The All Sport Breakfast

Some of the country's best track and field talent will be on show in Christchurch this afternoon as the city hosts its annual International Track Meet. Tom Walsh, Nick Palmer, Anna Grimaldi, Lisa Adams, and Tiaan Whelpton are all set to compete in their respective events. Shot putter Nick Palmer has the home crowd advantage, and joined D'Arcy to preview the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're rolling into the second week of Super Rugby with a blockbuster New Zealand derby. The Chiefs are heading down to Dunedin to face off against the Highlanders this evening. The Highlanders will be aiming to keep their momentum going, after last weekend's victory over the defending champion, the Crusaders. Attack coach Cory Brown joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are hitting the waves as the Ocean Swim series returns to the Bay of Islands. There's a range of different races this weekend, with something for anyone. Brent Foster, former Commonwealth Games and Ironman competitor, is one of those swimming – he joined D'Arcy to discuss the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uh oh. Trouble at mill. Trouble on the slopes. Trouble with five-time Olympic medallist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott. I hasten to add, not trouble of her doing – I don't believe that she has a troubling bone in her body. The NZ press has jumped on a perceived error within the judging panel, who placed the Kiwi in silver medal position after her final slopestyle run. It was by a snowflake, a mere .35 of a point behind eventual winner, the Japanese rider Mari Fukada. Two-time British Olympian Aimee Fuller has told TNT Sports that she believes the final decision was controversial and the judges got it wrong. “I think there was injustice in the results of today's women's slopestyle final, a real shame to see that progression wasn't rewarded on this instance.” Progression being the key word here —a buzz word that has long hovered around snowboarding— which is the ability, drive, and necessity to continue to raise the quality and difficulty of tricks in the Slopestyle, Half pipe, and Big Air. Aimee makes some valid points around the application of scores through each section of Zoi's run, the final three jumps being the crux of the criticism. Technically sound on the rails from the Kiwi, but progressively superior in the air. Pushing the boundaries successfully and cleanly, a level above the eventual gold medallist. If I was being picky, Zoi's dismount on the third rail, the front side lip slide with a 270 pretzel out, was a metre or two early and that may have cost her. But the main gripe from Fuller rests with the glamorous final three jumps. I'm no judge, I haven't slid in 15 years, and when I did ride, I was a sloppy try hard, so it's probably a bit rich for me to comment. This debate around an athlete besmirched can be whittled down to one thing: the vagaries of judging. As beautiful and gobsmacking as judged events can be, it's a subjective bunfight and really has no place at an Olympic level. Highest, fastest, longest, strongest, etc. Measured not judged. The athletes know this, are comfortable with this, and understand the complexities and perceived injustices of the process. Yet they still compete. They accept, smile, and move on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Breakers could still earn a basketball prize this season when they face the Adelaide 36ers in Sunday's Ignite Cup final on the Gold Coast. They ended the ANBL regular competition in seventh after beating the ninth-placed Taipans 115-84 in their final match. The Ignite Cup took place throughout the regular season, and there are some serious cash prizes on the line. Parker Jackson-Cartwright, point guard for the Breakers, joined D'Arcy to discuss the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025/26 A League season will see our third New Zealand derby play out, with Auckland FC taking on the Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium tonight. The Black Knights will look to make it 6-0 against their southern rivals and build some momentum as they head into the back half of the season. Auckland FC coach Steve Corica joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland needs sporting events. As many as possible. As big and flash and shiny as they come. The oft rumoured State of Origin has been teasing the populace for many a year. Rumours are still thick on the ground; this time it's thought that the announcement will be as early as this month. Great if it happens, but it will be a one off I'd suggest, great for a stellar tourist weekend for the 09, but not the long term locked down major sporting event the city yearns for. We have the ASB Classic. An annual tennis-fest to be proud of, long may it be a staple of the summer. The annual All Black fixture at Eden Park. Then crickets. The insects, not the test version which the city is incapable of hosting. It's hardly big or shiny either right? I'm not sure it's sport, but the hugely popular Black Clash cricket sportainment event is in the Bay. No big motorsport event in AK, although there were attempts at bringing Formula E here, but that got quashed before it had a chance to plug in. Supercars? Taupo and Christchurch. The World