/news/sport/rss 九一星空无限 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:29:21 Z en /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-confirmed-on-2026-grid-to-remain-with-racing-bulls/ /news/sport/formula-1-liam-lawson-confirmed-on-2026-grid-to-remain-with-racing-bulls/ Liam Lawson will remain on the Formula One grid in 2026, Red Bull have confirmed.  As first reported by the Herald in July, Lawson will stay with Red Bull’s sister outfit Racing Bulls, as the team’s senior driver at a time where Formula One introduces drastic regulation changes.  The Kiwi will also serve as mentor to new teammate Arvid Lindblad, taking the place of Isack Hadjar, who has been promoted into Red Bull’s senior ranks alongside reigning world champion Max Verstappen.  “I’m really looking forward to racing with VCARB in 2026. It’s an opportunity I’ll continue to be grateful for as we enter a year of change in F1,” Lawson said. “I’m ready to get to work with the team as we prepare for the challenging season ahead. It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to kick it off with my first pre-season with the team.”  That leaves Yuki Tsunoda as the odd man out. He will remain part of the Red Bull family as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026.  Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said Hadjar had earned his promotion with consistent results in 2025, scoring in 10 Grands Prix, including a maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.  “He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey.  “Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport.”  Red Bull had signposted the decision would be announced after the Mexican Grand Prix, only to move it back to after Qatar.  With Red Bull eager to promote Lindblad, despite indifferent form in Formula Two, Lawson and Tsunoda had been locked in a duel to secure that final seat at Racing Bulls.  Since the pair swapped places just two races into 2025, Lawson has achieved superior results to Tsunoda at almost every turn.  In what’s supposed to be an inferior car, Lawson holds a five-point lead over Tsunoda in the drivers championship, with one race remaining in 2025.  In fact, Lawson’s current season tally of 38 points is more than Tsunoda has achieved in any of his full seasons in the sport.  On Monday, that was shown again as Lawson finished ninth to Tsunoda’s 10th at the Qatar Grand Prix.  Despite his experience, boasting over 100 grand prix starts in more than four seasons with both Red Bull teams, Tsunoda’s place on the grid has - for the most part - been down to Honda.  The Herald understands the Japanese manufacturer paid Red Bull an annual sum of around US$10 million. Earlier this year, as Tsunoda took Lawson’s place in the senior side, that figure was doubled.  And yet, with Honda replaced by Ford from 2026, Tsunoda’s value to the team - or lack thereof - has ultimately told, with Lawson backed to be the man to lead Racing Bulls.  Earlier this year, Red Bull appeared to give away their 2026 plans by using Lawson in promotional material for Ford after the US Grand Prix.  Along the same lines, Tsunoda almost gave away his future before the Qatar Grand Prix, when he said he knew his future - but could not reveal what it was.  Now, though, that announcement has been made on Tsunoda’s behalf. With no seats remaining on the 2026 grid, including at soon-to-be-Honda powered Aston Martin, Tsunoda had also been linked with a place in the American IndyCar series, with Dale Coyne Racing.  The Formula One season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next week.  Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.  Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:12:45 Z /news/sport/espn-apologises-after-coverage-cuts-out-before-australia-s-buzzer-beater-winner-over-tall-blacks/ /news/sport/espn-apologises-after-coverage-cuts-out-before-australia-s-buzzer-beater-winner-over-tall-blacks/ A technical glitch in the world basketball broadcast system left some fans unable to watch the dramatic conclusion of the Tall Blacks’ clash with Australia, where a buzzer-beating three-pointer sealed a thrilling victory for the Boomers.  William “Davo” Hickey’s shot off the backboard saw Australia overcome a 10-point deficit to beat New Zealand 79-77 in their Fiba World Cup qualifying match in Wellington.  But it was a moment fans were denied watching live after broadcast coverage cut out with two minutes and 34 seconds on the clock, when the Tall Blacks were leading 75-70.  Fans had to wait for ESPN and Fiba’s social media accounts to post the game-winning shot.  The issue impacted viewers watching ESPN coverage in New Zealand and Australia and on streaming platform Disney+, while a similar issue also saw the first 1m 15s of the match missed.  ESPN is owned by the Walt Disney Corporation and after the match cut out, there were minutes of adverts before another basketball programme started.  Fans were quick to vent their frustrations to Sky and ESPN, but both networks said they were not responsible for the broadcast, with Fiba holding the broadcast rights for all World Cup qualifying games.  One person said: “TV doing literal “quit while we’re ahead” with two minutes to go in the Tall Blacks game?“.  Another fan added: “You start the coverage late into the 1st qtr and then cut the feed before the game end. Useless”.  Fiba, basketball’s international federation, has been approached for comment, along with Basketball New Zealand.  ESPN, in a brief statement on its social media accounts, apologised to disappointed viewers and said it was investigating.  “We are aware that due to a technical issue ... the end of the game was not seen for [sic] some viewers. We are investigating the cause and deeply apologise for the issue,” the post read.  According to the Daily Telegraph, Basketball Australia officials have contacted ESPN and Fiba for an explanation as to why the broadcast cut out.  The Tall Blacks return to the court in late February and early March for matches against the Philippines and Guam at to be determined locations.  Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.  Tue, 02 Dec 2025 01:43:19 Z /news/sport/liam-lawson-keep-to-formula-one-seat-at-racing-bulls-report/ /news/sport/liam-lawson-keep-to-formula-one-seat-at-racing-bulls-report/ Kiwi Formula One driver Liam Lawson will keep his seat at Racing Bulls when Red Bull confirm their 2026 lineup tonight, according to a report.  Dutch publication De Telegraaf is reporting several sources have confirmed that Lawson will retain his place on the junior team next year, with Yuki Tsunoda to be dropped from Red Bull, to be replaced by Lawson’s current teammate Isack Hadjar.  Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies said following yesterday’s Qatar Grand Prix they would be making an announcement on Tuesday (Wednesday NZT) ahead of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.  “All I can tell you is that we will in fact stick to our plan and we will announce on Tuesday what the driver line-up is,” Mekies told media. “We are confident it will not disturb the focus in Abu Dhabi.”  As first reported by the Herald in July, Lawson will remain at Racing Bulls, as the team’s senior driver, a role he’s already filled this year alongside rookie Hadjar.  According to De Telegraaf, Hadjar will be promoted to be the teammate of Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season, while Formula Two driver Arvid Lindblad will move up to the Racing Bulls team to partner Lawson.  Lawson edges out five-year veteran Tsunoda after also just finishing ahead of him for ninth place in Qatar.  Despite replacing Lawson in the Red Bull set up two races into the season, Tsunoda struggled throughout the year and sits five points behind the Kiwi on the driver standings.  Liam Lawson at the Qatar Grand Prix.  Ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, a despondent-sounding Tsunoda revealed he knew something about his future that he couldn’t disclose.  “I know something that I can’t share with you guys,” he said. “But probably most people know it.  “I’m [of] a similar understanding as you guys. I don’t know what’s going to happen.  “Let’s see.”  Tsunoda has been linked with the American IndyCar series.  While the 25-year-old has been part of Red Bull’s junior development programme, and on the Formula One grid since 2021 with AlphaTauri, Racing Bulls and the senior team, Tsunoda’s position has always been linked to engine supplier Honda, one of his primary backers.  The Herald understands that Honda pays an annual sum of about US$10 million ($17.4m) to Red Bull to guarantee Tsunoda a place at one of its two teams.  Earlier this year, when Lawson was demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after two races, Tsunoda took his place in the top team and that payment was understood to have been doubled.  However, Honda is departing Red Bull for Aston Martin at the end of this season, leaving Tsunoda’s future in doubt. At present, Red Bull have only Verstappen confirmed in a seat for next year.  Earlier this year, Red Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko gave a deadline of the Mexican Grand Prix to decide on the two teams’ driver line-ups. After Mexico, that decision was pushed back until after Qatar.  The season ends in Abu Dhabi on Monday morning, with McLaren drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Verstappen all in the running for the title.  Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:08:12 Z /news/sport/mclaren-chief-admits-strategy-blunder-costs-qatar-win-and-podium/ /news/sport/mclaren-chief-admits-strategy-blunder-costs-qatar-win-and-podium/ McLaren team chief Andrea Stella admitted his team made a costly strategic blunder at this morning’s Qatar Grand Prix that cost his title-chasing drivers a victory and a podium finish. McLaren’s decision not to pit under an early safety car intervention when every other team pitted both drivers wrecked their hopes as Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen took control and claimed his 70th career victory. The Dutchman moved within 12 points of Lando Norris at the top of the drivers’ title race, six ahead of luckless Australian Oscar Piastri, who looked certain to win until derailed by McLaren’s blunder. “It was a decision not to pit and in fairness we didn’t expect everyone else to pit,” said Stella. “Obviously, once everyone pitted, it makes that the right thing to do. “When you have the lead car, you don’t know what the others are going to do. The main reason was related to not expecting everyone else to pit, so it was a decision. “And as a matter of fact, it wasn’t the correct decision.” Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen at the Grand Prix of Qatar. Photo / Red Bull His mea culpa on behalf of McLaren offered little solace to his drivers, particularly Piastri, who could have moved within seven points of Norris ahead of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if he had won. Norris said, “It’s tough. We just have to have faith in the team to make the right decision. “It was a gamble and we were the ones who took the gamble in a way. Now it’s the wrong decision and we shouldn’t have done it – Oscar lost the win and I lost P2, so we didn’t do a good job today. “We’ve done plenty of good jobs in other races. We won the constructors’ six races ago because of that. So, not our finest day, but that’s life.” Piastri said he felt speechless and struggled with the outcome. “I drove the best race that I could, the fastest that I could. There was nothing left out there. I’ve tried my best, but it wasn’t to be tonight, unfortunately. “In hindsight, it is pretty obvious what we would have done. I am sure we will discuss it as a team. It’s not all bad as it has been a good weekend too – the pace has been very strong, but it is a bit tough to swallow at the moment.” Both drivers and Stella made clear they were expecting to review the race and the decision-making before reaching any conclusions about their approach to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next weekend where Norris can clinch the title if he finishes on the podium. Kiwi ace Liam Lawson strengthened his case for keeping a Racing Bulls contract next year when he finished ninth, after qualifying in 12th. – AFP Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:25:30 Z /news/sport/lawson-completes-professional-performance-tops-tsunoda-for-ninth-in-qatar/ /news/sport/lawson-completes-professional-performance-tops-tsunoda-for-ninth-in-qatar/ With drama and storylines unfolding in front of him, Liam Lawson completed a professional display at Formula One’s Qatar Grand Prix, to claim two points with a ninth-place finish. After qualifying 12th on a track designed first and foremost for MotoGP – leaving overtaking next to impossible – Lawson was patient in making up three places to take his seventh lot of points in 2025, with Red Bull’s decision over its 2026 driver lineups expected imminently. Almost metaphorically, the Kiwi’s Racing Bulls crossed the finish line one place ahead of Red Bull rival Yuki Tsunoda, who claimed the final point in 10th. The two are understood to be vying for the final seat at Racing Bulls, with Lawson’s current teammate Isack Hadjar expected to be promoted to Red Bull and his place likely to go to Formula Two driver Arvid Lindblad next year. “From where we started, it’s positive,” said Lawson. “We had really good race pace when we were in clean air – we just spent the whole race in traffic. That’s what you get around here. “[It was] a positive result from where we started.” At the front of the grid, Max Verstappen ensured this season’s title race will go down to the final weekend, with his seventh win of the season. With the nature of the Lusail International Circuit dictating two mandatory pit stops, and no car allowed to run a set of tyres for more than 25 laps, Verstappen benefited from a shocking error by McLaren. A safety car on lap seven saw all but the two McLaren cars pit, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris went from first and second, to second and fourth