New Zealand dismantles Australia’s dynasty, 24-0
ll sports dynasties must end. Few, though, postpone the inevitable for longer, or finally crash more resoundingly, than Australia’s hegemony over international rugby league.
It did not just lose to New Zealand in the final of the Tri-Nations tournament here Saturday. It was pulverized. New Zealand’s 24-0 margin in no way overstated its superiority.
Defeat ends a run which makes Australia’s recent domination of cricket look like a mere episode. It was 27 years since Australia lost a series to anyone, 33 since it failed to win a competition. New Zealand had not won a series against Australia since 1953.
More: iht.com
Related Travel Information
New Zealand recalled aggressive batsman Lou Vincent for the first ODI against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Vincent replaced all-rounder Scott Styris, who withdrew due to a hamstring injury.
South Africa reinstated top-order batsman Boeta Dippenaar, who enjoyed a bumper tour of the West Indies earlier in the year.
South Africa come into the game having been hammered by five wickets with two overs to spare by New Zealand in a 20/20 match in Johannesburg on Friday.
The hosts have lost their last six limited-overs matches against New Zealand.
Source: expressindia.com
New Zealand invited to tri-series in Australia
New Zealand have been invited to take part in a one-day series involving Australia and England in 2006-07, but Martin Snedden, New Zealand's cricket chief, has declined to discuss the matter until Australia finalises its Ashes schedule.
Australia host England for the Ashes in November-December of 2006, and have offered New Zealand a spot for the VB Series in January, reports the Dominion Post. New Zealand's inclusion will be important to its World Cup campaign, considering the quality of cricket Australia and England will offer them.
At it stands, New Zealand are scheduled to
The group of 50 "Kiwi Specialists" are part of the joint Air New Zealand Tourism New Zealand-organised trip.
"Increasing the knowledge of New Zealand is a real challenge in North America," Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said.
"There are thousands of retail travel agents in the country, and many have very limited knowledge of our country," he said.
"The Kiwi Specialist programme works to educate this group on New Zealand, what it has to offer, and why it is a fantastic destination for North Americans."
The message seemed to be getting through, Mr Hickton said.
Agents attending Tourism
New Zealand Beats S. Africa, Japan to Host 2011 Rugby World Cup
Nov. 17 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealand upset Japan and South Africa to claim the right to stage the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the world's third-biggest sport's event by television audience.
New Zealand beat Japan in the final round of voting in Dublin after South Africa was eliminated in the initial stage today. It was the first three-way bidding contest in the 18-year history of the tournament.
New Zealand, which hosted and won the first World Cup in 1987, boasts the world's top-ranked national team. The 2003 event, which attracted
Lee inspires Australia to crush New Zealand
Speedster Brett Lee stepped up in the absence of Glenn McGrath to inspire Australia to an overwhelming 147-run win over New Zealand in a one-day cricket international at Eden Park on Saturday.
After Australia were sent in to bat first and made 252 for eight in the opening match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series, a blistering spell of pace bowling by Lee helped reduce New Zealand to 33 for six by the 13th over.
They were eventually dismissed for 105 in the 28th over, their sixth lowest score in one-day international history.
Lee was simply too quick
