WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Kiwis strong, Phoenix beaten

WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Kiwis start strong, Phoenix beaten

25/10/10 Executive sport summary – An overview of the major sporting events – Results, key moments and talking points – Everything you need to know to foot it at the water cooler this week.

By Jonathan McKeown

KIWIS: New Zealand has made a sturdy start to their 2010 Four Nations campaign. After finishing a dismal third last year the Kiwis looked powerful as they beat England 24-10 in Wellington. The Kiwis outscored England four tries to two and were leading 18-0, but two quick tries bought the visitors back into the game.

It was then up to the magician to put the game beyond doubt, New Zealand captain Benji Marshall scored the final try in the corner to cap-off an outstanding performance. Some typical razzle-dazzle and attacking flair inspired his side to an important victory.

New Zealand plays Papua New Guinea next weekend at Rotarua International Stadium. A big win against the Kumuls would almost certainly secure a spot in the final at Suncorp Stadium on November 13. But the Kiwis will have to do it without wing Manu Vatuvei who is out of the tournament after breaking his forearm. Roosters wing Sam Perrett will likely get his chance in the starting 13 at the Beast’s expense.

FOUR NATIONS: In the weekend’s other match the Kangaroos punished Papua New Guinea in their Four Nations opener. A plethora of Kumul mistakes were punished by Australia who led 26-0 at oranges.

Defence was the strongest facet of Australia’s 42-0 win who, despite the large score, looked a touch rusty. Australia will back-up this weekend facing England in a must-win match for the Roses.

ALL BLACKS: The All Blacks are in Hong Kong preparing for the fourth Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies. With the silverware already safe this is more about positioning ahead of 2011. If the Wallabies can get a win, they will believe the curse is broken. If the All Blacks win the mental edge will remain sharp for next season.

On paper this is a battle between the top two teams in world rugby. In reality there is a massive contrast between the teams as they start their respective spring tours. Australia are looking to arrest a 10-match losing streak against the Kiwis while the All Blacks are just three shy of Lithuania's world record of 18 consecutive test victories.

There are two key selection questions in what will be an otherwise predictable top line-up (they way it should always be). Dan Carter has declared himself fit to return after two months of rehab following ankle surgery, but will he be risked this early in his comeback? The other concerns the All Blacks newest cap. The Wallabies are well aware of the threat posed by former NRL star Sonny Bill Williams, but was he picked for development or immediate impact?

PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP: The finalists for the 2010 ITM Cup have been determined. Canterbury will host Wellington, while Auckland faces Waikato in next weekend's semi-finals. Canterbury finished in top spot despite failing to score a try in their 26-6 away loss to Waikato. Wellington secured a spot semi-finals with a determined 27-14 win over Southland and Auckland sealed second place and a home semi with a 49-10 win over Tasman.

In the history books 2010 will also be remembered for who finished 7th and 8th. Southland, after losing the Ranfurly Shield and the last three games, will rejoice in taking seventh as it means they will play in the premier division in 2011.

For Hawke’s Bay who beat Counties 31-28 to finish in eighth spot there is dejection having finished one below the premier division cut-off. As of next year finishing top of the heap in the championship division will mean automatic promotion but this year it means jack.

FORMULA ONE: The inaugural Korean Formula One Grand Prix was a wet and wild ride for Red Bull at the Korea International Circuit. The former championship leader Mark Webber dropped vital points as he crashed out while in prime position. His Red Bull partner Sebastian Vettel was then forced to retire with a blown engine while leading with less than 10 laps to go. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso took the chance to claim the win and world championship lead.

PHOENIX: The Wellington Phoenix were on the wrong side of the record books this week against Adelaide United. Adelaide’s 3-0 triumph over Wellington created the A-League's longest unbeaten streak with 13 matches.

It was the visitors who looked energetic and created more chances in the first half. But three goals in six minutes continued the woeful away form for the Phoenix who have only managed a solitary point in Australia this season. Missed opportunities on the road cost the Nix again as Adelaide capitalised on lost momentum and their home crowd.

V8 SUPERCARS: Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen finally returned to the podium taking third in the Gold Coast 600 on the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. A final day crowd of 60,000 took the total for the three day event to over 170,000. Holden Racing’s Garth Tander and Cameron McConville claimed victory while Craig Lowndes and his international co-driver Andy Priaulx took second.

PREMIER LEAGUE: Wayne Rooney completed a somewhat of a bicycle kick by doing a complete back flip and signing a five-year contract with Manchester United after saying he wanted to leave the club. Having used his head to get the right price Rooney may have scored an own goal by damaging team chemistry and his relationship with Sir Alex Fergusson after an already shaky start to the season.

In the action on the pitch, Chelsea opened up a five-point gap at the top with a 2-0 victory over Wolves. Newcastle secured a vital 2-1 victory over West Ham, Tottenham couldn’t find the winner as Everton held on for a 1-1 draw and Birmingham moved clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Blackpool.

JUNIOR KIWIS: The Junior Kiwis went down 24-16 to the Junior Kangaroos in an international curtain raiser in Wellington. In a tight match Australia took a 10-6 lead to the break. The Kiwis gained momentum in the second half but two quick tries sunk their efforts. Broncos’ young gun Dane Gagai was dangerous for Australia scoring two vital tries.

Coach David Kidwell will want better control at Rotarua International Stadium, as the young Kiwis have a chance for redemption in the return match on Saturday.

(A service provided by Content Ltd.)

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