/news/sport/rss 九一星空无限 Sat, 19 Apr 2025 14:04:07 Z en /news/sport/auckland-fc-why-eden-park-remains-unlikely-option-for-potential-a-league-grand-final/ /news/sport/auckland-fc-why-eden-park-remains-unlikely-option-for-potential-a-league-grand-final/ It looks increasingly unlikely that Eden Park would be used for a potential A-League grand final in Auckland later this year.  While it is only hypothetical, discussions have been under way for some time – given the planning requirements and the fact that the A-League have to prepare for every contingency.  Auckland FC, who have led the competition for almost the entire season, remain favourites for the Premiers Plate with three rounds to play.  If they secure top spot, then progress via a two-legged semifinal, they will host the grand final, as the highest-ranked team.  It would be one of the biggest football occasions in this country but where will it be played?  A-League senior officials have met with both Go Media Stadium and Eden Park, to ascertain possibilities for the match to be held on the weekend of May 31-June 1.  Eden Park has a much greater capacity (46,000), which will appeal to the governing body, who retain all gate revenue from finals matches.  The Sandringham venue has hosted some big football matches down the years, including the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup.  Auckland FC have been getting strong crowds at Mt Smart all season. Photo / Photosport  However, Mt Smart (27,000 capacity) is Auckland’s home base and has become a cauldron for Steve Corica’s team, who have lost only once there, backed by passionate crowds.  For a number of reasons, it would be the club’s preference, especially from a high-performance point of venue, with the pure aim of securing victory.  Mt Smart is also steeped in football history, as the scene of the 1982 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.  Using the Penrose stadium would be consistent with precedent, with the Central Coast Mariners permitted to stage the 2024 grand final at their 20,000 capacity home.  But the biggest factor could be scheduling, as the Blues are booked to play the Waratahs at Eden Park on Saturday May 31, leaving Friday or Sunday as alternatives.  Both are theoretically possible, though Friday would compromise the build-up, while Sunday could affect the television audience in Australia and is not seen as an ideal day for such an occasion.  In terms of the possible home semi-final leg, Mt Smart has already been earmarked for that tie, which would happen on the weekend of May 24-25.  On the field, the cards are starting to fall nicely for Auckland FC, as they move closer to securing their first trophy.  Since their 2-2 draw with Sydney FC last Saturday, one of their big rivals for the Premiers Plate has suffered two losses.  Western United’s reverse to Western Sydney Wanderers last Sunday was always a possibility, but Thursday night produced one of the shocks of the season, as Brisbane tipped up John Aloisi’s team 2-1.  It was the Roar’s first win at home in more than a year and a major setback to United’s hopes of overhauling the expansion team.  Barring a crazy run of results, Western United can no longer catch Auckland FC, who were six points clear before their clash with Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and also have a superior goal difference.  Auckland FC celebrate a goal by Neyder Moreno. Photo / Photosport  On a wider level, there are all kinds of permutations around the Premiers Plate. Auckland FC (47 points) can seal top spot with a win on Saturday, if Melbourne City (43 points) fall to Wanderers later that night.  City are Auckland’s main threat, though have the tougher run home with games against Sydney FC and Adelaide after this weekend.  “All we have to do is just take care of our own business, one game at a time,” said Corica. “But if other teams help that’s obviously a bonus for us.”  Confidence remains high in the group, even if there have been some frustrations with a run of five draws in six games.  But Auckland remain hard to beat, which puts them in good stead for what is to come, though Saturday’s game will be one of the biggest tests of the season so far.  AAMI Park is a tough place to go and has been a graveyard for the Wellington Phoenix over the years, while the Victory have tons of late-season experience.  “They have talented players up front and dangerous dribblers as well,” said Corica.  “We have to be strong defensively but we can hurt them in areas as well.”  Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.  Sat, 19 Apr 2025 03:58:17 Z /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-avoids-stewards-punishment-logs-solid-day-in-practice-for-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-avoids-stewards-punishment-logs-solid-day-in-practice-for-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ Liam Lawson has completed a solid day of practice for Formula One’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, completing 39 laps on the difficult track in Jeddah.  The Racing Bulls driver logged the 11th and 14th fastest times in the respective sessions, in his first experience of driving the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in a Formula One car.  The Kiwi’s only blemish came in the form of being investigated for failing to comply with race director’s instructions, twice in FP1, and was warned by the stewards after entering the painted area between the pit entry and the track.  The stewards found that while Lawson’s infringement was worth punishment, the fact he’d done it in practice gave him no advantage, and did not warrant further action.  Across both sessions, Lawson logged a best time of 1m 29.488s - achieved in free practice two - and finished 1.221s back from Lando Norris of McLaren, who set the best mark of the day with 1m 28.267s. Teammate Oscar Piastri was 0.163s back from Norris.  Lawson’s teammate, Isack Hadjar was 15th in practice one, but bettered the Kiwi with 12th place in practice two, coming away with a 0.182s gap between the two Racing Bulls cars.  Given the high speed nature of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, laps driven were the key objective of the first session, before timed efforts took precedence in the second.  More than one driver struggled to come to grips with the fastest street circuit on the calendar, including newly minted world championship favourite Oscar Piastri, who clipped the wall in his opening laps.  Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, Lawson’s replacement at Red Bull, clipped the wall at turn 27, crashed, and triggered a red flag that all but ended the second session of the day, before it resumed with less than two minutes remaining.  The earlier session saw temperatures on track touch 60 degrees Celsius. However, those temperatures effectively rendered the first session as meaningless, given the grand prix itself is raced at night, which sees cars and tyres behave differently on a cooler track.  The evening session, meanwhile, saw Lawson complete the majority of his laps on soft tyres, as preparation for Sunday’s (NZ time) qualifying. And given every race in 2025, so far, has been won by the driver that started on pole, qualifying will be key for all drivers, in the last Grand Prix of this three week block.  The two practice sessions also saw Lawson complete no laps on the hard tyre, which will be used for the most part in the Grand Prix.  Helping Lawson’s confidence even further are his results at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in junior categories. In 2021, on his first visit there, Lawson finished second in the Formula Two sprint race. A year later, he won that same race.  Earlier, in free practice one, neither of the two Racing Bulls were able to make use of the full session, and spent a significant amount of time in the garage to readjust both cars’ rear wings.  That meant both Racing Bulls cars recorded the fewest laps in the opening session. Lawson managed 17, with 11 coming on medium tyres and six on softs. Hadjar meanwhile only put in 14 laps, nine on mediums and five on softs.  Lawson was able to set the 11th fastest time of the opening session, crossing the line with a best effort of 1m 29.907s. That mark was just 0.668s off Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who set the fastest time with 1m 29.239s.  Hadjar was 15th with a best effort of 1m 30.011s, 0.104s back from his teammate. The two Red Bull cars of Verstappen (1m 29.818s) and Tsunoda (1m 29.821s) finished ninth and 10th respectively.  McLaren pair Norris and Piastri recorded the second and fourth best times of the first session.  Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place at 5am on Sunday, before the 50-lap race begins at 5am on Monday.  Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both 九一星空无限hub and 1九一星空无限.  Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:17:34 Z /news/sport/warriors-v-broncos-adam-pompey-eager-to-celebrate-special-milestone-with-victory/ /news/sport/warriors-v-broncos-adam-pompey-eager-to-celebrate-special-milestone-with-victory/ New Zealand Warriors stalwart Adam Pompey has been the ultimate quiet achiever during his NRL career. The 26-year-old will bring up his 100th NRL match for the Warriors when he runs onto the field for Saturday’s clash against the Brisbane Broncos at a sold-out Go Media Mt Smart Stadium. Pompey will become the 31st player to play 100 games at the Auckland-based NRL club, and he’ll join Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati and Bunty Afoa as the few players on that list to have only played first-grade for the Warriors. Although it has taken some time to reach the milestone. Pompey is in his seventh season at the Warriors, and initially it took time to stamp his mark. However, he’s developed into one of their most reliable and consistent players, whether that’s in the centres or the wing, and sometimes the bench if required. If Pompey has it his way, the Warriors will be the only team he plays for. “It’s pretty special, not only for myself but my family,” said Pompey. “Hopefully I’m just a one club man. The club’s been really welcoming and played a big part of my life and my career so far. “I’m excited for this weekend. They [Broncos] got a good pack coming over and I’m just keen to run out there on my 100 and being in front of our fans and family.” Pompey was first spotted as a teenager playing first XV rugby for Wesley College by Peter O’Sullivan, who was the Sydney Roosters recruitment manager at the time. Initially he would attend school in Pukekohe during the week and then fly to Sydney on Fridays to train with their SG Ball (under 19s) team and play the following day. In total, he was at the Roosters for four years, as he went on to play for their under 20s side and reserve squad, but after missing home, he returned to Auckland, not knowing where his future lay. He was spotted by O’Sullivan again, who was now working at the Warriors, and snapped up on a train and trial contract before the 2019 season. That quickly turned into a development deal, before being elevated to the Warriors top 30, and it didn’t take long for Pompey to make his NRL debut in a win over the Cronulla Sharks in Wellington. After playing five games in his rookie season, Pompey has gone on to play at least 50% of the Warriors’ matches every season, with his biggest output being in 2023 when he played all but 10 minutes across 27 matches in the club’s run to the semi-finals. In total, he has scored 24 tries - the highlight likely being the game-winner in the come-from-behind 34-31 win over the Canberra Raiders in 2021 - along with 45 goals. Adam Pompey dives over to score the winning try against the Canberra Raiders in 2021. Photo / Photosport. “He’s got that loyalty to the club,” said Afoa, the Warriors’ current longest serving player. “It’s a hard gig and you can finally say you are an NRL player when you reach that mark. He’s done really well.” Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf agrees, saying Pompey is a classy teammate. “He’s one of the boys in the changing rooms that everyone loves,” said Metcalf. “He will do whatever is needed for the team and he always puts in a solid performance.” Along with celebrating Pompey’s milestone, the Warriors will wear a special Pasifika-themed jersey against the Broncos. As the Warriors had the bye during the NRL’s multicultural round, they are using the occasion to celebrate the strong Pacific connection at the club. Warriors coach Andrew Webster says Pompey’s 100th, celebrating culture and facing the Broncos should make for an exciting occasion. “When you talk about special occasions, playing the Broncos, and those two others, it’s awesome,” said Webster. “I think if you play 100 NRL games, that’s always awesome, but if you can do it at one club, that’s pretty special, so we’re really excited for Adam and hopefully we can have him celebrating.” The Warriors beat the Broncos 32-16 in their last meeting during the 2024 season. The Broncos last won in Auckland back in 2019. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:34:40 Z /news/sport/peter-burling-makes-surprise-appearance-at-young-sailors-optimist-national-championships/ /news/sport/peter-burling-makes-surprise-appearance-at-young-sailors-optimist-national-championships/ Ask and you shall receive. For three young sailors from the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, it’s a notion they will long remember. Before last week’s Optimist National Championships at Royal Akarana Yacht Club, they put a message out to Black Foils driver Peter Burling, who came up through the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, in the hopes of having their sporting hero make an appearance. The three-time America’s Cup winner and three-time Olympic medalist answered the call. Burling made an appearance at the event’s prizegiving, which had been brought forward a day to Tuesday because of the storm that was due to hit Auckland on Wednesday. The 34-year-old took time to mingle with the competitors, posing for photos and signing autographs. While many of the young athletes competing will have been inspired by Burling’s accolades in the top levels of the sport, he, too, once competed in the Optimist National Championships; a 12-year-old Burling winning the title in 2003. This year’s overall open fleet was won by reigning champion Matteo Barker, the son of former Emirates Team NZ and American Magic America’s Cup helmsman Dean Barker, ahead of Hamish Brown and Will Fyfe. The girls’ open fleet was won by Zofia Wells – also a back-to-back champion – ahead of Charlotte Handley, who in March won the starling class in the annual Girls Regatta, and Greta Hutton. Peter Burling made a surprise appearance at the prizegiving of the Optimist National Championships at Royal Akarana Yacht Club. Photo / Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die The gesture came just days after the shock news that Burling would not be part of the next America’s Cup campaign with Team NZ, who withdrew a contract offer that was on the table for their incumbent skipper, with team chief executive Grant Dalton saying they could not let any more time go by before they moved on with their campaign. Burling is yet to share his view on the two parties going their separate ways, but wished the team all the best in their next defence of the Auld Mug in an Instagram post. “I’m proud of the battles, the wins, and being part of one of the greatest sporting teams in the world,” he wrote. “I want to take this time to thank you all. My family, friends and Kiwi sailing fans for the amazing support over the past decade. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who’s been part of this chapter. “I’m incredibly excited for the future – growing the Black Foils, proudly representing New Zealand both at home and on the global stage, and driving positive ocean action through Live Ocean.” Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:05:55 Z /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-shrugs-off-red-bull-demotion-looks-ahead-to-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-shrugs-off-red-bull-demotion-looks-ahead-to-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ Being dropped two races into his career with Red Bull’s senior team hasn’t impacted Liam Lawson’s confidence, the Kiwi driver has declared. Lawson, 23, was the latest victim of Red Bull’s ruthless driver merry-go-round, and was switched for former teammate Yuki Tsunoda after the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai. The pair spent the end of 2024 battling to impress Red Bull to slot in alongside Max Verstappen. And while Lawson initially won that race, Red Bull senior team principal Christian Horner has since admitted they’d asked too much, too soon of the New Zealander. In a sport as high stakes as Formula One, any driver would be within their rights to take a knock to their self-esteem after such a move. Lawson had spent his whole career trying to earn a drive with Red Bull, after signing for the team as a teenager. However, to see that cut short after just two races is a move that has been dubbed as unfair across the Formula One paddock. Now, Lawson is back with Racing Bulls, the team in which he raced 11 grands prix for, before his promotion to start the new season. In those 11 races, spread across two seasons after replacing Australian Daniel Ricciardo, twice, Lawson achieved three different points finishes, coming ninth in Singapore, Austin and Brazil. This year, though, Lawson is still adjusting to Racing Bulls’ VCARB02, and has finished outside the points in both Japan and Bahrain. On Monday (NZ time), Lawson will look to break that duck in Saudi Arabia, as the final race of Formula One’s triple header of three races in three weeks. And speaking to media at the start of the race weekend, Lawson outlined that there hasn’t been any long-term damage. “Honestly, confidence-wise, nothing really changed from the start of the year,” he said in Jeddah. “I didn’t spend anywhere near enough time [at Red Bull] for me to reflect on those two races and go, ‘oh my god, I’ve really struggled in this car, I’ve lost my ability’. It wasn’t really like that. “I did two races that were two very messy weekends from a lot of factors, but I think confidence-wise that didn’t really change. “It’s just been about getting used to a new car again, and the team, and trying to do all that as quickly as possible. I think that’s really been where the focus is at. “Confidence-wise I feel, honestly, as I always have.” If there’s any example to show Lawson’s confidence remains intact, look no further than his drive in Bahrain. While the Kiwi was hit by two separate penalties, for collisions with Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, both came as a result of attempting to pull off late braking overtakes. On both occasions, Lawson went wheel to wheel into corners, looking to brake late, gain an advantage, and accelerate out. And although he finished 16th once penalties were applied, Lawson’s display in Bahrain should give both himself and Racing Bulls hope that results are achievable this season, as already evidenced by teammate Isack Hadjar. Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies described Lawson as having made “a very significant step forward” over the course of the race weekend. Helping Lawson’s confidence even further is his results at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in junior categories. In 2021, on his first visit there, Lawson finished second in the sprint race. A year later, he won that same race. However, given there are such small gaps between teams fighting for midfield positions this year, Lawson won’t predict how things will unfold this weekend. “Naturally, each weekend we spend in the car, me personally, I get more comfortable,” he said. “As a team, we work out things that suit us best. Bahrain was more competitive for us, we just didn’t show it. That’s a good feeling coming here. “But at the same time, it’s a very different track. [It’s a] different surface, completely high speeds. That’ll be a big adjustment. “The midfield is so tight right now, it’s so hard to predict where we sit with everyone else. The difference between a tenth [of a second] is quite a few positions. “We’re optimistic, we’re pushing hard, but it’s very hard to say where we’re going to slot in with everyone else at the moment.” The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix begins at 5am on Monday morning (NZ time). Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both 九一星空无限hub and 1九一星空无限. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 22:01:02 Z /news/sport/crusaders-v-blues-beauden-barrett-s-definitive-case-for-all-blacks-no-10-jersey-amid-super-rugby-pacific-form/ /news/sport/crusaders-v-blues-beauden-barrett-s-definitive-case-for-all-blacks-no-10-jersey-amid-super-rugby-pacific-form/ If the Blues are to haul themselves from the mire and prove their back-nine resurgence is no short-lived façade, they must overcome their Christchurch demons on Friday night. And to achieve that, they need Beauden Barrett to continue his purple patch of form. Barrett’s influence on the Blues has been compelling, as he signals his intent to retain the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey he wrestled from Damian McKenzie last year. Before breaking his hand against the Brumbies in early March, Barrett scored a brilliant individual try and directed the Blues to a comfortable halftime buffer. Without him in the second half, the Blues fumbled their way to a 21-20 defeat. The Blues didn’t win a match in Barrett’s absence, losing to the Chiefs and Crusaders before resetting with some pointed internal conversations during their bye. Three weeks ago, Barrett returned from injury against the Hurricanes, where his creative kicking game, including several brilliantly executed banana-benders, propelled the Blues to a narrow escape. The All Blacks centurion was at it again last week against Moana Pasifika too, with a chip-and-regather try on the edge. Barrett’s rich vein of form comes not long after McKenzie re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to 2029, and with Richie Mo’unga remaining ineligible for the All Blacks until mid-next year while he sees out his Japanese contract. After the uncertainty of last year, with McKenzie starting the All Blacks’ first seven tests of the season before Barrett largely took charge, there’s little doubt who Scott Robertson will entrust to grasp the reins against France in July. The evergreen Barrett, that’s who. The 33-year-old, for his part, deflected praise from his recent performances, but acknowledges settling into his favoured No 10 role has helped. “I don’t know, really. I’m just enjoying playing footy at No 10. Time in the saddle is nice. I’m grateful for the opportunities,” Barrett said. The four weeks he was sidelined with his broken hand allowed him time to hone his kicking game – and that will need to be on point if the Blues are to defy their one win from their last 14 attempts in Christchurch. “I love kicking out of the hand. It goes way back to the days where I thought of playing AFL and I was encouraged by a key person at Francis Douglas. Those kicking variations are all fun parts of the game where I can express myself. When I broke my hand, fortunately I was still able to kick. “The challenge going south is a huge one. They’re top of the table at the moment so that’ll be a real test of where we’re at. “Winning matters, performing matters, that’s what we’re looking for down there. They’ve got a great record down there and they’re proud of that.” While the Blues’ record in Christchurch is dire – and two wins from their last 24 games against the Crusaders anywhere isn’t much better – the team who trek south are decidedly different from the one that conceded seven tries in the 42-19 humbling at Eden Park one month ago. There are eight starting changes for Vern Cotter’s side from that horror night against their arch-rivals, which includes Zarn Sullivan’s big boot returning to fullback for the first time this year. Barrett, Ricky Riccitelli, Patrick Tuipulotu, A.J. Lam and Anton Segner were also absent at that stage, during the worst of the Blues’ injury toll. Barrett expects the Crusaders to come hard at the Blues at the breakdown, where they savoured success last time, while noting their set-piece strength and ability to play out the back and through the front door. While only four points outside the top six and with a more favourable run home than others, the Blues must maintain momentum garnered from their first successive wins this season to vastly improve their quest to defend last year’s title. Claiming the treasured Crusaders scalp at home would instantly alter the complexion of their underwhelming campaign. “We were perhaps guilty of making some assumptions early on this season. We’ve highlighted that and we know everything is earned and we can’t take anything for granted,” Barrett said. “We’re starting to collectively understand the game we play again and with that comes a lot of trust and belief but we’ve got a long way to go. “We’re going down there to get a good performance and hopefully creep up the leaderboard because we’ve got a lot of work to do. We’ve put ourselves in this position and it’s up to us if we really want to be in the playoffs.” Barrett will need to be at his influential best to inspire an upset but he can’t do it without the desired platform. After naming a 6/2 forwards split on the bench that features a debut in the making for the captain’s younger brother Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Cotter signalled where he believes this contest will be determined. “With two victories, there’s a little more confidence and spring in the step,” the coach said. “You can’t go to Christchurch and underestimate how tough the task will be against a Crusaders team full of confidence now. “There will be a bit of chess to be played out there, but also a good physical battle. It will be tough, as it always is. They love playing the Blues and we know playing the Crusaders in Christchurch is one of our biggest challenges.” Liam Napier has been a sports journalist since 2010 and his work has taken him to World Cups in rugby, netball and cricket, boxing world title fights and Commonwealth Games. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:17:41 Z /news/sport/ryan-fox-praises-rory-mcilroy-on-masters-win-returns-to-action-in-dominican-republic/ /news/sport/ryan-fox-praises-rory-mcilroy-on-masters-win-returns-to-action-in-dominican-republic/ With the Masters monkey off Rory McIlroy’s back, it might be time for the rest of the PGA Tour field to watch out. On Monday, the 35-year-old Northern Irishman completed his career grand slam when he won his first Masters title in his 17th appearance at the famed tournament, having to beat Justin Rose in a playoff to get the job done. Last week’s event was McIlroy’s 11th attempt at completing his career grand slam of major championships, after adding the 2014 PGA Championship and Open Championship to his 2011 US Open title. With that now completed, Kiwi PGA Tour player Ryan Fox told the Herald we could see the best of McIlroy moving forward. “I’m chuffed for him. He’s such a nice dude, he’s had heartbreak at Augusta multiple times, he’s had heartbreak in majors multiple times since his last win in 2014 and I can’t think of anyone who had more pressure on them to win a golf tournament than he had on Sunday [local time],” he said. “He went through so much adversity on that Sunday and still managed to get through it. I’m chuffed for him and I hope he has a damn good celebration. “It might be time to watch out. That weight’s off his shoulders now and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on a bit of a tear and throws a few more majors under his belt now that the pressure’s off.” Fox, who for the first time in the past three years did not qualify for the Masters, watched through McIlroy’s rollercoaster final round and admitted he felt at times like it was going to be another one that got away from McIlroy. “That’s the most nervous I’ve been watching golf for a long time,” Fox said. “Granted, I probably don’t watch a lot of golf anymore, but I was riveted to that all of Sunday. I really wanted Rors to win for a lot of reasons. I felt like several times he had the tournament completely done, then all of a sudden he’d hit a couple of bad shots and you’d think, oh no, he’s going to fail again and it’s going to be heartbreak. “The mental strength and resilience he showed was pretty incredible, to be honest. It was a rollercoaster of emotions to watch. I’m sure most of the golfing world thought the same thing. I can’t imagine what he was feeling inside the whole time on that back nine. It was up and down, that’s for sure.” After a week off, Fox will return to the PGA Tour tee boxes this week, playing in the alternate field event in the Dominican Republic. It’s the first time Fox has visited the Caribbean nation, and looms as a good opportunity to bank some points towards his FedEx Cup ranking with the top-ranked players featuring in the RBC Heritage signature event, which is limited to a field of 72 with no cut. The tournament wasn’t always on Fox’s schedule, but about a month ago he decided to pencil it in, and it was easy to commit to after he missed the cut in the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio a fortnight ago. With the Corales course at Puntacana Resort being next to the sea, the wind can cause a bit of trouble if it gets up. During a practice round early in the week, Fox was surprised to find himself teeing off with a three-wood on a par three – and that being the right club for the hole in the conditions. “It’s a cool part of the world. At my age and with how much golf I’ve played, you don’t really get to go to new places that often, so I’ve been enjoying the Dominican Republic so far, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s one of those golf courses, I think if the wind stays down, you can definitely shoot some good scores and take the golf course on. If the wind gets up, it’s going to be a bit of a brute this weekend, so I’m definitely expecting it to play a decent factor in the tournament.” Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 02:14:32 Z /news/sport/netball-new-zealand-to-review-grace-nweke-s-silver-ferns-eligibility/ /news/sport/netball-new-zealand-to-review-grace-nweke-s-silver-ferns-eligibility/ Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie claims the board will review their ruling over Grace Nweke’s Silver Ferns eligibility.  The New South Wales Swifts goal shoot is currently unable to be selected for New Zealand’s tests this year after relocating from the Northern Mystics to Australia’s Super Netball.  Nweke has been vocal about her desire to still represent the Ferns, telling the Inside Netball podcast she is still holding out hope of playing tests in 2025.  Wyllie told 九一星空无限talk ZB they are aware of Nweke’s desire to pull on the black dress.  “The Netball New Zealand board are the ones that set the eligibility for our athletes. They are continually reviewing and revising their views on it, so that’s certainly something for our board to discuss.”  Wyllie said she will stand by the board’s decision.  “But I am encouraging them to make sure we continue to show flexibility and review these policies as they are needed.”  Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua is supportive of an exception being made for Nweke.  “I think once Netball New Zealand knows where the competition is for the ANZ Premiership 2026, I’m assuming decisions will be made thereafter. But nothing has changed as to those decisions at this moment in time.”  Taurua has kept Nweke as part of the Silver Ferns leadership group and is in regular contact with her.  The 23-year-old has made a hot start to Super Netball, putting up 51 and 49 goals respectively in the Swifts’ opening wins over the Fever and Mavericks.  Taurua is also calling for three or four more tests to be added to the Silver Ferns’ calendar, citing preparation requirements for next year’s Commonwealth Games.  New Zealand will host South Africa in three Taini Jamison Trophy matches in September before their Constellation Cup defence against Australia across four tests in October.  A three-match tour of Fiji earlier this year was cancelled due to logistical challenges.  Taurua said their omission from the Nations Cup in January wasn’t ideal.  “We never had that this year so we’re probably three or four tests short in a calendar year.”  Wyllie has responded to Taurua’s pleas, saying they are talking to High Performance Sport about crafting an ideal buildup to the Commonwealth Games.  “We’d really love to see the opportunity to play some of those northern hemisphere teams, but that’s a bit of a work-on in terms of their schedule. There are already test series booked in at the back end of this year, so those discussions are ongoing.”  It is a turbulent time for netball in New Zealand, with the governing body earlier this week refusing to confirm the survival of all six ANZ Premiership franchises beyond this year.  The current broadcast deal with Sky expires this year, with no plan for what the domestic competition will look like in 2026.  Wyllie claims they are deciding between several options but is refusing to verify any details.  Nathan Limm has been a journalist with 九一星空无限talk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.  Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:17:43 Z /news/sport/nrl-warriors-are-too-conservative-says-former-kiwis-coach-frank-endacott/ /news/sport/nrl-warriors-are-too-conservative-says-former-kiwis-coach-frank-endacott/ Former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott believes the Warriors are too conservative on their fifth tackle plays as Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita continue to find their feet as an NRL halves combination.  The Warriors are regrouping ahead of hosting the Broncos at Mt Smart on Saturday after getting walloped for the 17th time in a row by the Storm, 42-14 in Melbourne.  The Warriors conceded six tries in the first half alone to trail 36-0 by halftime, with an improved second stanza doing little to rectify their shell-shocked start.  The visitors had 47% possession but only a 69% completion rate, with basic errors stunting momentum and causing turnovers.  Often this season, they have been forced into a changeover after choosing to run the ball instead of kick on the final tackle inside the opposition’s 20.  Endacott told The Big League Podcast they need more X-factor.  “They’re lacking sheer speed, sheer pace. Metcalf’s showing signs here and there. He’s going to get better and better and he has got speed. But we haven’t got too many explosive centres and wingers that have really got speed.”  The former Kiwis coach has slammed the Warriors’ lack of concentration, pointing to unforced errors as a key issue.  Endacott said they are giving the game away too early.  “How many times did we see stupid passes or dropped balls? They’ve just got to concentrate that little bit more and the longer they’re in the game the better chance they’ve got of winning a game.”  Endacott said maintaining possession should be the Warriors’ highest priority NRL fix as they attempt to turn things around against the Broncos.  “If you get your ball control right and you complete your sets, you’re going to stay in the game. Get to the kick – good kick, good chase and really just doing the basics right.”  Nathan Limm is a Multimedia Journalist with 九一星空无限talk ZB and New Zealand’s Herald.  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:46:39 Z /news/sport/f1-red-bull-s-concerns-for-max-verstappen-after-liam-lawson-demotion/ /news/sport/f1-red-bull-s-concerns-for-max-verstappen-after-liam-lawson-demotion/ Panic is setting in at Red Bull after only four races into the 2025 Formula One season, with motorsport adviser Helmut Marko saying he has “great concerns” about Max Verstappen’s future with the team.  Red Bull has been the premier team in recent years, claiming the last constructors’ championship in 2022 and 2023, while Verstappen won the last four drivers’ championships.  But the wheels have fallen off in 2025, with Red Bull dropping Kiwi driver Liam Lawson after only two races, replacing him with Yuki Tsunoda, while Verstappen sits third in the drivers’ standings, behind McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and leader Lando Norris.  McLaren’s domination means they hold an 80-point buffer in the team standings.  TEAM STANDINGS (after 4/24 races)@McLarenF1 extend their lead 💪#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/luV81eIaCi— Formula 1 (@F1) April 13, 2025 Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko admitted Red Bull was a long way off competing for titles.  “The concern is great. Improvements have to come in the near future, so that he [Verstappen] has a car with which he can win again,” Marko said.  “We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.  “We have to get, as soon as possible, performance in the car again and also standards like a pit stop have to work. The car is not the fastest and then the pit stops are not working. That is not acceptable.”  Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs to the end of the 2028 season, but there has been speculation he could seek a move elsewhere.  Adding fuel to the fire is that Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, reportedly had an exchange of words with Marko after his sixth-placed finish in Bahrain.  Following Lawson’s demotion to Racing Bulls, Verstappen liked an Instagram post by former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde that criticised the team for their move.  Max Verstappen shown liking the post by Giedo Van der Garde.  When asked about it, the Dutchman said: “I liked the comment, the text, so I guess it speaks for itself, right?”  After failing to finish in the season opener in Melbourne and then placing 12th in Shanghai, Lawson was dropped to Red Bull’s second team, where the results also haven’t been good, finishing 17th and 16th respectively in Japan and Bahrain.  Lawson started Monday’s (NZ time) race in Bahrain in 17th and ended up crossing the line in 13th, but was demoted after two time penalties.  “I was pretty much just on a gearbox of a car the entire race,” he said after the race.  “We had really good speed, just couldn’t use it. To be honest, the only way I could overtake was lunging quite late, I wasn’t intentionally touching with others, but it is what it is.  “It’s a shame we don’t have a result to show it, the car was really fast in quali, didn’t get to show it and then the car was really fast in the race, but you don’t get to show it from the back.”  The 23-year-old is one of four drivers set to score points this season.  The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place on Monday, April 21, from 5am.  Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:35:15 Z /news/sport/too-conservative-former-kiwis-coach-on-warriors-5th-tackle-plays/ /news/sport/too-conservative-former-kiwis-coach-on-warriors-5th-tackle-plays/ Former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott believes the Warriors are too conservative on their fifth tackle plays as Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita continue to find their feet as an NRL halves combination. The Kiwi side are regrouping ahead of hosting the Broncos at Mt Smart on Saturday after getting walloped for the 17th time in a row by the Storm, 42-14 in Melbourne. The Warriors conceded six tries in the first half alone to trail 36-nil by halftime, with an improved second stanza doing little to rectify their shell-shocked start. The visitors had 47% possession but only a 69% completion rate, with basic errors stunting momentum and causing turnovers. Often this season, they have been forced into a changeover after choosing to run the ball instead of kick on the final tackle inside the opposition 20. Endacott told The Big League Podcast they need more X-factor. “They’re lacking sheer speed, sheer pace. Metcalf’s showing signs here and there. He’s going to get better and better and he has got speed. But we haven’t got too many explosive centres and wingers that have really got speed.” The former Kiwis coach has slammed the Warriors’ lack of concentration, pointing to unforced errors as a key issue.Endacott said they are giving the game away too early. “How many times did we see stupid passes or dropped balls? They’ve just got to concentrate that little bit more and the longer they’re in the game the better chance they’ve got of winning a game.” Endacott said maintaining possession should be the Warriors’ highest priority NRL fix as they attempt to turn things around against the Broncos. “If you get your ball control right and you complete your sets, you’re going to stay in the game. Get to the kick - good kick, good chase and really just doing the basics right.” Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:53:18 Z /news/sport/masters-live-updates-rory-mcilroy-beats-justin-rose-in-playoff-to-win-at-augusta/ /news/sport/masters-live-updates-rory-mcilroy-beats-justin-rose-in-playoff-to-win-at-augusta/ Rory McIlroy has joined the greats of golf completing the career grand slam with a dramatic playoff victory at the US Masters at Augusta. After missing a six-footer for par at the last hole, McIlroy beat Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose in the first hole of the playoff with a birdie at the 18th hole. For Rose, it is the second time he’s lost a playoff at the Masters, after being defeated by Sergio Garcia in 2017. McIlroy joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods players to complete the career grand slam. For the Northern Irishman it’s his first major win since 2014. McIlroy began the day with a two-shot lead but double bogeyed the opening hole. A hole later he was trailing Bryson DeChambeau by a stroke. But McIlroy found his composure and hit some stunning approaches from difficult spots to lead by three with six to play. However another double bogey at the 13th saw him give up the sole lead again. Every time McIlroy gave up the lead he bounced back. After a bogey at 14, he almost had an eagle at the 15th leading to a tap-in birdie. Another superb birdie at the 17th gave him a one-shot lead over Rose. But his approach at the 72nd hole went into the greenside bunker and despite a well hit approach, he missed a six footer to win the title. At the first playoff hole, McIlroy had another great drive at the 18th and stuffed his approach to within three feet. After Rose just missed a birdie putt, McIlroy sunk his to finally claim the green jacket. Rory McIlroy charged to the Masters lead with a historic start to the third round, before finishing strong on Augusta National’s back nine to stand two clear atop the leader board heading into Monday’s (NZ time) the final round. McIlroy had two eagles and four birdies in a six-under-par 66 and with a 12-under total of 204 was two strokes clear of Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy is poised to strike for a long-coveted green jacket that would see him join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to complete a career Grand Slam. McIlroy’s first eagle of the day was at the par-five second, part of six straight threes to open his round - a first in Masters history. His second eagle at the par-five 15th, where he stuck his approach 1.83m from the pin, was the first of the day there and pushed his lead back to four strokes after it had dwindled to one thanks to bogeys at the eighth and 10th. He’ll play in the final group with De Chambeau, who out-dueled McIlroy in the final round at Pinehurst last year to lift his second US Open title. DeChambeau birdied three of the last four holes for a three-under 69 and a 10-under total of 206. Bryson De Chambeau. Photo / AP Canadian Corey Conners was alone in third after a two-under-par 70 for 208 - two strokes clear of former Masters champion Patrick Reed and last year’s runner-up Ludvig Aberg. McIlroy, who started the day two strokes behind overnight leader Justin Rose, needed just two holes to catapult himself past Rose and DeChambeau - who were just finishing up on the first green when McIlroy chipped in from 16m out at the second. He had taken advantage of a monster drive at the first, where he rolled in a 3m putt to secure a birdie. “Obviously it was a dream start,” McIlroy said. “Hit two perfect shots on one and converted. Felt like I hit three perfect shots on two, three perfect shots on three.” “As well, from finishing yesterday afternoon to teeing off today, it’s quite a long time. There’s a lot of nervous anticipation and anxious energy that builds up. You just want to get out there and play. “With all of that, to go out and start the way I did was amazing.” McIlroy added a seven-foot birdie at the third parred the par-three fourth, drilled a 5m birdie at the fifth, then parred the par-three sixth. The run of threes on his scorecard ended at the par-four seventh, where he was deep in the trees off the tee and muscled a mighty second shot 139m to the left of the green, from where he got up and down for par. He led by as many as four before his first bogey of the day at the par-five eighth, which was followed by another bogey at 10. “I had that little bit of a wobble around the turn there with the bogey on eight, the missed chance on nine and the three-putt on 10,” he said, adding that his par putt on 11 was a “huge” momentum builder, as was a birdie at the 13th. McIlroy’s blistering start had eclipsed a strong opening for DeChambeau, who rolled in a nearly 11m birdie putt at the first and two-putted for birdie at the second but still found himself trailing. Even for the day through 14 holes, DeChambeau started his late push with a 1.5m birdie at the 15th. He drilled a birdie putt at the par-three 16th and then drained a 15m putt from the fringe at the last. “That's fun,” DeChambeau said. “That’s what dreams are made of right there.” “Now it’s Saturday, right? So I have to tell myself okay, calm down, this is not the end.” Conners, playing alongside McIlroy, had some trouble getting going as McIlroy was burning up the front nine. But he strung together three straight birdies at eight, nine and 10 to put himself in the hunt for a first major title. It was a disappointing day for Rose, who battled to a three-over-par 75 that left him seven strokes back, tied with defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Jason Day and Shane Lowry. Scheffler had to grind to an even-par 72 that featured two birdies and two bogeys. “At times I felt good, at times I felt bad,” said Scheffler, who came into the week hoping to join Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Woods as the only back-to-back Masters winners. “I just couldn’t really get anything going. I think I ended up with even, which felt like I had to scramble a lot today, actually.” AFP Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:55:21 Z /news/sport/stick-to-our-guns-why-auckland-fc-remain-on-course-despite-recent-run/ /news/sport/stick-to-our-guns-why-auckland-fc-remain-on-course-despite-recent-run/ Auckland FC remain on track for A-League glory, even if the last six weeks have been a challenging period. That’s the view of Auckland defender Francis de Vries in the wake of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sydney FC. The result, achieved with a stirring fightback from 2-0 down after 32 minutes, extended their unbeaten run to 12 games, dating back to mid-January. However, it was also their fifth draw in the last six games, a run which has seen their cushion at the top of the A-League shrink considerably. But the All Whites fullback believes confidence levels throughout the squad remain high. ”It’s in a good place at the moment,” de Vries told the Herald. “We are looking forward to the next game and to the playoffs as well, but we know that we have a job to do before that. There are three games to go and this is often how football seasons go, that you work very hard for a long time and it usually comes down to the last few games.” There are all kinds of permutations but the Black Knights (47 points) are being pursued strongly by both Melbourne City (43 points) and Western United (41 points, ahead of Sunday’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers). Auckland FC desperately want to claim the Premiers Plate – and the playoff advantages that come with it – but it’s not entirely straightforward, as their run home includes away fixtures against Melbourne Victory and Western United. The pressure has ramped up but de Vries is unperturbed. ”It’s something that you don’t consciously think about a lot whilst you’re in it,” said de Vries. “When you’re analysing it from the outside, you’re looking at the bigger picture, but for us as players, it’s just about what’s on the cards next week. We know we’ve got [Melbourne] Victory next and every game’s tough as every team’s got something to play for and lots of teams are hitting form. We are continuing to stick to our guns, stay playing the way that we want to and we’ll see what comes off the back of that.” De Vries is one of only three players, along with goalkeeper Alex Paulsen and striker Guillermo May, who have started every match this season. It’s quite an achievement, given he arrived at the club via local football and hadn’t been in a professional environment since early 2023, when he left Sweden. And it’s not just the appearances but the impact. Saturday’s crucial 68th-minute equaliser was his second goal of the season, to go with six assists. He has touched the ball than any other Auckland FC player across this campaign – and has also sent in more than 100 crosses with his educated left foot. Francis De Vries celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Sydney FC. Photo / AAP ”I feel very proud of the season that I’ve had,” admitted de Vries. “Often football is difficult. You’re tired or there’s pressure or there’s discipline and everything. So to come away from it with a feeling of satisfaction, especially after these moments where you can personally contribute to the team doing well is a really cool feeling.” De Vries had mixed emotions after Saturday’s match. He wasn’t pleased with the nature of Sydney’s two goals – both spectacular long range efforts from young star Adrian Segecic – and felt a bit “responsible” for the first, believing he could have closed down the play quicker. But he was thrilled with the team’s response from there. ”We are a tight knit group and that’s a great thing to show together on the field, the way we fought back,” said de Vries. After Logan Rogerson’s “crucial” 35th minute goal, de Vries popped up with his emphatic finish, after a foray by captain Hiroki Sakai. ”When it fell to me, I thought, okay, that’s a good chance,” said de Vries. “[In the moment] it’s just good contact on the ball, get the technique right and then see where it ends up.” That goal was the cue for a wildly open game to become even more frantic, as both teams chased a winner. It was precarious but Auckland FC had the better opportunities, with Jake Brimmer blocked from close range and Neyder Moreno hitting the post after a goalkeeping blunder. ”I think half the boys [were] already celebrating before he’s even kicked it,” said de Vries of Brimmer’s chance. “It’s one of them that, on a different day, those things go your way. Unfortunately [on Saturday] it didn’t.” Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns. He has also reported on the Warriors and the NRL for more than a decade. Sun, 13 Apr 2025 22:14:47 Z /news/sport/formula-1-result-liam-lawson-penalised-twice-finishes-17th-as-oscar-piastri-wins-bahrain-grand-prix/ /news/sport/formula-1-result-liam-lawson-penalised-twice-finishes-17th-as-oscar-piastri-wins-bahrain-grand-prix/ Liam Lawson may have crossed the finish line in 13th, but the Kiwi was forced to settle for last on track after two separate penalties at Formula One’s Bahrain Grand Prix. After starting 17th, the Kiwi looked to have managed his tyres adequately to be less than three seconds away from a points finish. However, two separate incidents with Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg saw Lawson slapped with 15 seconds worth of time penalties, and ultimately ruined the Racing Bulls driver’s chances of salvaging anything from the race. While the Kiwi did finish in the same position he started in, Lawson did arguably produce his best on-track performance of the year so far, notably managing a 25-lap stint on soft tyres to complete the Grand Prix. But looking to impress his Red Bull bosses after his mid-season demotion, the Kiwi will need to bounce back when the season continues in Jeddah next weekend. “We had really good speed, we just couldn’t really use it,” said Lawson post-race. “To be honest, the only way I could overtake was lunging quite late. “I wasn’t intentionally touching with others, but it is what it is. Obviously, it’s just a shame. “We don’t have a result to show it, but the car was very fast in quali. The car was fast in the race. “But there’s only so much you can do from the back.” McLaren’s Oscar Piastri converted his pole position into his second win of the year, meaning every race this season so far has been won by the driver who qualified first. The victory, though, continues Piastri’s incredible record of winning every race in which he’s claimed pole. Mercedes’ George Russell finished second, but could also be penalised after his drag reduction system (DRS) was opened outside of an approved window. Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris completed the podium in third, as McLaren’s stranglehold on both the drivers and constructors championships showed no signs of abating. Norris still leads the drivers championship with 77 points from four races, while Piastri sits three points back in second. McLaren hold a 58-point lead at the top of the constructors, with Mercedes in second. World champion Max Verstappen crossed the line in sixth, while Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda scored his first points since his switch with Lawson by finishing ninth. And while Lawson did beat teammate Isack Hadjar on track, the Frenchman finished 14th after the Kiwi’s penalties. Liam Lawson after the Bahrain Grand Prix. Photo / Getty Images As part of the standard opening lap fracas, Hadjar lost places after starting 12th, and dropped to 16th, next to Lawson as the two Racing Bulls cars found themselves alongside one another. But while it was hoped Lawson starting on medium tyres, compared to Hadjar’s softs, would allow the Kiwi to run longer, the abrasive nature of the Bahrain International Circuit track negated any advantage that might have fallen his way. It wasn’t until Hadjar was the first driver to pit, on lap seven, that Lawson was able to move up to 16th, and left him over 1.5s behind Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin. Lawson was able to climb as high as 11th, as drivers who started on softs pitted for mediums, and stayed on Alonso to cut the gap closer and closer to less than one second, and put himself in position to use his DRS. When Tsunoda pitted on lap 12, Lawson climbed as high as ninth and a share of the points, albeit with Norris behind him - even with a five-second time penalty for a false start. At the start of lap 14, Norris’ advantage told, as he got around Lawson at turn one, as the Kiwi made his first stop and fitted hard tyres one lap later, and emerged down in 19th, four seconds back from the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll. That stop, though, allowed Lawson to temporarily undercut Alonso, who emerged on mediums after his first trip to the pits, and guaranteed he’d have to return to ensure he’d finish the race having used more than one tyre compound. On faster tyres, Alonso was able to win that place back, before another round of pit stops had Lawson up to 16th once he got around Stroll. A clash between Tsunoda and Williams’ Carlos Sainz triggered a full safety car on lap 33, and yielded yet another round of stops, including Lawson, who dropped to 18th, but was able to fit a fresh set of softs. When the safety car came in at the start of lap 36, Lawson reeled in Alonso and Hadjar to climb to 16th, but the Kiwi’s race was ultimately ruined by the first penalty, as he collided with Hulkenberg after the end of the safety car. Lawson was able to overtake the Sauber two laps later, and climbed to 14th on track with another overtake on Sainz - who was penalised for an incident with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, and then forced to retire with damage. With six laps to go, Lawson cleared Jack Doohan’s Alpine, before the second penalty, worth 10 seconds again for colliding with Hulkenberg, was handed out. The final race of Formula One’s triple-header takes place next weekend, with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both 九一星空无限hub and 1九一星空无限. Sun, 13 Apr 2025 18:59:45 Z /news/sport/warriors-v-storm-how-former-warrior-eliesa-katoa-became-an-nrl-superstar-in-melbourne/ /news/sport/warriors-v-storm-how-former-warrior-eliesa-katoa-became-an-nrl-superstar-in-melbourne/ Ask the Melbourne Storm about Eliesa Katoa, and the answer will haunt Warriors fans. The Auckland club often get criticised for missing out on local talent, or failing to see potential where others might. Sometimes it is justified and other times not, as recruitment and retention is a complicated puzzle and there are many reasons why an individual could thrive at a different club, or might need a change of environment. But Katoa, who will be a key figure in Sunday’s clash with the Warriors in Melbourne, is one that got away. He left at the end of the 2022 season, granted an early release to sign with the Storm, amid additional