Stephen Foote
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Articles by Stephen Foote
"It's been an amazing ride": Blackcaps great Tim Southee announces retirement from Test cricket
The upcoming England series will be the last in whites for Blackcaps bowler Tim Southee. New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker has announced he'll retire from red-ball cricket at the end of the three-Test series, with the match at Seddon Park - his Northern Districts home ground - to be his swansong.
Blundell's struggles under spotlight ahead of critical England series
One of the most contentious selections areas for Blackcaps coach Gary Stead heading into their blockbuster home test series against England could be who he decides to hand the wicketkeeping gloves. Amid the historic overall team result, incumbent Tom Blundell endured a largely miserable time during the recent tour to India - both behind the stumps and with the bat.
League-leading Breakers silence critics with sizzling start to NBL season
The NZ Breakers are serving up a healthy serving of humble pie to their doubters with their scorching start to the NBL season. The Kiwi side - written off by pundits in their pre-season rankings - have overcome an almost wholesale roster reconstruction and the late exit of theory talismanic coach Mody Maor to surge to the top of the competition standings, in huge part due to the influence of import point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright.
Slimmer, faster, stronger: How Caleb Clarke rebounded from World Cup disappointment to All Blacks linchpin
This weekend's Test against Ireland will come with an extra personal edge for All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke. Speaking in Dublin overnight Wednesday, Clarke told a bemused group of local media that he had Irish roots, something he'd been reminded of by his ex-All Black father Eroni Clarke and grandfather on the eve of his departure for their northern tour. The affable 26-Test international revealed his descendants were potato farmers, who migrated from Ireland to Samoa early last century.
How Tom Latham's "brilliant" captaincy helped reverse Blackcaps' fortunes in India
Tom Latham's first series as full time Test captain of the Blackcaps couldn't have been better scripted. In guiding his nation to an improbable series sweep in India - the first time the hosts had ever been defeated 3-0 on home soil - Latham has secured himself a special place in the annals of not just NZ cricket, but NZ sports on the whole.
All Blacks wipe slate clean for Ireland after "special celebrations" at Twickenham
Kiwis across the country were fist pumping over their Weet Bix on Sunday morning after the All Blacks' gritty win over the English at Twickenham. Backstage after the match, the jubilation from the players and staff in the changing room spoke volumes about just how much the victory meant, with a few fellow NZ sporting luminaries joined in the festivities as the squad soaked up arguably the most rewarding result yet of Scott Robertson's young regime.
All Blacks vs England : What we learned from a dramatic day out at Twickenham
The All Blacks escaped at Twickenham on Sunday with a victory that presented plenty of talking points, as Scott Robertson's troops salvaged a result from a performance with its fair share of shakiness but plenty of positives - albeit somewhat overshadowed by the contest's dramatic conclusion. Let's take a closer look at some key takeaways from a morning that left a slew of sweaty palms clutching coffees across Aotearoa.
Rachin Ravindra reveals the message that made Blackcaps' India sweep sink home
Amid the rewriting of record books and fanfare surrounding the Blackcaps' incredible Test series sweep in India, there was an extra dose of sentimentality for batting prodigy Rachin Ravindra.
All Blacks rookie Harry Plummer emerges from "dark place" with breakthrough season
The year 2024 has been a career one for Blues pivot Harry Plummer. In what became a theme of his season, the elusive door of opportunity was left ajar by injury and the born-and-bred Aucklander stormed right through it, taking a stranglehold on the Blues No. 10 jersey and steering the side to a drought-breaking Super Rugby Pacific title.
The pivotal questions facing Blackcaps coach Stead for the second Test against India
Heading into the second Test against India, the Blackcaps are standing on the precipice of history. On Thursday, they begin their quest to become the first New Zealand team to win a Test series in India - arguably the next best feat in cricket short of lifting an ICC trophy. But while they may have had a touch of good fortune in Bengaluru, where conditions were more akin to those back home than the notoriously spin-friendly wickets they'd typically face on the subcontinent.
All Blacks captaincy rich reward for perseverant Tuipulotu
Coach Scott Robertson sprung a few surprises in his All Blacks squad to face Japan this weekend, one of which was Patrick Tuipulotu's promotion to the captaincy. The veteran lock's leadership pedigree speaks for itself, having guided the Blues to their drought-busting Super Rugby Pacific title this year - a crowning moment in his long career as one of the franchise's talisman. Now in his 47th Test appearance, the 31-year-old will lead the All Blacks on to the park in Yokohama.
