of Korean team

NZ Davis Cup captain Alistair Hunt, left, with players, Marcus Daniell, centre, and Artem Sitak.

NZ Davis Cup captain Alistair Hunt isn't expecting an easy ride from the Korean team in their Asia/Oceania Group 1 tie.

Kyrgios' luxury BMW for sale video

Nick Kyrgios' BMW F80 M3, which he is trying to sell via Facebook.

Australian tennis star looks for a buyer online as he sells his "immaculate car" worth $170,000 new.

Djokovic over elbow pain

Novak Djokovic said "things are a bit different now" as he puts more focus on staying health.

Former No 1 rested and raring to get back into match shape for Serbia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

Other sports

Dio dominates Maadi

Auckland's Diocesan School for Girls' under-18 eight rowing crew won back-to-back national titles at Maadi on the weekend.

Auckland Dio become first female North Island crew in 27 years to win back to back under-18 eight Maadi final.

Olympic champion fails drugs test

Kenya's Jemima Sumgong has had much success on the international stage, until now.

First Kenyan woman to win Olympic gold in the marathon tests positive for EPO.

Canoe polo double

Liam Ward, Jaden Petersen, Brad Brunton and Jack Gardener playing for the St John's canoe polo senior team.

The school has reached an achievement only secured twice before

Lochte back in the pool

Ryan Lochte did well in the Rio Olympics - and then tarnished his name with a major scandal.

Despite having three months left of a post-Olympics suspension, US swimmer Ryan Lochte's diving back into the limelight.

Motorsport

Vettel's tribute to Schu

Sebastian Vettel fronts the media in Shanghai ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Ferrari's latest ace has special plans to honour stricken former world champion at this weekend's Chinese GP.

McLaughlin up for speedy Tasmanian test

Scott McLaughlin and DJR Team Penske are the talk of the paddock after their hot start in Adelaide and Melbourne.

Kiwi driver and team-mate Fabian Coulthard are ready to challenge for the top spot.

Paddon taming the tarmac

Hayden Paddon is in a positive frame heading into the 2017 WRC Tour de Corse.

Kiwi WRC driver says he's made sizeable strides in quest to master asphalt ahead of round four in 2017 world championship.

Record numbers of Rally Otago

Hayden Paddon, pictured with co-driver John Kennard, will compete in the Tour de Corse as the FIA World Rally ...

OPINION: A record 132 cars have been entered in the Rally Otago. Why? You might say Hayden Paddon has had something to do with it.

Racing

Race fixing arrest

An Australian harness racing driver has been arrested on fixing charges.

Harness racing driver arrested for charges relating to fixing and more arrests likely.

Tinsley takes ride

The Nigel Auret-trained Perfectlyenchanted is $6 chance in Saturday's Manawatu Breeders' Stakes.

She's had just about everything you can think go against her but smart mare can't be discounted.

Delightful Memphis set for Winton Cup

Mark Jones trains Delightful Memphis.

Three-year-old filly Delightful Memphis should beat her older rivals in the Winton Cup on Sunday.

Tas Man Bromac trains well

Trainer-driver Nathan Williamson will have two runners at the Winton meeting on Sunday - Dark Horse and Takenoprisoners.

Five-win trotter Poppymalda could return to the workouts next week for trainer-driver Nathan Williamson.

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The Fumble

Adams hails Westbrook: Great player video

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook is on track to set a new mark for triple-doubles in an NBA season.

'He's a good dude', says Steven Adams of his team-mate who is on a historic triple-double tear.

LeBron: 'Kardashian curse' to blame video

LeBron James does not like it when the Cleveland Cavaliers lose.

Cleveland Cavaliers star is reportedly not happy team-mate Tristan Thompson is dating a Kardashian.

Curry embarrasses the Wizards video

Stephen Curry was on fire against the Washington Wizards with 42 points to his credit.

Warriors star casts a spell on the visiting Wizards as he nets three-pointers from all-corners.

Madden helps player pick NFL team video

Tony Jefferson, #22, intercepts a pass against the Ravens while playing for the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL player Tony Jefferson was eyeing up a big day when he hit free agency, but it was more than just money that swayed his choice.

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