There's something slightly surreal about sitting on the deck of the schooner America - after which the America's Cup was named - on a windy day in San Francisco Bay.

You have to take your hat off to Steve Hansen and the All Black selection panel - Tom Taylor was the right selection as All Black first five-eighth.

You know you're in an international city when you're as happy as a clam, sitting in San Francisco's cold winds with 9000 other freezing people.

Take a look at the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Now imagine a part of it gone after an earthquake. Then think about US$6.4 billion ($7.8 billon) and 24 years spent repairing it.

There's been a wave of negative drivel about Marshall and, by extension, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan.

The prevailing sentiment at this America's Cup is one of sadness, really.

The spats between the America's Cup Event Authority and Luna Rossa continue - this time with the ACEA asking the Italians to cough up nearly US$400,000.

The America's Cup Event Authority has launched a jury protest against Italian syndicate Luna Rossa for not showing up at a party, writes Paul Lewis.

You wonder sometimes just when rugby will face up to concussion properly.

It's doubtful that there has ever been a more ludicrous run-in to the America's Cup.

Sorry, but the tale of the drunken ducks is far more credible than the contention that Horwill did not stomp on Jones, writes Paul Lewis.

At last we know the answer. It hasn't been the rugby league players getting in trouble for booze, violence and sexual offences. It's all down to the media ...

Rene Ranger's showings off the bench will be greatly pleasing All Black management - and not just for selection reasons.

Went to a book launch this week. Book launch? More of a relaunch of Marty Crowe's life, really.

Artemis could yet make it to the start line of the 34th America's Cup in July even as the shock of Andrew Simpson's death continues to reverberate throughout the sailing fraternity.

When my daughters were kids, I had a brief flirtation with being a tennis dad.

There are many reasons why New Zealand teams have been struggling in Super Rugby.

One of the cruellest elements in sport is one of the smallest - the asterisk.

Hika Elliot won't be the first contemporary All Black to be dropped by his province, writes Paul Lewis.

Paul Lewis writes: The Ross Taylor captaincy saga seems to have descended into a farce.

That's what happens when you sweep something under the carpet. It rarely disappears; it just gets bigger and bigger until you trip over it.

The jokes flowed after some unknown Cronulla Sharks players were recently accused of taking a performance-enhancing substance for horses.

Cricket must be the world's worst sport for back-biting, politics and whinging. Just ask the Australian team.

Some time back, I flew off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ranger in an F-14 Tomcat. One of the great days of my life.