NZ Engine

Source: Radio New Zealand

The scenes at Albany tonight stood in stark contrast to 2025.

A night when Ardie Savea inspired them to their most famous win, a year on and it was an uninspired Moana being beaten up by their big brothers as the Blues took a convincing 45-19 win.

The one sided win, closes the chapter on a one sided rivalry, as the cross-city spat ends in solemn style.

The Blues were ruthless, running in seven tries to further deflate the embattled franchise.

Moana pulled one out of the Boks playbook for their first strike.

Creating a faux lineout from a tap, hooker Millenium Sanerivi rumbled his way over from the ensuing breakdown to put his side on the board.

The Blues replied through a patient build up and close range try for Marcel Renata, Sanerivi going back to back as he switched to the short-side and powered through three Blues tacklers.

With oranges approaching, Kade Banks put the Blues ahead as he won a one on one with his opposite in the right hand corner, giving his team a 14-12 lead at halftime.

The Blues sent a statement straight out of the sheds, skipper Patrick Tuipulotu powering in to kick off the second.

When James Mullen muscled over soon after, the signs looked ominous for the hosts.

Stephen Perofeta capped his quality night with the boot as he stole one from halfback, a little show and go to put the Blues into the thirties.

Beauden Barrett came on for Perofeta and immediately got on the scoresheet, making amends for a poor pass to Banks as he backed up to take the infield pass and dot down.

Chris Apoua got over for a late consolation, but Terrell Peita drove the final nail in shortly after to mercifully end the slaughter.

Follow how the action unfolded below.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 2. Millenium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Allan Craig 5. Jimmy Tupou 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Jonathan Taumateine 10. William Havili 11. Tuna Tuitama 12. Tevita Latu 13. Solomon Alaimalo 14. Israel Leota 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyler Pulini.

Blues: 1. Ben Ake 2. Kurt Eklund 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Anton Segner 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Sam Nock 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. Xavi Taele 14. Kade Banks 15. Zarn Sullivan.

Bench: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Terrell Peita, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC have ended Melbourne City’s A-League title defence with a win in penalties an Elimination Final on Saturday.

By recording their first victory in six weeks Auckland progress to the semi-finals for the second consecutive season.

Shaking off their patchy home form Auckland kept their season alive by the barest of margins in their first ever penalty shoot-out.

For a second week in a row Auckland forward Guillermo May headed home to open the scoring. May’s goal came on the stroke of half-time.

The Uruguayan has had success against City, having scored his third goal of the season against them in February, the last time City were in Auckland.

Auckland were frantic in their pursuit of a second goal late in the game but it was their defence that had to stand up against a desperate City.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time City equalised from a set piece with substitute Medin Memeti on the back post firing the ball into the net.

The home side applied the pressure in the first period of extra time forcing City goalkeeper Patrick Beach into a couple of good saves but could not add to their score before the final 15 minutes of the match.

Neither team scored in the second period of extra time, so the game was decided on penalties.

Both teams scored their first six penalties before Auckland goalkeeper Michael saved City’s seventh attempt and Dan Hall slotted the winner for Auckland.

Auckland now host Adelaide United next week in the first match of a two-legged semi-final.

See how the match unfolded here:

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic have named Silver Fern legend Casey Kopua as an interim replacement player ahead of their ANZ Premiership clash against the Stars.

The long-time Magic stalwart is joining the side to provide defensive cover for Oceane Maihi, who will have her load managed when they meet the Stars tomorrow.

Grace Walsh has also been named as a temporary replacement player. The shooter has been brought in to replace Saviour Tui, who is unavailable due to injury.

The franchise said Kopua will add a wealth of experience and leadership to the environment, with the former captain stepping back into the Magic dress to support the group.

Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa said both players would bring valuable qualities to the group.

“Casey brings a huge amount of experience and leadership, and she knows exactly what it means to wear this dress. She’s been a big part of this environment before and will add real calm and direction for us,” Araroa said.

“Grace has worked hard for her opportunity. She’s a player who brings energy and a willingness to learn, and we’re looking forward to seeing her step into this environment.”

