The All Sport Breakfast

This week's panel features Gold Sport Rugby Commentator Hamish McKay and Aiden Mclaughin. On the agenda this weekend: Mark Robinson's calling it time The Super Rugby Finals format SBW v Paul Gallen - What's going on? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stars are determined to fix their starts as they look to rectify consecutive thrashings in the ANZ Premiership. The South Auckland-based side host the Steel at Pullman Arena this afternoon. They're coming off 21 and 17-goal hidings at the hands of the Magic. Stars midcourter Lisa Mather says they have to come out hot. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple World kickboxing champion and UFC veteran, Blood Diamond is intent on writing the final chapter of his storied combat career by taking his third King in the Ring Crown this weekend at Auckland's EventFinda stadium. The 110-fight veteran has built a legendary career that includes multiple world titles, UFC appearances, and two King in the Ring triumphs. Victory this weekend will etch his name in history as only the third triple champ alongside his lifelong training partner Israel Adesanya, and fellow City Kickboxing stalwart Nikora Lee Kingi. D'Arcy Waldegrave catches up Blood Diamond ahead of what may be his last bout. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham admits Super Rugby Pacific's final-four playoffs stage remains their Achilles heel heading into tonight's semifinal with the Chiefs in Hamilton. The Canberra side have lost four consecutive semis in Aotearoa, and haven't made a final since 2013. Larkham's been asked if they've learned from those experiences. The winner will face the Crusaders In next week's grand final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are coming to terms with their title defence being over after the 21-14 semi-final defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch. The Crusaders will host either the Chiefs or Brumbies next weekend in the decider, after absorbing a ferocious Blues performance. The home side trailed 14-nil early and then were forced to park up at their own try-line as the Blues threw 40 phases at them to try and send the game to extra time. Newstalk ZB Rugby Editor Elliott Smith joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to review the first semi-final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Test Championship final is heading for quite the finish. As we sit, South Africa needs 69 runs to get their hands on the Mace, still the coolest trophy in sport. This means the game will actually get to day 4, a triumph in itself after the first two days where wickets tumbled with T20-like regularity, the game devolving into a war of attrition. It's as if the players didn't want to be there, and it's easy enough to understand why. In the brave new world of T20 franchise baboonery —the money-soaked technicolour chimpanzees' tea party circus masquerading as cricket— test cricket is increasingly becoming a side show, a curious look back to the days where patience was a virtue. Although most players will run with the line that it is a true test and the pinnacle of the sport, this archaic 5-day concept is growing more and more difficult to justify. Hard core cricket fans will never turn their backs on the glory of the old school, so the long game will always have its place. But as the years tick by, the nature of the diminished human attention span, coupled with the financial and calendar-based stresses of keeping 5-day exchanges afloat, the game will slowly fade. The new generation of cricketers, with the avalanche of money and lack of hugely demanding physical and mental exertion T20 offers, could hardly be blamed for focusing their talents anywhere but the shortest form. The WTC, although a laudable concept, still needs to work to hold the attention of fans. A pertinent first move would be to base the final in the top qualifier's backyard. The detached energy of the bemused Lords spectators suggests that they're there because they're members, there for the experience, not because the care about the final result. As a lover of the long game, I hope that the WTC will remain and as time passes, the ICC will develop the series to bring the best of the exchanges to the fore. But with the demands placed on a time poor populace, the obscene money available to the players for little or no effort, and the wholly insignificant nature of the results of franchise T20 exchanges, hope might be all us old fellas have. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features Paul Allison and Alex Powell. On the agenda this weekend: The new Black Caps coach has been named Rising complaints over the Super Rugby playoffs format Red Bull is giving Yuki Tsunoda time and support - something they didn't give Liam Lawson LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southern Steel are looking to redeem themselves after last week's ANZ Premiership fixture. They were defeated by the Pulse, falling 45-70 in Invercargill. Assistant Coach Liana Leota joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues will be fighting to get four of their departing players another week in the jersey when they battle the Chiefs in the Super Rugby playoffs tonight in Hamilton. Mark Tele'a, Ricky Riccitelli, Harry Plummer and Adrian Choat are all leaving after this season. Choat says the team's fully aware of what's at stake. He told D'Arcy Waldegrave they're all playing for each other, and they're trying to get the job done as they still have a goal to win the entire competition. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm fascinated by the accelerated criticisms around the finals structure of Super Rugby Pacific. Granted, the process is not perfect. The matches could have been ordered in manner that may avoid the probability that the Hurricanes-Brumbies encounter result will be essentially of little import. The nature of qualification where a life is offered to the highest qualifying loser isn't ideal. The issue here of course is the number of teams competing. This was foisted upon the organisers after the Rebels folded. That odd number has created the need for an unusual competition structure which has caused much consternation amongst, predominantly, the media. That number of teams though, has also been the making of this Super Rugby this season. As sad as it was to watch the hapless Rebels stumble and fall, their death has resulted in a vibrant competition that has enthralled the masses since day one. This appears to have been forgotten by the army of enraged media who are now taking potshots at the structure, now that they have tired of celebrating the good. The powers that be had no idea how the points collection would pan out. They weren't to know who would end up where. Yes, they had control over the placement of the finals fixtures, and have probably acquiesced to the broadcasters timing needs, but Super Rugby Pacific isn't a charity, bills need to be paid. There is only one certainty here. There will be one winner. Regardless of how they scale their lofty peak, whatever steps they had to take, none of that matters in the wash up. The champion of 2025 will be remembered, not how they got there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says they can't afford to take the Blues lightly in today's Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final in Hamilton. The Chiefs beat the Blues twice this season, although their previous meeting was a one-point win. McMillan feels they can't read much into the Blues' recent form but acknowledges the threat of the defending champions. Tonight's game is a rematch of last year's final, in which the Blues claimed victory 41-10. Chiefs scrum-half Xavier Roe joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders' home Super Rugby playoff winning record has been extended to 30 consecutive games after a comfortable 32-12 win over the Queensland Reds in Christchurch. The hosts ran in five tries to two and held the Reds scoreless for 70 minutes. The result secures the Crusaders a home semifinal next week. Commentator Tony Johnson joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to review the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features NZ Herald Sports Journalist Michael Burgess and Sports Commentator Lavina Good. On the agenda this weekend: Is the 'Run it Straight' style game a stain on society? Violence against referees in local rugby. What will Gary Stead's legacy be once he fully retires? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport. The Waratahs are still in with a chance - how? Everyone is talking about the players who aren't playing in the NRL The Aussies need someone to score some runs ahead of the World Test Championship. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Mystics expect to take on a mirror image of themselves when they battle the Mainland Tactix in their ANZ Premiership netball game in Rangiora this afternoon. The Mystics are unbeaten after three rounds and top-of-the-table with nine points, while the Tactix are second on seven points. Captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson points to depth as each team's strength. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek has powered into the last 16 of the French Tennis Open with a straight sets win over Romania's Jaqueline Cristian. World number one Aryna Sabalenka, Jasmine Paolini, Qin-Wen Zheng, and Elena Rybakina are also through. Tennis Correspondent Craig Gabriel joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the results of the third round from Roland Garros. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have clinched the second seed in Super Rugby Pacific after a thrilling 33-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra. Trailing 31-28 with seven minutes remaining, replacement hooker George Bell dotted down in the 77th minute to snatch victory. Sky Sport Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the final round of Super Rugby. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A home farewell for a quintet of Blues players in tonight's Super Rugby contest against the Waratahs at Eden Park. Mark Tele'a, Harry Plummer, Ricky Riccitelli, and Adrian Choat are leaving the franchise to head offshore, while Rieko Ioane goes on sabbatical in Ireland. The defending champions host the Waratahs tonight at Eden Park, needing a win and hoping Moana Pasifika lose to the Hurricanes in the capital later this evening. The Waratahs could also sneak into sixth if they beat the Blues and Moana also goes down. Blues player of the year and possible All Blacks bolter Josh Fusitu'a joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent explosion of side-show violence masquerading as sport and the associated media coverage has been quite the eye opener. Basically, it's a Darwin Award trilogy. Combat sports' way of contributing to the awards which recognize individuals who have aided human evolution by removing themselves from the gene pool by dying or becoming sterilized under their own steam. The first of the new look Darwin Award games was the wince inducing Power Slap. The two people slapping each other game has been around for a while now, created by UFC Empresario Dana White. Nothing subtle about this. One contestant stands still whilst the other contestant slaps them in the face with all the power they can muster. They then trade places. Defenceless. Sitting duck stupidity if you will. Part two of the ‘can't look away car crash' triptych was released onto an unsuspecting public in the form of Run It Straight. An Australian game that has chosen to replicate the collisions found in rugby and rugby league. Zero subtleties here, one contestant runs flat out at the other one, holding a ball to give the exchange some tenuous connection to sport. They collide. That's it. That's the game. Dumber than a bag of hammers. The third instalment of the trilogy is the Dan Hooker driven One Minute Scrap. Dan is a UFC fighter who holds a series of one minute stand up punch ups in his back yard. You have one minute to knock the other participant into next week. Agricultural if you will. There are common denominators here: Appeals to the very baseline of the human psyche. Beat someone up. I'm tougher than you, I win. Straight out of the stone-age. The end goal is money. Money. Dirty cash I want you, dirty cash I need you, oh. Clickbait. It's all there to hook straight into the veins of the bored social media hordes. Easy to understand, quick, violent. The rules are so incredibly simple, even the most mentally challenged can understand them. Indeed, the contestants appear to be in that same class. All these pastimes (not sport) are a sad but wholly predictable reflection on the current state of humanity. But before we get too judgey on this, let's not forget that in our so-called advanced society, we still resort to war to settle our differences. Physically we've left the cave, but mentally we are still very much there. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features NZ Herald Sports Journalist Bonnie Jansen & Freelance sports journalist Aidan McLaughlin. On the agenda this weekend: Can Auckland FC make it all the way to the Grand Final? Should Ardie Savea get a look at the All Blacks captaincy? Supercars is taking off in New Zealand - this time Christchurch joins the party. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open is currently underway at the North Shore Squash Club with some intriguing matches in store across the weekend. The men's PSA Challenger has its quarters and semis on Saturday and final Sunday while the women's Satellite runs Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The men's draw involves players such as Northland left-hander Freddie Jameson, who was a finalist at the New Zealand Junior Open this year - but is up against another teen in Auckland's Vihan Chathury who will be playing for New Zealand at World Junior Championships in Egypt in July. New Zealand Juniors coach Evan Williams joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for an update on the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ANZ Premiership netball action - the Stars are looking to keep the win-train chugging against the Pulse in Auckland this afternoon. After a tough loss in round one, the Stars beat the Tactix to get in the win column last weekend. Stars goalkeeper Lili Tokaduadua joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A blockbuster loose forward match-up looms in tonight's Super Rugby clash between the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika in Hamilton. All Black teammates Wallace Sititi and Ardie Savea will battle in the trenches, as Moana look to complete the grand slam of wins over New Zealand teams. Chiefs number eight Sititi says his side can only hope to contain Savea. Meanwhile, Moana captain Savea says friendship will be put on hold this evening. Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the match, and look back at Friday night's games. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record number of athletes are preparing for a week of fierce competition at the 2025 Apollo Projects NZ Swimming Championships. More than 350 athletes will be swimming in the competition which is being held at the Sir Owen G Glenn National Aquatic Centre in Auckland from Wednesday May 21st to Sunday May 25th. The field will feature a mixture of young talent and seasoned performers, with 17 Aquablacks (NZ representatives) including 7 Olympians and 5 Paralympians competing. Swimming NZ's new Head Coach Graham Hill joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to update day 4 of the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian Correspondent, gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport! Highlights include: Big decision this weekend that could spark at chain reaction. There is a battle to avoid the wooden spoon in Super Rugby. It's a big weekend for Aussie cricket in Wales. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are aiming to put together a complete performance in this afternoon's Pac4 game against the United States in Albany. New Zealand have beaten Australia and drawn with Canada so far in the campaign. Halfback Risi Pouri-Lane points to a number of areas her side can improve in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are striving for a fast start in this evening's A-League semi-final return leg against Melbourne Victory at Mt Smart. The Black Knights take a one-goal advantage into the sold-out re-match, the last stop before the grand final. Coach Steve Corica says a week off ahead of the first leg meant they were a bit rusty...but he doesn't expect that to be the case again. Auckland FC defender Dan Hall joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview this evening's season-defining game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know the saying, pressure makes diamonds. It's a wonderful theory, a beautiful axiom that is often delivered as a powerful reinforcement of the ability of athletes who exude titanium-like mental strength. We also know that pressure has the capability to wreak havoc. Pressure in the diving world can lead to nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness - more commonly and loosely known as the bends. Far from a precious rock. So how will Auckland FC behave under the most intense scrutiny that they have ever been subjected to? Melt under the blowtorch? Catch fire and burn to ashes through the concentrated glare of the A-League magnifying glass? Wilt? It's fair and right to say that the team have an almost irresistible momentum, their season has been one of almost mythical success, a fairytale if you will. Should they scale their Everest, it will become legend, one of the most extraordinary debut seasons in sport. Should they trip on the Hilary step and roll to their demise, the narrative will be one of a great season, but no cherry. There is no way of knowing which path this team will take, even with the influence of the uber successful Dan Hall, the hugely experienced Tommy Smith, the gatekeeper Alex Paulsen and the guiding light of one of the best coaches in the game, Steve Corica. No-one knows. Don't fear the unknown, that's where the magic is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features Rugby Writer Jamie Wall and Gold Sport Rugby Commentator Paul Allison. On the agenda this weekend: Team New Zealand announces Naples, Italy, will host 38th edition in 2027 Blues vs Moana Pasifika - grandstand sell out! Can Auckland FC get the job done? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport. On today's agenda: A Superstar is about to meet his idol Two of Australia's best compete in this weekend's Super Rugby clash LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round 2 of the ANZ Premiership opens with the highly anticipated Grand Final rematch between the Northern Mystics and Central Pulse. The last time these teams met, the Mystics took the 2024 Premiership title by a narrow one goal margin. This afternoon the Pulse will head to Auckland with a point to prove, aiming to cement themselves at the top of the table. Mystics midcourter Tayla Earle joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are determined to tidy up their discipline in a bid to avoid back-to-back defeats to Canada in Christchurch. The two teams meet again this afternoon at the same venue of Canada's only ever win over New Zealand in women's rugby. The Black Ferns gave away 15 penalties in last week's win over Australia. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong travelling support's motivating Auckland FC for the away leg of their A League semifinal against Melbourne Victory tonight. Fans have been seen and heard across Australia this season - a big group were at last month's fixture in Melbourne in the league. Logan Rogerson out of the AKFC camp joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview their clash. Kick-off's at 9:35pm. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika have released an additional two-and-a-half thousand tickets for Saturday's Super Rugby derby with the Blues at North Harbour Stadium. They've sold out the grandstand, after a breakout year in the Super competition. Blues First Five Harry Plummer joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss Moana's success and their new cross-town rivals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the fairy tale continue? The page turning epic that has become Auckland FC's debut season is closing in on the final chapter. What started out as a wonderful picture-book story of a plucky youngster, the second born of two Kiwi teams in the A-League, striving to do their best as the new kid on the block, has developed into a Roy of the Rovers style graphic novel. Heroes have been made, stands have been full, chants have evolved, the media has added extra carriages to the band wagon, the Port supporters' mob have become the envy of other sporting teams. The black and blue jerseys have taken centre stage as a symbol of Auckland footballing pride in a city that has regularly chewed through and spat out any thought of a footballing foothold. What started as a pipe dream has materialised. They have a fanbase. They have results. They have silverware. It looks like they'll have their very own shiny new stadium soon too. They should have a women's team – the sooner the better. They play a brand of football that beckons eyes to the game. They are the poster child of the league. Auckland