Bond Banter (Short Passes) 1 March

The Hurricanes celebrate the second of hooker Asafo Aumua's two tries on Saturday in their season opening loss to the Blues. PHOTO: Mike Lewis Pictures. Bond Banter, also known as Short Passes, is our ‘early in the week’ news in briefs, tidbits, observations and anecdotes, statistics and an overall look at

Matakesi goes back-to-back at Shannon

Composite side Matakesi retained their Shannon 7s crown at a sun-drenched Shannon Domain on Saturday. Matakesi went through the day unbeaten with four straight wins before the final in which they beat Manawatu’s College Old Boys 31-5 in the Cup decider. Matakesi won the final five tries to one, after leading 19-5

Aisle be Back: Hurricanes set for 350th match

Above: Devan Flanders starts at No. 8 for the Hurricanes against the Blues in Wellington on Saturday night. By Kevin McCarthy The cricket season seems to run later and later every year.  Really crowds in on the start of the rugby. We’ll call it Spring for the hell of it, and I