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February 09, 2026
#hakinakina: Weekend Sports Wrap with Ken Laban: Super Bowl, Olympics, Perth Sevens and All Blacks
Dale Husband
Posted On February 9, 2026
A big weekend in sport has brought excitement across hemispheres, with major events capturing the attention of fans in Aotearoa – from American football’s biggest stage to winter snow and sand-belt rugby action.
The Super Bowl is set for today at midday New Zealand time, as the Seattle Seahawks face off against the New England Patriots in a highly anticipated NFL championship clash. It’s one of the biggest single-sport events in the world, with fans tuning in to see which franchise will lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy in this classic battle of offence and defence.
Across the globe, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have officially begun in Italy, with athletes from around the world converging to compete in snow and ice disciplines. Events ranging from alpine skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and Nordic sports are now underway, with many New Zealanders following our own Kiwi competitors as they chase podium success on icy slopes and snowy tracks.
Back closer to home – and on the hard surface of the rugby pitch – the Perth Sevens delivered a weekend of high-octane competition as part of the World Rugby Sevens Series. Teams from across the globe battled for points, pride, and momentum in the lead-up to future international tournaments.
Day two of the Series in Perth saw fast breaks, slick passing, powerful defence, and those trademark last-ditch efforts that make rugby sevens a fan favourite festival of speed and skill. It’s another strong showing for Pacific nations and traditional sevens powerhouses, and sets the stage for the rest of the season as teams look ahead to qualification for major events later in the year.
Off the pitch, speculation continues about who will be the next head coach of the All Blacks. With the appointment anticipated to shape the next cycle of elite rugby for Aotearoa, fans and pundits alike are weighing up potential candidates who might lead the national side through future Rugby World Cups and international tours.
Names linked to the role range from experienced Super Rugby coaches to former internationals with deep ties to the game in New Zealand. The appointment is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, with many seeing it as a defining decision for the sport ahead of a packed international calendar.
From gridiron glory and icy Olympic thrills to sevens on the sherry-scented turf of Perth and decisive conversations about rugby leadership back home, it’s been a weekend that shows the depth and breadth of sport that captures Aotearoa’s attention.
Ken Laban’s weekend sports rap highlights how New Zealanders continue to engage with sport at every level – cheering on athletes who carry not just flags, but the aspirational mana of whānau, communities, and a nation passionate about competition and achievement.
Stay tuned to Radio Waatea for continuing coverage as these major sporting stories unfold through the week.
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