Category: Sport

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nothing incapsulates the joy and agony sport had to offer for New Zealand in 2025 more than what the All Blacks experienced in just the span of a week.

From keeping their 31-year Eden Park record intact, to suffering their biggest-ever defeat just seven days later, Kiwi sports had plenty of highs, but unfortunately, just as many lows over the last 12 months.

Here is a look back at the roller coaster that was 2025 in New Zealand sport.

All Blacks Eden Park record intact

It’s hard to ignore the All Blacks extending their unbeaten streak at Eden Park with victory over their biggest foes, the Springboks, in their Rugby Championship clash in September.

While the following week’s horror result in the rematch at Wellington undercuts this performance – and we’ll get to that – it was still more than worthy of a mention.

New Zealand kept their 31-year record intact at the Auckland venue with a gutsy 24-17 win over South Africa.

The All Blacks led throughout the fixture but had to fight off a determined comeback in the second half.

An Ardie Savea penalty – in his 100th test – near the tryline secured New Zealand the win and perhaps more importantly, kept the record at Eden Park alive.

Kiwi teen Sam Ruthe breaks record sub-four-minute mile

Kiwi teenager Sam Ruthe became the youngest runner to break four minutes for the mile, with sensational performance in unfavourable conditions at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium in March.

Ruthe crossed the finish at 3m 58.35s with the help of training partner and two-time Olympian Sam Tanner pacing him.

The Tauranga teen was 24 days short of his 16th birthday and beat his own previous age best of 4m 01.72s, set at Whanganui in January.

Ruthe teen became the first 15-year-old to duck under the mythical benchmark for middle-distance running – and did it in the wet and cold.

High-jumper Hamish Kerr soars to gold

In front of an enthralled 37,000 Tokyo crowd, high-jumper Hamish Kerr soared to gold at the world championships in September.

The Olympic champion posted a best of 2.36 metres to pick up New Zealand’s second top gong after Geordie Beamish’s shock victory in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.

It also equalled his New Zealand and Oceania record, which followed his Diamond League title win in August.

Kerr capped off a memorable 2025 with the New Zealand Olympic Committee’s highest honour – the Lonsdale Cup.

Wellington woes return with record-defeat

I said we’d get to that disaster night in Wellington and unfortunately, it’s impossible not to include it as a sporting low in 2025.

Just a week on from the fortress-solidifying result at Eden Park, the All Blacks fell to their heaviest defeat in history.

South Africa overcame a slow start riddled with injuries to put New Zealand to the sword in the last 20 minutes, winning 43-10 to retain the Freedom Cup.

The loss was one thing – which has become all too familiar at Sky Stadium – but the nature of the second-half capitulation is what particularly stung.

New Zealand led 10-7 at halftime, only to concede 36 unanswered points after the break for their biggest defeat, home or away, in history.

Parker’s battle in and out of the ring

It wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Kiwi heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker went into his bout with Brit Fabio Wardley riding a six-fight win streak and with a squeaky clean record.

But after 11 rounds, that all came crashing down as Wardley stopped Parker in front of a packed O2 Arena in London in October.

Parker was up on the scorecards and looked to be closing in on a victory that would have all but guaranteed his shot at the undisputed championship.

But a ‘Hail Mary’ right hook sent Parker rocking and forced the referee to step in and call the bout off.

To make matters worse, just over two weeks later, it was revealed the Kiwi heavyweight failed a dope test on the day of the fight.

He tested positive for traces of cocaine – which Parker has outright refuted – and could face a lengthy ban from the sport.

Kiwi sailing star Peter Burling announces move to Luna Rossa

It would be too easy to include the entirety of the NZ Netball saga which saw coach Dame Noeline Taurua stood down and then reinstated, and has been covered at length.

Instead, Kiwi sailing star Peter Burling announcing his intentions to join Italians Luna Rossa for the 38th America’s Cup in June makes the list.

Burling is one New Zealand’s greatest sailors, with nine world championship crowns and Olympic medals – one gold and two silver – to his name, usually in tandem with Blair Tuke in the 49er class.

Losing him to a rival hurts enough, but Burling revealing that Team New Zealand’s control over him forced him out after 12 years with the syndicate stings even more.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC’s last A-League game of 2025 has been postponed after the Sydney pitch was deemed to be in an unsatisfactory condition.

