RLWC - NZ take out England to get to the finals!

New Zealand 32 England 22

"England showed how to botch the opening of a vital test match and the Kiwis demonstrated how to go to sleep in the middle of it in the rugby league World Cup semifinal last night.

A puzzlingly limp and error-ridden first 30 minutes by the English, during which they slumped to a 16-0 deficit, was trumped only by a defensive error of alarming naivete by New Zealand.

Fullback Lance Hohaia was taking invisible man lessons when England poked a simple kick through from the first tackle after a scrum _ and Danny McGuire scored an embarrassingly easy touchdown.

That saw a resurgent England claw their way back into a match that they should already have kissed goodbye."

All Blacks vs Ireland

"The All Blacks selectors have named one of their strongest teams possible to play Ireland in Dublin this Saturday night.With new dad Mils Muliaina back at No.15, he is joined in the back three by wings Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu.Dan Carter moves back to his regular position at first five-eighths after stints at second-five and halfback, when he replaced the injured Andrew Ellis against Scotland last weekend.Ali Williams will play his third consecutive test match and is partnered by Brad Thorn. Fellow Crusader Kieran Read did enough against Scotland on debut to earn a position in the reserves." [+]

All Blacks:

15 Mils Muliaina 14 Joe Rokocoko 13 Conrad Smith 12 Ma'a Nonu 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu 10 Daniel Carter 09 Jimmy Cowan 08 Rodney So'oialo 07 Richie McCaw (captain) 06 Jerome Kaino 05 Ali Williams 04 Brad Thorn 03 Neemia Tialata 02 Keven Mealamu 01 Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn 17 John Afoa 18 Anthony Boric 19 Kieran Read 20 Piri Weepu 21 Stephen Donald 22 Isaia Toeava.

Ireland:

15 Girvan Dempsey 14 Tommy Bowe 13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain) 12 Luke Fitzgerald 11 Robert Kearney 10 Ronan O'Gara 09 Tomas O'Leary 08 Jamie Heaslip 07 David Wallace 06 Alan Quinlan 05 Paul O'Connell 04 Donncha O'Callaghan 03 John Hayes 02 Rory Best 01 Marcus Horan.

Reserves: 16 Jerry Flannery 17 Tony Buckley 18 Stephen Ferris 19 Shane Jennings 20 Eoin Reddan 21 Paddy Wallace 22 Keith Earls.

Siva Siva Volume 13

Hey all, Volume 13 has been released, check it out over at DJSALIVE, or grab it directly from here.

Tracklisting:

01 The Game - Nightmares [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
02 Mims - Invisible Man [DJ Shattertsar Remix]
03 Jennifer Rush - The Power Of Love [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
04 PNC & Chong Nee - Find Me [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
05 Jamoa Jam - Ai E Te Le I Tu Ua [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
06 Ilona Irvine - Ta'ape'ape Papa [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
07 Fiji - Lia [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
08 Eddie Alapini - Falealili Uma [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
09 Boyz II Men - The Color Of Love [DJ Shatterstar Remix]
10 The Jets & Fia Fia Band - Make It Real Alofa Ia Oe [DJ Shatterstar Remix]

Callaway FT-iQ

Has anyone checked out this marvellous piece of technology? A great new golf driver from Callaway. I doubt I will ever buy one unless I can throw money around like toilet paper, but even then I will stick to Nike drivers. They arrive in Canada November 15th and you can buy them at Golftown for a measly CAD$529.99.....wow, cheap.....not!

"Advancing the revolutionary ideas of the FT-i Driver, the new Callaway FT-iQ Driver features the best combination of distance and accuracy. The refined head shape has a sleek and stealthy look while raising the MOI for unprecedented accuracy off the tee. Hyperbolic Face Technology significantly raises ball speeds across the entire face for increased distance. The exclusive Fubuki shaft from Mitsubishi Rayon adds to the incredible feel and performance. So pick a target and fire a smart bomb." [+]

Features

• Hyperbolic Face Technology is the cutting edge of driver face design, creating Callaway’s highest ever ball speeds across the entire face

• Fusion Technology creates maximum perimeter weighting by combining a carbon composite body with the titanium face cup

• Improved Complete Inertial Design positions discretionary weight deeper and to the extreme corners, raising the MOI for unparalleled forgiveness

• Visible external weighting in the rear corners helps create the straightest drives possible with ideal ball-flight trajectories to maximize distance

• Ultra premium Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki shaft exclusive to the FT-iQ Drivers features Modulus Differential Technology (MDT) for tour-level high launch, low spin performance

Sports updates...

