The All Sport Breakfast

Today's All Star Panel features Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Sky Sport Commentator Jeff McTainsh. On today's agenda: Mo'unga returns! How much pressure does it place on Barrett and MacKenzie? Can the Wahs save their season and remain in the top 4? Or are they toast? Can we read anything into the Black Caps domination of Zimbabwe? When are we going to give up on NZ hosting State of Origin? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) Freestyle series is well and truly underway, with the next event being held this Sunday at the Remarkables in Queenstown. Scott Palmer, the Competitive Pathway Manager of SSNZ, joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to break down the competition. He touched on how it operates, what tracks are available for people to try, and the development of the sport in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's crunch time in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League this weekend, with the Botany Swarm and West Auckland Admirals facing off in a two game semi-final series. D'Arcy Waldegrave caught up with Botany Swarm Captain Michael Attwell to preview the series – delving into how the semi-final will impact the final, and how the team is looking heading into the most important games of the season thus far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The V8 Supercars is headed to Queensland this week, set to race at the Ipswich Super 440. Kiwi driver Ryan Wood joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the event – discussing his experience at the track, development as a driver, and his run home towards the championship. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are aware that a dangerous road lies ahead if they're to earn their place in the NRL's top four. That begins with tonight's clash against the third-placed Bulldogs in Sydney – the only top eight side from their five remaining games. Warriors hooker Sam Healey joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss what the team needs to change after last week's disappointing loss, the impact of injuries on the side, and how having an experienced hooker in the former of Wayde Egan has aided his development. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tough first-up clash for the Auckland Storm to kick off rugby's Farah Palmer Cup against defending champions Waikato at College Rifles this afternoon. The two sides last met in last year's semi-final, with Waikato storming to a 69-12 victory. Captain Eloise Blackwell joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to dicuss the team's preparations for the season ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a dramatic start to the 2025 Bunnings NPC, with Auckland's narrow loss to Waikato at Eden Park – 36-35. The team started strong, with new captain Anton Segner opening the scoring in the fifth minute, but they were unable to hold back the Tron, who landed four tries in the last twenty minutes. Segner joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss how they'll bounce back this weekend, and their plan to take on Canterbury as the away underdog. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 thousand for 3. Okay, that's a little over the top, but it represents the chasm between Zimbabwe's test cricket team and the rest. Overnight the Black Caps turned the screws on the hopelessly out classed Africans, piling on the runs at Bulawayo, at stumps NZ had extended their lead to 476, amassing 603 for the loss of 3. Centuries for Conway, Nicholls, and Ravindra, with the latter two still at the crease, represents a sound flogging after only two days of cricket. If this was softball, the mercy law would've sent them all home. The oft used phrase in circumstances such as this is ‘you can only play who's been put in front of you', which is accurate but wholly depressing when this game has been given faux test status. This should never have been the case. This should have been part of a New Zealand A tour, which it essentially is when the lineup is taken into account. The Black Caps are without a number of their go to first XI yet are still poleaxing the opposition. The match is not part of the World Test Championship which further erodes any import the game thought it had. We all understand that Zimbabwe cricket needs to be nursed along, but is this exchange benefitting them or merely serving as a reminder of how poor Zimbabwe cricket is? This series isn't helping anyone. The fresh Black Caps aren't being exposed to any clear and present threats, the older and returning players inflating their averages, essentially masking the efficacy of their input. It may pump up their tires but with little test cricket on the horizon, is there a point to it? This series should never have been afforded test status. Still, it's cricket in whites, so I'll watch it. Tragic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds are hitting the ground running at a brand new course this weekend. The NZ Cross Country and Relay Championships are taking place at Christchurch's Hagley Park, with 530 athletes competing. Defending Champion Connor Melton is racing on his home soil, and joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat about the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge third day of week one of provincial rugby's men's NPC. Taranaki is putting the Ranfurly Shield on the line tonight with a clash against Northland. Northland is hoping to host the Shield over the summer, heading into their first clash of the season with some serious amp. Rivez Reihana joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the season and touch on what it means to take on the defending champions in the opening match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors women are looking to shore up their defensive line in Sunday's NRLW Magic Round contest against the Cowboys in Newcastle. They've conceded 86 points across four games, tied for the second-most in the competition. Lock Laishon Albert-Jones joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash and talk about how they plan to pick things up again from their third loss of the season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sneakers are hitting the ground this morning in Taupo, as the country's longest-standing running and walking event kicks off. The Taupo Marathon will see around 5000 people hit the streets and race around the lake. Director of Total Sport and race organiser Aaron Carter joined the show to discuss the swell in participation events like this are seeing, and shares a few details for those keen to jump in last minute. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NPC's 2025 season has gotten underway and the south is gearing up for one of rugby's most passionate rivalries this weekend. Stag Day —as the fixture has become known— sees Otago take on Southland for the opening of their campaigns. Last year Southland came out on top with a 22-13 victory in front of a crowd of over 7000. Stags player Scott Gregory joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the hotly anticipated content and take a look at the team's focus for the season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask and you shall receive. During the week, stand-in Warrior's skipper Kurt Capewell told media that what the Wahs needed to do was to get back to their style of footy. Be careful what you wish for right? Last night they did. A perfect example of Warriors football. Brilliant one minute, wretched the next. Free flowing, awe inspiring movement followed by a clunk-a-thon. Accurate aggressive defence backed up with turnstile slop. Wrestling defeat from the jaws of victory. Which is exactly what the Warriors dished up last night. In a fixture which loomed as pivotal to their wobbling season, questions were posed by the Dolphins, the answers weren't what we wanted, but to a degree, expected. Granted, the Dolphins provided stout defence and must be lauded for scrapping their way to two competition points without Herbie Farnworth and playing the last 7 minutes a man down. Surely though Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf couldn't have seen the harem-scarem last minute offensive flood that pinched victory at the death. The Wahs' early season heroics are but a memory as they face a potentially treacherous run home. With arguably the comps best fixtures lined up for a final thrust, confidence now must surely be at the lowest ebb this season. This is not entirely of their own making, with the continued menace of injuries now kicking their door in, but last night's display down the stretch, although initially showing great heart, revealed an alarming albeit predictable side of the Penrose Muddogs. Like most Warriors seasons, the dreaded mathematical chance rears its ugly head - not of reaching the finals, but falling out of the top 8. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a battle of the North and South in today's football quarter final. Auckland United is facing off against Christchurch United in the first of the Chatham Cup quarter finals, the Auckland team heading down south for the clash. Captain Ross Haviland has made over 250 appearances for the Auckland side, and joined D'Arcy Waldegrave ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teams are taking to the ice, aiming to get one step closer to gold. The Auckland Steel are facing the Dunedin Thunder in the 2025 NZ Women's Ice Hockey League Championship semi-final. The Steel have won three championships in their history, and their captain Jamie Jones joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat about their strategy when it comes to such a pivotal game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster admits they possess no intimidation factor over the visiting Gold Coast Titans when the two NRL sides meet today at Mt Smart. The Titans beat the Warriors twice last year, highlighted by a 66-6 drubbing across the Ditch – one of the worst results in the Auckland club's history. They'll have the chance to avenge themselves this evening, and forward Jacob Laban joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss their key focuses in the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Positive signs for the Black Caps with both bat and ball in their final T20 tri-series group game against Zimbabwe in Harare. New Zealand claimed a 60-run win over the hosts, defending 190 for six by rolling Zimbabwe for 130, including four for 12 to spinner Ish Sodhi. They're looking to cap their so-far perfect run – a win cementing new coach Rob Walter's first series at the helm. Batter Daryl Mitchell joined D'Arcy Waldegrave from Zimbabwe for a chat. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Mystics are backing themselves to combat a Mainland Tactix outfit flushed with fresh confidence in tomorrow's ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland. They advanced directly to the grand final after claiming their third Minor Premiership, with a record of nine wins and one loss. The Tactix dominated the second half of the elimination final against the Pulse in Christchurch, fight back from six goals down in the second quarter. Mystics goal attack Filda Vui joined D'Arcy Waldegrave for a chat ahead of the showdown. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 33 have been named. Last night in Upper Hutt the athletes charged with winning the World Cup were announced. 