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The Taranaki Airs and Franklin Bulls have enhanced their National Basketball League (NBL) top-four credentials. The Airs used a big third quarter to ease to a 116-97 victory over the Nelson Giants in Nelson, while the Bulls built a big early lead, then hold on for an 85-74 win over the Mid-North Whai in Pukekohe on Sunday. LATEST HEADLINES: * Central Pulse win again, Steel hit 21 losses * Blues score last-gasp try, Highlanders grind * Hamish Kerr wins at Diamond League title * Black Caps fall short in fifth T20 vs Pakistan * Evans, Cassidy in Kiwi one-two at Monaco NZ Breakers development player Carlin Davison scored a game-high 26 points (9/13 FG, 3/5 3pt, 5/6 FT) and eight rebounds, while American forward Elijah Minnie had 22 points (9/12 FG, 3/4 3pt). The pair combined for 23 points - Davison 11 points and Minnie 12 points, both off the bench - as the Airs pulled away with a 36-point third period, turning a seven-point game at halftime into a blowout. Australian forward Sam Froling put up 21 points (7/11 FG, 7/11 FT), seven rebounds and three assists, while Kiwi guard Derone Raukawa had 12 points (4/7 FG, 2/5 3pt), Mitchell McCarron 11 points (3/5 FG, 4/4 FT), six boards and eight assists, Quintin Bailey 10 points (4/5 FG), and Flynn Cameron nine points, eight assists and two steals. The Giants had three main contributors - American guard Kobe Langley, Kiwi forward Dan Fotu and Australian forward Dan Grida. Langley had 24 points (10/16 FG, 4/7 3pt), six assists and five steals, Fotu 23 points (10/14 FG) and five rebounds, and Grida 22 points (9/19 FG, 2/4 3pt), six boards and two steals. Alex McNaught added 14 points (4/7 FG, 4/6 3pt) and four assists, and Sam Dempster 10 points (3/6 FG, 3/5 3pt). The Airs (4-2) return to New Plymouth for a top-four clash with the Bulls (5-1) on Saturday (tip-off 4pm), while the Giants (2-4) head south for the Deep South double-header, starting with the Southland Sharks (0-7) on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). The Bulls rebounded from their first loss of the season, building a 14-point lead after the first quarter, and held on despite some nervous moments in the fourth quarter when the Whai cut their lead to three. Kiwi big man Sam Timmins was the best for the Bulls, finishing with a double-double of 23 points (7/11 FG, 9/9 FT), 11 rebounds and two blocks, while import forward Luther Muhammad had 22 points (8/15 FG, 6/6 FT) and six boards. Of the other double-digit scorers, Isaac Davidson provided 11 points (4/8 FG, 3/7 3pt) and five rebounds off the bench, Josh Scott 10 points (4/6 FG) and five assists, and Jarrell Brantley 10 points (4/7 FG) and three steals. The Whai had four players in double figures, led by Phil Carr's 19 points (9/18 FG), six rebounds and two blocks, but got just nine points from the rest of the lineup. Fellow American Vance Jackson Jr finished with 18 points (7/13 FG, 3/6 3pt) and seven boards, Tall Blacks guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt 17 points (5/16 FG, 4/11 3pt) and two steals, and import guard Demarcus Holland 11 points (4/5 FG) and five assists. The Bulls are away to the Airs on Saturday, while the first-year Whai (2-4) will look to regroup against the Bay Hawks (2-3) in Napier on Wednesday (tip-off 7.30pm). Taranaki Airs 116 (Carlin Davison 26, Elijah Minnie 22, Sam Froling 21, Derone Raukawa 12, Mitch McCarron 11, Quintin Bailey 10) Nelson Giants 97 (Kobe Langley 24, Dan Fotu 23, Dan Grida 22, Alex McNaught 14, Sam Dempster 10). 1Q: 34-25, HT: 59-52, 3Q: 95-74 Franklin Bulls 85 (Sam Timmins 23, Luther Muhammad 22, Isaac Davidson 11, Josh Scott 10, Jarrell Brantley 10) Mid-North Whai 74 (Phil Carr 19, Vance Jackson Jr 18, Kruz Perrott-Hunt 17, Demarcus Holland 11). 1Q: 29-15, HT: 48-36, 3Q: 62-52

The Black Caps have fallen short by nine runs in the fifth and final T20 in Pakistan to leave the five-match series squared 2-2. The game went down to the final over with the visitors requiring 12 runs to win but seeing Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke both run out and side dismissed for 169 chasing 178-5 set by Pakistan. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix finish regular season with big win Brumbies end Hurricanes unbeaten run Tall Ferns head to Mexico for WC qualifying Tall Ferns star Leger-Walker to UCLA Bruins Crusaders crush Rebels, Chiefs top Waratahs New Zealand were in the contest thanks to opener Tim Seifert raced to 52 off 33 balls while Josh Clarkson made 38 from 26 including two sixes and three fours. Other major contributors were Michael Bracewell with 23, James Neesham 16 and Mark Chapman 12. However the Black Caps struggled through the middle stages of their innings with legspinner Usama Mir (2-21) bowled Seifert and seamer Shaheen Afridi (4-30) took wickets. Earlier, paceman O'Rourke was the pick of the New Zealand attack for a second straight game, taking 1-25 from four overs, with Ish Sodhi (1-30) and Zakary Foulkes (1-35) in support. Pakistan captain Babar Azam had the innings of the match with 69 off 44 balls but New Zealand bowled well over the second half of the innings to keep the total in check. The series was drawn overall after the first game was rained out. The home team won the next game followed by two wins for New Zealand and Pakistan taking the contest this morning. The Black Caps squad for the Twenty20 World Cup is announced on Monday.

The New Zealand Tall Ferns now know where their journey to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup begins. Following Thursday's (Friday NZ Time) draw for the first-ever FIBA Women's World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournaments in August, the Tall Ferns learned they will head to Mexico City, Mexico. LATEST HEADLINES:   * Tall Ferns star Leger-Walker to UCLA Bruins * Crusaders crush Rebels, Chiefs top Waratahs * Taranaki Airs pull away late from Whai in NBL * NZ White Sox squad named for Canada Cup * Black Caps take 2-1 series lead over Pakistan With the draw determining both group opponents and tournament locations for all 16 teams competing, New Zealand landed in Group B alongside hosts Mexico, Montenegro and Mozambique for the tournament from August 19-25. The top-two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals of each tournament, with the two tournament winners advancing to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in 2026, alongside 22 other countries. In total, 16 nations will punch their tickets through the 1ualifying tournaments in 2026 and compete at the pinnacle event for women's basketball in Berlin, Germany from September 4-13, 2026. This will be the first time that the Tall Ferns have played in Mexico, and Paul Downes, Basketball New Zealand's general manager of high performance, said it was an exciting challenge for the team as it transitions into a new era. This will be our first FIBA tournament without head coach Guy Molloy at the helm, so we’ll look to work hard and play to our strengths to secure a ticket to the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in 2026,” said Downes. “We know that Mexico in particular will be a challenging opponent, as they will have a passionate crowd behind them, but we have a young and talented core of athletes in our programme who are up for this challenge. They know how important this tournament is for our World Cup ambitions.” The Tall Ferns will announce their squad of 12 for the Pre-Qualifying Tournament in the coming months. The Tall Ferns, who will be without star guard Charlisse Leger-Walker as she recovers from a major knee injury, will also have a chance to qualify for a World Cup Qualifying Tournament at the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China from July 13-20, 2025, with the top-six finishers advancing.

The Auckland Tuatara and Canterbury Rams made light work of their opponents in the latest National Basketball League (NBL) action. The Tuatara overcame a poor first quarter to deal with the Manawatu Jets 98-79 in Palmerston North, while the Rams built a lead early and never looked back in an 87-65 win in Invercargill on Saturday night. LATEST HEADLINES:   * Tall Ferns head to Mexico for WC qualifying * Crusaders crush Rebels, Chiefs top Waratahs * Tall Ferns star Leger-Walker to UCLA Bruins  * Taranaki Airs pull away late from Whai in NBL * NZ White Sox squad named for Canada Cup Former Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster and Australian Cam Gliddon produced similar stat-lines for the Tuatara. Webster scored a game-high 22 points (9/19 FG, 4/11 3pt), five rebounds and five assists, and Gliddon 21 points (7/13 FG, 6/10 3pt), five boards and five dimes. Tom Vodanovich put up 19 points (7/13 FG, 3/8 3pt), while last year's league MVP Rob Loe came up just short of another double-double, finishing with 18 points (7/18 FG, 4/5 FT), nine rebounds and four assists. American forward Troy Baxter Jr led the Jets with 21 points (7/14 FG, 4/10 3pt) and eight boards, while fellow import Mustapha Heron managed 20 points (8/22 FG), eight rebounds and four assists. Young Kiwis Campbell Scott and Liam Judd also made contributions, with Scott putting up 16 points (6/16 FG), nine boards and four assists, and Judd 16 points (6/9 FG, 4/6 3pt). Manawatu's lack of depth was on display, with no points off the bench. The Jets shot out of the gate, scoring 32 points in the first quarter to build a 15-point lead. However, the Tuatara clamped down, allowing just 25 points in the second and third periods, turning the deficit into a seven-point lead by halftime and 20 points entering the fourth. The Tuatara (6-2) host the Bay Hawks (2-3) in Auckland next Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Jets (1-6) are at home again next Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm) for the league-leading Wellington Saints (5-1). All five Rams starters scored in double-digits at Stadium Southland, led by American forward Kenyon Buffin Jr's 24 points (9/17 FG, 4/10 3pt), eight boards and three steals) and Australian centre Lachlan Olbrich's 19 points (7/18 FG, 5/7 FT) and a monster 20 rebounds. Tall Blacks guard Taylor Britt had 14 points (6/8 FG), eight assists and three steals, Kiwi forward Walter Brown 14 points (7/9 FG) and seven boards, and James Walker Jr 10 points (4/19 FG, 2/11 3pt). Captain Alonzo Burton led the Sharks with 19 points (7/9 FG, 5/7 3pt) and two steals off the bench, while Callum McRae had a big double-double with 16 points (7/18 FG), 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, and American guard Caleb Asberry 14 points (5/13 FG, 3/4 FT), eight boards and six assists. Canterbury led by 10 after the first period, by 17 early in the second and 20 by halftime. Southland's best stretch came in the third quarter, as Burton connected on four triples in a 13-0 run to cut the lead to 12 points. The Rams (4-2) head back to Christchurch to welcome the Otago Nuggets (3-2) on Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Sharks (0-7) will chase their first win against the Nelson Giants (2-4) at home on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm). Auckland Tuatara 98 (Corey Webster 22, Cam Gliddon 20, Tom Vodanovich 19, Rob Loe 18) Manawatu Jets 79 (Troy Baxter Jr 21, Mustapha Heron 20, Liam Judd 16, Campbell Scott 16). 1Q: 17-32, HT: 48-41, 3Q: 77-57 Canterbury Rams 87 (Kenyon Buffin Jr 24, Lachlan Olbrich 19, Taylor Britt 14, Walter Brown 14, James Walker Jr 10) Southland Sharks 65 (Alonzo Burton 19, Callum McRae 16, Caleb Asberry 14). 1Q: 21-11, HT: 43-23, 3Q: 63-49

The Crusaders have moved from 12th and last on the points ladder to ninth and looking much more assured as they demolished the Melbourne Rebels 39-nil. The fourth-ranked Rebels had won their previous three games, but were given a harsh reminder of the difficulties of winning games in New Zealand. Their scrum was completely decimated in the first half, to the point that coach Kevin Foote replaced the entire front row before the break. LATEST HEADLINES: Taranaki Airs pull away from Whai in NBL Black Caps take series lead over Pakistan Saints, Rams, Tuatara pick up big NBL wins NZ Breakers add veteran guard McCarron Warriors beaten by Titans as season stall Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi and Sam Talakai were hooked on the half-hour after a shift that saw them concede three penalties and lose multiple scrums against their own feed, including one where the Crusaders drove them back into their own in-goal. The bench group - including Wallabies talents Taniela Tupou and Jordan Uelese - solidified things in the short term, but were eventually worn down by the hosts' power. Talakai conceded it had been an embarrassing night. Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Wllie and flanker Cullen Grace put their side 10-0 clear within 17 minutes, but the floodgates really opened late with three second-half tries against a broken Rebels outfit. Things could have been different if Rebels forward Josh Kemeny had grounded a short-range effort on the stroke of halftime, but he lost control of the ball diving for the line in what was a chance to pull them to within a single score while trailing 10-0. Instead the Crusaders resumed their dominance after the break, Lio-Willie powering over for a second, before Rivez Reihana knocked over a penalty to put them 18-0 clear on 50 minutes. Evergreen prop Owen Franks scored his first Super Rugby try since 2010 while Sevu Reece and Johnny McNicholl crossed late. Next week, the Crusaders (2-0-6, 12 points) host the Queensland Reds (4-0-4, 22 points) in Christchurch next Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm), while the Rebels are at home to the Blues (7-0-1, 32 points) on Friday (kick-off 9.35pm NZ Time). Meanwhile the Chiefs beat the Waratahs 38-22 in Sydney after being down 0-12 early on, but then put on five consecutive tries to take control. Discipline helped NSW take control early, they made too many errors in the second period as the Chiefs' Damian McKenzie found sizzling touch and helped his side take control via midfield domination. The Waratahs have only won twice this season - both times against the Crusaders - but could have moved into the top eight with a victory on Friday night. Three Chiefs tries in the 20 minutes after halftime effectively locked in the points. First McKenzie put winger Emoni Narawa away, then halfback Cortez Ratima exploited sloppy defending soon after, before a bruising run from No.8 Wallace Sititi split the NSW line. Lachie Swinton dragged a try back to give the Waratahs some late hope, before Chiefs counterpart Kaylum Boshier flashed serious pace to snuff that completely. After initially being down the Chiefs struck back through fullback Shaun Stevenson - who injured his hamstring in scoring -  before a superb lofted ball from McKenzie put Narawa in. Chiefs winger Etene Nanai-Seturo also served 10 minutes off the