Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The ‘Wild One’ is back and plans a short but violent encore inside the cage.

Kiwi UFC fighter Michelle Montague is back for her second bout in the world’s biggest combat sports promotion.

She meets Brazil’s Mayra Bueno Silva at the Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday morning.

But Montague said it won’t be a long night.

“I see myself winning it in the first round because I don’t believe she can handle the pressure that I’m going to put on her. If I don’t finish her in the first round, she’ll be broken in the second mentally.”

Though supremely confident, Montague is not ignorant of the risks inside the cage and admits to having nerves during her first walk in December 2025.

“Anyone that said no is lying. The nerves come once you are backstage, you walk out, and you forget about the nerves for a second, then once you’re in the cage waiting for them to come in, it comes again, so they’re going to come again this time.”

Sporting a perfect 7-0 record, Montague is still coming to terms with becoming the first New Zealand woman to sign with the UFC.

“I’m just soaking up every moment of it as I can, because they’re far and few between these moments, I feel confident, feel strong, feel fit, feel dialled in.”

The title of pioneer does not add any extra weight for Montague.

“No, no pressure. That statement will be true always, being the first female, but it’s now doing something with it, making a difference with it and finding out the best way to do that.

“The only pressures are the dumb ones I put on myself, but it is a beautiful responsibility.

“I feel like being able to put New Zealand or Matamata on a different stage and able to make our country proud is a very cool thing.”

Having qualified for the country’s Commonwealth Games wrestling team in 2018, injury prevented Montague from attending, but she said the art is still her bread and butter.

“I don’t know if it’s because I used to wrestle the calves on the farm or what, but grappling is probably always going to be what I favour, but it does feel good to break someone’s nose when legally allowed to.”

As well as a step up in competition, another change for Montague will be the eerily quiet atmosphere of the Apex.

“It’s not like I thrive in one or the other, but I think there’s more benefits to this. I don’t need a crowd to hype me up. I mean, being able to hear your coaches for me is a little more important than some guy yelling out, ‘smash her head’ from the bleachers.

“It’ll be more relatable to the feeling you have when you go into sparring in a small gym with a handful of people around in a small cage, and I like that.”

She said, regardless of the crowd size, she carries her country into the cage.

“I know that the kiwis and my family will have my back no matter what path my journey takes.”

That journey goes through Vegas on Sunday, and Montague is planning to walk out still undefeated.

“Yes, sir. You can bet your bottom dollar on that.”

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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 citadel that now rises above central Christchurch is more than just a stadium.

As preparations are made for One New Zealand Stadium’s opening night, it’s hard to put into words just what it means to the people of Canterbury.

More than 15 years ago, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake tore a path of destruction through Christchurch, flattening buildings, upending livelihoods and costing 185 lives.

Among the structures left unusable was Lancaster Park.

Canterbury rugby and the Crusaders moved out to Rugby League Park in Addington, and smaller venues around the city have hosted smaller concerts since.

But for 15 long years, Christchurch and the Canterbury region have been waiting for its new stadium, and on Friday, after $683 million, a capacity crowd is ready to christen Te Kaha as the Crusaders take on the Waratahs.

As Murray Parfitt admired the stadium on Thursday, he was brought to tears, describing what it meant to him and the city.

“It means a lot, really. It’s quite emotional to me,” Parfitt said.

“I mean, we had the CTV building just here and walking through that area after the earthquake and to come to this, it’s very emotional. It is more than just a stadium and having the CTV memorial right there – yeah – very emotional actually. It’s going to be a big night.”

He was not the only fan choked up by the enormity of what the city had been through to arrive at this point.

Site ‘one of the pillars for the Pacific community’

Poasa Alaifea admitted to getting emotional while describing what the stadium meant to him.

“I’m getting emotional. This is crack up,” he said, turning away to steel himself.

