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Monday Musings: Wahs' worries, nonsensical Netball NZ, spoiler-less Happy Gilmore 2 review
Alex Chapman • July 28th, 2025 2:10 pm
Photo: Photosport
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster was bang on in his post-match press conference – they just weren’t good enough.
The last play win over the Knights should’ve been a reminder, and rather than taking the lesson, they were given one. Last week they got a get out of jail free card, but this time not only did they not pass go, they handed money over to the banker.
It's an enormous chance missed for the Warriors; a win would’ve seen them go five points clear in fourth with what was the sort of opportunity that premiership-contending teams ruthlessly and relentlessly take.
The Warriors issues were vast, but one of them is very clear – their right edge. And it now leaves Andrew Webster with arguably the toughest selection decision of his coaching career.
Kieran Foran exposes the Warriors' right edge with one more piece of magic at Mt Smart | Warriors Live
Fingers will and continue to be pointed towards Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, and understandably so, given how little he’s offering on attack to combat the defensive issues. But he isn’t the sole issue and at some stage, either he, or Kurt Capewell need to be moved off that side.
But the finger can’t just be pointed there, it was across the park.
The Warriors completed at 78 percent, while the Titans failed to finish just four of their 44. They were unable to contain the ruck speed, which, yes, wasn’t helped by the loss of Wayde Egan, and resulted in 11 errors and 26 missed tackles against a team that had previously won just four games and were allowed to dictate and determine momentum.
It’s not the end of the world. They’re still three points clear in fourth with 12 on offer and five of their last six games against sides eighth or lower.
But fans will be hoping this isn’t a match they look back on as one they should’ve built a hotel or even house on.
Where to now for the ANZ Premiership?
The Tactix claimed their maiden ANZ Premiership title on Sunday with an upset win over the title-favourite Mystics, and yet, what are we focussing on?
The action or lack thereof of a governing body which continues to resemble a ship without a sail or skipper.
It’s an enormous shame there was such a shadow that hovered and didn’t leave all week in the build-up to what should be the focus and feature of the domestic season.
Players were asked at media opportunities or on radio about the future of the competition and how the decision to allow players to feature in the Super Netball and remain eligible for the Silver Ferns would affect their own decision-making rather than the grand final.
Honestly, had Netball NZ sorted their you know what out sooner, it wouldn’t have been the case. Instead, they fluffed about, before announcing that players can play across the ditch and now that the season is over, we still don’t have a broadcast deal for next year.
It’s an absolute shambles, and to be honest, the board and those running the organisation need to take a good, hard look at themselves, because they’re doing damage to the game that may not be able to be repaired.
Wallabies wobble
Can you point to one call to blame (of which many believe was correct) for losing a game when you surrender an 18-point lead?
The game had many elements you’d want in a match but is it solely a singular decision that cost the Wallabies the win? The Wallabies blew that game, plain and simple.
And yes, it’s a shame that such a moment of contention is dominating discussions post-match, but you head into a very dangerous territory if nit picking every single breakdown is going to be allowed.
The silence from World Rugby over it all though is deafening.
Izzy's take on the Wallabies/Lions late game ruck drama | Scotty & Izzy
Cricket chat
The Rob Walter era continues to be an unbeaten one after that sensational tri-series final, and is hard to see ending in the upcoming two tests against Zimbabwe.
The validity and necessity over such series, both the T20 and tests, is worth pondering though at a time when there’s such a congested calendar.
Meanwhile in England, roads are rolled out and the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Ben Stokes are pondered while there are arguments over handshakes.
Also, is Joe Root talked about enough? It’s remarkable what he’s peeled off with 2,556 in his last 50 innings and being on-course to overtake a record that many thought may never be toppled in the space of a generation.
Happy Gilmore 2
Come for the comedy, stay for the cameos.
No spoilers here, but the picking at the plot hole for a reason to not enjoy a film is silly; just enjoy it for what it is – a laugh.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday on Thursdays & Fridays.
