Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow all the T20 cricket action as the Black Caps face South Africa in the World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens.

South Africa remain the tournament’s only unbeaten team and their seven wins in a row include a seven-wicket thumping of New Zealand in the group stage.

Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner said he wants his team to piece together their first “perfect game” this morning.

First ball is at 2.30am NZT.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

An injury-hit Auckland FC could see out the A-League season without a fitness coach and the club still will not divulge why they suddenly parted ways with Elias Boukarim last month.

Boukarim had been the club’s inaugural head of performance and the Australian was involved with fitness and injury prevention. He was known for being a hard taskmaster.

The club said after Boukarim’s unexplained departure he had returned to Sydney to be with family.

On Wednesday coach Steve Corica was still tight-lipped about why Boukarim had left after a season and a half saying he “would prefer not to” elaborate further.

“It’s not great when you lose someone of his experience and what he did for the club was excellent and we want to thank him for that.”

Corica did not believe the team’s current injury toll of six unavailable players for Sunday’s game against Perth Glory in Auckland was related to not having a head of performance.

Captain Hiroki Sakai was sidelined again, for up to a month, after experiencing pain in his right hamstring mid-way through the win over Melbourne City. It is an injury that has plagued him several times this season.

Nando Pijnaker sprained his ankle on the training pitch ahead of the derby against the Wellington Phoenix and is still a couple of weeks away from playing, as is Marlee François who has bone bruising on his foot.

Goalkeeper Oli Sail suffered a season-ending knee injury the last time Auckland played Glory in January and fellow keeper Joe Knowles is also dealing with an injury.

Midfielder Louis Verstrate had a hamstring injury but should be fit enough to return to training in the coming days but he was still in doubt for Sunday’s game.

Corica said not much had changed since Boukarim left when it came to strength and conditioning.

“The programme is still set up obviously Theo’s [Van der Mei] been doing that job since Elias has left, but he was learning from Elias so he’s not quite there yet.

“He’s doing a great job but that is a position we need to fill and look for someone else in the near future.”

Corica said they could “possibly” fill the role by the end of the season.

“Maybe not if we don’t get the right person we will have to continue the way we are and try and find someone for next season.”

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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 All Blacks will have to earn their jersey under new coach Dave Rennie.

On Wednesday, Rennie was announced as All Blacks head coach following weeks of guessing games in the wake of Scott Robertson’s sacking.

Speaking to media for the first time in Auckland this afternoon, Rennie said he will have no loyalties to incumbents and players will be picked purely on form.

Rennie has been away from Aotearoa for several years, most recently spending three seasons in Japan.

Having spent no extended periods with any current All Blacks, Rennie will reward recent performance.

“Whether I was coming back to this role or not, I watch every game of Super Rugby. So I’m not concerned around having an understanding of where players are at, but I’ll watch it closely.

“One advantage is players are going to have to earn the right to wear the jersey. I’ve sort of got no loyalties. I don’t come from a team where I’ve had a lot of these guys previously, and so I think that’s really exciting. We’ll select based on form.”

Rennie is also open at looking overseas for his All Blacks, currently not permitted under the New Zealand eligibility criteria.

“I’ll comment on Brodie Retallick. I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been. He’s fitter than he’s ever been I’m not sure if I’m allowed to, but there’s no doubt you want to win a World Cup, ideally, you’ve got your best players available.

“Obviously Richie’s (Mo’unga) coming back, which would be good. He’s been in great form in Japan. And yeah, look, certainly you have someone like a Brodie Retallick coming into the environment. I reckon it’ll really grow the whole group and if I had the chance to get him back, I’d certainly jump in it.”

No player will be safe under Rennie’s regime, with Scott Barrett no guarantee to stay on as skipper.

“I think you’ve got to work through those things and I’m keen to have a chat with players. I know Scott Barrett is fantastic player and current captain and so I’d be keen to have a chat to him about going forward.”

Rennie saw off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.

The 62-year-old will coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

NZR chairman David Kirk said it went down to the wire between Rennie and Joseph and he told the latter this morning he had missed out.

Rennie said Joseph called him straight afterwards to congratulate him: “I really appreciate his message … that just shows class of the man.”

