New Zealand

France focus on improving defense for Germany match

France coach Gilles Eyquem said, following the victory over New Zealand 2-0 in the last round of Group C matches that the team will need to work on its defense.

Eyquem said he was happy and very pleased with the performance of his players as they played a very good game against New Zealand but there are always some details to work.

“We have good players so we have good potential against the Germans however we still have some work to do on our defense as we have to be more compact.

Open letter demands climate action from NZ govt

An open letter signed by the likes of Sanford, the Warehouse, Z Energy, and Ernst & Young will be delivered to Parliament at midday today.

The letter has 60 signatories, reflecting a wide cross-section of New Zealand interests, including finance, transport, retail, fishing, tourism, hospitality, wine, conservation, science, beauty, medicine, health and religion.

The letter said businesses and people were already taking action to move to a low-carbon economy and the government needed to follow suit.

France through to quarterfinals

They defeated New Zealand 2-0 today at the Bava Park, witnessed by 995 supporters.

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger in the first half and Clara Mateo early in the second half.

Leger scored 17 minutes into the game.

The number 9 shot across 10 metres, out from the left of New Zealand goal keeper Nadia Olla, who was slow to stop the ball.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the game.

France lead New Zealand 1-0 at half-time

France scored through forward Marie-Charlotte Leger 17 minutes into the game.

Leger shot across 10 metres out from the left of the opposition's goal keeper.

The French girls dominated the game, having more ball possession.

New Zealand was weak in attack throughout the first half.

An additional three minutes was given.

French failed to score following an attempt by Sakina Karchaoui at extra time.

 

Pictures by Kennedy Bani

Last round of Group C match underway

The New Zealanders, in white, are led by Captain Meikayla Moore playing under fine weather conditions in front of a good crowd of supporters.

Isabella Coombers, who scored a goal in the previous game of this tournament, is also on the starting line-up while Tayla Christensen, who also scored in previous match, is on the bench.

The French side, in blue, is led by Captain Dephine Cascarino.

Cascarino scored for France in their previous games along with Clara Mateo, who is also on the starting line-up.

France in must-win match against New Zealand

The European team will take on New Zealand at 4pm local time at Bava Park in the last match of the Group C round.

France is behind New Zealand by one point on the group ladder sitting in third place with two points.

New Zealand is second on three points behind leaders the United States on four points.

France is yet to register a win in the tournament with two draw matches against USA nil all in the first match and 2-2 against Ghana in the second match.

New Zealand has one win, against Ghana 1-0 in the first match, and a loss to USA 3-1 in its second match.

Kangaroos thump Kiwis in Four Nations final

Mal Meninga's team ran in six tries and returned to the top of the world rugby league rankings, after over-running a disappointing Kiwis side, who meekly surrendered the title they won in 2014.

The Kangaroos made their intentions clear after just two minutes when Trent Merrin's huge shot on Jordan Rapana dislodged the ball and from the resulting scrum, Darius Boyd found Blake Ferguson with a superb cut-out pass for the Sydney Roosters star to score.

Four Nations: Australia hammer New Zealand 34-8 in final at Anfield

Mal Meninga's team went through the tournament unbeaten - and in wrestling the title from the Kiwis reclaimed the world number one ranking.

With a quarter of the match gone, tries from Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan and Trent Merrin plus a penalty from Johnathan Thurston gave the Kangaroos an unassailable 20-0 lead.

That was 24-0 by the break as the ruthless Australians added to their score when Dugan touched down a kick from Thurston.

USA register first win over New Zealand

USA maintained the lead on the Kiwis throughout the match grabbing their first win, 3 -1. USA kept their perfect start to dominate New Zealand in all facets of play in the first half to take a 2-0 lead into the break.

USA midfielder Ashley Sanchez will not believe her luck in the 3rd minute of the match, when New Zealand defender gifted the ball to her outside the 15 metre mark and she made the Oceania Champions pay by hitting the back of the net.

The three-time champions increased their lead five minutes later through the boot of skipper Mallory Pugh.

NZ furthers climate support commitment to Tokelau, Pacific

RNZ reports Paula Bennett was speaking in Marrakech where countries which signed up to the Paris Agreement are holding the first meeting of the Parties to the Agreement.

The minister said New Zealand's latest step was significant for Tokelau and the Pacific.

She said New Zealand and Pacific countries were serious about addressing climate change at home and in the world.

According to Mrs Bennett, New Zealand is providing up to $US142 million dollars for climate-related aid over the next four years, with most of it going to the Pacific.