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The men's team pursuit team took bronze at the Nations Cup PHOTO: CYCLING NZ SUPPLIED New Zealand riders claimed two team pursuit medals on the opening day of the UCI Track Nations Cup in Turkey. The women’s team raced to a silver medal in the 4000m team pursuit final while the men earned the bronze medal when they caught France in the medal ride at the impressive Konya Velodrome. LATEST HEADLINES: Champion White Ferns well-beaten Sadowski-Synnott takes top award Ryan Fox on the move at the Players Hurricanes hold on to defeat Highlanders Hot-shooting Sharks beat Nuggets in NBL The new combination of Olympians Emily Shearman, Bryony Botha and Ally Wollaston with Paris reserve Sami Donnelly and newcomer Pro Fowler, were impressive in edging Germany as the fastest qualifiers in 4:11.499s. Wollaston came into the team for a comprehensive win over Canada in the first round although the German combination was quickest in dispatching Australia in the other elimination race. Germany started strongly in the final to be 1.5s ahead after a powerful first kilometre, but the kiwis dug in to catch the leaders at the midway mark, but the German’s managed a sub 60-second final 1000m to win in 4:08.024 with New Zealand nearly two second behind. The men’s quartet of Tom Sexton, Marshall Erwood, Keegan Hornblow, Nic Kergozou qualified third fastest but were edged by Australia in the first round. Their time of 3:47.622 earned them a place in the bronze medal ride, where they overtook France in an impressive ride. In other rides, world champion Wollaston, sporting her rainbow jersey, had to settle for fifth in the elimination, edged out in the sprint coming from behind, while George Jackson was 14th in the men’s race won by Belgian Jules Hesters. Day two has Olivia King in women sprint, Campbell Stewart in the omnium, Sam Dakin in the keirin with Shearman and Donnelly in the two-rider madison. Results: Women team pursuit qualifying: New Zealand (Emily Shearman, Bryony Botha, Sami Donnelly, Pru Fowler) 4:11.499, 1; Germany 4:11.827, 2; Australia 4:16.109, 3. Round 1: New Zealand 4:14.868, 1; Canada 4:17.460, 2. Germany 4:08.389 , 1; Australia 4:11.931, 2. Final: Germany 4:08.024, 1; New Zealand 4:09.972, 2; Australia 4:16.903, 3; Poland 4:18.657, 4. Men team pursuit qualifying: USA 3:47.870, 1; Australia 3:47.963, 2; New Zealand (Tom Sexton, Marshall Erwood, Keegan Hornblow, Nic Kergozou) 3:48.433, 3. Round 1: Australia 3:45.712, 1; New Zealand 3:47.622, 2. USA 3:47.503, 1; Switzerland 3:49.533, 2. Final: Australia 3:45.306, 1 bt USA 3:49.006, 2; Bronze ride: New Zealand overtook France, 3.

