The All Sport Breakfast

The Farah Palmer Cup is back.  It kicks off today, with the first round taking place over the weekend.  Auckland is looking for redemption after bowing out at the semi-final stage last year, but are faced with a challenging first round match up – Canterbury.  Captain Eloise Blackwell joined D'Arcy to preview the tournament.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History was made last week, the Northland Taniwha claiming the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978.  They defeated Canterbury 36-12 at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium and have brought the famed Log of Wood up north.   Tomorrow evening is their first defence, clashing with the Tasman Mako.  Taniwha prop Marcel Renata joined D'Arcy to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are well and truly rolling, now sitting on top the NRL ladder with a minor premiership in sight. It comes after their comprehensive victory over the Rabbitohs, 45-26, last Saturday.  They have just two games to go, and winning both is of utmost importance if they're to secure a top spot on the ladder after the Panther's claimed victory over the Bulldogs last night.   First up is their clash with the Knights tomorrow afternoon at Mt Smart Stadium.  Warriors Assistant Coach David Tangata-Toa joined D'Arcy to discuss the season and their upcoming match.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standing at the base of El Capitan. A sheer granite face in Yosemite National Park in the US. 2300 meters of near-death experience. The film Free Solo documented the outrageous ascent of that overwhelming rock face by free climber Alex Hannold. Watch it, it’ll bend your mind. Alex scales the monster unaided. A free climb. No ropes, no fear. No second chance. Climbing shoes and chalk – that’s it. The All Blacks won’t fall to their deaths if they slip on the face during their ascent of their El Capitan, the scaling of South African rugby. Every step, every foothold, every crimp, pinch, pocket, or sloper negotiated without fail. One wrong move for a free climber; the game is over. So far the All Blacks have negotiated their treacherous climb with only the odd misstep or slip. Some loose grips and sketchy holds have left them hanging by chalk coated fingertips, but they have not lost their grip on the face. Whether this team can continue their climb to the tour’s summit is unknown, but we’ll all be watching, craning our necks to get a good view of what will be a stupendous achievement.  Let us not forget the mass pessimism expressed by the rugby public when this Greatest Rivalry Tour was announced, the fear of inevitable defeat, the remote hope of at least taking one win from the many exchanges. The All Blacks had been faltering, showing an almost expected vulnerability at every turn, with the halcyon days of global domination a dearly held but distant memory of what the All Blacks meant to us. A colossus. An unflinching, merciless and relentless group of men hell bent on conquering all. Under Dave Rennie, for those who dare to dream, the All Blacks may scale those dizzying heights again. Unlike free climbing, mistakes aren't punishable with a fatal fall into the yawning emptiness, and although a successful climb in this instance looks as unlikely as a free climb of El Capitan, this seemingly impossible task is looking more likely with every carefully taken step and cautious hold. Fortune favours the brave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are braced for a South Africa backlash in the second test of four in Cape Town tomorrow morning.  They'll be aiming for a repeat of last weekend's dominant victory and to keep their winning streak alive.    Dave Rennie has made three changes to his side, including bringing Simon Parker on to the blindside flank due to the injury to Josh Lord.  Former All Black Reuben Thorne joined D'Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are back in action this afternoon.  They're going head-to-head to the Wallaroos at GoMedia Stadium this afternoon – their first international match since they last clashed in April.  Mererangi Paul is starting on the wing for the side and joined D'Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A dominant victory over the Broncos last week has put the Warriors in a good position in their quest to claim a top two spot.   However, a win against the Rabbitohs tonight is of utmost importance to keep that dream alive.  Joe Vagana, former Warriors prop, joined D'Arcy to discuss the season and the upcoming clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Rally Championship is rolling on.  The Hawke's Bay Rally is returning to the region for the first time since 2022, when it was cancelled due to Cyclone Gabrielle.   Hayden Paddon is taking part in today's race, and joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The action is nearing, with the first test in the Greatest Rivalry Tour kicking off tomorrow morning.  The All Blacks are going head-to-head with the Springboks at Johannesburg's Ellis Park at 3am Sunday.  Anton Leinert-Brown has been named to come off the bench for the Kiwi side, and joined D'Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Log o’ Wood. A generational continuum.    From the dawn of time —okay, 1904— NZ rugby teams have competed for a slab of oak, donated to NZR by Uchter John Mark Knox, the 13th Governor of New Zealand, the 5th Arl of Ranfurly.    The magic and the presence of the Shield hasn't dimmed in all those years.     Thursday night’s fireworks at New Zealand’s newest sporting toy, Tahi Aotearoa Whare hakinakina kei Te Kaha (One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha) was a wonderful collision of the old and the new. The Shield and the stadium. Another stich in the rich and varied tapestry that is New Zealand rugby.    The explosion of joy from the Taniwha, both players and fans, illustrated the hold this elusive trophy has on our national game. The stark difference in reaction from last week's losing captain, Bay of Plenty's Naitoa ah Kuoi and this week’s triumphant skipper Rivez Reihana, encompass what victory in these fierce exchanges mean to the game.    As a young fella, growing up in the 70’s in Otautahi Christchurch, the Sheild to me was fringed with an almost indescribable aura. There was not a great deal of books at our place, but of the few, one stood out. Can’t remember the name of it for the life of me, but on the cover was a picture of the Shield. It intrigued me and has ever since, through decades of domestic encounters. The 1985 game between Canterbury and Auckland in front of over 50,000 fans was a game that has reached legendary status, a game that every Christchurch man and his dog claimed to have attended.    In the office on Thursday night, one of my colleagues, a young man from the north, cried as his team did the unthinkable and won the Shield. Billy is as engaged as I was, decades later.   The game’s highlight for me was a shot of ex-Northland players Eric Rush and David Holwell in the stands, watching their kids in Cambridge blue lift the log. The joy was infectious.   Intergenerational continuum.   The Ranfurly Shield, the greatest trophy in New Zealand sport, by the length of the straight.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Darts Masters is in Auckland this weekend, showcasing some of the best darts players in the world.  It kicked off today at Spark Arena, and PDC Commentator Mark Webster joined D’Arcy to chat about the all the action expected over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bar has been set for the Warriors as they look to content for a Premiership this season.  Coming off a dominant win over the Panthers, the Warriors are looking to back that up against the Broncos in Brisbane tonight.  Chanel Harris-Tavita plays in the halves for the team, and joined D’Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have gone two for two to begin their first tour of South Africa in three years.  They have one last chance to refine their game before taking on the Springboks – facing the Bulls tomorrow morning at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.  Assistant Coach Tamati Ellison joined D’Ary to discuss their preparations and preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest Rivalry Tour is rolling on, the All Blacks facing the Bulls after going two for two to start things off.  They’ll be wanting to continue their work building combinations with the first Springboks test a little over a week away.  Elliott Smith is over in South Africa, and caught up with All Blacks first-five Josh Jacomb to ahead of the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2011. World Cup. In NZ. First five eighth freight train derailment.    Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald. Just saying.   Being an All Black is dangerous. Being an international rugby player is fraught. Playing against the biggest, fastest, toughest athletes rugby produces is just asking for a pass to the sick bay.    There are no guarantees around continuity of selection or form, nor avoidance of calamitous injury.    Dave Rennie knows this. His selection of Richie Mo'unga has raised an eyebrow or two considering the saturation of potential 10s within his South African tour squad.   There are points aplenty around Richie's recall to the national side:  It's a long path to the World Cup and with the pivot role being that of utmost import, having a stuffed quiver is essential. Richie's inclusion also gives him the best chance of learning the ropes of Rennie's way. Having a heady mix of experience and youth within creates a habitat rich with opportunity to lift and learn. This is a combined effort to take the playmaker role into rarified air, the space, if you can breathe, where World Cup winning sides are born. The combined rugby intelligence quota of Mo'unga, Love, Barrett, McKensie, and Jacomb provides a rich and fertile ground for the continued growth of this pivot role.   As Lucinda Williams sings, "Water the dirt; flowers last for you".    Gardener Rennie knows this.   He hasn't got long to plant his crop and reap what he's sown, so he's getting his seeds in deep now, and I know why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL's top four are log-jammed as the battle for a top two spot ramps up ahead of the finals.  With four and a half rounds to go, the Panthers and Roosters sit level on 36 points, the Warriors on 34 and the Sharks have 32, but face the Dragons tomorrow night.  The Warriors strengthened their push for the top with a decisive win over the Panthers last night – 28-12.  Former Warrior Motu Tony joined D’Arcy to recap the match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A scratchy first outing for the All Blacks to open their tour of South Africa.  They've needed a late surge to shake off the Stormers for a flattering 38-21 win in Cape Town.  