respectively. Williams’ Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third place. Norris produced a final-lap overtake on Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, which could prove decisive in the championship fight, netting the Brit a crucial two extra points. As a result, Norris’ championship lead has been cut to 12 points from Verstappen with one race to go, with Piastri 16 back in third. Should Verstappen claim the championship next week, he’d have done so despite trailing the McLaren cars by more than 100 points after Piastri’s victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. With the nature of the Lusail International Circuit dictating two mandatory pit stops, and no car allowed to run a set of tyres for more than 25 laps, Verstappen benefited from a shocking error by McLaren. A safety car on lap seven saw all but the two McLaren cars pit, as Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris went from first and second, to second and fourth respectively. Williams’ Carlos Sainz completed the podium in third place. Norris produced a final-lap overtake on Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, which could prove decisive in the championship fight, netting the Brit a crucial two extra points. As a result, Norris’ championship lead has been cut to 12 points from Verstappen with one race to go, with Piastri 16 back in third. Should Verstappen claim the championship next week, he’d have done so despite trailing the McLaren cars by more than 100 points after Piastri’s victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. On lap 50, Stroll pitted, and pushed Lawson inside the top 10 for the first time in the weekend, with six laps to hold on and secure the final point. Lawson extended his lead over Tsunoda to more than one second in the final laps, only to see Hadjar’s misfortune on the penultimate lap ensure both drivers ended up in the points. The Formula One season concludes next weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Qatar Grand Prix finishing order Max Verstappen - Red Bull Oscar Piastri - McLaren Carlos Sainz - Williams Lando Norris - McLaren Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes George Russell - Mercedes Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin Charles Leclerc - Ferrari Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull Alex Albon - Williams Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber Franco Colapinto - Alpine Esteban Ocon - Haas Pierre Gasly - Alpine Did not finish: Lance Stroll – Aston Martin, Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls, Ollie Bearman – Haas, Nico Hulkenberg – Sauber Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:58:16 Z /news/sport/alice-robinson-storms-to-giant-slalom-win-at-copper-mountain-world-cup/ /news/sport/alice-robinson-storms-to-giant-slalom-win-at-copper-mountain-world-cup/ New Zealand’s Alice Robinson captured her fifth World Cup victory in dominant style on Saturday (local time), clocking the fastest time in both runs to win the giant slalom at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Robinson, who turns 24 on Monday, had a two-run total time of 1min 58.91s to beat Austrian Julia Scheib by 96-hundredths of a second. Norway’s Thea Louise Stjernesund finished third, matching Robinson’s top time in the second leg to move up from fifth after the first run and claim her podium place, 1.08s behind the winner. US superstar Mikaela Shiffrin, who has extended her record for World Cup victories to 103 this season with a pair of slalom wins, settled for 14th. “It was definitely a day of two runs,” Robinson said. “The first run I felt so in control and so smooth. And the second run just felt so out of control and felt like I was just recovering the whole time. “So I was pretty shocked to see the big green light at the finish, but obviously I’m so grateful.” Alice Robinson competes in the second run of the Women's Giant Slalom during the Stifel Copper Cup 2025. Photo / Getty Images Robinson admitted that she wasn’t feeling very confident coming into the week after an eighth-placed finish in the first giant slalom of the season last month at Soelden, which was won by Scheib. “I honestly felt pretty gutted about Soelden and I think in the past I’d always let poor prior performances affect my performance,” Robinson said. “So I really wanted to prove it to myself that, okay, Soelden wasn’t great but you can pick yourself up ... so I’m really proud of myself that I could break through that.” Shiffrin, tied for 18th after the first run, delighted home fans with a storming second effort that briefly vaulted her to the lead but she was ultimately 2.08s off the pace. The American remains atop the overall standings with 268 points, 50 ahead of Albanian Lara Colturi with Scheib in third on 180. Scheib leads the giant slalom standings with 180 points with Robinson second on 132. The alpine World Cup circuit is back at Copper Mountain this year for the first time since 2001. Men skied a super-G and giant slalom on Thursday and Friday (local time) and women will conclude the week’s action on Sunday (local time) with a slalom. – Agence France-Presse Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:37:04 Z /news/sport/springboks-crush-wales-73-0-in-historic-test-demolition/ /news/sport/springboks-crush-wales-73-0-in-historic-test-demolition/ Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starred as South Africa ran in 11 unanswered tries to inflict a record 73-0 home defeat on Wales in the autumn season-ending international Test in Cardiff on Saturday. The loss surpassed Wales’ 68-14 defeat to England in the Six Nations in March. It was also the first time they had been kept pointless at home in the professional era – the last time Wales were kept at nil was back in 1967 in a 3-0 loss to Ireland. The Springboks are back-to-back world champions and touched down in the Welsh capital on the back of wins over Japan (61-7), France (32-17), Italy (32-14) and Ireland (24-13). The comprehensive victory in Cardiff marked the second successive season that they have completed an Autumn Series clean sweep. It was also a 12th victory in 14 Tests this year, including a 67-30 thrashing of Argentina and a record 43-10 win over New Zealand in Wellington. Wales, thoroughly outgunned in the scrum and clueless in attack, were fighting a losing battle from the off. It was their biggest defeat by the Boks since a second-string Wales side went down 96-13 in Pretoria in 1998. “It was good, we’re proud of today and the whole tour,” South Africa captain Siya Kolisi told S4C. “We’ve been building depth into the squad. We respected Wales as much as we could, and we needed to go out and play our game.” Wales skipper Dewi Lake acknowledged his team had been “overpowered”. “We can’t ignore the score and the performance,” he said. “When you play the best team in the world, you need to step up and we didn’t have any ball to play and that cost us.” Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored two tries and nine conversions for a personal tally of 28 points that took him to 123 points in 10 matches for the green and gold in 2025. Centre Andre Esterhuizen was another star. His barn-storming midfield drives were a constant thorn in the Welsh defence and offered South Africa relentless momentum. The Welsh scrum was under the cosh from the vaunted Bok pack and the opening three tries, from Gerhard Steenkamp, Ethan Hooker and Jasper Wiese, all came from dominant attacking set-pieces. One rare Welsh foray into the Bok 22-metre area saw an overthrown line-out and subsequent penalty for South Africa in front of 50,112 in the Principality Stadium. An Esterhuizen crashball set up a ruck from which scrum-half Morne van den Berg darted over for South Africa’s fourth try, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu impeccable from the kicking tee to leave them 28-0 up at halftime. Wales had a terrible start to the second period, with No 8 Aaron Wainwright going to the blood bin before another Esterhuizen drive set up a ruck from which Wilco Louw barged over. Welsh woes were compounded by Taine Plumtree’s yellow card. “I smell Welsh lamb on the braii!” one South African fan had written on her cardboard placard. So it proved as the floodgates opened. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who as a teenager spent a year at Llandovery College, Carmarthenshire, on a rugby exchange from his Cape Town school, took a quick tap penalty to surge under the posts for South Africa’s sixth try. Canan Moodie then latched on to a loose Dan Edwards pass to hack ahead and touch down, before Esterhuizen finished off a sweeping move down the left for a deserved try. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus, known for his innovative approach, brought on all eight replacements, including 140-cap lock Eben Etzebeth, in the 52nd minute. While the game lost some of its rhythm, South Africa gradually settled and Feinberg-Mngomezulu skipped in for his second try before Ruan Nortje. Etzebeth also went over to leave Wales coach Steve Tandy with a mountain to climb before their Six Nations opener away to England. Etzebeth blotted his copybook, leaving after French referee Luc Ramos no option but to red card the Bok enforcer with just minutes to play for an eye gouge on Alex Mann. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:32:14 Z /news/sport/lawson-solid-in-qatar-sprint-race-takes-14th-after-ferrari-battle/ /news/sport/lawson-solid-in-qatar-sprint-race-takes-14th-after-ferrari-battle/ Liam Lawson enjoyed an improved day at Formula One’s Qatar Grand Prix, capped off by posting the 12th fastest time in qualifying at the Losail Circuit. After struggling on Friday, with the 17th-fastest time in qualifying for the sprint race, Lawson was a credible 14th over the 19 lap affair, before achieving his best start in Qatar. Despite missing a place in the top 10 by just 0.083s, starting 12th sees Lawson better his starting 18th in the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, and the 17th he achieved at the same track last year. What’s more, Lawson also outqualified Red Bull rival Yuki Tsunoda - who was eliminated in the first session of qualifying (Q1) for the third grand prix in a row - at a time where both drivers await their futures being officially locked in for next season. In the race for the world title, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took the most from the day. As well as winning the sprint, the Australian also claimed pole position for the grand prix, giving him the opportunity to complete the weekend with a full set of 33 points. McLaren teammate and championship leader Lando Norris settled for second after a late error left him with one fewer attempt at a final qualifying lap, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen starts third. With two grands prix to go this season, Norris leads Piastri by 22 points, and Verstappen by 25 points at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar will start sixth after another impressive qualifying display, with his promotion to Red Bull understood to be imminent. Looking to escape Q1 in Qatar for the first time in his career, Lawson’s first lap of 1m 21.681s had him inside the top 10 to start the session, albeit without all 20 drivers having set their opening marks. By the time Lawson returned to the track for his second lap, he’d fallen to 13th, just 0.243s clear of elimination. With the track improving beneath him, Lawson went faster to record a lap of 1m 21.031s, as Hadjar went top by posting 1m 20.603s. Lawson needed to improve again, though, as the Kiwi slipped down to 16th as other cars went quicker after him. With less than three minutes left in Q1, Lawson had one last attempt to clear elimination, and responded with a lap of 1m 20.539s to advance with the seventh-best time of the session. Into Q2, Lawson’s first lap - 1m 20.584 - was marginally slower than the one he escaped Q1 with, leaving him at risk of missing out on the top 10. As Lawson began his last lap, on a new set of soft tyres, Lawson had fallen to 12th. And while he improved his time to 1m 20.433s - his best of the weekend - Lawson was 0.083s away from his teammate in 10th. Earlier, no driver made more overtakes than Lawson over the course of the sprint race - one of four to make up two places - as the Kiwi moved from 16th to 14th. Piastri led from lights out to the chequered flag after securing pole position a day earlier, and wiped two points from Norris’ advantage, who himself finished where he started in third. Verstappen advanced from sixth to fourth over the course of the sprint, but now trails Norris by an additional point. Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate Hadjar, meanwhile, came home ninth to miss the points by one place. With opportunities to overtake difficult in Qatar, Lawson did well to gain two positions on the opening lap, and got around the Haas of Esteban Ocon and Sauber of Nico Hulkenberg into turn one. Lawson stayed on the heels of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who himself fell from ninth to 13 in the early stages. The Kiwi remained within one second of the Ferrari - therefore able to use his Drag Reduction System (DRS) - but was forced to be patient to attempt an overtake. On lap 11, Lawson saw his chance when Leclerc left the track at turn 10, and lost a place to the Kiwi. However, out of caution of further action, Racing Bulls deemed Lawson gained an unfair advantage by leaving the track himself to complete the overtake, and was ordered to give the place back. And as Leclerc pushed his advantage beyond one second by the end of lap 14, there was no further chance for Lawson to progress higher before the finish. The Qatar Grand Prix begins at 5am Monday. Qatar Grand Prix qualifying results Oscar Piastri - McLaren Lando Norris - McLaren Max Verstappen - Red Bull George Russell - Mercedes Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls Carlos Sainz - Williams Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin Pierre Gasly - Alpine Charles Leclerc - Ferrari Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls Ollie Bearman - Haas Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber *5 place penalty Alex Albon - Williams Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull Esteban Ocon - Haas Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari Lance Stroll - Aston Martin Franco Colapinto - Alpine Qatar sprint race results Oscar Piastri - McLaren George Russell - Williams Lando Norris - McLaren Max Verstappen - Red Bull Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin Carlos Sainz - Williams Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls Alex Albon - Williams Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber Ollie Bearman - Haas Charles Leclerc - Ferrari Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls Esteban Ocon - Haas Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari Pierre Gasly - Alpine Lance Stroll - Aston Martin Franco Colapinto - Alpine Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:23:39 Z /news/sport/formula-1-yuki-tsunoda-says-he-knows-red-bull-fate-but-cannot-share-before-qatar-grand-prix/ /news/sport/formula-1-yuki-tsunoda-says-he-knows-red-bull-fate-but-cannot-share-before-qatar-grand-prix/ It’s not what he said, it’s how he said it.  