NZ Warriors scored six tries against the Manly Sea Eagles. PHOTO: NRL The NZ Warriors have bounced back from their loss in Las Vegas to defeat the Manly Sea Eagles 36-16 after an impressive second half. The home side overcame a poor start at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart as Tom Trbojevic scored after four minutes for the visitors but the Warriors bounced back to lead 18-6 at halftime. LATEST HEADLINES: Hot shooting Sharks beat Nuggets in NBL Experienced NZ teams for 3x3 FIBA Asia Cup Two new players in Football Ferns squad Harrington wins prestigious freeski award New Zealanders feature in The Hundred The Warriors scored six tries to three overall in the win, including a late effort by new fullback Luke Metcalf on the whistle. Metcalf was also perfect with his kicks, converting all six attempts. There were first half tries to Chanel Harris-Tavita, Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua while Wayde Egan followed up his own initial move to score. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also dotted down in the second spell along with Metcalf's late cross. The Sea Eagles lost captain Daly Cherry-Evans and Trbojevic to injury forcing forcing Manly to play with 12 men for the last 15 minutes after Jake Trbojevic was sin-binned. When he returned, the Sea Eagles ran out of interchanges. NZ Warrriors 36 (Chanel Harris-Tavita, Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, Wayde Egan, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Luke Metcalf tries; Luke Metcalf 6 con) Manly Sea Eagles 16 (Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Daly Cherry-Evans tries; Reuben Garrick con, pen). HT: 18-6

The Hurricanes have won a Super Rugby Pacific thriller in Dunedin, holding on for a 20-18 win over the Highlanders. The visitors survived multiple late attacks from the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night to vault themselves off the bottom of the ladder in Round 5. LATEST HEADLINES: Hot-shooting Sharks beat Nuggets in NBL Experienced NZ teams for 3x3 Asia Cup Two new players in Football Ferns squad Harrington wins prestigious freeski award New Zealanders feature in The Hundred Recently-re-signed Ruben Love’s try in the 62nd minute gave them the slender two-point lead later after he answered a spectacular effort that Ajay Faleafaga finished off. Sam Gilbert missed a penalty effort with 13 minutes to go from 25 metres out, and a drop-goal attempt in the final minute. The Highlanders were back on the attack as the game’s momentum flipped from side to side. They were held up with four minutes to go before the Hurricanes looked to have won a game, but a not-straight lineout gave them one last chance. Tanielu Tele’a burst through the gap to get the Highlanders over halfway, setting up a drop-goal effort from Gilbert that faded away. Cam Roigard scored one of the Hurricanes' three tries against the Highlanders in Dunedin. PHOTO: SUPER RUGBY The Hurricanes opened the scoring early through winger Kini Naholo, with their fast start halted thanks to a yellow card to Ngani Punvai. Wing Caleb Tangitau put the hosts in front after a sensational intercept for the second week in a row right before half-time for an 11-8 lead at the break. Cam Roigard restored the Hurricanes' lead when he put Bailyn Sullivan through a hole before backing him for the try. Tangitau then hit back for the hosts when his bold decision to kick for himself off a penalty paid off for the replacement's Faleafaga try. It set up the grandstand finish, with Gilbert twice missing chances to win the game. Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi was superb with a late turnover to help seal the win and claim their second win of the season. The Hurricanes (2-0-3, nine points) welcome the NSW Waratahs to Wellington's Sky Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm), while the Highlanders (2-0-2, 10 points) remain at home, hosting the Queensland Reds next Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm). Hurricanes 20 (Kini Naholo, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love tries; Harry Godfrey con, pen) Highlanders 18 (Caleb Tangitau, Ajay Faleafaga tries; Sam Gilbert con, 2 pen). HT: 8-11

Ryan Fox moved up more than 20 spots during the second round at The Players. PHOTO: RYAN FOX New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has moved up the leaderboard on day two at The Players Championship. Fox carded a two-under 70 in the second round at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Friday (Saturday NZ Time) to rise more than 20 places from a tie for 62nd following an even-par 72 in the opening round. LATEST HEADLINES: Hurricanes hold on to defeat Highlanders Hot-shooting Sharks beat Nuggets in NBL Experienced NZ teams for 3x3 Asia Cup Two new players in Football Ferns squad Harrington wins prestigious freeski award In a roller-coaster round, Fox made three birdies and two bogeys on the back-nine, after starting on the 10th hole. The 37-year-old added four birdies and three bogeys on the front-nine, making only six pars in his round. Fox was two shots above the projected cut-line at even-par, but still trailed the clubhouse co-leaders, Australian Min Woo Lee and American Akshay Bhatia, by nine strokes, with half of the field still on the course in the second round. At the LIV Golf Singapore event, Kiwis Danny Lee and Ben Campbell are both tied for 11th at three-under after the opening round. Lee made four birdies and a bogey at the Sentoas Golf Club on Friday, while Campbell produced six birdies and three bogeys, to trail the leader, American Dustin Johnson, by five strokes. Meanwhile, at the WPGA's Australian Women's Classic at Coff's Harbour, Momoka Kobori is the best-placed New Zealander in a share of 42nd at one-over. Kobori three birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey at the par-five sixth to sit seven shots back of the co-leaders. Wenyung Keh is tied for 55th at two-over after a round featuring a birdie and three bogeys.