The New Zealand Breakers have hanged on for a thriller of a match after defeating the Melbourne Tigers 86-84. They still hold the second spot on the National Basketball League table. Great work guys! [+]

Meanwhile, the French have invaded England...well, actually the French EPL midfielder Samir Nasri from Arsenal scored two goals to defeat Manchester United 2-1. Damn their eyes! I just can't stand that Chelsea are still on top, especially after they defeated the Rovers today 2-0. I wish some team like Hull or Stoke would win the whole thing at the end of the season, let's have a shocker! [+]

In the Rugby League World Cup, Australia has defeated Papua New Guinea 46-6. Samoa has whipped the ass of France 42-10. Not that it matters because they're will relish in 7th spot on the table I think, aaaargh. New Zealand has managed to outgun England 36-24. The Tongans have annihilated Scotland 48-0. Check this page for standings and results.

In rugby news, Italy almost had a chance to beat Australia today. Wales almost took out World Cup rugby champions South Africa this morning, just going down 20-15. Aye caramba, poor Canada got slaughtered by Ireland in a one-sided battle, going down 55-0. The Pacific Islanders couldn't muster a win against England, going down 39-13. France have won a tight battle against Argentina, winning 12-6.

The kilted warriors fall to the All Blacks!

Well, even with the not so full strength All Blacks team, the Scots couldn't pull any tricks out of the bag. I know they are one of the weaker teams in the north, but come on, at least one try. See how close my prediction was?

"EDINBURGH - The All Blacks cruised through the first leg of their Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland this morning (NZT), a second-string line-up comfortably running up a 32-6 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

The huge gulf between the best team in the southern hemisphere and one of Europe's weaker countries was underlined as the All Blacks extended their unbeaten run against Scotland to 27 matches with tries from Anthony Tuitavake, Piri Weepu and man of the match Richard Kahui and Anthony Boric." Read more...

New Zealand's Grand Slam starts in Scotland..

Yes, that is correct, the weekend will be upon us and the All Blacks will go head to head with Scotland in Edinburgh at Murrayfield. Scotland have never beaten the All Blacks. They have drawn twice out of 26 matches, and the last time they played each other in 2007 in Edinburgh, it was a killing, with the All Blacks winning 40-0.

You can read the preview below written over at allblacks.com. I believe there will be problems for just a little while, but as the game progresses, the All Blacks will prevail and find a way to win big. Especially when the likes of Dan Carter and Richie McCaw come off the bench. Stephen Donald and his backs will most likely do a ton of damage, obviously they will do the job with training most likely a success, otherwise Graham Henry wouldn't put them on. I am predicting a big win, with a scoreline of 36-6.

New Zealand's quest for a third Grand Slam opens on Sunday at Murrayfield with a testing encounter for an untried combination against a Scotland team still hunting for a first Test victory over the All Blacks.

VENUE & TIME: Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Sunday November 9, 6:15 NZT.

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 26 - New Zealand 24, Scotland 0, Draws 2.

LAST TIME: September 23, 2007 (Edinburgh) - New Zealand 40-0 Scotland.

WALKING WOUNDED: Prop John Afoa comes back into the side after a pre-tour injury to his knee suffered in Auckland while wing Joe Rokocoko makes his return after a long absence due to a hand injury suffered during the Rebel Sport Super 14. And on the All Blacks bench hooker Corey Flynn and halfback Andrew Ellis are set to return from injuries which have hampered their availability this season. Wing Sean Lamont rejoins the Scotland team after missing seven Tests due to a knee injury.

FORM: New Zealand's relatively inexperienced side has no form as a combination although several individuals have had the benefit of intense matchplay in the Air New Zealand Cup. In the front row prop Jamie Mackintosh was part of an inspired Southland side and blindside flanker Kieran Read had a superb season with both the Crusaders and the Canterbury teams. Halfback Piri Weepu has been in fine touch for his Wellington side while centre Richard Kahui has been impressing with every outing. Scotland is also together for the first time since its summer tour to Argentina where it took a Test off the home team, however some of its key players have not had hard match play recently.

WHO'S HOT: Fullback Isaia Toeava had a big impact at Hong Kong and should build on that while wing Anthony Tuitavake lacked chances with North Harbour but showed his hunger earlier in the season with the All Blacks. Lock Ali Williams has played at a consistently high level all season while his locking partner Anthony Boric has made big strides during the season. Scotland has an experienced core to its pack. Jason White, Simon Taylor and Nathan Hines have all played more than 50 Tests while coach Frank Hadden has opted for the Edinburgh combination of halfback Mike Blair, first five-eighths Phil Godman and second five-eighths Nick De Luca and centre Ben Cairns to give continuity to the side.

WE THINK: New Zealand's ability to play consistently well at a level of intensity above what Scotland will be able to sustain for a lengthy period should be enough for the All Blacks to overcome problems of continuity in the early stages of the game and an impressive win by this side is on the cards.

TEAMS:

All Blacks: 01 Jamie Mackintosh 02 Keven Mealamu 03 John Afoa 04 Anthony Boric 05 Ali Williams 06 Kieran Read 07 Adam Thomson 08 Liam Messam 09 Piri Weepu 10 Stephen Donald 11 Josevata Rokocoko 12 Ma'a Nonu 13 Richard Kahui 14 Anthony Tuitavake 15 Isaia Toeava.

Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn 17 Neemia Tialata 18 Ross Filipo 19 Richie McCaw 20 Andy Ellis 21 Dan Carter 22 Cory Jane.

Scotland: 01 Allan Jacobson 02 Ross Ford 03 Euan Murray 04 Nathan Hines 05 Jim Hamilton 06 Jason White 07 John Barclay 08 Simon Taylor 09 Mike Blair (captain) 10 Phil Goodman 11 Sean Lamont 12 Nick De Luca 13 Ben Cairns 14 Thom Evans 15 Chris Paterson.

Reserves: 16 Dougie Hall 17 Alaisdair Dickinson 18 Matt Mustchin 19 Scott Gray 20 Rory Lawson/Mark McMillan 21 Dan Parks 22 Hugo Southwell.

REFEREE: Wayne Barnes

Praise be to OBAMA!

Well there you go, finally the long wait has ended, and Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States, officially when he is sworn in 20th of January 2009.

It was 10:00pm my time when CNN announced that Obama will be the next president after their projection. And then it immediately went to all the celebrations, the cheering and the praising, particularly in Chicago.

From what I saw and gathered watching it for about three hours, Barack just whipped John's bum. You know what, I never really disliked the McCain campaign, not like Bush. But I really loved Obama and his crew. So well spoken, so calm, so intelligent, so honest. John on the other hand always seemed a little robotic, ever notice his arms? Like robot arms going up and down, and a little tinge of nerves and uncertainty. However, I believe John McCain gained alot more fans after his gracious speech congratulating Obama. To me, that was his most honest, relaxed and straight from the heart moment. And what do you know, no robotic arms. Good on you John.

But most of all, congratulations to Barack Obama. History, here we come.

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The Melbourne Cup

"The Melbourne Cup is Australia's major annual thoroughbred horse race. Billed as The race that stops a nation, it is for three-year-olds and over, and covers a distance of 3,200 metres. It is generally regarded as the most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world. The event is held on the first Tuesday in November by the Victoria Racing Club, on the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. This day was traditionally only a public holiday within metropolitan Melbourne, but is now also observed as a holiday in the entire state of Victoria, and since 2007 also in the Australian Capital Territory." Read more...

A virtual game online has the Melbourne Cup for you to play, with the race starting in about 1 and a half hours or so. Below you will see my selections for the cup. Let's see if they come true.

NZ Breakers make it three in a row...

"New Zealand claimed a hard fought 106-97 NBL victory over Townsville at the Townsville Entertainment Centre last night.

The Breakers spread the scoring load with five players reaching double figures, Boomers star C.J. Bruton was the main contributor with 21 points while Kirk Penney (18), Phil Jones (17) and Tony Ronaldson (16) provided good support.

Corey Williams was again Townsville's shining light with a game high 22 points while John Rillie (19) and Rosell Ellis (18) kept the Crocs in the hunt.

New Zealand's Kirk Penney erupted with 11 first quarter points to see the Breakers take the early advantage 35-31.

The lead could have been bigger if not for a buzzer beating Kelvin Robertson three pointer from deep inside the opposition half." Read more...

Excellent, they have won three in a row and after 9 games are currently sitting second on the NBL table.

Kiwis murder the Kumuls...

"The Kiwis overcame a feisty Papua New Guinea 48-6 in their World Cup rugby league match last night but a hamstring strain for star playmaker Benji Marshall was an unwanted souvenir.

The Kiwis ran in nine tries to one at Skilled Park but played the entire second half without Marshall who sat on the bench with what team management described as a "tight hamstring".
Whether it is enough to place him in doubt for next Saturday's final pool match against England will be clearer tomorrow.

Five-eighth Marshall played a big role in the first 40 minutes as the Kiwis built a 22-0 halftime lead, and was involved in three of their four first half tries." Read More...

Matt Giteau...

Even though Australia lost the historic test in Hong Kong, at least an awesome shot came out of it. How cool is this image of Matt Giteau?

The All Blacks rule Hong Kong...

The caption for the above image from the NZ Herald states "Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu skips inside Wallaby number eight Richard Brown". Sitiveni is super fast, but seriously, doesn't it look like he is literally skipping and looking bored how easy it was to evade the tackle?

"Australia's inability to protect a potentially match-winning lead came back to haunt them again last night as New Zealand cobbled together a superior second half to claim the one-off Bledisloe Cup rugby test 19-14 at Hong Kong Stadium.

Tries by Sitiveni Sivivatu and captain Richie McCaw allowed the All Blacks to stutter to a 3-1 trans-Tasman series victory, after finishing strongly to claim a muddled contest that ever threatened to reach its pre-match hype thanks to sticky underfoot conditions and the occasionally baffling refereeing by Irishman Alan Lewis." Read more...