Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Big signings for the All Blacks includes Kieran Read and Sam Whitelock these
two players are very important to the NZRFU and fans of the All Blacks. With
both players deciding to re-sign with the side until the 2017 which includes
the Lions tour and the Rugby world cup to be held in England. Read who is
slowing taking shape as the new Richie McCaw will be a key player in both the
Lions tour and the World cup. Both players still fairly young and fit rugby
fans throughout New Zealand can look forward to both players continuing to put
on the jersey for years to come.
Although we all know that NZRFU would of had to put large amount of money on
the table to keep the two players here in New Zealand and stop them from
exploring thier options overseas I think it is the correct thing to do. The
NZRFU has done the same thing before with Dan Carter and Richie and it seemed
to work well with them. Although the contact has no out for Read and Whitelock
the NZRFU plans to monitor the players carefully in the years to come.
From a marketing side of things I think the signing is important Read and
Whitelock are key men in the side and play with great intent when they are on
the field. Crowds come to watch big hits and skill full play and I think both
these players provide this. Marketing these two players around the All Blacks
is something the NZRFU needs to do.
From a Management standpoint the NZRFU needs to be careful with how they
look after the two players in years to come. We want to see the two stars in
action at 100% and ready to go so giving them well earned rest may be something
they will look at. All in all it is good to see that the players will be committed
for at least four more years. I look forward to watching the two stars in years
to come.
SHOCK WIN: Australia's bid to become the world's top-ranked one-day nation has started with a 72-run upset win over India.
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Cricket
Australia's bid to become the world's top-ranked one-day nation has started with a 72-run upset win over India in the series-opening clash in Pune.
Australia dominated the first of seven match-ups between the world's top two ODI nations, which could decide who will be world No.1 at series' end.
After captain George Bailey and powerful opener Aaron Finch blasted contrasting half centuries to send Australia to 8-304 on Sunday, the tourists carefully controlled the Indian innings from the opening delivery.
Chasing 305, which would have been India's highest successful run chase against Australia, the hosts lost early wickets and were always behind the required run rate before being bowled out for 232.
James Faulkner was the pick of the bowlers and finished with 3-47, while Mitchell Johnson (1-38) delivered the vital wicket of dangerman Yuvraj Singh, having him caught behind for just seven.
But the death knell sounded when Clint McKay (2-36) rattled the stumps of India skipper MS Dhoni (19) with 109 runs still required from nine overs, sending the bulk of the 34,745-strong crowd for the exits.
Shane Watson was also effective on the slow-paced wicket, grabbing 2-31, while ending Virat Kolhi's spirited knock of 61 off 85 balls.
Faulkner struck the early blow when he had Shikhar Dhawan (7) caught behind - but the aggressive allrounder celebrated a bit too vigorously and accidentally poked wicketkeeper Brad Haddin in the eye.
The Australian vice-captain had to leave the field and was off for 22 overs as he received treatment, but returned late to complete the game.
Earlier, Finch's aggressive 72 off 79 shot Australia off to a pacey start, before his skipper provided a more composed response.
He picking up the pace late to finish with 85 off 82.
Finch repeated his strong form from last Thursday's Twenty20 clash, again providing the backbone for the Australian innings.
The powerful right-hander blasted three sixes and eight fours in his 79-ball innings to propel Australia to an opening stand of 110 with Phil Hughes (47 off 52).
By contrast, Bailey kept the ball on the ground for much of his innings - hitting 10 boundaries - before being caught in the deep off Ravi Ashwin (2-55) when he attempted to put the ball into the crowd.
Glenn Maxwell (31), James Faulkner (27) and Clint McKay (11) added some lusty lower order hitting to push Australia's score past 300 in the dying overs.
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Australia looking to become the number One ranked ODI side started well with
a good win against India with the season opener in Pune. With both of the
Australian openers starting well and racing to half centuries things started
well for the Australian side and things only improved from there. With the
Australians ending with a rather formidable total of 304 for the Indians to
chase down. However things didn’t seem as easy for the Indians as they started
poorly and lost early wickets and from that point onwards they were always
behind.
The Australian bowlers were to strong and sharp with the Indian batsman not
able to get settled in the middle. With the Australian’s off to a good start it
will give them confidence leading in to the rest of the games to be played. It
is a seven match series between the two top ODI nations and promises to be an
exciting series with both teams wanting to be Number one in the world. With
both nations the true power houses of world cricket the cricketing world will
be watching to see what unfolds in the weeks to come. With the Australian’s it
will be a test of how they bounce back after their embarrassing tour of England
in the ashes.
