Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The All Blacks take on England at Allianz Stadium in London’s Twickenham.

Recent history is on the visitors’ side, with the All Blacks winning the last five games against England at the London ground. The hosts’ last victory over New Zealand at Twickenham was in 2012.

The All Blacks are coming off the back of a shaky win over Scotland, in which they almost blew a 17-0 halftime lead.

Kickoff is at 4am NZT.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites v Colombia

Sunday, 16 November

Kickoff 1pm

Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

Much separates New Zealand and Colombia on a football field.

Not only are the two nations 72 places apart in the FIFA world rankings, the approach to the game differs in South America, compared to Oceania.

Their flair and goalscoring is something the All Whites can’t easily replicate, and would be foolish to try, but the region’s reputation for football’s “dark arts” and “playing on the edge” is of interest to All Whites coach Darren Bazeley.

“It’s something that we probably need to keep developing ourselves,” he said. “That sort of street game, street knowledge, game intelligence at times, but we’re also really happy with a group of honest, hardworking players that we have in the squad.”

Bazeley does not want the his players caught up in incidents that can lead to ill-discipline, when they play Colombia in Florida on Sunday.

“We’ve got real good discipline throughout the squad, but there’s going to be some challenging moments, and players at times need to get involved and look after themselves, look after each other and get through those tough moments.

“We don’t want to be losing players [to red cards], that’s for sure. That would make things really difficult for us.”

Defender Michael Boxall is a senior player in the All Whites side and, playing in Major League Soccer in the United States, he has come up against players similar to those New Zealand will encounter across the November international window against Colombia and Ecuador.

“It’s one of those things where you can give advice, but in the heat of the moment, you could find players who could be crafty and get under your skin,” Boxall said.

“I think this is just a good opportunity to experience this in a friendly match, as opposed to at a World Cup that could have massive consequences on the team.

“We’ll all have words with the whole squad about how to approach it, but until you’re really in it and experience it firsthand, we won’t really find out how you deal with it.”

Aside from the niggle, the All Whites will also face attacking threats from Colombia that will challenge the defensive structure.

“The past handful of games that I’ve played with the like of Finn Surman, Tyler [Bindon] Franny [Francis de Vries] as well on my left side, everyone has worked their arses off as a group to make it easier on each other.

“I think, against top players like these, it’s never an individual performance that’s going to shut down, for example Luis Díaz. I think it’s the whole collective, not just the back four and goalkeeper.

“We understand what we have to do. It’s the whole 11 guys keeping things as compact as we can that’s going to make things more difficult than expecting one player to just pocket one of the more inform players in the world.”

Bazeley had to make late changes to the squad and they will look to find new ways to score goals without leading goalscorer and English Premier League striker Chris Wood.

“We’ve got some players that are runners,” he said. “They run in behind really well, the timing of their runs is really good.

“We’ve got into a position over the last year, where we’re putting a lot of balls into the box for Woodsy, and trying to feed him and replicate some of the service he gets at his club, and that’s hard to replace.

“We’ve definitely talked around the type of balls that we feed into the box for these different strikers, because they are different. We’re going to look to try and get into different type of areas, and maybe provide some different type of delivery for whoever.

“We’ve got a style of play that we don’t tweak too much away from. We’re obviously aware of a lot of [Colombia’s] strengths, and we’ve raised them and we’ve looked at how we can help defend them.

“We need everybody to be at the top of their game and to work together, help each other. There’s going to be some tough moments, they’ve got some good players, but if everybody’s in that frame of mind to work together and to work hard, we can deal with that.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has refuted a positive drugs test taken on the day of his heavyweight defeat to Briton Fabio Wardley in October.

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions has confirmed Parker tested positive for traces of cocaine and could face a lengthy ban from the sport.

“The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) last night informed all required parties that Joseph Parker returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted on the 25th October in relation to his bout with Fabio Wardley,” Queensberry said.

Parker has since posted on social media, insisting he is innocent of wrongdoing.

“Before my recent fight, I took a voluntary test and have now been informed that it returned an adverse result,” he said. “This came as a real surprise to me.

“I did not take any prohibited substance, I do not use performance-enhancing drugs and do not support their use.

“I am co-operating fully with the process now underway and I am confident the investigation will clear my name.

“Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support. It means a great deal to me and my family.

“When the investigation is complete, I will speak openly and answer questions.”

Parker’s career is already in limbo, after a disastrous technical knockout decision in the 11th round against Wardley at London’s O2 Arena.

The winner of that fight was being groomed as the next challenger for the undisputed world crown currently held by Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk.

Parker, 33, was apparently ahead on points, when the fight was stopped in the penultimate round.

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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 Kiwi women experienced a unforgettable Billie Jean Cup playoff tie, taking on the powerhouse Polish side led by six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek.

The scoreline was one-sided for Elyse Tse, who lost to Swiatek 6-0 6-1 in a rare showdown, as the world No. 2 cruised to an easy win.

The 24-year-old Polish player was in rampant form in Gorzow.

Ranked at No. 909, Tse did well to make to the most of the moment and keep Swiatek on court for 43 minutes.

New Zealand’s Vivian Yang put up more resistance against world No. 124 Katarzyna Kawa, but ultimately lost 6-4 6-4.

In the women’s doubles, Erin Routliffe and Jade Otway couldn’t break Poland’s dominance against Linda Klimovicova and Martyna Kubka.

Routliffe’s serve was broken at 2-3 in the opening set and, two games later, Otway’s serve was also broken.

New Zealand fell 6-2 6-2, after an early second-set break sealed their fate.

The New Zealand team will take on Romania on Sunday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rivez Reihana has been handed his first start on tour, replacing Josh Jacomb in the All Blacks XV named to play Uruguay in Beziers, France on Monday morning (NZT).

Coach Jamie Joseph’s team will be out to complete a perfect record in their three-match tour, which has featured wins over the Barbarians 33-19 and England A 31-14.

Crusaders playmaker Reihana impressed off the bench last week in Bath and pushes rising Chiefs pivot Jacomb to the bench, linking with promoted halfback Folau Fakatava in a much-changed side.

Former Japan head coach Joseph was familiar with world No.15 Uruguay, who have recorded test wins this year over Portugal and Romania but were beaten 52-17 by Argentina.

“I’ve coached against them three times. They bring passion, South American emotion, a very passionate team,” he said.

“They wear their hearts on their sleeves and play in the same kind of way. very abrasive in the defence side of things and go hard at the breakdown.

“They do a lot of mauling, love the scrum. That’s kind of what you would say is the traditional kind of game from the South Americans. We’re expecting a real gritty game and no doubt they’ll get into us up front and try to put us under pressure there.

“We’ve just got to make sure that we can weather the storm.”

All Blacks XV

Jacob Ratumaitavuku-Kneepkens, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rivez Reihana, Folau Fakatava, Dalton Papali’i (captain), Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Caleb Delany, Josh Beehre, George Dyer, Bradley Slater, Josh Fusitu’a. Reserves: Daniel Rona, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Brodie McAlister.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika Assistant Coach Stephen Jones has been granted an early release from his contract to take up a role in England.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions first-five departs two seasons into his contract at Moana, where he arrived after four seasons as an assistant coach for the Welsh national team.

After an extended period away from his family, he said an opportunity to be an assistant coach at Newcastle was too hard to turn down.

“I’ve loved my time here with Moana Pasifika,” said Jones, who played 104 Tests from 1998 to 2011.

“From learning about the culture and customs, and getting to see the growth of our players not just on the field but as people too. The Moana movement is something special that I’ve never experienced before, and I’ll always cherish the memories made.

“It has been awesome to work alongside some legends of the game in our coaching group. We all got along really well and it was always great to come into work every day and have that open discussion.

“The club is in good hands and I look forward to following their journey from afar.”

Moana head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga praised the 47-year-old Jones’ contribution.

