It’s been a weekend of new winners, championship triumphs and grand final winning tickets.
We witnessed one of NASCAR’s next crop superstars by none other than Corey Heim including the return of Super Rugby dynasty from the Hurricanes and maybe the Southern Steel in ANZ Premiership Netball if they can beat Northern Mystics with just the Grand Final to go.
Sports Benches presents you this week’s big event sports news throughout the NASCAR official points season. Also check out our weekly GH fix where we had our own Border Security version but beyond borders with multiple fugitives currently on the run except Sidwell’s still in Port Charles.
And with Super Rugby now over for 2026, all Wallabies home games including All Blacks will return on the Nine Network (simulcast with Stan Sport) starting next weekend having aired 2 x free-to-air Super Rugby games only Australian derbies back in early May.
NASCAR Cup Series, Anduril 250 at San Diego
Here’s yet another new winner so far this Cup Season now happening at a brand new track, meet Corey Heim who drives part-time in the No.67 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing.
He knows how to extract awesome speed under green with used tires before playing his cards right both pit road and late restarts where it’s all written in the stars.
Corey doesn’t need to waste his energy; instead, he’s simply re-topped some fresh adjustments to rule the roost home.
Meanwhile at the Chevy camp, Kyle Larson from Hendrick Motorsports would love nothing more than winning races following his good green flag performances alone.
Sometimes unlucky yellows/restarts can reshuffle momentum unfortunately but had to steer clear what’s in front of him with another Top 5 finish in 3rd.
It’s been a bit better from the Blue Oval Fords challenging the front row often even though that didn’t quite translate into results.
However, Zane Smith had a ball after he finished 4th in the No.38 Mustang for Front Row using his calm & measured approach. Can’t believe superspeedways and road courses have plenty in common, particularly the final stretch whose calculated risk have paid off big time.
Super Rugby Grand Final: Hurricanes v Chiefs
If you’re a Canes fan, their 10-year drought is now over since 2016 v the Gauteng Lions but for everyone else including Chiefs, it’s not the most entertaining Grand Final to finish off the season.
This follows yet another high scoring Hurricanes extravaganza whereas Chiefs were not up to the challenge unfortunately sans the one consolation TRY, final score: Hurricanes 60-5 Chiefs in Wellington.
Canes wingers Fehi Fineanganofo & Josh Moorby executed International-level attacking prowess, which would’ve been great if either of them became Super Rugby’s overall TRY scorer of 2026.
At the end of the day, it’s all about playing for the badge, the culture & the whanau as here’s hoping Fehi will stay in NZ instead of overseas.
Ruben Love also had a fine year at 10 whose his big-game contribution showed why he deserves to be the ideal Beauden Barrett regen for the ABs sooner than later.
Forget the Chiefs back foot drubbing, Quinn Tupaea is the name you want to hear who provides the basic rugby fundamentals: consistency, physicality and continuity.
Hanging out at inside 12, he too also grinds through difficult situations that isn’t guaranteed to earn silverware. However, this setback will hopefully help reset towards a productive ABs campaign ahead.
ANZ Premiership Elimination Final: Southern Steel v Mainland Tactix
There will be another new champion ahead of Saturday’s Grand Final after Southern Steel’s narrow six goal Playoff win (60-54) over Mainland Tactix.
Interesting to see if the Northern Mystics can take one back and solidify their premiership-winning foothold or is it redemption for Wendy Frew’s Steel since she took over as head coach last year.
If there’s one player who knows the Mystics all too well, it’s Carys Stythe who used to play in her earlier days.
But switching to Steel colours isn’t a bad move as watch this space because Carys has the cuts, tips & timing to shut down this ever thriving Mystics attack.
Next up is Steel’s mainstay Georgia Heffernan at Goal Attack stepping up not just as their go-to two-point player, she’s also demonstrated vice-leadership value plus valuable off court play too.
A Grand Final win would speak volumes just like her twin’s (Kate) outstanding performances at C than WD with the Adelaide Thunderbirds who are also Grand Final bound in SSN.
Although unlucky by Tactix but second years don’t guarantee anything, especially having to go with a rebuilt squad made out of the best available ANZ Premiership talent.
Holly Mather though stayed on following a bit-part role last year where she provided risk-taking steals in transition plus some Hail Marys — just lacking support from either end to turn back Steel.
