D'Arcy Waldegrave Drive: Recent Episodes
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United States Anti-Doping Agency boss Travis Tygart warns what a postponed olympics could mean for drugs cheats.
Kiwi cyclist Paddy Bevin made it back to New Zealand just in time as boarders were being closed in Europe.
The current New Zealand Warriors group won't experience a more unique situation in their careers than the one they have are returning home from.
A week ago, the conversation was around how to keep the team in the NRL without the option of returning to New Zealand for home games. Now, after making the decision to remain in Australia for the foreseeable future, they have packed their bags and headed back across the Tasman.
With the NRL indefinitely suspended earlier this week, the Warriors were free to return home to those they were forced to leave behind.
"It was a sense of relief for some of them in respect to getting back to loved ones," Warriors coach Stephen Kearney told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave of the playing groups reaction to the competition being suspended.
"There's also a sense of sadness in not being able to play footy but obviously the situation is much larger than our game of footy – you just have to turn on the telly to see what's happening all over the world and how devastating the situation is."
Since setting out for Newcastle ahead of their opening match of the season two weeks ago, the Warriors have been through a range of scenarios.
First, they learnt they would be unable to return home to play after the New Zealand Government implemented a mandatory two-week self-isolation period for all travelers entering the country. That was followed by the uncertainty of their immediate future, with suggestions the NRL could continue without them in the competition.
The side found a resolution to keep them in the game by relocating to the Gold Coast, where they were based last week and held their opening home game of the season.
Now, after all that, the situation changed again when the NRL's biosecurity and pandemic expert recommended the competition be halted due to the threat posed by the rapidly spreading coronavirus.
"It was the old cliché of one day at a time," Kearney said of the constantly changing situation the team found itself in. "What happened 24 hours earlier was a totally different situation; it was changing that quickly.
"We wanted to commit to playing in the competition and no doubt first up there would have been a little bit of doubt in some boys' minds, but I thought for the most part they handled it really well. I'm really proud of how they went about it in such challenging times.
"They were really resilient in the sense that it was an uncertain time and they just got on with the job. They were really well led by Roger (Tuivasa-Sheck), Tohu (Harris), Greeny (Blake Green) and Blairy (Adam Blair). I know the type of characters they are and they just made everyone proud the way they went about it."
The Warriors will now join the rest of New Zealand in a government mandated lockdown over the next four weeks in a measure that was put in place in an attempt to slow, or stop, the spread of Covid-19.
As of Wednesday, there were 205 cases of the virus in New Zealand; the Ministry of Health confirmed 50 new cases on Tuesday alone.
But while the playing group is able to return to their families, Kearney will have to wait longer before he can get home to his, who are based in Brisbane, as he will be in New Zealand to help put plans in place for the players to follow during the lockdown.
"I thought it was really important I travel with the team and get the process over the next four weeks planned out and be here during this time, then I'll try get home to my family as soon as all this has settled down a bit," Kearney said.
"We'll be sending out a plan for them early next week to follow over the next four weeks while this national lockdown is on.
"We've got a bit of a plan around it and it's just about getting through the situation as best we can."
• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website
Kiwi sailor Peter Burling will have a lot on his plate in 2021 with Tokyo 2020 being postponed.
Kiwi Olympic athletes have said they support a postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, an approach backed jointly by the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Paralympics New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith said she welcomed the feedback gathered in a New Zealand Athletes' Commission survey this morning and thanked athletes for their input."Our focus is first and foremost the athletes," she said. "It has been important to us to give them the opportunity to talk to us. We value their resilience and flexibility and we know working through the changes won't be easy.
"We support their position and will now share their views with the IOC as we advocate internationally on behalf of New Zealand athletes and sport. We reiterate the need for a swift decision."
Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website
The sentiment has been supported by Paralympics New Zealand and HPSNZ.
"Providing carded athletes with high performance training and other HPSNZ facilities and services has become increasingly challenging," said HPSNZ CEO Michael Scott.
"The current Covid-19 environment is not conducive to the sense of fair play which underpins these pinnacle events, as the preparation of New Zealand's athletes and others around the world is hampered to varying degrees.
"We fully support current steps to postpone the Olympic and Paralympic Games This decision needs to be made quickly to provide the athletes, coaches and support staff with certainty, which will allow them to focus on their wellbeing at this critical time, while resetting and recalibrating for Tokyo."
Paralympics New Zealand surveyed Para athletes this morning and also received overwhelming feedback.
Paralympics New Zealand boss Fiona Allan said: "Paralympians and Para athletes believed a postponement of the Paralympic Games is the preferred option. This would create a fair, safe and level playing field for all nations especially given the severely hampered training environments.
"Our Para athletes and our wider organisation echo the support for a postponement," she said.
"Para athletes told us that an early decision is critical to best ensure the wellbeing of all athletes throughout New Zealand. It is imperative that this decision is made quickly to provide certainty."
New Zealand Athlete Commission member Sarah Cowley-Ross said New Zealand athletes were adaptable and determined and she had every confidence they could meet the challenges ahead.
"New Zealand athletes have long prepared for a July 2020 Olympic Games however the Olympic Movement is founded on humanity and that, right now, must come first," she said.
"As the New Zealand Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, and on behalf of New Zealand's Olympic athletes, we are asking the IOC to immediately confirm a postponement, using the following four weeks to clarify details.
"Each athlete has their own set of individual perspectives and challenges, and we acknowledge those who would have liked the games to occur as scheduled. We wholeheartedly thank all the athletes and their support staff for the time they took to share their views with us."
Smith said she thanked HPSNZ and Paralympics New Zealand for their ongoing commitment. She acknowledged the value of the New Zealand high performance sporting system's joint approach to support New Zealand Olympic sports and athletes.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission is made up of elected athlete representatives of Olympic and Commonwealth sports. It provides input and advice to the New Zealand Olympic Committee on all key decisions and represents the athlete voice on the NZOC Board.
All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles will go from pro footy player to "school teacher" amid the uncertainty of covid-19,
NZR CEO Mark Robinson opens up about some of the challenges facing rugby in NZ as a result of Covid-19.
Kiwi boxer David Nyika reacts to news Canada will not send a team to the 2020 Olympics if they are to go ahead.
Former Black Cap and domestic cricket stalwart Andrew Ellis has found memories of his time as a first class cricketer.
Kiwi shotputter Tom Walsh is still working towards the Tokyo Olympics despite the threat of Covid-19.
Boston radio host Patrick J. Gilroy explains the fallout from the news Tom Brady is leaving the New England Patriots.
Professional cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan returned from the Pakistan T20 League and is spending two weeks in self-isolation and doesn't know what his sporting future holds.
Minister for Sport Grant Robertson explains some of the challenges facing the sporting landscape as Covid-19 continues to interrupt our sporting lives.
Boss of New Zealand Rugby Players' Association Rob Nicol highlights the extent Covid-19 is having on some of their athletes around the world.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney announces his team ahead of their game against the Raiders.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic captain Sam Winders explains how weird it is playing in front of empty stands in their victory over the Southern Steel.
Former Football Ferns coach Tony Readings has been named the new head coach of the New Zealand men's U20 side.
Wellington Firebird's coach Glen Pocknal has mixed feelings about winning the 2019/2020 Plunket Shield.
Kiwi mountain biker Anton Cooper prepares for self-isolation upon his return from the United States.
When Callum Gilbert was 12 he started paddling after school.
A couple of years later he got a taste for paddling competitively while at Tauranga Boys' College, sparking a long love of canoe slalom as a sport.
Today, the Tauranga man now living in Rotorua is one of two paddlers named to represent New Zealand in canoe slalom at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Olympics newcomer joins Luka Jones, who secured New Zealand's first silver medal in the discipline, in the New Zealand team.
Alexandra paddler Finn Butcher has been conditionally selected as a non-travelling reserve.
The canoe slalom athletes were named at an event at Wero Whitewater Park - the home of Canoe Slalom New Zealand's High Performance Centre - in Auckland today.
Tokyo 2020 will be the fourth Olympic Games for 31-year-old Jones, while Gilbert will be making his Olympic debut after giving up his job as a software engineer three years ago to chase his sporting dreams.
"My employers were great but I wasn't able to give 100 per cent to my training while I was there so I made the decision to resign. Looking back on it now it was a good decision and it's been awesome being able to fully commit to the sport," Gilbert says.
"It's an amazing opportunity to go to an Olympic Games and I've been really fortunate to have gone to so many," Jones says.
Gilbert will compete in the K1, while Jones will compete in both the K1 and C1 events.
"I'm over the moon, it's been a long time coming and a lot of work has gone into this so I'm so stoked to have it made official," 24-year-old Gilbert says.
Callum Gilbert, a former Tauranga man now living in Rotorua, has been selected for the Tokyo Olympics. Photo / Getty Images
"Competing in both events adds another element to the Olympic Games and it's an awesome opportunity to earn a medal," Jones says.
"My goal is the same as it was at Rio 2016 and that's to prepare really well and put down a performance that I can be proud of. We're working really hard and I'm in a really good place in my paddling career, from a performance perspective."
Both athletes are originally from Tauranga but have strong ties in Rotorua. Jones was part of a Rotorua-based sports academy launched in 2007 and Gilbert now lives at Okere Falls, 20km north of Rotorua.
"When I was 12, I got into an after school paddling class then, when I attended Tauranga Boys' College, a teacher picked a few of us to attend nationals. From there, I loved it and that was it."
Gilbert had a strong year on the world tour in 2019, with his top result fifth at the London World Cup.
He plans to head overseas to train and compete in further World Cups while Jones will also be based overseas from mid-April.
New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Kereyn Smith says Jones and Gilbert provide an exciting mix of talent.
"With Callum also selected there's a great mixture of experience and exciting new talent in this team so we can't wait to watch these athletes compete in Tokyo."
Jones is coached by former British paddler Campbell Walsh while Gilbert is coached by Paul Macdermid of Massey University.
Football commentator Chris Milicich joins D'Arcy in studio to discuss the latest from the world of football.
On today's episode they discuss the club vs. school issue facing grassroots football and Coronavirus.
World renowned surfer Bethany Hamilton is looking forward to hanging ten at the Piha Pro and talks about her challenging career on the world circuit.
Mike Angove from City Kickboxing joins D'Arcy in studio to breakdown Israel Adesanya's victory over Yoel Romero.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney reveals his lineup to take on the Newcastle Knights for their opening NRL game.
Japanese rugby writer Richard Freeman explains the Japanese Rugby Union's decision to further postpone their domestic rugby competition.
New Zealand Rugby has revealed the creation of an 'All Blacks XV' – a new high-performance squad that will undertake a mini tour of Northern Hemisphere venues this year.
The team will play three matches in the last weekend of October and first two weekends of November.
NZR Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said the team, which is set to practically function as a second-string or developmental All Blacks side - will provide a new national team aspiration for current professional players.
It's not a new innovation – the Junior All Blacks, New Zealand A and Emerging Players have all served a similar purpose in the past before being scrapped – but Cass believes it will have benefits for the depth of New Zealand rugby.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for those players to experience a national team environment and prove themselves on the international stage, or for those who have already worn the All Blacks jersey to get more game time at this level and potentially earn a recall to the team.
"The high-performance benefits of this team will be significant. It will help to develop the next group of players, many of whom will likely become our future All Blacks, as well as give further opportunities for our coaches and other team personnel.
"We also believe that this will aid with retention of players and personnel in New Zealand, which will benefit our Super Rugby clubs and provincial unions as well as the All Blacks," Cass argued.
Cass said that the intention was for the All Blacks XV to become a regular national team playing second-tier overseas opposition, and hoped the side would last longer than the similar teams who came before them.
"These teams have been sporadic in the past, and we believe that there is great value in making this a regular national team.
"Beyond its high-performance role, this new team also has real commercial value for NZR. It will play offshore in growing rugby markets that are of strategic and commercial importance, allowing us to showcase and grow New Zealand's brand of rugby in many more parts of the world," Cass said.
New Zealand Rugby Players' Association CEO Rob Nichol said the team was a positive move for players.
"Players are excited about the prospects of this team. If they don't quite make the All Blacks touring squad, being able to push their case through Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup for selection to the All Blacks XV will be a strong motivator for many. It will provide an opportunity for quality players to tour and represent their country against some tough international opposition, to play alongside players and work with coaches they respect and a platform to continue that push for higher honours," Nichol said.
The All Blacks XV's opponents are yet be revealed, with details for their first match set to be announced this afternoon.
Black Caps' captain Kane Williamson reflects on the 2019/2020 cricket season ahead of the upcoming ODI series in Australia.
Discussions have begun on a Kiwi heavyweight blockbusting fight between Joseph Parker and Junior Fa – potentially to be held in Auckland in the middle of the year.
The rival factions will hope the fight lives up to the last truly high-profile local boxing scrap – the showdown dubbed the "Fight of the Century" between David Tua and Shane Cameron still holds the record for the highest pay per view numbers in New Zealand.
The key to the popularity of that fight at Mystery Creek in 2009, won by Tua via a devastating round-two knockout, was the rivalry that built between the pair, and a Parker v Fa fight could generate similar intensity. Both are New Zealand-born, with Parker, a former world champion, of Samoan descent, and the unbeaten Fa of Tongan descent.
Parker and Fa have fought each other four times as amateurs and share two wins each. They have never fought each other as professionals. There is respect between the pair but they are not friends and fireworks could develop between the two camps; a prospect that would have their rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Lou di Bella salivating.
"We have made an early start on discussions on a possible blockbuster in Auckland," Parker's manager David Higgins told the Herald today.
"David Tua v Shane Cameron remains a record breaker and hopefully this one would also capture the public's imagination.
"It makes a lot of sense. Junior is unbeaten and ranked No6 in the world by the WBO, while Joseph is ranked No2. A lot of people back Fa. Obviously as Joe's manager I think he would be the favourite, but Fa is a big unit."
Fa's manager Mark Keddell told the Herald: "We'd always be happy to do that fight. But the money would have to be right."
That could be a sticking point, added to which is the potential for the negotiations between Englishman Hearn, and American di Bella, to quickly break down. Entering meaningful discussions in an attempt to lock down a deal quickly appears to be the key.
Keddell, who suggested Fa would be happy for a similar share of the revenue that Parker enjoyed in his unification defeat to Anthony Joshua (about 34 per cent), added: "We have other options for the middle of the year, so Eddie is going to have to make a meaningful offer to Lou. I know they spoke a day after Joseph's fight in Texas."
Higgins confirmed: "We could make this fight happen next, but the numbers would have to work. There are other options on the table."
Asked whether he had been in talks with Dazn, a global sports broadcaster about to make its first start in New Zealand in May, Higgins replied: "Sky is the incumbent broadcaster. There have been no formal discussions with Dazn."
Parker is coming off an impressive knockout win against American Shawndell Winters in Frisco, near Dallas, and would relish locking in a fight against Fa in Auckland as many of his potential opponents are already locked into deals.
Dereck Chisora, Oleksandr Usyk, Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin are all scheduled for fights in May or June. Other potential opponents include a rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr or a fight against Luis Ortiz, but neither match-up would be easy to make.
One potential other opponent is American Michael Hunter, a 31-year-old with a 18-1-1 professional record (his loss was to Usyk). After watching Parker's fifth-round knockout of Winters, Hunter called out the Kiwi, with his manager Martin Mikolajczak saying: "Parker is slow on his feet and his cardio is terrible. Michael would definitely KO Parker."
Fa, who has a 19-0 professional record, last fought in November - a points victory over American Devin Vargas in Salt Lake City. Parker has a 27-2 pro record.
Blues hooker James Parsons joins D'Arcy Waldegrave in studio to discuss all things rugby thanks to Barfoot and Thompson.
Chief Operating Officer of Emirates Team New Zealand Kevin Shoebridge talks about threat of coronavirus to the America's Cup World Series and 12 months out from the big dance.
The Sky Sport Breakers are set to announce another change in their coaching ranks, with Chanel Pompallier set to be unveiled as the team's newest addition.
Pompallier will join the ranks as an assistant coach, becoming the first female coach in the ANBL club's history, and will begin work alongside director of basketball Dan Shamir and assistant coach Mody Moar in preparing the roster for next season.
She moves into the role in place of Zico Coronel, who manned the post for one season. The club announced the news at a press conference on Wednesday, but did not discuss the details around Coronel's exit from the role.
"We're definitely not closing the door on that. We are friends," Shamir said of Coronel.
"We have a different mix in how we build it right now. We're looking to build the right pieces. There a business side to it which we're not going to get into to much detail with, but right now this is who we added and we're not done, I think we;re going to add a few more."
Speaking about the change to the coaching staff, Breakers guard Corey Webster said it was a great move for the team to appoint Pompallier.
"She's got a great basketball IQ and knows the game very well and she will bring that," Webster said.
"Obviously she will be there to learn and what a great coaching path to learn from with Dan and Mody there who have an enormous basketball IQ, have coached at the highest levels and have a lot to teach so she will be learning from them and she will just be working hard every day, learning along the way and work hard next to everyone else.
"She just knows the game really well, she's played it her whole life, been around it her whole life, I think the bigger thing for her will be just learning under Dan and Mody and helping out where she can."
Every Wednesday football coach Chris Milicich brings an insight into the art of football like no other.
Former All Black Andy Ellis talks his new TV show 'Motoka' which he co-hosts with rally drive Haydon Paddon. The show premiers on TV1 this Saturday at 4:25pm.
He also talks about life in Japan with Coronavirus impacting everyday life.
Olympic champions Blair Tuke and Peter Burling have been announced in the New Zealand sailing team to defend their title at the Tokyo Olympics.
The duo won their sixth 49er world title in Geelong last month, just two months after claiming title number five in Auckland.
They will be joined in Tokyo by Rio 49erFX silver medalists Alex Maloney and Molly Meech, Laser bronze medalist Sam Meech and Olympic newcomers Erica Dawson and Micah Wilkinson in the Nacra 17 class.
"It's certainly a pretty special morning. I think anytime you get announced to represent your country at the Olympic Games is really special. We'll take a moment to reflect and then pretty quickly we'll shift into preparing for Tokyo," Tuke said.
Joseph Parker's trainer Kevin Barry believes the Kiwi heavyweight could have a shot at reclaiming his world title at the end of the year.
Parker arrived back in Auckland yesterday after defeating Shawndell Winters via TKO in Dallas, Texas over the weekend, in what was his third knockout victory in a row.
While the 28-year-old former champ takes a bit of time off to recover from the fight, his team have been straight back to work in planning what's next for Parker – who sits at number two on the WBO heavyweight rankings.
Barry said he has an "exciting plan" in place for Parker in his quest to return to re-join the top players in the crowded heavyweight division.
"Joe just arrived back in Auckland this morning to his four girls and he'll have a little bit of time off," Barry said in an interview with Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "I've already been on the phone three times today with David Higgins – him and I are already putting a plan in place. Quite an exciting plan too.
"We hope to see Joe back in the ring sometime in June or July this year. And it's very important after only having the one fight in 2019, that we get Joe straight back into the ring. And that was our plan fighting him early in 2020 that we would definitely get in our three fights in this year. So we're looking at options, we're looking at venues."
Parker's next fight will likely be against a significantly tougher opponent over the unheralded American Winters, who despite being the smaller man in the ring, caused Parker a few problems during their bout including a cut above his right eye.
Joseph Parker and trainer Kevin Barry. Photo / Photosport
Barry said finding the next opponent could prove tricky, with most of the top heavyweights already contracted in fights, but he is confident Parker will be ready for anything that is thrown at him.
"There's a lot of guys that we would like to be in the ring with who are already booked for fights like [Dereck] Chisora is fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, Dillian Whyte is fighting [Alexander] Povetkin.
"As well as us looking for an opponent and the right fight date and the right time, we also have to be well aware that if an opportunity presents itself at the moment if someone was to get injured or pull out of the fight, that we're ready to go.
"Nobody expected Andy Ruiz to be in the ring with Anthony Joshua last year and of course we all know what happened there.
"At this particular time when the heavyweight division is red hot and has got so much action in it and so many good fighters in it, it's very important that we take the most out of every opportunity that comes our way."
Parker will be looking to get back into the heavyweight conversation with the likes Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, both of whom look likely to meet in a super fight later this year – providing Fury repeats his decisive victory over Deontay Wilder in their contracted rematch.
For Team Parker, a Joshua-Fury fight could also open up a road back to the WBO heavyweight title – the belt Parker lost to Joshua in 2018.
Joshua – who holds the WBO title as well as the WBA, IBF and IBO straps – will face mandatory IBF challenger Kubrat Pulev in June. He is then due to fight WBO challenger Usyk, but a Fury super fight could force Joshua to vacate the WBO belt instead, which could open a door for second-ranked Parker with a chance to challenge for the vacant title.
Barry said he was excited by the prospect, and said the fight could happen as early as the end of the year – if a few fights go their way.
"The exciting thing for us is right at the moment, Joshua is fighting Pulev who is the IBF mandatory [challenger]. Then he's supposed to fight Usyk who is the mandatory to the WBO. Now if that fight doesn't happen – the Usyk camp has already accepted step-aside money once – there's a very good likelihood that if Joshua fights Fury, that the WBO belt might be up for grabs.
"And we know Joe is sitting there very solidly at number two at the moment so that cou...
Cricket commentator Debbie Hockley assesses the White Ferns' disappointing exit from the T20 Cricket World Cup
The Crusaders will wear the unusual title of curtain-raisers in round seven of the Super Rugby season, with their match against the Sunwolves relocated out of Japan due to concerns from the global coronavirus outbreak.
The Crusaders were scheduled to meet the Japanese franchise in Tokyo on March 14, but will now play at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, prior to the Reds' match against the Bulls.
This follows the Japanese government's decision to postpone sporting events in the country for at least the next two weeks and ongoing concerns around the world, including within Super Rugby territories, of the potential further spread of the coronavirus.
The Sunwolves' round six clash against the Brumbies, scheduled to be played in Osaka next Sunday, has also been relocated. The match will now take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong and will be played prior to the Chiefs' match against the Waratahs at the same venue next Friday.
Addressing the situation, Super Rugby chief executive Andy Marinos said in a statement it was clear the changes needed to be made to ensure the wellbeing of players, management teams, officials and spectators.
"For the integrity of the tournament we also believe relocating the matches was the right thing to do regardless of the complexities involved," Marinos said.
"Due to the fact that the Sunwolves were due in Australia for two matches following the Brumbies and Crusaders matches in Japan, and the availability of stadiums and suitable broadcast windows, the matches have been relocated to Australia. This has enabled us to create a series of double-header matches which we hope will prove popular with rugby fans in Wollongong and Brisbane.
"The relocation of these matches has involved an incredible amount of detailed logistical and operational work and these efforts reflect the great spirit within the rugby family at times like these."
No decisions have been made at the stage in regards to the Sunwolves' remaining four fixtures scheduled to be played in Asia.
Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan has been named as the head coach of the Chiefs super rugby franchise for the 2021 season while Warren Gatland is coaching the British and Irish Lions.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson is excited about what the future of NZ rugby might look like.
The process of radically changing the set-up of rugby in New Zealand will begin tomorrow when provincial unions are presented with a new blueprint for how the game should be organised, managed and structured.
Having seen the game evolve rapidly in the last decade, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) believes the time is right to make sweeping changes to give it a better chance of dealing with prevailing issues such as stagnant participation rates, increasing drop-out rates among teens and plunging spectator interest in Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby.
The Herald understands that NZR is going to post a multi-million dollar loss for 2019 and is forecasting another for next year, hence its decision to engage consultancy group McKinsey earlier this year to investigate ways in which the sport can be restructured.
The preliminary recommendations of that review will be revealed to provincial unions tomorrow and those familiar with the report believe it could deliver the most significant change in New Zealand rugby since the game went professional in 1996.
It is believed that NZR's broader vision sees provincial unions in a new role where they will mostly drive participation and administer the club game at a local level, leaving Super Rugby sides with greater responsibility to manage talent identification and development of elite players.
There is some suggestion that one of the recommendations will be that provinces change their priorities and see growing participation as their primary goal and more important than producing a successful Mitre 10 Cup team.
A raft of concepts and new ideas will be proposed that will impact across areas such as talent identification and development, competition structures and administrative function at provincial and national level.
Effectively New Zealand is poised for a system re-set where the respective roles of schools, clubs, unions, Super Rugby teams and the national body will be redefined to better achieve the common purpose of growing the sport and delivering success at the professional level.
While driving down costs is part of the goal, NZR is aware that the current landscape creates conflict in areas of player development which can also act as barriers to player retention.
They are also aware that an overhaul of development pathways may be required to help attract new players, with participation rates having stagnated for the last decade amid changing social patterns.
What the unions are likely to hear, then, is that NZR believes there is a need for elite player development to be streamlined.
That may lead to provincial unions having to abolish their own academy programmes in favour of regional centres of excellence.
Currently unions and Super Rugby sides tend to compete for the same players, which drives up costs and has also led to teams targeting athletes at a younger age – often when they are in Year 12 of school – to secure their services.
The report will also ask questions about duplication of back office function at provincial unions and whether some of this could be centralised to create both efficiencies of service and a reduction of costs.
NZR is wary that unions could feel they are being asked to give up their identity, but the national body is understood to be conscious that the historic tribalism of the provincial game needs to be restored not destroyed.
To that end, it is understood that the review will recommend that the Mitre 10 Cup continue with 14 teams, although it wouldn't be a surprise if there is subsequent discussion about whether the major unions in particular should be continuing to use major venues to host games given the vastly reduced crowds and interest in that level of rugby.
Unions will be given time to consider the recommendations and give their feedback ahead of NZR's March board meeting.
The Herald has approached NZR for comment.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has explained the decision to play Josh Ioane in the midfield after the 23-year-old's shock positional switch for the Super Rugby season.
Just a year removed from his breakout campaign as the Highlanders' first-choice first five-eighth earned him a place in the All Blacks squad, Ioane has been wearing the No12 jersey for the entirety of the 2020 season so far.
Speaking to Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave, Mauger said that's where Ioane's future in the game could lie.
"In terms of what he can do and his all-around game, I think he's a guy who can really push for higher honours in that role, being a genuine 12/10 option."
Josh Ioane earned a spot in the All Blacks squad last year. Photo / Photosport
Ioane has ceded the No10 jersey to new recruit Mitch Hunt, who joined the club from the Crusaders following the 2019 campaign, while Josh McKay and Michael Collins have shared duties at fullback.
Running two playmakers in the starting XV allows the Highlanders to play at pace, which has shown promise through the opening rounds of the season.
"I think if you look at the two opportunities we finished last week (against the Crusaders), those guys were both in amongst it," Mauger pointed out.
"We want to play fast, there's no secret to it."
While the youthful Highlanders squad has shown signs of promise, that is yet to translate onto the scoreboard. Through four rounds of the competition, the Highlanders average a shade less than 19 points per game, better than only the Waratahs (16) and Bulls (12).
Both teams below the Highlanders in average points per game are yet to win a game this season, while the Highlanders have won just once – a comeback win against the Brumbies in Canberra in which they scored the winning points after the final hooter had sounded.
Heading into Friday night's clash against the Rebels in Dunedin, Mauger made a couple of tweaks to his starting squad to "freshen things up".
Prop Ayden Johnstone and hooker Liam Coltman swap places with Daniel Lienert-Brown and Ash Dixon, the latter moving into the starting side, while lock Jack Whetton replaces the injured Josh Dickson and Teariki Ben-Nicholas replaces Shannon Frizell who is observing his first All Blacks rest week.
In the back line, McKay earns a recall to the starting side on the wing, with Collins retaining the No15 jersey.
A spokesman for the Japanese government on Wednesday said the International Olympic Committee and local organizers are going ahead as planned with the Tokyo Olympics despite the threat of the spreading coronavirus.
The comments from spokesman Yoshihide Suga follow the assertion by former IOC vice-president Dick Pound that organizers face a three-month window to decide the fate of the games.
The Olympics are set to open on July 24 with 11,000 athletes. The Paralympics open Aug. 25 with 4,400.
Pound told the Associated Press that the fast-spreading virus could cancel the Olympics. Suga says Pound's opinion does not reflect the official view of the IOC, which has repeatedly said there are no plans to cancel or postpone the Tokyo Games.
The viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 80,000 people and killed more than 2,700 globally. China has reported 2,715 deaths among 78,064 cases on the mainland. Five deaths in Japan have been attributed to the virus and the COVID-19 illness it causes.
"With regard to this member's comment, the IOC has responded that this is not their official position, and that the IOC is proceeding with preparations toward the games as scheduled," Suga said, speaking in Japanese at his daily news conference.
Pound has been a member of the IOC since 1978, serving two terms as vice-president, and was the founding president of the World Anti-Doping Agency.
He also represented Canada as a swimmer at the Olympics.
In a telephone interview from Montreal, Pound said the IOC has a three-month window to decide, and suggested other options like moving events of postponing seemed less likely.
"In and around that time," he said, "I'd say folks are going to have to ask: 'Is this under sufficient control that we can be confident about going to Tokyo or now?'"
If the IOC decides the games cannot go forward as scheduled in Tokyo, "you're probably looking at a cancellation," said Pound, who repeated the IOC's stance that as of now the games are on.
The three-month window also goes for sponsors and television broadcasters who need to firm up planning. Not to mention travelers, athletes and fans with 7.8 million tickets available for the Olympics and 2.3 million for the Paralympics.
As the games draw near, Pound said, "a lot of things have to start happening You've got to start ramping up your security, your food, the Olympic Village, the hotels. The media folks will be in their building their studios."
The threat of the virus seems to be growing.
At a government task force meeting Wednesday on the virus outbreak, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was asking organizers to cancel or postpone major sports or cultural events over the next two weeks.
"The next one to two weeks is extremely important for the prevention of the escalation of the infection," Abe said. "We ask organizers to cancel, postpone or scale down the size of such events."
He did not name specific events but said he was speaking about nationwide events that attract large crowds.
Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto, speaking in parliament, said "we believe it is necessary to make a worst case scenario in order to improve our operation to achieve success." She added plans were being made "so that we can safely hold the Tokyo Olympics."
Also Wednesday, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that that Colombian Olympic Committee has decided not to participate in pre-Olympic training camps in southern Japan.
D'Arcy Waldegrave and Chris Milicich dissect the week in football and discuss some of the issues facing the game.
Kiwi pole vault star Eliza McCartney explains her complicated road to the Tokyo Olympics.
International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound explains what precautions are in place for Tokyo 2020 as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
White Fern Suzie Bates isn't concern about pay equality between male and female players.
Medical Director for New Zealand Football Dr Mark Fulcher looks at the concerns around kids heading the ball.
NZR Head of Participation and Development Steve Lancaster explains why they are investing time and effort into setting up an under 85kg national club championship
General Manager of Talk Jason Winstanley explains the decision as to why cricket will no longer be called on Radio Sport.
Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor explains the art of throwing the ball into a lineout and the 25 year reunion happening this weekend.
Black Caps test spinner Ajaz Patel after his call up to the squad for the Indian series.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead has named a 13-man squad for the upcoming two test series against India.
Kiwi Tiarn Collins has won the latest round of the men's slopestyle Snowboard World Cup in Calgary, Canada.
While the cream of the country's best paddlers line up for the 2020 NZCT New Zealand Canoe Sprint Championships at Lake Karapiro tomorrow, a small group of Kiwi athletes will be chasing quota spots for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Australia this weekend.
They will compete at the Oceania Canoe Sprint Championships in Penrith, Sydney on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Leading the Kiwi challenge in Australia will be Whanganui paddler Max Brown and his Mana partner Kurtis Imrie, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2019 reaching the A Final in the K2 1000m at the World Cup in Poznan. The duo will be back in action in Sydney pursuing a K2 1000m berth for New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics.
Australia qualified a boat in this event via last year's World Championships, so providing the Kiwi duo finish ahead of the best of the rest in Oceania they will have secured an Olympic quota spot.
However, that should the pair qualify a boat this is no guarantee that Brown or Imdrie will be selected for Tokyo as a decision on the precise make-up on the boat will be made following trials in the next few weeks.
LISTEN ABOVE
New Zealand Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol hopes the load management of top players at the start of a new season will improve next year.
All Blacks are restricted to 180 minutes of rugby over the first three rounds of Super Rugby, while first five Beauden Barrett has negotiated an extended break and will return in April.
Nichol says this year everyone continues to deal with managed introductions due to the shift of the international window from June to July while running the same 15-team Super Rugby format.
He says next year looks more promising.
Former prop Wyatt Crockett joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss the resting of players and why he never took a sabbatical himself.
Kiwi rider Courtney Duncan has been the fastest Motocross rider in the world championship since bursting onto the scene in 2016. After absolutely dominating and winning all but 1 of the 9 races in 2019, she finally fulfilled her childhood dream of being crowned WMX World Champion.
Check the video out here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAcAt7JJm9Q&fbclid=IwAR3rvueT30EkrBJM7C3K8luytaoYP902eDxN0ZqHgBT_oZEcRrVp2FHhQUQ
Black Caps interim coach Shane Jurgensen hints Kane Williamson will return from injury.
Sophie Devine lead the way for the White Ferns as she belted her maiden T20 century in their win over South Africa that also clinched the series.
Kiwi sailor Blair Tuke following the Oceania champs where he and Peter Burling finished second ahead of next weeks world champs in Melbourne.
The Women's Rugby World Cup takes place in New Zealand in 2021, Chairman of World Rugby Sir Bill Beaumont launched the event today in Auckland.
New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport is a global leader in innovation and high performance sport and will enhance its status with the construction of a world class sporting facility.
A partner in the development, Jamie Tout explains what the facility will offer.
Highlanders' assistant coach Tony Brown discusses what he hopes for the Highlander's Super Rugby season.
Black Cap Ross Taylor gives insight into some of the challenges the Black Caps have faced this summer.
Blues winger Rieko Ioane sits down to talk about the challenges of the 2019 season and what he's looking forward to in season 2020.
From City Kickboxing Mike Angove discusses the world of Mixed Martial Arts and debates the merits of the Halberg Awards.
Kiwi cricketer Todd Astle explains why he feels now is the time to step back from red ball cricket.
Red dust and rain combined to give some of the blue courts at the Australian Open a more Roland Garros hue, adding yet another element to the freakish conditions that have plagued the first four days of the tournament.
Smoke from devastating bush fires on Australia's east coast caused air quality in Melbourne last week to be ranked among the worst in the world, and impacted on qualifying.
So far this week, rain on three of the first four days of the tournament has caused more difficulties for players and organizers.
Play was delayed on outside courts Thursday by more showers and what a weather expert called "dirty rain" that left red dust covering some outside courts at Melbourne Park, forced the closer of some public pools and turned the water in the Yarra River which winds between the tennis complex and the city deep brown.
Melbourne Park staff used high-pressure hoses to clean court surfaces. Light rain became heavy, forcing the suspension of play on outside courts until the sun came out in the mid-afternoon.
On the plus side, there are three stadiums with retractable roofs, so the show courts will go on.
Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev needed a medical timeout for a nose bleed before beating Spanish qualifier Pedro Martinez 7-5, 6-1, 6-3 and advancing to the third round.
The U.S. Open finalist called for a medical timeout while leading 5-0 in the second set and needed treatment to stop the bleeding.
His match on Margaret Court Arena followed sixth-seeded Belinda Bencic's 7-5 7-5 win over 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
"I'm super happy to get the match out of the way. I didn't know the courts were, like, wet and dirty and all that," Bencic said. "But for sure it was difficult today. It was sometimes sunny and then suddenly was almost raining. Then windy. Yeah, you just kind of have to accept it and go with it and try your best."
On Rod Laver Arena, the center court at Melbourne Park, second-seeded Karolina Pliskova advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Laura Siegemund following two-time major winner Garbine Muguruza's 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Ajla Tomljanovic.
"I'm happy to get through — this was an ugly match for me," Pliskova said.
Last year at Melbourne Park, Pliskova lost to eventual champion Naomi Osaka in the semifinals after saving four match points to beat Serena Williams in the quarterfinals.
Muguruzu had to wait for the stadium roof to be closed in the third set of her win, and said the need to stay patient was crucial in the tough win. On Melbourne Arena, 19th-seeded Donna Vekic beat Alize Cornet 6-4, 6-2.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Richard Carlyon told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. the brown rain was the result of the rain front moving through a dust storm northwest of Melbourne, and not from bushfire smoke.
The late cancellation of an Olympic qualifying tournament in China will hit New Zealand's boxers financially.
The event in Wuhan has been cancelled by the International Olympic Committee, due to the city's outbreak of the coronavirus.
Nine Kiwis had planned to attend.
View this post on Instagram As y’all may have heard, our Olympic qualification tournament has been cancelled, however it is expected to be relocated and run at a similar date. There’s confusion right across the board at the moment but Team NZ are staying focussed and working hard. #Tokyo2020 #Coronavirus A post shared by David Nyika (@davidnyika) on Jan 22, 2020 at 5:54pm PST
Coach Billy Meehan says not only will the athletes have to train again to peak at the right time, most will have to fork out personally to get there.
He says only three, including himself and two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist David Nyika, get funded.
"The rest of the boxers take care of it all of their own."
Nyika told D'Arcy Waldegrave that they are trying not to overreact, and the boxing team is staying focused on the event.
"We're all assuming the event will still take place, it just will need to be relocated. We're expecting it will be run at a similar date."
The six cities which will host games for next year's women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand have been revealed.
Auckland's Eden Park will host the opening weekend of games while Christchurch's Hagley Oval will be the venue of the final with Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton and Dunedin also named as hosts.
The tournament, which will feature 31 games, will take place between February 6 and March 7. It will be the third time New Zealand play host to the World Cup, last time being in 2000 when the White Ferns won the final in Lincoln.
The Canterbury region also hosted the 1982 final when Australia beat England at Lancaster Park.
Hagley Oval. Photo / Photosport
Hamilton and Tauranga will host semifinals with the final in Christchurch to be a day-night game, pending installation of lights at Hagley Oval.
ICC women's Cricket World Cup CEO Andrea Nelson said the tournament promises to be a truly national event.
"Our goal was to ensure all 31 matches will be played at the best venues, encompassing a geographic spread that ensured as many Kiwi sports fans as possible get to engage with the tournament," Nelson said.
"It was great to see the enthusiasm from so many cities bidding for a chance to welcome the best players in the world to their backyard."
She told D'Arcy Waldegrave they can't confirm which games will open yet, but they will be marquee fixtures.
"We have got some fantastic games we are looking to place here in the opening weekend. It's Auckland's chance to really get behind the tournament. It's a global city and it's a global game, and we think it's going to be a fantastic stage to start."
Ross Taylor has jumped to the defence of Kane Williamson, claiming the Black Caps captain still has plenty to offer the team.
Following last month's Boxing Day test where New Zealand was crushed by Australia, former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum suggested Williamson had lost his love of the role.
McCullum questioned some of Williamson's tactics and said his successor as captain wasn't enjoying the role as much as prior years, describing him as a "reluctant leader".
McCullum's comments sparked rumours that Williamson could look to step down from the captaincy role in the T20 format following this year's World Cup.
However, Taylor didn't believe Williamson giving up the captaincy was necessary.
"I think he's got a lot to offer this team as a captain in years to come," Taylor said.
"Kane's been through a lot over the last little while. Obviously the World Cup was pretty interesting for the whole team ... but I'm sure he'll make the right decision for him and the team.
"I don't think giving up a format as captain is necessarily the right way but him having breaks every now and then to take a bit of load off is what I think will be best for himself and the team.
