Scots stun Māori ABs, All Blacks tested, as netball finals loom

In a historic achievement, Scotland defeated the Māori All Blacks for the first time, securing a 29-26 win in Whangarei.

With the Six Nations in January being the last time Scotland took the field, the lengthy layoff was unnoticeable in a performance bursting with heart, passion, and pace.

Both teams were firing on all cylinders from the first whistle, with the hosts striking first. The work down the left edge of Māori All Blacks winger Bailyn Sullivan set teammate Sam Nock up nicely, dotting down the opening try.

Showing promising signs early, the home team couldn’t crack down on the Scots’ game IQ and work rate. Scotland’s Harry Paterson returned the attacking favour by following through on a set-piece grubber to take his team up two.

Despite Scotland losing a man to the bin, courage led the way, capitalising on the home side’s errors to score a further two tries from vice-captain George Horne and winger Arron Reed, extending their lead to 12 at the half.

Heading into the second 40, the Māori ABs left nothing to chance. The efforts of captain Kurt Eklund and Gideon Wrampling helped their side come within three points with 15 minutes left to play.

A crucial turnover by No.19 Lachlan McWhannell sparked momentum as they mounted a late surge, yet the Scots didn’t flinch. An unbreakable defensive effort saw them hold out on all attacking accounts. Defending nearly 30 phases and a couple of lineout opportunities from the Maori All Blacks to take the game.

All Blacks vs France

In their first international test match of the year, the All Blacks claimed a closer-than-expected 31-27 victory in what was a high-paced clash against France in Dunedin.

While the historical record heavily favoured the home side - with a near 90-10 winning percentage, French coach Fabien Galthié can be proud of his so-called ‘C team’ who gave the men in black a proper run for their money.

The match started with an early blow to the home side, with Sevu Reece ruled out in the opening minute due to a failed HIA. Being replaced by Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs Manawa golden boy, showed up and showed out.

All Blacks debutant Du’Plessis Kirifi charges upfield against France at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo/Peter Meecham/Photosport

Showcasing his speed and fancy footwork, the utility's bravery to run the ball into a dynamic French defence made way for teammate Tupou Vaa'i to score under the sticks in the 26th minute - despite fullback Will Jordan left all alone on the right edge.

Rugby’s friendly foe, the TMO, stripped the men in black of three tries, making it difficult to put their foot down on a persistent French side. It was clear the game was a case of constant ebbs and flows.

Debutant success was Saturday's theme for coach Scott Robinson, with four new players donning the black jersey, one of them being Hurricanes Captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, who entered the game with 20 minutes to play.

Following his debut, Kirifi took to Instagram to share what a journey it was to get to where he is now.

“Grateful for the people, the challenges and the lessons that have brought me here. Some journey. All Black #1226,” he captioned.

Razor and his men now go back to the drawing board to tighten up a few loose screws before their rematch at FMG Stadium Waikato next Saturday.

Warriors Women vs Roosters

The reigning NRLW Premiers, the Sydney Roosters, powered their way to a comprehensive 30-6 win over the Warriors’ Women at Allianz Stadium.

Despite the scoreline and a ton of new blood, the Warrior’s return to the NRLW after a four-year hiatus was filled with promising intent.

Rugby convert and Blues Aupiki winner Patricia Maliepo stood out, steadying her team's ship with impressive ball in hand and game vision, scoring her team's only points of the game.

The six-to-one ratio, though, can be credited to the stellar finishing of Roosters winger Taina Naividi, scoring a hat trick on an unresponsive warrior's right edge.

Albeit a gruelling first hit out, spirits were high off the field as several warrior debutants embraced the love and support of their families.

There is a real sense of potential brewing for this Kiwi side, and it’s exciting to see how their season will progress!

The Warriors during a blessing ceremony in May at Go Media Stadium. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Pulse vs Stars

A back-to-back sold-out stadium saw the Pulse secure a must-win after a 65-44 thumping to the Stars in Wellington.

Stars midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan mentioned pre-game she wanted her side to focus and trust in their defensive structures, which proved evident in the early stages.

The travellers were able to push the Pulse, disrupting the attacking end and causing two held balls with just two points separating them at the half.

Yet being a 60-minute game, the Pulse combated the Stars' defensive structures and surged to a whopping 22-7 final quarter, silencing the Auckland side.

Coming from Stars into the Pulse as an injury replacement, Amorangi Malesala absolutely stole the show, energising her team and fans with her charisma while sinking three crucial two-point super shots.

There was concern on the injury front, with Paris Mason forced off in a wheelchair due to what appeared to be a neck injury after colliding in the circle with Stars shooter Crystal Maro.

Goal Attack Maia Wilson against Pulse captain Kelly Jury. Photo/Joshua Devenie/Photosport

The Wellingtonians now take the three points and sit third on the ladder with one round remaining against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Tauranga.

Mystics vs Steel

The highly anticipated game of the round lived up to its expectations as the Mystics clinched a nail-biting 56-52 win over the Southern Steel in front of a buzzing Trust Arena on Sunday.

With nothing much separating the two sides, it was a down-to-the-wire arm-wrestle. Matching each other on goals from gains and goal-to-goal shooting rates, it was anyone's game heading into the last 15.

The biggest quarter lead was just four, yet a slight panic from the Southerners late in the game made way for the back-to-back champs to capitalize and seal the deal at home.

Southern Steel Goal Shoot Aliyah Dunn looks for support against the Mystics. Photo/Blake Armstrong/Photosport

Mystics Coach Tia Winikerei demanded more from her team. Goal Attack Filda Vui once again continued her supershot brilliance by sinking three crucial two-point shots to deny the Steel any chance at the win.

It was, however, no easy entry into the circle for Mystics shooters, as Steel's youngster Carys Stythe caused headaches once more, picking up six gains, 50 matches, and match MVP.

Sunday's win secured a home-final advantage for the Mystics and offloads any pressure ahead of their final round-robin game against the Mainland Tactix next week.