Through his actions perhaps more than his words, Yuki Tsunoda appears to have let his Formula One future slip.  Currently locked in what’s believed to be a two-way tussle with Liam Lawson to seal a seat on the 2026 grid with Racing Bulls, Tsunoda appears to be the man on the outer at Red Bull for next year.  While the 25-year-old has been part of Red Bull’s junior development programme, and on the Formula One grid since 2021 with AlphaTauri, Racing Bulls and the senior team, Tsunoda’s position has always been linked to engine supplier Honda, one of his primary backers.  The Herald understands that Honda pays an annual sum of about US$10 million to Red Bull to guarantee Tsunoda a place at one of its two teams.  Earlier this year, when Lawson was demoted from Red Bull to Racing Bulls after two races, that payment was understood to have been doubled.  However, Honda is departing Red Bull for Aston Martin at the end of this season, leaving Tsunoda’s future in doubt. At present, Red Bull have only Max Verstappen confirmed in a seat for next year.  It is understood that Isack Hadjar, Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate, will be promoted to Red Bull next year, with his spot in the junior side to be filled by Formula Two prospect Arvid Lindblad.  That has left Tsunoda and Lawson battling for the final seat. The Kiwi holds an eight-point lead over his rival heading into the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend.  Earlier this year, Red Bull senior adviser Helmut Marko gave a deadline of the Mexican Grand Prix to decide on the two teams’ driver lineups. After Mexico, that decision was pushed back until after Qatar.  Now, with that decision imminent, a despondent-sounding Tsunoda has revealed he knows something about his future that he cannot disclose.  “I know something that I can’t share with you guys,” he said. “But probably most people know it.  “I’m [of] a similar understanding as you guys. I don’t know what’s going to happen.  “Let’s see.”  In the time since Red Bull updated its timeline to decide the 2026 drivers, Tsunoda has also been linked with the American IndyCar series.  With Honda supplying engines to five of the IndyCar championship’s 12 teams, a free seat at Dale Coyne Racing has opened up at the perfect time for Tsunoda, who has also said he will not accept a role as Red Bull’s reserve driver.  As well as that, Lawson was also used by Ford - who will make Red Bull’s engines from 2026 - in promotional material, after this year’s US Grand Prix in Austin.  According to Marko, the decision to delay the lineup announcement was to allow Red Bull to concentrate on supporting Verstappen as he chases a fifth successive title.  The world champion trails McLaren’s Lando Norris by 24 points, with three races – two grands prix and a sprint – left this year.  With that in mind, Tsunoda says he’s only concentrating on his team’s objective.  “I’m only thinking about this race. The decision is not made yet, it’s still in my hands.  “I’ll try to support Max as best as possible. If I’m able to achieve that, that will be positive for my future.  “I’ll only aim for that, and let’s see where the season finishes.”  The Qatar Grand Prix begins at 5am on Monday (NZT).  Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.  Thu, 27 Nov 2025 22:27:19 Z /news/sport/australian-pga-championship-ryan-fox-refreshed-after-banner-year-for-return-downunder/ /news/sport/australian-pga-championship-ryan-fox-refreshed-after-banner-year-for-return-downunder/ Ryan Fox is ready to get back to work. It’s been a banner year in the career of the 38-year-old Auckland golfer, bagging two PGA Tour titles and finishing well inside the top 50 of the season standings to earn the right to enter all of the tour’s big events in 2026. Fox also became a world record holder, for most par-threes completed by a team in three minutes, alongside Australian Min Woo Lee and Englishman Dan Bradbury. It’s a different position to where he found himself at the back end of the 2024 season, where he needed to play some events on the fall schedule to put his return to the American tour beyond doubt. “To come back home with a couple of PGA Tour wins under the belt and locked up everything I want to get in for next year is pretty damn cool,” Fox told the Herald. “I got to tick off a dream this year, winning on the PGA Tour, which you don’t often get to do. So, that was very cool and I definitely enjoyed my holiday a little bit more knowing I’d done all of that stuff and actually could take a break.” Fox hasn’t played a tournament since finishing in a tie for 14th at the French Open in mid-September, with golf being the last thing he wanted to think about upon initially returning to New Zealand for a break. That ends this week, as Fox returns Downunder for the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland in Brisbane; his first tournament appearance in one of Australia’s major events since 2022. “It’s been a good break. I felt like I needed it at the end of that PGA Tour season. I played a lot of golf in a short space of time there and, you know, when I got home, I pretty much didn’t want to see my golf clubs. “It was nice to actually not be able to see them for a few weeks and I’ve been pretty busy the last month or so getting back into it – playing some social golf and doing some charity and corporate days and stuff like that, seeing [coach] Marcus [Wheelhouse] and doing some work. It’s nice to be back on tour this week and catching up with some friends and getting back into some work properly.” There is strong New Zealand representation in the field for this week’s tournament, with 13 Kiwis among the contenders, including Daniel Hillier, who narrowly missed out on a PGA Tour card of his own on the DP World Tour, Kazuma Kobori and Denzel Ieremia. It’s a sign of the growth in the game on home shores, Fox says, with plenty of talent now starting to come through in the professional ranks. “We’re in a pretty good place, I think, not just in the men’s game. Obviously, Lydia’s [Dame Lydia Ko] flying the flag up high in the women’s game, but a few others are coming in behind her like Amelia Garvey doing well in Europe, Momoka Kobori, Fiona Xu was playing in the LPGA Tour this year, which is pretty cool,” he said. “And, you look at the men’s game now, Dan [Hillier] and Kazuma [Kobori] both had great years in Europe – I kind of feel for Dan a little bit, you know, just missing out on that PGA Tour card. Sam Jones is playing on the Challenge Tour, Josh Geary’s won in Australasia this year, Nick Voke’s won in Australasia this year, Mike Hendry’s doing well in Japan still, and we’ve got some young guys coming up, you know, like Denzel ... he’s doing well on the Asian Tour and a bunch of guys like Kerry Mountcastle and, Tyler Hodge and stuff plying their trade in Aussie, which is pretty cool to see. “I don’t know if the stats are right, but it feels like we’ve got a lot more guys playing on tour now than, you know, when I first came on tour 15 years ago and it’s pretty cool to see so many people doing well on the world stage.” 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, 26 Nov 2025 03:15:03 Z /news/sport/run-it-straight-collision-leaves-both-participants-unconscious-in-utah-trial/ /news/sport/run-it-straight-collision-leaves-both-participants-unconscious-in-utah-trial/ Two participants in the controversial collision sport “run it straight” appear to knock each other out as it debuts in the United States. The Australian-based Runit League had previously brought the social media trend to New Zealand in May and are now touring the West Coast of the US with six trials in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Santa Monica, Irvine, Seattle and Austin. Auckland’s Trusts Arena held two trial nights for the league in May and were due to host a final event. However, backlash from neuroscientists and council workers over the sport’s safety, alongside the death of a 19-year-old in a copycat event in Palmerston North, resulted in the final being shifted to Dubai. In a recent video, taken from the trial at Zion’s Bank Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, two participants can be seen colliding and falling unconscious afterwards. The participant in a white shirt falls to the ground motionless with medics attending to him immediately, while the participant in the black shirt looks to go stiff with his arms slightly extended before he is attended to. The video has amassed more than 17 million views on Instagram and over half a million likes. The two participants at an American trial of Runit League appear to knock each other out. Photo / Instagram The origins of run it straight can be traced back to the 1940s when it was invented by head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners college football team, Bud Wilkinson, and dubbed the “Oklahoma drill”. It would involve two players wearing protective pads and helmets running at each other with the aim of knocking their opponent over. NFL and college football teams adopted the drill across the US before it was banned in 2019 in order to reduce concussions. Dr Chris Nowinski, CEO of American-based charity the Concussion Legacy Foundation, told the Herald, it was “unfortunate” run it straight has made its way to America. “I’m concerned that the people who would sign up for this don’t understand what traumatic brain injuries or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) can do to their lives. “This is the kind of idea that could only take root because we have poor awareness of the long-term effects of repeated hits to the head.” Vulangi Olosoni, 26, who took home A$200,000 ($219,000) after winning Runit Championship League’s Dubai final in June, apologised for his role in influencing young people to take part in the sport. This came after Palmerston North teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died from head injuries sustained while participating in a copycat game during a 21st birthday celebration. “It made me think about life. Imagine being so young and you could’ve been something, then that happens to you... It’s pretty rough [and] I feel sorry for the family that is enduring that pain,” Olosoni said. “I apologise for that as well... influencing the younger generation to do that type of thing.” Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:16:01 Z /news/sport/supercars-winner-wood-keen-to-give-open-wheel-racing-a-crack/ /news/sport/supercars-winner-wood-keen-to-give-open-wheel-racing-a-crack/ Rising Supercars star Ryan Wood has almost no open-wheel experience but is looking forward to contesting New Zealand’s most prestigious series in the category in January. Known as the Toyota Racing Series for most of the past 20 years, the championship was rebranded to the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Championship (FROC) at the end of 2022 and is now aligned with the FIA’s Formula Regional series around the world. The entry list for 2026 has not been finalised but one driver of note is Wood. The 21-year-old Kiwi is having a standout year in the tin tops, sitting 10th in the championship with one win and three poles. Wood is looking forward to following in the footsteps of fellow Supercars drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown, who both raced in FROC this year. “I’ve always been eager to compete in the Toyota FR Trophy series ever since I first watched it in 2014,” said Wood. “We came really close in 2021 before Covid, so it’s awesome to finally get a deal done this year with great backing from the Tony Quinn Foundation and so many others. “Driving the FT-60 will be a whole new experience — I’ve only driven an open-wheeler twice before — so learning something new will really help me in Supercars. “To be competing in the New Zealand Grand Prix is a real bucket-list race for me. I never thought I’d get the opportunity, so it’s super special to be racing in New Zealand’s most iconic event.” Rumour has it that two-time World Rally Championship winner Kalle Rovanpera may be contesting the series as a stepping stone to racing in the Japanese Super Formula in 2026, then Formula 2 in 2027 and potentially F1 in 2028. Next year, the format switches from a five-weekend championship to four weekends to avoid clashes with Northern Hemisphere testing in IndyNXT and European junior formula. Aside from the New Zealand Grand Prix weekend, there will be four races per weekend, with qualifying and two races each Saturday and Sunday. The first three races of each weekend will be 70km, while the longer feature races on Sunday afternoons will be 90km. These are the races that will decide the series’ famous trophies, including the Dorothy Smith Memorial Trophy, Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy and Spirit of a Nation Cup. The NZGP has an unchanged format that includes Grand Prix-type qualifying, with two knockout sessions and a final shootout for the top 10 grid spots. A new push-to-pass system will also be introduced on the FT60 cars for next year, providing an additional 25 horsepower. The 2026 championship also welcomes two new teams. Top United States racing team HMD Motorsport will join forces with TJ Speed Motorsports to field a three-car line-up. HMD has campaigned in Indy Lights, IndyNXT and IndyCar, and main game drivers Santino Ferrucci, Devlin DeFrancesco, Jacob Abel, Louis Foster, Robert Schwartzman and Kiwi Marcus Armstrong are all FROC graduates. One of the best-known international single-seater motorsport teams, Hitech, confirmed earlier this year it will field a three-car team. The European-based outfit also contests the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3, GB3, British Formula 4, Formula Winter Series and F1 Academy. It also has a formidable list of former drivers, including George Russell, Alex Palou, Isack Hadjar, Jack Doohan, Juri Vips, Armstrong and Kiwi Liam Lawson. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 01:08:34 Z /news/sport/williamson-back-but-black-caps-get-mixed-injury-news-for-first-west-indies-test/ /news/sport/williamson-back-but-black-caps-get-mixed-injury-news-for-first-west-indies-test/ The Black Caps have received mixed news on the injury front, but have been boosted for the first of three cricket tests against the West Indies, starting in Christchurch next week. New Zealand coach Rob Walter has named his 14-man group for the series opener at Hagley Oval, with Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell both included. As he closes in on becoming the first New Zealander to score 10,000 runs in the format, Williamson missed the Black Caps’ 3-0 One-Day International (ODI) series whitewash of the West Indies, specifically to prepare for the tests. The 35-year-old has not played a test since December 2024, when he scored 156 in the second innings to set up a 423-run victory over England in Hamilton. Along the same lines, Mitchell was also rested for the second and third ODIs, after suffering a groin injury during his man-of-the-match knock of 119 in Christchurch. But after stepping aside as a precaution, Mitchell has been cleared to don the whites on his adopted home ground. However, further down the order, the Black Caps will be without Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips, both of whom still need to complete return-to-play plans in red-ball cricket. Despite being named as the man of the series in the West Indies ODIs, Jamieson has not played a red-ball game since the Black Caps’ 281-run victory over South Africa at Mount Maunganui in February 2024. That match saw Jamieson suffer a stress fracture in his back and only return at the start of 2025 after a lengthy recovery. Phillips is also unavailable as he continues to come back from a groin injury suffered playing in American Major League Cricket earlier this year. The 28-year-old did return in the Plunket Shield for Otago last week, with scores of six and 28 not out, as well as taking 2-47 and 3-60 with the ball. As a result, Walter has named a squad for the first test only, to further evaluate Jamieson and Phillips for potential returns later in the series. On top of that, Will O’Rourke has also not recovered in time after suffering a back stress fracture earlier this year. It was hoped the 24-year-old would be able to complete a strength and conditioning programme to be available for the West Indies tests, however the fast bowler is still yet to return to any form of cricket. In their places, the bowling ranks have been supplemented by Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy and Blair Tickner. Foulkes is in line to play his second test match, and first at home, after debuting in Zimbabwe earlier this year. The 23-year-old claimed match figures of 9-75 in that test – the best for a New Zealander on debut. Duffy also debuted in that same test and took 2-52 in the match. The 31-year-old can also play his first home test, after establishing himself as a first-choice selection in New Zealand’s white-ball plans. Tickner, meanwhile, could play his first test since 2023 after returning to the Black Caps’ white-ball ranks this summer. Reunited with Walter after years spent together with Central Districts, the 32-year-old claimed man-of-the-match honours against England in Hamilton and Wellington, as well as the man-of-the-series award for good measure. Black Caps squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:30:02 Z /news/sport/memorable-goal-not-enough-for-auckland-fc-as-coach-blasts-performance/ /news/sport/memorable-goal-not-enough-for-auckland-fc-as-coach-blasts-performance/ Lachlan Brook will never forget his first goal for Auckland FC – and neither will anyone who was able to witness it. The winger produced a stunning, inch perfect free kick in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar, to claim a point in a match where the home side created little. It was one of the best goals of Auckland’s short history and a timely boost for Brook, a marquee arrival in the off season from MLS club Real Salt Lake. The 24-year-old had shown glimpses of his quality across the first four matches but was relieved to get off the mark. “I was obviously very happy with it,” Brook told the Herald. “The pressure was slowly building on myself to score, obviously not from others, but from myself.” After being clipped by Brisbane fullback James McGarry, Brook lined up the set piece from nearly 25 metres out. “I was talking with Jesse [Randall], we’re both on free kicks and we were deciding on what would be best. With the way it was lined up and how far it was, we thought a left footer would be better for it and obviously it turned out alright.” Auckland FC players celebrate Lachlan Brook's special strike. Photosport. It was perfectly struck, curling up and over the wall and into the far corner. Brook knew instantly it was a special strike. “I don’t know how to describe it, but when you connect with the ball you always have a feeling and I felt as soon as I kicked it that it had a good chance.” Brook, who ranked the effort in his top two or three career goals, has settled well in Auckland, after his move from the United States and has been an effective presence on the left flank. Sunday was a frustrating match, as Auckland never really got going. Brook’s goal should have been a spark – coming against the run of play – but Brisbane continued to dominate the first half, eventually rewarded with Justin Vidic’s goal in the second minute of added time. The second half was a tighter affair – and Auckland had some half chances – before a thunderous Francis de Vries free kick hit the cross bar in the dying minutes. “We didn’t create too much [but] I don’t think that’s what was missing,” said Brook. “Just [not] winning second balls, pretty much throughout the whole game. if you’re second to the ball, you have to defend a lot more and that was the case.” Coach Steve Corica agreed, saying they were outmuscled and outgunned by a physical Brisbane side. “It was a very flat performance,” said Corica. “I expected more. We just let ourselves down.” Corica was particularly disappointed with what he described as a costly Brisbane equaliser, coming just seconds before the halftime break. “If you look at [their] goal we were just second to everything,” said Corica. “We speak about second balls, putting pressure on the ball, keeping a high line and we didn’t do any of that really and that was the cause of the goal.” Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove spent much of the first half in a running battle with the Brisbane central defenders, with various altercations which tested the referee’s patience as he picked up a yellow card and incurred several other fouls. It’s not the first time that the English forward has been seemingly distracted, while he had few opportunities to show his wares. However, Corica defended his import. “I wouldn’t single out any player, everyone performed badly,” said Corica. “It’s as simple as that. We were flat, it wasn’t Sam, it wasn’t anyone that came in. It was just an overall poor performance.” If there was any mitigating factors, it was the list of injured and suspended players, along with Francis de Vries and Jesse Randall feeling the effects of their time away in the United States with the All Whites, which left Auckland FC more vulnerable than normal. “Obviously there has been a lot this week,” said Corica. “So maybe a point in the end is not bad but we don’t want to use [those things] as excuses. The overall performance wasn’t good enough and we expect more from our players. [But] being unbeaten is a real positive [and] I suppose when you play that badly that not losing is important.” Brook was also philosophical, ahead of Sunday’s match with Newcastle Jets (3pm). “For us to come out with a draw when we feel like we’ve played not at our best at all [it’s] a credit to how high we keep our standards. Obviously we’re very disappointed…when we draw it still feels like a loss.” Central defender Dan Hall will return from suspension next week, while vice captain Jake Brimmer, who dislocated his shoulder against the Phoenix, is also expected to be available. Hiroki Sakai (hamstring) and Logan Rogerson (suspension) remain sidelined. 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. Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:33:58 Z /news/sport/lawson-upgraded-to-14th-in-las-vegas-after-both-mclarens-disqualified/ /news/sport/lawson-upgraded-to-14th-in-las-vegas-after-both-mclarens-disqualified/ Liam Lawson has been upgraded to a 14th place finish at Formula One’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, after both McLaren cars were disqualified. The Kiwi had crossed the line 16th, after a first-lap collision with Oscar Piastri effectively ruined Lawson’s race at turn one. However, both Piastri and McLaren teammate Lando Norris were later disqualified, after post-race examinations found excessive wear on the duo’s skid block. The twin disqualifications have thrown the 2025 title race wide open. Norris had finished second to Max Verstappen, while Piastri was fourth. Now, though, Norris’ championship advantage has been cut to just 24 points from both Piastri and Verstappen, with two grands prix remaining. Earlier, Lawson came wheel to wheel with Piastri at turn one, and suffered front wing damage that forced him into the pits, too far back to recover. Neither driver faced further punishment from the stewards for the collision. “Sorry, guys, that was on me,” Lawson said to his race engineer. “[I] didn’t meant to do that, so apologies. It didn’t need to happen. Honestly, I wasn’t trying to push the braking. They just checked up, I wasn’t expecting it, so sorry.” Not helping Lawson’s cause was the fact Racing Bulls put the Kiwi on a two-stop strategy, forcing him back down the grid, on a cold track, with a new set of tyres. The only other driver to complete a two-stop strategy was Lawson’s 2026 seat rival, Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull, who finished two places ahead of the Kiwi in 14th. Coincidentally, finishing 16th sees Lawson in the exact same place where he did one year earlier. In that instance, though, Lawson qualified 15th, not sixth. The only other driver to complete a two-stop strategy was Lawson’s 2026 seat rival, Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull, who finished two places ahead of the Kiwi in 14th. Coincidentally, finishing 16th sees Lawson in the exact same place where he did one year earlier. In that instance, though, Lawson qualified 15th, not sixth. The four-time champion was able to go from second to first, as Norris ran wide at turn one trying to defend his advantage. Mercedes’ George Russell has been upgraded to second, adding to his victory in Las Vegas last year. Russell’s teammate Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third after the McLaren disqualifications. Meanwhile, Lawson’s Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar finished eight, the same place he qualified in. Starting sixth after an impressive display in qualifying 24 hours earlier, Lawson made contact with Piastri at turn one, and was overtaken by Hadjar in the process. Lawson was boxed between George Russell’s Mercedes in front of him, Piastri to his right and Hadjar behind him, leaving the Racing Bulls with nowhere to go as he hit the McLaren. And while the Kiwi kept hold of sixth place temporarily, Lawson suffered damage that ended any chance for points as he dropped down places as the lap wore on. Liam Lawson suffered front wing damage on the opening lap of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Photo / Red Bull That damage saw Lawson lose downforce, and fall from sixth to 16th by the end of the second lap, as a virtual safety car was called to clean debris from the opening corner. By the time that virtual safety car ended on lap four, Lawson was 18th, ahead of Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll, both forced to retire after an incident of their own, and behind Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, who fell from 10th to 17th. Lawson was able to close the gap to Gasly in front of him to less than a second, and moved up a place on lap 14 when Williams’ Alex Albon pitted for a front wing change after colliding with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari. That Albon-Hamilton collision left more debris on the track, and triggered another virtual safety car on lap 16. Lawson, though, began to complain of a lack of grip, as the damage to his car in combination with the cold track temperature made it close to impossible to attack Gasly. On lap 26, Lawson gained another place when Gasly’s Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto pitted, and then another on lap 28 when Tsunoda did the same. Those places were lost when Lawson pitted for the second time, though, as the Kiwi went from 15th to the back of the grid, with 21 laps to try and work his way back up, with a set of new, hard tyres. Needing to go 21 laps on that third set of tyres, Lawson was five seconds back from Albon – who had a five-second penalty for