Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bevon Jacobs’ scorching Super Smash form has not gone unnoticed, even if it’s not quite enough to secure a spot at next month’s T20 World Cup.

The Auckland Aces batter was an unlucky omission from the Black Caps squad, a casualty of the its increasing depth.

National coach Rob Walter admits it would be nice to have a squad of 20 for the tournament.

“Unfortunately, there are only 15 spots, but most importantly, we have a guy who is performing very well at home, who is very confident in his game and would be ready to jump at an opportunity, if it came his way.”

Jacobs has been sensational in the domestic T20 competition, hammering six consecutive half-centuries at an average of 90 across seven innings.

‘Watching him go about his business and seeing him play the way he has played, long may that continue,” Walter said. “He has a real hunger for growth, and it’s nice to be in position where we have players in and out of the squad, who can come in and do a job for their country.”

Jacobs will get the chance to press his claims further, as he joins the Black Caps in India for a five-match T20 series.

Staying on in India after his strong performances in the one-dayer will be Kristian Clarke, who played a starring role in his maiden series, claiming seven wickets – including master Virat Kohli twice – across the three games.

“A lot has been made about what a historical achievement it was and the make-up of squad makes it more special – eight newbies in India for the first time,” Walter said. “It is a unique experience, and I was chuffed at how they rose to the occasion and delivered.”

Although the World Cup is just around the corner, Walter said the side were still focussed on the task at hand.

“It’s incredibly important to be present in this series and not look beyond that,” he said. “Playing in India is part of the cricketing experience growing up that you dream about and that doesn’t change.”

A newlook side will contest the T20 series, with just a handful backing up from the one-dayers, but Walter has no concerns about losing momentum with the personnel change.

“The foundations have been set for some time now,” he said. “We expect those players to fit back into the group quite seamlessly.

“Everyone has been very active, so its more about coming together.”

The Black Caps will sweat on the fitness of allrounder Michael Bracewell, who suffered a calf injury in the series win at Indore.

“The prognosis is fairly positive, so we are hopeful his name will still be on that list.”

Walter said his 11 for the World Cup were pretty well set in stone.

“It is a broad continuum of conditions that you can be thrown in India, but we have a pretty strong idea and some wonderful combinations.

“Any team you put on the field, you expect them to compete to win.”

The first T20 at Nagpur begins at 2.30am Thursday NZT.

Black Caps T20 Squad v India

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi

*Kristian Clarke (games 1,2 & 3)

Black Caps T20 World Cup squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand’s Lulu Sun was beaten by Linda Fruhvirtova of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open in warm conditions on court 13.

It was the first match of the year for Sun who has been trying to recover from a wrist injury. Fruhvirtova had come through qualifying winning three matches.

Twenty-four-year-old Sun held significant leads in both sets, 3-1 in the first, after breaking her opponents serve in the first game of the match and again 3-1 in the second.

The left-handed New Zealander, ranked 86th, looked to fight back in the second set after being down 3-5 and held off several match points before winning her own serve and breaking her opponents to level the scores 5-5.

However, Fruhvirtova ranked 132 then broke Sun’s serve to go ahead 6-5 and then held her own serve to win the match.

Erin Routliffe and her new doubles partner Asia Muhammad are in action on Wednesday afternoon.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The most pulsating, unpredictable and primal sport on the planet is set to deliver more chaos, drama, and stunning feats of violence in 2026.

Vicious knockouts, ingenious submissions, blood feuds, and iconic mic moments

Jonty Dine looks at the year ahead in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation.

History at the White House

In news that feels more like a deleted scene from Idiocracy, the house in which the Emancipation Proclamation was drafted, the New Deal was conceived, and the Cuban Missile Crisis was avoided, is set to play host to cage fighting. Historically the fighting at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave has been of the verbal variety, but in 2026 the decorum will be dropped as President Donald Trump invites the UFC to his backyard.

