Waikato opened the NPC season with a statement win over Bay of Plenty, Francis “The Punisher” Waitai delivered a brutal first-round knockout, and New Zealand finished the Commonwealth Games with 36 medals.

Jason Davis and Quentin Hill break down a stacked weekend of Kiwi sport in the latest ShedLife NZ Sport Weekly Wrap, covering Waikato rugby, the Warriors, New Zealand boxing, UFC, the Commonwealth Games and the opening round of the NPC.

Waikato raced to a 35–0 halftime lead before beating Bay of Plenty 38–26 in front of the biggest opening-round crowd in eight years. The result secured the Chiefs Country Cup and ended a run of four straight losses to the Steamers. Jason and Quentin look at Waikato’s explosive start, Nathan Stephens’ early try, Waisake Salabiau’s impact on the opposite wing and the second-half drop-off ahead of their next NPC challenge.

The New Zealand Warriors also responded in style, beating the Gold Coast Titans 42–6. Te Maire Martin scored twice late as the Warriors completed an eight-try performance and kept their top-two push alive.

On the fight scene, former ShedLife guest Francis Waitai produced one of the weekend’s biggest moments. “The Punisher” dropped Cowin Ray twice inside the opening minute before finishing the fight with a body shot in the first round. Waikato’s Saskia Elliott also secured a major result, defeating Australian champion Leah Reuben on points to claim the WBA Oceania title and remain unbeaten as a professional. Plus, City Kickboxing’s Navajo Sterling scored a first-round UFC knockout after taking the fight on only eight days’ notice.

New Zealand finished the Commonwealth Games with 36 medals, including gold for Zoe Hobbs in the 100 metres, David Liti in weightlifting, Sydnee Andrews in judo and the Silver Ferns, who defeated Jamaica 56–48 in the netball final.

The boys also review the opening NPC round, including Richie Mo’unga’s match-winning return for Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay scoring 52 against Wellington, Northland’s strong start and Otago’s upcoming Ranfurly Shield defence against Canterbury.

To finish, Jason and Quentin launch their new weekly NPC footy picks, working through every Round 2 matchup and locking in their winners.