Make the best of any fine weather tomorrow. We've got a spell of unsettled weather on the way from a rapidly developing low-pressure system in the Tasman. Later in the news hour, I'll tell you where they could be some heavy downpours, and where snow could fall to low levels. 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 Wendy Petrie, Peter Williams, and live from London, Simon Dallow. Yes, the multi-million dollar show, from the maker of 'Slumdog Millionaire'. Will this give the Olympics a flying start? We set the scene for the opening ceremony. And the walk of fame for our top running hope. See who's got the job of flag bearer. Also tonight ` the comedian a judge said made people laugh. We can't show his face, but you'll hear his punishment for indecently assaulting his daughter. And it's witnessed Beatlemania, but is there a bleak future for a Christchurch landmark? We can give you a glimpse now of the show by an Oscar-winning director that'll light up London in 14 hours' time. The Olympics opening ceremony crafted by Danny Boyle will take place behind me, in front of 60,000 people. The final dress rehearsal give you an idea of a three-hour extravaganza celebrating Britishness. # That's neat. # That's neat. # I really love your tiger feet. # I really love your tiger feet. We know spectators will be urged to join in singalongs and help create a visual spectacle, and it'll set the stage for competition between 16,000 athletes from 240 countries. We have our team in place to bring you the action over the next two weeks, with Heather du Plessis-Allan, Craig Stanaway and Martin Tasker standing by. But first ` let's go to Garth Bray in the countdown to the opening ceremony. FROM INSIDE THE STADIUM AND RIGHT ACROSS LONDON, THERE WILL BE BUTTERFLIES IN STOMACHS THEY HAVE BEEN PREPARING FOR SEVEN YEARS FIREWORKS CRACKLE Half past midnight, and the Olympic organisers are testing pyrotechnics that'll no doubt be louder, longer when the world is watching. Opening ceremonies are the event where host nations compete not for records but memories ` with a flaming arrow like the one that lit the cauldron in Barcelona or with sheer weight of numbers like the 15,000 dancers in Beijing. Here, with huge test crowds at rehearsals, keeping a secret has been hard. Film director Danny Boyle promises isles of wonder, a green and pleasant land and live sheep, with a performance from Sir Paul McCartney, who also featured prominently in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. There were no spoilers, though, from Christine Hopson. We caught her on the way to a rehearsal. I didn't think I'd get a dancing role, but I did get offered something. So it was great. She wouldn't confirm it, but I've heard she'll be marching ahead of a team, probably Libya. So just ahead of the NZers in the alphabet and also on the night when, for a brief moment, all eyes will be on a young woman from Tirau. I can't say I'm not nervous. (CHUCKLES) But I'm really really excited about it as well. We're seeing just a few tantalising glimpses inside the Olympic Stadium over the top there as they rehearse for the last time the opening ceremony. They've been doing it for weeks, for months. But I guess when you're throwing $53m at a massive advertisement for Great Britain, you want to get it right on the night. Of course, the true test will be how well the crowd arrives and departs. Making the point London transport is ready, Britain's prime minister took the Tube to visit the final preparations. It's about the people of the UK showing a really warm welcome and showing respect to all the teams and all the nationalities who come here. And, on that note, it is right that in 2012, 40 years on from the Munich Olympics, we remember the Israeli team members who were killed there. Avoiding anything like that has prompted the largest deployment of British forces on home soil since World War II in the earnest hope that the only surprises will be what happens in the opening ceremony. RAINDROPS FALLING WILL LAST THROUGH THE DAY Olympics reporter Garth Bray. NZ's flagbearer for the opening ceremony is thrilled he'll be following in the footsteps of two middle-distance gold medallists. Nick Willis, who claimed silver at the last Olympics in Beijing, was named to lead the way at a black-tie dinner in London. What an absolute, absolute privilege and honour, not only to be an Olympian, but to have the absolute honour and priviledge like my heroes before me, Peter Snell, John Walker and many other legends that NZ has had