New assistant coach McMillan helps drive remarkable White Ferns turnaround at T20 World Cup
White Ferns star Melie Kerr has credited new assistant coach Craig McMillan as one of the driving forces behind their form reversal at the T20 World Cup. The Kiwi women hit the ground in Dubai riding a brutal 10-game losing streak in the format, before breaking out of their slump with gritty victories over India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan to book their place in Saturday morning's (NZ Time) semi-final.
"They humbled India": Blackcaps make desperately needed statement with historic day-two domination in Bengaluru
The Blackcaps have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with their remarkable efforts on day two of the first Test against India, restricting the hosts to their lowest ever total on home soil.
Auckland FC ready to deliver on the hype in highly anticipated A-League debut
After a brief seven months of build-up, the time for talking is almost over for newcomers Auckland FC, who will take to the pitch to kick off their inaugural A-League Men's season on Saturday. The Black Knights will run out to what they expect will be a raucous crowd at their new home at Go Media Stadium against the Brisbane Roar, where they'll face an intriguing litmus test of just how well they stack up among their competition.
How to deal with a Bellamy spray: The biggest lessons Warbrick learned from sensational sophomore NRL season
Resolving the complex emotions that come with losing an NRL Grand Final typically requires a fair bit of time. The wounds don't heal easily, as Storm wing and newly minted NZ Kiwi Will Warbrick confesses. Speaking to SENZ, the 26-year-old from Kawerau admits he's still trying to come to terms with such an anti-climactic finish to his outstanding sophomore season.
City Kickboxing's French-Kiwi Jousset set to shine at UFC Fight Night in Paris
It will be a full circle moment for French-born, New Zealand-based welterweight Kevin Jousset this weekend, when he returns to the UFC stage in Paris. Jousset will square off with Bryan Battle on the main card of the UFC Fight Night on Sunday (NZ time), where he'll have a chance to continue his stellar start to his tenure with the world's premier MMA promotion in front of a cacophonous crowd filled with friends and family at the Accor Arena.
What's causing Blackcaps batter Conway's struggles and how can he fix them?
One of the glaring lowlights of the Blackcaps' first-Test loss to Sri Lanka was the continuation of Devon Conway's miserable run of form in whites. The opener never looked comfortable at the crease in Galle, managing 17 off 59 balls in the first innings, before departing in the second over in the following innings with just four runs to his name. In his last 10 innings dating back to November 2023, Conway has totalled 115 runs at an abysmal average of 11.5 - including a top score of 29.
UFC Noche: Three big takeaways from a ground-breaking day at the Sphere
Sunday's momentous UFC 306 card was billed as an event that would be unlike any other we'd seen and it undeniably delivered on that promise. Fight-wise, the card may have lost some of its sparkle towards the business end of the evening but the cutting-edge technology on offer at the Vegas venue was pushed to new limits in its celebration of Mexico in a manner that will have sporting leagues green with envy. Here are a few of the key takeaways from UFC Noche.
All Blacks duo provide timely boost for Wellington ahead of blockbuster Ranfurly Shield challenge
Tasman's historic Ranfurly Shield win has been the talk of the provincial rugby scene this week and rightly so, after a nail-biting finish in Napier capped one of the most memorable successful challenges in recent history. But with celebrations drawing to a close, the hungry Wellington Lions are out to ensure the Mako reign is a brief one, travelling across the Cook Strait to try and bring the Log o' Wood back from Blenheim to the capital on Sunday.
"This is the form of my life": How rural Queensland life has transformed surging Kiwi boxer Nyika
Nine bouts into his career as a prizefighter, David Nyika has clearly adjusted to life as a professional. At Wednesday's open workouts, the ever effusive Hamiltonian flashes his million-dollar smile, shakes hands, poses for all the right photos at all of the right angles, and just generally oozes the kind of charm that suggests a future world champion in the making. And, if you'll excuse the pun, Nyika knows how to roll with the punches.
