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Both New Zealand sides are through to the semifinals of the Singapore Sevens World Series tournament. The All Blacks beat the United States 19-14 and will face Australia for a place in the final. The USA took a 7-5 lead into half time after Kevon Williams opened the scoring in the first minute, Regan Ware getting the reply for New Zealand. LATEST HEADLINES: Nine-try Chiefs thrash lowly Force, into top-four Tuatara blowout Hawks; Airs top Bulls in NBL Michael Voss reigns at 60th Rotorua Marathon Crusaders defeated by Reds; Highlanders win After 19 losses, Southern Steel finally victorious The All Blacks took the initiative in the second half, Fehi Fineanganofo with the early score, but Adam Channel pulled one back for the US to take the lead back. However, a strong cut line from Tone Ng Shiu saw him over the line, and with just a minute to go was enough for New Zealand to seal the victory. Meanwhile the Black Ferns eased past Great Britain 24-5 to set up a clash with Fiji at 5.02pm. New Zealand proved too strong for Great Britain as they strode to a 24-5 win. The series leaders were two tries to the good after the first half thanks to Risi Pouri-Lane and Theresa Setefano, but Lisa Thomson’s break early in the second showed GB weren’t out of it just yet, Ellie Boatman eventually getting over in the corner. Georgia Miller strode away for New Zealand’s third, Risi Pouri-Lane adding a late fourth, and while the Blacks Ferns Sevens advance to the semis, there were injury worries for both Tyla King and Shiray Kaka. The men's semifinal is scheduled for 6.12pm.

The Black Sticks Men have defeated Canada 7-1 in their opening match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia. George Baker scored a hat-trick, his first goals in international play, while Jake Smith and Scott Boyde netted two goals each in the easy win at Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES: Nine-try Chiefs thrash lowly Force, into top-four Tuatara blowout Hawks; Airs top Bulls in NBL Michael Voss reigns at 60th Rotorua Marathon  Crusaders defeated by Reds; Highlanders win After 19 losses, Southern Steel finally victorious Baker scored field goals in the 16th, 41st and 59th minutes for the 10th-ranked Black Sticks Men, who led 3-0 at halftime and 5-0 after three quarters. Boyde netted his first in just 10 seconds, then his second in the final 20 seconds with the match well in hand. Smith rattled the cage from a penalty corner in the 26th minute and his second in the last minute of the third. The Black Sticks Men face 16th-ranked Japan in their second match on Sunday (start 8pm NZ Time), with further group matches against Malaysia, South Korea and Pakistan on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, respectively. New Zealand 7 (George Baker 3, Jake Smith 2, Scott Boyde 2) Canada 1 (Rowan Childs). 1Q: 1-0, HT: 3-0, 3Q: 5-0

The dangerous Chiefs have had little trouble dispatching Super Rugby Pacific's last-placed Western Force. The Chiefs ran in nine tries on their way to a 56-7 drubbing of the Force at Hamilton's FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night, moving into the top-four in the process. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuatara blowout Hawks; Airs top Bulls in NBL Michael Voss reigns at 60th Rotorua Marathon Crusaders defeated by Reds; Highlanders win After 19 losses, Southern Steel finally victorious Corey Anderson to play for USA at World Cup The bottom-ranked Force's poor away record against New Zealand-based sides never looked like being overturned, with the Chiefs taking the lead in the second minute and never looking back. Chiefs wing Daniel Rona was the biggest beneficiary of the Force's soft defence, with an impressive hat-trick. And discipline was a big problem, with the Force conceding seven unanswered penalties in the opening 25 minutes. A Damian McKenzie penalty and a try in each corner for wings Emoni Narawa and Rona had the visitors on the ropes after just 14 minutes. And when All Blacks playmaker McKenzie crossed untouched off a scrum play soon after, alarm bells were truly ringing. The visitors only found their feet in the contest when their pack forced a penalty try on the half-hour that saw Chiefs flanker Kaylum Boshier yellow-carded for collapsing the scrum as it rolled towards the line. But any hope of a comeback was quashed when Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater punched in an early second-half try from a lineout maul. The Chiefs ran rampant late, scoring three tries in the last 11 minutes as the wheels really fell off for the visitors. Replacment prop Tryrone Thompson, Rona and reserve outside back Josh Ioane found the try-line. McKenzie was in sparkling form, with his fancy footwork helping him run rings around the Force and create the bulk of the Chiefs' attacking opportunities. The Chiefs (7-0-3, 33 points) face Moana Pasifika (3-0-7, 14 points) in Auckland on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm), while the Force (2-0-8, 10 points) return to Perth to battle the Fijian Drua (4-0-6, 17 points) on Saturday (kick-off 11.55pm NZ Time). Chiefs 56 (Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona 3, Damian McKenzie, Tupou Vaa'i, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson, Josh Ioane tries; Damian McKenzie 4 con, pen) Western Force 7 (Penalty try). HT:

