The undying hope of the Taniwha: a memoir of Northland rugby
To the sound of country music, long suffering Northland rugby fan Scotty Stevenson fears a winning season could be inevitably lost.
Scotty Stevenson
Scotty Stevenson is a senior sports writer for The Spinoff, and a commentator and columnist.
The only All Black who remembers losing to the Springboks in New Zealand
There will be motivation aplenty for both teams tomorrow when the All Blacks face the Springboks at Albany, but the most motivated of all might be the only guy in the All Blacks team who remembers what it is like to lose to South Africa in New Zealand.
No fuss, no drama: Luke Romano is the All Blacks’ quiet achiever in a noisy age
The All Blacks have chosen to share the love in the selection this weekend – that’s good news for one man who continues to graft away in the background, and would be just as happy hunting pigs in the Canterbury high country, writes Scotty Stevenson.
The Battle of the Bridge is a provincial rugby rivalry worth reviving
It should be New Zealand provincial rugby’s greatest rivalry, but the Battle of the Bridge barely rates a mention on the list of great contests. Is 2017 the year to change all that? Scotty Stevenson certainly hopes so.
From Feilding High School to the Rugby World Cup final
At least one person will have a bob each way when the Black Ferns take on England in the final of the women's World Cup on Sunday morning, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Relationship goals: What the All Blacks and Wallabies could learn from Justin Marshall and George Gregan
New Zealand and Australia have always enjoyed a well, special, sporting relationship. But if this week has proved anything it is that the Wallabies and the All Blacks barely have a relationship at all any more, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Scotty Stevenson: The rise and rise of David Havili
The All Blacks have lost Jordie Barrett to injury, so they have simply called up another kid with a bottomless bag of tricks – the Crusaders’ David Havili. Here's how he got there.
Scotty Stevenson: The Crusaders won’t fear the Ellis Park factor
Home advantage is a very real thing in the history of Super Rugby finals, but the Crusaders don’t mind a road trip, and won’t be worried about being away from home this weekend.
Old hands vs new philosophers: The Super Rugby semifinals coaching battles
It’s only fair that most of the focus ahead of this weekend’s Super Rugby semi-finals will be on the players but, as Scotty Stevenson writes, both crucial clashes will also be defined by a battle between the old and new schools of professional coaches.
Secondary school rugby players to be tested for drugs
For the first time in NZ school sports history, players at this year's National 1st XV top 4 semi-finals will be subject to anti-doping testing, reports Scotty Stevenson.
