Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport. On today’s agenda:

• Australia and India have a chaotic day in Perth.
• Its weather v golf at the moment, and weather is winning.
• The Wallabies are drawing eyeballs to the screens.

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The Silver Fern Rally typically runs over seven days in November every second year, and has more than 1050 kilometres of closed road gravel stages, plus about 1800 kilometres of touring.

There are two competition structures, each subdivide into four categories. The Historic Trophy is for ‘Puka’ (or C.O.D) 2WD pre 1985 Cars, and the Challenge Trophy is for all other 2WD Cars that don’t qualify for the Historic Trophy.

D'Arcy Waldegrave catches up with last year's winner James Ford to preview the event.

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A first trans-Tasman trip awaits Auckland FC ahead of their return to A-League football.

Sunday's clash against Macarthur FC in Sydney will be the first time they're seen on a football pitch since their 2-nil Kiwi derby win in Wellington two weeks ago.

Auckland FC defender Dan Hall joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash.

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The next generation of talent will get the chance to face England test superstars in a two-day warm-up match at Queenstown’s Sir John Davies Oval this weekend.

The match will serve as preparation for captain Ben Stokes and his side ahead of the three-game ICC World Test Championship series, starting at Hagley Oval next Thursday.

Captain Troy Johnson joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the opening days action.

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No let up from the All Blacks with a summer break in sight.

That's the view of captain Scott Barrett after coach Scott Robertson stuck with a largely full-strength side for Sunday's final test of the year against Italy in Turin.

Barrett says they're determined to finish the season on a high.

There's five changes to the run on side - four of which are due to injury returnees and absentees.

Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a return from injuries, while Anton Lienert-Brown and Ethan de Groot are in for the sidelined Jordie Barrett and Tamaiti Williams.

Elliott Smith joined D'Arcy Waldegrave live from Turin ahead of the big dance.

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Drink it up test cricket fans. Not the current test between the Aussies and the Indians, the upcoming series right here in our backyard. Besides the slim chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, a reason enough to watch in itself, this is it for home test cricket this season. No more. Fill your boots.

I get it, the ICC are intent on squeezing every drop out of their enormous global audience with endless World Cups across their formats, so in order to make the most of these hardly rare opportunities, national bodies are building their schedules around whatever pinnacle event is on the immediate horizon.

We also know that short form cricket is a quicker way into the pockets of the fans, who over time have collapsed their attention spans like every other segment of society – the sugar-hit generation if you will.

Frankly, test cricket is lucky to still be standing, particularly on a cost-per-wear basis. An insanely long format with a huge drain on resources across numerous metrics.

It’s understandable why most organisations outside of the ‘big three’ avoid test cricket wherever they can, whilst simultaneously basking in the glory of days gone by and extolling the virtues of why it’s called a test. A test of skill, a test of concentration, a test of blah blah. If I hear that again, it’ll be too soon. Explanations of why a test is called a test are right up there with the most tired lines in cricket along with “how do you feel” and “they really need a wicket now”.

So, the drive behind the execution of test cricket over our summer is easily explained away, but that doesn’t mean we have to toe the line and accept it. It sucks, it’s a punch in the face for real cricket fans and we don't have to like it. So, cherish the pre-Christmas tour, cradle it for all it’s worth, then brace yourself for a summer of colourful clothes and instant fixes.

Ta da.

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The latest edition of 'The All-Star Panel' features Rugby Commentator Ross Bond and NZ Herald Online Sports Editor Alex Powell.

On this weekend's agenda:

Why is Mike Tyson fighting at 58 years of age, Tim Southee calls time on his test career, and there are some big changes for the All Blacks.

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Established in 1929, Western Springs is packed full of racing events that bring the biggest crowds in the area.

There are more drivers than ever before who are due to come to New Zealand this season, so fans will see wheel-to-wheel action from start to finish.

American driver Brady Bacon joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview this weekend's International Sprintcar Series - Round 1.

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