The stacked Auckland Tuatara have continued their charge and the Taranaki Airs have scored a crucial top-four win in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Tuatara scored 40 points in the fourth quarter to run away to a 120-96 win over the Bay Hawks in Auckland, hours after the Airs outlasted the Franklin Bulls 90-76 in New Plymouth on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES:  Michael Voss reigns at 60th Rotorua Marathon Crusaders defeated by Reds; Highlanders win After 19 losses, Southern Steel finally victorious Corey Anderson to play for USA at World Cup Daniel Hillier in contention; Fox cut, Lee off pace Last season's league MVP Rob Loe produced a monster double-double, with 31 points (14/23 FG, 2/7 3pt) and 18 rebounds, along with five assists, while Corey Webster flirted with a triple-double, ending with 19 points (8/19 FG, 3/7 3pt), seven boards, 11 assists and two steals. Tom Vodanovich also finished with an equal-game-high 31 points (11/16 FG, 4/6 3pt, 5/6 FT) and two steals, with Cam Gliddon adding 22 points (8/13 FG, 5/9 3pt), four boards, three assists and four steals, and Reuben Te Rangi 12 points (5/9 FG, 2/4 3pt), six rebounds and four assists. Another Tall Black, Jordan Ngatai, led the visiting Hawks with 25 points (9/18 FG, 4/8 3pt, 3/5 FT), nine boards, three assists and two steals, while American guard Isaiah Moore finished with 23 points (8/22 FG, 2/5 3pt, 5/5 FT), five rebounds and six assists. Australian forward Luke Sutherland produced 17 points (6/12 FG, 5/9 3pt) and American centre Josh Roberts 13 points (6/12 FG) and 10 rebouds. Keanu Rasmussen was held to just nine points, while young Kiwi forward Kobe Kara had six points and six boards. With a veteran starting lineup featuring four current or former Tall Blacks and one Australia Boomer, the Tuatara quickly built a 14-point lead - with Loe scoring nine points - which extended to 17 by quarter-time. With Ngatai scoring nine points, the Hawks came all the way back with a 23-6 run to tie the game at 45-45 with 3:18 remaining in the half. The Tuatara led almost the entire third quarter but the Hawks closed with a 10-2 burst to tie the game 80-80 entering the fourth. It was all Tuatara in the final 10 minutes, with 15-0 and 12-0 scoring runs, part of an overall 27-1 stretch to turn the game into a blowout. Gliddon scored 14 points, including four triples, in the fourth, and Vodanovich 13 points, including three bombs. Next week, the Tuatara (7-2) host the Manawatu Jets (1-6) next Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Hawks (3-4) welcome the Otago Nuggets (3-3) at Napier earlier in the day (tip-off 4pm). The Airs' 14-point win could prove crucial in the race for top-six playoffs spots and seedings come July. Australian forward Sam Froling produced a game-high 28 points (10/13 FG, 7/10 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Tall Blacks guard Flynn Cameron put up 20 points (6/15 FG, 2/8 3pt, 6/7 FT) and four boards. Import forward Elijah Minnie scored 15 points (6/11 FG), two steals and two blocks, former Tall Black Derone Raukawa, back in the starting lineup, 14 points (5/8 FG, 3/6 3pt) and new NZ Breakers signing Mitch McCarron six points, six rebounds and 10 assists. American forward Luther Muhammad led the Bulls with 19 points (9/22 FG), six boards and four assists, while Kiwi big Sam Timmins contributed 12 points (5/12 FG), nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks. Tall Blacks shooting guard Ethan Rusbatch had 11 points (4/9 FG, 3/7 3pt) and four boards, guard Josh Scott 10 points (5/8 FG) and Jarrell Brantley nine points, seven rebounds and four steals. In Week 7, the Airs (5-2) travel to Christchurch to face the Canterbury Rams (5-2) on Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm), before returning home to host the Southland Sharks (0-8) on Sunday (tip-off 3pm), while the Bulls (5-2) host the Sharks on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). Auckland Tuatara 120 (Rob Loe 31, Tom Vodanovich 31, Cam Gliddon 22, Corey Webster 19, Reuben Te Rangi 12) Bay Hawks 96 (Jordan Ngatai 25, Isaiah Moore 23, Luke Sutherland 17, Josh Roberts 13). 1Q: 36-19, HT: 57-51, 3Q: 80-80 Taranaki Airs 90 (Sam Froling 28, Flynn Cameron 20, Elijah Minnie 15, Derone Raukawa 14) Franklin Bulls 76 (Luther Muhammad 19, Sam Timmins 12, Ethan Rusbatch 11, Josh Scott 10). 1Q: 25-20, HT: 47-43, 3Q: 67-60

