Source: Radio New Zealand
Follow all the cricket action as the Black Caps take on South Africa for the fifth and final T20 international match.
The Black Caps are currently locked 2-2 in the series, after losing by 19 runs in their fourth match at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Sunday.
First ball at Hagley Oval is at 7.15pm.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Amelia Kerr scored her first international T20 century against South Africa in Christchurch. © Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz
The White Ferns had already won the T20 series against South Africa ahead of final game of the five match series in Christchurch and a 92-run win on Wednesday just emphasised their dominance.
A captain’s knock from number three batter Melie Kerr of 105 off 55 balls helped the White Ferns rebuild from the loss of early wickets to post a total of 194-6.
Kerr was at the crease after just eight balls had been bowled and New Zealand were 9-1 before she went on to bring up her first international T20 century.
She was out with three balls remaining in the innings.
Opener Georgia Plimmer was the White Ferns’ next highest scorer with 27 off 26 balls.
South Africa split the wickets between Ayabonga Khaka and Tumi Sekhukhune who took three each.
In reply, the visitors were also 9-1 in the second over as Lea Tahuhu struck to dismiss Chloe Tryon for one.
South Africa were then 41-4 after the six overs of powerplay and ended on 102-9.
Most of the Proteas batting line-up failed to make double figures as five New Zealand bowlers took wickets.
Tahuhu was the best of the White Ferns bowlers with 3-15 off her four overs.
The two teams now move on to a three match one-day series beginning on Sunday in Christchurch.
See how the match unfolded here:
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is off contract with the Warriors at the end of this season. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster hasn’t completely given up hope of retaining superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck beyond this season.
The veteran wing’s future at the club has been up in the air since last year, when he was linked to the breakaway R360 union competition, which has been delayed until 2028.
NRL players have been threatened with a 10-year ban if they sign with the Saudi-backed rebel outfit, so very few have declared their intentions.
Former All Black Tuivasa-Sheck’s current contract with the Warriors ends this season, so he has been the subject of intense interest over his immediate prospects.
Two weeks ago, he was reportedly exploring options with Sydney NRL clubs. Latest rumours have him heading to the English Super League with Wakefield Trinity.
Webster was loathe to fuel the speculation, but hinted Tuivasa-Sheck’s departure was not quite a done deal.
“I’ve had plenty of conversations,” he acknowledged. “Whichever way it goes, whether he stays or wherever he ends up, if he plays union or plays league… if he leaves, he goes with our blessing and if there’s an opportunity for him at the end of the season to stay, we’d celebrate that too.
“It will all become clearer, but we’ve had really good conversation and we’re on the same page, which is always a good feeling between a player and a coach.”
Webster had previously said he hoped Tuivasa-Sheck never left the club.
Last month, Tuivasa-Sheck, 32, played questions about his future with a straight bat.
“My head is still down in the trenches for the pre-season,” he said during the Warriors pre-season. “Just trying to turn up each day, each week for the grind, because everyone is so fast and I have to keep up.
“Future stuff I will get to at some stage, but I’m always putting my actions on the field and do my talking from there.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck heads for the corner against Sydney Roosters. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Conjecture ramped up this month, when Aussie media reported the Warriors were close to signing former All Blacks Sevens star and Melbourne Storm wing Will Warbrick.
At the time, Webster warned not to believe everything you hear on the rumour mill.
“A lot of the time, we’re linked to players that we’re not even close to signing or I get a text message from someone saying, ‘I heard so-and-so is starting tonight’, but no, they’re not.
“I don’t know where it comes from, but sometimes where there’s smoke, there’s fire and sometimes they’re just miles off. Sometimes they’re just trying to pump up the price.”
On Wednesday, he had no update on that situation.
Tuivasa-Sheck is still the only Warrior to win the Dally M Medal as the NRL’s Player of the Year in 2018 and won his fourth Simon Mannering Medal as the club’s Most Valuable Player last year.
