Bike NZ High Performance director Mark Elliot would like to think that this is the most well prepared team of cyclists ever to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

NZ triathletes Tom Davison and Tony Dodds are in peak form and ready to tough out the gruelling triathlon in Glasgow. The triathlete team is head by Commonwealth bronze medallist Andrea Hewitt. New Zealand triathlon team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Women: Andrea Hewitt, Kate McIlroy. Men: Tom Davison, Tony Dodds, Ryan Sissons Reserve (mixed Team relay): Nicky Samuels

Head of New Zealand swimming Luis Villanueva is happy with preparations. 'Training has gone well, everyone is in good shape & good spirits'. Lauren Boyle, Glenn Snyders and Matt Stanely have worked hard to get to this point and look forward to racing.

Valerie Adams has been spending some extra time at the gym in preparation for her role as New Zealand's flag bearer for the Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony. Adams was this morning (NZT) awarded the honour at a team function inside the majestic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, following in the recent footsteps of the likes of Sarah Ulmer (2002), Hamish Carter (2006) and Irene van Dyk (2010).

New Zealand's men's hockey team captain Dean Couzins knows the team is well placed heading into the games, with previous games & tournaments having prepared them for whats ahead.

Kevin Skinner, the All Black prop and heavyweight boxer, has died. He was 86. Skinner made his name for Otago and was selected for the 1949 All Black tour of South Africa as a 21-year-old. It has long been told that Skinner was selected to "sort out" the South African props, though some believe the amount of rough play he was involved in have been greatly exaggerated. Skinner was New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion in 1947.

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew says his team will aim to put on a show in memory of two fans killed in the Malaysia Airlines crash.The English club will wear black armbands in tomorrow night’s game against Sydney FC in Dunedin in memory of John Alder and Liam Sweeney.The pair were heading to New Zealand for the Football United tour, which starts at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.“I think it’s important we represent ourselves in the right manner, especially in light of losing John and Liam,” Pardew said today.“We need to conduct ourselves well on the pitch and off the pitch, and get some strong results. That’s what they would have wanted, and thats what we want.“In memory of those guys, in particular, we want this tour to be as successful as we can possibly make it.”

Milan Gajic, of Young Boys, put St Gallen 2-1 ahead with this incredible half-volley from outside his own area.

Two time Open Champion Padraig Harrington takes on the impossible with the help of his long standing caddie, Ronan Flood.135 yards to the hole, right behind two trees and aiming at nothing but a 9ft target - oh and he's blindfolded! Also watch Harrington trying a Happy Gilmore style #Blindingshot: courtesy HSBC/YouYube

White House Press Secretary says that President Obama is a huge fan of NBA player LeBron James as he prepares to move back to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers.

A good night's work led to a good night's kip for the Crusaders. They got their four-try victory and with it, the near certainty that the Sharks, who played overnight, couldn't knock them out of second place. It was a nice place for the Crusaders and nothing less than they deserved. Both teams are in the playoffs but only one looked like they should be. Only one looked like they have any hope of being a threat in the knock-out rounds.

Watch the tool-making New Caledonian crow play "crowball" and make some predictions for the World Cup. Courtesy: Alex Taylor

Kevin Hart, Steve Gordon and Nigel Yalden commentate as three streakers invade the turf at Waikato Stadium during the Chiefs and Hurricanes Super Rugby match. courtesy Red Fooliet/Sky Sports

Joseph Parker's power and speed was too much for Brian Minto, the American quitting on his stool after the seventh round for an impressive TKO victory for the South Aucklander. Minto was felled in that seventh round by Parker, the second time legitimately with 25 seconds remaining when he caught him with a right hand to the head.

Joseph Parker's power and speed was too much for Brian Minto, the American quitting on his stool after the seventh round for an impressive TKO victory for the South Aucklander. The victory improved the 22-year-old's record to nine victories with eight knockouts, but it was the manner in which it was achieved which will impress his camp and promoters Duco. His dream of a world title fight remains alive.

Lou Vincent talks to Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch about his dealings with investigators over match fixing, whether his cricketing hero should go to jail and what the future holds for him and his partner Suzie.

Lou Vincent talks to Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch about how he couldn't say no to his cricketing hero...

At 93 years of age harness racing trainer Bill Darrah is still producing winners on his homemade track near Thames.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Wynne Gray give their expert opinion & analysis after the Blues surprised many with a convincing win away from home against the Force in Perth, but can they back it up with another victory this weekend in Christchurch against the Crusaders.

NZ Heavyweight Joseph Parker is back from Las Vegas in preparation for his biggest challenge yet. Brian Minto is well known as a tough opponent, having beaten Shane Cameron in a previous match up, Parker is looking forward to the challenge and is fit and ready to fight.

A video of Brazilian football fan Rafael Gambarim has gone viral after he was caught becoming so overcome with emotion while watching the host nation’s penalty shootout against Chile that he smashed his TV set. Courtesy: YouTube.com/TOP Vídeos

Racing began today on the River Neva in central St Petersburg for the 4th Act of the 2014 Extreme Sailing Series. Conditions were light & tricky with dangers aplenty for all of the teams.

Ahead of the highly-anticipated UFC® FIGHT NIGHT™ AUCKLAND: TE HUNA v MARQUARDT, stars of the UFC® met with the Vodafone Warriors in support of the Middlemore Foundation’s annual ‘Jammies in June’ campaign.

A stunning first half led the All Blacks to a 36-13 win over England, All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw and Coach Steve Hansen react to the series victroy. England coaches Stuart Lancaster and Andt Farrell lament lost chances in the three matches.

A stunning first half led the All Blacks to a 36-13 win over England, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, and Dane Coles recount how the victory was won post match.

The Herald Rugby team of Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry along with Radio Sports Nigel Yalden are beneath Hamilton's stadium reviewing the All Blacks 3-0 series win over England.

All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw is keen to beat England and take the series 3-0 in Hamilton, knowing England backs coach Andy Farrell is backing his team to overcome the narrow losses and avoid the whitewash.

Maradona in a TV advert for Brazilian online trading site Bom Negocio. Coutresy:

Frederic Fugen and Vincent Reffet, the skydiving duo otherwise known as Soul Flyers, achieved an exceptional and unique new feat, combining freeflying at high altitude and "mountain swooping" for Red Bull Skycombo. Courtesy: Red Bull