clashing with Hamilton. That battle never eventuated, as Albon pitted and then retired on lap 36 to see Lawson climb to 17th, as the Kiwi closed the gap on Colapinto, and then overtook the Alpine on lap 41. As the chequered flag approached, Lawson had less than 10 laps to close a 10 second gap to Tsunoda, if he wanted to retake 15th. But Lawson ultimately ran out of time to advance higher, as Tsunoda was able to pass Gasly, and put a two-car buffer between his 2026 seat rival. Las Vegas Grand Prix finishing order Max Verstappen – Red Bull George Russell – Mercedes Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes Charles Leclerc – Ferrari Carlos Sainz – Williams Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls Nico Hulkenberg – Sauber Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari Esteban Ocon – Haas Ollie Bearman – Haas Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin Yuki Tsunoda – Red Bull Pierre Gasly – Alpine Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls Franco Colapinto – Alpine Did not finish: Alex Albon - Williams, Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber, Lance Stroll - Aston Martin Disqualified: Lando Norris - McLaren, Oscar Piastri - McLaren Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:05:40 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-scott-robertson-upbeat-after-all-blacks-finish-year-with-cardiff-victory/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-scott-robertson-upbeat-after-all-blacks-finish-year-with-cardiff-victory/ By Liam Napier in Cardiff Grasping their final flourish in Cardiff, the All Blacks are projecting positivity, believing they are on an upward trajectory despite a failed Grand Slam tour casting a shadow over their season. The All Blacks finished their year with a seven-tries-to-four 52-26 victory in Cardiff that will briefly ease but not erase frustrations with the complexion of their turbulent 2025 campaign. Wales were gallant in defeat, showing spirit to push the All Blacks for 50 minutes, but they are ranked 11th in the world. They have also won two games from their last 22 attempts – and enjoyed one home victory in two years. Their struggles, therefore, offer context to this All Blacks victory. Wallace Sititi, Caleb Clarke, and Ruben Love were among those to impress as the All Blacks eventually cruised to a comfortable success at the Principality Stadium where their powerful ball carriers laid the platform. Last week’s loss at Twickenham that ended their Grand Slam hopes carries much more weight when assessing the All Blacks credentials but after making 13 starting changes to hand fringe players much needed game time against Wales, coach Scott Robertson is satisfied with his side’s final performance of the year. “Human spirit is an amazing thing when you dig in. They’ve been through a tough stage the Welsh and when the All Blacks turn up that can all be turned around very quickly,” Robertson said. “We knew statistically they would be in it for 50-60 minutes – even South Africa last year, it took them that long to get a foothold in the game and breakaway. “They were courageous and flew into everything so we’re pleased we broke away at the end there. “The guys who got opportunities played incredibly well. There’s some incredible combinations. “We gave 45 guys opportunities this year to build competition in the group and depth and make sure we expose guys over this four-year cycle to win a World Cup. “It’s a helluva year wasn’t it? An interesting year for us but we’re pleased with tonight.” The All Blacks finish the season with 10 wins from 13 tests. Their first loss in Argentina, the largest defeat in history in Wellington, last week’s humbling English defeat and familiar inconsistencies within games leave major questions surrounding the coaching staff and whether this team is progressing. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, though, projected a largely positive assessment of where the team sits after two years under Robertson. “Before we hopped on the plane we had a clear vision to win a Grand Slam. Last week England pulled the rug out from underneath us,” Barrett said. “It took a few days for the boys to look forward to tonight. The selections helped with bringing some fresh energy in and guys getting opportunities. Against a valiant Welsh side it was pleasing to see guys step up and finish on a positive. “I’m not going to look too far back or forward at the moment. I’m going to enjoy tonight. There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks to reflect on where we are as a team. There has been improvement as the season has worn on. “At times we probably weren’t where we would love to be through key stages within our season but ultimately our trajectory as a team is on the way up. “There’s a big two years ahead of us. Razor and the group should be excited about the challenge that lays ahead for this team.” One success the All Blacks can claim is Fabian Holland’s recognition as World Rugby breakthrough player of the year. Holland played 12 of the All Blacks’ 13 tests, often delivering 80-minute shifts, to immediately stamp his mark on the elite arena. Holland, the first Dutch-born All Black, had his parents in Cardiff to toast his success. “It’s pretty surreal. I wouldn’t be able to get that award without my teammates around me and my family in my corner. “It’s such a rollercoaster so you keep your head down and go from game to game but I’m sure now the season is over I’ll have some time to reflect and enjoy it a wee bit. It’s been one helluva ride. “Once you get a taste of it you just want more. This is where you want to be and where you want to perform. We’ve still got massive strides to make as a team but we’re proud of the group. “I’m going to see some friends and family in the Netherlands and then heading back to Dunedin, my home. I can’t wait to connect there but we’ll have a break first.” Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:34:57 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-world-media-reacts-to-new-zealand-s-season-ending-win-in-cardiff/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-world-media-reacts-to-new-zealand-s-season-ending-win-in-cardiff/ How the world’s media reacted to the All Blacks’ 52-26 victory over Wales in Cardiff. ‘First time in a long while they offered some hope’ Steffan Thomas, Wales Online The 52-26 final score in favour of the All Blacks doesn’t paint the prettiest picture for Welsh rugby, but in the context of the past 18 months Steve Tandy’s side certainly took a few steps forward. Back in 2003 Wales faced the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup in Sydney where Steve Hansen’s side were similarly written off by all and sundry. They didn’t win but a side inspired by the legendary Shane Williams sparked life back into Welsh rugby and laid the foundations for the 2005 Six Nations Grand Slam. The clash of 2025 at the Principality Stadium fell well short of those heights in the end but it may prove to be a launchpad to better things. Wales are still a long way off becoming a top Test side but this was the first time in a long while they offered some hope, something to hold on to. This autumn was always going to be painful for Wales who were down and out on the canvas when Steve Tandy took over. To turn Wales from chumps to winners in a matter of weeks was always unrealistic but this was a step in the right direction for Tandy’s side. While still miles away from beating the top sides in world rugby this performance has at least given Welsh rugby something to build on. The harsh reality is there was only ever going to be one winner and Wales were clearly second best, but they at least asked questions of the All Blacks. Wales succeeded in putting far more of their game on the park and were better in most aspects of play. Wales ‘rather heroic in this defeat’ James Corrigan, Daily Telegraph If it is easy to be negative, then it is even more difficult to be positive about a team losing for the 34th consecutive time against the same opposition. Yet Wales were, in stages anyway, rather heroic in this defeat and despite shipping more than 50 points against the All Blacks for the third time in a row here in Cardiff, there is some hope on which to cling. And even though they were not able to open the record books for the reason the Principality Stadium had been praying, at least Tom Rogers grabbed a piece of rich history for himself. The wing – who was only playing because of Josh Adams’ ban – became the first Welshman ever to score three tries in a Test against New Zealand. After the Scarlet completed his hat-trick, with 30 minutes to play Wales were only three points down and a capital citadel in full voice had every right to dream about the 25-1 outsiders at last ending that 72-year barren run against the Kiwis. But then, as it tends to under severe All Black pressure, Welsh discipline snapped, losing two players to the bin in the space of 10 minutes – and the dam burst. The visitors motored across the whitewash for four more tries, as they finished a middling season on a high note. For Wales fans, there was a stunning late Louis Rees-Zammit try to take into the chilled Cardiff air. And perhaps a measure of optimism as well, before world champions South Africa come calling next weekend. Louis Rees-Zammit of Wales scores his team's fourth try whilst being tackled by Caleb Clarke. Photo / Getty Images All Blacks ‘slipped into a higher gear’ Andy Bull, The Guardian Another week, another Welsh defeat. This latest one was 52-26, and if you missed it, it will look like just another in their long list of losses to New Zealand, which now stretches back 34 matches to 1953. But it’s just possible, too, that, for the men who coached it and played in it, for the tens of thousands in the ground, and the hundreds of thousands watching on TV, it may yet come to stand for something more significant than that. Wales did not turn a corner, but they took a little look around one and got a glimpse of what the future might look like with Steve Tandy in charge. Three times, the All Blacks stretched ahead by scoring a try, the first of them three minutes in, and three times the Welsh managed to haul their way back into the things by scoring one of their own almost straight away. They were all finished by Scarlets’ wing Tom Rogers, who became the first Welshman to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. But they belonged just as much to his teammates, especially Tomos Williams, who made one with a tricky grubber kick, Louis Rees-Zammit, who set up another with a superb catch, and Joe Hawkins, who made the third with a fine long pass. Five minutes into the second half, it was 24-21, only the one penalty kick by Damian McKenzie between the teams. Two of New Zealand’s three tries came from lineouts, one a simple finish by Caleb Clarke, the other an even simpler one by Tamaiti Williams off the back of a driving maul. The other was a brilliant finish by Ruben Love, who slipped through a gap in the defence with the help of a dummy and a step, and sprinted 30m to score. It was about now that New Zealand slipped into a higher gear. They scored three tries in 10 minutes. Two were disallowed, one for a knock-on, another after replays showed Rogers had just managed to hold the ball up. But the third, which wasn’t awarded because the referee suspected there had been a knock-on from a crossfield kick, was given to Rieko Ioane after replays on TV. From then on, things started to fall apart. First, Gareth Thomas was sent to the sin-bin, then just as he was coming back on, Taine Plumtree went off too. New Zealand scored three more in the final quarter, two by Sevu Reece. But Wales did manage to pull another back themselves, after some superb work by Blair Murray and Louis Rees-Zammit. The stadium came alive then, even though their team was trailing, they were proud to have something to shout about, and a sight of the first stirrings of improvement against one of the world’s best teams. ‘Wales were penalised heavily’ Stephen Jones, The Times We must tread carefully here. Wales played with a vast and sustained passion, light years ahead of their performance levels which saw off Japan with the last kick last week. Players such as Dafydd Jenkins and Taine Plumtree up front played magnificently and the Welsh centre partnership of Joe Hawkins and Max Llewellyn looked like the real thing – at long last, because Wales have been fumbling in midfield. Furthermore, Louis Rees-Zammit was lively and courageous. Wales managed four tries against the All Blacks’ defence, all of them fine efforts and three from Tom Rogers on the left wing – the first Welsh hat-trick against the All Blacks. Indeed, at one stage early in the second half after Wales had scored a brilliant try through Rogers, it was back to 21-24, and it remained so for a long period after two All Black touchdowns were correctly ruled out by the Television Match Official. It is also relevant to point out that Wales were penalised heavily by Hollie Davidson, the referee, yet still their energy was obvious and more than 68,000 people escaped the feel-bad factors in Welsh rugby at present and came to watch, supporting uproariously. And now for the issues. First of all, the administrators making a horrible, secretive and total hash of Welsh rugby’s future, have not gone away. You could see them lurking up in the stands, many of them in their infancy as rugby supporters, let alone as important (that is, self-important) officials. In the end, New Zealand still ran up a half-century, even with two tries ruled out by replays, and they kept on hammering away. Players such as Damian McKenzie behind the scrum and giants such as Tamaiti Williams and Simon Parker up front still had too much power and pace for Wales. So in one way we could say that a 24-point margin was by no means as bad as people had feared. But next week, the battered Welsh face world champions South Africa, desperately short of confidence and by now, surely, in oxygen debt. ‘Clearly have vast improvements to make’ Liam Napier, NZ Herald The All Blacks finished their season with another late