Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Kiwi Ferns’ stocks have been boosted with Jillaroos’ 10-test cap powerhouse forward Shannon Mato’s availability after her decision change allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.

Mato, 27, wants to play for New Zealand at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

She debuted for Australia at the 2022 World Cup in England and could not represent New Zealand as a result.

But a change this month in rugby league’s international rules allows players from Australia, New Zealand and England to switch to another of those countries to represent their heritage or homeland.

Players can now represent a nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country, nrl.com reported. They can’t though represent more than one nation in a calendar year.

The Whangarei-born player lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.

Mato said the birth of her son Charnze-Pati in October led to her decision.

“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” she told nrl.com.

She is keen to play for the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup, which is being held in Australia and Papua New Guinea in October and November.

“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.”

Another rule change allows players who represent New Zealand or England and qualify for New South Wales or Queensland to be available for State of Origin.

In the men’s game this has already seen Newcastle Knights and Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga switch allegiance to New Zealand, enabling his availability for the Kiwis at the World Cup, which will run parallel to the women’s event.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Ferns have a new assistant coach who will focus on their set piece.

Simon Kneebone completes the coaching group, joining head coach Whitney Hansen, and assistants Tony Christie (attack) and Riki Flutey (defence).

Christie and Flutey had been assistants during Allan Bunting’s reign, which ended when the Black Ferns finished third at last year’s World Cup.

Kneebone has come through the ranks in women’s rugby coaching and helped Canterbury win back-to-back Farah Palmer Cup titles in 2018-19 as their forwards coach.

After returning to the Canterbury team in 2024, he was appointed assistant coach for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki and assistant coach for the Black Ferns XV.

“Coaching in the women’s space is incredibly rewarding, I love how motivated the players are for growth both on and off the field, and supporting them as they chase greatness. The Black Ferns are a special team with a proud history and I’m excited to contribute to the success of our players as they reach their highest potential,” Kneebone said in a statement.

Hansen, who was appointed head coach at the end of last year, said Kneebone would bring much to the Black Ferns’ set piece.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Simon’s coaching journey throughout the ranks and his knowledge around set piece is outstanding. His understanding of the style we want to play combined with his passion for skill development will be invaluable to this group in bringing out the best of our players, experienced and new.

“His ability to build trust will be critical to enhancing our environment alongside our other coaches and management. I believe we’ve got the best people in place,” Hansen said.

Jenelle Strickland will continue her role as Black Ferns team manager.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika midfielder Tevita Latu has taken one of the more unusual routes to Super Rugby.

A duel-sporting star in high school, Latu was not short on offers upon leaving Pakuranga College.

With both rugby and basketball career paths in front him, Latu chose the court, playing college basketball in the Philippines.

But after struggling with homesickness in the Philippines, he returned to Aotearoa and switching back to his first sporting love.

Back home, there were challenges of different kind for Latu. He admits he was not ready for the demands of pro rugby, and bounced around the provinces.

The 27-year-old spent four years in Southland, and a season in Northland and Canterbury before Moana came calling.

“I didn’t really know what it took to be a professional rugby player and to have all these obstacles, you can take the wrong path, and then you learn from it. But I wouldn’t change it for a thing now. I think it’s moulded me into the person I am today.”

Latu said he struggled with off field discipline during his early years in the NPC.

“Just living life, and diet in the off season. But that’s what got me here, I’ve learned from those mistakes.”

Self doubt had also been a barrier for the Moana midfielder, something he said his parents helped him to overcome.

“I think definitely have pushed through it. They’ve always believed in my abilities to be here, especially when I don’t really believe in myself.”

Family has been a key grounding force for Latu, having become a father in early 2025.

“I’ve got a baby boy now and that’s helped. Playing full-time and being a dad at the same time, it’s been cool.”

Latu also has senior figures within the squad to lean on for advice, including former All Blacks Julian Savea and Ngani Laumape.

“I have no problems going to them, asking any questions. They probably get annoyed because I ask so many. That’s the sort of experience that they tend to bring.”

His sporting career was on an entirely different trajectory out of high school.

A rugby and basketball star, Latu opted to take up a scholarship to play college ball in Manila.

“It was just a big shock,” he said.