The Warriors have several other players off contract beyond 2026, including Origin star Kurt Capewell and veteran second-rower Marata Niukore, who has been linked to Newcastle Knights in recent weeks.
“I haven’t read too much into it, to be honest,” Niukore grinned. “It’s pretty clichéd, but that stuff will sort itself and, over time, I’m pretty sure we’ll knock it on the head and hopefully that’s it.”
He had “no idea” when an official announcement might be forthcoming.
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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 T20 cricket action as the White Ferns take on South Africa for their fifth and final T20 international match.
The White Ferns have already sealed victory 3-1 with a game to spare, after a commanding six-wicket win in the fourth match in Wellington on Sunday.
First ball at Hagley Oval is at 2.45pm.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Haidee Tiffen and Jeremy Coney have been inducted into the NZC Hall of Fame. Photosport
The NZC Hall of Fame has honoured two of Aotearoa’s legendary cricketers Jeremy Coney and Haidee Tiffen – the first inductions since the inaugural “First Eleven” was unveiled last summer.
Last summer’s inauguration saw the induction of Bert Sutcliffe, John R Reid, Jackie Lord, Trish McKelvey, Glenn Turner, Sir Richard Hadlee, Debbie Hockley, Martin Crowe, Emily Drumm, Daniel Vettori, and Brendon McCullum.
Coney led the New Zealand men’s team through its first so-called Golden Era in the 1980s, while Tiffen was regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the world during the decade from 1999-2009.
One of New Zealand women’s cricket’s most accomplished leaders, Tiffen debuted against South Africa as a 19-year-old in 1999, and made 128 international appearances (53 as captain) across formats, including a remarkable streak of 71 consecutive ODIs.
She was a star of New Zealand’s 2000 World Cup triumph on home soil, scoring 187 runs at 46.75.
As captain, Tiffen led the team to the 2009 World Cup final in Australia, topping both aggregates and averages with 279 runs at 46.50, including a century against Pakistan, her penultimate international innings.
An elite all-rounder, she was shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Year in 2006. She also featured in New Zealand’s inaugural women’s T20I against England in 2004, and scored 124 in her two Tests.
“It’s a huge honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and to be alongside some of my role models already inducted, like Debbie Hockley, Sir Richard Hadlee and Emily Drumm,” she said.
“As a young girl from Timaru, representing New Zealand was always a dream. Cricket has given me so much, incredible friendships, challenges, and memories that will stay with me forever. I’m very grateful to the game and everyone who supported me along the way.”
Haidee Tiffen Photosport Ltd 2017 www.photosport.nz
Regarded as one New Zealand’s most courageous competitors, Coney led the New Zealand men’s team to three historic and successive Test series victories in 1985 and 1986: against Australia in Australia, Australia in New Zealand, and England in England, all of which were first-time achievements.
The allrounder was renowned for thriving in crises. His maiden Test century of 174 not out against England at the Basin Reserve in 1984 came after a 244-run first-innings deficit, rescuing New Zealand from near-certain defeat in an epic eight-hour stand.
Former New Zealand cricket captain Jeremy Coney, who has also been a commentator. Andrew Cornaga / photosport.co.nz
The following season, another unbeaten hundred (with a famous last-wicket 50-run partnership alongside Ewen Chatfield) delivered a dramatic two-wicket win against Pakistan in Dunedin.
Across 52 Tests, Coney scored 2668 runs at 37.57 (including three centuries and 16 fifties) and took 64 catches, many at second slip, where his success rate was near-infallible.
His medium-pace bowling delivered 27 Test wickets and 54 in ODIs, including a crucial four-wicket haul at Leeds in 1983 that helped secure New Zealand’s first Test win in England. In 80 ODI innings, he failed to score only once.
“I think back to the skinny wraith from Ngaio in Wellington, spending his primary schoolboy afternoons alone on our tennis court immersed with a ball, my older brother’s bat (which had to be replaced in the precise position it lay prior to his return from college),” he said.
