Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson says practice and qualifying sessions for the Australian Grand Prix will answer a host of questions about the 2026 Formula 1 pecking order.

Wheels will spin for the first time this season on Friday afternoon (2.30pm NZT) at the first of three practice sessions in Melbourne – where the eyes of the motor racing world will be closely glued.

Uncertainty surrounds who the drivers and teams to beat will be, given an enormous overhaul to car specifications from last season.

New mandated power units place more emphasis on battery power and have made the off-season a perplexing one for team designers, with several drivers emerging unimpressed with the changes during testing in Bahrain.

Racing Bulls driver Lawson said it was genuinely difficult to tell who in the 22-strong field will be fastest this season but expected it won’t take long to get answers on the inner-city Albert Park Circuit.

“Obviously we have no idea in testing what everybody is doing so it’ll be this weekend where we exactly find out where we sit. You probably figure out pretty quickly who’s quick and who’s not,” he said.

“It’s a lot of unknowns right now. It’s exciting to see what these new cars bring to the sport but for us it’s definitely a different feeling to when I came in last year.”

In 2025, Lawson arrived in Melbourne as the second Red Bulls driver, very much the junior alongside Max Verstappen.

This time, the 24-year-old Kiwi is the senior driver, with 18-year-old Arvid Lindblad handed a debut in the second car.

Lawson offered some words of advice to the young Briton.

“Finding time for yourself and making sure you’re focused.

“Once you’re in Formula 1, it’s all of you guys (media) and all the noise that’s around the sport that is probably a new thing that you’re not used to.”

Given the refreshed nature of the cars, Lawson said there is the opportunity for a mid-rank team like Racing Bulls to upset bigger rivals.

“In a year like this, there’s definitely potential for something like that,” he said.

“Even reliability-wise, it’s the early part of the season. It’s very important to have a car that is lasting the race and operating as we want it to.

“But the faster you are, the better you’re going to score.”

Qualifying is on Saturday evening, ahead of Sunday’s race (5pm NZT).

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Several top Kiwi netballers preparing to play in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league are still undecided about whether they will make themselves available for the Silver Ferns ahead of the sport’s biggest events.

Nine current and former Silver Ferns will test themselves in the Australian league this year, widely regarded as the world’s toughest domestic netball competition. It comes after Netball NZ loosened its eligibility rules last year, allowing players based overseas to remain eligible for the Silver Ferns through a formal exemption process.

Among the group snapped up by Australian franchises are several players who have elected not to make themselves available for national selection in recent years – Gina Crampton, Jane Watson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit.

The veteran trio each told RNZ they remain undecided on whether they would put their hands up for the black dress ahead of July’s Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Cup.

Crampton, who is returning to the court with the NSW Swifts following the birth of her first child, joked she is just focused on “remembering how to play netball again”, while Selby-Rickit and Watson said they planned to take the season as it comes.

The loss of experienced players from the Ferns’ selection pool has raised concerns about squad depth in recent seasons.

Last year skipper and frontline star Ameliaranne Ekenasio stepped aside from the captaincy and made herself unavailable for the international season, saying she needed a break. Her decision came amid a turbulent 2025 season that saw Dame Noeline Taurua stood down as coach following an employment dispute with Netball NZ.

Ekenasio, who turned down offers in Australia to play for the Pulse in this year’s ANZ Premiership, has not ruled out a return to the black dress.

Remembering how to play again

Crampton admits she thought her chance of playing in the most competitive league in the world might have passed her by.

“I probably resided to that fact that that could have been the end. Last year before I fell pregnant I was really excited to play in the SSN, the world leading competition and now getting that opportunity again is very exciting, it’s a little bit daunting for sure. But even just being involved with a club like the Swifts, who have been historically very successful, I’m just excited to be involved and I can’t wait to see how we go this season,” Crampton said.

The specialist wing attack will play alongside Silver Ferns starting shooter Grace Nweke, who effectively forced Netball New Zealand to revisit its eligibility rules when she joined the Swifts last year.

The national body subsequently loosened its rules, which saw six players apply for and granted exemptions to still be able to play for the Silver Ferns.

Crampton and her partner Fa’asiu Fuatai have been based in Sydney since early 2024. That year Crampton was signed as a training partner with the Giants, and played one game as injury cover. The Giants then signed her on a full contract for the 2025 season before Crampton found out she was pregnant.

An opening came up at their cross town rivals for the 2026 season when Australian Diamond and New South Wales stalwart Paige Hadley announced she was pregnant.