“It was my first time moving out of home and didn’t know much about the country and was so fixed on how Americans go about their college life, then get to the Philippines was completely different, the lifestyle there was pretty different, but that was pretty cool.”

Feeling homesick, Latu returned home but said he has no regrets about his time overseas.

“I just thought I’d give it a crack, and I’m happy I did.”

The basketball gene runs strong in the Latu whanau, his younger brother Noa currently playing for the Auckland Tuatara.

Now settled back in his hometown on his first Super Rugby contract, Latu said Moana are determined not to let the standards of 2025 slip, despite a rough start to the season which has seen them sink to the bottom of the table.

“I think we’ve always had a point to prove. From day one, they’ve kind of had to show that they actually belong here, so it hasn’t been anything different to us. What’s different is just the sense of urgency from us now.”

The side has been battling with plenty of off field distractions as well, including the speculation that their coach Tana Umaga is set to be snapped up by the new All Blacks regime.

“It’d be pretty cool to see him get the promotion. I think the club would be real gutted to lose him, but I know he’ll have the full backing of the team if he does go on. We haven’t really made him look too flash lately, I think that’s on us to get him that backing from the people. If they do question why he’s being selected, we need to do a job send him off in the right way.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Ferns Sevens have wrapped up the World Series title for another year after beating Australia 22-21 in a thrilling final of the inaugural New York round.

They won five of the six rounds this season with their victory in New York extending their lead in the overall standings over the Australians, who won one round.

Kelsey Teneti opened the scoring for the Black Ferns before Australia hit back with two tries to take a 14-5 lead into halftime.

Australia were the first to score in the second half through Tegan Levi to extend their lead to 21-5.

The Black Ferns needed to score next and they did through Alena Saili to cut Australia’s lead to 11 points with a few minutes remaining.

New Zealand kept hold of possession and scored again with Teneti dotting down to make it a one-try game at 21-15.

Australia tried to kill the game off by holding on to the ball for the final minutes but gave away a penalty handing New Zealand possession. The Black Ferns took their chance with Katelyn Vahaakolo diving over at close range.

The try was converted giving New Zealand a 22-21 lead and that’s how the match would end, with the Black Ferns crowned champions in New York. Teneti was named player of the final.

The New Zealand women beat Great Britain, Fiji and France in pool play. They beat hosts the USA 26-14 in the semi-finals before outclassing Australia in the title decider.

The New Zealand men finished sixth in New York.

They lost to South Africa and Australia in pool play, before beating Great Britain in the fifth place semi-final. They were then beaten 21-14 by France in the fifth place playoff.

South Africa won the men’s title after beating Fiji 10-7 in the final, with the victory also securing the overall World Series title for the South Africans.

The All Blacks Sevens finished fourth overall.

The season features a new structure, with the first six rounds deciding the World Series winners, before three further tournaments to determine the World Champions.

The New Zealand teams next play a three-tournament World Championship series (held in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux), with the Grand Final in Bordeaux, France, on 5-7 June.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has been unable to call on a number of key players for World Cup warmup games at home against Finland and Chile later this month.

Missing through injury are regulars Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and captain Chris Wood.

However, all are set to return to play ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June and July.

There is a debut call-up for Newcastle Jets’ Lachlan Bayliss.

“These are two really important games for us as we continue building towards the World Cup, so it is great to name our squad to play in front of our home fans for the last time before the tournament,” Bazeley said.

“I want to congratulate Lachlan Bayliss on his debut All Whites call-up. He has been in great form over the last few months with Newcastle Jets, so I’m pleased to bring him in for the first time at senior level.

“We know the deadline for naming our FIFA World Cup squad is getting closer and closer, so we are pleased to be able to give opportunities to a number of players to state their case, especially with a few regulars unavailable for this window.

“Finland and Chile should be great tests for us, and we look forward to taking them on in front of all of our home fans at Eden Park.”

The FIFA Series games at Eden Park also involve Cape Verde.

85th ranked New Zealand play 75th ranked Finland on 27 March and 55th ranked Chile on 30 March.

All Whites squad:

Kosta Barbarouses (70 caps, 9 goals) Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia

Lachlan Bayliss (debut) Newcastle Jets, Australia

Joe Bell (28/1) Viking FK, Norway

Tyler Bindon (20/3) Sheffield United, England (on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Max Crocombe (19/0) Millwall, England

Andre De Jong (11/2) Orlando Pirates, South Africa

Francis De Vries (15/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Callan Elliot (7/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Eli Just (38/8) Motherwell, Scotland

Callum McCowatt (28/4) Silkeborg IF, Denmark

James McGarry (3/0) Brisbane Roar, Australia

Ben Old (18/1) AS Saint-Étienne, France

Alex Paulsen (5/0) Lechia Gdańsk, Poland (on loan from AFC Bournemouth)

Tim Payne (48/3) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Jesse Randall (5/1) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Logan Rogerson (16/2) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

Alex Rufer (22/0) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Marko Stamenic (33/3) Swansea City, Wales

Finn Surman (13/2) Portland Timbers, USA

Ryan Thomas (23/3) PEC Zwolle, Netherlands

Bill Tuiloma (45/4) Wellington Phoenix, Aotearoa New Zealand

Ben Waine (26/8) Port Vale, England

Michael Woud (6/0) Auckland FC, Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The scoreline might not suggest it but Tall Ferns captain Tayla Dalton felt her side played some of their best basketball against world champions the United States.

The Tall Ferns suffered their fourth loss of the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico, going down 101-46 to the USA.

New Zealand started strongly and went shot for shot with the WNBA-laden US side for the first few minutes before the Americans took control.

The USA, who have already qualified for the World Cup in Germany later this year, led by 15 after the first quarter, and extended that to 36 at half time.

The Kiwis put in a solid shift to lose the third quarter by just three before Team USA outscored the New Zealanders 23-7 in the final quarter.

Sharne Robati top scored for the Tall Ferns with 11 points and also had six rebounds.

Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream top scored for the US with 18 points, while Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever had 14.

“We talked about no fangirling on court and right from the get-go we played New Zealand basketball,” Dalton said afterwards.

“We did our jersey proud and it was so fun competing against some of the best players in the world and there were some glimpses where we were playing really good basketball.

“We were playing as a team and it’s not every day that you get to play the USA team, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and we gave it our all today and I’m really proud of the girls.”

Ferns coach Natalie Hurst admitted the Americans were very impressive.

“They swarm you, they’re athletic and they can all shoot the basketball. They keep putting the pressure on for 40 minutes.

“They’re the best, a powerhouse of basketball, amazing for our girls to get out on the court and see them live as well,” Hurst said.

New Zealand’s last game is against hosts Puerto Rico and depending on other results a win could still gain them a World Cup berth.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Greymouth squash player Paul Coll battled his way to a second Australian Open title with victory over Welshman Joel Makin in the final in Brisbane.

World number two Coll and Makin fought out a 44-minute opening game with the Kiwi number one winning 19-17.

He took the second game 11-4 and the 90-minute showdown finished with Coll taking the third game 14-12 against the world number six.

“It was an unbelievable battle,” Col said afterwards.

“I didn’t even care about what he had yesterday (107 minute match in his semi-final win over Mohamad Zakaria), he’s just so tough, and I knew he was going to come out hard.

“I thought I played well, but I just let it be sloppy in a couple of patches, at 10-6 in the third.

“I respect Joel so much for his professionalism and the way he trains like a beast. It’s always fun playing him and it’s always a great battle when we get out on court.”

Coll won his first Australian Open title in 2015 and was beaten in last year’s decider by Egyptian Karim Gawad.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Caps admit they didn’t adjust quick enough to the wicket as they suffered a 7 wicket loss to South Africa in the opening T20 international.

After deciding to bat first New Zealand were bowled out for just 91 in the 15th over in Mt Maunganui.

The home side was 36 for 5 before James Neesham hit 26 and Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie both made 15.

“A weird game of cricket, we were probably a bit slow to adapt to the surface,” quick bowler Zak Foulkes said afterwards.

Nqobani Mokoena took 3 wickets, while Gerald Coetzee, Ottneil Baartman and Keshav Maharaj took 2 each.

“They bowled really well up top and put us under a lot of pressure and 92 was never going to be enough,” Foulkes added.

South Africa did lose 3 wickets but reached their target in the 17th over.

“We strive scrapping and we came together and said lets make this the hardest 92 runs for them to get and we made it look hard for them at times,” Foukes said.

Earlier the White Ferns had not troubled dispatching South Africa by 80 runs.

New Zealand scored 190 for 7 with captain Amelia Kerr top scoring with 78 and Georgia Plimmer 63. Sophie Devine then took career best figures of 4 for 12 as South Africa finished on 110 for 7.

Plimmer was very happy with their overall game.

“That was one of the best performances we’ve put in for the last couple of years. We could put on 190 runs and then for the bowlers to bowl at the stumps and execute those change-ups I think it was a pretty well rounded performance,” Plimmer said.

The second double header of five is in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wānaka skier Adam Hall has finished second in the slalom on the final day of the Winter Paralympics in Italy.

The 38-year-old improved from fourth after the first run to the silver medal position thanks to an impressive second run that produced a combined time of 1:31.38.

Leader after the first run, Russian Aleksei Bugaev held a commanding advantage of more than a second and a half, and he would not be denied gold. He crossed the finish line in a total time of 1:28.55 for a comprehensive victory, reclaiming the title he last won in Sochi 2014.

It is Hall’s sixth Olympic medal from six games taking him level Patrick Cooper as the most decorated New Zealand Winter Paralympian.

Hall has now claimed four Paralympic medals in the Men’s Slalom Standing (two gold, one silver, one bronze).

“I’m in a dream. I don’t know what just happened,” Hall said afterwards.

After the first run, sitting in fourth, I just had to lay everything out there. I knew waking up to all that snow that I had to bring out that Taieri attitude that it is just an ordinary winter day.

“I just had to attack it and let it rip. It was years and years of experience and leaving nothing behind. Wow! What a way to come down and perform like that against such a strong field.”

“There are no words to describe what this means. I put a pounamu under my bib, which made me feel like all of New Zealand has been on this journey with me. I hope I’ve continued that great legacy of Winter Paralympians, and to have brought home another medal is amazing. I love to thrive on that pressure.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson admits to being a little surprised with his success at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Lawson had arguably his best weekend in Formula 1, capping off the weekend with a seventh place finish in the Grand Prix. It followed the same result in Saturday’s sprint race.

His haul of eight points has him ninth in the standings after two rounds.

While the hard tyres were the preferred option, Lawson had to start the main race on mediums from 14th on the grid, but soon made inroads in yet another chaotic start which included the late withdrawal of the two McLarens.

Unfortunately he lost places after he was pitted early just before the field was slowed by a safety car.

He then completed the rest of the race on his last set of hard tyres, picking up places as others faulted.

He was able to keep former team-mate Isack Hadjar at bay over the closing laps and moved up to seventh when the other Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was forced to retire his car.

The results was Lawson’s 11th top-10 finish of his career. His best results was fifth at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

“I’m really happy with our result today,” the 24 year old said afterwards.

“To be honest, we didn’t quite expect it, but our pace was strong towards the end. We had a poorly timed Safety Car, and at that moment I thought our race might be over.

“It turned out to be a really enjoyable race and we managed to pull off a few overtakes. Bringing it home in P7 feels great.

“Full credit to the team from a strategy standpoint, we did everything right this weekend and securing two point finishes shows how well the team executed. “

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was also chuffed with their performance over the weekend.

“To come away with a total of 8 points from a weekend where we clearly weren’t quick enough is an exceptional result for the team. It was a very well executed race.

“We were unlucky with the Safety Car as we pitted Liam the lap before, but he drove a really great race. He was under a lot of pressure at one stage from Hadjar and didn’t put a foot wrong, delivering a solid result.”

Lawson’s team-mate Arvid Lindbard finished 12th.

Italian Kimi Antonelli scored the first win of his young Formula 1 career, heading championship-leading team-mate George Russell in a Mercedes one-two from pole position.

The 19-year-old Italian driver became the second-youngest race winner in the sport’s history, after Verstappen.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton finished a distant third, the seven-time world champion’s first podium since he joined Ferrari last year.

The next round is in Japan in a fortnight.

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