33 wāhine from across our fine motu were named as the Black Ferns to carry on New Zealand's outstanding record at the Women's Rugby World Cup. There were disappointments, notably the omission of one of the stars of the last tournament, the irrepressible Ruby Tui. I'm told Ruby was celebrating the loudest, cheering on the women picked, not sulking over her non selection. This says a lot to me about the sisterhood, the whanau, the strong bond between these women. And they'll need it. Back in the halcyon days, the Ferns were the gold standard. They dominated the game, winning six titles. The first two world tournaments, won by the USA and England, didn't have official recognition from the IRB (now World Rugby), but they have since been retrospectively given official status. In 1998 the Ferns became champions of the world. They have only been beaten once in the comp since then, and that was at the hands of England in 2014. Last time out they shook up the world at home, riding their luck past France in the semi then beating the English in a pulsating final at a chocka Eden Park. Joanah Ngan Woo was the hero that day, swiping a line out ball on her own line to stop the English surge in its tracks. An astonishing end to a spectacular tournament. The energy in the stadium was like nothing I have experienced in a big international rugby fixture. The testosterone that dominates All Black matches, the collective fear of defeat, the barely contained masculine rage didn't exist. It was pure joy. It was a rugby crowd as it should be. Let's hope that continues in England as New Zealand strut their stuff and win again. Not defend their title, win it all over again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors women started off strong, claiming a win over Parramatta last Sunday. Centre Tysha Ikenasio got on the scoresheet last weekend and is hoping for a repeat when they face the Knights tomorrow. The former sevens player joined Adam Cooper to discuss their strategy off the back of their success, and how she's finding the switch from sevens to league. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southland Sharks are aiming to keep the Wellington Saints from claiming their 13th national title this weekend. They're clashing in the NBL Grand Final – the Saints hosting the Sharks at TSB Arena in Wellington. Sharks Captain Alonzo Burton joined Adam Cooper to discuss his fifth season with the team, entering the final as the underdogs, and the team's approach to claiming the championship title. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world – a racquet sport combining the elements of tennis and squash. The Padel New Zealand tour is hitting Wellington this weekend, the tour designed to bring players of all levels together. Luke Neira, founder of Padel Wellington, joined Adam Cooper for a chat about the growth of the sport, encouraging players to get involved. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrexham AFC has arrived in the capital, ready to take on the Wellington Phoenix. Midfielder for the Welsh side, Elliot Lee, joined Adam Cooper to delve into the club's transformation and their smash hit Disney+ series ‘Welcome to Wrexham'. He also touches on his ambitions as a footballer, and what to expect from this weekend's A-League class. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With one final test on the agenda, the All Blacks will be aiming for a clean sweep against France. They're running with a largely changed team, including the late switch out of Reiko Ioane due to injury. ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith caught up with halfback Cortez Ratima for a chat about starting in front of his home crowd in Hamilton, and the team's aim to maintain their winning streak. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lions are ready to roar to life when they face the Wallabies in their opening test match tonight. The British and Irish side have won all five of their warm-up matches across the ditch and will face the Wallabies for the first time since 2013. Legendary former Wallaby David Campese joined Adam Cooper to analyse the Australian team named for the first match of the three test series – is it understrength? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's All Star Panel features rugby commentator Ross Bond and sports broadcaster Rikki Swannell. On today's agenda: Did the All Blacks underestimate the under-strength French side in Dunedin? How reflective will today's Black Ferns clash be of their readiness for the World Cup? Is it fair that players have to pay to compete in age grade tournaments? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Front row Cheyenne Tuli-Fale has returned for the Auckland Premier Rugby Final, as two-time champions Ponsonby take on Marist in hopes of maintaining their winning streak. She joined Adam Cooper for a chat about the growth and development of premier grade rugby over the season, and rising competition standards. Tuli-Fale played for Blues Aupiki in the 2025 season and had a taste of the black jersey in the Black Ferns XV team facing the Black Ferns last weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are facing a few hurdles when it comes to Sunday's NRL clash. With two back-to-back losses and their starting halfback out with an injury, they'll be looking to turn things around. Loose forward Erin Clark joined Adam Cooper ahead of the clash the West Tigers, to discuss if the team are ready to take a step up and return to winning ways. They also discussed Tanah Boyd's debut in the No. 7 jersey, and he gave his thoughts on the State of Origin clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Pulse are determined to do a fallen teammate proud and make the ANZ Premiership playoffs. The three-time champions need to beat the Magic in Tauranga on Saturday to fend off a late challenge from the Steel to make the Top 3. Midcourter Maddy Gordon joined Adam Cooper to preview their final round robin clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite Will Jordan's star turn at right wing for 79 minutes of the opening test against France, the All Blacks have decided against repeating the dose in the second test. Jordan will start at fullback on Saturday in Wellington, with Reiko Ioane moving over to the left wing and Emoni Narawa replacing an injured Caleb Clarke on the right. ZB's Voice of Rugby Elliott Smith caught up with Jordan when the team was announced earlier this week, discussing the line up changes, switching jersey numbers, and what the All Blacks are expecting from France in match two. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French are busy this weekend, with the Tour de France kicking off tonight in Lille. 