Both the media and players will need to do a good job of marketing
themselves over the next few weeks as players will be able to gain contacts
from top clubs in the IPL and media will have huge coverage of the event so it’s
a great opportunity for them to put themselves forward and make a name for
themselves. The management of the event will also be important as player safety
will be at an all-time high making sure no one gets hurt on tour by fans or any
other possible bystanders. Management of players on tour will also be important
that they do not get caught partying and causes any issues in local bars as we
have seen before. Marketing this event big name players will be used to draw
huge crowds to the events as it may be the last time some people get to see
them play live this is a huge draw to grow crowd numbers.
HEAVY METAL: Super participant Deborah Nesti, of Auckland, with her haul of medals from the South Island Masters Games in Nelson.
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Aucklander Deborah Nesti came to Nelson to mainly compete in the NZCT South Island Masters Games walking races and left with 20 medals.
The nine-day event, based at Saxton Field, finished yesterday with the organisers, Sport Tasman, rating it a success and keen to host the games again in two years.
Ms Nesti, 48, is a Masters Games enthusiast after first taking part in Dunedin last year and again in Whanganui in February.
While race walking is her main sport, she's taken to trying lots of others.
In Nelson she participated in 23 events - nine athletics, four indoor rowing, the cross country walk, half marathon walk, relay walk, 5km walk, 10km walk, table tennis, euchre, the Interislander Quiz Night and 10-pin bowling singles and doubles.
"When I started doing Masters Games I entered three events, then I met this guy who was doing eight or nine, so I thought why not. This time I entered a lot of events."
She said the games had given her the impetus to try a lot of activities and to go to place in New Zealand she hadn't been to previously.
"A lot of people say we have a lovely country, but I had not seen a lot of smaller places."
An accountant who runs her own business, she said: "I like the idea of going away on holiday but still keeping fit."
Most of all she loved meeting so many people and said she was inspired by older people who kept fit.
"I might end up like the man who at 99 was still out there walking, I thought that was great.
"I want to be a great role model to my kids, to show that I am out there doing stuff," she said.
Today the organisers were packing down after the event.
Games manager Rita Merriman said 2400 people had taken part, with half of them from out of town and 40 per cent were first-timers to the masters games.
The games had gone smoothly, with volunteers helping to make it a success, along with good support from sponsors and other businesses.
The Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency would assess the economic benefit and report back next month.
Next year the SI Masters Games will be held in Timaru.
"It's been a fantastic nine days. We're looking forward to doing it again and hoping Sport Tasman is awarded the contract in 2015."
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Aucklander Deborah Nesti Came to Nelson with lots of experience in Masters
Games as she has competed a few times before the nelson event. Although her
main event is walking she decided this year to compete in 23 events. the events
that’s she choose were nine athletics, four indoor rowing, the cross country
walk, half marathon walk, relay walk, 5km walk, 10km walk, table tennis,
euchre, the Interisland Quiz Night and 10-pin bowling singles and doubles.
Deborah said she had met a man at a pervious Masters games that was entered in
to 9 different events and decided that she should give a few new events a go.
She did more than give it a go, she managed to win 20 medals out of a possible
23 which is a great achievement for anyone competing in the games. Deborah also
said she liked how by entering in the games she was able to travel around New
Zealand and see places and smaller towns she wouldn’t have seen without competing.
The idea of a holiday and staying fit really appealed to her.
With People such as Deborah around the place the master’s games will
continue to grow and be a place for athletes of all ages to compete and have
some "competitive fun". From a marketing perceptive people such as
Deborah will be a role model to others of her age around NZ to give it a go and
get fit. The idea of its never too late to be healthy seems to be a real thing
with these games and from their marketing I would agree with that statement.
The management of the event was great and everyone seemed to have a great time
with no problems with organization of any events. More than half of the people involved
in participating in the events were from out of Nelson which is great to see
people putting in effort to make their way to such an event.
Sports Tasman says they loved the event and would love to host the event
again in the years to come. With large crowds coming from out of town to
participate in the event it was good for the region as a whole with bars and
pubs full up with the Masters having a drink and catching up with old mates and
talking about the “old days”. It looks like a great event and one I would like
to take part in later on in my life.