“I’m excited to see inside. I came through the days of Jade Stadium, seeing what happened to that … and now here we are, so yeah, I don’t know, I’m getting emotional.”

He grew up in Christchurch’s four avenues.

“This was my old stomping ground,” he said.

“This site that we stand on was one of the pillars for the Pacific community here over the years, so it’s pretty exciting.”

But the stadium is not only playing host to the Crusaders and Waratahs this weekend – 10 of Super Rugby Pacific’s 11 teams have descended on Christchurch for a Super Round to mark the enormity of the occasion.

It’s also a huge logistical exercise to cater to the about 75,000 fans expected over the weekend.

Venues Ōtautahi said there were 650 kegs on site; 50,000 soft drinks; 9000 burgers; 7000 American hotdogs; and about 6000kg of chips ready to be served up to punters.

Road closures were planned around the stadium and would come into effect from 4.30pm on Friday, 2pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday before lifting just before midnight on Friday and Saturday, and at 9.30pm on Sunday.

Elsewhere in the city, those not fortunate enough to secure a ticket to the games can watch them live for free at The Terrace next to the Bridge of Remembrance, where players will also be signing autographs from 3pm-5pm on Friday and from 1.30pm-3.30pm on Saturday.

A fan trail between the Bridge of Remembrance and the stadium will feature buskers, dancers and musicians to keep fans entertained along the way to games.

Mainland Rail is hosting a “Crusaders Express” train service from Rolleston Station to the city for fans in the neighbouring Selwyn district to attend the Crusaders-Waratahs game on Friday. Return tickets cost $49 for an adult and $29 for a child.

An Event Direct bus service will be operated by Metro and take fans from 11 hubs across the city to the stadium for all five games planned for the Super Round.

Excitement was building around the city.

Murray and Dawn Johnson were originally from Christchurch and had come down from the North Island to watch their Crusaders on opening night.

“It’s absolutely marvellous,” Murray Johnson said of the stadium.

“It’s breathtaking. It just shines,” Dawn Johnson added.

“It doesn’t matter where you go around Christchurch or up the hills there, you look over, and you’re just seeing it everywhere you go. It’s beautiful – absolutely beautiful.”

Poasa Alaifea agreed.

“I’m absolutely stoked with it. It’s been a long time coming for the region and for our city, and I can’t wait to get amongst it,” he said.

“Leicester Fainga’anuku at seven? How good, let’s go.”

Murray Parfitt would also be in the crowd and had a message for the Crusaders.

“Just go hard and take no prisoners.”

Kick-off for the Crusaders-Waratahs is 7.35pm on Friday.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

A city that has endured so much finally christens its indoor stadium tonight.

The new gem of the garden city will play host to Super Round, with all sides converging on Christchurch for five matches across three days.

The Crusaders will appropriately kick off the new era against old foes, the Waratahs, on Friday night. An intriguing positional switch marks the side’s return home, with day two to start with the high-flying Hurricanes, freshly knocked off their perch, meeting a wounded Brumbies outfit.

The Blues look to back up a win they almost let slip, as they meet the Reds fresh off the bye. Rounding out the weekend will see the Highlanders against the embattled Moana Pasifika, and finally, the Chiefs, a week on from their extra-time victory over the Canes, take on the Drua, who stunned the Brums in Canberra last weekend.

Selection notes

The big news this week has been Rob Penney’s bold move to switch Leicester Fainga’anuku to seven.

The All Blacks outside back is no stranger to the pack, having played openside for both Toulon and in second-half stints for the Crusaders this season.

After losing two games in Australia, the Crusaders welcome back midfielder David Havili, who will share the captaincy with the also returning hooker Codie Taylor.

Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi will play his 100th Super Rugby match, Caleb Delany returns to the starting lineup to partner with Warner Dearns in the second row, while Brayden Iose starts at number eight for the first time since round six.