Kiwi Stirling steals show with spectacular KO to earn UFC contract
New Zealand may have unearthed its next MMA diamond in the form of light heavyweight Navajo Stirling. The City Kickboxing product seized his opportunity on Dana White Contender Series with both hands, stealing the show with a spectacular walk-off second-round KO of previously undefeated Phillip Latu to leave the UFC boss with no choice but to offer Stilring a multi-fight contract on the spot. "Obviously, Stirling looked incredible," White said, assessing his potential contract winners.
"It's crazy": Tasman's heroes' welcome home puts Ranfurly Shield heroics into perspective
Tasman's sensational last-gasp win over Hawke's Bay to lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time has sent the region into celebration mode, with hordes of beaming fans on hand to welcome the squad back to Nelson on Monday. The locals delivered on the occasion for the squad, who were still dusting themselves off after Saturday night's celebrations, filling out Trafalgar Square and basking in their beloved team's feats in a main street parade.
All Blacks back "phenomenal" rookie Sititi to shine amid South African pressure cooker
There will be plenty of eager eyes on Super Rugby breakthrough sensation Wallace Sititi when he runs out in the No. 6 jersey for the All Blacks against the Springboks this weekend in what will be the sternest measure yet of his pedigree as a Test-match level talent. Sititi stormed onto the scene last season for the Chiefs, using his electric combination of power and pace to play a key part in the team's run to the final.
"I'd love to play for the Kiwi Ferns": Black Ferns star Waaka sets sights on becoming dual international
Cross-format rugby star Stacey Waaka has designs on a third variety of black jersey later this year. Not content with being a double Olympic gold medallist and two-time Rugby World Cup champion, Waaka now has her sights set on representing New Zealand in rugby league. Waaka's maiden season with NRLW's Brisbane Broncos has left such an impression on her that she'll attempt to trial for the Kiwi Ferns with the aim to take the field at the Pacific Championships in November.
Cheika suggests Super split as rugby's popularity continues to plummet in Australia
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika's recent suggestion that Rugby Australia withdraw from Super Rugby to focus on its own provincial competition has turned the microscope yet again on the sport's ongoing struggle for popularity across the ditch.
Patience required with Razor's regime as All Blacks try to find their identity
For as epic as Sunday's clash between the All Blacks and Springboks was, there's still a sense of inescapable uneasiness for plenty of Kiwi fans, as they process the second defeat of the season under new coach Scott Robertson. Adding to that discomfort is the nature of that defeat at Ellis Park, where the All Blacks failed to capitalise on their late lead and were unable to close out what would've been a landmark scalp for the Robertson regime.
Cane's return to All Blacks starter completes improbable comeback story
The most notable talking point to emerge from Scott Robertson's selection for the All Blacks' opening test against South Africa this weekend is the return of Sam Cane in the No. 7 jersey. Cane hasn't been part of the run-on side since his infamous red-card outing during last year's World Cup final. His subsequent decision to walk away from Test rugby at the end of 2024 and ongoing recovery from back surgery in March led many to believe he may have played his final game in the black jersey.
All Blacks to provide ultimate litmus test for new coach Tony Brown's flourishing Springboks attack
There'll be one very familiar face to NZ rugby fans behind enemy lines this weekend, when the All Blacks square off with the Springboks at Johannesburg's famous Ellis Park. This year, former All Black turned coach Tony Brown has joined Rassie Erasmus' coaching staff as an assistant with the world champions, taking on the responsibility of moulding the Springboks' attack.
Sevens hero Blyde confirms mutual interest with Warriors for code switch in 2025
The NZ Warriors social media team caused quite a stir among the rugby fraternity on Tuesday, after sharing a couple of telling quotes from two of the stars of the women's game in Aotearoa. Sevens rocket Michaela Blyde, alongside cross-format veteran Sarah Hirini, seemed to express clear interest in making the switch to rugby league as part of the Warriors team set to return to the NRLW competition next season after a five-year absence, having been granted one of four new franchise licences.
Dad life adds extra motivation to flagbearer Leslie's Paralympics ambitions
Three-time gold medallist Cam Leslie doesn't have much left to tick off on his Paralympics bucket list. But there's one such accomplishment he'll add to his glowing CV on Thursday (NZ time), when he leads the NZ contingent up the iconic Champs-Elysees avenue and the Place de la Concorde as flagbearer at the Paris 2024 Games. The decorated swimmer will be accompanied by Anna Grimaldi, who will try to defend her long jump crown (T47) for a third successive occasion.
