Good evening. The rain machine has taken its cloudy entourage out into the Pacific, and now a new invisible air mass has rolled into town. It'll reduce Rotorua and Timaru to a shivery 1 degree overnight, and then roll out 14 or 15 degrees tomorrow. More on this mysterious meteorological beast soon. Right now, it's 6 o'clock. Due to the live nature of ONE News we apologise for the lack of captions for some items. This is ONE News, with Simon Dallow and Wendy Petrie. Tonight ` rescue relief. The emergency operation to evacuate 28 miners trapped by a fire is hailed a success. We reveal how it was done. She disappeared in mysterious circumstances eight years ago. An inquest hears what Iraena Asher was doing before she went missing. Giving back to the community ` Kia ora, good evening. A fire continues to burn deep inside a Waihi mine tonight, but there's much joy and relief above ground after the successful rescue of 28 trapped miners. The blaze forced the men into the safety of refuge chambers, and getting them out of the Trio Mine, under Union Hill, is being hailed as a textbook operation. Kim Vinnell's been across the story and joins us now live. THE FIRE INSIDE THE MINE IS STILL BURNING SAFETY EXPERTS ARE STILL COMING AND GOING THIS IS THE ENTRANCE TO THE MINE TONIGHT THEY'LL BE MONITORING IT CLOSELY IT'S AN ONGOING SITUATION A MAJOR SCARE FOR THIS SMALL MINING COMMUNITY. Our cameras were there as the emergency unfolded. 28 men were under these hills when a fire broke out, filling the mine with smoke. Consistent with our emergency protocols, all underground staff went to refuge chambers and reported by the phone to surface. Those refuge chambers dotted throughout the mine had enough oxygen and supplies to keep the miners alive for up to 36 hours. They're a little bit like a container, I suppose ` a shipping container. They're well set up. There's even playing cards, you know, to fill in time, and there's direct communication to the surface. With the Pike River disaster in the back of their minds, rescue teams went in. Evacuating one by one each of the three chambers the miners had run to. They contacted the chamber. They got everyone inside to don a self-rescuer to come outside the chamber. They then put these guys into light vehicles, then drove them out. Here's how it played out. The truck caught fire near the entrance to the mine at around 5am this morning. The airflow of the mine forced the smoke to travel down the tunnel towards the Trio mine. The 28 miners locked themselves in three refuge chambers. Rescue workers went down, checking the tunnel's airflow, and led the miners back up to the exit. By midday, all staff were back to the surface. Manager Charles Gawith spoke to his men as soon as they came out. They're in great spirits. They were super-confident that everything was going to happen as we practice this regularly, and to be honest, they were elated with the result. With just one miner treated for smoke inhalation, the rest were sent home. Locals we spoke to seemed unfazed. The mine is a wonderful asset. The amount of money that's spent and the money that's given out by the mine is amazing. They've been doing their safety drills and all that, and they've got all the miners out, so that's the main thing. The fire inside the mine could take days to put out. These are 30-ton dump trucks, so they're not your regular car tyre, so if they do go bang, they've been known to throw rims and stuff up to 500m. Mine staff in no hurry to tackle the blaze. Kim, you've been getting updates from the mine's owners. Any idea when it may open for business again? THIS COULD TAKE SOME TIME THAT'S BECAUSE THE TRUCK THAT STARTED THIS FIRE IS MASSIVE IT CARRIES A LOT OF FUEL IF THE TYRES EXPLODED, THE RIMS COULD TRAVEL 500M THE COMPANY THAT OWNS THE MINE AND THE DEPT OF LABOUR WILL WORK TOGETHER IT COULD BE DAYS AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY Thanks, Kim Vinnell in Waihi. The mine is owned by American-based Newmont Mining Corporation, which operates on five continents, including Australia, Africa and South America. In Waihi, as well as the Trio mine, it also runs the Martha open pit and Favona underground mines. The company employs about 350 people in the town. Construction of the Trio mine, where the men were trapped, began in 2010 and is due to be completed in 2014. The Trio project's expected to produce about 200,000 ounces of gold ` about $430m worth. And just confirmed late this afternoon ` Pike River Mine is now officially owned by Solid Energy, with the $7.5m sale completed today. Solid Energy says it will now plan for exploration of the mine's main entrance tunnel. The families of the 29 men whose bodies remain in the