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RNZ News
an hour ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
NPC Rugby: Where will the Ranfurly reside this summer?
The iconic log o' wood is perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Photo: Photosport Taranaki vs Northland 7.05pm Saturday, 2 August New Plymouth Live blog updates on RNZ It's provincial footy season and while there will be the usual questions of who the breakout stars will be and what former All Blacks can restake their claim, the prevailing interest will inevitably fall on a certain slab of English Oak and sterling silver. The iconic log o' wood Perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Introduced in 1904, the shield has sat centre stage for some of the greatest matches played on this country's fields. While fanfare surrounding Super Rugby has dwindled badly in the last decade, and the glory days of the NPC are long dead, the passion, pride and parochialism the shield evokes ensures that from Kaitaia to Bluff, the game's heart still beats. The holders The Taranaki Bulls brought an end to Tasman's historic inaugural Shield run in Nelson on 6 October, breaking Mako hearts with a 42-29 victory, They have since defended it twice against heartland opposition, 78-7 over King Country, and 97-0 over Thames Valley. Taranaki will have o see off five more challenges in 2025 in order to lock the shield away for Summer. It's a tough road to securing the shield for the Naki, but not beyond the realms. Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay will no doubt present formidable challenges in New Plymouth. The scenarios Okay, so let's assume no side will defend the shield this season, and it changes hands at every opportunity, where does it end up? All right, so that's a bit extreme, so let's look at a more likely potential outcome. If Taranaki beat Northland but lost to Waikato in round four, the Mooloos would have a relatively comfortable first defence against Southland and then a slightly tougher assignment against North Harbour before a final round defence against Northland. Waikato will end 2025 with three successful defences with the shield to reside in Hamilton . My pick Taranaki will see off Northland, and Waikato, but their reign will be ended at the hands of Bay of Plenty. The Steamers will hold it for less than a week though, with Hawke's Bay spoiling the party in Tauranga. The Magpies will prevail in the battle of the bays and would then need just one defence in order to lock away the shield post season, against Auckland, which they will do in dramatic fashion at McLean Park with a try on the siren. RNZ's predicted summer home for the Ranfurly Shield - Napier. Your side's road to Ranfurly glory: Taranaki - Reigns - 8; most recent - 2024. Holders - Five defences vs Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Wellington. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Canterbury defend against Tasman in week seven and Otago in week eight, Taranaki challenge Canterbury in week ten. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, Otago defend against Northland, Taranaki challenge Otago in week seven. Northland - Reigns - 4; most recent - 1978. Challenge - Taranaki in week one. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland and North Harbour, Northland challenge Waikato in week 10. Third chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland in week five, North Harbour beat Waikato in week seven, Northland challenge North Harbour in week eight. Waikato - Reigns - 13; most recent - 2018. Challenge - Taranaki in week four Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week five and Hawke's Bay in week seven, Waikato challenge Bay of Plenty in week nine. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Manawatu beat Wellington in week four, Waikato challenge Manawatu in week six. Bay of Plenty - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2004. Challenge - Taranaki in week six Second chance - Wellington beat Taranaki in week nine, Bay of Plenty challenge Wellington in week 10 Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, lose to Tasman in week three, Tasman defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu beat Auckland in week seven, Bay of Plenty challenge Manawatu in week eight. Hawke's Bay - Reigns - 7; most recent - 2024. Challenge - Taranaki in week eight Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay challenge Bay of Plenty in week seven. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland and Tasman, Hawke's Bay challenge Northland in week five. Wellington - Reigns- 11; most recent - 2022. Challenge - Taranaki in week nine Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Wellington challenge Manawatu in week four. Third chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman and Hawke's Bay, Wellington challenge Northland in week seven. North Harbour - Reigns- 1; most recent - 2006. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland, North Harbour challenge Waikato in week seven. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, defend against Northland and Taranaki, North Harbour challenge Otago in week nine. Auckland - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2007. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Second chance - Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay beat Bay of Plenty in week seven, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine. Counties Manukau - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2013. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland and Waikato, Counties Manukau challenge Tasman in week ten. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, defend against Manawatu and Canterbury, Counties Manukau challenge Southland in week seven. Manawatu - Reigns - 1; most recent- 1976. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu challenge Southland in week three. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in round one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu challenge Auckland in week seven. Tasman - Reigns- 1; most recent- 2024. Best chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman challenge Northland in week three. Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Tasman challenge Canterbury in week seven. Canterbury - Reigns- 16; most recent- 2019. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury challenge Southland in week six. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, Canterbury challenge Northland in week nine. Otago - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2020. Best chance - Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland beat Hawke's Bay in week nine, Otago challenge Auckland in week 10. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago challenge Tasman week five. Southland - Reigns- 7; most recent- 2011. Best chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland challenge Waikato in week five. Second chance - Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland challenge Northland in week two. Taranaki squad Scott Barrett**, Beauden Barrett**, Jordie Barrett**, Kaylum Boshier, Logan Crowley, Hemopo Cunningham, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Hansen*, Josh Jacomb, Josh Lord, Perry Lawrence, Adam Lennox, Michael Loft, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Mitch O'Neill, Reuben O'Neill, Jesse Parete, JJ Pokai, Arese Poliko, Jared Proffit, Taniela Rakuro*, Daniel Rona, Willem Ratu, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Leone Nawai, Obey Samate, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Setu, Bradley Slater, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Tupou Vaa'i**, Sage Walters-Hansen*, Keightley Watson*. *yet to debut **All Black The challengers Northland Week one Saturday, 2 August 7.10pm Waikato Week four Saturday, 23 August 2.05pm Bay of Plenty Week six Sunday, 7 September 2.05pm Hawke's Bay Week eight Friday, 19 September 7.10pm Wellington Week nine Saturday, 27 September 2.05pm Catch live blog updates of every 2025 Ranfurly Shield match on RNZ Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020 Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He has a cracking record at the track' – Templegate's GIANT 20-1 NAP on day one of Glorious Goodwood
TEMPLEGATE tackles day one of Glorious Goodwood confident of giving the bookies a pasting with his top tips. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and check out this Advertisement DREAM COMPOSER (3.45 Goodwood, nap) Has a cracking record on the Sussex Downs with two wins and a host of excellent placed efforts on this tricky track. James Evans' flyer has dropped back to his last winning mark and showed plenty of heart when second in a tight finish at Pontefract last time. The ground was tacky in Yorkshire that day but he handles quicker conditions too. So this trip is ideal, he likes the track and is on a fair mark. The bookies are taking a chance by chalking him up around the 20-1 mark and he can go close under his capable 5lb claimer. DORSET (1.55 Goodwood, nb) This selection should be right at home on the south coast of England! The Aidan O'Brien hope is bred to be classy and looked full of promise when scooting in at The Curragh last month. He is proven over this trip and has much more to come. Advertisement FRENCH MASTER (3.05 Goodwood, treble) He was impressive when winning a Royal Ascot handicap and this longer trip should bring even more improvement. He can go close for the Gosdens who love this race. Templegate's TV verdicts 1.20 Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Exclusive Sponsored GREY CUBAN clocked a massive personal best when scooting in at Chester last week and looks a fair price to go close again. The booking of Oisin Murphy takes the eye and he is best over this trip on fast or sticky ground. Five of the past six runnings of this have been won by a double-figure draw and even a 7lb rise in the weights doesn't dampen confidence. Jolly Jack Tar is improving with every run and looks the main danger. Advertisement This is his turf debut