Rennie got online with his wife and three sons to share the news.

“The wife was yawning because I woke her up … the boys were really proud … it was pretty special.”

He said his plan was always to return to Palmerston North later this year to spend time more time with family.

“They [his sons] said don’t turn down an opportunity to apply just for us because you’re going to be back in New Zealand anyway. So, I’ll see a lot more of them … their support is massive.”

The former Chiefs and Wallabies head coach will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends, where he coaches Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Rennie said becoming All Blacks coach was his dream job.

“It’s not an easy job to get hold of, there are so many good coaches in New Zealand.”

He said he had no hesitation on taking on the role and all the scrutiny that goes with it.

“Im ready for it, I’ve coached across the world, I’ve worked with some fantastic people and I’ve learnt a lot.

“I’m excited to come back home and do the jersey justice.”

He will take charge ahead of the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland. Rennie has no doubt the All Blacks can win next year’s World Cup.

“It will take a lot of work, it will take a lot of alignment … it’s a sprint from here by the time we start we’ll have about 15 months until the World Cup.”

Rennie said selection would be based on form.

“I guess one advantage is players are going to have to earn their right to wear the jersey, I’ve sort of got no loyalties, I don’t come from a team where I’ve had a lot of these guys previously so I I think that’s really exciting.”

Rennie said he would focus on the All Blacks culture.

“We’ll be really clear on that and that will be driven within.”

NZR will work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team but Rennie said he was keen to bring some people in.

“I’ve got a history of surrounding myself with quality people who can make a difference and I’m keen to do that.”

Kirk said Rennie had a proven track record of building strong performance environments and his clear direction for the team gave them confidence the All Blacks will be well positioned to perform at the Rugby World Cup.

Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.

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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 All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says he’s proud to be appointed to a role that he’s dreamed of and one that so few people get to do.

Rennie was unveiled as the 28th All Blacks head coach just before midday, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.

The 62-year-old will coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

NZR chairman David Kirk and Rennie held a joint media conference at New Zealand Rugby’s Auckland office on Wednesday afternoon in front of a horde of journalists.

Kirk confirmed it went down to the wire between Rennie and Joseph and he told the latter this morning he had missed out.

Rennie said Joseph called him straight afterwards to congratulate him: “I really appreciate his message … that just shows class of the man.”

Rennie got online with his wife and three sons to share the news.

“The wife was yawning because I woke her up … the boys were really proud … it was pretty special.”

He said his plan was always to return to Palmerston North later this year to spend time more time with family.

“They [his sons] said don’t turn down an opportunity to apply just for us because you’re going to be back in New Zealand anyway. So, I’ll see a lot more of them … their support is massive.”

The former Chiefs and Wallabies head coach will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends, where he coaches Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Rennie said becoming All Blacks coach was his dream job.

“It’s not an easy job to get hold of, there are so many good coaches in New Zealand.”

He said he had no hesitation on taking on the role and all the scrutiny that goes with it.

“Im ready for it, I’ve coached across the world, I’ve worked with some fantastic people and I’ve learnt a lot.

“I’m excited to come back home and do the jersey justice.”

He will take charge ahead of the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland. Rennie has no doubt the All Blacks can win next year’s World Cup.

“It will take a lot of work, it will take a lot of alignment … it’s a sprint from here by the time we start we’ll have about 15 months until the World Cup.”

Rennie said selection would be based on form.

“I guess one advantage is players are going to have to earn their right to wear the jersey, I’ve sort of got no loyalties, I don’t come from a team where I’ve had a lot of these guys previously so I I think that’s really exciting.”

Rennie said he would focus on the All Blacks culture.

“We’ll be really clear on that and that will be driven within.”

NZR will work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team but Rennie said he was keen to bring some people in.

“I’ve got a history of surrounding myself with quality people who can make a difference and I’m keen to do that.”

Kirk said Rennie had a proven track record of building strong performance environments and his clear direction for the team gave them confidence the All Blacks will be well positioned to perform at the Rugby World Cup.

Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.

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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 All Blacks have a new head at the helm.

Dave Rennie has been appointed to one of the most scrutinised jobs in the country.

He succeeds Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson as the 28th All Blacks coach.