Injuries to wings Caleb Tangitau and Jona Nareki have prompted changes in the Highlanders line-up, with Xavier Tito-Harris earning his first start, while Jonah Lowe shifts to the right wing and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens returns at fullback.

After nine weeks out with an ankle injury, winger Israel Leota will return to action for Moana off the bench, while midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo also returns.

Ben Ake has been named to make his first start for the Blues at loosehead prop after debuting off the bench against the Highlanders.

Kade Banks also makes his first start of the season on the right wing, while Stephen Perofeta is back in the mix off the bench after recovering from a calf injury.

Isaac Hutchinson will make his first start for the Chiefs at fullback, while flanker Michael Loft, who played one game for the Highlanders last year, is also poised to make his debut from the bench.

Injury ward

The Chiefs are without a couple of key loose forwards, with Luke Jacobson, Kaylum Boshier and Samipeni Finau all out through injury.

Former All Blacks Julian Savea and Ngani Laumape remain sidelined for Moana.

After his electric cameo in Auckland, Highlanders fullback Finn Hurley has been ruled out, with Ethan Blackadder and Will Jordan still unavailable for the Crusaders, with Caleb Clarke missing for the Blues.

Prop Tyrel Lomax is still five weeks away from a return for the Hurricanes.

Key stats

• The Crusaders’ biggest victory in their history was against the Waratahs in 2002, winning 96-19.
• The Crusaders have won 15 of 16 against the Waratahs in New Zealand.
• The Hurricanes have lost just three of their last 20 against Australian opposition.
• The Highlanders have lost just once to Moana Pasifika.
• The Drua’s win over the Brumbies ended Fiji’s 26-match losing run.
• No drop goals have been scored in the Super Rugby season thus far.
• Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupea leads the competition for turnovers with 11.

Crusaders vs Waratahs

7:35pm Friday, April 24

Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Crusaders: 1. Finlay Brewis, 2. Codie Taylor (VC), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Tahlor Cahill, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (C), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl.

Reserves: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Johnny Lee, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Rivez Reihana, 23. Dallas McLeod.

Waratahs: 1. Isaac Kailea, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Siosifa Amone, 4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Sid Harvey, 12. Lawson Creighton, 13. Joey Walton, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Max Jorgensen.

Reserves: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. Tom Lambert, 18. Dan Botha, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Clem Halaholo, 21. Jamie Adamson, 22. Teddy Wilson, 23. Triston Reilly

Hurricanes vs Brumbies

5:05pm Saturday, 25 April

Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes: 1. Siale Lauaki, 2. Raymond Tuputupu, 3. Tevita Mafileo, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10, Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett- co-captain, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Brad Shields, 20. Peter Lakai, 22. Ereatara Enari, 23. Jone Rova.

Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lachlan Shaw, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright

Reserves: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Darcy Breen, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Ollie Sapsford.

Blues vs Reds

7:35pm Saturday, 25 April

Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues: 1. Ben Ake, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Cole Forbes, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. AJ Lam, 14. Kade Banks, 15. Zarn Sullivan.

Reserves: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Sam Matenga, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Taufa Funaki, 22. Stephen Perofeta, 23. Xavi Taele.

Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell.

Reserves: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Treyvon Pritchard.

Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika

2:00pm Sunday, 26 April

Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (cc), 2. Soane Vikena, 3.Saula Ma’u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Tomás Lavanini, 6. Oliver Haig, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Adam Lennox, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Xavier Tito-Harris, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Reserves: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Te Kamaka Howden, 20. Hugh Renton, 21. Lucas Casey, 22. Folau Fakatava, 23. Taine Robinson.

Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Tevita Latu, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Tuna Tuitama, 15. William Havili.

Reserves: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 23. Israel Leota.

Chiefs vs Fijian Drua

4:30pm Sunday, April 26

Te Kaha Stadium, Christchurch

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs: 1. Jared Profitt, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (c), 6. Simon Parker, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Daniel Sinkinson, 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Isaac Hutchinson (debut).

