Better late than never! The Dropkicks discuss the end of the Air NZ Cup, Wellington winning the Ranfurly Shield, the Warriors in the NRL, and other sporty stuff...

Download Episode 33

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The Northern mystics

FAQs

Why the mystics?

Apparently..."The name 'Mystics' was derived from the phenomenon that commentators have often observed in sport: that seemingly magical experience that occurs when a team driven by passion, determination and a will to win plays way above the reasoned form of its individual players."

You might say that, I couldn't possibly comment.

Why will they win?

Well, they have some great players, Temepara George, Leana de Bruin, et al.

But mostly, because they have Vilimaina Davu, and she's just f'ing scary

Why will they lose?

mostly, because they have Vilimaina Davu, and she's just f'ing scary.

What should I wear?

In honour of Temepara, something sparkly.

 

The Mystics first game is on Sunday the 6th of April, at home to the Tactix. (Who will lose based on that simply awful name.)

Richard Irvine, of Sports Review NZ, has put up a great guide for watching international cricket this summer at the Aucklandista. It includes such gems as:

New Zealand are like Christopher Walken - great in the 80s, extremely limited in style, but well capable of unexpected brilliance.

Choice

Get excited New Zealand! We may have been knocked out of the Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup and 20/20 World Cup, but BY GOD we will get to the final of the Netball World Cup

"Sixteen teams in four Pools will play a total of 48 games at the 2007 New World Netball World Championships at The Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, Auckland."

It all starts on Saturday November 10 at 8.10pm (local time) with the New Zealand Silver Ferns taking on the Malawi...um...? (Update: They're called The Queens)

So what are the pools and how will this World Cup work?

­­

What's with England versus South Africa this year?

And who are the Dropkicks supporting? What are you, nuts? Here at The Dropkick's offices (a shed in Noizy's backyard) we have all caught Ferns Fever! They are the reigning Champs you know.

The Dropkicks look back at the Air NZ Cup semi-finals, and ponder just who will take out the honours in the Wellington v. Auckland final. Athlete and Dick of the Week, and the last chance to enter our World Cup Competition.

Download Episode 39 - Air NZ Cup Semi-Final review | Final preview

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These lists were taken from the Stuff website today.

All Blacks game streaks at test rugby cities:

Longest unbeaten streaks:

17: Auckland (1994-present)

14: Dunedin (1971-2001)

13: Christchurch (1977-94), Edinburgh (1905-present)

12: Brisbane (1929-92)

11: Sydney (1934-74), Auckland (1986-93)

Longest losing streaks:

4: Johannesburg (1949-76)

3: Cardiff (1905-1953), Durban (1928- 76), Sydney (1979-80)

Unbeaten streak at Auckland:

1994: drew with South Africa 18-18

1995: bt Canada 73-7, bt Australia 28-16

1996: bt Scotland 36-12

1997: bt South Africa 55-35

1998: bt England 40-10

1999: bt Australia 34-15

2000: bt Scotland 48-14

2001: bt South Africa 26-15

2002: bt Ireland 40-8

2003: bt Australia 21-17

2004: bt England 36-12

2005: bt British and Irish Lions 38-19, bt Australia 34-24

2006: bt Ireland 27-17, bt Australia 34-27

2007: bt France 42-11.

Wow, this means that the All Blacks have outscored their opponents in Auckland 630-277. And we have outscored or tri-nations rivals 44-33 (Sth Africa) and 151-99 (Aussie).

Note also that our winning streaks in Auckland and Edinburgh can get larger but none of losing streaks can. Sweet.