The top of the table clash between league-leaders Auckland and second-placed Sydney FC scheduled to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday will now be played later in the season.

Ground staff at Leichhardt Oval changed the field of play from a winter to summer grass following Sydney FC’s last match against Melbourne Victory on 22 November.

A pitch inspection on Monday found the playing surface to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with large patches of sand and mud, and it has been declared unsafe for play, according to the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

“We understand that weather and other factors can impact pitch maintenance and repairs, but for Leichhardt Oval to be unplayable and to be given little notice is unacceptable,” APL chairperson Stephen Conroy said.

“It’s frustrating that football has to bear the burden of these pitch management issues. It’s simply not good enough, and our game and our fans deserve better.

“We need venues to provide pitches that are maintained and presented to the required standard to ensure player safety and the highest quality of football for our fans.”

Conroy acknowledged the fixture change would “inconvenience many”.

Auckland FC had been due to fly to Sydney on Christmas Day.

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Former All Blacks loose forward Hoskins Sotutu has signed with English Premiership club Newcastle Red Bulls and will depart the Blues after the 2026 Super Rugby season.

He remained fully committed to the Blues for their upcoming campaign, he said.

Since making his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2019, Sotutu has established himself as one of the competition’s best loose forwards, playing 79 games.

He made his All Blacks debut in 2020 and played 14 tests, but hasn’t represented New Zealand since November 2022.

Sotutu said the move presented an exciting opportunity, but his immediate focus remained on the Blues.

“This club means a lot to me. The Blues has been my home for a long time and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved,” Sotutu said.

“I’m grateful to the coaching staff, teammates and our fans for the support over the years and look forward to one more season with the boys.”

Blues general manager rugby Murray Williams said Sotutu would leave a strong mark on the club.

“He’s a world-class player and a leader within our environment,” Williams said.

“Newcastle are gaining a high-quality professional, and we’re pleased to have Hoskins fully committed to the Blues for another full season. He’ll continue to set the standard for us in 2026.”

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Central Districts spinner Jayden Lennox is in line to make his Black Caps debut after being named in the squad for the upcoming tour of India.

The left armer has been named in the ODI squad, alongside the uncapped Kristian Clarke, and emerging internationals Adi Ashok, Josh Clarkson, Nick Kelly, and the recent Test debutant, Michael Rae.

Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner return with the latter only for the T20s as part of his return-to-play plan as he recovers from his groin injury.

Michael Bracewell will captain the side during the one-day series in Santner’s absence.

Test Captain Tom Latham and seam bowler Matt Henry both miss the ODI series, with the former staying in New Zealand for the birth of his third child, and the latter joining the side for the T20s.

Coach Rob Walter said he’s pleased to see Lennox’s progression.

“Jayden has been an identified player of interest for some time and has some good New Zealand ‘A’ experience under his belt. He’s consistently been one of the top performers in white-ball cricket domestically for a number of seasons.”

Nathan Smith (side), Blair Tickner (shoulder) and Mark Chapman (ankle) were not considered for selection for the ODI series due to injury. Chapman is on track to play in the T20 series.

Ben Sears has returned from his stint in Melbourne, but was not considered for selection in ODI cricket as he works through his return to play programme. Sears is progressing well and is on track to be available for the Super Smash.

Kane Williamson is unavailable for ODI selection due to commitments in the SA20 league, while fast bowler Will O’Rourke is injured.

Mitch Hay will be the wicketkeeper for the ODI series, whereas Devon Conway will take the gloves for the T20Is.

Jacob Duffy and Rachin Ravindra will both sit out the ODI series to allow them to rest after being involved in all cricket since the start of the home summer.

New Zealand will play five T20s immediately after the three ODIs in India, as part of their final preparation for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in February and March.

The importance of the series ahead of the T20 World Cup is not lost on Walter.

“Playing in the sub-continent is obviously very different to what we’re used to in New Zealand, so any opportunity we can get to expose our guys to those conditions can only be a good thing, especially prior to a T20 World Cup in the subcontinent.”

Alongside Santner, Mark Chapman and Henry are set to return to the T20 side after recovering from ankle and calf injuries respectively.

Batters Bevon Jacobs and Tim Robinson both come back into the T20 squad after producing some impressive performances for their respective domestic sides.