Strong winds on the preceding day and evening had dried out Codgers' muddy trails, giving sublime riding conditions for the second round of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club cross-country series which combined with the 2013 South Island Masters Games.
Yesterday's short course multi-lap event used Tantragee Rd to gain altitude for a return to the Brook Valley via many of the free-flowing tracks around Summit Rd area.
Under-17 rider Scott Barr accelerated away from the rest of the field as the mass start of riders jostled for position around the start loop of Andrews' field before heading uphill for the first time.
Barr continued to gradually extend his lead, completing his five laps in 1hr 10min 35sec, 1min 31sec ahead of second place overall Vet 1 rider Edward Kerly.
Arguably the most impressive ride of the day was by one of the oldest competitors, Motueka's Thomas Dunn, who comfortably beat Rangiora rider Charles Barlthrop to win the 70-79 age group. Dunn completed four laps in 1hr 27min, this after completing a full lap as a warmup.
At the other end of the age spectrum, the under-15 boys stuck to each other like glue with only 1min 30sec separating the entire pack and Jake Todd a mere second behind winner Cameron Jones.
Zoe Nathan put in a determined effort in winning the under-15 girls while Mum Jacqui took gold in masters 2 ahead of Jo Anderson.
The largest class of the day, the 40-49 masters 2, saw a tight battle for the top three places between Jake Stowe, Seamus Ryan and Mike Anderson with Jake putting in a strong second lap to take the lead which he never relinquished.
Meg Bichard proved to be the strongest woman of the event, completing six laps in an impressive 1hr 35min to win the senior women's class ahead of Eloise Fry, who claimed the masters 1 title. Diana Bowering completed her three laps in just over an hour to win the masters 3.
Jacob Anderson completed his seven laps with style to take control of the under-19 men, while Oliver Miller showed the same strength to win the under-19 women.
The senior men's winner, Jake Glover, was the only other rider to complete seven laps in a time of 1hr 51min.
In the masters 3, Andrew Scott faded on lap three and was overtaken by Doug Sharland and Tim Bygate in an always competitive class.
Round three of this series will be held on Sharland's Creek trails next Sunday.
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
A strong field of riders met at codgers for the second round of the Nelson
Mountain Bike Club cross-country series. Young and old turned out to compete in
the event with the south island masters games held at the same time. It was an opportunity
for riders of all ages to give the track a go in a competitive environment and
test themselves against riders of the same age group. With strong winds blowing
the night and day before the event it worked in the riders advantage as the
track dried out perfectly and gave riders a good surface to race on.
Riders of the age 70-79 where competing and doing rather well as well with
one rider Thomas Dunn came out on top winning the event with an impressive time
of 1hr 27 mins. The younger riders under 15 boys were a tight group and only
1min 30sec was the difference between 1st place and the final finisher. With
Cameron Jones been the eventfully winner. In the marsters event Tim Bygate
managed a come from behind victory on the final lap to overtake Doug Sharland
and grab the victory in an always competitive race. All in all the riders did
very well and look forward to the next and final meeting at Sharlands creek
next Sunday to find an eventful winner.
From a marketing and management point of view i see events like this important
to the regions biking community. With nelson been known as a great sporting
Town it does not show our bikers in the light some deserve. Some of the riders
in this event are highly talented and pay for everything off their own backs.
From a marketing perspective I would except they would try and draw larger
biking numbers to such events to give people a taste of the ride. Mountain
biking it’s a very demanding sport that requires a lot of guts and fitness I
believe this could be a marketing tool getting people active is something they
could look at doing to get larger numbers. I hope to see a rise in the numbers
in these events and the sport to continue to grow in the region.
A new club format and some temperamental spring weather herald the start of Nelson's new club cricket season on Saturday.
There's no Kelvin Scoble Trophy one-day competition this season and the Twenty-20 series will be played on Thursday evenings. Otherwise, there's a familiar look to most of Nelson's six club sides as they approach Saturday's opening round of the Car Company two-day competition.
Not much has changed for defending two-day champions Waimea Toi Toi United this season, although Greg Hay's Central Districts contract means the club isn't likely to see much of him as the season progresses.
Hay was last season's leading club runscorer, finishing with 1005 runs and an astonishing 100.5 average, with the club also boasting the leading wicket-taker in Jon Routhan with 43. Routhan's back and Hay's still been included in the squad as Ricky Edwards, Steve Binnie, Tom Ingham and Mason Thelin contemplate assuming more responsibility with the bat.
