Columnists

Kirwan a source of inspiration

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: John Kirwan's value to New Zealand sport has been thrown into sharp focus by the tragic death of Welsh football hero Gary Speed.

We have a major golf champ here

GREG FORD - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Be patient, Michael Campbell counselled yesterday. It took the All Blacks 24 years to win back the Rugby World Cup, and while on the eve of the New Zealand Open Campbell hopes his winning drought will not take quite so long, he's drawing inspiration from his favourite rugby team and sticking with golf for the long haul.

All Blacks assistant coaches may end up foes

OPINION: When Steve Hansen encouraged England to "rip the wall down", he probably didn't envisage Wayne Smith volunteering for the rebuild which will begin against the All Blacks next year.

Dabbling may hit world title bid

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Before anyone cries "foul" over the Black Sox-baseball brouhaha, put yourself in national softball coach Eddie Kohlhase's cleats.

Guildford should follow Walsh's lead

OPINION: Those pointing the finger at Zac Guildford this week – while perhaps ignoring the three digits pointing right back – should remember there is a road to rugby redemption.

Key to stadium largesse is in the timing

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

Sporting fans should applaud the Government's decision to underwrite the $20m cost of the temporary home for the Crusaders in Addington.

Leaders aplenty when McCaw quits

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: The All Blacks are spoiled for choice for captaincy options when Richie McCaw relinquishes the reins.

Still time for Phoenix to rise

IT FITS THE BILL: Phoenix defender Andrew Durante, front, tries out one of the club's new shirts for size. Replicas of the new tops will be dearer, but Paul Stephens, marketing strategic manager for adidas, which is supplying the strips, says they are priced competitively.

FRED WOODCOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Not for the first time in their short history the Wellington Phoenix have been written off by almost every pundit across the Tasman – and most on this side – as A-League wooden-spooners.

Veterans should ease burden on Slade

OPINION: Ma'a Nou felt he needed a cuddle yesterday.

Warriors' success proves depth NZ league

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Whose boots would you rather be in – incoming Warriors coach Brian McClennan's or the next All Blacks head coach's?

NZRU's chance to build for future

RICHARD KNOWLER - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Let us hope Steve Tew keeps his own backyard in order.

Muliaina's cup could yet runneth over

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Why is everyone prematurely penning the rugby requiem of Mils Muliaina?

Foggy future for Munro

GREG FORD - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: It was a red letter day for Canterbury sport yesterday. In fact it's been a pretty good week.

Captaincy conundrums abound

TONY SMITH - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: What is Robbie Deans' thinking? Is changing captains a fortnight out from the start of the Rugby World Cup a desperation measure?

Say no to daft marketing ideas

RICHARD KNOWLER - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: If anything has been learnt from Telecom's failed "abstinence campaign" it is that the New Zealand Rugby Union needs to start baring its fangs when fronted with kooky proposals.