“In that wash-house I first heard the seductive clink of buckles from pads… It was on this tennis court using this borrowed equipment I created unlikely and (as yet) unregistered, test victories over England and Australia.
“One might imagine the pleasure supplied when these mythical encounters became a reality for me.”
Coney said he was honoured to be recognised.
“It’s been fun and a challenge. That this range of feelings through good times and bad, competing hard as part of a team, might result in my inclusion alongside those I have admired is a little beyond my expectations, yet considerably gratifying.”
Coney and Tiffen will be formally recognised at the New Zealand Cricket Awards on Thursday.
The Hall of Fame (HOF) is a joint initiative between NZ Cricket (NZC), the NZ Cricket Players Association, and the NZ Cricket Museum, to immortalise the country’s greatest cricketers.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Fehi Fineanganofo has scored six tries in five games. Photosport / Patrick Hoelscher
Fehi Fineanganofo is in career best form but with his future offshore, New Zealand Rugby is posed to lose one of its most in-form wings.
The Hurricanes wing has scored six tries in five games, helping power his side to the top of the Super Rugby standings. He sits second on this season’s top try scorers list, level with the NSW Waratahs flyer Max Jorgensen and just behind Brumbies loose forward Charlie Cale, who has dotted down eight times in 2026.
Fineanganofo is the leading New Zealander on the list, one try ahead of Blues and All Blacks wing Caleb Clarke.
He has made a competition leading 12 line breaks, with only the Crusaders fullback Will Jordan and Highlanders wing Caleb Tangitau having as many.
Hurricanes Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo celebrate a try. Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
He has 48 carries, second only to Clarke among Kiwi wings and has run for 416 metres gained, the second most of any player in the competition behind Jordan. He also has 207 post contact metres and has made 27 tackles at a 72 percent completion rate.
Not many other wingers come close.
Clarke has five tries and 406 metres gained, Tangitau has four five pointers and 398 metes gained and Leroy Carter has four tries with four line breaks. Sevu Reece has two tries and seven line breaks.
Blues winger Caleb Clarke scores a try against the Crusaders. Brett Phibbs
Fineanganofo was also the star of last round’s Fantasy rankings, producing a remarkable 113-point performance for the Hurricanes – one of the highest individual Fantasy scores of the season. He is currently second in the competition behind Cale in Fantasy points rankings.
Fineanganofo’s performances have no doubt impressed All Blacks selectors, but it appears the 23-year-old former New Zealand Sevens player has already given up on chasing higher honours, with the winger signing a two-year deal to join English club Newcastle Red Bulls at the start of the 2026/2027 Premiership season.
He confirmed his move in February, indicating at the time the lure of a big money contract was too hard to resist.
“I just want to provide for my family and maybe try another opportunity,” he said.
Fehi Fineanganofo of the Hurricanes catches cross field kick. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The Hurricanes take on the Queensland Reds in Wellington on Saturday afternoon as they seek to cement themselves at the top of the standings and Fineanganofo was asked by reporters if his early Super Rugby season form had made him question his decision to leave.
“No, not really,” Fineanganofo said. “I’m just focusing on Hurricanes and then I’ll obviously go overseas.”
Fineanganofo will remain in New Zealand to the end of the NPC competition, so could potentially play for the All Blacks before he departs. He said it’s not on his radar.
“No further comment on that. Probably just focus on here (Hurricanes) again.”
So while the Hurricanes are enjoying having Fineanganofo in a purple patch of form, it’s unlikely the All Blacks will benefit.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Eden Park hosts the T20 international between the Black Caps and South Africa, 2026. Blake Armstrong / PHOTOSPORT
Venues across New Zealand can now make bids to host games during the 2028 T20 World Cup.
New Zealand and Australia will host the global tournament with up to ten venues to be selected by the end of the year.
The 20-team tournament will be held in October and November and will feature 55 games across group competition, Super Eight, semi-finals and final.
As co-hosts Australia and New Zealand are granted automatic qualification, while England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have also qualified via their progression to the Super 8 stage of the recent 2026 tournament.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Ireland have also secured their place at the 2028 event, as the next three highest-ranked teams.
