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Carlin Davision was in top form for Taranaki in the win over the Whai PHOTO: SAL'S NBL The Taranaki Airs have taken down the Whai in the resumption of the Sal's NZ NBL in Mercury BayPark, Tauranga. The 75-62 win came on the back of Tall Black Carlin Davison who dominated the game as top-scorer for the Airs and also pulling down 18 rebounds. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll eases into World Champs semis Teen talent at Auckland Squash Open America's Cup to be sailed in Naples Fox among leaders at PGA Champs Injuries, rivalries in netball Premiership The 21-year-old power forward is having one of his best seasons helping take the Airs into fifth spot with the victory. Also contributing was import Armon Fletcher with 13 points and Jack Andrew the Otago-born player who has spent a couple of seasons with the Perth Wildcats. Andrew took in 13 rebounds and 10 points as the Airs stayed consistent across the squad. For the Whai it was Cruz Perrott-Hunt who troubled the scoreboard with 21 points, and eight rebounds but lacked the support he needed. Sean Bairstow and teenager Carter Hopoi scored 13 and 11 respectively. Throughout the game the home side were in the contest, leading 16-14 after the first quarter by down 13-16 in the second. In the third quater the Airs finished with 23 points to the Whai's 23, however the final quarter had the Airs race out to a 22-11 quarter win. The Airs who are now 7-5 host the Franklin Bulls next Wednesday while the Whai (5-7)have the bye after originally facing the Indian Panthers. Taranaki Airs: Carlin Davison (17pts, 18reb), Armon Fletcher (13pts), Owen Foxwell (13pts) Tauranga Whai: Kruz Perrott-Hunt (21pts), Sean Bairstow (13pts), Carter Hopoi (11pts) TAU 16 13 22 11 62 TAR 14 16 23 22 75

Hamish Kerr the Paris Olympic gold medal winner PHOTO: THE NZ TEAM A mixed bag of results for New Zealand athletes at the latest Diamond League event in Qatar. Olympic gold medalist high jumper Hamish Kerr was second after clearing 2.23 metres. LATEST HEADLINES: Canes win late, Crusaders top Tahs Taranaki challenge top four in NBL Coll eases into World Champs semis Teen talent at Auckland Squash Open The winner was American Shelby McEwen with a leap of 2.26 metres. McEwen was the athlete Kerr beat in a jump off for gold at the Paris Olympics last year. Sprinter Zoe Hobbs finished seventh in the women's 100 metres final, with a time of 11.27 seconds. Jamaican Tia Clayton won in a time of 10.92. Legendary sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price was fourth at 11.05 seconds Pole vaulter Eliza McCartney was a late withdrawal from her event, with Imogen Ayris placing ninth and a best jump of 4.33metres. The winner Molly Caudery (Great Britain) at 4.75m.

Ryan Fox is in the top-10 at the PGA Championship PHOTO: GOLF NZ New Zealand's Ryan Fox has completed his second round with a bonus at the PGA Championships at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. Fox is tied sixth at four-under after an even par round. LATEST HEADLINES: Canes win late, Crusaders top Tahs Taranaki challenge top four in NBL Coll eases into World Champs semis Teen talent at Auckland Squash Open America's Cup to be sailed in Naples The day started out with consecutive bogeys on the second and third holes before a run of pars to finish the front nine. On the 10th hole a par five, Fox hit four shots for a birdie, but on the 12th he bogeyed before nailing a birdie again on the 15th. He made his round look a lot better with a three-shot hole on the par four 18th to be four shots behind the current leader Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela. Meanwhile at first Major of 2025 on Champions Tour in Alabama Steven Alker is in second spot, one shot behind Australian Richard Green.  Alker carded a five-under 67 round to be 12-under for the tournament

Another win for the Warriors, this time over the Dolphins PHOTO: NRL Co-catpain James Fisher-Harris eturned to the Warriors after several weeks injured and was as aggressive as expecteda across the field in the win over the Dolphins. The Warriors won the clash 16-12 in Brisbane for their fifth consecutive victory but the late run from the Dolphins made it tighter than it should have been. LATEST HEADLINES: Mystics beat Pulse, lead Premiership Fox top-10 PGA Champs, Alker 2nd Canes win late, Crusaders top Tahs Taranaki challenge top four in NBL Coll eases into World Champs semis The Warriors had just conceded a try to fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and immediately let through another to centre Herbie Farnworth in the 78th minute and had to defend another late attack. The Warriors looked in control for most of the first half and went to the break 10-0 thanks at Marata Niukore try in the 29th minute as well as an incorrect referee call that resulted in a try to centre Kurt Capewell. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also returning from injury, spilt a high kick near his own goal-line, but the loose ball was ruled backwards. Halfback Luke Metcalf kicking ahead, gathering and finding Capewell for the try. Both teams had tries disallowed on technicalities and the Warriors eventually extended their lead as reserve forward Jacob Laban scored his first NRL try. Fisher-Harris' indiscretion left the door ajar for the Dolphins, but their comeback ultimately fell short. The result means the Warriors will remain second after 11 rounds with an 8-2 record, matching the best-ever start to a season in 2002. That side that won the minor premiership and reached the Grand Final. Next week, they return to Mt Smart for the first time in a month and play fellow top four side, the Canberra Raiders in a clash which is already soldout. Warriors 16 (Marata Niukore, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban tries; Luke Metcalf 2 con) Dolphins 10 (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Herbie Farnworth tries; Jamayne Isaako 2 con). HT: 10-0.

Cam Roigard has produced a special performance to deliver the Hurricanes a crucial 24-20 win over the Highlanders. Roigard scored twice, including the winner after the siren, as the hosts escaped with the victory in their Captain America-inspired jerseys. The scrumhalf darted over the line after 22 phases to sink the Highlanders, who took a 20-17 lead late in the game. LATEST HEADLINES: Taranaki challenge top four in NBL Coll eases into World Champs semis Teen talent at Auckland Squash Open America's Cup to be sailed in Naples Fox among leaders at PGA Champs The Highlanders were desperate for victory to keep their finals hope alive, and it showed as winger James Lowe stretched out for the opening try. The hosts were dealt a blow when flanker Brayden Iose hobbled off the field with an ankle injury. This failed to stop their momentum, as winger Bailyn Sullivan continued his try-scoring run. He powered over the line in the corner, earning five points, but a head knock ended his night. Lowe quickly responded with his second after lovely interchange from the outside backs saw fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens set up the flyer after a brutal Tanielu Tele’a run. A yellow card to Timoci Tavatavanawai saw the visitors reduced to after he was sent off for a high tackle, with the Hurricanes unable to capitalise after Pasilio Tosi was brought down inches before the line. It allowed the Highlanders to go into the break with a 14-7 lead before All Black Roigard sparked the hosts. The scrumhalf capitalised on a Fehi Fineanganofo break and darted through the line to level the scores in the 47th minute. Roigard made another break shortly afterwards before Callum Harkin was denied a try for a knock-on. Ruben Love capitalised on the momentum shift and kicked a penalty to put them in front for the first time in the game with 20 minutes to go. he Highlanders levelled the scores with 12 minutes to go with a penalty from right in front to Taine Robinson. Robinson added another one three minutes later for the lead, with the Hurricanes turning down a kickable penalty to hunt for the win. This blew up in their face when the decision to go for the scrum nearly in disaster as the ball went into touch. However, Ruben Love produced a special break to set up another chance instantly, and Roigard was the man to break the Highlanders' hearts, diving over for the winner. It cements the 'Canes spot in the top six with a crucial victory, facing a tough trip to Queensland next week against the Reds. Meanwhile, the Highlanders' hopes of making the playoffs are all but over after yet another defeat. The Crusaders have beaten the Waratahs 48-33 at Allianz Stadium, to secure second spot on the Super Rugby Pacific Ladder and lock in their position in the finals. The Crusaders started the game off strong, scoring the first three tries in under 16 minutes. The first try of the game was scored by Johnny McNicholl. Rivez Reihana created a break for McNicholl, who was passed the ball and made a run for the try-line. Braydon Ennor, later, intercepted a Waratahs pass from Triston Reilly and had a clean breakthrough, running from halfway to score to extend the lead. Langi Gleeson managed to score the Waratahs first try, on his second attempt at scoring. 22   minutes into the game, Gleeson was denied a try, as the refs were unable to find clear evidence to overrule the on-field decision of ‘no try, but couldn’t be denied minutes later. However, Cullen Grace scored at the 41 minute mark, leaving the Crusaders in the lead, 31-7, at halftime.   Midway through the second half, Sevu Reece scored, not only solidifying the Crusaders lead, but also putting him in equal first, with TJ Perenara, for the all time record for tries in Super Rugby, with 65 tries over his Super Rugby career. Rivez Reihana made a breakthrough and passed to Reece, who sprinted from halfway, dodged a tackle from Kellaway, and crossed the tryline. The Crusaders appear to be utilising their kicking game more in the second half, as Reece was passed the ball by James O’Connor, made a run but before being tackled, kicked the ball, that was picked up by Tom Christie who scored. In a last-minute dash, Reilly scored after receiving the ball from Joey Walton. This try resulted in the Crusaders denied a bonus point, prohibiting them from taking the top spot on the ladder. The loss means that the Waratahs have missed their opportunity to play in the finals this season. This means that the team has two more games this season to impress against the Western Force and Blues away from home. Crusaders 48 (Johnny McNicholl, Brayden Ennor, Ioane Moananu, Chay Fihaki, Cullen Grace, Sevu Reece, Tom Christie tries; Rivez Reihana 3 con, James O'Connor 2 con, pen) NSW Waratahs 33 (Langi Gleeson 2, Miles Amatosero, Darby Lancaster, Triston Reilly tries; Tane Edmed 3 con, Bowen con). HT: 31-7

Ollie Dunbar is top seed for the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open PSA Challenger PHOTO: PSA WORLD TOUR Young talent highlights the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open with a couple of New Zealand's best teenage players taking further steps into their professional careers. Top seed at the PSA Challenger tournament which runs Thursday 22 - Sunday 25 May is 18-year-old Ollie Dunbar from Wellington who has had an amazing 2025. Currently ranked at 145 in the world Dunbar recently won the Australian and New Zealand junior titles. He was a semifinalist at the professional World Championship qualifying event plus reached the second round at the 2025 New Zealand Open after beating world No 54 Rui Soares of Portugal. LATEST HEADLINES: America's Cup to be sailed in Naples Fox among leaders at PGA Champs Injuries, rivalries in netball Premiership Black Ferns look for revenge on Canada Phoenix defeat Roar in the Australia Cup There was also a title at the Scottish Junior U19 Open and a quarterfinal appearance at the British Junior U19 Open as well.  Dunbar, who is coached by former Auckland Open winner, Evan Williams is aiming for his first PSA Challenger title and is using the tournament as part of his build up for the World Junior Championships in Egypt in July.  Another teen looking to take his pro career further is left-handed Freddie Jameson, 19 from Whangarei in Northland who has a current ranking of 603. Jameson was a beaten finalist to Dunbar in the New Zealand Junior Open earlier this year. Jameson spent time training in hotbed of squash, Malaysia with Dunbar late last year. The men's second seed is Shamil Wakeel from Sri Lanka followed by tournament regulars Ben Ratcliffe and Cameron Darton both from Australian along with Korean Jeongmin Ryu all ranked around 200 in the world. Other New Zealanders in the draw include Willz Donnelly originally from Gisborne, Bay of Plenty's Glenn Templeton and Apa Fatialofa from Auckland's Henderson Club who have all had PSA rankings in recent times.. There are other competitors from Australia, Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan. The women's satellite tournament features at large number of local and national players and will be very competitive. It's headed by four-time former champion Lana Harrison who first won in 2008 and then again 2020, 22 and 2023. Other players to have or had a professional ranking include Sophie Hodges from the Waikato, Jena Gregory as well as the Bay of Plenty duo Winona Jo-Joyce and Emma Merson. Recent winners of the tournament include Temwa Chileshe in 2024, Josephe White (Australia), Lwamba Chileshe, Evan Williams, Henry Leung (Korea), While the women's champions of the past five years include Madison Lyon (Australia), Lana Harrison on three occasions and Jessica Turnbull (Australia).  Other champions of the past include Paul Coll, Martin Knight and Campbell Grayson as well as Shelley Kitchen, Amanda Landers-Murphy, Joelle King, Carol Owens and Lelani Joyce. Over 120 players are taking part in the numerous graded champs running alongside the PSA tournament over the four days, all at the North Shore Club in Takapuna. The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open PSA Challenger tournament runs from Thursday 22 May to Sunday 25 May. The finals are 2pm for women and 3pm Sunday for men.

Ryan Fox (right) checks his yardage book during the first round of the PGA Championship. PHOTO: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has made an early impression at golf's second major, the PGA Championship. Fox ended his first round at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday (Friday NZ Time) tied for the clubhouse lead at four-under, following an early-morning round featuring six birdies and two bogeys. LATEST HEADLINES: Injuries, rivalries in netball Premiership Black Ferns look for revenge on Canada Phoenix defeat Roar in the Australia Cup Key players back for Canes, Highlanders Fan-friendly All Blacks TRCkick-off times Coming off his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic last weekend, Fox - the last man to confirm his spot in the field - held the solo lead several times during his round. Starting at the 10th hole, the 38-year-old Aucklander birdied three of his first five holes to get to three-under, making the turn in 33. He made a seven-footer for birdie on the par-five 10th, a 30-footer on the par-three 13th and drove the green on the 311-yard par-four 14th, just missing a lengthy eagle putt before tapping in. After eight straight pars, Fox had a busy finish to his round, with three birdies and two bogeys in his final five holes on the front-side. He rolled in a 13-footer on the par-four fifth for birdie, but followed with a bogey at the par-three sixth, missing a three-footer for par. The Kiwi No 1 moved to five-under with birdies at the par-five seventh and par-four eighth - making birdie putts of two feet and six feet - before closing out his round with a bogey at the par-four ninth after sending his approach shots well left and missing a 12-footer for par. Fox will tee off his second round from the first hole at 12.30pm Friday local time (4.30am Saturday NZT). In six previous appearance at the PGA Championship, he has made the weekend cut five times, with a best finish of T23 in 2023.