"I think he's doing a fantastic job, whether he takes breaks here and there."
With the disastrous series against Australia still fresh in their memory, the Black Caps are looking forward to a change in format and opponent.
Taylor said it was great having fresh faces join the squad ahead of this weekend's T20 matches against India at Eden Park.
"Any time we play India it's a pretty exciting thing, to be at home with two games against the best team in the world, that's what we live to play for and hopefully we can start the series off well," he said.
Ross Taylor believes Kane Williamson has plenty left to give. Photo / Photosport
"There's a lot of people in the squad who weren't even a part of [the series in Australia] and I think they bring a new dynamic to the team, but the guys who obviously were over there will want to get back on the horse so to speak, and obviously a different format in conditions that we know well and hopefully we can get off to a good start."
Despite rumours in the media, Taylor added he didn't believe there was an easier path to selection for Cantabrians and that players should be selected on merit.
"There's obviously a lot of ND [Northern Districts] people and I come from Hamilton, I don't play for ND, but if you're the best players, regardless of where you come from, you should be picked for the team."
The Black Caps play India at Eden Park on Friday and Sunday night.
White Ferns batswoman Suzie Bates it's just happy to get the silver fern across her chest once again.
New Zealand last played an international in March last year, with the team since changing captain and coach.
Bates says the team is desperate to play together again.
"For us to finally get together again. It's nice for us to be playing cricket around the world, but it's nice for us to get together and get our dynamics going again."
The White Ferns kick off their international summer with a one-day international against South Africa at Eden Park outer oval on Saturday.
It's part of a mammoth weekend of cricket for Eden Park. The Black Caps face India in two Twnenty20 matches on Friday and Sunday, while the White Ferns will return to the outer oval on Monday.
LISTEN TO EDEN PARK CEO NICK SAUTNER TALK WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ABOUT THIS WEEKEND'S MATCHES ABOVE
Plenty was going badly for Coco Gauff in the second round of the Australian Open.
The double-faults kept coming Wednesday, nine in all. The deficits, too: First, she dropped the opening set against 74th-ranked Sorana Cirstea. Then, after forcing a third, Gauff fell behind by a break, ceding 14 of 16 points with a series of mistakes. Later, after getting even at 3-all, Gauff was a mere two points from a loss.
None of that mattered. As she already keeps showing, over and over, Gauff is not a typical 15-year-old. Not a typical tennis player, either. And by getting past Cirstea 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a little more than two hours, she now has set up yet another Grand Slam showdown against Naomi Osaka.
Less than five months after their memorable meeting at the U.S. Open -- Osaka won that one in straight sets, then consoled a crying Gauff on court and encouraged her to address the spectators -- the two will meet again. Like that time, Osaka is the major's reigning champion and Gauff is making her debut at the tournament.
"I know what to expect," said Gauff, who eliminated seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round Monday. "I'm excited for a good match."
She was not at her very best on a windy day against Cirstea but managed to figure her way out of trouble repeatedly. Gauff demonstrated plenty of grit, yes, and also enthusiasm, pumping herself up by shaking a fist and yelling, "Come on!" after most of her successful points down the stretch.
Late in the third set, Gauff was told by the chair umpire that a serve she hit didn't count because Cirstea had indicated she wasn't ready to receive the ball. Gauff said she never looks at an opponent before serving and asked for a head's up next time.
When the point was played for real, Gauff won it and, from up at the net, stared in Cirstea's direction and yelled. There was plenty more of that sort of celebrating the rest of the way, and Gauff was supported by a Melbourne Arena crowd that chanted, "Let's go, Coco! Let's go!"
Her father, Corey, was animated in the stands, too, except when he was squeezing his eyes shut at critical moments.
There were several of those for his precocious daughter, who was ranked only 313th last year when she became the youngest player in history to qualify for Wimbledon, then wound up beating Williams there en route to the fourth round.
It is a measure of her came-so-soon stardom that Gauff was playing at Melbourne Park's third-largest stadium Wednesday, even though this was a matchup between a pair of players ranked outside the top 60 and with one career Grand Slam quarterfinal between them, more than a decade ago (Cirstea made it that far at the 2009 French Open).
Indeed, every Grand Slam singles match -- "every" being a relative term, of course, because this was No. 9 -- of the 67th-ranked Gauff's nascent career has been placed on a show court.
This was the first main draw match at a major for Gauff in which she held a better ranking than her opponent.
Didn't seem that way at the outset: Gauff dropped the first set. After forcing things to a third, she trailed 3-0. After making it 3-3, Gauff needed to get through one more gut-check: Twice, she was two points from departing.
But the American teenager broke in the next-to-last game, then held to win.
How did Gauff get through this test?
"Just my will to win," she said. "My parents, they always told me I can come back, no matter what the score is."
Other winners included defending men's champion Novak Djokovic — he required all of 95 minutes to breeze past Japanese wild-card entry Tatsuma Ito 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 — women's No. 1 Ash Barty and two-time major champion Petra Kvitova, the runner-up to Osaka in Australia a year ago.
Osaka worked through some frustrations Wednesday by grabbing her racket with both hands and chucking it to the ground, tossing away a tennis ball and kicking the racket along the court, to boot.
Then she plopped herself down on her sideline seat and draped a towel over her...
Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, the home of the Warriors, will host a stage during Rally New Zealand event later this year.
Today Rally New Zealand organisers confirmed the stadium will act as a base for the event service park as well as hosting a Super Special Stage for the World Rally Championship round.
The four-day event will be based in Auckland from September 3 to 6.
"Auckland has a strong rally heritage going back to more than half a century and it's good to be able to once again host the WRC after an eight-year hiatus," Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff said.
CEO Michael Goldstein says rally stages north and south of Auckland will be confirmed soon.
"I actually spoke with the WRC last night, and our deadline is end of March to confirm the entire route. Right now, we're working really closely on the details of the route.
"That involves quite a lot of engagement both locally and internationally."
The Kansas City Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV next month.
The Chiefs won the AFC Championship game, defeating the Tennessee Titans 35-24 Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 37-20 in the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns and led the Chiefs with 53 rushing yards and a running touchdown.
This is the Chiefs' first trip to the Super Bowl since winning Super Bowl IV, 50 years ago in 1970.
Running back Raheem Mostert had a career game, rushing for 220 yards and four touchdowns for San Francisco. He is the only player in NFL history with more than 200 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a postseason game.
This is the 49ers' first trip to the Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. The 49ers have won five Super Bowls in franchise history, with the most recent win in 1995.
Super Bowl LIV will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on February 2.
Jason Holland has been promoted to Hurricanes head coach after John Plumtree's elevation to the All Blacks coaching team.
Holland, who has been a successful and widely respected assistant coach at the Hurricanes since 2016, takes over his new role with immediate effect.
The 47-year-old has helped the Hurricanes make the Super Rugby playoffs in every season he has been involved with the club, first as an assistant to Chris Boyd and then with Plumtree at the helm in 2019.
The former Manawatu and Taranaki representative enjoyed a successful playing career in New Zealand before he made 102 appearances for top Ireland club Munster between 1999 and 2008.
His coaching career started in Munster before he returned to New Zealand where he was an assistant at Canterbury before moving to the Hurricanes.
"I'm delighted to be offered the opportunity with a team I am really passionate about," Holland said.
"We are obviously thrilled for Plum (Plumtree) who has deservedly been afforded an opportunity with the All Blacks and we have been working hard over the last few weeks to make the transition seamless for the squad who are thrilled for him, as well."
Jason Holland. Photo / Getty
Cory Jane, who made 123 appearances for the Hurricanes between 2007 and 2017, and has made a successful move into coaching with the Wellington Lions, has joined the management team as defence coach on an initial two-year contract.
"CJ had a superb career as a player and we have seen him develop over the last few years as a coach. He did a great job as assistant coach with Wellington and we are excited about what he will bring to the group," Holland added.
Plumtree said he would leave the Hurricanes safe in the knowledge the coaching team would be able to implement and deliver the plans they had put in place for the 2020 season.
"It's not easy leaving a club I love, but I am convinced Alfie [Holland] is going to do a fantastic job with help from Carlos Spencer, Chris Gibbes, Dan Cron and CJ. Alfie is an exciting young coach who the players really respond to and he has great support around him."
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said it was obviously sad to see Plumtree leave the club but he was delighted he had been given the chance to further showcase his ability and talent with the most successful international rugby side in the world.
"He has been extremely important to the Hurricanes and has grown a lot of people, not only the players but all of our high performance staff, during his time here," he said.
"He has forged an important chapter of our history and we expect him to carry on that excellent work with the All Blacks. We wish him all the best and thank him again for the contribution he has made here.
"We are delighted that Jason Holland will be our new head coach. He has the full support of management, the players and New Zealand Rugby and I know he will continue to strive for success and produce the exciting brand of rugby our loyal fans enjoy."
Netball and the White Ferns are the big winners in the latest High Performance Sport New Zealand investment announcement.
HPSNZ have confirmed a $36.8 million core investment programme for 2020 with no changes made to the funding for tier 1, 2 and 3 sports involved in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
"This approach is designed to give Olympic and Paralympic sports more certainty on which to base their transition from the Tokyo to Paris Olympic cycles and their preparations through the Paris cycle," says HPSNZ Chief Executive Michael Scott said.
Netball is the only sport with a significant boost while the women's cricket team will receive the biggest per-year increase.
Netball's funding has increased from $1.50 million to $1.88 million per annum for each of the next four years in preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 World Cup.
In another boost for women's sport, cricket's investment of $500,000 per year shifts from the Black Caps to the White Ferns for the next two years to support preparation for the 2021 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be hosted in New Zealand, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will feature women's T20 cricket.
In other changes, investment for rugby league has increased (up from $350,000 to $450,000), karate is a new sport to receive funding while boxing and surfing have had increases by $10,000.
There is decreased investment in softball (Black Sox down from $350,000 to $200,000, White Sox down from $30,000 to $0) and shooting (down from $155,000 to $55,000).
Scott says HPSNZ's investment decisions are based on the same four criteria for all sports: past performance; future potential; quality of the high performance programme and campaigns; and the individual sport context.
HPSNZ will make further changes to its investment process over the next 12 months, beginning in March 2020. At that time, an investment equivalent to 60-80 percent of current funding levels will be confirmed for targeted Summer Olympic and Paralympic sports for the four years of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic cycle.
Following the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, all sports will be assessed based on Tokyo performance, with final investment decisions to be announced in December 2020. This will include any remaining investment for tier 1 and tier 2 sports, along with investments in other sports and campaigns.
The New Zealand Breakers have all but resigned to their fate this season and allowed Corey Webster to join the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China on a short-term deal.
Webster has agreed to join the Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association on a short-term loan after the club offered the Breakers a lucrative buyout deal.
It won't be the end of Webster's tenure with the Breakers however, with the 31-year-old agreeing to an extension with the club that would see him remain in Auckland until 2023.Speaking to media about Webster's contract in China, Breakers director of basketball Dan Shamir said their 4-10 record made the decision to let him leave a bit easier.
"He's not going anywhere if it's 10-4, let's be honest," Shamir said.
"This season has been challenging from day one, and this is definitely not an upgrade for the team. My approach is always to take it for the next game and compete; look for the three or four things we need to do and we'll keep doing that. Will we in the 14 games that are left? I don't know, I can't promise results.
"It doesn't mean we're going to rest or be less professional."
The Breakers have struggled to a 4-10 record to the halfway point of the season, sitting four games behind the Adelaide 36ers who currently hold the fourth and final playoff spot. Webster's new Chinese deal means he is now unavailable to play against the Melbourne Phoenix in Christchurch this weekend and he was expected to leave the country in the coming days.
For Webster, who leads the Breakers in scoring with 19 points per game, it was an easy decision to accept the offer. The CBA is one of the top leagues in the world, with their imports often being high-level former NBA players. Webster joins the club a week after eight-year NBA veteran Kenneth Faried was cut from the team and said the opportunity to play in the CBA was unexpected.
It's the second opportunity Webster has had to ply his trade in a league overseas, after an approach by Turkish club Darüşşafaka was knocked back by the Breakers at the start of the season.
"When that didn't go through, that was nothing personal against the club," Webster said of being unable to link up with Darüşşafaka. "I love being a Breaker; this is where I've played the majority of my pro career.
"I wasn't out there looking for a deal, I was trying to win with this team. This just happened to come about.
"Leaving halfway through the season is a little bit disappointing for me, I feel bad a little bit but this is an opportunity that is going to change some things for my family. No one in their right mind would strictly turn it down without even considering it.
"It's a life changing opportunity for now, but the more important thing for me is I'm returning to the Breakers. My heart's in this club, with everything that's gone on, I still believe in the road we're taking, the focuses and the plans of the club."
To cover for the hole Webster leaves, Tall Blacks Shooting Guard Ethan Rusbatch becomes a full rostered player. The 27-year-old initially joined the club in pre-season as a Nominated Replacement Player for Tom Abercrombie.
Blackcaps paceman Trent Boult has all but confirmed he will be fit and ready for the second cricket test between New Zealand and Australia.
Auckland pace bowler Kyle Jamieson has earned his maiden call-up to the Black Cap as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson.
Ferguson is returning home from Australia after sustaining a grade two right calf-muscle tendon strain while bowling in the first Test in Perth.
The injury is expected to require four to six weeks of rehabilitation.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed 24-year-old Jamieson would join the Test squad in Melbourne in preparation for the second Test at the MCG on Boxing Day.
"It's an exciting opportunity for Kyle who has impressed in the Plunket Shield domestic four-day competition," Stead said.
"We've also been really encouraged by his progress in the NZC winter camps and his performances for New Zealand A.
"Standing at over two metres tall he obviously gets good bounce and brings something different to our other pace bowlers.
"He'll play for the Aces today in their Super Smash T20 match against the Kings, before making his way to Melbourne on Wednesday.
"It will be his first time in camp and we're looking forward to welcoming him into the Black Caps environment."
Jamieson boasts 72 wickets in the Plunket Shield at an average of 27.9.
Ferguson will travel home on Tuesday and Stead said the whole team was feeling for him.
"We're all absolutely gutted for Lockie," he added.
"He'd worked really hard to earn his Test debut and to have it cruelly halted by injury was truly unlucky.
"He'll return home to begin his recovery with an eye to India's tour of New Zealand starting in late January."
11 things about new Black Cap Kyle Jamieson1) Jamieson was in the Auckland Grammar first XI for three years playing as an opener or at number three. He moved to Christchurch on a Lincoln University scholarship, studying for a Bachelor of Commerce.
2) At 2.03m, Jamieson is even slightly taller than 'Two Metre' Peter Fulton, Canterbury's former New Zealand opener.
Or to put it another way, he's about the same height as All Black lock Brodie Retallick.
If he makes the New Zealand team, Jamieson will be in a group of players rated the tallest in international cricket behind the 2.19 Mohammad Irfan of Pakistan.
Two fine former fast bowlers, West Indian great Joel Garner, and Aussie Bruce Reid, are among those about the same height as Jamieson.
3) Jamieson has serious form...with the bat. Batting at number eight, he scored a 110-ball century against England in Hamilton during an unofficial game last year.
England may not have done much homework on him. His highest first-class score at that point was 40, and his average 14.
His onslaught led to a bit of a spat with a frustrated England bowling star James Anderson, although fellow paceman Mark Wood was very complimentary.
4) His first-class debut for Canterbury against Wellington in 2014, when he failed to take a wicket in 30-odd overs and scored a duck.
5) Jamieson comes from cricketing stock - his dad Michael was a premier batsman for Papatoetoe.
6) He has received a decent tick from recently departed Black Caps coach Mike Hesson,
who tweeted "An impressive bowler who at 6ft 8in can swing it....another one to add to the Black Caps stable".
7) Black Caps star Tim Southee played against him a few years ago and said: "He's got something different to everyone else in first-class cricket, obviously his height and there's not many of those guys going around in the world, so he's got an added advantage there and hopefully of his major injuries are behind him."
8) He was in the New Zealand team for the 2014 under-19 World Cup. He also made the New Zealand A side — which included test specialists BJ Watling, Jeet Raval, and Neil Wagner — who played against a Pakistan combo in Dubai late last year.
9) Injuries have been an issue, including two years ago when he broke a foot bone while jogging after a ball in training. He was among the top wicket-takers in the Plunket Shield at the time. He had previously suffered an ankle stress fracture.
10) There was no over-celebrating his 6-7 T20 stunne...
From City Kickboxing Mike Angove joins D'Arcy Waldegrave in studio discussing the latest success to come out of the Auckland gym.
Head coach Eugene Bareman also joined the show.
Maria Folau has decided to retire from netball after 150 games representing the Silver Ferns.
Coach Noeline Taurua says she will be missed.
Former Blackcaps assistant coach Trent Woodhill loves day/night test cricket but thinks they should start later.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead is considering changes to the the top of the side's batting order following the opening test loss to Australia in Perth.
Kiwi diver Elizabeth Cui won the Oceania Dive Champs and with it a spot at the Tokyo Olympics.
Kiwi rugby fans have taken a swing at New Zealand Rugby over the appointment of new All Blacks coach Ian Foster.
NZR confirmed the 54-year-old Foster's appointment today, after eight years as assistant under Steve Hansen.
Foster saw off a strong challenge from Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson and has been given a two-year deal.
But many fans have disagreed with NZR's decision to stick with Foster over Robertson, who has been described as the "breath of fresh air" the All Blacks needed.
"YUCK, poor Robertson clearly the best coach and misses out to Ian Foster of all coaches. What a sham this whole process has been - Razor was no chance and the other 24 invited to apply knew they were no chance too. Id [sic] be gutted if he was coaching the chiefs bt nz [sic]," one fan posted on Twitter.
🚨 MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT | Ian Foster is the new Head Coach of the All Blacks. FULL STORY 👉🏽 https://t.co/Z9LrFJt9m0#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/nKTzmUMq1H
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 11, 2019
"I am disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Ian Foster will be the next All Blacks coach. NZRU are very risk averse which means more of the old guard. Hard luck Scott Robertson you would have been a breath of fresh air," another wrote.
The social media reaction wasn't all bad, though.
I am disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Ian Foster will be the next All Blacks coach. NZRU are very risk averse which means more of the old guard. Hard luck Scott Robertson you would have been a breath of fresh air.
— Jango (@DeadpanDuck) December 11, 2019
Some fans pointed out that although Robertson holds a stunning Super Rugby record, Rugby Union was a different ball game.
Others said Foster at least deserved a chance.
"Well it's confirmed. His assistants well most likely be Plumtree Mooar, Feek, McLeod. Foster deserves an chance. He's not Hanson, [sic] he has his own ideas. And the whole coaching panel has changed," one user posted.
Rugby: Ian Foster confirmed as new All Blacks head coach https://t.co/ZssFovfsON Well it’s confirmed. His assistants well most likely be Plumtree Mooar, Feek, McLeod. Foster deserves an chance. He’s not Hanson, he has his own ideas. And the whole coaching panel has changed
— Luke Easton (@3ku1) December 11, 2019
Meanwhile, some in the rugby media world also voiced their opinions on the situation, with Daily Telegraph telegraph journalist Jamie Pandaram saying "rival teams will be relieved" by the All Blacks' appointment.
"Ian Foster named as the new All Blacks head coach for two years (2020-21). Many rival teams will be relieved the Kiwis didn't give the job to Scott Robertson," Pandaram tweeted.
Mike Hytner from The Guardian wrote: "Seen as a risky appointment in some parts, Foster's first task will be to win over a sceptical New Zealand public after the popular Robertson was overlooked."
On the other hand, Routers wrote that Foster could be out the door if he can't keep winning.
"Foster's promotion from assistant under Hansen on a two-year deal is an attempt to extend that dynasty but he knows as well as anyone he will be out the door long before the 2023 World Cup if he cannot keep the All Blacks winning.
"Their inability to break down increasingly efficient defences, coupled with constant shuffling of the midfield selections, was criticised by pundits and is something Foster will need to address before his side meet Wales at Eden Park next July."
Foster didn't shy away from acknowledging the reaction when speaking to media at a press conference in Auckland today.
Ian Foster named as the new All Blacks head coach for two years (2020-21). Many rival teams will be relieved the Kiwis didn’t give the job to Scott Robertson
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) December 11, 2019
He said he knew he some work to do in gaining the public's full confidence and support.
"I've got a job now to reinvent myself a bit with the public, with the media," Foster said. "I've been eight years as an assistant coach, my job was...
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson sits down with D'Arcy Waldegrave following the appointment of Ian Foster as head coach of the All Blacks.
Newly appointed All Blacks' coach Ian Foster sat down with D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss some of the challenges he faces as head coach of the All Blacks.
CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency Travis Tygart explains why he believes the ban against Russia doesn't go far enough.
Co-founder and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation Chris Nowinski explains the importance of having a human brain bank in New Zealand and how it will help in the further research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
CEO of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2021 Andrea Nelson explains the importance of Hagley Oval in Christchurch getting floodlights installed in order to host the big games.
Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have capped off day three of the 49er World Championship in Auckland in typical fashion.
The Olympic champions are second after the final day of qualifying, a point behind Germany.
Oscar Gunn and Logan Dunning Beck are sixth.
Nacra 17 sailors Olivia Mackay and Jason Sa
The scorecard doesn't always tell the full story but it shows Peter Burling and Blair Tuke in a strong position after the second day of the Hyundai 49er, 49erFX and Nacra 17 World Championships in Auckland.
The pair banked two thirds, a first and an eighth in their four races to jump up from 11th to second in the 49er class, only one point behind Benjamin Bildstein and David Hussl of Austria.
But the four-time world champions and defending Olympic champions had to claw their way back into a couple of races in sometimes treacherously shifty conditions.
The breeze built around the middle of the day, climbing to about 15 knots, but died off completely in the late afternoon as the last 49er race was concluding. Some boats were almost pushed back over the finish as they limped to the line.
"It was definitely a really tricky day out there," Burling admitted. "We had a fair share of either going backwards or forwards in races at times but we are pretty happy to walk away with the scorecard we did. It could always have been a bit better but it could also have been worse. All in all with how tricky it was, we were pretty happy."
Logan Dunning Beck and Oscar Gunn were also pretty satisfied after winning two of their races which helped them climb from 33rd to seventh overall.
With one more day of qualifying before the top third move into gold fleet, the priority is to post consistently good scores, especially as there are a gaggle of teams within striking distance of the leaders.
"We survived the day," Gunn said. "It's just about not throwing it away, really. A lot of people screwed it up today and yesterday so there are a few good guys who aren't in contention any more.
"We tried really hard to throw it away but we haven't yet so we will keep on chipping away and get some more good scores on the board."
Alex Maloney and Molly Meech did mostly that in their first day of racing at these world championships and sit fourth in the 49erFX fleet after four races. They posted two top-three results across their four races and had two other middling scores on a day when some of the favourites struggled.
Americans Paris Henken and Anna Tobias grabbed an early lead ahead of Ida Marie Baad Nielsen and Marie Thusgaard Olsen of Denmark with Singapore's Kimberly Lim and Cecilia Low third.
"I thought we did a lot of things well but we also made some mistakes that are easy to see in hindsight," Maloney said.
The top four teams in the Nacra 17 did a really good job of that in their four races and only one point separates the quartet. Great Britain's John Gimson and Anna Burnet hold a slim lead over compatriots Ben Saxton and Nicola Boniface with Riley Gibbs and Anna Weis of the United States third.
Gemma Jones and Josh Porebski were the best of the Kiwis in 16th. Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson are 17th and Liv Mackay and Jason Saunders 20th on a congested leaderboard that shows only 21 points between the top 20 teams.
There's still a long way to go in these world championships, which finish on Sunday, and it will be something of a war of attrition.
The 49ers, in particular, have already had two long days, but Burling and Tuke were relishing the battle ahead.
"It's what you train for, isn't it?" Burling said.
And those two know better than any what it takes to win.
unders have had a win and a third to improve to 11th overall after six races.
While it will remain to be seen exactly what happens when he meets Kiwi lightweight Dan Hooker at UFC Auckland in February, Paul Felder can assure fans of one thing.
"Someone's getting hurt, I can tell you that. There will be blood, there will be blood."
Felder and Hooker, ranked No 6 and 7 in the UFC lightweight division respectively, will face off in the main event of the UFC's return to Auckland on February 23 with more than simply another result on the line.
For both fighters, it will be their first headline fight on a card and it's an important step in their overall goal of being considered for a title shot in the near future.
"If you want to get toward that title fight, I think one of the steps you've got to take is to main event something; to show you can headline something, you can sell it, you can be what they want to push toward that title fight," Felder told the Herald . "If you're just a boring fighter, can't sell anything and don't know how to hype it up, nobody wants to buy your product.
"Me and him are both guys that a hungry right now to show that we are the calibre of person that can be fighting for that belt and when you put two guys like that in the cage together and know there's potential title implications on the line, you're going to get the best out of them."
In a combined 48 professional fights, the Philadelphia native and Hooker boast 28 wins by stoppage with 20 knockouts, with 15 of the pair's combined 26 UFC bouts ending before the final bell.
"For this fight, you've basically got two guys who are immovable objects that want to collide against each other. It's just going to make for one hell of a main event here in New Zealand; this is going to be one that people talk about as fight of the year.
"I think people are happy to have me here. I think if somebody was going to come and challenge him, people are excited that it's me. They know my style; they know what I'm going to bring to this fight. No matter what happens on February 23, it's going to be exciting."
But while Felder is hopeful to improve his case for a title shot at the expense of the hometown favourite, the fight is about more than simply himself against Hooker.
For Felder, who trains with Duke Roufus at Roufusport in Milwaukee, it's a chance to put his team's style of striking against that of now world renowned Auckland gym City Kickboxing. Home to the likes of Hooker, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and No 6 ranked flyweight contender Kai Kara-France, City Kickboxing is ranked as the top UFC stable heading into the final month of the year.
"It wasn't just me who wanted this fight," Felder admitted, "Duke wanted this fight. We wanted to come over here and make a statement. Not only that I think I'm one of the best fighters in the lightweight division and the world, but Duke wants to show that our gym and our kickboxing style is better than anyone in the world.
"This isn't just me and Hooker; this is City Kickboxing and Roufusport."
Tickets for UFC Auckland go on sale from Friday, with more bouts to be announced in the coming weeks.
White Fern's all-rounder Sophie Devine talks about her successful Women's Big Bash season and calls for the return of women's test cricket.
Kiwi Trampolinist Dylan Schmidt talks about what he needs to do in order to be at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.
Former Black Cap Captain Ken Rutherford is confident out of form opener Jeet Raval will come right and should be persevered with.
Former Black Caps' spin bowler and all round good man Jeetan Patel explains why he has decided to pull stumps on his long cricketing career.
Ross Taylor's been the pick of the bunch on the final day of the second test between the Black Caps and England in Hamilton, which has ended in a draw.
The batsman along with skipper Kane Williamson each knocked a test century, helping New Zealand to 241 for two before the match was abandoned.
The Black Caps have won the series 1-nil thanks to victory in the opening test.
Chasing personal tons after lunch, Taylor says he and Williamson picked it up thanks to some advice from the opposition.
"I honestly thought I had a couple more overs, but Broad and Stokes were telling me to get on with it and get my 100, and then it rained and I said to Stokes 'thanks for much for reminding me'. I honestly thought it was a couple more overs away."
Taylor became the second New Zealander, after Stephen Fleming, to reach 7000 test runs as he finished unbeaten on 105, bringing up his 19th test century two balls before rain fell to end the test.
Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox joined D'Arcy in studio to talk golf and how former All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen helped him with his golf game.
Master of Mindfulness and Psycho Therapist Emma Murray explains how she has helped V8 Supercar drivier Scott McLaughlin on his mental game.
New Zealand skateboarders hoping to debut at the Tokyo Olympics next year have sicker tricks to face than the half pipe or rail.
The country's best chance of earning qualification is via an Oceania spot, with one berth guaranteed for each continent.
Skateboard NZ secretary Chris Curran says with athletes self-funded they're working on other means to get support.
"We have been able to secure some funding for a development camp through the IOC. We're looking to get some partnerships with Performance Sports NZ and Sports NZ."
LISTEN ABOVE
The Black Caps have been hit by a double injury blow ahead of their second test against England, with Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme both being ruled out due to injury.
Boult, who could only bowl one over on the final day of the Black Caps' win by an innings and 65 runs in Mount Maunganui, went for an MRI scan yesterday, which confirmed he had strained one of the muscles overlying his ribs on his right hand-side, but cleared him of any bone stress.
He will miss the test starting on Friday at Seddon Park, as will de Grandhomme, who sustained a tear to his left lower abdominal muscle during the second innings, which saw him not bowl after lunch.
The pair will begin rehabiliation with an aim to be fit for the Black Caps' first test against Australia in Perth on December 12, and Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen was hopeful both can recover in time.
"It's as good as what it could be, and hopefully they won't be out for too long.
"[Boult's injury] is quite a unique bowling injury that's not been seen much before, but fingers crossed it will be a quick rehab.
"We want them to be on the plane to go to Perth, so we're certainly working towards that, but the initial plan is really just rest and rehab."
Northern Districts all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been called into the test squad as de Grandhomme's replacement, and will join the Black Caps today along with Lockie Ferguson and Todd Astle, who have rejoined the test squad after being released to play domestic one-day cricket.
Colin de Grandhomme (left) and Trent Boult (middle) have both been ruled out of the Black Caps' second test against England. Photo / Getty
Mitchell, who has played nine Twenty20 internationals for the Black Caps, hit an unbeaten 170 for Northern Districts in his last Plunket Shield match, and played for New Zealand A against England in their warm-up match, taking 2-34 and contributing scores of 19 not out and 22 with the bat.
He most recently took 3-54 and hit an unbeaten 62 from 54 balls to lead ND to a one-day win over Central Districts on Monday.
A powerful batsman with good technique who likes to hit the ball straight, Mitchell averages 35.6 with the bat in first-class cricket, and 33.5 with the ball, having taken 61 first-class wickets with his medium-pace offerings.
Daryl Mitchell is in line for a test debut. Photo / Photosport
He would be a like-for-like swap with de Grandhomme, though Black Caps coach Gary Stead could opt for an extra batsman in Tom Blundell, or play four seamers or two spinners, with Mitchell Santner promoted to bat at No 7.
Jurgensen was certain Mitchell has the skills to replace de Grandhomme's all-round production.
"It's a really fantastic opportunity for Daryl, if he's selected for this test he'd probably take a similar role – I certainly think he's got the capability to do what Colin's been able to do."
Boult's ailment seemingly opens up a spot for Ferguson to make his much-anticipated test debut in a seam bowling trio alongside Tim Southee and Neil Wagner, but with Matt Henry also an option, Jurgensen wasn't keen to make any assertions just yet.
"All options will be considered – [Henry] has done a really good job for the team and is a genuine new-ball bowler, and so is Lockie. We'll look at the pitch and see what our best lineup is."
NZCPA CEO Heath Mills discusses the racist comments directed toward English cricketer Jofra Archer.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark on Tony Brown, Jamie Joseph and how losing Dave Rennie to the Aussies is another blow for NZ rugby.
CEO of Rugby Australia Raelene Castle explains to D'Arcy how they got their man Dave Rennie as head coach of the Wallabies.
Current Blackfern Selica Winiata talks to D'Arcy following her selection to referee at the first two rounds of the World 7s Series in Dubai and Cape Town.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney on Nathan Brown joining the coaching staff during the pre-season and responding to rumours of a new signing.
D'Arcy is joined in studio with Bob McMurray on The Driven Hour where they discuss all things motorsport.
Their special guest is WRC boss Oliver Ciesla.
Blackcap pace bowler Neil Wagner discusses the opening test of the NZ summer of cricket.
World Rally Championship boss Oliver Ciesla joins D'Arcy Waldegrave and Bob McMurray in studio on the Driven Hour thanks to Spark Sport.
Ross Norman was the last kiwi male to win the Squash World Championship - D'Arcy caught up with him.
NZ Cricket Deputy CEO Anthony Crummy explains how they go about setting the prices for the international summer of cricket.
NZ Squash HP Manager Shelley Kitchen talks about the success of kiwi squash player Paul Coll.
NZ Rugby League General Manager and Wellbeing Nigel Vagana talks about the challenges they face trying to educate players about their behaviour off the field.
Former Breakers' Assistant Coach Mike Fitchett opens up on his departure from the Auckland-based ANBL franchise.
Netball New Zealand is waiting for Lisa Alexander's call.
The Australian coach has proposed the trans-Tasman Constellation Cup returns to the five-match structure last played in 2013, rather than the current four tests, which is decided by points differential, as was the case this year.Netball New Zealand's Head of Events and International Kate Agnew says they haven't spoken to Alexander yet about a possible change.
"A lot of its around the logistics and the international calendar, challenges that, between the two countries, we face. We both have very busy challenges and it has been on of those things where we've had to come to a bit of a compromise."
She understands though why Alexander would want to change.
"We're certainly open to discussion around these things. It is a matter of working through those logistics and making sure it works for both countries really well."
The voice of rugby on Radio Sport casts his expert eye over the Super Rugby squads for the 2020 season.
Gemma McCaw talks about why she is trying to make it to her fourth Olympic Games following the birth of her first child.
Kiwi rally driver Haydon Paddon talks about his disappointment at the Coffs Harbour round of the WRC being cancelled which most likely sees the end of his WRC career.
Former Blackcaps' captain Brendon McCullum and former English spinner Phil Tufnell talk wine, golf, cricket and horses.
V8 Supercars driver Scott McLaughlin talks about wrapping up the Supercars title with one round to go, and also opens up about some of the challenges off the track this season.
Newly appointed president of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Kiwi Burton Shipley explains how big basketball is globally.
Coach Frank Endacott was appointed to be the head coach of Tonga for the current international league series. He explains why he quit two weeks out.
Blackcaps interim bowling coach Shane Bond talks about his return to the Blackcaps setup, albeit temporarily...for now...
Kiwi league star Shaun Johnson on his reselection into the starting XIII and responds to the "haters".
Shaun Johnson has received some tough love from his mentor as he prepares for a return to the Kiwis side.
The Cronulla half will start in the six jersey in Saturday's second test against Great Britain, having been dropped in favour of Kieran Foran for the first test.
Johnson's been self-critical of his form, an opinion coach Michael Maguire shares.
We are constantly talking and we have a great relationship.
"We have certain standards in our team, and I didn't meet them in that Australia match.
"I understand that, came back and worked hard last week and been given the opportunity for this week."
LISTEN ABOVE AS SHAUN SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Women's shooter Chloe Tipple talks about her journey from Rio and hopefully through to Tokyo 2020
Coach of the Blacksticks Men's Hockey team Darren Smith speaks of his delight in qualifying for Tokyo 2020 in such comprehensive style against Korea.
Blackcaps' all-rounder Mitchell Santner talks about working on his craft as the Twenty20 against England is all square after two games.
Former All Black coach John Hart on how you prepare a side for a bronze medal at the Rugby World Cup.
Kangaroo forward Jake Trbojevic looks at this weekend's triple header and skirts around rumours he has signed a massive deal with the Manly Sea Eagles.
Blackstick Shea McAleese previews his sides final chance to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
England Cricket Captain Eoin Morgan explains the excitement that came with winning the Cricket World Cup final and previews the upcoming series against the Black Caps.
Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker revealed the battle he has had getting back in the ring following a nasty spider bite.
The Warriors and Blues will host a double-header for league and rugby fans next season.
The Warriors will host the Canberra Raiders at Eden Park on Saturday, March 21 at 5pm in the NRL before the Blues and Brumbies meet in Super Rugby at 7.35pm.
The announcement came as the NRL side revealed their schedule for the 2020 season.
The Warriors will use four different stadiums for their home games next year with nine at Mount Smart Stadium, one at Eden Park and one each in Wellington and in Brisbane.
The unveiling of the draw today has confirmed five of their 12 home games have been set down for Saturdays, five on Friday nights and two on Sundays.
Their first match of the year at their home ground is against Wests Tigers in the fourth round on Saturday, April 4.
In their other two 'home games' the Warriors will again be at Suncorp Stadium for the NRL's Magic Round when they face Parramatta on Sunday, May 3 and they'll also return to Wellington taking on North Queensland on Saturday, June 27.
It means the Warriors will have home games against six of 2019's top eight teams, the only exceptions being South Sydney and Cronulla.
As well as the Rabbitohs and the Sharks, the other clubs the Warriors will meet only once will be St George Illawarra, Wests Tigers, Parramatta and Penrith.
While the Warriors will travel to Melbourne, Canberra, Wollongong, Newcastle, Robina on the Gold Coast, Brisbane (twice), Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast and Townsville they'll barely be seen in Sydney with just four games scheduled there.
Warriors schedule 2020Round 1 - 3pm (local time), Saturday March 14 v Knights, McDonald Jones StadiumRound 2 - 5pm, Saturday March 21 v Raiders, Eden ParkRound 3 - 6pm, Friday March 27 v Sea Eagles, LottolandRound 4 - 5pm, Saturday April 4 v Tigers, Mount SmartRound 5 - 6.15pm, Sunday April 12 v Dragons, WIN StadiumRound 6 - 7.30pm, Saturday April 18 v Roosters, Mount SmartRound 7 - 8pm, Saturday April 25 v Storm, AAMI StadiumRound 8 - 1.50pm, Sunday May 3 v Brisbane, Suncorp (Magic Round)Round 9 - 8pm, Friday May 8 v Bulldogs, Mount SmartRound 10 - 3pm, Saturday May 16 v Titans, Cbus Super StadiumRound 11 - 5pm, Saturday May 23 v Storm, Mount SmartRound 12 - ByeRound 13 - 8pm, Friday June 5 v Broncos, Mount SmartRound 14 - 2.05pm, Sunday June 15 v Raiders, GIO StadiumRound 15 - 5pm, Saturday June 27 v Cowboys, WellingtonRound 16 - 7.35pm, Saturday July 4 v Roosters, SCGRound 17 - 8pm, Friday July 10 v Bulldogs, Bankwest StadiumRound 18 - 8pm, Friday July 17 v Titans, Mount SmartRound 19 - 5.30pm, Saturday July 25 v Broncos, Suncorp StadiumRound 20 - 8pm, Friday July 31 v Panthers, Mount SmartRound 21 - 4.05pm, Sunday August 9 v Knights, Mount SmartRound 22 - 3pm, Saturday August 15 v Rabbitohs, Sunshine Coast StadiumRound 23 - 8pm, Friday August 21 v Sea Eagles, Mount SmartRound 24 - 5.30pm, Saturday August 29 v Cowboys, North Queensland StadiumRound 25 - 3pm, Saturday September 5 v Sharks, WIN Jubilee Oval
Red Bull Holden V8 Supercar drive Shane van Gisbergen talks us through his reaction to Scott McLaughlin's major crash in the latest round of the championship.
Former All Black captain Graham Mourie explains the process of appointing an All Black coach.
Voice of English rugby Miles Harrison speaks about the reaction to England's semi-final win over the All Blacks at Rugby World Cup 2019.
Former Silver Fern captain Bernice Mene reviews the Constellation Cup between New Zealand and Australia.
Black Cap's paceman Lockie Ferguson talks to D'Arcy about getting back to full fitness ahead of the upcoming series against England.
Kiwi fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is excited to pull on the Kiwi's jersey when they take on the Kangaroos.
Newly appointed England cricket coach Chris Silverwood isn't letting his side get too comfortable ahead of their tour of New Zealand.