Here is everything you need to know about David Noel Rennie:

Born in Upper Hutt, Rennie was educated at Heretaunga College. His mother is from the Cook Islands (Titikaveka, Rarotonga), and Rennie played a non-test match for the country in 1990.

Rennie played his club rugby for Upper Hutt RFC before a shoulder injury forced him to hang up the boots at just 27.

He trained as a teacher, and was appointed to an intermediate school in Upper Hutt.

Rennie played 58 times for his province, Wellington, winning the NPC crown in 1986, the last time the Lions would lift the trophy until Rennie returned as coach.

He quickly moved into a coaching role at Upper Hutt RFC following his playing days.

His coaching career continued in the capital as he took an assistant coaching role for the Wellington Lions in 1999.

Just one year later, he was promoted to the top role and would take the Lions on arguably the most memorable NPC run in history, culminating in one of the greatest games played in New Zealand.

Leading a team of legends such as Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga, Rennie’s men overcame an All Black-laden Canterbury team to claim an historic 34-29 win.

After three seasons with the NPC side, Rennie was given his first Super Rugby assignment, named as assistant at the Hurricanes.

The 2002 season ended with the Hurricanes ninth with a 5-6 record. Graham Mourie would resign for the 2003 season with Colin Cooper taking over.

Rennie headed north in 2006 to take over at Manawatū, who he coached for 69 games until 2011.

Another big break came when Rennie was assigned the top job for the New Zealand Under 20s in 2008, leading them to three titles on the trot.

Among his players were Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Julian Savea.

He was then given the reins at the Chiefs in 2012, and in his debut season, led them to an inaugural Super Rugby title.

In what ranks as a career highlight for Rennie, the Chiefs went back to back in 2013, with Aaron Cruden, Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam and Sam Cane in the side.

Rennie spent a further three seasons with the Chiefs before making the move to Scotland to coach the Glasgow Warriors.

He again made a strong start, with the Warriors winning 10 straight before falling short in the Pro14 semifinal.

The next year the side went one better, but again fell at the final hurdle.

Rennie would step down after a Covid-interupted final season in Scotland.

Bar his new All Blacks assignment, Rennie’s toughest task as a coach came in 2019 when he was announced as the replacement for Michael Cheika as Wallabies head coach.

Covid would again wreak havoc during his time with Australia, and it included difficult tours to Europe which saw the Wallabies suffer a first ever loss to Italy.

Much like his predecessor Robertson, Rennie was unceremoniously sacked from the Wallabies gig, replaced in 2023 by Eddie Jones.

Of his 34 tests in charge of the Wallabies, they won just 13.

‘Understand the expectations’

After three seasons in Japan with the Kobe Steelers, Rennie won the two-horse race for the All Blacks gig, beating out Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph.

“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it,” Rennie said.

“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”

Rennie’s first assignment is in July when the All Blacks host France, Italy and Ireland for three tests in New Zealand.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks head coach through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.

The 62-year-old former Chiefs coach and coach of the Wallabies was unveiled as the national coach in a New Zealand Rugby social media post just before midday.

He will take up the role in June, when the Japanese Rugby League One season ends, where he coaches Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

He will take charge ahead of the July home series against France, Italy and Ireland.

Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother, becomes the first All Blacks head coach with Pasifika heritage.

NZR chair David Kirk said Rennie has a proven track record as a successful head coach.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to congratulate Dave on his appointment as All Blacks head coach. He is a world-class coach who has consistently shown he can build strong performance environments and win.

“Dave understands what it means to coach the All Blacks and play a style of rugby that reflects who we are as New Zealanders.

“He has a deep understanding of rugby in New Zealand and the role the All Blacks play in shaping our national identity and bringing communities together.”

Rennie said his appointment was a privilege.

“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it.

“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”

Kirk said he believed the appointment process had been the most thorough the organisation has undertaken for an All Blacks coach.

“The All Blacks are set for a challenging and exciting two seasons ahead and it’s critical we followed a thorough process to find the right head coach. Dave has a clear direction for the team that gives us confidence the team will be well positioned to perform as we head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”

NZR will now work with Rennie to confirm the wider All Blacks coaching and management team, with updates to be provided in the coming weeks.

