Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

England v All Blacks

Kick-off: 4:10am Sunday 16 November

Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), London

Live blog updates on RNZ

England have been installed as favourites by some local bookmakers for this weekend’s crunch match with the All Blacks at Twickenham. However, Scott Robertson isn’t reading too much into it as his side prepares for what’s being billed as the biggest game of the end of year tour.

“We’re just looking for a result,” he said when asked if the All Blacks were aiming for a statement performance.

“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.”

Robertson has made several changes to his team, most notably shaking up the loose forwards by bringing back Simon Parker to start at blindside.

“He’s a big body, he’s physical and Wallace (Sititi) will come on obviously…we still have to make our tackles and turn the ball over, whatever the style of game is, he can add to it.”

When asked for an assessment of England, Robertson was surprised and amused to learn of the ‘Pom Squad’ nickname that Steve Borthwick’s bench has earned. Props Ellis Genge and Will Stuart, hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and loose forwards Tom Curry and Henry Pollock will be presumably injected in the second half, in a plan that has been likened to the Springboks’ successful switching of starting players to impact roles in recent years.

“Wow that’s catchy,” said Robertson.

“That’s innovation, isn’t it? The finishing of test matches is critical…(we’ve got to) bring all we need to make an impact.”

Of course, there was the inevitable question about the haka, but in the English media’s defence, the topic of how the home side should issue a response was far more thoughtful than last year’s eruption of controversy.

“We welcome that, respectfully. There’s always rules of engagement around it, but they know what we’re going to do,” said Robertson.

England coach Steve Borthwick will be looking to reverse a run of three narrow defeats to the All Blacks, including a dramatic 24-22 result in the same fixture last year. He hinted at a kick-heavy game, having identified that Robertson’s gameplans have relied on Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie’s boots a great deal.

“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’,” Borthwick told media this week.

“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.”

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

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Allan Bunting will leave his post as post as Black Ferns head coach as New Zealand Rugby announces a recruitment process following a review into the failure to defend their World Cup crown.

Bunting said he won’t seek reinstatement after his three-year tenure ended with a third placing at the World Cup, having lost to Canada in the semi-finals.

Bunting said he could still reflect on his time with pride.

“It’s been an absolute honour to lead the Black Ferns in this position. I’m incredibly proud of what we set out to achieve together, from building connections, growing the depth of our wāhine, and enhancing this group to represent Aotearoa with mana on and off the field,” the 50-year-old Bunting said.

“I care deeply about women’s rugby in Aotearoa. Over the past 14 years, I’ve been honoured to contribute across both the sevens and fifteens programmes, experience pinnacle events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Series and World Cups. To have played a role in the growth of the women’s game during this time has been a privilege.

“What I value most are the connections I’ve made and the people who I’ve met throughout my journey. I’m energised for the next chapter and look forward to new opportunities to lead, grow and contribute within high performance sport.”

A long-serving assistant and then head coach of the successful Black Ferns Sevens, Bunting succeeded Wayne Smith as Black Ferns “Director of Rugby” in February 2023, in the wake of their World Cup triumph in Auckland.

His announcement came as NZR said it wanted to appoint a new head coach by Christmas “marking the next chapter in the evolution of the women’s game”.

In a statement, NZR’s general manager of rugby and performance, Chris Lendrum, said an “extensive review” of the Black Ferns future programme had highlighted a need for change

He said while progress had been made on and off the field, “the team ultimately fell short of their goal of winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup”.

“Following a thorough review process post the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we are now inviting applications for one of the most significant leadership roles in New Zealand sport,” Lendrum said.

“We are heading into an incredibly exciting four-year cycle of the professional women’s game, with a new competition calendar and the first Women’s British and Irish Lions tour in 2027. A robust process to ensure we find the best candidate to take the Black Ferns forward is imperative.”

Lendrum paid tribute to Bunting.

“We entrusted the Black Ferns programme to Allan in 2023 because he is a proven winner with a track record of creating conditions for success in the women’s game, and empowering our wāhine toa to represent our nation with pride and authenticity. His Black Ferns have done just that,” Lendrum said.

“The positive impact he has had on the women’s game is immense. He has been a part of the growth of our women’s pathways and the development of players, while remaining focused on a culture which nurtures and supports people to thrive.

“The Black Ferns have reached a new level of professionalism in their approach to a high-performance environment. Allan and his team have delivered a strong foundation for the next four-year cycle.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Daniel Hillier has made a strong start to the season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai, positioning him for a crack at a US PGA Tour card.