“Jonesy has played a huge role in the growth of our club. From day one he embraced our culture and was always willing to learn,” Umaga said.

“He brought a fresh perspective with his experiences from the Northern Hemisphere, being big on detail and offering a different view on the game, as well as helping our players especially our first fives develop in their roles.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites v Colombia (International friendly)

Kick-off: 1pm Sunday 16 November

Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

The All Whites are stateside for two big international friendly fixtures as they prepare for next year’s return trip to North America where they will make a long-awaited return to FIFA World Cup football. First up, the The Sunshine State and an opponent in Colombia who represent the step up in level Darren Bazeley’s side can expect at the pinnacle of men’s international football.

All Whites preview

Of course, the big team news for New Zealand is the absence of marquee frontman, Chris Wood. While he may not be in the same form as last term, amid a difficult start to the campaign on and off the pitch for his Nottingham Forest side, he remains the nation’s talisman and will be sorely missed.

In his absence, scoring will be an issue, with just four goals in 33 collective appearances this season for striking alternatives Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine and Andre de Jong. But the backline showed robustness in recent meetings with Poland and Norway, and while Tim Payne is absent, Tyler Bindon could offer a solid, if not as expansive option, in his stead.

Predicted XI: Crocombe (gk); Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Cacace; Thomas, Stamenic, Old, Singh, Garbett; Barbarouses.

New Zealand squad

Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Kees Sims.

Defenders: Michael Boxall, Bill Tuiloma, Liberato Cacace, Tyler Bindon, Storm Roux, Francis de Vries, Finn Surman, George Stanger.

Midfielders: Elijah Just, Matthew Garbett, Marko Stamenić, Callum McCowatt, Joe Bell, Sarpreet Singh, Ryan Thomas, Alex Rufer, Ben Old.

Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Ben Waine, Andre de Jong.

Meet the opponents

New Zealand have not faced a side ranked as high by FIFA as 13th-place Colombia since a 2017 meeting with then-8th-ranked Portugal.

That game ended 4-0 and the All Whites will be desperate to avoid another chastening experience. Colombia may have missed out on qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup but they responded by going 26 games undefeated under new head coach Nestor Lorenzo.

After beating the likes of Germany, Brazil and Spain during that streak they eventually succumbed to Lionel Messi’s world champions Argentina in the final of last year’s Copa America.

A recent 4-0 win over Mexico is worrying, given El Tri outplayed the All Whites 3-0 last September. With in-form Bayern Munich attacker Luis Diaz, 2014 FIFA World Cup top-scorer James Rodriguez and FA Cup-winning right-back Daniel Munoz at their disposal, Los Cafeteros represent a stern challenge for Bazeley’s boys.

Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Álvaro Montero.

Defenders: Davinson Sánchez, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Daniel Muñoz, Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumí, Carlos Cuesta, Álvaro Angulo.

Midfielders: James Rodríguez, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, Richard Ríos, Kevin Castaño, Jorge Carrascal, Yáser Asprilla, Juan Portilla, Gustavo Puerta.

Forwards: Luis Díaz, Rafael Santos Borré, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Suárez, Andrés Gómez, Johan Carbonero.

Previous meetings

20 June 2003 Colombia 3-1 New Zealand

These two nations have met only once before, in the Group Stage of the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup.

The underdogs took a shock lead that day, Raf de Gregorio scoring the goal, before succumbing 3-1 to the eventual semi-finalists.

Prediction

Based on world rankings, this is the All Whites’ biggest test in eight years. If they can avoid defeat against this Colombia outfit it should be treated as a very positive result.

Getting a win without their most potent goal threat seems unlikely and, in all likelihood, the South American side will have too much firepower for the All Whites. But facing opposition of this calibre is exactly what New Zealand Football has wanted for the All Whites in recent years.

It seems their return to international football’s biggest stage has put them back on the radar. But Ecuador in New Jersey on Wednesday represents a far better opportunity for an eye-catching result.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

England v All Blacks

Kickoff: 4.10am Sunday, 16 November

Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), London

Live blog updates on RNZ

After passing their biggest off field financial test, the All Blacks now face their biggest on field one of the end of year tour. Wins over Ireland and Scotland have led to a showdown at Twickenham against England, which was the scene of a dramatic test between the two sides this time last year.