The Southern Steel have finally broken an unwanted record, their first win in nearly two years with a thrilling 63-61 extra time win over the Northern Stars in Invercargill on Saturday. In an enthralling contest between two teams battling for their first win of the season, the Steel produced a huge comeback forcing the game into extra-time, turning an eight-goal deficit at the start of the final quarter into a dramatic 58-all stand-off at the end of regulation time. LATEST HEADLINES: Corey Anderson to play for USA at World Cup Nelson Giants dump more misery on Sharks Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa NZ Breakers snag ex NBA player Jonah Bolden That required two periods of three-minutes each way of extra-time, the Steel handling the pressure with more poise than their opposites and failing to buckle as they went on to clinch their first win in the ANZ Premiership since May 22, 2022 after a total of 21 losses. Dominating the first and third quarters, the Stars went off the boil in the second and fourth quarters, letting a golden opportunity slip through their grasp in failing to nail home their last quarter advantage as the tenacious Steel produced the most stirring of fightbacks. In registering their first win, the Steel left the Stars as the only winless team, the visitors left with a third success bonus point for finishing within five goals. The home side started with their settled seven of recent weeks, including the international pairing of Kate Heffernan and Shannon Saunders in the midcourt. The Stars gave impressive young training partner Summer Temu her second straight start, the goal shoot pairing up with captain Maia Wilson, who once again started from goal attack. It was the visitors who made the hottest of starts. Fluid and accurate on attack, the Stars provided the ball on a plate for Temu and Wilson while full-court defensive pressure put the squeeze on the Steel’s attacking momentum. That was further enhanced by the mobility and speed of in-circle defenders Holly Fowler and Kate Burley, who did a fine job in disrupting the Steel’s shooters. Skipping out to a five-goal lead, the visitors were threatening to stretch out further but a late home team rally reduced the deficit with the Stars taking a 16-13 lead into the first break while posting their first winning opening quarter of the season. The Steel came out strong with the shooter-to-shooter link between Grace Namana and Georgia Heffernan starting to pay dividends. Finding their timing and connectivity, the pair gave the supportive crowd plenty to crow about when levelling up the scores with five minutes of the stanza to go. In response, the Stars introduced new mum Monica Falkner into the goal attack role with Wilson moving back to goal shoot. At the other, in a bid to stem the flow, the visitors re-jigged their defence line with the rangy figure of Lili Tokaduadua coming off the bench and into goalkeeper. There was nothing to separate the teams, both having 33 attempts at goal during the first half as the sides went to the main break locked together at 29-apiece. The Steel broke the deadlock in the opening exchanges of the third quarter, showing all their renowned grit, determination and ball retention abilities to build a three-goal buffer. The Stars’ response was swift, levelling up inside a minute of play before unleashing a decisive and telling momentum swing. Wilson played a strong role under the hoop with her movement and accuracy while at the other end, teen goal keep Tokaduadua came up with a couple of big turnovers, allowing the confidence to flow back into the Stars ranks with a productive change in fortune as the Steel’s resistance fell away. In a complete turnaround, the Stars ended the quarter with a haul of 21 goals compared to the Steel’s 13 to leave them handily-placed when leading 50-42 at the last turn. Southern Steel 63 (Grace Namana 43/49, Georgia Heffernan 20/26) Northern Stars 61 (Maia Wilson 43/47, Summer Temu 11/11, Monica Falkner 7/10). 1Q: 13-16, HT: 29-29, 3Q: 42-50, 4Q: 58-58