21 stages, 3,338 kilometres, it's a gruelling test of endurance. Christchurch's Laurence Pithie has been selected to compete by German team Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe – competing for the first time. The 22 year old is set to become just the 19th New Zealander to compete since the event began in 1903, and he joined Nick Bewley for a chat ahead of the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been nearly five years, but the wait is almost over for the Warriors women who will return to the NRL-W tomorrow afternoon. Their opening match is against the defending champions the Sydney Roosters, with kick off at 1.50pm. Their first home game is next weekend in Hamilton. Starting halfback Emily Curtain joined Nick Bewley ahead of her club debut for a chat about the upcoming season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight sees the All Blacks face off against France in the first test of the 2025 Season. Hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho has been named as a reserve, and sat down for a one on one with Elliott Smith ahead of the action. They chatted about an injury forcing Taukei'aho out of the game for 2024, and how the birth of his first child impacted his perspective in life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has surged to an historic quarter-final win against Switzerland at basketball's Under-19 World Cup in Lausanne. Down by six points at halftime, the junior Tall Blacks won 84-70 - the first time they've made the semi-finals of the global event in this age group. The team joins the 2002 Tall Blacks, who came fourth at the world championships, and the 2024 U17 side, as the one of the few teams to make it this far at the Basketball World Cup. Former Tall Black Casey Frank joined Nick Bewley to unpack the team's success. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international rugby double header is kicking off this afternoon in Whangarei. The Black Ferns are taking on the Black Ferns XV from 1:05, followed by the Māori All Blacks clash against Scotland from 3:35. Antonio Shalfoon is set to make his debut for the Māori side, and joined Nick Bewley for a chat about playing for the team and his unreal 2025 season so far. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features Rugby Writer Jamie Wall and Newstalk ZB Sports Journalist Dean McLachlan. On the agenda this weekend: Are Moana Pasifika in big trouble? Violence and abuse on the sidelines Kai Kara-France, our next superstar? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic intend to shut down the Southern Steel's tried and tested connections in this afternoon's crucial ANZ Premiership matchup in Invercargill. The hosts have former Tactix teammates Aliyah Dunn and Kimiora Poi, plus Kate and Georgia Heffernan. Both sides are competing for the third playoff spot, with just three rounds to go in the regular season. Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors believe they're striking the Broncos just as the NRL giants are getting their mojo back. The 4th placed Wahs are in Brisbane to tackle the Broncos from five o'clock this evening, knowing the home side has jumped to 7th on the ladder after two much-needed wins. Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar says the six-time premiers are a hard team to scout. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Māori All Blacks are aiming to be both brutal and fleet-footed in tonight's clash against a Japan XV in Tokyo. The match day 23, which features eight newcomers, has only had two trainings amid the travel to Japan after being named on Tuesday. But first-time captain Kurt Eklund wants the team to play in typical Māori fashion, playing with power and pace. The match is underway from 9.05pm. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bravo Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union. The union, along with the full support of all concerned parties, have taken a stand against the scourge of the game. In fact, the scourge of sport full stop. The unprecedented step of postponing an entire weekend of rugby, across all grades, is a case of the mouse that roared. This little provincial union, based in Levin, has acted on a promise, has backed up a threat, has drawn a line in the sand. Tired of the increasing rhetoric of rage emanating from the sideline, they have made a stand. Not on my watch. Not on our sidelines. Not in front of our children. It may seem like taking a gun to a knife fight, an overreaction to a small number of ferals who choose to behave like animals, but it's not. It's the act of a union who has the moral strength to attempt to bring a narrative of respect and decency back to our national game. This weekend, hundreds of players will hit pause on their season because of the actions of a few. This will eventually, I believe, trigger a groundswell of fans of the game, who will no longer tolerate the actions of a few. This is not a ‘thoughts and prayers' moment. This is a small voice that has been heard all over the country, that I'd hope will embolden other unions to follow suit. For one person to stand up to a sideline goon is difficult, but when many take the same stand, the power will be transferred from the transgressor to the greater good. The regrettable part of this is not that it must happen, which is a sad indictment on sporting fandom, but that it has been pioneered by a small union in the heartland. Horowhenua Kapiti RFU shouldn't have to take the weight of this on their shoulders, this is not their issue. NZR is the custodian of the game, they are the wheelhouse, this is their responsibility. It's a black mark on their organisation that this boil must be lanced by a small union, not by the people charged with running the game. HKRFU wrote in their release, the standard you walk past is the standard you accept. As a nation of sports fans, we must no longer accept the misguided rage from the sideline. Surely we're better than that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features Nathan Limm and Ross Bond. On the agenda this weekend: The Crusaders and Chiefs are clashing for the Super Rugby Pacific title The Warriors are facing an underpowered Panthers team Is Auckland City FC facing humiliation on the world stage? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.