FC are tantalisingly close to closing their book as the sporting story of New Zealand and some say regardless of the semifinal and or final results, they have done enough to call their first foray into the world of pro football a success. But y'know, they haven't. What the team has achieved will all fade into fogged oblivion if they can't bring it home. Tough call? Hell no. They'll be thinking exactly the same thing, if they aren't they can't call themselves true professionals. This fairy tale shouldn't be a Grimm Brothers reminder of the frailty of a championship run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features NZ Herald Online Sports Journalist Alex Powell and Gold Sport Rugby Commentator Hamish McKay. On the agenda this weekend: New Zealand Rugby suffers a massive loss, despite a record income for 2024 Go Media Stadium gets the nod over Eden Park Are we unlikely to see India and Pakistan play each other in cricket again? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport. On today's agenda: The Supercars are looking to go even faster this afternoon. It's a big day for the Warriors. Can the Brumbies keep going in Super Rugby? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally continues this week with round two, competitors heading to Timaru for the South Canterbury Hydraulics Rally South Canterbury. The one-day event sees competitors tackle a mixture of forestry and public roads on the outskirts of Timaru, before a final blast around the Levels Raceway circuit on Saturday afternoon. D'Arcy Waldegrave caught up with rally leader Ben Hunt ahead of the day's action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian McKenzie returns from his hand injury to start for the Chiefs in Saturday's Super Rugby top of the table match against the Crusaders in Christchurch. McKenzie's return pushes Josh Jacomb back to the bench after a fortnight in the starter's role at 10. Wallace Sititi also starts for the visitors after two weeks off the bench in his return from a knee injury. Crusaders coach Rob Penney has plumped for Rivez Reihana at 10 in place of Taha Kemara after his season long injury, allowing James O'Connor to retain his finishing role off the bench. Hooker Codie Taylor caught up with D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. Kick off is at 7:05pm - with live commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Depth is being tested early on in the Central Pulse camp ahead of the start of the ANZ Premiership. Midcourters Maddy Gordon and Whitney Souness and shooter Khiarna Williams have all battled pre-season niggles. Coach Anna Andrews-Tasola hopes the problems will be short lived. The Pulse open their season against the Magic in Palmerston North this afternoon. Centre pass is at 4pm. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Ferns lock Maia Roos has full confidence in Blues teammate Ruahei Demant to steer the ship at first-five in this afternoon's Pacific Four opener against Australia in Newcastle. Demant has the ability to play between fly-half and second-five, appearing in the latter position for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki. Roos says the team needs a reliable playmaker to lead a stacked backline. Kick off is at 5pm - LIVE coverage on Gold Sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZR generated 285 million bucks last year. Sweet. They also manged to flush $305 million. Oops. A quick flick of the abacus tells us that $20 million slid down the back of the couch. Somewhere along the way, something has gone horribly wrong. I'm sure the bean counters are working their way through the figures, looking at the expenditure, trying to shave a bit here and a bit there, but shaving won't achieve a thing, they need an axe, not a Gilette. Gregor Paul from the NZ Herald continues to write revealing pieces on the issue, and he's far from complimentary around NZR's ham-fisted money management. His dive into these matters is far deeper than mine and revels some fairly alarming numbers associated with NZR's expenditure. His Silver Lake work points to what numerous folk were concerned about when NZR sold their pound of flesh to the American fund manager. To put it simply, Silver Lake care about profit, they couldn't care less about NZ rugby. They just saw some straw-chewing, dungaree-wearing farmers, spun them some grandiose yarns and walked off with a slice of their operation. Boom. Silver Lake will Shylock NZR, and Shakespeare will shake his head. Part of NZR and SLs brave new world involves the media platform NZR+. It's costing a bucket load as it gingerly steps its way into the vicious world of streaming. A world that NZR has no experience in and no right or point to be directly engaged with. I'm sure in time it will be revealed that the inner workings of NZR+ are, well, not working. Courier companies have one job. Prisons have one job. Focus on that task and I'd say job done. Granted, some courier companies lose packages and some prisoners escape, which beggars belief, maybe pure focus on one exercise would help them out. NZR have one job. Look after rugby from the grassroots to the superstar ABs. Stick to your knitting guys, leave broadcasting platforms to broadcasters, and maybe buy yourselves an abacus or two instead of more first-class flights and 5 star hotels for your ruling class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.