Rally Championship has been and gone; it is now a rarely realised pipe dream. Sevens rugby is long dead. Aotearoa's major golf tournament is in Queenstown. PDC darts? At least we've pinched that back from the Tron. Surfing's World League? Raglan. No America's Cup, thanks Grant. All of this points to one thing, the Auckland leg of the Sail GP. If the government and Auckland city don't fight tooth and nail to keep this rapidly expanding global event here on the sparkling Waitemata, somebody will need to get in the sea. These opportunities to host a major sporting event like this as a rare as a summer without poo on our beaches. Secure it and secure it long term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sail GP is in full swing this weekend at the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland with 12 teams from across the world competing. In last year's edition of the competition the Great Britain team took home the glory winning the competition. Hannah Mills was part of that team as the strategist. She joined D'Arcy to discuss the weekends action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby season is officially underway with the first two games happening last night. The Highlanders edged past the Crusaders in a thriller 25-23 while the Waratahs put on a dominant performance against the Reds 36-12 There's a three game slate this evening but we are going to look at the prime time match happening between the Blues and the Chiefs at Eden Park tonight. Both teams will be wanting to make a statement to begin the season and get their campaigns underway with a victory. Zarn Sullivan is the fullback for the Blues, and he joined D'Arcy to discuss the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sail GP buildup continues as the second round of the competition gets underway today in the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland. Melanie Roberts is the race director. She has been managing all of the events since it began in 2019. She joined D'Arcy to discuss what she has seen change and evolve throughout her time, what conditions are looking like for this weekend and what is the most difficult part of being the manager. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow afternoon there is a huge game going down at FMG Stadium in Waikato, the NRL All Star Game. The game is competed between the Maori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars. Briton Nikora is a second rower for the Maori All Stars and he joined D'Arcy to discuss the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge multisport event got underway this morning in the South Island the iconic Coast to Coast race. The race spans 243km beginning at Kumara Beach on the West Coast and finishes at New Brighton Beach in Christchurch. Hamish Elliot is competing at the event, he won in 2024 and was a runner up in 2025. Hamish joined D'Arcy to discuss the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend in Auckland this weekend with the second round of the 2026 Sail GP season taking place in the Waitemata harbour over the weekend. 12 teams from across the globe have descended on Auckland for what's set to be an exciting weekend of racing. D'Arcy kicked off the show at the event by chatting with Blair Tuke. He is the co-CEO and wing trimmer for the New Zealand team named the Black Foils and they discussed the event and what it means for the New Zealand team to be competing after the disaster in Perth a few weeks ago. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major athletics meet is taking place tomorrow in Auckland – the Sir Graeme Douglas International. The meet covers a wide range of track and field events, attracting competitors from across the country, including Paralympian Anna Grimaldi. She won a gold and a bronze at the Paris Olympics, in the 200m and 100m respectively, and will be competing tomorrow in the para women's 100m. Grimaldi joined D'Arcy to preview the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perth 7s are kicking off tonight – the fourth stop of the 2025/26 rugby 7s circuit. The Black Ferns Sevens put on a dominant display in Singapore last weekend, running through the pool stages and semi-final before dominating Australia in the finals, 36-7. They'll be aiming to string together another dominant tournament and continue to build their lead over Australia in the series standings. Jorja Miller joined D'Arcy to look back on their success in Singapore and look ahead to Perth. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a Super Smash-induced hiatus, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield returns to the Eden Park outer oval. The Auckland Hearts are set to take on the Central Hinds in the first of two matches today, and will hope to hit the ground running with a strong performance. Fast bowler for the Hearts, Bree Illing joined D'Arcy to preview the test. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC was unable to get themselves back on track last weekend, falling in the final moments to the Perth Glory – 2-1. They'll be raring to return to their winning ways this weekend in their home game against Sydney FC, aiming to put their troubling start to the year behind them. Central defender for Auckland FC Jake Girdwood-Reich joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the match and discuss the team's performance thus far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy. Respect. Aroha. This is snow sport. For the most part, those three words sum up the Winter Olympics. The crotch dropped pants and laissez-faire attitude of the snowboarders and skiers in big air, slopestyle, and halfpipe at the winter medal fest is a beacon of this state of mind. To watch the encouragement and enthusiasm of the competitors as they celebrate every athlete up against them, is to understand the primary driver of these extraordinary humans. Genuine celebration of success oozes out of every pore as the next big trick is stomped, which is a frequent occurrence in these snow sport disciplines, based on the oft used word, progression. The constant evolution we witness shows no sign of abating, each run promises to amaze and astound and push the boundaries of the sport. Don't get me wrong, these athletes are fiercely competitive, risking life and limb for their country, they are relentless in their quest for victory. But they leave that for their run, the rest of the time, from the sideline, they are expressing support, excitement and joy. Rock stars the lot of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feet are hitting the ground tomorrow in Auckland. The Coatesville Half Marathon is the third race in the five-event Auckland Half Marathon Series and features a mix of challenging terrain and stunning views. Jasmine Finney is taking part in tomorrow's race, and joined D'Arcy to preview it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are beginning. It kicked off with the opening ceremony earlier this morning, snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott and Freeski athlete Ben Barclay selected as the flagbearers for New Zealand. New Zealand's Chef de Mission Marty Toomey joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat heading into the Games. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big weekend for racing fans. The New Zealand Grand Prix is kicking off at Otago's Highland Motorsport – one of the only two national grand prix events currently not part of F1. It's the 70th edition of the race and also serves as the Grand Final of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy. V8 Supercar driver Ryan Wood is taking part this weekend, and he joined D'Arcy to discuss the race. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HYROX is back for 2026. The race combines eight 1km bouts of running and eight workout stations, and participation has nearly doubled since it debuted in New Zealand last year – rising from 6000 to nearly 11,000 athletes. Kiwi Dexter Buchanan took second place at the Men's Pro in Melbourne, and joined D'Arcy to explain more about the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC's patchy form has continued into 2026 with a draw to the Central Coast Mariners last week. The game ended 2-2 after Auckland conceded a late goal. They'll be hoping to return to their winning ways this weekend when they cross the ditch to take on the Perth Glory at home. Central midfielder Louis Verstraete joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canterbury men will contest their sixth consecutive Grand Final in cricket's T20 Super Smash after trouncing Auckland by nine-wickets in Christchurch. The Kings rolled the Aces for just 106 in 18.4 overs. Canterbury opener Chad Bowes then thumped an unbeaten 59 off 31 balls to secure victory with a whopping 9.3 overs to spare. They'll face the Northern Brave in this afternoon's title decider at the same venue. Head Coach Peter Fulton joined D'Arcy to reflect on last night's clash, and look ahead to today's Grand Final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major sporting event is taking place this weekend in Dunedin – the Masters Games. It's the 37th edition of the event, and with over 60 sports on offer, it caters to every athlete who wants to get involved. Former All Black Kees Meeuws is an ambassador for the event, and joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland is hosting the Canoe Slalom Oceania Championships this weekend, and with ICF ranking points on the line, all competitors will be determined to put on a good show. Finn Butcher, Kiwi Olympic Gold Medallist, is one of the competitors, and he joined D'Arcy for a chat ahead of the Championship. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm for the old guy. Being an old guy myself, I'll be cheering for Novak Djokovic in tomorrow's Australian Open final. But why? It's just not the fact that Novak is at level 38 (better than saying 38 years old) and is going toe to toe with one of the next generation of tennis superstars, nor is it a lifelong fanboy situation. I'm not a fan. Really, in the case of a lot of tennis players, he's hard to like. His anti-vax status, as fashionable as it's become, still beggars' belief. Please, don't message me defending his decision, he's entitled to do what he wants with his carcass, hell, he can burn books too if that's his thing. My support of him in this final boils down to one thing, and aptly it's as self-centred as a lot of tennis players are, it comes down to my desire to witness history. Novak has risen to demigod status not only in tennis, but sport full stop. But he can still go up a notch. Roger Federer rightly has a place in the holding pen of tennis goats, as does Rafa Nadal and Andre Agassi. Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, and Margaret Court are chewing cud there too. Novak already has a golden slam (all titles and an Olympic gold) as does Steffi Graf. He's the only male triple career slam holder (Steffi Graf has 4), he has a non-calendar year Grand Slam as well. Tomorrow though, he could move out of the holding pen into the paddock. All alone. If he captures a record 25th Grand Slam he will become the true GOAT. I want to see him make tennis history. That's why I'm cheering for Novak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC defender Dan Hall admits it's been frustrating that the side have struggled to keep the ball out of their net this season. The Black Knights have only managed four clean sheets during the current A-League campaign and have conceded six goals in their last four games. Hall believes if his reigning minor premiers can improve their defence, it will help their attack. He told D'Arcy Waldegrave that as a defender, you pride yourself on clean sheets, which haven't been there as much as last season. “So that's obviously something to work on.” Auckland FC host the Central Coast Mariners at Mount Smart from 5pm. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's oldest sporting event is setting sail this weekend. The 186th edition of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta is taking place this weekend – an event eagerly anticipated by sailors and spectators alike. Chair of the Regatta, Bill Lomas joined D'Arcy to preview this weekend's action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps bowlers have copped a hammering on route to a thumping seven-wicket win loss in the second T20 cricket international against India. The boundary was consistently peppered and cleared as the hosts cruised to a target of 209 with almost five overs to spare. Mitch Santner top scored for the Black Caps with a solid knock 47 off 27, while Ish Sodhi was the pick of the bowlers 34/1 off 3 overs. Tim Seifert played in the match today and joined D'Arcy to break it down. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a huge day today in the world of horse racing. The Karaka Millions is descending on Auckland's Ellerslie Racecourse – one of the country's richest races. CEO of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, Paul Wilcox joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a summer full of hockey for the Women's Black Sticks, as they compete with the US, Japan, and New Zealand A in the three-nation, four-team series. They're set to take on Japan later today with the finals taking place tomorrow. Mezzy Surridge is a striker for the Black Sticks and scored a goal in their last match on Thursday. She joined D'Arcy to discuss the series and look at what to expect this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An iconic meet in the world of athletics is happening tonight – the Cooks Classic in Whanganui. The event covers a range of track and field codes, with track races ranging from 100m to a mile as well as some field events. D'Arcy was joined by one of the superstars competing, Sam Tanner to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregor Paul, a colleague of mine here at NZME, the home of Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald, wrote this about the just announced All Blacks v Springboks match in Baltimore: “This seems to me to be the most egregious money-grab in rugby's history: a decision that sells the genuine rugby fan short, compromises the physical well-being of the players and disrupts the nostalgic narrative of this being a traditional tour.” These are all fair points. I enjoy Gregor's writing. I love his succinct summary of the state of New Zealand rugby. His irascible Celtic mindset regularly holds a candle to the feet of NZR, for that we should be grateful. That sentence I referred to, bristling with indignation, maybe accurate and grim but sadly that's what rugby is and will continue to be. NZR have a duty of care with regards the financial security of our national game and recent history suggests they're trying hard to plug the fiscal leaks in the game, with the likes of the controversial and still-to-be-proven-astute Silverlake dive into the murky swamp of private equity. The fact that home test matches are dwindling in frequency, that players are being squeezed physically at every juncture, and that tradition has been pushed in front of a bus is of no surprise. Like Formula 1 drivers of the 50's and 60's, the modern rugby player is expendable and although they won't be killed as a result of their working conditions, if they burn out too early, never mind, here's another one to fill the breach. Some players appear intent on doing it to themselves, the much vaunted and demanded sabbatical, a concept based on rest and recovery, is now just a cash grab greedily swallowed by players with no apparent care for their own physical health. Bigger squads, higher player turn over, all drenched in money – all acceptable in the current rugby climate. Gregor is sadly right, but that's the nature of progress. If that's what we call this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's fastest racing category is under way. Round 2 of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is currently taking place in Taupo, following on from an intense race at Hampton Downs. Louis Sharp is one of the young Kiwi drivers aiming for a top spot, and joined D'Arcy for a chat about the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third youngest finalist in the modern history of the men's ASB Classic wants to put his name alongside the greats. Czech 20-year-old Jakub Mensik will face seventh-seed Sebastian Baez in the final from 2pm. NZ Herald Sports Journalist Michael Burgess joined D'Arcy to preview the finals. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis are hitting the water —literally— with the Manu World Championships well under way. With the Grand Final set for March, today marks the fifth qualifier, taking place in Whangarei. Event Director Scott Rice joined D'Arcy for a chat about the championship and how it's managed to pick up so much traction in such a short time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi sprinter Tiaan Whelpton is breathing down the neck of another New Zealand record. The Cantabrian is racing with the national 4x100 relay team, looking to break the 38.99 national best in tonight's Potts Classic in Hawke's Bay. He joined D'Arcy to preview the event, delving into the team's preparations for the race. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One last shot to secure victory in India. The final match in the ODI series between the Black Caps and India is tomorrow, the scores currently tied at 1-1, India having taken the first match and New Zealand the second. Black Caps batter Will Young joined D'Arcy Waldegrave tomorrow night's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania's first professional football league has finally arrived. The OFC Pro League is kicking off today with two clashes, one between Vanuatu United and Bula, and the other between Auckland FC and South Island United. Captain of the Auckland FC side, Tass Mourdoukoutas joined D'Arcy for a chat about the competition and what it could mean for the club. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving back from the glory of Otamure campsite on Thursday and my phone started squawking and honking and whistling and buzzing like a fridge. Being on holiday still, kind of, I ignored it. I eventually acquiesced to its frantic whirring and beeping and pulled over to check out what the electronic cacophony was signalling. Bloody hell! Scott Razor Robertson had been given the Spanish archer. The El-bow. Stunned? Taken aback? Incredulous? D) All of the above. I'd rather this story broke on Tuesday before my first talkback shift of 2026, but I think this story has more legs than The Grand Old Duke of York's men, that's the old army, not the modern version, so we have plenty to talk about in the coming days, weeks, or months even on Sportstalk. My number one thought was this: is David Kirk the new Steve Tew? This sudden ejection of the All Blacks coach was decisive, without warning, and is a sign of where the power really lies at NZR, and it's not with the coaching staff or players. The buck stops at the top. It's their game, it's been poorly handled and that will not be tolerated. BOOM. DCM. Whether you agree with the guillotine drop or not, there's no coming back. The head is in the basket; no amount of glue or duct tape is reattaching it. That's leadership right there. That's Steve Tew. Love him or hate him, he was definitely the boss, and that's the path David Kirk has taken as the Chair of the board. No fannying about. No swathes of grey. No yeah nah maybe, which had become a hallmark of NZR in recent times. Firm, decisive. It starts at the top, and it's wonderful to see iron fist leadership returning to our national game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a blackeye for Grant Dalton. Peter Burling's move to Luna Rossa says so much about their relationship, or the strained nature of it at least. It was a shock when Peter elected to walk away from negotiations with Team NZ, a bigger shock that he's now tied his colours to the mast of Luna Rossa's AC75. His exact role is not yet known, to us anyway, and should the protocol stop him from climbing on board, I really don't think that matters. His ability to point his dinghy in the right direction is plainly off the scale, that in itself would be a kidney punch to TNZ, but it's what he brings off the briny deep that will have the rest of the fleet a little freaked out. The amount of intellectual property Pete has stuffed in his noggin I'd say is unmatched across the America's Cup. His mana alone in the sailing world casts an enormous shadow over any regatta, his presence within the Italian set up will lift their performance just knowing he's there. I'm surprised in that, as a new parent, I figured he would continue to maintain full engagement in Sail GP, a competition he has full skin in, and be dad the rest of the time. He says he's looking forward to the family lifestyle in Italy, so obviously the demands of Luna Rossa are nowhere near as oppressive as life in a corrugated iron shed with Grant. He's going to be able to breathe, to live, to be his own man. Dum vivimus vivamus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.