V8 Supercar Driver Garth Tander wasn't interested in looking back on the controversy at Bathurst.
BBC Rugby Reporter Chris Jones talks to D'Arcy about the english side and coach Eddie Jones.
Paralympics New Zealand announced Paralympian Paula Tesoriero MNZM as Chef de Mission to lead the New Zealand Paralympic Team at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, D'Arcy spoke to the new Chef de Mission.
New Zealand Cricket selector Gavin Larsen ahead of the first taste of international cricket this summer.
From City Kickboxing Mike Angove joins D'Arcy in studio with special guest MMA fighter Rob Whittaker.
Olympic shot putter Tom Walsh talks about the potential changes being made to IAAF Diamond League events.
New Zealand Rugby's high performance sevens talent development manager Chad Tuoro talks to D'Arcy Waldegrave about finding the next rugby superstar!
Kiwi hooker Brandon Smith talks to D'Arcy Waldegrave from inside the Kiwi's camp ahead of the international league season.
The Wellington Phoenix have added a proven goal scorer to their roster for the rest of the A-League season.
Former English Premier League striker Gary Hooper's joined the 'Nix having had spells at English clubs Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday.
The 31 year old's scored 189 goals in his professional career in 445 appearances.
Hooper's excited by a new challenge.
"I spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago, told me how he wanted me to play.Told me about the city, told me about the league, and it's completely different to what I'm used to."
He says finding the back of the net's his biggest strength among other things.
"Link up really, and then getting it wide, trying to link up with the other striker. That's my job."
Hooper won't be available until next weekend's round three match with Perth.
NIGEL YALDEN AND D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ANALYSE THE TEAM ABOVE. BELOW, PATRICK MCKENDRY SHARES HIS TAKES ON THE TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT.
If we can take anything from the demeanour of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his players put before the media today, it's that they have a quiet confidence they have prepared for everything Ireland will bring in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
That's reflected in the selection of the matchday 23, too. The only minor surprises are at hooker, where Codie Taylor starts ahead of Dane Coles in what Hansen has described as a "one-two" punch combination, and Jordie Barrett on the reserves bench ahead of Ben Smith; primarily for his long-range goalkicking ability.
You could call it a horses for courses approach – extra relevant because Hansen has a horse running in a $14 million race in Australia on Saturday, too – but what comes through strongly is how settled this line-up looks and how much faith Hansen and company have in those fortunate players tasked with the job in the biggest game for the All Blacks since the World Cup final four years ago.
The trump card perhaps, and one that Hansen touched on, is the quality sitting on the reserves bench, including Coles, Scott Barrett, TJ Perenara and Sonny Bill Williams. That quartet, plus loose forward Matt Todd and the middle Barrett have the potential to quickly take this game away from Ireland in the final quarter.
"We've got the ability to inject some fresh legs into the game at some point, whether it's [for] Sam [Whitelock] or Brodie [Retallick], we'll wait and see," Hansen said. "Those extra fresh legs could be the difference maybe. We're very fortunate with our bench, it's strong and has been for a long time. When you look at the experience that's on that bench, it does give you a bit of confidence."
He added of Retallick starting at lock despite playing only 30 minutes of rugby over the past three months: "Brodie's a bit of a freak when it comes to fitness. He's got what we call a big motor and has the ability to play off long breaks or short breaks. He's put the work in, there's no question mark around that, it's just how long we have to play him or want to play him. He can play 80 minutes… but we're very fortunate we've got a young man called Scott Barrett who's a very good player in his own right."
Hansen said the Taylor/Coles call was essentially a roll of the dice, but it would have been deliberate. The bigger Taylor will be used to soak up the high-impacts early on while the up-tempo Coles will provide the spark.
"We could have played them either way around really because we've got a good one-two punch there," Hansen said. "Both of them are world class players. We felt that Codie starting would be good to have a bit more of Colesy's energy at the back end of it. Either way it's a one-two punch. We're pretty fortunate to have such world class players in that position."
The Jack Goodhue/Anton Lienert-Brown midfield combination was a near given, as was the outside back combination of Sevu Reece, Beauden Barrett and George Bridge. They're all in form and will be backed to take risks as they see fit in order to run the Irish all over the park.
"They're tenacious," Hansen said of Ireland. "They play a pretty structured game and they're pretty good at what they know they're good at. They don't wander too much off the script. They're not a team that give you a lot of opportunities through mistakes."
It's a cool and calculated approach from Hansen and his selectors which should provide confidence to those of a New Zealand persuasion. Lose this and Hansen's All Black coaching career is over, but a little bit of understated humour from the boss should serve to calm the nerves at home.
"Watch out for his sense of humour," Hansen said when asked how his players should operate under referee Nigel Owens. "He's pretty good with the one-liners."
He's not the only one
Kayla Cullen accepts she'll now need need permission to play for the Silver Ferns again.
The defender has signed for the Swifts for next year's Australian Super Netball competition.
Players who play in Australia full time need special dispensation to be eligible for New Zealand, such as Laura Langman and Maria Folau.
"We're not too sure how that process goes at this point, but if the opportunity arises, I'll try to go down there."
Diamonds coach Lisa Alexander's expressed dismay at the move because it comes at the expense of a young Australian.
Cullen can see where Alexander's coming from, but is not letting that view affect her.
"I guess I've potentially taken a spot that an up and coming wing defence, goal defence might have filled, but I'm happy, it is what it is I guess."
The world's greatest marathon runners are flying like never before – and many experts are putting the astonishing times down to a running shoe.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly, launched in 2016, has zoomed into the headlines, and is threatening to become as famous as Kenya's record setting stars Brigid Kosgei and Eliud Kipchoge.
The shoe, which has a few versions, sells for up to $650 on the internet (and one supposed limited release model is being sold out of Britain for $2000). They are half that price out of official New Zealand suppliers, while the latest incarnation sells for nearly $500 in Europe.
But it is also dividing the athletics world with at least one stable of runners, aligned to a rival company, calling on authorities to examine the shoes which they claim are "ruining" the sport, stating they "don't want to continue with unfair athletics"
Equipment disputes are certainly not a new argument in sport – golf is perhaps the most obvious recent example, where rules around how long putters are used have been revised.
Different sports have taken different stances. Ten years ago, swimming banned a racing suit which supposedly reduced drag by 24 per cent and was worn by almost every winner at the 2008 Olympics. Yet in cycling, similar sorts of suits used by the impressive British team are legal.
A racing shoe for breaking records.The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% is here with more ZoomX foam and an all-new VaporWeave upper. Simply put, it’s the fastest shoe we’ve ever made. Shop now: https://t.co/ZSAahpVfgs pic.twitter.com/VOhXW7Z1Fj
— Nike.com (@nikestore) July 11, 2019
It is almost indisputable that the shoe is leading to much faster times. Carbon plates have been inserted into other athletics shoes but Nike appears to have taken this a huge step forward for marathoners so to speak. The public has apparently flocked to them, testing supplies and presumably raising the internet prices.
Nike's invention contains a curved carbon plate built into the sole, which insiders claim "acts like a spring and propels the runner forward", according to a Times report. Nike has also developed a unique foam which is used in the sole, something they will not sell to other companies.
Sports scientist Ross Tucker told the Times "at least four independent laboratory studies say that there is between a 2.7 and 4.2 reduction in oxygen use when wearing the shoes".
Claims include the shoes enable top runners to reduce their marathon times by two minutes.
The five fastest official marathon times in history have occurred in the last 13 months, all in the Nike Vaporfly.
Kosgei obliterated Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old record in Chicago this week, a day after compatriot Kipchoge became the first person to break two hours for the marathon distance in a specially staged event.
Kipchoge called it his "moon landing moment" while Kosgei believes she can go four minutes faster saying: "I think 2:10 is possible for a lady…I am focused on reducing my time again."
Brigid Kosgei breaking the world record in Chicago. Photo / Getty Images
About a decade a ago, a shoe called the Spira Stinger appeared with springs in the soles.
The manufacturers defended the concept saying: "It's just like the battle with oversized tennis racket or the metal driver. They were banned once, too. Now that's all you can see. Rules can never keep pace with technological change."
IAAF rules state that shoe technology cannot give an unfair advantage, and that footwear must be available to every competitor.
Last year, a runner told the Guardian "you feel (the Vaporfly) most when standing still or walking in them. They tip you forward slightly so it's like you are always just about to 'take off' at speed."
In a Times article, David Bates reckoned: "The carbon plate is not visible, but as soon as you run, it is bouncy, unavoidably so. Each step was easier than usual. It felt phenomenal, like cheating — almost. It felt as if, until then, I had been trying to run in sandals."
In evaluating...
It's come too late for the New Zealand cricketers, but the boundary countback rule will no longer be used to decide tied Super Overs, according to reports
Cricinfo reports the ICC has made the change on the basis of recommendations from its myriad committees after the Black Caps lost the World Cup final to England by zero runs at Lord's in July.
England won because they had scored 26 boundaries to New Zealand's 17.
Super Overs will now be repeated until one team has more runs than the other.
In July's World Cup final, both sides scored 241 from their 50 overs, meaning they had to bat again for six balls each.
England scored 15 in their super over. With two runs needed from their final ball to win, New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill scored one before being run out.
Kiwi Bathurst champion Scott McLaughlin sympathises with the hard-chasing Shane van Gisbergen in the wake of his controversial win yesterday, but insists there was no 'intentional' go-slow from his team.
But McLaughlin's maiden Bathurst victory could be ripped from his grasp after officials slapped a team orders rule breach charge against DJR/Team Penske.
The charge was handed down after an inquiry into the "disgraceful" actions taken by Supercars driver Fabian Coulthard during a late safety car period at the Bathurst 1000.
Officials originally hit Coulthard with a drive-through penalty during the race for breach of safety car procedures which saw him bunch and hold up the field as McLaughlin pitted for fuel for the final laps.
Coulthard's actions saw McLaughlin's lead increase from one second out to 47 after the yellow flags were first waved, though the field re-grouped as the safety car continued after the cars had completed their pit-stops.
"I only found out about what had happened at the press conference," McLaughlin told D'Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport. "It certainly wasn't intentional from our point of view, Fabian was just doing something he needed to do, but I just pushed on. We had a great car all day and unfortunately for him there is a bit of conjecture there, but he drove a great race and I feel bad for him, that's for sure.
"Shane is the ultimate competitor, probably the toughest in the sport and I can understand he'd be pretty gutted but he drove a hell of a race."
Heavy backlash followed the race as Coulthard hit back, saying he was just doing what he was told.
"It was a directive from the team," Coulthard told Supercars.com.
"The team said to me 'take extreme caution, the engine is hot'.
"I'm actually reading my phone now and I'm getting smashed for something I've been told to do.
"I'm a little bit pissed off. I did what I was told and I'm getting murdered for it."
Scott McLaughlin celebrates with his team. Photo / Getty
The result will continue to remain provisional until a further hearing takes place at the Gold Coast 600 in late October.
The rule in question, D24.1, states that "Team Orders 24.1.1 Means an instruction to a Driver or Team member, either verbal or otherwise the effect of which may interfere with a race result."
Team boss Ryan Story immediately requested the chance to build a case against the charge and clear the team from any wrongdoing. That defence will come during a hearing at the Gold Coast 600.
At the time Coulthard looked to have ensured a two horse race between Whincup and McLaughlin for the title after his go slow approach during the yellow flag ensured a huge gap between a hard charging Shane van Gisbergen and the leading duo.
Coulthard's snail's pace also ensured he avoided double stacking, or waiting behind his teammate McLaughlin in the pits.
The team radio showed van Gisbergen was filthy about Coulthard's tactics. "Fabian is going stupidly slow," van Gisbergen said.
"Fabian should get a penalty for that, going stupidly slow. That was shocking."
McLaughlin went on to hold out a fast-finishing van Gisbergen by 0.68 seconds to claim his first Bathurst crown.
Scott McLaughlin celebrates winning Bathurst. Photo / Getty
Supercars legend Larry Perkins branded Coulthard's actions as "disgraceful" on Sunday night.
His team, DJR Team Penske, dismissed the incident on Sunday night.
"Look I am not sure if that made the difference to who won the race," said American motorsport great Roger Penske, the majority owner of Coulthard's team DJR Team Penske.
"We can look at it and talk about it but it is secondary as far I am concerned when you think about it.
"Everyone had a chance, and the two top duelled it out in the end and the outcome was what we wanted."
Van Gisbergen clearly wasn't happy about the incident. "We certainly did get knocked down a few times today," Van Gisbergen said. "In the pits and then working back through the pack and got held up during the safety car by someone....
Scott McLaughlin talks with D'Arcy Waldegrave about his historic Bathurst win and the controversy that has come with it.
From City Kickboxing, Mike Angove and Golnaz Bassam Tabar join Radio Sport Drive Host D’Arcy Waldegrave in studio as they talk fight sport, including what it was like being in the corner of Kiwi fight sensation Israel Adesanya.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Herald Sport writer Patrick McKendry joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to talk about the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup, including their opening win over the Springboks and their latest press conference.
After beating South Africa 23-13, New Zealand have a large break until their next Pool game against Canada on October 2.
The Springboks have named an unchanged 23 for Saturday night's mouthwatering Rugby World Cup opener against the All Blacks in Yokohama.
The Boks, captained by loose forward Siya Kolisi, have named the same side as ran out against Japan in their warm-up clash - the first time they have named an unchanged team in 51 games, when they played identical teams against Wales and the All Blacks in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final and semifinal respectively.
They take on Steve Hansen's team in what many believe could be a rehearsal for the final on November 2, before also facing Italy, Namibia and Canada in Pool B.
Ever since South Africa were dealt a humiliating 57-0 thrashing in North Harbour in September 2017, the two sides have been almost impossible to separate. The All Blacks claimed a 25-24 victory in Cape Town a month after that thumping before South Africa hit back with a 36-34 triumph in Wellington last September.
A 32-30 All Blacks victory followed a month later, and the last game was the closest of the lot — a 16-all draw in July. 22 of South Africa's players from that clash in July are also playing in Saturday's opener.
Duane Vermeulen, who made his debut in 2012, will win his 50th cap in a starting XV with three other half-centurions (Willie le Roux, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth) while there are a further three on the bench (Beast Mtawarira, Francois Louw and Frans Steyn).
Only three of the starting XV have played fewer than 25 tests (Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am and Makazole Mapimpi) while only replacement scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies was not capped before this season.
This is the fifth meeting between the teams at the Rugby World Cup. The Springboks won the 1995 final and 1999 bronze medal match while New Zealand took the 2003 quarter-final and 2015 semifinal.
The All Blacks name their 23 at 2.30pm (NZT) on Thursday.
The Springbok team to play New Zealand in Yokohama:15. Willie le Roux14. Cheslin Kolbe13. Lukhanyo Am12. Damian de Allende11. Makazole Mapimpi10. Handré Pollard9. Faf de Klerk8. Duane Vermeulen7. Pieter-Steph du Toit6. Siya Kolisi (captain)5. Franco Mostert4. Eben Etzebeth3. Frans Malherbe2. Malcolm Marx1. Steven Kitshof
Replacements:
Bongi Mbonambi17. Tendai Mtawarira18. Trevor Nyakane19. RG Snyman20. Francois Louw21. Herschel Jantjies22. Frans Steyn23. Jesse Kriel
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore expects his team's skill levels to continue to advance.
Moore has been confirmed in the role in a full-time capacity for the first time, signing on until the 2021 rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He says putting all of his focus on the one job, has come at a great time.
Moore says being appointed full-time allows them to keep up with other international sides.
One of New Zealand's most decorated athletes has missed out on the 13 strong team named for the upcoming IAAF World Championships in Doha.
Double Olympic medalist Nick Willis failed to meet the qualifying criteria and was relying on an invitation from the IAAF to compete, but it hasn't been forthcoming.
Reigning world champion shot putter Tom Walsh heads the Kiwi contingent along with young sprinters Zoe Hobbs and Eddie Osei-Nketia [oh-say-n-ket-ee-ah]
Alana Barber and Quentin Rew will line-up in the race walks, and Malcolm Hicks and Caden Shields will compete in the marathon.
Shotputter Maddison-Lee Wesche and high jumper Hamish Kerr will make their world championship debuts.
Hammer thrower Julia Ratcliffe, shotputter Jacko Gill, 10,000 metre runner Camille Buscomb and 400 metres hurdler Portia Bing have also been named.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has reinforced the need for his side to start the World Cup in the right away against South Africa on Saturday, saying a good performance would put down a marker for them.
What was left unsaid was the fact it will also show the other contenders what they are up against and an excellent performance from the defending champions would be a significant mental blow.
He also poured cold water on what appears to be a provocative attempt from the South African camp to create a little intrigue over the injury status of lock Brodie Retallick, who is recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the draw between the two teams in Wellington in July.
Springboks assistant coach Matthew Proudfoot flew a metaphorical kite today when he said he wouldn't be surprised if Retallick played against his side in Yokohama despite the All Blacks repeatedly saying the key forward wouldn't be available until the final pool game against Italy at the earliest.
"I do not know why Matthew would think that," Foster said.
"I really don't know. He [Retallick] is quite hard to hide from you guys – he's a six foot nine monster, so we haven't been sneaking him into training or anything like that. He is progressing really, really nicely. I'm pretty sure he won't be there on Saturday but who knows?"
Told that another Boks assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, thought out loud recently that referees might be more consistent in their officiating of the All Blacks now that they were no longer World Rugby's No1-ranked team, and that it may have been another opposition tactic to "poke the beer", Foster replied: "Oh, it sounds like it. I honestly don't know. All I know is that they're good men and they must have enjoyed their press conference."
Foster was reluctant to make any more of it – probably because of the excellent relationship between the All Blacks and Boks and the fact he doesn't want to provide any extra ammunition in terms of motivation. The latter will likely be a common theme throughout the next couple of months here.
"Deep respect, I reckon," he replied when asked to describe the relationship. "We've always had a huge regard for the South Africans as a rugby team. They're a team we probably have our most physical contests with but then they are a team we probably have the best chat in the shed afterwards with. There's always been a deep respect based on the level of commitment that both teams put into it.
The All Blacks gather for a team talk during a New Zealand training session at Kashiwa no Ha Park Stadium on September 11, 2019 in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan. Photo / Getty Images.
"We're at a heightened state always when we play South Africa. I know it's a World Cup and the World Cup is big, but our focus has been on this game for a long time.
"That second Bledisloe was a massive game for us because we were under a lot of pressure then and deservedly so… since then we've had a bit of a break and a clear mindset on this tournament and the importance of game one.
"Can I just say that it's important in game one to get your performance right. We want to kick this tournament off to a level where we put a marker down and say that's where we are at – for our own information more than anything - so that we can grow. We know we'll have to get better and improve because everyone else will analyse you and so what you're doing. We'll deliver up our game and assess it and look at it. We'd love to do that off a good result."
He also had no interest in revealing his preferred quarter-final opposition. It will probably be either Ireland or Scotland, assuming the All Blacks finish first or second in their pool.
"No, as you guys all know we've probably got our own problems on Saturday. We've been saying all along; we're actually not thinking too far ahead in this tournament because Saturday is a pretty big weekend. It's made it really good for us as coaches because we can just put all our energy into that first game."
Brad Riddell has been waiting to step inside the cage against Australia's best fighters – but it took him signing with the world's biggest mixed martial arts promotion before someone stepped up.
The Herald has confirmed Riddell will make his UFC debut at UFC 243 in Melbourne on October 6, squaring off against Australian lightweight and fellow UFC debutant Jamie Mullarkey.
Riddell, 27, was signed by the UFC earlier this month but had no opponent for his October debut. Mullarkey (12-2) saw his opportunity and called Riddell out on social media, claiming Riddell hadn't been tested by Australia's best.
Speaking to the Herald, Riddell had a simple message for his opponent.
"Come at me," he said.
"I haven't fought the best Australia has to offer because they never offered themselves up to fight. I was asking for months to fight these guys. For six or seven months I was trying to find a fight and it was a mission; no one was putting their hand up.
"They were making excuses. They'd say I didn't have enough MMA experience – but I've had more fights than I've had hot meals. Now that I'm on the platform, now they want to put their hand up because they'll be seen. I was always there, willing to fight anybody.
While he has a rich resume in kickboxing, struggling to find an opponent has been a constant theme of Riddell's MMA career, fighting Chinese star Kenan Song in just his third MMA bout. Just 10 months after being knocked out by Riddell, Song made his UFC debut and has since gone 3-1 with the promotion.
Riddell, who has fought at both lightweight and welterweight, joins City Kickboxing teammates Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker, and fellow Kiwi Luke Jumeau on the Melbourne card, and will debut at what is expected to be the biggest combat sports event Oceania has ever seen.
He has lost just once in his seven-fight MMA career, with a submission loss to Australian Adel Brites in July last year. Mullarkey has a win over Brites on his resume, and has backed up back to back losses by knockout with four straight wins.
"There's too many crazy things that happen in MMA to underestimate your opponent, so there's no way I'm going to underestimate Jamie," Riddell said. "But in my mind, I've already won this fight 10 times over, and I will win this fight but hey, he yelled out – closed mouths don't get fed, so credit to him going out asking to fight me and now he's got what he wanted."
Brad Riddell has been waiting to step inside the cage against Australia's best fighters – but it took him signing with the world's biggest mixed martial arts promotion before someone stepped up.
UFC 243 confirmed bouts
Middleweight championship:
Israel Adesanya v Robert Whittaker (five round main event)
Lightweight bout: Dan Hooker v Al Iaquinta
Heavyweight bout: Tai Tuivasa v Serghei Spivak
Bantamweight bout: Holly Holm v Raquel Pennington
Welterweight bout: Luke Jumeau v Dheigo Lima
Featherweight bout: Megan Anderson v Zarah Fairn Dos Santos
Lightweight bout: Brad Riddell v Jamie Mullarkey
Welterweight bout: Jake Matthews v Rostem Akman
Flyweight bout: Nadia Kassem v Ji Yeon Kim
Welterweight bout: Callan Potter v Maki Pitolo
Heavyweight bout: Justin Tafa v Yorgan de Castro
Israel Adesanya v Robert Whittaker (five round main event)
Lightweight bout: Dan Hooker v Al Iaquinta
Heavyweight bout: Tai Tuivasa v Serghei Spivak
Bantamweight bout: Holly Holm v Raquel Pennington
Welterweight bout: Luke Jumeau v Dheigo Lima
Featherweight bout: Megan Anderson v Zarah Fairn Dos Santos
Lightweight bout: Brad Riddell v Jamie Mullarkey
Welterweight bout: Jake Matthews v Rostem Akman
Flyweight bout: Nadia Kassem v Ji Yeon Kim
Welterweight bout: Callan Potter v Maki Pitolo
Heavyweight bout: Justin Tafa v Yorgan de Castro
New Zealand Breakers forward Thomas Abercrombie joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to talk the upcoming Australian NBL season, including new players on the roster and incoming coach Dan Shamir.
Back in the Breakers camp after the basketball World Cup, Abercrombie and his teammates will begin their preseason this Friday before the season starts in mid-October.
Abercrombie says after a necessary wind-down, he's ready to get back on the court.
Peter Lusted joins D'Arcy Waldegrave from Australia to talk the first round of the NRL finals, that saw the Roosters, Raiders, Sea Eagles and Eels all post victories.
By contrast the Sharks and Broncos are out, while the Rabbitohs and Storm have one more week to prove their worth in the competition.
Rugby editor Nigel Yalden joins D'Arcy Waldegrave from Japan to talk about the latest from the All Blacks camp, including Sonny Bill Williams' health and Luke Jacobson's tournament-ending injury.
The All Blacks have quashed rumours suggesting Williams will be sent home early.
Meanwhile Jacobson was ruled out of the World Cup with a delayed onset of concussion, with Shannon Frizell taking his place in the team.
A stunning concession from Kiwi Supercars driver Shane van Gisbergen.
Van Gisbergen believes compatriot Scott McLaughlin, who leads the series by 573 points from Chaz Mostert is simply too good.
There's been a number of tweaks to rules around cars this year, with teams desperate to bridge the gap to Ford's McLaughlin.
But van Gisbergen says even ahead of changes to the aero package this weekend in the Pukekohe round, McLaughlin is better if all things are equal.
"I think Scotty is still a level above us and the other teams so if we get with the other Fords we'd have a chance, but we'd still have to improve to get to Scotty's level. Definitely our cars at a deficit as well."
He says even with the ongoing rule tweaks, McLaughlin is the better driver and has the better car.
"The last couple of years we've given him a good run, but this year it's completely changed. You can see the car completely made a joke of it. The series needed to make some changes and it looks like they are ."
Sophie Pascoe has won a third gold medal at the para swimming world championships in London.
The Kiwi has taken out the S9 100m butterfly title by three and a half seconds. Toni Shaw of Great Britain and American Elizabeth Smith finished in silver and bronze respectively.
It's Pascoe's 11th world title.
Pascoe's already won the backstroke and freestyle over the 100m distance at the meet, with the 50m freestyle to come.
SANZAAR have listened to public feedback and have introduced earlier start times for Super Rugby in New Zealand and Australia next year.
However the 31st of January kick off between the Blues and Chiefs at Eden Park, will mark the earliest start in the competition's 25 year history.
Rob Nichol, CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss how this will - and won't - affect the All Blacks.
LISTEN ABOVE
In October, the Vantage Black Sticks men's team will take on Japan in a series of matches. Grant says the New Zealand team, currently ranked at number nine, will play the 15th ranked Japanese team in a series of games in October.
In November, even more international level hockey will be played in Stratford, in a very important series, says councillor Grant Boyde.
"The Vantage Men's Black Sticks are fighting for their place in next year's Olympics, and their qualifying matches take place right here in Stratford."
The ninth-ranked Black Sticks have drawn the 16th ranked Koreans in a two match home series after the New Zealand Men's team missed its first opportunity to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics when they lost the Oceania Cup in Queensland.
The women's Black Sticks have already earned their place in Tokyo by winning their Oceania Cup matches.
The Olympic qualifier will give people the chance to see the very best of hockey being played, says Grant.
"The Black Sticks Men are going to be fighting to get their place in Tokyo, so the crowd will see great hockey being played without a doubt."
They became World Champions together, but to win their next title, two Silver Ferns are on opposite sides.
Katrina Rore and Laura Langman have both made it to the Suncorp Super Netball Final - Rore for the New South Wales Swifts, and Langman for Sunshine Coast Lightning.
If Rore's team wins, it will mean she has won both the Australia and New Zealand competitions, and the World Cup, in the same year.
The two joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss how they are preparing for the final.
LISTEN ABOVE
The Tall Blacks have beaten Turkey 102-101 to complete their basketball World Cup campaign in China with a three win-two loss record.
Isaac Fotu scored the final two baskets as the lead changed three times in the final minute.
Centre Rob Loe top scored for New Zealand with 17 points.
Coach Paul Henare says the fight his team showed was exceptional.
"A little bit lost for words just because that result, in the greater scheme of things, what that says about our programme and what we've done over the course of this tournament."
The win secures the side a position at one of next year's four Olympic qualifying tournaments.
The draw for the second season of the NRL women's premiership has been announced, featuring standalone fixtures for the first time.
Round one of the season will kick off with the Sydney Roosters taking on the New Zealand Warriors in Melbourne on Saturday, before the St George Illawarra Dragons face defending premiers the Brisbane Broncos in Parramatta on Sunday.
The Warriors will host the inaugural standalone match in round two at Mount Smart Stadium before the Dragons play Roosters at Leichhardt Oval in round three.
LISTEN TO COACH LUISA AVAIKI TALK TO D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ABOVE
Super Rugby kick-off times have been brought forward by half an hour next year, in a bid to be more conducive for families.
New Zealand games will kick off at 7:05 instead of 7:35, while eight weekend 5:15 games will now start at 4:45.
The competition will begin on Friday the 31st of January, two weeks earlier than this season's start date with the Blues hosting the Chiefs at Eden Park.
LISTEN TO NIGEL CASS TALK WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ABOVE
White Ferns coach Bob Carter believes the side has the perfect blend of experience and youth to deliver success.
As first revealed by Radio Sport, Carter has been confirmed as coach until the end of the 2021 ODI World Cup in New Zealand.
His first major challenge is the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in February.
He spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave following his confirmation to the Head Coach position.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
In the end the selection of Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown in the midfield for the All Blacks against Tonga was easy for coach Steve Hansen and his fellow selectors because they were the only pair fit and available.
Sonny Bill Williams' tight calf ruled him out and Jack Goodhue's hamstring strain suffered against Australia in Perth accounted for him. For them and the All Blacks it's an unfortunate state of affairs because they both need game time and the big question for Hansen now will be whether he can gamble on selecting them – and in particular Goodhue - against the Boks in Yokohama in a fortnight.
Goodhue must now be doubtful, but Williams, given his big-game temperament, must be firmly in the frame for second-five for that World Cup opener.
That would suggest Lienert-Brown, who has shouldered a fair bit of work lately in playing 80 minutes in the last two tests against Australia, must be the favourite to wear the No 13 jersey against the Boks should he remain fit, an honour that will be fully deserved given his recent form.
Crotty's return from a broken thumb also comes at just the right time and the Crusaders and Canterbury midfielder, leaving to go overseas at the end of the year, is not surprisingly a fan of Lienert-Brown's work.
"I watched him a lot in Super Rugby," Crotty said. "He's just taken his game to another level - he's just continued to get a little bit better each year and it's just awesome to see him on that incline. The thing about Anton … I love how mindful he is – he's almost wise beyond his years. He's still a young guy but he's got a lot of experience. He's a deep thinker."
In what threatened to turn into a meeting of a mutual admiration society in Hamilton ahead of the test against Tonga on Saturday, Lienert-Brown returned the compliment to a player who is almost as adaptable as he is.
Lienert-Brown, still only 24, has played so well in both midfield positions this year it's difficult to know what his best position is. The same applies to Crotty to a slightly lesser extent; he's probably a better No 12 but it's his experience, reliability and distribution skills which set him apart.
"I guess I've been around for a while now and have played a few tests, which I'm very lucky to have been able to do," Lienert-Brown said. "It's not your age [which is important], it's probably the years you spend in here. Every year you learn a lot and I've been really lucky to have been under Sonny and Crotts, they're very wise men themselves."
"He's very detailed … and always keeps you honest," Lienert-Brown said of Crotty. "That's made me better as a player and person.
"We're always challenged to be honest … and there's no hierarchy. We just want the best for each other."
All Blacks side to face Tonga:
Joe Moody (40)2. Codie Taylor (44)3. Nepo Laulala (19)4. Patrick Tuipulotu (24)5. Samuel Whitelock (111)6. Ardie Savea (38) 7. Matt Todd (20)8. Kieran Read - captain (121)9. TJ Perenara (58)10. Beauden Barrett (77)11. George Bridge (4)12. Ryan Crotty (44)13. Anton Lienert-Brown (37)14. Sevu Reece (2)15. Ben Smith (79)
Reserves:
Liam Coltman (5) 17. Ofa Tuungafasi (29) 18. Angus Ta'avao (7) 19. Scott Barrett (30) 20. Luke Jacobson (1)21. Aaron Smith (86) 22. Josh Ioane *23. Jordie Barrett (11)
Rafael Nadal kept pulling away in his U.S. Open quarterfinal, then getting reeled back in by Diego Schwartzman.
In the first set, Nadal led 4-0 before Schwartzman got to 4-all. In the second, Nadal went up 5-1 before Schwartzman made it 5-all.
Took more than two hours just for those two sets. Eventually, both were claimed by Nadal. And so, ultimately, was the match and a berth in a 33rd Grand Slam semifinal for Nadal, who prevented Schwartzman from reaching his first by winning 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 after 12:30 a.m. Thursday in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Like a lion in the ... jungle. He's big. He's a fighter. He knows how to play the important moments, every single time," Schwartzman said. "I've played him eight times and every important moment, he played better than me."
No wonder Nadal is 8-0 against the guy.
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are both out of the bracket, but Nadal is still around, meaning at least one member of the Big Three is in the semis at a 62nd consecutive major tournament. That trio has combined to win the last 11 Slam trophies — and Nadal is going to be heavily favored to make that 12.
None of the other men left has played in a major final, let alone won one. Nadal, though, is closing in on a fourth championship at the U.S. Open and his 19th at all majors, which would move him within only one of Federer's record for men.
On Friday, Nadal will play No. 24 Matteo Berrettini, a 23-year-old from Rome who is Italy's first male semifinalist in New York since 1977. Berrettini barely got there, edging No. 13 Gael Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) on Wednesday.
The other men's semifinal will be No. 5 Daniil Medvedev of Russia vs. 78th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria.
In the women's semifinals Thursday, Serena Williams meets No. 5 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, and No. 13 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland takes on No. 15 Bianca Andreescu of Canada.
Dimitrov won a five-setter Tuesday night against Federer, who was hampered by an issue with his upper back. Medvedev won his quarterfinal in four sets against Stan Wawrinka, who had built a big lead in the fourth round against Djokovic when the defending champion stopped because of pain in his left shoulder.
A year ago, it was Nadal whose body broke down: He retired from his semifinal against runner-up Juan Martin del Potro because of a bad knee.
This time, on a muggy night with the humidity above 50%, the left-hander raised some concern by having a trainer come out to rub a cream into that forearm during a changeover early in the third set. At the next changeover, Nadal flexed his right forearm and was visited again by the trainer, took a salt pill and guzzled some drinks, then shook that arm between points in the following game.
Afterward, Nadal said he had dealt with cramps late in the second set and early in the third.
"And then I took some salt, that's all, and then it was over. The body is in good shape, I think. Not big problems," Nadal said. "Just, of course, a little tired. Long day."
Still, Nadal managed to play his best when it mattered the most against the 20th-seeded Schwartzman, an Argentine serenaded by loud choruses of "Olé! Olé! Olé! Olé!" by an audience that included former San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili.
Nadal came up with a service break in the last game of each of the opening two sets, then the last one he would need made it 4-2 in the third and he broke yet again to end it.
"I don't know how," Schwartzman said, "but this guy is improving every time."
Now Nadal becomes Berrettini's problem.
Berrettini describes his mental coach as a big help and a best friend. They've been speaking on the phone before and after every match. And they certainly had plenty to chat about when it came to this latest victory.
Berrettini double-faulted away his initial match point and then needed four more to finally put away Monfils after nearly four hours.
"He told me, 'I need to thank you, because I thought that everyone is born once and dies once. But during that ma...
Tall Blacks 93Montenegro 83
There's still work to be done, but the Tall Blacks are alive – and definitely dangerous - at the Basketball World Cup.
A 93-83 victory over Montenegro has kept New Zealand in with a chance of advancing to the second round for the fifth consecutive World Cup, but they require one more win - against a more fearsome foe.
The impressive win puts the Tall Blacks at 1-1 in Group F, with a +2 points differential after their opening 102-94 loss to Brazil, and their toughest test still to come, against Greece on Thursday night.
Brazil's 79-78 upset victory over Greece has made the Tall Blacks' equation simple though - beat Greece, and they move into the second round. Lose, and they don't.
Yes, it remains a tough challenge, but it's at least still in the realm of possibility after grinding down a Montenegrin side who lost their cool, their lead, and eventually the game.
For a while, it looked as if the Tall Blacks had run into a repeat of their third quarter issues against Brazil. A nine-point halftime lead was cut to just one with a quarter to go, as the speed and fluency which had gifted the Tall Blacks their lead was bogged down amongst foul trouble and subsequently ill-advised lineups.
The first half had seen an offensive clinic, with Corey Webster leading the way with multiple triples, and Shea Ili providing his usual spark. The defence was less stellar against a side who scored just 16 first-half points against Greece, but with a judicious use of a press, and some sloppy discipline from Montenegro, they built a 53-44 lead at the break.
Perhaps their hot start was slightly unsustainable, as shots started to miss and the speed which had troubled their opponents started to flag. With Ili benched with four fouls and Rob Loe with three, their replacements had less success, and Montenegro's sole NBA star, Nikola Vucevic, started to shine.
After scoring just 13 points in the third quarter, the Tall Blacks saw their lead vanish early in the fourth, but coach Paul Henare had settled on the players that would win his side the game. Henare made just three substitutes in the final period, with Webster, Loe and Tom Abercrombie playing the entire fourth quarter, and Webster's hot shooting regaining the lead they had fought so hard for.
Webster had another superb offensive showing, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds and seven assists, and after copping an accidental elbow to the face, Isaac Fotu came back to torment the Montenegrin frontcourt, finishing with 20 points and seven rebounds.
Montenegro lost their temper as technical fouls started to mount – their coach had already been ejected from the game for his backchat – and with Vucevic bizarrely benched, the Tall Blacks shot their way to an unassailable lead.
It will be tougher against Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Greek side. For now, though, the Tall Blacks can reflect on a mission accomplished.
Canadian star Bianca Andreescu has confirmed she'll be returning to the ASB Classic next January after impressing in her maiden appearance earlier this year.
The 19-year-old has been the form player of 2019 having a staggering 89 percent win record, the best of any player on the WTA Tour, capturing three titles including the biggest event of the year, the 'Desert Slam' in Indian Wells, and her home tournament, the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
Andreescu has not lost a match against a Top 10 player, beating six of the world's best on her rise through the rankings including Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina, Angelique Kerber, Kiki Bertens, Karolina Pliskova and Serena Williams.
She plays in the US Open quarter-finals tomorrow against Elise Mertens aiming for her first ever semifinal appearance at a grand slam.
Ranked 152 in the world when she arrived in Auckland last December, the Canadian was forced to make her way into the ASB Classic through qualifying. The heavy-hitting teenager has now reached a career high of world number nine on the live rankings and is forecast to go higher by year's end.
Her achievements are even more awe-inspiring considering she missed the entire grass court season with a shoulder injury and has only played nine tournaments this year.
2019 started with a giant-killing run at the 2019 ASB Classic where she took out top seed Wozniacki, sixth seed Venus Williams as well as third seed Su-Wei Hseih to reach her maiden WTA Tour singles final.
She was eventually overcome by defending champion Julia Goerges in a three-set match that will be remembered by all those that were glued to their seats.
The teenager can't wait to return.
"It all started in Auckland for me. I had high expectations starting the season but to beat Caroline (Wozniacki) and Venus (Williams) in my first week was unbelievable.
"It has just been such an amazing year. I feel really comfortable with my game at the moment and for me, that really did start in Auckland.
"I can't wait to get back. It is such a nice way to start the season and who knows, maybe I can go one better," said Andreescu.
ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge is thrilled to secure one of the most sought-after signatures in the sport.
"Bianca has been a revelation this year. She has risen well over 100 spots to now be in the top ten and has a record of 41 and 4 for the season (41 match wins to just four losses). That really is quite staggering. She has been the best play on tour this year and along with Serena, is an unreal start to our 2020 fields."
Off the back of their dominant displays at the US Open, Andreescu and Serena Williams will vie for the top seed position for January's showpiece with Andreescu currently in eighth and Williams 10th on the Year End Race.
"We know there is still a lot more to come on both our Men's and Women's fields. This is a great start and more announcements will be made over the coming weeks" continued Budge.
Tickets for the ASB Classic go on general release to the public today from noon.
The ASB Classic will span for two weeks, with Women's Week kicking off on Monday 6 January by Men's Week from Monday 13 through to Saturday 18 January 2020.
Not even the most experienced of tennis experts saw this coming.