Luca Harrington with New Zealand’s first FIS Freeski Crystal Globe PHOTO: SNOW SPORTS NZ Luca Harrington has created history winning the 2025 FIS Freeski Big Air Crystal Globe as the top athlete on the 2025 FIS Big Air World Cup Tour. It is the first FIS Freeski Crystal Globe won by a Kiwi, an exceptional achievement that 21-year-old Harrington earned from his consistent performance on the Big Air World Cup circuit this Northern Hemisphere season. LATEST HEADLINES: New Zealanders feature in The Hundred Whai start hot, sting Rams for NBL victory NZ track riders start post-Olympics campaign Tactix target playoffs spot in ANZ Premiership Jenkins switches allegiance to Football Ferns An ecstatic Harrington explained his consistency throughout the season paid off. “This is absolutely unbelievable, coming into this season I didn’t think this was even possible. To be standing here holding this globe means the world to me and I need to thank everyone who has helped me along this journey to get here, I am so grateful for this moment.” Harrington was third at the sixth and final FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Tignes putting down a ‘never been done’ switch right triple corked 1800 with an esco grab on his first run, which was the highest scoring single trick of the competition. He combined that trick with a right triple corked 1980 safety grab for a total score of 187.00 points, which earned him a place on the tightly fought podium in third. Mac Forehand (USA) was second, just 0.5 points ahead of Harrington while Italian freeskier Miro Tabanelli took the win with a score of 188.25. It was the final Big Air World Cup of the season and the overall standings confirmed the Crystal Globe award. Out of the five Big Air World Cups that Harrington dropped into this season, he finished on the podium in four of them (two wins, a second and a third) and just off the podium in fourth in his fifth event in Beijing in December 2024. Reflecting on that fourth place finish, Harrington said he was driven to succeed. “I think China kept me hungry, being so close the podium was tough and I wanted to be on there so I worked hard, trained hard and kept the consistency up. Everything really worked out this year and I am so happy.” The only other athlete with four podium finishes this season is Matej Svancer of Austria, but with significant points still awarded for fourth place finishes, Harrington took the Crystal Globe win by 39 points over Svancer. Today’s world cup winner Miro Tabanelli of Italy finished third in the overall standings. New Zealand has previously won two FIS Crystal Globes in snowboarding - Tiarn Collins won the 2022 Slopestyle World Cup standings and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott won the 2021 Big Air World Cup standings. Alpine ski racing superstar Alice Robinson is currently leading the 2025 Giant Slalom World Cup standings, with the final event set to go down on the 26th of March.

The Southland Sharks have romped home in the first meeting of the National Basketball League’s (NBL) ‘Deep South Derby’. The Sharks’ three imports combined for 51 points in a runaway 98-70 Sal’s NBL victory over the Night ‘n’ Day Otago Nuggets at Dunedin’s Edgar Centre on Friday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Experienced NZ teams for 3x3 FIBA Asia Cup Two new players in Football Ferns squad Harrington wins prestigious freeski award New Zealanders feature in The Hundred Whai start hot, sting Rams for NBL victory American forward Josiah Allick dominated down-low with a double-double, a game-high 26 points (11/15 FG), 11 rebounds and two steals. Captain Alonzo Burton put up 19 points (7/11 FG, 5/9 3pt) and youngster Tukaha Cooper 19 points (7/12 FG, 4/6 3pt), seven assists and two blocks off the bench. Fellow Sharks imports Keylan Boone and Caleb Asberry also finished in double-digits. Boone went for 14 points (6/14 FG), six boards and two steals, and Asberry 11 points, six assists and four steals. Southland's Josiah Allick dunks on the Nuggets' Patrick Freeman in their NBL clash. PHOTO: NBL/LOU EMANUEL For the Nuggets, American guard Jose Perez (16 points, nine rebounds, four assists) and Christian Martin (16 points, nine boards, two steals) led the way. Local products Darcy Knox and Patrick Freeman also had 11 points each for Otago. The Sharks shot 55 percent from the floor, including 46 