It has been a big week for sports news. Here is a selection of the biggest, best and most amazing stories from New Zealand and around the world.
Jonah Lomu dies
There was no bigger story in New Zealand on Wednesday than the death of Jonah Lomu. The legendary All Black winger, who dominated two Rugby World Cups, died aged 40 at his home in Auckland.
Regarded as one of the most influential rugby players of all time, his death sparked a stream of tributes from around New Zealand and the world.
Richie McCaw retires
His retirement was inevitable, but Richie McCaw's announcement happened fairly quietly while everyone was still coming to terms with the loss of Lomu. McCaw ends a 15-year career with the All Blacks which has seen many claim him to be rugby's greatest ever player.
Across 148 games, not only did he rarely have a bad game, he hardly ever did not have a good one. For so long he was so important to the All Blacks, as his ability to adapt his game over time allowed him to continue to shine when others fell away. He now plans to qualify as a commercial helicopter pilot.
Ross Taylor's brilliance
It was going to take something special for New Zealand to get back into the second test against Australia. And that is what they got. Kane Williamson dominated talk for the early part of the New Zealand innings, notching a sublime 166, but Ross Taylor soon stole the headlines with his 290.
The score was the third highest by a New Zealander in a test match, the highest by a visitor to Australia against Australia and the second highest against Australia at all grounds. The match petered out to a draw, but it will remain memorable for Taylor's innings.
Athletics championships
The Otago primary schools athletics championships were held on Friday, with about 900 pupils from around the region competing. These championships give a range of athletically gifted students a chance to compete against others, even if they do not do the sport competitively, making it a great event.
Having been running since the 1930s, many Otago children from multiple generations have participated in the champoinships and as it remains a popular event.
Warriors stay perfect
The Golden State Warriors have cemented themselves as favourites to win a second-consecutive NBA championship after starting with a 14-match winning streak. Last season's MVP Stephen Curry leads the way with 33.6 points per game, the best in the league, with his multi-dimensional game making him at times seem unguardable. He is surrounded by a very handy supporting cast on a roster that has excellent depth. You would not bet against them remaining unbeaten this week either, as they look to break the league's all time record for most wins to start the season, which is currently 15.
Ronda Rousey is beaten
Ronda Rousey had plenty to live up to when she took on Holly Holm in their UFC fight, the hype she was receiving was almost unprecedented. Often it is better to wait until after an event before making big statements and throwing around superlatives. That was the case here, as Holm knocked out Rousey with a kick in the second round.
The result sparked a reaction questioning whether Rousey was that good in the first place and questioned the quality of her past opponents. It is funny how opinions can change so quickly in sports.
Poster!
Rudy Gobert is known as one of the best rim-protectors in the NBA, currently coming second in the league for blocks per game. Apparently no one told Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan that though, as he soared straight into Gobert and slammed the ball through the hoop for the dunk of the season so far.