Rennie emerged as top level coach when he steered the New Zealand under-20 team to three consecutive junior world championships between 2008 and 2010, guided the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 and took the Glasgow Warriors to a Pro14 Final in 2019.

He has also delivered domestically in New Zealand with the Wellington Lions and Manawatu Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.

He was head coach of the Wallabies between 2020 and 2023, although largely struggled for success before being replaced by Eddie Jones.

Rennie was to speak to journalists in Auckland this afternoon.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dave Rennie has been named the new All Blacks coach, seeing off Jamie Joseph in the two-man race to replace Scott Robertson.

The 62-year-old former Chiefs coach and coach of the Wallabies was unveiled as the national coach in a New Zealand Rugby social media post just before midday.

He replaces Robertson, who was sensationally axed as All Blacks coach in January.

Rennie, who is of Cook Islands descent through his mother (Titikaveka, Rarotonga), becomes the first All Blacks Head Coach with Pasifika heritage.

Rennie said it was a privilege to be appointed Head Coach of the All Blacks.

“Coaching the All Blacks is an incredible honour. I’m extremely proud to have been entrusted with this role and understand the expectations that come with it,” he said.

“I’m really clear on the way I want the All Blacks to play and I look forward to working with the players, management team, and the rugby community. We have a lot of talent here and we will be working extremely hard to make the country proud.”

More to come…

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson says he’s still coming to grips with a “sensitive” car in Melbourne as he targets a strong start to his second full season in Formula One.

This weekend’s opening Australian Grand Prix provides uncertainty and apprehension for pundits, team management and drivers alike because of major changes to car specifications.

Several top drivers emerged unimpressed with the alterations, which include smaller, lighter chassis and new power units which comprise a 50-50 split between combustion and beefed-up batteries. There is also the introduction of 100 percent sustainable fuels.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was disparaging, the Dutch Red Bull great describing the changes as “anti-racing” and as like “Formula E on steroids” during pre-season testing.

Lawson was less outspoken but admitted battery management in particular was playing on his mind after some mixed testing results for Racing Bulls.

“It’s very different from last year, much more sensitive, particularly when it comes to preparing the battery for a qualifying lap and managing over a longer stint,” he said.

“On top of that, the cars have significantly less aero, which makes them more difficult to drive and less forgiving overall.

“We became aware of the new regulations early last year and began preparing straight away. So by the time I first drove the new car, I had a solid understanding of what to expect and the key differences between the 2025 and 2026 cars.

“Some weren’t a surprise, but when you get in the car, you are definitely still learning how to optimise.”

Racing Bulls chose to retain Lawson’s services after last year’s roller-coaster campaign in which he racked up seven top-10 finishes from 24 races – the first two rounds having been behind the wheel for Red Bull before he was unceremoniously demoted to the sister team.

The 24-year-old finished 14th overall, with a best placing of fifth coming in Azerbaijan.

Lawson has been paired with 18-year-old British rookie Arvin Lindblad at Racing Bulls, making theirs the least experienced driver lineup on the 11-team grid.

The Kiwi said it was hard to set goals for the season, given the uncertainty around car performance.

“It’s still difficult to say where we stand, as we don’t yet have a clear picture of our true pace,” he said.

“Of course, the objective is to score points, but on a personal level, my focus is on extracting the maximum from myself and delivering the best possible performance every time I’m in the car.”

There are two practice sessions on Friday, followed by a third on Saturday and qualifying.

Sunday’s race is scheduled to start at 5pm NZT.

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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 teenage wildcard Ollie Dunbar has caused a major boilover on the opening day of the New Zealand Squash Open in Christchurch, toppling a top-50 ranked opponent.

The 18-year-old stunned world No.49 Velavan Senthilkumar in five games at the Isaac Theatre Royal venue.

The world No.125 needed just over an hour to prevail 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 2-11, 11-5, staving off a mid-game fightback from his Indian opponent.

It comes 12 months after recording his maiden World Events win – at the same tournament.

“It was nice to do it last year, there was a bit more pressure on me this time around. But I enjoy playing on this court, so I’m looking forward to another game on it tomorrow,” Dunbar said.

“Over the last year or so I’ve definitely got better at the mental side of my game. It was good to be able to come through after being 2-0 up and seeing him come back to force a fifth game.

