Chris Rattue

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Chris Rattue

Pocock has courage and conviction on social issues, beyond the bog-standard PR stunts of professional sport. Agreeing to our interview during a World Cup was just another example of his single-mindedness. It was suggested and organised by then Australian team media officer Matt McIlraith, a Kiwi and ally of coach Robbie Deans. Sports media go-betweens can be unhelpful, even obstructive. Few are so proactive. McIlraith’s sheer enthusiasm for both rugby and the role of the press was borderline unique.

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Chris Rattue

Mitchell Santner looks on during the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Photo / PhotosportOpinion by Chris RattueChris Rattue is a Sports Writer for New Zealand's Herald. Learn moreChris Rattue runs through the best and worst from the sporting weekend, including the upside of the Black Caps’ latest final defeat and why the latest version of Super Rugby is coming of age. Winner: Another golden Kiwi cricket generation?

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Chris Rattue

Opinion by Chris RattueChris Rattue is a Sports Writer for New Zealand's Herald. Learn moreChris Rattue runs through the best and worst from the sporting weekend, including the “disaster” that was the Warriors’ season opener and the important caveat to the Ryan Peake NZ Open win. LOSER: The Warriors’ weakness is there for all to see The Warriors made a horror start to the league season, crushed by Canberra in Las Vegas.

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Chris Rattue

The Warriors have had many highs and lows over their 25 seasons in the NRL. Photo / PhotosportThe Warriors' 31st season kicks off this weekend in Las Vegas. For diehard fans, the journey since 1995 has been rocky. Chris Rattue looks back and ranks their previous 30 campaigns. 30) 2024 – Dream? It’s overThe most contentious season, judgement wise. The 2023 buzz continued, but the team faltered. Finishing 13th was a disaster, and the effect of more seasons like this would quickly be felt.

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Chris Rattue

Beauden Barrett during the Blues' defeat to the Highlanders in Dunedin. Photo / PhotosportChris Rattue runs through the best and worst from the sporting weekend, including the form of an All Blacks great and how Auckland has embraced their new football team. LOSER: Beauden Barrett. The rugby superstar had a shocker for the Blues in Dunedin. At 33, maybe his time is up. Or to put it another way, the All Blacks should future-proof by moving on from him as a fullback prospect.