"I've loved representing you guys": Emotional Johnson's heartfelt farewell after defeat in final home game with Warriors
Shaun Johnson may not have had the fairytale ending in his final chapter at his beloved Mt Smart, but the Warriors faithful ensured one of their favourite sons felt the love on Friday.
Coach Webster reflects on where the Warriors went wrong in 2024
NZ Warriors head coach Andrew Webster still has a couple of games left on their 2024 schedule, but he admits he's already entered the post-mortem analysis stage of the club's lacklustre season.
"It's been a crazy ride": Black Ferns Sevens captain Hirini relives emotional journey from injury to Olympics gold
Just over three weeks removed, Sarah Hirini admits the reality of her gold medal triumph with the Black Ferns Sevens at Paris 2024 still hasn't quite sunk in. Back home after a well-earned European summer holiday, Hirini has been taking her prize on a tour of the schools surrounding her home in Papamoa and gets daily reminders from locals on the street about what she's accomplished and how much it's meant to Kiwis.
Tuivasa-Sheck explains why he's struggled with new positional demands in return to the Warriors
The 2024 NRL season has been hugely challenging for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, in more ways than one. After his rugby union hiatus, Tuivasa-Sheck's return to the club this year brought with it lofty hopes. With the team riding a wave of popularity on the back of its most successful campaign in over a decade, the prospect of injecting a former Dally M medallist back into the fold was a mouth-watering thought for Wahs fans.
Blackcaps great Kane Williamson sets sights on career-first in tantalising Test tour of Australia
Blackcaps great Kane Williamson has hinted the recently confirmed Test tour to Australia in 2026/27 is the kind of irresistible dangling carrot that will ensure he remains in the NZ whites for some time yet. Earlier this week, Cricket Australia confirmed the schedule for four Tests against the Blackcaps in Australia. The series takes place in the primetime Christmas/New Year's window, including the iconic Boxing Day fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"I was winning the fight": Adesanya proud of performance against Du Plessis despite world title defeat at UFC 305
Taking to the post-fight press conference stage in the bowels of Perth's RAC Arena on Sunday, Israel Adesanya was a picture of quiet contentment. Just 30 minutes earlier, Adesanya had been forced to tap to Dricus Du Plessis' vice-tight rear-naked choke, settling their score in emphatic fashion after an explosive build-up to the bout predicated on a game of African one upmanship.
Kara-France makes title statement with first-round finish of local hero Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth
Kiwi flyweight Kai Kara-France has scored one of the most impressive wins of his career with a first-round TKO of local hero Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday. The benefits of a 14-month layoff were clear for Kara-France, who lived up to his 'Don't Blink' by landing a laser overhand right to send Erceg to the canvas in the first round, before swarming with strikes to force the referee to intervene.
Hooker steals show with stunning upset win over Gamrot at UFC 305
Dan Hooker, stand up. A decade since his debut, 'The Hangman' may have saved his best for last, overcoming immense odds to earn a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 35 in Perth on Sunday. The Aucklander stifled Gamrot's highly vaunted grappling game, showcasing his elite takedown defence to ensure the majority of the bout took place on the feet, where his advantage was glaring. "How you like me now?!" Hooker screamed after the decision was announced in his favour.
UFC 305: Adesanya v Du Plessis - All you need to know
What: UFC 305 Where: RAC Arena, Perth When: Main pay-per-view card begins at 2pm (NZ time). Why should you tune in? The UFC returns to Australia for the second time in less than a year, this time with an offering jam-packed at the top of billing with the cream of the NZ fighting crop.
Emotional Adesanya breaks down in tears at fiery UFC 305 pre-fight press conference
After a relatively subdued build up to UFC 305, matters came to a fiery head at an explosive pre-fight press conference at RAC Arena in Perth on Friday. Both Du Plessis and Adesanya had been very even-keeled since touching down in Western Australia, despite the bad blood between them dating back to 'Stillknocks'' claims he's the "true" African in the UFC, rather than the NZ-based, Nigerian-born Adesanya.
"Same animal, different beast": Adesanya aims to issue lethal reminder of world champion pedigree in UFC 305 comeback
One of the common threads for the Kiwi contingent at UFC 305 this weekend is the narrative of returning to the Octagon after an extended hiatus, and you could argue nobody has needed that time away more than Israel Adesanya. After his rapid ascent to champion, 'The Last Stylebender' has been pulled every which way by the demands that come with his exceptional level of fame.
