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Kane Follows has beaten Paris Olympics qualification time and a national record at the New Zealand Swimming Championships. Follows' 200m backstroke at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatics Centre on Friday night started well with a first first hundred, a good turn on the final lap and a finishing time of 1 minutes 57.13 seconds to break a 12-year-old New Zealand record. LATEST HEADLINES:  * Surman header takes Phoenix back to top * Tahs steal golden-point win over Crusaders   * Gray, Leslie swim Paris 2024 qualifying times * Two more out of Black Caps' Pakistan tour   * Fox in lead early at The Masters, four back “This has been a grind, I’ve missed a lot of teams but I’ve stuck at it, I’ve given so much to the sport and it feels so good to get this result,” said Follows. “Sport is a lot of ups and downs but it’s all worth it for this feeling, I’ve really enjoyed this week, racing with my mates and this is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” In the evening’s other races, Helena Gasson had a crack at the Paris Olympic time in the women’s 200m backstroke, swimming a fast second-100m to set a huge personal best in 2:11.03, just 0.6 seconds outside the Olympic qualifying mark. Another big personal-best followed in the women’s 100m freestyle, with Laticia-Leigh Transom pipping Erika Fairweather in 53.94 seconds. Paralympian Lili-Fox Mason then continued her great meet, taking the women’s 100m freestyle multi-class title in 1:09.16. Lewis Clareburt picked up another national title in what has been a busy week for the Tokyo Olympian, winning the men’s 200m butterfly in 1:57.05. Clareburt’s time was so hot it appeared to set off the fire alarm, resulting in a delay, after which Neve Tassicker won the women’s 200m butterfly in 2:18.68. Ian Chen (SB19), Joshua Willmer (SB8) and Joseph Blake (SB18) then all set New Zealand records in the men’s 50m breaststroke multi-class. Chen finished in 32.99, Willmer in 34.38 and Blake in 47.02. Quinn Pike (SB19) took out the women’s 50m breaststroke multi-class final in 42.88. In the final event of the night, the 4x100m mixed freestyle final was won by Club 37 in 3:27.73, a new NZ record. Saturday is the final day of the meet and will see Clareburt contest the 200m individual medley, where he will be chasing a Paris qualification time. Fairweather and Eve Thomas will also be in action in the women’s 800m freestyle, while Cameron Gray will chase another title in the men’s 50m freestyle. More than 180 athletes are competing at the 2024 NZ Swimming Championships, being held from April 9-13. The event is the final opportunity for New Zealand’s top swimmers to qualify for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

The Otago Nuggets needed a big second half to remained unbeaten to start the National Basketball League (NBL) season. The 2022 champion Nuggets outscored the Wellington Saints 49-33 in the third and fourth quarters to run away with a 105-98 win at Dunedin's Edgar Centre on Saturday night, improving to 3-0. LATEST HEADLINES: * Fox starts strong, fades badly at The Masters * Defending champion Mystics open with win * Black Sticks Women draw 1-1 against Japan * Kiwis off podium in first Italy Formula E race * Canes seventh straight win, Highlanders lose * Blues stun Manawa to claim SR Aupiki final * NZ Warriors, Sea Eagles play out NRL draw Australian swingman Ben Henshall again led the way for Otago, putting up a team-high 29 points (9/15 FG, 5/8 3pt, 6/6 FT), six rebounds and three steals, while new import Zaccheus Darko-Kelly had an impressive debut. The American guard had 27 points (9/20 FG, 5/14 3pt, 4/5 FT) and eight boards, while import forward Kimani Lawrence had a valuable 24 points (10/19 FG, 4/9 FT), five rebounds and five assists. Former Tall Blacks guard Tai Webster contributed 13 points (6/11 FG) and eight boards, and Kiwi centre Jack Andrew had eight points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Tall Blacks forward Tohi Smith-Milner was on fire from deep, hitting eight triples as he scored a game-high 30 points (11/21 FG, 8/11 3pt) to go with 12 rebounds and two blocks, as all five Saints starters scored in double-digits. Hyrum Harris recorded another double-double, with 16 points (6/9 FG, 4/6 