mine have already been told by the new owner that a successful recovery operation is highly unlikely. A cold case that's baffled police for almost eight years is back in the spotlight as a coroner tries to shed light on what happened to Iraena Asher. The 25-year-old who suffered from bipolar disorder was last seen in Piha, West Auckland. She'd rung police for help, but they sent a taxi instead. Donna-Marie Lever has followed the case and was at today's inquest. Iraena Asher would have turned 33 today, but police believe she's dead and most likely drowned in the unforgiving west coast swells. At the time of her disappearance, it is believed Iraena Asher was suffering from a manic bipolar episode. She wandered into the surf at Piha beach and drowned ` in my view, this is the most probable explanation. The university student disappeared in October 2004, prompting a massive search and rescue response. 200 statements were taken; more than 750 homes were door-knocked by police, but she's never been found. On the night she went missing, Iraena Asher was with new friends and her new boyfriend. She phoned police for help, saying she was being pressured for sex and was scared. A man in the house chose not to have his face filmed today, but gave his version of events. She was dancing around naked, and I thought maybe I'd try the moves on her, > but I definitely didn't pressure her for sex. > The police response that night was to send a taxi instead of a patrol car, but it went to the wrong address. The case prompted a national review of the 111 system, and an independent report made some 61 recommendations. The court heard as of this month, 55 of them have been implemented. A mother and her son found Iraena Asher later that night and took her in. But given her state, police say they should have acted. The appropriate action should have been the police or ambulance at least contacted, and that may well have resulted in Iraena being alive today. They will appear at the inquest tomorrow. Donna-Marie Lever, ONE News. A 36-year-old cold case is being re-investigated by police. Security guard Howard Percy was shot and killed during a bank robbery in Rotorua in 1976. He had tackled the offender, resulting in the shooting. Despite an extensive investigation, no one's been charged. Police are hoping a fresh look and a public appeal will provide new information. Police have finally made an arrest six months after the death of a 2-month-old triplet in Wanganui. Hinekawa Topia, seen here with her sisters, was rushed to hospital by her parents after she stopped breathing in January. Post-mortem results showed she'd suffered a head injury. A man (29) has been charged with her murder and will reappear in court in September. Millionaire businessman Owen Glenn is pledging $80m to tackle domestic violence across NZ. He's also challenged the government to hold a commission of inquiry into why we have one of the world's worst rates of family abuse. Charlotte Whale was there for the announcement. Haere mae... It was a warm Otara welcome for Owen Glenn, who once lived here. But inside, a chilling message. We're the third-worst nation per capita for violence and child abuse. What have we changed over all these years? Disgracefully, very little. Mr Glenn's guests listened as he spoke of his disgust at the rate of domestic violence and child abuse across the country. Shame on NZ. But he ended with a promise. I'm committing $80m to the enterprise of ending child violence and abuse in NZ. $8m of that is going to be immediately spent right here in Auckland's Otara. The majority of the money is going to go towards projects already up and running in the community. Owen Glenn says Otara is going to be used as a pilot to figure out what really works and what doesn't. Police attend a family violence callout every six minutes, but they estimate that less than a quarter of incidents are reported. Owen Glenn today accused politicians of skirting around the issue for too long. He's challenged the government to hold a commission of inquiry into family violence and he's prepared to pay for it at a cost of up to $15m. I think we've got enough going on in that space, quite frankly. We have two or three select committees that are looking at child abuse and neglect. But I don't want to say no at this stage. Let's have a look. Back in Otara, the community is celebrating. With the sense of hope that he has projected and really inspired in us, let's get on with the job. The very important job of looking after families. Charlotte Whale, ONE News. A North Island family who took a relative's body from Christchurch and buried him at their local cemetery ` against the wishes of the man's partner ` have