The support from a group of friends inspired Michael Voss to an epic four-second victory from Lake City AC clubmate Cullern Thorby in an unforgettable 60th Rotorua Marathon on Saturday. Voss and Thorby served up a classic head-to-head showdown of thrust and counter thrust and after the latter – running only his second ever marathon – opened up a 30-second lead, it looked like Voss’ bid for a fourth Rotorua Marathon title had floundered. LATEST HEADLINES:  Crusaders defeated by Reds; Highlanders win After 19 losses, Southern Steel finally victorious Corey Anderson to play for USA at World Cup Daniel Hillier in contention; Fox cut, Lee off pace Nelson Giants dump more misery on the Sharks Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories However, revived by the support he received from his mates, the New Zealand 10,000m and half marathon champion put on the after burners in the final few kilometres to overhaul the 21-year-old Thorby and claim a fourth Rotorua Marathon victory in 2 hours 23 minutes 48 seconds. Voss also added the New Zealand Marathon title to his growing collection of national titles. Thorby, who finished third in the 2023 edition of the Rotorua Marathon, set a magnificent personal-best by more than two-and-a-half minutes to showcase his hugely exciting future. Ben Parker (2:36:34) rounded out the podium in third. “This Rotorua Marathon victory is the one I enjoyed the most. I love having a battle, Cullern was so strong, and it makes it so much more rewarding (to win a race of that nature)," said Voss, who claimed a sixth successive Rotorua Marathon podium and added to his victories in 2020, 2021 and 2022. “I tried to take Cullern at 30km and I opened up a lead. Then he came back, and we kept taking turns at the front. He then got a little bit of a gap, and I thought he had me. I almost settled for second, but my workmates kept me going and then I gave it everything at the end.” Voss took the New Zealand title ahead of Thorby with the bronze medal going to Kyle Bridgeman (New Plymouth Harriers) in 2:39:01. “It was awesome. I was not expecting to stay with Michael, it was great to race him. He is a good guy, it was a great day, perfect conditions. "Since I started running and got out of my party stage, running makes me happy and has been a great release," said Thorby, who only seriously started running two years ago and who like Voss works as a builder. Debbie Donald (Athletics Masterton) claimed an emphatic victory in the women’s marathon to retain her national title in a time of 2:46:30. The 37-year-old mum-of-three forged ahead of Lydia O’Donnell before 10km and marched on to top spot, just seven weeks after recording a lifetime-best of 2:40:39 in the Nagoya Marathon in Japan. “I only made a last-minute decision to come here,” said Donald. “After Nagoya, I competed over the half-marathon in Christchurch, where I finished fourth, and although the time was good, my legs felt a bit off. "I hadn’t done any long runs leading into today and my legs felt a bit zapped by 32km. But I knew the championship was on the line, and I’m pinching myself now.” After taking the lead she told herself not to look back and was rewarded with the race win. “I knew Lydia was a gun runner and she has fast legs too. I just had to keep going. It was so beautiful running around Lake Rotorua. To win the New Zealand title again is so surreal. I hope to come back next year and win a third New Zealand title.” O’Donnell (Night Ninjas), the former national 5000m, 10,000m and half marathon title holder, plugged on gamely to place second and clinch NZ Championship silver in 2:56:39. O’Donnell’s clubmate Kate Macdonald (3:05:15) snared third and the NZ championship bronze medal. On a sun-bathed day in Rotorua, the 60th anniversary edition of the Rotorua Half-Marathon attracted more than 5100 entries but perhaps the most inspirational participant was 100-year-old Colin Thorne, who completed the 5.5km in 1:11:24 alongside his daughter Pauline Dinsdale. Whangarei-based Thorne, who has completed 22 full Rotorua Marathons and is a Parkrun regular, said: “I’m happy to be here, it is a real pleasure to be at the 60th Rotorua Marathon. This race means so much to me I’ve had a wonderful life. I’m humbled to receive the support I have out on the course.” Dave Heine, the winner of the inaugural Rotorua Marathon in 1965, also completed the 5.5km, running a handy time of 46:23. Auckland-based Heine, 82, who presented Voss with his specially designed 60th anniversary Rotorua Marathon medal, said: “I have very fond memories of my time running the Rotorua Marathon and my time with the Rotorua and Harrier club. It always feels good to come back. I was a little bit of accident in history winning that first Rotorua Marathon, but it is nice to come back and be involved.” Jared Schnell edged a close-fought half-marathon in 1:14:39 with Kumiko Otani in 1:24:37 taking out the women’s half-marathon. Casey Thorby, brother of marathon runner-up Cullern, claimed a convincing victory in the 10km in 30:47 with Femmi co-founder Esther Keown clinching the women’s 10km in 37:23. Hayden Shearman, a regular Athletics NZ livestream commentator, proved unstoppable in the 5.5km, taking victory in 21:01.  Mya Needham (25:08) was the first woman across the finish line.