field for a high shot on Mark Nawaqanitawase, although questions were asked of referee Way's non-call on a brutal late hit Samipeni Finau put on Tane Edmed. In Round 11, the Chiefs (6-0-3, 28 points) host the Western Force (2-0-6, nine points) at Hamilton's FMG Stadium Waikato next Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm), while the Waratahs travel to Wellington to face the undefeated Hurricanes (8-0-0, 37 points) on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm). Crusaders 39 (Christian Lio-Willie 2, Cullen Grace, Owen Franks, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con, pen) Melbourne Rebels 0. HT: 10-0 Chiefs 38 (Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa 2, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Lachlan Boshier tries; Damian McKenzie 4 con) NSW Waratahs 22 (Julian Heaven, Jake Gordon, Lachlan Swinton tries; Tane Edmed con, pen, Will Harrison con). HT: 12-12

New Zealand basketball star Charlisse Leger-Walker has committed to UCLA for the next college season. The Tall Fern and former Washington State guard will now play for the team nicknamed the Bruins. LATEST HEADLINES: Crusaders crush Rebels, Chiefs top Waratahs Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish NZ Warriors snatch Jett Cleary from Panthers Leger-Walker was regarded as arguably the best player ever to play for the WSU leading them to three straight NCAA tournaments and win the school's first Pac-12 women's title in any sport in the 2022-23 season. Leger-Walker who averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds is expected to add a physical presence to the Bruins who reach the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament this season. She was the youngest player to suit up for the New Zealand Tall Ferns at the age of 16. The 22-year-old from the Waikato was a likely WNBA draft pick prior to a knee injury this year.

In a classic 'game of two halves', the Taranaki Airs overcame the Mid-North Whai in the National Basketball League (NBL). Trailing for the entire first half, the Airs pulled away for a comfortable 89-74 win at Tauranga's Mercury Baypark Arena on Friday night, lifting them to 3-2 and into the league's top-four. LATEST HEADLINES:     * Black Caps take series lead over Pakistan * Big trans-Tasman matches in Super Rugby * Saints, Rams, Tuatara pick up big NBL wins * NZ Breakers add veteran guard McCarron * Warriors beaten by Titans as season stall Australian forward Sam Froling continued his dominance, with a game-high 24 points (12/17 FG) and 10 rebounds, while three others scored in double-digits for the visitors, who shot 53 percent from the field. Tall Blacks guard Flynn Cameron added 15 points (5/12 FG, 2/7 3pt, 3/4 FT), four rebounds and two assists, American forward Elijah Minnie 13 points (5/8 FG, 2/4 3pt), eight boards and two blocks, and Tobias Cameron 10 points (2/4 FG, 2/4 3pt, 4/6 FT). New NZ Breakers signing Mitch McCarron had just four points, but also five boards, seven assists and two steals, and Breakers development player Carlin Davison nine points and six rebounds. The Whai's offence was largely held in check by the Airs, with American forward Vance Jackson Jr top-scoring with 17 points (6/16 FG, 4/4 FT) and six rebounds, and Tall Blacks guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt contributing 15 points (7/12 FG) and seven boards. Former 3x3 Tall Blacks guard Jayden Bezzant put up 12 points (5/12 FG, 2/5 3pt), American big man Phil Carr 11 points (2/13 FG, 2/8 3pt, 5/8 FT), 13 boards and two steals, and Te Tuhi Lewis nine points. The Whai never trailed in the first half, leading by as many as nine points late in the first quarter before the Airs closed the gap to one by halftime. After seven lead changes in the third period, the Airs started to pull away late in the quarter with an 8-0 run, sparked by six points from Tobias Cameron, to go up 66-57 with a minute remaining. With a rebounding advantage and seemingly scoring at will from close-range - shooting 75 percent (25-of-33) inside the arc - the Airs put the game away with eight straight points, including two triples from Flynn Cameron, to stretch the lead to 16 points. The Airs (3-2) head from Tauranga to Nelson to face the Nelson Giants (2-2) at the Trafalgar Centre on Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm), while the Whai travel to Pukekohe to take on the Franklin Bulls (4-1) earlier in the day (tip-off 3pm). Taranaki Airs 89 (Sam Froling 24, Flynn Cameron 15, Elijah Minnie 13, Tobias Cameron 10) Mid-North Whai 74 (Vance Jackson Jr 17, Kruz Perrott-Hunt 15, Jayden Bezzant 12, Phil Carr 11). 1Q: 21-28, HT: 44-45, 3Q: 66-60

Super Rugby Pacific Round 10 gets underway with a few big games as Australian teams are in competitive positions against their New Zealand rivals. The Hurricanes and Blues look like they will continue at the top of the table but the for other New Zealand sides, including the Crusaders, nothing is certain. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps take 2-1 series lead v Pakistan Tuatara, Saints and Rams pick up NBL wins Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish NZ Warriors snatch Jett Cleary from Panthers Crusaders vs Melbourne Rebels Friday, 7.05pm; Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Can the run of losses stop with a couple of big names returning to the side? Out since breaking his finger against the Fijian Drua in round three, captain Scott Barrett will start against while David Havili will come off the bench and cover both No 10 and the midfield. Havili hasn’t played since round five against the Blues, and could bring some important Stability in the midfield which has been missing.. Johnny McNicholl starts at fullback which moves Chay Fihaki to the bench while flanker Tom Christie gets a well-earned rest and Ethan Blackadder moves to open side with Cullen Grace blindside and Christian Lio-Willie at No 8. Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Heremaia Murray, Rivez Reihana, Mitchell Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Brodie McAlister, George Bower. Reserves: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Chay Fihaki Chiefs vs NSW Waratahs Friday, 9.35pm (NZ time); Allianz Stadium, Sydney Kaylum Boshier will captain the Chiefs in the absence of the injured Luke Jacobson against the Waratahs in an important game for the Waikato-based side. Boshier, who took Taranaki to the NPC crown last year combines with Samipeni Finau and No 8 Wallace Sititi in the loose forwards. The Chiefs are coming off the break and probably haven't risen to the peak many supporters would have thought. The Chiefs backline has a real international look to it, but will require good ball away from home against a difficult Waratahs side who have an 8-5 winning record. Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Kaylum Boshier (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Jimmy Tupou, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea Hurricanes vs ACT Brumbies Saturday, 4.35pm (NZT); GIO Stadium, Canberra Strangely the Hurricanes have not won in Canberra since 2017 and could face backlash after the Brumbies were well beaten at Eden Park last week. Ruben Love returns at fullback as the Canes side continues to look solid across the field and tries to maintain its unbeaten record for the season. Can they go they go 9-0 for the season so far? Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields (c), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, James O’Reilly, Xavier Numia; Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Ben Grant, Peter Lakai, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan Highlanders vs Western Force Saturday, 7.05pm; Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin After their beat down last week the Highlanders have decided to name arguably their strongest available side. The forwards are strong with Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea in the middle row and the backs look solid. Despite the unlikeliness of making the extended playoffs this game is crucial for the Highlanders as they need to prove themselves to their supporters and themselves into the halfway stage of the season. Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai,. Tanielu Tele’a, Jake Te Hiwi, Connor Garden-Bachop, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’ui, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogado Queensland Reds vs Blues Saturday 9.35pm (NZT): Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane The Blues have had a great defensive record over their last five games and look to be in form, although it's the Reds that hold an 8-6 advantage in Queensland, with another match drawn. Mark Tele'a is on the wing, but Caleb Clarke gets some time on the bench while Patrick Tuipulotu captains the side as the loose forwards juggle positions with Akira Ioane out on maternity leave. Blues: Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Mark Tele’a, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Angus Ta’avao, Soane Vikena, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Lachlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke

Softball NZ has confirmed the 16-player women's White Sox team to compete in the Canada Cup in Vancouver in July. The selected players under the guidance of head coach Donny Hale will be up against a wide range of nations with the tournament won by Japan last year. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps take series lead over Pakistan Big trans-Tasman games in Super Rugby Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish Auckland has the largest number of players with five, Hutt Valley four, Canterbury three players and North Harbour, Hawkes Bay and Wellington one each. American-based player in Denva Shaw-Tait who originally hails from Hutt Valley is at the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. Shaw-Tait is the grand daughter and daughter of former White Sox captains Naomi Shaw and Kiri Shaw-Tait. There are a number of experienced players in the side such Auckland's Otahuhu Club pitcher Loran Parker, Pania Monk, Pallas Porter and Lucy McIntyre who are a number of players to have represented New Zealand at senior and junior level over many years. At the last WSBC rankings at the end of 2023 the New Zealand White Sox were ranked 32nd overall. The White Sox depart New Zealand on June 25 for Vancouver, where they will compete in the Canada Cup Women’s International Fastpitch tournament from July 1 - 7. WHITE SOX SQUAD Loran Parker (Auckland), Amy Begg (Canterbury), Brittany Terry (Canterbury), Pania Monk (Auckland), Charlotte Graham (North Harbour), Emma Francis (Wellington), Otila Tavite (Hutt Valley), Kiara Taimai (Auckland), Lucy McIntyre (Canterbury), Kiri Winiata-Enoka (Hutt Valley), Lace Tangianau (Hutt Valley), Pallas Potter (Hutt Valley), Erin Blackmore (Hawke's Bay), Meeki Cooper-Nicola (Auckland), Beth Reid (Auckland), Denva Shaw-Tait (USA college) (Two additional travelling reserve athletes, and five non-travelling reserve players to be added to the squad in the coming weeks) Coach - Donny Hale; manager - Kylie Dalton; assistant manager - Aimee Russell; assistant coach (outfield specialist) - Zavana Aranga; battery coach - Suzy de Lautor

Even the biggest fans wouldn't have considered a weakened Black Caps team could take an unassailable lead in the T20 series with a game to play. In the fourth game of the five match series the New Zealand side scored a four run win over Pakistan in Lahore to take a 2-1 lead with the final game on Sunday morning. LATEST HEADLINES: Tuatara, Saints and Rams pick up NBL wins Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish NZ Warriors snatch Jett Cleary from Panthers Batting first the visitors reached 178-7 in their 20 overs with Pakistan finishing on 174-8 Tim Robinson and Tom Blundell put on 56 for the opening wicket with 21-year-old Robinson finishing on 51 from 36 balls Blundell made 28, with first drop Dean Foxcroft added 34 which included three sixes. Mark Chapman made eight, James Neesham 11 and captain Michael Bracewell 27. Pace bowler Abbas Afridi took three wickets for Pakistan for 20 runs in three overs. In reply, Pakistan lost regular wickets with pace bowlers Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears doing most of the damage. Pakistan struggled to form partnerships and needed 18 off the final over where Neesham took a wicket second ball and kept it tight. Fakhar Zaman top scored with 61., while three other players reached the 20's but couldn't go on. O'Rourke had figures of 3-27 from his four overs while Sears had 2-27. Other wicket takers were Neesham and Bracewell while there was a run out featuring Neessham and Jacob Duffy. The first match of the series was washed out, Pakistan won the second by seven wickets and New Zealand won the third by seven wickets. .

The Wellington Saints have moved to the top of the National Basketball League (NBL) standings after a close Anzac Day win. The Saints improved to 5-1 with a 111-104 home win over the Bay Hawks at Wellington's TSB Arena on Thursday night, while the defending champion Canterbury Rams topped the Otago Nuggets 96-81 in Dunedin and the Auckland Tuatara claimed the first 'Battle in the North' over the Franklin Bulls 92-74. LATEST HEADLINES:  * Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron * NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls   * Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish   * NZ Warriors snatch Jett Cleary from Panthers   * Canoe sprint team aiming for Olympic medals Tall Blacks forward Tohi Smith-Milner led the Capital side with 24 points (7/15 FG, 3/10 3pt, 7/10 FT), 13 rebounds and four assists, while national teammate Izayah Le'afa posted 23 points (8/18 FG, 4/13 3pt), six assists and three steals. Australian guard Ben Ayre chimed in with 22 points (8/14 FG, 2/4 3pt), five boards and four assists, Lat Mayen 20 points (9/20 FG), seven rebounds and two blocks, and import Malik Benlevi 14 points (4/7 FG, 3/4 3pt) and two steals off the bench. American guard Isaiah Moore stuff the stat-sheet for the Hawks, dropping a game-high 35 points (15/24 FG, 3/5 3pt), five boards, seven assists and two