Alex Chapman: Incredible International League, Monsoon Madness, Forest Fire

Alex Chapman • October 20th, 2025 10:35 am

Toa Samoa challenge the Kiwis at Go Media Stadium | Photo: Brett Phibbs

With the plethora of red, white and blue and smattering of black that would rival any political rally, yesterday's rugby league doubleheader in Auckland was the reminder that powerbrokers perhaps needed; the international game is alive and well.

The skill was spellbinding and had the balance of both business and backyard, with bruising brilliance combining sensational showmanship and the sensible sort of structure you’d expect from some of the game’s best.

The ferocity many expected arrived and barely waned, while the passion and pride were there for all to see on both sides.

In the end, in a Casey McLean masterclass, Dylan Brown would prove to be kingmaker.

The match beforehand was as equally thrilling though for different reasons.

Whether the Kiwi Ferns should’ve even been in the position to need a remarkable second half against Fetu is another matter, but to come back from 20-nil down and run in 22 points in 23 minutes shows serious ticker.

More please.

Shakira Baker makes a break for the Kiwi Ferns | Photo: Fiona Goodall/Photosport

ICC’s India Issues

This is hardly a new or unique thought, but eventually the cricket world has to stop bending and bowing to India.

The east now wields the power of the game, and unlike previous iterations of those in charge, it seems unlikely to change any time soon.

The White Ferns are the latest victims, though not the only ones, of those refusing to challenge those in charge. Washouts could well end up costing New Zealand at the World Cup, largely because no one thought to challenge organisers that hey, maybe games shouldn’t be played at night in Sri Lanka in October. All they would’ve had to do is chat with locals, or maybe even the governing body, and consider their thoughts.

It’s like scheduling a game in the evening and then being surprised it’s dark.

And it’s ruining the showpiece tournament of the women’s game.

Frustratingly, the solution is simple – play games during the day.

Instead, once again, the nodding is done and the chorus of yes are being sung, only for considerations to be given after the fact.

Thankfully, with two games to play, a semi-final berth is still in the White Ferns hands.

But let’s be honest, it’s like India’s hosting a party with a compulsory dress up, and if they don’t like what you’re wearing, don’t bother knocking.

Except fittingly it seems many are dressed as clowns.

Sumo questions why World Cup day-nighters were scheduled in Colombo | Scotty & Izzy

ABC, NPC

It will be the NPC decider many predicted, and few will be surprised with.

But in what previously may have been a daunting task for little brother, Otago only have to look back a month for proof of what they can achieve and confidence they can do it again; beat Canterbury at home.

The prize is different this time.

The silverware of the best domestic team in the competition holds a different sort of weight to that of the Log o' Wood. The trophy may mean more to some than that of the Shield, or the other way around.

But Otago can lock both away for the summer with a win on Saturday.

And with that comes the hopes of much of the rest of the country who you’d think will be singing their ABC’s this week – Anyone But Canterbury.

Dominic Gardiner and Sam Darry celebrates with Dallas McLeod | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport

Maaaaaaate

What an absolute forest fire Nottingham Forest have become. And fittingly, it’s the firing, that has many sparking up for all the wrong reasons.

The Chelsea fans were wrong, Ange Postecoglou wasn’t sacked in the morning, he was gone before some players even returned from warming down.

For the big Aussie, who prides himself on winning in his second season, he can at least claim one accolade; the shortest Premier League reign of any permanent manager ever – 39 days.

Postecoglou revealed during the week he’d only just found a new flat to move into. Well, fingers crossed he still has the boxes to load everything back in, or even better, hadn’t hanged any art, decided where the bowls and plates would live, and refrained from changing his address.

Admin central.

Whether you think he’s a good manager, and it seems, some don’t, the whole saga has been a shambles. He never should’ve been there, given Nuno Espírito Santo never should’ve been sacked himself. And while Ange spoke of patience being required for the start of the rebuild, it should’ve been more about continuing the rise.

Regardless of the intent, 39 days isn’t enough time in any role. It’s both unfair, though not unexpected, as shown by how quickly the decision became public. Overall, this is a failing of ownership at Forest, and unfortunately it hugely affects kiwi Chris Wood.

Hopefully the new manager is given enough time to decide which drawers the cutlery goes in.

Photo: AP

Ka Ying Rises

If you’re anti-racing, anti-fun and anti-Sweet Caroline, this part may not be for you.

The 50-thousand people singing Neil Diamond was once again an encapsulation of what the Everest has become; one giant party. And fittingly, racing’s arguably biggest four-legged star shone.

Ka Ying Rising rose, and even as the market drifted late, it seemed there were those searching for why not to back the kiwi-bred sprinter as opposed to why to.

This is a win for not only the NZ industry, but the race itself. It shows that an overseas-based horse can go to Australia and win the richest race on turf. And so it will have ripple effects around the racing world.

For now though, once again, the New Zealand flag is at the peak of Everest.

Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.

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Alex Chapman: Incredible International League, Monsoon Madness, Forest Fire

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