Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Caps’ Daryl Mitchell is the new world number one ranked ODI batter.

It is just the second time a New Zealander has occupied the top spot, following Glenn Turner in 1979.

Mitchell replaces Rohit Sharma of India after scoring his seventh ODI century against West Indies in Christchurch on Sunday.

He climbed two spots with Sharma now second and Ibrahim Zadran of Afghanistan third.

Mitchell was injured in the Christchurch game and will miss the rest of the ODI series.

Rachin Ravindra is the next highest New Zealand batter at 13 in the ODI rankings.

Meanwhile, Jacob Duffy, who was the top wicket-taker in the T20 series against West Indies, has moved up to number two in the T20 bowling rankings.

India’s Varun Chakaravarthy remains number one.

New Zealand is number two in the ODI team rankings, fourth in T20 rankings and fifth in the Test rankings.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wales v All Blacks

Kick-off: 4:10am Sunday 23 November

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Live blog updates on RNZ

While it feels as though the All Blacks’ season came to a shuddering halt last weekend at Twickenham, there is still one test to play. Scott Robertson’s side now finds itself in Cardiff in what was going to be the victory lap of a Grand Slam, except England had other ideas.

Read more:

Judgement Day: Why just winning in Cardiff won’t cut it for the All Blacks

‘There’s no excuses from us’: Robertson on All Blacks’ inability to maintain pressure

All Blacks: Scott Robertson, Scott Barrett reflect on big loss to England

Grand slammed – what went wrong for the All Blacks against England

All Blacks crash to defeat against England

Robertson has already signalled the team will change for this last test, however, it’s bad news for one player who was definitely getting a run at Principality Stadium. Tevita Mafileo is out injured, so we know that much, but what else is going to be revealed once Robertson names his side at 9pm tonight?

All you need is Love?

This is a given, since Robertson explicitly stated Ruben Love was playing when interviewed on Monday. So he will start at fullback, which means the Will Jordan may shift to the wing or even back to the bench.

Caleb Clarke is back from his concussion so should start on the wing – unless Robertson really wants Leicester Fainga’anuku out there again. Sevu Reece is back in contention after a game for the All Blacks XV as well.

Front row rotation, surely

Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell have had heavy workloads this season and are due a rest, so expect the monster propping duo of Tamaiti Williams and Pasilio Tosi to start. George Bower hasn’t been used all tour so should come onto the bench, while Mafileo’s misfortune means Newell will need to back up as well.

The scrum has a bit of a point to prove after a rather low output since the win over Ireland, so whatever the combo is will be hungry for penalties and field position.

A Bell will ring

Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker and Bell will come off the bench, after his highly unusual dropping then recall to the most unused role in the All Blacks as the third hooker. However, Bell richly deserves some gametime after great form in the NPC, ironically his call up meant he missed the glory of being in the victorious Canterbury side that took out the final.

Another new midfield?

Quinn Tupaea and Billy Proctor’s combination against England was somewhat exploited in the big loss, especially for Fraser Dingwall’s try that gave the home side the lead. Does Robertson move Fainga’anuku back to centre or go with some tested defensive options in Rieko Ioane or Anton Lienert-Brown.

Ioane hasn’t been used at all on the tour and must be feeling pretty determined to prove a point, in what might be his last game before a stint playing for Leinster.

Does Ardie finally get a rest?

Unlikely, because the All Blacks are down to the last reserves of loose forwards and leadership. Savea has been an absolute workhorse from start to finish in 2025, so it’s fitting that he should finish the season at the forefront of an All Black win. It’s just a case of what combination of Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Simon Parker and Du’Plessis Kirifi joins him.

Does it mean he’ll be captain, though? The second row is banged up too, but there is room for Scott Barrett to take the weekend off due to the good form of Josh Lord and Fabian Holland, plus Sam Darry being available after a very good NPC season of his own.

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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 Whites have ended the year with a 2-0 loss against Ecuador in New Jersey.

In the first ever game between these two sides the world no.23 South Americans scored a rare goal four minutes into the second half at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Nilson Angulo was credited with the opening goal that snuck in past goalkeeper Max Crocombe’s post off an assist from Gonzalo Plata. It was Angulo’s first goal for his country.

Leonardo Campana scored the second seven minutes before full-time, also his first for Ecuador.

Ecuador have now only scored five goals in their last 15 games will also keeping yet another clean sheet. This victory stretched Ecuador’s unbeaten run to 15 games.

Crocombe’s efforts between the posts stopped Ecuador from capitalising on even more of their chances.