Jacobs is averaging 54 across his seven most recent innings, including one century, and Robinson is averaging just over 60 across his last nine innings, including two centuries.

James Neesham and Ish Sodhi also come return, with Neesham having stints in the Nepal Premier League and ILT20 in recent weeks. Sodhi returns from domestic duties with Canterbury.

Newly IPL-contracted players Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes have earned the nod after impressing throughout the home summer, with Foulkes set to experience T20 cricket in India for the first time.

Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will be joining the squad in India as soon as their franchise commitments are complete. This will allow them to feature in the back end of the T20 series in India ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The World Cup Squad will be announced in mid-January.

ODI Squad for India:

Michael Bracewell (c) – Wellington Firebirds

Adi Ashok – Auckland Aces

Kristian Clarke – Northern Districts

Josh Clarkson – Central Stags

Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds

Zak Foulkes – Canterbury

Mitch Hay – Canterbury

Kyle Jamieson – Canterbury

Nick Kelly – Wellington Firebirds

Jayden Lennox – Central Stags

Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury

Henry Nicholls – Canterbury

Glenn Phillips – Otago Volts

Michael Rae – Canterbury

Will Young – Central Stags

T20 Squad v India:

Mitchell Santner (c) – Northern Districts

Michael Bracewell – Wellington Firebirds

Mark Chapman – Auckland Aces

Devon Conway – Wellington Firebirds

Jacob Duffy – Otago Volts

Zak Foulkes – Canterbury

Matt Henry – Canterbury

Kyle Jamieson – Canterbury

Bevon Jacobs – Auckland Aces

Daryl Mitchell – Canterbury

James Neesham – Auckland Aces

Glenn Phillips – Otago Volts

Rachin Ravindra – Wellington Firebirds

Tim Robinson – Wellington Firebirds

Ish Sodhi – Canterbury

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

Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC’s last A-League game of 2025 has been postponed after the Sydney pitch was deemed to be in “unsatisfactory condition”.

The top of the table clash between league-leaders Auckland and second-placed Sydney FC scheduled to be played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday will now be played later in the season.

Ground staff at Leichhardt Oval changed the field of play from a winter to summer grass following Sydney FC’s last match against Melbourne Victory on 22 November.

A pitch inspection on Monday found the playing surface to be in an unsatisfactory condition, with large patches of sand and mud, and it has been declared unsafe for play, according to the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

The game will be rescheduled with a date yet to be confirmed.

“We understand that weather and other factors can impact pitch maintenance and repairs, but for Leichhardt Oval to be unplayable and to be given little notice is unacceptable,” APL Chair, Stephen Conroy said.

“It’s frustrating that football has to bear the burden of these pitch management issues. It’s simply not good enough, and our game and our fans deserve better.

“We need venues, local councils and state governments to invest more into better management and the upgrade of venues to ensure the highest quality conditions for our players and fans.

“We will continue to push this across our leagues and support the Club for this fixture.”

Conroy acknowledged the fixture change would “inconvenience many”.

“For that we apologise. It is imperative that we have the best possible playing surface to ensure quality football, player safety and the most entertaining product for our fans.”

Auckland FC had been due to fly to Sydney on Christmas day.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

A new points structure will apply to the women’s Super Smash T20 competition this season in a bid to promote higher scoring cricket and improve batting standards.

Teams can only receive one bonus point – through either scoring 150 runs or more, regardless of batting first or second, or achieving a run rate greater than 1.25 times that of the opposition in the second innings.

Bonus points will not apply to the elimination and grand finals.

White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer hopes it will encourage batting techniques that enhance New Zealand’s prospects of success in T20 internationals.

“It’s an exciting addition to the competition,” Sawyer said.

“It’ll reward both aggressive batting and proactive wicket-taking bowling plans, which are the key skillsets required in this format.

“We hope that it’ll encourage teams to align their style of play with international standards, which in turn elevates the domestic game and strengthen players’ international readiness.

“We’re expecting high scoring matches next year at the T20 World Cup in June, so this is a great opportunity for our players to get ready for that.”

An internal analysis of current global trends in international and leading domestic competitions reflected a clear acceleration in scoring rates, boundaries percentages and first-innings averages, signalling a clear shift in what now constitutes competitive T20 performances.

Sawyer acknowledged the bonus point structure is not a silver bullet that will improve the batting standards but is a step in the right direction.

“We’re not suggesting that the revised points structure is the single solution.

“Individual skill, tactical awareness and coaching still plays a major role in improving the general batting standards in the women’s game.”

Wellington Blaze head coach Jonny Bassett-Graham said he was supportive of the change.

“I think it’s a great development for the women’s competition,” Bassett-Graham said.

“It’ll encourage teams to play a style that’ll not only drive the standard of cricket forward but should result in entertaining T20 games.

“For the players it’s about being agile enough to adapt and embrace a change that’ll help them develop skillsets to break into international ranks.”

The Super Smash begins on Boxing Day at Seddon Park with Northern Districts hosting the Auckland men’s and women’s 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

The Sport Integrity Commission’s landmark probe into Yachting NZ – the first major test of the new agency’s powers – will stretch into a second year.

The government watchdog agency launched an investigation into Yachting NZ days before Christmas last year following a raft of athlete welfare, cultural and conduct complaints within the sport.

A year on, the complainants remain in the dark about the findings of the investigation.

The commission wrote to complainants this month to inform them that there was no timeframe on the release of the report.

The letter, signed by investigator Wendy Pickering, said the complaints stage had been concluded and the commission was working through the findings and is now engaging with Yachting NZ before “commencing drafting our report in this matter”.

“At this stage, it is difficult to give a precise timeframe for completion of the investigation, however, we expect we will conclude the report in the new year,” Pickering wrote.

The Sport Integrity Commission did not respond to direct questions from RNZ, but in a statement confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

“Timeframes are determined by the characteristics of each matter, which are always unique, and we are committed to a fair and thorough process,” the statement read.

It is understood the commission, which was established in July 2024, fielded dozens of complaints about Yachting NZ late last year, prompting officials to launch an investigation under section 32 of Sport and Recreation Act.

A further flurry of complaints were received over the first half of this year after news of the investigation became public.

It is understood the volume of complaints, coupled with the wide-ranging nature of the allegations, has been challenging for investigators to work through.

But the length of time the commission is taking to close out its investigation is raising eyebrows within the sport sector. One senior official, while not referencing any particular investigation, told RNZ that the watchdog agency is “taking too long to resolve issues”.

The delays are not only frustrating to the complainants, but also leave sports in “a state of limbo” the official said.

Yachting NZ chief executive Steve Armitage, who took the helm of the organisation in September following the departure of David Abercrombie, declined to be interviewed by RNZ while the investigation is ongoing.

“We have been cooperating constructively with the Sport Integrity Commission as part of their ongoing investigation,” Armitage said in a statement.

Yachting NZ chair Greg Knowles also addressed the investigation in his comments in the organisation’s annual report, published in October.

“It has also been a challenging year for some participants and members of our board and management due to concerns raised through complaints to the newly formed Sport Integrity Commission. We take these matters very seriously,” Knowles wrote.

“Tangible steps are being taken to improve our practices, culture, and support systems, ensuring that, as far as possible, all sailors feel safe, respected, and supported and enjoy a positive experience. Yachting New Zealand remains committed to cooperating fully with the Commission and looks forward to their investigation being completed in due course.”

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Source: Radio New Zealand

The New Zealand Breakers have slumped to a third straight defeat, beaten 99-85 by the Bullets in their NBL clash in Brisbane.

The hosts entered the game having lost their past seven matches by an average of 22 points.

However, they put that aside score 56 first half points and lead by as much as 20 on their way to the 14-point win. The Bullets now have six wins and 14 losses for the season and sit in ninth place on the ten team table.

It’s a horror loss for the Breakers who were trying to stay in touch of the top six and are now 7-13 with three straight losses.

Coach Petteri Koponen was disappointed with his side’s efforts.

“You know, it’s not the first time this season, when we hit adversity and how we respond, we kind of broke down,” Koponen said.

“We let Brisbane score 56 (first half) points. You have to give them credit also. They moved the ball well, found good shots. They killed us outside, inside, , low post. We didn’t have an answer for their bigs tonight.”

Koponen said the Breakers’ defence was poor.

“Defensively, especially the first half, we kept them confident and straight away they felt like they can play easily against us.”

Tyrell Harrison scored 24 points for the hosts and had 11 rebounds, three blocks and two assists.