before to carry the flag. Chef de Mission Dave Currie says the 29-year-old was chosen as much for his sporting achievements as his modesty and generosity. The last laps of the 70-day torch relay around Britain will take place in the hours leading up to the opening ceremony. Among the final stops for the Olympic flame has been a warm-up concert in London's famous Hyde Park. From there, Heather du Plessis-Allan joins us now. LONDON A CITY IN CELEBRATION HYDE PARK IS A FEATURE CROWD OF THOUSANDS HERE TO SEE THE LIGHTING OF THE TORCH ROCK CONCERT TONIGHT BRITISH BANDS HEADLINED BY DURAN DURAN FANS ARE ALREADY HERE EVEN THOUGH IT'S 7AM EXCITED So who could provide a pot of gold for NZ at these Olympics? For starters, there's the rowers in action right from the official start of competition. With more on their chances, here's Olympics reporter Craig Stanaway. STATS 26 ATHLETES AND 11 BOATS QUALIFIED IN 14 CATEGORIES. ROWERS HAVE THE LARGEST REPRESENTATION OF ANY SPORT IN THE NZ OLYMPIC TEAM. THERE ARE FOUR WORLD-CHAMPION CREWS. ONLY ONE IS A DEAD CERTAIN FOR GOLD. MAHE DRYSDALE HAS RECOVERED, BUT NOT 100% FOR DARK HORSES, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED HAS PICKED LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULLERS AS GOLD MEDALLISTS. ROWING IS ONE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE NZ'S TARGETED SPORTS. IT HAS RECEIVED THE MOST MONEY ` $20M OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS. ROWERS WON THREE MEDALS AT THE LAST OLYMPICS. THEY COULD GET AS MANY AS SIX MEDALS THIS TIME AROUND. ONE OF THEM AT THE MOMENT LOOKS LIKE GOLD Olympics reporter Craig Stanaway. Away from the home base of these Olympics are our sailors. They're set up in Weymouth, about three hours' drive from London. With a look at how they're faring, here's our yachting man, Martin Tasker. WHEN I ARRIVED TO TALK TO KIWI SAILORS, BIG EMPHASIS ON NORMAL BUT IT'S BEEN ANYTHING BUT NORMAL BEACH PACKED WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE BRITISH DO HAVE BIG MEDAL HOPES THEY ARE TALKING UP AUSSIES AND KIWIS AS WELL HIGH HOPES THERE BIG GIANT SCREEN IN THE STADIUM WHAT KIWIS NEED IS WIND THE BREEZE IS COMING IN MAYBE THEY CAN DELIVER Our two most experienced Olympians are talking up their chances. Equestrian rider Mark Todd is alongside Andrew Nicholson yet again and says our three-day eventing team is probably the best ever. With more, here's Olympics reporter, Paul Hobbs. SIMON, YOU USED TO BE ABLE TO BET YOUR HOUSE ON THEM 10% OF OUR TOTAL MEDAL HAUL HAS COME FROM THEM The flags are fluttering in the Greenwich breeze. Perhaps NZ's heart should be following suit. Our Olympic equestrian team is on the charge. I think we're going into an Olympics with probably one of the strongest teams we've ever had. Bold words from the double gold medallist who, in the '80s, catapulted eventing into our consciousness, on the back of his beloved Charisma. When Todd first won in LA, it kick-started a rich run of success for our eventers on the world stage. But after he retired in Sydney 2000 with a bronze, our team's fortunes dried up. But Todd's return, and the addition of rising stars like Jock Paget and Caroline Powell, means the team has greater depth and balance. Good signs, says Todd, who, at 56, has other things to contend with. I keep getting questioned as to what team I'm an official for, and getting on the bus, sort of, saying, 'This bus is only for athletes,' so... I'm constantly having to say, 'I am an athlete.' Todd will be riding Campino, after his top horse, Land Vision, was ruled out earlier in the year. He is a bit light on experience, but he's very capable in all three phases. Our golden aspirations are most likely to be spearheaded by fellow seven-time Olympian Andrew Nicholson. Two-time Burghley winner, and third in the world champs two years ago, Nicholson says his current horse is the best he's ever had. Nereo is a different league of horse than what I've ever taken before. Nicholson's cruellest Olympic moment was dropping nine rails in Barcelona, costing the Kiwis team gold. He knows deep down, redemption can come here. All we can do is our best. And if it goes like we normally can do, I think our best is good enough. The main arena is just incredible. It's huge grandstands on three sides and just a view overlooking the city. It's... It's gonna be really spectacular. Bringing back a medal is sure to match that. DARK HORSE FOR THIS EVENT IF HE WAS TO WIN GOLD, IT WOULD BE A GOOD BIRTHDAY PRESENT HE TURNS 51 SOON If you want to