Having given birth to baby boy Reggie just seven months ago, Crampton said pre-season had been tough.

“Sort of had a bit of and up and down journey so far, had a few niggles pop up and things. I guess it was a bit of a learning curve on the return after having a baby, but feel like I’m in a good place now, which has been really cool to get back into things and try and remember how to play netball again.”

After the 2023 World Cup where the Silver Ferns finished a disappointing fourth, Crampton took extended leave to join her rugby playing partner in New York, before they moved to Australia.

Would she consider making herself available for the Silver Ferns again?

“Oh gosh, I’m not sure I think you have to say whether you want to be available for selection or not and I haven’t said anything yet,” Crampton laughed. “So I’m not sure, it seems all a bit far away I guess in terms of just having a baby as well, so maybe something to think of.”

As a former Ferns captain Crampton said it was hard seeing the team surrounded in controversy at the back end of last year with the shock suspension of coach Dame Noeline Taurua.

Crampton spent most of her Silver Ferns career under Taurua, who was reinstated after a 51-day stand-off.

“That was really tough, obviously you could see the impact it had on the girls and how I guess everyone reacted to that but I think the awesome thing to see was how they banded together and they had a huge international season. Not being so close to it anymore, didn’t know exactly what was going on but I think the best thing that came out of it was how the girls played those games.”

Unexpected career twist

Shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit said she had enjoyed a better work-life balance over the past two years since stepping away from international netball after several years.

The 34-year-old arguably had the best domestic season of her career last year when she was a key cog in the Tactix side, which claimed a maiden domestic title.

Selby-Rickit is not sure yet if she will make herself available for the Silver Ferns, who have a huge two years ahead.

“I’m just trying to see how this season goes, if the body is all good and I’m still enjoying my netball I might make myself available but at this stage it’s 50/50, still thinking about it. Obviously a big couple of years and they’d probably want a couple of years of commitment so it’s a big decision whether I can commit to that or not but it’s definitely an option but waiting to see how I go,” Selby-Rickit said.

Playing in the SSN is an unexpected career twist for Selby-Rickit.

“Even over the last couple of years when I wasn’t playing for the Silver Ferns I didn’t really consider it, I thought it probably wouldn’t happen. But I’ve always loved watching SSN and admired it and wondered what if? So when the opportunity came up I couldn’t say no.”

No end date

Watson has also got a career refresh after signing with the Sydney based Giants. The defender was in strong form for the Tactix last year when the side finally broke its title drought.

“Having played for them for so long, actually getting a win, in previous years we’d been very close, it was a very special moment for the club and the fans and all the people that came before us would have been stoked with that as well,” Watson said.

Watson thought 2025 was going to be her last year of elite netball before the Giants reached out to her just before the ANZ Premiership finals.

The 35-year-old, who has been joined in Sydney by her partner and three-year-old daughter, is not putting an end date on her career.

“I thought that I was supposed to be finishing a couple of years ago so who knows whether this is the last year or not we’ll just have to see what happens.”

Post the 2023 World Cup, Watson played two series for the Silver Ferns later that year but has not made herself available for the black dress since. But the 66-Test cap Silver Fern told RNZ that she has not retired from international netball.

Souness targets Silver Ferns recall

Former Silver Fern Whitney Souness also signed with the Giants, and was recently named captain before her first SSN season.

The 44-test midcourter missed out on Silver Ferns selection last year and is determined to push for inclusion before July’s Commonwealth Games.

“Not making it last season it was quite tough, it had been a hard season in the ANZ. For me it was probably the best time to go, I think it came at the right time for me to really push myself and what better way to do that than in the SSN competition so it’s been good timing for me to work my butt off and hopefully get back in that squad,” Souness said.

Knowing that she wanted to be considered for Silver Ferns selection, the 30-year-old applied for and was granted an exemption by Netball New Zealand.

“It was a bit of a different process, it was new, a lot of us had come over here so it was a bit of a different situation for me because I hadn’t made the squad so just a lot of comms with me and Netball New Zealand to make sure that I was available to still be part of the squad and have the opportunity to be part of it.”

