The All Sport Breakfast

The Auckland Tuatara's season got off to a winning start. They dispatched their cross-town rivals, the Franklin Bulls, 115-95 on Saturday night at Eventfinda Stadium. Tonight they're slated to face the Southland Sharks and will be hoping to keep their momentum building. Tuatara guard Zach Riley joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns started off the PAC 4 tournament on a high note. They kept the US on the back foot, landing a comfortable 48-15 victory against the side. They'll be aiming to right past wrongs in their next match, facing off against Canada for the first time since their loss in last year's Rugby World Cup – Canada claiming the win 34-19. Black Ferns lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are still in the running for the Premiers Plate, with just two rounds to go in the season. After dropping points in a 2-2 draw with the Melbourne Victory, they'll need a win over the Central Coast Mariners in order to keep the pressure on the Newcastle Jets. Auckland FC Striker Sam Cosgrove joined D'Arcy to reflect on the loss and look ahead to tomorrow's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ Premiership is well and truly underway. The Northern Mystics stumbled against the Auckland rivals, the Stars, in the tournament's first round last week, ending the game with a narrow 63-59 loss. They're looking to turn it around early in the season when they take on the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic tonight. Mystics Captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson joined D'Arcy to preview the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The demise of Moana Pasifika is not a good story. The conscious uncoupling of the club from Super Rugby Pacific doesn't come as any surprise though. Not a bad idea, but the execution was awful. The team were hog-tied from the get-go. The slow slide of the side started at inception and even though the tenuous grasp the franchise had on its position showed shadows of sustained grip on its place in the program, Moana Pasifika was only ever heading south. Unsupported, underfunded, unwanted, unable to provide players with a solid path on the route to I don't know where. A place holder franchise, without a genuine and consistent home paddock, a holding pen for athletes before they were herded into a flock shepherded by NZR, or a northern team, or for Savea, Japan. The idea was wonderful, a home for the huge numbers of Pasifika players who couldn't find contracts in other super franchises, another chance to tap into this seemingly endless resource. Except the Fijians. Another nonsense in this rudderless Pacific journey. Professional rugby contracts at the top level need to be earned, not distributed out of necessity. The Blues, the traditional home of AKL based Pasifika, saw them as a parasite. The public didn't know what they stood for. The players loved the idea, but as soon as they showed promise, they were off to greener pastures. I'm sure that being owned by PMA, the Pasifika Medical Association, wasn't helpful either. Again, good intention, but problematic as one of the key sponsor veins to tap into over the years for oval ball codes has been everything that Pasifika health doesn't need. Fast food and liquor, right? Arguably the only positive was the astonishing arrival of Ardie Savea, who brought eyeballs and bums to the games, but it was all for nothing as the gun for hire promptly upped sticks and buggered off to cash in, sorry expand his horizons, play with his global whanau, I dunno, whatever. This not a punch down on a mortally wounded group, it's just a naked precis of an experiment that had a good heart, but a terrible respiratory system. Super Rugby needs to drop the Pacific moniker and revert to type. Super Rugby works just fine, and now with 10 teams it works even better. Back to the old school when the comp was vibrant and crisp. Super 10 anyone?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors made a statement last week. They ended their 17 game losing streak against the Melbourne Storm in a dominating fashion, claiming a 38-14 victory. However, this weekend they're up against a bogey team as the Gold Coast Titans travel to Mt Smart with the intent to upset. Edge forward for the Warriors, Marata Niukore joined D'Arcy to discuss the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 New Zealand NBL season kicked off this week and the Auckland Tuatara are getting their season underway tonight. They're slated to take on the Franklin Bulls and will be aiming to get things off to a roaring start. Power Forward Tom Vodanovich joined D'Arcy to preview the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ Premiership will get underway tonight, and fans are stoked to finally focus on the sport again after the drama with Netball New Zealand. Tomorrow afternoon will see the Stars and the Mystics go head-to-head in a northern derby at Auckland's Pulman Arena. Northern Stars Head Coach Temepara Bailey joined D'Arcy to preview the clash and the beginning of the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight will see a monster top of the table Super Rugby Pacific clash play out. The Blues are travelling to the capital to take on the Hurricanes at Hnry Stadium – both teams are on four game winning streaks, and the Blues will be looking to make a statement in the pivotal match. Winger Codemeru 'Cody' Vai joined D'Arcy to discuss his rookie season to date and preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have hit a slump. After a 3-0 start to their NRL season, they're on a two game skid after major losses to the Wests Tigers and Sharks. It doesn't get any easier for the side as they face the Melbourne Storm tonight – a team they've lost 17 straight matches to. Assistant coach Richard Agar joined D'Arcy to discuss the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle for the Premier's Plate is heating up and Auckland FC is still in the mix. With three matches left in the regular season, tonight's matchup