The match was locked at 14-all before the All Blacks scored four tries in the final 15 minutes as the visitors finally tired.  All Blacks Assistant Coach Tana Umaga joined D’Arcy to review the match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn’t pretty, but the All Blacks managed to claw their way to victory in the opening match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour.   Poor discipline saw them concede three yellow cards, but in the end, they claimed a 33-14 win over the Stormers.   Former All Black Wyatt Crockett joined D’Arcy to review the action.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scene set. Questions answered.    Last night the Warriors stood up to be counted. All week I'd been speaking my truth on-air: if the Warriors couldn't beat Penrith at Mt Smart, they didn't deserve to be in the NRL title conversation.    They do now.   They do so on the back of some outstanding contributions, that of the returning half Luke Metcalf and newfound centre staple Leka Halasima.    Luke’s return showed what this team had been missing, and with all due respect to Martin and Boyd, Metcalf brings to the halves attributes not consistently displayed by the former. This is not to throw shade at the other two 7's, who in their own right have provided a lot for the fans to celebrate.   But there was magic on display last night, from a player who had spent so long on the bench his backside was burning a hole in the pine.   He did enough to secure his role for the duration of the season whilst simultaneously giving coach Webster a guilt headache.    Halasima, Leka the Centre, continues to excite and surprise in the role he has surely made his own. As a 20 year old, his promise is immense. I shudder to think what this phenom is capable of.    Along with those two stars, the team's performance as a whole got me thinking that...  Y'know, it might actually be... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 NPC season has kicked off with a bang.  Tonight’s prime time viewing is the next chapter in the storied rivalry between North and South, with Auckland heading across the Strait to take on Canterbury.  Xavi Taele is starting at centre for Auckland, and joined D’Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRLW Warriors are starting their season on a roll, winning three of their four opening matches.   Tomorrow afternoon they’re taking on the Titans during Magic Round in a huge 3v4 clash, aiming to cement their spot on the ladder.  Prop Annetta Nu'uausala joined D’Arcy to preview the match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a rough loss to the Bulldogs last weekend, the Warriors are back at their home away from home, taking on the Gold Coast Titans.  A bounce back is crucial to remain within touching distance of the top two spots.  Assistant Coach David Tangata-Toa joined D’Arcy to discuss last week’s performance and the upcoming clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re nearing the end of the Sal’s NBL, with the first of two semi-finals tipping off this afternoon.  The Auckland Tuatara have secured a top spot on the ladder with their final regular season game, which let them bypass the elimination round and head straight into the semi-finals.  Zach Riley, a guard for the Tuatara, joined D’Arcy to preview the semi-finals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen, didn't it? The NZR sabbatical policy chooks have come home to roost.    The excellent Gregor Paul, NZ Herald rugby scribe, penned a wonderful piece around the madness of the union's veteran player edict, designed to help tourniquet the bleeding of experienced players to big moneyed clubs around the globe. It didn't stop the flow; it just temporarily rerouted it.  In their haste to stop senior All Blacks departing to wealthier climes, the dreaded sabbatical clause was triggered – a way for players to cash in on their All Blacks success without fleeing for the money on a permanent basis. This concept helped NZR avoid having to pick players from overseas; the last bastion of AB player central control.  On the face of it, the clause appeared to be a pragmatic way to ensure the continued access to 70+ test veterans and stop the increasing pressure of income accelerated player loss.    As I've often pointed out, the wording of the clause is more than problematic, it's just plain wrong. A sabbatical is a rest or break from work; an extended period of time intentionally spent on something that's not your routine job. So, most players aren't on a mental and physical break from the rigours of the game, they're just on a sanctioned cash grab.  Ardie Savea has made the most of this opportunity, opting to chase the money as opposed to hitting pause. As a result, he's rooted. The best way to counter that exhaustion is to... give him more time off, to make up for all of the time he's already taken off. Instead of travelling with HIS team to the republic for the biggest tour in living memory, he's having a bit of a lie down. Weird.   If anything positive arises from this nonsense saga, it will be a serious reworking of that easily abused clause, which in rugby parlance, is no longer fit for purpose.  And in case you think this is an Ardie beat up, it's not. He was presented with an opportunity and took it. I'd do the same.  The issue is with NZR, but the huge swathe of changes made within the halls of power will hopefully usher in a new way of thinking and acting, leaving dramas like this back in the past. Where they belong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A third straight Commonwealth Games medal —and a second career gold— for Kiwi weightlifter David Liti.  He's won in Glasgow, courtesy of a combined 389-kilo lift in the 110+ K.G. division.  He joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to chat about his success.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Fox. What's left to add? The tsunami of Fox has flooded New Zealand's media landscape, sweeping all other sport stories away. Which netball must be most appreciative of. I'd focus on that long-term slow-motion locomotive derailment, but I need positivity this morning, not more handwringing around that fall from grace. Stand down.  Back to Ryan. The plaudits coming his way are richly deserved. No sportsperson encapsulates what Kiwis believe to be who we are, more than this reluctant golfing icon. Because he is an icon now. His success, and the manner of, at the Open, has catapulted him into our sporting iconography. His dad-bod and bandy legged charge up the 18th is a picture we’ll never forget.   The beauty of the guy with a swing akin to a lumberjack having a crack at a pine, is his ambivalent attitude to how he is seen. Not one funk given. Like the famous meme, "Behold the field in which I grow my funks, lay thine eyes upon it, and see that it is barren".  He drinks too much red wine, likes a pie, doesn't mess around on the tees, fairways or greens. Pragmatic in his approach - see ball, hit ball. There is nothing  self-important or superior about him or his game. And the global golfing community has bought into it as well. He's a human, warts and all, which reflects the majority of golfers. Out there, having a good time, playing golf for the love of it.  He's very approachable from a media standpoint too, although I expect with his stratospheric profile now, that will understandably change. I've never had an issue locking him in for a chat, and he's never offered anything less than his authentic self.   I spoke with him a couple of years back as he was finding his place in the upper echelon of golf, appearing in major tournaments had started to become a regular occurrence. I asked him if he felt he belonged at that level yet, and how important that was for his game. He said he'd finally started to feel that he did, and it was. No longer starstruck or overwhelmed (not that he ever looked like he was), he felt then that this was his world, his space and he deserved to be there.   Now the world knows what he had grown to know.   And it hasn't changed him.   Outfunkingstanding.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRLW Warriors put on a clinic last weekend in their first match of the season at Mount Smart Stadium crushing the Cowboys 42-4. They are back in action tomorrow afternoon - when they take on the Eels in Sydney. Metanoia Fetalaiga is a prop for the side, she joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've reached the final round of the NZNBL, and the Auckland Tuatara are hunting for a top two spot in order to get a first round bye in the playoffs.  They take on the Taranaki Airs tomorrow afternoon in what is a must-win if they are to have any chance to secure that spot. Josh Dilling is a point guard for the Tuatara, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Aupiki has reached its climax with the 2026 Grand Final looming this afternoon. The Blues Women will be taking on Matatū at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Amarante Sititi is starting in the loose forwards for the Blues, she joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors picked up another good win last weekend, having beaten the Dragons 20-12 at Mount Smart Stadium. Tonight, they take on the Bulldogs in another important clash to remain second on the table. Richard Agar is an assistant coach of the Warriors, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a tough season for the Botany Swarm this year in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League, as they currently sit at the bottom on the NZIHL ladder. However, they could still find themselves in the playoffs if they manage to get two wins over their opponents the Canterbury Red Devils this weekend. Kyle March is playing for the Swarm, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Cup may be over, but the football action isn't slowing down. Auckland FC are beginning their pre-season tomorrow afternoon when they take on a huge club in English football - Tottenham Hotspur. Cam Howieson is a midfielder for the Kiwi side, and he joined D'Arcy to preview the big match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Tuatara are riding high as we head into the final two games of the NBL season.  They’re sitting at the top of the table after claiming victory over the Manawatu Jets last night, winning 108-91.  The team is now set to face the Canterbury Rams tomorrow afternoon, so Head Coach Cam Gliddon joined D’Arcy to preview the match and discuss the season to date.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRLW Warriors had a bit of a stumble last weekend, losing 42-16 to the Raiders in their second Premiership clash.  Tonight they have their first hit out at Mt Smart Stadium, taking on the Cowboys from 5:15pm.   Mya Hill-Moana, prop for the Warriors, joined D’Arcy to preview the clash and chat about her move to the squad from the Roosters.