Routhan will again have new skipper Cade Armstrong, brothers Sam and Andy Baxendine and left arm spinner Dan Wightman alongside him in another formidable bowling attack. Craig Ingham is the new non-playing coach.
Car Company Stoke-Nayland are also similar in appearance to last season's side, although without big seam bowler Dylan Eginton, who is playing his club cricket in Wellington this season.
The batting will again revolve around skipper Ryan Edwards, Ian Coles, Ben Homan and Brendan Hodgson, with Marty King, Darius Skeaping, Mitchell Ross, Josh Sansom and Hodgson again forming another strong bowling attack.
However, Skeaping will make a measured start to the campaign following his recuperation from a bulging disc injury.
Stoke-Nayland were involved in all four club finals last season, winning both the Twenty-20 and Kelvin Scoble Trophy titles and losing the Nelson two-day and one-day deciders.
Sprig and Fern Motueka have lost one of their leading bowlers, Dan Rae, to Wellington, while left-arm seamer Andy Beatson will miss the two-day series with a hip injury.
They have two Englishmen on board. Martin Stretch is a 27-year-old allrounder from the Fiskerton CC in Nottingham, who represented Nottinghamshire for four years, and Sam Brittain is a 24-year-old left hand batsman from Halifax who played for the Northowram Fields CC in the central Yorkshire league.
Right-arm bowler Liam Baird is back after a season off, and allrounder Corey Pascoe has transferred from Wakatu.
Experienced batsmen Kurt Pahl, Duncan Cederman, Bryan Krammer and John Ogilvie have returned, although Krammer will miss the first two two-dayers. Craig Hampton will captain the side.
Post Boy Hotel Wakatu, captained by Campbell McLean, have representative allrounder Shane Laurence back in the side after only limited involvement last season.
McLean, Mason Robinson, Giles Black and Matt Macquet will again anchor the batting with support from ex-Waimea College player Daniel Hooper, Richie Wilkinson and Dustin Emms-Healey.
There's another Dan Hooper in the side, Saxton Oval's head groundsman, who joins a solid core of allrounders. Jay Wright, Scott van der Colk and offspinner Bryce Goodall round out the bowling attack.
Athletic College Old Boys have suffered one of the more significant player losses following allrounder BJ Barnett's decision to play club cricket in Wellington. Dutch international bowler Paul van Meekeren also isn't returning this season, although batsman Ben Gully has returned from Christchurch.
Talented youngsters Joel Harden, Josh Clarkson and Daniel Grimes are all back and looking to continue the form that saw them selected for the Central Districts under-17s. Experienced allrounders Marty Kain, Greg Chitty and Luke Toynbee assume key roles and representative batsman Simon McGowan takes over the captaincy from Toynbee.
Taylors Contracting Wanderers' biggest initial concern will be getting another potentially strong squad on the park at the same time.
Captain and opening batsman Dan Cooper will miss Saturday's scheduled start as he returns from his off-season in England. Representative pace bowler Joe O'Connor has Central Districts commitments for most of October, while international age-group allrounder Connor Neynens has been tentatively included pending university commitments.
A significant gain is former New Zealand under-19 left-hand batsman Pete Carey, now aged 28, who is returning to the game after three seasons off. Carey was formerly a Hawke Cup player for Canterbury Country.
Englishman Jack White has also returned as part of a menacing bowling attack alongside promising young Adam Leonard, Brodie Hanna, Dean Hawley, Hayden Ingham, Tom Bloomberg and brothers Tim and Greg Field.
In tomorrow's scheduled first day of the opening two-day round, Stoke-Nayland host WTTU at the Marsden Rec, Wanderers are at home to ACOB at Brightwater and Wakatu play hosts to Motueka at Ngawhatu.
CLUB SQUADS
ATHLETIC COLLEGE OLD BOYS: Simon McGowan (captain), Greg Chitty, Ben Gully, Joel Harden, Josh Clarkson, Daniel Grimes, Marty Kain, Luke Toynbee, Matt Cross, Glen Baumfield (players to be added).