for the Gosdens but he had plenty in hand when scoring at Chelmsford last time. He's up 9lb for that but stays and can progress again. Castle Cove is another coming here from a Chester win that was all the better as it came from stall 13. He's on the upgrade for William Haggas. English Oak ran well at Hamilton last time and will go close if seeing out this longer trip while improver Defiance lurks on a fair mark. Advertisement 1.55 DORSET looked the latest future star off the Ballydoyle production line when stepping up from his debut to win impressively at The Curragh. As you'd expect he's from a high-class family and likes this trip. He should take another big step forward under Ryan Moore. Advertisement Wathnan Racing snapped up Humidity just before his all-the-way win in the Chesham at Royal Ascot and he's another with plenty more to come. He looks the main threat. Zavateri clocked a good time when winning the July Stakes over 6f at Newmarket. He came from off a strong pace there and should enjoy going up in trip. He has a 3lb penalty but Eve Johnson Houghton continues in excellent form. Advertisement Do Or Do Not came home with a real rattle for second in that race and will also appreciate this trip. Andab needs more after his Coventry Stakes fourth while Laureate Crown was impressive on his Ascot debut and could nick a place at decent odds. 2.30 NOBLE CHAMPION was impressive when winning the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. Advertisement Being gelded over the winter has clearly worked wonders as he looked a different horse and clocked a decent time despite drifting across the track late on. He's proven over the trip and is open to plenty of improvement. Kinross still looks the main danger at the age of eight. He's won this twice and has been placed on his two other attempts. Advertisement He was just behind Ten Bob Tony – who has an each-way shout here – at Haydock last time but is better off at the weights today and will have needed that comeback. His liking for the track is a major plus. Last year's winner Audience has been struggling but he's back from a little break and returning here may rekindle his flame. Quinault got the job done well at York last month at Group 3 level and looks a big price to make the frame over an ideal trip. Advertisement Jonquil was a head second in the French Guineas before finding the drop to 6f too much last time. This in-between distance could be just right. Lake Forest has some decent form over this trip and is better than we saw at York last time out. 3.05 Advertisement FRENCH MASTER put himself right in the picture for the Goodwood Cup when running away with the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot last time. He won that competitive contest over 1m6f like a top-quality Cup horse in the making. He travelled nicely off the pace and had to come very wide around the home turn before picking up quickly along the short Ascot straight to score going away. He clearly has more on his plate here but that built on another promising victory over the same trip around here in May. Advertisement That shows his liking for the track and moving up to two miles can unlock more improvement too. There's no doubt he needs a step forward but at this early stage of his career that's highly likely. Illinois sets the standard after his second in the Ascot Gold Cup last time to the gutsy Trawlerman. That was his first crack over two miles or more and he saw it out well enough, still finishing ahead of some useful marathon runners. Advertisement He kicked off the season winning the Ormonde at Chester so he comes here without too many miles on the clock. The doubt about him has to be the track although handling the Roodee bodes well for taking to Goodwood and he has been a little uneasy in the market this week. That's largely because of a move for Aidan O'Brien stablemate Scandinavia who took the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last time without breaking sweat. He was beaten just a length in the Queen's Vase before that and is another who looks suited to this trip. Advertisement He's the Ballydoyle second string but still sets a pretty decent standard. Sweet William fans will hope eight line up as he has solid each-way claims at a track that really suits him. He won a big handicap here in 2023 and was second in this race to Kyprios 12 months ago and none of today's rivals are up to that standard. He can be relied on to give his running and a podium finish is highly likely. Advertisement Sunway is interesting going back over a long trip after a fair run in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot but needs more. Military Academy came up short at Listed level here last time and is likely to find this a bit too much. Trueshan isn't the horse he was and wants it much softer, while Dubai Future was a good if distant third in the Ascot Gold Cup last time and is getting on at the age of nine. 3.45 Advertisement DREAM COMPOSER has a cracking record at Goodwood and looks a big price in a wide-open race. He's dropped to his last winning mark and went close at Pontefract last time. A repeat of that gives him a solid chance. Redorange was beaten just half a length in hot company at Ascot last time despite having the worst of the draw. Advertisement That was after an excellent third at the Royal meeting and he's a threat. Adrestia finished two places ahead of him in that race and ran well in a Sandown Group 3 last time so is respected. Shagraan often runs well here and is another coming off a good spin in Group company. Regal Envoy won nicely twice at Windsor before misfiring at York and could bounce back under William Buick. Advertisement Miss Attitude went close in a York Listed contest last time. Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Advertisement