Reserves: 16. Tyrone Thompson, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Benét Kumeroa, 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Michael Loft*, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23. Lalakai Foketi.

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Message Vocevoce, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (cc), 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Isoa Tuwai, 9. Frank Lomani (cc), 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Maika Tuitubou (debut), 14. Taniela Rakuro, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.

Reserves: 16. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Isoa Nasilasila, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Inia Tabuavou.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a century as Bangladesh recovered to make 265-8 against the Black Caps in the series-deciding third one-day international at Chattogram.

Shanto hit 105 off 119 balls, smacking nine fours and two sixes for his fourth ODI century after New Zealand’s pace attack had reduced the hosts to a precarious position early on.

Will O’Rourke was chief destroyer with the new ball, removing Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan in his opening two overs to leave Bangladesh reeling at 9-2.

Soumya Sarkar was dismissed soon after for 18, dragging one back onto his stumps off O’Rourke, as Bangladesh — asked to bat first — slipped to 32-3.

Shanto and Litton Das steadied the innings with a 160-run stand off 178 balls — the highest partnership for Bangladesh against New Zealand in this format for the fourth wicket.

Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox broke the stand by removing Litton for 76 off 91 balls, a knock laced with three fours and one six.

It was Litton’s 13th ODI half-century.

Lennox also brought an end to Shanto’s innings, having the left-hander caught by Nathan Smith.

Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 33 and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 22 to ensure a respectable total.

O’Rourke was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 3-32 while Ben Lister and Lennox took two wickets each.

The Black Caps won their opening game by 26 runs, scoring 247 for eight in their fifty overs and then bowling out the hosts for 221.

They were then beaten by Bangladesh by six wickets in the second ODI, with pace bowler Nahid Rana ripping through the New Zealand batting order, dismissing them for 198 in the 49th over.

Follow every play in our blog:

Black Caps ODI Squad to Bangladesh:

Tom Latham (Canterbury), Muhammad Abbas (Wellington Firebirds), Adithya Ashok (Auckland Aces), Ben Lister (Auckland Aces), Josh Clarkson (Central Stags), Dane Cleaver (Central Stags), Dean Foxcroft (Central Stags), Nick Kelly (Wellington Firebirds), Jayden Lennox (Central Stags), Henry Nicholls (Canterbury), Will O’Rourke (Canterbury), Ben Sears (Wellington Firebirds), Nathan Smith (Wellington Firebirds), Blair Tickner (Central Stags), Will Young (Central Stags)

– AFP

Additional reporting by RNZ

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

SailGP will not be going ahead in Auckland next year as the government has rejected funding.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said it was disappointed with the outcome.

“Auckland did everything to get this event across the line including resolving date issues, committing funds and meeting land and infrastructure requirements.

“We worked incredibly hard to try and make this happen and are committed to SailGP returning to the Waitematā Harbour in future years.”

Auckland’s host city offer was contingent on a two-way funding partnership between Auckland Council and central government, Hill said.

However, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston defended the decision not to fund the event.

In a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Upston said it did not meet the Major Events Fund (MEF) criteria.

“SailGP’s application was assessed under the MEF’s Focus Area One, which requires events to deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, primarily through the attraction of international visitors and/or direct event delivery expenditure.

“Given the timeframes involved and the information available, investment in the 2027 event was declined as it did not meet MEF criteria.”

A previous offer of $5 million had been accepted in principal last year, provided an agreement could be reached on dates with SailGP.

But it failed to do so, and a higher amount was requested in February.

Upston said the government remained open to “considering investment in the 2028 and 2029 SailGP events, and remains open to discussing the 2027 event if timing allows”.

In a statement, SailGP co-founder and CEO Russell Coutts confirmed the Sail Grand Prix in Auckland would not feature on the 2027 calendar because an agreement was unable to be finalised.