Brett Cameron is back for the Canes on the bench against the Highlanders in Round 14. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Finally the Hurricanes have some good injury news with Brett Cameron back ahead of schedule and into off the bench in their Friday night clash with the Highlanders in Wellington. It was initially thought the one-test All Black would be missing the entire Super Rugby Pacific season but has made a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury. LATEST HEADLINES: Football Ferns to face Venezuela Fan-friendly All Blacks kick offs Hunt wins Rally South Canterbury Fisher-Harris Warriors return Phoenix to host Wrexham AFC Bailyn Sullivan who scored four tries a couple of weeks back is on the wing for the Canes after Kini Naholo's season was ended last weekend with injury. If the Canes win it will put them a long way towards securing a playoff position. Meanwhile, the Highlanders welcome back Jona Nareki, Sosefo Kautai and Tanielu Tele'a, while a reshuffle in the loose forwards sees Sean Withy move to number eight. Veveni Lasaqa starts at openside with TK Howden on the blind. The Hurricanes have won their last eight matches against the Highlanders. The Waratahs have won three of their last four matches against the Crusaders who will be without Scott Barrett who is out with a thumb injury. Hes expected back within tthe next two weeks. Codie Taylor is also rested, as Quinten Strange gets the call up at lock and Ioane Moananu comes back in to start at hooker. George Bell returns from injury to the bench, and Johnny McNicholl id straight from the wider training squad into the number 15 jersey after Will Jordan's injury. The Blues have won on all five occasions against Moana Pasifika including earlier in the season at Eden Park 34-17. Moana have selected Patrick Pellegrini back at first five in the vital game as Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui come back onto the bench for the side calling North Harobur their home. The Tuipulotu brothers, Patrick and Tito, will line up against each other for the first time at Super Rugby Pacific level while Caleb Clarke returns from injury on the left wing and Adriann Choat starts at blindside in place the injured Anton Segner. Ricky Riccitelli is at hooker and Taufa Funaki starts at halfback ahead of Finlay Christie. Hurricanes v Highlanders, 7:05pm Friday 16 May, Sky Stadium, Wellington. Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Ngatungane Punivai, 12. Riley Higgins, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Callum Harkin Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Will Tucker, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Brett Cameron, 23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo Highlanders : 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens: Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Camerson Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Waratahs v Crusaders, 9:35pm Friday 16 May, Allianz Stadium, Sydney Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Quinten Strange, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Moana Pasifika v Blues, 7:05pm Saturday 17 May, North Harbour Stadium, Albany Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Julian Savea Blues : 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Adrian Choat, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Corey Evans Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Marcel Renata, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Cam Christie, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes

Lachlan Stevens-McNab at the 2024 world championships PHOTO: SW PIX. Twenty-seven New Zealand riders have entered the UCI MTB World Series dual competition for both enduro and downhill in Poland this weekend. There are 12 riders from New Zealand entered in the second round of Enduro World Cup in Bielsko-Biala in southern Poland, with competition based over the Enduro Trails network on Friday and Saturday (local time). LATEST HEADLINES: Injuries in netball Premiership Black Ferns look to beat Canada Nix beat Roar for Australia Cup Super Rugby Round 14 teams Football Ferns to face Venezuela Meanwhile the nearby Szczyrk Mountain Resort is the base for the opening World Cup round for downhill, with 15 New Zealanders gravity riders entered for qualifying on Saturday and finals on Sunday. Kiwi teenage talent was to the fore in the opening round of enduro last weekend with Yeti NZ Development Team rider Cooper Millward finishing second in the junior men, while Specialized Gravity rider, Winni Goldsbury seventh in her elite women’s debut. World No 3 ranked Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity) was mid-pack in 11th last weekend in Italy, but will look forward to a return to Bielsko-Biala where he scored the elite men’s world series victory last year. It is a one-day race across the region’s best enduro trails over five stages with a total of 1320m climbing (plus 440m via gondola) and 1600m of descending. There is anticipation for the opening round of gravity competition as Bielsko-Biała has quickly risen as a premier destination for downhill mountain bike racing. Perched at 1000m altitude, the downhill track is 2km in length, challenging riders with the technical trails. The track drops 410m and features some big jumps and gaps. Leading the New Zealand elite entries is Rotorua’s Lachie Stevens-McNab, with the 21-year-old moving to the high profile Trek Factory Gravity team this year. Last season he enjoyed two podiums and went close to his first win in Poland, finishing the year ranked 12th in the world. Stevens-McNab attributes much to his development to his family. “I’ve gotten older and it’s just the way I’ve been brought up, just to work as hard as you can, don’t leave any stone unturned,” said Stevens-McNab. “My parents support me through everything. But they see that I work hard. They’re just like, ‘if you want to do something and you work hard, we’ll always support you.’ I’m pretty lucky. “I’m stoked that we’re starting in Poland and really looking forward to get racing.” Stevens-McNab is joined by a bunch of kiwis entered including national champion Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (MS Racing), the experienced Ed Masters (Pivot Factory) and Christchurch’s Luke Wayman, who moves to the crack Continental Atherton team, on the back of two world cup podiums in the junior ranks last year. The kiwi elite women are led by multi-national champion Jess Blewitt (Cube Factory), who earned a podium in a breakthrough season in 2024; two-time junior world championship medallist Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory) who moves to the elite ranks, while Rotorua’s Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory), a former junior world champion, has impressed after a return to top level competition. Missing from the Poland round is two-time junior world champion is Erice van Leuven, but the encouraging news is that she has made a speedy recovery from her significant crash riding in Tasmania in February. “Two weeks ago I had my final check-up and I got cleared to start back on the mtb,” said van Leuven. “I spent my first couple of days back on the DH bike and it feels so good to be back. Unfortunately it’s a bit too tight for me to be fully ready for Poland so I’ll be watching this one from home,” she said, with plans to head to Europe next week. She moves to the high profile NORCO Racing team under the direction of four-time world champion, Greg Minnaar. There’s keen interest in some world-class kiwis in the junior ranks including Tauranga’s Eliana Hulsebosch, signed to the crack Santa Cruz team, and enjoyed a win and three World Cup podiums in her first season. The junior men’s contingent includes Kaikoura’s Oli Clark who has signed with MS Racing team and Hawkes Bay’s Tyler Waite moving to the Yeti-Fox Factory team. The Enduro elite race is on Saturday from 8am local time while downhill qualifying in the afternoon with finals on Sunday from 11.30am with elite men at 2pm (local time). The New Zealand entries are: Enduro, elite men: Regan Doig Mt Maunganui), Asher Hart (Tauranga), Oliver Jenkins (Christchurch), Edward Masters (Pivot Factory), Joe Millington (Rotorua – Yeti NZ Development), Charles Murray (Specialized Gravity), Lachie Ross (Upper Hutt), Matthew Walker (Pivot Factory). Junior men: Cooper Millward (Yeti Development NZ), Marcus Sayers (Yeti Development NZ). Elite women: Winni Goldsbury (Specialized Gravity), George Swift (Yeti-Fox). Downhill, elite men: Nico Arnold, Wyn Masters, Lachlan Stevens-McNab (Trek Factory), Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (MS Racing), Luke Wayman (Continental Atherton). Elite women: Jess Blewitt (Cube Factory), Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory), Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory). Junior men: Seppy Binsbergen, Malik Boatwright (Team High Country), Oli Clark (MS Racing), Tyler Waite (Yeti Fox Factory), Jonty Williamson (Yeti Fox Factory). Junior women: Bellah Birchall (Team High Country), Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz). Caption: In action - Jess Blewitt in action last season (Red Bull Content Pool) and Lachlan Stevens-McNab at the 2024 world championships (SW Pix).