Meanwhile, the New Zealanders were unable to truly test the opposition keeper.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley made changes to the starting side for the second game of the international window with Tyler Bindon replacing Michael Boxall in defence, Alex Rufer and Ben Old started in the midfield for Joe Bell and Matthew Garbett with Ben Waine also getting his chance up front.

Marko Stamenic skippered the side with Boxall on the bench and regular captain Chris Wood missing the All Whites’ games this month.

New Zealand defender Bill Tuiloma was forced from the field with a leg injury just before half-time with Storm Roux called on as the early replacement.

The All Whites end the calendar year with three wins, six losses and a draw.

On 6 December the Football World Cup draw will be held in Washington DC and the All Whites will find out who they will play, and where, at next year’s tournament co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

The All Whites have two more international windows that they could play in next year, in March and early June, before the world cup kicks off on 11 June.

Read how the game unfolded here

All Whites: Max Crocombe, Kees Sims, Nik Tzanev, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, James McGarry, Storm Roux, Tommy Smith, George Stanger, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Owen Parker-Price, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Kosta Barbarouses, Andre de Jong, Eli Just, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine.

Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Cristhian Loor, Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Cristian Ramirez, Joel Ordonez, Jhoanner Chavez, Leonardo Realpe, Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Yaimar Medina, Denil Castillo, Patrik Mercado, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Leonardo Campana, Nilson Angulo, John Mercado, Jeremy Arevalo.

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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 Whites will play their final game of 2025 against unfamiliar opposition in an unfamiliar venue.

World No. 85 New Zealand have never played the world No. 23 Ecuador.

While the South Americans will feel at home in Sports Illustrated Stadium, after playing there 11 times, the NZ squad will play for the first time at the venue that hosts Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.

Both teams have already qualified for next year’s Football World Cup and come into this game after playing friendlies last week – the All Whites faced Colombia and Ecuador took on Canada.

Kick-off is at 2.30pm.

All Whites: Max Crocombe, Kees Sims, Nik Tzanev, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Francis de Vries, James McGarry, Storm Roux, Tommy Smith, George Stanger, Finn Surman, Bill Tuiloma, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Owen Parker-Price, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Kosta Barbarouses, Andre de Jong, Eli Just, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine.

Ecuador: Hernan Galindez, Moises Ramirez, Cristhian Loor, Angelo Preciado, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Cristian Ramirez, Joel Ordonez, Jhoanner Chavez, Leonardo Realpe, Moises Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda, John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcivar, Yaimar Medina, Denil Castillo, Patrik Mercado, Enner Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez, Leonardo Campana, Nilson Angulo, John Mercado, Jeremy Arevalo.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Black Caps take on the West Indies at McLean Park in Napier for their second ODI.

In-form Henry Nicholls has been recalled for the two remaining matches for the series, after Daryl Mitchell was ruled out.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wales v All Blacks

Kick-off: 4:10am Sunday 23 November

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Live blog updates on RNZ

Analysis – A high pressure system has arrived directly over the All Blacks this week, ironically as they prepare to face easily the weakest team on their schedule in the last test of the year. Wales are arguably at the lowest ebb in their long, proud history, but that’s a conversation for that side of the world – right now, we’re one poor result away from a full on All Black crisis.

On the surface, nine wins from 12 tests doesn’t look too far away from the Springboks’ 10 from 12. However, Rassie Erasmus’ side is the gold standard after a big win against France and ability to roll out almost two completely different starting teams of equal quality.

Quite simply, the Springboks are only getting better as the season progresses, while you can’t say that about the All Blacks at all. In fact, in some tactical areas they’ve definitely gone backwards, and this weekend in Cardiff will show just where Scott Robertson’s overarching strategy regarding depth is at.

Robertson has already confirmed that the team will be rotated, which admittedly anyone could have guessed once the tour schedule was announced. There are several players in the squad that have been waiting for their turn to impress, while a couple more that have had to be put into the main test lineup already.

Whether the All Blacks like it or not, this test is going to be the one that could really expose a far more structural weakness and it’s a bit of a no-win situation anyway. It’s not like they’re going to lose – Wales are so bad they’d struggle to make the NPC playoffs – but they do have the ability to frustrate the All Blacks into playing poorly themselves.

Think back to the corresponding fixture last year, against Italy in Turin. It was a stinker in every sense of the word, with the Italians once again dragging the All Blacks down to their level and producing one of the least memorable displays of rugby in recent history. It says a lot that the most notable performance to come out of it was TJ Perenara leading the haka.

The All Blacks can’t afford a blundering stagger to the finish line, but even if they do smash Wales convincingly, it won’t be the main team that did it anyway. So really it rests on the performances of the newly rotated players to answer any questions regarding depth, but even then the ones over the coaching and direction will remain.

In their defence, the depth perception has been clear already in second row. Josh Lord has stepped up in Patrick Tuipulotu’s absence and Scott Barrett’s injury and showing just why the All Blacks have persisted with him despite the numerous injury issues of his own.

So now hopefully we’ll find out about a few more and what it might mean for the future, but even then, it might throw a spanner in the works regarding how valuable the All Black high performance set up is. George Bell and Sam Darry will get decent game time and if they go well, it’ll say more about the usefulness of them playing almost an entire NPC campaign with Canterbury.

This will very much be a test of how well prepared the All Black system is at priming the wider squad. Let’s just hope it’s more aesthetically pleasing than the shocker last year in Turin.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand Cricket says a $2.2 million surplus for the financial year, turning around a forecasted $6.8m deficit, shows it’s in a strong financial position.

Board chairperson Diana Puketapu-Lyndon said the organisation had a strong bottom line, with reserves at a record $37m, supported by strong broadcasting agreements, high-value playing programmes, and a solid commercial base.

The 2025 result follows an $8m surplus in 2024 and Puketapu-Lyndon said the position underlines NZ Cricket’s stability and resilience.

“A small net surplus represents a significant outperformance against budget, reflecting prudent management and disciplined oversight – through what was a challenging operating environment.

“… [It] should provide confidence in its ability to continue investing in the game’s long-term growth and sustainability.”

Puketapu-Lyndon acknowledged the role of its members in contributing to a cricket ecosystem well-placed to adjust and adapt to future needs.

“Cricket here has never been a one-size-fits-all affair and NZC places great value in the ability of our major and district associations, and clubs to understand what works best in their regions and catchments.

“We’re committed to working closely with them to ensure they’re well equipped to service the grassroots environment upon which our entire game is based.”

Meanwhile, former New Zealand Test player, coach and selector Mark Greatbatch has been elected president of New Zealand Cricket.

Greatbatch, who played 41 Tests and 84 One Day Internationals for his country between 1988 and 1996, replaces Lesley Murdoch, who completed her three-year term.

On the board, Sarah Beaman rotated off at the end of her three-year term and opted against re-standing. Kevin Malloy rotated off and was re-elected for a third term.

The meeting elected three life members: former Test players Rebecca Rolls, Martin Snedden, and Ewen Chatfield.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Black Cap Tom Latham backs in-form Henry Nicholls to fit seamlessly back into national colours as they seek to seal the ODI series against the West Indies.

Nicholls was recalled for the two remaining matches of the series, starting with game two in Napier on Wednesday, after Daryl Mitchell was ruled out.

Mitchell injured his groin on the way to a match-winning 119 in the seven-run game one victory in Christchurch on Sunday.

He will be difficult to replace given his exceptional form in the 50-over format, having shone in the recent 3-0 sweep of England and boosted his career average above 53.

Latham agreed Mitchell would be missed but said 34-year-old Nicholls was a welcome addition, given his experience and strong form in domestic one-dayers for Canterbury, scoring two centuries in five Ford Trophy matches.

“The numbers probably speak for itself, he’s obviously playing really nicely,” Latham said of Nicholls, who has played 81 ODIs over an international career that nearly spans a decade.

“It’s always great when you can bring someone into the environment that understands and has played a lot of cricket in this team.

“We know the sort of character that he is – he’s able to fit into a team and do whatever role is required if needed. He’s obviously been rewarded, through the disappointment of Daryl. But he’s coming off runs, which is what you want as a batter.”

New Zealand are chasing an 11th successive ODI home series win.

During that period, they’ve won 26 of the 28 completed games and sit second on the world rankings in the 50-over format behind India.

Latham said they’ve built good player depth in the process, pointing to the impressive displays from Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes, given their chance due to a host of injuries to the deep stock of Black Caps seamers.

“It’s been fantastic. You look at someone like Duff and Zak, who haven’t played a huge amount of one-day cricket. I think what they did against England, their games speak for themselves,” Latham said.

“The other night (in Christchurch) they played a different role. They both didn’t take the new ball and I think the impact they had was outstanding. Being able to adapt on the fly was really pleasing.

“So it’s good problems for selectors and coaches and captains to have. If you look over the last 12 months at the number of guys who have had opportunities and have put their hands up.

“The more we can keep building the depth of not only the white ball teams, but all teams, it’s only a good thing for New Zealand Cricket.”

Latham agreed one area to improve is their catching, having spilled a number of half-chances at Hagley Oval.

However, he said a strong Christchurch wind played a part in the ball slipping through the grasp of outfielders from both teams.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

All Blacks prop Tevita Mafileo has been ruled of this weekend’s test against Wales after suffering a rib fracture during training.