percent (13-of-28) on three-point attempts. The Nuggets shot at 37 and 31 percent. Otago had their moments in the opening quarter but quickly fell behind by 14 in the second. They closer within seven late in the period but back-to-back Burton triples restored normalcy and the Nuggets never got closer than 12 in the second half. The Sharks (1-0) are on the road again in Week 2, facing the defending champion Canterbury Rams (0-1) in Christchurch next Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Nuggets (0-1) head to Tauranga on Wednesday (tip-off 7pm) to face the Whai (1-0). Meanwhile, in the opening Sky Rapid League contest, the Nuggets rolled to a 27-18 victory, with Martin almost going for a double-double, ending with nine points and nine boards. Southland Sharks 98 (Josiah Allick 26, Alonzo Burton 19, Tukaha Cooper 19, Keylan Boone 14, Caleb Asberry 11) Otago Nuggets 70 (Jose Perez 16, Christian Martin 16, Darcy Knox 11, Patrick Freeman 11). 1Q: 28-21, HT: 49-37, 3Q: 70-49

Sharne Robati will lead the Tall Ferns 3x3 team to the FIBA Asia Cup PHOTO: BBNZ The New Zealand squads to play in Singapore for the 2025 3x3 FIBA Asia Cup have been confirmed. Leading the 3x3 Tall Blacks is New Zealand's number one ranked 3x3 player, Aidan Tonge, who's currently plying his trade professionally in Malaysia. He’s joined by Zach Hannen, and two emerging 3x3 talents, Te Tuhi Lewis and Christian Martin. LATEST HEADLINES: Two new players in Football Ferns squad Harrington wins prestigious Freeski award New Zealanders feature in The Hundred Whai start hot, sting Rams for NBL victory NZ track riders start post-Olympics campaign Daniel Dobson and Aston Inwood have been listed as non-travelling reserves. The 3x3 Tall Blacks will be once again coached by Piet van Hasselt, who welcomes Joe Zhang onto the staff as the team’s physio. A new-look squad for the 3x3 Tall Ferns will follow on from the successes of the last two years. Sharne Robati the 2023 and 2024 FIBA Asia Cup all-tournament team selection alongside Tall Fern Eva Langton and Azure Anderson as well as Kaylee Smiler. Youngsters Anika Hyland and Maddy Timms have been brought in to cover as non-travelling reserves. Anthony Corban will once again lead the 3x3 Tall Ferns, as he welcomes back former 3x3 Tall Fern, Olivia O’Neill into the fold in a different role as the team's physio. Both teams have the goal of medalling at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and representing Aotearoa at future Olympic Games at the forefront. Last year the Tall Blacks placed fourth, knocked out in their semi-final against Iran before an agnosingly close loss to Mongolia in the third place game. Taking home silver for the second time in as many years in 2024 after falling short to rivals the Australian Gangurrus, the 3x3 Tall Ferns will be looking to go one better this year. They start their campaign against a strong Chinese side at 7:30pm on March 28 (NZT). Just a little while later the 3x3 Tall Blacks will start their run to FIBA Asia Cup glory in the early hours of March 29, their first game set for 12:25am (NZT). 3x3 Tall Blacks squad: Coach: Piet van Hasselt Physio: Joe Zhang Zach Hannen, Christian Martin, Te Tuhi Lewis, Aidan Tonge, Daniel Dobson (non-travelling reserve), Aston Inwood (non-travelling reserve) 3x3 Tall Ferns squad: Coach: Anthony Corban Physio: Olivia O’Neill Azure Anderson, Eva Langton, Sharne Robati, Kaylee Smiler, Anika Hyland (non-travelling reserve), Maddy Timms (non-travelling reserve)

New Football Ferns goalkeeper Alina Santos is one of two caps for the squad PHOTO: UofDENVER SOCIAL MEDIA Two new players have been called up for the Football Ferns by interim coach Michael Mayne to potentially make their debut against world number 42 Chinese Taipei next month. Newly available for New Zealand, Claudia Jenkins the Adelaide United goalkeeper and University of Denver goalkeeper Alina Santos, have both been selected for the first time. LATEST HEADLINES: Harrington wins prestigious Freeski award New Zealanders feature in The Hundred Whai start hot, sting Rams for NBL victory NZ track riders start post-Olympics campaign Tactix target playoffs spot in ANZ Premiership The squad also has C.S. Marítimo's Jana Radosavljević and Lexington SC's Grace Wisnewski called up after missing out on the last tour. The Football Ferns continue to expand player experience and availability