Struggling with injury, Swiss maestro Roger Federer has been knocked out of the US Open by world no.78 Grigor Dimitrov.
Dubbed by some as "Baby Fed" the Bulgarian has not enjoyed much success on the court in 2019 but has stunned Federer to claim a spot in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Dimitrov fought from two sets to one down to claim a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 2-6 win over the third seed.
Grigor Dimitrov. Photo / Photosport
The win locks in a clash with Russian world no.5 Daniil Medvedev who ousted Stan Wawrinka in four sets.
"It would be an understatement to say this would be the biggest win of his career if he can pull this off given where he was mentally coming into this tournament," John McEnroe said of Dimitrov during the match.
There was an extended break between the fourth and fifth set as Federer took a medical timeout and left the court.
"When is the last time we saw Federer walk off the court like this?" McEnroe said as the world awaited the decider to get underway.
Australian Open 2017 was the response.
Even Federer's manager and wife looked confused by the extended absence.
Federer has never retired from a match in his incredible career and it seems he wasn't prepared to break that today.
The Warriors will field a new-look centre combination for Saturday's NRL match against the Raiders in Canberra.
Blake Ayshford and Adam Pompey will team up in the centres, coming in for Peta Hiku and Patrick Herbert who are both ruled out with shoulder and quad injuries respectively.
Ayshford last month announced he will be calling time on his NRL career after this season.
"I'm happy, mate," Ayshford told D'Arcy Waldegrave. "I'm happy with what I've achieved in the NRL, I'm happy in New Zealand - I don't really want to leave so I don't think I'll be playing for another NRL club so I'll probably just hang 'em up at the end of the year.
It will mark the team's final game of the season.
Meanwhile, club CEO Cameron George wants the club's ownership issues to be a thing of the past.
Part owners Autex Industries are in discussions with the Carlaw Heritage Trust around trying to take full control of the Mount Smart club after a breakdown in their relationship.
George says he just wants it sorted sooner rather than later.
Locked in a tight test at the U.S. Open, Rafael Nadal conjured up an over-the-shoulder, back-to-the-net flick of a volley winner that he celebrated with a leap and punch of the air.
If that wasn't the shot of the match, then surely this was, a couple of points later: a cross-court backhand passing winner off an overhead by his opponent, 2014 champion Marin Cilic, good enough to earn a yell and four fist pumps from Nadal — along with an uppercut from Tiger Woods in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands. Then again, maybe it was the sprinting, sliding, bend-it-around-the-net-post forehand winner to get to match point, which Woods loved, too.
Nadal is looking healthy and hungry at Flushing Meadows so far, and he quickly broke things open against Cilic by seizing nine consecutive games for a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory in the fourth round Monday night.
Asked to explain that shot on the next-to-last point, Nadal chuckled a bit and said: "It's easy to describe and difficult to make."
"I hit it well," Nadal said, "but to hit that spot, of course you need some luck."
The 33-year-old Spaniard reached his ninth quarterfinal in New York and 40th at all major tournaments.
The No. 2-seeded Nadal, who retired from his 2018 semifinal at the U.S. Open with a knee injury, will try to get back to the final four by beating No. 20 Diego Schwartzman in the quarterfinals. Schwartzman advanced earlier Monday by eliminating No. 6 Alexander Zverev 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
Nadal is attempting to claim his fourth U.S. Open championship and 19th Grand Slam trophy overall. Roger Federer holds the men's record of 20 majors. The rivals never have played each other in New York; they only could meet in the final this year.
Against Cilic, who entered Monday with a 5-0 mark in fourth-round matches at Flushing Meadows, everything turned shortly after Nadal ceded a set for the first time in the tournament. As it is, he only had played two matches before this one, because his second-round opponent, Thanasi Kokkinakis, withdrew with a bad shoulder.
At 2-1 in the third set, with Cilic serving, Nadal came up with that no-look volley to begin things. After Cilic missed a shot, Nadal's big backhand made it love-40. One double-fault later, that game was over — as, essentially, was the match.
Cilic simply never recovered.
They would go on to play for about another hour, and he managed to grab just two more games.
Tackling the dropping numbers in youth sport must start with a change in parents' attitudes, according to leaders of several of the country's top sporting codes.
New Zealand Rugby, NZ Cricket, Netball NZ, NZ Football and Hockey NZ have signed a statement of intent to make major changes to the way kids play sport, vowing to make it less competitive, more inclusive and more fun in an attempt to combat falling youth participation in sport.
The campaign will look at changing the culture around youth sport starting with education and changing the culture at leadership levels and parents, as well as reviewing national and regional representative tournaments and looking at how talent is identified with teenagers.
Sport NZ boss Peter Miskimmin says change must start with how parents view youth sport.
"This is actually a campaign about parents and about parents rethinking youth sport," Miskimmin told Radio Sport Breakfast. "Because what we're seeing and what we're hearing from young people is they're not enjoying the experience so much.
"In the surveys we've done with them, what they're saying is they want to have fun and they want to play with their mates.
"There's a sense of too much or over-emphasis on winning – we're not saying winning is not important, just the over-emphasis through adult expectations – and early specialisation (being forced to play one sport and encouraged to) is all a bit of a turn off and kids are walking away from sport.
"And for us that's a real issue given all the value that comes associated with sport for life."
Hockey NZ chairman Mike Bignell echoed that sentiment, saying parents have a big part to play in making sport a more attractive environment for children.
"We shouldn't look at kids' sport through adult eyes," Bignall told Newstalk ZB. "I think a big part of that is [with] parents.
"We want them to be coaches, we want them to be umpires, we want them to be volunteers. We want to encourage the kids, though, through that network to be the best they can be in terms of improving their skills and their development.
"If it comes at a win at all cost outcome, that is not going to be the right outcome, both for the coaches and also the parents on the sideline. So parents have got a big chunk to play in this."
'Kids are speaking with their feet'
An independent review into New Zealand secondary schools rugby by NZ Rugby earlier this year found that the number of boys playing rugby in secondary schools is trending downwards at an "alarming rate".
While participation among girls has seen growth, the number of boys' and girls' school teams in Auckland dropped 20 per cent from 225 to 181 since 2013.
NZ Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass says the drop in youth participation is also happening in other sports and this latest campaign is an attempt to help make sport work better for children.
"The kids are speaking with their feet," Cass told Newstalk ZB. "They're leaving not only rugby but other sports because it's not working for them. And this is about saying 'what are the things that kids love about sport', and they love being with their mates. Don't get me wrong, they love winning, they love getting better at the sport, [but] they [also] love having enough players in a team so that they can play.
"We've got a great first XV programme which is bringing through the top rugby athletes in the world. We don't want to do anything to jeopardise that. But underneath that at many schools, they are really struggling to put kids on a rugby field. So we've got to say 'how can we do it differently?'."
Understanding the evidence
The proposed measures from the sporting bodies has been met with some scepticism, including from double Olympic gold medallist rower Eric Murray who said competitiveness is a part of life, and sport should reflect that.
The leaders of the sporting bodies believe the attempt to make sport a less competitive and specialised environment for children isn't about minimising the importance of compe...
Serena Williams flubbed yet another shot and wailed, "I keep missing my forehand!"
She was in trouble, if only briefly, against 17-year-old American Caty McNally, who is friends, and doubles partners, with Coco Gauff.
Making key adjustments to her serve and straightening out her other strokes, Williams avoided what would have been her earliest loss in 19 appearances at the U.S. Open, coming back to beat McNally 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in a match that ended as Wednesday turned to Thursday.
"You can't win tournaments making that many errors," Williams said. "I knew I had to play better, and I knew I could."
And so she did.
"Obviously, she's going to pick up her level. I knew that was going to happen," McNally said. "Next time, I just have to raise my level with hers."
Williams improved to 38-0 in the first two rounds at Flushing Meadows. The only time she was beaten as early as even the third round in New York was in her tournament debut all way back in 1998 — when she was just 16 herself.
The following year, Williams won the first of her six U.S. Open championships. McNally hadn't even been born yet.
Now 37, Williams owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles in all, and she showed off why while powering her way through a deficit, taking 16 of the final set's initial 17 points.
McNally had never won a match at any major tournament until Monday. She is ranked 121st and received a wild-card invitation from the U.S. Tennis Association for singles and for doubles, the latter with 15-year-old sensation Gauff.
It was Gauff who beat Williams' older sister, Venus, on the way to the fourth round of Wimbledon last month.
Might another stunner be in the offing? Seemed a possibility for a set, anyway, with McNally charging the net, serving-and-volleying, and looking like someone who belonged.
Maybe that's why Williams never looked comfortable early. Took time to get into a real groove. Went stretches without being the dominant force she's been for a couple of decades and sure was just the other night while absolutely overwhelming five-time major champion Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 in the same arena.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, made louder than usual under the retractable roof that was closed all day because of showers, alternated who it was pulling for, more than happy to cheer for either woman representing the United States at the country's Grand Slam tournament.
Who doesn't love to support an all-time great, after all? And who doesn't enjoy getting behind a true underdog?
"She's young. It's her first time in a stage like this and only her second Grand Slam, so I think there's a lot to gain from it," said Lynn Nabors-McNally, Caty's mother, who also helps coach her. "It's a great stepping stone to a lot of things."
So there was McNally, almost strutting to the sideline while waving her arms, trying to get the spectators to offer even more noise and more applause after she pulled out the opening set in impressive fashion. First, McNally converted her only break point of the match to lead 6-5. Then she served out the set despite falling behind love-40, erasing three break points and hitting a 103-mph service winner to seal it — and implored the fans to get loud.
They obliged.
"I knew I was playing against the greatest of all time. ... I walked out there and I had the chills," McNally said. "Super happy just to get a set from her. That's something that not very many people do."
And for a bit of the second set, too, McNally stayed with Williams.
But Williams started to pull away, in part by dispensing with the serves out wide that McNally was handling well, and in part by reducing her mistakes from 15 unforced errors in the first set, to 11 in the second to two in the third.
"Actually, I'd rather not be tested in every match. But that doesn't happen. So it's important for me to have those, like, really rough, rowdy matches," Williams said. "That helps a lot."
Ben Smith admits that he hasn't been playing his best rugby but doesn't want to look back on his last three tests, saying he is comfortable with where he is at after a good week's training which has allowed him to look forward to the Rugby World Cup with genuine excitement.
The 33-year-old outside back, who has played 79 tests, remains an integral part of the All Blacks and his reliability under the high ball in particular will allow the coaches to sleep a little easier before the knockout matches in Japan.
After badly tearing a hamstring while playing for the Highlanders this season, and making it back on to the field a month later to start in the Super Rugby quarter-final against the Crusaders, Smith didn't look himself against Argentina, South Africa and Australia in Perth, a form slip which was made to look worse when compared with the performances of George Bridge and Sevu Reece against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
But he's not finished yet. After playing an important role for the All Blacks in the World Cup final against Australia at Twickenham four years ago (yellow card notwithstanding) Smith will leave for a contract in France next year after doing everything he can for his side to win another one.
"Obviously I've got to play some better footy, but I'm comfortable with what I've done over the last week and a half training-wise and I'm excited about what's coming up and the challenge that brings," Smith told the Herald.
When asked about his recent form, he repeated: "I definitely could be playing better rugby, but for me there's no point looking back on those games. I have to concentrate on what I can contribute going forward."
Starting with the All Blacks' first game of the tournament against the Springboks in Yokohama on September 21, the hard grounds of Japan and the often claustrophobic pressure associated with World Cups seem ideally suited to someone with Smith's experience and calmness under fire and while some keyboard warriors lost their heads a little in calling for Smith's, there's no way the selectors would have been so rash.
Bridge and Reece took their chances brilliantly in the humiliation of Australia at Eden Park as their side retained the Bledisloe Cup, but time was never going to run out on Smith and the same goes for Rieko Ioane, who is undergoing a similar slippage in form.
The selectors named their 31-player squad based on form, class and ability to contribute to a gameplan. Smith and left wing Ioane certainly have the latter two qualities.
"It was good to see Bridgey and Sevu get their chance against Aussie," Smith said. "They nailed it, they performed really well. That's the beauty of the black jersey - you see people get a crack and jeez they take it.
"You've heard Steve [Hansen] say World Cups bring pressure so there's the big challenge of walking towards that. As a group I know we'll be really excited about that. From being a part of the squad in 2015 I know whichever team fronts on the day and plays the best footy – especially in those playoff games – they get to progress. If you don't, you go home.
"Obviously I was glad to hear my name called out. But at the same time … to see a guy like Owie (Owen Franks) who has given so much to the All Black jersey – his name wasn't called out and that hit home, I think."
Dominic Thiem's latest bid for grand slam glory has came to an abrupt end at the US Open.
The fourth seeded Austrian has been bundled out in four sets by Italian Thomas Fabbiano in the first round.
Thiem follows Stefanos Tsitsipas in making an early exit, the 8th seed has lost in four sets to Russian Andrey Rublev.
Spanish 10th seed Roberto Bautista Agut has also crashed out in a day of upsets among the men.
Leading women defending champion Naomi Osaka and fourth seed Simona Halep have survived scares to reach the second round.
Osaka says she struggled to cope with the nerves in her three sets win over Russian Anna Blinkova.
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS ANALYSIS ABOVE
World rugby has reacted with disbelief at the naming of the All Blacks squad for the World Cup in Japan - with many leading media organisations and fans expressing shock at the decision to exclude 108-cap veteran Owen Franks.
Franks, Liam Squire and Ngani Laumape were the most noticeable absentees from the 31-man squad named in Auckland this afternoon, with Fox Sports calling the trio's omission "ruthless" under the headline All Bl-axed! 144 caps gone as ruthless NZ run a knife through World Cup squad.
The site also suggested head coach Steve Hansen was taking a risk by including only two specialist first-fives in Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.
"There are just two specialist five-eighths named, with Hansen banking on Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga enjoying an injury-free run," Fox Sports reported.
AFP and the roar.com.au called Franks' axing a "shock omission", while the former expressed some surprise at the inclusion of seasoned utility back Ben Smith despite some recent poor form.
AAP's line was about "sentimentality being cast aside in the name of speed", as Franks was replaced by the more mobile Atu Moli, with the Syndey Morning Herald describing it as a "major bombshell".
The mass interest in the squad was evident when the All Blacks' official website crashed shortly after the announcement and the hashtags #RWC2019, #AllBlacks and #NewZealand soared to the top of Twitter's trending topics.
Unsurprisingly, fans took to social media to voice their opinions on the selections - with Franks' absence a hot topic.
"No Owen Franks!" one user wrote with a shocked face emoji. "Understandable but you have to feel for the man, cruel game this."
"Incredible that the @AllBlacks have deemed 108-cap Owen Franks surplus to requirements. He'd probably start for just about every other country, yet won't be at the @rugbyworldcup this autumn," another wrote.
Many fans were equally puzzled by No 12 Laumape missing the cut with Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-Brown all preferred in midfield.
"I Understand Franks & Squire, But Seriously How Did Ngani Laumape Miss Out?"
"Stoked Luke Jacobson made the @AllBlacks squad for #RWC2019, but gutted for Ngani Laumape. Couldn't have done anything more to make the squad. Would have liked impact from a player of his calibre off the bench," wrote another.
All Blacks legend Dan Carter was quick to congratulate the selected team while offering his sympathy for those who didn't.
"Rugby World Cups are where dreams are made. A special congratulations to all the boys selected for the @allblacks RWC squad. Commiserations to the guys that missed out. The work starts now #letsgooo #allblackeverything," he wrote on Twitter.
The All Blacks will play South Africa, Canada, Namibia and Italy in pool matches starting on September 21, before heading into the knockout rounds.
All Blacks squad: Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Atu Moli, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Matt Todd, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (captain), Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, George Bridge, Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith
The Tall Blacks rounded out their World Cup preparation with an upset 88-82 victory over world number 13 ranked Italy in Anshan, China.
Corey Webster led the team superbly, not only with his 21 points (seven of 16), but with six assists, a figure matched on the night only by his brother Tai.
Ethan Rusbatch continuing a superb tour with 11 points (three of five from deep) while Isaac Fotu finished with 11 point and six rebounds.
Playing their third game in three days, New Zealand was in control throughout the encounter, establishing an early lead outside the arc with seven three-pointers dropping in the first quarter alone, and nine at halftime (from 16 attempts).
The Italians simply had no answer to the quick ball movement and pace of the New Zealanders, who defied the schedule and the odds with one of the bigger wins in Tall Blacks' history.
The Tall Blacks shot the three at 50 percent and had 18 assists compared to just eight for the Italians, underlining their philosophy of sharing the ball and looking for one more pass and an open look.
Head Coach Paul Henare was delighted for his players, not just in the performance, but to savour a victory over a world class team prior to heading to Nanjing and their first group game against Brazil on September 1st.
"We have been battling hard for a few weeks now and the schedule we have put these guys through – I think this was our fifth game in seven days against quality opposition, and that has been tough. For our boys to be able to hang mentally tough and walk away with a win was really pleasing for them to get the reward and that winning feeling against a world class side," Henare.
Henare said the obvious improvement was in the shooting stats, with the open looks being converted tonight.
"We are a team that relies on three-point shooting, it is our job as a coaching staff to provide a system that gets them enough open looks. We felt like we had a few against Serbia last night but couldn't knock them down, but the game is a lot easier when you keep the scoreboard ticking over from the three.
"To go 15 of 30 speaks volumes for the guys hanging tough. Our bigs have shot the ball phenomenally well, Rob Loe has been very consistent, and Tohi Smith-Milner has come on superbly and been consistent from the three for us, but I am happy for all of our guys to knock those shots down."
One stat that glared out at the head coach that he would rather not see however was the turnovers, with 25 coughed up by the Tall Blacks.
"We have actually been pretty good up until tonight, maybe it is a combination of mental fatigue, but we were well short. We lost the possession game; we lost the rebound battle and turned the ball over too many times."
The Tall Blacks now head to Nanjing to put the finishing touches on their preparation and freshen up for the match against Brazil on September 1, buoyed by a quality win against a quality Italian side with plenty of NBA and Euro League experience on their roster.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has shuffled the deck slightly for the clash with the Rabbitohs on Friday.
Kearney has resisted making any major changes, but has dropped Chanel Harris-Tavita and Lachlan Burr back to the bench.
Harris-Tavita had been preferred ahead of Kodi Nikorima for the last two matches, after some strong displays, but Kearney has opted for the experience of Nikorima in the penultimate game of the season.
Burr started in place of Agnatius Paasi against the Sharks, but the two reverse roles this week.
A new-look Paasi will make his 100th career appearance in the Warriors' last home game of the season (8.00pm kick-off).
The 27-year-old front rower had gone four years without a haircut but will sport a sleek look after having it all cut off on Tuesday in support of the Shave for a Cure charity.
The cause is deeply personal for 'Iggy', whose aunt Ponisitia (Tia) Paasi, a former Black Ferns rugby union international, died from cancer last year.
The shave coincides with Paasi achieving his significant milestone.
After making his NRL debut with the Warriors in 2014 — his sole appearance that season — he went on the play 54 times for the Gold Coast Titans from 2015-2017 before returning to Mt Smart last year.
The only other change sees middle forward Ligi Sao come in for centre Blake Ayshford among the four interchange players.
Ayshford is on the extended bench with Bunty Afoa, Adam Keighran and Adam Pompey.
Centre Peta Hiku and prop Leeson Ah Mau will be making their 23rd appearances of the year, the only players involved in every game so far.
With his try against the Sharks last week, David Fusitu'a lifted his career tally to 60 in 95 games, fifth equal with Francis Meli (110 games) on the club's all-time list behind Manu Vatuvei (152 in 226 games), Stacey Jones (77 in 261) and Shaun Johnson (63 in 162) and Simon Mannering (63 in 301).
In 34 previous encounters, the Warriors have a 19-15 edge in wins over South Sydney, but they have only beaten the Sydney team just once since winning in Auckland in 2012.
That victory was in the opening round in Perth last year.
Warriors v South Sydney Rabbitohs8.00pm, Friday, August 30, 2019Mount Smart Stadium, AucklandReferees: Grant Atkins and David Munro
Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Patrick Herbert5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Jazz TevagaInterchange:14 Lachlan Burr15 Sam Lisone16 Ligi Sao17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Bunty Afoa20 Blake Ayshford21 Adam Keighran22 Adam Pompey(Four to be omitted)
Frustration for Joseph Parker's camp as he heads out to the United States for a training camp ahead of his next bout.
A fight against Dereck Chisora is all but set for October 26 in London, which gives Parker nine weeks to prepare.
However the process has been less than satisfactory for Parker's camp, which includes a recent offer they were forced to turn down.
The 26-2 Parker has had just one fight in 2019, a TKO of Australian Alex Leapai in Providence in June.
Chisora has a 31-9 record with victories over Senad Gashi and Artur Szpilka this year.
"It's nearly there," Parker said before flying to Las Vegas.
"The only frustrating thing for the last four or five weeks is that it's been very hard to communicate with them. Even though they are promoters, hard to get hold of. There was an email saying we will be on the card in London on October 26, still no contract or assurances. We want to head back into camp. We've been preparing well here and we want to prepare well back in Vegas but we're just waiting for the contract to be sent and signed," he added.
Parker's promoter David Higgins says it's been a bit shambolic.
"There's been a lot of talk for the past year or so about Chisora v Parker. That fight fell over last April because they ran the time down and left Joseph with only about seven weeks to prepare, so we called their bluff and pulled the pin. This time it's been similarly frustrating. It's now pretty tight but we've finally had something formal in writing and it was like extracting teeth…that's from our new promoter Eddie Hearn at Matchroom.
"He's a busy guy but if I was a conspiracy theorist I reckon it's old David Hay doing a little gentlemen's agreement with Hearn trying to delay us and leave us as little time as possible."
Serena Williams was not about to let Maria Sharapova make a match of this.
So facing a break point early in the second set, Williams conjured up a backhand passing shot so good, so powerful, so precise, that Sharapova had no chance to reach it. Williams watched the ball land in, then raised a clenched left fist toward the night sky.
In her first match at the U.S. Open since last year's loss in a chaotic, controversial final, Williams stretched her winning streak against Sharapova to 19 matches with a nearly flawless performance that produced a 6-1, 6-1 victory devoid of drama Monday night.
Asked whether she could even imagine losing that many matches in a row across 15 years against one opponent, Williams paused for a moment, then replied: "Gosh, I never thought about it like that."
She now leads their head-to-head series 20-2.
"Every time I come up against her," Williams said, "I just bring out some of my best tennis."
Sure did this time; the whole thing lasted all of 59 minutes.
Williams won twice as many points, 56-28. She saved all five break points she faced and lashed serves at up to 115 mph. She broke five times.
"I always said her ball somehow lands in my strike zone," Williams said. "I don't know. It's just perfect for me."
Few players would have stood a chance against Williams the way she was hitting balls deep and true — and certainly not a diminished Sharapova, who is ranked just 87th after missing much of this season with a bad right shoulder that needed surgery. This was a showdown fit for a final, at least in theory: These two met in a title match at each of the other three Grand Slam tournaments but never had faced each other in New York.
Williams arrived at Flushing Meadows, where she's won six titles, accompanied by questions about her back, because spasms that flared up this month forced her to stop playing during the final of one hard-court tuneup tournament and pull out of another one entirely.
Didn't seem to be an issue against Sharapova.
Not one bit.
"The body's good. I feel good," Williams said. "My back's a lot better. So I'm excited. This is going to be fun."
A year ago, she was beaten by Naomi Osaka in straight sets in a U.S. Open final that devolved after a back-and-forth between Williams and chair umpire Carlos Ramos. When Williams was asked Monday night what she thought of the U.S. Tennis Association's decision that Ramos would not officiate any match involving her or her older sister, Venus, at this year's tournament, this was the reply: "I don't know who that is."
LOL, as the kids say.
Williams was calm and cool as can be against Sharapova, only rarely showing the slightest hint of emotion with a cry of "Come on!" or the occasional fist pump, such as the one after the key backhand on break point.
Sharapova called that shot "great."
It shaped up, at least, as far and away the most intriguing matchup on Day 1 at the year's last Grand Slam tournament.
Few athletes in any sport have been as popular in recent decades.
Williams owns 23 major singles title, Sharapova five.
Both have a career Grand Slam.
Both have been ranked No. 1.
So, yes, there were plenty of other matches around the grounds Monday, with No. 1 Novak Djokovic opening defense of his title with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Roberto Carballes Baena, and 21-year-old American Reilly Opelka providing the biggest upset of the afternoon in his U.S. Open debut by eliminating No. 11 Fabio Fognini of Italy 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Roger Federer, owner of a men's-record 20 major trophies, faced 190th-ranked qualifier Sumit Nagal of India, at night.
And, sure, 2016 champion Angelique Kerber continued her rough Grand Slam year with a first-round exit against Kristina Mladenovic by a 7-5, 0-6, 6-4 score, while 2016 runner-up Karolina Pliskova and reigning French Open title winner Ash Barty both struggled through rough starts before emerging to win.
The Williams family only dropped a total of three games in two matches Monday, because Venus bea...
The Tall Blacks have finalised their 12-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in China, with Tom Vodanovich and Taine Murray left out of the squad.
The young duo were part of the squad for a series of warm up matches, but after last night's 103-100 overtime loss to Canada were cut from the team as the roster was trimmed from 14 to 12.
The side will be led into the World Cup by a host of veterans including Tom Abercrombie and Corey Webster, the latter of whom almost lifted the Tall Blacks to an upset on Wednesday night.
Webster had 33 points in the side's second of two matches against Canada, leading a strong attack which bounced back in a big way after an poor outing the night before.
After being decimated by the Canadians the previous night, the Tall Blacks made amends in Sydney on Wednesday.
The Kiwi side were quick out of the blocks last night, holding a 10-point lead after the opening quarter. The Canadians were able to trim the gap to just three points at half time, before taking a one-point lead of their own into the fourth quarter.
Canada led by as many as eight points in the final quarter, however a spirited fight back from the Tall Blacks saw Webster convert on a three-point play to tie the game and send it to over time.
The Canadians were too good in the extra period and took a two-game sweep.
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare was pleased with the return to a more typical Tall Blacks effort, based on energy, work rate and an up-tempo offence.
"That was a much better effort and playing at the required intensity at this level," he said. "That was really good to see the response, obviously we are still disappointed with the result, but knowing the way we can play against quality athleticism, length and what they were doing systematically, it was pleasing to see such a change in such a short turnaround.
"We have to keep reminding ourselves about how we do those things, through messages, conversations, watching video – it is a good reminder that we can play at that level. It is repeated messages about doing those same things over and over again."
The Tall Blacks fly out to China today and will play three more warm up matches before their World Cup opener against Brazil on September 1.
Tall Blacks World Cup squadGuards: Tai Webster, Corey Webster, Shea Ili, Jarrod Kenny, Ethan RusbatchForwards: Tom Abercrombie, Finn Delany, Jordan Ngatai, Isaac FotuCentres: Rob Loe, Alex Pledger, Tohi Smith-Milner
The All Blacks Sevens' quest for Olympic gold in Tokyo next year has been given a major boost, with four Super Rugby players set to join the 2019/2020 campaign.
New Zealand Rugby announced that Caleb Clarke (Blues), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs), Salesi Rayasi (Hurricanes) and Scott Gregory (Highlanders) will shift into the All Blacks Sevens campaign with their sights focussed on the Tokyo Olympic Games.
With the support of their Super Rugby teams, the players have been given the green light to move into the sevens programme, said NZ Rugby head of high performance Mike Anthony.
"We're delighted that these players – who have all been in the All Blacks Sevens environment previously – have put up their hand, and want to have a crack at making the Olympic squad.
"We have worked very closely with all the Super clubs to ensure we could support those players who were genuinely keen to be involved in the Tokyo Olympic Games. We also wanted to ensure that the Super clubs were not significantly disadvantaged.
"Our first step was to gauge individual player interest, and then All Blacks Sevens management presented to those players before a firm commitment was sought.
"The four players selected have all previously played for the All Blacks Sevens which speaks volumes to the culture that (coach) Clark Laidlaw and his team have really built within that environment. It's been a key focus of the management to offer young players world class rugby experience so to have these four put their hand up to return is a great result."
Clarke, Nanai-Seturo and Rayasi will join the All Blacks Sevens squad after their Mitre 10 Cup commitments at the end of this year while Gregory will assemble with the Highlanders until March 2020.
"One of the biggest considerations in this process has been the team environment. We have a group of contracted players that have won the Commonwealth Games Gold and Rugby World Cup Sevens last year, so we're very mindful that those coming in need to complement that group," Anthony said.
Rayasi was a member of the World Cup winning All Blacks Sevens team in 2018 while Nanai-Seturo won Commonwealth Games gold with the team last April.
"We think we have the right mix of players that are coming in – size, speed and power, they will be a great addition to the All Blacks Sevens programme," Anthony added.
The Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, and Highlanders are free to recruit an additional player to their 2020 squads. The Crusaders are the only team to not have representation in the wider sevens squad.
The New Zealand Olympics team is happy with how the 2020 Tokyo event is progressing.
Chef de mission Rob Waddell has visited the Japanese city ahead of next year's Olympics for 'Ready Steady Tokyo' event.
He joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to discuss how the event went, how the Olympics are progressing and how it compares to the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
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The Tall Blacks have been handed a swift wake-up call in their first of two friendlies against Canada, being handed a 34-point loss in Sydney last night.
Being without all but one of their NBA stars didn't hurt the Canadian side, which cruised for the most part on their way to a 122-88 win.
For the most part, the Tall Blacks never looked in the contest. After leading 12-10 early, the Canadian side went on with the job to jump out to a 20-point lead before long.
Ahead 35-16 after the first quarter, Canada pushed on for the second blowout win of their tour of Australia – after beating the Boomers by 20 points in Perth – converting on 55 per cent of their shot attempts.
With Orlando Magic center Khem Birch the only NBA player available to them for the match, Canada got a massive lift from their bench who accounted for 76 of the team's 122 points.
The Tall Blacks, who were without regular rotation players Shea Ili (minor groin strain) and Alex Pledger (illness) for the match, picked up their game after what was a timid opening quarter however allowing 61 points in each half was too much for the Kiwi side to overcome.
Tai Webster top scored for the Tall Blacks with 19 points to go with seven rebounds, while Rob Loe and Isaac Fotu added 17 points each.
It was a performance the team will want to put quickly behind them as they prepare for their second friendly against the Canadian side tonight.
The matches are part of the Tall Blacks' World Cup warm up campaign in China, where New Zealand will open its campaign against Brazil on September 1.
Canada 122 (Aaron Best 20 points, Andrew Nembhard 17, Oshae Brissett 16)New Zealand 88 (Tai Webster 19, Rob Loe 17, Isaac Fotu 17)1Q: 31-16 HT: 61-37 3Q: 92-63
The Government will introduce a bill to enable bars and clubs to stay open and serve drinks during Rugby World Cup games next month.
Justice Minister Andrew Little made the announcement today, following pressure from Act leader David Seymour in the previous days.
Little said the bill would allow eligible licensed premises to open during the RWC games, even if those games are outside their usual trading hours.
"It's pretty clear some clubs are having difficulty persuading their district licensing committees to grant a special licence to extend their hours for this obviously special event, and so it makes sense for Parliament to allow clubs to meet a community desire.
"There are some premises, such as clubs in rural areas, who tend to have earlier closing times and we want to make sure that these communities have the opportunity to enjoy the games."
Little thanked Seymour for his work drafting a bill on the issue, which Seymour intended to bring to the House yesterday, but he held off after the Government requested 24 hours to seek advice.
Seymour told the Herald he was happy that the issue was going to be resolved.
"I'm delighted the Government, and all of Parliament for that matter, is seeing sense."
Seymour led the charge on a similar bill for RWC games in 2015.
The latest quarter-finals at the RWC this year start at 11.15pm NZT, the latest semifinal at 10pm NZT, and the final and bronze playoff are at 10pm NZT.
Local authorities can grant special licences to bars and clubs through district licensing committees, but two clubs - Titirangi RSA and Waihi Beach RSA - have already had their applications declined.
That had prompted Clubs NZ operations manager Lucy Waterreus to contact Seymour to enlist his help, saying the issue could affect up to 180 clubs.
Hospitality New Zealand has also estimated that 50 per cent of its membership – or 1500 on-licence venues – might be impacted.
Seymour has said that a law needed to be passed this month to be in place in time for the first kick-off on September 20.
Lightning, it seems, does strike twice.
Before the events of Tuesday morning, the chances of Serena Williams being seen on a tennis court again in New Zealand felt pretty remote.
As a scenario, it appeared to be in the impossible to imagine category, like John Mitchell coaching the All Blacks again or Michael Cheika running meditation workshops.
But it's happened, and Serena Jameka Williams will be the headline act at the 2020 ASB Classic.
When she came in 2017 it seemed like a once in a lifetime event; sporting royalty gracing our boutique tournament at the bottom of the world.
A bit like Tiger Woods playing at Paraparaumu in 2002, George Best and Manchester United at Carlaw Park in 1967 or Bjorn Borg thrilling Stanley street crowds in 1974.
Williams enjoyed her visit last time, until her infamous 4-6 7-6 (5) 4-6 second round loss to then world No 53 Madison Brengle.
The American made a career high 88 errors on a blustery day, and didn't hold back afterwards.
"I would say it's my least favourite conditions I've ever played in," said Williams, before adding that the ASB Classic "[was] not a great opportunity to assess your game."
To her credit Wiliams also labelled her mistake-ridden display "unprofessional" but made it clear she couldn't wait to get out of Dodge.
"At least I can get out of these conditions so I can get somewhere better, and warmer weather too," said Williams. "I can take solace in the fact that the conditions won't be like this is Melbourne."
But she's back, and will again dominate the sporting media landscape here in early January.
How did it happen?
The genesis was a 'clear the air' meeting at the 2017 Australian Open a week after her unhappy Auckland exit, where her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, agent Jill Smoller and Williams sat down with ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge.
"It was all raw emotion at the time [after the match] but on reflection she probably would have phrased things in a different way," said Budge. "We moved on really quickly and there really wasn't any bad blood. It was just how about we get this right next time…how do we get you back?
Serena indicated she was open to playing here again, and became the primary target for Budge heading into this year.
After a brief chat in Melbourne in January it was agreed they would catch up during the American summer swing, and a 15 minute meeting at the Miami Open in March sealed the deal.
"It was a yes before we even talked about anything," said Budge. "It was a place she wanted to start her year and we were pretty obliging, funnily enough. It was a really quick conversation. She said 'Yup, I really want to make this happen, let's go away and do it'."
For her part Williams said a sense of unfinished business fuelled her decision to return.
"Oh man, I want to win that title so bad," said world No 8 Williams in a statement. "Last time I was there I had so much going on and although I fought through to win my first match, I know I didn't play to my level. I have such amazing memories that are really special to me from Auckland. I would really like to add some on court memories to that list."
It's a massive coup for the event, as the 37-year-old is a true sporting legend.
Twenty three grand slam singles titles, nine other major finals and a stack of doubles successes with sister Venus.
Williams has also spent 319 weeks as world No 1, in a career of remarkable longevity.
Williams won her first grand slam back in 1999, when Jacinda Ardern was studying at the University of Waikato, Bill Clinton was United States President and Richie McCaw was in high school.
Probably the best measure of her greatness is that for most of the last two decades, there has rarely been a match where she hasn't started favourite.
She generally doesn't play International level events (the third tier) on the WTA tour, and the 2017 ASB Classic was her first in several years.
But she enjoyed almost all of her Auckland experience last time, including a helicopter trip to...
Noeline Taurua will remain in charge of the Silver Ferns for their next two international campaigns.
Following an announcement that Taurua will not be extending her contract with Australia's Sunshine Coast Lightning, Netball New Zealand has confirmed the World-Cup winning coach will instead guide the Silver Ferns in October's Constellation Cup and January's Northern Quad Series.
The Ferns' gold medal performance at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool was New Zealand's first title in 16 years.
Taurua at the helm proved a remarkable turn in form for the Ferns who were ranked fourth heading into the July tournament.
Taurua said it had been an amazing journey with the Silver Ferns over the past 12 months and she wanted to ensure the systems, culture, performance and overall improvements that were gained during this time is consolidated and continues to grow and develop through to next year's Quad Series.
New Zealand's Laura Langman lifts the Netball World Cup trophy. Photo / Getty
"I've been fully committed to both the Silver Ferns Netball World Cup campaign and Sunshine Coast Lightning in the Australian Suncorp Super Netball competition," she said.
"I want to help and support both organisations work through the next stage so they remain successful. I can't speak enough of the pride I feel for what we've achieved to date," she said.
"It has been an absolute privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and work with such a special group of people. I need to take the time to settle back home and contemplate where the next journey will take my family and I."
She will take time after the Quad Series in England in January to contemplate her next steps.
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said she was thrilled to have Taurua continue in the role as head coach of the Silver Ferns.
"She has shown she is one of the best in the game in what she has achieved over the past year," Wyllie said.
"Obviously we'd love for Noeline to remain in the head coaching role but that is a long-term commitment that only she can make.
"We must also pay tribute to the Sunshine Coasting Lightning in what has been a unique position for us and working with Noeline in a dual role. It shows the respect that the netball community has for Noeline."
Taurua will name a Silver Ferns team in early September for the Constellation Cup, played as part of the Cadbury Netball Series, with the first Test against the Diamonds on October 13 at the Horncastle Arena in Christchurch before heading to Spark Arena in Auckland on October 16.
Former Kiwi Richie Barnett joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to talk about the Warriors thumping at the hands of the Roosters in the NRL.
Despite scoring first, the Warriors went on to lose 42-6 in Sydney.
The Warriors finals hopes now hang in the balance, sitting three points off the top eight with three games remaining.
Barnett though was happy to credit the Roosters, who are "humming nicely".
"They're so effective in what they do, they maximise their time with the ball."
Former rugby player and coach Craig Dowd joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to talk about the All Blacks big win over the Wallabies to retain the Bledisloe Cup.
Coming off a 47-26 defeat against Australia in Perth, new Zealand returned home and turned the tables to thump their trans-Tasman rivals 36-0 at Eden Park.
Dowd says it was a great performance that was triggered by the big loss in Perth, which was 'the best thing that happened to the All Blacks this year'.
Black Caps batsman Henry Nicholls joins D'Arcy Waldegrave to talk about the Black Caps loss to Sri Lanka in the opening test of their series.
Sri Lanka came away with a six wicket win in Galle, successfully chasing New Zealand's total of 268 in the fourth innings
Having won five consecutive test series, New Zealand had an opportunity to be ranked World No 1 for the first time in their test history, if they managed to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their two-test series.
Dual playmakers, a new loose trio and now two inexperienced wings Sevu Reece and George Bridge starting against the Wallabies – the All Blacks are doubling down on their gamble of investigating just what their players are capable of ahead of next month's World Cup defence.
A quick evaluation. The Richie Mo'unga/Beauden Barrett double act has been a qualified success and will remain for the short-to-medium term; certainly for the big games in Japan.
It was harder to get a read on how Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read could potentially combine because all three were compromised once Scott Barrett was dismissed in Perth last weekend, but that too looks promising.
And the feedback will be immediate on Reece, who made his Super Rugby debut only in February, and Bridge, two inexperienced young Crusaders who base their games around remaining in perpetual motion and making the most of every opportunity.