Hillier carded a five-under 67 at the Jumeirah Golf Estates course to be three strokes behind American leader Michael Kim to share sixth place in a 52-man field.

The 27-year-old Wellingtonian carded three birdies on the front nine and two coming home in a flawless round.

Hillier can join compatriot Ryan Fox on next year’s PGA Tour if he finishes high enough on the final leaderboard.

The top ten players on the final “Race to Dubai” World Tour rankings, who are not already exempt, will earn PGA TOUR membership.

Hillier was ranked 12th on that list coming into the $US10 million ($17.6 million) event, in which there are significant ranking points up for grabs.

Provisional points show if the tournament were to finish after the first round, Hillier would be ranked ninth on the all-important list, underlining how much is at stake.

Hillier came into the tournament in good form, having finished fifth at last week’s Abu Dhabi Championship and ninth at the India Championship last month.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Samoa is a step closer to booking its spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Australia after recording a second bonus point victory in the Final Qualification Tournament.

The Samoans defeated Namibia 26-8 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai early on Friday morning (Thursday, UAE time).

They led Namibia 19-0 at halftime and had Namibia on their back most of the half. The win puts them at the top of the four-team competition with 10 points.

The winner of the round-robin tournament, based on competition points, will qualify for the 2027 RWC.

Manu Samoa had beaten Brazil 48-10 in their opening match on

They will play their final game on Wednesday against Belgium, who are also undefeated with 9 points, after winning both their matches against Namibia and Brazil.

A win against the Black Devils will guarantee their place as the 24th team in the inaugural expanded edition of the men’s 2027 RWC in Australia.

How it happened

The Samoans, with former Wallaby Scott Sio making his debut in the blue jersey, showed a glimpse of their better selves – something they had lacked during the Pacific Nations Cup and their two-Test qualifying series against Chile earlier in the year.

Tries to halfback Johnathan Taumeteine, winger Latrell Ah Kiong and his wing partner Vaafauese Apelu Maliko gave them the advantage on the scoreboard after the first 40 minutes.

Fullback Jacob Umaga added two conversions.

Namibian captain and hooker Louis van der Westhuizen worked tirelessly upfront and stole two turnovers inside his team’s 22 metre zone as Samoa drove hard towards the line.

Having lost to Belgium in their opening game, the Namibians were under pressure to perform, as they chased a win to keep their hopes of returning to another world cup, alive.

Samoa’s starting forward pack featured Sio, Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Taleni Seu, captain Theo McFarland, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga and Iakopo Mapu.

The return of their top players and former Wallaby Scott Sio’s experience proved too much for the Namibian pack, who struggled to stake their claim in the battle for possession in the set-pieces.

In the second half, Namibia opened the second half with some promise.

They attacked the Samoan line after winning some quality possession and were on the board with their first points through the boots of flyhalf Cliven Loubser, who kicked a successful penalty conversion over the crossbar.

Samoa responded straight after and drove hard into the Namibian 22 with a lineout with winger Maliko stopped short near the corner flag, as Namibia threw in some big tackles.

That denied Samoa’s possible fourth try and an early bonus point.

A 53rd lineout win after a flat throw from replacement hooker Millenium Sanerivi to captain McFarland saw the Samoan pack drove towards the line, with flanker Motuga diving over for the try.

Umaga converted as the Samoans led 26-3, with a bonus to their name.

Fresh legs called on to the field at the 50th minute mark was timely as that saw a shift in momentum again for the islanders.

Abraham Papali’i, Michael Alaalatoa and replacement halfback Connor Tupa’I added some fire to the Samoans’ go-forward momentum.

On defence, the Namibians also showed some resistance, winning two turnovers inside their 22 again before a break saw them finishing close to the Samoan line, a drop passed ruining what could have been their first try of the game.

Their resistance finally paid off with centre Jay-Cee Nel collecting a bouncing ball from Loubser’s chip ahead to score wide, as Samoa led 26-8.

That was after captain van der Westhuizen had crashed through the Samoan defense to set up an attack inside the Samoan half.

The win gives Samoa 10 points, one more than Belgium, who they will face on Wednesday morning in the winner-take-all final clash.

– 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

Kick-off 1pm

Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Live blog updates on RNZ Sport

The All Whites will not have their strongest side for their biggest test of the year but players say belief has been building for years that they can compete with the world’s best.

Sunday’s game against world number 13 Colombia will be the highest ranked opponent the All Whites have played this year and they will be forced to face the challenge of the South Americans without their captain and leading goal-scorer, Chris Wood, as well as five other front-line players who are out injured.