FT), 17 boards and seven assists, Izayah Le'afa 15 points (5/14 FG, 5/12 3pt) and two steals, Lat Mayen 15 points (5/9 FG, 4/4 FT), and Ben Ayre 13 points (3/13 FG, 3/9 3pt, 4/6 FT), nine assists and four steals. The Nuggets scored the game's first eight points but the Saints replied with a 12-0 run to lead 12-8. In a back-and-forth first quarter, Otago scored seven straight points to retake the lead, only for Ayre and Smith-Milner to hit back-to-back threes. Wellington led by one at the first break but the Nuggets quickly went ahead again, before the Saints uncorked a 19-2 run to lead 58-44. The run started with two triples from Le'afa and ended with threes from Le'afa, Smith-Milner and Ayre. The Nuggets cut the lead to nine by halftime and erased it completely with a 17-2 stretch in the third period to go ahead 79-75. Tied entering the fourth, the teams exchanged the lead in the early minutes, with the Saints up four with under four minutes remaining. Sparked by seven points from Henshall, Otago scored 14 straight and held the Saints without a basket until the final seconds to clinch the victory. The Nuggets (3-0) head to Pukekohe next to face the fellow-unbeaten Franklin Bulls (2-0) on Thursday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Saints (2-1) complete their Southern Swing double-header on Monday (tip-off 7.30pm) against the Southland Sharks (0-3) in Invercargill. Also on Saturday night, the Taranaki Airs made light work of league newcomers, the Mid-North Whai 88-55 in a one-sided contest in New Plymouth. Australian Sam Froling scored a game-high 24 points (9/16 FG, 6/8 FT) to go with 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Kiwis Carlin Davison and Flynn Cameron also made major contributions. Davison had 20 points (9/18 FG, 2/4 3pt), nine boards and two blocks, and Tall Blacks guard Cameron 18 points (8/13 FG, 2/4 3pt) and six rebounds. The Whai had just two players in double-digits, with Vance Jackson Jr going for 14 points (3/12 FG, 7/8 FT) and 3x3 Tall Blacks guard Jayden Bezzant 13 points (5/16 FG, 3/9 3pt). Import Phil Carr finished with nine points and 13 boards. The visitors led twice in the opening minute but it was all Airs the rest of the way. Turning the defensive screws, Taranaki led 29-10 after the first quarter and grew their advantage to 25 points by halftime. It stayed that way in a low-scoring third period, before the Airs pulled away further in the fourth, holding the Whai to an NBL-low 55 points and 31 percent shooting. The Airs (2-1) are on the road against the Saints (2-1) next Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm), while the Whai (1-2) return to Tauranga to face the Sharks (0-3) earlier the same day (tip-off 3pm). Otago Nuggets 105 (Ben Henshall 29, Zaccheus Darko-Kelly 27, Kimani Lawrence 24, Tai Webster 13) Wellington Saints 98 (Tohi Smith Milner 30, Hyrum Harris 16, Lat Mayen 15, Izayah Le'afa 15, Ben Ayre 13). 1Q: 29-30, HT: 56-65, 3Q: 81-81 Taranaki Airs 88 (Sam Froling 24, Carlin Davison 20, Flynn Cameron 18) Mid-North Whai 55 (Vance Jackson Jr 14, Jayden Bezzant 13). 1Q: 29-10, HT: 50-25, 3Q: 66-41

The Wellington Phoenix have reached new heights in the A-League. The Phoenix have beaten the Melbourne Victory 1-0 on a wet night at Wellington's Sky Stadium, thanks to Finn Surman’s 95th-minute match-winner, to reclaim top spot and secure the club’s highest regular season finish with two rounds still to play. LATEST HEADLINES:   * Tahs steal golden-point win over Crusaders * Gray, Leslie swim Paris 2024 qualifying times * Two more out of Black Caps' Pakistan tour * Fox in lead early at The Masters, four back * Import duo guide Bay Hawks to NBL victory The result lifted the Nix to 49 points, three clear of the premiership rivals Central Coast Mariners and eight above the third-placed Victory, meaning Wellington are guaranteed a top-two finish and a bye in the first week of the A-League playoffs. “It’s a little bit surreal,” Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano said.“This is the highest amount of points the club has ever achieved [and] the highest position they’ve achieved, and I’m stoked now that we’re going to have an opportunity to play at home in front of a Wellington crowd to get to a grand final. “The accolades deserve to go to the players, not myself. “I want the group to do the most they can do as a group and there’s a lot of belief with these guys. I just want to keep pushing them and making sure they don’t regret this opportunity. “Am I stoked? Yes, I am. But again, it’s not about me, it’s more about the club.” The result also puts the pressure back on Central Coast in the race for the Premiers Plate. The Mariners visit Western United on Saturday (kick-off 9.30pm NZ Time). “That’s the whole idea. I think even a draw would have put pressure on them because they know they have to win. “One thing we expressed is if we can get the win, we put pressure on them and then it takes the focus off us again. “Maybe a good thing is them winning tomorrow [as] it will keep our guys on their toes for next week. Whatever challenge we get we’ll prepare for.” Italiano made three changes to the XI which started last week’s 2-1 defeat at Central Coast, with captain Alex Rufer, All Whites fullback Tim Payne and midfielder Mo Al-Taay returning to the side in place of Nicholas Pennington, Matt Sheridan and Lukas Kelly-Heald. The Victory had a couple of early corners but were not able to threaten the Phoenix goal from either. The Nix looked the more threatening of the two sides in what was a surprisingly open first half played in persistent rain. Al-Taay had the first shot of the match in the eighth minute after some good lead-up work from Bozhidar Kraev, but his effort from the edge of the visitors’ box was straight at Victory ‘keeper Paul Izzo. Izzo was not troubled a handful of minutes later either when he was called upon to make his second save as Youstin Salas slipped as he shot, again from outside the penalty area. The Victory had the next three shots in the next quarter of an hour, but all of them were blocked by the ever-resolute Wellington defence. The Phoenix had a chance to break the deadlock in the 34th minute when Kosta Barbarouses got in behind the visitors’ back four and delivered a cutback to the edge of the six-yard box. Unfortunately for the Nix Ben Old was unable to make proper contact with his first-time shot and sent it wide. Melbourne forward Ben Folami flashed an effort into the side netting five minutes out from halftime. It was the only one of Victory’s first half attempts on goal that wasn’t blocked. Old looked to create a breakthrough in time added on when he got to the byline and stood up a cross but it eluded all of his Wellington teammates and it remained scoreless at halftime. Surman had the Phoenix’s first opportunity of the second half when he flicked on a Kraev header from a corner, but again the shot was straight at Izzo. Old curled a shot with his less-favoured right foot narrowly wide of the right post soon after as the Nix got back into their rhythm. Wellington looked the more likely side to end the stalemate but they struggled to find the final pass to unlock the visitors’ defence. Kraev also shot just wide to the right in the 75th minute and it appeared it just would not be the Phoenix’s night. Alex Paulsen was largely unemployed in Wellington’s goal but he made a crucial save in the 78th minute to push a shot from Victory striker Bruno Fornaroli around his left-hand post. The rest of the action came in second-half stoppage-time. Ben Old poked a shot wide of goal in the third minute of time added on after Melbourne ‘keeper Paul Izzo parried Barbarouses’ free-kick into Old’s path. Two minutes later the Nix finally broke the Victory’s resistance. Substitute Oskar van Hattum delivered a pinpoint right-wing free-kick and Surman won the physical battle with his opposite Roderick Miranda and found the back of the net, sparking wild scenes. While dubbed an own goal in some quarters, Surman claimed his maiden A-League goal and celebrated in style. The Phoenix will watch the Mariners on Saturday night against Western United before turning their attentions to next Friday night’s match against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium. Wellington Phoenix 1 (Finn Surman 90+5') Melbourne Victory 0. HT: 0-0

Auckland’s Hazel Ouwehand and Christchurch’s Lili-Fox Mason have swum under the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics qualification times at the 2024 New Zealand Swimming Championships. Competing at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatics Centre, Ouwehand and Mason were not leaving anything to chance, swimming the required times in the heats session of day three of competition. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ BMX world championships team named Rising stars in NZ Rugby Under-20 squad Football Ferns held to a score-less draw Two big names returning to NZ Warriors Black Caps-England test venues named Ouwehand came into the meet in career-best form, on Wednesday breaking the NZ record in the 50m butterfly. She charged home in the 100m butterfly in a New Zealand record time of 57.43 seconds, almost half-a-second under the Paris Olympics qualifying time. “I really wanted to do the time this morning and get that weight off my shoulders, I’d swum it last month so I knew I had it in me,” said Ouwehand. “I felt like jelly right before getting on the block, the last 15-20m hurt like hell and I’m so tired now but I’m so, so happy with that.” Earlier Lili-Fox Mason swam the best she had in years in the women’s 400m freestyle multi-class, the S10 swimmer touching the wall in 4 minutes 58.00 seconds to go under the Paralympic qualification time. “I’m super stoked with that swim, yesterday didn’t go to plan so to come back and do what I needed to do was a real relief,” said Mason. “After an injury last year, I’ve been putting in lots of training and I’m really happy with that time and where I’m at." More than 180 athletes, including world champions Lewis Clareburt and Erika Fairweather, are competing at the 2024 NZ Swimming Championships, being held in Hawke's Bay. The event is the final opportunity for New Zealand’s top swimmers to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific season of struggle added another chapter of woe on Friday night. Having taken a three-point lead in the final minute, the Crusaders gave up a game-tying penalty after time was up and then a match-winning drop-goal in golden-point extra-time to lose 43-40 to the NSW Waratahs at Sydney's Allianz Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: * Gray, Leslie swim Paris qualification times * Two more out of Black Caps' Pakistan tour * Fox in lead early at The Masters, four back * Import duo guide Bay Hawks to NBL victory  * Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics Replacement No 8 Christian Lio-Willie charged to the short side off the back of a 5m scrum to score what looked like the match-winning try at 79:01. Reserve first-five Rivez Reihana booted the conversion from out-wide but for a 40-37 lead, but took the kick a second or two too early, meaning there would be a restart despite the clock ticking past 80 minutes. The Crusaders failed to corral the kick-off, with the Waratahs taking it over halfway and then attacking to the left. Crusaders wing Johnny McNicholl was yellow-carded after deliberately knocking down a pass. Replacement Waratahs first-five Will Harrison stepped up, extending the match with a 40m penalty and then winning it with a drop-goal from the 22 in the fourth minute of the extra session. In an instant classic that featured 12 lead changes, the two teams combined for nine tries and scored at a point a minute. An expansive first half set the tone for the night and All Blacks wing Sevu Reece was in everything for the Crusaders. The right wing opening the scoring inside a minute after Dylan Pietsch had the ball raked out of his hands from the kick-off. With his second try, Reece joined Caleb Ralph atop the Crusaders' try-scoring list with 52 tries, and then set up the visitors' third try for second-five Dallas McLeod by breaking free down the right, putting them up 19-13. The Waratahs' best set play of the first half, a driving maul, helped Ned Hanigan to a try of his own and the hosts nearly scored the same way again just before the break, taking a 23-22 lead into the sheds. The Crusaders took a 28-23 lead after 57 minutes on the back of two Riley Hohepa penalties, and again 33-30 when Mitchell Drummond scored in the 63rd minute. In Round 9, the Crusaders (1-0-6, seven points) head to Perth to face the Western Force (1-0-6, five points) in another bottom-of-the-table clash next Saturday (kick-off 9.35pm). Earlier in the night, Moana Pasifika moved into the top-eight for the first time with a 17-14 victory over the Queensland Reds, who had two players red-carded in the second half, at Whangarei's Semenoff Stadium. NSW Waratahs 43 (Lachlan Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Dylan Pietsch, Julian Heaven tries; Tane Edmed 2 con, 3 pen, Will Harrison 2 con, pen, drop goal) Crusaders 40 (Sevu Reece 2, Dallas McLeod, Mitchell Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie tries; Riley Hohepa 2 con, pen, Rivez Reihana con). HT: 23-22

Success for Auckland's Cameron Gray at the New Zealand Swimming Championships in Hawke’s Bay. Swimming in the morning’s heats session on Friday, Gray got off to a strong start in the men’s 100m freestyle. LATEST HEADLINES: Two more to miss Black Caps Pakistan tour Fox in lead early at The Masters, four back Import duo guide Bay Hawks to NBL victory Blackadder, Lio-Willie back for Crusaders Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics NZ BMX world championships team named A great turn set the 20-year up for a fast second 50m, and then flying home in 48.26 seconds to break the New Zealand record and go under the Paris Olympics qualification time. An ecstatic Gray yelled and hit the water in celebration as the crowd gave a standing ovation. “I can’t quite believe it,” said Gray. “I was feeling pretty good down the first 50, in the last 50 I knew it was going to be close, knew I was going to be on, so just went for it. “I’m looking forward to a bit of a rest after this and then I’ll be back into getting ready for a big few months.” Paralympian Cameron Leslie was up next, swimming in the 100m freestyle men’s multi-class. The 34-year-old S4 swimmer showed his class to touch the wall in 1 minute 25.86 seconds, well under the Paris Paralympics qualification time. “It’s good to get that time this morning and we'll see what we can do in finals tonight,” said Leslie. Leslie will contest the 50m freestyle multi-class on Saturday. More than 180 athletes are competing at the 2024 NZ Swimming Championships, being held from April 9-13 at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre. The event is the final opportunity for New Zealand’s top swimmers to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

The Black Caps have lost two key players to injury ahead of the side's five-match T20 tour of Pakistan. Opening batter Finn Allen has suffered a back injury and pace bowler Adam Milne an ankle injury, both while training in the lead-up to the tour. LATEST HEADLINES: * Fox in lead early at The Masters, four back * Import duo guide Bay Hawks to NBL victory * Blackadder, Lio-Willie back for Crusaders * Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics * NZ BMX world championships team named Wicketkeeper batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes have been called into the squad as replacements. Foulkes, from Canterbury, will join a Black Caps squad for the first time, while the experienced Blundell toured Pakistan last year and will provide solid cover in terms of wicket-keeping and top-order batting. The team flies out for Pakistan on Friday night, with the opening match in Rawalpindi next Friday. "We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup," coach Gary Stead said. "Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket. "Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket -taker in all three competitions. He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings. "We also know he has skills with the bat, and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to be part of the group." Tom Bruce was considered for selection, but made himself unavailable for family reasons and to continue with his current contract with Lancashire. Foulkes joins fellow T20 debutants, Wellington's Tim Robinson and provincial teammate Will O'Rourke. All-rounder Michael Bracewell will lead the side, returning to international cricket for the first time in over a year after injury problems. Many first-choice players were unavailable for the tour, with Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner and Kane Williamson all unavailable due to Indian Premier League commitments. Will Young was also unavailable for selection as he takes up a winter contract with Nottinghamshire, as was Tom Latham, who is awaiting the birth of his second child. Test skipper Tim Southee is being rested, while Colin Munro was also unavailable for selection.

The Bay Hawks have hung tough down the stretch to secure a road win in the National Basketball League (NBL). Despite scoring just five points over the final three minutes, the Hawks relied on their defence to hold on for a 92-89 win over the Manawatu Jets at Palmerston North's Central Energy Trust Arena on Thursday night. LATEST HEADLINES: * Blackadder, Lio-Willie back for Crusaders * Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics * NZ BMX world championships team named * Rising stars in NZ Rugby Under-20 squad * Football Ferns held to a score-less draw American guard Isaiah Moore scored a team-high 25 points (12/23 FG), with four rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Hawks, while Australian Keanu Rasmussen added 21 points (7/20 FG, 1/9 3pt, 6/8 FT), six boards and three steals. Lucas Sutherland dropped four triples for his 18 points (7/17 FG, 4/7 3pt) and four rebounds, while Tall Blacks forward Jordan Ngatai had 15 points (5/10 FG, 4/5 FT), nine boards and four assists, and Josh Roberts six points and 11 rebounds. The loss spoiled a big night for Troy Baxter Jr, who went off for 35 points (12/23 FG, 4/13 3pt, 7/8 FT), 11 boards, three assists and two steals, and Mustapha Heron, who contributed 24 points (8/22 FG, 2/9 3pt, 6/6 FT), eight rebounds and four assists. Kiwi forward Liam Judd also had 14 points (6/17 FG), eight boards and four assists, but the Jets got just 16 points from the rest of their lineup. The result lifted the Hawks to 2-1, joining four other teams on four points, while the Jets dropped to 1-3. The Hawks trailed just once in the game, when Judd hit a three to culminate a 7-2 run, taking an 83-82 lead with 4:50 remaining. Moore quickly put the Hawks back ahead, before Sutherland dropped a triple for a four-point lead at 3:17. A pair of free-throws from Campbell Scott and a Heron bucket tied it up for the fourth time in the quarter at 2:23 but the Jets went scoreless for more than two minutes before Heron pulled the home side within one with 20 seconds remaining. Rasmussen hit two free-throws to extend the lead, with Heron's contested potential game-tying three from the top of the arc not on target as time expired. While both teams shot better than 50 percent inside the arc, their three-point shooting was woeful, the Hawks 7-of-29 (24 percent) and Jets 8-of-39 (20 percent). The Hawks (2-1) have more than a week off until their next game, at home to the defending champion Canterbury Rams (1-1) on April 20 (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Jets (1-3) are back in action in Round 3 on Sunday at the Franklin Bulls (2-0) in Pukekohe (tip-off 6.30pm). Bay Hawks 92 (Isaiah Moore 25, Keanu Rasmussen 21, Lucas Sutherland 18, Jordan Ngatai 15) Manawatu Jets 89 (Troy Baxter Jr 35, Mustapha Heron 24, Liam Judd 14). 1Q: 22-17, HT: 48-42, 3Q: 71-66

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox had a flurry of birdies on his front-nine to hold an early lead in just his second appearance at The Masters. However, Fox stuttered late in the first round at August National on Thursday (Friday NZ Time) to sit in a tie for sixth at three-under, four shots behind clubhouse leader, LIV Tour player Bryson DeChambeau. LATEST HEADLINES: * Import duo guide Bay Hawks to NBL victory * Blackadder, Lio-Willie back for Crusaders * Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics * NZ BMX world championships team named * Rising stars in NZ Rugby Under-20 squad Fox made a bright start surging to a two-stroke lead after his first nine holes after rain had delayed the start of play by two hours and then eventually darkness stopped play with 27 golfers still to complete their first rounds. The 37-year-old birdied the first three holes to join DeChambeau, who did likewise, and South African Erik van Rooyen in the lead at three-under. He hit the front with an eagle at the par-five eighth. The back-nine was not as favourable, with the world No 54 bogeying the par-five 13th and par-three 16th to finish with a three-under 69. The first round was a real reversal of form for Fox, whose world ranking has dropped outside the top-50 in recent weeks following a string of below-par results on the PGA Tour, making just three cuts in eight starts. Fox, playing with Spaniard Sergio Garcia and American Chris Kirk, will tee off his second round on Friday at 12.24pm local time (4.24am Saturday NZT).

New Zealand teams have been named for this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific clashes, with a few big names returning to sides. Crusaders will have All Blacks loose forward Ethan Blackadder back to add some spine to their side to face the NSW Waratahs on Saturday as they aim to earn more victories. LATEST HEADLINES:   * Ford NZ's first woman wrestler at Olympics * NZ BMX world championships team named * Rising stars in NZ Rugby Under-20 squad * Football Ferns held to a score-less draw * Two big names returning to NZ Warriors The injury news was not as good elsewhere for the Crusaders, who also have loose forward Christian Lio-Willie back, but will have to wait a little longer for first-five Fergus Burke, who now has a tweaked calf, after recovering from an Achilles strain. Captain Scott Barrett (finger), prop Tamaiti Williams (hamstring), and midfielder David Havili (calf) are expected back after the Australian tour. The Hurricanes have veteran TJ Perenara starting the derby against the Chiefs in Wellington, the Canes’ first match since Cam Roigard suffered a season-ending knee injury. Former Counties, Bay of Plenty and Wellington halfback Richard Judd has been named on the bench as Perenara’s back up for the best match of Round 8. For the Chiefs, Wallace Sititi has been preferred to wear the No 8 jersey. Sititi, the son of former Samoan international and Hurricanes representative Semo Sititi, will join All Blacks Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau in the back row against the Hurricanes. Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has settled on a backline laden with potent attackers, with Shaun Stevenson, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown and Cortez Ratima among the starters. Meanwhile, the Highlanders are back from a bye and face the high-flying Melbourne Rebels in Melbourne - a match which is proving more difficult than it might have prior to the season start. Powerhouse prop Ethan de Groot starts on the bench and should give a push to the Highlanders later in the game. Crusaders vs NSW Waratahs Friday, 9.35pm at Allianz Stadium, Sydney Crusaders: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Johnny McNicholl, Riley Hohepa, Noah Hotham, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie (capt), Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Dom Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer Hurricanes vs Chiefs Saturday, 7.05pm at Sky Stadium, Wellington Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields (capt), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi. Melbourne Rebels vs Highlanders Saturday, 9.35pm at AAMI Park, Melbourne Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Ajay Faleafaga, Folau Fakatava; Nikora Broughton, Billy Harmon (c), Sean Withy, Pari Pari Parkinson, Oliver Haig, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot, Rohan Wingham, Hugo Plummer, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop

Lulu Sun will represent her nation of birth for the first time in the Billie Jean King Cup competition this week. The former Swiss player is now with the New Zealand team as they play against China, India, Pacific Oceania and Chinese Taipei over the week in the Asia/Oceania Group I competition, previously known as the Fed Cup. LATEST HEADLINES: * Kiwi Ben Campbell makes LIV Golf debut * Double sevens titles for NZ in Hong Kong * Tyler Hodge wins home Charles Tour title * Devine, White Ferns end summer with win * Bulls tame Rams; Hawks roll Sharks in NBL The tournament is being held on clay courts in Changsha, China with the New Zealand team consisting of Sun, Erin Routliffe, Valentina Ivanov, Paige Hourigan and Monique Barry. Team captain Matt Hair, says managing the team and targeting specific opponents will be crucial over the week, as he tries to secure one of the top two spots for promotion. Sun, who has a current WTA singles ranking of 169 will need to be fresh for the big singles matches and team her up with Routliffe who is fifth in the world for the doubles on the right occasions. “We’ll look at targeting some ties. Obviously important to keep Lulu fresh throughout the week. It’s great to have Lulu here, she’s 169 in the world and that’s a great bonus for our team to have her playing. “It will come down to the doubles, it’s a day to day thing and obviously, how we’re looking after the singles. “But we’re wary to keep her fresh throughout the week for her singles.” The Te Anau-born Sun recently completed her switch to represent New Zealand, rather than Switzerland, and it was clear at this year’s ASB Classic how popular she had already become among the Kiwi tennis-loving public. China have included world No 7 Zheng Qinwen in their team and also three other players ranked inside the world’s top 60. “We’re looking at it one tie at a time at the moment and just concentrating on Korea. “I think Korea, India, Chinese Taipei and us are very similar and on any given day, anyone can beat anyone from those teams. So those are the matches that are going to be the tough ones. “We’re hoping for a decent win against Pacific Oceania and China is a very strong team they’ve got here this year," said Hair. New Zealand will play South Korea first up in the tournament in China in what will be a crucial contest if they want to finish in the top-two and gain promotion.