Last year Kopua shocked the netball world when she answered an SOS to play in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball, part-way through the season.

The 40-year-old retired from top flight netball in 2019 after the Silver Ferns won the World Cup.

But Kopua’s stint at the injury depleted Giants was successful and her leadership on court lifted the players around her.

Both players will be available for selection for tomorrow’s game in Auckland.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Mystics have ended the unbeaten run of the Tactix, with a 52-43 win over the team that upset them in last year’s ANZ Premiership grand final.

The meet on Saturday was the first between the teams since that game, which would have haunted the Northern Mystics in the off-season.

They were red hot favourites going into the final, but the Mainland Tactix played their best game of the season, beating the Mystics 58-46 in Auckland.

With just one change to the team in the off-season, the Mystics are seen as title contenders again. But they came into Saturday’s fourth round sitting fifth on the ladder, with one win and two losses.

In stark contrast, the Tactix have exceeded expectations by sitting at the top of the ladder, despite losing seven of their premiership team.

The Tactix were without captain Erikana Pedersen, who is nursing a shoulder injury that forced her off the court in round three. Youngsters Parris Petera and Taiana Day shared time in the midcourt in her place.

The sides drew 12-all at the end of the first quarter at Auckland’s Trusts Arena – the scene of last year’s grand final.

Mystics coach Tia Winikerei sprung a surprise when she put Tayla Earle in at wing attack for the first half of the second quarter in place of Peta Toeava.

Toeava returned to the court and brought up her 150th National League match. The 32-year-old has played all of her matches for the Mystics, since making her debut in 2013.

Winikerei made countless substitutions throughout the match.

The Tactix led by just one at half-time but the Mystics came out firing in the third quarter.

The Mystics, knowing they had to get their season on track, won the third period 14-7 for a six goal lead heading into the final term.

Mystics defender Catherine Hall started creating havoc for the Tactix shooters, and finished the game with another big haul of defensive gains.

Mystics shooter Sophia Lafaiali’i, who spent 50 minutes on court, impressed with a 36 goal effort at 90 percent accuracy.

Amorangi Malesala, who has been in fine form since her move south to the Tactix, had a solid outing but was only able to convert one of several attempts at the two-point shot.

Tactix coach Donna Wilkins said her side missed Pedersen and that it showed at times when panic started creeping into the midcourt.

Pedersen is still being assessed as to the extent of her injury.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The NZ Warriors are away to Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.

The side are riding a three match unbeaten run and welcome the return of centre Adam Pompey to Saturday’s line-up.

Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark

Interchanges: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 20. Luke Metcalf

Reserves: 21. Kayliss Fatialofa, 22. Te Maire Martin, 23. Makaia Tafua

Eels: 1. Joash Papalii, 2. Brian Kelly, 3. Will Penisini, 4. Sean Russell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Ronald Volkman, 7. Mitch Moses, 8. Luca Moretti, 9. Ryley Smith, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Charlie Guymer, 12. Jack Williams, 13. Jack de Belin

Interchange: 14. Tallyn da Silva, 15. Saxon Pryke, 16. Toni Mataele, 17. Dylan Walker, 18. Kelma Tuilagi, 19. Lorenzo Talataina

Reserves: 20. Jordan Samrani, 21. Teancum Brown, 22. Araz Nanva

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bottom-of-the-table Moana Pasifika host the third-placed Blues in a crosstown Super Rugby Pacific clash at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.

Moana Pasifika are chasing just their second win of the season, while their rivals are looking to potentially move up the ladder up with a win.

Kickoff is at 7.05pm.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 2. Millenium Sanerivi 3. Atu Moli 4. Allan Craig 5. Jimmy Tupou 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Jonathan Taumateine 10. William Havili 11. Tuna Tuitama 12. Tevita Latu 13. Solomon Alaimalo 14. Israel Leota 15. Glen Vaihu.

Bench: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyler Pulini.

Blues: 1. Ben Ake 2. Kurt Eklund 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Anton Segner 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Sam Nock 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. Xavi Taele 14. Kade Banks 15. Zarn Sullivan.

Bench: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Terrell Peita, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand