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A strong second quarter and poise down the stretch has propelled the Canterbury Rams past the Manawatu Jets. The Rams held off the Jets 92-81 at Christchurch's Cowles Stadium, while the Auckland Tuatara were untroubled in defeating the Indian Panthers at Eventfinda Stadium in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Friday night. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ secure spot in BJK Cup World Playoffs Connor Bell breaks own NZ discus record Peter Burling departs Team New Zealand American guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal 'Super City' clash in Super Rugby Australian forward Kyle Bowen put up a big double-double, with 17 points (6/12 FG, 5/8 FT), 16 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks in 30 minutes. Tall Blacks guard Taylor Britt scored a team-high 21 points (9/16 FG), along with nine assists, while national teammate Tohi Smith-Milner also recorded a double-double, with 11 points (3/6 FG, 2/5 3pt) and 14 boards. Walter Brown put up 13 points (5/8 FG, 2/5 3pt), five boards and three blocks, import forward CJ Penha 11 points (5/12 FG) and seven rebounds, and Tama Isaac 10 points (4/11 FG). Australian Kyle Bowen racked up a big double-double for the Canterbury Rams. PHOTO: NBL For the Jets, young Kiwi guard Dontae Russo-Nance had a game-high 22 points (8/16 FG, 5/6 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks in 31 minutes. Corey Webster put up 16 points (7/18 FG, 2/6 3pt), five boards and two steals, Kenny Goins 14 points (6/14 FG, 2/4 3pt) and five rebounds, and fellow American Eric Williams Jr 12 points (4/13 FG, 3/7 3pt) and four boards. The Rams scored 15 straight points, including eight from Bowen, in the second period to take a 16-point lead. Manawatu closed within two at the mid-point of the third quarter but Canterbury responded with a 14-3 run, including four three-pointers. The Jets cut the lead to seven late in the game but the Rams patiently closed it out. Next up, the Rams (5-2) have a week off before hosting the Otago Nuggets (3-3) next Sunday (tip-off 3pm), while the Jets (3-4) head back to Palmerston North to face the Taranaki Airs (4-2) on Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm). The Rams held off the fast-finishing Jets for a 39-38 win in the Sky Broadband Rapid League contest earlier in the night, giving up a 10 points lead with just over two minutes remaining and surviving a potential game-winning three at the buzzer. Canterbury Rams 92  (Taylor Britt 21, Kyle Bowen 17, Walter Brown 13, Tohi Smith-Milner 11, CJ Penha 11, Tama Isaac 10) Manawatu Jets 81 (Dontae Russo-Nance 22, Corey Webster 16, Kenny Goins 14, Eric Williams Jr 12). 1Q: 21-19, HT: 48-37, 3Q: 73-65 American guard Charles Pride had his best game in Tuatara teal, hitting six triples and going for 21 points (6/8 FG, 6/8 3pt, 3/4 FT) and four rebounds in just 19 minutes. Australian guard Will Hickey came up just short of his third straight triple-double but still managed 20 points (5/8 FG, 9/14 FT), eight boards, seven assists and three steals, with Kiwi centre Rob Loe going for 15 points (6/11 FG), five rebounds and two steals. Youngester Dylan Wilkie had 14 points (5/9 FG, 4/8 3pt) and four boards off the bench, third import Buay Tuach 13 points (6/7 FG) and four assists, and Tall Blacks forward Tom Vodanovich 12 points (4/9 FG, 2/5 3pt), seven rebounds and two steals. Tuatara guard Will Hickey missed his third straight triple-double by two rebounds and three assists. PHOTO: NBL Young Kiwi point guard Cooper Lepou was the only Panthers player in double-digits, with 21 points (7/11 FG, 5/9 3pt) off the bench. Against the still-makeshift first-year Panthers, the Tuatara built a 16-point lead after the first quarter, went up by 25 by halftime and 40 after three periods. The Tuatara (4-3) remain at home to face the Hawke's Bay Hawks (4-2) on Sunday (tip-off 1pm), while the Panthers (0-7) return to the court on Tuesday (tip-off 7pm), welcoming the Hawks (4-2) to Pukekohe. The Panthers avoided the night sweep, winning the Rapid League clash 40-33, thanks to 10 points from Luke Kelemete and Zack Te Puni. Auckland Tuatara 114 (Charles Pride 21, Will Hickey 20, Rob Loe 15, Dylan Wilkie 14, Buay Tuach 13, Tom Vodanovich 12) Indian Panthers 71 (Cooper Lepou 21). 1Q: 34-18, HT: 64-39, 3Q: 93-53

The New Zealnad women's tennis team celebrate in India PHOTO: TENNIS NZ New Zealand have confirmed their qualification for the play-off round for the Billie Jean King Cup World Group in November, with a hard-fought win over Thailand in Pune, India. The win represents New Zealand’s first progress to this level in over 30 years, with 1993 the last time a kiwi side progressed past the Asia/Oceania round of the competition. LATEST HEADLINES: Connor Bell breaks own NZ discus record Peter Burling leaves Team New Zealand New Zealand continue BJK Cup wins American guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal 'Super City' clash in Super Rugby The team, led by world number 45 Lulu Sun, took an unassailable lead in the Asia/Oceania group 1 qualifying event, remaining unbeaten in head to head national ties through strong singles performances from Sun and Monique Barry. Both have been in impressive form throughout the week, with Sun unbeaten across singles and doubles, and Barry in career-best form claiming back to back clutch singles wins against Chinese Taipei and Thailand in the last 48 hours, to go with her doubles wins with Sun earlier in the week. To secure first place, Monique Barry won her match against Thailand's Patcharin Cheapchandej 7-5, 6-2. The straight sets victory against the world #501 was was a remarkable effort considering Barry's nearly three and a half hour battle the day before. Lulu Sun secured the tie and the 1st place finish with her victory over world #110 Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, who like Sun, was undefeated in singles until this point. Qualification for November’s play-offs will see New Zealand potentially play against some of the top sides in women’s tennis in a three team round robin format, with the winner one step closer to the world finals in Shanghai, China. The New Zealand team may be able to call on doubles world number 3, Erin Routliffe to bolster their squad, who was unavailable this week. Details as to New Zealand’s opponents and where the event will be played will be announced soon. New Zealand finish the Asia/Oceania event with a tie against Hong Kong, China tomorrow and with promotion secured,

A street parade for winning the America's Cup in 2017 seems a long time ago for Peter Burling and Grant Dalton PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Successful America's Cup skipper Peter Burling is leaving Team New Zealand and will not be part of the next defence, he said in a statement released with team principal Grant Dalton. Discussions by the team management and Burling have been ongoing since Barcelona, but an agreement was not able to be reached. LATEST HEADLINES: New Zealand continue BJK Cup wins American guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal 'Super City' clash in Super Rugby Tall Blacks draw Philippines at Asia Cup Bulls charge home with a 40-point fourth "Pete has been a central figure who has grown incredibly within Emirates Team New Zealand since he joined 10 years ago. We can all look back with great pride on what has been achieved, having enjoyed unprecedented success as a team with Pete at the helm," Dalton said. "Winning the America's Cup three times in a row was uncharted territory, but what has enabled winning in the past does not always equate to winning in the future, especially in much tighter America's Cup cycles which require a dedicated and new approach for continued success." Burling, who is also skipper of New Zealand's Black Foils team in the SailGP regatta, doesn't address in the statement the failure to reach an agreement. "While I won't be continuing with Emirates Team New Zealand for the 38th America's Cup, I want to take a moment to reflect on an amazing journey. "Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of being part of something truly special-from intense battles to unforgettable victories, and friendships that extend well beyond sailing. "I'm immensely proud of everything we've achieved together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this chapter." The statement said Team NZ and Burling "move forward with respect for one another and share pride in the journey they've been on together". In a post on Instagram, Burling enlarges on his pride in the team's achievements and also thanks his family and fans. "I'm proud of the battles, the wins, and being part of one of the greatest sporting teams in the world. "I want to take this time to thank you all. My family, friends and Kiwi sailing fans for the amazing support over the past decade. I'm hugely grateful to everyone who's been part of this chapter. "I'm incredibly excited for the future - growing the Black Foils, proudly representing New Zealand both at home and on the global stage, and driving positive ocean action through Live Ocean. " Live Ocean is the foundation that Burling and fellow sailor Blair Tuke are involved in to fund action for a healthy ocean. "I wish ETNZ all the very best for their defence of the 38th America's Cup." Team NZ announced last week that Auckland would not host the next Cup, after failing to get government financial backing. A Burling skipped Team NZ to America's Cup wins in Bermuda (2017), Auckland (2021) and Barcelona (2024). The Burling news comes a day after British syndicate INEOS Britannia said it was abandoning its challenge for the next Cup. The syndicate had failed to reach a settlement with former skipper Ben Ainslie's team.

Connor Bell keeps improving his own dicuss record PHOTO: ATHLETICS NZ New Zealand’s Connor Bell has broken his own national discus record with a 68.38m throw at the Oklahoma Throws Series in Ramona, Oklahoma. Competing against one of the strongest discus fields seen in recent years, Bell finished seventh overall in a meet that saw Australia’s Matt Denny produce the second-longest throw of all time with a 74.25m throw. LATEST HEADLINES: Peter Burling leaves Team New Zealand New Zealand continue BJK Cup wins American guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal 'Super City' clash in Super Rugby Tall Blacks draw Philippines at Asia Cup Bell’s fourth-round effort of 68.38m eclipsed his own previous New Zealand record of 68.10m, also set in Ramona in 2024. Reflecting on the achievement after a challenging lead-in, Bell was characteristically humble and a little exhausted. “I’m super stoked – although it might not sound like it because I’m very, very tired,” Bell laughed. “I got into Tulsa at midnight last night and had about three hours of sleep because of the old body clock time change.” Despite the rough travel, Bell showed no signs of fatigue when it mattered. His opening throw of 65.58m already eclipsed his previous season’s best of 62.14m set at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne in March, before unleashing his record-breaking effort in round four. “To tick off an automatic qualifier for the 2025 Tokyo World Championships and to be part of such an outrageously good lineup in the men’s discus at Ramona was pretty unreal,” Bell said. “I’ve been contacting everyone from home and letting them know – it’s unreal, I’m super stoked.” Ramona is fast becoming a special venue for the 23-year-old, with both of his national records now set at the Oklahoma Throws Series. Bell’s consistency and ability to step up against elite fields are exciting signs as he builds towards a busy international season, including the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Bell will remain in Ramona for a series of upcoming meets over the next week.

Monique Barry played out a lengthy singles win over Chinese Taipei PHOTO: TENNIS NZ/BJK CUP New Zealand have made it three-from-three at the Billie Jean King Cup in Pune, India after beating Chinese Taipei 2-1 to remain top of Asia/Oceania World Group I.and closer to the World Group Playoffs in November. New Zealand captain, Matt Hair chose to mix up his selection, going with Monique Barry in the opening singles match, rather than saving her for the doubles. LATEST HEADLINES: Import guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal Super City clash in Super Rugby Tall Blacks draw Philippines at Asia Cup Bulls charge home with a 40-point fourth Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi NZ defeat South Korea at BJK Cup tennis Barry battled through a marathon three-hour, 12-minute match against Lin Fang An, but managed to come through it with a 5-7 7-6(5) 7-6(2) victory. Lulu Sun was also pushed to three sets in the next match, but was able to remain unbeaten this week, with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over Joanna Garland. Sun trailed 3-1 in the second set, but fought her way out of that tricky position as she went on to win the next five games, to send the match into a deciding set. That result gave New Zealand an unassailable lead in the tie and Hair was able to give two of his younger players some Billie Jean King Cup experience in the doubles, with Aishi Das and Sasha Situe losing 6-0 6-1 to Cho Yi Tsen and Wu Fang-Hsien. New Zealand play against Thailand on Friday and another victory will confirm a top-two finish in the six-nation tournament, which will be enough to advance to the World Group Playoffs. Thailand have had wins over South Korea and Hong Kong so far this week, but lost 2-1 to India. Thailand’s top player is Mananchaya Sawangkaew, who is ranked 110 in the world and like Sun, is unbeaten this week. New Zealand's final match will be against Hong Kong on Saturday.

The finally-full-strength Wellington Saints made light work of a tricky road assignment in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Saints welcomed Tall Blacks and Melbourne United guard Shea Ili to the lineup for the first time this season, and they marched to a 93-72 victory over the Southland Sharks at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland on Thursday night. LATEST HEADLINES: American guard departs Indian Panthers Pivotal 'Super City' clash in Super Rugby Tall Blacks draw Philippines at Asia Cup Bulls charge home with a 40-point fourth Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi Ili, who re-signed with United for two years in the Australian NBL earlier this week, was a key performer off the bench for the Saints, going for 13 points (5/10 FG, 3/3 FT), five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals in 19 minutes. American centre Nick Muszynski led the road team with 19 points (9/12 FG) and 12 rebounds, while Australian guard Shaun Bruce produced 17 points (5/9 FG, 4/7 3pt), seven boards and five assists. Kiwi guard Izayah Le'afa had 13 points, six boards, four assists and two steals, Australian forward Nick Marshall 13 points and nine rebounds, and Hyrum Harris eight points, nine rebounds and four steals. Shea Ili put up 13 points and 10 assists in his first game back with the Wellington Saints. PHOTO: NBL Import forward Keylan Boone scored 20 points (8/19 FG, 4/8 3pt), with 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks for the Sharks, while young Kiwi guard Tukaha Cooper had 19 points (6/12 FG, 3/6 3pt, 4/4 FT) and five boards. American guard Caleb Asberry put up 12 points (3/9 FG, 2/6 3pt, 4/5 FT), six boards, eight assists and four steals in the loss. In a slow start, the two teams combined for just five made field goals in the opening six minutes, before Wellington caught fire. The Saints opened the second quarter on a 17-5 run to go up by 20 points, which essentially ended the contest. The Sharks never got closer than 20 in the second half. Wellington (5-2) head to Dunedin next to complete their 'Deep South Double-Header' against the Otago Nuggets (3-3) on Saturday (tip-off 4pm), while the Sharks (2-5) are off until facing the Tauranga Whai (4-2) in Mount Maunganui on Thursday (tip-off 7pm). The Saints swept the night, with a 40-33 win in the Sky Broadband Rapid League game, thanks to 13 points from Kazlo Evans. Wellington Saints 93 (Nick Muszynski 19, Shaun Bruce 17, Shea Ili 13, Izayah Le'afa 13, Nick Marshall 13) Southland Sharks 72 (Keylan Boone 20, Tukaha Cooper 19, Caleb Asberry 12). 1Q: 22-14, HT: 52-30, 3Q: 78-52

American point guard Alex Robinson Jr has departed the Indian Panthers squad. PHOTO: INDIAN PANTHERS The Indian Panthers' debut season in the National Basketball League (NBL) continues to lurch from bad to worse. Already winless after six games, the first-year foreign-controlled expansion franchise and American point guard Alex Robinson Jr, the team's lone import and second-leading scorer, parted ways earlier this week. LATEST HEADLINES: Pivotal Super City clash in Super Rugby Tall Blacks draw Philippines at Asia Cup Bulls charge home with a 40-point fourth Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi NZ defeat South Korea at BJK Cup tennis Melie Kerr, Henry claim top NZC awards Robinson Jr, who also appeared in the INBL Pro league in India earlier this year, averaged 17.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.8 steals a game, while shooting 40 percent from the field, in six games. However, he played just seven minutes, scoring two points, in a 96-79 loss to the Southland Sharks on Sunday. The Panthers - one of two winless teams in the NBL, along with the 0-5 Nelson Giants - have lost by an average of more than 26 points, including a demoralising 45-point home loss to the Manawatu Jets on March 23. In a calamitous and rushed start to their existence, the Panthers had to withdraw from Westside Blitz pre-season tournament in early-March, claiming visa issues, despite not having announced a head coach or any player signings at the time. Head coach Miles Pearce lasted just one game, a road loss to the Hawke's Bay Hawks, before departing, replaced by Australian Jonathan Goodman. Intended Indian players were delayed arriving in New Zealand due to an extended squad national team camp ahead of India's FIBA Asia Cup final qualifying tournament games in late-March, according to NBL officials. Despite India's last game in Manama, Bahrain being on March 22, just four of the Panthers' 12 announced players - Robinson Jr, Tushal Singh, Aaron Blessen and Sejin Mathew - have taken the court to date. The Panthers have survived on New Zealand talent not already on other NBL rosters, with guard Jaylen Gerrand, who last played for the Southland Sharks in 2022, averaging 21.2 points a game, while shooting 37 percent on three-point attempts. Former Tall Blacks forward and NBL veteran Leon Henry, who was initially named as the team's ambassador and had not played a full NBL season since 2022, has logged almost 30 minutes a game. Next up, the Panthers take on the Auckland Tuatara at North Shore's Eventfinda Stadium on Friday night (tip-off 7.30pm).

The Tall Blacks will face Iraq, Philippines and Chinese Taipei at the FIBA Asia Cup in August. PHOTO: FIBA The Tall Blacks will renew their recent rivalry with the Philippines at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. New Zealand and Gilas Pilipinas were drawn in Group D - along with Chinese Taipei and Iraq - on Tuesday for the 31st edition of the continental championship in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17. LATEST HEADLINES: Bulls charge home with a 40-point fourth Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi NZ defeat South Korea at BJK Cup tennis Melie Kerr, Henry claim top NZC awards Auckland City into OFC Champions final Gilas defeated the Tall Blacks for the first time in a FIBA competition last November in Asia Cup qualifying, winning 93-89 in Pasay, Philippines, before Judd Flavell's team responded with an 87-70 win in Auckland in February. The two countries have met five times in the last three years in the FIBA Asia Cup, and FIBA Asia Cup and FIBA World Cup qualifying, with the Tall Blacks going 4-1. With former Tall Blacks head coach Tab Baldwin in charge of Gilas in 2022, New Zealand won three times, by an average of 29 points. As one of the four qualifying group winners, New Zealand could not be drawn with Australia, Japan and hosts Saudi Arabia. They also avoided Iran, Lebanon and China, the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-ranked teams in Asia. The world No 22 Tall Blacks will face the 34th-ranked Philippines in their second game of group play on August 8, two days after their opener against 92nd-ranked Iraq, who were the last nation to qualify for the Asia Cup. They close the group stage against world No 73 Chinese Taipei on August 10, with one win likely enough to reach the knockout stage. Group winners go straight to the quarterfinals, with second- and third-placed teams moving into a play-in round. New Zealand will be competing at their third FIBA Asia Cup, having previously finished fourth in 2017 and third in 2022, beaten by Australia in the semifinals both times.

Can Ardie Savea lead Moana Pasifika to their first win over the Blues? PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Another round of Super Rugby Paciific and another round of rivalry for New Zealand sides with big name players in and out. The Hurricanes open round nine with an all-New Zealnad clash when they host the Crusaders on Friday night in Wellington. The Hurricanes have kept Riley Hohepa at first five wit apparently Ruben Love a chance to fill in as well. Raymond Tuputupu comes onto the bench for his first appearance of the season. LATEST HEADLINES: Bulls charge with 40 point 4th quarter Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi NZ defeat South Korea at BJK Cup tennis Melie Kerr, Henry claim top NZC awards Auckland City into OFC Champions final For the Crusaders Levi Aumua is back at centre withe Dallas McLeod injured and Sevu Reece back to the wing. Scott Barrett and Jamie Hannah form a new second row, but Codie Taylor is missing and replaced by Ioane Moananu. The Canes having a mixed season while there are still some doubts about the Crusaders, despite their first win in Suva against the Fijian Drua. There's the cross-Auckland rivalry between the in-form Moana Pasifika and the slightly off-form Blues and will the 'visitors' have more fans at Eden Park than the home team? Moana Pasifika have never beaten the Blues and coach Tana Umaga has suprisingly benched form first five Patrick Pellegrini in favour of Jackson Garden-Bachop. However, his bench is strong with the experienced Sione Havili Talitui and James Lay back from injury on the bench. And triple try-scorer from last week Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou starts at prop again. The Blues have Finlay Christie starting again at halfback along side last week's gam-winner Beauden Barrett while the remainder of the backline has the usual big names. In the forwards Angus Ta'avao is in to start while Patrick Tuipulotu starts after he was lucky not to miss a week after a carded clearance. Meanwile Damian McKenzie moves back to fullback for the table-topping Chiefs for their game in Sydney against the Waratahs, with Josh Jacomb starting at 10. The Chiefs have beaten the Waratahs the last eight occasions and have bought back Samisoni Taukei'aho,Tupou Vaa'i and Gideon Wrampling into the starting XV. The Highlanders will be without Sean Withy three games thanks to a suspension for knees to the try scorers head last round in Perth. However Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is back after a long injury layoff as is Folau Fakatava back to starting while is at the back of the Hugh Renton. Hurricanes v Crusaders, 7:05pm Friday 11 April, Sky Stadium, Wellington Hurricanes : 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brayden Iose, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Riley Hohepa, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Bailyn Sullivan, 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Ruben Love Reserves: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Will Tucker, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Callum Harkin, 23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan Reserves 16. Matt Moulds, 17. George Bower, 18. Kershawl Skyes-Martin, 19. Antonio Shalfoon, 20. Tom Christie, 21. Mitch Drummond, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Macca Springer Chiefs v Waratahs, 9.35pm Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Simon Parker, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Gideon Wrampling, 14. Shaun Stevenson, 15. Damian McKenzie Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Jared Profit, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Daniel Rona, 23. Emoni Narawa Blues v Moana Pasifika, 4:35pm Saturday 12 April, Eden Park, Auckland Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Corey Evans Reserves:16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. PJ Sheck, 19. Cam Christie, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Taufa Funaki, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Stephen Perofeta Moana Pasifika : 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Samuel Slade, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Melani Matavao, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Pepesana Patafilo, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. William Havili Reserves: Bench: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. James Lay, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Aisea Halo, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Fine Inisi Highlanders v Fijian Drua, 7:05pm Saturday 12 April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Highlanders : 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Henry Bell, 3. Sosefo Kautai, 4. Will Stodart, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Oliver Haig, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Hugh Renton, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Reserves: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma'u, 19. Tai Cribb, 20. Nikora Broughton, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Tanielu Tele'a

When they needed it most, the Franklin Bulls got hot to take down the Canterbury Rams in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Logik Bulls missed just four shots from the field as they put up 40 points in the fourth quarter on the way to a 103-94 win over the Rams in the Sal's NBL in Pukekohe on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Breakers extend Koponen, lure Te Rangi NZ defeat South Korea at BJK Cup tennis Melie Kerr, Henry claim top NZC awards Auckland City into OFC Champions final Warriors aim to end run of Storm losses Import guard Tae Hardy scored 14 of his game-high 30 points, while the Cameron brothers, Flynn and Tobias, combined for 17 points, including four three-pointers, as the Bulls outscored the Rams 40-25 on the run home. Hardy went 12-of-20 from the field, making a pair of triples, to go with four rebounds, six assists and two steals, while the Camerons and Tall Blacks forward Ethan Rusbatch all had 19 points. Tobias Cameron finished with 19 points (5/10 FG, 3/6 3pt, 6/7 FT), nine boards, four assists and two steals, his younger brother Flynn 19 points (7/13 FG, 3/8 3pt), four boards and two steals, and Rusbatch 19 points (7/14 FG, 3/8 3pt), three assists and two steals. The result ended the Canterbury's four-game winning streak, while it sent the Bulls to the top of the standings at 5-2, a half-game ahead of five teams, including the Rams. Franklin Bulls guard Tae Hardy scored 14 of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter. PHOTO: NBL Tall Blacks forward Tohi Smith-Milner led the Rams with 23 points (7/13 FG, 4/9 3pt, 5/6 FT) and six rebounds, supported by national teammate Taylor Britt's 19 points (7/16 FG, 4/5 FT) and four assists. In his first game of the season, the Rams' second import CJ Penha put up 18 points (8/15 FG, 2/7 3pt), 10 rebounds and two steals, while Walter Brown had his best game of the season to date, with 15 points (6/10 FG) and 10 boards. Franklin surged clear by as many as 14 points in the opening quarter and it was a similar story in the second period, before Canterbury closed within 10 at the main break. Keyed by 10 straight points, including two triples, from Penha, the visitors went on a 17-4 run in the back-end of a 30-14 third quarter to take a six-point lead. But the Bulls found their groove in the fourth, with a 16-3 burst springing them clear, before another 10-2 run put them ahead double-digits with 2:17 remaining. The Bulls (5-2) are off until Wednesday, when they travel to Dunedin to take on the Otago Nuggets (3-3), while the Rams (4-2) back up on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm) at home against the Manawatu Jets (4-2). In a high-scoring and free-flowing Sky Broadband Rapid League game, the Bulls got significant contributions from six players, led by Harrison Coker-Grey's 12 points, to defeat the Rams 54-46. Tama Isaac had 24 points for the visitors. Franklin Bulls 103 (Tae Hardy 30, Flynn Cameron 19, Tobias Cameron 19, Ethan Rusbatch 19) Canterbury Rams 84 (Tohi Smith-Milner 23, Taylor Britt 19, CJ Penha 18, Walter Brown 15). 1Q: 29-20, HT: 49-39, 3Q: 63-69

