Two times champion Michael Vink has taken an early grip on cycling's Tour of Southland

The Canterbury cyclist has grabbed the leader's yellow jersey off Campbell Stewart, winning the 172 kilometre ride from Invercargill to Lumsden by around a minute, with Logan Currie placing second.

Vink says he made his move on the second gravel section, 30 k from the finish.

Stage three tomorrow is a 148 kilometre ride from Riverton to Te Anau.



There's no shortage of competition within the All Blacks squad.

New Zealand has arrived in Rome ahead of Sunday's match against Italy.

Assistant coach Brad Mooar says the team is in a great place, and the coaches are selecting from a fully fit squad.



The Wellington Phoenix and the Breakers are saying their final goodbyes, before jetting off to Australia for their respective campaigns.

Both sides are due to depart Wellington for Sydney on a charter flight.