![620x1 pixel white space](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/9/k/g/1/f/image.imgtype.Defcon.620x0.png/1476929769817.jpg)
Lions a world apart from Samoa
![Lions winger George North flattens George Bridge of the Crusaders.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/u/8/7/0/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju8sg.11gojm.png/1497647091567.jpg)
Forget last night - the Lions will strangle NZ and one try could be enough, says former AB.
Lions need best players, not closest
![Eddie Jones' England are in Argentina.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/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.
Napier: ABs to learn from Samoa
![Brodie Retallick makes a break for the All Blacks.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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.
Spithill taunts over second boat
![Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill in the shadow of the America's Cup.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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.
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/20170617045852im_/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.
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.
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/20170617045852im_/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.
Hansen: Farrell will play 12
![All Blacks coach Steve Hansen continues his predictions by suggesting Owen Farrell will start at No 12 for the Lions.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170617045852im_/https://resources.stuff.co.nz/content/dam/images/1/j/o/q/e/o/image.related.StuffThumbnail.90x60.1ju7lr.11ik9e.png/1497663358078.jpg)
All Blacks coach predicts injured Lions playmaker will start first test.
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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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.
Burling's subtle threat to Spithill
Proud Kiwi slaps "Americans" with nationality card as Team NZ plot to rid cup of mercenaries like Aussie skipper.
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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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/20170617045852im_/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.