The All Sport Breakfast

The New Zealand Ice Hockey League is officially under way. It kicked off last weekend, but today will see the Botany Swarm start off their season with the first game of a double header against the Dunedin Thunder. Captain of the side Michael Attwell joined D'Arcy to preview the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week saw the Blues fall flat in their battle with the Crusaders at One NZ Stadium. The home team claimed a comfortable victory, 36-20, with the Blues' performance falling short. But there's no time to rest, as tonight they take on the high-flying, table-topping Hurricanes – a must-win match if they want a chance at a top two finish. Blues hooker Bradley Slater joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC have reached the grand final in their second A-League season. The Black Knights picked a great time to record their first-ever win in Adelaide, downing United 3-nil to win the tie 4-1 overall. Former All White Fred de Jong joined D'Arcy to unpack the team's victory. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a week off to rest, the Warriors are back in action tomorrow. They're facing off against the Brisbane Broncos in their own backyard at this weekend's Magic Round. Assistant Coach Slade Griffin joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Stars are looking to turn things around after a narrow loss to the Tactix last week. They're set for the Northern Derby, facing off against the Mystics in a game that could have playoff implications moving into the second half of the ANZ Premiership. Shooter Amelia Walmsley joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief is high in the Wellington Phoenix women's camp as they chase A-League football history in Melbourne tomorrow. They meet Melbourne City in the grand final, seeking to secure a first title by any New Zealand team. Defender Lucia Leon joined D'Arcy to discuss the potentially history-making match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues' new Chief Executive Karl Budge has already marked his tenure with some bold statements. His brazen desire to hijack the wildly successful Super Round from Christchurch is an audacious move for the administrator who has an enviable record of success across the sports he has been involved in, notably tennis' ASB Classic. Like the target on the back of the Super Round, arguably a revery based dart, his pronouncement that the Blues home base Eden Park should be the teams' superpower is as fanciful as the Super raid. It's unlikely that the Blues could regularly stuff the park to near capacity, such is the palpable lack of success the team has experienced, and the yawning emptiness that the stadium presents when a meagre crowd is in attendance. However, even though Karl's pipe dream appears to be based on ambition cloaked in hope, the mere fact that he has approached this matter with such unabashed positivity, speaks volumes for his ‘why not?' philosophy in sport management. Along with the Hurricanes owner's calls for mass change in the Super Rugby ownership arena, the broom that has gone through NZR and the fresh approach in Super Rugby navigation, I dare say the want for an acceleration in Blues attendance-based passion isn't as sky-based pie as we would think. Karl also has a key ally in the limitless enthusiasm and drive of Eden Park CEO Nick Sauntner. If the Blues are to rise again and bring the ever-expanding Auckland populace along for the ride, these to blokes are the men to do it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midseason momentum is on the line as we head into round 5 of the ANZ Premiership. The Northern Mystics are set to take on the Central Pulse in Poriua this evening following on from last weekend's win over the Tactix. Mystics goal shoot Maia Wilson joined D'Arcy to preview the game and chat about her shift from the Stars to the Mystics this season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific got off to a strong start this week, with the Chiefs and Crusaders claiming victory last night. The Crusaders beat the Blues 36-20 at their new stadium in Christchurch, while the Chiefs outlasted the Reds in Brisbane, winning 31-21. Sky Sport Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson joined D'Arcy to review the two games and look forward to tonight's clashes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bad memory is fuelling Auckland FC in their bid for a maiden A-League football final. They host Adelaide United at Mt Smart in the first leg of their semifinal tonight – the stage where they stumbled last campaign. It's kicking off at 6pm, and Auckland's right back Callan Elliot joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a major weekend for the Wellington Phoenix women. 90 minutes are standing between the team and the A-League Grand Final – the Nix sitting at a one goal deficit heading into the second leg of the semifinal against the Brisbane Roar. Midfielder Emma Pijnenburg joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss leg one and look ahead to tomorrow's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC's unlikely journey toward A-League supremacy continues this evening as the plucky lads out of Penrose look to roll Adelaide in the first leg of their semi final series. Fingers crossed that the faithful turn up to scream and shout and spit and drink and cheer and chant AKLFC to a victory, to set up next week's return leg. The faithful will turn up I'm sure, the faithful being the Port, the gang of supporters that have been a constant since the team's inception. As for the rest, we'll know early this evening. Plainly, the A-League's tone-deaf pricing of last week's thrilling knock out fixture versus Melbourne City was injurious to the spectating body count, the warm prop attendance was a depressing 11,000ish. There were mitigating factors, such as the clash with local football and the unexpected nature of the game. AKLFC fluffed their lines against Sydney the previous week and instead of having a week off, they were thrown into an elimination match. The most telling issue though was the insane ticket pricing that cut the casual fanbase off at the knees. AKLFC had words with the league and this evening's match hasn't been cash coshed by the governing body, so hopes are high that the stands are heaving come 6pm. But could the reduction in crowd numbers from last year's phenomenal count be as simple as second year syndrome? Auckland casual sports fans are notorious for their flaky attendance record and the team, although flirting all season with top spot, hardly provided consistent top results. The hardcore fans turned up, but the casual fan is where the growth will always be and this area I'd suggest has been lacking. Like a cute new puppy at Christmas that everyone wants to cuddle, a year down the track, after some chewed slippers and a couple of accidents on the carpet, the interest wanes somewhat. Not hessian sack style, but close.... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One last clash before the New Zealand Ice Hockey League gets underway. The season starts next week, but before that, the Botany Swarm are facing off against the Auckland Mako tomorrow evening. Kyle Jonsson is captaining the side this weekend, and joined D'Arcy to preview the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UFC is Down Under this weekend, Fight Night kicking off in Perth later tonight. A raft of City Kickboxing fighters are competing at the event. Fresh off a round-two knockout back in January, Australian Cam Rowston will be back in ring this weekend, and joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Stars have bounced back after their first loss of the season. They claimed victory over the Central Pulse last weekend in a close match in Wellington. They're back home this weekend, taking on the currently bottom of the table Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Stars Captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen. Really carefully. Stretch your eardrums as taut as they can be. Can you hear the tears falling? Can you hear the plaintive wails of loss? The bass string twang of heart strings snapping? No, no you can't. No one cares. No pity, no deep sense of bereavement. LIV Golf is on its knees. Head bowed, waiting for the rush of blade driven air as the scimitar flashes through the fleshy neck of the rebel golf league. It looks like Gordon Gekko was a little off the mark – greed doesn't necessarily work. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund has walked from one of their sport washing escapades after sinking a reported US$5 billion into their version of the sport over the last five years. This dalliance has made some players an extraordinary sum of money walking around on grass for 54 holes. Fourteen times a year. On a cost per wear basis, it made financial sense, but the exercise's cost was never about money, it was about the price of someone's soul. Plainly, morals can become a tradable commodity and I'm sure the players who collapsed at the altar of blood money can sleep well at night, betwixt their hand stitched 10,000 count Egyptian long-staple cotton sheets on mattresses stuffed with riyal. Whether this collapse is a harbinger of further sport washing decay is yet to be determined, surely their seemingly bottomless pit of filthy lucre isn't starting to show signs of a floor? They still have boxing and football, F1, sailing, and cricket I suppose. And rugby? Not yet. Good luck to them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are flying high – sitting second on the ladder after a tense victory over the Dolphins. It was a tough battle in the second half, the New Zealand side coming from behind to claim the win, 20-18 at Hnry Stadium. Now they're crossing the ditch to take on the Paramatta Eels in another important clash – Adam Pompey returning to the side following a disciplinary stand down. He joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a rough run home for Auckland FC as they ended the regular A-League season with a five-game winless streak. As a result, Adelaide United jumped them to land in second place, relegating the Black Knights to an elimination final against reigning champions, Melbourne City. Auckland FC midfielder and club MVP Louis Verstraete joined D'Arcy to preview this must-win match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finishing halves strong is a key focus for the Blues as Super Rugby Pacific approaches its business end. The Aucklanders conceded 26 of their 33 points to the Reds in the last 10 minutes of each half at Super Round, a week after conceding 21 points to the Highlanders in the same time frame. This weekend they're travelling across the bridge to take on Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium. Stephen Perofeta is making his starting return to the side after sitting out since round three, and joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors strong start to the season has continued. Despite some defensive struggles at the end of the second half, they claimed a victory over the Gold Coast Titans last week. They're taking on the Dolphins this weekend, travelling to Wellington to play at a sold out Hnry Stadium. Assistant Coach Slade Griffin joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are taking the lessons of what works at Forsyth Barr Stadium as they play under the roof in Christchurch for the first time tonight. They meet the Queensland Reds in the second game of the day and third game of the weekend and play the Crusaders at the same ground in a fortnight. Kade Banks is getting his first start on the wing tonight for the Blues, and joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bitter disappointment for Auckland FC, as their performance against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend ruled them out of the Premiers Plate race. But the Plate isn't the be all end all, and a victory in tomorrow night's game would lock them into second place and let them skip straight to the semifinals. Dan Hall, defender for Auckland FC, joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parakiore. Ngā Puna Wai. Hagley Oval and now Te Kaha. Ōtautahi Christchurch now has the full deck of first class, top notch, bee's knees sporting facilities. It will be, if it's not already, the envy of the country. This has not come without a fight, there are citizens of that city that really didn't want a bar of any of it, or the price tag they came with. But good things come to those who ask and in One New Zealand Stadium's case, those who wait. The stadium at Te Kaha is the jewel in Christchurch's sporting crown. The paragon, the masterpiece, the crowning glory, the pièce de résistance. Plainly, these facilities were all borne of the calamitous quake of 2011, a city defining disaster that flattened the metropolis in the blink of an eye. A barely comprehensible natural disaster which the city will carry in its hearts and minds for generations to come. Although it has taken many years for the populace to haul itself back to its feet physically and mentally – the reconstruction, redevelopment, and reimagining of their proud town have been stunning. Uplifting even. Sport is the beating heart of Canterbury. Unless you've lived there, which I did for the first 30 years of my life, you can't possibly grasp the deep-seated passion that drives the outrageous success that the red and black athletes have sustained for, well, forever. This continuum of achievement has never waned, and now with the proliferation of world class sporting facilities, it's incomprehensible that it won't continue. Tahi Aotearoa whare hākinakina kei Te Kaha. What a stunner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major rowing regatta is taking place this weekend at Orewa Beach – the NZ Beach Sprint Championships. With beach sprints having been named an Olympic discipline going forward, the event will be garnering plenty of interest. Holly Chaafe is one of those competing over the weekend, and joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns got their dedemption for last year's Rugby World Cup semi-final in last week's clash against Canada. A decisive 36-14 victory has seen them effectively wrap up PAC 4, but the work isn't quite over yet. They're facing off against Australia tonight over on the Sunshine Coast – Justine McGregor, winger for the Black Ferns, joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.