The All Sport Breakfast

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.

After 10 rounds of action, the ANZ Premiership Grand Final is tonight and it's clear it's being contested by the two best teams this season.  The Northern Mystics and the Southern Steel are facing off at The Trusts Arena in Auckland with hopes of being crowned the 2026 champion. Michaela Sokolich-Beatson is the captain of the Mystics, she joined Adam to discussSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors got back on track over the weekend as they ran out 38-20 winners over the Cowboys at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, but they face a massive test this weekend. They are set to take on the high-flying Dolphins in a 2nd v 3rd clash that could prove pivotal as they head into the back end of the NRL season. Richard Agar is an assistant coach of the Warriors, he joined Adam to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have gotten off to a strong start to the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season picking up back to back wins. They edged past the Chiefs Manawa in a thriller in Hamilton last weekend 27-26, however this weekend will be their biggest challenge of the season so far. They take on Matatu in a grand final rematch at the All In round in Pukekohe and there will be stars all over the park.  Maia Roos is the captain of the Blues, she joined Adam to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is do or die for the All Whites this afternoon at the FIFA World Cup. They've shown promise in both matches to date, but their 3-1 loss to Egypt on Monday put a major dent in their hopes of pushing past the group stage. Their toughest challenge of the tournament awaits them, as they are taking on the number 10 ranked Belgium in what is a must-win game. Ben Sigmund is a former All White who played in the last World Cup in 2010, he joined Adam to preview the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have a whopping lead over England at stumps on Day three of the second cricket test at The Oval.  Henry Nicholls is unbeaten on 119, helping New Zealand to 252 for three – a lead of 352 runs with seven second innings wickets in hand.  Jon Norman, commentator for talkSPORT in England, joined Adam Cooper to recap the day.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s coming down to the wire in the ANZ Premiership.  The Southern Steel are taking on the Mainland Tactix in tomorrow’s elimination final, both teams vying for the spot in the Grand Final against the Mystics.  Steel Head Coach Wendy Frew joined Adam Cooper to discuss the tournament.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Sticks have made it to the semifinals of the FIH Nations Cup – remaining unbeaten throughout the pools.   They’re set to take on the United States tonight, clashing at North Harbour Hockey Centre for a spot in the final.  Captain Olivia Shannon joined Adam Cooper to preview the game.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final has arrived – the champion set to be crowned tonight.  The Hurricanes are hosting the Chiefs at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium – aiming to put an end to their title drought stretching back to 2016.  Hurricanes Centre Billy Proctor joined Adam Cooper to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors stumbled into a second consecutive loss last week, falling 10-8 to the Sharks.   This weekend will see them travelling down the Christchurch for their first match in the city’s new stadium – clashing against the Cowboys tomorrow afternoon.  Fullback for the Warriors, Taine Tuaupiki joined Adam Cooper to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight will see Super Rugby Pacific crown a new champion.  The Hurricanes and Chiefs are battling it out for the title at a sold-out Hnry Stadium in Wellington.  The Chiefs are heading south, with hopes of defeating the ‘Canes and claiming their first title since 2013 – the team falling short in their last three finals.  Chiefs lock Josh Lord joined Adam Cooper to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns are back in action.  They begin their T20 title defence tomorrow over in England with a series against the West Indies.   Sophie Devine joined D’Arcy to preview the campaign.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.