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Gisborne: Planned outages Tue-WedAlex Chapman: Insane Payne, marvellous Maxwell & All Blacks talking points
Alex Chapman ⢠ October 13th, 2025 12:33 pm
Matt Payne | Photo: Photosport
Even the most casual of sports fans would have to admit to riding a rollercoaster of nerves, spine-tingles and utter joy during Matt Payneâs Bathurst win.
It seemed the Kiwi hopes had taken a huge blow when Ryan Woodâs car sputtered and spat its way back to the garage, with the ensuing scenes of him being consoled utterly heartbreaking.
But as 'The Great Race' taketh from New Zealanders, it also giveth.
As the rain and low cloud hovered over Mount Panorama - when fans, broadcasters and, crucially, drivers, couldnât see squat - emerging from it all was the Aucklander.
Having started from 18th, survived off-road detours, and scream-inducing near-misses, for Payne to be the latest New Zealander to knock the bastard off the Mountain deserves a celebratory shoey.
All Blacks northern tour squad
Not an enormous amount to talk about out of this, was there?
Very rarely do we see proper bolters anymore, and as much as many have screamed for the inclusions of a Josh Jacomb or Dylan Pledger, theyâll likely get more value out of NPC and the All Blacks XV. At least there, theyâll get game time.
This squad was always going to be more a matter of who would keep their spots and how the squad would be structured, rather than those who missed out.
There were certainly opportunities to invest in the future and build depth in certain positions, and there are maybe one or two who are lucky to retain their positions and will need to prove a point and their value.
But at the end of the day, are there any players who are desperately unlucky not to be there? Maybe Sam Darry?
For this All Blacks group, their focus needs to be about consistency with on-field performance, and that comes with consistency of selection.
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World Champ Maxwell
A story that may fly under the radar took place in Canada on Monday morning.
Sammie Maxwell claimed the mountain bike cross country world series title âthe first Kiwi to do so â after finishing second in the final round of the elite women.
Having taken time away from the sport last year to focus on her health and wellbeing, the 23-year-old is the latest example that a happy and healthy athlete, is a successful one.
That in itself is worth celebrating.Â
Super Smash Reaction
Cricket is often reluctant to change. Itâs a sport tied to tradition which often stymies itself and prevents growth.
Letâs be honest, social media - where the smallest voice is often the loudest - should generally be avoided as a gauge of public opinion.
But when you look at those who have engaged with Sport Nationâs social media posts regarding Daryl Mitchellâs Super Smash/Big Bash quote, it speaks volumes.
Speaking on Sport Nation Mornings on Friday, the Blackcaps veteran expressed his hesitance for a New Zealand Big Bash team, preferring for NZC to look after their own backyard.
âIâd rather us invest into our T20 comp in our own country," Mitchell said.
âIf we can keep backing our own local talent and trying to make the most of our own New Zealand cricketers then I think that will help the game here.â
He isnât the only one to voice such an opinion.
Now, thatâs not to say that Mitchell, or anyone really for that matter, claims the Super Smash is a perfect product; thereâs definite room for growth and improvement. But when you look at what its purpose is, itâs largely fulfilling that.
Itâs now on the powers at be to listen to their most-important stakeholders; the players.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
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