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Corey Webster will play for the Manawatu Jets in 2025. PHOTO: TALL BLACKS Tall Blacks Centurion Corey Webster will join his father Tony at the Manawatu Jets for the National Basketball League (NBL) season. Webster will suit up for a seventh different franchise, and fourth in the last four years, in 2025, giving head coach Tony Webster some scoring punch and veteran presence in his first season in Palmerston North. LATEST HEADLINES: McMillan set to depart Chiefs for Munster Late Hahn goal gives Football Ferns win Campbell chases home win at NZ Open Steven Alker harbours NZ Open dreams Hillier, Voke set their signts on NZ Open Webster, 36, has previously played for his hometown (now defunct) Harbour Heat, Wellington Saints, Super City Rangers (also defunct), and the Franklin Bulls, Canterbury Rams and Auckland Tuatara since 2022. He averaged 20.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.4 steals, while shooting 45 percent from the field and 38 percent on threes, in 19 games for the Tuatara last season. The year prior, he appeared in eight games for the Rams, averaging 14.5 points, 2.8 boards, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals, winning his fourth NBL championship. He averaged 25.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.9 steals in nine games for the Bulls in 2022. Webster has also played professionally in Serbia, Greece, Israel, China, Italy, Egypt and Montenegro since 2015. The three-time Australian NBL champion joins promising Kiwi guard Dontae Russo-Nance and American imports Kenny Goins, Makhel Mitchell and Miles Gibson in a strong potential starting five. The Jets, who went 1-19 last season before cutting ties with head coach Natu Taufale and hiring Webster Sr, open their season on the road against the neighbouring Hawke's Bay Hawks on Saturday, March 15 (tip-off 4pm). Recently signed NBL imports (from left): Kyle Bowen (Canterbury Rams), Armon Fletcher (Taranaki Airs) and Tae Hardy (Franklin Bulls). Three other NBL teams added imports over the past week, bringing the number signed to 19. The Indian Panthers, Hawks and Otago Nuggets have yet to announce any restricted players. The Franklin Bulls signed their first import, 6-foot-3 American guard Tae Hardy, the Taranaki Airs will bring back 6-foot-5 American guard Armon Fletcher, one of their imports in 2023, and the Canterbury Rams inked 6-foot-8 Australian forward Kyle Bowen to a one-year deal. Eight clubs made Kiwi additions, with 3x3 Tall Blacks guard Chris McIntosh (Tuatara), Jayden Boucher (Tauranga Whai), the son of BBNZ CEO Dillon Boucher, big man Jack Andrew (Airs) and one-game Tall Black Jono Janssen (Nuggets) among the notables. The league's newest team, the India-owned Panthers, have yet to announce a head coach or any player signings, despite their first game - away at the Hawks - being less than two weeks away. NBL FREE AGENT TRACKER Auckland Tuatara Rob Loe, Tom Vodanovich, Dan Fotu, Dylan Wilkie, Josh Wyllie, Charles Pride*, Will 'Davo' Hickey*, Buay Tuach*, Cooper Te Ratana, Nick Barrow, Chris McIntosh Indian Panthers No player announcements Franklin Bulls Ethan Rusbatch, Halasiale Maile, Tobias Cameron, KC Nwafor, Corey Perry, Harrison Coker-Grey, Brody Perry, Payton Hughes, Harrison Kelso, Zion Anderson, Flynn Cameron, Tae Hardy* Tauranga Whai Jayden Bezzant, Sean Bairstow*, Te Tuhi Lewis, Jett Thompson, Chris Jones*, Kruz Perrott-Hunt, Denhym Brooke, Carter Hopoi, Jayden Boucher Taranaki Airs Dom Kelman-Poto, Scott Telfer, Jack Exeter, Owen Foxwell*, Jack Andrew, Armon Fletcher* Manawatu Jets Dontae Russo-Nance, Kenny Goins*, Isaac Miller-Jose, Dion Collins, Makhel Mitchell*, Miles Gibson*, Zavier Pearn, Tinashe Matambanadzo, Hikaia Lambert, Tautoko Wynyward, Corey Webster Hawke's Bay Hawks Jackson Ball, Jacob Murphy, Clifton Bush II, Ezrah Eagle, Harry Keighley, Kobe Kara Wellington Saints Hyrum Harris, Troy Plumtree, Izayah Le'afa, Shea Ili, Rangimarie Dougall-Mita, Nick Marshall*, Kazlo Evans Jr, Lukah Richards Nelson Giants Alex McNaught, Liam Judd, Aston Inwood, Hayden Jones, Lachlan Crate, Sam Dempster, Brice Johnson*, Callum McRae, Callum Dalton*, James Matthews Canterbury Rams Taylor Britt, Kaia Isaac, Max Darling, Walter Brown, Sean Macdonald*, Tama Isaac, Mana Martin, Jake Holmes, Ihaka Cate, Tawhiri Cate, Kyle Bowen*, Jonty Bond, Tony Worthington Otago Nuggets Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Josh Aitcheson, Jono Janssen, Caleb Smiler, Michael Ruske Southland Sharks Alonzo Burton, Johnny Helu, Sam Timmins, Keylan Boone*, Tukaha Cooper, Caleb Asberry*, Hayden Collier, Dane Bertinshaw, Josiah Allick*, Quake Webster, Riley Snow, Joseph Riwhi, Will Leger

Former Tall Blacks forward Miles Pearce will coach the Indian Panthers in their inaugural NBL season. PHOTO: NBL The National Basketball League's (NBL) newest team, the Indian Panthers, finally have a head coach and some players. The foreign-owned franchise, which will play out of South Auckland's Bruce Pulman Arena, announced on Tuesday - just eight days from their first game - former Tall Blacks and NBL veteran Miles Pearce as their first head coach. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps beat South Africa to reach final Difficult draw for Lulu Sun at Indian Wells Super Rugby Pacific Round 4 teams named Rams, Hawks pick up NBL preseaosn wins Dunbar upsets, King beaten at NZ Open Australia-born Pearce played for more than a decade in the NBL, last appearing for the Manawatu Jets in 2013. The 46-year-old has been commentating and coaching since, serving as head coach of the New Zealand under-18 team and Junior Tall Blacks from 2021-23. Pearce, who appeared in nine games for the Tall Blacks in 2003, was an assistant coach with the Wellington Saints in 2019 and most-recently an assistant for the Indian NBL Pro champion Gujarat Stallions. First Indian Panthers signings (from left) Lokendra Singh and Jaideep Rathore. PHOTOS: INDIAN PANTHERS The same day, the Panthers revealed two Indians - 6-foot-5 shooting guard Lokendra Singh, and 6-foot-1 guard Jaideep Rathore - as their first player signings. Singh, 20, averaged 5.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in nine games for the Mumbai Titans in the recently-completed INBL Pro, while Rathore, 19, averaged 9.8 points and 3.8 assists in five games for the Chennai Heat. On Wednesday, the Panthers announced their first import, 29-year-old American Alex Robinson Jr, also adding Indian Riyanshu Negi. Indian Panthers import guard Alex Robinson Jr (left) and swingman Riyanshu Negi. PHOTOS: INDIAN PANTHERS Robinson Jr, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Texas, played for six different G-League teams between 2019-22 and most-recently played for Ivory Coast club Abidjan BC in the Basketball Africa League in 2023. Negi, a 6-foot-4 swingman, put up 6.0 points and 2.7 boards in 10 games for the Hyderabad Falcons in the INBL Pro. The Panthers withdrew from this week's Westside Blitz preseason tournament in Greymouth and Westport due to visa issues. The franchise's inaugural game will open the 2025 NBL season, against the Hawke's Bay Hawks in Napier on Wednesday, March 12 (tip-off 7.30pm).

Beauden Barrett gets a few words by the Blues coaching staff after the win over the Hurricanes. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Intrigue in Super Rugby Pacific Round 4, can the Blues get some consistency, will the Crusaders be back strong after a week off and can Moana Pasifika finally win? All Black Beauden Barrett will start at first-five for the Blues against the ACT Brumbies on Friday night at Eden Park (kick-off 7.05pm). LATEST HEADLINES: Rams, Hawks pick up preseaosn wins Dunbar upsets, King beaten at NZ Open Oliver brothers ready for South Africa test Three-week ban for Blues' Sotutu for tackle Lacklustre Warriors well beaten in Vegas Harry Plummer has dropped to the bench after Barrett's move to No 10 helped secure the points against the Hurricanes. Cameron Suafoa is at the back of the scrum with Hoskins Sotutu suspended, while Anton Segner replaces the injured Dalton Papali'i at openside flanker. Blues vs ACT Brumbies, , Eden Park, Auckland, Friday, March 7, 7.35pm BLUES: Cole Forbes, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Cam Christie, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Angus Ta'avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu'a. Reserves: Nathaniel Pole, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Tristyn Cook, Che Clark, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Corey Evans A change for the unbeaten Chiefs, with Shaun Stevenson back in the squad to play off the bench, while Damian McKenzie is out for the game in Lautoka with a knee injury. Josh Jacomb is at first-five. The in-form Quinn Tupaea continues in the midfield, teaming up with Anton Lienert-Brown as the Chiefs go for win number four. All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa'i captains the side. Fijian Drua vs Chiefs, Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji, Saturday, March 8, 4.35pm CHIEFS: Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i (captain), Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Malachi Wrampling, Xavier Roe, Shaun Stevenson Loose forward Ardie Savea has been playing his heart out for the Moana Pasifika side and still no win. They face the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday Will it tire him a little too much for the All Blacks season? Discipline and a focussed team perofrmance will be key against the Hurricanes who are able to surpirse and turnover quick ball with Brad Shields, Peter Kakai and Brayden Iose in the loose. Cam Roigard is rotated to the bench with Ereatara Enari starting. Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes, North Harbour Stadium, Albany, Saturday, March 8, 7.05pm MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Ardie Savea (c), Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Aisea Halo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa HURRICANES: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Ereatara Enari, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Brad Shields (co-captain). Reserves: Nic Souchon, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Jone Rova The Crusaders have a bit of depth returning to the side as Dallas McLeod starts for the first time this year in place of Levi Aumua at centre as the host the Reds in Christchurch. Codie Taylor will start in the front row after recovering from injury for a formidable front row alongside Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell. Crusaders vs Queensland Reds, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Sunday, March 9, 3.35pm CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (c), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua

Rachin Ravindra starred for the Black Caps in their win over South Africa in Lahore. PHOTO: ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY New Zealand have beaten South Africa by 50 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals in Lahore. Winning the toss and batting first at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday, they put on a huge total of 362-6 which the Proteas tried valiantly to chase down but ended at 312-9 after 50 overs. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby Pacific round four teams Rams, Hawks pick up preseaosn wins Dunbar upsets, King beaten at NZ Open Oliver brothers ready for South Africa test Three-week ban for Blues' Sotutu for tackle The Black Caps innings was led by Rachin Ravindra with 108 from 101 balls including 13 fours and a six while Kane Williamson also made a century with 102 from 94 balls - 10 fours and two sixes. Daryl Mitchell also scored 49 while Glenn Phillips also made 49 not out off just 27 balls. The best of the South African bowlers was Lungi Ngidi taking 3-72 off his 10 overs. Down the order for South Africa David Miller finished 100 not out, but struggled for partners as captain Temba Bavuma with 56 and Rassie van der Dussen 69 were the next best batters. Seven Black Caps bowlers were used as captain Mitch Santner took the remarkable figures of 3-43 from 10. Matt Henry and 2-43 from seven and Phillips 2-27 from three overs. The Black Caps will now face India in their 'home' venue of Dubai on Sunday for the title.

The Canterbury Rams made light work of the Manawatu Jets in the Westside Blitz opener in Westport. PHOTO: NBL The Canterbury Rams and Hawke’s Bay Hawks have opened the National Basketball League (NBL) preseason tournament with wins. The two-time defending champion Rams routed the Manawatū Jets 93-60, while the Hawks defeated the Franklin Bulls 98-86 on day one of the Westside Blitz in Westport on Tuesday. LATEST HEADLINES: Dunbar upsets, King beaten at NZ Open Oliver brothers ready for South Africa test Three-week ban for Blues' Sotutu for tackle Lacklustre Warriors well beaten in Vegas Black Sticks Women win FIH Nations Cup The Isaac brothers, Tama and Kaia, combined for 38 points for the Rams, who were without Kiwi guard Taylor Britt and their imports. Tama Isaac had a game-high 21 points (7/10 FG, 4/4 3pt) and Kaia Isaac 17 points (8/15 FG), six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tawhiri Cate produced 14 points (5/8 FG) and six boards, and Mana Martin 10 points (3/5 FG, 4/4 FT). The Jets, with their three American imports but without Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster, were led by Tinashe Matambanadzo, with 16 points (6/14 FG), while Miles Gibson had 15 points (5/15 FG, 5/6 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Recent Tall Black Jackson Ball put up a game-high 25 points (7/13 FG, 9/10 FT), five boards and three assists for the Hawks, while Jacob Murphy had 17 points (6/11 FG, 3/6 3pt) and Campbell Scott 15 points (5/11 FG, 5/11 3pt). Christian Vano put up 25 points (8/16 FG, 3/7 3pt, 6/6 FT) and eight assists for the Bulls, with KC Nwafor racking up a double-double with 12 points (5/8 FG) and 13 rebounds, and veteran Marcel Jones 11 points (4/7 FG, 3/5 3pt) and eight boards. Tuesday's other game, between the Auckland Tuatara and Otago Nuggets in Greymouth, was cancelled after the Tuatara's flight from Auckland was delayed. The Westside Blitz continues on Wednesday with the Nelson Giants facing the Bulls (tip-off 5.15pm) and Tauranga Whai battling the Jets (tip-off 7.30pm) in Westport, and the Taranaki Airs playing the Nuggets (tip-off 7.30pm) in Greymouth.

The slower pitch in Dubai made for a batting struggle between India and the Black Caps PHOTO: ICC The Black Caps have lost their final pool match at the icc Champions Trophy to India by 44 runs in Dubai. The Indian side batted first to score a total of 249-9 on a slower wicket compared to those where New Zealand has played in Pakistan. LATEST HEADLINES: Peake summits NZ Open title Auckland FC, Adelaide draw Neesham takes Aces into final Phoenix sink to Melbourne City Highlanders beat Moana Pasifika Shreyas Iyer was the key batter for India with 79 from 96 while Asar Patel made 42 and Hardik pandya 45. Virat Kohli was out for 11 caught by Glenn Phillips flying through the air off the bowling of Matt Henry who finished with 5-42 from eight overs. Of the other Black Cap bowlers Kyle Jamieson took 1-31 from eight, Will O'Rourke 1-47, Mitch Santner 1--41 and Rachin Ravindra 1-31 from six overs. At bat Will Young and Ravindra opened with mixed success. Young made 22, but Ravindra six. Kane Williamson was top scorerer with 81 but struggled for support as Daryl Mitchell strggled with 17 from 35 balls, Tom Lathm made 14 from 20 and Glen Phillips 12 runs. Michaeal Bracewell was out for two, Mitchell Santner 28 before Henry went for nine and O'Rourke one. Jamieson was left not out nine as Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy took 5-42 and Kuldeep Yadav 2-56. The Black Caps finish second in the pool and will play South Africa in the semis on Wednesday while India face Australia on Tuesday.

The Black Sticks Women won the FIH Nations Cup title PHOTO: NZ HOCKEY The Black Sticks Women have claimed the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title for the first time defeating Ireland in a shootout.. New Zealand set the tone of the match, applying early attacking pressure with Mezzy Surridge scoring her first international goal just six minutes into the game, assisted by Anna Willocks, to give the Kiwis a 1-0 lead. LATEST HEADLINES: Ramsden breaks NZ record Scott Dixon second Indycar Lydia Ko wins LPGA world title Black Caps lose to India Peake summits NZ Open title Ireland responded with an aggressive press, forcing numerous turnovers and earning themselves multiple penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence, held firm. The first quarter ended with both sides trading chances—Olivia Shannon came close with a quick shot, only for Ireland to counter immediately, testing New Zealand’s defence before the whistle blew. The second quarter saw the Black Sticks continue to control possession, winning their first penalty corner after Emma Rainey forced an Irish defender into a foot foul. However, Ireland’s counterattack remained a threat. Midway through the quarter, Hannah Cotter threaded a perfect pass to Olivia Shannon, setting up a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, but Ayeisha McFerran in goal for the Irish came up with a crucial save. New Zealand earned another penalty corner with two minutes left, but Kaitlin Cotter’s shot was blocked, and Casey Crowley’s follow-up went just wide. Ireland dangerous in the third quarter, winning a penalty corner and finding the back of the net—only for the goal to be disallowed due to the shot being too high. Moments later, they earned two more penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence stopped them from equalising. The Black Sticks had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Holly Pearson found herself one-on-one with McFerran, but again the keeper denied New Zealand a second goal. With four minutes remaining in the match, Ireland removed their goalkeeper for an extra attacking player in a desperate push for an equaliser. Their gamble paid off, as Katie Mullan slotted home a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, tying the match at 1-1. The closing moments were frantic from both teams—New Zealand won a penalty corner just 20 seconds after conceding, but Ireland’s defence held strong. Then, with three minutes to go, Mullan was shown a yellow card, leaving Ireland a player down. In the final seconds, Holly Pearson intercepted a loose pass in a dangerous position, and Olivia Shannon took one last crack at goal but was unable to succeed, sending the match into a shootout. New Zealand took an early lead in the shootout with Anna Willocks and Olivia Shannon converting, while Ireland missed their first attempt. Ireland then equalised after Holly Pearson was denied, but Stephanie Dickens restored New Zealand’s lead with a clinical reverse sweep. With Ireland hitting the post on their next attempt, it was Hannah Cotter who sealed the win for New Zealand, her shot confirmed after a referral, sparking celebrations as the Black Sticks were crowned 2025 FIH Nations Cup champions. The final score was 1-1 with a 4-2 win in shootouts. Earlier the Black Sticks defeated hosts, Chile 1-1 with a 3-1 win in the shootouts taking the team to their first Nations Cup final. The win means the Black Sticks Women can re-enter the Pro League, Also confirmed is Holly Pearson was named Player of the Tournament.