MOTUEKA: Craig Hampton (captain), Kurt Pahl, Duncan Cederman, Dylan Phillips, Liam Rowling, Bryan Krammer, Levi Kearns, Chris Bayard, Karl Mytton, Martin Stretch, Sam Brittain, Corey Pascoe, John Ogilvie, Liam Baird, Andrew Beatson, Jorden LeLong.
STOKE-NAYLAND: Ryan Edwards (captain), Ian Coles, Ben Homan, Brendan Hodgson, Darius Skeaping, Marty King, Josh Sansom, Mitchell Ross, Gus Riley, Maurice Taylor, Kendall Hodson, Brent O'Hagan.
WAIMEA TOI TOI UNITED: Cade Armstrong (captain), Steve Binnie, Tom Ingham, Jon Routhan, Ricky Edwards, Greg Hay, Dan Wightman, Sam Baxendine, Andy Baxendine, Sam Field, Hamish Drummond, Mason Thelin, Symon Carr, Blair Carpenter.
WAKATU: Campbell McLean (captain), Mason Robinson, Matt Macquet, Shane Laurence, Dan Hooper, Giles Black, Daniel Hooper, Dustin Emms-Healey, Richie Wilkinson, Jay Wright, Bryce Goodall, Scott van der Colk.
WANDERERS: Dan Cooper (captain), Pete Carey, Adam Leonard, Jack White, Brodie Hanna, Dean Hawley, Hayden Ingham, Joe O'Connor, David Leonard, Andy Leonard, Kyle Paki Paki, Tom Bloomberg, Tim Field, Greg Field, Connor Neynens, Jimmy van der Colk, Connor Goodman, Nathan Geddes.
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Nelson cricket is kicking in to swing already with the 20/20 season starting
early October on thursday nights. Other than the change of the format the teams
have seemed to have stayed much the same from last season as old heads and the
young ones hit the pitches again for another year of cricket in Nelson. With
some players running off to wellington to get higher quality cricket weekend to
weekend it gives younger players and opportunity to have a crack at senior
cricket in 2013/2014.
Players such as Greg hay and bj Barnett won’t be playing in the nelson competition
this year due to central districts and other commitments. Although this is ashamed
for the Nelson completion it’s good to see our local players been looked at for
the big teams that play in the HRV cup such as central districts. Players
returning from university and back from overseas with young talented players
such as Tom Ingham, Dan cooper, Matt Macquett, ben gully and dean Hawley we
hope to see these boys get looked at to play higher paid cricket around New
Zealand as well.
With Nelson cricketers doing well not only in New Zealand but overseas from
a marketing and management point of view i see this as a huge plus for Nelson
cricket as we can see a pathway for our younger players to follow. Also with
the growing talent in nelson youth will become more interested in playing the
sport. With the 20/20 cricket moved to Thursday nights i see this as a great
management role as players will not be asked to give up a whole Saturday
playing cricket and simply play in the evening. I know for myself playing all
day Saturday was a bit of problem so this is a draw for me to want to play
again.
I think with Nelson cricket it is important to continue to push themselves
to the general public and try to raise public interested more players will mean
more funding. Nelson has got some junior world cup games to be hosted in Nelson
which is a great for Nelson cricket.
CHAMP: New Zealand's heavyweight champion Joseph Parker has his eyes on the US big time.
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Sonny Bill Williams is fast becoming "irrelevant" to the team surrounding New Zealand's heavyweight champion, as their attention turns to America and China.
After defeating Afa Tatupu in the second round to claim the New Zealand National Boxing Federation title last night, Joseph Parker - who could already be earning up to $1 million in endorsements alone - is ready for "bigger and better things".
"Professional boxing is all about the money," as Colonel Bob Sheridan said this week, and for the pay-per-view ratings alone, the Williams fight remains on the table for now.
Promoter Dean Lonergan, of Duco Events, said Williams was now a "simple money fight."
"Joseph knocks him over in the first or second round, and the reason they keep running like little girls is because they know they will get beat.
"If he doesn't take the fight in the next six to 12 months, we will be bypassing him."
Parker has said he would like to unify the two New Zealand titles.
New Zealand Professional Boxing Association national secretary Pat Leonard said his patience was "wearing thin" and he wanted the fight to go ahead in August or September next year. But president Lance Revill admitted that, with delays, it could be two years before Williams must fight the No 1 challenger, Parker, or risk being stripped of his title.
However, given his meteoric rise since his first professional bout 15 months ago, Parker is likely to be fighting on the world stage in two years' time.