The Chiefs front rower George Dyer has been brought in from the All Blacks XV squad as training cover.

Hurricanes forward Devan Flanders has also joined the squad as training cover following lock Fabian Holland’s illness over the weekend, which ruled him out of the defeat to England at Twickenham.

The team said Holland is recovering well and expected to be available for selection for the test against Wales in Cardiff.

The All Blacks will be desperate to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to England last weekend and end their season on a high with a win over Wales, who have never beaten New Zealand.

Assistant coach Jason Holland knows a second straight defeat, and first ever to Wales, won’t be acceptable for All Blacks fans.

“This game is as important as any of the four games (on tour),” Holland said.

“Everybody’s been dialled in since this morning around exactly what it’s going to take to beat Wales. We’re excited and looking forward to putting on a good performance.”

Holland said they’ve identified where they went wrong against England.

“Obviously a lot of disappointment after Saturday … but we had a good day yesterday, did our own review and work around understanding some of the pictures where we took the pressure off England and put the pressure on ourselves,” Holland said.

“You go 12-0 up, you’ve got your skills going well and you’re holding on to the ball and then we make some fundamental errors which we can’t make. Then we give England a bit of a sniff and momentum and they’re putting us under pressure.

“It’s also around how we kick and when we kick and how we could have isolated people with a little bit more kicking on our terms versus kicking when we’re under pressure. And just skill sets, three or four big errors around simple skills really turns a test match, doesn’t it? And that was a big part as well.”

The All Blacks have made a habit of starting well only to fall off in the second half, with some pundits suggesting they have an inability to adjust to their opposition’s changes in strategy.

Holland said the coaches have to take responsibility.

“The first part of that is making sure we get the detail and the work into the week so that when you’re in the stand you can give a one or two word explanation around how behaviours can change or tactics can change,” Holland said.

“So getting the week right is massive.”

With nine wins and three losses this year, inconsistency has been a bit of a hallmark of the All Blacks and questions are being asked about the progress of the team two years out from the next World Cup.

Holland is adamant the team is showing enough growth to be comfortable with how their tracking, though he concedes there’s plenty of work to be done..

“We’ve all got to keep working hard at helping the boys to perform under pressure and understand exactly what that looks like.”

Meanwhile, Wales have lost wing Josh Adams for the test after he was suspended for three matches.

Adams was sent off in Wales win over Japan last weekend for a dangerous clearout on Japan’s Kippei Ishida.

He was initially given a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red after review.

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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 NRL’s first openly gay player has slammed the NZ Breakers as “cowards” for not wearing the rainbow Pride flag in next year’s NBL Pride Round.

The Breakers are the second club to opt out of the pride jersey since the Round began in 2023, saying it’s to protect individual players from being singled out for their beliefs. Cairns Taipans did the same during the inaugural round, when the players did not wear a pride jersey.

Ian Roberts has a prominent voice and advocate for the rainbow community in Australian sport since coming out as gay in 1995, while still an active NRL player.

He told Morning Report the NZ Breakers’ decision was shameful and could have huge repercussions for people struggling with their sexual identity.

“They’re absolute cowards.”

“Call it for what it is. This is homophobia.”

“This is bigotry. Just call it for what it is, at least have the courage to stand up and say, ‘yeah, I’m against this, I’m not for same-sex people being same-sex attracted, I’m totally opposed to that and I won’t wear a badge’.”

“The consequences can be catastrophic for kids who are dealing with their sexuality and you’ve got d…heads like this who want to jump up and wave their religious book or culturally.”

“I thought religion was supposed to be about embracing and loving and caring,” he said.

RNZ has approached the Breakers for comment.

Pride Round is the basketball league’s annual celebration of diversity and inclusion, recognising the LGBTQIA-plus community.

Roberts said he wasn’t surprised by the basketball team’s decision and believed there had been political and religious pressures.

The former Kangaroos and NSW Blues representative said the Breakers didn’t appreciate the depth of feeling within the sporting rainbow community.

“That’s why I get so worked up when people push back against it, it’s just saying, we embrace you, you’re welcome. That’s basically what it’s saying.”

“Events like this make people feel better about themselves and make people feel worthy and make people feel like they’re not freaks and they’re not all isolated.”

“It’s to be a part of this sport and to be a part of the sporting community. It should be a thing of celebration. It shouldn’t be any controversy… that’s why I just find it difficult that people want to use culture, cultural issues or religious issues or political issues to push back against stuff like this.”

“This is about saving kids’ lives. That’s the bottom line for me, that’s how I see it.”

The Manly Sea Eagles great said he believed in the power of sport to change people’s lives and hoped the NZ Breakers reconsidered their position.

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