The Crusaders have held on to beat the Blues 32-24 in their Super Rugby derby in Auckland

The Red and Blacks led 29-12 at the break, before withstanding a Blues comeback.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the Waratahs have a commanding 15-nil lead over the 14 man Highlanders at half time.

Wing Tevita Nabura was shown a red card after striking a Waratahs player with a boot to the head when contesting a high ball.



The New Zealand Professional Footballers Association is looking into concerns around how Andreas Heraf is running the national women's team.

Multiple Football Ferns reportedly feel an unprofessional culture is developing under Heraf.

NZPFA chief executive Harry Ngata says they've reached out to senior players for feedback.



Harry Ngata says if concerns are raised, they'll then talk to New Zealand Football about them.



Former UEFA president Michel Platini has claimed a little trickery was used in the 1998 World Cup draw to increase the chances of having France and Brazil meet in the final.

The former French international is currently serving a four year ban from football, after being found guilty of receiving a disloyal payment from then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Platini, who was the co-president of the tournament's organising committee, says France versus Brazil was the final everyone dreamed of, so they used trickery to ensure the sides could only meet there.

The 'trickery' proved successful with the sides meeting in the final - which France won 3-nil.