The All Sport Breakfast

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.

This week's panel features Netball Commentator Jenny Woods and Graeme 'The Sportsfreak' Beasley. On the agenda this weekend: What has gone so wrong for the Indian Panthers basketball side? Do World Rugby actually care about 'SVNS' anymore? Lisa Carrington is so good, that she can miss a whole season? 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: Magic round and the return to common sense. Looking at Canberra tonight, and not just because of the election. Players are missing big games in Super Netball for weird reason. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dunedin is currently hosting the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey Men's and Women's World Championship Division IIB Tournaments. Men's Ice Blacks Coach Cameron Frear joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss their team's success so far and preview tonight's clash against Iceland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bowls3Five Interclub Finals tournament is taking place this weekend at the Royal Oak Bowling Club. This event features a shortened version of the traditional game, designed to boost participation and increase fan engagement. Legendary bowler Val Smith joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the tournament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bream Bay United has entered New Zealand's premier national knock-out competition for men's football — the Chatham Cup. It's the club's first appearance in the tournament since 1986, and they will take on West Auckland club 'Colo Boys FC' in their opening match. D'Arcy Waldegrave catches up with head coach Stuart McDonald to talk about the team's return to cup football. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors know they'll have to be at their best to take down the Cowboys in tonight's Magic Round contest in Brisbane. After starting the year with three straight losses, the Cowboys have rebounded with four wins on the trot. Number six Chanel Harris-Tavita says it's up to him and halves partner Luke Metcalf to drive the team to a fourth straight win over the Cowboys, but he admits their combination is still a work in progress. Kick-off for the Warriors home match on neutral territory at Suncorp Stadium is at 7.30pm. Former Kiwis international Daryl Halligan joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two significant ins for the Hurricanes as they prepare for a crucial home Super Rugby showdown against the Chiefs on Saturday night. All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere have both been named to start on their return from concussion layoffs. The match looms as pivotal in the run to the playoffs, and assistant coach Bard Cooper says they're happy the game is in the capital. Meanwhile, Chiefs star Damian McKenzie is out for a second straight week with his hand injury. With Anton Lienert-Brown out injured for the rest of the Super season, Daniel Rona takes the number 13 jersey. D'Arcy catches up with Hurricanes and All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard ahead of tonight's clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Basketball New Zealand has punched itself in the face. Broke its own nose, and is trying to tell us it walked into a door. The barely believable antics of not only the week just gone, but the entire season, and if players I've spoken to are to be believed, the pre-season, leads me to think that they are the architects of their own humiliation. The Indian Panthers were suspended this week after a series of stumbles which eventually lead to them falling over their own feet, leaving themselves prone on the court floor. Yes, the Panthers has been a problem child, yes, they've failed to deliver on court, yes, they've treated their staff both on court and off with disdain bordering on exploitation, yes they've dragged a wonderful competition into the swamp with them, but no, the blame should not lie solely at their Air Jordaned feet. Claims from the commission chair Tracey Garland that “careful due diligence” was applied before their inclusion in the league are difficult to swallow. I did some retrospective diligence. A quick skim of the internet around the history of the parties involved with the Panthers (yeah, I'm like an antivaxxer – I did my own research) points to clumsy management and financial chaos. More red flags than a wealthy, good looking hit on Tinder. Sal's NBL, NZ Basketball, whoever holds ultimate responsibility for this circus needs to stand up and tell us who opened the door and let these 20 clowns jammed into a tiny car in. They can finger point and obfuscate all they want. The Indian Panthers management are a fast talking, blame laying excuse factory, but if they weren't in the league, this wouldn't have happened. Fess up BBNZ, this is a monster you let in, own it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's panel features Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Freelance Sports Journalist Aidan McLaughlin. On today's agenda: New Zealand Cricket's bold new move into the United States The NRL confirms its 18th team Can Auckland FC bring home the chocolates on Sunday? 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: From zero to hero in just one week Lots of players looking for contracts And a new trophy in Super Rugby LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Tuatara suffered a heartbreaking 111–110 loss to the Taranaki Airs in a tightly contested Sal's NBL game in New Plymouth on Monday. They'll be looking to rebound at home against the second-placed Canterbury Rams. Dylan Wilkie joined D'Arcy Waldegrave from the Tuatara camp to preview the upcoming clash. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dettol Northern League heads into Round 7 with a full slate of matches taking place across the northern regions of the North Island - including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty. Former All White and football commentator Chris Milicich joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview all the upcoming action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.