Mo'unga, who will again navigate the All Black ship from No 10 alongside fullback Barrett, has got to this position via hard work and perseverance. That is less applicable for the 22-year-old Reece, but his form was such in scoring 15 tries in 13 matches for the Crusaders – many of them spectacular – that he couldn't be ignored.
And neither could the below-par form of Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane, although the dropping of the latter was more of a surprise.
"Probably how witty he is," was Mo'unga's tongue-in-cheek reply about what Fijian-born Reece brings. "His eagerness to learn. His knowledge of the game can be underestimated and he brings a lot of value. His energy on the ball is awesome and the fact he can turn something from nothing is what has given him the year that he has had.
"He's a humble kid and works really hard and just wants to learn. I'm really impressed with him."
Bridge, 24, built a reputation in Christchurch of being a player who inevitably makes the right decision and being in the right place at the right time; sort of a younger Ben Smith, in fact.
"George is someone who just performs every week," Mo'unga said. "As a high-performance athlete that's sometimes hard to do but he's shown that he has a mature head and is able to do his role consistently and with a lot of effort. I love that about George and I love how hard he works around the park."
Beauden Barrett said: "It's exciting. Seeing Sevu and George go on Saturday will be great to watch. I haven't always enjoyed watching them play for the Crusaders but they've gone well and I love how they back their instincts."
Asked about Smith's absence on the right, he replied: "With Ben not being there you lose a lot of experience and a very calm head, but on the other hand you have a very excited Sevu Reece, so … look, Ben is a class player and he will be back in no time, but I'm excited about seeing Sevu go."
Bridge, no slouch himself with or without the ball, said: "We've all seen what Sevu can do this year so that's pretty exciting. It's just another game, there's obviously a lot of pressure on us but we just want to bring the energy and get our hands on the ball."
The message all week is that the All Black pack was humbled by the Wallabies a week ago, and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen went further by saying a "200 per cent" improvement was required by his big men.
Barrett, asked how confident he was that his backline could create difficulties should they get their fair share of possession, replied: "Extremely. I've got so much faith in what we're doing and the desire we have to play for each other."
His try in combination with Mo'unga at Optus Stadium in Perth was another piece of evidence that the All Blacks could be building something worthwhile.
"That was one of the few passages we had where we built some pressure and looked after some ball," Barrett said. "Obviously doing that was a challenge with 14 men on Saturday. If we can get more ball with 15 men in our structure I'm excited about what we can do."
Unlike their male counterparts, the Black Ferns have gone with the status quo for their second test with the Wallaroos.
The selectors have named the same starting fifteen that retained the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy in Perth last weekend
However, there are three changes and a bracket on the bench.
20-year-old Canterbury wing Grace Brooker is set to debut, joining hooker Luka Connor and lock Jackie Patea-Fereti as the new faces on the bench.
Coach Glenn Moore says there's lots to like about her game.
"She's big, strong and fast, and the other thing is she knows the game quite well for someone of her age.
"We've been impressed with her for more than a year now, and she's come off the back of a really good FPC last year."
On the face of it, the dropping of Owen Franks, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane before the most important Bledisloe Cup test in four years must qualify as one of the most dramatic reactions to a loss ever made by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
And yes, they have been dropped. Hansen was happy to confirm that in front of a packed press conference at the All Blacks hotel today, perhaps to reinforce a message to all of his players that no one is safe only five weeks from the start of the World Cup.
The performances of tighthead prop Franks and outside backs Smith and Ioane have not been of an acceptable standard, and Hansen and his fellow selectors couldn't keep rewarding mediocrity.
And yet, for all the "panic" headlines dreamed up by media outlets across the ditch reveling in the All Blacks feeling a little discomfort for a change, there is every chance the experienced trio would have sat out this test at Eden Park on Saturday even had Hansen's men won at Perth last weekend rather than slipping to a 47-26 defeat.
Hansen wants to expose Nepo Laulala and inexperienced Crusaders pair George Bridge and Sevu Reece to something approaching the white-hot atmosphere of a World Cup knockout match. A positive side effect is that every one of his players – especially those within his pack – is on notice a week after they were too easily pushed around at Optus Stadium.
"Obviously we'd like Ben, Owen and Rieko playing better, but we've made decisions because we've got to find out more about these other people in big pressure-cooker situations and you don't get much bigger than this one – it's why we've got so many people here this week," Hansen said, regarding a big media turnout. "Everyone's excited about it and it's a challenge we have to face up to."
Asked whether the trio had been dropped, Hansen replied: "Well, they're not playing, so you can say they've been dropped."
Big call? "It's not that big a call because as I've just said to you, we've got to find out more about these other people. To win a World Cup we've had to roll the dice a bit. That's the No 1 priority, but we wouldn't be doing it if we didn't think the other guys weren't good enough to do the job on Saturday if we play well.
"What happens if we get to the World Cup and Ben Smith blows a tyre, or Rieko blows a hamstring, and we've got put a young guy in there who has never faced pressure like this before? It's ideal."
Bridge has played three tests, all as a substitute. Reece, a revelation for the Crusaders this year, has played one – a start against the Pumas in Buenos Aires.
Both have big workrates, are used to playing with No 10 Richie Mo'unga, and will look to provide a spark with their pace and ambition that has been sadly lacking for the All Blacks this year. The only question will be how they react to a high-ball bombardment; Bridge is very good in this area but the much shorter Reece may be a target for the Wallabies.
"We've seen [from them] probably more than we saw from Rieko when we put him in against the Lions [in 2017]. And everyone said 'you can't do that', but how did that go?"
Hansen, about to take charge of the All Blacks in his 100th test, was business-like today but was brooking no nonsense. In that he provided a template for how the All Blacks must react to the hole they've found themselves in because a first Wallabies win against New Zealand at Eden Park since 1986 will allow them to reclaim the Bledisle Cup for the first time since 2003.
The "neck roll" question was raised – last week the Wallabies were guilty of using the illegal tactic of twisting an opponent's neck to clear him from a breakdown at least 14 times – by an Australian reporter, who asked, "Have you told the boys to cut out the neck rolls?"
Quick as a flash, Hansen replied: "Well, I haven't spoken to Australia."
He added: "We didn't do any … we may have done one. All you want from the ref is consistency and if there's foul play that he'll deal with it. Are neck rolls foul play? I supp...
A trio of All Blacks incumbents could find themselves on the outer for the Bledisloe Cup decider in Auckland this weekend.
Rugby Editor Nigel Yalden says these All Black selectors aren't prone to panic, but they are pragmatic.
They have asked for more mobility and work rate from their props and despite his best endeavours to get around the park more, Owen Franks is in the firing line.
All signs point to George Bridge starting but for who as Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane have been well below their best.
Yalden believes its not beyond the realms of possibility that both could be dropped
If that were to happen two of Sevu Reece, Jordie Barrett and Braydon Ennor come into the equation; one as a starter, the other on the bench.
When Ruben Wiki heard he was going to be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame, he admits there was some disbelief.
Wiki and long time Kiwis teammate Stacey Jones were confirmed on Monday as the latest entries into the NRL's prestigious group, two of the four players to enter the Hall this year.
They become just the second and third New Zealanders to be included, after former North Sydney Bears and Kiwis great Mark Graham was inducted last year.
Wiki had been initially proud to be part of the 25 nominees on the short list for this year, so to make the final cut was head-spinning stuff.
"We are still trying to get our head around it," Wiki told D'Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport. "Texting each other... 'is this real?'. But we are pretty blessed. To be in that calibre of elite players is just crazy."
Receiving the honour alongside his great mate Jones made the accolade even more special, as the duo represented the Kiwis for 12 years as teammates, and have also worked together at the Warriors for much of this decade.
"I'm really privileged to be sharing the stage with him," said Wiki of Jones, who played 261 NRL games and 46 tests. "He is the greatest for the Warriors and I'm so proud of him."
Wiki said a love of the game has kept him in the sport, along with the drive to see young players come through and achieve more than he did.
Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki in 2008. Photo / Photosport
Wiki came from a modest background in South Auckland, and recalls playing in bare feet as a six-year-old, and trying to earn some extra pocket money by scoring a few tries.
Despite his long list of achievements (a record 55 tests for the Kiwis and 311 NRL games, the most by a New Zealander) Wiki remains remarkably humble.
"My career showed that dreams do come true if you work hard enough," said Wiki. "I was one of those guys, I didn't have talent but I liked to do what I could for the team and put my best foot forward, every training session, every game.
"I wanted to do everything possible for my team, didn't matter which team, whether it was the [Otara] Scorpions, [Otahuhu] Leopards, Auckland, Raiders, Warriors or the Kiwis. When I retired at 35 I was still having fun. To do it on the world stage was a bonus."
Aside from his legendary commitment to physical fitness and conditioning, Wiki also attributes his longevity in the sport to staying grounded, and following the advice of long time Raiders mentor Tim Sheens.
"He told us to put things outside the league circle, have friends outside the circle," said Wiki. "I still rub shoulders with my mates and the guys I grew up with."
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney, who played with and against both Jones and Wiki, described them as a unique combination.
"Ruben got everything out of himself, an absolute professional." said Kearney. "He was a fierce competitor, a great leader and a wonderful teammate."
"Stacey was a great competitor too and a lot quicker and stronger than people gave him credit for. He also had a natural instinct for the game and was ahead of his time in that regard."
The NRL Hall of Fame spans 110 years of league, and includes the elite competitions in England and Australia, as well as test matches, and currently has 106 members. The induction ceremony will be held in Sydney on Wednesday night.
The All Blacks are taking their medicine as far as Scott Barrett's suspension is concerned and that extends to the unsavoury breakdown activities of the Wallabies last weekend as they eye easily the most important test of their year so far: the battle for the retention of the Bledisloe Cup.
They've copped Barrett's three-week ban for the shoulder charge on Michael Hooper during the 47-26 defeat in Perth without complaint, an unsurprising approach given Barrett will effectively miss only Saturday's return test at Eden Park.Barrett will serve the other two weeks of his ban by missing two rounds of Taranaki's Mitre 10 Cup campaign, and whether he would have played in those matches or not is a moot point: he will be available for the warm-up test against Tonga in Hamilton on September 7 and, fitness permitting, for the All Blacks' first game of the World Cup against the Springboks a fortnight later.
The All Blacks accept also that they were physically dominated around the Optus Stadium pitch, a state of affairs that cannot be repeated. And while there will be private discomfort – disbelief even – at the illegal and dangerous neck rolls undertaken by the Wallabies as revealed by the Herald, there will be a sense that discretion is the way forward here too, although it was hinted at today.
There are other matters to concentrate on, including a new locking partner for Sam Whitelock –Patrick Tuipulotu or Jackson Hemopo – and a new starting midfield; possibly Ngani Laumape and Anton Lienert-Brown, with Sonny Bill Williams on the bench.
"I'm just focusing on this week," Foster said when asked about the neck rolls. "There's no point in us highlighting anything else - we've been found guilty of something and we've just got to take our medicine on that. It's something we don't like and we've got to look at what we can control.
"There are some things we've got to do better and I'm sure there are other teams around the world that are looking at things they've done and are probably preparing the same and realised they've dodged a few bullets."
The All Blacks can't dodge the requirement to front up against the Wallabies after their pack delivered tepid performances in Western Australia and before that against the Pumas and Boks. The key will be in delivering a ruthless approach without going too far. If they can't some big questions will be raised about their World Cup chances.
"It's one of the beauties of rugby – it's a tough, physical game, but there are boundaries," Foster said. "We don't want anyone to cross that line. We lost the physical battle against Australia so forget about all the other things we're talking about here and who might have done what - we lost the physical battle and we have to be better. But that doesn't mean you just be physical at all costs."
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika expressed sympathy for Barrett in Perth, an attitude reflected by England coach Eddie Jones a day later when he called the red card "ridiculous".
It probably stemmed from a feeling of "there but for the grace of God go I", and Foster was clear on what he wanted from referee Jaco Peyper and the other three officials at Eden Park. "They've just got to do their job. We've said all along, it's a tough job for them to do and there are a whole lot of dynamics at play. Just the consistency and doing the best they can and at the moment, that's all you can ask for."
Broadcaster and former Wallaby Rod Kafer's assertion that Hooper was deliberately targeted also received short shrift.
"People can say whatever they like," Foster said. "It doesn't change the truth which is we didn't. I'm sure Rod will sit down one night and have a cup of tea and think that maybe wasn't the truth after all."
Lock Sam Whitelock said: "That's his opinion – but I've never been involved in talking about or setting up anything like that. Obviously [I am] a little bit hurt hearing someone say that but that's his opinion and he's entitled to it."
The new three year women's cricket agreement between NZC and the Players Association is being seen as just a start.
A $4.1 million dollar player pool will see 79 players earn something from the game with domestic cricketers paid by the major associations for the first time.
17 White Ferns will have full time contracts, up from 15, while eight development players will also be contracted.
White Ferns captain Amy Satterthwaite says the deal is fantastic for the game.
"It's going to be an exciting thing to think we've got the opportunity to put more time into something that absolutely love and can mean we can be better players and be better as a team and compete more on the global stage."
She says they see the agreement as a platform to build on.
"You have to have a framework and that's what a lot of this is about, establishing a framework that you can then build on."
Warriors youngster Chanel Harris-Tavita has been retained in the halves for the clash with the Roosters on Sunday, despite the possible return of Kiwis halfback Kodi Nikorima.
It's just reward for Harris-Tavita, who was outstanding in the Warriors' surprise 24-16 win over Manly last Friday.
He was involved in most of the Warriors' best moments on attack, including two try assists for Ken Maumalo and also made an impact on defence, not afraid to put his body on the line, typified by a memorable shot on Tom Trbojevic.
That performance followed up a best-on-field display in the 46-12 loss to the Raiders, when the 20-year-old was singled out by Stephen Kearney (as an example to the others) during his now infamous halftime tirade that night.
Harris-Tavita is part of an unchanged 17 for the game in Sydney, though Nikorima is on the extended bench.
If the 25-year-old, who has struggled with an ankle complaint over the last month, comes through this week's training indications are he will be used as a dummy half option against the reigning premiers.
Nikorima first hurt his ankle scoring a late try in the 19-18 win over the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Nikorima then missed the loss to Parramatta and then re-injured his ankle early in the match against Raiders, which ruled him out last week.
The clash with the Roosters will be extra special for front rower Leeson Ah Mau, who becomes the NRL's newest 200-game player in the historic contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground (4.00pm NZT).
Ah Mau's career milestone coincides with the first time the Warriors have played at the famed SCG.
The 29-year-old Mangere East junior is one of only two players to appear in each of the club's 20 matches this season,
Ah Mau returned to the Warriors this season after starting his NRL career with two appearances in 2009.
The New Zealand and Samoa international then made 33 appearances for the Cowboys in 2010 and 2011 before spending seven years with the St George Illawarra Dragons from 2012-2018 (144 games).
The ultra consistent Ah Mau is averaging 111 metres a game this season and he's also one of the most effective defenders in the game, making 577 tackles and missing just 10.
In the win over Manly he ran for 137 metres from 12 carries and made 29 tackles without a miss.
The Warriors lie 11th on the ladder on 19 points, two behind eighth-placed Brisbane and three behind seventh-placed Penrith.
They face a Roosters side coming off an impressive 22-18 win over the in-form Canberra Raiders to sit second on the table.
Warriors team:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 Adam Pompey3 Peta Hiku4 Gerard Beale5 Ken Maumalo6 Chanel Harris-Tavita7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Jazz Tevaga10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange:
14 Adam Keighran15 Sam Lisone16 Bunty Afoa17 Ligi Sao18 Kodi Nikorima20 Blake Ayshford21 Leivaha Pulu22 Hayze Perham
Former All Black Buck Shelford joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the Wallabies v All Blacks clash tonight.
Shelford spoke about wanting this game to be more exciting than the match against South Africa in Wellington which he said "bored him".
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix will welcome back some old friends - or new foes - to the capital for the first round of the A-League.
Their first opponents are expansion club Western United, coached by ex-Phoenix gaffer Mark Rudan, and featuring ex-skipper Andrew Durante among a handful of other Phoenix players.
Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay reckons the October 13 match is a great way to start.
He's sure they'll give Rudan a great reception.
The Phoenix will also play two games at Eden Park in the 2019/20 A-League football season.
The new season draw features a December 7th game against Western Sydney, before returning to Auckland in mid-February for a home game against Melbourne City.
All other home games are at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
Beauden Barrett is hopeful of a smoother combination with fellow playmaker Richie Mo'unga against the Wallabies, saying if they can get it right the All Blacks should quickly see the benefits.
The pair started together for the first time recently in the drawn test against the Boks in Wellington, with Barrett putting in a performance at fullback which drew strong praise from coach Steve Hansen today.
Mo'unga began more slowly but his value was especially evident after the break when he combined with Barrett to set a tempo the Boks did extremely well to survive.
Asked what he would like to see with his combination with first-five Mo'unga at Perth's Optus Stadium on Saturday, Barrett said: "To work better together."
"I think we've learned a lot from one having one game under our belts," he added. "At times we were perhaps in each other's pockets. Tactically and structurally, if we can be aligned, it will work best for the team and we should see some good rewards from that.
"He's a cool young guy," Barrett said of Mo'unga, who has led the Crusaders to three titles in three years. "He's very calm when he speaks. Playing alongside him, there's a great sense of calmness and that's a quality of his that rubs off on the boys in those tough moments when you just need to steady the ship and keep things simple."
"We liked what we saw last time we did it," Hansen said of the Mo'unga/Barrett double act. "I thought [Barrett] was the best player on the park in Wellington. We just have to make sure we keep providing opportunities. If you look at the footage against South Africa, we did create plenty of opportunities but we didn't finish many of them."
While there will be a sense of the unknown in the Ardie Savea, Sam Cane and Kieran Read loose forward combination, and a little less mystery about the All Blacks' two main navigators, the jury will remain out on the Wallabies' gamble on starting James O'Connor at centre.
O'Connor, who has started a test six years ago and has been plying his trade in Europe, has been used at first-five, second-five, wing and fullback but rarely at centre. His presence may offer attacking opportunities for the visitors, but Barrett and Hansen are of the feeling that O'Connor and the Wallabies will mix things up a bit in terms of their formation.
Barrett said: "Who knows what their midfield combination will present on Saturday? We have to see every phase or play as an opportunity to attack them; it's going to be exciting.
"He's been away for a while and in a jersey we haven't seen him in much. There's no doubt he's a very talented player."
Ardie Savea. Photo / Photosport
Meanwhile, Ardie Savea's form meant he couldn't be left out of the All Blacks starting line-up to play Australia in Bledisloe I. That was acknowledged by both Steve Hansen and Michael Cheika today, with the Wallabies coach describing the flanker as a threat who will have to be watched closely.
Cheika also called Savea a "hybrid"-type player and one not constrained by orthoxy. The Wallabies often run with two openside flankers and a No 8 but the All Blacks have rarely gone down this path; preferring instead a taller more traditional blindside rather than a shorter but explosive and pacey player such as Savea.
That they have selected him in the No 6 jersey is partly due to Liam Squire's unavailability but in the end the choice must have been simple; he just couldn't be left out and his combination with Sam Cane and Kieran Read will be eagerly anticipated by most rugby fans everywhere.
"Ardie is a player who is a sort of a hybrid," Cheika said. "He can play that hard-running, aggressive game – he's an openside as well. I had the opportunity to coach him for a small time at the Baabaas … you get to see the player for what he is and he's a bit of a hybrid between a No 8, a six and a seven. Often that can hurt players but he's a good enough player to be able to push through that and continually be selected for New Zealand.
"We've always had that;...
Things have been "hot and steamy" in the Black Caps camp as they prepare for their test series in Sri Lanka.
Less than one month on from controversially falling short to England in the Cricket World Cup grand final, the Black Caps are set for their first taste of the inaugural World Test Championship with a two-test series tipping off next week.
But having delivered a 10-wicket thumping of Sri Lanka in the World Cup, it likely won't be the opposition that leaves the Black Caps sweating.
Instead, the heat and humidity has so far proved most challenging during training, Black Caps' bowler Neil Wagner says.
"You feel like you've literally jumped in a swimming pool with your clothes on," Wagner said following a training session.
"[It's] pretty hot and steamy at the moment, very humid ... It seems to be a bit more sweaty and a bit more tacky around here.
"It's pretty tough to obviously stay dry and [we've] got to take fluids in the whole time. It's pretty wet, pretty sticky and it's going to be challenging but all the boys know what they're up for."
The Black Caps posted a video to Instagram yesterday with the temperature recorded as 31 degrees and humidity more than 80 per cent.
The Black Caps rummaging for cold drinks Photo / Instagram
Last week, four spin bowlers were named in the Black Caps' 15-man squad, with Will Somerville and Ajaz Patel given a chance to repeat their heroics from last year's test series win over Pakistan.
It was quite a contrast to their squads for tests at home but the Black Caps are preparing to play on Sri Lankan wickets where spinners utterly dominate the domestic wicket-taking charts.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the squad followed a "horses-for courses" type strategy, taking into account previous matches held in Sri Lanka.
"Playing three spinners is an option in Sri Lankan conditions and we believe this group provides the best variations and skill mix on offer."
The Black Caps' two-test series starts August 14.
Black Caps test squad to play Sri Lanka: Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Tim Southee, Will Somerville, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult.
In the 19th century, the main colony of Perth was built about 20km up the Swan River on a low-lying land of lakes and swamps due to – according to a local historian the Herald encountered here shortly after arrival for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test – ease of defence.
Any invading ships that made it over the protective sandbar would presumably be vulnerable to attacks on either side of the river.
Cities don't come much flatter than this one perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, so it was about making the best of what you've got and preparing accordingly.
Which brings us in a very roundabout way to the test between the Wallabies and All Blacks at the magnificent new Optus Stadium built within a clearing kick of the Swan across from the cluster of skyscrapers which mark the central business district of this now prosperous and pleasant place.
That's because the talk of this All Blacks team being "vulnerable" as suggested by former Wallaby Phil Waugh may have handed All Blacks coach Steve Hansen all the metaphorical ammunition and high ground that he needs in order to find the performance he and his team are craving.
If there was an edge missing from the All Blacks in Buenos Aires and Wellington recently, there is no excuse for it to be absent in a sold-out stadium filled with gold replica jerseys on Saturday.
There are many New Zealanders here but the locals will ensure the All Blacks know they're in enemy territory and that, combined with what is at stake – a cherished trophy played for over the next two tests - should combine to bring out the best in the visitors.
Talk of vulnerabilities will be music to Hansen's ears and could lead to smoke coming out of rival coach Michael Cheika's because nothing provides motivation like criticism, implied or otherwise, from an opposition camp.
"They're not nearly as dominant as they were - almost to the point where you could say are they the best team in the world at the moment? I really don't know," former loose forward Waugh said recently on Australian television.
Shot fired and narrative established, it was down to the Wallabies to attempt to douse the flames, starting with outside back Reece Hodge. A prediction: Neither Hansen nor Cheika will say anything which could be construed as remotely inflammatory when they face the media separately on Thursday.
"I definitely wouldn't say they're vulnerable," Hodge said. "We are confident in ourselves and what we're trying to do but they're going to be extremely confident themselves as well.
"They would have been trialling a few things ahead of the World Cup. I'm sure they're confident that's going to come to fruition on Saturday.
"I don't think they'll be talking about any vulnerability in the camp. It's up to us to really go out there on Saturday and test them as much as we can."
The All Blacks and Wallabies have a long and rich playing history which has featured classic tests, huge disappointments for both sides, flare-ups, fist-fights and last-minute winners. The All Blacks won all three tests last year in Sydney, Auckland and Yokohama fairly convincingly, but the year before they needed a last minute try from Beauden Barrett to win an extraordinary test in Dunedin.
The bottom line is the Wallabies last held the Bledisloe Cup in 2002 but have always had the ability to cause the All Blacks difficulties due to their inherent confidence no matter the situation. It is a special rivalry.
"They're the team that has been really been able to get under our skin the most, probably," assistant coach Ian Foster said. "They know us well, they'd love to beat us and we know it's a battle royale."
Cheika and company may indeed sense the All Blacks are vulnerable, but they would be wise to keep it to themselves this week and next.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney's been forced to shuffle his side for Friday's NRL encounter with the Sea Eagles in Auckland.
There have been four changes to the 17 that were hammered by the Raiders, with Chanel Harris-Tavita replacing the injured Kodi Nikorima in the halves and Jazz Tevaga starting at hooker for the sidelined Karl Lawton.
Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone and Ligi Sao come onto the bench, with Josh Curran demoted to the extended bench.
While some changes have been injury enforced, Kearney still has faith in those selected.
"The majority of the group has worked really hard before Friday for six weeks and done a really good job, so your capability and your ability can't disappear in a week, attitude can, so that's what we've been working on the last week."
The New Zealand Breakers have filled the two remaining import spots on their roster, announcing the additions of American guard Sek Henry and Nigerian centre Chris Obekpa.
Much like American signman Soctty Hopson, who was the first import announced by the team, Henry and Obekpa bring a wealth of European experience and add to what is quickly becoming a very strong roster.
Henry, 32, brings instant offence to the team and can score in a number of ways. The 2018 Israeli league MVP is a capable three-point shooter, can create for himself, drive into the paint as is strong against fellow guards in the post. Able to play a number of positions, Henry provides depth alongside the likes of Hopson, Corey Webster and Jordan Ngatai.
While Henry is a proven scorer, Obekpa's production is less likely to show up in to box scores with the Nigerian 25-year-old joining the club as a defensive powerhouse.
A shot blocking force in college, nothing has changed fior Obekpa is his professional career. In 2018, he lead the Turkish Basketball Superleague in blocked shots. While a strong rim protector, Obekpa will be well utilised in the offensive game, bringing a strong pick and roll game which will result in some highlight players throughout the season.
The Breakers have also added Australian-Lebanese centre Ater Majok, who joins the club as a local player. Majok, who was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011 NBA draft, has already had a taste of the Australian League after a stint with the Perth WIldcats in 2011. Like Obekpa, Majok's shot blocking ability brings an element of excitement to the defensive structure, and is a capable midrange shooter. The 32-year-old might be familiar to some New Zealand basketball fans after playing for Lebanon against the Tall Blacks a couple of times in the past 12 months.
The additions confirm the Breakers' 12-man roster for the upcoming season, which starts for the club against the Sydney Kings on October 18. It's the earliest the Breakers have confirmed their roster.
Breakers roster
Point guard: RJ Hampton, Jarrad Weeks, Terry LiShooting guard: Corey Webster, Sek HenrySmall forward: Thomas Abercrombie, Scotty Hopson, Jordan NgataiPower forward: Finn Delany, Tom VodanovichCentre: Rob Loe, Chris Obekpa, Ater Majok
- import - NBL Next Stars player** - Development player
The umpiring farce that plagued the first Ashes Test — which Australia won by 251 runs — reached a historic low on day five as the officials continued their calamitous run of decision-making.
Each of the first four days had seen umpires Aleem Dar and Joel Wilson come under fire for incorrect calls and it didn't take long on the final day for them to give critics even more ammunition.
England captain Joe Root was at the centre of it all.
Firstly, Wilson raised his finger when James Pattinson appealed for LBW after striking Root on the pad with a full delivery. To the naked eye it looked to be sliding down the leg side and that was shown to be the case when the England skipper reviewed the decision.
Hawkeye showed the Dukes was comfortably missing leg stump and Root survived, before he was called into action again to review another Wilson blunder.
Later in the session Peter Siddle thought he had Root LBW and the umpire agreed. This time the Poms' best batsman openly laughed as he signalled for a review straight away.
He got a thick inside edge and again Wilson was forced to overturn his decision.
In commentary for Sky Sports, Aussie legend Shane Warne said: "He's put his finger up twice this morning, Joel Wilson, and both times you would say they weren't the best decisions. AKA, a shocker."
Iconic cricket commentator Jim Maxwell told the BBC: "He (Wilson) is not up to Test match standard, no doubt about it. Some of these decisions haven't even been good guesses."
The second Root decision meant Wilson made history for all the wrong reasons. He had eight decisions overturned upon review for the Test match, equalling the record for most decisions overruled by one umpire in a Test.
Dar was also criticised for saying Root played a shot when struck on the pad by a Nathan Lyon delivery that would have gone on to hit the stumps. Root was struck outside the line of off stump — and if you're playing a shot in that instance you should not be given out — but he hid his bat behind his pad and few believed the captain was genuinely trying to hit the ball.
The Aussies thought about reviewing but when Dar gestured that Root was playing a shot, they thought they would not be able to reverse the call and so left it alone.
"My goodness Aleem that is NOT a shot," former Australian seamer Trent Copeland wrote on Twitter as others in the Twittersphere piled on.
Even the series' official sponsor Specsavers sledged the officials, saying there were free eye tests available near the ground.
Adding another layer to the embarrassment is Wilson is scheduled to be the third umpire for the second Test at Lord's while Dar will be the on-field official. Wilson is then scheduled to be back on the field for the third Test.
Speaking after play, Root said it was unfair to be too harsh on the umpires because everyone in cricket makes mistakes.
"Players make bad decisions sometimes and as a result lose their wicket or get smacked out of the attack," Root said. "I think it's very easy to over-criticise and to point the finger.
"I think sometimes you've got to respect and understand they're under as much pressure as the players.
"They might have got a fair few decisions wrong this game but that's all part and parcel of cricket. That's why DRS is there, to overturn those wrong ones.
"Thankfully it was there in this game."
Earlier in the Test match former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested one way to improve the standard of officiating was to get rid of the rule saying only neutral umpires are able to take control of Test matches.
It means Australian and English umpires are ineligible to stand in Ashes Tests but Ponting said that's an outdated notion that should be changed.
"I would like to think the game has come far enough now for the game to not have neutral umpires," Ponting told cricket.com.au.
"People might say that with all the technology we've got now, it doesn't matter that much. But it's not a good spectacle when pretty obviously wrong decisions...
It took 17 years to make, on Goran's Final Day he brings you - Goran Paladin's Ultimate Boxed Set Extravaganza.
He's spent 17 years impersonating them on Radio Sport - on Goran's final day they had the last say!
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare is having to re-think who will skipper his side at the upcoming basketball World Cup.
Captain Mika Vukona was earlier this week ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, while likely replacement Reuben Te Rangi suffered the same fate today.
Henare says both players had natural leadership abilities, and he's yet to decide on how to fill that void.
"Maybe its by committee, maybe its not one or two players, we might get down the leadership group model and see how that goes."
Henare says they can't focus on the losses they've suffered, but instead the challenges faced by those who will now get extra minutes.
"The opportunities will be put in front of them. Guys like Finn Delaney, Jordan Ngatai, Ethan Rusbatch, just to name a few. It would be interesting to see how those guys accept this challenge."
Katrina Rore's confirmed she wants to keep playing international netball.
Rore's future was unknown following the Silver Ferns' World Cup success in Liverpool, but today she made her immediate intentions clear.
"I'm going to definitely going to make myself available for Constellation Cup, so hopefully I'm on that side, and I've signed for 2020 with the Pulse."
That cup will be played against Australia in October.
The 32-year-old will then play in the ANZ Premiership next year, and continue to re-evaluate.
"I'll just keep reassessing every year on how my body is holding up and what my family commitments are, so just year by year."
The New Zealand Breakers will welcome NBA experience back into their squad for the upcoming Australian basketball league season, adding American Scotty Hopson to the roster.
The well-travelled swingman joins the Breakers on the next stop in his career which has so far seen him play for the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as spend plenty of time in Europe and China.
He joins the club from Hapoel Holon in Israel, following head coach Dan Shamir to the Auckland-based club.
Having been reported to take over the lead role with the Breakers, Shamir was confirmed as Kevin Braswell's replacement on Wednesday morning.
The Auckland-based franchise will be under the microscope this season as they get American phenom RJ Hampton ready for the 2020 NBA draft and have elected to bring in a coach with experience outside of the Australian league to take the reins.
Shamir has been coaching in Europe since 2001, after serving for a year under Rick Pitino at the University of Kentucky in 1999. In that time, he established himself as one of the top coaches in Israel and was named the Israeli Premier League Coach of the Year in 2018.
The 44-year-old joins the Breakers after four years at Hapoel Holon, ending his 19-year stint in the Israeli league during which he spent time between seven teams as an assistant and head coach.
He has won three Israeli Cups as head coach, including the 2018 trophy with Hapoel Holon, and also netted two EuroLeague titles as an assistant coach with Macabi Tel Aviv (2004 and 2005).
Shamir will be tasked with turning around a Breakers team who struggled through the 2018-19 ANBL season, with a limited offensive and an inconsistent defensive structure.He has also brought in rising New Zealand coaching star Zico Coronel as an assistant. Arguably the country's top coach, Coronel guided the unfancied Hawke's Bay Hawks through to the NZNBL Grand Final. His simplistic but effective offensive approach paid dividends for the Hawks, who ranked among the league leaders in most offensive categories.
Breakers owner Matt Walsh was delighted Shamir has accepted the position.
"Dan brings with him experience coaching at the highest levels and knowledge of best practices for top-level basketball organisations and his experience is already being felt throughout the organization."
Southland Sharks forward Tom Vodanovich has also joined the team as a fully contracted player.
Karl Tu'inukuafe, the All Blacks' moustachioed cult hero, was one of five players who missed the cut in this morning's Bledisloe Cup test squad announcement – possibly spelling a cruel end to one of rugby's feel-good stories.
Tu'inukuafe, affectionately nicknamed Big Karl by fans, rose from relative obscurity and a job as a club bouncer to the bright lights of test rugby within the space of a few months.
But the powerful prop has struggled to replicate the form he enjoyed towards the end of last year – where he showcased his scrum motor and running ability during the All Blacks' end of year tour – after his Super Rugby season was spoiled by a virus.
Meanwhile, loosehead Atu Moli, who has been on the All Blacks' radar for a while now, has risen up to claim Tu'inukuafe's spot after bouncing back from a horrific leg injury.
With the All Blacks needing to cut the number of props in the squad to six for the Wallabies tests, Tu'inukuafe became the unfortunate casualty.
"It's not that he's (Tu'inukuafe) done anything wrong," said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
"We've said that we want mobile ball playing props who can also do their core roles.
"We've been on Atu Moli for quite some time. Apart from when he got that nasty injury that kept him out, which was Karl's opportunity.
"We're still pretty keen on Atu and I guess there's only room for six [props] there and we can't take seven so when we get to the World Cup we can only take five, so we've still got some culling to do."
Hansen admitted that mobility, which he said wasn't a strength of Tu'inukuafe, was a factor in the decision.
"When you talk about mobility you talk about people's ability to get back up off the ground, to fend and get back into it and to be a ball player.
"In today's game you need props that can do more than just scrum and lift in the lineout. So that's been our challenge in the last 12 months that we've put to our front-rowers and some of them are progressing really well with it and others are still struggling with it."
While it seems unlikely that the five casualties in the squad – which also include hooker Asafo Aumua, loose forwards Shannon Frizell and Dalton Papalii, and first-five Josh Ioane – will be able to wrestle their way back into World Cup consideration, Hansen left the door open.
"They can jump back in the mix but it's obviously getting harder because we're trying to narrow it down. We've got two big games coming up, then we'll reflect and get it down to 31.
"They'll take the opportunities they get through Mitre 10 Cup and play particularly well. [There] might be injuries. There's a number of things that could arise."
All Blacks squad for Bledisloe Cup
Forwards
Hookers: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman and Codie Taylor.Props: Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao and Ofa Tuungafasi.Locks: Scott Barrett, Jackson Hemopo, Patrick Tuipulotu and Samuel Whitelock.Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Luke Jacobson, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea and Matt Todd.
Backs
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith and Brad Weber.First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.Midfielders: Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown and Sonny Bill Williams.Utility backs: Braydon Ennor and Jordie Barrett.Outside backs: George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece and Ben Smith.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is calling for a review of the NRL judiciary system, in the wake of the Issac Luke's three-game suspension on Tuesday night.
The Auckland club was unsuccessful in their attempts to have Luke's charge downgraded, with the Kiwis hooker found guilty of a grade two dangerous throw.
That means Luke is ruled out until round 24, when the Warriors face the Rabbitohs in Auckland.
It's lead to accusations of inconsistency from the match review committee and the judiciary, as Manly and NSW Origin lock Jake Trbojevic is free to play this week, despite the ugly incident with Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes, which resembled a spear tackle from the 1970s.
Several coaches across the NRL have had issues with the constantly changing interpretations of foul play, and Kearney added his voice to that chorus on Wednesday.
While emphasising that he is completely focused on Friday's game against the Raiders, Kearney said there are things to fix in the current system.
"That is probably not a conversation for today," said Kearney. "[But] what has been highlighted, not only over the last week but over the season, [is that there] needs to be some kind of review, [a] process where we make the system better for everyone. Ricky [Stuart] made a pretty strong point about it also."
On Tuesday night the Warriors contested the gravity of Luke's tackle, arguing that it should have been assessed as a grade one dangerous throw, but the judiciary panel took just nine minutes to dismiss their argument, after lawyers for both sides had put their cases.
"It says that it was pretty quick," said Kearney. "[I'm] fairly disappointed, we thought we had a good case but you always take the risk when you go in and fight the charge to get it downgraded.
"We thought it was worthwhile but it didn't turn out that way. But it's happened. Karl [Lawton] comes into the frame and we will get on with it."
It leaves Chanel Harris-Tavita as the likely back up option to Lawton, though Jazz Tevaga and Kodi Nikorima could also spend some time at dummy half.
Like Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kearney was reluctant to dwell too much on the controversial Eels clash last Saturday, with all four match officials being stood down after a string of mistakes.
NRL head of football Graeme Annesley is coming to Auckland on Friday to address the club's concerns about recent events and will meet with CEO Cameron George and football manager Brian Smith but Kearney is only looking forward.
"I can't sit on the frustration and disappointment for too long," said Kearney. "That's not my job to do that. I'm here to coach the footy team and move on as quickly as possible.
"And that's the point I made to the team. Put yourselves in the opposition shoes this week. Do you think they will be feeling sorry for us? Absolutely not. And we can't either."
Patrick Herbert (hamstring) is in line to return next week, though David Fusitu'a (hamstring) is at least two weeks away. And the prognosis is uncertain for Tohu Harris, who may not play again this year as he comes back from surgery on a stress fracture in his foot.
"There's a possibility [he won't play again this season]," said Kearney. "We need to see how he pulls up at the back end of round 22. He goes back to see a specialist in and around that time. It's a wait and see."
More big name All Blacks will consider following Beauden Barrett's lead and switch Super Rugby teams.
That's the claim from Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee, after they kept Jordie Barrett in the capital for now after the Blues tried to lure him away.
Lee said contrary to what he initially believed, no player was beyond an approach from rival Super Rugby teams.
"Typically in the last four years since I've been here that interest has been driven from offshore," he told Radio Sport.
"But that has changed in the last six weeks with other New Zealand clubs approaching some of our top players, and we've also been in the market.
"There is a different dynamic and something that will probably increase.
"I naively thought that there were players at each club who were perhaps untouchable, Aaron and Ben Smith, Sam Whitelock – I thought those sorts of guys wouldn't move.
"They were established All Blacks, with families, settled in their cities. The last six weeks have changed my mind a bit.
"We probably thought Beauden would stay a Hurricane for life – perhaps we were naïve, and are more aware of it now.
"Beauden made it clear to us and the media it was a financial decision, and it's a different beast when looking at players changing for those reasons."
Lee said Beauden Barrett's departure raised doubt about the position of Jordie Barrett.
