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March 02, 2026
#hakinakina: Kiwi Sport Roars into March: Super Rugby Battles, League Firepower and World Cup Cricket Drama Light Up the Weekend
Dale Husband
Posted On March 2, 2026
Download AudioSUPER RUGBY PACIFIC – Kiwi Sides in Hot Competition
The Super Rugby Pacific Round 3 fixtures delivered several notable results for New Zealand-based teams.
Moana Pasifika faced the Western Force on Friday night, with the Australian side securing the win and leaving Pasifika searching for momentum early in the campaign. In Brisbane, the Queensland Reds hit form with a strong victory over the Highlanders, earning vital competition points and a lift in confidence as the season unfolds.
Saturday’s matches saw the Fijian Drua top the Hurricanes to claim their first win of the year in Lautoka, setting an early challenge for the New Zealand Conferences. The Crusaders also got back on track with a high-scoring win over the Chiefs in Hamilton, adding crucial momentum to their campaign. Meanwhile the Brumbies continued their unbeaten run with a close win over the Blues, keeping pressure on the Kiwi sides as the competition tightens.
RUGBY LEAGUE – International and NRL Action
Rugby league made headlines on both hemispheres over the weekend.
In a growing international showcase event in Las Vegas, several marquee league contests took place on Sunday. The Newcastle Knights opened their 2026 NRL season with a solid 28-18 win over North Queensland Cowboys, a strong start in a competition where momentum is everything. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs also recorded a tight 15-14 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons in another closely fought NRL clash.
Across the Super League fixture list, Leeds Rhinos hammered Hull KR 58-6, highlighting their striking form early in the European season and showcasing an expansive attacking performance on an international stage. Other Super League results over the weekend included Warrington Wolves and St Helens securing routine wins against their respective opponents.
Junior league competitions continued to spotlight rising talent, with standout performances in NSWRL junior cups by New Zealand Warriors sides in Harold Matthews and SG Ball play, and a host of electric youth prospects recognised for speed and skill in the Meninga, Connell and Harvey competitions.
CRICKET – Black Caps and White Ferns
The T20 Cricket World Cup Super 8s saw New Zealand take on England on Friday night. The Black Caps posted a competitive total, but England’s late-game surge denied New Zealand, leaving the Black Caps’ path through the tournament dependent on other results in the group.
On the women’s side, New Zealand’s White Ferns completed a polished series sweep against Zimbabwe with a commanding performance in Hamilton, underlining their depth and form as they build towards international assignments later in the year.
FOOTBALL – Domestic Leagues and Futsal
In football, domestic futsal competitions continued with lively results that lit up weekend fixtures. Capital Futsal, Waikato Rapids and others delivered strong performances as the season gathers pace, with results shaping league tables and local rivalries.
Across A-League action involving New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix, the Sky Blues in Australia edged out Phoenix in a tightly contested contest, with both sides pushing hard for league points in a competitive early-season run.
RUGBY LEGEND RETIRES – Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Off the weekend’s fixtures but firmly in the headlines, New Zealand rugby legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe announced her second and final retirement from international play. The decorated dual-code star bows out as one of the most prolific try-scorers in Black Ferns history, leaving a legacy of world titles, Olympic gold medals and decades of inspiration for future generations of players.
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