Javon Freeman-Liberty also added 13 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals for his first home win with a cameo from rookie big man Jacob Holt with nine points too.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright battled hard for another 26 points for the Breakers, with Izaiah Brockington scoring 18 points and six boards, and Carlin Davison 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Breakers remain on the road and take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on Boxing Day while the Bullets host Melbourne United on Saturday.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Which teams will challenge for 38th America’s Cup has become clearer six weeks out from the entry window for the 2027 event slamming shut.

On Monday it was revealed which teams make up the new America’s Cup Partnership (ACP), which in turn outlined the teams with a vested interest in the future of the world’s oldest sporting competition.

Team New Zealand, Great Britain’s Athena Racing, Italy’s Luna Rossa, Swiss entry Team Alinghi, and France’s K-Challenge have joined forces in the ACP which is an historic agreement which marks the first time in the event’s 174-year history that competing teams have united under a shared governance and commercial structure.

The announcement of which teams will form the ACP follows the Protocol agreement between defender Team New Zealand and challenger of record Athena Racing in August, which set the terms for the next America’s Cup in Naples and paved the way for ACP.

Since New Zealand defended the America’s Cup in Barcelona in October last year, there has been a lot of speculation about which teams would try and take the Auld Mug off them with Team New Zealand chief executive officer Grant Dalton believing that five was a good number of challengers.

The entry period for the 38th America’s Cup remains open until January 31, 2026 for teams to join ACP and the competition in Italy in 2027.

The five founding teams of the ACP will present further details of the partnership on 21 January in Naples with dates of the America’s Cup Match to be made public.

Dalton said the ACP was “preserving what makes the America’s Cup extraordinary while building a sustainable model that benefits everyone who shares our passion for this great competition”.

“We are securing the position of the America’s Cup at the pinnacle of innovation and professional sport for decades to come.”

Team principal of Athena Racing, Sir Ben Ainslie, said the ACP would ensure the America’s Cup remained “the ultimate proving ground for the world’s best sailors and technological advancements”.

“It allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of naval architecture and sailing technology, maintaining the Cup’s tradition as a catalyst for innovation, while providing the stability needed to grow our audience.”

Luna Rossa chief executive officer Max Sirena believed the ACP marked a “historic moment” for the competition.

“Luna Rossa has chosen to join a project aimed at ensuring stability, sustainability, and continuity for the America’s Cup, while respecting its values and its capacity for innovation. A responsible choice toward the sport, our fans, and future generations of Italian sailors,” Sirena said.

Team Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli said the partnership was “a collective commitment to further elevating sailing on the global sporting stage”.

“By working together to create a more transparent and collaborative structure, we’re ensuring that this iconic competition will thrive for generations to come.”

K-Challenge co-chief executive officer Stephan Kandler said with France’s history in sailing and in the America’s Cup they wanted to be at the forefront of the ACP.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the event and the teams to grow it at the same level as other leading sport properties.”

Key features of the ACP include:

• Biennial cycle: A commitment to a regular, fixed racing calendar of an America’s Cup every two years.
• Independent management: An independent management team focused solely on delivering sporting excellence and commercial opportunity for the America’s Cup, whilst ensuring consistent operations from one event to the next.
• Economic sustainability: Shared revenues and new cost control measures creating higher levels of competition and a more level playing field, while also ensuring the America’s Cup remains at the forefront of sailing innovation.
• Future focused: A continued commitment to the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup, creating accessible and diverse pathways into the sport – including at least one female onboard the AC75 race boat at the 38th America’s Cup.

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Source: Radio New Zealand

Auckland FC experienced high and lows in A-League football in 2025, but the lows can be put into perspective with the silverware, the records and the continued success.

The year began partway through the 2024/25 season with a goalless draw on 1 January against the team, Melbourne Victory, that would eventually end Auckland’s inaugural season a game short of the Grand Final.

But lifting the Premiers’ Plate in April, as the first New Zealand side to achieve the feat, and ending the calendar year in a new season and still at the top of the competition meant Auckland FC fans, players and staff could look back on the year fondly.

Days out from the new year coach Steve Corica summed 2025 up as “amazing”, but also had an eye on what lay ahead.

“We want to continue next year the same way we started this year.

“Three [wins] in a row is great, being top of the table at Christmas is nice as well.

