#hakinakina: Weekend Sports Wrap: Warriors Show Grit as Kiwis Shine Across the Sporting World

It has been another action-packed weekend in sport, with New Zealand teams and athletes producing memorable performances across rugby league, rugby union, football, athletics and golf.

The New Zealand Warriors continued their push towards the NRL finals with a hard-fought victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons. In a bruising contest, the Warriors showed resilience and composure to grind out the win, maintaining their place among the competition’s leading contenders. The result reinforced the side’s reputation for finding ways to win even when not at their fluent best.

Across the Tasman, the All Blacks extended one of world rugby’s greatest records, overpowering Ireland at Eden Park to preserve the fortress that has stood for more than three decades. The convincing victory capped a dominant series and again demonstrated the depth and confidence developing within Scott Robertson’s squad ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Football also delivered plenty to celebrate. The Young All Whites booked their place in the OFC Under-16 Championship semi-finals after a commanding 6-1 victory over Tahiti. The emphatic performance showcased the next generation of New Zealand football talent, with the side now just two wins away from regional glory and qualification opportunities on the world stage.

Back in domestic football, this weekend’s national cup action produced another series of thrilling Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup fixtures, with clubs from across Aotearoa battling for places in the next rounds as the country’s premier knockout competitions continue to build momentum.

There was good news for New Zealand rugby off the field as former Blues prop Ben Afeaki returned to the franchise as part of the coaching group for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The appointment brings one of the region’s respected rugby minds back into the Blues environment as preparations begin for next season.

On the athletics track, Zoe Hobbs and Tom Walsh both struck gold in Madrid, delivering confidence-boosting performances ahead of next month’s World Athletics Championships in Glasgow. Hobbs continued her outstanding sprinting form while Walsh again demonstrated why he remains among the world’s elite shot putters.

Golf fans also have plenty to watch after Ryan Fox surged into contention at The Open Championship. A superb moving-day round propelled the New Zealander into the leading group heading into the final round, giving him a genuine opportunity to challenge for one of golf’s biggest prizes.

International football delivered one of the most extraordinary matches of the year as England claimed the FIFA World Cup bronze medal with a remarkable 6-4 victory over France. The high-scoring encounter featured dramatic momentum swings before England secured third place in spectacular fashion.

Meanwhile, recognition also came for those contributing beyond the playing field, with New Zealand Rugby’s Kerry McKenzie being named a finalist in the 2026 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, acknowledging significant leadership and contribution to sport in Aotearoa.

From packed stadiums to international arenas, it has been another weekend highlighting the strength of New Zealand sport across every level.

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