Monique Barry (left) and Lulu Sun won the vital doubles against South Korea in the latest BJK Cup tennis tie PHOTO: TENNIS NZ New Zealand have defeated South Korea 2-1 to move another step closer to making it through to the Billie Jean King Cup World Group playoffs later this year. In their second match of the Asia/Oceania World Group I tournament in Pune, India, the Matt Hair captained team picked up a win over one of the stronger nations at the event, with Lulu Sun once again playing a key role. LATEST HEADLINES: Kerr, Henry top honours NZ Awards Auckland City FC ease in OFC final Aussie legend continues with Pulse Experienced leaders at Stars 2025 Sun leads NZ to opening BJK win The tie started off with Renee Zhang making her Billie Jean King Cup debut, and she would have gained experience in her 6-1 6-0 loss to Park Shoyun. In the second match, Lulu Sun had a tense opening set against Back Dayeon, but went on to win 6-4 6-1. So just like in the tie against India the previous day, it came down to the doubles, with Sun once again teaming up with Monique Barry. It was an epic match against Lee Eunhye and Kim Dabin. They won the first set 6-3, but lost the second 6-4. In the third set super tiebreak they were down 4-7, however they then won five points in a row before Barry put away a volley at the net, following a serve out wide from Sun for a 10-7 scoreline and victory. After two rounds, New Zealand are the only unbeaten team in the six-nation tournament. The top two nations advance to the World Group playoffs in November. New Zealand’s next tie is against Chinese Taipei on Thursday.

NZ Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen (left) and signing Reuben Te Rangi. PHOTOS: BREAKERS, DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The NZ Breakers' new ownership group have made their first moves, one on-court and one off-court. The Auckland-based Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) franchise have announced the re-signing of head coach Petteri Koponen and bringing back Tall Blacks forward Reuben Te Rangi in free agency. LATEST HEADLINES: Melie Kerr, Henry take top NZC awards Auckland City into OFC Champions final Australian legend continues with Pulse Experienced leaders for Stars in 2025 Warriors aim to end run of Storm losses Koponen was brought in late in the last off-season following the sudden departure of Mody Moar, with the roster already constructed and the season fast-approaching. He guided the Breakers to a 7-3 start but the team lost eight straight games after ownership signed an injured Tacko Fall and released import Freddie Gillespie, eventually finishing 10-19 overall, missing the playoffs by three games. But now after re-signing and with new owners calling the shots, the 36-year-old Finn has a chance to build the roster his own way in free agency, which opened last week. Te Rangi became the seventh player on the Breakers' full-time roster this week, signing a two-year deal to return to his hometown. The 6-foot-7 forward spent four seasons with the Breakers from 2012-2016, including winning ANBL titles in 2013 and 2015, before going on to play more than 100 games with both the Brisbane Bullets and South East Melbourne Phoenix. Te Rangi - from South Auckland, representing Counties Manukau and attending Auckland Grammar - averaged 5.1 points and 3.1 rebounds in 29 games for the Tasmania JackJumpers during the 2024-25 ANBL season. He joins Australians Mitch McCarron and Sean Bairstow, Kiwis Sam Mennenga, Max Darling and Carlin Davison, and American big man Tacko Fall on the full roster, with Mexican 'Next Star' Karim Lopez and NZ development players Kaia Isaac and Alex McNaught also on the books. Shea Ili (left) and Flynn Cameron have signed elsewhere in the ANBL. PHOTOS: ANBL Meanwhile, a couple of Tall Blacks guards, who were on the Breakers' radar as they look to sign more New Zealand talent, are off the market. Back-to-back ANBL Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili has re-signed with Melbourne United on a two-year contract, while promising guard Flynn Cameron opted to sign with the Adelaide 36ers in free agency for three years. The Breakers are reportedly close to signing back guard Izayah Le'afa, who played a key role in getting the Breakers to the ANBL Finals in 2023-24, before joining the Sydney Kings last season, where he failed to find the same success. United are reportedly keen on luring Kiwi forward Finn Delany, who played eight seasons for the Breakers, back to the ANBL. Delany has played professionally in Germany, Spain and Japan since.