Craig Oliver in action PHOTO: MITO-Q NZ CYCLING PROJECT Multi-talented North Canterbury brothers Ben and Craig Oliver are set to take on the legendary Cape Epic mountain bike challenge in South Africa this month. The MitoQ - NZ Cycling Project riders will be relative unknowns in this annual mega-test with Craig, the current national MTB marathon champion, and Ben, a former NZ MTB marathon champion and Commonwealth Games medallist. LATEST HEADLINES: Sotutu gets three week ban Lacklustre Warriors well beaten Black Sticks Nations Cup win Ramsden breaks NZ record Scott Dixon second Indycar They will compete against professional mountain bikers from around the world over 700kms of untamed trails comprising 16kms of vertical climbing. “It is special to be racing the world’s most prestigious MTB race with my brother,” said Craig Oliver. “Having the opportunity to mix it up at the front of the field is super exciting and the icing on the cake is doing it with the fern on my chest as NZ MTB Marathon Champ.” Younger brother Ben makes no bones about the team goals. “We are chasing a stage win and we will have eight chances during the week, so Craig and I would love to pull that off. I also think a top-five is realistic, that would be a big ask but not impossible.” The team is preparing and acclimatising to altitude, based in Stellenbosch, before racing begins in earnest. The project has taken significant planning to get the MitoQ - NZ Cycling Project team to the race. “We have been fortunate to have the support of our sponsors MitoQ, Champion System NZ, Worralls, Southern Insulation, Creation Signs and Julbo to back the plan,” said General Manager James Canny. “Over and above this the team at Mikro Foundation Rotorua and Omnico (South African Cannondale/Giro distributors) have also given generous support to make the dream happen. I really hope we can open doors to send more kiwi men’s and women’s teams to the Cape Epic in the future.”

Ollie Dunbar as he wins his first round match at the NZ Squash Open in Christchurch PHOTO: NZ SQUASH OPEN SUPPLIED An upset in the first round of the New Zealand Squash Open in Christchurch, with 18-year-old Ollie Dunbar winning his opening match. Dunbar from Wellington defeated world No.54 Rui Soares of Portugal in a dominant performance defying his ranking of 257 to outsmart his opponent LATEST HEADLINES: Ben, Craig Oliver for Cape Epic Sotutu gets three week ban Lacklustre Warriors well beaten Black Sticks Nations Cup win Ramsden breaks NZ record “That’s definitely the biggest win of my career. It was great to do that at home, I’ve got my Dad here and a few clubmates came to watch so it’s pretty cool,” said Dunbar. “I came in with no expectations which helped me play well. There was great support for me from the crowd and I just went out there and tried to keep it simple and play my game.” Dunbar punished mistakes and was accurate on attack to take the match 3-1: 11-6, 7-11, 11-3, 11-4 in 47-minutes. Three other Kiwis were in action on day one, including five-time Commonwealth Games champion Joelle King who was battling a knee niggle. King’s restricted movement meant she was unable to rely on her trademark retrievals and Azman took full advantage, consistently hitting the target with winners to defeat King in three games with an 11-8, 11-7, 11-9 win. Auckland wildcard Ella Lash put up a brave fight against Malaysia’s Ainaa Amani. Lash was competitive across all three games and will take a number of positives from the match despite going down 14-12, 11-8, 11-9. Wildcard Anthony Lepper from Auckland was the final Kiwi in action, up against Spain’s Bernat Jaume. Lepper was outclassed by the Spaniard who was simply too good, taking the win in straight games 11-2, 11-6, 11-2. The tournament is being contested from March 4th to 9th in Christchurch’s iconic Isaac Theatre Royal, where a glass court has been installed on stage. New Zealand’s world No 4 Paul Coll gets his campaign underway against Japan’s Ryūnosuke Tsukue.

