Sports News for 4 August 2025
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RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Black Cap Jacob Duffy to make his Test debut
New Zealand's Jacob Duffy Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Otago bowler Jacob Duffy will finally achieve a dream when he takes to the field for the second Test against Zimbabwe on Thursday. Duffy will make his Test debut after being confirmed in the Black Caps eleven. With a couple of injuries in the squad Duffy was tapped on the shoulder by coach Rob Walter, confirming he would play in Bulawayo. "It's been a while coming; I'm not a spring chicken anymore," 31-year-old Duffy said on the eve of the Test. "There are certain points in your career when you wonder if it's ever going to happen." The quick bowler has played 27 T20 internationals and 14 ODIs since making his international debut in 2020 and while he has been a part of a Test squad he has never played the longest form of the game. Duffy said he has always loved his time in the Black Caps squad, however, some moments have been tough. "When you're the guy sitting there without a cap all those times it can be pretty tough to swallow. "That Indian Test series (at the end of 2024) when we won 3-0 over there was one of my favourite tours I've ever been on and I didn't even play. "So to get that black cap is a dream come true and I feel like I really belong." He admits it is also going to be emotional when he takes the field at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. "Hopefully we win the toss and I get a bowl. I'd love to get into it straight away and team up with my good mate Matt Henry at the other end with the new ball. "Just do what I do, if I'm not ready now I'm never going to be." Captain Mitchell Santner confirmed Duffy would play and indicated there could be other debutants. With quick bowlers Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke ruled out with injury from the first Test lineup, Ben Lister, Zak Foulkes and Matt Fisher come into contention. Black Caps bowler Jacob Duffy celebrates with team mates after dismissing Sri Lanka batter Kusal Mendis during the recent one day series between the two sides. Photo: Photosport Batting allrounder Michael Bracewell, who played the first Test is now in England so Ajaz Patel is a spinning option. However, Santner will probably take the lead with that role and adding Patel does lengthen the tail. So two other quicks could be selected with Foulkes likely because of his batting skills. The top order is likely to remain unchanged despite Bevon Jacobs being called in as cover. That could result in Santner moving up to seven in the batting order with two of Foulkes, Lister and Fisher playing. Meanwhile, Brendan Taylor returns to the Zimbabwe side following his suspension. Taylor was suspended for three and a half years for breaching the ICC anti-corruption code. The 39 year old is just 62 runs away from becoming the third Zimbabwean to scored 10,000 international runs. New Zealand won the first Test by nine wickets.
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
Another Black Ferns player signs with English club
Georgia Ponsonby (R) of New Zealand celebrates her try. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Hooker Georgia Ponsonby has become the second Black Ferns forward to sign with English Premiership team Trailfinders Women from after this year's Rugby World Cup. She joins fellow Black Ferns squad member and fellow World Cup winner Alana Borland in signing with the London based club for the 2025/2026 Premiership season. "We are delighted to announce the signing of Black Fern, Georgia Ponsonby," Trailfinders women said in a statement. "A Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand and a standout performer across both domestic and international competition, Ponsonby arrives in West London as one of the most complete forwards in the global game - a relentless ball carrier, defensive rock, and razor-sharp operator in the breakdown. "Her athleticism makes her a nightmare for opposition defences and a dream for the coaching staff. Named in World Rugby's Women's XV Dream Team in 2023, Ponsonby's impact speaks for itself - a player whose work rate and physicality set the tone, and whose presence lifts those around her. Alana Borland. Photo: Photosport / Paul Yates "With big-game pedigree and a clear hunger to keep evolving, she joins fellow Black Fern Alana Borland in making the switch to Trailfinders and will add a real edge to an already ambitious group," the statement said. Ponsonby said she's looking forward to playing and living in the UK. "I'm stoked to be joining Trailfinders. It's an evolving team with exciting talent and a great culture. "Being based in London adds to the excitement, and I'm looking forward to enjoying everything the club and city has to offer." Georgia Ponsonby in the Black Ferns v Australia Walloroos match at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, in May 2024. Photo: Photosport Trailfinders head coach Barney Maddison said the two Black Ferns will strengthen his squad. "Georgia is a world-class rugby player, and we're thrilled to bring her into the environment. "She's a proven high performer whose experience with the Black Ferns will add some real value to the group. "Georgia also has a fantastic connection with Alana [Borland], and I'm excited to see that relationship brought over here to Trailfinders."
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- RNZ News
Sports Chat for 7 August 2025
An update on what's happening in the sports world with Nathan Rarere. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