send a message of support to Mark Todd and Andrew Nicholson or any others in the NZ team, you can do by on our website, onenews.co.nz/olympics. And two sportsmen getting the rock-star treatment at these Games are Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. We've more on each later in the news hour. Back to you, Wendy and Peter. Thanks, Simon. In other news, a comedian who sexually assaulted his daughter is tonight on home detention. He's been sentenced following outrage at a judge's earlier ruling to discharge him without conviction. Donna-Marie Lever was in court. The court heard most in the entertainment industry know who this man is, but his identity can still never be made public. It's not to protect him, but rather his young daughter he's admitted to indecently assaulting. And today Judge Mark Perkins took away his clean slate, convicting him of the crime and re-sentencing him to eight months of home detention. Are you surprised by the sentence today? > I can't even say that. Have you spoken to your client? Can you say how he's doing? > I can't say anything, my dear. The comedian was discharged without conviction by Judge Philippa Cunningham last year,... No one should be victimised. ...but it prompted public fury after she said he was a talented NZer who made people laugh. The Crown sought a judicial review. The judge has sent a message today that even a one-off sexual assault on a young child is a very serious matter. And while the crime carries a maximum of 10 years' jail, law experts say it's the conviction that counts. Even if the person does not get sent inside or a jail sentence, a conviction can mean a tremendous difference in terms of their visas, applying for international travel, international work. That can really have an impact on their career. The Court has heard the man has shown a lot of remorse and been horrified by his actions, but the judge says the gravity of this offending is still at the high end. The man now shares joint custody of his children ` including the victim ` and will be allowed to work while serving his time. Donna-Marie Lever, ONE News. The company demolishing one of Christchurch's tallest buildings wants part of it turned into an earthquake memorial. The 109-year-old balcony of the Clarendon Tower has a famous past, but as Mike Thorpe reports, its future could be far more significant. The historic Clarendon has seen better days ` 1964, for instance. # Can't buy me love. # Four likely lads from Liverpool teasing fanatical Cantabrians from the famous balcony. Now those pulling down the tower want the historic facade to stay, as a tribute to Christchurch's troubles. It'll be deglazed so that people can actually walk through the facade. It'll be retained with some of the perimeter frame of the 1980s building. But it will be there that people can walk through and a park behind it or a memorial of some sort to the Canterbury earthquakes. We don't need to knock it down. Like its famous guests, the Clarendon has its fanatics... I look out of my window everyday, and I see it. And I like the look of it. It makes me feel good about our past. ...and critics. The building owner isn't showing any enthusiasm for putting any money up to save it, unfortunately. Without the owner's support, the Clarendon facade might well be a bridge too far for a memorial site, but that doesn't mean the devastating events of February 22nd won't be memorialised. Lots of people have got ideas about where that memorial should go, and I think that's something which we'll start talking about next week when the blueprint comes out. That long-awaited central city blueprint will detail Christchurch's plans for the future, and a pledge to honour its past. d # She loves you, 8 yeah, yeah, yeah. # Mike Thorpe, ONE News. Still to come on ONE News ` fears of a large-scale massacre in Syria, as both sides dig in for a major battle. It's thank goodness for the snow machines, as southern ski fields struggle for the real thing. And he's won more Olympic gold medals than anyone else, so is Michael Phelps still hungry this time round? Then at 7, it's the most dangerous thing your teenager will do. A former president of the Wellington Deerstalker Association has pleaded guilty to shooting and killing another hunter. Christopher Dummer's admitted firing the shot that caused the death of Auckland man Cam McDonald in the Wairarapa at Easter. The Court heard that Dummer didn't identify his target, mistaking Mr McDonald's orange beanie for a deer's red pelt. The 54-year-old