"It would have been a tough pill to swallow, losing both of them," Lee said.
Jordie Barrett's new three-year-contract allows him to shift away from the Hurricanes after 2020.
Lee said: "There have been some sleepless nights…it can be stressful but wins like Jordie make it feel okay."
Issac Luke and Kodi Nikorima have been named in the Warriors team to face the Raiders on Friday night.
Luke 's appearance is contingent on the outcome of a judicial hearing on Tuesday night while Nikorima looks set to return after being a late withdrawal from the Eels clash last Saturday.
After travelling almost 15,000km and playing in four different cities in the last four weeks, the Warriors are back home for the first time since June 30 when they host Canberra (8.00pm kick-off).
Luke faces a judicial hearing on a grade two dangerous throw offence he was charged with following Saturday night's loss to Parramatta.
The club has accepted the offence but is disputing the grading. If successful, Luke would be clear to play on Friday night.
Included in the extended 21-man squad is hooker Karl Lawton, who has been side-lined for the last three games with a shoulder injury he picked up in the Newcastle encounter.
Returning at halfback is Nikorima, who missed the Parramatta encounter with an ankle complaint, while new signing Josh Curran is on the extended bench.
The Warriors have endured a challenging sequence of four consecutive away games in July taking them to Newcastle, Brisbane, Wellington and Sydney.
The itinerary produced the tightest series of results imaginable – a 24-20 win over the Knights, an 18-18 draw with the Broncos, a 19-18 victory against the Sharks and a 22-24 loss to the Eels for a points for and against differential of just three points.
In their two previous matches in June the Warriors beat Gold Coast 24-20 away and, in their only game in Auckland in their last six games, they lost 18-19 to Penrith.
Left wing Ken Maumalo goes into Friday night's match boasting 14 tries in 17 matches to be the joint top try scorer with Parramatta's Maika Sivo.
Maumalo, who snared his fourth brace of the season last weekend, has doubled his career tally which stood at 14 tries in 64 appearances starting the campaign.
Three players are closing in on milestones.
Prop Leeson Ah Mau, one of only two players to appear in every match this year (Peta Hiku is the other), will play his 198th career match this week while fellow front rower Agnatius Paasi and Nikorima make their 96th appearances.
Despite last week's controversial defeat, the Warriors remain two points off eighth place.
Warriors v Canberra Raiders
8.00pm, Friday, August 2, 2019
Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Referees: Matt Cecchin and Gavin Badger
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)
2 Gerard Beale
3 Peta Hiku
4 Blake Ayshford
5 Ken Maumalo
6 Kodi Nikorima
7 Blake Green
8 Agnatius Paasi
9 Issac Luke
10 Leeson Ah Mau
11 Adam Blair
12 Isaiah Papali'i
13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange:
14 Lachlan Burr
15 Sam Lisone
16 Bunty Afoa
17 Chanel Harris-Tavita
18 Karl Lawton
20 Josh Curran
21 Adam Pompey
22 Adam Keighran
Head Coach | Stephen Kearney
Could a Cricket World Cup 'rematch' between the Black Caps and England be on the cards at the end of the year?
NZ Cricket boss David White says "it's possible" but not in their thinking at the moment.
England will be touring New Zealand later this year, where the Black Caps will play two tests and five T20s against the ODI world champs.
When asked by D'Arcy and Goran about the prospect of changing one of those T20s into an ODI, which could act as a grudge match after the thrilling World Cup final earlier this month, White said the idea was interesting but not something they've considered at this stage.
"It's not on the table at the moment," White told Radio Sport. "It's a novel idea. We've agreed to T20s at this stage in preparation for the World Cup in the next 12 months but it's certainly a novel idea."
One of the curious aspects of the England tour is that the two tests won't be part of the World Test Championship – which hopes to add context to increase interest in the game's longest format – because the tour was scheduled before the announcement of the newly designed test tournament.
That, along with the fact that the T20s aren't part of qualification for next year's T20 World Cup, opens the door to a possibility of making one of those T20 matches an ODI and give fans a tantalising World Cup grudge match to settle the final which ended in a tie – where New Zealand lost by zero runs, ultimately losing because of a boundary tie-breaker.
White admitted that it would be possible but stayed tight-lipped about the potential for it to happen.
"These ones actually can be agreed amongst the countries because they're not part of the test match championship or not part of qualification for the next [T20] Cricket World Cup, that starts in 12 months time. So it's possible."
"Interesting," he added.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has admitted he and his fellow selectors have been thinking about the Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett dual playmaking combination for "quite a while" and that now, with four tests remaining until the World Cup, is the time to try it.
"We've got a plan for a whole lot of things we want to do before the nitty gritty business and we just felt Saturday's game is the right time to try that particular part of the plan," Hansen said ahead of the test against the Springboks in Wellington, a potentially difficult match likely to cast a light on a whole lot of his players.
"Obviously to replace Beauden at first-five you've got to have someone who's pretty good and Richie has been playing very well for the last couple of years and at some point you want all of your best players on the park. Both of them are world-class players."
Mo'unga's start at first-five – just his third in what will be his 10th test – coincides with the return of six Crusaders to the pack, a combination that Hansen hopes will mitigate against a return to the rustiness of last weekend's narrow victory over the Pumas in Buenos Aires.
The 25-year-old Mo'unga was again immense for the Crusaders this year as he led them to their third Super Rugby title in succession and while Barrett moves to fullback after having an excellent test against the Pumas, there will probably be an anticipation among the coaching group and indeed the wider rugby public that this combination will continue during the knockout stages of the World Cup because the pair are easily among the top two playmakers in the world.
"What he brings to the table is an unreal skillset and an ability to just back himself in little moments," Crusaders and All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor said of Mo'unga. "That confidence is probably got him to where he is now and I look forward to seeing that out there on Saturday."
Teammate Matt Todd, who is starting at openside flanker, said: "He's just calm under pressure and doesn't get flustered in any situation. He can create something out of nothing, whether it's for himself or someone else. That's what you want from a No 10, a creator who is always putting the team in good positions. He makes good decisions. He's not an old guy but I guess he's got an old head on young shoulders. He's fun to play with, that's for sure."
There is an experimental look to the pack, with Hansen providing Todd and Shannon Frizell a chance to prove themselves from the start of a test, and Vaea Fifita and Dalton Papalii off the reserves bench, but the backline looks far more representative of a World Cup line-up, albeit with TJ Perenara starting at halfback rather than Aaron Smith.
The return of Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read will provide added grunt against the Boks – Hansen described Taylor as the best-performing All Black of 2018 – and while they all had a rest last week after the rigours of their Super Rugby season, they will be expected to click straight into gear.
Asked whether he expected a bit more from his forwards this week after his side were held scoreless in the second half last weekend, Hansen said: "The issue they've got is they're coming into the All Blacks and they've only had a short preparation time. The one advantage they have is most of them have played together.
"They've got combinations and that will be very, very helpful come Saturday. They've probably got another advantage too as there is a lot more experience amongst them. Do I expect more from them? Yes, because of those reasons and we'll need them to be better too because the team we're playing against will be better."
The Boks, many of whom have been in Wellington since last week, are also a side high on pace and creativity and showed last year with a narrow win and narrow defeat to the All Blacks that they have the talent but just as importantly the confidence to challenge Hansen's men like few others.
Injured Crusaders Scott Barrett (broken...
Silver Ferns sponsors have joined together to ensure the world champions receive a bonus payment for winning the 2019 Netball World Cup.
Sky, ANZ, MYOB and Puma have all contributed to a payment that will see the players receive a bonus of $25,000 each.
The payout comes after it was revealed shortly after the Ferns lifted the World Cup trophy in Liverpool on Monday morning that they will not be receiving any prize money from event organisers.
It was a stark contrast to the $3 million the Black Caps earned for finishing runners-up in the Cricket World Cup just a week before.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among the many who called on sponsors to consider a payout for the Ferns considering the invaluable exposure that major sponsors received from the national side's efforts.
"I wouldn't want to call [the sponsors] out but ultimately they're the ones that derive benefit from us being the best on the world stage," Ardern told the The AM Show.
"I think it should really just be a question for us, 'Does that feel fair'? Because it does tend to, of course, be those sports like netball where you don't see that same attraction of sponsorship.
"You couldn't have watched that game and say that those players weren't deserving of recognition ... Go on, why not [give them a bonus]?"
Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie said it was a great feeling to be able to reward players for their extraordinary efforts in lifting the trophy for the first time in 16 years.
"We are so thankful to our wonderful partners for both their ongoing support of the Silver Ferns and the sport, and coming together to provide this financial boost in recognition of our world champions," Wyllie said.
"Netball New Zealand works tirelessly to increase the financial resourcing of the game and our players which is not an easy task.
"Elite players continue to work relentlessly for their love of the game without expectations of high remuneration, but this is a huge step forward and we are very grateful to our partners, who we could not do this without."
The lack of prize money given to the world champs has sparked a conversation about netball funding and investment in women's sport.
International Netball Federation chief executive Clare Briegal told RNZ's Morning Report that netball is still at the early stages of commercial development, and that prizemoney was not even considered.
"Prizemoney's not something that's even on the table for our netballers."
Briegal also added that more exposure is needed for netball to grow, as well as develop commercially.
"Without that exposure, the sponsors aren't so readily there ... there was growing money coming into the sport, but it is so little."
The subject of pay has also come up during the aftermath of the Ferns' triumph in Liverpool.
Top Silver Ferns players earn about $130,000, about a tenth of what All Blacks captain Kieran Read earns. New Zealand Rugby also receives about 10 times more from sponsors than Netball New Zealand.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie told RNZ the governing body would like to pay the Silver Ferns more but it needs to be weighed up against growing the sport at grassroots level.
"Overall, there needs to be recognition for the value of women's sport, and also at an international level our governing body needs to work as hard as they can to really maximise the benefit [to] the 20 million young women and girls who play netball around the globe."
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore's made three changes to his squad for the upcoming Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy series with Australia.
Grace Brooker, Kilisitina Moata'ane and Jackie Patea-Fereti have been called up after missing the recent Super Series in San Diego.
Canterbury's Pip Love was unavailable for selection due to injury, while Kelly Brazier, Theresa Fitzpatrick and Alena Saili have returned to the Black Ferns Sevens camp in preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games.
New Zealand's first match against the Wallaroos is in Perth on August 10th.
The Springboks have brought out the big guns for their clash against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday night.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has made widespread changes to the side that defeated the Wallabies 35-17 in Johannesburg last weekend, with only lock Eben Etzebeth, wing Makazole Mapimpi and flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit retaining their places in the starting XV.
No 8 Duane Vermeulen will take over the captaincy from Etzebeth, who led the team against Australia, with Siya Kolisi still recovering from injury.
The changes don't come as a surprise with Erasmus deciding to split his squad into two groups before the start of the Rugby Championship to prepare better for this week's clash and manage fatigue ahead of the World Cup in September.
Erasmus will be hoping this side, 18 of which featured in the Springboks' 36-34 win over the All Blacks in September last year, will be able to replicate that performance and go back-to-back at Westpac Stadium.
Erasmus says he expects a "huge battle" in Wellington, where the Springboks beat the All Blacks on an away trip for the first time since 2009.
"We have the utmost respect for the All Blacks who are the undisputed No 1 rugby team in the world," he said.
"We know we will have to be at our very best to be competitive against the All Blacks on Saturday and that is why we have sent a group of players in advance to Wellington, so they could acclimatise after the long trip over from South Africa.
"The New Zealanders are a very experienced and settled side while we have some catching up to do in terms of where the two sides are at the moment.
"They are bringing back their Crusaders players, who were all rested after the Vodacom Super Rugby final, so we are in for a huge battle against the best team in the world."
Springboks team: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen (c), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: 16 Bongi Mbonamb, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Jesse Kriel.
The Sunshine Coast Lightning want to keep their World Cup winning coach forever, but they know that's impossible.
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua's off-contract with the Australian domestic netball side at the end of the current season, having juggled both roles this year.
New Zealand captain Laura Langman's deal is also due to conclude.
Lightning CEO Danielle Smith says they'll chat with the pair when they both return across the ditch.
"At some point, there's going to be a change. We'll just work with them to work through what's going to work for themselves and their families and hopefully work with them again."
Smith says with Taurua in charge of both sides this year, it's been a surprisingly easy relationship.
"We've always been quite honest and transparent with one another. In working through that agreement, worked together to see how the schedule for the whole year will work, but we're also both quite flexible so if things changed, we'd work together to come up with a solution."
Taurua has not decided what her future will hold, with her tenure with the Ferns also up in the air.
There have been suggestions Taurua might consider moving into a leadership role with Ngapuhi and Maoridom.
Wing Ken Maumalo returns from a one-game absence for the Warriors' clash with Parramatta at Bankwest Stadium in Sydney on Saturday (5.00pm NZT).
The team's top try scorer slots back into the line-up on the left flank after missing the 19-18 win over Cronulla last Friday following a head knock in the draw with Brisbane on July 13.
Maumalo was ruled out during the final field session last week after appearing in each of the Warriors' first 16 games of the season.
He replaces last week's debutant Adam Pompey in a line-up otherwise unchanged from the one which prevailed for the club's seventh win of the season.
It means there is no recall for Karl Lawton - who picked up a shoulder injury against the Broncos while Patrick Herbert has been overlooked, with veteran Blake Ayshford preferred.
This campaign has been a watershed year for Maumalo, whose tally of 12 tries so far is almost double his previous best in a season (seven in 2017).
Despite missing last week's match in Wellington, he boasts the most post-contact metres among all players with 1008 while he is second for most metres (3088), third for most runs (310) and fourth equal for most line breaks (12).
Kodi Nikorima picked up an ankle injury scoring his second half try against the Sharks but has been named for his 96th NRL appearance.
Gerard Beale, who made 126 metres from 15 runs last week, again starts on the right wing for the injured David Fusitu'a while Ayshford remains as his centre partner in his 47th outing for the Warriors and the 171st of his career.
Front rower Leeson Ah Mau, closing in on his 200th NRL game, starts his 18th consecutive match of the season; the only other player who has appeared in every game is centre Peta Hiku.
The bench again comprises middle forwards Lachlan Burr, Bunty Afoa and Sam Lisone plus utility Chanel Harris-Tavita.
The Warriors moved up to ninth on the table with their success against the Sharks, just one point behind eighth-placed Newcastle (18 points).
The Eels, who lost 24-36 to the Sea Eagles on Sunday, are in sixth spot on 20 points along with Penrith.
They've prospered at their new home ground Bankwest Stadium, winning five of the six games they've played there so far.
Warriors v Parramatta Eels5.00pm, Saturday, July 27, 2019Bankwest Stadium, SydneyReferees: Chris Sutton And Chris Butler
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 Gerard Beale3 Peta Hiku4 Blake Ayshford5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Jazz TevagaInterchange:14 Lachlan Burr15 Sam Lisone 16 Bunty Afoa17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Adam Pompey20 Adam Keighran21 Ligi Sao23 Chris Satae
Third time lucky for the Wellington Phoenix's newest signing.
The Phoenix have bolstered their defensive end with the signing of All Whites midfielder Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi for the upcoming A-League season.
Hudson-Wihongi's made eight appearances for New Zealand since debuting in 2015 and has been with Auckland City for the past four domestic league seasons.
He has twice trialled last season before getting injured.
It's Hudson-Wihongi's first professional contract and he's excited by the opportunity.
He says it was about going where the first door opened and it's up to him to take the Wellington opportunity with both hands.
It's make or break for the Silver Ferns.
Having claimed five straight wins in the Netball World Cup so far, the Ferns have impressed on court with confident and clinical play.
However, the first real test arrives tomorrow night when New Zealand take on three-time defending champions, the Australian Diamonds.
A win won't just be crucial for topping their pool - having already locked in a spot in the semifinals – but it will undoubtedly give them the confidence they need to bring the World Cup home.
"This is make or break," former Silver Ferns captain Bernice Mene said, "This is the one we've been waiting for, all of the other games have been leading into and have been practice towards this Australian game."
Mene, who represented the Silver Ferns at the 1995 and 1999 Netball World Cups, said it was important the side left nothing unturned heading into the game.
"This is basically it. It could be our one crack at Australia and on advancing right through," she said. "It's a whole team effort right through the court.
"I think we've got the skills and understanding now to be able to do that ... We know that we've done it in the last five games, we can do it in this one."
The Ferns' unsurprisingly claimed massive wins in their first five games against Malawi, Barbados, Singapore, Zimbabwe and Northern Ireland.
More interestingly though has been the variety of changes and combinations Taurua put under the spotlight.
Introducing long-time goal defender Katrina Rore at wing defence and interchanging the shooting circle with Maria Folau appearing at both goal shoot and goal attack, it's clear Taurua has a raft of game plans up her sleeve to combat any scenario.
Hailing Taurua's approach in the opening games, Mene was confident the Ferns now have what it takes to combat Australia and their tough one-on-one defence tactics.
"Noeline has been working on combinations, she's also been working on, against the teams that are less strong we've come up against, not just firing the ball down the court in two passes like the other big strong teams have been doing," Mene said. "They've been working on passing it back to the line [and] running through scenarios.
"What we've seen is a very calm attacking unit and that holds us some good stead against the Australia defence because they're really niggly, they try and wear you down.
"The Aussies are always fit, we're fit, but I think it's about keeping our composure and keeping to our game plan which is what Noeline's been working on."
The Silver Ferns will face the Australian Diamonds tomorrow night at 9:30 pm (NZT).
Dependant on the result, New Zealand will then progress into one of the two semifinal matches, to be played either on Saturday night or Sunday morning (NZT).
Shaun Johnson admits he still yearns for a chance to play in front of the Mt Smart faithful again.
Almost eight months after his shock exit from the Warriors, Johnson gets the chance to take on the Auckland club with the Cronulla Sharks on Friday night.
But the quirks of the NRL draw see the game played in Wellington, which the 28-year-old admits is a shame.
"I would have liked it to be in Auckland to be honest," Johnson told Radio Sport. "It is a bit sad that it has turned out that way.
I would have liked the opportunity to go back to Mt Smart and been given the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone that had supported me over my career. I haven't had that opportunity but it doesn't always play out like you would like it. We are all getting on with things, all moving on."
The circumstances of Johnson's departure were far from ideal, and both parties still have regrets over how the episode played out.
Johnson's return to these shores has been heavily hyped, and the game will be undoubtedly the most scrutinised Warriors' game this season so far.
Johnson, who played 163 games in Warriors colours, is excited about the clash but also pragmatic about the situation.
Shaun Johnson was axed from the Warriors late last year. Photo / Getty Images
"It is what it is," said Johnson. "It is just another game of footy. The only thing I have been thinking about is whether I am going to get booed or not. We have got a little sweepstake going [among the team]."
He said he remains close to many on the Warriors roster but has avoided too much contact this week.
"We are here to play footy and don't want to blur those lines too much," said Johnson. "I have to tackle them and they have to try and tackle me. Hopefully, they are ready for me."
The 2014 Golden Boot winner declared himself fit to play, playing down any fears about the state of his ankle, despite being in a moon boot after the 40-16 loss to the Storm last Saturday.
"It's fine," said Johnson. "It's been blown way out of proportion. I've seen all the reports going round and I have been laughing at some of them. I'm all good, walking around fine, with captain's run tomorrow."
Pressed on his own form in 2019, Johnson admits it has been "up and down".
Criticism has been strong from some quarters across the Tasman — pointing out the Sharks have won only three of 10 games that Johnson has featured in — but the playmaker is candid about his situation.
Shaun Johnson with his Cronulla Sharks teammates. Photo / Getty Images
"With all these reports coming out about me and how I am going, it's like, I don't know who thought this but everyone expected it to be just smooth sailing and a really smooth transition where I would just slot in, kill it straight away, there would be no speed bumps, there would be no hurdles to jump," said Johnson, who has missed six games in 2019 through injury.
"For me, where I am at at the moment it's not any surprise. I would have loved to have had a better start to the year [and] stay injury-free. But this is part of the journey and part of adapting to a new football club."
Johnson revealed he has had productive discussions with coach John Morris — who benched him late in the game two weeks ago — and is now on an upward curve.
"The more games and training sessions I can string together the better I feel," said Johnson. "Over the last month I have been able to do that which has been really good and the game against Melbourne was a massive step forward for me personally and as a team."
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has an unchanged line-up for this Friday's match against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Wellington (8.00pm kick-off).
Wing Ken Maumalo will have to pass futher concussion protocols - after leaving the field midway through the second half last Saturday after a head clash - but has progressed well in the early testing so far this week.
Hooker Karl Lawton remains out of the picture, still recovering from the shoulder injury picked up against the Knights two weeks ago, which means Jazz Tevaga and Chanel Harris-Tavita will be in line for back up duties at dummy half.
Gerard Beale has been preferred to Patrick Herbert at right centre.
The match will be the Warriors' 10th in the capital and the first since trumping the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-20 there in 2016.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, David Fusitu'a, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke are the only survivors from that team that beat the Bulldogs.
The encounter against the Sharks will mark a milestone occasion for loose forward Tevaga.
His fourth consecutive starting appearance will be his 50th NRL career game, after a gruelling 90-minute contribution in last Saturday night's 18-18 draw with the Broncos.
The 23-year-old made 184 metres from 22 runs and a phenomenal 72 tackles in what was the Warriors fourth extra time draw in their history
The most recent was a 32-32 deadlock against Penrith in 2009 while the Warriors also drew 14-14 with Melbourne in the same season and 31-31 with the Sydney Roosters in 2007.
The clash in Brisbane saw the Warriors produce some remarkable statistics, which again underlines what a missed opportunity it was.
The Auckland side were completely dominant for large periods of the match, but an inability to make territorial and possession advantages count, as well as some poor fifth tackle options restricted their scoring output, while defensive lapses allowed the Broncos to score some soft tries.
The Warriors ran for 2443 metres last Saturday night, 500-plus more than the home side.
Tuivasa-Sheck made an NRL record 367 metres from 34 carries and now leads all players for most runs this season with 313.
He is second for most metres overall with 3014, just behind team-mate Ken Maumalo (3088).
Maumalo, Peta Hiku and Kodi Nikorima all topped 200 metres in a dominant left edge while second rower Adam Blair (188) also impressed, on the same edge.
The same interchange combination of Lachlan Burr, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa and Chanel Harris-Tavita has been selected by Kearney.
The Warriors are 12th on the ladder on 15 points, one behind the Sharks, who sit ninth on points for and against followed by North Queensland and Wests Tigers.
Cronulla has a 22-16 advantage in 38 games between the two clubs and the Sharks have beaten the Warriors in the last four meetings.
Warriors v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks8.00pm, Friday, July 19, 2019Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Gerard Beale5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnastius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Adam Blair12 Isaiah Papali'i13 Jazz TevagaInterchange:14 Lachlan Burr15 Sam Lisone16 Bunty Afoa17 Chanel Harris-Tavita18 Adam Pompey20 Ligi Sao21 Blake Ayshford22 Chris Satae(Four to be omitted)Coach | Stephen Kearney
New Zealand cricket's chief selector has no idea where the team goes from here.
The Black Caps managed to make it into the final after a tough tournament, but their success came to a crashing end after losing to England in a controversial match that came down to rule technicalities.
Former Black Cap turned selector Gary Larsen told D'Arcy and Goran that the Black Caps fought like "cornered tiger", and is still stunned by how far the team has come.
He says that he is still flummoxed by how the game unfolded.
"It was some night. It was an amazing piece of theatre. It was just an amazing piece of cricket. We've come out on the wrong end of it, and boy it hurts."
He says that he could not be prouder of the team for what they have delivered.
Larsen says that they showed the Kiwi spirit with their fighting spirit and refusal to give up.
Former Black Cap and commentator Danny Morrison spoke to D'Arcy and Goran from India about the Black Caps' win this morning in the 1st Semi-Final of the Cricket World Cup.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
The last time the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played their Wimbledon quarterfinal opponents, they lost.
Djokovic, the defending champion, will be first on Centre Court against David Goffin, and eight-time champion Federer follows against Kei Nishikori. Nadal, a two-time champion, will be second on No. 1 Court on Wednesday against Sam Querrey.
Djokovic is 5-1 against Goffin, but he lost to the Belgian on clay in Monte Carlo in 2017. Federer is 7-3 against Nishikori, but lost to the eighth-seeded Japanese player on a hard court at last year's ATP Finals. Nadal is 4-1 against Querrey, but lost to the American on a hard court in 2017 in Acapulco.
In the other quarterfinal match, Roberto Bautista Agut faces Guido Pella.
NRL bosses say the referees made a "serious error" by failing to protect Warriors centre Peta Hiku when he was seriously injured against the Knights.
Head of football Graham Annesley has told referees and their coaches that the level of mistakes recently is unacceptable.
These mistakes included Adam Gee and Gavin Badger failing to stop play immediately when they saw Hiku stagger out of a tackle.
Badger had instead told Gee to "watch" Hiku. The game continued until the Knights scored a try.
"They were aware that he had suffered a head knock, they were aware that he was on the ground and they should have stopped play at that tackle before the play-the-ball. They had time to do that," Annesley said.
"He said 'watch him', in other words 'keep an eye on him' but that is not good enough.
"That is saying 'I have identified that there is an issue there so keep an eye on him'. Well, keep an eye on him is not the right answer."
"It is a very serious error in that we hold clubs accountable for dealing with suspected head injuries and we hold them accountable to a very high degree. We know from the audio that they (the referees) identified this, they just didn't take the right action at the right time."
Annesley also confirmed that the bunker officials had incorrectly denied Warriors wing Ken Maumalo a try.
The bunker should have relied on the first camera angle which confirmed the try was scored by a diving Maumalo, who scored two others in the Warriors' victory.
And a stripping penalty against Adam Blair had also been incorrect, as it was a loose carry by Mason Lino.
There were two errors against the Wests Tigers in their loss against the Roosters, involving a charge down and a foot in touch before a try.
Annesley said: "I need to get comfort from the people I have to hold responsible for the performances of match officials," he said.
"The one thing we can't stop is mistakes but some of mistakes over the last couple of weeks simply aren't good enough and they are mistakes that shouldn't have been made so we need to try to find out why and what they are doing to hopefully ensure it doesn't happen again leading into the finals.
"That is what coaches do week in and week out, they don't accept errors from their players and they work on strategies and ways to try to make sure those mistakes aren't repeated."
But he praised the bunker officials for spotting Cronulla's Kyle Flanagan kneeing Bronco Matt Lodge in the head. Flanagan escaped a suspension with an early plea,
There's been a buzz around the Crusaders' camp this week with their eyes on a third consecutive title and a couple of freshly minted All Blacks in the squad.
Impressive backline duo Braydon Ennor and Sevu Reece were among the 39 players named in the first All Blacks squad of the year, hearing their names called out for the first time.
But while excitement levels were high, coach Scott Robertson has implored them to keep their eyes on the prize.
"The old Whatsapp groups have been fired up; love hearts and fist pumps over the last few days," Robertson told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "[But] we moved on pretty quickly because we've got a job to do."
The Crusaders will welcome the Jaguares to OrangeTheory Stadium in Christchurch tomorrow night as they look to lock away the Super Rugby title for another year. It's a match up that Robertson admits he didn't expect when the season started, but one that is likely to be a very physical encounter.
The Jaguares impressed all season to finish on top of a tightly contested South African conference and showed they were more than capable of getting the job done at home or on the road.
"There aren't many guys who would have said you'd be playing them [in the final] at the start of the season. You've got to give it to them. You've got the ability to front up when they do travel," Robertson said of the Jaguares.
"We're really impressed with them. It's going to take all of, probably more, effort than against the Hurricanes."
Robertson described last weekend's semifinal against the Hurricanes as "anything but a final", with the high-intensity affair going down to the wire.
The side will be without star duo Ryan Crotty and Scott Barrett for the final, with Ennor replacing Crotty in the midfield and Mitchell Dunshea deputising for Barrett at lock alongside Sam Whitelock. Young outside back Will Jordan joins the bench.
Crusaders: David Havili, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.
Jaguares: Emiliano Boffelli, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Ramiro Moyano, Joaquin Diaz Bonilla, Tomas Cubelli, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Santiago Medrano, Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. Reserves: Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas, Enrique Pieretto, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Tomas Lezana, Felipe Ezcurra, Domingo Miotti, Sebastian Cancelliere
New All Blacks squad member Luke Jacobson spoke to D'Arcy and Goran about his selection, and how he found out - by watching on television! He didn't receive a warning phone call from a coach or selector.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Warriors coach Steve Kearney joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about Nate Roache and his season-ending injury, as well as how they let the match with the Panthers get away from them.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome hopes the rumours of the club's demise can now be put to bed.
Agreement has been reached for the A-League to be spun off from Football Federation Australia into a new commission co-owned by all the clubs.
The Phoenix have endured an uncomfortable relationship with the FFA in recent year, forced to meet metrics to survive.
Dome says that the move takes all the conjecture off the table that has been around for a while. He says that the financial pressures had not affected players but it had bothered fans.
"The chatter you get in the media does unsettle the fans, but in terms of day to day business it hasn't been too bad."
He says that there has been no conflict with other A-League clubs about the move.
The change comes as Sarpreet Singh announced yesterday he was signing with Bayern Munich.
The 20-year-old midfielder has completed the transfer from the Wellington Phoenix and will join the world's fourth largest football club immediately in arguably the largest transfer of a New Zealand football player.
Singh has signed for Bayern's youth side Bayern Munich II on a three year deal and will play in the third division of German football next season, with a view of him being a member of their first team should performances go well.
The Bayern scouts were made aware of Singh after his standout performances for New Zealand at the under 20 World Cup in Poland.
"The scouts found me at the World Cup, and then watched some of my Phoenix games in my last couple of seasons in Wellington," Singh said.
"They flew my family and I over to Germany to look at the facilities and see if I liked them and if this could be my new home for the next three years, at least."
Singh said he was humbled that a club the size of Bayern was interested in him and has been impressed with the facilities at the campus that he'll be staying at for the next few months, where he hopes to pick up some German classes.
"They presented the plan for me when I got here. They see me developing here and if I do well there's always an opportunity to train with the first team. The second team trains at the same time right next to the first team, so if they need players they can easily pull some in.
"I'm here now for good, I've completed my medicals and testing. I'll stay in Munich until the break, where perhaps there will be some time to come home."
Dome says that the transfer of Singh to Bayern Munich was testament to the significant investment the club had made into the Academy and youth programmes.
"We are thrilled for Sarpreet and his family and are extremely proud of what he has achieved to get to this stage of his career.
"We wish him all the best in Germany and look forward to seeing him progress all the way through to Bayern's first team as he continues his development as a professional footballer."
He says that it is a huge good news story for the club, but the move won't affect the future of the club.
"Before very long, we'll have our squad for 2021."
Singh, a Wellington Phoenix Academy graduate who had a stand out season for the club in the A-League 2018-19 season has played 38 games for the Phoenix' first team, scoring nine goals across two seasons.
He joined the club's Academy in 2015 after coming through the Phoenix's Auckland based feeder club, Onehunga Sports where he joined at eight years old before moving to Wellington Phoenix at the age of 16.
Former Warriors coach Brian McClennan previewed the action this Sunday, when the Warriors host the Penrith Panthers.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Chiefs CEO Michael Collins joins D'Arcy and Goran to explain the signing of Warren Gatland as coach.
Ideally he didn't want to announce the news today, the day after Colin Cooper stepped down, but the Radio Sport Breakfast forced his hand!
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Kyle Mills reviewed the Black Caps' loss to Pakistan with D'Arcy and Goran and suggested that Colin Munro's time at the top of the order is up.
Mills says he would like to see changes made for the Australia match this weekend.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
New Zealand plays Pakistan tonight at the cricket World Cup with the chance to guarantee a semi-final spot.
The key question is which Pakistan will turn up?
The side which posted 105 and got plastered by the West Indies, or the juggernaut who defended 348 against England.
The used pitch suggests spin might come into play but has seen some sun which could see it harden for pace since New Zealand beat South Africa on it a week ago.
First ball is at 9:30pm, with live commentary on Radio Sport.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE AS JOHN MORRISON SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Silver Ferns are backing their star shooter Maria Folau as she weathers the storm created by her husband Israel.
Ahead of the Silver Ferns' three-game netball series in Auckland this week, Folau has been criticised for her decision to endorse her husband's crowd funding efforts in his legal fight against Rugby Australia.
Despite the backlash, Silver Ferns assistant coach Debbie Fuller says the most important thing for the team is to fully support Folau during her "tough time".
"It's a really complex issue for a start. It is something that we've been very well aware of. Our first port of call of course is to care for Maria," Fuller told D'Arcy Waldegrave.
"She's been a wonderful servant for netball for many years and she's held the shooting end of the Silver Ferns for many years and performed under massive pressure and won Commonwealth Games gold medals and things like that. So she's been a very highly valued member.
"Our first thought is to care for her over and above anything else because that's the most useful thing we can do at the moment. She's here to do a job, we're here to do a job and we've got to get on with it."
LISTEN ABOVE TO THE FULL INTERVIEW
Wellington Phoenix GM David Dome joined D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the actions of Mark Rudan recruiting players for Western United, possibly while on contract with the Nix.
And what did they do to keep Andrew Durante at the club? Dome says they offered him a great deal which he couldn't refuse!
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Returning Kiwis rugby league playmaker Benji Marshall joins D'Arcy and Goran ahead of the Tongan clash this Saturday.
Marshall has been out of the side for seven years, and feels like he's making his debut all over again.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Basketball NZ CEO Iain Potter joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the news that Steven Adams has declined the opportunity to play for the Tall Blacks at this year's World Cup in China.
Potter still doesn't know the reason why Adams continues to decline.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Head coach of the Blues, Leon MacDonald joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the Beauden Barrett potentially moving to the Blues rumour, and the positives coming out of a season that has ultimately finished outside of the playoffs picture.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Hurricanes assistant coach Richard Watt joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the Beauden Barrett saga - will he stay, or go to the Blues?
Watt also spoke of the return of Dane Coles, who starts against the Blues this Saturday.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix have secured another signing ahead of the 2019/20 A-League season.
23-year old Australian representative Jaushua Sotirio has penned a one-year deal with club.
The Sydney-born attacker made his debut for Western Sydney Wanderers in 2013 and has gone on to make 81 appearances for the side.
Sotirio told D'Arcy and Goran new coach Ufuk Talay was a key factor in his decision.
He says Talay's the right coach to help him develop his game.
The Warriors have named a near-unchanged side to play the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL on Friday.
Centre Patrick Herbert is the only change to the starting line-up from the loss to the Storm, returning from a thigh injury.
Jazz Tevaga returns to the side's bench.
The match will also mark the 300th NRL game for backrower Adam Blair. The backrower has been named in the starting side and will join Ruben Wiki and Simon Mannering in achieving the feat.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney says it's a wonderful achievement.
"It's a real testament to the way he goes about his business. To get to 300, you've got to do a lot of things right, and most of the time he's done that."
The Golden State Warriors aren't letting go of the NBA title just yet.
With Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson shooting and Draymond Green swatting, the champions found a way to win even after a gut-wrenching loss.
Curry scored 31 points, Thompson added 26 and they led a season-saving surge long after Kevin Durant was injured again to give the Warriors a 106-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Devastated by the loss of Durant, the All-Stars that the Warriors had left made sure there was celebration along with their sadness, pulling out what Green thought had to be the greatest win during their run to five straight NBA Finals.
"When you're down six with a couple minutes to go in an elimination for these guys to win a championship, we could have thrown in the towel. We could have folded, but we didn't," Green said. "I said it before: I've never seen this group fold. And that stands true still."
Curry and Thompson, nicknamed the Splash Brothers, combined for three straight 3-pointers in the closing minutes after Toronto had taken a six-point lead with under 3½ minutes remaining in front of a raucous, red-shirted crowd.
"Even going down six with three minutes left, their ball, we didn't panic," Thompson said. "We just do what we do."
The Warriors lost Durant barely a quarter after getting him back but got the win, cutting Toronto's lead to 3-2 and sending the series back to Oracle Arena for Game 6 on Thursday.
Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points for the Raptors but couldn't get the final shot, which went to Kyle Lowry and was blocked by Green.
The two-time defending champion Warriors were minutes away from their title reign ending, having lost Durant and a 14-point lead during an emotionally exhausting game. They had controlled Leonard for three quarters, but he scored 10 straight Toronto points in the fourth and the Raptors were close to their first championship and a party that would have stretched coast to coast in Canada.
But even after everything the Warriors had lost, they still had two of the best perimeter shooters in the world on the floor. Thompson hit a 3, and Curry followed with one to tie it at 103. Golden State got it back to Thompson and the Raptors lost sight of him just long enough for the tiebreaking shot with 57 seconds to go.
Toronto cut it to one when Kyle Lowry was credited with a basket and the Raptors got a final chance when DeMarcus Cousins was called for an illegal screen. Leonard had the ball but the Warriors forced him to pass and it ended up in the corner to Lowry, but Green sprinted over to get a hand on his shot as the buzzer sounded.
"He got a piece of it, that's what great defenders do," Lowry said. "He got a piece of it and we'll continue to look at it and see how we can be better for the next game."
Cousins had 14 points for the Warriors and Green finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Golden State is the only team to lose a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals, when Cleveland came back to win in 2016.
Now the Warriors have a chance to pull off the feat themselves, but it became more difficult after Durant limped off in the second quarter after he had missed the previous nine games with a strained right calf.
"We understand the moment and I think we can rally, considering how the second half went tonight," Curry said.
Durant, the two-time NBA Finals MVP, was attempting to dribble past Serge Ibaka early in the second quarter when he suddenly came to a stop, lost the ball and limped sideways before grabbing at his lower right calf as he fell to the court.
Fans at first cheered but then, spurred in part by some Raptors players, chanted "KD! KD!" as he was helped to the locker room area joined by Curry, Andre Iguodala and general manager Bob Myers.
Durant left the arena on crutches with what a tearful Myers said was an Achilles tendon injury and the Warriors said he would get an MRI on Tuesday.
They were initially OK without him because Cousins — w...
The recurring phenomenon haunting bowlers at this World Cup struck again this morning.
David Warner was facing Jasprit Bumrah in the second over of the Aussie innings as Aaron Finch and Co. tried unsuccessfully to chase down 353 for victory. Warner inside edged a delivery that deflected back onto his stumps but the bails didn't move.
It's the fifth time in the tournament the ball has struck the stumps but the bails have stayed put.
The bails at the Cricket World Cup do not want to be disturbed. Photo / Sky TV
"This is ridiculous … that has hit the stumps hard," ex-England captain Michael Vaughan said in commentary as other current and former players weighed in on social media.
Black Caps star Jimmy Neesham wrote on Twitter: "I understand that the electronics in the stumps and the bails make them heavier. Why can't the groove the bails sit in just be made shallower? Won't that fix the problem?"
The general consensus is the zing bails — which flash red when knocked out of their grooves — are heavier than normal bails so are harder to dislodge.
Warriors forward Adam Blair admits the team have a problem dealing with adversity in games – and belief dips when things go against them.
Speaking after the side's 32-10 loss to Melbourne on Saturday night, the 33-year-old veteran said the team is currently "not tough enough as a group" to stay in the contest when momentum turns late in matches.
It's a staggering admission, especially from a senior player, but is also refreshingly honest.
And it's the only way to explain the bizarre sequence on Saturday night, where one of the Warriors' best opening 30 minutes of the season was followed by an ugly collapse, as the Storm scored 30 unanswered points.
