Auckland, New Zealand, July 26, 2009 - Patrick Ah Van will make his 50th NRL appearance today replacing an injured Jerome Ropati in the centres for today's 20th-round NRL clash against St George Illawarra at Mount Smart Stadium.

The New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) is urging Southland DOC and the Southland Conservation Board to recognise the iconic Whitetail deer in Rakiura National Park. They will be appearing to support their case at the hearings in Invercargill on Monday afternoon.

Auckland, New Zealand, July 26, 2009 - The Vodafone Junior Warriors boosted their finals hopes with an outstanding 20-point win over second-placed St George Illawarra in today's 20th-round NYC match at Mount Smart Stadium.

Wellington, July 27 NZPA - Result of a Trentino Cup basketball match played in Italy today:

Italy 88 New Zealand 70. Halftime: 46-32.

The New Zealand Emerging Players again came up short against the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in their 50-over match at Brisbane today, losing by three wickets.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Bloemfontein, July 26 NZPA - Springboks rugby winger Bryan Habana faces a possible reprimand for breaking team protocol in the leadup to yesterday's Tri-Nations rugby defeat of the All Blacks.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Bloemfontein, July 26 NZPA - For a gauge on how South African media responded to the Springboks' 28-19 defeat of the All Blacks here yesterday, readers needed to look no further than a headline in Afrikaan newspaper Rapport.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Bloemfontein, July 26 NZPA - While some All Blacks struggled to handle the vice-like pressure of the Springboks in yesterday's 28-19 loss here, one to further improve his battered rugby stocks was first five-eighth Stephen Donald.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Bloemfontein, July 26 NZPA - The All Blacks' two pack enforcers agree the forwards should have done more at the coalface to prevent the Springboks clamping control of the Tri-Nations test here yesterday.

By Daniel Gilhooly of NZPA

Bloemfontein, July 26 NZPA - Prop Neemia Tialata remains a doubtful prospect for the All Blacks' second Tri-Nations rugby test against South Africa in Durban while captain Richie McCaw is expected to overcome a blow to the shoulder.