taken their fight to our highest court. James Takamore's widow won the legal right to have his body exhumed from a Bay of Plenty marae, where it's lain for five years, and buried in Christchurch. But his Tuhoe family is asking the Supreme Court to overrule that. Our brother stays in our cemetery, in our urupa, lying next to his dad for eternal life. Not to remove him and take him off. Much of the legal argument centres on whether traditional Maori custom outweighs the rights of someone in charge of a dead person's will. A number of iwi leaders are in support of the government's stand over water ownership, according to the Prime Minister. And his deputy, Bill English, says some within the iwi leaders forum don't even want to claim ownership of water. Political reporter Corin Dann's following developments and joins us now live. Corin. WAITANGI TRIBUNAL HEARINGS MOVED IN PRIVATE TODAY THIS BROUGHT THE FOCUS BACK TO PARLIAMENT There's been plenty of tough talk coming from the Maori Council's lawyers at the Waitangi Tribunal hearing. But the government appears unfazed, believing it has the ear of other powerful Maori. Most of the Maori that I talk to want to see a resolution to their rights and interests, and they're comfortable that the process the government is taking is the right one. That process is the government's talks with what's known as the 'Iwi Leaders Group'. This is a small group of leaders, including powerful iwi like Ngai Tahu and Tainui, with members selected from a national body of 63 tribes, known as the Iwi Chairs Forum. The Finance Minister's been dealing with the group on water for some years. So the iwi leaders you're speaking to aren't saying 'We want ownership' in the, I guess, in the Western sense of the word? No, that's right. They're not. In fact, some of them go as far as explicitly saying 'We are explicitly not claiming ownership.' But one iwi leader's group member says that's not his understanding. I haven't heard that myself, and it may be that their focus is more on issues that are more to do with their own iwi interests. So who has the mandate to negotiate Maori water rights? The Maori Council or iwi leaders? Even the Maori Party appears stumped. They all have valid approaches, and I can't say that they do or don't. Labour says the water-rights debate has left the asset-sales programme in tatters. The sale will probably have to be delayed. I think the share price has been be affected. But John Key says shares in power generator Contact haven't suffered as a result of the debate about water, and he says there's as much chance of the sales process being delayed as a meteor hitting Earth today. And, Corin, the prime minister's pretty confident today that the Maori Party is not going to walk away from National over the issue? YES, HE WAS CONFIDENT HE FEELS SURE THAT THEY'RE GONNA STAY HE WAS DOWNPLAYING THE MEETING SAID IT WASN'T A CRISIS MEETING FOR THE MAORI PARTY, IT'S A MORE IMPORTANT MEETING FOR THE MAORI PARTY, THEY'RE COPPING A LOT OF FLACK THEY NEED A FACE-SAVER TO SHOW WHY IT'S IMPORTANT THEY STAY IN THE TENT WITH THE GOVER THAT WON'T BE EASY Thanks, Corin. The demolition of the 14-storey Radio Network building in central Christchurch will be explosive and spectacular. In a million-dollar project, it'll be the first in NZ to be flattened at the touch of a button. Ana Olykan has the details. It stands in a wasteland. Its downfall will soon make history. It takes a lot to get an implosion underway, and fortunately for us, the Radio Network House has given us that opportunity. Preparations are well underway. The interior's is being stripped out, leaving just a concrete shell. Then the experts will move in. International firm CDI has brought down the world's tallest... BOOM! and biggest buildings,... BOOM! with 9000 implosions under its belt. This is small fry for CDI. Explosives planted in the concrete columns should bring the building down within a metre of its existing footprint. And apart from a coating of dust, this neighbouring building should remain completely unscathed. A wide cordon will be placed around the building. The control centre will be within half a block, and dotted nearby seismograph equipment to measure vibrations. But even with more than 6000 tons of concrete falling in just over seven seconds, it won't feel like an earthquake. The top levels ` their fall is actually broken by crunching up the lower levels, so a lot of the energy is actually absorbed. The building owner's very happy to be breaking new ground. If we can get this recovery underway quicker, everyone in Christchurch will benefit, and that's what we want to see. Authorities are unsure how many others could go this way. Let's see