will be sentenced in the Wellington District Court next month, and has been told the judge will consider all punishments including jail. A bloodbath's feared in the second most important city in Syria, with reports that government forces are about to unleash a new attack. Tanks and armoured vehicles are converging on Aleppo, and thousands of people are fleeing, with a showdown expected within days. The BBC's Jeremy Bowen reports. ALL CHANT Aleppo has been slipping out of the Assad regime's control for months, but now it's a battleground. These are rebel fighters celebrating the capture of a police station. Government forces are said to be massing near Aleppo. The regime cannot survive if it loses Syria's second city and its richest. MAN: Units of all troops chased terrorists and killed scores of them. Syrian state TV'S English news bulletin has been showing government troops, it says, were mopping up defeated rebel fighters in Damascus. GUNFIRE Like pictures of the rebels that come out of Syria on the web, these can't be verified. The regime has the firepower, but the rebels have had the momentum ever since they assassinated the President's top security team last week. GUNFIRE Russia is still watching the Assad regime's back. (SPEAKS RUSSIAN) Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, said the rebels were carrying out terrorist attacks and ignoring Russian diplomatic proposals that could stop the fighting. Syria's descent into chaos is gathering pace, but diplomacy can't keep up, and it needs to to stop Syria's spark spreading in the world's most combustible region. The United States is stepping up assistance to the Syrian rebels, but Russia says that is tantamount to backing terrorism. More than 200 firefighters in New York City have battled a towering inferno that's thought to have been started by a lightning strike. More than 20 firefighters were injured trying to put out the blaze in the seven-storey Brooklyn apartment block. Most were suffering heat exhaustion. Ski bosses are putting on brave faces as unseasonably warm weather continues to hit our southern slopes. It's a month since snow fell on Coronet Peak, while the Remarkables have had a barren fortnight. Max Bania checked out the slopes. They come from all over to enjoy our slopes. This is a glorious summer day back in Scotland. But for many, the dream snow holiday is being watered down. Haven't seen a drop. This is our fifth day on the snow. Yeah, I did hear a fair bit that there wasn't enough snow. As the snow drought continues, NZ Ski says business on Queenstown slopes is comparable to previous years, and it denies suggestions negative feedback on social-media sites is keeping visitors away. Uh, when people are negative, generally, we don't have to get involved in that. Um, the other users, uh, generally voice their comment and voice their opinions. There's still plenty of good snow on the main trails. It's just the, um, the more extreme, hard-core skiers looking for fresh powder, I guess. A multimillion dollar proposal for a new chairlift at the Remarkables should provide just that as ski bosses bank on technology to get them through the tough times. At this time of year, it wouldn't be unusual to see snow all the way down to the valley floor. But take a look at Coronet Peak behind me. You can see, even 1700m, how patchy that snow is. Then if you come around to the right to the ski field, all that snow you see there is created by 218 snow machines. Without snowmaking, we wouldn't be having a winter right now. Conditions are set to improve next week, but a forecast Monday dump will come too late for some. Max Bania, ONE News. Weather time now, and it was a foggy or frosty start for some places this morning, Karen. Mainly the South Island. Molesworth was minus-7. Pukaki woke to minus-7 and fog, so it would have been freezing fog. A few showers catching eastern parts of the North Island. For weather, see onenews.co.nz I'll have your weekend forecast after sport. Up next on ONE News ` a vital lifeline ` our reporter's on-board a forgotten warship doing an important job. And a right royal welcome for the Olympic torch as it nears the end of a long journey. Tonight ` one game changed his life. They called the ambulance, and they were feeling my legs. Rugby safety in the spotlight, and one brave teenager's battle back from injury. I look at life like a challenge there. Plus ` parents teaching teens to drive. Are you really helping from the passenger seat? Close Up at 7, TV ONE. 1 The Government will