The All Sport Breakfast

The Warriors are fresh off a bye week after a narrow 20-18 loss to the Panthers. They've returned home after 56 days away and are preparing to take on the Sharks tonight. Assistant Coach Slade Griffin joined D'Arcy to discuss their recent loss and the upcoming match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final round of the ANZ Premiership has arrived and the finals roster has been locked in. However, the top spot on the ladder —which guarantees a spot in the final— is still up for grabs, and with a win over the Waikato BoP Magic, the Northern Mystics could secure the spot. Shooter for the Mystics, Maia Wilson joined D'Arcy to preview the final game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is peak Kane Williamson Last night New Zealand's greatest test batsmen called it a day. He scuppered the ship. The Kiwi batting GOAT decided, whilst sitting on the deck at Lords, that he'd put a fork in it. He's done. This is him to a tee. The Holy Grail of test batting, 10,000 runs, was beckoning. One last chance to topple the Ockers at their place was there. The opportunity to wind up an incredible career at home with a nationwide celebration against the might of India was right in front of him. Many reasons to soldier on. But that ain't Kane. He was never there to feather his own nest, to lord it up with dominant numbers, to wave his bat in the air and say look at me. He was almost embarrassed to celebrate his milestones. His personification of the humble Kiwi sportsman was all about what he could do for the team, how his contribution affected the greater good – which was always the Black Caps. He's moved on at the top of his game. His decision, not an enforced move, his call alone. No-one else. In his delightfully understated manner, he said “playing that last game at Lord's is kind of cool.” He goes quietly into the night, putting the team he has so much respect for, ahead of himself. Peak Kane Williamson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals are well underway – the Chiefs have claimed their spot in the big dance, but the clash to decide their opponents is still yet to come. The Blues have limped their way to the finish line after losing four straight games, and are now tasked with a massive challenge – taking on the title-favoured Hurricanes at home. Assistant coach Greg Feek joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's biggest motocross race is taking place in Foxton this weekend – the 63rd annual NZ Grand Prix. The event was originally set to take place in January, but stormy weather washed out the track and saw the race postponed and moved to a new track that can handle any potential downpours. Josiah Natzke, currently ranked second in the country, is among the competitors, and joined D'Arcy to preview the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Tuatara are riding high, currently sitting atop the NZNBL table. They're heading to Taranaki this weekend to take on the Airs – aiming to use the game to solidify their place. Shooting guard for the Tuatara, Isaac Davidson joined D'Arcy to preview the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mixed start to the NZ Ice Hockey League for the West Auckland Admirals, with three wins and three losses under their belts. They'll be aiming to pick up a couple more wins this weekend when they take on the Canterbury Red Devils in a double header. Vice Captain Flynn Hayward Jones joined D'Arcy to preview the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things are coming down to the wire for the Northern Stars. With only two rounds left in the ANZ Premiership, the team will need to win both if they're to have any chance of making it into the finals. They're taking on the Southern Steel tomorrow afternoon in what's set to be a tense game as they currently sit just one spot above the Stars on the ladder. Stars midcourter Claire O'Brien joined D'Arcy to discuss the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have stumbled to the Super Rugby Pacific finish line. But after losing three straight matches heading into the playoffs, they still have a chance to make history tonight. They're travelling to Christchurch tonight, aiming to be the first team in 33 attempts to beat the Crusaders on their home ground. Assistant coach Paul Tito joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a disappointing showing from the All Whites on Wednesday afternoon, the team suffering a 4-0 loss to Haiti. However, their biggest match is still yet to come, as they look to hit out one final time before the FIFA World Cup kicks off. They're set to take on the number four ranked side in the world, England, for the first time since 1991. Attacking midfielder Ben Old joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tail end of the ANZ Premiership is fast approaching, and the Southern Steel are well placed – currently sitting in second on the table. Tomorrow afternoon will see them host the third placed Northern Mystics – a match they'll have to win if they want to keep their spot. Vice-captain Georgia Heffernan joined D'Arcy to discuss the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific has reached its final round and the playoffs are looming. The Blues are set to take on the Chiefs in a high-stakes clash they might need to secure the third place spot in the first round of the playoffs. With the Crusaders' victory over the understrength Hurricanes, the Blues will also need to win tonight's match to lock in a home qualifying final. Blues Centre Back Xavi Taele joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Halfway through the NZ NBL, the Franklin Bulls are holding onto the final playoff spot, currently sitting in sixth place. They're set to take on the second-ranked Auckland Tuatara at home tomorrow and will certainly be seeking an upset. Bulls guard Jace Carter joined D'Arcy to preview the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I get it. Within the loose structure of Super Rugby Pacific edicts, the allowance for teams to ‘pull a Hurricane', as it will be known from this point on, is readily available. If a team deem it to be prudent to rest players for a fixture, they can. Tonight the Chiefs are ‘pulling a Hurricane' against the Blues. Finishing