Kiwis playing in 2026 SSN

• *Grace Nweke – NSW Swifts
• *Kelly Jackson – Queensland Firebirds
• *Maddy Gordon – Queensland Firebirds
• *Kate Heffernan – Adelaide Thunderbirds
• *Karin Burger – Sunshine Coast Lightning
• *Whitney Souness – Giants
• Jane Watson – Giants
• Te Paea Selby-Rickit – Queensland Firebirds
• Gina Crampton – NSW Swifts

* Have been granted an exemption

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sixth Paralympics in, Wānaka’s Adam Hall knows exactly how rare this moment is.

The 38-year-old para alpine skier is preparing for what will likely be his final Winter Paralympics in Italy. But for the first time in his decorated career, he’ll have a full family cheering squad on the sidelines.

Hall and fellow Kiwi Corey Peters make up New Zealand’s two-strong Paralympic team, and both head to the Italian Alps as genuine medal contenders. But for Hall, this campaign carries an extra layer of meaning.

Born with spina bifida, Hall burst onto the global stage with gold in the men’s standing slalom at Vancouver in 2010. Eight years later he reclaimed the title at PyeongChang, adding to a haul that also includes three Paralympic bronze medals.

Now, with nearly two-thirds of his life spent on snow, he said perspective comes easily.

He said he is full of gratitude for those around him, including team-mates and coaches, who have supported him. As for many top athletes though it is family who sacrifice most.

Hall’s seven year old daughter Gracelynn will watch her father race in person for the first time, alongside his wife Elitsa – herself a two-time US Winter Paralympian.

With travel restrictions during the last games because of Covid, Hall’s family and friends are making the most of seeing him in action this time.

“To have our daughter there watching is something special and she is at an age now where hopefully she’ll be able to remember that experience,” Hall told RNZ.

Hall also has the in-laws, cousins and an old childhood mate from his days growing up in Outram among his supporters.

He calls the Kiwi Paralympic squad “a small but mighty team” who spend a lot of their time away from family and is hoping to reward them with another podium finish in Italy.

“I’m just missing a silver so we’ll see if we get the full set or not.”

His specialist event is the slalom but he’ll also line up in the giant slalom.

“The competition is so tight now and the margins are getting smaller and I’ve said this before that no matter what colour, if it’s a bronze or silver it feels just as good as gold.

“Can’t be too fussy about the colour but we do strive to be on top.”

Hall is familiar with the Italian Alps and closely followed the Winter Olympics with interest as he’ll be skiing on the same slopes around Cortina.

“For us we call the Olympics the test event, jokingly, they kind of iron everything out before the big show.”

The big show for Hall starts with the GS on March 13 followed by the Slalom on the 15th.

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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 Brumbies have galloped out of the gates, and after three rounds lead the Super Rugby field.

The two-time champs sit six points clear of the best placed New Zealand side the Chiefs, with the Waratahs still in second.

It was a rough week for Kiwis teams, the sole side to taste victory, the comeback kings, the Crusaders who picked up their first win of the season in a humdinger in Hamilton.

Despite the defeat, the Chiefs can count themselves almost a lock for try of the season, after Etene Nanai-Seturo’s length of the field stunner.

The Chiefs continue their run of derbies, though should expect an easier encounter on Friday night against an out of sorts Moana Pasifika.

Tana Umaga’s men were woeful against the Force, and they now find themselves at the bottom of the ladder with a wounded and dangerous Chiefs outfit awaiting.

The Hurricanes were dealt a cruel hand in Lautoka, forced to not only battle the heat but the wet in ‘sauna’ like conditions against the Drua.

They look to bounce back in an enticing clash in Sydney against the Waratahs, fresh off two wins and a bye.

The Highlanders were also luck-less in Brisbane, and head back under the roof to host the Force on Saturday afternoon.

The match of the round without a doubt is at Eden Park as two of Super’s greatest rivals go to battle.

The Crusaders turned around a poor start to their campaign with their 43-33 victory while the Blues had their hearts broken by the Brumbies.

Selection notes

All Black first five’s Beauden Barrett and Damian Mackenzie return for his first matches of the season.

Tupou Vai’i will skipper the Chiefs in the absence of Luke Jacobson Wallaby Lalakai Foeketi will get his first at centre. Augustine Pulu will make his debut for Moana Pasifika with Joel Lam and Tyler Pulini also to debut form the bench.

Angus Ta’avao returns for the Highlanders while the promising Lucas Casey has been left out of the 23.

All Black hooker Codie Taylor also returns for the Crusaders while Rivez Reihana is back at first five, with Taha Kemara dropping to 15, Will Jordan earning a rest.