Heavyweight score settled

The sport’s most prestigious title has been held hostage for the better part of two years as Jon Jones refused to defend his tile before finally vacating. However, continuing the curse, the long awaited unification bout between Tom Aspinall and Cyril Gane ended in a brutal eye poke, rendering Aspinall unable to continue. With the rematch all but locked in, here’s praying the fight gods finally allow for an undisputed baddest man on the planet.

Black Jag ready to pounce

New Zealand’s most promising title prospect heading into 2026 has all but guaranteed his shot at gold this year. Ulberg has been on a tear since his sole loss inside the octagon in 2021, blitzing his way through the division with a stunning nine-fight winning streak. The City Kick Boxing star can no longer be denied and a fight with champion Alex Pereira will bring together two of the most powerful strikers in the sport.

Women’s renaissance

With the Lioness back to claim her throne and a superstar arrival in Kayla Harrison, the women’s division is set for a much needed injection of excitement. Amanda Nunes relinquished her title in 2023 after conquering the MMA world, but she is back to prove the cage is only big enough for one queen of the jungle.

A Notorious return

Once the face of the sport, rewriting the book and ascending to mainstream superstardom, it’s been a depressing downfall for Conor McGregor. Since snapping his leg in a round two TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, the Irishman has not stepped back into the cage, indulging in the party lifestyle he once described as ‘weakness for the soul.’ It’s been a disastrous few years for the former double champ, and with his stock at an all time low, a return to the octagon remains his only hope of redemption.

Poatan’s treble

Without a doubt the most exciting man in the sport today, Alex Pereira’s rise came in devastating fashion as he left a trail of destruction in his wake. Having surged through both middleweight and light heavyweight, Poatan could yet pull off the greatest feat in mixed martial arts history and become a three division champion in the worlds biggest combat sports organisation with a move to heavyweight.

Kiwi comeback

Titles are likely out of reach now for three of the greatest kiwis to enter the cage in Israel Adesanya, Dan Hooker and Kai Kara-France. However, the trio still have plenty of fight in the tank and all popular with the fan base. Adesanya is set to make his comeback in March against Joe Pyfer following his brutal KO loss at the hands of Nassourdine Imavov. In the twilight of his fight career, Adesanya will want to go out on his feet.

Hooker BMF

Few fighters embody the BMF life quite like New Zealand’s Dan Hooker. The Hangman has stood toe to toe with the best lightweights in the world and has engaged in some of the bloodiest battles in UFC history, most notably, his war with Dustin Poirier. Hooker vs Max Holloway for the BMF title would be a savage exhibition of violence, exactly what the belt was born to represent.

The Prates problem

Current pound for pound king Islam Makachev made an underwhelming welterweight debut despite stealing the strap from Jack Della Maddalena through a suffocating grappling performance, fans will be desperate for some fireworks during his title reign and Brazilian boogeyman Carlos Prates, who has won all his UFC fights by way of knockout, could be just the spark.

Talbot’s time

Bantamweight looked set for a long reigning champion in Merab Dvalishvili who had three effortless defences in the bank and was nearing GOAT status. However, Russia’s Petr Yan put an emphatic end to Dvalishvili’s dominance with a stunning upset in December, taking back the title he loss via disqualification in 2022. Fresh off his win over another former champ in Henry ‘Triple C’ Cejudo, fan favourite Payton Talbot presents a thrilling challenge to the new division king.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

American import Rob Baker will miss the remainder of the New Zealand Breakers’ NBL season after sustaining a significant knee injury.

Baker suffered the injury during the team’s 104-86 road victory against the Cairns Taipans on Saturday.

Scans in Melbourne confirmed he had ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

He will require surgery and faces a rehabilitation period that will keep him off the court for the rest of the campaign.

Breakers head of basketball operations, Dillon Boucher, said the news was a heavy blow for both the player and the club.

“We are absolutely devastated for Rob. Since arriving, he has been a consummate professional and a vital part of our starting group. To see his season end like this, especially after such a gritty win in Cairns, is heartbreaking.

“Rob has the full support of the entire BNZ Breakers organisation. We will do everything we can to assist him through his surgery and rehabilitation process.”

Baker will remain with the team in the immediate term as he prepares for surgery.