The remaining eight places in the 20-team field will be determined through a regional qualification pathway.
Earlier this month Dame Therese Walsh was appointed chairperson of the tournament.
All of New Zealand’s main provincial venues are likely to be considered as hosts, although the timing of the tournament in October and November may rule some out of contention.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been linked to a move to the Super League in 2027. Photosport / Andrew Cornaga
Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly leaving the club at the end of the current NRL season.
The Daily Telegraph in Australia is reporting the superstar will join Wakefield Trinity in the UK Super League on a multi-million-dollar contract.
Tuivasa-Sheck remains one of the biggest names at the franchise.
He won the Dally M Medal in 2018, the Golden Boot in 2019, and the Simon Mannering Medal four times, most recently in 2025.
A dual-international having played for the Kiwis and All Blacks, Tuivasa-Sheck returned to the Warriors in 2024 after a stint in union.
In 2024 he switched his international allegiance to Toa Samoa.
Rumours have been rife that the Warriors have secured Melbourne wing Will Warbrick for the 2027 season, increasing competition in their already stacked back three stocks.
RTS has been named to start on the wing for the Warriors round four clash in Auckland on Friday night.
The side sit atop the NRL ladder with a perfect three wins from three to kick off their campaign.
Wakefield’s Super League season is also underway, the side in sixth spot with three wins after five rounds.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster will speak to media later on Wednesday.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Lucía León of the Wellington Phoenix celebrates. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The Wellington Phoenix women face a tough ten days ahead as they attempt to rewrite history.
The Phoenix will play their final three A-League regular season games in a week and a half, starting with their rescheduled fifth round fixture against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday night.
They then play at home against Western Sydney before heading to Adelaide. Win all three and the Phoenix have a chance of being crowned premiers.
They qualified for the play-offs for the first time with the win over Sydney FC at the weekend.
Since joining the League in 2021 their best result was eighth in 2024.
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said her side is ready for the challenge.
“Mindset is everything at this point and that’s my job to really dial them into what we can be and what we need to be,” Priestman said.
“Let’s be real that third game in 10 days is not going to be the prettiest football match. We know that, but we have to be willing to do the dirty work (and) the stuff that some teams or players aren’t willing to do.
“When I look in the eyes of the players I’ve got in front of me I believe they want it and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.
“I also think we have enough depth in the team. You’re going to call on an entire squad and that’s all we’ve done all season with the injuries that we’ve had, so the entire squad is going to be needed.”
Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT
Of course Priestman and the players can’t think too far ahead.
“I’ve kept the players focused on the three points in front of us. I know everyone’s job is to talk about what could be, but ultimately we have to turn up for 90 minutes, do the game in front of us and deal with what comes next.
The Mariners have won all five of their previous meetings with the Nix, including a 2-1 victory at a weather-hit Porirua Park last month.
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Source: Radio New Zealand
Emoni Narawa of the All Blacks. Jeremy Ward / PHOTOSPORT
The desire to play at a Rugby World Cup made Emoni Narawa’s decision to stick with New Zealand rugby an easy one.
The All Blacks and Chiefs winger has extended his commitment through to the end of 2029.
“Wearing the black jersey has been an honour and I’m excited for the opportunity to compete for a spot to wear it again and chase my World Cup dream,” Narawa said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and hoping I can help our Chiefs whānau secure a Super Rugby title. My little family and I are blessed to stay here. God is good.”
Fijian-born Narawa made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2020 before moving to the Chiefs in 2022.
The 26 year old played his 50th Super Rugby game against the Highlanders last month.
It was his first match after puncturing his lung playing for the All Blacks against South Africa, in the win at Eden Park last year, his fourth test.
Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes was delighted Narawa had recommitted as he was aware there was considerable offshore interest in the talented wing.
“It’s great to know he not only wants to help us win a Super Rugby Pacific title, but that he has serious goals about getting back in the All Blacks and helping them win Tests too.”
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