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Outrage over ancient Enfield oak tree 'illegally cut down' as police investigate
An ancient oak compared to "Sycamore Gap" has been cut down in Enfield. The incident is being investigated as criminal damage and has been reported to the police by the council. The felling of the tree, which took place in Whitewebbs Wood on Thursday, April 3, has left the local community outraged. A "beloved" part of the local flora, the ancient oak is said to have had a circumference of six-point-one metres and to be one of only 60 similarly-sized ancient English Oak trees in London. A petition started by Guardians of Whitewebbs alleges that the tree was cut down by "unidentified contractors". The group has compared the loss to the felling of the Sycamore Gap, in Northumberland, which saw an ancient oak along Hadrian's Wall cut down in September 2023. READ MORE: Met Police officer said rape victim 'just got raw dogged in a park by two blokes and regrets it' READ MORE: 'I may be forced to leave London for Scotland to get life-saving cancer drug on the NHS' Guardians of Whitewebbs have said they want the incident to be fully investigated and for the rest of the trees in the park to be protected. It has urged the council to also look into the wider context of the development of the park. The group said: "We are asking for justice and the implementation of measures to prevent similar losses. With this letter, we are demanding that the council fully investigate this tragic incident. We are also urgently requesting the protection of the rest of the park's trees, which includes other ancient and veteran trees. "We call upon the council to agree to commission an independent investigation into what happened to lead to this incident. This is an appropriate reaction to the loss of a nationally important tree. "As the oak was on council parkland, the private contractors would have needed permission for the works from the council officer. They do not appear to have obtained this. The value of the oak was extremely high and the work has left little chance of regrowth. We welcome the referral of this case by the council to the Metropolitan Police. It may be a case of criminal damage amounting to a value exceeding £5,000 - a serious crime whose maximum sentence is 10 years in prison. The tree's value could be more than £620,000. "We call upon the council to agree to commission an independent investigation into what happened to lead to this incident. This is an appropriate reaction to the loss of a nationally important tree. "While it is too late for the Whitewebbs Oak, other trees nearby can be protected from future interference and felling. We are calling on the Council to perform an expedited survey of all trees in Whitewebbs Park and Wood with the object of making individual and group Tree Preservation Orders for all suitable candidates." Enfield Council has said that it was not informed about the felling of the Whitewebbs Oak which occurred on April 3. It has also confirmed that it will be treating the incident as one of criminal damage, which has been reported to the police. A legal protection order has now also been placed on the tree and it is looking for ways to help it grown back. Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said: "Enfield Council cares deeply about protecting trees and green spaces in the borough. "We were recently made aware of the felling of an ancient oak tree in Whitewebbs Wood, which occurred on 3 April. The Council was not informed of this incident until last week. Our teams immediately carried out a full site inspection to assess the damage after receiving reports of the damage done to the tree. "We are treating the matter as criminal damage and have reported it to the police. We have now placed a legal protection (Tree Preservation Order) on the tree and are looking at ways to help it grow back. "We will work closely with the police as they continue their investigation into this matter." Got a story? Please get in touch at Stay in the loop with the latest North London news. Sign up to our MyNorthLondon newsletter HERE for daily updates and more.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spiro Unveils India's Most Affordable Luxury Ceilings - Timeless Wood Look, Zero Maintenance!