Former Silver Fern Kayla Johnson has been called in to the Stars squad PHOTO: STARS NETBALL Just one round completed and already teams are having to shuffle their playing roster in the ANZ Premiership netball comp. The Stars have injury issues as Greer Sinclair has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in her left knee and will miss the remainder of the ANZ Premiership season. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Ferns look to beat Canada Nix beat Roar for Australia Cup Super Rugby Round 14 teams Football Ferns to face Venezuela Fan-friendly All Blacks kick offs Sinclair will undergo surgery before working towards a return to the netball court in 2026. Kate Burley has suffered an injury to her left foot and will be assessed week to week. Burley will continue to be monitored and follow return to play protocols – with an update to be provided once she is cleared to return to the court. Stars foundation player Kayla Johnson will join the team as injury cover, having last worn the Stars dress during the 2022 season. Sisters Lisa and Holly Mather will go head-to-head in Round 2 of the netball’s ANZ Premiership, when the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix take on the Go Media stars in Auckland this weekend. Older sister Lisa (25) plays at wing defence and centre for the Stars with Holly (24) at centre in her first full ANZ Premiership contract for the Tactix. Playing for the Comets in the National Netball League, Lisa was elevated from training partner with the Stars to injury cover in the midcourt in 2024, before signing with the Tactix for 2025. It is the first time the Mather sisters have come up against each other professionally, and Holly expects some healthy sibling competition in the mid-court. The Stars host the Tactix Sunday 18 may at 4pm at Pulman Arena in Auckland Meanwhile across Auckland the Mystics and Pulse clash in a replay of last season's final Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson says they're expecting a tough game. "We’re expecting physicality, we’re expecting speed, we’re expecting smarts, we’re expecting them to have shot accuracy.” For her the head to head to get excited about will be, “Donnell (Wallam) versus Kelly (Jackson)....I’m intrigued to see how that match up goes. I’ve actually never seen them against each other, so I’m keen to see that. Plus there is a tantalising midcourt match up,“ I "’m also really excited to see Tayla Earle and Gabby Simpson...that it’s gonna be a match up of speed and strength and agility, and I think we’ll give fans something really exciting to watch.” The game is 4pm, Saturday 17 May at Trusts Stadium in Auckland. The round is completed on Monday night as the Magic are at home against the Steel at 7pm at Globox Arena. Both sides suffered losses on the opening weekend and will be looking to avoid the early running for the wooeden spoon.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe returns to the Black Ferns run-on team to face Canada PHOTO: BLACK FERNS The Black Ferns face Canada in their Pacific Four Series on Saturday in Christchurch with a score to settle after the loss last year. Canada is currently ranked second in the world and secured their first-ever win over the Black Ferns (22-19) in Christchurch last year, which saw them claim the PAC4 2024 title. LATEST HEADLINES: Nix beat Roar for Australia Cup Super Rugby Round 14 teams Football Ferns to face Venezuela Fan-friendly All Blacks kick offs Hunt wins Rally South Canterbury The selectors have named their match-day 23 which includes rugby stalwart Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on the wing in her first international XVs game since the 2022 Rugby World Cup Final. Black Ferns Director of Performance Allan Bunting said he is thrilled to have Woodman-Wickliffe back in the black jersey. “I’m really excited for Portia to again represent her country in front of friends and whānau, it will be a special moment for her. It’s been awesome seeing the joy in her eyes and everything she does to enhance our environment. Her willingness to learn and grow is contagious; we look forward to seeing her play this weekend against Canada,” said Bunting. Woodman-Wickliffe is also two tries away from reaching 200 points in a Black Ferns Test match to become only the third Black Fern to reach that milestone. Woodman-Wickliffe and Amy Rule’s start along with the return of Liana Mikaele-Tu'u to the number 8 jersey are the only three changes to the run on team that beat Australia last weekend. Following her stellar two-try debut last Saturday, rising star Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns for another week at fullback. In the front row, prop Amy Rule will start alongside Chryss Viliko, while Tanya Kalounivale celebrates her 20th Test match with Kate Henwood off the bench. Georgia Ponsonby starts at hooker and the locking duo of Alana Bremner and Maiakawanakaulani Roos remains unchanged. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u starts in no.8 for her first match of the year. A virtually unchanged backline sees Co-captain Ruahei Demant and Maia Joseph in the 9 and 10 jerseys, while Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis combine again in the midfield, powerful winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga joins Woodman-Wickliffe and Sorensen-McGee to complete the back three. Atlanta Lolohea, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul will look to create impact off the bench. “We are focused on us, our Rugby Lead and Attack Coach Tony Christie along with our coaching team are doing a great job installing our game. It was good to see pieces of this come together last week versus Australia,” Bunting said. “Last Saturday was a great stepping stone towards where we want to be, and we look forward to seeing how we build off that this week against a quality Canadian side. We are excited to play our first Test at home.” It is the 19th clash between the two sides, the Blacks Ferns with an 18-1 record. Black Ferns v Canada 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Amy Rule, 4. Alana Bremner, 5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 6. Layla Sae, 7. Kennedy Tukuafu (Co-captain), 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Maia Joseph 10. Ruahei Demant (Co-captain), 11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga, 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia, Brunt, 13 Amy du Plessis, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee. Reserves: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Kate Henwood,. 18. Tanya Kalounivale, 19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 20. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Hannah King, 23. Mererangi Paul

Kosta Barbarouses scored for the Phoenix against the Roar in Darwin PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX The Wellington Phoenix have secured a place in the 2025 Australia Cup, aflter a disciplined performance to win their playoff and finish their season on a high. The Phoenix beat the Brisbane Roar 1-0 at Darwin Football Stadium thanks to a 39th minute goal from veteran forward Kosta Barbarouses, who was teed up 17-year-old Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby Round 14 teams Football Ferns to face Venezuela Fan-friendly All Blacks kick offs Hunt wins Rally South Canterbury Fisher-Harris Warriors return The Nix defended resolutely and sensibly after taking the lead, with the match kicking off in 31 degree heat with high humidity, and held on despite being reduced to 10 men in the 89th minute. The result ensures Wellington will be in the last 32 of the Australia Cup which is a key part of the team’s pre-season for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League. Head coach Giancarlo Italiano made four changes to the side which started the disappointing 2-0 final round defeat to Perth Glory with Matthew Sheridan, Paulo Retre, Nathan Walker and Sloane-Rodrigues replacing the injured Corban Piper and Isaac Hughes, and Luke Brooke-Smith and Kazuki Nagasawa who were named amongst the substitutes. The Phoenix made a bright start and created two opportunities inside the first five minutes. The first fell to Hideki Ishige, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he wasn’t able to direct a shot on target. Sam Sutton picked out Barbarouses with a pinpoint ball from the left flank soon after and the All Whites forward shot straight at Matt Acton in Brisbane’s goal. Moments later Nix ‘keeper Josh Oluwayemi made a sharp save to keep out a header from Roar striker Asumah Abubakar. They should have taken the lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute when Oluwayemi brought down Roar winger Henry Hore in the Wellington box, but Jay O’Shea blasted his spot kick against the crossbar. Italiano was forced to make an early substitution in the 36th minute after Walker was injured following a foul from Roar centre back Hosine Bility but ther is no VAR in the Australia Cup. The Phoenix came close from the resulting free kick, with Acton doing well to keep out a powerful left-footed shot from Alex Rufer. The Nix took the lead soon after with Sloane-Rodrigues who made a run in field from the left flank and found Brooke-Smith and he returned the ball to Sloane-Rodrigues who delivered a first-time cross-come-shot which beat Acton and Barbarouses made sure of it by heading into an open net. The Phoenix frustrated Brisbane in the second half with a well-organised defensive showing. It took the Roar 20 minutes after halftime to register their next shot on target with Oluwayemi making a good save to push a powerful Jay O’Shea shot around his right-hand post. He made an even better stop 10 minutes later to deny Brisbane substitute Ben Halloran one-on-one after the Nix coughed up possession deep inside their own half. Acton made a good one-on-one save of his own in the 80th minute to keep out an effort from Brooke-Smith after Barbarouses had slipped the 16-year-old through on goal with a perfectly weighted pass. The Phoenix went down to 10 men in the 89th minute when Rufer received a second yellow card for a foul on his opposite O’Shea. The Nix continued to defend well a player down but the Roar came within inches of sending the game into extra time with virtually the last touch of stoppage time. Bility headed a left-wing corner against the crossbar, much to Wellington’s relief. The Wellington Phoenix will make the long journey home tomorrow and will then part ways before reassembling for the start of pre-season training in July.