Search Results

Makala Woods scored a vital late goal for the Phoenix to draw with Melbourne Victory PHOTO: A-LEAGUE Makala Woods has earned the Wellington Phoenix a rare point in Victoria before the A-League breaks for a fortnight. The American striker has scored her fourth goal since joining the club as an injury replacement to secure the Phoenix a 1-1 draw with the Melbourne Victory. LATEST HEADLINES: Hurricanes winning start to Super Rugby NZ riders Oceania BMX Racing Champs Imogen Ayris 2nd with record-equal jump Mischa Thomas into freeski halfpipe final Yeo shares lead at NZ PGA Championship Woods equalised in the 87th minute after the Victory had taken the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half. It’s only the second time Wellington have left Melbourne with a point, pleasing head coach Bev Priestman. “I’m delighted to pick up a point on the road,” Priestman said. “We had a lot of chances that we should have put away and that’s a little bit of a learning for us, but with the tight turnaround, in that heat, and when you pick up a point late in the game…it always feels better than probably a draw from the beginning. “But I’m happy we got the point and probably this international break is much needed for the group.” It’s Woods’ ninth goal contribution in just seven matches, with five assists to go with her four goals since joining the squad at the start of the year. “She’s been a great addition to the squad. She brings energy, she’s dynamic and she’s just a real positive influence in the group. “That’s really lifted the group at a time that they needed it. “She didn’t really have a pre-season with us. She had a bit of an off-season and then in, so for someone like her this break is going to be needed.” Bev Priestman made two changes to the XI which started Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Central Coast, with Grace Jale and Emma Pijnenburg returning in place of Mackenzie Anthony and Daisy Brazendale, who were named amongst the substitutes. Manaia Elliott had the first goalscoring opportunity in the fifth minute when she found a bit of space outside the Victory penalty area, but she blazed her shot over the bar. The Victory had almost three quarters of possession in the first quarter of the match, but most of it was deep inside their half and they were unable to test Phoenix ‘keeper Victoria Esson. The Nix took control after the first cooling break in the 24th minute. Woods had an opportunity to test Victory goalkeeper Courtney Newbon shortly before the half hour mark when she got on the end of a piercing through ball from Pia Vlok, but the American sliced her left-footed effort wide of goal. Five minutes later Football Ferns defender Claudia Bunge produced an important goal-line clearance to keep out an in-swinging right-wing corner from Elliott and Vlok had a shot blocked in the Victory penalty area. Newbon made her first save in the 38th minute and it was a good one down low to her left to keep out a sharp effort from Brook Nunn, who had controlled a tough pass with her first touch and then shot with her second. The Victory shot stopper made another big save at the end of the half, keeping out a point blank shot from Nunn following a left-wing Wellington corner. Nunn also produced a threatening cross in the third and final minute of stoppage time but the hosts were are able to scramble clear. The Englishwoman continued to look a threat at the start of the second half but the Phoenix soon found themselves a goal down from the hosts’ first shot on target. The Victory were awarded a penalty in the 51st minute after Nix midfielder Grace Jale was deemed to have fouled her opposite Sofia Sakalis in the Wellington box. Rhianna Pollicina converted the spot kick, picking out the top left corner. Priestman made her first substitution soon after, bringing on Anthony in place of Pijnenburg. The American was almost immediately into the action, combining with her countrywoman Woods, but Anthony was unable to make proper contact to the left-wing cross to trouble Victory’s goal. Vlok had a shot blocked in the penalty area moments later. After a quiet spell the Phoenix threatened an equaliser after the second cooling break. Lucía León had to be substituted with less than 10 minutes remaining because of cramp and Zoe Benson took her place. Esson made a good save moments later to keep the Nix in the match, denying Victory striker Kennedy White after she slipped in behind the Wellington defence. Woods drew the Phoenix level with three minutes remaining in the 90, controlling a defence-splitting pass from Vlok and then shooting past Newbon and into the left hand corner. It came after a string of Wellington corners. Vlok was substituted soon after with Brazendale taking their place. Neither side was able to produce a clear cut opportunity in the seven minutes of stoppage time with Nunn coming closest with a first-time effort from the edge of the box that looped over the goal in the fourth minute of time added on. Seven Wellington Phoenix players will now head away on international duty with the A-League resuming in three weeks’ time when the Nix will play host to Brisbane Roar at the renamed Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, March 14 as part of the Match For Good double-header.