England have started their northern hemisphere season with two wins of their own, a comprehensive one over the Wallabies followed by a pretty scratchy performance against Fiji last weekend.

READ MORE:

‘Just looking for a result’: Scott Robertson on All Blacks’ challenge against England

All Blacks named: Barrett back, loose forward and backline changes

All Blacks v England: Why this one has an extra edge

England make seven changes for All Blacks clash

Twickenham holds special value for All Blacks

Team lists

England: 1. Fin Baxter, 2. Jamie George, 3. Joe Heyes, 4. Maro Itoje (c), 5. Alex Coles, 6. Guy Pepper, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl, 9. Alex Mitchell, 10. George Ford (vice-captain), 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 13. Ollie Lawrence, 14. Tom Roebuck, 15. Freddie Steward

Bench: 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17. Ellis Genge, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Chandler Cunningham-South, 20. Tom Curry, 21. Henry Pollock, 22. Ben Spencer, 23. Marcus Smith

All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Will Jordan

Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie

England selections

A couple of eyebrows have been raised at the selection of George Ford and Fraser Dingwall as the first and second five pairing, which hints at a kick-heavy gameplan from coach Steve Borthwick. However, there’s genuine excitement at the prospect of a ‘Pom Squad’ off the bench, with props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and loose forwards Tom Curry and Henry Pollock being withheld for later in the test.

All Blacks selections

Only one change due to the match up, with Simon Parker starting at blindside ahead of Wallace Sititi. That means Du’Plessis Kirifi drops out, along with Sam Darry due to Scott Barrett’s return from injury, which moves Josh Lord to the bench. Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown come in as centre starter and cover respectively, while Leicester Fainga’anuku moves out to the wing.

Key stats

The All Blacks and England have played 46 times, with the All Blacks winning 36, England eight, with two draws. The last English win was their famous World Cup semifinal victory in 2019.

The top English points scorer in the fixture is Owen Farrell, with 96 in 10 tests. He has never scored a try in that total, unlike All Black top points scorer Dan Carter, who bagged four in his total of 178 points in 12 tests.

Twickenham is the most played at venue for this fixture, with 25 tests played there. However, the first test between the two nations predates the famous home of English rugby, with the 15-0 win by the All Blacks in 1905 played at Crystal Palace.

What they’re saying

“We’re just looking for a result. You look at these games, how tight they are in the margins, and there’s two quality teams both got clear DNA, how they want to play. Discipline, keep trusting ourselves and keep playing is the key.” – All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

“Every game it has spiked how much they have kicked. Last year at Twickenham, they came and the first thing they did is go ‘right, we are kicking this ball’. It is that tactical element of it and it will be interesting to see if that’s what Scott Robertson has asked his team to do.” – England coach Steve Borthwick.

The last time they met

All Blacks 24 – 22 England

It was Damian McKenzie to the rescue last year, with the utility back coming off the bench to engineer Mark Tele’a’s late try, then calmly kicking the sideline conversion to win the game. He wasn’t alone in his heroics though, Patrick Tuipulotu played a great shift as a replacement as well, while Tele’a, Asafo Aumua and Wallace Sititi were massive as well.

What’s going to happen

This has all the ingredients of another thriller, with both sides creating an interesting styles clash. Robertson has talked about how the All Blacks want to play an up tempo game but really they will revert back to kicking as soon as they feel under pressure. The scrum will be intense, as the All Blacks will feel like they have a bit of a point to prove after a somewhat tepid return against Scotland.

Once again though, if England want to win they will need to chance their arm at some stage – it’s just whether they know exactly when or how to get the ball as fast as they can to the men who can take advantage.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Breakers won’t wear the rainbow pride progress flag on their uniform during the Australian NBL’s ‘Pride Round’ early next year.