against the fourth place Melbourne Victory is crucial to remaining within touching distance with League leaders the Newcastle Jets. Logan Rogerson, attacker for Auckland FC, joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are back in action for the first time this year. Tomorrow morning they're taking on the United States in the first match of the PAC 4 series in Sacramento, California. Hannah King, first five for the Black Ferns, joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much has been made of the return of Shannon Frizell. The weapons-grade blindside is on his way home from Japan in an attempt to gain selection for the All Blacks' World Cup squad. Along with Richie Mo'unga, NZR has a couple of quality footballers returning to the fold, rugby moths attracted to the 2027 World Cup flame. Leicester Fainga'anuku returned for the same reason, Brodie Retallick has been linked to a possible comeback too. Is this a bad thing? Will these returnees threaten the hold NZR has on their players in regards to leaving Super Rugby to access the stupid money in the northern hemisphere? Will this force their hand around the restrictions placed on these players around international selection? Will this herald an open season on NZ rugby talent? No to all of the above. NZR's currency is World Cup success. That's it. Pure and simple. In 2027, the best 33 NZ rugby players should be picked to hunt down and snare William Webb Ellis' Trophy. To suggest that making that grade requires several seasons in our domestic competitions flies in the face of the reality of professional sport. The want for rugby to become a true global game says that the players must be free to ply their trade in all four corners of our pale blue dot. NZR make the rules for their international representation. They are not a World Rugby edict. NZR should look favourably on players who choose to stay to keep Super Rugby and NPC relevant and attractive, but no cutting off of noses to spite faces here. The players who choose to leave will have to fight their way back in, whatever route they choose, and should they scoot away for the pound or euro or yen, as sure as I wear a singlet and ie faitaga, the next generation of AB superstars will rise from the ashes of the departees. If you love something, set it free... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bit of sporting action has been added to this year's Easter Show. Thousands of people are expected to attend the festivities at the Auckland Showgrounds, and this year they'll be able to witness a BMX showcase, headlined by a legend in the sport. Jed Mildon, the first person to land a triple backflip on a BMX, will be performing and mentoring some exciting young Kiwi riders. He joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speedway is back in action in Auckland tonight. Challenging conditions over the last few weekends saw the events pushed back, but tonight is set to host the Auckland Saloon Champs as well as an Easter Fireworks Spectacular and a Demolition Derby. Scott Landsdown is racing this evening, and joined D'Arcy to preview the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend is light on Super Rugby action, but the Chiefs are still facing a looming clash against the Waratahs tonight. After two tough matches over in Australia, the Kiwi side will be looking to put on a strong performance at home. Chiefs prop Ollie Norris joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday saw the White Ferns make history in their second ODI against South Africa. They chased down a mammoth 347 to win by two wickets, anchored by a true captain's knock of 179 from Amelia Kerr. This leaves the series tied at 1-1, with the decider taking place later today. Batter for the side, Suzie Bates joined D'Arcy to discuss the series so far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easter is a strange time. For many reasons. I won't do a deep dive into the relevance of compulsory days off attached to a particular belief code, I thought we were a secular society, but it is what it is right? I'll take the break. The idea that folk have a long weekend, loosely associated with an archaic concept, is music to most people's ears. A time to reconnect with family, hang out with friends or hide in a dark room watching sport – whatever floats your boat. The CEO of Super Duper Rugby Pacific, Jack Mesley, joins Piney on Weekend Sport this afternoon to discuss the peeled back nature of this weekend's round. Three games. That's all. A captive audience, some with nothing to do, others hiding from their families, some needing to feed their footy habit. You could sensationalise this by saying 40% of the fixtures have been torched, but with such a slim comp, 40% is only two games. Still. Over the ditch in the NRL, the games have been stretched over five days. Full noise, full steam, full Easter long weekend programme. Yes, the NRL have the teams to do it with eight games to juggle, but even with five games, you'd hope that Super Rugby could capitalise on the long weekend. Negligent? Pragmatic? Meh? I'm very interested in what Jack Mesley has to say about this scheduling. With him in charge, the competition has embraced the warm props (the attending fans) and the couch bound eyeballs, so I'm presuming there is logic behind this threadbare showing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are well and truly back in the race to the A-League playoffs. After picking up back-to-back wins over the Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar before the international break, they're set to take on the Melbourne Victory tomorrow in another must-win game. Centre back for the Phoenix, Bill Tuiloma joined D'Arcy to discuss their run. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors will be looking to right the course after suffering their first setback of the NRL season. Last Friday saw them fall to the Wests Tigers, losing 32-14 at Mt Smart Stadium. They'll be aiming to return to their winning ways when taking on the Sharks tomorrow afternoon. Second rower Jacob Laban joined D'Arcy to discuss the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A setback to the All Whites Football World Cup preparations, going down 2-nil to Finland at Eden Park. The Finns scored from a corner after 25 minutes and added a second late in the game. They'll be facing Chile at Eden Park on Monday – their final home encounter before the FIFA World Cup later this year. Former All Whites Coach Ricki Herbert joined D'Arcy to reflect on last night's defeat, and look ahead to the next clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns wrapped up their T20 series against South Africa in style, a dominant 92 run victory in the final match resulted in them winning the series 4-1. Now a three match ODI series against the Proteas is looming to wrap up the team's home summer. Captain Amelia Kerr played a fantastic knock in the final T20 clash, hitting a career high of 105, and she joined D'Arcy to reflect on her form and look ahead to the ODI series. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors winning streak has come to an end. They stumbled last night in their clash against the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium, losing their first game of the season 32-14. The Warriors started hot, scoring two quick tries to take a 10-0 lead, but the Tigers struck back, outscoring the Warriors 32-4 throughout the rest of the game. Former Kiwis player and rugby commentator Richie Barnett joined D'Arcy to review the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night's Warriors loss illustrated how incredibly difficult it is to gain and keep ascendancy in the NRL. The result also reaffirmed —underlined, in bold, and in italics— that the crazed notion the Warriors fan base have clung to for generations, this is our year, can only ever be applied retrospectively, i.e., that was our year. Not a question for the future, but a statement of the past. In the NRL, 5% off is all it takes for a team to be made to look a little ‘village' in the wash up. Even the perennial great teams of the comp can get their pants pulled down in a flash, exposing their tender buttocks to the world. The Warriors didn't get trousered last night, nor were they embarrassed, it was an almost confused display from a team that appeared to not have a great understanding of what was happening to them on the park. So far this season they had done an impressive job of leaving the previous week's result in the past —where it belongs— and focusing only on the present. The display against the Tigers though smacked of a team that had a sneaky look at the press and started believing that it was indeed their year. There are upsides to the limp showing of course. No-one got stretchered off or fell afoul of the judiciary. The 6-7 pairing had a game to bed in their combo, even though it looked like neither player was sure which way to roll to keep the duvet in place. They need to park that game, reload, and charge on. It wasn't a disaster; it shouldn't have any bearing on the season as a whole. Don't ever forget, ‘our year' should only ever be a season to look proudly back on, not a dangerous roll in a soothsayer's suit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend saw the Northern League football tournament get underway for 2026. Auckland City started strong, claiming victory over their rivals Western Springs, 3-0, and are back in action this afternoon as they take on the Eastern Suburbs at home. Mario Ilich is captain of the side, and joined D'Arcy for a chat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are flying high after coming up from behind to defeat the Waratahs 35-20 last weekend. There's silverware on the line as they're set to take on the Fijian Drua tonight, the teams competing for the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy for the first time. Vidiri was a Fijian international who played for the Blues between 1996 and 2001, in which he scored 43 tries in 61 games for the franchise. Sam Darry is captaining the Blues tonight, and joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC have continued their strong charge to the finish line in the A-League. They picked up a massive win last weekend against the top of the table Newcastle Jets and are back home this week to take on Macarthur this afternoon. On top of that, five of their players have been named in the All Whites side for their World Cup warm up fixtures next weekend. One of those players is Callan Elliot, and he joined D'Arcy for a chat about it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific rolls on this weekend. A few thrilling clashes have already passed, with the Hurricanes stunning the Highlanders 507, and the Brumbies celebrating James Slipper's 203rd Super Rugby match in style with a 33-24 win over the Chiefs. Tonight, Moana Pasifika is taking on the Crusaders while the Blues cross the ditch to Syndey for a clash against the Waratahs. Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to look back on the previous matches and preview tonight's clashes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King of the Ring action returns this weekend with the Super Cruiserweights taking the spotlight at Eventfinda stadium tonight. Dhcamad Armstrong will be fighting in the event and he joined D'Arcy to preview the tournament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns are back on track. After losing their second T20 clash to South Africa, they put on a strong performance last night at Eden Park to take a 2-1 lead in the series. They now have the chance to wrap the series up cleanly tomorrow in Wellington. Sophie Devine hit an unbeaten 55 off 38 balls in an unbeaten 84-run partnership with Maddy Green, and joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are flying high after going two for two to start their NRL season. They claimed a 42-18 victory over the Roosters in Round 1 and defeated the Raiders 40-6 in Round 2 – both games won at home. Tonight is their first away game of the season, facing the Newcastle Knights across the