Hoskins Sotutu has been given three weeks on the sideline after a dangerous tackle against the Hurricanes PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Selection issues in the loose forwards for the Blues after their win over the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific. Number eight Hoskins Sotutu has been suspended for three weeks after being sent off for a dangerous tackle against the Hurricanes.. LATEST HEADLINES: Lacklustre Warriors well beaten Black Sticks Nations Cup win Ramsden breaks NZ record Scott Dixon second Indycar Lydia Ko wins LPGA world title The tackle on his Hurricanes opposite Peter Lakai occurred late in the match and meant the Blues finished the match, which was their first win of the season, with 14 players. The three game ban means the Blues will be without Sotutu for three vital games. They face the Brumbies this week in Auckand and then away to the Chiefs in Hamilton and then host the Crusaders at Eden Park. However he could return a game earlier if he takes part in the a coaching intervention programme as a substitute for the third game. The Super Rugby Judiciary ruled the foul play was a mid-range offence with a starting point of six weeks suspension but with Sotutu accepting the charge and his previous disciplinary, a 50 percent reduction was applied. The Blues could also be without another loose forward with Dalton Papali'i under an injury cloud after he took a head knock in the Hurricanes game

Raiders Josh Papalii (left) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck after the game in Las Vegas PHOTO: NRL Was it worthwhile for the NZ Warriors to play in Las Vegas and in turn get done by the Canberra Raiders? The 30-8 result marks the Warriors' largest season-opening loss in club history. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sticks Nations Cup win Ramsden breaks NZ record Scott Dixon second Indycar Lydia Ko wins LPGA world title Black Caps lose to India Raiders wins Savelio Tamale and Xavier Savage were both huge for their side, running for over 200 metres each, while young half Ethan Strange impressed as well. Canberra ran out to a 16-nil lead in the first half and never looked back, going on to add two more tries in the second half. The Raiders took only six minutes to take the lead through a try to Kiwi centre Seb Kris and extended their advantage through Savage before the half hour. Moments later, he doubled down from a length-of-the-field try while the Warriors were pressing hard on attack, but Luke Metcalf's final to winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was picked off by Savage, who went untouched, as he sprinted away. Second-rower Kurt Capewell put the Warriors on the scoreboard with a try before halftime, but Kris also had his second soon after the restart, when fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad spilled a high kick near his goal-line. Kiwis and Raiders centre Matt Timoko had a try disallowed, through obstruction, but was able to score anyway when he received a pass on halfway and beat the last defender to score. The Warriors had plenty of opportunites to score and eventuall crossed when Raiders captain Joseph Tapine was sin-binned for a shoulder charge on counterpart Mitch Barnett. Tuivasa-Sheck went in over the left corner for a try, but and chance of a comeback was gone by that stage and so was the visit to Las Vegas. . The Warriors round two clash is against Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Media Stadium Friday, 14 March Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas: Canberra Raiders 30 (Sebastian Kris 6’, 45’ Xavier Savage 27’ 32’, Matthew Timoko 56’ tries, Jamal Forgarty 4 con, pen) Warriors 8 (Kurt Capewell 38’, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 71’ tries). HT: 16-4

Maia Ramsden took third in the mile race in Boston, but broke the New Zealand record in the process PHOTO: AHTLETICS NZ/ALISHA LOVRICH New Zealand athlete Maia Ramsden has smashed an 18-year-old national record and shoould have booked at the world indoor championships. Ramsden was third in the women's mile at the Last Chance National Qualifier meet at Boston University in a time of four minutes and 21.56 seconds. Well under the mark of former Olympian Kimberley Smith. LATEST HEADLINES: Scott Dixon second Indycar Lydia Ko wins LPGA world title Black Caps lose to India Peake summits NZ Open title Auckland FC, Adelaide draw Smith set her record of 4:24.14 in New York in 2008, while Ramsden's time also lowered her own national outdoor record, which had stood at 4:24.79. Indoor performances count as outdoor times for record purposes. Former Harvard University runner Ramsden is also has the national 1500m record, setting it in the semi-finals at last year's Paris Olympics. The Boston meet was 22-year-old Ramsden's last chance to qualify for the world championships in Nanjing, China later this month. Her time is still pending official ratification but she appears to have done enough to earn selection, going well under the World Athletics entry standard time of 4:22.50. Racing for the On Athletics Club (OAC) - a small group of elite athletes based full-time at a facility in Boulder, Colorado - Ramsden featured prominently in a fast-paced race. American Heather MacLean won in a staggering time of 4:17.01, while Ramsden's OAC team-mate Sintayehu Vissa was second in 4:21.51, pipping the New Zealander by just 0.05sec.