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend saw the Warriors bounce back after a couple of tough losses with a dominant 32-6 win over the Wests Tigers.  They’re back at home tonight, taking on the Dragons in a match they’ll need to win in order to snatch back the second-place spot and keep the heat on the table-topping Panthers.   Tanner Stowers-Smith is coming off the bench for tonight’s clash, and joined D’Arcy to preview it.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To Wah or not to Wah?  Tonight Auckland city hosts international rugby union and a bit of Aussie club rugby league. On the face of it, and with that description, it should be a no-brainer around which fixture should command your attention.  The All Blacks are number two in the world, taking on the number three ranked Irish in a game that defends the All Blacks’ almost unbelievable unbeaten Eden Park record. 32 years, 52 games without tasting defeat. Impressive. The Warriors, near the top of the NRL ladder (3rd after last night's games) are hosting some roadkill at Mt Smart. The Dragons have all the fire of a cigarette butt at the bottom of a schooner, currently languishing in last place and lucky to be there.  Plainly, fans of league will be front and centre with the NRL fixture, fans of union will be fully focused on the Nations Championship clash, but what about the undecided? The All Blacks are frontrunners as their game kicks off at 7:10, the Wahs beatdown commences at 7:35. A nose in front from the All Blacks – then the race tightens. Off the playing surface, Wahs fans are a much more exciting proposition than All Blacks fans. The fear of loss chokes the environment up; the tension crushes the joy of the experience, at the ground and on telly. Rugby fans find it hard to celebrate. League fans are triggered by anything, especially in a crowd, and there's no better crowd in NZ sport than the massive one at Mt Smart. This vibrancy smashes its way out of the telly and spills cheap beer on the floor. On the playing surface, if the Irish win and topple the All Blacks’ tower of invincibility, that's not an upset at all. There is a sense that this new look All Blacks team should have enough to hold the Irish at arm's length, but we all know how frail the All Blacks’ grasp on significant results have been over the last few years, so losing the Eden Park streak isn't at all out of the question. Do really want to watch that? Conversely, to beat down the emerald barbarians at the gate will bring enormous pride and a sense that Rennie might actually be on to something. Didn't work for Razor though, did it? His 2025 Eden Park South African defiance was remarkable, but the next week we saw possibly the worst performance in All Blacks living memory. As for the Wahs, there's not a comp in the world as close as the NRL. The Dragons are toilet this year, but as we saw on Thursday night when the Bronco whipping boys conjured up a win versus the table topping Panthers, upsets are commonplace. So the Wahs could lose, but they could also open up a can of whup-ass on St George. Still undecided? Try this... is a Warriors team on the way up a better experience than an All Blacks side still trying to find their lost mojo? The choice is yours, whatever you decide, turn off your phone so social media or your mates don't wreck the delayed experience for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much like the All Blacks, Ireland have started the Nations Championship off strong – claiming victory over Australia and Japan.  They’re travelling to Eden Park this weekend, aiming to crack open the Fortress and break the All Blacks’ 52-match unbeaten streak.  Former Irish midfielder Gordon D’Arcy joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the upcoming match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a shaky first half in last week’s clash with Italy at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium, the All Blacks managed to secure a 47-17 victory.  However, they won’t have the luxury this week, taking on Ireland —the third ranked team in the world— at Eden Park, where they have a 52-match unbeaten streak on the line.   Josh Lord is starting at lock for the All Blacks tonight, and joined D’Arcy to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from their triumph against England, the Black Caps are back in action with another series.  They’re set to face the West Indies in a five match ODI series, with the first match beginning at 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Bowler for the side, Jayden Lennox joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to preview the series.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The West Auckland Admirals have experienced a good season so far, sitting second on the NZ Ice Hockey League table.   This weekend they’re taking on the Dunedin Thunder in a double header that’s crucial in ensuring they maintain their spot.  Justin Daigle, captain of the Admirals, joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week off has done the trick for the Warriors, after a return to the winner's circle in league's NRL.  Despite making 15 errors in a sometimes disjointed display, they've still eased away to a 32-6 win away to the Tigers in Sydney.  Richie Barnett, former Kiwis captain and NRL commentator, joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to review the match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Festival of Football is taking place in Auckland today, with three Kiwi gridiron sides taking on three Australian sides at Trust Arena.  