WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Black Caps in with a chance

WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Black Caps in with a chance, All Blacks unconvincing

08/11/10 Executive sport summary – An overview of the major sporting events – Results, key moments and talking points – Everything you need to know to foot it at the water cooler this week.

By Jonathan McKeown

BLACK CAPS: The New Zealand cricket team are in a prime position to kick on for an unthinkable test victory in India. On day four Kane Williamson scored a wonderful century on his debut, making 131. However that remarkable achievement was quickly surpassed by a seasoned veteran.

After posting a classy 457 to trail India by only 29 runs, up stepped 35-year-old seamer Chris Martin. The Black Caps spearhead wiped out the star-studded top order of India, and left the middle order reeling. Martin took an extraordinary five for 25 in a test match in the subcontinent. India limped to a meagre 86 for six at stumps. If the Black Caps can remove the remaining four wickets before lunch tomorrow a rare test victory over India is likely.

FORMULA ONE: Red Bull have pulled off another stunning race to finish one-two in the Brazilian Grand Prix. The win also claimed the Formula One constructors' championship for the Red Bull team.

Sebastian Vettel’s victory and team mate Mark Webber’s second also prevented and denied Fernando Alonso from claiming a third drivers' crown. Ferrari's Alonso came third so the title will not be decided until the final round in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

All three podium winners could claim the title next week, with McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton an outside chance. Alonso is on 246 points followed by Webber with 238, Vettel 231 and Hamilton 222.

PHOENIX: The Wellington Phoenix have taken their first away A-League victory this season. The Phoenix held on for a 1-0 win over the struggling Perth Glory. The victory was the perfect remedy after Brisbane Roar laid on the pain by snapping the unbeaten home streak.

ALL BLACKS: The All Blacks were unconvincing as they beat England 26-16 at Twickenham. Although they extended a seven year unbeaten streak against the English, handling errors and poor decision making compounded penalties at scrum time to make for an average second-half performance.

There were some impressive individual performances from new-comers. Sonny Bill Williams had a notable debut in front of over 80,000 English fans, setting up a try, while Sam Whitelock was strong in the pack making his first start and out wide Hosea Gear was a constant threat.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: The Qantas Wallabies were too good for Wales, winning 25-16 in Cardiff. For the second week in a row James O'Connor provided the spark, with a superb run and pass to set up Kurtley Beale for a try. O’Connor then set up Ben Alexander’s try with a nice inside ball.

South Africa escaped with a narrow 23-21 victory over Ireland, with Irish kicker Ronin O’Gara missing a chance to tie the match with minutes to go.

FOUR NATIONS: The Kiwis and Kangaroos played out the first instalment of a two-part Four Nations battle. Australia triumphed 34-20 in front of more than 44,000 at Auckland’s Eden Park but the two sides will meet again in the Four Nations final next weekend in Brisbane.

The Kiwis unveiled a new haka which sent the crowd into a frenzy but Australia put their best action on the pitch as they ran in six tries to three.

PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Canterbury took out the NPC title with a 33-13 victory over Waikato. Canterbury controlled possession well for a 13-8 halftime lead but Waikato were certainly in the match with a staunch forward display.

In the second half Canterbury put a stranglehold on the match and closed it out by forcing errors. Matt Todd collected a Nasi Manu charge-down to score the try that sealed the game. The red and black machine has now won three consecutive championships.

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