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Ōtautahi has a front row seat as the sporting action heats up

Sport

Rebecca King
Asha Lyall
Sports team
From the left, Kate Heffernan, Kyle Jamieson, Jamayne Isaako, Annessa Biddle.  Lewis Hampton

The Garden City is playing host to some of the biggest kiwi sporting events this week - and even the athletes are fans

The Silver Ferns started off strong on Wednesday night, claiming a 62-50 victory against the Australian Diamonds. The win gives New Zealand a 2-0 lead in the four-match Constellation Cup series after also beating Australia in Auckland on Sunday.

With several teams competing across the city, athletes are keeping an eye on their fellow sporting stars between their own fixtures.

Silver Fern Defender Kelly Jackson told MetroNews it was inspiring to see other codes representing Aotearoa to such a high level.

We are not just a fan of Netball, we are a fan of all sports and we just want to go out there and make our nation proud, and so do they as well.
Silver Fern Denfender Kelly Jackson

Jackson noted that some selfies were on the table as the Ferns shared a hotel with the Indian Cricket team.

Cricket takes centre stage tonight, when the Blackcaps open their T20 international series against India at Hagley Oval.

The teams will meet again on Saturday, in the second match of the series, with the first ball scheduled for 8pm.

Bowler Kyle Jamieson calls Christchurch home and told MetroNews he is thrilled to be back on his turf.

“It’s a special place for me and I love playing at home. It will be tough to get to all of the games in person, but I’ll tune into it all on TV, supporting all our teams as a kiwi.”

The sporting action continues this Sunday, when One New Zealand Stadium hosts a Rugby League World Cup double-header for both New Zealand teams. 

Returning to familiar stomping grounds has been a special part of the week for Christchurch-born Jamayne Isaako.

The Kiwis fullback found himself flooded with nostalgia after the team held a training session at Wainoni Park, a familiar venue from his junior days.

“We trained on the field that I did a lot of kicking practice on. A lot of memories were brought back,” Isaako said.

Being able to come back home and play on home soil is something that playing in the black jersey, especially for us Kiwis, is something we don’t take lightly.
Rugby League Kiwis Fullback Jamayne Isaako

Meanwhile, Kiwi Ferns player Annessa Biddle said pulling on the black jersey this weekend unites all the teams under one shared goal of representing New Zealand with pride.

“We’re all different codes but obviously we’re just always representing one team, one country.”

League fans will have the chance to watch both the women's and men's national teams on the same day. 

The Kiwi Ferns take on France at 4pm, before the Kiwis face the Cook Islands at 6pm.