The club will evaluate its roster options over the coming days.

They are in Melbourne to play their final Ignite Cup game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. The team returns home to Spark Arena for a fixture against the Adelaide 36ers on Friday.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Former South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says he will not hold a grudge should Tony Brown decide to exit the Springboks and return to New Zealand ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Following Scott Robertson’s shock departure as All Blacks head coach last week, New Zealand Rugby are searching for his successor midway through a Rugby World Cup cycle.

Jamie Joseph has been touted as the favourite to take over and that has linked Brown to a position within the next All Blacks coaching group, despite being the Springboks’ assistant coach.

Speculation is rife that Brown and Joseph will once again combine ahead of the global tournament in Australia, with the pair long-time colleagues having coached together at the Highlanders and in Japan.

It would be a huge blow for the Springboks should that happen with Brown playing a significant role in their development since the 2023 World Cup triumph.

Brown is contracted to South Africa Rugby and has confirmed to The Post that he has no out-clause with the Springboks that would allow him to coach the All Blacks in the wake of Robertson’s sacking – and nor has he been tapped on the shoulder by NZR.

“I’m obviously contracted,” Brown told The Post. “I don’t have an out of my contract, so I’m back in South Africa [until the Rugby World Cup].”

It raises the prospect of NZR needing to pay a huge break-fee to SA Rugby if they want to pursue Brown.

De Villiers told the Boks Unpacked podcast the conundrum Brown faced is “an extremely difficult one”.

“It’s an interesting one. As a human being, I absolutely only have praise and respect for Tony Brown, I think he’s a fantastic guy,” de Villiers said.

“I had the pleasure of playing one season with him at the Stormers and I’ve spent some time with him since he’s been back in his coaching role, and he is just a top person.

“You go in and you become a coach, and you want to be successful in that role as well. He’s been fantastically successful with the Springboks with what he’s added.

“If you can potentially be in the situation where he is closer to his family, it makes more sense for him in his personal capacity and for his family, and maybe financially etc. Can we hold it against him? I don’t think you can.

“But is he the kind of person who will just leave a project halfway through? I don’t think he will either, so it’s an extremely difficult one.”

On Monday, South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus took to social media by posting a meme of Brown, captioned, ‘I’m not leaving’, but there will concern among Boks fans that he will want to go back to their historic rivals.

“Either way I think the right thing will happen. Throw in Rassie Erasmus’ name there and I’m pretty sure his contract with Tony Brown will have been watertight,” de Villiers said.

NZR is in the early stages of the recruitment process, with chair David Kirk saying last week they would “cast the net wide”.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Hurricanes wing Fehi Fineanganofo will be heading to the English rugby premiership following the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific and NPC seasons.

The Newcastle Red Bulls have signed Fineanganofo on a two-year deal from the beginning of the 2026-27 Prem season.

Since signing with the Hurricanes in November 2024, the 23-year-old has made 12 appearances and scored six tries for the club.

In addition to his time with the Hurricanes, the dynamic wing has also played three NPC seasons with Bay of Plenty and was a standout for the All Blacks Sevens between 2023 and 2024, featuring for the side at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I’m really excited for this new challenge and opportunity at Newcastle Red Bulls, but my main focus right now is Super Rugby Pacific and the NPC here in New Zealand,” Fineanganofo said.

“I’m super grateful to New Zealand Rugby, the All Blacks Sevens, Bay of Plenty, and the Hurricanes for the chance to achieve my dream of becoming a professional rugby player.

“I’m especially grateful for the support I’ve had over the years, getting me through injuries and back on the field. I want to end this year the right way and chase trophies in both Super Rugby Pacific and the NPC.

“After that, I can’t wait to start a new chapter with Newcastle and the brand of rugby they want to bring to the Premiership.”

While disappointed to lose a player of Fineanganofo’s quality, Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw remains supportive of his decision to head abroad.

“We’ve really enjoyed Fehi’s introduction to Super Rugby Pacific, and we feel there is a hugely exciting future ahead for him,” Laidlaw said.