how this one goes. Authorities are unsure how many others could go this way. Let's see how this one goes. And just who gets to push the button could be up for auction. I've seem 'em go for six grand in the US, but given it's the first one in NZ, I'd have high hopes of getting up over 10 or 20. In a city of high hopes, who knows? Ana Olykan, ONE News. All Black great Sir John Kirwan will return to NZ after today being confirmed as the next coach of the ailing Blues Super Rugby team. The appointment comes after the side's disastrous campaign this year and ends incumbent Pat Lam's four years in charge. Kirwan, who's returning from coaching stints in Japan and Italy, says while there's hard work ahead, he's looking forward to the challenge. And we'll have much more on the appointment later in sport ` are there any concerns over his lack of NZ coaching experience? Last night ONE News ran a story on a Gisborne car crash in which three people died, including the driver Dylan Kingi. We reported that Dylan Kingi had previously been in prison for aggravated robbery and had drug and alcohol problems. This was wrong. ONE News unreservedly apologises to Mr Kingi's family for our mistake and the distress this has caused. Still to come on ONE News ` a second day of street fighting in the Syrian capital as rebel fighters step up their action. Almost a million dollars up in smoke as our navy gets a rare chance to test a missile. And the battle of the sexes ` who's smarter, men or women? We've some startling new research. Then at 7 ` we put our kids to the test. Can they manage without the internet or has technology made them smarter? Heavy fighting in the Syrian capital appears to be moving closer to the central city. People are fleeing the southern suburbs of Damascus as clashes between government forces and rebel fighters continue for a second day. The BBC's Frank Gardner reports. EXPLOSION, GUNFIRE The fighting in the Damascus suburbs appears to be the heaviest yet, as seen in this unverified footage, while international diplomacy struggles to find a way out. GUNFIRE, SHOUTING And in these pictures, activists say residents are trying desperately to flee heavy shelling in a district of Damascus at the weekend. CHANTING There were barricades today on the main motorway linking Damascus to Jordan, according to this unverified footage. I asked Syria's top defector so far the meaning of the fighting reaching Damascus. Translator: of course, this has very big significance. The regime tried with all its powers to keep the capital out of this conflict and out of the reaches of the revolution. Is President Bashar's government going to use chemical weapons on his own people? There is some information ` unconfirmed information, of course ` that chemical weapons have been used partially in Homs. However, I have absolute conviction that if the circle of the people of Syria becomes tighter on the regime, the regime will not hesitate to use chemical weapons. One of Syria's most high-profile defectors has chosen here, the Gulf state of Qatar as his refuge. His defection and the secrets he's now revealing are a blow to President Assad. The opposition is hoping that more such defections could eventually lead to the collapse of his rule from within. The UN Security Council's expected to vote tomorrow on sanctions for Syria, but Russia and China are expected to block the move. Heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf have had fatal consequences after a US Navy ship opened fire on a launch off the United Arab Emirates, near the Strait of Hormuz. The fishing boat had ignored repeated warnings to turn away from the refuelling vessel Rappahannock and was advancing towards it. Navy machine gunners fired on the boat, killing an Indian fisherman and wounding three others. America increased its presence in the Gulf after Iran renewed threats to close the strait, the route for 20% of the world's oil. Tonight we can show you for the first time the NZ navy frigate Te Kaha test-firing a missile worth almost a million dollars off the coast of Hawaii. It happened during an international war-games exercise. US correspondent Jack Tame reports from Honolulu. $800,000. BOOM! Gone. For us obviously this was a pretty big deal, certainly from the ship's perspective. 