steals, supported by Australian guard Keanu Rasmussen, with 24 points (10/18 FG, 4/9 3pt) and 10 boards. Tall Blacks forward Jordan Ngatai contributed 20 points (7/15 FG, 3/9 3pt), five rebounds and three steals, while Lucas Sutherland had 15 points (6/14 FG, 2/5 3pt). After a first period that featured five lead changes, the Saints built a nine-point lead midway through the second quarter. The Hawks pulled it back to a three-point game by halftime and then took the lead with the first five points of the third period. However, the Saints answered with 15 straight points, including two triples from Le'afa to take a 70-57 lead. Behind the play of Rasmussen, the visitors fought all the back to take a 92-91 lead with 5:45 remaining in the game, but the Saints outscored the Hawks 20-12 on the run home. The Saints (5-1) have an extended period off before facing the Manawatu Jets (1-5) in Palmerston North on May 5, while the Hawks (2-3) host the Mid-North Whai (2-2) in Napier on Wednesday (tip-off 7.30pm). The Rams moved into the top-four at Dunedin's Edgar Centre on Anzac Day afternoon in a game they took control of late in the first quarter with a 12-0 run. American forward James Walker Jr scored a game-high 29 points (9/17 FG, 5/9 3pt, 6/6 FT) for the Rams, while Australian big man Lachlan Olbrich posted 21 points (10/14 FG), nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Import forward Kenyon Buffin Jr recorded a double-double, with 11 points (4/10 FG) and 10 boards, while Tall Blacks forward Taki Fahrensohn managed 10 points (4/6 FG, 2/3 3pt) off the bench and Walter Brown seven points and 13 rebounds. For the Nuggets, American forward Kimani Lawrence had a team-high 19 points (7/18 FG, 5/12 FT), with 11 boards and two steals, Australian guard Ben Henshall 15 points (3/12 FG, 3/8 3pt, 6/7 FT), four boards and two steals, and Kiwi centre Jack Andrew 10 points (4/6 FG) and four rebounds. The Rams (3-2) complete their Deep South double-header against the Southland Sharks (0-6) on Saturday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Nuggets (3-2) travel to Christchurch to face the Rams next Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm). The Tuatara became the first team to five wins this season on Wednesday night at Eventfinda Stadium, powering away in the second half, outscoring the Bulls 44-27. Last season's MVP Rob Loe paced the Tuatara with 22 points (6/10 FG, 2/4 3pt, 8/12 FT), 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Tom Vodanovich had 20 points (4/8 FG, 3/6 3pt, 9/13 FT), and six boards. Former Tall Black Corey Webster put up 19 points (6/18 FG, 7/8 FT) and 11 assists, while Reuben Te Rangi had 12 points (4/7 FG, 2/3 3pt) and Cam Gliddon 12 points (4/13 FG, 2/8 3pt), 10 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. The Bulls got 17 points (5/13 FG, 6/7 FT) from import Luther Muhammad, 16 points (7/12 FG, 2/6 3pt), four boards, two steals and two blocks from Jarrell Brantley, and 15 points (7/19 FG) and five assists from guard Josh Scott. The Tuatara (5-2) are back on the court on Saturday (tip-off 4pm) against the Jets (1-5), while the Bulls (4-1) will look to get back in the win column at home to the Whai (2-2) on Sunday (tip-off 3pm). Wellington Saints 111 (Tohi Smith-Milner 24, Izayah Le'afa 23, Ben Ayre 22, Lat Mayen 20, Malik Benlevi 14) Bay Hawks 104 (Isaiah Moore 35, Keanu Rasmussen 24, Jordan Ngatai 20, Lucas Sutherland 15). 1Q: 31-31, HT: 55-52, 3Q: 81-77 Canterbury Rams 96 (James Walker Jr 29, Lachlan Olbrich 21, Kenyon Buffin Jr 11, Taki Fahrensohn 10) Otago Nuggets 81 (Kimani Lawrence 19, Ben Henshall 15, Matthew Bardsley 10, Jack Andrew 10). 1Q: 22-18, HT: 42-33, 3Q: 70-53 Auckland Tuatara 92 (Rob Loe 22, Tom Vodanovich 20, Corey Webster 19, Cam Gliddon 12, Reuben Te Rangi 12) Franklin Bulls 74 (Luther Muhammad 17, Jarrell Brantley 16, Josh Scott 15). 1Q: 23-23, HT: 48-47, 3Q: 73-65

Head coach Leyton Haddleton has named a strong Emerging Junior Tall Blacks squad for the upcoming FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Istanbul, Turkiye. The roster of 12 includes 11 players returning from the team that finished runners-up at last year's FIBA Under-16 Asia Championship and 11 players currently part of National Basketball League (NBL) wider squads. LATEST HEADLINES:  * Breakers add veteran guard Mitch McCarron * NZ Warriors beaten by Titans as season stalls * Scott McLaughlin loses IndyCar podium finish * NZ Warriors snatch Jett Cleary from Panthers * Canoe sprint team aiming for Olympic medals The side, which features players from nine different associations, is headlined by the promising trio of Oscar Goodman, Hayden Jones and Lachlan Crate. Goodman returns after being named MVP of the U-16 Asia tournament, with