![620x1 pixel white space](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/9/k/g/1/f/image.imgtype.Defcon.620x0.png/1476929769817.jpg)
Napier: ABs to learn from Samoa
![Brodie Retallick makes a break for the All Blacks.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/6/s/9/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju1rg.11gojm.png/1497617387600.jpg)
The All Blacks may have demolished Samoa 78-0, but there's still room for improvement against the Lions.
Ko falls down leaderboard
![Lydia Ko is tied for 14th at the Meijer LPGA Classic.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/a/n/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1juapu.11gojm.png/1497659325418.jpg)
Disappointing second round leaves Lydia Ko off the pace on the latest stop of the LPGA tour.
Four share US Open lead
![American Brooks Koepka reacts after making a birdie during the second round of the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/9/3/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8ju.11gojm.png/1497665223073.jpg)
A run of bogeys ended Ricky Fowler's run at the top of the US Open leaderboard.
Burling: It's the last race that counts
![Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling looked comfortable fronting the international media ahead of the America's Cup match.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/8/6/t/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8l5.11gojm.png/1497661618520.jpg)
Team NZ star plays down starting America's Cup behind Oracle on the points table.
Lions need best players, not closest
![Eddie Jones' England are in Argentina.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/9/3/d/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju9ch.11gojm.png/1497660751400.jpg)
Eddie Jones leads criticism of Warren Gatland with Lions set to call-up four Welshmen and two Scots based on practicality.
Spithill taunts over second boat
![Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill in the shadow of the America's Cup.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/8/6/o/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8dk.11gojm.png/1497650912847.jpg)
"You'll just have to wait and see," grins Oracle skipper as theories about new boat continue to swirl.
Confeds Cup: Russia rundown
![Fyodor Smolov, right, is one of Russia's main attacking threats.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/z/6/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtz28.11gojm.png/1497626492195.jpg)
Ahead of the Confederations Cup opener against the All Whites, we takes a closer look at what to expect from the host nation.
Crichton hat-trick powers Souths
![Rabbitohs back-rower Angus Crichton breaks away to score one of his three tries.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/7/b/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju83j.11gojm.png/1497627402691.jpg)
Rising star's bag of tries spearheads Rabbitohs' comeback win over Titans.
Baby Blacks backing firepower
![Baby Blacks winger Tima Faingaanuku is tackled during New Zealand's semifinal win over France](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/0/j/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jt0l2.11gojm.png/1497615179706.jpg)
The Baby Blacks have scored 10 more tries than England during the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Big win for Nelson rugby fan
![Brooklyn Logan spends a day as an All Blacks apprentice, attending a strategy session with players and coach Steve Hansen.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/2/f/6/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju26t.11gojm.png/1497615179706.jpg)
A Nelson rugby fan hopes her All Black apprenticeship will lead to a job opening with the Black Ferns in a few years' time.
Hudson's promised land hasn't arrived yet
![The All Whites' Ryan Thomas, centre, with Shane Smeltz, right, and Clayton Lewis, left, celebrate a goal against Fiji in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/i/5/g/q/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jucda.png/1497667083400.jpg)
2:38 PM OPINION: The All Whites have reverted to the long ball, writes Bill Harris.
Napier: ABs to learn from Samoa
The All Blacks may have demolished Samoa 78-0, but there's still room for improvement against the Lions.
Lions to do what Samoa didn't
![Lions winger George North flattens George Bridge of the Crusaders.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/8/7/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8sg.11ik9e.png/1497663358078.jpg)
Forget last night - the Lions will strangle NZ and one try could be enough, says former AB.
ABs send 'chilling message'
![Ben Smith, left, and Israel Dagg celebrate the later's try against Samoa on Friday night.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/6/s/7/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju26c.11ik9e.png/1497663358078.jpg)
Lions should be very afraid after 'truly ominous' All Blacks rout Samoa 78-0 in 'full Harlem Globetrotters mode', UK media says.
Starc injured, O'Keefe axed
![Scans indicated key fast bowler Mitchell Starc's foot stress fracture hadn't healed, ruling him out of the Bangladesh tour.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/h/r/r/2/w/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju55c.png/1497594014751.jpg)
Key strike bowler Starc faces uncertain future with ongoing foot injury in big blow for Australia.
White Ferns lose to Aussie
![The White Ferns lost to Australia in their first World Cup warmup match.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/s/d/m/c/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jse67.png/1497468333509.jpg)
White Ferns coach described the World Cup warmup match as a "good day out".
Ruthless Pakistan shock England
![Mohammad Hafeez, (left) celebrates hitting the winning runs with Babar Azam in their eight-wicket win over England in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/s/d/m/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jsdy5.png/1497470791388.jpg)
Lowest-ranked side knocks out Champions Trophy hosts with embarrassing ease.