“SailGP has enjoyed four hugely successful events in New Zealand – with spectacular racing and incredible energy on-shore,” he said.

“We’re especially grateful to the New Zealand fans, who have shown up in force year after year, and to our partners in Auckland for their support.

“We remain in dialogue with the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, and their respective agencies, as we look ahead to a possible return from 2028 and beyond.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

SailGP will not be going ahead in Auckland next year as the government has rejected funding.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said they were disappointed with the outcome.

“Auckland did everything to get this event across the line including resolving date issues, committing funds and meeting land and infrastructure requirements.

“We worked incredibly hard to try and make this happen and are committed to SailGP returning to the Waitematā Harbour in future years,” Hill said in a written response.

Auckland’s host city offer was contingent on a two-way funding partnership between Auckland Council and central government, Hill said.

However, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has defended that decision.

In a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Upston said the event did not meet the Major Events Fund (MEF) criteria.

“SailGP’s application was assessed under the MEF’s Focus Area One, which requires events to deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, primarily through the attraction of international visitors and/or direct event delivery expenditure.

“Given the timeframes involved and the information available, investment in the 2027 event was declined as it did not meet MEF criteria.”

A previous offer of $5 million had been accepted in principal last year, provided an agreement could be reached on dates with SailGP.

But they failed to do so, and a higher amount was requested in February.

Upston said the government remained open to “considering investment in the 2028 and 2029 SailGP events, and remains open to discussing the 2027 event if timing allows”.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster insists tighter NRL training protocols have not forced changes to how his team prepare for games during the week.

The Aussie rugby league competition has imposed limits on training field contact in a bid to reduce injuries, especially concussion.

The restrictions apply to NRL and NRLW teams through pre-season and in-season sessions.

Men’s teams were notified of the change before the start of the current season, capping contact at 100 minutes through a seven-day turnaround, including wrestling.

The women’s competition starts in July and they can train contact no more than 85 minutes over seven days during their season.

Both men and women see their allocation cut to 40-50 minutes for shorter turnarounds.

“It hasn’t affected anything and no-one’s asked us to change anything about the way we train,” Webster said. “I think, the way we train, they’re really happy with it.

“We have a real understanding of when the boys need to push and when we need to train hard, when we need to do contact at training and when we don’t.

“We don’t want to be overcooking them, otherwise they turn up to gameday and they’re not ready to go.”

Webster admitted injuries often occur at training, sometimes ruling players out of consideration for games, but he couldn’t think of any so far this season.

“Not off the top of my head, but it happens all the time,” he said. “Throughout a season, you definitely get four or five.

“Someone could roll over on an ankle, someone could trip over. Three players nearly tripped over each other today and there was no contact in the session.

“Accidents happen.”

Last week, five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita fronted the weekly Warriors media opportunity with a black eye, apparently inflicted by teammate Kurt Capewell during a just-completed practice.

“They didn’t have a fight, I can tell you that,” Webster chuckled.

During the season, early days of the week are usually spent recovering from the previous game. The shorter the turnaround, the less opportunity for contact training anyway.

The Warriors played Gold Coast Titans last Saturday and face the Dolphins this Saturday – a regulation seven-day turnaround.

“We ramp it up later in the week,” Webster said, before flying to Wellington on Thursday. “We had a solid session today.

“It doesn’t go for long … it’s intense, but short. We’re lucky to have a great high-performance team that tell us how the players are feeling and how hard we can press.

“I think we’ve got that balance really well and, if we need to adjust and the NRL want us to, we will, but we always have the players’ best interests at heart.

“It’s always important that they’re comfortable with the reps they’ve done, but they also turn up to gameday feeling good about themselves.”

The Warriors will have to re-assess their workloads again for the off-season, when the NRL is even more prescriptive. Men are limited to 100 minutes a week of contact before Christmas and 200 minutes afterwards, including wrestling.

Teams should schedule no more than three consecutive days of contact training and avoid back-to-back days of high intensity.