ditch. Assistant Warriors Coach Richard Agar joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk about joy. Releasing the demons of expectation, the pressures of desire, the need to justify sporting existence through results alone. To be fair, this all sounds a bit new age, a bit woowoo, counter to the traditional muted celebration of living the grind, suffering to succeed. Increasingly, sportspeople are eschewing the concept of the strong silent athlete assassin, an unsmiling, full focussed, dead shark eyed harbinger of your defeat. I believe this comes from the acceleration of women's sport. Over the last 25 odd years, I've watched the rise and rise of their game. The increase in media coverage, the sponsorship, the exponential growth in income, the positive narrative change, the acceptance that women's sport is not men's sport in a different uniform. Wāhine bring a change in perception. Their game is neither better nor worse. Comparative size, strength, speed are no longer the determiners of quality. The paradigm adjustment is bringing a new and uplifting look at sport. It's bringing a whole new set of achievement parameters. Results are still incredibly important; they are after all the reason to play at the highest level. They are still the why, but the how has evolved. In my years of broadcasting, women bring a glow of positivity to their chosen sport and choose to express that. They speak freely of their ups and downs, wholly unafraid to bring emotion to the fore. By and large they are in touch with their inner spirit and are not encumbered by showing it. An absolute of sport is this: loss is not only inevitable, it is the dominant result in sporting theatre. There is one champion. There is one gold medallist, there is one world record holder. The rest are merely cogs in the wheel. To travel the distance, there must be joy, if not, the exercise is pointless. Strive to win, play the game. You want to win, but don't need it. Your experience has given you everything. Don't judge your worth on the final result. Celebrate the adventure. Your game, your experience, your decision. Keep smiling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have won two on the trot to start off their NRL season for the first time since 2018. Last night's 40-6 thrashing of the Raiders followed on from a decisive victory over the Roosters last week. Scores were locked at six-all due to the wet conditions, before the Warriors laid on a six-try blitz in the second spell. Former Warrior Motu Tony joined Piney to review the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for the final manu showdown. After 12 events across New Zealand and Australia's Gold Coast, the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final is taking place this weekend on Auckland's waterfront. Jahrome Rapata-Taipari was the winner of the Whangarei qualifier, and joined Piney ahead of today's Grand Final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are hopping straight from one challenge to another. They're fresh off the plane after the T20 World Cup and are preparing for a five set T20 series against South Africa, beginning Sunday. It's a double header, with the White Ferns also taking on the South African team. Black Cap Cole McConchie joined Piney to reflect on the World Cup and look ahead to the South Africa series. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues will be aiming to keep their momentum rolling after a 29-13 victory over the defending champions, the Crusaders, at Eden Park last weekend. They're at home again this Sunday when they take on their cross-town rivals, Moana Pasifika. Loose forward Malachi Wrampling is looking to make his debut, and joined Piney to discuss the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crankworx mountain biking festival is well and truly underway, with plenty more action to come over the weekend. The event offers a range of elite competitions, participatory events, and cultural celebrations, catering to every level of rider. This year, athletes are battling for crucial points in the King & Queen of Crankworx standings. Australian mountain biker Jackson Frew is competing in this year's event, and joined Piney to chat about it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC is facing a huge task this weekend. They're set to take on the table topping Newcastle Jets in a game that holds plenty of importance heading into the final six rounds of the A-League. Sam Cosgrove, a striker for the Auckland side, joined Piney to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The richest horse race in New Zealand is taking place today. Ellerslie Racecourse is hosting the NZB Kiwi this afternoon, as part of Champions Day in Auckland. Ellerslie's CEO, Paul Wilcox, joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this the Warriors' year? The team put on an emphatic performance, smashing the Sydney Roosters 42-18 in their NRL season opener last night. Chanel Harris-Tavita grabbed two of the Warriors seven tries, as they refused to settle on their 22-6 halftime lead. Former Captain Tohu Harris joined D'Arcy to unpack the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major Super Rugby Pacific clash is looming. The Blues are back at Eden Park, set to take on the Crusaders in a primetime match up tonight. The Crusaders will be looking to keep their momentum rolling after a dominant showing against the Chiefs last weekend, while the Blues will be aiming to bounce back after a final play defeat to the Brumbies. Lock for the Blues, Josh Beehre joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi golfer Nick Voke is in touching distance of the lead after two rounds of the Japan-Australasia Championship in Auckland. Voke's carded a six-under par second round to sit in second position at eight-under for the tournament, one shot behind joint leaders Kohei Okada and Jay Mackenzie. He caught up with D'Arcy after coming off the green yesterday for a chat about how he's tracking so far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.