the 6-foot-7 forward averaging 14 points and a team-leading 8.3 rebounds over five games, while dominating the competition with his strength and athleticism. Jones, the son of Tall Blacks legend Phill Jones who averaged 12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and a team-leading 4.3 assists in Qatar, is back after suiting up for the Tall Blacks against Hong Kong at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in February, scoring seven points in his senior national team debut. And Crate, who led New Zealand in scoring (15.2 points) and steals (2.0) at the Asia Championship, is another welcome return to a talented young squad. The sole new addition to the team is Jackson Kiss; a talented 6-foot-7 athlete out of Auckland Grammar, who will make his debut national team appearance. Goodman is the only player not training with an NBL team, due to being based at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, although he played for Taranaki Airs in 2023. Four players - Kiss, Gus Dallow, Jameer Reed and Hunter Te Ratana - are with the Auckland Tuatara; Jones and James Matthews with the Nelson Giants, and Ihaka Cate and Mana Martin with the Canterbury Rams. Crate has been with the Manawatu Jets for several years, while Troy Plumtree is part of the Wellington Saints and Jackson Ball with the Bay Hawks. Haddleton, who will be assisted by Darron Larsen and Greg Brockbank (replacing Jason Crummer), said his squad would employ the typical ‘Kiwi brand’ of toughness, flexibility and basketball IQ to be successful at World Cup level. “With the makeup of this team our athletes are interchangeable across the group; that’s one of our strengths is that we’re skilled and athletic across the squad – and that can make us tough to guard,” said Haddleton. “We need to play that way as we don’t have any seven footers on our team, so we use our athleticism, skills and basketball IQ to our advantage – it’s a Kiwi trait that we fully embody with this squad. The strength of our team is our team; I feel like any person that starts or comes off the bench can contribute. “We also have complete buy-in and everybody does what they need to do for the team; no-one goes out there thinking ‘I’m the guy who needs to get 30 points’, we’re not built like that – we do things by committee and focus on getting the win.” The FIBA U-17 World Cup is the culmination of a three-year cycle for Basketball New Zealand’s U-17 programme, which began in 2022 when the under-15 team finished second at the FIBA U-15 Oceania Championship in Guam. That earned them a spot at the U-16 tournament in Qatar, where they went 5-1, losing 79-76 to the three-peat champion Australia Crocs in a back-and-forth final, with Jones scoring a game-high 31 points. The team will travel to Istanbul, Türkiye in mid-June for a pre-World Cup friendly tournament, prior to their World Cup opener on June 29. New Zealand will face hosts Türkiye on day one, followed by games against Argentina and Italy on days two and four. They then move onto a Round of 16 that features crossover play against the other pools, with the winner progressing to the quarterfinals. Haddleton said a top-eight finish was the initial goal at the pinnacle event. “When you look at what’s happened in the past with our age=group campaigns in a World Cup setting, it’s been difficult to secure a top-10 finish. So the goal is to set ourselves up through pool play to win the crossover [in the Round of 16], that means we’re top eight. And when you get to the top-eight, anything can happen. “We play host Türkiye in our first game, which is a great way to start our campaign. It’ll be a prime-time game on the first day so we’ll expect a good crowd. "Our challenge is to get our campaign off on the right foot, to perform when the energy of that Türkiye home crowd is against us. If we can get through the first game, then we’re on the right track.” EMERGING JUNIOR TALL BLACKS SQUAD Jackson Ball (Hawke's Bay/Bay Hawks) Ihaka Cate (Canterbury/Canterbury Rams) Lachlan Crate (Manawatu/Manawatu Jets) Gus Dallow (Harbour/Auckland Tuatara) Oscar Goodman (Taranaki/NBA Global Academy) Hayden Jones (Nelson/Nelson Giants) Jackson Kiss (Auckland/Auckland Tuatara) Mana Martin (Canterbury/Canterbury Rams) James Matthews (Nelson/Nelson Giants) Troy Plumtree (Wellington/Wellington Saints) Jameer Reed (Harbour/Auckland Tuatara) Hunter Te Ratana (Waitakere West Auckland/Auckland Tuatara) EMERGING JUNIOR TALL BLACKS SCHEDULE FIBA Under-17 World Cup, Istanbul, Turkiye June 29: vs Turkey (time TBC) June 30: vs Argentina (time TBC) July 2: vs Italy (time TBC) July 3: Round of 16 (time TBC) July 5: Quarterfinals/Classification Rounds July 6: Semifinals/Classification Rounds July 7: Finals/Classification Rounds