consider the issue of compensation for soldiers exposed to an insecticide in Malaya during the 1950s. Hundreds of NZers served during the 12-year conflict there. The chemical dibutylphthalate was used to disinfect soldiers' uniforms. Now a new study's found a link between DBP and birth defects in their children's sexual organs. Well, you know, very disappointed. But what we're more concerned about is if the grandchildren and any great-grandchildren and down the generations. Veterans Affairs says it's very interested in seeing the study and will conduct a thorough review before deciding on the next step. 25 years after it was first commissioned, the NZ Navy supply ship, the HMNZS Endeavour, is having its busiest year. The tanker's helping refuel vessels taking part in the RIMPAC military exercises off Hawaii. US correspondent Jack Tame went on manoeuvres. Breakfast time on the North Pacific, and HMNZS Endeavour is being hunted by hungry ships. It's like coming to mother to get food. Out at sea, the only way we could join the Endeavour was by rope from a US military helicopter. The ship has what sounds like the most mundane of RIMPAC roles ` refuelling warships. From my point of view, it's the most glamorous role you can have. But while the captain's undoubtedly biased, pumping fuel between moving ships is a risky and complicated job. Crashing through waves 12 knots, the NZ frigate Te Kaha is the first to shimmy out. Once the NZ ships are side by side, the Endeavour crew fire a projectile across the 40m gap. Knowing that any failure to match the ships' movement and speed could spell disaster, the crews attach the hoses, and Endeavour starts pumping fuel. These lines here pump it out at 300,000 litres to 400,000 litres an hour on average, and the belly of the ship holds more than 6m litres in total. In this international exercise, Endeavour's not filling only NZ ships. A South Korean ship needs fuel too. If you can imagine two large fuel tankers going down the Southern Motorway at 50km/h, with a fuel hose between them, passing gas while dodging traffic, you'll probably get a small appreciation of just what it's like. Pumping during a precise piece of maritime manoeuvring, the NZ Defence Force has resumed close formation with its American-led allies. Jack Tame, ONE News, Honolulu, Hawaii. Our capital city has a new welcome sign after a public vote rejected a Wellywood suggestion. The Wellington Blown Away sign was put up today, but there're still many who don't favour it. I think it'll grow on them, you know. I think, as they drive along and they can see the, uh, the hill that we've got here and the sign looks fantastic. The $80,000 sign sits on a hill near Wellington Airport. Here in London, it's the nail-biting last few hours for Olympic officials waiting to get the verdict on the opening ceremony. 60,000 people will watch the three-hour extravaganza. It's expected to celebrate British culture and include singalongs. Athlete Nick Willis will carry the flag for the NZ team at the ceremony. The Olympic torch is, of course, almost reaching the end of its long journey. It's arrived in central London, to the delight of thousands waiting at Trafalgar Square. It was helped along the way by celebrities including the Absolutely Fabulous crew and entertainer Bruce Forsyth. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greeted the flame at Buckingham Palace before it finished up in Hyde Park for a massive Olympics concert for 60,000 people. US presidential candidate Mitt Romney is in London, attempting to smooth feathers after his Olympic gaffe. He was all smiles today meeting British prime minister David Cameron, Even though he recently caused a stir when he questioned London's readiness to host the Games. You know, it's hard to know just how well it'll turn out` it'll turn out. There are a few things that were disconcerting. The stories about the private security firm not having enough people. Uh, the suppos` the supposed strike of the immigration and customs officials. That, obviously, is not something which is encouraging. Now, though, the Republican candidate has changed his tune, saying he expects the Olympics to be highly successful. Four years ago, highly successful American swimmer Michael Phelps was under intense pressure after setting the lofty goal of winning eight gold medals. Phelps' life changed after his unprecedented success in Beijing, but now his life is all about having fun. Here's Olympics reporter Craig Stanaway. The Baltimore Bullet; the greatest