Former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson has been confirmed in the United States squad for June's T20 World Cup. The 33-year-old made his debut for the USA last month, having qualified for the World Cup co-hosts after emigrating to the country. LATEST HEADLINES: Nelson Giants dump more misery on Sharks Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa NZ Breakers snag ex NBA player Jonah Bolden Anderson played 93 times for New Zealand between 2012 and 2018. He played the ODI World Cup (in 2015) and the T20 World Cup (in 2014 and 2016) for the Black Caps and is one of 19 players to have represented two countries in men's T20 cricket. Anderson is arguably most famous for his 2014 innings when he set what was then the world record for the fastest ODI hundred with a 36-ball blitzkrieg against West Indies in Queenstown. The USA are in a group with India, Pakistan, Ireland and Canada at the World Cup - a tournament which begins with a meeting with their North America neighbours on 1 June. New York, Dallas and Lauderhil, Florida will host games in the United States with the other venues in the Caribbean. USA squad Monank Patel (captain), Aaron Jones (vice-captain), Steven Taylor, Corey Anderson, Saurabh Netravalkar, Jessy Singh, Harmeet Singh, Noshtush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Nitish Kumar, Andries Gous, Shayan Jahangir, Ali Khan, Nisarg Patel, Milind Kumar. Reserves: Gajanand Singh, Juanoy Drysdale, Yasir Mohammad.

The Pulse have kept their clean sheet in the opening stages of the ANZ Premiership with their third straight win, while the Steel are now up to 20 consecutive losses. Only a late injury to midcourter Maddy Gordon marred their performance at TSB Arena in Wellington as they netted a 54-46 win over the Southern Steel. LATEST HEADLINES: Blues last-gasp try, Highlanders grind Kerr wins at Diamond League Shanghai Black Caps fall short in fifth T20 v Pakistan Phoenix finish regular season with big win Brumbies end Hurricanes unbeaten run Tall Ferns head to Mexico for WC qualifying Gordon was assisted from the court in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury which upset some of their flow up front, but the hard work done late in the third quarter – at both ends of the court – set the Pulse up for victory. It was again an improved performance from the Steel however and, despite still searching for their first win of the season, they will take the positives. The shooting combination of Grace Namana and Georgia Heffernan causing plenty of early problems for the fancied Pulse duo of Kelly Jackson and Parris Mason. They also got 45 minutes of court time from midcourter Shannon Saunders and a full game from Kate Heffernan, two of their most experienced players who are returning from injury. It was the Pulse set the defensive tone from the outset, pushing the Steel wide and forcing their shooters to put the ball up at range. Navigating the long reach of Jackson was going to be one of the Steel’s biggest asks of the day, the Pulse defender an imposing figure in the circle. The shooter interplay between Georgia Heffernan and Namana did enough to work the ball closer to the post as the Steel went on a four-goal run to lead by three goals. Opening up space on attack, the experience of Saunders and Kate Heffernan helped thread the ball in passed the hands of Jackson and Mason. In contrast, the Pulse looked for the quick feed into Amelia Walmsley with the height advantage over Taneisha Fifita. But errors crept into their attack as the Steel maintained their defensive pressure and the 14-11 scoreline in their favour at the break marked the first quarter the southerners have won this season. Play resumed with a shuffle in the Pulse shooting circle with Walmsley moving out to goal attack and Khiarna Williams picking up the shooter bib. It made an immediate impact for the hosts, but the Pulse continued to struggle to shut down the play of Namana and Georgia Heffernan. A footwork call on Namana gave the Pulse the opportunity to close the gap to just one goal mid-way through the spell. Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola went to her bench with five minutes left in the half injecting goal defence Kelea Iongi into the game. The patience and deception of Saunders’ feed into the attacking circle continued to confuse  the Pulse’s defensive efforts however as the southerners clung to a 27-25 lead at halftime. Having had the better of their opponents in the first half, the big question was whether the Steel, looking to break a 20-game losing streak, could run out the game, knowing two of their most experienced players were on managed minutes. Steel defender Abby Lawson came off the bench to start the third quarter as their front line remained the same. Levelling the scores, the Pulse lifted in intensity with their through court defence while Mason, who returned to play, went low for turnovers around the Steel shooters. It sparked a change in momentum as the hosts turned the tables to go up by three with eight minutes to play. With both teams desperate to get on top, the physicality also lifted and a warning to Fifita forced a change to the Steel defensive line as the Pulse went on a five-goal run to extend their lead to 42-35 heading into the last turn.

