Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

What began as a heated inter-city rivalry has eased significantly as any resentment the Blues felt for Moana turns to empathy.

The Blues gave their little brothers one last lesson as they closed out their brief but fierce history on Saturday night.

On the same ground where Moana produced its greatest hour, their historic win over the Blues 12 months earlier now feels like an even more distant memory.

The party has turned to a wake.

Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu said it was tough to see what Moana were facing.

“Look at what it’s done for opportunities around New Zealand in terms of having more players to play. It’s sort of hard to see them go away now. I certainly feel for the players who have invested a lot of time, the management and coaches, the fans who wanted to see something great.

“I think for me, seeing our players now having to look for jobs elsewhere, it’s probably harder for me to watch. They’re good guys and I know them personally, it’s hard to see them disband now.”

He described the cross-city relationship as a sibling rivalry, apt considering his little bother Tito is part of the franchise.

“I feel like I’m having a fight with my brother. It’s Moana Blues so it’s always good banter that makes each other stronger, that competition, and we’ve seen in the last couple of years how deep that rivalry runs and how physical the game gets, so I only get positive things from it.”

Coach Vern Cotter said they knew Moana would turn up.

“We wanted to respect Moana because they’re a good team and first and foremost we respect them through our physicality.”

Despite sitting second on the table, the Blues are yet to really fire in 2026.

“We probably will never be satisfied in where we’re at. But we’re trending in the right direction and you never want to let your feet leave the ground before you go to Christchurch and play the Crusaders. I think that’s really important that we know that they will be out to get us. They need points and there’s not a harder place to go to in New Zealand or in world rugby really than Christchurch.”

Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said the side was experiencing “a multitude of emotions.”

“The uncertainty, the boys talk about it because it’s tough when you don’t know what the future looks like and what possibly next week looks like. But they haven’t dropped their lip, they know there’s things going on and, we just leave all that baggage at the door.”

However, he said the camaraderie remained.

“There’s anger outside, but we always seem to have a bit of a laugh when we’re together and make light of the situation together. We know it’s really playing on everyone’s mind now.”

Moana proved they aren’t shy to innovate, pulling out a Springboks trick during the match where they formed a midfield lineout from a tap.

“We’re trying anything, you know, and it obviously works. So I think it gave a bit of a shock to the Blues when we did it. Obviously worked for us. And so, you know, that was very pleasing. it’s something the players came up with. And I said, well if that’s what you want to do, that’s what you want to do. And it worked.”

Moana managed a monumental upset over the Blues in Albany last year, but Umaga admits morale within the squad is a far cry from it was on that night.

“We understand running a rugby club is tough. It’s tough. You can be angry at everyone, but it’s probably not going to help what we’re doing. We know people are still fighting for us. Again, there’s a glimmer of hope. It’s only a glimmer, but at least it’s something.”

He said all they can do, is stay tight as a team.

“Turning up every day is winning for us at the minute. Just looking after each other is a huge win for us, especially around this time. We’ll keep grinding away. You’ve just got to take the little things.”

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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 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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC host Melbourne City in a one-off elimination final at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

A win would see Steve Corica’s side play Adelaide United in the home-and-away semifinals.

Kickoff is at 5pm.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix coach Bev Priestman is struggling to contain her excitement as the team’s first-ever visit to the A-League women’s playoffs loom loom into view.

The Phoenix will face Brisbane Roar in the first leg of their semi-final on Sunday, a month to the day since their final regular season match against Adelaide United.

“I can’t wait,” Priestman said.

“These are the arenas you want to be in. You want those games where every minute matters and every decision matters.

“For players those moments are what you live for. You want to be those settings.

“I’ve got out of bed this week with a bounce, I’m raring to go and this is where I come alive and I feel alive.”

Priestman said the month between games has felt like torture, especially waiting until last weekend to learn the Roar were their opponents.

“What we do very well is prepare a group and we’ve done a lot of work on penalties, closing a game, chasing a game and all those sorts of things.

“Now it’s just on the team in front of us and tidying up some things.

“We played a game [last Friday] and it was very clunky given some of the players hadn’t played for three weeks.

“But at the end of the day it was really good for us. It was a really beneficial game and it’s dialled the team in a lot now going into this week.”

She and the team are viewing the two legged semi-final as a 180-minute game.

While she said a win is the preferred result, she wants to make sure Brisbane don’t establish a sizeable advantage on their home ground.

“This team we’re not known for shipping a lot of goals, so I don’t want anything special I just want us to do the basics really well and be united to go into a very hostile environment,” she said.