Some observers say that by then, he could be fighting in the United States for a world heavyweight title, and even his current promoters - who have a six-year contract with Parker - could struggle to pay him.
"The process that Duco has over the next two years is to have him fight [in New Zealand], as long as they can afford to pay him," said Sheridan.
"A lot of people want him to come [to the US] and fight for the heavyweight championship within two years."
Lonergan confirmed that he was in discussions with Sheridan and Parker's trainer Kevin Barry about "doing promotions in Las Vegas".
"If Joe goes as far as we think he can go, obviously he will be fighting outside of New Zealand."
Duco also wants Parker to learn Mandarin so he can draw fans to fights in burgeoning boxing areas like Macau, opening the door to China.
For now, it will keep building his profile in New Zealand, with upcoming fights likely to be held in Christchurch, Nelson and possibly Invercargill.
"We will keep giving him bigger fights and bigger paydays, and when the time is right . . . we will start fighting Joseph around the world," Lonergan said.
He said Duco would love the six-year contract to run throughout the bulk of Parker's career and hopefully see it extended to a 10-year contract.
"We see Joseph, in a perfect world, finishing before the time he is 30 and retiring a multi-multimillionaire.
"At the end of the day, can we afford to pay him? Of course we can; it is just about applying the same principles in overseas markets."
Lonergan said one of the reasons Duco was in the boxing game was to break into the American market. "We would love to do it with Joseph Parker and a whole other stable of New Zealand boxers."
If Parker continues to win, Sheridan said Duane Ford, president of the North American Boxing Federation, had promised to bring the NABF championship fight to New Zealand within two years.
"That will be promoted by Duco, and after that [Parker] will be ranked No 10 in the WBC and they won't be able to afford to have the fights down here any more."
If Sheridan's sources are correct, Parker is already one of New Zealand's highest-paid athletes, even before paydays from fight nights are added.
"I don't know the figures, but they are telling me he is getting half a million dollars from Hydr8 and another half a million from Mr Moriarty, who is an investment banker," Sheridan said.
Lonergan said he did not know the "ins and outs" of those deals but said the annual cost to run Parker was already high. "We don't get much change out of $150,000-200,000, and that is before we pay him a cent."
Lonergan confirmed that Parker was sponsored "heavily" by Hydr8 ZERO and Rich Moriarty, a principal of the Union Gaming Group - an investment bank and securities firm focused on the global casino and resort industry - who recently opened an office in Macau.
Sheridan summed up the potential for Parker to become a one-man business. "Somebody that is smarter than me believes this kid is going all the way."
The question is, will Williams be a potential roadblock or a bypass?
IRONY BILL WILLIAMS: Sonny Bill Williams probably didn't comprehend the irony in his statements yesterday.
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Sonny Bill Williams probably didn't comprehend the irony of a recurring theme couched within the explanation for his latest career moves.
As he inevitably commanded centre stage before the Kiwis training run in Sydney yesterday, Williams used a derivative of the phase "making my intentions clear" on five instances when justifying his decision to represent New Zealand at the World Cup -- and extend his second NRL stint for another season.
Critics would argue the cross-code superstar's clarification is as belated as his backflip to represent the Kiwis, though Williams was unrepentant other than reissuing an apology to Tohu Harris -- the Melbourne Storm second rower dropped to accommodate him in the 24-man squad.
Williams, who flies out to England tomorrow, said he was relieved to finally have his medium-term future sorted -- although he is yet to officially re-sign with the Roosters or New Zealand Rugby Union.
The 28-year-old has dominated the post-NRL grand final focus as his change of heart regarding the World Cup and talks with Chiefs and NZRU officials in Sydney last week fuelled ever-present speculation about his plans for 2014 and beyond.
Williams, with his game face on, reckoned he was also tired of the conjecture.
"The past couple of days have been pretty tough but I'm happy to have got my future sorted," he said.
"I'm just as over it hearing about what I'm going to do this or that year. It's good to have my intentions clear for the next three years."
For Williams the pull of representing the Kiwis at the World Cup and then assisting the Roosters quest for back-to-back premierships proved irresistible -- the lure of defending the rugby World Cup in England in 2015 and rugby sevens debut sat the Rio de Janeiro Olympics then take precedence.
"In a perfect world, if it all fell into place that's how I'd like to do it," he said, knowing injury is likely to provide the only stumbling block.