at the top of the table, in a position where the result of the final round robin game cannot affect the team's final series placement, has afforded both the Hurricanes and the Chiefs the opportunity to rest key players for their final games versus the Crusaders and the Blues. Which of course both teams did. Legal, understandable, and accepted by most. The chance to rest tired carcasses and minds, which is insane, the season is short, this is not an NRL 27-week journey. It's 16. With byes. Yes, this is unusual, it's not often, if ever, that the first and second teams find themselves in a space where their final games have no bearing on their final round robin placement. I expect that forcing teams to play their top 23 would be nigh on impossible to police, so we are stuck with abominations like last night's pie fight. The clown. The Crusaders-Hurricanes clash should have presented the sold-out stadium with a stunning display of top rugby from some of the best players the game has to offer. The fans at home on the couch should have been treated to a high-quality exchange, celebrating the dizzying heights of our national game. But they weren't. We were served up a lukewarm plate of leftovers, masquerading as a restaurant quality main. Sure, some key ingredients still made their way to the plate, like Sevu Reece having a field day at Te Kaha, sorry Tahi Aotearoa Whare Hākinakina, no, um One New Zealand Stadium. The integrity of Super Rugby Pacific was compromised last night, and I'd suggest that tonight's Battle of the Bombays will be no different. The ‘Canes deserved to be spanked last night, and I hope the Blues dish up the same punishment to the Chiefs this evening. The fans should feel ripped off, the coaches ashamed. That's not high-quality sport entertainment. That was an abomination. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are on a hot streak as their biggest game of the season looms. They picked up their 7th win in a row last week against the Dragons, and are set to take on the powerhouse Penrith Panthers tomorrow night in a top of the table clash. Assistant Coach Richard Agar joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Tuatara have had a strong start to the NZNBL season. They're currently sitting second on the table, and will be wanting to continue their winning ways when they take on the last-placed Tauranga Whai later tonight. Centre for the team, Chris Johnson joined D'Arcy to preview the game and discuss the differences between the NZ game and the US one. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are running red hot in the NRL, having picked up their fifth win in a row in last weekend's Magic Round. They claimed a decisive win against the Broncos, 42-12. They're back in action tonight, taking on the last place St George Illawarra Dragons. Coach Stacey Jones joined D'Arcy to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika could be running out for the final time at home tonight, and channelling all of their emotions into statement performance against the Queensland Reds this afternoon. It's been a challenging season for the team and their future is looking increasingly dire, but they'll be aiming to put on a strong performance in front of their fans. Head Coach Tana Umaga joined D'Arcy to discuss the clash and the emotions surrounding it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Mystics' have put together a solid ANZ Premiership campaign in the season so far. Last weekend saw them defeat their cross-town rivals, the Northern Stars, 57-51, solidifying their third place spot on the table. Tomorrow afternoon they're taking on the Central Pulse, and captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a massive day for football in New Zealand. In their second ever season, Auckland FC has qualified for the A-League Grand Final – the first men's team to qualify in New Zealand's history. Their dominant performance against Adelaide last weekend locked them into the final, and now they're set to face Sydney FC at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium tonight. Forward Jesse Randall joined D'Arcy to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All hail AKLFC. The Auckland football side have gone one better than their inaugural season by booking a place in the A-League final. Arguably they have trumped last year's season already. Trumped as in surpassed, not as in the tangerine coloured, tiny handed narcissist. They've packed out Mt Smart Go Media Stadium for the final, which from tonight on will be known as The Go Media Port after the intense fan base the team has whipped up. They've put football on the lips of sports fans across the motu, they've created an energy around Australasian sport that Super Rugby must be crying over, a vitality that the Warriors have finally tapped into and The Big Bash, aahh, yeah, nah, not yet. This is not only a triumph for football, but a resounding celebration of the power of money. So it is a bit Trumpy, right? The team hit the ground running, with the flames at their feet, propelled by the required largesse of a billionaire. It has yet to be determined if titles can be bought here but following in the footsteps of many a hugely successful football team, the smell of an oily rag will not fuel any team on the road to the promised land. This is not a negative thought. This is steeped in the reality of professional sport. It's not title buying, it's arming your team with as much hi-tech ordinance as possible. The A-League salary cap is one thing, an archaic, creaky and vaguely efficient mechanism to ensure on-field parity, but the real financial flex comes with the ability to fund everything else. Well-resourced if you will. Staff, equipment, facilities. Although as chief payroll executive Bill Foley found out, much to his surprise (not ours), no amount of money can oil the wheels of Auckland city's stadium development vehicle. All of that aside, the game promises so much. Victory is the only acceptable outcome, but to not enjoy the fixture for whatever it brings, regardless of the result, is insane. Revel in it, roll in it like a pig in mud, cheer, laugh, scream. Have fun, because sport is far too important to take seriously. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.