The worst aspect of the reversal was just after halftime; Melbourne scored from their opening set after the kickoff, which seemed to drain all the fight out of the Warriors.
Saturday's defeat was their fourth on the trot at home, and continued a pattern of fading after halftime.
"You start the second half and something doesn't go your way, and it's kinda like we think it is too tough," said Blair. "We forget about all the hard work that we have done in the first half and we don't go back to doing the same thing we were.
"It seems like when we get on the back foot it's too hard for us to get back in it, or we are thinking that someone else will do the job for us. When you go back over the performances [at home] we do struggle in the back half of games; sometimes it's because things don't go our way and we are not tough enough as a group to find our way of it."
The Warriors led 10-2 after 19 minutes, thanks to well-constructed tries to Ken Maumalo and Kodi Nikorima.
Momentum began to turn soon after that, helped by a succession of penalties to the visitors, but the Warriors were staying in the fight, though Jahrome Hughes' try four minutes before halftime was critical.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy conceded it gave his side a boost, after they had struggled for much of the first spell, and it also seemed to deflate the Warriors.
"We didn't start well in the second half," said Blair. "You go into halftime thinking about what you are going to do in the second half, your attitude and what you are going to put out there and we didn't do what we said we were going to do. Felt like we were on the back foot for the rest of the half."
Blair conceded the Warriors' belief seemed to go south early in the second half, and they never recovered.
"It shouldn't drop because what we did in the first half, and what we have done in most games in the first half we have been in the game and really competitive."
"It shouldn't drop but I think at times…not the whole group, but there might be subconsciously in some people's heads, the games getting too tough and we are looking for other people to do a better job or other people to do a job that we should all be doing."
Blair is in line to celebrate his 300th NRL match on Friday against the Titans, but admits that impending milestone has been a distraction in 2019.
"Hopefully everything goes well after this game and I am in the team," said Blair. "It was half my problem this year, most probably trying to protect that. Getting caught up in that, not playing the game in front of me and thinking what's ahead and the big picture."
The Crusaders could have their full compliment of All Black props back for the playoffs.
Prop Tim Perry will return via the bench against the Rebels on Saturday having successfully returned in club rugby from a broken arm.
Coach Scott Robertson says fellow prop Owen Franks was close but they have chosen to give him some extra time to get his shoulder 100 percent.
Robertson is chuffed to have Perry in the mix.
.@crusadersrugby team has been named to meet the @MelbourneRebels on Saturday. Tim Perry named on the bench, Crotty to play 150th game. pic.twitter.com/0nBJpRCl4B
— Radio Sport (@radiosportnz) June 6, 2019
"For him to be back on time is what the medical team were hoping for. He's got himself in great nick, he played well in the wet weather last week, and he deserves a chance."
Matt Todd and Bryn Hall come into the starting fifteen in the only two changes to the run on side.
Stefan Marinovic has come home.
The Wellington Phoenix has unveiled the All Whites' goal keeper as their newest signing.
Marinovic, who has had stints playing in Major League Soccer and the English Championship, says he's been following the Phoenix for a while.
"When I saw that the Phoenix were in need of a number one goalkeeper, I thought it was time I made my move back home."
Marinovic replaces Filip Kurto, who has left to join new A-League side Western Melbourne.
He says he isn't sure when he'll join his new teammates, as he only just signed the papers so he hasn't yet booked his flights.
Prop Agnatius Paasi will be back on deck for the Warriors when they face the Melbourne Storm in the NRL this weekend.
Paasi missed the recent loss to the Broncos through suspension, but will start this weekend, with Bunty Afoa on the interchange.
He missed the game after taking an early guilty plea for a dangerous throw against Panthers' winger Brian To'o.
Elsewhere, Adam Blair's been named to start at loose forward, with Lachlan Burr dropping to the bench.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney says despite the names being on the team sheet, it might not play out that way come kick off.
He says Blair played his best game of the year against the Broncos and it's the best fit for them this week that he moves to the lock role.
LOOKAHEAD TO THURSDAY
Naomi Osaka meets Victoria Azaranka in a second-round matchup between the current No. 1 in women's tennis and a former No. 1. Both own two Grand Slam titles: Osaka won the past two majors, while Azarenka has twice been the Australian Open champion. Also in action on Day 5 is 23-time major champion Serena Williams, who is back on Court Philippe Chartier against Japanese qualifier Kurumi Nara. Both Williams and Osaka dropped the opening set of their first-round matches at Roland Garros. In men's action, top-seeded Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a fourth consecutive Grand Slam title when he takes on 104th-ranked Henri Laaksonen, who lost in qualifying but got into the main draw when another player withdrew from the tournament.
THURSDAY'S FORECAST
Partly cloudy. High of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius).
WEDNESDAY'S WEATHER
Cloudy. High of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius).
WEDNESDAY'S KEY RESULTS
Men's second round: No. 2 Rafael Nadal beat Yannick Maden 6-1, 6-2, 6-4; No. 3 Roger Federer beat Oscar Otte 6-4, 6-3, 6-4; No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Hugo Dellien 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5; No. 7 Kei Nishikori beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4; Grigor Dimitrov beat No. 11 Marin Cilic 6-7 (3), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3; Corentin Moutet beat No. 19 Guido Pella 6-3, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5; No. 24 Stan Wawrinka beat Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-4, 6-0; Casper Ruud beat No. 29 Matteo Berrettini 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
Women's second round: No. 2 Karolina Pliskova beat Kristina Kucova 6-2, 6-2; No. 4 Kiki Bertens retired against Viktoria Kuzmova; No. 7 Sloane Stephens beat Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-1, 7-6 (3); No. 19 Garbiñe Muguruza beat Johanna Larsson 6-4, 6-1; No. 20 Elise Mertens beat Diane Parry 6-1, 6-3; No. 26 Johanna Konta beat Lauren Davis 6-3, 1-6, 6-3; No. 31 Petra Martic beat Kristina Mladenovic 6-2, 6-1.
STAT OF THE DAY
11-2 — Sloane Stephens' record in tiebreakers in 2019; no one on the WTA tour has won more this season.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It left a lasting impact on me." — Roger Federer, on his first-round exit at the 2003 French Open, the last time he lost an opening match at a Grand Slam tournament.
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More AP tennis coverage: https://www.apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Northern Stars 56Southern Steel 53
Delivering when it mattered most, the Northern Stars have advanced to the ANZ Premiership grand final after upsetting defending champions Southern Steel 56-53 in the elimination final in Invercargill on Wednesday.
The Stars will meet the Pulse to decide the ANZ premiership title in Porirua on Monday.
Getting their noses in front just ahead of halftime, a determined Stars turned around a 17-goal deficit from when the teams met just a week ago while also becoming the first team to break the Steel's 16-game winning streak on their home court at ILT Stadium during the past three seasons.
Shooter Maia Wilson was a commanding presence under the Stars hoop with an impressive all-round game backed up by converting 43 goals from 45 attempts in helping end the Steel's two-year reign as title winners.
The result has also prolonged the careers of veteran Stars players Temepara Bailey and Leana de Bruin who will both retire at the end of the season.
The Steel retained their tried and true starting line-up while the Stars opted for import shooter Charlee Hodges at goal attack and Kayla Cullen at wing defence to open the game.
Fittingly for the status of the match, the lead changed hands several times in an absorbing first quarter. The home side imposed themselves early when forging a 5-1 lead in the opening three minutes but once in the groove, the Stars made sure of an even contest.
Tightening their through-court defence provided turnover opportunities for the visitors which they made the most off to nudge into the lead, the scoreline going back and forth during the latter stages of the quarter.
Anchoring their respective ends, shooters Lenize Potgieter and Wilson were key figures in posting perfect first quarters where the Steel took a narrow 15-14 lead.
It was a similar formula on the resumption with Stars defenders de Bruin and Storm Purvis turning up the heat. Rising young Steel midcourter Kate Heffernan provided the same impetus for her team.
Both teams were forced to play short, sharp attacking games at times to negate the defensive prowess of both sides. The Steel broke the shackles to forge a handy six-goal advantage with the timing of Potgieter under the home team's hoop proving influential.
A three-goal run helped the Stars pull back the Steel's lead to a 30-27 advantage at the main break.
With Bailey moving to wing attack and Holly Fowler coming off the bench and into centre for the second half, the Stars scored the first three goals of the third stanza to get back on level terms.
The Stars defensive unit continued to apply the blowtorch with the relentless efforts of de Bruin and Purvis paying dividends. With the pressure building all the time, the Steel found it more difficult to contain the growing confidence from their opponents.
In an increasingly tight and tense encounter, it was the Stars who turned the game on its head when matching the Steel goal-for-goal before a rock-solid Wilson pushed the visitors out to a 43-41 lead at the last turn.
Brodie Retallick has given some of his Chiefs teammates a reminder of what they've been missing as he eyes a return to rugby.
The All Blacks lock's been sidelined for the past six weeks with a wrist injury, but is expected to be fit for the Chiefs' final regular season match against the Rebels.
Chiefs assistant coach Nick White says Retallick was full of running at training today.
"He put a shoulder injury into old mate Sam Cane and blew him off his feet today. It was his first real physical training today, so it was good to see."
Hooker Nathan Harris will sit out Saturday's match against the Crusaders in Suva as part of his All Blacks rest requirements.
Meanwhile, Kieran Read will be available for Crusaders selection after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Radio Sport's tennis expert Matt Brown is back at the French Open for the fifteenth time. He joined D'Arcy and Goran to give the rundown on what to expect from the tournament.
LOOKAHEAD TO TUESDAY
Naomi Osaka's bid for a third consecutive Grand Slam title finally gets started on Day 3 of the French Open. The No. 1-seeded Osaka never has been past the third round in three previous appearances at Roland Garros. But she carries a 14-match winning streak at majors into her opener against 90th-ranked Anna Karolina Schmiedlova at Court Philippe Chatrier. Osaka won the U.S. Open last September and then the Australian Open in January. Also in first-round action are 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro and No. 5 seed Alexander Zverev.
TUESDAY'S FORECAST
Chance of rain. High of 16 degrees Celsius
MONDAY'S WEATHER
Cloudy. High of 20 degrees Celsius
MONDAY'S KEY RESULTS
Men's first round: No. 1 Novak Djokovic beat Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-2, 6-2; No. 2 Rafael Nadal beat Yannick Hanfmann 6-2, 6-1, 6-3; Pierre-Hugues Herbert beat No. 12 Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5; No. 13 Borna Coric beat Aljaz Bedene 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4; Juan Ignacio Londero beat No. 15 Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-1, 6-3; Jan-Lennard Struff beat No. 20 Denis Shapovalov 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-4; No. 24 Stan Wawrinka beat Jozef Kovalik 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3; Filip Krajinovic beat No. 32 Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.
Women's first round: No. 4 Kiki Bertens beat Pauline Parmentier 6-3, 6-4; No. 8 Ashleigh Barty beat Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-3; No. 10 Serena Williams beat Vitalia Diatchenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-0; No. 23 Donna Vekic beat Ludmilla Samsonova 6-2, 6-4; No. 26 Johanna Konta beat Antonia Lottner 6-4, 6-4; Veronika Kudermetova beat No. 13 Caroline Wozniacki 0-6, 6-3, 6-3; Kaia Kanepi beat No. 18 Julia Goerges 7-5, 6-1.
STAT OF THE DAY
70-1 — Serena Williams' record in first-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments. The lone loss came at the 2012 French Open.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It is a lot to carry, but so is being Serena Williams." — Williams, when asked about her jacket with the French words for "champion," ''queen," ''goddess" and "mother."
Kiwi Supercars driver Scott McLaughlin joins D'Arcy and Goran to preview this weekend's round in Winton.
The championship will roll out in Victoria for it;s sixth round, with McLaughlin leading the championship by a comfortable 142 points over teammate and compatriot Fabian Coulthard.
McLaughlin and Coulthard will both be looking to continue DJR Team Penske's dominance of Supercars continue, having won 11 of 12 races om the season so far.
Richard Turner joins D'Arcy and Goran to preview all the Super Rugby action this weekend.
The Chiefs host the Reds tonight in Hamilton, the Blues take on the Crusader in Christchurch tomorrow night while the Highlanders face the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning.
The Hurricanes have the week off.
Incoming Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk abut his appointment as the Phoenix's coach.
Talay takes over from Mark Rudan who left the club after just one season in charge, one where he took the team to the finals series for the first time in four years.
Talay served as Sydney FC's assistant this past season, helping them claim their fourth A-League title.
Warriors assistant coach Todd Payten joins D'Arcy and Goran to preview this weekend' NRL match between the Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos.
After tough starts, both the Warriors and Broncos have both won two straight games entering the match.
Seven time Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about Red Bull's struggles of late and this weekend's round in Winton.
It'll be Whincup's 200th round appearance.
Despite an illustrious career so far, Whincup's season has been anything but, sitting sixth in the standings and yet to score a race win.
It's only the second time in 14 years he's failed to taste victory after 13 races in a season.
The championship shifts to Winton in Victoria for the sixth event of the year.
The Chiefs insist there's been no directives from above to start Sam Cane at blindside flanker against the Reds on Friday.
The All Blacks loosie will make his first start of the season with the number six on his back, while Lachlan Boshier returns on the openside.
Assistant coach Neil Barnes says it's no All Blacks message to see him at blindside.
He says they've had no correspondent down the line.
Fellow All Blacks Anton Lienert-Brown and Angus Ta'avao are on All Blacks rest weeks, replaced by Alex Nankivell and Nepo Laulala respectively.
.@ChiefsRugby team to face @Reds_Rugby just been named:- Sam Cane to start at blindside & captain- Lachlan Boshier returns at 7; Tyler Ardron back to lock; Pita Gus Sowakula moves to 8- All Blacks rest weeks for ALB & Ta'avao; Alex Nankivell & Nepo Laulala start #SuperRugby
— Nigel Yalden 🇳🇿 (@NigelYalden) May 22, 2019
A change in venue and date for the national road cycling championships.
The event will be held in Cambridge from next year, moving away from Hawke's Bay after four years.
The champs will be the new flagship event of the Ride New Zealand Cycling Festival.
In a significant move, the champs will be moved to mid-February from its traditional first weekend of January slot.
Top kiwi rider George Bennett says the move is a great step as preparing for a national championships so early in the year wasn't ideal.
Three-time Formula One world champion Niki Lauda, who won two of his titles after a horrific crash that left him with serious burns and went on to become a prominent figure in the aviation industry, has died. He was 70.
The Austria Press Agency quoted Lauda's family as saying he "passed away peacefully" on Monday. Walter Klepetko, a doctor who performed a lung transplant on Lauda last year, said Tuesday: "Niki Lauda has died. I have to confirm that."
"His unique successes as a sportsman and entrepreneur are and remain unforgettable," the family statement said. "His tireless drive, his straightforwardness and his courage remain an example and standard for us all. Away from the public gaze he was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. We will miss him very much."
Lauda won the F1 drivers' championship in 1975 and 1977 with Ferrari and again in 1984 with McLaren.
In 1976, he was badly burned when he crashed during the German Grand Prix, but he made an astonishingly fast return to racing just six weeks later.
Lauda remained closely involved with the F1 circuit after retiring as a driver in 1985, and in recent years served as the non-executive chairman of the Mercedes team.
Formula One posted a message from its official Twitter account to acknowledge Lauda's contribution to the sport.
"Rest in peace Niki Lauda. Forever carried in our hearts, forever immortalized in our history," the post said. "The motorsport community today mourns the devastating loss of a true legend."
Born on Feb. 22, 1949 into a wealthy Vienna family, Nikolaus Andreas Lauda was expected to follow his father into the paper-manufacturing industry, but instead concentrated his business talents and determination on his dreams of becoming a racing driver.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said "Niki, we will miss you."
"The whole country and the motor sports world are mourning a really great Austrian," Kurz wrote on Twitter.
Lauda financed his early career with the help of a string of loans, working his way through the ranks of Formula 3 and Formula 2. He made his Formula 1 debut for the March team at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix and picked up his first points in 1973 with a fifth-place finish for BRM in Belgium.
Lauda joined Ferrari in '74, winning a Grand Prix for the first time that year in Spain. He won his first drivers' title with five victories the following season.
Facing tough competition from McLaren's James Hunt — their rivalry featured in the Ron Howard-directed movie Rush — Lauda appeared on course to defend his title in 1976 when he crashed at the Nuerburgring during the German Grand Prix. Several drivers stopped to help pull him from the burning car, but the accident would scar him for life. The baseball cap Lauda almost always wore in public became a personal trademark.
"The main damage, I think to myself, was lung damage from inhaling all the flames and fumes while I was sitting in the car for about 50 seconds," he recalled nearly a decade later. "It was something like 800 degrees."
Lauda fell into a coma for a time. He said that "for three or four days it was touch and go."
"Then my lungs recovered and I got my skin grafts done, then basically there was nothing left," he added. "I was really lucky in a way that I didn't do any (other) damage to myself. So the real question was then will I be able to drive again, because certainly it was not easy to come back after a race like that."
Lauda made his comeback just six weeks after the crash, finishing fourth at Monza after overcoming his initial fears.
He recalled "shaking with fear" as he changed into second gear on the first day of practice and thinking, "I can't drive."
The next day, Lauda said he "started very slowly trying to get all the feelings back, especially the confidence that I'm capable of driving these cars again." The result, he said, boosted his confidence and after four or five races "I had basically overcome the problem of having an accident and everything went...
The Warriors have announced the team for their match against the Broncos.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is part of near unchanged Warriors 17 for the match, with the only alteration to the lineup forced through suspension.
Veteran Adam Blair gets a reprieve, back in the side following a one game suspension picked up by Agnatius Paasi.
Bunty Afoa has been drafted from the interchange to replace Paasi, while Blair fills Afoa's spot on the bench.
Blair's 298th career NRL appearance comes against his former club after missing the last two games against the Dragons (suspension) and the Panthers last week (omitted).
The 33-year-old Blair is now on track to play his 299th game against his original club Melbourne on June 8 and his 300th away to Gold Coast on June 14.
Hooker Nathaniel Roache hasn't been selected for the wider 21-man team, as he struggles to overcome a cork to his back suffered in the win over the Dragons. It means Issac Luke gets another chance to stamp his mark, in their ongoing battle this season for the No 9 jersey.
The match-up against the Broncos has special significance. For just the second time, the NRL Indigenous Round honours New Zealand's Indigenous people and culture as well as Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.
In their 25th season, it also coincides with the Warriors' 42nd encounter with original opponents the Broncos. On that night in 1995 foundation captain Dean Bell led the team into battle for the first time and he'll reprise the role on Saturday when he walks out ahead of the 2019 squad to present the Broncos with a gift as part of the indigenous round festivities.
The Warriors will also pay a special tribute to the late Quentin Pongia on Saturday, to honour the former Kiwis captain.
After a battle with cancer, 48-year-old Pongia passed away in Greymouth last Saturday.Pongia was a legend of the New Zealand game, carving out a fearsome reputation across 35 tests for the Kiwis and an NRL career with the Raiders, Warriors, Roosters and Dragons.
There will be a video tribute to Pongia on the big screen at Mount Smart while a minute's silence will be observed before kick-off .
WARRIORS1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c)2 DAVID FUSITU'A3 PETA HIKU 4 PATRICK HERBERT5 KEN MAUMALO6 KODI NIKORIMA7 BLAKE GREEN8 BUNTY AFOA9 ISSAC LUKE 10 LEESON AH MAU11 ISAIAH PAPALI'I12 TOHU HARRIS13 LACHLAN BURRInterchange:14 JAZZ TEVAGA15 ADAM BLAIR16 LIGI SAO17 KARL LAWTON18 GERARD BEALE20 LEIVAHA PULU21 CHRIS SATAE22 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITAHEAD COACH | STEPHEN KEARNEY
Blues co-captain Patrick Tuipulotu has promised his side will bring a hard, physical edge to their match against the Chiefs, a side he believes enjoy using "bully" tactics and who could receive some of their own medicine at Eden Park on Saturday.
Tuipulotu's men, in 14th place, need a win to have any chance of making the playoffs knowing too they have been pushed around for too long by their rivals down State Highway 1.
The Blues haven't beaten the Chiefs since 2011 and lost a thriller last month in Hamilton 33-29 despite a standout performance from midfielder Ma'a Nonu because the home side, led by lock Brodie Retallick, dominated the breakdown area.
Tuipulotu and his side are determined that won't happen again. The Blues, who have won only one derby match this season – a win over the Highlanders at Eden Park in March – showed intensity and physicality in their 22-12 defeat to the Hurricanes last weekend and more of the same is required.
"They're a big, physical side and over the years they've prided themselves on being the bully," Tuipulotu said. "For us, we've come so close so many times it's really up to us to get over the line."
Asked if it was more important to take a stand physically against the Chiefs than virtually any other team, he replied: "Yeah, if you want to bully the bully then that's the way to go."
Tuipulotu added: "We've been put under the pump by the coaches and because of that we've had a good training week. It's been one of the best so far. We have to get one over the Chiefs and we have the confidence we can."
All Black Retallick remains out with a wrist injury but coach Leon MacDonald expects others to step into the breach for the visitors.
"He was a big player in the game last time," MacDonald said. "He had a massive influence. He probably gave his team the recipe they were looking for – the niggle at the breakdown and the relentless pressure. I'm sure someone else will pick up that baton. We're expecting three or four Retallick-like performances from their tight five.
"They enjoy playing us … and we're in the same boat."
MacDonald has retained Harry Plummer at first-five after the 20-year-old began brightly against the Hurricanes before leaving the field for a head injury assessment late in the first half that he did not return from.
"He's an impressive young man," MacDonald said of Plummer. "He's had a few setbacks and things haven't gone his way completely but in terms of sticking to his guns he's done that and he deserves another chance."
Halfback Sam Nock is out for the rest of the season after having surgery on a finger he injured in the first half of that match, with Jonathan Ruru getting the nod for the No 9 jersey ahead of Augustine Pulu.
All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe has been named on the reserves bench, along with loose forward Tom Robinson, who was ruled out of the Hurricanes game due to concussion.
The Blues were looking for a little extra finesse after failing to capitalise on several scoring chances last weekend but had trained as well as they have all season and MacDonald felt the pieces were coming together for a complete performance.
"We did enough to win the game – quite clearly, I think."
Blues team to play the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm: 15. Melani Nanai, 14. Caleb Clarke, 13. TJ Faiane, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Harry Plummer, 9. Jonathan Ruru, 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Blake Gibson (cc), 6. Dalton Papalii, 5. Scott Scrafton, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (cc), 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. James Parsons, 1. Alex Hodgman.
Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Lua Li, 18. Karl Tu'inukuafe, 19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20. Tom Robinson, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Otere Black, 23. Matt Duffie.
Sam Cane is in line to make his return to rugby for the Chiefs this weekend after overcoming a neck injury that kept him sidelined since late last year.
Cane's status for 2019 was thought to be in doubt after he fractured his neck while playing for the All Blacks in South Africa last October. However, the loose forward has proved his fitness to get some much needed game time under his belt.
Cane was named on the bench for the Chiefs, who go into a vital clash against the Blues in Auckland this week. Speaking to the Herald in January, he admitted he had no clear return date, but was hopeful he would be able to "get a sneaky couple of games" at the end of the season.
"As bad as the injury was, I also, in a funny way, felt pretty lucky because it could have been a lot worse," Cane said. "We're only a couple of millimetres away from never playing again so in a funny way I was pretty grateful that I was going to be OK and, one: I was going to be able to live a healthy, normal life and two: to get back playing rugby is awesome."
The 27-year-old won't be the only one returning for the Chiefs this week, with prop Aidan Ross also overcoming a neck injury to join Cane on the bench. And while Cane returns for his 107th Super Rugby outing, fellow loose forward Mitchell Jacobson will make his debut in the competition should his number be called from the reserves.
The former New Zealand under-20s representative gets his opportunity as the Chiefs continue to struggle through injury woes. Jacobson's brother, Luke, is unavailable after suffering a head knock at training, loose forwards Taleni Seu (shoulder) and Lachlan Boshier (back) were also ruled out, while Mitchell Brown and Jesse Parete continue to be used as cover locking the scrum.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Tyler Ardron, Mitchell Karpik, Pita Gus Sowakula, Mitchell Brown, Jesse Parete, Angus Ta'avao, Nathan Harris, Atu Moli.
Reserves: Liam Polwart, Aidan Ross, Nepo Laulala, Mitchell Jacobson, Sam Cane, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shaun Stevenson, Alex Nankivell.
The National Basketball League has confirmed the identity of three of the six clubs looking to be part of the expansion to the local competition.
NBL general manager Justin Nelson has confirmed bids from South Auckland, Otago and Canberra.
Three further bids are secret, as they have not announced their intentions publicly, but there are two more from the North Island and one from Australia.
Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the starting XV to face the Jaguares on Friday night.
The experienced James Marshall will start at first five-eighth in the absence of Beauden Barrett who is on the second of his All Black rest weeks, while Du'Plessis Kirifi will start at openside flanker.
Marshall, who will make his 49th appearance for the Hurricanes, has impressed off the bench after returning from the shoulder injury he suffered in round one.
Kirifi's inclusion sees Ardie Savea move to No 8 with Reed Prinsep unavailable after he suffered a bad cut to his face in the Hurricanes' 22-12 win over the Blues last week.
There are four changes to the bench from last week with Heiden Bedwell-Curtis providing loose forward cover, Chris Eves comes in for an injured Fraser Armstrong while Fletcher Smith and Salesi Rayasi come into the match day squad.
Plumtree was impressed with the overall work of the whole squad at Eden Park and the impact they got off the bench against a really physical Blues side.
"We are expecting the same sort of physical challenge from the Jaguares who showed last year and last week against the Highlanders that they can perform really well in New Zealand," he said.
"They also play a really entertaining style of rugby and are prepared to use the ball from anyone on the field so our defence is going to have to be really good again this week.
"We really want to end this block of five games on a high in front of our fans and head into the bye week in good shape."
The Hurricanes will be aiming for their sixth-straight Super Rugby victory.
The Hurricanes squad to face the Jaguares at Westpac Stadium on Friday 7.35pm:
15 Jordie Barrett 14 Wes Goosen13 Matt Proctor12 Ngani Laumape11 Ben Lam10 James Marshall9 TJ Perenara (c)8 Ardie Savea7 Du'Plessis Kirifi6 Vaea Fifita5 Isaia Walker-Leawere4 James Blackwell3 Jeff To'omaga-Allen2 Asafo Aumua1 Toby Smith
Reserves:
16 Ricky Riccitelli17 Chris Eves18 Ross Geldenhuys19 Kane Le'aupepe20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis21 Finlay Christie22 Fletcher Smith23 Salesi Rayasi
Former All White Danny Hay joins Miles Davis to talk about the tight finish of the Premier League season, which saw Manchester City and Liverpool fight until the very end.
Manchester City secured their second consecutive title, pipping Liverpool by one point on the league table.
LISTEN TO DANNY HAY TALK WITH MILES DAVIS ABOVE.
Black Ferns halfback Tyla Nathan-Wong joins Miles Davis to talk about her side's latest tournament victory in Canada onin the Sevens World Series.
The Black Ferns bounced back from a disappointing fifth in Japan, beating Australia in the final in Canada 21-14.
The win extends their lead to 12 points on the World Series standings.
It also sees them qualify for next year's Olympics in Tokyo.
LISTEN TO TYLA NATHAN-WING TALK WITH MILES DAVIS ABOVE.
Hurricanes outside back Jordie Barrett joins Goran Paladin to talk about his side's victory over the Blues in Super Rugby on the weekend.
LISTEN TO JORDIE BARRETT TALK TO GORAN ABOVE.
A forward pack shuffle to the Chiefs line-up for Saturday night's home match against the Sharks in Hamilton.
Tyler Ardron moves from number eight to lock with Michael Allardice out, while Mitch Karpik is back from a knee injury to take the injured Lachlan Boshier's spot at six.
Luke Jacobson switches to number eight from the blindside and Jesse Parete comes off the bench to start at openside.
The backline is unchanged, with Brad Weber to captain the Chiefs in the absence of Allardice and Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane.
New signing Kodi Nikorima is all set to make his Warriors debut at his old home ground Suncorp Stadium after being named at standoff for Saturday's NRL Magic Round encounter with St George Illawarra in Brisbane (kick-off 7.30pm NZT).
The 25-year-old Palmerston North-born Kiwi international will become Warrior #236 just eight days after being signed from the Brisbane Broncos.
Nikorima knows Suncorp Stadium well, after playing at the venue in almost 50 of his 86 matches for the Broncos.
His last outing for Brisbane was in its 29-6 seventh-round home win against Cronulla on April 27.
Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney, who worked with Nikorima in the Kiwis and when he was an assistant coach at Brisbane, has teamed up the club's new arrival with veteran halfback Blake Green.
While Nikorima is the notable addition to the starting line-up, Kearney has made another significant selection by bringing in Nathaniel Roache as the starting hooker with Issac Luke moved to the extended bench in jersey #22.
In line to fill the back-up dummy half role is Karl Lawton, who is recalled after making his one appearance so far this season against Gold Coast in round four.
Veteran Adam Blair will miss the trip to Brisbane after an early guilty plea was entered on the dangerous throw charge he faced from Sunday's match against Newcastle. Lachlan Burr also landed a dangerous throw charge but is free to play.
Right wing David Fusitu'a is again included in the hope he will return from the rib injury which has ruled him out of the last two matches against Melbourne and Newcastle while utility Jazz Tevaga and prop Bunty Afoa are in line to return from leg injuries.
Named for his second outing this season is middle forward Ligi Sao, who is named in the 17.
Chanel Harris-Tavita, who has played the last five games, is on the extended bench with utility Gerard Beale, prop Chris Satae and Luke.
Warriors
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Patrick Herbert5 Ken Maumalo6 Kodi Nikorima7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Nathaniel Roache10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Lachlan BurrInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Bunty Afoa16 Ligi Sao17 Karl Lawton18 Gerard Beale20 Chris Satae21 Chanel Harris-Tavita23 Issac Luke
Incoming women's Black Sticks coach Graham Shaw joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his recent appointment as the coach of the women's national side.
Shaw takes over from Sean Dancer, having coached the Irish women's team the last three and a half years.
He famously helped Ireland win a silver medal at last year's Hockey World Cup.
LISTEN TO GRAHAM SHAW TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
Hurricanes lock James Blackwell talks with D'Arcy and Goran about his side's recent victory over the Rebels in Super Rugby.
After racing out to a 26-0 half-time lead, the 'Canes held on for a 29-19 win in Wellington.
LISTEN TO JAMES BLACKWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
ABC's Peter Lusted joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the latest in Australian Sport, including Israel Folau's ongoing fight against Rugby Australia' and the woes of the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panther in the NRL.
LISTEN TO PETER LUSTED TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
Warriors CEO Cameron George talks with D'Arcy and Goran about Kodi Nikorima's move from the Brisbane Broncos to the Warriors.
Nikorima's signed a three and a half year deal with the New Zealand club effective immediately.
George says they've been on the lookout for someone of his calibre for a while.
"Kodi's name has come up a couple of times, but it's probably more the recent weeks that we've really hotted up on the idea of Kodi."
Nikorima has played 88 first grade games with the Broncos.
LISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
NZ Herald Sports writer Patrick McKendry joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the latest news out of New Zealand Rugby regarding Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett.
The Herald understands that both Retallick and Barrett are close to resigning, with Retallick likely heading to Japan for two seasons before returning to the international set-up in 2021.
Barrett's deal is set to include a sabbatical clause, but it will be a non-playing clause meaning he will take time off to rest rather than playing for another club.
LISTEN TO PATRICK MCKENDRY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
It is a coach-laden Thursday on D'Arcy and Goran tonight.
Coach Aaron Mauger believes the Highlanders defence is getting back on track.
After conceding an average of 30 points in their first seven games; the Southern franchise has allowed just 12 points in the last two weeks.
Mauger acknowledges there's been a big improvement in that area.
"There's holes in our defensive line at the moment, and the guys are working harder. The focus for us at the moment is building on the last couple of weeks and getting better at those areas we've been tweaking."
Ben Smith returns at fullback for Saturday's match against the Chiefs
That sees Matt Faddes move to the right wing with Sio Tomkinson dropping to the reserves.
Meanwhile, Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has resisted making wholesale changes for his side's match against the Highlanders on Saturday night.
Nepo Laulala, Brad Weber and Sean Wainui all return from injury in the only changes to the starting side.
Angus Ta'avao and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi drop to the bench.
Both coaches joined the show to discuss this week's matches.
A crystal ball gaze at the potential 2020 Crusaders midfield.
With Ryan Crotty on All Blacks rest week, Braydon Ennor and Jack Goodhue are paired in midfield for Friday's Super Rugby match against the Sharks.
Crotty is headed to Japan from next season and coach Scott Robertson says he's keen to mix and match.
Captain Sam Whitelock, and first five Richie Mo'unga join Ryan Crotty on All Blacks rest weeks.
Scott Barrett and Mitchell Dunshea form the second row with Mitchell Hunt starting at 10.
.@crusadersrugby have named their side to face @TheSharksZA on Friday. Kieran Read to play 150th game. pic.twitter.com/4xLNPVqi7K
— Radio Sport (@radiosportnz) May 1, 2019
The coach who helped bring Lydia Ko her greatest golf success is dismayed by the former world number one's plight.
The Kiwi golfer has made another major change to her game, dropping coach Ted Oh.
Ko announced the decision on the eve of the Mediheal Championship where she attempts to defend her title this weekend.
Last year's victory at the Mediheal Championship was Ko's 15 of her career but the only one since Oh took on the role in February 2018.
"We just mutually decided that it was time," Ko told the Golf Channel.
"We ended on good terms...I have a lot to thank Ted for. He gave me a really solid blueprint simplifying my swing."
According to the Golf Channel, the 22-year-old is in no hurry to find a new coach.
Ko has parted company with her swing coach Ted Oh, 14 months after sacking Gary Gilchrist.
David Leadbetter who coached the Kiwi for her first three years as a pro where she won a dozen LPGA titles and two majors, says her game has regressed.
"She was always right up there in greens and regulation, and now she's way down. It puts a lot of stress n the rest of your game. I think the biggest problem is she's not hitting a lot of greens."
He says Ko didn't need to change much three years ago.
"The fact is how much better did she need to get? Maybe a tweak here, little tweak there to get back on track, but to make the changes she made, it was just too many changes in too many areas and I think it was very hard for her to handle."
Ko's coaches since going pro:
David Leadbetter Ko's swing coach from 2013 until the end of 2016.
Gary Gilchrist - in early 2017, out early 2018.
Ted Oh - Gilchrist's replacement, taking over in early 2018 until this week.
All Black Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will continue to bide his time in Super Rugby.
Despite starting against the Hurricanes, the two test halfback is firmly entrenched behind one test All Black Brad Weber at the Chiefs.
Coach Colin Cooper says it's tough on Tahuriorangi but Weber has been outstanding as a player and leader.
"While we're missing key people, he's filled that void, he's playing on the top of his game, and Te Toiroa has just had to sit and wait."
Speaking to D'Arcy and Goran, Tahuriorangi says that he hopes to be third start, but is waiting to get selected.
He says that it was good to get out and "have a crack" against the Hurricanes last week.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Blake Green and David Fusitu'a have all been selected for the Warriors' eighth-round NRL clash against the Newcastle Knights at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday.
Green has missed the last three games against South Sydney, North Queensland and Melbourne while Tuivasa-Sheck and Fusitu'a were both ruled out of the Anzac Day battle against the Storm.
Other features of the selection see Patrick Herbert, who shone in Melbourne in his first NRL outing, keep in place ahead of Solomone Kata while Adam Blair is demoted to the bench.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is hopeful all Tuivasa-Sheck, Green and Fusitu'a will come through training this week to take their places against the Knights.
Not selected is utility Jazz Tevaga, who was forced off the field with a leg injury after playing just 14 minutes against Melbourne.
With Tuivasa-Sheck, Green and Fusitu'a named, Kearney has switched Peta Hiku back to left centre, Tohu Harris returns to the second row and Gerard Beale goes to the bench.
Retained at right centre is Patrick Herbert following his impressive debut last week.
There's a positional switch in the starting forward pack.
Isaiah Papali'i remains as an edge forward with the seasoned Adam Blair providing experience on a bench which also includes hooker Nathaniel Roache and prop Bunty Afoa.
Blair heads into this weekend's encounter just four games short of joining the NRL's 300-game club.
The four additional players on the extended interchange are standoff-halfback Hayze Perham, centre Solomone Kata and middle forwards Ligi Sao and Chris Satae.
The Warriors and Newcastle are both on four points after seven rounds, the Knights 11th with a points for and against differential of minus 22 while the Warriors are 12th with a differential of minus 24.
In 39 matches between the two clubs, the Warriors have won 20, the Knights 18 with one draw.
The Warriors have won the last six contests at Mount Smart Stadium since losing 19-24 to the Knights in 2012.
Warriors team to face the Knights at Mt Smart Stadium:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Patrick Herbert5 Ken Maumalo6 Chanel Harris-Tavita7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Leeson Ah Mau11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange:
14 Nathaniel Roache15 Adam Blair16 Bunty Afoa17 Gerard Beale18 Hayze Perham20 Solomone Kata21 Ligi Sao23 Chris Satae(Four to be omitted)
Watching Beauden Barrett and little brother Jordie give the opposition the sort of treatment they developed years ago when they lived on the family farm in Pungarehu and nobody could get the ball off them would have gladdened the hearts of the All Blacks selectors, if not the coaches and supporters of the Chiefs.
The pair were so dominant for the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night in a 47-19 victory, there seemed to be more than just the pair of them on the pitch at times.
Jordie looks a bit like Beauden after being put through a copier at 125 per cent, but there were also elements of the physicality of their sibling Scott, a Crusaders and All Blacks lock, in their performance as their side cemented their position as New Zealand's second-best franchise behind the high-flying red and blacks.
Jordie, 22, looked so at home at fullback, he might as well have been back in his favourite corner of Taranaki along with his four brothers and three sisters. If there was any doubt about his best position after being selected in the midfield and on the wing for the Hurricanes this season, it is over now.
He is a fullback, and while the Chiefs defending in the first quarter against the Hurricanes was perhaps as poor as that seen by any Kiwi team this season, Jordie's two tries in three minutes, the second from 50m out, were a fitting reward for how he would play for the remainder of the match.
If the All Blacks selectors decide that this World Cup in Japan, only 10 hours' flying time from New Zealand, is a tournament for specialists, which they have hinted at, then Jordie must be selected as a fullback along with Ben Smith.
Crusaders outside back George Bridge, a player looming as a big chance to make the squad, can also cover fullback, so, with Rieko Ioane a bolted-on certainty on the left wing, the selectors may decide on rolling the dice on someone a little different on the right wing — a bit like Nehe Milner-Skudder four years ago.
This brings us to Sevu Reece, the 22-year-old wing who is going places in a hurry as proven once again in his side's 36-10 victory over the Lions in Christchurch. Fortunately for the Crusaders, one of those places is not Irish club Connacht after they ripped up his contract following a well-documented off-field incident with his partner.
Reece makes things happen whether he has the ball or not and his two tries against the Lions were freakish: the first when knocking international No 8 Kwagga Smith out of the way to score in the corner, and the second when, under extreme pressure, he sped past defenders in a kick chase.
