Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME. He is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism.
At the age of 12, I penned my first sports piece in 1959 for the Waihi College school magazine—a report on the final test of that year’s series with the Lions. In the early hours, my father and I caught a bus from Waihi, queued up outside Eden Park, and stood on the muddy Dominion Rd end terraces as the Lions secured the victory with a score of 9-6. Reflecting on that day, it's still incredible to me that my journey, beginning in 1965 as a cadet at the Herald, allowed me to make a living based on watching sport all over the world and connecting with great athletes. From meeting legends like Sir Edmund Hillary, Dame Valerie Adams, Stirling Moss, and Richie McCaw, to attending events ranging from the Olympics to the Rugby World Cup and Commonwealth Games, I've been able to claim it as work. Yet through it all, one thing has remained a constant. In the minutes before a big rugby game, I still feel the frisson of anticipation that country kid did at Eden Park in ’59.
![Phil Gifford: The impossible dream rule change for rugby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The impossible dream rule change for rugby
OPINION: Dealing with England’s suffocating rush defence will again be a factor.
![Phil Gifford: The Robertson experiments that worked in first test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The Robertson experiments that worked in first test
OPINION: Two players delivered after keeping a 123-test All Black on the bench.
![Phil Gifford: Why Razor's first big call leaves him a safety net](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Why Razor's first big call leaves him a safety net
OPINION: Scott Robertson has a safe pair of hands to assist the All Blacks late on.
![Phil Gifford's best All Blacks XV since rugby went professional](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford's best All Blacks XV since rugby went professional
These are the greatest All Blacks of the professional era, from the rugby field to fame.
![Phil Gifford: Key switch gives England flexibility against All Blacks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Key switch gives England flexibility against All Blacks
OPINION: The steely answer to the move will need to come from the All Blacks' forwards.
![Phil Gifford: Four things to ponder in first All Blacks squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Four things to ponder in first All Blacks squad
OPINION: Time to reflect on Scott Robertson's choices for 2024.
![Phil Gifford: Four attributes Robertson shares with successful ABs coaches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Four attributes Robertson shares with successful ABs coaches
OPINION: Sky's series has shown there's a lot more depth to the All Blacks coach.
![Phil Gifford's Super Rugby season-ending awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford's Super Rugby season-ending awards
OPINION: After the Blues' triumph, it's time to hand out some awards – and a brickbat.
![Icons in Black: The best locks and front-rowers of the pro era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Icons in Black: The best locks and front-rowers of the pro era
These are the greatest All Blacks of the professional era, from the rugby field to fame.
![Icons in Black: The best halfbacks and loose forwards since '96](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Icons in Black: The best halfbacks and loose forwards since '96
These are the greatest All Blacks of the professional era.
![Icons in Black: The best midfielders and first fives of the pro era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Icons in Black: The best midfielders and first fives of the pro era
These are the greatest All Blacks of the professional era, from the rugby field to fame.
![Icons in Black: The best fullbacks and wingers of the professional era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Icons in Black: The best fullbacks and wingers of the professional era
These are the greatest All Blacks of the professional era, from the rugby field to fame.
![Phil Gifford: The huge challenge for Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The huge challenge for Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific final
OPINION: There are a host of individual match-ups to add to the drama in Saturday’s final.
![Phil Gifford: The vital areas ahead of Razor's first All Blacks test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The vital areas ahead of Razor's first All Blacks test
OPINION: Five things to watch ahead of the first All Blacks test under Scott Robertson.
![Phil Gifford: The ABs No 10 is 'a lock'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The ABs No 10 is 'a lock'
ANALYSIS: The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are heating up as the semis approach.
![Phil Gifford: Four vital keys for Razor when picking first All Blacks squad](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Four vital keys for Razor when picking first All Blacks squad
The squad of 32 is for the first three tests of the 2024 rugby season.
![Phil Gifford: Crusaders should stick with embattled coach Rob Penney](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Crusaders should stick with embattled coach Rob Penney
OPINION: As bad as this season was, there are two reasons Penney deserves another chance.
![Phil Gifford on rugby's governance shake-up: What went wrong?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford on rugby's governance shake-up: What went wrong?
The future of rugby in New Zealand and governance turmoil explained.
![Phil Gifford: Does defeat damage the Blues?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Does defeat damage the Blues?
OPINION: The Crusaders once again showed the Blues that winning in Christchurch is tough.
![Phil Gifford: Title is Blues' to lose](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Title is Blues' to lose
OPINION: Phil Gifford breaks down what we saw over Super Rugby Pacific's latest round.
![Sid Going 1943-2024: ‘Super Sid’ was a nickname that defined the man, writes Phil Gifford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sid Going 1943-2024: ‘Super Sid’ was a nickname that defined the man, writes Phil Gifford
'One of the most exciting footballers to ever play the game.'
![Phil Gifford: Eden Park thriller preview of final](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Eden Park thriller preview of final
OPINION: For a dying competition, Super Rugby Pacific had a massive weekend.