of the next FIFA Women's World Cup cycle, New Zealand Football said. Mackenzie Barry, Geo Candy, Brianna Edwards, Macey Fraser, and Grace Jale, who were part of the squad assembled for the win and draw against Costa Rica last month, haven't been selected for this tour due to injury, managing playing time after returning from injury, and a desire to test other players. "I was pleased with the progress we made in Costa Rica, which involved implementing a new playing model on the pitch, and some new language and some different approaches off the pitch, so I'm very much looking to continuing that work next month," said Mayne. "I want to approach this tour with a drive towards refining some of the details within our system, and with a training game behind closed doors first, it gives us the perfect opportunity to try a couple of new things as we prepare for the full international. "Our objective remains the same and that is to assess the strength of our squad, and build the competition within this team, so that come the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, should we qualify, we are in the best place to perform." Mayne said after Costa Rica he felt "a reasonable amount of consistency was important". The Ferns will face the Blue Magpies on 8 April at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The sides will also face-off in a behind closed doors training game three days earlier. Football Ferns squad v Chinese Taipei: Liz Anton (21 caps) Canberra United, Australia Hannah Blake (7 caps) Durham FC, England Kelli Brown (2 caps) Perth Glory, Australia Claudia Bunge (33 caps) Melbourne Victory, Australia Milly Clegg (13 caps) Halifax Tides FC, Canada Manaia Elliott (1 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Victoria Esson (26 caps) Rangers FC, Scotland Michaela Foster (24 caps) Durham FC, England Maya Hahn (2 caps) FFC Turbine Potsdam, Germany Jacqui Hand (33 caps) Sheffield United, England Claudia Jenkins (debut) Adelaide United, Australia Katie Kitching (16 caps) Sunderland AFC, England Annalie Longo (138 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand Meikayla Moore (69 caps) Calgary Wild FC, Canada Ruby Nathan (5 caps) Canberra United, Australia Grace Neville (12 caps) London City Lionesses, England Emma Pijnenburg (1 cap) Feyenoord Rotterdam, Netherlands Indiah-Paige Riley (29 caps) Crystal Palace, England Jana Radosavljević (3 caps) C.S. Marítimo, Portugal Alina Santos (debut) University of Denver, USA Kate Taylor (23 caps) Dijon FCO, France Grace Wisnewski (3 caps) Lexington SC, USA

Rachin Ravindra is one of 10 New Zealand players signed for The Hundred PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Ten New Zealand players will feature in The Hundred cricket competition in the United Kingdom starting in August. There are eight men and two women set to take part with Michael Bracewell included in the Southern Brave after his accomplishments at the Champions Trophy. LATEST HEADLINES: Whai start hot, sting Rams for NBL victory NZ track riders start post-Olympics campaign Tactix target playoffs spot in ANZ Premiership Jenkins switches allegiance to Football Ferns Super Rugby Pacific pressure on NZ teams Bracewell played a big part in New Zealand's run to the Champions Trophy final, has been drafted by the Southern Brave alongside kiwi opener Finn Allen. The 34-year-old was also named to captain the Black Caps for the upcoming T20 internationals against Pakistan. The Black Caps bowling trio of Trent Boult, Adam Milne and Tim Southee are at Birmingham Phoenix coached by Daniel Vettori. The Manchester Originals have signed Rachin Ravindra after he was named in the Champions Trophy team and topped the batting in the tournament as well as taking wickets. Pace bowler Lockie Ferguson went to the Trent Rockets and lack Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner will play at the Northern Superchargers. White Ferns captain Sophie Devine could make her return to cricket in the tournament. Devine was picked up by the Southern Brave however she stepped away from cricket in January citing well-being issues and has not been a part of the current series against Sri Lanka. Her availability for the T20I games against Australia later this month is yet to be confirmed. Devine, 35 has played regularly in England since 2016 and was in the Birmingham Phoenix's squad for the last three seasons of The Hundred. White Ferns star Amelia Kerr is at Manchester Originals. In total, 66 players were selected in The Hundred Draft, with the 16 men's and women's squads now almost finalised. All teams will have a further chance to add to their group, at the Wildcard Draft in May. New Zealanders in The Hundred: Birmingham Phoenix Men.... Trent Boult, Adam Milne, Tim Southee (coached by Dan Vettori) London Spirit Men.... Kane Williamson,. Manchester Originals Men... Rachin Ravindra. Manchester Originals Women.... Amelia Kerr Northern Superchargers Men... Mitchell Santner Southern Brave Men... Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell. Southern Brave Women.... Sophie Devine. Trent Rockets Men.... Lockie Ferguson.

The Hawke’s Bay Hawks have predictably opened the 43rd National Basketball League (NBL) season with a comfortable win. Teen phenom Jackson Ball compiled a crazy stat-line as the Big Barrel Hawks eased out to a 112-78 victory over the Sal’s NBL’s newest franchise, the Indian Panthers, on Wednesday night in Napier. LATEST HEADLINES: Largest NZ athletics team set for world indoors Ruben Love extends with NZ Rugby until 2026 Warriors ready to make amends against Manly Black Caps quartet in Champions Trophy team Bracewell to lead Black Caps against Pakistan Ball, the MVP at last week’s Westside Blitz preseason tournament, went off for a career-high 40 points (15/19 FG, 5/7 3pt) and pulled down nine rebounds, to go with four assists and two steals. The Napier Boys’ High School deputy head boy, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Monday, had previously only scored 47 points in 14 games for the Hawks last season. All five Hawks starters scored in double-digits, with American forward Darnell Cowart (19 points and 12 rebounds) and Clifton Bush III (13 points and 11 boards) putting up double-doubles). ` Campbell Scott had 16 points, five rebounds and six assists and Kobe Kara 12 points and eight boards. Hawks guard Jackson Ball (right) defends Panthers import Alex Robinson Jr in the NBL opener. PHOTO: NBL/MICHELLE FEY The Panthers - missing five of their Indian players due to a national team training camp and fielding a roster of NZ-based players, most with little to no NBL experience - were led by American guard Alex Robinson Jr’s 24 points (9/21 FG), eight rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Gerrand, who last played for the Southland Sharks in 2022, had 16 points (6/19 FG, 2/8 3pt) and 39-year-old former Tall Black Leon Henry, who was last week named as the Panthers’ ambassador, added eight points and six boards. The make-shift Panthers quieted the Rodney Green Arena crowd early as Gerrand had 11 points in the first quarter, putting the visitors up 24-18. But Ball had 26 points in the second and third periods as the Hawks out-scored the short-handed Panthers 59-29 to put the game away. The Hawks (1-0) host the neighbouring Manawatū Jets on Saturday (tip-off 4pm), while the Panthers (0-1) have a week to regroup before facing the Franklin Bulls in the South Auckland Showdown next Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). In the Sky Rapid League curtain-raiser, the Panthers held on for a 36-35 win over the Hawks, with Cooper Lepou and Dante Matakatea in double figures. Harry Keighley had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Hawks. Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks 112 (Jackson Ball 40, Darnell Cowart 19, Campbell Scott 16, Clifton Bush III 13, Kobe Kara 12) Indian Panthers 78 (Alex Robinson Jr 24, Jaylen Gerrand 16). 1Q: 18-24, HT: 51-38, 3Q: 87-53

Ruben Love on the burst for the Hurricanes who are away to the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific round five PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY After the upsets of the previous week Super Rugby Pacific round five stacks up with some key contests across the competition. Firstly the Highlanders host the Hurriccanes with Saula Ma'u and Ethan de Groot returning to start for the home side. LATEST HEADLINES: Bulls, Saints, Hawks make big NBL signings Teen stars as Bay Hawks tip-off NBL with win Largest NZ athletics team set for world indoors Ruben Love extends with NZ Rugby until 2026 Warriors ready to make amends against Manly The Hurricanes have Tyrel Lomax and Asafo Aumua back in front row reserves as All Blacks return to the squad. Only Billy Proctor