280km from Honolulu, the HMNZS Te Kaha was stationed on a special US Navy firing range with a rare chance to test the ship's most powerful weapon. All up it takes three hours. A flying remote-control target is released 60km away. Te Kaha uses radar to track the target, then a sea sparrow homing missile to intercept it. We know what you're thinking ` where's the button and who's the guy that gets to push it? Sparrow 8, sparrow 1-3. That would be electronics technician Hayden Linn. He kind of takes it personally. He is, if you like, the interface with the system, and we all look to him. LET Linn's team finds the target, then locks on to intercept it. BOOM! The majority of the 22 RIMPAC nations will participate in weapons testing. Many of the ships to dock in Pearl Harbor have significantly bigger armaments than NZ's frigates. Over the next few days, all manner of missiles and torpedoes will be test-fired. Still, for Te Kaha's turn on the range, everything seemed to go right. The missile was fired, gathered nicely into the control beam of the controlling radar and proceeded towards the target. And forget Christmas. Off the Hawaiian coast, Hayden Linn had all his Guy Fawkes come at once. Jack Tame, ONE News, Honolulu, Hawaii. Londoners are being urged to stay close to home this week as the Olympic torch reaches the city. Officials are trying to avoid gridlock on the roads as Olympic athletes and officials start to arrive in droves. Europe correspondent Garth Bray reports. Olympians are arriving, and London is rolling out not a red carpet but a grey one. No, not rainclouds ` stretches of motorway held clear of traffic for the Olympic family as it's called. We're the people that cause all the problems. With all the dedicated lanes and whatever, we'll get around very well. Some other Londoners might be a bit aggrieved. Of course, this will also be on the road, criss-crossing London with a full police escort. As it passes, I know that torch is going to kindle the crackling gorse fire of Olympic excitement. It'll also bring a week of rolling road closures, with locals asked to remain in their neighbourhoods for the duration. London officials claim that asking people nicely is working and that central London traffic was down nearly 10% this morning, but as you can see, the other 90% keeps things pretty chocker. And it's just as busy at London's train stations. The 149-year-old underground network has had $1.4b of investment to get it ready for the Games, and there are still problems. This tube line failed some weeks back, forcing people to walk for hours to escape the tunnels. At least it satisfies one aim of the Games ` to get Britons exercising. Though true to form, London's mayor is quick to undermine that. People in London are going to have ample opportunity to watch the Olympics in great style and comfort on their sofas. In fairness, he adds that there'll be plenty to see if they do set forth, but the police are clearly a bit preoccupied with the possible downsides. While you're out there, just be aware of your belongings. So, know where you are, look after your bombings, but most importantly have a really really good time. A Freudian slip perhaps, but with the Games security firm failing once again to turn out adequate staff ` this time in Manchester ` there's still plenty of Olympo-scepticism to get over. Garth Bray, ONE News, London. Staff failing to show up is not the only problem facing the private security firm G4S. This guard was caught sleeping at the Olympic Stadium. And a secret recording with a security trainer's casting doubts over the ability of those hired. The security firm's admitted a shortfall of more than 3000 guards, forcing the military to fill the gaps. To the weather now, and nice to see the sun again today, Jim. Lots of it. Just a little bit of weather for those areas poking their heads out into the flow. We don't have a storm in a teacup, but we have Fog ` that's the bunny's name. We don't have a storm in a teacup, but we have Fog ` that's the bunny's name. Fog's a baby giant Flemish rabbit reared on Stoneyoaks farm, Taranaki. For weather, see onenews.co.nz The weekend rain washed away some of the recent new snow, but Coronet Peak had the snow guns going last night and have topped up the natural stuff, so today was all go. I'll have tomorrow's outlook for you right after sport. And up next on ONE News ` who's got more brain power, men or women? And what's changed over a hundred years? And we farewell the pioneering rocker behind this famous song. DEEP PURPLE'S 'SMOKE ON THE WATER' PLAYS Tonight on Close Up ` imagine losing your voice for good. The theft story that sets a new low, even for thieves. It was really hard to believe that somebody would do that. Plus, is the government in over its head when it comes to who owns the water? Could this threaten John Key's hold on power? Close Up at 7, TV ONE. Oh, my throat. If your sore throat needs warming comfort,... ...try Strepsils Warm. It has a special formulation with proven antibacterial action and a gentle warming sensation. Ah. Ooh. Ooh. (GIGGLES) Wrap up with Strepsils Warm. Now a