Auckland FC continues A-League tear while Oceania Sevens wraps

Fakaalofa lahi atu team! It’s the second to last week of the year before we pack up shop and the sporting realm continues to stay alight. Let’s unpack some of the big news!

1. Auckland FC beat Wellington

That’s another one on the win column for the A-League’s newest team, and another win as Auckland FC beat the Wellington Phoenix 2-1 at Go Media Stadium.

It was another intense match-up between the two sides. The Phoenix conceded an own goal that bred frustrations in the ranks, and the home-side scored another goal in the first half to extend their winning margin.

A goal in the second half edged the Phoenix closer to victory, but the roaring 24,000 fans willed the home side to victory.

The Auckland FC have extended their streak to nine-straight wins and will face the Melbourne Victory next week.

1. Oceania Sevens in the Solomon Islands

While the HSBC Sevens Series rages on in the Northern Hemisphere, Pacific teams went to battle in the Oceania Sevens at the weekend.

The Fiji development side faced the Manu Samoa sevens in the men's final, with the intense clash stretching past regular time. Manu Samoa were able to seal the victory with a try in the corner during extra time.

Meanwhile, the Fijiana women clinched a 15 - 3 win against the Manusina in the final.

Tonga also finished in third place for the women's competition, after thrashing the Solomon Islands 41 - 5.

1. Joseph Parker secures IBF title fight

Samoan heavyweight Joseph Parker has secured his first title fight in years, facing IBF Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois next February.

Parker comes off of a long layover and enters the ring against the 28-year-old who recently battered the former unified champion, Anthony Joshua.

Parker spoke to media saying he was in the best shape of his career and is ready for the challenge.

The two fighters face on the same card as the welterweight championship fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol in what’s dubbed the “fight card of the year”.

1. Gout Gout breaks world record on track

This caught my eye over the weekend!

Sixteen year old Queenslander Gout Gout broke records at the Australia all schools athletics competition. He ran faster than anyone in Australian track history, flying through the 200 meters in 20.4 seconds.

Gout snapped the 200-meter record held by Peter Norman, that has lasted since the 1968 Olympic Games, Gout turned the track world on its head.

The Queensland teenager also ran a faster time at 200 meters than the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, at the same age (20.14).

At only 16 years old, Gout has the potential to become the new fastest man in history, and if he’s able to stay healthy throughout his career - I expect to see him in the next Olympics!

1. OG Bloodline bash new Bloodline

The Original Bloodline stood tall at WWE’s War Games, beating the New Bloodline in an intense five versus five matchup.

In a savage WarGames battle, the New Bloodline's Jacob Fatu unleashed terrifying power, absorbing punishing blows while Bronson Reed delivered bone-crushing attacks that shook the cage.

Roman Reigns dramatically scaled the cage's heights, defying Solo Sikoa's attempts to lock him out and ultimately leaping into the fray with a thunderous entrance that electrified the arena.

The Usos reignited their legendary tag team prowess, executing their iconic 1D and a breathtaking cage-top splash that brought fans to their feet.

The climax saw Solo Sikoa brutally dismantled by a coordinated onslaught - three super kicks, Zayn's helluva kick, Punk's Go To Sleep, and Reigns' devastating spear - crowning the OG Bloodline as conquering warriors.

Watch the full sports wrap here:

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on 531PI’s Pacific Grandstand.

“I like the sun, but things don’t grow because of the sun - you have to have some rain!”

- Eric Thomas