Thirty-one of New Zealand’s rising stars have been named in the New Zealand squad for the inaugural Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament in Australia next month. The Under-20s squad was selected following a comprehensive player identification process across last month’s Super Rugby U20 tournament held in Taupō, and training camps held late last year. LATEST HEADLINES: * Football Ferns held to a scoreless draw * Two big names returning to NZ Warriors * Black Caps-England test venues named * Ria Percival retiring from Football Ferns * Sun debut for NZ at Billie Jean King Cup New Zealand Under-20 head coach Jono Gibbes said he was excited by the depth of talent in the squad. “As a result of having a strong performance pathway established, we are able to assemble an exciting group of talented young men to represent New Zealand at the Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament next month. “The tournament will be a great opportunity to test ourselves and gauge where we are, what we need to improve on before we embark on a competitive and tough Rugby World Championship later in the year.” Gibbes acknowledged the contribution from the wider high performance team for their efforts. “Our selector network has been doing a huge amount of work in this space over the last six months. It has been a thorough and comprehensive process and one that is credit to their efforts.” .The squad features three players who have played in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), 18 players who are on National Development contracts, six returnees from last year’s New Zealand Under-20s Rugby World Cup squad. There are 21 players who have been a part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools programme. Players from 10 provinces are represented. The final squad of 30 players for the U-20 World Rugby Championship in South Africa will be announced following the Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament. NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNDER-20 SQUAD A-One Lolofie (Highlanders, Otago), Andrew Smith (Chiefs, Waikato), Ben O’Donovan (Crusaders, Canterbury), Cameron Christie (Blues, North Harbour), Cooper Grant (Crusaders, Tasman), Dylan Pledger (Highlanders, Otago), Frank Vaenuku (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty), Giancarlo Tuivailala (Chiefs, Waikato), Isaac Hutchinson (Crusaders, Canterbury), Jeremiah Avei-Collins (Hurricanes, Wellington), Jonathan Lee (Crusaders, Canterbury), Josh Whaanga (Highlanders, Otago), Joshua Smith (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay), King Maxwell (Blues, Auckland), Konradd Newland (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay), Kurene Luamanuvae (Blues, Auckland), Liam Jack (Crusaders, Canterbury), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Chiefs, Waikato), Manumaua Letiu (Crusaders, Canterbury), Matt Lowe (Crusaders, Tasman), Mosese Bason (Hurricanes, Manawatū), Rico Simpson (Blues, Auckland), Sam Coles (Hurricanes, Manawatū), Sika Pole (Blues, Auckland), Stanley Solomon (Hurricanes, Wellington), Toby Bell (Crusaders, Canterbury), Tom Allen (Hurricanes, Hawke’s Bay), Tristyn Cook (Blues, North Harbour), Vernon Bason (Hurricanes, Manawatū), William Martin (Chiefs, Waikato), Xavi Taele (Blues, Auckland) Non-Travelling Reserves: Logan Wallace (Hurricanes, Manawatū), Nathaniel Pole (Blues, Auckland), Riley Williams (Blues, Auckland), Tai Cribb (Chiefs, Waikato), Tofuka Paongo (Hurricanes, Wellington)