Rested and rejuvenated Hooker ready to rocket up lightweight rankings at UFC 305
There's no need to remind veteran UFC lightweight Dan Hooker that he's now the elder statesman of the Aotearoa MMA scene, he gets it on a regular basis. On any given day at Auckland's City Kickboxing, Hooker admits one of the aspiring younger fighters he shares the mat with will throw a sly verbal jab in the 34-year-old's direction – but his readymade comeback tends to shut down the conversation pretty quickly. "I always fire back," Hooker told SENZ.
UFC 305: Refreshed Kara-France out to crash local hero Erceg's party in Perth
That old chestnut that absence makes the heart grow fonder is as tried and true as a proverb comes, even when that very thing you yearn for – in the case of UFC flyweight Kai Kara-France - may end up leaving you bloody and concussed. After the longest 14 months of his professional career, Kara-France is poised to re-enter the Octagon against Australian Steve Erceg at UFC 305 in Perth on Sunday.
“It's been crazy”: Ko caught up in gold medal whirlwind after iconic Paris victory
Golden Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has barely had time to breathe since her triumph at Paris 2024. No more than 12 hours after sinking her final magnificent birdie putt to clinch gold at Le Golf National, creating one of the enduring images of New Zealand's most successful Olympics, as she stood tearfully atop the dais taking in the anthem, Ko was on a flight north to prepare for the next challenge – the Scottish Open, which tees off on Thursday.
“That moment sucked”: Johnson reveals why he decided to turn down a new deal with his beloved Warriors
Departing veteran Shaun Johnson has revealed the one defining moment that helped cement his decision to step away from the game at the end of the team’s disappointing 2024 campaign. With his contract set to expire and his playing future teetering in the balance, Johnson says he received an offer of a one-year extension to remain at Mt Smart that had “everything he’d asked for”.
"Holy shit": Butcher savours scintillating golden triumph in Paris 2024 upset
A few hours after his career highlight, Finn Butcher was still a significant margin short of having processed his stunning gold medal effort in the inaugural men’s kayak cross final at Paris 2024 on Tuesday morning (NZ time). ‘The Butcher’ lived up to his moniker in the four-man final, exploding out of the gates and making mincemeat of his competition - which included world champion Brit and good mate Joe Clarke - before streaking clear late to claim the event’s inaugural Olympics gold.
Voss calls for Warriors players to take accountability for inexplicable 2024 bust
Let go of those faint glimmers of hope, Warriors fans. The team's NRL Finals chances are dead and buried, and deservedly so. That's the opinion of veteran rugby league broadcaster Andrew Voss, who is as perplexed as the Warriors faithful, who are wondering how the team's train has derailed so spectacularly after last season's resurgence.
“You got me going”: Tearful Walsh squashes retirement talk after Paris heartbreak
Just over 24 hours after Tom Walsh's heartbreaking injury-enforced exit from the shot put circle at Paris 2024, it was clear the pain was still raw. Perhaps the fact that he was "a few beers deep" with some of his teammates - one of the final stages of his grieving process - contributed to the well of emotions triggered when discussing the unwavering support provided by his family, both over the past few years and in the immediate aftermath of his abbreviated outing at the Stade de France.
Warriors refuse to let go of NRL Finals' hopes despite brutal defeat to lowly Eels
The footsteps of the NZ Warriors faithful spoke volumes on Friday night, streaming their way forlornly to the exits with 15 minutes left on the clock, carrying their beloved team's NRL Finals hopes out the door with them. In a season littered with inexplicable losses, this one was among the worst - a 30-20 defeat to the lowly Eels, who were mired second bottom of the table and entered the match on a six-game losing streak without their best player, injured half Mitchell Moses.
How Shaun Johnson's return improves the Warriors in their quest for NRL Finals
Talismanic halfback Shaun Johnson will make a timely return for the One NZ Warriors on Friday, when they try to keep their teetering NRL Finals hopes afloat in another must-win contest with the Parramatta Eels. Johnson has missed the team's last four matches with an injury, which has allowed Te Maire Martin a string of starts in the No. 7 jersey.
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