blocked nose can also be relieved with the menthol vapours of Strepsils Sore Throat and Blocked Nose. POP! 1 Inflation has hit a 13-year low, with prices rising a mere 1% over the last 12 months. While it means luxuries are more affordable, don't expect everyday items to be any cheaper. Heather du Plessis-Allan has more. The cost of living's supposed to be more affordable, but for some, the statistics just don't match their supermarket bill. Well, look what I've got. Basic. I'm glad I'm not feeding a family. For the first time in 13 years, annual inflation's down to 1%. The latest quarterly figure's 0.3%. Actually, I thought it was more expensive to live these days. Well, some things are more expensive. Your power bill's jumped, and not just because of winter. Rates are up. Beer costs more. It's more affordable to use your phone. And electronic gear's cut price. Food hasn't really gone up over the past year. The price of clothing, furniture, electronics has all been kept very very low by that strong exchange rate, which is keeping the price of imported goods and services down. Much as we all like lower prices, these figures are reason for concern. It shows the economy is really struggling, and it may also weaken your argument for a pay rise. Employers may try that, but I think people should be arguing that it's time to catch up, that wages really haven't kept up with inflation over the last two or three years. Until that pay rise comes through, shoppers will be hoping the lower inflation figure means this figure doesn't go any higher. Heather du Plessis-Allan, ONE News. The viability of Australia's car-manufacturing sector is again under scrutiny, with Ford announcing hundreds of job cuts. The company will slash 440 jobs from two plants in Victoria, and car production will drop by 61 cars a day. That's despite receiving a multimillion-dollar bailout from the government in January. The Labour Party's revamping the way it picks its leader, following its worst election result ever. From November, party members and affiliates, including union members, will have a say in who leads the party. Previously it's just been caucus members who decide. The last leadership, when Phil Goff stepped down, there was a leadership contest, but there was no ability for members to be able to vote. They've signalled to us that they would like to have a real say. Only Labour MPs can launch a leadership coup under the new system. Hard rock pioneer Jon Lord, who co-founded the British band Deep Purple, has died in London. The keyboard player was with Deep Purple from 1968 to 2002 and co-wrote many of their legendary songs. # Smoke on the water # and fire in the sky. # Smoke on the water. # He'd been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer for almost a year. Jon Lord was 71. A NZer is helping answer the age-old question ` who's smarter, men or women? A study by Otago University professor and IQ expert James Flynn is making headlines around the world. ABC's Sharyn Alfonsi is among those reporting on his work. If you're going to roll the dice, bet on women. Turns out women are better gamblers, better doctors and generally smarter than men. The proof today comes from a new study that finds for the first time that women are scoring on average five points higher on IQ tests than men. One theory ` the demands of juggling a family and work actually sharpen the brain, making women smarter. But it starts much earlier. At 20 months, girls have 131 more words in their vocabulary than boys. No surprise to our own Dan Abrams. He wrote a book detailing everything women can do better than men. He claim on the book is that women are smarter, healthier and unequivocally better than men. So why I am I interviewing you? You know, I think that this book has more credibility coming from a guy. Abrams, our legal analyst combed through facts and figures to build the case for women. Someone actually found that women hammer in nails better than men. I let Dan defend his work. Second later ` my nail; Dan's. He blamed his poor showing on biology. Oestrogen is an amazingly valuable present that women have been given. A present? I like that. Oestrogen makes us more risk adverse, which is why women are also better money managers. And it makes us tolerate pain better. To prove it... Are we going for the full whiff on that? I just want you to know I didn't even flinch. The IQ research was carried out in NZ, Australia, South Africa, Estonia and Argentina. Looking at our top stories tonight ` a fire still burning in a Waihi gold mine could take days to put out. 28 miners were rescued from the Trio mine after taking shelter in refuge chambers when a truck caught fire near the mine