Rumours of a three-year deal with the NZRU proved wide of the mark after he was seen in discussions with Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith but he does yearn to return to the Chiefs -- who are now in discussions with his midfield rival Ma'a Nonu.
"It was making my intentions clear that I want to go back," said Williams, of that lunchtime meeting that was misinterpreted.
"It was just clearing up a few things and just I guess being up front and honest with them, how I've always been."
Williams thought it could be a risk delaying his return to the 15-man code until World Cup year but again backed himself to perform when making the transition.
"I know the pressure's firmly on myself. That's the way I like it, it seems to bring out the best in me."
Williams certainly didn't portray the best look when turning down Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney only to make himself available after the squad had been announced.
Criticism, he shrugged, was inevitable.
"There's always going to be sour grapes in certain parts of the (mainstream and social) media. I can't control that. All I can control is how I operate as a person and how I operate as a man."
Kearney, meanwhile, was pleased the focus could finally return to the squad's preparations following a week of intrigue and recrimination.
"The thing is he's here now ... the focus is he's here and what we've got ahead."
Kearney said Williams's late arrival had not affected squad harmony and laughed when asked if New Zealand's most sought after footballer was actually bigger than the team -- or the code.
"Everyone's got to do their job," he said.
"Sonny's no different to anyone else in the side."
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Sonny Bill is looking forward to been a part of the Kiwis in the upcoming
world cup. The superstar had some tough decisions to make over the last couple
of weeks and is finally glad to have made one even if it was to the expense of
Tohu Harris, the Melbourne Storm second rower. With growing pressure to sign
back with the Sydney roosters or the NZRU Williams says he is happy to have his
medium term future sorted for now. Williams is one of sports most wanted
players as he has proven himself time and time again to be a star and a true
professional of winning sport.
Williams says the chance to represent the kiwis and too defend the NRL title
with the roosters in 2014 proved irresistible. In a perfect world Williams
would love to represent the All Blacks again in England in 2015 and defend the
world title which the men in black again. Williams also wants to be part of the
New Zealand 7s side to go to Rio de Janeiro Olympics. For me this is a huge ask
for a player to think he can jump from sport to sport no matter how good you
are. Although the thought of winning those events is very important and having
a player with William’s class could prove very important.
From a marketing point of view Williams is a marketers dream with amazing
sporting ability and looks and charisma to go with it Williams is a perfect fit
for anything marketing plow. Williams has a huge profile as one of sport’s most
famous faces in Australia and New Zealand with his ability to contribute to
more championships he is a great man to have on your side.
From a management point of view i see it as great importance to keep
Williams with a clean image and keep him out of the direct eye of the media
when he is making a big decision for a player such as William’s he needs to
keep a clean image and keep as many people on his side as possible if he wants
to reach him goals of returning to different codes come world cup time.
The Tasman Makos will head into next Saturday's championship semifinal with a full head of steam after yesterday's comprehensive 57-14 ITM Cup rugby win over Manawatu in Blenheim.
Manawatu went into yesterday's Lansdowne Park clash still with a chance of making the playoffs. That meant beating Tasman, but after some early hi-jinks, which produced the visitors two stunning tries and a surprise 14-10 lead, Tasman's positive attacking approach simply ran Manawatu off their feet.
The records continued to flow for Tasman as first five-eighth Marty Banks produced another stellar performance. His 27-point haul, including two tries, has now set a new individual season record of 130 points, beating the previous mark of 116 set by former skipper Andrew Goodman in 2011.
It was also Tasman's highest score against Manawatu and a satisfying lead-in to their semifinal clash with Southland, in Blenheim, next Saturday afternoon.
Tasman's hell-for-leather approach forced early handling errors and turnovers as both sides were quick to capitalise on the others' mistakes.
It was frenetic and often messy as the two teams countered each other try for try. Manawatu first five-eighth Jade Te Rure and Tasman halfback Billy Guyton both scored inside the opening 13 minutes as Manawatu fullback Lewis Marshall and finally Tasman wing Mitchell Scott completed the first half tryscoring.
But ahead just 17-14 at the break, Tasman then poured on 40 unanswered second half points, including another six tries, as they unleashed all their attacking potency. They showed more fluency, certainly better execution and some excellent support play as they continued to run the ball at an increasingly bewildered Manawatu defence.