Hansen's midfield muddle solved
All Blacks coach reveals he's ready to pick Williams, Crotty and Lienert-Brown to face Lions.
Hudson's promised land hasn't arrived yet
![The All Whites' Ryan Thomas, centre, with Shane Smeltz, right, and Clayton Lewis, left, celebrate a goal against Fiji in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/i/5/g/q/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jucda.png/1497667083400.jpg)
OPINION: The All Whites have reverted to the long ball, writes Bill Harris.
Durante: 'Release the shackles'
![Andrew Durante has played the full 90 minutes in the All Whites last six international matches.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/m/2/n/m/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtmtk.png/1497642846307.jpg)
Veteran All Whites defender imploring team-mates to play without fear in Confederations Cup opener against hosts Russia.
Confeds Cup: Russia rundown
![Fyodor Smolov, right, is one of Russia's main attacking threats.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/z/6/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtz28.png/1497626492195.jpg)
Ahead of the Confederations Cup opener against the All Whites, we takes a closer look at what to expect from the host nation.
Football lesson not all bad
![The New Zealand starting XI before their first match of the tournament against the following year's world champions.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/4/l/q/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju4w8.png/1497597715610.jpg)
A team of Spanish superstars put five past Glen Moss in 2009, but the Kiwi keeper did get one reward for his troubles.
Crichton hat-trick powers Souths
![Rabbitohs back-rower Angus Crichton breaks away to score one of his three tries.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/7/b/2/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju83j.png/1497627402691.jpg)
Rising star's bag of tries spearheads Rabbitohs' comeback win over Titans.
Cronulla wants hair follicle drug-tests
![Coach Shane Flanagan says the players are on board with hair follicle drug testing.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/l/3/l/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtlc7.png/1497570842370.jpg)
Cocaine scandals prompt drug-testing move for player welfare.
Sharks make final
![Southland Shark's Nick Kay and Super City Ranger's Nick Barrow challenge for the ball during the National Basketball ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/6/r/v/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju5vo.png/1497603472557.jpg)
Southland Sharks deliver best performance of season to progress to National Basketball League final.
Saints seal spot in NBL final
![Wellington Saint Tai Wesley tries to force his way to the basket during his 36 point, nine rebound, NBL semi-final ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/5/v/1/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtd3m.png/1497603204335.jpg)
 Wellington Saints overpower Canterbury Rams to book place in NBL final.
Warriors fans celebrate NBA glory
![Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors holding onto the Larry O Brien Trophy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/m/8/1/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtltm.png/1497571663865.jpg)
But the celebrations are bitter sweet for fans in Oakland as the team moves across to San Francisco.
'A game of chess and strategy'
![Coach Jeff Green talks with his Super City Rangers team in a team huddle during a National Basketball League game.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/s/p/r/k/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jsn5d.png/1497496073397.jpg)
It is a battle of the Sharks big men and the Rangers' quick style, who will win?
Four share US Open lead
![American Brooks Koepka reacts after making a birdie during the second round of the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills in ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/9/3/8/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8ju.png/1497665223073.jpg)
A run of bogeys ended Ricky Fowler's run at the top of the US Open leaderboard.
World's top 3 golfers miss cut
![World No 1 Dustin Johnson of the United States walks off the course after missing the second round cut at the the 2017 ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/b/h/g/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jubil.png/1497664801601.jpg)
Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day made the wrong kind of history at the US Open.
Ko falls down leaderboard
![Lydia Ko is tied for 14th at the Meijer LPGA Classic.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/a/n/h/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1juapu.png/1497659325418.jpg)
Disappointing second round leaves Lydia Ko off the pace on the latest stop of the LPGA tour.
Hillier fades in Japan
![Daniel Hillier held a two-shot lead before fading badly late in his round at the Junior Golf World Cup in Toyota, Japan.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/0/m/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtzoi.png/1497594632459.jpg)
High hopes for top golfer Daniel Hillier fade after horror round of 80 at world juniors.
A day in the life of broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby
![Bernadine Oliver-Kerby, centre, and Vilimaina Davu, right, at the World Netball Championships final in Kingston, ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/j/0/6/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jiw68.png/1496348930089.jpg)
Each week we ask a well-known New Zealander to share a photo memory.
Plenty of support expected for Steel
![Jennifer O'Connell of the Southern Steel against the Mainland Tactix.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/4/5/y/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtktc.png/1497592818116.jpg)
Plenty of fans are expected to watch the depleted Southern Steel play the Central Pulse, in their first home game since a motor vehicle accident.