Josh Moorby plants the ball for one of his three tries in the Hurricanes 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Josh Moorby celebrated his return to Wellington with a hat-trick as the Hurricanes opened their season with a 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika. Moorby, who returned home after a stint in the Top 14 with Montpellier, was unstoppable as he was joined in kind by wing partner Fehi Fineanganofo. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ riders Oceania BMX Racing Champs Imogen Ayris 2nd with record-equal jump Mischa Thomas into freeski halfpipe final Yeo shares lead at NZ PGA Championship Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to big win Moana Pasifika came into the game with several fresh faces and started fast when Tuna Tuitama opened the Hurricanes up with a nice chip and chase. Fineanganofo was the first to cross, finishing off a nice backline play to unleash the former NZ Sevens star. He would add his second in the 24th minute in a dominant half that included four line breaks and over 100 running metres. Moorby got in on the action with an aerobatic finish in the corner, with his wing partner handed him his second on a platter over the try line after flanker Peter Lakai put him into space. The returning Maori All Black completed the hat-trick just after half time, racing clear to score under the posts for the 31-5 lead. Faletoi Peni almost got Moana Pasifika back into the contest, losing the ball the split second before the centre got to the line. Moorby nearly made it four on his return from France, only for the TMO to rule he knocked it on as he released for a second effort. Brayden Iose wouldn’t be denied shortly afterwards, strolling over after a massive overlap. Patrick Pellegrini got a consolation try for the visitors but it was too little, too late for the visitors as Iose’s damaging carry resulted in his second, set up by Japanese skipper Warner Dearns’ offload. Replacement and All Black Billy Proctor made it 50 as time ran down, with the hosts next facing the Fijian Drua in Lautoka. The only sour note for the hosts was the loss of Brett Cameron, coming off in the 24th minute with a potential serious injury. Cameron was stretched off the field in agony, further testing their flyhalf depths with Ruben Love (ankle) at least another month away. Hurricanes 52  (Moorby 3, Fineanganofo 2, Iose 2, Proctor; tries: Barrett 5, Cameron cons) Moana Pasifika 10  (Pellegrini, Tuitama tries)

Imogen Ayris has equalled her best once again indoors in France PHOTO: WORLD ATHLETICS New Zealand pole vaulter Imogen Ayris has continued improve again with a new career high, this time at the World Athletics Indoor Gold meet in Lievin, France It's just three weeks after she came second at the World Athletics category B indoor meet at Caen la Mer in northern France with a jump of 4.70m. LATEST HEADLINES: Mischa Thomas into freeski halfpipe final Yeo shares lead at NZ PGA Championship Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to big win Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury Firebirds earn last Ford Trophy finals berth On this occasion she's equalled her personal best of 4.70 metres to finish second on countback in Lievin . Ayris, 25 was beaten to the title by Tina Sutje from Slovenia on countback with Katie Moon (United States) third on countback. Compatriot Olivia McTaggart finished fourth with a season's best 4.60 metres.

Mischa Thomas has qualified 10th for the women's final in freeski halfpipe PHOTO: THENZTEAM Auckland freeskier Mischa Thomas has qualified for the final of the halfpipe at the Winter Olympics at Milano Cortina. In her first Winter Olympics the 17-year-old landed a score of 77.00 in her first run and followed up with an improved 77.50 in her second. LATEST HEADLINES: Yeo shares lead at NZ PGA Championship Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to big win Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury Firebirds earn last Ford Trophy finals berth Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 draw released With the best score from the two runs counting, Thomas qualified 10th. The field had to contend with falling snow during the competition and Thomas said it provided some challenges. "It was a run I was pretty comfortable doing, I've done quite a few times," she told Sky Sport. "The pipe was still fast and it is kind of scary to see what it is going to be like when it's not snowing. It was a little bumpy so just had to manage that, but you get given what you're given and you just have to deal with it." Zoe Atkin of Great Britain topped the qualifying with a best score of 91.50, while defending champion and freeski superstar Eileen Gu of China qualified fifth with a score of 86.50. The competition was paused for 15 minutes when Canadian Cassie Sharpe, who won halfpipe gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, fell and appeared to knock her head. She received medical attention but still qualified third. The final of the freeski halfpipe is schedule for Sunday morning. Meanwhile inclement weather postponed the men's freeski halfpipe meaning Fin Melville Ives, Luke Harold, Gustav Legnavsky and Ben Harrington will start their qualifying on Friday night with the final scheduled for Saturday morning.

Leila Walker in action at the UCI BMX Racing Oceania Championships last year PHOTO: COLE MCCONIE There is more than the considerable prestige of winning titles at the Oceania BMX Racing Championships in Brisbane this weekend. There are 20 New Zealand riders competing in championship competition, and many more in BMX Challenge (Age Group) racing including riders from under 5 years to over 60, along with competition in the Cruiser class, for larger size wheel diameter bikes. LATEST HEADLINES: Imogen Ayris 2nd with record-equal jump Mischa Thomas into freeski halfpipe final Yeo shares lead at NZ PGA Championship Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to big win Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury There is added benefits racing at the Sleemans track at Chandler, a suburb 15kms from central Brisbane, with the upgraded track to host the UCI BMX Racing World Championships later in the year. There are two kiwi riders in the elite men comprising the defending Oceania champion, Bennett Greenough from the Cambridge club and the experienced 31-year-old Michael Bias from North Harbour. Both kiwis ride professionally for French clubs – Bias for BMX Besancon and Greenough for St Paul. The Greenough family forms a key part of the team with Bennett’s younger brother Jack, an under-23 world championship finalist last year, along junior world champion sister Lily, who is unfortunately sidelined this weekend with injury. Cambridge rider Leila Walker, 20, will be a contender for elite women’s honours. She is the defending Oceania champion, a semifinalist in her first elite world championship, and competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. She is joined in the elite category by Rotorua’s Megan Williams, a consistently strong performer on the international scene. There are around 200 kiwi entries in the Challenge and Cruiser class racing over the weekend in Brisbane, with the competition one of three events for World Championship selection for junior elite males and females, New Zealand elite riders are: Elite men: Bennett Greenough (Cambridge), Michael Bias (North Harbour). U23: Jack Greenough (Cambridge), Jesse Green (Christchurch City), Finn Cogan (Cambridge), Nick Cowie (Southland). Junior: Nico Cogan (Cambridge), Deacon Connor (North Harbour), Daniel Mason (Tauranga), Bryson Joyce (Mountain Raiders), Tyla Dinsdale (Whangarei), Kobi Russell (Cambridge), Jack Stanley (Alexandra). Masters: Daniel Franks (Cambridge). Elite Female: Megan Williams (Rotorua), Leila Walker (Cambridge). Under 23: Brooke Penny (Cambridge). Junior: Azaria Thornley (North Avon), Madeleine Hunter (Mountain Raiders).

New Zealand's Sungjin Yeo tees off on the 10th hole during the opening round of the NZ PGA Championship. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Young New Zealander Sungjin Yeo and West Australian Curtis Luck lead after 18 holes at the NZ PGA Championship. Both carded three-under 67s in the opening round at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, north of Wellington, on Thursday, to lead a pair of Victorians Todd Sinnott and Zach Murray by one stroke. LATEST HEADLINES: Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to big win Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury Firebirds earn last Ford Trophy finals berth Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 draw released Historic silver medal for Sadowski-Synnott Yeo arrived on the back of a Korea academy training camp in Thailand and with few good memories to call upon at the Kapiti venue. Formerly based in Auckland and runner-up in this championship three years ago at Gulf Harbour, Yeo was thrilled to finally post a score on one of New Zealand’s most revered layouts. “I love the course, but I’ve never actually played really good on this course. This is my first time playing well at this course,” said Yeo. “Today I started with a three-putt on the first hole of the day, the 10th, after that I went no bogeys, four birdies. It was a really good round today.” Luck defied a limited preparation and a late arrival at one of NZ’s most exacting courses, making six birdies and three bogeys. Twenty-four years since last hosting a major golf tournament, the course leant on a hefty north-westerly wind and an afternoon blanketed in rainfall to prevent all but 10 players from breaking par. Luck was among the many players caught up in the travel chaos that enveloped Wellington on Sunday and Monday, only flying into the Kiwi capital at midnight Tuesday and then taking an Uber to Paraparaumu Beach on Wednesday morning to play the pro-am for his lone look at the iconic course. “It’s probably not the best golf course to under-prepare on,” admitted Luck, who has finished top-10 in five of his seven starts this season. “There are some that you can get away with. This one, I think most of the players, but potentially for me, I’ll be learning it until Sunday. There’s so much going on. It’s so intricate.” Sinnott and Murray share third after both shot two-under 68s, Sinnott making three birdies on the trot to close out his round while Murray made up almost two shots on the field with a birdie at the par-three fifth. With experience playing in the US, Europe and throughout Asia, Sinnott is relishing the chance to play a golf course that demands excellence from every facet of your game. “We’re pretty lucky to be playing a tournament here,” said Sinnott, who hit 8-iron to 10 feet at 16, holed a 10-footer for birdie on 17 and got up-and-down from the bunker to make birdie on 18. “Greens are perfect. They’re quick; probably as good as poa annua gets." Only one player in the afternoon groups managed to break par, South Australian Lachlan Barker posting one-under 69. American Chase Koepka, New South Welshman Jye Pickin and Queensland’s James Mee each shot even-par 70. “I think I played my last 11 holes when it was pretty brutal out there in one-over-par, so I’ll take that,” said Koepka. “Playing links golf, you kind of expect when it gets tough, it gets extremely hard. I can’t imagine there’s too many scores at even or better this afternoon right now. I think it did a good job in these tough conditions."

Amelia 'Melie' Kerr will captain the new White Ferns squad to face Zimbabwe PHOTO: ICC Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight are in line to make their international debut later this month after being named in the White Ferns squad to take on Zimbabwe. The series will be the first of its kind between the two nations comprising three T20Is and three ODIs across Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval. LATEST HEADLINES: Mennenga leads NZ Breakers to victory Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury Firebirds earn last Ford Trophy finals berth Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 draw released Historic silver medal for Sadowski-Synnott Off spinning-allrounder Patel returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season. The New Zealand A representative has had an impressive domestic summer for the Northern Brave as the side’s top Super Smash run-scorer and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight. Former New Zealand Under-19 T20 World Cup representative Knight was a key cog in the Brave’s T20 pace bowling unit taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.16. Molly Penfold will replace Knight in the ODI squad, making up a four-player pace unit consisting of left-arm Bree Illing, and right-armers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair. The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as the White Ferns permanent captain. New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer said the selection panel had several focuses to consider. “This is a really exciting squad with individuals that have come off strong Super Smash and HBJ campaigns,” said Sawyer. “The team’s short- and long-term goals were front of mind when selecting the group. “We’ve prioritised players that could make the T20 World Cup squad in June, whilst also providing international exposure to high-potential talent whose skillsets align with long-term WHITE FERNS planning.” Sawyer said both Patel and Knight had earned their spot in the squad. “Nensi and Kayley have both been solid performers over the last 12-18 months so it’s really pleasing for them to get this opportunity. “Nensi’s shown her value with bat and ball, and with Eden unavailable we’ll look to utilise her as a frontline spin option alongside Melie. “Kayley’s got a bright future ahead of her. “She’s emerged as a potential frontline seam option who’s ready to test her skills at the next level.” The squad assemble in Hamilton on Sunday, ahead of their first T20I on Wednesday 25 February at Seddon Park. Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries, and Lea Tahuhu was not considered for the T20I squad due to physical preparation planning for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this series. New Zealand White Ferns Squad v Zimbabwe: Flora Devonshire Central Hinds Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts Maddy Green Auckland Hearts Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts Bree Illing Auckland Hearts Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only) Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only) Emma McLeod Central Hinds (ODI only) Rosemary Mair Central Hinds Nensi Patel* Northern Brave Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts (ODI only) Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians *Potential international debut ** Potential ODI debut

Sam Mennenga was a man on a mission on return for the NZ Breakers on Thursday as he led his team to the 31-point win over the Cairns Taipans. The Breakers will head into Sunday’s Ignite Cup final in some ominous form after Mennenga returned from a fractured wrist as they wrapped up their Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) regular season by beating the Cairns Taipans 115-84. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix sides lose internationals to injury Firebirds earn last Ford Trophy finals berth Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 draw released Historic silver medal for Sadowski-Synnott Hurricanes missing big names for opener Mennenga was expected to miss the rest of the season when he fractured his wrist in a nasty fall under the basket against the Adelaide 36ers back on January 23, but he cut that predicted recovery time almost in half. And he came out a motivated and unstoppable force against his former team scoring the Breakers' first eight points and ended the night with a career-best 32 points, nine rebounds and three assists on 15/19 shooting in the 31-point win at Eventfinda Stadium (formerly the North Shore Events Centre). Mexican ‘Next Star’ Karim Lopez, a predicted lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, also returned from a leg injury and produced 15 points, six rebounds and two assists in his 25 minutes. Superstar point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright also had another 19 points and 13 assists while Carlin Davison continued his emergence with 15 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Rob Loe had 11 points, four rebounds and two blocks with the Breakers still having one prize to aim for, when they face the Adelaide 36ers in Sunday's Ignite Cup final on the Gold Coast. There is a chance both import guard Izaiah Brockington and Kiwi guard Tai Webster return for that game as well, with a $300,000 prize pool on offer for the winner. Breakers forward Sam Mennenga went off for 32 points against his former team. PHOTO: ANBL The Taipans finish their season with a 9-24 record and it did look like a team playing their last game after a tough campaign for a lot of Thursday's game in Auckland. Point guard Andrew Andrews finished with a strong performance made up of 24 points and seven assists with Kody Stattmann producing 20 points and five rebounds on the back of being named for the Boomers for the upcoming FIBA window. Jack McVeigh did not finish the season how he hoped with six points on 3-of-11 shooting, but he has carried the Snakes through a lot of the season and is already committed to return for a second year in orange. Mennenga chalked up the Breakers' first eight points and 10 inside the opening four minutes. At the other end, Andrews had 13 as Cairns drew level at 24-all at quarter-time. Stattman started the second period with successive threes to help the Taipans move ahead 32-26, before the Breakers seized complete control. Back-to-back Mennenga dunks highlighted a 9-0 rush, before Davison spearheaded another 10-0 burst for the Breakers, who hit a sizzling 15/19 in a 37-20 quarter while out-rebounding Cairns 13-4. The bouncy Davison poured in 11 for the stanza, including a huge dunk, to push the hosts' advantage out to 61-44 at halftime. Cairns were breaking down in all areas, out-rebounded an implausible 13-4 in the second term and Mennenga continued to wreak havoc in the paint, taking his personal tally to 27 at three quarter-time, by which time the Breakers' buffer had ballooned to 88-66. The procession continued when Reyne Smith coughed up a turnover which resulted in a three-point play to Mennenga in the opening 20 seconds of the fourth as the Snakes wrapped up their campaign. The season is now over for the Taipans while the Breakers turn their focus to the first-ever Ignite Cup final on Sunday (tip-off 6.30pm NZ Time) against the Adelaide 36ers on the Gold Coast. NZ Breakers 115 (Sam Mennenga 32, Parker Jackson-Cartwright 19, Carlin Davison 15, Karim Lopez 15) Cairns Taipans 84 (Andrew Andrews 24, Kody Stattmann 20, Reyne Smith 13). 1Q: 24-24, HT: 61-44, 3Q: 88-66

Having only just joined the Phoenix Sarpreet Singh could be out for eight weeks with injury PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX The Wellington Phoenix have lost two New Zealand internationals to serious injuries ahead of their respective round 18 A-League matches. Football Ferns fullback Lara Wall and All Whites attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh will both be sidelined for up eight weeks. LATEST HEADLINES: Lauren Down steps away from all cricket Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 draw released Mennenga, Lopez return for NZ Breakers Historic silver medal for Sadowski-Synnott Hurricanes missing big names for opener Wall tore her left calf in the defeat to Central Coast Mariners at Porirua Park on Sunday, while Singh injured the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee in his much anticipated Phoenix return against Western Sydney last Friday night. Football Fern Lara Wall is likely to be out for the season and national representative games PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX As well as potentially sidelining her for the remainder of the A-League regular season, the calf injury unfortunately rules Wall out of the Ferns’ upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifiers in the Solomon Islands. Singh is likely to miss the All Whites matches against Finland and Chile at Eden Park at the end of next month on top of the Phoenix men’s next five A-League matches. All Whites fullback Tim Payne has also been ruled out of Saturday’s derby against Auckland FC with a hamstring injury.

The Warriors are sporting plenty of changes for the pre-season clash with the Dolphines PHOTO: NRL Four of the New Zealand Warriors’ All Stars reps have been brought in for the club’s final Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on Friday night. Of the six Māori players involved in the 16-16 draw in Hamilton, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is named at fullback, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the right wing, Adam Pompey at centre and Jacob Laban in the second row. LATEST HEADLINES: Bay of Plenty take Hawke Cup from Taranaki Stoppage-time goal gifts Auckland FC point Black Caps ease into T20WC Super Eight Peter Fulton to leave his Canterbury role NZ Breakers trio up for ANBL two awards Hamish Kerr big winner at Halberg Awards Māori halfback Te Maire Martin is sidelined for 12 weeks after breaking his right fibula. Captain James Fisher-Harris is being rested after a big workload on Sunday which saw him on the field for 64 minutes making 24 runs and 176 metres – both game-high numbers – plus 34 tackles. Indigenous winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira is unavailable for the final trial as he follows concussion protocols after a head knock in Sunday’s game. Of the run-on side used in last Saturday’s 18-33 loss to the Sea Eagles in Napier, there are five changes – Nicoll-Klokstad replacing Geronimo Doyle at fullback. Watene-Zelezniak comes in for Motu Pasikala on the wing, Pompey for Leka Halasima in the centres, prop Tanner Stowers-Smith for Demitric Vaimauga (also being rested) and Laban for Morgan Gannon. Tanah Boyd and Luke Hanson are again teamed up in the halves while second rower Kurt Capewell will captain the side as he did against Manly. Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Haizyn Mellars, 6. Luke Hanson, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell (c), 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Morgan Gannon, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava Reserves: 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 21. Kayliss Fatialofa, 22. Jack Thompson, 23. Makaia Tafua, 24. Motu Pasikala, 25. Sio Kali, 26. Caelys-Paul Putoko, 27. Geronimo Doyle, 28. Rodney Tuipuiotu-Vea, 29. Paea Sikuvea

