Stories by Hamish Bidwell
News
Black Ferns deserve respect and scrutiny, instead of being patronised
Opinion - The Black Ferns were on a hiding to nothing against England. In the aftermath of that defeat there's been no examination of what went wrong, writes [Hamish Bidwell].
Cricket: Black Caps making hard work of it at T20 World Cup
Analysis - There was a truism about Twenty20 cricket that you needed your best batters to face as many balls as possible and NZ was too cute by half in the first-up loss to Pakistan at the men's T20…
Rank decision: Sam Cane now down the pecking order
Opinion - On what planet does the All Blacks captain go on tour with the team but temporarily relinquish his position, asks Hamish Bidwell
Here's why the Black Caps are T20 World Cup dark horses
Opinion - Twenty20 is by far the Black Caps' weakest international format and, in normal circumstances, they might not figure in the finals' permutations. But, as luck would have it, pitch conditions…
The thrilling rugby league career of Benji Marshall
It's hard not to like Marshall. During his career he thrilled and inspired countless fans and aspiring players, all while carrying himself extremely well off the field, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Bidwell: MMA fighters Adesanya, Hooker 'too big for little old New Zealand'
Opinion - It's a pretty grand conspiracy that MMA fighters Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker are alleging, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Mediocre White Ferns an exception as elite women's teams wait on sideline
Opinion: There are times when you wonder why the White Ferns cricket team gets so much coverage, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Bidwell: World 12s may not revive rugby, but it's worth a punt
Opinion - The mooted move to a franchise model can't come quick enough for rugby, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Bidwell: The latest load of old rubbish out of Gymnastics New Zealand
Opinion - More hot air, more wasted money, more obfuscation and more salt into the wounds of broken athletes. That's the latest rubbish from Gymnastics New Zealand, Hamish Bidwell writes.
In praise of the Warriors - as they face a potential third campaign away from home
The end of the road isn't necessarily in sight for the New Zealand Warriors, writes Hamish Bidwell.
Love of rugby transcends corporatism and individuals
Comment - You can love rugby without having any regard for NZR, or any confidence in All Blacks head coach Ian Foster, write [Hamish Bidwell].
Podmore tragedy: Sporting bodies can't drive change
Opinion - No governing body is going to out themselves and correct the way our children are treated and it's up to us to drive change, writes Hamish Bidwell.
Young athlete's death must prompt rethink on attitudes to sport
Comment: If the death of cyclist Olivia Podmore doesn't change the way we think about sport and athletes, then nothing will, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Outstanding women stamp their class on Tokyo Olympics
Comment: Sometimes it's important to try and watch sport through a child's eyes. When your hobby becomes your profession, it's hard not to lose some of the joy.
Bidwell: High performance sport is losing its shine
Opinion - I love sport, always have, but I find my connection to professional sport becoming weaker and weaker. More than that, I often find I'm revolted by it.
Bidwell: Moana Pasifika critical to success of rugby in region
Opinion - For rugby in this part of the world to flourish - and that includes in New Zealand - we need Tongan, Samoan and Fijian rugby players not to play for the All Blacks, writes Hamish Bidwell.
Bidwell: All Blacks' South Auckland excursion no royal tour
Opinion - You might have noticed our national team have been on an excursion to South Auckland - let's all remember it's as much part of New Zealand as anywhere, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Bidwell: New Zealand is no longer cricket's punching bag
Opinion - The ghosts of past defeats are well beaten with the Black Caps' stunning victory over India, Hamish Bidwell writes.
The Black Caps and the World Test Championship final
Opinion - Let's hope New Zealand's 1-0 series win over England turns out to be a victory for test cricket as well, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Bidwell: Japan's Olympic nightmare should make Brisbane exercise good sense
Opinion - Can the good folk of Brisbane really not see who they're getting into bed with, given the grotesque new lows the IOC have sunk to, writes Hamish Bidwell.
Bidwell: Devon Conway and the future of franchise sport
Opinion - Franchise or club sport is where money and prestige increasingly lie; the international game is becoming an afterthought, Hamish Bidwell writes.
Why not abolish sports press conferences once and for all?
Opinion - The decision by four-time tennis grand slam champion Naomi Osaka to skip post-match press conferences at the upcoming French Open ought to be applauded, writes Hamish Bidwell.
Bidwell: Is the Silver Lake deal even a good one?
Opinion - It is hard to see how NZRPA have anyone's interests at heart but their own, let alone to accept the idea that they are more expert in negotiating deals and running the game than NZR, writes…
Hubbard set to rise above possible abuse and boycott calls
Opinion: You have to hand it to Laurel Hubbard - not many of us would willingly go through what the champion weightlifter is about to.
Opinion: Moana Pasifika should be self-sufficient
When Moana Pasifika can pay its own way, then we can talk about fairness, Hamish Bidwell writes.