The NRL has also laid out a plan covering a staged progression into pre-season workouts.

“The training load guidelines are designed to enhance player safety and have been developed following extensive research,” the NRL said.

The protocols follow similar guidelines applied by World Rugby and the NFL American football competition.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC has given up asking A-League referees to explain their decisions.

Instead, coach Steve Corica would speak to his players about how they reacted when they did not get the refereeing calls they expected as they headed into finals football.

For a few weeks Corica had been unhappy with what he believed was inconsistency in the officiating. So much so, he had an outburst that got him red carded for kicking an object on the sideline during a game in exasperation.

Players were also starting to voice their displeasure to the referees in recent weeks.

“They’re starting to get frustrated from some of the decisions,” Corica said of his team which were sitting second in the league ahead of the last game of the regular season.

“I think we can get a little bit carried away. We probably just need to concentrate on the game and not what the referees are doing and make sure we get the job done.”

The league’s top goalscorer, Sam Cosgrove, had been central to Auckland’s playmaking and to incidents involving the referee this season.

In Sunday’s game against Central Coast Mariners, Cosgrove believed an opposition player had “intentionally” stepped on his back when he was prone on the ground. An act both he and Corica said should have been a red card.

Referees deemed it worthy of a yellow card and Cosgrove was still annoyed.

“Other teams are trying to get under our skin. We rise above it, but we want a bit more help from the officials,” Cosgrove said.

Cosgrove, who had six yellow cards himself and had sat out a game in February for accumulating five yellows in 17 games, defended the way Auckland’s players and coaches had dealt with being on the wrong side of calls.

“You see the manager the other week, he gets sent off, but at no point have we lost our heads and lost boys on the pitch from disagreements with the referee.

“We get frustrated, but I think if anything it fuels our fire.

“At times, I suppose it could become a distraction, but we’re a team that plays on the edge, we’re a team that are intense, we work hard, so if we get that little fire in our belly, sometimes it can help you.”

Cosgrove’s treatment in his first season in the A-League has been questioned both by the player and his coach.

The Englishman embraced his role as a physical presence up front and the extra attention that came with it.

“I imposed myself physically on the league straight away when I first came.

“We’ve scored goals all across the front three, the front four that we play, but being the top scorer in the league, you’re automatically going to be that danger man for the opposition.

“But I don’t mind it. I thrive on the battles.

“I think that most weeks I get the better of my centre-half. I’ll keep on doing what I’m doing and they can keep on doing what they’re doing.”

Cosgrove has scored 11 goals so far this season, but said he should “probably be on three, four, five more goals than I’m at, to be honest”.

If Cosgrove could add to his goal-scoring tally on Sunday against Sydney FC, it could help Auckland avoid dropping down the A-League standings.

The striker said some of the issues that lead to Auckland fighting to stay in the top two on the last day of the regular season were self-inflicted.

A win in Sydney would lock in second place in the standings and a semi-final berth. A draw or a loss by one or two goals would mean the chasing teams could catch Auckland and send last season’s Premiers Plate winners into third place and needing to play an Elimination Final next week to get into a semi-final.

“It’s a sink or swim moment and we need to swim,” Cosgrove said.

Cosgrove summed up how he thought Auckland had arrived at the must-win situation they now faced as “mistakes, probably at both ends of the pitch. Not enough quality and not taking our chances up at the top end”.

“We’re conceding goals that are our mistakes, that’s something that we’re going to have to rectify, whether we’re trying to be a bit too cute at the back or whatever, but we’ve highlighted it now and it’s something that we need to change.

“If we can turn it around and do what we can do, we’ll win the finals, for sure.”

Corica felt the pressure of backing up last season’s success.

“I think when you’re trying to win trophies and you’re trying to be at the top, we put pressure on ourselves, because that’s what we expect as coaches, the players know that.