“Especially this time of year we just want to keep building from what we’ve started. We’ve had a great start and I think there’s still improvement in this team to go, you can see the improvement over the last few games as well we’re scoring some really good goals, we kept a clean sheet which was positive on the weekend against the Wanderers strikeforce which is really strong so we’re happy with where we are at the moment.”

The last challenge of the year will be against second-placed Sydney FC, who sit just two points behind Auckland on the A-League ladder, and have not lost at home this season.

Home and abroad for the holidays

Jake Girdwood-Reich did not expect to be home for Christmas.

The centre-back has played every minute of his first season with Auckland FC and a quirk in the rejigged A-League draw means he will play in front of family and friends in his hometown on Saturday.

The Australian former age-group representative began 2025 rehabilitating an ankle injury and then struggling for game time with Major League Soccer side St Louis City.

A chance to link up with his former coach Corica on loan from St Louis City was too good to turn down for the 21-year-old, and it means he ends the year in a very different place than where he started it – both geographically and football-wise.

Such is Girdwood-Reich’s form and consistency for Auckland, there is suggestions Socceroos coach, Tony Popovic, should be taking notice of the former Sydney FC player.

Girdwood-Reich played 45 times for Sydney before he sought challenges abroad. Saturday will be the first time he has played against the Sky Blues.

“I started there pretty young, when I was 12, went through the whole system so it is going to feel a little bit weird for me but I’m definitely excited for it.

“We need to continue [our] form into that game, obviously I know what Sydney’s like the home crowd’s good, we’re going to be under the pump sometimes, but I’d say we’re good away from home so we’re going there [and want] nothing but three points.”

Auckland’s first game against Sydney this season will be played at the smaller Leichhardt Oval, rather than Allianz Stadium where Girdwood-Reich had run out many times.

“I’ve watched a couple of their games, it actually looks quite good… I think the Leichhardt move is actually good, it looks like a lot of the fans are enjoying it closer to the field and it looks full.”

Auckland’s leading goal-scorer Sam Cosgrove is still adjusting to Christmas downunder.

The Englishman is familiar with a packed playing schedule at this time of the year but he said the Christmas spirit is a bit different in Auckland than Manchester.

Last Christmas Cosgrove was playing for Barnsley against Bolton in League One on 26 December. This year he will take his fifth international flight in 15 days and be staying in a hotel in Sydney where temperatures are forecast to be in the low 20s.

“You guys don’t do Christmas quite as heavily over here as we do back home, there’s not as many Christmas trees and Santa hats knocking about.”

The regular flights to Sydney this month, though airports that were heaving for the holidays, “took a toll” on the players.

“Travelling back and forth it’s not just the three hours to Sydney it’s the two hours beforehand and the two hours after, it’s tough but its part and parcel of what we do and the boys did it all last season last year and still managed to finish top of the table so there’s no excuses for us.”

Cosgrove was thankful the Auckland staff made the trips as seamless as they could for the players as they chase more away wins.

“A few of the results went our way this weekend so we do find ourselves top going into this Christmas period, but there’s no complacency within the squad, within the club, we want to make sure we’re solidifying our place at the top of the table and that includes getting a good result this weekend and over the Christmas and festive period in general.”

Cosgrove had not completed his Christmas shopping on Monday.

“I’m absolutely useless, luckily I can probably try and use the excuse that I’m on the other side of the world this year so I’ll be using that one for sure.”

Corica was aware that there would be plenty going on in his players’ lives at this time of the year and that they would be celebrating the festive season differently.

Some players, including the South Americans, would be celebrating on 24 December a day before the team flew out.

“This is a period that you can get distracted, we don’t want to take away Christmas we want them to have fun with their families and all that kind of stuff, some of them have kids and I don’t want to be the grinch but it is a time to stay focused because we do have a lot of games early January and this is a time that if you stay focused then you pick up a lot of points on the road at this stage and you can move away from teams, and if we’re not focused you’ve got a chance of losing games and we don’t want that.”

The schedule has worked in Corica’s favour and he would spend Christmas at his family home in Sydney – including a family lunch for 20 people.

But he will not let his mind wander too far from the task against the club he played for and coached before he arrived in New Zealand.

“It’s constant thinking about football, that’s what my wife tells me as well.”

Once lunch was over Corica would shift to the team hotel.

“There’s no different rules for me I want to be there when the players get there, that’s the way we do it here.”

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