“Obviously, he’s made his decision to go overseas to Newcastle, and we’ve been in open communication the whole way through it. I understand, respect, and support the decision he and his family have made.

“We look forward to him playing well this year and finishing well in New Zealand rugby, and then wishing him all the best for the future and in his career.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Nearly a year after they secured qualification for the Football World Cup with a victory on Eden Park, the All Whites will return to the stadium to farewell fans ahead of the global tournament.

The All Whites have confirmed their final home games ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, taking on Chile and Finland at Eden Park in Auckland this March as part of the first FIFA Series held in Aotearoa.

The FIFA Series brings together four competing nations to play quality international fixtures against other top sides.

The four-nation FIFA Series also includes Cape Verde, which qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026.

World number 52 Chile and 75th-ranked Finland did not qualify for the World Cup kicking off in June, but for the All Whites (ranked 87) and Cape Verde (67) the FIFA Series will be part of an extended warm-up for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Finland will become the first men’s UEFA nation to play in New Zealand in over 30 years.

Hosting a UEFA nation has been almost unheard of in NZF’s history, with only England (1991) and Hungary (1982) making the trip, while a strong Soviet Union XI toured in 1986.

Finland is not a European heavyweight, but will be strong opposition regardless, given the depth of the UEFA Confederation. In 2024, they faced the likes of England and Portugal, and their opponents last year included the Netherlands, Norway and Poland.

All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley is excited about the prospect of taking on two high-quality teams at home ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“These games are perfect for us as they will give us a real test and aid our preparation for the FIFA World Cup, while also being at home and giving fans the opportunity to support the team before we head to Canada, Mexico and the USA.

“Both Chile and Finland will be challenging opponents, so we expect some really competitive matches, which is exciting for everyone.

“2026 is going to be a massive year for football, so it’s great to announce these fixtures and kick it off in the best way possible,” Bazeley said.

All matches will be played at Eden Park, with double-header match days on Friday 27 and Monday 30 March 2026, kicking off at 4pm and 7pm.

The first match day will see Chile take on Cape Verde, before the All Whites face Finland.

The second match day will see Cape Verde versus Finland, followed by the All Whites hosting Chile.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand basketballer Steven Adams could be set for another injury lay-off in the NBA after falling heavily in the Houston Rockets’ 119-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

On Monday, the Rockets centre sprained his left ankle in the fourth quarter while attempting to block a Zion Williamson layup.

Adams had to be helped from the court by medical staff as he could not stand unassisted.

Adams had come into the starting five against the Pelicans as a replacement for Tari Eason who as out with an ankle injury.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka gave a brief update on the New Zealander’s condition post-game.

“Nothing broken, not a high ankle sprain, not sure about anything as far as time wise but quite a bit of swelling and pain and obviously couldn’t put much weight on it,” Udoka said.

Before being helped off the court in Houston Adams had scored five points, had 10 rebounds and 2 assists in 27 minutes.

The 32-year-old has been an important player for the Rockets this season and is averaging 5.9 points and 8.6 boards across 22.7 minutes in 31 games.

Adams has had injury trouble before, he missed a few games earlier this season with a right ankle injury and missed the entire 2023-24 season with a knee injury.

The Rockets have a 25 win 15 loss record this season and are fifth in the Western Conference.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

So while the All Black conversation turns to who will be named as new coach, it’s worth weighing up just what they’re getting themselves into. For a start, the test schedule coming up is incredibly daunting. Most of the chat has been around the four test tour of South Africa, but the All Blacks also have home tests against France and Ireland, then finish the year with a tough Nation’s Cup schedule that ends at Twickenham.

That’s just the on field stuff. Scott Robertson’s firing ushered in a new era in the relationship between the All Blacks, NZ Rugby (NZR) and the public, here’s a look at what needs to be considered:

Winning over players

The term ‘player power’ is probably not going away, however the role the squad took in NZR’s decision is far more complicated and interesting than simply having a gripe. But it clearly shows just how important culture is within the team and how the new coaching staff needs to establish it from day one.

Cleanout?