entrance. Police have told an inquest they believe missing Auckland woman Iraena Asher is dead and is likely to have drowned. The 25-year-old, who suffered from bi-polar disorder, was last seen at Piha beach eight years ago. The police response to her 111 call led to sweeping changes in procedures. Andrew's here with sport, and arise Sir John Kirwan. THE MAN KNOWN AS JK HAS TAKEN ON THE BLUES So are there any concerns over Kirwan's appointment? Sir John explains why he wants the Blues roles so badly, while his predecessor speaks out about his demise. Plus a performance dedicated to her mum. The tragedy that inspired greatness out of Irene van Dyk. And two incredible minutes of rugby league that changed that course of a season twice. We'll explain next. At OPSM, we use precision technology for a 3-D view of the retina, helping us better detect eye disease such as macular degeneration. Just one of the ways we look deeper. Talk to OPSM about an eye-health check-up today. It's official. The Blues Super Rugby team has a new coach. Auckland legend Sir John Kirwan has signed a two year deal, ousting incumbent Pat Lam from the job after a process involving the Blues and the NZRU. Kirwan's a popular figure, but now faces his stiffest coaching challenge yet. A month after being knighted, has the new Blues coach accepted a medieval hospital pass? Do you see it as a poisoned chalice? (LAUGHS) Ha, no, I don't, actually. I see it as a golden one. I think it's a fantastic opportunity. But also one fraught with danger. 12 losses, the worst season in history, players departing, ructions over off-field structures. Now the Blues have their eighth different coach in 17 seasons. Kirwan (47) has 10 years of overseas coaching experience and has immense rugby gravitas, but is limited in NZ coaching to one season as a Blues assistant back in 2001. The team finished second to last. I I'm excited about coaching. I've d coached here before, and I've 8 coached at international level, so, you know, I don't see it being a problem. Did you see it initially, Gary, that as a issue? That John hasn't coached here a lot? It wasn't an issue. It was a point ` there's no doubt about that. Sir John won't elaborate on who his assistant coaches will be, but he'll use a backs coach, forwards assistant and skills coach. John Hart's name has been bandied around. Will you be using him in an official capacity? Look, John Hart's been a friend of mine and mentor since I was 18. He was the first guy that selected me in the first place, so, you know, he'll continue to be that. In an official role? No. So a new head coach, player reviews begin tomorrow ` is the board and front office also under review? This season through nothing else has taught us we need to be on our toes. Sir John Kirwan, or JK as he still wants to be known, has seen a lot of rugby success. But he's just signed on for one of the game's toughest assignments. An emotional outgoing Blues coach fronted earlier today, disappointed but also frustrated after a shocking season. Lam was told of his demise mid-morning ` an hour before Blues players. And through all that time that I was out there, I protected this franchise, I protected the people in it, I protected the team and I protected the players. But, um... (CLEARS THROAT) it appears that I've taken the final hit, and I, um... (CLEARS THROAT) I truly believe that I'm a far better coach this year after what's gone through. And, um... And more importantly, I know that and the people who matter know that, and that's what means more to me ` my players and the management and the people who were close with me, they know that too. Lam says the Blues structures need to be looked at, but bit his tongue when asked whether there needs to be a cleanout of the administration and board. Netballer Irene van Dyk has played one of the most inspirational games of her life to propel the Magic to Sunday's trans-Tasman final. Just hours before the game, van Dyk learned her mother had died of cancer, Kimberlee Downs reports. Irene van Dyk, one of NZ's most committed netballers, leaving the court in tears. It wasn't just the emotion of her team's win on show. Earlier in the day, she'd received news her mother in South Africa had died after a long battle with cancer. That the star Magic shooter played at all shows what this team means to her... Oh, how's that for a take? ...and what she means to them, as they rallied around their teammate. ALL: Mongrel! The Magic clawed back a five-goal deficit in the final quarter, refusing to give up. Oh, Du Bruin! She has saved the day for the Magic. And as always, van Dyk was there to finish. Biggest shot of her career, Naoupu... Oh, it's tied up! The crucial shot seven