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Sport Nation
The Ashes LIVE from 12Year in Review: Most outstanding Kiwi team of 2025
Sport Nation • December 27th, 2025 7:00 am
Photo: AAP
With a blockbuster 12 months of sports in the rear-view mirror, what better way to wind up than by reflecting on some of the stellar achievements of a memorable year of Kiwi excellence.
Today, the Sport Nation crew cast their vote for the best Kiwi team of 2025.
Auckland FC
Alex Chapman, Mornings co-host: I found this category the toughest of them all to pick, but have settled on Auckland FC.
What they did for football in this country - particularly in our largest city - is unrivalled. They took fans on a journey and rollercoaster of emotion, which is why we love sport.
Also, winding up Phoenix fans is funny.
Riccardo Ball, Mornings co-host: Obviously! What a story it's been.
It was a debut season that saw the club winning both on and off the field. One game away from the Grand Final and taking home the Premier's Plate as regular season winners, as well as breaking attendance records - including the highest average crowd across the league.
They've continued to grow with what is arguably a better squad this time around, stretching to five derby wins on the bounce against the Phoenix while doubling the membership numbers in season two.
Jacob Scott, Afternoons producer: I can't go past Auckland FC's inaugural season.
They brought their fans on a journey and came oh, so close to becoming the first New Zealand based club to make an A-League Grand Final.
Stephen Foote, digital producer: There can be no other answer. Their inaugural season produced a script Michael Mann would've laughed off as outrageous - and they're proving it was no fluke through their sophomore campaign to date.
Logan Swinkels, digital lead: Haters will say the support is manufactured, I would say AFC represent a city that was hungry to have a professional football team again and to get it right this time.
Steve Corica is the kind of coach that would make you want to run through walls - here’s hoping the side breaks through and wins not just the plate, but the toilet seat as well.
Behind the scenes of a 'Steve Corica spray'! | Millsy & Guy
NZ Kiwis
Sam Ackerman, Scotty & Izzy producer: The Kiwis were out of this world this year.
Everyone has been talking up the growth of Samoa and Tonga in international rugby league – and for good reason.
But after an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign that almost saw them relegated from the Pacific Championships top tier, New Zealand had a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove.
Point made.
They were outstanding in all three Tests, against strong opposition and facing vocal, passionate crowds (how good? Tongan fans should win an award of their own).
It was arguably the best forward pack ever produced by a New Zealand side – and that’s saying something. But even without key ball players Jerome Hughes and Jeremy Marshall-King, the Kiwis were sharp and have sent a clear message ahead of next year’s world cup.
Did I mention Dylan Brown was robbed of the Golden Boot?
Sammy loses it over Dylan Brown's Golden Boot snub | Scotty & Izzy
Robbie McFarlane, Scotty & Izzy producer: While they may have only played three matches in 2025, those games were more than enough to leave a lasting impression.
Their Pacific Championships campaign ended with a thrilling 36–14 win over Toa Samoa at a packed CommBank Stadium, with a performance that delivered the perfect farewell for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.
Winning their second Pacific Cup title in three seasons, the Kiwis reaffirmed themselves as genuine contenders heading towards the 2026 World Cup.
More than just results, this team made international league feel special again on New Zealand soil - must-watch, high-quality footy that reminded everyone just how good the Kiwis are when they come together.
Black Ferns Sevens
Mark Stafford, Afternoons host: This team continually sets the bar higher than Armand Duplantis.
Interestingly, if you ask Google which international sports team has the highest win percentage, you are met with the All Blacks at around 77 percent.
Well, Mr Google, the Black Ferns Sevens sit at 90 percent all time and 94 percent in the last 12 months.
They have been the best Kiwi team for quite some time and the way they keep evolving is truly inspiring.
Photo: Photosport
Crusaders
Finn James, Millsy & Guy producer: Might be a bit of a cop out answer, but I think the Crusaders during this Super Rugby season were the best NZ sports team. It’s been a bit of an interesting year for Kiwi sports teams, but I think what the Crusaders were able to produce this year after the blunder of the 2024 season is quite remarkable. Big shoutout to Rob Penney who had his back against the wall going into this season who came out on top.
Henry Lee, Millsy & Guy producer: As a long-time Blues fan, it hurts to say this, but it's probably the Crusaders, who lifted another Super Rugby Pacific title in 2025.
After a rubbish 2024 season, Rob Penney's side stuck to what worked and beat the Chiefs in the final once again, so they take the cake on this one.
Justin Marshall on the key to the Crusaders' Super Rugby final victory | The Bunnings Trade Rugby Run