We’ve got a whole season of Super Rugby Pacific to get through so the opportunity is there for potential debutants to put their hands up, so the main question is how bold the new coach will be in establishing his own group.

There’s also the fact that while Robertson is gone, all of his assistants are still employed. How many, if any, stay? Jason Ryan was the only one left after the last coaching handover, it’s hard to think that whoever coming in won’t be bringing their own people with them.

Winning over the public

Whether they like it or not, the All Blacks are now going to be faced with not only scrutiny over results, but a heightened curiosity in whether everything is smooth sailing behind the scenes. The New Zealand rugby public can be extremely fickle and unreasonable, but are consistently astute at reading between the lines – something that played a significant role in Robertson’s downfall.

The standard has been set

While David Kirk was keen to focus on the fact that it was more about the overall trajectory of the All Blacks, it’s hard to ignore the three losses they suffered in 2025. All were disappointing in their own way, but it also sets a marker that whoever takes over will likely be judged by. Strength of schedule is always going to vary, but if the All Blacks lose four tests this year, all of a sudden that overall trajectory is going to be hard to spin positively.

The Springboks

Rassie Erasmus has learned how to generate AI videos, which once again shows just how differently he not only acts as a coach, but also how much leeway his governing body is prepared to give him.

It’s unthinkable that anyone involved in the game here would do something like that, but then again nor would any coach put their best players on the bench or instruct their side to deliberately infringe in an attempt to win scrum penalties.

Like it or not, Erasmus and the Springboks are not only the team but the entire operation that everyone else is getting compared to. If what they do works, and for the most part it has, people are going to start asking why the All Blacks haven’t thought of it first.

Legacy and curse

Much was made about the Eden Park record last year and to give credit to Robertson, the defence of it will stand as his most impressive result as All Black coach. That hype will mount again when Ireland visits in July, and while the threat won’t be as high, it’s still going to add an extra layer of pressure on what will be the new coach’s third test.

Then there’s the Wellington Curse, which Robertson looked to have banished with good wins over the Wallabies and France, before it came back with vengeance when the Springboks gave the All Blacks the worst hiding in their history. Admittedly it would take a miracle for Italy to repeat that in July, but it will stand as an early marker for the trajectory that Kirk mentioned.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wellington Phoenix continued their unbeaten start to 2026 with another statement win on the road.

The Phoenix upset second-placed Sydney FC 2-0 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, a fortnight after knocking over the then third-placed Roar 3-0 in Brisbane.

Carlo Armiento, on his return from suspension, gave the ‘Nix the halftime lead with a goal from a free kick before Isaac Hughes doubled Wellington’s advantage shortly after the hour mark by scoring his second header in as many games.

Sydney FC played the entirety of the second half with 10 men after having a player sent off shortly before the interval, and rarely threatened the Phoenix goal throughout the 90 minutes.

The result lifts Wellington to eighth on the ladder, just two points outside the top six and with a game in hand over the three sides that occupy the final three finals berths.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano said it was a good 90-minute performance.

“We came here with a gameplan and the boys executed very well in the first half and showed a lot of discipline,” Italiano told media post-match.

“In the second half, we adjusted a couple of things and it’s very hard to play against 10 men, but the boys executed very well.

“I’m very happy that some players came on as well and we were able to influence the game with the subs.”

It’s Italiano’s second win over his close friend and former Nix head coach Ufuk Talay.

“We have so much respect for each other. Uffy is really astute when it comes to tactical changes and seeing the game.

“I do have an advantage that I’ve worked with him for so long and also we probably did a couple of things that he wasn’t expecting today.

“But again, I’m not expecting an easy game now when they come back home in a couple of weeks.”

Giancarlo Italiano made one change to the XI which started last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Adelaide United with Armiento returning from suspension in place of Lukas Kelly-Heald, who was named amongst the substitutes.

Twin brother Alby Kelly-Heald was also back on the bench along with new signing Bill Tuiloma, who was available to make his Phoenix and A-League debut.

The Wellington Phoenix will stay over in New South Wales as they are back in action against the Jets in Newcastle on Friday night.

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