The marquee fixture is between the Iron Blacks and the Aussie side, and it’s the first time since 2003 that the match will be played on New Zealand soil.  Following last year’s narrow 20-16 loss over on the Gold Coast, the Iron Blacks will be eager to get one over our neighbours across the ditch.  Captain of the Kiwi side, Ala Kaufana joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to chat about the upcoming clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Rennie’s era of the All Blacks got off to a strong start last week with a 34-32 win over France at Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium.  It was the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship, and now they’re heading to Wellington for their second clash – this time against Italy.  Despite losing to Japan last week, the All Blacks aren’t writing Italy off as an ‘easy beat’.  Hooker for the Kiwi side, Codie Taylor joined D’Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ego is a dog of an affliction.    But required at the highest level of sport – unless of course you’re Kane Williamson, who had an ego-ectamy as a kid.    The inner voice that drives superstar athletes to the altitude that asphyxiates mere mortals has a dark side.    When is enough, enough?    Case in point, the phenomenal career of one of tennis’ trip of GOATs, Novak Djokovic, and the shuffle away from City Kick Boxing by potential UFC hall of Famer Israel Adesanya.   Novak got rolled this morning by one of the new generation of men's players who is scrambling around in the foothills of his grand slam ascent, Jannik Sinner. No surprise of course that he would dispose of Novak with relative ease in the semifinals at Wimbledon.    Novak is still a superb player, but in his fixture with Father Time, the tyranny of age is moving him toward game, set, and match. Tantalisingly close to securing a record that will most likely never be touched, a quarter of a century of Grand Slam titles, Novak’s ego is in the driver’s seat, refusing to let him bow out with dignity, egging him on slam after slam, in hope of snaring his 25th title. His best chance has come and gone, when Sinner and Alcaraz didn't feature in the French Open. The gate was open, but was shut in his face by Fonseca. Ouch.   Israel is on a similar course. The once darling of the most ferocious sport the world has known, has a career whose moon is waning, and as much as he can’t or won’t admit it, Father Time has a rear naked choke hold on him and is unlikely to let go. The Style Bender has walked from the gym that propelled him to superstardom (or did he propel the gym into orbit?) in what can only be seen as a last-ditch attempt to launch him back into title contention again.   Self-belief, id, ego, whatever you call it, is an essential arrow in the quiver of the sporting colossus, one that is tempting to nock again, but is best left unshot in the fading light of the setting sun in an athlete's career.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes Poua finally broke the duck last weekend – winning their first Super Rugby Aupiki match since 2024.  This weekend they’re set to take on the Blues, and are eager to keep the momentum rolling and pick up another win.  Iritana Hohaia, halfback for the side, joined Adam Cooper to discuss their win and preview the upcoming clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auckland Tuatara are flying high – currently sitting atop the NZNBL table with two games in hand over the second-placed Southland Sharks.  Tonight they’re back in action, facing the Tauranga Whai in another big match.  Josh Leger will be playing tonight, and is also marking his 50th appearance in the Rapid League, and so he joined Adam Cooper for a chat.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRLW Warriors are kicking off their season this weekend, hosting the Bulldogs at Waikato’s FMG Stadium.   Harata Butler is a prop for the side, and joined Adam Cooper to preview the weekend’s match.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new-look All Blacks side is taking to the field today for the first time in 2026 – coach Dave Rennie’s first match at the helm.  They’re taking on France in the opening match of the Nations Championship, and all eyes will be on One NZ Stadium as the game kicks off just after 7.  Peter Lakai is playing blindside flanker tonight, and joined Adam Cooper to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a strong showing in the first day of the third test against England, the Black Caps have not seen as much success in day 2. Heading to the crease at 363/4 they would have liked to get up towards 500 runs but were bowled out for 438, with the only real contribution coming from Tom Blundell with 30 of 67. The English batted well to round out the day - Ben Duckett scored a quickfire 113 of 99 balls while Jacob Bethell and Joe Root are still at the crease sitting on 74* and 21* respectively. They closed the day sitting on 223/2. Jon Norman is a cricket commentator with talkSPORT in England, he joined Adam to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Under 20 rugby side's World Championship campaign is set to begin tonight as they take on Japan in Kutaisi, Georgia.  Bradley Tocker is playing on the blindside for the side, he joined Adam to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.