“There’s always going to be periods in seasons that don’t go your way and I think we’ve had a couple this season, January comes to mind, definitely, and of late.

“For me, it’s more exciting to see how we respond. Once we’re in the finals, it’s do or die at times.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the action as the Black Caps take on Bangladesh at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram, for their third one-day international.

The Black Caps won their opening game by 26 runs, scoring 247 for eight in their fifty overs and then bowling out the hosts for 221.

They were then beaten by Bangladesh by six wickets in the second ODI, with pace bowler Nahid Rana ripping through the New Zealand batting order, dismissing them for 198 in the 49th over.

First ball is at 5pm.

Black Caps ODI Squad to Bangladesh:

Tom Latham (Canterbury), Muhammad Abbas (Wellington Firebirds), Adithya Ashok (Auckland Aces), Ben Lister (Auckland Aces), Josh Clarkson (Central Stags), Dane Cleaver (Central Stags), Dean Foxcroft (Central Stags), Nick Kelly (Wellington Firebirds), Jayden Lennox (Central Stags), Henry Nicholls (Canterbury), Will O’Rourke (Canterbury), Ben Sears (Wellington Firebirds), Nathan Smith (Wellington Firebirds), Blair Tickner (Central Stags), Will Young (Central Stags)

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Ferns selectors have made four changes to the side that beat Canada in Kansas City last weekend, for Saturday’s historic clash against Australia.

The Black Ferns face the Wallaroos on Anzac Day for the first time ever and a win will see them retain the Pacific Four Series and O’Reilly Cup trophies.

Mo’omo’oga Palu is in line to make her Black Ferns debut as starting tighthead prop along with Chryss Viliko and Georgia Ponsonby in the front row.

Palu signed with the Hurricanes Poua squad for the 2026 Aupiki season, after four seasons with South Island team Matatū.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen celebrated Palu’s milestone.

“From Hawke’s Bay to high performance environments, I’ve witnessed Mo’omo’oga chase greatness,” Hansen said.

“Her achievement hasn’t come quickly, she’s worked hard, and her rugby journey is a genuine reflection of the women’s rugby pathway at work in New Zealand. I hope she enjoys every moment come this Saturday.”

Justine McGregor earns a starting spot on the wings alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga, while hooker Atlanta Lolohea features in her first Test of 2026 off the bench.

Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield have been named as the starting locks, as well as Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who scored a double against Canada, remains in the No 8 jersey.

The backline will see Maia Joseph at halfback and co-captain Ruahei Demant in first five-eighth, with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Leti-I’iga and McGregor start out wide, with Renee Holmes in fullback.

Maddison Robinson, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul will join Lolohea in bringing impact off the bench.

The Black Ferns last met the Wallaroos in July in Wellington and won 37-12.

Hansen said the Anzac Day clash will be an honourable moment for both teams.

“The significance of this weekend has been at the forefront for us as we prepare to take the field. This game is an opportunity for us to celebrate two nations coming together to commemorate the sacrifices made by members who served. This weekend we play for them,” Hansen said.

“The Black Ferns and Wallaroos trans-Tasman rivalry already carries significance. We know Australia are a strong team and will match the physicality that we bring, they have nothing to lose and everything to play for.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 9.45pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Black Ferns v USA (Test caps bracketed, *denotes debut)

1. Chryss Viliko (20)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (39)

3. Mo’omo’oga Palu*

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (40)

5. Laura Bayfield (8)

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (37)

7. Kennedy Tukuafu (36) – co-captain

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (18)

9. Maia Joseph (18)

10. Ruahei Demant (53) – co-captain

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (32)

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (31)

13. Amy Du’Plessis (24)

14. Justine McGregor (2)

15. Renee Holmes (31)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (10)

17. Maddison Robinson (2)

18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (5)

19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (9)

20. Mia Anderson (2)

21. Tara Turner (2)

22. Hannah King (12)

23. Mererangi Paul (16)

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