![Super Rugby talking points: Stars surely aligning for Kiwi franchise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby talking points: Stars surely aligning for Kiwi franchise
OPINION: Phil Gifford breaks down what we saw over Super Rugby Pacific's latest round.
![Super Rugby talking points: All Black's tackle stirs controversy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby talking points: All Black's tackle stirs controversy
OPINION: Phil Gifford breaks down what we saw over Super Rugby Pacific's Anzac round.
![Phil Gifford: Two title favourites on course for collision](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Two title favourites on course for collision
OPINION: Kiwi teams heading in opposite directions are among the main talking points.
![Super Rugby talking points: Hurricanes are the real deal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby talking points: Hurricanes are the real deal
Even without Cam Roigard, the Wellington side look a class above.
![Phil Gifford: Rugby's biggest balls-ups of last century](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Rugby's biggest balls-ups of last century
The highs and lows: A look back at NZ rugby's defining moments.
![Super Rugby talking points: The All Black playing like a great](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby talking points: The All Black playing like a great
It seems there are two Chiefs teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
![Ranking NZ Rugby’s biggest balls-ups of the 21st century - Phil Gifford](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ranking NZ Rugby’s biggest balls-ups of the 21st century - Phil Gifford
OPINION: There's no shortage of red faces with the national union over the last 24 years.
![Phil Gifford: Hurricanes triumph followed by calamity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Hurricanes triumph followed by calamity
Phil Gifford runs through the talking points from the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific.
![Phil Gifford: New Zealand rugby's troubles run deeper than TV or Silver Lake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: New Zealand rugby's troubles run deeper than TV or Silver Lake
OPINION: Rugby's battle for hearts and minds has been raging for at least two decades.
![Obituary: Phil Recordon - Lawyer who helped stop All Blacks touring South Africa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Obituary: Phil Recordon - Lawyer who helped stop All Blacks touring South Africa
As much as Recordon played down his and Paddy Finnigan's role, they changed history.
![Opinion: 'Tedious' and 'exciting' - Super Rugby talking points](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: 'Tedious' and 'exciting' - Super Rugby talking points
OPINION: The highs and lows of another Super Rugby Pacific round.
![Wanted: Some astute men and women running the ship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wanted: Some astute men and women running the ship
OPINION: Changes to rugby's rules could boost the sport globally.
![From composure to chaos: Drama unfolding in Super Rugby Pacific](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From composure to chaos: Drama unfolding in Super Rugby Pacific
Phil Gifford runs through talking points after the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific.
![Phil Gifford: When the form charts blow to bits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: When the form charts blow to bits
Super Rugby talking points: Hurricanes build momentum, can Crusaders make comeback?
![Phil Gifford: Talking points after wild Super Round](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Talking points after wild Super Round
OPINION: The talking points after the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific.
![Gifford: Melbourne's Super Round is a super-mad idea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Gifford: Melbourne's Super Round is a super-mad idea
OPINION: There’s something weird and sad about this weekend's Super Rugby round.
![Phil Gifford: The key talking points after Super Rugby's opening round](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The key talking points after Super Rugby's opening round
OPINION: Epic tries, nearly comebacks and mouthguard drama - the weekend had it all.
![Dunedin may be the scene of some massive Super Rugby upsets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dunedin may be the scene of some massive Super Rugby upsets
Phil Gifford's five talking points ahead of Super Rugby Pacific.
![Opinion: Why this is the biggest Super Rugby season yet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Why this is the biggest Super Rugby season yet
With mass financial pressures, this year looms as the competition’s most important.
![Phil Gifford: The magic Scott Robertson brings as All Blacks coach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The magic Scott Robertson brings as All Blacks coach
OPINION: Yes, he's different but the new All Blacks coach is a unique talent.
![Breaking barriers: How Valerie Adams' life looks now](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Breaking barriers: How Valerie Adams' life looks now
Phil Gifford goes behind the scenes with Dame Valerie Adams and her new role.
![Phil Gifford: The greatest All Blacks coaches of all time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The greatest All Blacks coaches of all time
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from Phil Gifford.
![Phil Gifford: Alan Jones was bad, but not the most obnoxious rugby person I've met](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Alan Jones was bad, but not the most obnoxious rugby person I've met
OPINION: For sheer unadulterated, relentless thuggery, one rugby man stands out.
![Phil Gifford: Commonwealth Games in crisis – is this the end?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Commonwealth Games in crisis – is this the end?
OPINION: From rising costs to dwindling interest, there is a trouble future for the Games.
![Phil Gifford: The seven biggest talking points from the year in rugby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The seven biggest talking points from the year in rugby
Phil Gifford on Ian Foster, Scott Robertson, Eddie Jones, Ardie Savea and more.
![Why picking All Blacks from overseas clubs won't work...right now](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why picking All Blacks from overseas clubs won't work...right now
Opinion: My feeling is that it won’t happen, but here are four points to consider.
![Phil Gifford: What the public is missing about Razor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: What the public is missing about Razor
Phil Gifford outlines four talking points as Scott Robertson takes over the All Blacks.