swimmer the world has ever known; an athlete with a record 14 gold medals. Kind of, this is the closure, and it's really how much` how many toppings do I want on my sundae, and that's what I'm doing. The only record left for Michael Phelps is total medals. He's two short of Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina record 18, a mark he should pass halfway through the London meet. You guys are the ones who keep bringing the... (CHUCKLES) the medal count up. I've never` I've never once in my career said anything about medal counts. Phelps faces off in two events against his biggest rival ` Ryan Lochte, Fina's World Swimmer of the Year. It's understandable why Phelps has dropped the 200 free. Lochte's world champion. I've found that recovery is more important nowadays than it was then. My body is older. Ryan Lochte is the biggest threat to Phelps since Ian Thorpe. The thing is about Phelps, though ` would you bet against him after what we saw four years ago? You motivated Michael Phelps by saying he wouldn't win eight, and he won eight. Do you think he'll win seven? Um, I'm not going to say that I don't think that he can. Um, like, he's got a tough task, and, um, you know, I think Michael is going to win a lot of medals. Thorpe remains a colossus despite failing to qualify for London. I really want the number to be high for Michael, and he's being very strategic about which races he's swimming here, so that number will be high. Thorpe's set his sights on next year's World Champs. There's no chance he'll meet Phelps. He's promising he'll retire once his last race in London's complete. Craig Stanaway, ONE News, London. Now, on the eve of the opening ceremony, a look at some of the fascinating facts and figures on what it takes to pull this mammoth sporting event together. In just a few hours, 80,000 people will cram into London's Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony. They'll be joined by 70 sheep, 12 horses, three cows, two goats and three sheepdogs as the Games directors attempt to transform the stadium into the British countryside. Close to $20b has been spent on staging the Games. 10,500 athletes will take part in 30 different sports, all aiming to take home at least one of the 302 gold medals on offer. 14 million meals will be served at the Games, using 25,000 loaves of bread, 100 tons of meat and 75,000 litres of milk, plus 330 tons of fruit and vegetables. And it's not all about the athletes. Journalists will outnumber competitors two to one. More than 20,000 media from around the world will be in the UK to cover the Games. And last but not least, two million visitors will make an estimated 20 million trips on London's public transport system. And a couple more figures about that grand opening ` 10,000 volunteers are helping stage it, and it'll be watched by an estimated billion viewers around the globe. That's it from me for now. Wendy and Peter. Jenny`May's here with sport now, live from Waikato Stadium for tonight's big Super Rugby showdown. A treat for rugby fans tonight, and also a chance for the All Black selectors to take a look at players under pressure. We chat with coach Steve Hansen after the break, plus double storm warning from the Caribbean. Usain Bolt says he's ready to light up London, while a Gayle rips through the Blackcaps. Plus the Oly Whites' keeper who kept the Kiwis in the game. So why's his head so low? And look who's pulling out the big team talk again. We'll take you inside a rugby day to remember in Taranaki. Nau mai, hoki mai e te iwi, ki nga korero hakinakina. Welcome back. I'm joining you from Waikato Stadium, where tonight the Chiefs play the Crusaders for a place in the Super Rugby final. With the All Black selections announced in just over a week ` 5th August ` coach Steven Hansen will be taking a keen interest in the performances of some players tonight. AND STEVE HANSEN JOINS ME TONIGHT. A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU AND SELECTORS TO LOOK AT PLAYERS UNDER PRESSIURE. YES, FINALS FOOTBALL CLOSE TO TEST RUGBY,. CONRAD SMITH OUT FOR 6 WEEKS. IS SONNY BILL WILLIAMS IN CONTENTION? IF HE'S AVAILABLE, WE'D BE STUPID NOT TO CONSIDER HIM. WHEN THE TEAM GETS NAMED WE'LL ANSWER THAT. YES, HE WILL BE CONSIDERED. PLENTY OF MATCH-UPS TONGITH. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? ALL OF THEM. YOUNG LOCKS VS OLD LOCKS. LOOSE FORWARDS GOOD. SAM CANE OFF THE BENCH. RICHIE PLAYING WELL AT 8. MIDFIELD A GOOD CONTEST. HOPE BOTH SIDES WALK OFF THINKING THEY DIDN'T LEAVE ANYTHING HERE. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, appreciate your time. Steve Hansen's predecessor has also been out in the rugby heartland today. Sir Graham Henry was doing his bit for a team that's never won the Ranfurly Shield. Here's Mark Hathaway. The king of rugby handing out the jerseys to the King Country team as they prepare for a rare Ranfurly Shield challenge. It's a real privilege for the boys, not only playing the Shield game today, but to meet somebody like that. Along with the jerseys, Sir Graham Henry also dished out a few words of wisdom You've got to keep your cool, and that is going to be the challenge of it. The art of firing up a side one Sir Graham's honed over the decades. When you're excited about playing one of these big games, and this is the biggest game these guys have ever played, a lot of them, uh, you're inclined to just rip into it and not think a lot. There's not quite as much at stake today compared to the last time he delivered a pre-match sermon. These games go quickly. You know, the time just flies, and game's over before you` before you know it. And while King Country are calling on nobility, the fear of defeat is all Taranaki need. And with that in mind, Taranaki's taking the Shield on tour to the outlying parts of the province. Well, Inglewood, anyway. So it's only 19 K's down the road from New Plymouth, but like King Country bringing in Big Ted, Taranaki are also keen to make the most of opportunities attached to the Log o'Wood. Rugby's heartland being rewarded. Despite Sir Graham's speech, King Country fell well behind in the second half after trailing by 31-6 at half-time. Relieved to have it safe? > Definitely, mate. When that final whistle went, it was a sigh of relief came over me. The 67-16 win was never really in doubt. Up ahead, sterner challenges lie in wait. But when it comes to the Shield, every day with it in hand is one to savour. Mark Hathaway, ONE News. To the Olympics now, and another day of disappointment for our footballers ` this time, the men. The under-23 side, the Oly Whites, had nine senior All Whites in their starting line-up, but it was a rookie who was cruelly exposed by Belarus in Coventry. Here's Stephen Stuart. While skipper Ryan Nelsen could joke before the match, it was all new for second-string goalkeeper Michael O'Keefe. Nelsen quickly had his young teammates threatening, but a packed Belarusian defence was organised. Michael McGlinchey, another of the old heads, was also composed, but chances weren't converted. Ian Hogg was ambitious and not allowed that latitude again, as the Belarusian bully boys got off lightly. The resulting free kick was one of several opportunities Chris Wood wasted, while veteran Shane Smeltz was put in his place. From long range, Marco Rojas almost broke the deadlock. Wood was wide. And then, with half-time approaching, a turnover gave Belarus a rare chance. They only needed one, as the corner sailed over O'Keefe's head, and Dmitry Baga calmly headed past Hogg. Rugged defending snuffed out any comeback. Ironically, O'Keefe, the 21-year-old from the American university system, was the star of the show in the second spell, but will be remembered for one blunder. Belarus won their Group C opener 1-0. Stephen Stuart, ONE News. He's one of those Games athletes who commands attention with every move, but sprinter Usain Bolt's preparation for London hasn't been entirely eye-catching. He talks to the BBC's David Bond about the threat to his 100m crown. Make way for the face of London 2012. Usain Bolt looked his confident self today as he strutted into the Olympic Village, but after a difficult year, is he still invincible? Usain Bolt, streaking away from the field... This is how we know him ` the recording-breaking entertainer who stunned the world of athletics in Beijing four years ago. But injury concerns and defeats have shaken his preparations for these games. I think I'm probably 95%, but I'm in great shape. I got over my small problems that I had at the trials, so that's` that's a key thing. And I'm ready to go. Bolt was beaten in the Jamaican trials last month by his training partner, Johan Blake, who also succeeded him as world champion in Daegu last year. He admitted he's finding it difficult to keep smiling. There's so much on my mind ` uh, worrying about if everything's going to come together. The stage is set in London for one of the greatest 100m races of all time. Bolt is still the favourite, the reigning Olympic champion and world-record holder. But there