Injury ward

Brett Cameron’s season has been confirmed to be over, while Ruben Love’s ankle is still anywhere from two to four weeks away from match fitness.

Luke Jacobson sits the week out with a hip complaint while Brodie McAlister will be back for week five. Moana have a packed casualty ward with Jimmy Tupou, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Israel Leota and William Havili all out.

The Blues are low on locking stocks with Laghlan McWhannell and Patrick Tuipulotu both unavailable. Crusaders hooker George Bell suffered a foot injury last week and will be at least two weeks away.

Key stats

• The Chiefs are 7-0 against Moana Pasifika.
• Moana Pasifika have conceded 35 tries across their last four away games.
• Hurricanes are on an eight game winning streak against the Waratahs.
• Lehi Fineanganofo has scored eight tries across his last six starting appearances.
• The Highlanders are on a six-game losing streak against teams from Australia.
• Timoci Tavatavanawai has broken 36 tackle in his last five matches.
• The Blues have won just once from their past ten encounters with the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Team lists

Chiefs vs Moana

Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday March 6

FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Live blog updates on RNZ

Chiefs:

1. Benet Kumeroa. 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho. 3. Reuben O’Neill. 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi. 5. Tupou Vaa’i, who will captain the side. 6. Samipeni Finau. 7. Jahrome Brown. 8. Wallace Sititi. 9. Cortez Ratima. 10. Damian McKenzie. 11. Leroy Carter. 12. Quinn Tupaea, who is vice-captain. 13. Lalakai Foketi. 14. Emoni Narawa. 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling.

Bench: 16. Tyrone Thompson. 17. Ollie Norris. 18. George Dyer. 19. Josh Lord. 20. Simon Parker. 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. 22. Josh Jacomb. 23. Kyle Brown.

“It’s a very strong team for a game where we need to respond after we got a punch in the nose by the Crusaders.” – Chiefs coach Jonno Gibbs.

Moana Pasifika:

1. Abraham Pole 2. Millennium Sanerivi 3. Chris Apoua 4. Tom Savage 5. Allan Craig 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c) 7. Semisi Paea 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 9. Augustine Pulu (debut) 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop 11. Solomon Alaimalo 12. Ngani Laumape 13. Tevita Latu 14. Tevita Ofa 15. Glen Vaihu

Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai 18. Lolani Faleiva 19. Ofa Tauatevalu 20. Ola Tauelangi 21. Joel Lam debut 22. Patrick Pellegrini 23. Tyler Pulini (debut.)

“The Chiefs always bring a great challenge and we know that we need to be accurate and come out strong from the start. As a team we’re focused on trusting what we can do and going out there and executing our game plan.” – Moana coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga

Waratahs vs Hurricanes

Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday March 6

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Live blog updates on RNZ

Hurricanes:

1. Xavier Numia 2. Asafo Aumua (vc) 3. Pasilio Tosi 4. Warner Dearns 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere 6. Devan Flanders 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (c) 8. Peter Lakai 9. Cam Roigard 10. Callum Harkin 11. Fehi Fineanganofo 12. Jordie Barrett 13. Billy Proctor 14. Bailyn Sullivan 15. Josh Moorby

Bench: 16. Jacob Devery 17. Siale Lauaki 18. Tevita Mafileo 19. Brad Shields 20. Brayden Iose 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Lucas Cashmore 23. Jone Rova

“They’re coming off a bye week, so they’ll be ready to go. We feel really prepared. We’ve travelled well and recovered well from Fiji.” – Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw.

Highlanders vs Western Force

Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday March 7

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Live blog updates on RNZ

Highlanders:

1. Ethan de Groot (CC) 2. Jack Taylor 3. Angus Ta’avao 4. Oliver Haig 5. Mitch Dunshea 6. Te Kamaka Howden 7. Veveni Lasaqa 8. Nikora Broughton 9. Folau Fakatava 10. Cameron Millar 11. Jona Nareki 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC) 13. Jonah Lowe 14. Caleb Tangitau 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Bench: 16. Soane Vikena 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown 18. Sosefo Kautai 19. Will Stodart 20. Sean Withy 21. Adam Lennox 22. Reesjan Pasitoa 23. Tanielu Tele’a

“We need to build on our start to the season, lift a notch or two, and convert more of the pressure we’re applying into points.” – Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

Blues vs Crusaders

Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday March 7

Eden Park, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ

Blues:

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 2. Kurt Eklund 3. Marcel Renata 4. Josh Beehre 5. Sam Darry 6. Torian Barnes 7. Dalton Papali’i (c) 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie 10. Stephen Perofeta 11. Caleb Clarke 12. Pita Ahki 13. AJ Lam 14. Codemeru Vai 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. James Mullan 17. Mason Tupaea 18. Sam Matenga 19. Che Clark 20. Anton Segner 21. Taufa Funaki 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Xavi Taele

“The Crusaders are always a quality side and these contests carry a bit of extra edge. It’s special to be back at home in front of our supporters. We know the lift that Eden Park gives us and the boys are looking forward to putting in a big performance.” – Blues coach Vern Cotter

Crusaders:

1. George Bower 2. Codie Taylor 3. Fletcher Newell 4. Antonio Shalfoon 5. Jamie Hannah 6. Dom Gardiner 7. Ethan Blackadder (VC) 8. Christian Lio-Willie 9. Noah Hotham 10. Rivez Reihana 11. Sevu Reece 12. David Havili (c) 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Taha Kemara

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. Finlay Brewis 18. Seb Calder 19. Will Tucker (Crusaders Debut) 20. Corey Kellow 21. Kyle Preston 22. Xavier Saifoloi 23. Dallas McLeod

“One win doesn’t make a season, but the energy was great and everyone’s done a great job keeping things grounded as we look forward to heading up to Eden Park.” – Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Blues need no reminding that the Crusaders have had their number in recent times.

The side has lost 10 of their last 12 encounters with the Cantabs, with the rivalry becoming heavily one sided.

So, is there a mental barrier for the Blues?

Coach Vern Cotter admits there might be.

“It’s a question we ask ourselves. We know it’s one of the hardest teams in the world to play against. Since I’ve been here, I think we’ve only won once. So the record speaks for itself, and that’s the challenge that the players have in front of them, but they don’t want to have a negative mindset. They want to be able to play the game, be decisive, and have a bit of fun out there. I think that’s key to making sure that we move forward. I think we will surprise a few.”

Cotter said despite the Crusader’s domination, the rivalry is still very much alive.

“Everybody wants to beat the Blues, and of course the Crusades are the team that have been, over the last eight years, the best performing team. So yeah, of course the rivalry is there.”

If last week’s heated Chiefs and Crusaders encounter was any indication, there is no love lost between the Kiwi franchises.

“There’s ultimately massive respect. I think that’s probably the key thing you have in and around when you play them or other teams in New Zealand. And the first thing you know is it’s against your rival mates and people want to show up and walk away with the win at the end. So that adds a little bit of spice into it obviously.”

However, Cotter is under no illusions about the task that awaits his men.

“They’re just so tough, and last week we saw the championship team that’s in them. What they did to the Chiefs was impressive. So we know it’s going to be tough, they’re a team that just find parts of your game to exploit at any moment. So being focused and fully connected will be important if we want to get the result we want.”

Helping with those connections, Cotter welcomes back the experience of Beauden Barrett for the crucial clash.

“It’s nice to have him back because he has a curious brain and he’s a perfectionist. So having him in and around the team, he asks a lot from his team-mates. And although he is short of a run, I think when he gets out there, he’ll definitely want to put his mark in the game.”

In the wake of the announcement that Dave Rennie will take on the All Blacks coaching job and his comments about having no loyalty to incumbents, Cotter said the approach would help motivate players sitting on the fringe of selection.

“I think it’s probably one of the reasons he was given the job is that he can walk in and have a look objectively at every player and make his assessment on them. He watches a lot of rugby. So when he comes together, you’ll get an indication of how he wants the game to be played when you see his first selection, and that’ll be fascinating to see how that unfolds for each of the teams in New Zealand.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika will not play in the Pacific Islands this season, and have instead been forced to move one of their matches to Bay of Plenty.

The franchise announced on Thursday that the match scheduled to be played in Tonga, has been relocated to Rotorua.

Moana will host the Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium on 11 April.

Nuku’alofa was originally intended as the venue for this fixture, but financial barriers once again blocked Moana going to the islands.

Under minimum broadcast standards, staging a Super Rugby game in Tonga requires transporting roughly three tonnes of equipment into the country at a cost of $600,000 – an expense the club must cover themselves.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Moana, who also had to cancel their Tonga visit in 2024 due to floodlight issues.

“It’s not a small undertaking to go over there and put on a game for our people. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to try and get there again. We just know we’ve got to do a bit more work and be able to hold a game there,” coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga told RNZ.

