Today in sports history: June 8 - Swine flu wrecks havoc in NRL

Queensland players were forced to quarantine after a positive swine flu test.
Queensland players were forced to quarantine after a positive swine flu test. Photo credit: Getty

Some of the stories of the past that led sporting headlines around the world on June 8.

1985

The All Blacks inflict England with their worst rugby defeat in 114 years, romping to a 42-15 victory at Athletic Park in Wellington. 

Winger Craig Green scored two tries, with John Kirwan, Jock Hobbs, Murray Mexted and Mark Shaw also crossing for four-pointers. 

While the 27-point defeat wasn't flattering, England would eventually surpass that margin in 1998, when they lost 76-0 to Australia - the Wallabies' biggest test win. 

2002

Serena Williams wins her maiden French Open title, beating older sister Venus WIlliams 7-5 6-3 in the decider. 

The win over her sister was her second Grand Slam singles title, after winning the previous year's Australian Open. 

Serena Williams.
Serena Williams. Photo credit: Reuters

Williams has now won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open era and the second-most of all time, behind Margaret Court (24). 

2009

While fears remain of another coronavirus outbreak, 11 years ago, Darius Boyd and Ashley Harrison are withdrawn by the NRL on the advice of health authorities, after Maroons teammate Ben Hannant tested positive for swine flu. 

A photographer wears a mask during the Titans v Dragons match.
A photographer wears a mask during the Titans v Dragons match. Photo credit: Getty

The entire Queensland team, including NZ Warriors captain Steve Price, were forced into quarantine due to Hannett's positive test. 

2018

Golden State Warriors sweep Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 to win their third NBA championship in four years. 

Kevin Durant was named finals MVP, averaging 28.8 points per game. 

Both teams have had a fall of grace this season, sitting last in the Western and Eastern Conference standings respectively, when the season was suspended. 

2019

Jason Roy blasts 153 runs, while Ben Stokes takes three wickets, as England record a 106-run win over Bangladesh at the one-day Cricket World Cup. 

After losing to Pakistan in their previous match, England needed victory to remain in contention for the semis and Roy's knock certainly helped.

Jason Roy.
Jason Roy. Photo credit: Reuters

England went on to win the tournament, beating New Zealand on a boundary countback after the rivals were tied through a 'super over'. 

Birthdays 

1919 - Former Blackcaps bowler Guy Overton 

1924 - Former Blackcaps wicketkeeper Ian Colquhoun 

1946 - Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry 

Sir Graham Henry with Sir Steve Hansen.
Sir Graham Henry with Sir Steve Hansen. Photo credit: Getty

1979 - Former Silver Ferns midcourter Adine WIlson 

Newshub 12 months ago…

Live updates: Super Rugby - Crusaders v Rebels

Melbourne face a monumental task to qualify for their first Super Rugby finals campaign, after a humbling 66-0 loss to a rampant Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

While the machinations of the top eight are still to unfold over the weekend, the Rebels must find a way to regroup before next Friday night's must-win clash at AAMI Park against the Highlanders.

Last season, the Rebels had a narrow final round loss and ended up missing the play-offs on points differential.

Melbourne travelled to Christchurch, where the Crusaders are now unbeaten in 28 matches, without star halfback Will Genia, due to the Wallabies rest-rotation policy.

Under the same guidelines, they also had to start with in-form test winger Marika Koroibete on the bench and the Rebels desperately missed them both.