are real threats ` the Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlan and the Jamaican pair of Asafa Powell and Johan Blake (22). Blake is certainly the man on top right now, and if Bolt can beat his friend and Jamaican teammate, he knows what it will mean. This is the moment that will define my entire life. It's gonna` A lot of people say I'm a legend, but for me, this is going to define me ` myself ` as a legend. Despite appearances, Bolt's comments suggest he is a more humbled figure following his recent setbacks. He insists victory here will make him a legend, but London is no longer a guaranteed victory procession. If you thought the Blackcaps had finally worked out how to combat Chris Gayle, think again. The West Indies master blaster failed to score more than 20 runs in the final three ODIs. But as Toni Street explains, he's returned with a vengeance on day two of the first Test. The Blackcaps added just one run to their first-day total of 232 before the first wicket fell on day two. Early success. All of the middle order made it into double figures, but runs weren't coming easily. Gets the edge, but goes away for four. Four wickets fell for just 36 runs. Miscued. Should be a simple catch, and it is. Thankfully, NZ's number 10 batsman, Doug Bracewell, was prepared to fight. And that's a good hit. He smashed 39 runs off 31 deliveries, including five fours and a six. But he couldn't have done it without Chris Martin, who was given a positive introduction from the commentary team, despite the batting graphic suggesting he wouldn't last long. I'd fancy Chris Martin to be able to keep Darren Sammy out. He did. The pair put on 42 runs for the final wicket. Martin finished four not out. The Blackcaps were all out for 351. This was Chris Gayle's first time in Test whites for a year and a half, but he batted like he was still wearing his T20 uniform. Four more. The Blackcaps should have ended his innings on 36. Chance. Oh, no. Wow. You cannot afford that. Instead, he and Kieran Powell settled in. Gayle's 34th Test 50 came off 39 balls. The pair had an unbeaten opening stand of 145. Gayle finished the day on 85 and Powell on 58. So after a promising day one, the Blackcaps will now limp into day three deflated. Toni Street, ONE News. So, a disappointing end to the Blackcaps' innings. Sunil Narine got his first five-wicket bag in just his second Test. Gayle and Pollard are poised to put the Blackcaps to the sword tomorrow. Finally in sport, former NRL wonderboy Ricky Stuart believes he can breathe life back into the struggling Parramatta Eels. The New South Wales coach has confirmed a three-year deal with the club, replacing Stephen Kearney, who left last week amidst a disastrous season. Soon as I adapt to new colours and new club, you know, that's my club. That's the way I feel. I like working in one as one, and we've got to be one family going forward. We're all very passionate about winning, and that's what we're working for. Stuart's keen to take on both the Eels and Blues next year, but New South Wales' current coaching policy makes that unlikely. GAME NOT SOLD OUT TONIGHT. PICUTRE PERFECT. Tena koutou nga korero hakinakina. That's your sports news from Waikato Stadium. After the break ` Karen says the forecast's OK tomorrow, but watching the Olympics on the couch could be a good idea from Sunday. Next on Close Up ` playing the game he loves changed his life. Why he's staying positive about rugby and his new goal. I look at life like a challenge now. It's the most dangerous thing your teenager will do. How can you help? I had to sort of catch my breath and think, 'OK. Here we go again,' you know? And we're live to London with Olympic gold medalist Barbara Kendall on the eve of the Games' opening ceremony. Had a run of mostly settled weather, but that's about to come to an end. Try to get those outside jobs finished up tomorrow. Mostly fine and clear over us today under the ridge of high precipitation. Just a few shower clouds brushing eastern parts of the North Island in the onshore flow. And some drizzle catching western parts of the South Island. Got some development going on in the Tasman. These areas of cloud associated with trough and low centre in here. For weather, see onenews.co.nz And in London it's Friday morning. Some cloud and drizzle right now, around 16 degrees. And for the opening ceremony it'll be cloudy and mild. Mostly fine weather into the weekend. Have a good evening. See you tomorrow. And that's ONE News for Friday. Now here's Close Up.