seconds from the final whistle snatched her team from the jaws of defeat and gave them a second chance in overtime. Ires is always cool under the goal-shoot post and, you know, you just have her as your rebounder and you know you can put the shot up, if you miss she's got it. That held true last night. Van Dyk said in a statement today that she knows her mum would've wanted her to carry on with the game and that she wanted to win for her. Fitting, then, when it came to the extra time crunch, it was the Magic who responded. And they're now running rampant, the Magic. We knew that it was gonna happen for us. It was gonna be a huge grind, but I think sticking to the plan and sticking together as a team, it was gonna work. Van Dyk's commitment to this team, it seems, unending. She's confirmed she'll play in the grand final against Melbourne on Sunday before flying to South Africa for her mother's funeral. Kimberlee Downs, ONE News. South Sydney have bounced up to fourth on the NRL league table with a thrilling victory against the Sydney City Roosters. The close 24-22 scoreline and how it played out was a mirror image of the grudge match in round one. Mark Hathaway has more. Greg Inglis scything through the Roosters' defence to set up the opening try was good. He's got help. He probably doesn't need it. He dumps it off. The Roosters responding with four of their own was pretty good too. With Mitchell Pearce's 75th minute dot-down, the game was as good as won. Pearce may have won the game for the Roosters. But a look back in time will show why this game was a great. Round one this year ` the Roosters score two tries in the final minutes. This a 'last play of the game' fairy tale for Anthony Minichiello on the buzzer to steal victory. Fast-forward to last night, and it's role-reversal time. Merrit for the line. Here we go! From the restart, down by four, the Rabbitohs have less than a minute to score. Dave Taylor sparks things. Gives it to Taylor, who brings it back and gives it to McQueen. They're away. McQueen. Merrit's there again. Here he is! Merrit! Merrit links up with Luke! Luke for the line. Keeps it alive. Reynolds, Reynolds! The Rabbitohs' back-from-the-death victory showed what momentum means. HOW GOOD IS THAT? THAT'S UNBELIEVABLE. THEY DID IT TO US AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR This grudge match between Sydney's south and the eastern suburbs had some bad and down right ugly moments. But when it comes to grandstand finishes, this has to be as good as it gets. Mark Hathaway, ONE News. The Blackcaps have suffered another defeat at the hands of the West Indies in the last game of a forgettable one-day series. Off-spinner Sunil Narine dismissed the Blackcaps' danger men. A half-century from Kane Williamson provided some resistance, but when he went, it was time to look to the Test series. We've got a few new players turning up, new surroundings in Antigua and Jamaica, and hopefully we can play better than we have in this one-day and Twenty20 series. The Windies won by 20 runs, the series 4-1. The first Test starts next Thursday. Fatigue is starting to take its toll on the Tour de France ahead of the make-or-break rides through the Pyrenees. The peloton, including overall leader Bradley Wiggins, was happy to let six riders off the leash on the mostly flat run from Samatan to Pau. And then six became two. There he goes. Now, that's a tentative. Who's going to chase him? Because you don't allow Pierreck Fedrigo out of your sight. Pierreck Fedrigo was too strong on the sprint. His last tour victory also came on the stage to Pau two years ago. Wiggins and co nearly were 12 minutes back, but he still leads by more than two minutes. You know you've got a decent sporting debate going when the most powerful man on the planet weighs in. What's the issue? The debate sparked by Kobe Bryant's claims the present US Olympic side would beat the dream team of 1992. You know, this is a generational thing. I was around in '92. I was a Bulls fan, so I've gotta go with the original dream team, and I suspect that Michael and Sir Charles and others would point out they were probably never down at any point in any of their games. Fortunately for Kobe, they did manage to claw back their half-time deficit against Brazil to win 80-69, all sealed with a presidential kiss. After the break ` it's a fine-looking forecast, but there are strings attached. Hi again. A hint of shivery frost through the hinterland tonight signals some pretty good weather tomorrow. For weather, see onenews.co.nz For weather, see onenews.co.nz So rock on the high, drying out the ground, warming up the cows. Looking good in the Chats. And that's ONE News this Tuesday.