However, Moana remain optimistic.

Moana Pasifika CEO, Debbie Sorensen said Bay of Plenty was a “win-win for both teams.”

“While we are sad we can’t take this game to Tonga, we do know that our fans and our community are everywhere – including in the Bay of Plenty region. I know Rotorua will also welcome the visit by the Chiefs.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The White Ferns have continued their dominance over Zimbabwe with a 180 run win in the first one-dayer in Dunedin.

The hosts were sent in to bat and posted a very competitive total of 354/3 with Brooke Halliday scoring an unbeaten 157.

It was Halliday’s highest ODI score and her first century for the White Ferns.

Top order batter Maddy Green scored 67 and wicketkeeper batter Izzy Gaze had an unbeaten 59 in the victory for the second half century of her ODI career.

In reply, Zimbabwe put together a soild 93-run partnership for the second wicket but could not score at the rate required before being dimissed in the 48th over.

Opener Kelis Ndhlovu top scored for the visitors with 52.

Captain Amelia Kerr was the pick of the White Ferns bowlers taking 4-35 off her 10 overs.

Jess Kerr also took 3-28 off 8.3 overs.

Game two of the three match series is on Sunday at the same venue of University Oval in Dunedin.

See how every ball played out on our blog:

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Football Ferns overcame their biggest test, so far, of the Oceania World Cup qualifiers when they defeated American Samoa 3-0 in the Solomon Islands on Thursday.

In a battle between the top two sides in Group A, Football Fern Kelli Brown scored from the penalty spot just before half-time to break the deadlock.

Claudia Bunge doubled New Zealand’s lead just after half-time when she got on the end of a bending Michaela Foster cross.

Indiah Paige-Riley scored from long range, nestling the ball in the top left corner, in the 71st minute.

American Samoa managed to restrict the Football Ferns’ scoring in a way that Samoa and the Solomon Islands had not been able to earlier in the tournament.

In both previous matches the New Zealanders had scored eight unanswered goals.

The Football Ferns had already secured a place in the next stage of the qualification process for next year’s World Cup, the semi-finals, to be held in New Zealand next month.

The final will be played in Auckland on 15 April with the winner booking their place at the World Cup in Brazil.

Follow how all the action unfolded below:

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The Winter Paralympics kick off in Milano Cortina on Saturday (NZT) and all eyes will be on Kiwis Adam Hall and Corey Peters.

Hall and Peters are New Zealand’s only two para athletes in Italy, competing in alpine skiing.

So when is the Opening Ceremony? And how can you watch the events? Here’s everything you need to know.

When do the Winter Paralympics start?

The Winter Paralympics officially start on Saturday, 7 March, with the Opening Ceremony at the Arena di Verona, where the Olympics had its Closing Ceremony.

Competition did begin a couple of days beforehand, on Thursday, 5 March, with preliminary rounds in wheelchair curling, which New Zealand is not competing in.

The Games run for nine days and will finish on 16 March.

What time does the opening ceremony start in New Zealand?

The Opening Ceremony will get underway at 8am NZT on Saturday.

What is the Winter Paralympics schedule?

The official schedule can be found at the official Olympics website.

Find out when the Kiwis are in action at the NZ Paralympics website.

Where are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?

This year is the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, which have been held in the same host cities as the Winter Olympics since 1992.

It is also the second time the Winter Games have been held in Italy, with Torino hosting the Paralympics in 2006.

Like the Olympics, the Paralympics are being hosted by two cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Competition will be spread across five venues around north-east Italy, from Para Ice Hockey in Milan to Para Snowboarding in Cortina.

What sports are there?

There are six sports taking place at the Paralympics this year, with a mixed doubles event making its debut in Para Curling.

• Para alpine skiing
• Para biathlon
• Para cross-country
• Para ice hockey
• Para snowboard
• Wheelchair curling

How many New Zealanders are competing?

Two Kiwis will be representing New Zealand at this year’s Winter Paralympics. They are skiiers Hall and Peters.

How can I watch the Winter Paralympics

TVNZ will broadcast the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in New Zealand on Duke and TVNZ+.

-RNZ with ABC

– 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 Football Ferns take on American Samoa at National Stadium, Honiara in the Solomon Islands.

Thursday’s match follows Tuesday’s 8-0 victory over the Solomon Islands – their second World Cup qualifying match win.

The Ferns have officially qualified for Round 3 of the OFC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Kick off against American Samoa is 3pm.

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