“It’s an incredible court and stage here. I’m so happy to play on it whenever I can. It’s been great to have lots of my friends here and have some people from my club come down to watch me.”

Dunbar was to take on two-time world junior champion Mohamad Zakaria of Egypt in today’s second-round match.

It was a tougher day for the New Zealand women, with Joelle King and Kaitlyn Watts both beaten in five games.

Former world No.3 and 11-time New Zealand champion King was making her return from injury, having last played on tour 10 months ago.

She went down 11-2, 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 11-8 in 50 minutes to Canadian No.1 Hollie Naughton.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

NZ Warriors are celebrating – not lamenting – the loss of powerhouse winger Setu Tu, after his impressive NRL debut for St George Illawarra Dragons.

Tu, 27, was a star performer for the Warriors reserves during their triumphant 2025 campaign, scoring 13 tries in 14 appearances, but was scooped up by the ‘Red V’ last November, after he scored two tries against Dragons in the 30-12 NSW Cup grand final victory.

After coming close to a first-grade call-up for the Warriors in 2024, when torn knee ligaments stalled his progress, he was finally given his chance on the big stage in a season-opening loss to Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend, scoring a try to cap his celebrations.

“So proud, so very proud of Sets,” fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad enthused. “We want to keep as much talent as we can at this club, but unfortunately, that’s not how this game works sometimes.

“He’s got his opportunity to go overseas and work on his craft, and he was given his opportunity.

“For him to live out his dream… man, I remember Sets serving his apprenticeship at Melbourne, and then coming back for family reasons and rejoining the club via the NSW Cup side.

“To think about that moment, and to see him go over to Vegas for the first time and put his family name on the map, it’s special and very special for Sets.”

The Warriors have copped criticism over the years for letting homegrown talent seemingly slip through their fingers, but have also benefitted recently from its return.

Nicoll-Klokstad left Mt Smart after seven first-grade games in 2019, unable to force his way past Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for the No.1 jersey, but spent four seasons at Canberra Raiders, before returning as a hardened veteran.

On the current roster, lock Erin Clark and second-rower Marata Niukore also began their careers through the Warriors junior system, but spent their formative years across the ditch, before coming back better players for their offshore experience.

Tu’s journey has been slightly different, marked by family and personal tragedy, so no-one begrudges him his breakthrough with the Dragons, although his night ended early, when he was subbed out of the game late with severe cramp.

Another happy to see him succeed was Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who was first on the scene to help Tu, when he tightened up.

“He is a young Samoan kid as well and I remember when it was my debut, so I could just imagine how emotional he was,” Crichton said. “He definitely killed it out there.

“I am obviously born overseas in Samoa and I am just trying to shine that light.

“We saw another Samoan kid, obviously on the opposite side, but debuting, and we could see how proud his family is.

“I just want to shine that light for young Polynesian kids, regardless of whether you are Samoan, that you can make it from wherever you are born.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster saw Tu’s promotion as recognition of the club’s pathway.

“He’s a great signing for the Dragons, and I’m really proud to see players departing our club and doing well in their debut,” he said. “It’s a credit to our NSW Cup and our whole development programme here.

“Setu came back here three years ago, looking for a part-time contract. He’s played in our reserve grade and now he’s got his opportunity.

“He was close [to staying] in many ways, but we were happy with what we’ve got and you can only have so many. I wish him all the best, and I was really proud of him and for his family.”

Already well served by veterans Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Webster bolstered his wing stocks with the addition of Alofiana Khan-Pereira – a former NRL tryscoring champion – and rookie Haizyn Mellars over the off-season.

Meanwhile, several of last year’s champio reserve squad, including first-graders Moala Graham-Taufa, Ed Kosi, Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Freddy Lussick and captain Kalani Going, found contracts with other NRL clubs.

Webster denied that Tu’s age had counted against him being retained by the Warriors.

“Seventy-seven-year-olds are beauties at times too,” he said. “They’ve been so hungry for so long and it means so much to them.

“The motivation is just as high as a rookie, probably more, so the age wasn’t a factor. We’re already made our decision quite early on the direction we wanted to go and he had a great finish to the season.

“He was only part-time with us last season and did a great job.”

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