Celebrating over 20 years in print, Inside Sport is Australia's most highly awarded sporting publication, including the recipient of the prestigious Walkley Award for sport journalism. But that's not why sports fans love it. Inside Sport consistently tackles modern sporting issues and publishes awe-inspiring sports photography, every month. THAT'S why sports fans love it.
EDITOR'S LETTER
The Drought Is Over • A PAINFUL 722-DAY SUPER RUGBY LOSING STRETCH FOR AUSTRALIAN TEAMS AGAINST NEW ZEALAND-BASED OUTFITS ENDS WITH A RELIEVING 41-12 WIN BY THE NEW SOUTH WALES WARATAHS OVER THE HIGHLANDERS.
20 things you might’ve missed
Freeze Frame
Game over, but the buzz lives on
As Super finals approach, a conference call
For next gen, tennis a little too timeless
World Lacrosse Championship
Most of Origin • WHAT REALLY COUNTS IS PASSION AND PRIDE IN THE JERSEY. IN ANY CASE, WE PRESENT THE ORIGIN STORY SO FAR: BY THE NUMBERS.
Tangled in video tape • ARE THE VIDEO-REVIEW-INSPIRED “BUNKER” SYSTEMS USED BY OUR FOOTY CODES HELPING THINGS AS FAR AS GETTING DECISIONS RIGHT, OR ARE THEY ONLY ADDING TO THE UNCERTAINTY?
4 things you must not miss
Presenting the winners
HOT SHOT
PUNTER’S CHANCE
Mark Schwarzer
WHEN THE WORLD COMES TO PLAY • The shape of global football has changed over time, yet the World Cup has remained defiantly the prize of a select handful of nations. As star players from across the world assemble in Russia next month, we’ll be reminded why it is so hard to win – and how it remains the grandest sporting prize on the planet.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS • The big nations may rule on football’s biggest stage, but world-class talent comes from all over the map. Here are 11 standout figures from countries that haven’t won the World Cup.
Who won’t be at the World Cup • NOT EVERYBODY GETS TO GO TO RUSSIA. HERE ARE A FEW NOTABLE ABSENTEES.
JACKSON IRVINE • IN ONLY 17 GAMES, THE STALWART FOR HULL IN ENGLAND’S CHAMPIONSHIP HAS PROVEN HIS WORTH TO THE SOCCEROOS WITH HIS VERSATILITY AS A DEFENSIVE LINCHPIN OR ATTACKING THREAT IN THE MIDFIELD. AFTER MISSING OUT ON THE 2014 BRAZIL WORLD CUP, EXPECT THE 25-YEAR-OLD TO MAKE HIS MARK IN RUSSIA.
TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE? • The World Cup arrives at an interesting moment for the host nation, the latest set of headlines to follow in the news stream of Ukraine, election-hacking, Syria and Skripal. Is the tournament another part of Putin’s Machiavellian master plan? Or do Russians – some of whom still remember the Soviet Union’s glory days on the football pitch – just really love the world game?
5 OF THE BEST
IS THE AFL DOING ITS JOB? • We met Belter Brogan in 2012 when he delivered the Inaugural Mad Dog Muir Oration on the State of the Game. The tribunal legend remains a consulting ideas man for the AFL, despite restraining orders. The Sanatorium for the Confounded has since become a high-security twilight home, but Belter was able to deliver his second oration from the Sportsman’s Wing on his special heavily padded, rivet-secured computer via skype.
FLASHING THE GREEN • One year on from his remarkable sprinter’s jersey triumph at the Tour de France, Michael Matthews is returning to the iconic race for another attempt at Grand Tour glory. From a rebellious Canberra teen to one of the best cyclists in the world, it has been quite a ride for the 27-year-old.
DECISIVE POINTS
ON THE HOME FRONT
Kalyn Ponga
“I WON THE TOURNAMENT IN ’61 AND ’62, AND GOT A 10›POUND VOUCHER AND A FIRM HANDSHAKE. SO, I MEAN, WE’VE COME A LONG WAY.” ›ROD LAVER • Fifty years ago, the All England opened its gates and let every player into the venerable Championships for the first time. It heralded the arrival...