![Phil Gifford: The most important rugby case of the 21st century](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The most important rugby case of the 21st century
OPINION: What’s decided could see the reputation of rugby severely damaged.
![Phil Gifford: The truth about Barnes’ book and McCaw’s ‘tears’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The truth about Barnes’ book and McCaw’s ‘tears’
OPINION: I’ve never vilified Wayne Barnes but I'd challenge a few claims in his new book.
![Ranked: The greatest All Blacks coaches of all time](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ranked: The greatest All Blacks coaches of all time
Phil Gifford lists the greatest All Blacks coaches of all time.
![Phil Gifford: The most riveting story in Super Rugby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The most riveting story in Super Rugby
Opinion: Phil Gifford runs through three Super Rugby talking points ahead of next season.
![Phil Gifford: Why the stadiums were ‘empty’ for Black Ferns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Why the stadiums were ‘empty’ for Black Ferns
OPINION: Phil Gifford lists four talking points from the world of rugby.
![Phil Gifford: Rugby has a problem - the scary thing is the world disagrees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Rugby has a problem - the scary thing is the world disagrees
OPINION: As long as the boardroom power remains with the UK and SA, we're screwed.
![Phil Gifford: A brief history of rugby referees saying sorry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: A brief history of rugby referees saying sorry
Opinion: The list of officials saying they got it wrong is short but the range is wide.
![Phil Gifford: Why referee and TMO aren't to blame for crucial Cup calls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Why referee and TMO aren't to blame for crucial Cup calls
OPINION: The referee and TMO were not responsible for crucial red card calls.
![Phil Gifford: Seven secrets of success if ABs are to win World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Seven secrets of success if ABs are to win World Cup
Opinion: The things to get right in the final.
![Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at the Rugby World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at the Rugby World Cup
OPINION: The All Blacks need to win to save rugby from itself.
![Phil Gifford: The six biggest talking points ahead of semifinals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The six biggest talking points ahead of semifinals
Opinion: Seven talking points from the Rugby World Cup, and a weekend to build a dream on.
![Phil Gifford: The four biggest talking points at the Rugby World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The four biggest talking points at the Rugby World Cup
OPINION: Mark the date, the Rugby World Cup just got real.
![Phil Gifford: The six biggest Rugby World Cup talking points](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The six biggest Rugby World Cup talking points
Six talking points heading into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
![Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at Rugby World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at Rugby World Cup
OPINION: All Blacks v Ireland has the potential to be one of the great World Cup clashes
![Phil Gifford: Six biggest RWC talking points](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Six biggest RWC talking points
OPINION: The All Blacks' win over Uruguay provided plenty to consider.
![Phil Gifford: The best sign for All Blacks' World Cup prospects](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The best sign for All Blacks' World Cup prospects
OPINION: Five talking points from this weekend's Rugby World Cup action.
![Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at Rugby World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The five biggest talking points at Rugby World Cup
OPINION: Let's start with what's at stake for the All Blacks v Italy.
![Phil Gifford: The bright side of the All Blacks' long World Cup layoff](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The bright side of the All Blacks' long World Cup layoff
Phil Gifford highlights five talking points from the Rugby World Cup
![Phil Gifford: The change ABs selectors must make](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The change ABs selectors must make
Phil Gifford presents five talking points from the Rugby World Cup.
![Phil Gifford: Evergreen Whitelock and the five big talking points from the World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Evergreen Whitelock and the five big talking points from the World Cup
Phil Gifford picks apart the five biggest talking points from the RWC.
![Phil Gifford: What the ABs must change before knockouts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: What the ABs must change before knockouts
Phil Gifford runs through seven talking points from the first weekend of the World Cup.
![Phil Gifford: Six hints to help All Blacks fans enjoy the World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Six hints to help All Blacks fans enjoy the World Cup
Listen to the Butcher, have a second team and find a villain to enhance the fun in France.
![The best Rugby World Cups of all time (ranked)](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The best Rugby World Cups of all time (ranked)
Phil Gifford ranks the best Rugby World Cups of all time.
![The World Cup opponents who really present the biggest challenge to the All Blacks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The World Cup opponents who really present the biggest challenge to the All Blacks
OPINION: Phil Gifford says for rugby in general, it’s a disaster.
![Why the All Blacks can put the Bok nightmare behind them](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why the All Blacks can put the Bok nightmare behind them
Phil Gifford presents six talking points after the mayhem at Twickenham.
![Phil Gifford: Why we should see more of the All Blacks’ daring attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: Why we should see more of the All Blacks’ daring attack
Six talking points as the All Blacks head into their final World Cup rehearsal.
![Phil Gifford: The clear Cup contenders emerge in Europe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phil Gifford: The clear Cup contenders emerge in Europe
Phil Gifford outlines seven talking points from the warm-up tests ahead of the World Cup.
![Rating the Rugby World Cup chances of European big guns](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rating the Rugby World Cup chances of European big guns
OPINION: Phil Gifford on France and England's tight wins over Scotland and Wales.