PUNE, India, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spiro, a revolutionary ceiling solution, proudly announces its official launch in India. Founded by Mr. Vineet Agarwal, a techie from a family with over three decades of expertise in the interior industry. Spiro was born from the growing demand for innovative ceiling solutions that merge timeless aesthetics with modern-day practicality. With a vision to make affordable luxury more accessible to Indian consumers, Spiro offers high-quality, ceiling solutions at a very competitive pricing backed by a 10-year product replacement warranty. A New Era of Ceiling Solutions After focused research, Spiro has brought the most advanced PVC ceilings to the Indian market. All of their products are tailored for residential as well as commercial spaces, ensuring maximum durability while also being waterproof, termite-resistant, fire-resistant, and weatherproof. Spiro's sophisticated panels add elegance to any space, whether it is an office, a home, or even a patio. A Perfect Blend of Art and Innovation "At Spiro, we envision ceilings not just as structural elements but as canvases for timeless elegance," said Mr. Vineet Agarwal. "By optimizing our business and leveraging our family's legacy in wooden products, we aim to provide high-quality, luxurious solutions that redefine affordability. With Spiro panels, Indian customers can now enjoy the beauty of natural wood without the associated maintenance hassles." Spiro's wood-effect panels replicate the timeless beauty of the wood while eliminating the challenges of regular maintenance, warping, and fading in adverse weather conditions, completely customizable for indoor or outdoor spaces. These panels are easy to install, require zero maintenance, and come with an impressive 10-year warranty—a testament to their quality and durability. Transforming Spaces Across India Spiro's launch in India caters to the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing interior solutions. The brand's offerings include: Versatile Design: Spiro panels come in a variety of colors and finishes, including White, Graphite, Oakwood Ocre, English Oak , Versatile Oak, Walnut, and Royal Oak,. Making an ideal solution for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications. Eco-Friendly Innovation: These panels are reusable, formaldehyde-free, and designed to promote energy efficiency. All-Weather Durability: Whether it's a humid coastal area or a dry desert climate, Spiro panels withstand all weather conditions without compromising on aesthetics or performance. Flexible Applications: Ideal for ceilings in bedrooms, bathrooms, balconies, lobbies, and even outdoor spaces like terraces and patios, these panels redefine versatility. Empowering Indian Customers Spiro's customer-centric approach is a cornerstone of its success. The company offers personalized consultations to help clients bring their unique visions to life. With a focus on providing practical and hassle-free solutions, Spiro ensures that every ceiling is a reflection of its owner's taste and lifestyle. "Our goal is to empower Indian customers with products that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and sustainable," said Mr. Vineet Agarwal. "We believe that every space tells a story, and with Spiro, we aim to make those stories extraordinary." Why Choose Spiro? What sets Spiro apart from traditional ceiling solutions is its unmatched combination of features: Zero Maintenance: Unlike natural wood, Spiro panels require no special treatments to retain their beauty. Quick and Easy Installation: The innovative click system ensures hassle-free setup, saving both time and labor costs. Termite-Proof and Fire-Retardant: Spiro panels are engineered for safety, making them ideal for Indian homes and businesses. Cost-Effective: Offering the aesthetics of natural wood at a fraction of the cost, Spiro is the perfect choice for budget-conscious customers. Seamless Lighting Integration: Lighting plays a vital role in today's interiors. Spiro panels give architects the freedom to integrate a wide range of lighting solutions to illuminate thier space. It can also accommodate a large number of light fittings. Perfect for Curved & Unconventional Surfaces: Unusual surfaces like curved areas and arches in your ceiling can be easily finished by these panels Smart & Concealed Utility Solutions: You can hide geyzers and other similar equipment in these ceilings, giving your bathrooms and other areas a seamless Finish. You can also make trap doors in these panels for easy maintenance access. Supporting India's Vision for Sustainable Growth Spiro's launch aligns with India's growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly building materials. By offering reusable and energy-efficient products, Spiro is contributing to a greener future while meeting the highest standards of quality and design. Experience the Spiro Difference Spiro invites architects, interior designers, and homeowners across India to experience its innovative ceiling solutions. With authorized resellers and a dedicated support team, Spiro is ready to redefine Indian interiors. For inquiries and more information, please contact: Email: info@ Phone: +91 9975579013Website: About Spiro Founded by Mr. Vineet Agarwal, Spiro is an Indian homegrown brand committed to revolutionizing interior design. Leveraging decades of expertise in wooden products, the company aims to provide high-quality, affordable ceiling solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Indian customers. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Spiro continues to push the boundaries of design and technology. Photo: View original content to download multimedia:
