Source: Radio New Zealand
The All Whites will play Chile in their second match of the Fifa Series at Eden Park in Auckland on Monday.
New Zealand lost their opening game 2-0 against Finland on Friday.
Kickoff is at 7pm.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Finley Melville Ives. www.photosport.nz
Fin Melville Ives has made history by winning the freeski halfpipe Crystal Globe, crowned men’s World Cup series champion as New Zealand celebrated a triumphant end to the season.
Compatriot Luke Harrold won the final event in Switzerland on Monday morning (US time) to clinch his first ever World Cup event win while Melville Ives finished on top of the overall standings despite not competing.
The 19-year-old reigning world champion broke his collar bone during the qualifying rounds of last month’s Winter Olympics in Italy and was stretchered from the course.
Finley Melville Ives lies on the snow after crashing in the freestyle skiing men’s freeski halfpipe qualification run 2. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
The serious injury meant he was never likely to line up in Silvaplana, leaving him exposed to be passed.
However, he retained his lead on 280 points, having won two previous rounds and notching a runner-up finish in the five-leg World Cup series.
He is the first New Zealander to win the freeski halfpipe Crystal Globe.
It was also an unforgettable day for 17-year-old Harrold, who pipped Estonia’s Henry Sildaru with his second-run score of 93.25 after posting 80.25 in his first.
Gold medallist Luke Harrold of New Zealand celebrates on the podium during the Medal Ceremony of the Freestyle Skiing Men’s Freeski Halfpipe at the Winter Youth Olympic Games, South Korea, 2024. PHOTOSPORT
Harrold upped the ante in his second run with a switch right alley oop double 900 critical grab, a switch left alley-oop double 900 mute, then a switch left cork 720 Japan, a right dub 1260 mute, to end on a massive left double 1620 safety on the last hit.
“I was at the top, I was trying to have as much fun as possible. Just wanting to try to give everything I had in this last run, last run of the year. Just gave it my all and it worked out, so I’m super happy,” Harrold said, who failed to reach the final in his maiden Olympic appearance last month.
“To come away with the win and land that last run really meant a lot in the last World Cup of the year. There were a few World Cups and the Olympics in the middle where I wished I maybe did a little bit better, so to end the year like this is incredible.”
Sildaru topped the men’s overall Freeski Park and Pipe standings.
New Zealand freeskier Mischa Thomas competes in the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics, 2026. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
There was more success for New Zealand in the women’s halfpipe finale, with Mischa Thomas runner-up in her first World Cup podium finish.
Reigning women’s world champion Zoe Atkin of Great Britain clinched victory to secure the Crystal Globe with a score of 86.75,
Thomas, 18, was second with 80.75 to finish her rookie season in style.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Pia Vlok of the Wellington Phoenix reacts. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
Phoenix women’s coach Bev Priestman was left bitterly disappointed after finishing their home regular season with an upset loss.
The Phoenix were beaten 1-0 by lowly Western Sydney in Porirua which ended their hopes of winning the minor premiership and may prove costly in the play-off picture.
It was their second successive loss and now Wellington are in a three-way battle for second spot and a first round bye in the top six play-offs.
“I’m just gutted,” Priestman said.
“The fans have been unbelievable for us this season. I know it’s not the end but it’s the last home game of the regular season [and] I would have really liked to give them something to write home about.”
Bev Priestman head coach of the Wellington Phoenix Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
Melbourne City secured top spot, while the Phoenix, Canberra and Adelaide are all within a point of each other.
A win over Adelaide on Friday will secure the Phoenix second spot and avoid an elimination game. Instead they would qualifying for a home and away semi-final.
“Now we’ve got a tight turnaround and we’ve got to stand up and be counted going into this Adelaide game.
“What I would say is that adversity is good for you and you don’t choose when it hits you. Now it’s time to react to adversity.”
“Adelaide’s a big trip but a big opportunity to respond and that’s what I’m most excited about.”
A-League standings (points and goal differential)
Melbourne City 37 +15
Wellington Phoenix 31 +19
Canberra United 31 +7
Adelaide United 30 0
Brisbane Roar 28 -3
Central Coast Mariners 27 +1
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Tamaiti Williams celebrates during the All Blacks v Argentina. Blake Armstrong/ActionPress
The Crusaders will be without All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season as he receives treatment for a serious infection.
Williams is currently in hospital after being diagnosed with discitis – an infection in one of the discs in his spine.
He’ll remain under close medical supervision until his condition is stable enough for him to return home.
Tamaiti Williams of the Crusaders. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
He will miss the rest of the Crusaders season and his return to rugby after that remains unclear, putting him in doubt for the All Blacks home tests against France, Italy and Ireland in July.
Williams said it’s not the news he had hoped for.
“I’ve had a sore back for a couple of weeks and had to come in for some scans and blood tests,” Williams said.
“They found an infection in my back called discitis, which means I’m going to be on antibiotics for a pretty long time. Unfortunately, my Crusade for 2026 is over.”
Tamaiti Williams in action for the Crusaders. PHOTOSPORT
Williams said he was trying to remain philosophical about the infection.
“I’m feeling gutted, but I’m also grateful that the news isn’t as bad as what it could be,” he said.
“Being in hospital, you see a lot, and it makes you appreciate that this place is here to save us. I’ve been told I’m going to make a 100 percent recovery, so I’m thankful for that.”
The Crusaders host the Fijian Drua on Friday night in their final game at Apollo Projects Stadium in Addington before they move to Christchurch’s new roofed Te Kaha Stadium in the central city.
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Tottenham Hotspur F.C. logo JAKUB PORZYCKI / AFP
English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur will play in Auckland FC in a mid-year friendly.
The London giants will take on the A-League side at Eden Park on 26 July.
It is the first time a top-level English club has played in New Zealand since 2014 when Newcastle United and West Ham United both toured.
Spurs played two games in New Zealand in 1976 beating an Auckland side 5-3 and a Wellington team 3-2.
Former All Whites skipper Ryan Nelsen made five appearances for Spurs in 2012.
Tottenham are currently 17th in the Premiership, one point above the relegation zone.
On Sunday, Igor Tudor left his role as Tottenham interim head coach after just 44 days and seven matches.
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Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team MARCEL VAN DORST / AFP
Smiles again for Liam Lawson as some luck went his way in the Japanese Grand Prix.
Lawson finished in the points for the third straight race after grabbing ninth position at Suzuka.
The 24-year-old had front wing issues which prevented him from getting through to Q3 on Saturday, but a good launch from the grid in the race had him up two places to 12th at the first corner.
From there he was helped by the safety car for Oliver Bearman’s crash and jumped into the points and was able to hold off Estaban Ocon for the rest of the race.
From 14th on the grid to P9, Lawson was the biggest mover of the day.
“I’m very pleased with today. From where we started and the doubts we had from yesterday’s issues, the team did a great job rebalancing the car, which led to a strong race,” Lawson said afterwards.
“We were also a bit fortunate with the Safety Car, which helped us move into the points. Without that, it would have been difficult to finish where we did, so it’s good to come away with something.
Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls at the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. Eric Alonso / PHOTOSPORT
“That’s three point-scoring finishes in the last two races, which is a nice bit of momentum heading into the break. I’ll spend time training and with the team to reflect on the past month before Miami, as we keep working to improve.”
Lawson is 10th in the standings with 10 points as the drivers enjoy an extended break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix because of the war in Iran. The next race is Miami on 3 May.
His team-mate Arvid Linblad suffered because of the safety car after pitting just before and finished 14th.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was happy with the points but admits more work is needed.
“We’re looking forward to a break now with some good upgrades to the car planned for Miami. Liam and Arvid will do a mix of training and simulator work in preparation for the upcoming races, but importantly some well-deserved rest as well.”
The safety car also helped decide the podium with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli benefiting to win his second straight race. Oscar Piastri, who lead at the first corner, suffered and finished second with Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari third.
Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli. FLORENT GOODEN / PHOTOSPORT
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Marko Stamenic leads the All Whites on to Eden Park during the Fifa Series. Shane Wenzlick / Photosport.nz
A “flat” performance in front of their home fans and eight games since a win is not a cause for concern leading into the Football World Cup, according to former All White and current assistant coach Simon Elliott.
On the back of two years of “progression”, Elliott is confident the All Whites are on the right track.
The broad principles of how they want to play are locked in and Elliott believes the focus will sharpen once the team arrives at the world’s most watched sporting event.
“What I think you’ll see is once the World Cup gets close, you’ll see a change. I think you’ll see a focus. I think you’ll see an elevation of everything we’re doing.”
Players and coaches were disappointed with Friday’s 2-0 loss to Finland in Auckland in the first of two games as part of a home send-off.
“You have to take it with a little bit of grain of salt. We did enough good things where we can be encouraged, but we weren’t where we wanted to be and we were short in key moments on and off the ball.
“We need to improve, but again, I think we’re a little bit closer than maybe some folks realise.”
The team will likely now need to make history if they are to leave fans with a real sense of confidence in their chances of getting out of their group for the first time at the World Cup.
The All Whites have never beaten a team from South America and Monday’s clash against Chile in the Fifa Series will be a test of tactics and mentality.
The occasion of playing at home and wanting to impress enough to book a place in the World Cup squad were some potential reasons coach Darren Bazeley floated for why the New Zealanders “didn’t look like ourselves” on Friday.
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and assistant Simon Elliott. PHOTOSPORT
“Pressure’s going to be there whether we’re playing here or away or at the World Cup or not. That’s just part of the gig,” Elliott said.
“If we’re not used to it, then we need to get used to it because it will go up from here.
“That being said, I think most of the players where they’re playing, they’re pretty used to some kind of scrutiny, some kind of pressure.”
The World Cup is 73 days away and following the Chile match the players will return to their club environments before linking up with the national team for warm up games ahead of their opening World Cup game on 16 June (NZT).
“I think this group has shown that they’ve got a lot of potential, I think we are improving.
“It’s not linear, there’s going to be moments where we get it wrong and then we have a responsibility to have robust conversations to get it as good as we possibly can before we go into the June camp.
“So I would say we’re heading in the right direction.”
Slovakia’s Zdenko Strba and Simon Elliott during All Whites versus Slovakia at 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. Andrew Cornaga / PHOTOSPORT
Elliott was there when the All Whites were last at the World Cup in 2010.
Leading into the tournament in South Africa, the All Whites then ranked 78th in the world upset the world number 15 Serbia in a friendly in Austria.
“The Serbia game was an important marker for that group.
“Good performance, could have gone either way, but we got the result, gave the group belief and built momentum.
“You’re always looking for things like that, the signs here are positive that one of those is coming. You never quite know when. We’ll keep working at it.”
The last home game before the World Cup against a side ranked 31 places higher than New Zealand would be as good a time as any to start building the winning momentum.
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Western Sydney Wanderers celebrate a goal against Wellington Phoenix. photosport
Wellington Phoenix have been stunned 1-0 at home by the lowly Western Sydney Wanderers to end their hopes of winning the women’s A-League minor premiership.
The listless defeat at Porirua Park on Sunday also leaves doubt over whether coach Bev Priestman’s team can secure a top-two finish which would hand them a bye in the first round of the play-offs.
It is a second straight loss for the Phoenix who will be second or third heading into next Friday’s final-round match away to fourth-placed Adelaide United, with plenty on the line.
They will need to improve their intensity and their quality after a wasteful display in which they struggled to put together coherent attacks.
Mackenzie Anthony of the Wellington Phoenix shoots. photosport
They paid the price in the 78th minute when Wanderers substitute Yuan Cong found the net to bring life to a mediocre contest.
The Chinese striker controlled a long ball superbly and volleyed at goal before pouncing on the reboud after the shot was blocked by goalkeeper Victoria Esson.
As with last week’s loss to Central Coast, the Phoenix came to life in the closing stages but it was too late as they suffered a sixth defeat of what has been a resurgent season.
They are guaranteed a first-ever playoff birth but could yet finish as low as fourth after having looked capable of a possible first-placing finish as recently as three weeks ago.
The Wanderers – who had lost their last five encounters against the Phoenix – climb off the bottom of the table.
Melbourne City are now guaranteed to be minor premiers.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Ben Richards photosport
Wānaka skier Ben Richards has clinched the overall men’s crown on the Freeride World Tour after securing victory in the finals in Switzerland.
The 26-year-old leap-frogged tour leader Toby Rafford of the United States with a 96-point run on the Bec des Rosses face in Verbier, executing a perfect 360 and linking multiple sections of difficult terrain seamlessly.
Rafford settled for second place while Germany’s Tiemo Rolshoven was third.
Richards said his final run was not perfect, with some improvisation needed.
“I got pushed off my line so I made up a little bit in the middle, but the conditions were so perfect, I had such a good time,” he said.
Despite two of this year’s tour stops being cancelled due to weather, the finale at Verbier Switzerland played out in perfect conditions with 50cm of fresh snow.
Richards now holds both the world tour and world championship titles.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Israel Adesanya insists retirement is not close, despite his latest defeat. Photosport
Kiwi mixed martial arts star Israel Adesanya has suffered a fourth straight UFC defeat, raising further questions over when he’ll call time on his decorated career.
The 36-year-old was beaten by rising American middleweight Joe Pyfer in the headline fight in Seattle, the referee stopping the contest in the second round, as Adesanya copped a barrage of blows.
The Auckland City Kick Boxing great looked in vintage touch early in the fight, landing crisp combinations, sharp leg kicks and taking down his opponent effectively.
The game plan went awry in the second round and he had no answer once he was dragged to the mat, where Pyfer locked in a body triangle, before pouring on the punches, giving referee Herb Dean no choice but to end the fight.
Former two-time world champion Adesanya hasn’t won in the UFC since April 2023, losing to Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis and, most recently, Nassourdine Imavov in February last year.
He is likely to fall from his current ranking of fourth in the division, but gave no suggestion he would hang up the gloves.
“You keep going again and again and again and again,” he told the ringside announcer. “I’m not leaving, you’ll never stop me.
“I might get beat, but I’ll always remain undefeated.”
Adesanya’s MMA record is now 24-6, including 13-6 in the UFC, while Pyfer, 29, improves to 16-3 and 7-1.
Kiwi Navajo Stirling achieved his fourth UFC victory. www.photosport.nz
Earlier on the card, Kiwi Navajo Stirling made it four wins from four in the UFC, with victory over a Brazilian light-heavyweight opponent.
Stirling, 28, beat Bruno Lopes by technical knockout in the second round to extend his unbeaten record as a professional to nine wins.
He stopped a fight early in the UFC for the first time, with his first three wins coming by decision.
Stirling landed a key blow with his right hand and, while Lopes fought on, he was on constant defence, as the Kiwi pushed for victory.
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