interest from the North Queensland Cowboys and Redcliffe Dolphins. Since then Katoa has soared. He was a big factor in the Storm’s grand final run last season and has contributed 20 tries and 27 linebreaks in 50 appearances for the Melbourne team. “He’s been one of our best buys in recent times,” Storm director of football Frank Ponissi told the Herald. “Honestly, he has been extraordinary. His first season was very good, but last year he took it to another level, one of the best second rowers in the competition. We couldn’t be happier with him. He’s been exceptional for us.” To illustrate his progress, the 25-year-old was recently promoted in to Melbourne’s senior leadership group. It was based on player votes but Ponissi said coach Craig Bellamy “was keen to put him in anyway”, after last season. Recruitment boss Paul Bunn had recommended the young Warrior to Bellamy and Ponissi during the 2022 season. ”He told us he was a player who could cover the loss of Felise Kaufusi,” said Ponissi. “But he has probably gone beyond our expectations.” Ponissi and Bellamy met Katoa in Auckland in late July 2022. Katoa was under contract until the end of 2024 but had been given permission to talk to other clubs. ”Based on what we’d seen in the video, watching him play and meeting him, it was an easy decision,” said Ponissi. “He was very engaging and we walked away very impressed just as a young man, let alone what we had seen on the video.” Katoa was good in 2023, before his breakthrough last year, part of a lethal right edge. He averaged 115 running metres and 30 tackles, along with 54 tackle busts and 27 offloads across the season. Watching that form has been tough for Warriors fans, given his size, physical presence, footwork, aerial threat and offloading ability. Former Warrior Eliesa Katoa. Photo / Photosport His departure came at a strange time. Katoa’s entire Warriors’ career was during the crazy Covid period, where the team was based in Australia for three seasons and he only experienced three Mt Smart matches across his 46 Warriors’ games. He had four head coaches; Stephen Kearney, Todd Payten, Nathan Brown and Stacey Jones (interim). Katoa did well under Kearney and Payten but struggled to find his best during Brown’s tenure, when the likes of Jack Murchie, Bayley Sironen and Euan Aitken were selected ahead of him. Katoa was seen as a future superstar, having made a blazing start to his NRL career in 2020. But that brought its own pressures, especially as he was on a steep learning curve, having only played his first league match in mid-2019. Despite that, his potential seemed obvious. In May 2020, after a two-year contract extension, Kearney described him as “a really important part of the club’s future” while then-head of athletic performance Craig Twentyman gushed about his physical ability. ”His strength, power and size are obviously massive attributes for him. What further enhances his physical profile is his aerobic capacity and power and that gives him the ability to repeat high-intensity efforts right throughout a game.” His exit in early August 2022 was at a time of flux, with coach Andrew Webster and recruitment manager Andrew McFadden yet to start in their roles. There were mitigating factors, with Marata Niukore and Mitch Barnett due to arrive in 2023 and Josh Curran at the club. Katoa had only made seven starts that season, with a further eight interchange appearances, but it still felt like a regrettable situation. ”Katoa ticks most boxes in terms of character and talent,” I wrote in a Herald column at the time. “[He] just needs to develop, with time invested in him because his ceiling could be anything.” Of course, without the Covid pandemic, which left the Warriors uprooted and bereft of a reserve grade team, along with the coaching carousel, things might have been different. And there is confidence that such a talent wouldn’t slip through now, with the systems in place. ”I never make any judgment on other clubs,” said Ponissi, when asked about the Warriors’ decision. “Sometimes we let players go or don’t re-sign them, and they’re for particular reasons. Managing lists is a really challenging area. From the outside looking in, it’s easy, but when you’re inside the four walls of an NRL club, it’s different. Sometimes, there’s priorities on who you can retain due to positional needs; you might be strong in one area and not as strong in another. We’ve been in the same position and had to make similarly tough decisions.” On Sunday, the Warriors face their biggest test of the season so far. Coming off a bye – with an unchanged squad – it feels like a good time to play Melbourne, while lock Erin Clark will celebrate his 100th NRL game. But it will be a stern examination, particularly for the Warriors’ spine, with the kicking and territory game vital against the Storm who are clinical, masters at taking their chances and adept at pushing the limits of the rules. Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns. He has also reported on the Warriors and NRL for more than a decade. Sat, 12 Apr 2025 21:51:36 Z /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-knocked-out-in-first-bahrain-qualifying-session-with-car-fault-sets-17th-fastest-time/ /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-knocked-out-in-first-bahrain-qualifying-session-with-car-fault-sets-17th-fastest-time/ Liam Lawson was eliminated in the first qualifying session for Formula One’s Bahrain Grand Prix, and will start 17th on the grid as the last-placed of Red Bull’s four cars. The Kiwi could only manage a best time of 1m 32.165s, and was 0.167s shy of advancing when he was knocked out by the Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg - whose time was later deleted. The elimination was because of an error with Lawson’s car’s drag reduction system (DRS), as his rear wing prematurely closed on the second of three straights, and robbed the 23-year-old of milliseconds that proved vital. “I don’t really know what happened,” he said. “I had a wheel spin out of the corner, opened DRS, and then it closed again. It’s pretty frustrating. It just sucks. “[The car] has been quite quick, it’s been quick this weekend in most of the practise sessions. “For us, it was [about] piecing it together in quali, and tuning it up. We had the car in a pretty good window, the speed was there. It’s just a shame for the issues. “For tomorrow, it’s obviously positive. [With] the speed we have, we should move forward, it’s just how far forward we can move.” That 17th position could be upgraded to 16th, after Esteban Ocon crashed his Haas at turn two, and could be forced to start from pit lane after repairs are made. Lawson’s struggles make for poor reading next to Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar, who will start 12th after reaching the second session, and set a best time of 1m 31.271s - 0.894s quicker than the Kiwi. Fresh from topping practice, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri will start from pole after a best lap of 1m 29.841s, while teammate - and world championship rival - Lando Norris starts sixth. Despite their struggles all weekend, both Red Bull cars reached the final session of qualifying. Max Verstappen will start seventh, and Yuki Tsunoda in 10th. Mercedes’ George Russell broke McLaren’s dominance to start second, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was the big surprise, qualifying fifth. Lawson can, at the very least, bank on his experience racing in Bahrain in junior categories. Having raced at the track five times in his two Formula Two seasons, Lawson has one win, three further podium finishes to go with one “Did Not Finish”. And, given the three DRS zones, the Bahrain International Circuit is a track where drivers can make their way up the grid on track. However, given his struggles this season, the Kiwi will be lamenting another stroke of misfortune. Earlier, teams were reluctant to trial too much in the third and final practice session, given the high temperatures on track were not reflective of conditions for the Grand Prix and qualifying. As Hadjar finished as the fastest of the four Red Bull-backed cars, again, Lawson logged another 14 laps for a best time of 1m 33.370s. The time bettered Lawson’s mark from practice one by 1.27s. Those 14 laps mean Lawson has completed 64 across the three practice sessions, greater than the 57-lap distance of the Bahrain Grand Prix, and that he got time on all three sets of tyres. Bahrain Grand Prix starting grid 1 Oscar Piastri - McLaren 2 George Russell - Mercedes 3 Charles Leclerc - Ferrari 4 Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes 5 Pierre Gasly - Alpine 6 Lando Norris - McLaren 7 Max Verstappen - Red Bull 8 Carlos Sainz - Williams 9 Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari 10 Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull 11 Jack Doohan - Alpine 12 Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls 13 Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin 14 Esteban Ocon - Haas 15 Alex Albon - Williams 16 Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber 17 Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls 18 Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber 19 Lance Stroll - Aston Martin 20 Ollie Bearman - Haas Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for 九一星空无限hub and 1九一星空无限. Sat, 12 Apr 2025 20:14:44 Z /news/sport/peruvian-footballer-dies-in-hospital-after-collision-during-copa-peru-match/ /news/sport/peruvian-footballer-dies-in-hospital-after-collision-during-copa-peru-match/ A 21-year-old footballer has died in hospital after colliding with an opposing player during a Copa Peru match between Real Titan and Defensor Nueva Cajamarca on Wednesday (NZ time). Helar Gonzales Altamirano was taken from the pitch on a stretcher after being knocked out when he smashed into a rival team goalkeeper while challenging for a long ball midway through the second half. Footage showed players crowding around him as an unconscious Altamirano was carried off on a stretcher. A teammate then helped put him in a waiting ambulance that took him to a hospital in the city of Moyobamba, where he died the following day. According to reports, his death was attributed to the rupture of an artery in his brain. “We regret the death of Helar Gonzales Altamirano,” the Peruvian Football Federation said in a statement. “Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and Real Titan Club.” La #FPF lamenta el fallecimiento de Helar Gonzales Altamirano. 🕊️Nuestro sentido pésame a su familia, amigos y al Club Real Titán. pic.twitter.com/on4WmdSv4W— Federación Peruana de Fútbol (@TuFPF) April 9, 2025 Altamirano’s club also confirmed the news in a post on social media. “Rest in peace, my friend,” the club said. “We will remember you for your love of soccer and your love for your family. You took the lead and left us with great pain.” The club also posted a 12-minute video on Facebook of Altamirano’s coffin being taken to a funeral home. Copa Peru is the fourth tier of football in Peru. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 02:37:36 Z /news/sport/america-s-cup-peter-burling-split-with-team-nz-pushed-by-time-pressures-says-says-grant-dalton/ /news/sport/america-s-cup-peter-burling-split-with-team-nz-pushed-by-time-pressures-says-says-grant-dalton/ As they prepare for their third consecutive America’s Cup defence, Emirates Team New Zealand reached a point where, one way or another, they needed to begin moving towards it. They will do so without long-time helmsman Peter Burling, as the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on the 34-year-old returning for the new cycle. Burling parts ways with the team having been at the helm for their last three campaigns – in which they have ended the regatta with the Auld Mug in hand every time. He also became the youngest helmsman to win an America’s Cup race at age 26 in Bermuda in 2017, and in Barcelona last year, he notched up the most wins by a helmsman in cup match history – ending the event with 22 to his name. Speaking to the Herald about the decision to part ways with Burling, Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton said they simply could not wait any longer to move forward, having been in discussions since the victory in Barcelona, but it was a day to reflect on the “amazing contributions” Burling had made to the team. “We need certainty and just couldn’t get to an agreement. It’s really that simple,” Dalton said. “No more time could go by. The team’s moving pretty fast now. The next cycle is only two years from now. The sailing team is an important part in the integration of the design team, and the design team needs certainty as well. It’s a really sad day, actually.” The team made the announcement this morning, while Burling posted his own statement on social media and wished the team well. Dalton said he had been messaging Burling just before the team statement was released. “I said I’m just sitting here contemplating and, actually, quite sad. Not bullish at all, just sad we couldn’t get together, and his words were ‘thanks, man. I’m feeling the same way’.” Dalton said the team had offered Burling a deal that recognised the skipper’s position of seniority in the group and that they were looking to win their fourth America’s Cup in a row. “We never really came to ‘what were the sticking points?’ completely, because he had an offer from us which involved time, money and all those things, and in the end we just couldn’t make that offer stick or come to an agreement on that offer,” he said. “It wasn’t one single thing; it was a combination of all the things that make up any arrangement to come into a team environment. We have to know when our key people are available and that they are going to be available, and the team will always come first.” The team will now look to put the right pieces in place as they work towards defending the Auld Mug for a third time in a row, likely in 2027, and Dalton did not expect they would part ways with any of their other key members. Peter Burling and Grant Dalton embrace after Team New Zealand's 5-2 series win over Artemis in the final of the 2017 Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series. Photo / Ricardo Pinto Burling’s exit opens the door for some new blood to come into the team, who have already had their eye on the next generation. “I still remember Pete arriving for the first meeting with me, it might have been 2014, with a 49er on his roof rack and with that hunger. We’re responsible, too, to bring these new guys on as well and you could possibly see them, if they come in fast enough, they could be in the next cup on board,” Dalton said. “We have our eye on people. We started that process through the Youth America’s Cup last time – Youth America’s Cup will continue in the next cup – but we’ve got to bring them on as well. “That’s not to take anything away from Pete at all. His contribution to the team is immense and a mistake would be to try to fill his shoes because he’s quite unique, and it’s the overall combination of the sailing team and the design team together that is the strength of the organisation.” Leo Takahashi and Seb Menzies were the helmsmen for Team NZ’s Youth America’s Cup team in Barcelona, with Josh Armit, Oscar Gunn and Veerle ten Have in the team as well. The Women’s America’s Cup team had Liv Mackay and Jo Aleh at the helm, working alongside Molly Meech, Gemma Jones and Erica Dawson. Team NZ could look outside their current in-house talent as well in order to find the right candidate, as they did in bringing Nathan Outteridge in as co-helmsman for the last campaign. “There’s absolutely no doubt that you lose something, but it gives the opportunity to gain new things as well,” Dalton said of moving forward without Burling. “The team is never afraid of hard decisions, we’ve proved that in the past and have gone on to greater things, but this is a day to reflect on the amazing contributions Pete has given to the team. “We don’t part with any malice or any undercurrent, it’s just we could not reach an agreement.” Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 02:31:15 Z /news/sport/america-s-cup-peter-burling-parts-ways-with-emirates-team-nz/ /news/sport/america-s-cup-peter-burling-parts-ways-with-emirates-team-nz/ Three-time America’s Cup-winning helmsman Peter Burling will not be returning to Emirates Team New Zealand for the next Cup cycle. Discussions by the team management and Burling have been ongoing since Barcelona, however, an agreement was not able to be reached. With the America’s Cup now shaping up to be contested in more regular cycles, the requirements on team members are changing. As the balance between design, simulation, boat build, testing and racing windows become more compressed, the integration of key sailors with the design team becomes more critical than ever. Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said: “Pete has been a central figure who has grown incredibly within Emirates Team New Zealand since he joined 10 years ago. We can all look back with great pride on what has been achieved, having enjoyed unprecedented success as a team with Pete at the helm. Peter Burling celebrates winning the America's Cup in Barcelona last year. Photo / Ricardo Pinto / America's Cup  “Winning the America’s Cup three times in a row was uncharted territory, but what has enabled winning in the past does not always equate to winning in the future, especially in much tighter America’s Cup cycles which require a dedicated and new approach for continued success.” Burling said: “While I won’t be continuing with Emirates Team New Zealand for the 38th America’s Cup, I want to take a moment to reflect on an amazing journey. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of being part of something truly special – from intense battles to unforgettable victories, and friendships that extend well beyond sailing. I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved together and grateful to everyone who has been part of this chapter.” Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman Peter Burling after winning the 2017 America's Cup. Photo/ Photosport Both Emirates Team New Zealand and Burling move forward with “respect for one another and share pride in the journey they’ve been on together” the statement said. As the foundations of the 38th America’s Cup, like the protocol and the host venue are progressing, the management of Emirates Team New Zealand has also been working hard to secure a powerful combination of existing experience and new talent across all departments to ensure every chance of winning the America’s Cup for the 6th time against what will be another formidable line-up of very strong challengers. Burling’s America’s Cup record  2017 - 7-1 over Oracle Team USA  2021 - 7–3 over Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli  2024 - 7-2 over Ineos Brittania  - Three-time America’s Cup winner  - Has won the most America’s Cup races (22) in history, beating the record of 17 previously held by Jimmy Spithill.  - Youngest winning helmsman in the history of the America’s Cup (2017).  - Youngest ever skipper to win the America’s Cup (2021).  - Only the second helmsman to win three America’s Cups in consecutive contests.  Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:26:43 Z /news/sport/next-ferns-new-zealand-rugby-s-nationwide-search-for-new-female-talent/ /news/sport/next-ferns-new-zealand-rugby-s-nationwide-search-for-new-female-talent/ New Zealand Rugby has launched a nationwide search for new rugby talent in a bid to strengthen future Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens teams. The programme, called “Next Ferns”, hopes to unearth talented women and girls aged 16-25 who could play a role in the 2029 Rugby World Cup and 2032 Olympics. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) women’s high performance pathways manager Kendra Cocksedge told the Herald she hopes the programme will find athletes with more height, speed and talent in specific positions - the ones that currently lack depth. “We’re always looking for props, we know there’s a shortage of props. “Then there’s a little amount of depth in that in our halfback position and probably another one’s a fullback. “But, I think the biggest one definitely sits in that prop space and we know that there is a lack of depth across the country, within that. Cocksedge, who is a three-time Rugby World Cup champion said there could be netballers or footballers across Aotearoa who, when given the opportunity, could excel in rugby. “We’re not poaching players from other sports or anything. “We know there’s a lot of talented athletes out there that play other sports, or not playing sports at all and we’re just keen to see them come into an environment and give some testing a go and see if they obviously are keen to get into our high-performance pathway and play rugby in the future.” Registrations open today for four regional combines taking place next month in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. Athletes will be physically and technically tested before the top 30 athletes are invited to a national combine in Wellington in June. The national trial will be attended by coaching staff from the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and the Farah Palmer Cup. Current rugby players can register, but those who have played at the provincial union representative level, been involved in a rugby academy, or are currently in an NZR high-performance programme will not be eligible. Black Ferns player Kendra Cocksedge celebrates after her try against Japan at Eden Park in September 2022. Photo / Photosport Cocksedge said NZR’s launch of the programme is not because there’s any doubt over their current pathway systems from a junior to a Black Fern. “Obviously rugby is still a fast-growing sport, and we have really good numbers within our junior space, as well as our high school spaces going forward and we have seen major growth within our areas.” “If we can get a few that end up coming into the pathway, and being as successful like it has been in the past, then we would be pretty happy with that.” The initiative isn’t too dissimilar to a concept NZR launched in 2012 and again in 2017 called “Go For Gold” that exclusively searched for rugby sevens talent. It was that programme that unearthed talent such as Black Ferns sevens stars Michaela Brake and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. The pair attended the inaugural Go for Gold testing days and have gone on to become two of New Zealand’s greatest rugby players. Both are two-time Olympic Gold medallists with the Black Ferns Sevens, while Woodman-Wickliffe has won two Rugby World Cups with the Black Ferns. Michaela Brake. Photo / action press “We know that the power of what this has done in the past has been really successful – there’s there’s a real hype in it. “There’s certain kind of attributes that we’re looking for in these athletes [that] know that we’re potentially lacking or find leading into the Olympics and the next Rugby World Cup after this year. Cocksedge said the lack of competition in this year’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition was not the motivation behind the launch. “We’ve already got some quality players, we’ve got quality competitions, and we know how awesome Aupiki’s been this year and the quality of the games has obviously been outstanding. “It’s more trying to think to the future ... and how we can bring [new talent] into the pathway and into the black jersey down the line. “It’s just seeing - I guess being a little bit innovative – what’s out there.” Bonnie Jansen is a multimedia journalist in the 九一星空无限 sports team. She’s a football commentator and co-host of the Football Fever podcast, and was part of the Te Rito cadetship scheme before becoming a fulltime journalist. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 02:40:29 Z /news/sport/netball-grace-nweke-hopeful-of-silver-ferns-call-up-despite-australia-move/ /news/sport/netball-grace-nweke-hopeful-of-silver-ferns-call-up-despite-australia-move/ Star shooter Grace Nweke remains hopeful she will feature in some capacity for the Silver Ferns this year, despite playing in Australia’s Super Netball competition with the New South Wales Swifts.  The 23-year-old made the announcement to move across the Tasman last year, telling 九一星空无限 at the time she wasn’t getting challenged enough playing for the Northern Mystics in the ANZ Premiership.  That decision made her ineligible to represent the Silver Ferns as current rules mean netballers must be playing in New Zealand to qualify.  Players can apply for an exemption, but it is usually reserved for veterans who have played over 100 tests, which Laura Langman and Maria Folau have taken up in the past. Nweke has only played 38 tests.  Nweke has already stamped her mark in Australia, scoring 51 goals to lead the Swifts to a 67-49 win over the West Coast Fever in Perth.  Speaking on the first episode of Inside Netball for 2025 featuring Adine Wilson, Anna Stanley and Jenny Woods, Nweke says she’s optimistic about representing New Zealand this year.  “There’s lots of planning and discussions that happen throughout the year that I’m very grateful to still be included in,” said Nweke.  Current rules mean Grace Nweke would be ineligible for the Silver Ferns while playing in Australia. Photo / John Davidson, Photosport  “To still be able to contribute to that space off the court is really important to me. Whether my contributions can become more physical later in the year, might be a pipe dream.  “My focus is on Sydney and being able to make a more informed decision when the time comes.  “I’m still holding out hope on my end.”  Nweke described her debut for the Swifts as a “special moment” adding that the realisation of her new venture didn’t hit home until the captain’s run prior to her debut.  And while she’s enjoying her time in Australia, Nweke admits it hasn’t been an easy adjustment.  “I think what people can see and what’s been shared is a lot of the highs and the positives and the enjoyment of being here in Sydney.  “There have been some really hard days and some challenging moments that, I’ve had to overcome.  “I’m sure there’ll be more down the track, but that’s the beauty of getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself.”  One adjustment Nweke is getting used to on court is the two-point shot.  The concept has been used in Australia for some time and will be introduced in the upcoming ANZ Premiership for the first time, taking effect in the final five minutes of each quarter when teams can shoot from outside the circle to gain an extra point.  “Initially in pre-season, I was like, ‘Oh, I don’t like this’, and it’s not my strength, and it changes the game.  “But I can appreciate the appeal for the spectators and also the opportunity it gives to keep games close and competitive.  “I’m learning to love it, embrace it, and the opportunity to shoot them.  “I think to give myself licence to turn and shoot those super shots, I know I need to do the work, at training but it’s an exciting prospect to add to my game.”  The Silver Ferns schedule for 2025 is yet to be released.  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:37:29 Z /news/sport/former-all-blacks-doctor-john-doc-mayhew-dies/ /news/sport/former-all-blacks-doctor-john-doc-mayhew-dies/ Former All Blacks team doctor John “Doc” Mayhew has died. Mayhew served as the All Blacks team doctor from 1988 to 2004, attending 131 tests and more than 200 matches. Mayhew also held roles with the Blues and the New Zealand Warriors throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and commitment to sports medicine. He had also served as the North Harbour Rugby Union’s doctor since 1985 – the year of the union’s inception. He was made a life member of the union in 2015. In 2016, Mayhew was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to sports medicine, reflecting his significant contributions to the field. North Harbour released a lengthy statement confirming the news, saying Mayhew passed away peacefully this afternoon, surrounded by loved ones, following recent heart complications. “John’s passing is a devastating loss to North Harbour Rugby and the wider rugby community,” Harbour chief executive Adrian Donald said. “His contribution was significant and touched many people within the game. He is a valued and respected rugby man and a great Harbour man. Our thoughts are with his family as we remember a remarkable man who gave so much to the game.” Speaking to 九一星空无限talkZB’s D’Arcy Waldegrave, New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson remembered Mayhew as a man who had a massive impact across the game. “He’s obviously deeply respected in the North Harbour region, where he’s been connected to the game for a very long time, and had an amazing tenure with New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks, where he looked after a whole generation of players and served the team with massive distinction,” he said. “[He was] just a huge servant to the game, deeply cared for and loved across all levels of the game, and we’re going to miss him.” Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:43:50 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-captain-scott-barrett-says-criticism-not-far-off-the-mark-after-super-rugby-pacific-struggles/ /news/sport/all-blacks-captain-scott-barrett-says-criticism-not-far-off-the-mark-after-super-rugby-pacific-struggles/ All Blacks captain Scott Barrett concedes that criticism about his form for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific have been “not far off the mark”. The 31-year-old has been in the firing line after a slow start to the season with former All Blacks Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina, and Justin Marshall expressing their concerns on Sky’s The Breakdown. The trio agreed that Barrett was out of form and needed to lift his game for the second half of the Super Rugby season. When asked about his form in 2025, Barrett admitted his performances have been below par. “I hold myself to high standard and potentially some of the performances early in the year haven’t been where I’d like,” said Barrett. “It’s the media’s job to create interest and I’ve got opinions on performances and possibly those opinions have been not far off the mark. “Having reflected upon that [last week] I’m looking forward to bounce this week.” The lock was stripped of the Crusaders’ captaincy, a role he’d held since 2020, ahead of the season to ease his workload, with David Havili taking the reins. “I do enjoy leading and, possibly having an extra responsibility may have helped my performances in the past,” said Barrett. “I think I’ve just got to really put my best foot forward each week for this team and get back to playing some of the best footy I can.” Barrett started in the Crusaders’ first six games of the season, before being rested during last week’s win over the Fijian Drua in Suva. Despite his form, the Crusaders are sitting second in Super Rugby Pacific, two points behind the table-topping Chiefs. The Crusaders only won four games last season, and after seven matches in 2025, they already have five wins. Crusaders coach Rob Penney insisted he was not concerned about Barrett’s form. “Scoot [Barrett] is fine, he will be determined,” said Penny. “He’s a massively influential guy in our environment and we expect him to gradually get any doubters out of the way and he will kick on in the back end. “By no means has he been bad. I guess players of his ilk have high expectations every week. “As the old saying goes, form comes and goes but class is permanent, and he’s certainly got class and his form will come back to where we all hope it can be very quickly, no doubt.” The Crusaders face a crucial clash against the Hurricanes on Friday night in Wellington. They beat the Hurricanes 33-25 in the season opener in February. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:48:31 Z /news/sport/nrl-warriors-remain-hopeful-of-retaining-star-fullback-as-details-revealed-of-contract-options/ /news/sport/nrl-warriors-remain-hopeful-of-retaining-star-fullback-as-details-revealed-of-contract-options/ The Warriors are still hopeful of retaining Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad but will take a wait-and-see approach, in a scenario that could have significant long term ramifications for the Auckland-based NRL club. With the fullback’s contract up at the end of this season, the Warriors have been in discussions for some time with the 29-year-old around an extension. The Warriors have tabled a two-year offer – until the end of the 2027 campaign – but have yet to agree terms. That’s because Nicholl-Klokstad is reportedly considering a move to Super League, according to the Daily Telegraph last weekend. The Catalan Dragons are the front-runners, presenting a long-term deal to Nicoll-Klokstad’s management, but there is believed to be at least one other club in the mix. It’s understood the Super League offers are for a minimum of three years, with options built in around that. On the surface, it would be a surprise to see Nicoll-Klokstad leave Auckland. He has worked hard to establish himself in the NRL, first taking the long road via Canberra then reviving his career at the Warriors after injury problems and the emergence of Xavier Savage saw him fall down the pecking order at the Raiders. He is regarded as one of the most consistent fullbacks in the NRL and his 2023 season was a career high, along with the 2019 campaign in Canberra. The Auckland-born player is also extremely popular here, with a strong connection to the fanbase, while most of his family reside in this country, including his three young children. It would also be difficult to maintain his Kiwis aspirations, given the rarity of players being selected from outside the NRL. But the opportunity to try something different – as well as experience the European lifestyle – will be a drawcard. Along with a change of pace. Nicoll-Klokstad’s relentless style has taken a huge toll on his body over the years. He has averaged almost 200 running metres and 20 carries a game since he came back to the Warriors, numbers which even exceed his massive Raiders output. It’s not uncommon to see him take two and occasionally three carries in a set and at times last year, he looked almost physically broken at the end of matches, such was the effort put in. Super League is no stroll – as the European competition has a lot of games – but it is physically less intense. Nicoll-Klokstad is in his ninth NRL season and has completed 10 gruelling pre-season campaigns. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is reportedly considering offers abroad. Photo / Photosport And financially, Nicoll-Klokstad is likely to be well rewarded, moving while still near his peak. Average wages across the two competitions don’t compare, as the NRL salary cap ($12.5 million) dwarfs the Super League salary cap ($4.8m). But the Super League has provision for three marquee players per club, with a large proportion of those payments falling outside the cap, and Nicoll-Klokstad would be in that category. The Warriors don’t want to lose Nicoll-Klokstad, seen as a key part of their spine for the next few seasons. If he does decide to leave, that will require considerable manoeuvring by the Auckland club. There is faith in the ability and potential of Taine Tuaupiki – particularly from coach Andrew Webster – and he has shown his versatility and X-factor this season with his performances as a makeshift winger. But he is still relatively unproven, with only 15 NRL games (nine at the back). Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be considered – given his obvious track record there – though he turns 32 in June and has been focused on other positions since he returned to the Warriors ahead of last season, in terms of his strength and conditioning priorities and body shape. A switch back wouldn’t be out of the question, though it would be a stretch to imagine him in that position beyond the 2026 season. If the Warriors did go to the market, fullback isn’t an easy position to source; most clubs have their best options locked in and there aren’t many outside that, though there are some promising young custodians across the NRL. Online rumours persist about the Warriors being linked with Kalyn Ponga and supposedly lining up a big play for the Newcastle star. But he is contracted to the Knights until 2027 and believed to be the highest-paid player in the sport ($1.5m). It’s unlikely the Knights would grant an early release and even if the 27-year-old wanted a change of scenery in the future, there will be no shortage of suitors across the NRL. At this stage, the Warriors have had no discussions, formal or informal, with Ponga or his management group. Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards and covering Olympics, Fifa World Cups and America’s Cup campaigns. He has also reported on the Warriors and NRL for more than a decade. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:38:13 Z /news/sport/allan-bunting-reflects-on-black-ferns-growth-and-ensuring-player-safety-as-world-cup-looms/ /news/sport/allan-bunting-reflects-on-black-ferns-growth-and-ensuring-player-safety-as-world-cup-looms/ For Allan Bunting, the final step in the three-year plan he and his team devised when taking the reins with the Black Ferns is simple. “We want to be thriving this year, and we want to win a World Cup,” he said. “I feel like we’ve got the people, we’ve certainly got the focus now. “World Cup time, usually everybody wants to do a little bit more around these pinnacle event areas, [but] it’s around simplicity; how do we really trim it back, focus on the things that are going to really glue us together, make us really tight and connected, and bring the strength of the group that we’re going to bring to life and set them free when they need to be free to go play.” Year one, in 2023, was about laying the foundations for their World Cup change, then building on that in 2024. That included a one-off test at Twickenham against England, prior to the WXV1 tournament in Canada, which gave the side an opportunity to experience what awaits them this August in the sport’s biggest tournament. While there was plenty to take away from that tour, the Black Ferns won just one of four tests – with two losses to England and one to Ireland; their lone win coming against France. “We wanted to play the best, who was the best in the world at that time, and we had some pretty tough experiences,” Bunting said of the trip to the Northern Hemisphere. “Through tough experiences, you usually get pretty quick growth and shift. We’ve certainly seen that with some of the off-season training, a real focus around some certain areas and now it’s time to go and see the growth throughout the back of it.” Reflecting on his time at the helm so far, Bunting admitted he expected there would be some tough times as the side deals with professionalism. The side is still in the early stages, with 30 fulltime women’s contracts announced in 2022, which increased to 35 in 2023 and 40 in 2024. Bunting believed it took a good two to three years of fulltime, consistent training around strength to reach the level required in the professional game. It was paramount to address the safety side of the sport, particularly in areas of high contact like the front row where neck injuries have occurred. “If you’re a new player and you’re taking someone out of the classroom who’s teaching, and then you throw them in a scrum against the teams that have been training fulltime, that strength and power, it’s dangerous,” he said. “We’ve had quite a few of our front rows, quite a lot more than what we probably could have had – I’ve really pushed to have more ladies training fulltime over the last two years and we’ve had to throw them out into scrummaging when it has been a bit safer and when it wasn’t safe in our first year, and we’ve learned quite a bit. “Player safety is the most important bit and when I first came in, we were allowed about 32 contracted players, so 32 professional players across New Zealand. If you get one or two injuries, then you’re grabbing someone out of work who is just playing in the weekends and training twice a week. “If you look at the men’s game, there’s probably about 250 fully professional players. We’ve had a few more now and we’ve got a bit more depth, but there’s still plenty more to grow in women’s rugby.” He added he felt things were progressing in that area at the right pace in the women’s game. The growth in the collision and set-piece areas has been clear during the Super Rugby Aupiki competition this season, he said, with the Blues and South Island side Matatū set to clash in the final at Eden Park on Saturday night. Results-wise, Bunting shouldered the blame and said he felt like they didn’t get some of their rugby quite right. Bunting’s time at the Black Ferns started well, winning their first four tests by an average of about 36 points. They stumbled against teams from the north in the inaugural WXV1 tournament, however, with losses to England and France - a 70-7 decimation of Wales between those fixtures - to end the year with a 5-2 record. Last year wasn’t quite so successful, with the team first tripped up by Canada in the Pacific Four tournament, before losing three of their four tests on their trip north to finish the year 4-4 from eight tests. “At the end of last year, WXV, we probably didn’t get some of our rugby quite right, and I’ll take that onto my shoulders,” Bunting reflected. “There’s some areas of growth that I’ve needed to focus on too. In my role, I’ve gone from working with five or six management and about 20 players, that’s slowly grown to 16-plus management and we’ve had to contract about 45 players at once. There’s a lot more people, so how I communicate needed to definitely get better to get our alignment and how we needed to play. “So, that’s not just the players in our group. There’s been some massive [lessons] and growth for me along the lines. I’ve absolutely enjoyed it. For me, I am a transformational leader, definitely not transactional, and it’s how far you can take a team, but how well it goes when you leave is important to me.” This year will see added competition in the squad, with the inclusion of seven members of the Black Ferns Sevens being integrated into the XVs programme. That included midfielders Stacey Waaka and Theresa Setefano, who were consistent members of the match-day squad when the Black Ferns won the 2022 tournament. They’ll be joined by Risi Pouri-Lane, an option at halfback, versatile prop Dhys Faleafaga, utility backs Alena Saili and Kelsey Teneti, and Jorja Miller, who was New Zealand Rugby’s player of the year in 2024. Bunting said the seven players making the move were the ones who were “definitely interested” in the opportunity. “We knew that after the Olympics was finished, and it’s been the plan all along, that our Sevens ladies want to come and play a World Cup and it’s great to have them available. That internal competition is going to be really important for us. “It’s a real tight race out there but, coming into a World Cup, the thing for me now, we have been chasing because we’re a little bit behind in the professional era, but now we’ve got a group of ladies that do win pinnacle events, are really experienced, and not just with the Sevens ladies coming across. “About 10 or 11 of our ladies have been at a World Cup and when you put it all together, we’ve got a real balance of absolute experience and some youth that have learned, probably got chucked in the fire a little bit, but they’ve learned the hard way. “There’s been some real growth coming through Aupiki, so bringing it all together is pretty exciting.” Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:13:02 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-france-aaron-cruden-warns-all-blacks-not-to-take-understrength-france-lightly-in-test-series/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-france-aaron-cruden-warns-all-blacks-not-to-take-understrength-france-lightly-in-test-series/ Former All Blacks first-five Aaron Cruden believes France will pose a serious threat to New Zealand in their upcoming three-test tour, despite sending a depleted outfit for the series.  Six Nations champions Les Bleus are set to rest first-choice players such as Romain Ntamack, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Thomas Ramos for the games, starting on July 5, because of a clash with the end of the French club season.  The French Rugby Federation and the country’s professional sides announced in October that no players involved in June 28’s Top 14 final would be included in the tour to the three-time Rugby World Cup champions.  “They’ve got a great chance and I don’t think it matters to the players who comes or who doesn’t come,” Cruden told AFP.  “As a rugby fan, you’re a little bit disappointed because you’d love to see the best French side go against the best All Black side.  “Even if it is a so-called, I don’t really like the term, second- or third-string French team, the depth in France at the moment is crazy.  “They will come over here, absolutely relish the opportunity, I really reckon it’s going to be an awesome test series,” the 36-year-old added.  ‘Hooked up to the drip’  Cruden played the last of his 50 tests in 2017 having won the Rugby World Cup six years earlier on home soil.  After his international career, he had spells in France and Japan and is gearing up for a campaign with Waikato in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship.  Things could have gone very differently for Cruden, however.  Aged just 19 he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  “I have very vivid memories, of being in hospital and hooked up to the drip,” he said as part of the Human After All: The Alternative Team Photo campaign.  “Just getting pumped with chemotherapy drugs.  “I guess detecting it very early on and getting into a pretty aggressive form of treatment certainly helped out in regards to eliminating the cancer pretty quickly. “I feel glad it was the case and that I can comfortably and happily say I’ve been in remission for 17-odd years now,” he humbly added.  France’s visit to New Zealand will mark the first year of Scott Robertson in charge of the All Blacks.  His maiden 12 months at the helm included a test series win over England and a victory in Ireland but also two defeats in South Africa and a loss in Paris to a dazzling Les Bleus.  “His [Robertson’s] first season was a little bit up and down and he’d probably say that as well but also there was a lot of new staff coming in and it’s hard to judge it just off one year,” Cruden said.  “It’s a great challenge to have France coming over here first up for a three-test series.  “I think it’s still probably too early to judge for me right now, but by the end of this test year you’ll get an indication of the growth and possibly what the All Blacks team is going to be for the next few years leading into that World Cup in Australia.”  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:28:37 Z /news/sport/warriors-v-storm-16-game-losing-streak-on-the-line-as-erin-clark-named-for-100th-nrl-game/ /news/sport/warriors-v-storm-16-game-losing-streak-on-the-line-as-erin-clark-named-for-100th-nrl-game/ Andrew Webster has named an identical match-day 17 as the Warriors look to break a 16-game losing streak against the formidable Melbourne Storm. After being humbled in their season-opening game in Las Vegas against the Canberra Raiders, the Auckland-based side has bounced back, with gritty consecutive wins over the Sea Eagles, Roosters and Tigers before a much-deserved week off. But they’ll need to step up another gear on Sunday to break a 16-game losing streak again the Melbourne jersey. The last time the Warriors won in Melbourne was their 16-10 Anzac Day victory in 2014 – Andrew McFadden’s debut win as head coach. Only five players who played in the Warriors’ most recent clash against the Tigers – Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark and James Fisher-Harris – have tasted victory against the Melbourne-based side, all playing for other teams. The match-day 17 to run out on Sunday afternoon is identical to the one originally named for the clash with the Tigers in round four before Rocco Berry was ruled out with a minor hamstring injury. Berry has been named in the centres alongside Ali Leiataua as Adam Pompey is shifted back to the wing. It’ll be a momentous game for 27-year-old loose forward Erin Clark, who is set to run out for his 100th NRL game in a career that has lasted eight years. Meanwhile, offseason recruit and former Gold Coast Titans playmaker Tanah Boyd has been named on the extended bench for the first time this season. Warriors team to face Melbourne Storm, kickoff 4pm Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Taine Tuaupiki, 3. Rocco Berry, 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Adam Pompey, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. James Fisher-Harris (cc), 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitch Barnett (cc), 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark Interchange (from): 14. Bunty Afoa, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Leka Halasima, 18. Tanah Boyd, 20. Jacob Laban, 21. Samuel Healey, 22. Te Maire Martin, 23. Edward Kosi Tue, 08 Apr 2025 08:48:43 Z /news/sport/hurricanes-coach-clark-laidlaw-considering-first-five-move-for-all-black-ruben-love/ /news/sport/hurricanes-coach-clark-laidlaw-considering-first-five-move-for-all-black-ruben-love/ Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw is contemplating switching All Blacks utility Ruben Love to first-five for Friday’s crunch Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders. The Hurricanes have struggled for consistency in the No 10 jersey all season because of injuries to Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore and Harry Godfrey. One-test All Black Cameron was tipped to get first crack but was ruled out for the season after tearing his ACL while playing for Manawatū in the NPC last year, while Cashmore hasn’t played after hurting his knee. Harry Godfrey started the season at first-five but is currently sidelined for at least four weeks with a lower leg injury. Riley Hohepa has started the past two games, but struggled off the tee, missing two of his four penalty attempts, as the Hurricanes lost 19-18 to the Blues. To avoid losing touch with the top six, Laidlaw says there is “temptation” to start Love at first-five. “What I like about Ruben at the minute is he really wants to contribute,” Laidlaw said. “He wants to take ownership of stuff, he wants to know the why; he wants to drive the team there’s a lot of attributes of our traditional first five. “We’re really enjoying that, but he doesn’t have to have 10 on his back and start at 10 to do that, we need him to do that whether he’s playing 15 or 10.” The possibility of moving Love to first-five was discussed on the latest episode of Rugby Direct with Elliott Smith and Liam Napier. Smith says the Hurricanes have nothing to lose. “I almost wonder if you hand him the keys. “With the Crusaders coming up, you wonder if they are looking to give Ruben Love more touches with the ball and steer the team around the park.” If the Hurricanes do start Love at first-five, Napier says Callum Harkin could be an option to step in at fullback, adding Hohepa is not the answer if they want to make the playoffs. “It is time for the Hurricanes to make the switch because it’s make-or-break time for their season,” Napier says. The Hurricanes are currently seventh, with three wins and four losses, two points behind the Waratahs, who occupy the last playoff spot. The Hurricanes lost to the Crusaders 33-25 in the season opener back in February, and Laidlaw is treating Friday’s clash as a must-win. “It’s a big game,” said Laidlaw. “It’s got to have a massive impact on playoffs. “We’re aware that we need to keep winning at home and pick up maybe one or two on the road, so this at home is a big game to try to win.” The teams are named at 4pm on Wednesday. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:47:42 Z /news/sport/cricket-gary-stead-to-consider-black-caps-role-as-head-coach-role-advertised/ /news/sport/cricket-gary-stead-to-consider-black-caps-role-as-head-coach-role-advertised/ Black Caps coach Gary Stead confirmed today he will step down from coaching the white ball formats while he considers his future in the test arena.  He will decide in the next few weeks if he wishes to reapply for the test coach role with New Zealand Cricket confirming the head coaching role will be advertised.  “I’m looking forward to getting away from touring life for a while and having a think about my future,” Stead said.  “My focus has been on finishing the season strongly with a lesser experienced team.  “The past six to seven months has been particularly busy with relatively non-stop cricket action since September.  “I now want to evaluate my options but still feel I have coaching left in me, albeit not as head coach across all formats.  “The next month will give me the opportunity to discuss the situation more with my wife, family and others.  “I’ll be in a better position to know whether I want to reapply for the test coaching position after this time of reflection.”  Stead was first appointed to the position in 2018 following the resignation of Mike Hesson.  During Stead’s tenure, the Black Caps have won 27 of 52 test matches including victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final and a 3-0 series win in India, the first team in test history to do so.  They also reached the final of three major tournaments - the 2019 ODI World Cup, the 2021 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy final earlier this year.  More to come  Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:43:59 Z /news/sport/gary-stead-s-future-as-black-caps-coach-to-be-decided-this-week/ /news/sport/gary-stead-s-future-as-black-caps-coach-to-be-decided-this-week/ An announcement over the future of Gary Stead will be made this week, Tuesday at the earliest, as the Black Caps coach’s contract ticks closer to expiry. With no international cricket scheduled before the end of Stead’s contract in June, there is an increasing possibility the 53-year-old has coached his final match for his country. New Zealand’s men don’t play again until July when the Black Caps travel to Zimbabwe for two tests. That means, unless Stead and NZ Cricket agree terms on a new contract, the Black Caps will take the field in Bulawayo under new leadership. When asked by the Herald over Stead’s future, a spokesperson said clarity will come as early as tomorrow. Options range from Stead staying on as head coach, stepping back from the role, or potentially splitting the Black Caps job into separate red and white ball jobs. In 2023, when Stead extended his contract through to mid-2025, a split coaching set-up was rejected. That came in spite of Stead himself suggesting splitting the role. However, given most Black Caps are all format players, the notion of more than one coach wasn’t found to be in the interests of the team. Since he succeeded Mike Hesson in 2018, there’s a credible argument to make that Stead is the best coach the Black Caps have had. In the seven years since, the Black Caps have reached finals in all three forms of the game and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. In test cricket in particular, Stead has largely continued Hesson’s work in turning New Zealand into one of the world’s best sides. His 23 series yielded 11 victories, notably away to Pakistan in the UAE in 2018, England in 2021, and last year’s famous 3-0 sweep of India. And while the Black Caps have traditionally been a strong white-ball side, Stead also led New Zealand to the 2019 World Cup final, 2021 T20 World Cup final, before this year’s Champions Trophy final loss to India. Coaching in cricket is much different from what it might be in other sports. Tactical decisions are largely left to the captain on field who reacts to the situation in front of them. The coach is effectively left to manage what happens off field and facilitate a team environment that gets the best out of players. In that sense, Stead’s job with the Black Caps for the better part of the past decade has been world class. What’s more, he’s also had to contend with the changing international game, where it’s becoming less and less in a player’s interests to choose country over club. In October, NZ Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink was asked about Stead’s future, as his contract ticked closer to expiry. In response, Weenink said the coach “absolutely has my full support and confidence”. That, too, came before the series win over India, and Champions Trophy success. But, regardless of who the coach is, this will be a period of transition for the Black Caps. Of the side that won the World Test Championship, five have now retired. Another three – Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Trent Boult – have opted out of central contracts. And considering Henry Nicholls has fallen down the international pecking order, test captain Tom Latham and injury-hit fast bowler Kyle Jamieson are the only two members of that title-winning side still in the mix for national selection. However, those losses have largely been offset by a promising core of players stepping up from domestic level, with the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Will O’Rourke becoming all-format regulars. Should Stead leave and a new coach take his place, they’ll have an enviable pool of players from which the Black Caps’ future can be built. Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both 九一星空无限hub and 1九一星空无限. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 01:38:10 Z