Youngsters qualify

The New Zealand under-16 girls football team have qualified for the under-17 World Cup next year after winning the under-16 Oceania tournament in Samoa on Saturday. New Zealand beat New Caledonia 6-0 in the final in Apia. Arabella Maynard scored four goals in the win, while Grace Wisnewski also scored and there was an own goal. Kelli Brown (14 goals) claimed the golden boot for the leading scorer in the championship ahead of compatriots Maggie Jenkins (9), Maynard (7) and Wisnewski (6). Ghana-born wing Raymond Rhule scored his first international try as South Africa claimed a 37-15 victory over Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener yesterday. The Springboks dominated the physical contest and scored tries through winger Courtnall Skosan, flanker Siya Kolisi and lock Pieter-steph du Toit, their fourth victory in a row after a 3-0 clean-sweep of France. Argentina defended manfully and enjoyed little possession, but managed tries through experienced halfback Martin Landajo and wing Emiliano Boffelli. England took 19 wickets in a day to send West Indies tumbling to a humbling defeat by an innings and 209 runs in the first test on Saturday, setting the scene for what could be a painful series for the tourists. England Australia beat the Tall Blacks 106-79 in the semifinals of basketball’s Asia Cup in Beirut. The youthful New Zealand side had been impressive at the tournament in the Lebanon capital, but were given a stern working over by a clinical Boomers team, who while also were missing a host of stars, still boasted plenty of ANBL experience.