The club said it was a collective decision to not wear the logo as part of the round that recognises the LGBTQIA+ community.

“In line with the league’s voluntary participation policy to wear the patch, the players discussed the matter as a team,” the club said. “Some players raised religious and cultural concerns about wearing the insignia.

“To protect individual players from being singled out for their beliefs, the team collectively decided they would either all wear the insignia or none would.

“The club respects the human rights of all individuals, including their right to freedom of expression.”

The Breakers are the second club in the history of the Pride Round, which began in 2023, to take a full-team approach to not wearing something as part of their uniform. Cairns Taipans did the same during the inaugural round, when the players did not wear a pride jersey.

That season, the Breakers did wear a pride jersey.

Individual players have also chosen not to wear the flag over the last few years.

The Breakers said the team “are looking forward to participating in the NBL’s Pride Round”.

“The club strongly supports this event, and is open and inclusive, and will celebrate the diversity of LGBTQIA+ players, members, volunteers and supporters.

“We are committed to ensuring the Breakers are a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all, both on and off the court.”

The Pride Round this season will be held across both the NBL and WNBL from 21 January-1 February, celebrating diversity and inclusion in basketball.

In previous seasons, players, coaches and staff have participated in ‘Pride in Sport’ training sessions to build awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ athletes in sport, and understand the power of language to create inclusive cultures.

During this season’s Pride Round, the Breakers play four times, with three games on the road.

The Breakers host Adelaide 36ers on 23 January at Spark Arena. The NBL’s only openly gay player, centre Isaac Humphries, plays for the 36ers.

During Pride Round, basketball courts will also feature a pride progress flag on the floor.

In other sports, seven Manly Sea Eagles players refused to play in a rainbow-detailed NRL jersey in 2022.

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen praised the Rugby Football Union for raising the Pride flag above Twickenham for the World XV match against the Barbarians in 2023, after he had selected Israel Folau, who was sacked by Rugby Australia for his comments on gay people.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Warriors will create history, when they host North Queensland Cowboys at Christchurch’s new indoor stadium, which opens next year.

The Warriors’ other landmark home fixture outside Auckland will see them host the Dolphins on Anzac Day in Wellington.

The Warriors’ opponents for the two big games were confirmed on Friday, with the release of the 2026 National Rugby League draw – the club’s 32nd season in the competition.

After hosting Canberra and Newcastle in the first two years of their partnership with Christchurch, the Warriors will create history with the first NRL match in the city’s One New Zealand Stadium.

Following home-based Anzac Day fixtures against Gold Coast Titans in Auckland in 2024 and the Knights in Christchurch this year, the Warriors take the occasion to the capital’s Sky Stadium.

The Warriors launch their season with back-to-back Friday night home games against top eight opponents at Go Media Stadium, the first against the Sydney Roosters on 6 March and the second against NRL minor premiers Canberra Raiders on 13 March.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said they were excited to build on three seasons of outstanding fan support.

“This is a great chance for us all to get together again, pack the place out and give the team the best possible start to the year.

“We’re especially excited about playing the Dolphins on such an important day in our first Anzac Day match in Wellington and the first NRL game at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone.”

After three years of sustained sellout crowds in New Zealand, more are anticipated, as the Warriors head into a campaign that brings some of the NRL’s leading sides to Go Media Stadium.

As well as the Roosters and the Raiders in the opening two rounds, the Warriors host Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers in Auckland.

The draw has handed the Warriors a challenging opening phase to the season, as they take on four of 2025’s top eight sides in the opening four rounds, with back-to-back away trips to meet the Sharks and then Melbourne Storm.

Home start for Warriors women

A round one standalone home game in Hamilton is a key feature of the NZ Warriors’ draw for the 2026 NRLW season.

The schedule sees the Warriors kickstarting their season on 5 July against Canterbury Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato, the team’s home away from home.

In three visits to the venue, the Warriors attracted the biggest crowds seen for standalone NRLW games, peaking with more than 7000 for their encounter with ultimate premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos.

The Warriors women will play three matches at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.

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