Pettitt wary of 'scary' Langman
![Laura Langman will be a crucial figure for the Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Super Netball final.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/v/z/n/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtw84.png/1497582961522.jpg)
Veteran Giants wing attack fully aware of Laura Langman's ability ahead of Australian final.
Silver Fern to Melbourne Cup
![Maria Tutaia embracing the fashion in the field during Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie in 2015.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/r/l/y/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtqk4.png/1497582046980.jpg)
Silver Ferns star Maria Tutaia to take centre stage at Melbourne Cup in November.
Venus into semis
![Michael Venus and partner Andre Sa are into the semifinals in the Netherlands.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/p/2/e/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtdz4.png/1497558814615.jpg)
Kiwi tennis star and partner Andre Sa endure long third set to get into final four in the Netherlands
Venus' winning run continues
![Michael Venus won the French Open men's doubles title with American Ryan Harrison.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/p/8/a/e/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jseqe.png/1497471252747.jpg)
French Open doubles champion teams up with new partner for grass tournament and continues his winning ways.
Planets aligning for Venus
![Michael Venus and Ryan Harrison will always be linked by their Grand Slam success.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/r/w/u/i/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jrxav.png/1497409644324.jpg)
From picking up a racquet aged three to a grand slam title, Michael Venus has loved the journey.
Aussie bull rider critically injured in US
![A bull stomps on the chest of Australian Bradie Gray at a rodeo in the US.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/8/v/y/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8vh.png/1497643804469.jpg)
Australian bull rider on life support after a bull threw him and stepped on his chest at a rodeo in the US.
A day in the life of broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby
![Bernadine Oliver-Kerby, centre, and Vilimaina Davu, right, at the World Netball Championships final in Kingston, ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/j/0/6/a/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jiw68.png/1496348930089.jpg)
Each week we ask a well-known New Zealander to share a photo memory.
Fourth on grid for Kiwis
![Kiwi drivers Brendon Hartley, left, and Earl Bamber, right, will drive the Porsche 919 Hybrid at the LeMans 24 hour race.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/1/s/9/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju1nb.png/1497602663579.jpg)
Kiwi drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley will be fourth on the grid for the Le Mans 24-hour race.
'Extra slip' for Team NZ
![Team New Zealand's America's Cup yacht was built and painted by Southern Spars using the Resene paint technology.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/s/2/a/q/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jt3ig.png/1497590856508.jpg)
Hopefully it'll be plain sailing to the finish line for Team NZ in the America's Cup series against US defenders Oracle, thanks to a new slippery coating on the boat's foils.
Van Gisbergen builds pace in Darwin
![Shane van Gisbergen looks to get back on track in Darwin.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/h/l/5/i/f/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtbcd.png/1497520342856.jpg)
After hitting a few hurdles, the Kiwi ace is looking to get his title defence back on track.
Kiwi duo eye podium at Le Mans
![Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley are looking to top the podium at Le Mans.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/8/d/j/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jt9cq.png/1497508069894.jpg)
Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley are looking for a big showing on the prestigious circuit.
Rookie ready for V8 challenge
![Matt Podjursky will take a big step forward with his motor racing career this year.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/q/y/s/1/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jqz0s.png/1497319207982.jpg)
Teenager Matt Podjursky will step up to the big time this year in New Zealand V8 racing.
Paddon slams into stone wall
![Watch: Ouch! Kiwi rally ace Hayden Paddon slams into stone wall, ending hopes of Italian success](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/p/l/t/6/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jpm1u.png/1497301941748.jpg)
Kiwi rally driver looks to move on quickly after being forced to retire from Rally d'Italia after hitting a dry stone wall.
Fully Funded pays out at Ruakaka
![Fully Funded charges to victory at Ruakaka in an exciting finish beating Amarula (wide on track) and Lewis Caroll with ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/b/h/q/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju9nu.png/1497667668158.jpg)
The big guns went to war in Ruakaka sprint with Fully Funded prevailing.
Is McGregor in over his head?
![Conor McGregor is taking a boxing crash course to prepare to meet Floyd Mayweather.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/t/j/d/1/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jtit2.png/1497570049510.jpg)
MMA star will never be able to out-box Mayweather. But he may be able to out-punch him.
Men, this will make you wince
![The kick that ended the fight.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/q/m/7/w/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jqm4i.png/1497312880349.jpg)
This MMA fight lasted only 9 seconds, but the groin kick could be felt around the world.
LeBron testy after second loss
![*](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/k/z/q/z/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jkzlv.png/1496773532821.jpg)
If anyone needs LeBron James, he will be in his trailer. Actually, he will be at his locker.
Curry calls out 'dirty play'
![*](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617040426im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/a/i/y/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1jahh5.png/1495487259491.jpg)
Warriors v Spurs NBA conference finals series heats up as star lashes rivals over undetected foul.