The Highlanders have jumped up the Super Rugby points ladder with their fourth, but the Crusaders have fallen short and lost at home against the Reds, It was the first time in 25 years the Queensland side had beaten their opponents in New Zealand The Reds beat the Crusaders 33-28 with determined defence to hold on to what looked set to be another gutting near miss. It was the Reds' first win in the city since Tim Horan, Ben Tune, Toutai Kefu, Daniel Herbert and Nathan Sharpe wore the jersey in 1999 - and just the Crusaders' second loss to an Australian side in Christchurch since 2004. LATEST HEADLINES: After 20 losses Southern Steel finally victorious Corey Anderson to play for USA at World Cup Nelson Giants dump more misery on Sharks Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa The visitors played brilliant rugby to add to their Highlanders and Chiefs triumphs, Tim Ryan's double making it five tries in two Super Rugby Pacific starts for the 20-year-old, and unheralded No.10 Lawson Creighton's kicking game superb. Back from a two-game suspension, flanker McReight showed his class at the breakdown, while backrow partners Liam Wright and Harry Wilson made ground. Victory made it three wins against New Zealand sides this year for the Reds, their only trans-Tasman losses coming via after-the-siren tries to the Hurricanes and Blues. The five-tries-to-four win improved them to 5-5 and put them on the doorstep of the top four. The Crusaders, who have shown vast improvement since an 0-5 start, dropped to 2-8 and lost captain and All Blacks star Scott Barrett to an injury after only 14 minutes. After eight penalties in the first 16 minutes, it was the Reds who opened the scoring through McReight, with fullback Jock Campbell's clean break setting the platform. Four early kicks in behind the Crusaders defence amounted to nothing initially, but eventually created the space for Josh Flook to break down the left wing. Campbell was involved again as winger Ryan finished an 80-metre special. Dallas McLeod got the hosts on the board in the 38th minute but the Reds regained control when prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen scored from a line-out turnover to begin the second half. The Crusaders scored the next two, Quinten Strange's try to level the scores controversially upheld when replays were unable to say conclusively the ball had been held up. Harry Wilson then did it himself, charging down an exit kick and regathering to score a try that stunted the comeback. Ryan earned another when he sped onto Campbell's chip kick, and when Ryan Smith forced a turnover with a defensive play which had the Reds looking good. But Ryan gave away a lineball offensive penalty with the Reds in prime position and Sevu Reece raced off for his 100th first-class try. But the home side couldn't turn one more attack in to points and the scored remained 33-28 Meanwhile in Tonga two tries to fullback Jacob Ratumaivuki-Kneepkens helped the Highlanders beat the home team and the tough conditions too for a 28-17 win in Nuku'alofa. . First-five Cam Millar was a key to the Highlanders success with three penalties in the second half and some controlling play. The result was the first back-to-back wins of the season for the Highlanders , Moana Pasifika prop Abraham Pole next up, charged over to score in the fifth minute, but Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens capitised on a handling error to score a few minutes later for the visitors. Fullback William Havilli gained a try in the 27th minute and kicked a penalty before halftime, however the Highlanders hit back, when Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens put wing Connor Garden-Bachop over in the corner and Millar converted and then Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens crossed himself. At 19-17 ahead starting the second half the Highlanders added a penalty but lost Garden-Bachop, when he chased another chip ahead by Millar, sliding to secure the ball, but colliding heavily with a defender in the process. Millar scored again with another penalty, putting them beyond reach of a converted try and despite a couple more chance the scored remained 28-17. The Highlanders host the Crusaders next Saturday evening. Reds 33 (Fraser McReight try, Tim Ryan 2 tries, Jeff Toomaga-Allen try, Harry Wilson try Harry Wilson Creighton 4 con) Crusaders 28 (Dallas McLeod, Corey Kellow, Quinten Strange, Sevu Reece tries Leigh Halfpenny con, Chay Fihaki 2 con) HT: 14-7' Nuku’alofa: Highlanders 28 (Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 2 tries, Connor Garden-Bachop try Cameron Millar 2 con, 3 pen) Moana Pasifika 17 (Abraham Pole, William Havili tries; Havili con, pen). HT: 19-17.

Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier sits just outside the top-10 at the midway point of the DP World Tour's China Open. Hillier fired seven birdies and four bogeys in a three-under 69 in the second round at the Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen, China on Friday, leaving him in a share of 11th, eight strokes off the lead. LATEST HEADLINES:  Nelson Giants dump more misery on Sharks Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again  NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa  NZ Breakers snag ex NBA player Jonah Bolden The 25-year-old got off to a strong start, with two birdies in his first three holes, before another at the seventh. Back-to-back bogeys at the eighth and ninth barely stalled his round, with three birdies in four holes to start the back-nine. Four-under for the day, Hillier finished with two bogeys in the last four holes, with a seventh birdie in between. Hillier, who hit 9-of-14 fairways and 14-of-18 greens in regulation on Friday, will tee off his third round on Saturday at 12.25pm local time (4.25pm NZ Time). Compatriot Kieran Muir missed the cut by 11 shots after a disaster eight-over 80 in the second round, which featured two birdies, five bogeys, a double-bogey and triple-bogey. He opened with an even-par 72, with six birdies and six bogeys. Meanwhile, on the PGA Tour, Ryan Fox has missed the cut at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament by four strokes after a one-over second round at TPC Craig Ranch in Texas on Friday (Saturday NZ Time). A bogey at the par-five ninth, his final hole, left the 36-year-old in a share of 95th at two-under when he completed his round, two shots below the projected cut-line. In contrast to his opening round three-under 68, which featured five birdies and a double-bogey and had him just five shots off the lead, Fox had just one birdie and two bogeys on day two. The world No 57 has made just five cuts in 10 tournaments on the PGA Tour this year, with just one top-25 finish. At LIV Golf's Singapore tournament, Kiwi pro Danny Lee sits tied for 41st after a one-over 72 in the first round on Friday. Starting at the 10th hole, the 33-year-old made a promising start, with birdies at the 14th and 18th holes, making the turn at two-under. However, back-to-back bogeys came at the second and third, and sixth and seventh, before another birdie at the eighth. Meanwhile, Auckland golfer Kevin Chun has missed the cut at the Asian Tour's Maekyung Open by just one stroke after his second straight one-over 72.

The balanced Nelson Giants had little trouble dealing with the winless Southland Sharks in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Giants had seven players score in double-digits, none with more than 14 points, as a big second quarter propelled them to an 89-79 win over the Sharks at Invercargill's ILT Stadium Southland on Friday night. LATEST HEADLINES:  Hurricanes, Blues secure bonus-point victories Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again First quarter charge leads Rams to NBL victory  NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa  NZ Breakers snag ex NBA player Jonah Bolden NZ Breakers development guard Alex McNaught led the Giants with 14 points (6/9 FG) and five assists, while import centre Theo Akwuba put up a double-double with 10 points (5/10 FG), 10 rebounds and three blocks. Australian forward Dan Grida also had 14 points (4/10 FG, 6/6 FT) and three boards, with captain Sam Dempster scoring 13 points (4/11 FG, 3/9 3pt), three rebounds and four steals off the bench. Tall Blacks forward Dan Fotu contributed 11 points (3/9 FG, 5/5 FT) and two steals, Tom Ingham 11 points (3/3 FG, 3/3 3pt) and Nick Davidson 10 points (4/6 FG). Import guard Kobe Langley had just six points, but added three boards, five assists and three steals. Kiwi big man Callum McRae scored a game-high 21 points (8/14 FG, 5/7 FT) and had a big stat-line, adding 13 rebounds, eight assists and a steal and block. American guard Caleb Asberry managed 15 points (5/14 FG, 3/6 3pt), six rebounds and five assists, and captain Alonzo Burton 13 points (4/10 FG, 3/7 3pt). After a back-and-forth first period, which saw five lead changes, the Giants took control in the second quarter. Trailing by one after