flourish to ease their burden but victory over Wales won’t be enough to drastically alter the complexion of their year. One week after their humbling Twickenham defeat that crushed their Grand Slam hopes, the All Blacks eventually cruised to a comfortable win in Cardiff to maintain their 72-year unbeaten record against Wales. With 13 starting changes, as Scott Robertson handed his fringe players game time in the final test of the year, the All Blacks were never going to produce a perfect performance but they took some time to find any form of consistent rhythm as the spirited Welsh stuck with them for 50 minutes. By the finish the All Blacks scored seven tries but it’s a mark of their frailties that Wales claimed four of their own – three to left wing Tom Rogers – and had one fewer line breaks with just over 30% of the ball. This was also the second most points Wales have scored against the All Blacks after their 37 at the 2003 World Cup. After a patchy first half and another troubling third quarter, the All Blacks found a brief groove against a side ranked 12th in the world that has won two games – both against Japan – from their last 22 tests to create two tries for Sevu Reece and one for Rieko Ioane to end their year on a positive note. The argument for genuine progression, though, is much harder to make. Three losses from 13 matches isn’t a terminal record by any stretch but the Twickenham result will continue to haunt the All Blacks. The All Blacks were supremely dominant in possession, carries, post contact metres, forcing Wales to make 143 more tackles, but a lack of execution hurt their ability to put the locals away. Constant pressure eventually told, though, as Wales conceded two second half yellow cards that paved the way for the All Blacks to kick clear in front of a typically passionate 68,388 crowd at the Principality Stadium. Individually, man of the match Wallace Sititi and Caleb Clarke impressed with high involvement and depth is growing but, as a collective, the All Blacks clearly have vast improvements to make. ‘Seven decades of dominance’ Gareth Griffiths, BBC Wales New Zealand maintained seven decades of dominance against Wales with a comfortable seven-try victory at the Principality Stadium. Steve Tandy’s side produced a spirited display as they scored the most amount of points against New Zealand in Cardiff but they also conceded 50 points at home for the third time this year. Wales were made to pay for their indiscipline with yellow cards for Gareth Thomas and Taine Plumtree as the hosts were overwhelmed by the relentless New Zealand attack. Inspired by dynamic number eight Wallace Sititi, it was a 34th successive victory in this fixture for the All Blacks in a winning sequence that stretches back to 1953. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 20:10:59 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-scott-robertson-s-side-finish-season-with-cardiff-win-but-flaws-remain/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-scott-robertson-s-side-finish-season-with-cardiff-win-but-flaws-remain/ By Liam Napier at Principality Stadium All Blacks 52 Wales 26 The All Blacks finished their season with another late flourish to ease their burden but victory over Wales won’t be enough to drastically alter the complexion of their year. One week after their humbling Twickenham defeat that crushed their Grand Slam hopes, the All Blacks eventually cruised to a comfortable win in Cardiff to maintain their 72-year unbeaten record against Wales. With 13 starting changes, as Scott Robertson handed his fringe players game time in the final test of the year, the All Blacks were never going to produce a perfect performance but they took some time to find any form of consistent rhythm as the spirited Welsh stuck with them for 50 minutes. By the finish the All Blacks scored seven tries but it’s a mark of their frailties that Wales claimed four of their own – three to left wing Tom Rogers – and had one fewer line breaks with just over 30% of the ball. This was also the second most points Wales have scored against the All Blacks after their 37 at the 2003 World Cup. After a patchy first half and another troubling third quarter, the All Blacks found a brief groove against a side ranked 12th in the world that has won two games – both against Japan – from their last 22 tests to create two tries for Sevu Reece and one for Rieko Ioane to end their year on a positive note. The argument for genuine progression, though, is much harder to make. Three losses from 13 matches isn’t a terminal record by any stretch but the Twickenham result will continue to haunt the All Blacks. Will Jordan finds space on the run in the test against Wales, in Cardiff. Photo / Photosport The All Blacks were supremely dominant in possession, carries, post contact metres, forcing Wales to make 143 more tackles, but a lack of execution hurt their ability to put the locals away. Constant pressure eventually told, though, as Wales conceded two second half yellow cards that paved the way for the All Blacks to kick clear in front of a typically passionate 68,388 crowd at the Principality Stadium. Individually, man of the match Wallace Sititi and Caleb Clarke impressed with high involvement and depth is growing but, as a collective, the All Blacks clearly have vast improvements to make. Their quarter woes hit again as Wales closed within three points following Robers’ hat-trick that exposed the All Blacks’ right side defence. The All Blacks were denied two second half tries to Clarke and Will Jordan. The first after a Du’Plessis Kirifi knockout at the breakdown and the second after another painstaking TMO process deemed Jordan was held up, despite Scottish referee Hollie Davidson saying she had seen the ball grounded on the line. They eventually got it right with Ioane providing the breakthrough in the corner – and Reece bagging his brace off the bench to ensure there would be no famous Welsh victory. The All Blacks were at their best when they used forwards to punch hard and direct on the carry. For much of the year the All Blacks have largely asked their forwards to dish out the backdoor at the line to create space for their playmakers. On this occasion, though, they found success tucking the ball and carrying through Wales’ defensive line with Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sititi and Simon Parker all contributing. Such simple, traditional ball carrying laid the platform for the first of Clarke’s two tries. Scott Robertson prepares his side for action against Wales, in Cardiff. Photo / Photosport The All Blacks found space on the edge but so, too, was their attack clunky at times with balls hitting the ground, individuals dropping passes and Damian McKenzie looking around at times for options from first receiver. The All Blacks improved under the high ball but the familiar sight of a spill from a hoist, this time from McKenzie, allowed Wales to strike back with the first of Rogers’ brace. While the All Blacks dominated possession, skill execution wasn’t always where it needed to be from the All Blacks which kept Wales in the contest. The All Blacks also needed a desperate, try-saving play from prop Pasilio Tosi who, after stopping Welsh prop Rhys Carre, sprang to his feet to gain the turnover penalty with the line in sight. A piece of individual brilliance from Ruben Love – a step, speed and fend – pushed the All Blacks clear but Rogers’ second maintained Welsh hope. Tamaiti Williams barged his way over to make amends for an earlier error and scrum infringement to hand the All Blacks a 10-point halftime advantage that they eventually grew to an insurmountable margin. The All Blacks will enjoy this victory that will lift some form of lingering frustrations but when the time comes to reflect, the reality of a disappointing season will be impossible to escape. All Blacks 52: Caleb Clarke, Ruben Love, Tamaiti Williams, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece 2 tries, Damian McKenzie con 5, pen Wales 26: Tom Rogers 3 tries, Dan Edwards con 3 HT: 14-24 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:14:13 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-live-commentary-on-newstalk-zb/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-wales-live-commentary-on-newstalk-zb/ While the All Blacks' dream of a Grand Slam has been dashed, the Northern Tour is not over yet, one final stop in Cardiff still to come.  They have the opportunity to end the year on a high note in this weekend's clash against Wales - a team they haven't lost to since 1953. Catch all the action on 九一星空无限talk ZB, Elliott Smith and Gregor Paul providing live commentary of the All Blacks final clash of 2025. Listen live from 4am on 九一星空无限talk ZB or iHeartRadio. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:37:43 Z /news/sport/league-former-warriors-player-nathan-wood-reveals-suspected-cte-diagnosis-after-repeated-head-knocks/ /news/sport/league-former-warriors-player-nathan-wood-reveals-suspected-cte-diagnosis-after-repeated-head-knocks/ A former Warriors utility has revealed he suffers from symptoms related to the neurodegenerative disease CTE after allegedly suffering two concussions a season. Nathan Wood played more than 114 first-class rugby league games in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), Australian Rugby League (ARL) and National Rugby League (NRL) competitions over nine years from 1993. The 53-year-old made 17 appearances for the Warriors during the 2001 NRL season, before moving to England to finish his career in 2005. Speaking to SEN’s The Run Home podcast, Wood said he was “diagnosed with a pretty CTE [chronic traumatic encephalopathy] diagnosis” about 18 months ago after speaking with former British teammate Nick Fozzard – who had revealed a similar diagnosis on social media. “I said to him, ‘What are the symptoms?’ and he told me, and I go, ‘Mate, I’ve had that for ages’. “And he told me that I should get tested, and I was like, ‘I don’t want to know’, and he was like, ‘you’ve got to know’.” Wood said he had his first “really bad” concussion playing for an U21-grade side – after which he went home, went to sleep and lost his eyesight. “I was in intensive care for two days, completely blind, and then I had to take a year off footy.” He said that between the ages of 20 and 35, when he retired, he got knocked out twice a season. “The chances of coming through that unscathed are pretty much zero. “I knew there were things going on with me that weren’t normal, but I just kept it dark, as you do.” Wood said he had 133 scans done – 108 of which were abnormal. He added that his brother Garth – a former rugby league professional – “no doubt has got CTE” and his father Barry – also a first-grade player – suffers from Parkinson’s. “So that’s three generations of footballers there, we’ve all had our fair share of knocks and have these CTE diagnoses, although my dad hasn’t been tested and neither has my brother.” Dementia Australia says CTE is linked to repeated head injuries, including concussions and sub-concussive impacts. The most common factors stem from contact sports, repeated falls, or assaults. “CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death through neuropathological examination,” it said. “During life, a medical specialist may diagnose you with suspected CTE, called ‘traumatic encephalopathy syndrome’.” Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:11:08 Z /news/sport/hurricanes-mourn-young-wife-mereana-muriwai-after-rare-cancer-fight/ /news/sport/hurricanes-mourn-young-wife-mereana-muriwai-after-rare-cancer-fight/ The Hurricanes rugby community are mourning the death of a young woman, Mereana Muriwai, after her fight against a rare and aggressive form of cancer. The 21-year-old was married to Hurricanes halfback Nui Muriwai and was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) – a form of ovarian cancer that affects only one in 10 million women worldwide. The Super Rugby Pacific team posted online that her “whānau here at the Hurricanes are devastated by the news”. “Although we know you will still watch over Nui over there, please know we will still watch over him here,” the post read. Speaking at her funeral, her husband told the story of their relationship and described the impact of Mereana on his life. “Mereana, this past year you’ve shown me what true courage, bravery, resilience, and grace looks like. “You’ve completely changed my perspective on life and I have become a better man.” He also said her fight with cancer helped to inspire him before matches. “When I was nervous before games or felt myself feeling afraid, I would tell myself, ‘Come on, mate, your missus has cancer and she’s fighting for her life, and I can’t even play a game’. “She’s afraid for her life, and I’m afraid of tackling someone. Stop being a little B. I. T. C. H. “The amount of newfound strength, bravery, and resilience I now have because of you is crazy.” Nui went on to thank Mereana for the laughter, happiness and joy she brought to his life and the positive impact she had on everyone around her. “Mereana, I’ll never forget you, and you’ll always have a special place in my heart.” Wellington Rugby said Mereana Muriwai died surrounded by her whānau after a courageous battle against cancer. “She is remembered as a loving, thoughtful and fiercely supportive young wahine whose warmth uplifted everyone around her,” the union said. “Our deepest aroha goes out to Nui, the whānau, and all who loved Mereana. “Our rugby community stands firmly with you at this incredibly difficult time.” A funeral announcement said she “touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her warmth, kindness, and spirit”. “Though her time with us was far too short, her love, laughter, and light will never be forgotten. “She leaves behind her loving husband and family, who will carry on her legacy with the love and strength she inspired in all of them. Mereana Muriwai had been diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) – a form of ovarian cancer that affects only one in 10 million women worldwide. Photo / Hurricanes “We are deeply grateful to Hospice Waikato for their compassionate care and support during her final days.” In June, the Hurricanes made a plea for donations to help with her treatment, which included intensive rounds of chemotherapy, two major abdominal surgeries, high-dose radiation, and immunotherapy. A Give a Little page helped to raise nearly $85,000 for her. Friends have left tributes to Mereana online, including one that described her as an inspiration to others. “To me, she was the embodiment of the colour yellow,” one mourner said, “Always making people laugh, a goofball, lively, bright. “It was easy to be blinded by her aura, but in the most warming way.” Mereama Muriwai’s funeral took place this morning in Hamilton. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 02:10:44 Z /news/sport/new-graphics-part-of-tab-s-long-term-plans-to-educate-punters/ /news/sport/new-graphics-part-of-tab-s-long-term-plans-to-educate-punters/ The way Kiwis watch horse racing is changing and Trackside bosses hope that ultimately provides punters with a new way of analysing the sport. New Zealand Cup week saw a successful roll out of the new real time tracking graphics which show punters where their horse is during the running of the race. The system powered by company tripleSdata is already common in some overseas jurisdictions and something similar was already being used by major New Zealand racetracks like Ellerslie and Addington. But the new package will be expanded to most tracks around the country to provide uniform coverage of racing. It shows where each horse is in every race in a graphic across the bottom of the screen on Trackside and Trackside.co.nz, along with race speed and sectionals. The graphic clears during the closing stages of a race as less horses are in play and to provide a clean screen to cover the whole track as horses often spread across it. The system works through transponders placed in saddleclothes for both thoroughbred and harness racing, which are transported around the country in the Outside Broadcasting Vans used by Trackside, so every time a meeting is covered, the saddleclothes will be there. While some punters who watch a lot of racing may not need the system to keep up with where their horse is in the running, TAB Head Of Live Racing for Entain, Kyle Bettler, says it is a great resource for those new to racing punting or who may not be as used to reading races. But Bettler says the ultimate benefit of the new system will be as a punting tool and helping New Zealand racing fans catch up with data analysis around the world. “First and foremost it is a great new tool so racing viewers can see where their horse is,” says Bettler. “Some punters may not need that but plenty of people will enjoy being able to track their horse for the whole race. “But all the data from each horse is also recorded and will become available to punters. “Within a few months we hope to have all that data collated and available on the trackside.co.nz website so punters can get in-depth information on any horses not only after races but more importantly when assessing their chances in upcoming races.” Data analysis on things like sectionals, top speeds and even total ground covered is common in overseas betting jurisdictions but the New Zealand punting marketplace is still maturing, not only in terms of analysis, but understanding how markets work. “We want to educate punters on how to use this data so they can be better informed,” says Bettler, who has a background at the elite levels of Australian-based professional punting. “Next year we will be launching a new show on Trackside to help educate punters on how the data works, what to look for, how ratings systems work and how they can use all of it as a punting tool.” The new graphics and data collection system will be rolled out on 30 tracks this summer but some of the less frequently-used venues won’t have it installed yet because they may not have the infrastructure to support it. “But any track that races 4-5 times a year or more will have it for certain. “In some cases we will have a test run at the next meeting for a venue and once that is successful punters will see it at that track’s next meeting after that. Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 03:25:13 Z /news/sport/fingers-crossed-for-mclean-park-odi-i-think-we-ll-get-a-game/ /news/sport/fingers-crossed-for-mclean-park-odi-i-think-we-ll-get-a-game/ Fingers are crossed for Hawke’s Bay’s first day-night 50 overs cricket international in six years, despite a forecast for rain. The Black Caps and West Indies match at McLean Park, Napier, is set to start at 2pm Wednesday. MetService was on Tuesday forecasting more than 20mm of rain for Napier from late Tuesday night to early Wednesday evening, which compares with just 12.8mm already in November. There was a near cloudless sky as the Black Caps practised on Tuesday morning, on a ground Napier City Council event manager Kevin Murphy said looked in “amazing” condition after preparation by the council’s ground staff. It’s almost 30 years since a big council investment in upgrading the McLean Park floodlighting led to New Zealand’s first day-night international cricket, a 50 overs match between the Black Caps and Zimbabwe on February 3, 1996. Four months later, the All Blacks and Samoa played the first rugby test under floodlights in New Zealand. Both matches packed the park, with crowds of about 20,000. Murphy concedes “those days are gone”. “If we get anything near 4000 people it will be seen as a good crowd,” he said. Optimistically, he was hoping for the clouds clustering in the hills to “roll away”. “I think we’ll get a game of cricket in,” he said. Tomorrow’s game is the third of a three-match series, which opened with the Black Caps winning by seven runs in Christchurch on Sunday. The third match is in Hamilton on Saturday. It’s the first big event at McLean Park this summer, to be followed by two transtasman winter-sports clashes. On February 28 the New Zealand Warriors and Sydney side Manly Sea Eagles play a late-afternoon NRL pre-season rugby league match, and on March 13 the Hurricanes play a Super Rugby competition match at night against Australian side Western Force. Several other domestic competition cricket matches are also scheduled. Action when the West Indies last played a 50 overs-a-side match in Napier, a World Cup match against United Arab Emirates in 2015. The last Black Caps day-nighter at the park was in 2019, when NZ beat Bangladesh by seven wickets. Since then, daytime one-dayers have been a nine wicket loss to Bangladesh in 2023 and a 73 run win over Pakistan on March 29 this year. The last time the West Indies played in Napier was a 2015 World Cup match against United Arab Emirates. The last time they played the Black Caps on the ground was a rain-affected match in 2009, when New Zealand won by nine runs under the game’s Duckworth Lewis adjusted run-rates system. Doug Laing has been a newspaper reporter for more than 50 years, including in Napier when Napier had its first test cricket match in 1979. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:31:45 Z /news/sport/netball-exhausted-silver-ferns-prioritise-recovery-ahead-of-england-decider/ /news/sport/netball-exhausted-silver-ferns-prioritise-recovery-ahead-of-england-decider/ The Silver Ferns admit they are battling fatigue as a mammoth series decider against England looms on Thursday morning in Manchester. A third-quarter fade-out saw New Zealand lose game two of the three-match series 61-58 in London, having been on the flip side of the same scoreline in test one. The final test of the Northern tour will cap off an unprecedented year for the Silver Ferns and Netball New Zealand. The players have dealt with a lengthy wait for an ANZ Premiership broadcast deal, changing Silver Ferns eligibility criteria and the standing down of coach Dame Noeline Taurua, in a saga dating back to January. Despite all this, New Zealand have swept South Africa in the Taini Jamison series, taken Australia to extra time in the Constellation Cup, crushed Scotland 2-nil and now have a chance to avenge last year’s series loss against England at home. However, the Roses have won six consecutive third quarters against the Ferns, a problem area the side is refusing to shy away from. Grace Nweke shot with 100% accuracy in test two in London. Photo / Photosport Goal shoot Grace Nweke – who shot at 100% in test two – said their set piece play off the centre pass needs adjustment. “Just not being able to get that depth or that first and second has been a real big issue. Forcing that ball back, and if it’s going to go back, being able to play through that zone more effectively and efficiently is crucial for our group.” Nweke said they require greater direction and urgency. “The fatigue is setting in and showing for our players, but we know that, and we still have to be able to play through that.” Nweke said they lost the game when England took the third quarter 19-13. Grace Nweke: "It's been a long season. Physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it." Photo / Photosport “I think the lack of key crucial moments, just initiative or confidence or being able to take the nuggets and be coached through the game was quite challenging. “I think it showed in those final moments, but there’s still lots of positives, definitely room for improvement.” The Silver Ferns had the unique challenge of playing tests on consecutive days. Nweke said they will take confidence from producing a full 60 minutes in each, given minimal changes in game two. While the team has a few days to prepare for the decider, Nweke said they will not have time to train. “We’ll do lots of video, we’ll have a bit of a walking training, but it’s more just that little 1% at the top, that fine-tuning piece, understanding little moments that we can improve on, and hopefully those incremental wins will get us through to this next game.” Nweke said recovery will be huge for them. “It’s been a long season ... physically, emotionally, mentally, the girls are feeling it. So, one more game. We’re equally excited to win that game as we are to see the season through.” 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. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 02:42:35 Z /news/sport/jockey-from-famous-family-in-induced-coma-after-race-fall/ /news/sport/jockey-from-famous-family-in-induced-coma-after-race-fall/ A young jockey from one of New Zealand racing’s most famous families remains in an induced coma after a race fall at Rotorua on Sunday. Bailey Rogerson is in the Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital after been dislodged off her mount Mandolo in Race 6 at the Arawa Park meeting. The 22-year-old has a fractured skull and the possibility of at least one other broken bone and was placed in the induced coma to help with swelling associated with a possible brain bleed.
 Rogerson is the granddaughter of legendary trainer Graeme Rogerson and her mother Michelle Northcott has also been a jockey and amateur harness racing driver. “Michelle hasn’t left Bailey’s side since it happened,” Rogerson told the Herald. “She is in an induced coma but they are going to try to bring her out of that today. “She has a fracture in her skull and there might also be a broken bone in her neck region but they haven’t been able to to X-ray her for that yet. “But she has movement in her limbs so that is good news. “We will know more today when she is brought out of the coma and obviously we are all very worried. But she is very tough. “She rides plenty of horses that often can’t win because she accepts rides other people don’t want, she just loves riding.” Rogerson was not at fault in Sunday’s accident with French jockey Corentin Berge, who has recently started riding in New Zealand, suspended by stewards for four weeks for allowing his horse to move out and check Rogerson’s mount with 400m to run. “We have had so many well wishers and we hope to have an update for them in the next 24 hours,” says Rogerson. Bailey rode a winner, her third for the season, earlier on the Arawa Park programme and sits on 58 career wins. Michael Guerin wrote his first nationally published racing articles while still in school and started writing about horse racing and the gambling industry for the Herald as a 20-year-old in 1990. He became the Herald’s Racing Editor in 1995 and covers the world’s biggest horse racing carnivals. Mon, 17 Nov 2025 01:21:22 Z /news/sport/not-yet-abs-great-backs-robertson-but-warns-time-is-running-out/ /news/sport/not-yet-abs-great-backs-robertson-but-warns-time-is-running-out/ Mils Muliaina says the All Blacks have a great team but something just isn’t clicking after their defeat to England on Sunday, the seventh under coach Scott Robertson. The All Blacks great and Sky Sports analyst was asked by Herald NOW host Ryan Bridge whether it was time to part ways with Robertson, to which Muliaina said no, but is wary that time is running out before the next World Cup. “Not yet. There’s a bit of leeway at the moment. But we’ve got some big test matches next year, the Rugby World Cup is not too far away. A big South African tour next year and so you’ve got to get to a point where if they’re not producing results then perhaps...that job is brutal,” he said. “He lost four tests last year, three now. But it’s probably the way we’ve lost. Nineteen of those guys in this squad were featured in the Rugby World Cup two years ago. So he hasn’t got an inexperienced side. He’s got a side that seems like they’re not really on the same page, particularly in key moments of the game. They came out of the break, they looked really fatigued and when they’re put under pressure they haven’t really responded - that’s when teams have been able to leak points.” Muliaina believes the All Blacks have the players but something isn’t clicking after a third loss in 2025. “It’s easy to jump the gun right now and that’s the expectation we should have – and we have over the years with All Blacks coaches. We’ve got a great team. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ve got the players to be able to it. It’s whatever is going on in the camp. They’re not quite connecting. Not quite understanding what to do when they are winning big moments and keeping the momentum going, but also when they’re really under pressure. They’re heavily resourced in terms of their mental side...there’s just something that’s not clicking. “Typically, All Blacks you don’t let off, you don’t give moments back to opposition teams because they punish you and that’s exactly what happened over the weekend.” Muliaina added that he felt hooker Codie Taylor was harshly sent to the bin early in the second half which sparked a 14-point third quarter for the English. “To be fair, that yellow card probably shouldn’t have been a yellow card. They came out at the break and that certainly didn’t help. That was the first penalty the All Blacks conceded...not the right decision. But again, discipline did play a big part. I think coming out of the break has been a big factor for the All Blacks – we saw against the Springboks. Stuff that we’ve seen and hasn’t really been fixed.” Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:11:17 Z /news/sport/small-margins-silver-ferns-undone-after-third-quarter-fade-out/ /news/sport/small-margins-silver-ferns-undone-after-third-quarter-fade-out/ New Zealand’s three-match netball series against England will be decided in Manchester. The Roses have downed the Silver Ferns 61-58 in the second test in London, levelling the series at 1-all. In familiar circumstances, New Zealand’s downfall came after halftime. England’s victory was highlighted by a 19-13 win in the third stanza - their sixth consecutive third-quarter triumph against the Ferns. The Silver Ferns took slim victories in the other three quarters and shot at 100% accuracy, with goal shoot Grace Nweke slotting 51 of their 58. However, they struggled to win turnover ball and were victims of a standout performance from Liv Tchine. The Roses goal shoot only sank 38, but most of them were from wide in the circle. Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie told Sky Sports it came down to small margins. “Momentum, along with taking care of ball. We were just guilty at times of not doing that so well. “I think England shot really well. They’re brilliant, they can shoot from range, and we really struggled to get ball off them. When we made an error, they made us pay for it. “Certainly, I think the energy was there, but it was just the accuracy and the clinicalness that was required.” Kimiora Poi started at centre while Maddy Gordon shifted to wing attack in an otherwise unchanged starting lineup. Poi combined strongly with goal attack Georgia Heffernan in the first quarter to feed Nweke along the baseline. Wing defence Kate Heffernan picked up where she left off in game one, snatching an intercept off a soft pass from Roses skipper Fran Williams. Goal keep Kelly Jackson followed with one of her own moments later, and New Zealand found a slight edge in an otherwise dead-even first quarter, 13-12. A miss from England goal attack Helen Housby allowed the Ferns to stretch their lead early in the second stanza. Gordon did superbly to reel in a loose ball and give the pass to Nweke whilst hurtling out of bounds. However, the Roses picked off a rather casual centre pass from Poi to Kate Heffernan and tightened the margin to one. Tchine looked physically strong in the battle with Jackson, showcasing her ability to shoot from range, like Housby. The England midcourt exerted plenty of defensive pressure, forcing Nweke to leave the circle to help move the ball up the court. Their efforts paid off, with Roses goal keep Jaz Brown eventually copping offensive contact from Nweke, and the hosts took the lead. However, two England concentration lapses saw a late momentum swing in favour of New Zealand. A long feed from centre Amy Carter sailed over the top of Tchine, and Gordon picked off a first-phase intercept moments later. The Ferns won the second quarter 16-15 for a 29-27 halftime lead. The third quarter once again proved to be England’s best. Some slick passing through the midcourt helped them level proceedings early. Jaz Brown - having made her test debut in game one - intercepted an attempted pass from Walmsley to Gordon, followed by another intercept from Carter, which saw the hosts take a two-goal lead. England then forced New Zealand backwards on their own centre pass, and an error between Kate Heffernan and Jackson allowed them to stretch their lead to four goals. They closed out the quarter 19-13, for a 46-42 overall lead. The Silver Ferns started the final stanza with intent. Jackson finally got the better of Tchine, forcing her to lose the ball over the baseline. Nweke converted at the other end and levelled scores at 46-all. Nweke’s physical battle with Brown at the post raged on, with the Kiwi twice sending Brown sprawling to the floor. Gordon fired what is now a trademark long ball into Nweke with lethal accuracy to keep pressure on the hosts in front of their home fans. England rose to the challenge, with Housby picking off an intercept and Tchine then restoring a three-goal lead. However, the goal shoot cracked moments later, missing from a metre out from the post and allowing the Ferns to tighten the gap again. Brown then got the better of Nweke at the other end, leaving the Kiwi grappling the post to stay upright. Housby was unshakeable from depth, and suddenly the margin was three once more. Brown’s steal proved to be the decisive moment, as England held their own centre pass to secure the three-goal victory. New Zealand won the fourth quarter 16-15, but will rue their third-quarter concentration lapses. 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. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:45:42 Z /news/sport/we-don-t-really-know-black-caps-face-anxious-wait-over-mitchell-injury/ /news/sport/we-don-t-really-know-black-caps-face-anxious-wait-over-mitchell-injury/ The Black Caps might have triumphed in the series-opening One-Day International against the West Indies, but that could have come at a cost with player-of-the-match Daryl Mitchell under an injury cloud. While the 34-year-old played the decisive hand against the West Indies in Christchurch, the final stages of Mitchell’s knock - 119 off 118 balls - saw him treated for a groin injury. And while he was able to bat on, Mitchell did not field at Hagley Oval, as the Black Caps held on for a seven-run victory, and 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. With just two days before the series’ second match, played at Napier’s McLean Park on Wednesday, Mitchell will need further assessment to work out if he can play any further part. “[I had] a little niggle while batting, in the groin,” Mitchell explained post-match. “We’ll go about getting a scan tomorrow and come up with a plan from there. “At the moment, we don’t really know what it is. We’ll sort that out tomorrow morning, and come up with a plan.” Losing Mitchell would be another blow for the Black Caps’ stocks, with Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Will O’Rourke already battling injuries over the course of the summer so far. Depending on the severity of the injury, Mitchell could also be rested for the second and third games, as a means of letting him recover for the three-test series against the West Indies, beginning in Christchurch at the start of December. Earlier, Mitchell had come to the wicket at 24/2, and survived a hat-trick ball to hold New Zealand’s innings together. The Black Caps’ No 4 took 61 balls to score his first 50 runs, but just 46 to reach his hundred - his seventh in ODIs, and first for more than two years. Daryl Mitchell celebrates his century against the West Indies in Christchurch. Photo / Photosport And despite it being his seventh century in the format, it was just his second on Kiwi soil, as well as being the first at Hagley Oval, his adopted home ground after moving south from Northern Districts to Canterbury. As a player who has become the lynchpin of the Black Caps’ batting order in 50 over cricket, Mitchell’s celebrations were just reward for a player who had to wait until his late 20s to play international cricket. “It’s always nice to score hundreds for New Zealand,” he added. “To do it here at Hagley, my new home town for the last five years now, is pretty special. “We show up to work here every day, in the winter, for training. It’s always nice to achieve milestones on your home ground.” Even if he plays no further part in the rest of the series, Mitchell’s knock has gone a long way to helping the Black Caps lift the trophy in Hamilton next Saturday. Should Mitchell be ruled out, Mark Chapman would likely take his place at No 4. While only from a sample size of four matches, Chapman does boast a batting average of 101.33 in ODIs this year, helped by a career-high score in Napier back in March. And while that venue is coincidentally the Black Caps’ next venue, Mitchell says the team will take nothing for granted as they prepare for their first of two attempts to seal the series. “As a group, it’s different conditions in Napier,” he concluded. “A different sized ground, a different surface. It’s [about] finding ways to adapt as quick as possible on that pitch. “Hopefully we score one more run than them, that’d be nice.” Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:32:44 Z /news/sport/inside-england-s-haka-plan-that-fired-their-win-over-the-all-blacks/ /news/sport/inside-england-s-haka-plan-that-fired-their-win-over-the-all-blacks/ Jamie George was pleased to have played a part in England’s defiant reply to the haka but was even happier to beat the All Blacks 33-19 at Twickenham in perhaps the team’s best performance under coach Steve Borthwick. George, himself a former England skipper, persuaded Borthwick and current skipper Maro Itoje it was worth revisiting the response to the haka England employed in a 2019 World Cup semifinal win in Japan. Back then, England formed up in a “V”. On Saturday they adopted more of a horseshoe, with a capacity crowd of some 82,000 at Twickenham belting out a chorus of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot – England’s rugby anthem – for good measure. As was the case six years ago, the response to the traditional Māori challenge was the prelude to a memorable win – just England’s ninth in 47 tests against the All Blacks spanning 120 years. “I had an idea and I thought ‘why not?’ so put it to Maro and Steve and they got on board with it,” said George, who was also England’s starting hooker in the 2019 World Cup semifinal. “Maro said ‘yes, as long as we don’t have to have too many rehearsals’! We spoke through it on Friday night and you’d be amazed at the amount of questions that I had and how hard it was to form the V.” He added: “We wanted to replicate 2019 because we hadn’t done it at the Allianz [Twickenham], which is something that I always thought would be pretty cool because we speak a lot about of connection with the fans.” But George said the pre-match theatrics would have counted for little if England, who were 12-0 down early on, had been unable to achieve a victory that gave them a 10th in a row against all opponents. “Doing something like that is great, but then backing up it with a performance is the most important thing – we did that.” England’s win over the All Blacks six years ago was followed by the disappointment of a crushing World Cup final loss to South Africa. The 35-year-old George said while it was important the current England side savoured Saturday’s success, they needed to refocus before next weekend’s Autumn Nations Series finale against Argentina at Twickenham. “I learned from the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand that wins like this take a huge amount of emotion and emotionally drain you,” he said. “A lot of the guys will wake up exhausted with their phones buzzing and everyone telling us how amazing we are. And that’s great – revel in it, enjoy it. But keep it in context.” Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:05:50 Z /news/sport/all-blacks-v-england-codie-taylor-sorry-for-costly-yellow-card-in-england-defeat/ /news/sport/all-blacks-v-england-codie-taylor-sorry-for-costly-yellow-card-in-england-defeat/ All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor said he let the country down following his yellow card in the side’s 33-19 defeat to England this morning. England beat the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012 and, in doing so, ended the Grand Slam hopes of Scott Robertson’s side. The turning point in the test came early in the second half when Taylor was yellow-carded by Italian referee Andrea Piardi for hands in a ruck. The All Blacks were leading 12-11 at the time but England made the most of the one-man advantage scoring shortly after to take the lead - which they never gave up. Taylor told Sky Sport after the loss he was “gutted” at the result. “Personally, I feel like I let my country down a little bit there with the yellow card and I just want to apologise and own that.” All Blacks fans may have thought the yellow card decision was borderline, but Taylor took responsibility for the mistake. “It’s fine margins. Hands in the wrong place and you’re going to be pulled up especially in these big test matches. I’ve got to take that on the chin,” he added. Taylor admitted England made the most of their chances after the All Blacks went out to an early 12-0 lead, including the hooker going over. “We knew it was going to be a tough test match. We probably felt like we had the first half and then they just crawled their way back. “We probably put ourselves under a little bit of pressure through the middle of the field. We found a way to get back down there but England just jumped on the moments and they took some points when they could. “We let ourselves down a couple times with our scrum. “The great thing about this team is that we’re really tight ... At the end of the day if you get to put on the All Blacks jersey, you want to do it proud and whatever that looks like for some players, we just need to prepare accordingly.” Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:45:50 Z