Loosehead prop Tim Perry inspired two of the biggest roars from the Blenheim crowd when he crossed twice in quick succession, with hooker Francis Smith, substitute midfielder Andy Symons and the irrepressible Banks (twice), completing Tasman's second half try tally.
While obviously happy with his team's performance, Tasman head coach Kieran Keane had spoken to the players at halftime about protecting the ball and not forcing their passes.
"They didn't have enough respect for the ball," said Keane.
"They were a bit frenetic and trying to force it and it didn't need to be forced. So once we addressed that, away we went and we had good shape over the field. If they fell off a tackle, then we were able to exploit it with a try.
"Some of the support play was really good [and] some of the communication and play that ensued with lightning quick ball basically meant we could play our game."
The only sour note from the win was captain and flanker Shane Christie failing a concussion test in the second half, with lock Joe Wheeler eventually assuming the captaincy.
Still, loose forwards Gary Redmond and Tevita Koloamatangi were at their lively best while Vernon Fredericks added plenty of punch off the bench. Perry added his memorable two-try contribution to a typically solid effort, with Wheeler also a strong performer as stand-in skipper. Banks was an obvious focal point among the backs with his fine allround game, while Scott and form centre Kieron Fonotia were again penetrative and constant threats to Manawatu's defence.
"We got tested a lot in that first half but it just sort of broke up and we were fortunate enough that the bounce of the ball went our way," said Wheeler. "It was a good result and we've got a bit of momentum going into the semis now."
Wheeler said that sustaining their winning habit was among the more pleasing aspects of yesterday's result.
"Makos [teams] of the past have sort of been happy with the performance from the week before and got a little bit complacent and dropped off the next week. We're setting our standards pretty high and we're living up to them which is nice." Manawatu brought their own positive mindset to the contest, which Keane had anticipated.
"They're an entertaining side and they remind me a little bit of ourselves a couple of seasons ago, so yeah, I was expecting it to be an open and lively affair."
Tasman's thoughts now turn to Southland as the Makos attempt to secure a place in this season's championship final. Keane said the plan was to head to Blenheim "a couple of days early" in order to get themselves established ahead of their Saturday afternoon showdown.
"We're going to start afresh. We're going to wipe the slate clean," said Keane. "We know how we want to play against Southland and we know what we have to do to achieve it, so we're going to put a bit of polish on that aspect and prepare like there's no tomorrow. There is no tomorrow in semifinals, so we'll cross all the t's and dot all the i's and hope for the best."
Analysis of article from Sport Marketing and Management Perspective:
Tasman continue to impress in the ITM cup championship as they defeat manawatu with ease in the last game of round robbin leading them into the semi final next weekend as top of the ITM cup championship. Tasman is due to play southland next saturday at lanstown park. The impressive Tasman side has had a steller season with big wins coming to sides such as waikato and manawatu in the last week. The Tasman rugby union been a smaller union in New Zealand rugby will be enjoying this success and so will the players with Tasman having 11 Super rugby signings in 2013. This is a very impressive effort and something the players, coaches and management should be proud of.
This game was no expecption to what we have seen Tasman do all year with some great ball running and off loading the Tasman side has enjoyed scoring trys and putting the other sides under pressure and on the back foot. With manawatu starting strong it was never going to be an easy game for the Makos as Manawatu new that if they could beat Tasman they would have a chance to play in the semi finals next week. With both teams trading points early with two tries inside the forst 13mins of the game it looked like the game was shaping up to be exciting. The first half ending with the Makos leading into the break 17-14 with still much to play for in the second half.
The Makos proved too good in the end out scoring and out playing the Turbos 57-14 with a record win over the side. Also Marty Banks was able to also show another impressive outing scoring 2 trys and continuing his impressive scoring display with another 20+ game ending up with 27 to add to his own total that is currently sitting at 130 points for the season which is also a new tasman points scoring record.
From a marketing point of view Tasmans current success will be hugely beniftial as crowd and viewer numbers will be at an all time high leading into the weekends game agasint southland. Ticket sales should be thru the roof and id expect to see a packed out lanstown park this weekend. Also with players names growing throughout New Zealand supporters will come to watch growing stars such as Tom Marshall, Marty Banks, Liams Squire the list continues.
It would be great to see Tasman come away with a win this weekend and in the Grand final the following weekend it will be helpful for the union as money and publicity will grow which will able the union to grow as a strong union for years to come.