The games against Colombia and Ecuador (19 November) are the last international friendlies the All Whites will play in 2025. There are two more international windows next year, in March and June, before the Football World Cup which kicks off on 11 June. So there is limited time for players to impress enough to secure their spot in New Zealand’s third ever world cup squad.

With injuries, managing work loads and unavailability, All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said during this world cup cycle he has yet to have all of the country’s best players on the park at the same time.

Since qualifying for the world cup in March the All Whites have played six matches for one win, one draw and four losses.

The win against Ivory Coast, a 1-0 victory in June at the Canadian Shield tournament in Toronto, was in some ways a turning point according to winger Eli Just.

“It absolutely gave us confidence but I think at the same time the journey we’ve been on as a team, we are not short of belief,” Just said.

“We’ve been feeling good for a long time and feeling confident.”

Scoring goals was something the All Whites were still working on and not having Wood available was a blow.

“We’ve got plenty of players who can do the job a little bit differently, obviously different profiles,” Just said of replacing Wood.

“In terms of my role, maybe not crossing it into the box as much, especially if it’s someone like Kosta [Barbarouses] in there, but now in general it is mostly the same style of play.

“There is a lot more opportunities with the ball that we need to be turning that good build up into chances, can we get balls into the box, how can we utilise the players we have. So always talking.”

Midfielder Joe Bell did not feel the pressure to be scoring goals in Wood’s absence, but recognised the goals needed to come from somewhere.

“We want to be converting our chances into goals. I think two tours ago, the last time I was on the pitch, we played Australia, we had a couple of really strong performances but we were unable to show that in the score line and we know when we get to the world cup that’s the point where it’s really going to matter.

“In an ideal world I think it’d be great to have some midfielders contributing to the goals… internally we feel like we’re kind of on the edge of clicking over there, we’re hitting a lot of metrics that we want to in terms of creating slightly more chances and especially when we have Woodsy up top and he’s fit and available, it’s a huge threat for us and it’s something that we should be making the most of.

“So it is a point of focus for us going into these games as well, even though we don’t have Woodsy.”

This Football World Cup will be different

The South Americans were the last on the list for the All Whites to tick off this year ahead of next year’s expanded global tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

As one of the first teams to qualify, New Zealand Football were on a mission to get the All Whites playing teams from different confederations in the build-up.

Like all the players on Bazeley’s radar, Bell wants to be in the world cup squad.

He did not play in the last window against European opposition, Poland or Norway, but did get the full 90 minutes against Ivory Coast, Ukraine and twice against Australia.

Bell has played at age-group world cups – under-17 World Cup and twice at the under-20 World Cup – and the pursuit of place in the team for the senior tournament feels a little bit different to the 26-year-old.

“In some regards, yes, because obviously the tournament is the pinnacle of football, but at the same time, no, I think representing your national team at any age group is a huge honour.”

The 2026 world cup would be a “fantastic experience”.

“All the hard work we’re trying to put in now to get us set up for that.”

Bell plays his club football in Norway for Viking FK with the potential to be playing in the Champions League.

If Viking do get into the Champions League Bell said “for personal career that that’s a huge milestone”.

“It’s obviously a big step to take, but I’m really happy to be playing in a team that has those kinds of opportunities to be playing in those kinds of games as well.

“[Fellow All White] Marko Stamenic he’s played a lot of Champions League games now and I think it’s fantastic having more New Zealand players playing in those kind of tournaments and level of games.”

Playing at the top level will work in Bell’s favour with Bazeley.

“There’s been a clear recognition from New Zealand that we want to get more players playing at high levels.”

In the squad for this November window there are All Whites playing club football in 10 different countries.

“I do think having a slightly diverse cultural component to it helps us with understanding and going into these kind of games [against opposition from different regions].”

Bell has worn the captain’s armband for club and country, a role that he has adjusted to.

“I think the leadership stuff definitely comes with time. It takes a long time to find the way that you want to do it and I definitely found myself observing for a long time, but feeling slightly more confident now to take a little bit more voice in both locker rooms here with the national team and also at club too.”

Bell has a good feeling about the world cup and the road the team is taking to get there.

“I think we’re tracking really positively. Although the results have been a little bit up and down, I think we’ve been taking some really strong steps internally and I think that’s the most important thing, recognising that going into the world cup, we want to be the most well prepared.