“And if we do those things I think we’ve got enough in the team to get a win and absolute worse case a draw.

“We have to take care of the details and switch on in the moments. That’s a good halftime.”

Priestman has welcomed back Football Ferns fullback Lara Wall from a calf injury and there is mixed news for Emma Pijnenburg and Pia Vlok after they sustained injuries while on international duty.

Pijnenburg is “looking really good” after playing against Auckland United last Friday, while Priestman has her “fingers and toes crossed” for Vlok.

As a result, young midfielder Mikaela Bangalan has been promoted from the Phoenix academy and is in line to make her debut.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

In the stillness of the pre-dawn morning all I could hear was the sound of feet marching as Allen Juno and I traversed a well-cut farm track near the border of the Pureora Forest Park.

Then somewhere off in the dense bush below well out of our view but definitely close – a roaring stag. A moan really, but a stag nonetheless.

“It’s quite an exciting time of year when they’re all going off and making a hell of a noise,” Allen whispered to me in the still blue light.

The noise in the distance was confirmation that there were indeed deer about, as we set off on our morning hunt.

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The roar is a busy period for hunters looking for trophy stags whose antlers they hope to adorn their walls with.

“The roar is basically when the hinds come in season and they accept the stags for mating,” explained Allen. “The stages start roaring when the hinds start cycling so they’re competing for the females. They’re running around trying to get as many hinds as they’ve got in their little harem.”

He said it usually lasted about six weeks, with a second cycle later on and that it was often triggered by a change in daylight hours.

While stags sometimes even fight over hinds, the sounds of their antlers knocking and ground being stirred up audible through the bus, “the dominant stag will always prevail”.

With Allen decked out in full camo, rifle in hand and a pair of binos and deer horn hanging from his neck – I felt a bit conspicuous in my old Swanndri, sound device and microphones at my hip.

He attempted to draw the stag closer, using his roaring horn to mimic a rival stag. He prefers this “old school” method to using more modern horns.

“I think hunting is more about a challenge and a sport whereas some people these days you get all the technical stuff – thermals etc. – which to me is cheating.”

No response.

We waited a few minutes longer. Another call but further away this time.

Allen deliberated whether or not to carry on further into the bush towards the stag or try our luck round the other side of the hill facing the farm, where the glistening green grass will have drawn the deer out for an early morning feed.

I opted for the chance to maybe see some deer and enjoy the sunrise just starting to turn the dark blue sky a peachy orange and as we round a corner down in the paddock below the move paid off.

We spot a group of hinds moving across the landscape while the more eagle-eyed Allen could see a stag further off in the distance.

We ventured closer, bashing through the bush border so as to disguise our silhouettes against the trees and take advantage of the sou-easterly wind.

“Their sense of smell is fantastic. And movement is the other thing so you try to avoid silhouetting yourself,” Allen explained.

He’s a “self-taught” hunter but has clearly picked up a thing or two in his many years of doing so.

He learned with friends, admitting they’re weren’t all to successful to start, before learning from an experience hunting guide. Hunting for stags during the roar is completely different from meat hunting hoping for a bit of venison, he told me.

His many years of experience told Allen the stag was likely to do one of two things – follow the hinds directly into the bush as the sun rose higher, or makes his own way into the bush via the nearby stand of pines and circle back to them later.

We bedded down in the bush boundary, keeping a watchful eye on the deer below. There’s a lot of sitting and waiting quietly involved with hunting as I was learning.

Unfortunately the stag chose the latter and did not reappear after the hinds went into the bush.

With the sun now mostly up and the dear retreating into the bush, Allen decided to give it one more try back in the bush where we heard the original roar.

He tracked the stags movements looking for hoofprints in the mud – a large, deep hoofprint indicates a sizeable stag likely to have some impressive antlers.

Allen said the quality of stags in the area was improving. For him though a younger scragglier stag that he might have been tracking through the bush unseen for a while can be just as valuable as a mighty trophy animal.

He’s mindful of which animals he takes, part of efforts to manage the population and maintain its quality.

One of the key lessons he shared with me – there’s more time than people realise, there’s no need to rush a shot.

“I think you’re better off to lose an animal, not have a shot than take percentage shots these days because you don’t want to end up with someone getting hurt.”

It’s a message which will come to embody the more than three hours we’ve spent on the hunt, which while we didn’t get the impressive stag, proved to be an enjoyable exercise in learning to go slow and appreciate being in nature.

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