is still on the sideline. Can the visitors control the destructive power of Timoci Tavatavanawai in the midfield? Iff not they'll find themselves looking at another defeat. Highlanders v Hurricanes, 7:05pm Friday 14 March, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (capt), Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, DuPlessis Kirifi (co-capt), Brad Shields (co-capt), Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Hohepa, Fatafehi Fineanganofo. The Crusaders actually won last round, unlike the other kiwi franchises. However victory against the Force is never reassured as the West Australia side can be determined if nothing else. For the home side Braydon Ennor returns after yet another injury spell while Macca Springer starts for the first time this season. Ethan Blackadder is on the reserves as Corey Kellow stars alongside Tom Christie and Cristian Lio-Willie. The all-international front row of Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams won't have things all their own way against the Force's Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter and Marc Grealy with Atu Moli on the bench. Crusaders v Force, 4:35pm Saturday 15 March, Apollo Projects Stadium Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Kyle Preston; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitchell Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua. The replay of last season's final will see the Blues try and string together a full 80 minute performance as the pressure mounts on their season. The Chiefs have Damian McKenzie back at No 10 with Josh Jacomb to the bench. The back trio of Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Shaun Stevenson are pretty formidable while Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown have been in form. The Blues are missing Beauden Barrett, but have Stephen Perofeta back on the bench along with Finlay Christie. Cameron Suafoa was one of the few bright notes in last weeks loss but is on the bench as Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i and Cameron Christie fill the loose forward spots. Chiefs v Blues, 7.05pm, Saturday 15 March, FMG Stadium, Hamilton Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson (capt), Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona. Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Sam Nock; Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Christie, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay. Reserves: Nathaniel Pole, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam.

Adelaide United goalie Claudia Jenkins has confirmed her allegiance to New Zealnad and is available to play for the Football Ferns. PHOTO: ADELAIDE UNITED Adelaide United goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins has declared her allegiance to play for New Zealand following conversations with Football Ferns interim head coach Michael Mayne. Jenkins, who also qualifies for play for Australia, has started all of Adelaide United’s A-League Women games this season with the team currently third in the table. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby pressure on New Zealand teams Bulls, Saints, Hawks make big NBL signings Teen stars as Bay Hawks tip-off NBL with win Largest NZ athletics team set for world indoors Ruben Love extends with NZ Rugby until 2026 Jenkins in now eligible for selection for the New Zealand ahead of their next game against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday 8 April at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Mayne is pleased to have Jenkins on board for New Zealnad. “Over the last few months we have cast the net really wide to look at who is potentially eligible to wear the Fern and have had some really good conversations with players keen to represent Aotearoa New Zealand. “It is great to potentially be able to name Claudia in our next squad after a great season so far with Adelaide United where she has started every game. “She will be a great addition to the group and, from speaking to her, can’t wait to be involved if she is selected.” Twenty-six-year-old Jenkins can't wait to suit up for the side. “I’m really excited at the prospect of potentially being selected for the Ford Football Ferns. “As soon as I was aware this was a possibility I jumped at the opportunity and look forward to being involved if I am lucky enough to be selected.”