the first, the G-Men started with a 7-0 run, then scored nine straight points later in the period, including six from Grida, as part of an overall 24-8 stretch to take a 43-28 lead with 2:50 remaining in the half. The Sharks were able to close that to 10 points by the main break and to four early in the third period, but Nelson responded with an 18-4 run, including triples from Dempster and Ingham, to stretch out by 18 points. The Giants (3-4) complete their 'Deep South Double-header' against the Otago Nuggets (3-3) on Sunday (tip-off 3pm), while the Sharks (0-8) regroup before a tough road double-header against the Franklin Bulls (5-1) and Taranaki Airs (4-2) in Week 7. Nelson Giants 89 (Alex McNaught 14, Dan Grida 14, Sam Dempster 13, Dan Fotu 11, Tom Ingham 11, Nick Davidson 10, Theo Akwuba 10) Southland Sharks 79 (Callum McRae 21, Caleb Asberry 15, Alonzo Burton 13, Marcale Lotts 12). 1Q: 19-20, HT: 47-37, 3Q: 69-55

The Hurricanes and Blues have confirmed their places in the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals with comfortable wins on Friday night. The Canes bounced back from their first defeat of the season to defeat the NSW Waratahs 41-12 at Wellington's Sky Stadium, while the Blues kept pace at the top of the table with a 38-11 victory over the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park. LATEST HEADLINES: Wellington Saints sign up Taane Samuel again First quarter charge leads Rams to NBL victory NZ Under-20s salvage draw with South Africa NZ Breakers snag ex NBA player Jonah Bolden Black Ferns to play Red Roses at Twickenham The Hurricanes dominated, leading 26-0 at halftime, before wing Salesi Rayasi came off the bench for a second-half double and replacement halfback TJ Perenara finished it off by becoming Super Rugby's leading try-scorer with his 63rd in added-time. Perenara picked up from the base of a goal-line ruck and lunged over before Waratahs defenders could react, separating himself from former Canes teammate Julian Savea atop the all-time tries list. Stinging from a first loss of the season last week to the ACT Brumbies, the Hurricanes came out firing. First-half tries to centre Billy Proctor, first-five Brett Cameron, wing Joshua Moorby and No.8 Brayden Iose earned the hosts a virtually unbeatable 26-0 lead at the break. A try-scoring double from electric replacement Rayasi put the issue beyond doubt, despite late second-half tries from Waratahs duo Hugh Sinclair and Vuate Karawalevu. One concern for the Canes was the goal-kicking of Cameron, who converted just three-of-seven tries. An eighth loss of the season leaves the Waratahs languishing in second-last spot on the ladder and needing to string wins together in the closing rounds to have any chance to scrape into the top-eight. Up next, the Hurricanes (9-0-1, 42 points) face the Blues (9-0-1, 41 points) at Eden Park next Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm), while the Waratahs (2-0-8, 12 points) host the Brumbies (7-0-2, 31 points later that day (kick-off 9.35pm NZ Time). The Blues ran away with the game in the last 20 minutes in the bonus-point win, which saw wing Mark Tele'a and reserve lock Sam Darry score doubles. However, it came at a cost, losing Reiko Ioane to a head knock just before halftime, with the All Blacks centre uncertain for next week's showdown with the Canes. Darry came on and scored a double to blow out the scoreline, with the Blues surviving a late yellow card to first-five Harry Plummer. The class difference proved far greater than the standings might suggest, with the Blues running in five tries to one. The Rebels matched the Blues and judging by statistics midway through the second half, should have been on top. But the visitors' ability to take advantage of their opportunities and rock-solid defence proved the difference, delivering an emphatic win in the end, helped by two late tries. Hurricanes 41 (Billy Proctor, Brett Cameron, Josh Moorby, Brayden Iose, Salesi Rayasi 2, TJ Perenara tries; Brett Cameron 3 con) NSW Waratahs 12 (Vuate Karawalevu, Hugh Sinclair tries; Tane Edmed con). HT: 26-0 Blues 38 (Mark Tele'a 2, PJ Sheck, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry 2; Harry Plummer 4 con) Melbourne Rebels 11 (Ryan Louwrens try; Carter Gordon 2 pen). HT: 12-11