Luca Harrington in the Big Air freeski final in tough conditions at Milano Cortina PHOTO: THENZTEAM A tight finish in difficult conditions has seend Wānaka freeskier Luca Harrington miss out on a medal in the Freeski Big Air final at the Winter Olympics. Harrington finished sixth, with Tormod Frostad of Norway winning the gold medal after the competition was delayed because of falling snow which had postponed a number of events earlier in the day. LATEST HEADLINES: Changes to NZ Warriors for Dolphins clash Bay of Plenty take Hawke Cup from Taranaki Stoppage-time goal gifts Auckland FC point Black Caps ease into T20WC Super Eight Peter Fulton to leave his Canterbury role NZ Breakers trio up for ANBL two awards Harrington dropped eighth and shot to the lead with his first jump which was a high difficulty switch rightside triple cork 1980 which scored 94.00. However by the end of the first run he was overtaken into fourth place with Norwegian Frostad leading on 95.25. The 21-year-old fell to fifth after scoring just 25.75 on his second run when he failed to stick his landing from a left side triple cork 1980, while Frostad continuing to lead the way. Harrington, the 2025 world champion, repeated the same trick on his third run and improved, his score of 66.50 but it wasn't enough to make an impression on the leaders. Frostad finished on top with a combined score of 195.5 to claim the gold medal, with American Mac Forehand taking silver and Matej Svancer of Austria taking bronze. Harrington's total was 160.50.

The Wellington Firebirds routed Northern Districts to finish third in the Ford Trophy standings. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY In a perfect script for the capital’s cricket fans, both of Wellington’s representative teams have reached the national one-day finals weekend set to be played at their home ground, the Basin Reserve, over the coming days. The predetermined venue for both the men’s Ford Trophy and women’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield deciders was confirmed months ago, and now the Wellington Firebirds and Wellington Blaze are locked in for their home city supporters. LATEST HEADLINES: Historic silver medal for Sadowski-Synnott Mennenga, Lopez return for NZ Breakers 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki draw confirmed Hurricanes missing big names for opener Changes to NZ Warriors for Dolphins clash The Firebirds on Wednesday became the final piece in the puzzle, joining Central Districts for Friday’s Ford Trophy elimination final, with the winner facing top qualifiers Canterbury in Sunday’s grand final. Jesse Tashkoff and Nathan Smith with the bat and James Hartshorn and Peter Younghusband with ball guided Wellington to a 118-run bonus-point victory. After opener Tashkoff scored 51 from 65 balls, Smith added 64 not out from 47 as the Firebirds posted 281-7 from 50 overs. Scott Kuggeleijn took 3-69 from 10 overs for ND. Hartshorn took 3-23 from five and Younghusband 4-38 from 9.1 as Northern’s chase never got off the ground, all out for 163 in the 37th over, despite half-centuries from Henry Cooper and Xavier Bell. The Blaze meanwhile gets ready to play women’s top qualifier Northern Districts in Saturday’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Final — a title Northern has never won. ND has never won a title in either Domestic format in New Zealand. While they will be playing on home turf, neither Wellington team will be the ‘home’ team come toss time, with Central (elimination final), Canterbury (grand final) and Northern Districts women having earned that privilege by finishing higher on the table in the regular season. In the event of no result, the higher qualifier is deemed the winner — but with a mercifully cooperative weather forecast, that will hopefully be a redundant point. The Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final and Ford Trophy grand final will be broadcast on NZC YouTube with a multi-camera livestream and expert commentary team. White Ferns and Hearts legends Emily Drumm and Katie Perkins will be involved for the women’s final, with Black Cap and Central Districts' Ajaz Patel and retired Auckland Aces wicketkeeper-batter Ben Horne for the men’s final. NATIONAL ONE-DAY CRICKET FINALS FORD TROPHY ELIMINATION FINAL Friday, February 20, 10.30am Central Districts vs Wellington Firebirds FORD TROPHY GRAND FINAL Sunday, February 22, 10.30am Canterbury vs winner of Elimination Final HALLYBURTON JOHNSTONE SHIELD FINAL Saturday, February 21, 10.30am Northern Districts vs Wellington Blaze