“You want to be scoring goals, you want to be winning games, but I think there’s a strong feeling within the group that we’re taking steps forward each tour and hopefully that’s something we can replicate this time is around too.”

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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

Kick-off: 4:10am Sunday 16 November

Allianz Stadium (Twickenham), London

Live blog updates on RNZ

Scott Barrett will return to lead the All Blacks for Sunday morning’s clash with England at Twickenham. The All Black captain suffered a laceration in his leg in the win over Ireland in Chicago but has been passed fit to take the field for what’s being billed as the side’s toughest challenge on this end of year tour.

His return means Josh Lord drops back to the bench, however his impressive form so far on the tour means Lord will likely get some decent minutes at the back end of the game.

Sam Darry drops out of the squad.

In another change to the forwards, Simon Parker gets the nod at blindside in a not altogether unexpected move.

Parker’s size will be useful against a big English pack, with Ardie Savea and Peter Lakai joining him in the starting loose forwards. Wallace Sititi moves back to the bench and Du’Plessis Kirifi is left out.

Leicester Fainga’anuku moves to the wing, replacing the injured Caleb Clarke. That makes room for Billy Proctor to return to centre, which brings Anton Lienert-Brown onto the bench in what must have been a very tight call.

Rieko Ioane is once again left out, while the backline reshuffle didn’t extend far enough to give Ruben Love a chance, as Damian McKenzie once again takes the 23 jersey.

Scott Robertson has kept the same front row make up as the last four tests, with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell starting in what will be a crucial scrum battle with the English. Tamaiti Williams and Pasilio Tosi will come on to relieve them in the second half.

The rest of the side is similarly unchanged, with the All Blacks hoping to simply keep all their players on the field after receiving three yellow cards in the win over Scotland.

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

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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 midfielder Macey Fraser has been granted a leave of absence to address her mental health.

Fraser re-joined the Phoenix on a three-year contract in September, but has yet to play for the club since returning from Utah Royals.

Director of football Shaun Gill said the Phoenix would continue to support Fraser while she takes time away from football.

“In conjunction with our performance psychologists and club doctor it’s been agreed Macey needs a break from the pressures of high performance sport.

“Football, like a lot of sports, can be all consuming and she is much more than just a footballer.

“We want Macey to have a long and successful football career, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of her mental health.

“We all believe a break will do her the world of good and we look forward to having Macey back in our environment when she’s ready.”

Fraser left the Phoenix in 2024 for what was a record A-League Women transfer fee at the time to join the Utah Royals in the NWSL on a three-year contract, before returning to Wellington this season.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Caps have won the fifth and final T20 match against the West Indies in Dunedin by eight wickets.

With the fourth T20 rained off, the Black Caps have won the series 3-1.

The West Indies set New Zealand a target of 141 after the visitors were bowled out in the 19th over. Black Caps fast bowler Jacob Duffy took four wickets.

Tim Robinson got New Zealand off to a strong start with 45 runs, while fellow opener Devon Conway anchored the innings by scoring 47 not out.

The first of three One Day Internationals against the West Indies starts on Sunday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

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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 Black Caps take on the West Indies at University Oval in Dunedin in the fifth and final match of the T20 international series.

New Zealand lead the series 2-1, after the fourth match was wiped out by rain in Nelson on Monday, with just 6.3 overs played.

First ball is at 1.15pm.

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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 owner Bill Foley has sold his interest in Scottish football club Hibernian.

The Scottish Premier League side has confirmed that majority shareholder Bydand Sports LLC has completed the acquisition of Black Knight Football Club’s shares.

Hibs chairperson Ian Gordon said in a statement: “Over the last few months, we have had detailed conversations with the Black Knight Football Club group regarding Hibernian FC.

“During those discussions it became clear there are philosophical differences in our visions for the club. We mutually agreed this decision was best for both organisations.”

Foley, who owns English Premier League side Bournemouth, bought a 25 percent stake in Hibernian in early 2024.

Many Hibs supporters had become concerned that Hibernian FC would become a feeder club for Bournemouth, which Foley bought in 2022.

The 80-year-old billionaire has not attended a Hibs game.

Foley is the chairperson and chief executive of Black Knight Sports and Entertainment group, which also owns the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL club.

In 2023 the Australian Professional Leagues awarded a licence to Foley’s group with Auckland FC entering the A-League in 2024.

All Whites keeper Alex Paulsen was signed by Bournemouth from the Wellington Phoenix in June 2024 and then went out on loan to Auckland FC for the 2024-25 A-League season.

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