Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup
My first big break was in late 2015, when I got the opportunity to cover the World Cup for Radio New Zealand (RNZ). Deadlines were pretty tight, especially when the upsets started happening and the host country got knocked out.
Originally published Nov 1, 2015 for RNZ
Special day for back-to-back All Blacks
Sunday was a special day. Yes, the All Blacks became the first back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions. Yes, some All Black greats bowed out from Test rugby in the ultimate way.
But this day should also be marked down as the day Dan Carter decided to drop the whole 'boy next door' act and just be a flat out beast. Forty-two metre drop goal. Ruthless celebration during its flightpath. Convert the last try with his right foot. Do a changing room dance.
It's a shame he's leaving to go play with French club Racing 92 - I'm digging DC's sweet new attitude. But this was the sweetest way he could have gone out: a 'man of the match' performance in his first final appearance in four World Cup campaigns.
Originally published Oct 26, 2015 for RNZ
All Blacks and Springboks: two bullies of the schoolyard
The All Blacks are heading into another chapter of international rugby's book of pain: a test match against the Springboks.
Over the last 96 years, these two bullies of the schoolyard have taken turns smacking each other in the face. As far as World Cups go, we've played each other in one final, one quarter final and a third place playoff.
The stakes are high in this one. The Boks come in with a scratchy yet deserved win over the Welsh, while the All Blacks dealt the French an apocalyptic demise to their World Cup campaign.
Originally published SEP 20, 2015 for RNZ
Japan's Brave Blossoms rock the Boks
Japan 34, South Africa 32. For all you who thought you may have woken up in a strange parallel universe, yes this result did actually happen.
Even those out there who have the faintest knowledge of rugby know that South Africa are historically really, really good at it.
To put this into context: They have won the Rugby World Cup twice. Japan had only won one MATCH in their entire world cup history, back in 1991 against fellow minnows Zimbabwe.