Reece has played only five Super Rugby matches but must be on the national radar, although the selectors will want to reserve judgment to see how he performs under the pressure of the playoffs.
David Havili must also be in the frame as an outside back utility, but unfortunately for him, he was poor against the Lions.
Afterwards, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson tried to dampen the hype building around Reece but the young Fijian's actions speak louder than anyone's words.
"Look, it's pretty special form, isn't it? I could chuck in that speculation myself, but it's not for me to do that. He just needs to keep playing well," Robertson said.
"When we lost Seta [Tamanivalu after last season], a big, powerful wing, we were really going to miss him, which we do, then Sevu comes in," Robertson said.
"He's little but powerful and explosive and creates a lot. It's a really good get for us. I'm just really proud of him, what he's achieved on and off the field. He's a pretty good Crusader, isn't he?"
Football Ferns coach Tom Sermanni has named an experienced squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
The 23-woman squad, who have set the goal of making history for New Zealand by being the first team to win at a World Cup and first to advance from the group stage, is laden with experience with 17 players who competed at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.Six players Olivia Chance, Victoria Esson, Nadia Olla, Paige Satchell, Sarah Morton and Stephanie Skilton are all selected for their first FIFA Women's World Cup, while Hannah Wilkinson has recovered from a serious knee injury to earn her place.
The squad has six players – Ria Percival, Abby Erceg, Ali Riley, Betsy Hassett, Katie Duncan and Annalie Longo (with Rosie White, 99 caps, hoping to bring up her century against the USA) with more than 100 A internationals for New Zealand.
"I am really happy with the group," said Sermanni. "We have a good balance of experienced players, who have been there and know what it is all about, and we have some young up and coming players to complement that.
"Those experienced players are very important for this tournament," said Sermanni. "For this particular cycle, including the Olympics, it may be the last one at this level so it makes it critical for them. I know they are all keen to go out with a good impression."
The FIFA Women's World Cup will be staged from 7 June to 7 July across nine cities in France. The World No 19 Football Ferns will take on World No 5 Canada, World No 8 the Netherlands and World No 46 Cameroon in Group E.
Sermanni praised Wilkinson's determination to come back from an ACL injury she suffered six months ago to earn her place in her third FIFA Women's World Cup. Sermanni is pleased to have the 26-year-old striker, who has scored 25 goals for New Zealand, back in the side.
"She has done magnificently well," said Sermanni. "In terms of her work ethic, her focus and the way she has gone about her recovery. It has been a model for any young player looking to come back from a serious injury. I caught up with her last week and she is in fantastic shape. We still need to be careful with her, but she is looking good at this stage."
A number of players have come back from international retirement or breaks from the game to earn their place in the squad for France. Sarah Gregorius, Abby Erceg, Katie Duncan and perhaps most notably Emma Kete make another World Cup following a spell away from the team.
"Emma's comeback is a great lesson in maturity and how you can really play your way back in. If you are really focused, work hard and look to do the right things, you have got an opportunity. She has come back into the fold after being away from the team for a long time, but she has shown her intent to be a part of this squad."
Sermanni said from a coaching perspective, telling the players who have missed out on selection is the worst part of the job.
"Everybody talks about the players who make it and their work ethic but the same can be said for the players who have missed out. They have all put in the same level of effort and dedication. It is the toughest job you have as a coach, particularly when it comes to major tournaments."
Sermanni, who has been to four FIFA Women's World Cups in his career, said there was a real excitement within the group as they count down to the event.
"We are all really looking forward to it," he said. "Particularly in Europe. We'll get crowds who are knowledgeable and appreciate good football, great organisation and good stadiums. I think this will be the best World Cup so far and also the most competitive one."
Football Ferns squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France (Club, Country, Caps and Goals)CJ Bott (Vittsjo GIK, SWE) 16, 1Katie Bowen (Utah Royals, USA) 59, 3Olivia Chance (Everton FC, ENG) 11, 0Daisy Cleverley (University of California, USA) 8, 2Katie Duncan (Onehunga Sports) 122, 1Abby Erceg (North Carolina Courage, USA) 135, 6Victoria Esson (Avaldsnes, NOR)...
Tomorrow is a big day for our local hockey teams, as both the men's and women's Black Sticks face off against their Australian counterparts in a trans-Tasman ANZAC Day match.
Amongst the players will be 17-year-old Olivia Shannon, who signed with the women's team last year.
She may be an international level hockey star, but Shannon has to juggle that career with her NCEA school work.
She joined Daniel McHardy to preview the match and discuss her career.
All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris has become the latest player to commit to New Zealand, extending his contract until 2021 with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs.
27-year-old Harris made his Super Rugby and All Blacks debut in 2014, two years after his provincial debut for Bay of Plenty in 2016. He has played 20 Tests for the All Blacks, 51 games for the Chiefs and 29 games for Bay of Plenty.
Harris said he was grateful to continue to play for the Chiefs for a further two years.
"I'm really excited to have re-signed with New Zealand rugby and to continue playing rugby for the Gallagher Chiefs for the next two seasons. I've had the privilege to be a part of this team for several years now and in that time I've developed and grown as a player. It is a fantastic environment to be a part of and I am grateful to be able to continue doing what I love," said Harris.
Harris has played 16 of his 20 Tests in the last two seasons and All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen has welcomed the news of his recommitment to New Zealand.
"It's great for the future of the All Blacks and the Chiefs to have someone of Nathan's ability re-signing. He's made the most of his time in our environment in the last couple of seasons, getting a number of Test caps, and is constantly working on the core aspects of his game, while also adding new skills."
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has dismissed rumours that captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a doubt for the Anzac Day clash with the Melbourne Storm.
Despite some reports that Tuivasa-Sheck was struggling with a hamstring injury, Kearney insisted the Warriors' talismanic captain is "fine to go" for the Thursday night clash in Melbourne.
"Yesterday was a light run, when it was two-days post our match. He completed training yesterday, and he's fine to go," Kearney told Daniel McHardy.
"Not unless you know something I don't. Unfortunately that's the distraction of social media where I'm pretty sure that's where it all comes from."
Kearney went on to praise Tuivasa-Sheck, who has been one of the few bright sparks in the Warriors' disappointing season so far.
"Roger provides the team with stuff or moments that other players can't do. But what also Roger recognises is that he needs everyone doing their job for him to do his job.
"What I do know is we don't have a reliance on Roger. He's an important player in our team - there's no doubt about that - but everyone's important.
"Like I said, if they're not doing their role, not doing their job, you know Roger won't get the opportunity that he gets. And that's the way we work our gameplan."
The Warriors will be without David Fusitu'a who picked up a rib injury in their loss to the Cowboys, forcing a move of Gerard Beale from centre to the right wing, with Peta Hiku coming into the centres.
Blake Green – who recovered from a groin injury – returns to the starting lineup alongside rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves.
The Warriors sit at 10th with two wins and four losses from their first six fixtures to start the season.
Warriors team to play Melbourne Storm: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Blake Green, Agnatius Paasi, Issac Luke, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris, Lachlan Burr. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali'i, Bunty Afoa, Nathaniel Roache, Hayze Perham, Leivaha Pulu, Patrick Herbert, Tevita Satae.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith has made a rapid return to the Highlanders for their crucial Super Rugby derby against the Blues.
Smith was to be out for six weeks after injuring his ankle against in the Highlanders' last match with the Blues, but instead has returned after just two games, to be named on the bench for the game on Saturday night.
Fellow All Black Luke Whitelock has also returned from injury as the Highlanders aim to end a winless streak which stretches back to February.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger praised the pair for their quick returns.
"[Smith] and Luke have both worked incredibly hard to make themselves available and their return this week provides the team with a bit of a boost,'' said Mauger.
"We are aware of the challenges the Blues will bring on Saturday, all the New Zealand conference games bring a high degree of intensity.''
A third All Black - forward Jackson Hemopo - will return at lock to partner Tom Franklin at Forsyth Barr Stadium, while Sio Tomkinson takes the place of Rob Thompson, who is unavailable for family reasons.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Josh Ioane, Kayne Hammington, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Bryn Gatland, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Israel Adesanya's UFC victory could change the sport in New Zealand.
Adesanya became UFC's new interim middleweight champion after a violent unanimous decision win over American Kelvin Gastelum in Atlanta.
A dominant fifth round performance from Adesanya saw him clinch the fight, with each judge scoring the fight 48-46.
For Eugene Bareman, Adesanya's long-time coach, it was an amazing moment to watch.
He joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the victory, what it means for the sport, and how Adesanya has been able to achieve more than they ever thought he would.
Israel Adesanya hugs coach Eugene Bareman after winning the UFC interim middleweight championship. Photo / Getty Images
Mark Rudan has revealed the personal inner turmoil that has played out behind the most successful Wellington Phoenix campaign in four years.
The club confirmed on Monday their head coach would be leaving at the end of this A-League season and Rudan today fronted media at Westpac Stadium to explain his reasons for exiting with one year left to run on his contract.
This was a very different Mark Rudan to the bullish, exuberant, confident character who faced the cameras and microphones in the very same room when he was unveiled as Wellington coach in late May.
Instead, it was an apologetic, softly-spoken, repeatedly contrite Rudan who said the word "sorry" at least a dozen times during an at times emotional media conference.
As has been widely reported, Rudan will head back to Sydney to be with his wife and teenaged sons, who he has lived apart from for the best part of the last year.
Despite repeated attempts to sell them on a move to New Zealand, Rudan admitted he knew after his family spent an extended Christmas holiday with him in Wellington that a permanent relocation wasn't going to happen.
"My intentions were good - to try and convince them to come over and stay," he said. "I thought in the back of my mind I'd find a way of getting them over here but I think I was just lying to myself and trying to convince myself that I could convince them.
"I was torn; I didn't know what to do and I'd never been in this situation before. There are moments when a dad's got to be a dad. He's got to be there and put his arm around his kids and be there for the family and I've missed that. It wasn't my intention to lead anybody on. I was just confused about what the best thing to do was.
"I was always going to let someone down no matter what decision I made. I've let my club down and my fans down and everybody here and that's genuinely how I feel. They've got every reason to be upset with my decision, I get that. I'm sorry to those who I've upset and I just hope they can understand my side."
Fan reaction to Rudan's departure has been mixed. There's a significant amount of gratitude for the way he's turned around the flailing fortunes of a struggling football club, but many also feel let-down by his decision to leave the job midway through his contract.
"I'll take any punches that come my way," said Rudan.
"All I can say is that when I came here my intentions were very, very good. I wanted to make a difference at this football club. I gave it my all and I really wish it could have been different, more than you know, but it's not to be.
"I understand the disappointment with people - I get that, they're hurt. They've got every right to say what they want - they pay their hard-earned, they're supporters and members of this football club. If they feel that or sense that, I'll take it on the chin. It's my fault, no-one else's."
"If they want to throw oranges and bananas, I'm not the best at eating fruit, so I've been told by my nutritionist and that I should eat more of that," he joked.
"But I can understand why they're angry and they're right. Everything they want to say about me is right - if they think I'm this, that or the other. I'll take whatever hits come my way and all I can do is apologise."
The timing of Rudan's announcement to the players had also raised eyebrows, with many correlating back-to-back defeats with the inevitable uncertainty in the squad.
"I don't know what the best way would have been [to tell them]," Rudan admitted.
"Could it have been better? Probably. How? I don't know. Should I have come out earlier and said, 'This is what's happening?' I told the players and staff when it started and I tried to be open with you guys (the media).
"Had I said it earlier, how would that have affected my playing group, the supporters and everybody else? I tried to do the best I could, but I was conflicted and it was very complicated."
Rudan also revealed he offered to resign after the side's loss to Brisbane last Friday, just hour...
The Warriors have named Blake Green at starting halfback for the NRL match against the Cowboys on Saturday in Auckland.
Green missed the last match against the Rabbitohs with a groin injury suffered in the warm-up.
Peta Hiku was a last minute stand-in for the loss to the Rabbitohs.
Kearney says Green, who didn't train today, is a maybe, though noted that he pulled up pretty well today.
Nathaniel Roache is on the extended interchange for what could be his first match since round one when he suffered a leg injury.
Joseph Parker is on the brink of one of the most important decisions of his professional boxing career – whether to sign a big-money multi-fight deal with Bob Arum or Eddie Hearn or remain as an independent.
Duco's David Higgins, who has described this week as "pivotal" for Parker, will sit down with the former world champion heavyweight and his family and advisors tomorrow night to thrash out the options and map out a way for another title shot.
Should Parker decide to sign with either American Arum or Englishman Hearn, the two main players who have millions of dollars at their disposal, it will mean a re-structure of his current promotional set-up, but either way Higgins will be closely involved.
Should Parker and his team decide to remain as an independent, it will likely be a short-term arrangement as the money being thrown around in the sport at the moment is simply too big to ignore.
"We've received a few options that we're considering," Higgins said. "It could be that Joe ends up becoming a star in America on ESPN and being promoted by Bob Arum. It could be that Joe ends up continuing a good relationship with Eddie Hearn. Those are two obvious options. The third option is to remain independent. Whatever he does next could be for the rest of his career.
"The other question is whether it's the right time to sign a long-term deal or do a one-off fight. Dereck Chisora has been openly chasing us down.
"If Joe did a multi-fight deal now we know what the offers are. But assuming we don't commit yet and let's say we knock out Chisora in London … then suddenly Joe's stocks go through the roof. The world's his oyster and he can legitimately call for a re-match with Dillian Whyte or Anthony Joshua … and the offers might double in value."
The chances are good that Parker will fight Chisora in London in July, after their bout set down for this month became untenable once the Englishman's team failed to send a contract in time. But Higgins said there was also a possibility that Parker could next fight in the United States instead.
Hearn, the promoter of WBA, WBO and IBF world champion Joshua, is closely linked with DAZN, a sports streaming provider, and has long said he would like Parker involved too. Should Parker join Hearn then he will be backed by Sir Leonard Blavatnik, one of the richest individuals in the United Kingdom.
Last year Mexican middleweight Saul "Canelo" Alvarez signed a five-year, 11-fight deal with DAZN worth more than $NZ500 million.
Heavyweight Tyson Fury, the former world champion still firmly in the mix, recently signed with Arum and ESPN. Like Hearn, Arum has worked closely with Higgins and Parker in the past.
WBC world champion Deontay Wilder, who drew with Fury in Las Angeles in December, is promoted by Al Haymon.
Higgins described Parker, a 27-year-old who has lost to only Joshua and Whyte after turning professional seven years ago, as having the most potential of the current crop of heavyweights. His last fight was in December, but he has been posting personal bests in the gym in Auckland since.
"He's the youngest of the bigger names and he's had a run of bad luck and bad officiating, so we haven't seen the best of Joseph," Higgins said. "He's what I would call in economic terms an under-valued asset. He's 27 and getting stronger … and he wants a second run at a world title unification."
Higgins said any decision would be based on Parker's best long-term interests. "Every deal has pros and cons. Going to the United States is quite attractive. The holy grail of boxing is to be a profiled star on both sides of the Atlantic … and Joe is already a household name in the UK. But the numbers have to be right."
Asked about his own involvement should Parker sign a multi-fight deal elsewhere, Higgins said: "I'll always be involved … that's not the issue here. If there's a re-structure then the roles might be re-defined. But there might not be … there's no ego here for me. It's purely a rational and analytica...
Greg Inglis has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.
The Rabbitohs captain revealed his decision on Monday, calling it quits on his glittering career nearly two years earlier than he'd planned to.
The 32-year-old, who has claimed multiple premierships alongside a lengthy representative career, arrived at South Sydney headquarters to deliver the news.
"I think it's time and it's the right decision for me," an emotional Inglis told the media on Monday morning. "I've been contemplating it for a while now.
"As of today, it's official. There's been a lot of speculation out there. My body hasn't given up on me, but I think it's time for me. It's time for me to go and just enjoy life and look after the four horses I have now.
"It's been an incredible journey ... a remarkable ride.
One of the most decorated players of the 21st century, Inglis has been battling a serious shoulder problem and hasn't played since he was injured in round two against St George Illawarra.
He ends his tenure on the field with 263 games under his belt, not including 32 Origin appearances and 39 Kangaroos caps.
"Most of the boys were pretty shocked even though they knew it was coming," Inglis continued. "They were taken aback by it. What I'll miss most is the dressing shed."
Inglis was thrown a curveball mid-press conference with a reporter asking him why he chose to play for Queensland in State of Origin despite being born on NSW's mid north coast.
"I chose to go to Queensland because I was happy up there and felt more at home. I felt wanted and felt I belonged there," he said.
The legendary back squashed any thought of him jumping on the winning side, reminding fans he joined the Maroons in a slump.
"NSW was on the brink of winning four straight," he said, before dropping another rib-tickling one-liner.
"I was from Kempsey, which is just on the other side to Coolangatta."
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett reflected on the Queensland great's career and declared him one of the finest NRL players of his generation.
"It's the hardest part in a footballer's life to know when your time is up.
"Through conversations with people around him, he's been able to come to a decision he is comfortable with. He has a wonderful reputation and is one of the finest players of his generation."
The end was always in sight for Inglis but it was never meant to come this soon. Still Queensland's State of Origin captain, he planned to bid farewell to the representative arena in 2019 before ending his NRL career at the end of next season.
Instead though, a poor range of movement in his left shoulder has him struggling to lift his arm above his head or away from his body.
Dragons skipper James Graham told Fox Sports he "couldn't believe" the Queensland great was set to bow out.
"He deserves better ... not everyone gets a fairytale exit from the game," he said.
Damaging at both centre and fullback in club and representative football, Inglis made his name as Melbourne began their dominant era in 2006 and remained part of the Storm's success until forced to leave amid the salary cap scandal.
He landed at Redfern desperate to end the Rabbitohs' title drought, doing so in the 2014 grand final as he scored the final try and sent the burrow into delirium.
He was just as dominant at representative level, forming arguably the greatest centre-wing combination in State of Origin history with Darius Boyd on Queensland's left edge.
There he scored the majority of his 18 Origin tries, while also crossing the line 31 times in 39 Kangaroos appearances.
Wellington Phoenix head coach Mark Rudan has rocked the club by informing them that he won't be back next season.
The Australian, who has turned the Phoenix around since taking over from Darije Kalezic in May last year, will walk away halfway through his two-year deal - despite the club's best efforts to retain him.
The Herald understands Rudan has been unwilling to discuss the situation with the club over the last month and has recently informed them that he is leaving.
Rudan's future has been the subject of much speculation since the start of this year, as he has struggled with being isolated from his Sydney-based family.
Since January, the Phoenix have been trying to put together a package to convince Rudan to stay, driven by chairman Rob Morrison, but they've been unsuccessful.
Living closer to his wife and teenage children is believed to be a key driver of Rudan's decision to return to Australia, though the 43-year-old has also been frustrated with the financial resourcing of the club, and has spoken publicly on several occasions about the need for the Welnix ownership group to display more ambition.
Phoenix CEO David Dome was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Herald on Friday.
Rudan refused an interview request, telling the Herald he wouldn't "be doing anything this week", as he was fully focused on the clash with the Brisbane Roar on Friday night.
The confirmation of his exit marks the end of a short, but highly successful era.
From the first day he walked through the doors Rudan has shaken up the club, from the playing group to the back office staff, bringing confidence and belief back into the organisation, after the Phoenix's reputation, off and on the field, nosedived dramatically during the Kalezic reign.
He has helped several players to produce the best football of their careers, especially young Kiwis like Alex Rufer, Louis Fenton, Sarpreet Singh and Liberato Cacace.
His methods have also driven striker Roy Krishna to enjoy a stunning season, and former Socceroo David Williams is another who has responded positively to the environment under Rudan.
The former Sydney FC captain has engendered a unified, successful playing group, with a positive, attacking style and the recipe has worked.
The Phoenix are all but qualified for the finals for just the fifth time in their history, and could surpass their highest regular season points tally (42 in 2014-15).
Four more goals in the last three regular season games will also mark a new goals record for the club.
The team enjoyed a nine-game unbeaten run from the beginning of December to late January, smashing the previous best streak of six.
Such success has brought back the fans, highlighted by more than 23,000 coming to Eden Park in February, a new club high for a non-finals match.
However, Rudan's departure means the franchise will be on the search again for a new head coach, and will bring another period of uncertainty and upheaval for the capital team.
Since Ernie Merrick's exit in December 2016, Des Buckingham, Kalezic, Chris Greenacre (caretaker) and Rudan have occupied the position.
Israel Folau has copped a barrage of criticism after the Wallabies star doubled down on his anti-gay stance with a controversial Instagram post last night.
The 30-year-old was slammed for calling on "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" to repent for their sins or else "hell awaits" them.
In a caption, Folau added: "Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him."
Wallabies players Samu Kerevi and Allan Alaalatoa have liked Folau's post.
Folau has a history of making controversial, homophobic comments and his latest effort sparked a passionate backlash as Rugby Australia said its integrity unit will launch an investigation.
Major Wallabies sponsor Qantas, who threatened to pull its sponsorship last year following a series of provocative posts from Folau, hit out over the Waratahs flyer's post.
"These comments are really disappointing and clearly don't reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support," a Qantas statement to AAP said.
"We are pleased to see Rugby Australia's condemnation of the comments and will await the outcome of their review."
Former Wallaby Jeremy Paul understands Folau has certain beliefs, but can't comprehend why he feels the need to express them in this matter on social media.
"You can't bring the game into disrepute," Paul said on Fox Sports program Bill & Boz. "You can't … go out and do stupid things on social media.
"I just want to ask the question, what do you want to get out of it? We all know Israel, what his beliefs are and we all understand he's very religious but I just don't understand (why he needs to post this content).
"What do you get out of it?
"I know he's a lovely guy but I just ask the question why?"
In a statement, Rugby Australia condemned Folau's latest comments as "unacceptable" and "disrespectful", saying the content of his Instagram post "does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community".
Folau was widely criticised on social media for his 'disgraceful' comments.
But there's more than just an argument about religion and lifestyle at stake with Folau's scandal. His Wallabies career is now uncertain just five months out from the Rugby World Cup.
Folau had already tested the patience of RA boss Raelene Castle with a series of homophobic posts last year, most notably one that said "God's plan" for gay people was "HELL".
The three-times John Eales medallist was warned but not sanctioned by Castle after defiantly threatening to walk away from the game if his strong Christian beliefs were compromised.
It is barely two months since Folau signed a new multimillion-dollar contract extension to remain with the NSW Waratahs until the end of 2022. It was not specified if the deal with the Waratahs and Rugby Australia, which strongly promotes inclusion, has a clause restricting Folau from making provocative social media posts, but earlier this year the Sydney Morning Herald reported there were "beefed up social media protocols" Folau would need to adhere to.
If he's found to have breached his contract, there's a chance Folau could be sacked.
The latest episode in the saga is the last thing Wallabies coach Michael Cheika needs from his premier back in a World Cup year. Champion flanker David Pocock is already under a huge World Cup fitness cloud having played minimal Super Rugby this year as he battles a career-threatening neck injury.
On top of that, having RA tear up Folau's contract five months out from the global showpiece and leaving the Wallabies with the grim prospect of being without their two best players in Japan would leave Cheika's plans in tatters.
But that's now a real possibility after the Wallabies' biggest sponsors, Qantas and Asics, threatened to walk away last year before Folau was first hauled over the coals.
Blues will continue to lean on Ma'a Nonu during the injury-enforced absence of their other midfield veteran.
Sonny Bill Williams will have knee surgery tomorrow and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
Coach Leon MacDonald says they're fortunate to have the depth of experience the duo bring.
He says Nonu has stepped up and is thriving with the extra minutes and game time.
The Blues backline is unchanged to face the Chiefs on Saturday in Super Rugby but Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa TuungafasI and Dalton Papali'i come into the pack.
The Chiefs backline is also unchanged, though co-captain Brodie Retallick and loosehead prop Angus Ta'avao return, while Taleni Seu comes in at number eight moving Tyler Ardron to lock.
It is a chance for Ta'avao to reinforce his versatility value to the All Blacks selectors.
With Aiden Ross out with a minor neck injury, Ta'avao will switch to the loosehead side of the scrum to face the Blues in Saturday's Super Rugby match.
More known as a tighthead, Ta'avao is one of seven props named to attend the All Blacks foundation day on Monday.
Chiefs assistant coach Nick White says Ta'avao is likely to get an extended run in Hamilton.
He says it really helps Ta'avao being in the mix for the All Blacks later in the year.
Two key Highlanders will miss Friday night's Super Rugby derby against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Having lost first five Marty Banks to a broken foot, co-captain Luke Whitelock has been ruled out with a calf issue.
Openside flanker James Lentjes says that's the nature of intra-conference play.
“These Kiwi derbys are always physical, so you can always expect to lose a couple of players here and there, so it’s just a chance for someone else to step up and get involved.”
That will be first-five Josh Ioane, who will start his first match since their round four loss to the Hurricanes last month.
Fullback Ben Smith will captain the side on his 150th Super Rugby match for the Highlanders, taking the armband duties from Luke Whitelock who has been ruled out due to a calf niggle.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Josh Ioane, Kayne Hammington, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves:Ash Dixon, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Jackson Hemopo, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Sio Tomkinson
Owen Franks' stop-start Super Rugby season has hit another judder-bar.
The Crusaders and All Blacks prop has been left out of the squad to play the Highlanders on Friday in Christchurch due to a shoulder injury.
Franks has played just once in the last month, clocking 40 minutes against the Brumbies last week.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Franks will go for a scan and they'll take their time with him.
"He'll get a scan ... see how things are going with his shoulder," said Robertsons. "And the best thing for him, we just realise that we'll take our time with our players because we've got the depth in the squad, something we're really fortunate to have.
"We're rolling and trusting our squad and it's really important that we've got as many bodies available by the end of the competition and by trusting the players now."
Fellow All Blacks Codie Taylor and George Bridge are also nursing minor injuries and weren't considered, while Sam Whitelock, Bryn Hall, Jack Goodhue and Brayden Ennor return to the side.
Despite missing some big names, Robertson said they were determined to pick their best team against what will be a tricky southern derby against the Highlanders.
"We've picked the best team for this week. We needed to. We know how desperate the Highlanders are, the position they're in and they've certainly mentioned how important this game is to them."
Crusaders: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Sevu Reece, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Harry Allan, Oliver Jager, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan.
The Wellington Phoenix's quest for a top four finish in the A-League has suffered a setback, paying the price for a listless first half in losing 3-1 away at Adelaide United.
The result moves Adelaide level with the Phoenix in fourth place with three regular season matches remaining.
The frantic battle for fourth spot – and the home playoff that comes with it – also includes Melbourne City who sit just one point behind after their 4-1 win over Brisbane on Friday.
Adelaide came flying out of the blocks and went ahead in the 10th minute, veteran defender Michael Marrone escaping the attentions of Michal Kopczynski in the penalty area to nod home a right wing corner for just his second ever A-League goal.
That lead was doubled seven minutes later when teenaged striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos swept home a right-wing cross from Phoenix old boy Scott Galloway.The first 35 minutes was one of the poorest periods of football produced by Wellington in their excellent season to date.
Their passing lacked cohesion, possession was regularly and cheaply given away and there was nothing to enthuse about in the attacking third.
Given the performances of the last three weeks during which the Phoenix had scored an A-League record 15 goals, it was a curiously flat display.
In the ten minutes before the break though, Wellington finally got going with Liberato Cacace testing goalkeeper Paul Izzo with a low drive before Antony Golec had a header cleared off the line.
Just as the visitors seemed to have gained some traction, Stamatelopoulos made it 3-0, his powerful header squirming under the outstretched body of Phoenix goalkeeper Filip Kurto and just crossing the line.
But Stamatelopoulos immediately went from hero to villain with a studs-up challenge on Mandi earning him a straight red card in the shadows of halftime, leaving his side to negotiate the second half with just ten men.
Phoenix coach Mark Rudan rolled the dice early in the second spell, introducing attackers Cillian Sheridan and Max Burgess.
With a numerical advantage and Burgess in particular adding significant creativity and spark, the Phoenix laid siege to a packed Adelaide defence in an attempt to reduce the deficit.
A delightful pass from Burgess put Sheridan through one-on-one but after the Irishman rounded Izzo he declined to shoot from a narrow angle, instead laying the ball into the path of David Williams who blazed over from a handy position.
Wellington's first goal finally arrived after 73 minutes when Mandi's low drive through a crowded penalty area hit the post and rebounded into the path of Sheridan who tapped in his maiden Phoenix goal from close range.
The chances continued to come for Wellington with Burgess at the heart of their best attacking moments.
With five minutes left, Kopczynski had the ball in the net after a goalmouth scramble, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Despite their dominance, time ran out for the Phoenix who were left to rue their poor first half and contemplate an 11th straight winless outing against Adelaide.
The Phoenix will remain in Australia ahead of Friday's clash with Brisbane Roar before returning home for what is shaping as a pivotal meeting with Melbourne City on Easter Sunday.
Adelaide United 3 (Stamatelopoulos 2, Marrone)Wellington Phoenix 1 (Sheridan)
Legendary NZ Rower Mahe Drysdale joins D'Arcy and Goran to explain why he is looking to continue his stellar career in the men's eight, going away from the single sculls.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Hurricanes captain TJ Perenara joins D'Arcy and Goran on the eve of yet another NZ derby, this time against the Highlanders.
The Canes are looking to bounce back after last week's loss to the Crusaders.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Some positive injury news for the Highlanders ahead of Friday's match..
Having been out since February with an ankle injury, Rob Thompson has been named in the reserves.
Coach Aaron Mauger is delighted to have Thompson available to back up starters Tei Walden and Richard Buckman.
He says he brings experience and is arguably one of the best midfielders in the competition.
Marty Banks retains the starting first five spot with Josh Ioane providing utility cover off the bench.
The team will be facing the Hurricanes in a home match in Dunedin.
The Wellington team announced their team, and there will be the third positional switch for Jordie Barrett in as many weeks.
Having started for the Hurricanes at second five against the Stormers and right wing against the Crusaders, Barrett moves to centre for Friday night's match.
Coach John Plumtree says the move has been forced on him.
He says he's not big on moving players around and would like him to settle in to his favourite position but due to injuries they've had to do this.
Lock Kane Le'aupepe's inclusion is the only change to the pack while Wes
Young Warriors half Adam Keighran will spend time in reserve grade this weekend, with Chanel Harris-Tevita set to make his NRL debut.
After jostling with Keighran for the starting spot to begin the season, Harris-Tevita will get his chance this weekend against the Gold Coast Titans as the Warriors look to move on from their recent woes.
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said Harris-Tevita would be coming into the squad
"It's part of the business. Everyone knows how this game works. The positive side is we give someone else an opportunity," Tuivasa-Sheck said.
"Now that Chanel gets a shot with us, we're looking forward to see how he goes in the top side."
The side started the season with a dominant win over the Canterbury Bulldogs, but have been thoroughly outplayed in their past two outings with losses to the Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles. As a result, Kearney hinted that things would change in his line up.
"On the back of a couple of disappointing performances there will be some adjustments to the side," he said.
"When you find yourself in a bit of a hole, which is where we are at the minute, you've got to work hard to get yourself out of it."
In the last fortnight, the Warriors have struggled to match it with their opponents and have leaked points. Against Manly and Wests, the team conceded 80 points - including 14 tries - missed a combined 78 tackles and committed 23 errors. For anyone who hadn't seen the games, the statistics alone don't paint a pretty picture.
Kearney chose not to make changes after an ugly 34-6 loss to the Tigers in round two, but after an equally unappealing result in Manly, the Warriors coach has sought a change in personnel to address some of the concerns in the team's performance.
"We understand with the last two performances … there's a certain expectation that we have in the footy team," Kearney said.
"At the end of the day, if there's going to be some adjustments, I'm doing what I think is going to be best for the footy team to get a performance on Friday night.
"For everyone, that's the business we're in - performance. It's no different every week."
Issac Luke and Nathaniel Roache will both be unavailable for the Titans clash, opening a spot in the match day squad for former Titan Karl Lawton, who will share hooking duties with Jazz Tevaga.
The Warriors insist their defensive issues can be fixed – but admit their confidence has taken a hammering over the last two games.
The Auckland team has had a nightmare fortnight, with back to back performances that conjured up memories of the bad old days.
Gone was the resilience and hunger on defence they displayed last year, when only four teams conceded fewer tries across the NRL season.
In the space of 46 minutes at Campbelltown in round two the Tigers crossed for six tries, as the Warriors had no answers. On Sunday in Christchurch their defence was even more porous, as Manly scored eight tries, and could have had four or five more.
It was a tough watch. Not only did the Warriors seem powerless at times to stop the Sea Eagles rolling up field – they often made 70 or 80 metres in a set – but they couldn't defend their line, and several Manly tries came from short range.
The Warriors were on their heels, and grabbed and clawed at tackles, instead of driving with intent.
"Defence is plain and simple," said prop Bunty Afoa. "It's about attitude and connection. In the middle we have to stay tight on the rucks. We were worrying about the shifts too much and us middles have got to stay real tight.
"We were just too loose and our first up contact wasn't strong enough too. And when they get offloads, we have to try and shut it down, but we also have to stay calm."
Tohu Harris' struggles on Saturday epitomized the Warriors' current issues. He's recognized as one of the best defenders in the sport, but the Kiwis back rower missed six tackles as the left edge was repeatedly fractured.
"It is little things that we need to improve that led to those moments," Harris told Sky Television. "Little things early on in our sets, things to do with our contact. If we clean those up then the back end of our sets we will be a lot tidier and we can stop those points coming in. [But] two weeks in a row we have let it pile in and that's not good enough in this competition."
What about the absence of Simon Mannering? The long time captain was the king of the 'one per centers'; so strong in the ruck, on the kick chase and cutting off a potential break, but Afoa believes the team can thrive without their former captain.
"I have full confidence in all the boys," said Afoa. "We have a lot of boys that work hard on the field and we take pride in our defence. But on Sunday we didn't really show it. Hopefully we can bounce back well."
The Warriors have dived badly over the last two weeks, but Afoa insists the team remain buoyant.
"A lot of people have asked that question about our confidence," said Afoa. "Yeah, we are a bit down at the moment. We trained really well throughout [last] week and we wanted to come out firing after a disappointing performance against the Tigers.
"But we are trying to stay tight. We can't let one another down [and] in these moments it shows what kind of character we have as a team. We have to stay real tight."
Factbox: Eight days of pain for WarriorsPoints conceded: 80Tries conceded: 14Missed tackles: 78Line breaks conceded: 10Errors: 23Penalties conceded: 15Ineffective tackles: 37
The All Blacks most capped number nine and second most capped Highlanders player, halfback Aaron Smith, has signed a new two-year deal with NZR and his Super Rugby side through to 2021.
30-year-old Smith made his All Blacks debut in 2012 and has been a mainstay in the national side ever since, playing 82 tests to date. He made his Highlanders debut in 2011 and has played 129 times for the side.
Smith said he was excited to confirm that his future would be in New Zealand.
"From my earliest playing days, my focus has always been about being passionate about the teams I play for and I've always enjoyed giving 100 percent to the teams I represent," Smith said.
"I love representing the Highlanders and the All Blacks and playing my rugby in New Zealand gives me the chance to continue to do that.
"I'm grateful to NZ Rugby and the Highlanders organisation for all the support they've given me over my career and for the opportunities they have provided for myself and Teagan, going forward."
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said: "We're delighted to have re-signed Aaron through to 2021. He's a proven world-class player, the most capped All Blacks halfback ever and an incredibly important member of the All Blacks and Highlanders."New Zealand Rugby has been working incredibly hard on the retention of our key players and, while it's inevitable that some will move on following the Rugby World Cup, we'll still have a core of experience in the All Blacks post 2019, and Aaron will be a key part of that group."We know all our players have choices to make on where they play their rugby and that the global environment is challenging, but we feel we have got one of the best environments for players here, with outstanding teams and coaches, and so we congratulate Aaron on his decision."All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen added: "Nuggy has been such an outstanding player for us over many years and deserves every accolade he gets. "He's a passionate team man, a leader in our team and gives his all to the group. He works incredibly hard on his game and has been incredibly consistent since first coming into the All Blacks. The speed of his delivery from the base of the scrum and ruck is a key point of difference and means we can play the game at real pace, which has suited our game.
"It's fantastic news that he has committed himself to both New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders and we congratulate him on his decision. It's also timely to congratulate him and his partner Teagan on their recent engagement and the pending birth of their first child."
Smith joins a number of established All Blacks who have signed with New Zealand Rugby post-2019, including Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie and Rieko Ioane, with negotiations progressing with a number of other key players.
Former Warrior and Sea Eagle, and Christchurch-born Lewis Brown joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the Sea Eagles-Warriors match this tomorrow night, as well as what Christchurch has been like since the mosque attacks two weeks ago.
LISTEN TO LEWIS BROWN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
All Blacks sevens assistant coach Liam Barry joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his side's upcoming series' in Hong Kong and Singapore, with a host of returning players.
LISTEN TO LIAM BARRY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
Wellington Phoenix striker David Williams talks with D'Arcy and Goran about the Phoenix's strong run of form, their upcoming match against the Newcastle Jets and their potential in the finals series.
LISTEN TO DAVID WILLIAMS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
The Blues are on the brink of their third win in a row - rare territory for them - and so perhaps not surprisingly their head coach Leon MacDonald has taken a softly, softly approach in terms of his selections.
Which isn't to say that's an approach the Blues will take against a Stormers team which will attempt to bash them into submission from the opening whistle at Eden Park on Saturday, just that MacDonald hasn't changed much this week.
Blues wing Rieko Ioane retains his place for another week as predicted, and Ma'a Nonu stays at No12 despite the return of Sonny Bill Williams, but perhaps the most significant selections as the Blues attempt to build on their win over the Highlanders are in the front row.
After making a big impact from the reserves bench at Eden Park last weekend, that's where All Blacks props Karl Tu'inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi will once again find themselves.
Sione Mafileo and Alex Hodgman are tasked with starting the job against what is a huge Stormers pack, and Tu'inukuafe and Tuungafasi with finishing it, along with fellow big hitters Dalton Papalii and midfielder Williams.
The Blues came through in the final quarter against the Highlanders – a rare achievement for a team which hadn't beaten a Kiwi rival since round one of 2016 – and it's this finishing ability that head coach Leon MacDonald wants to keep.
If he and his team can turn a weakness into a strength it will improve them significantly and he said the message throughout what had been an excellent training week was about the need to improve in all areas.
"There are two things; who starts the best and how do we close out the game and win it at the end," MacDonald said.
"We saw the benefit of having a powerful bench [last week]. It's probably an area where historically we have lost a lot of games in that last 20 minutes but having that quality off the bench was a deciding factor in our win. It's hard to ignore that, especially when we rate Sione and Alex really highly as well."
Not surprisingly, lock Patrick Tuipulotu, so good off the bench after half an hour last week, is starting against the Stormers, a selection made easier for the fact Josh Goodhue is out with a shoulder injury.
All Black Tuipulotu, a co-captain with Blake Gibson, was at his powerful best against the Highlanders, and, after announcing a one-year contract extension with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby, is steeling himself for another big one against Springbok rival Eben Etzebeth. Papalii, who made his test debut last year, has re-signed for another three years.
Ioane, who has six tries in two matches but due for an All Black rest week, was always going to start after training during the week. With fellow wings Caleb Clarke and Matt Duffie returning from injury via the Blues' second team, Ioane could miss next weekend's visit of the Waratahs.
MacDonald said of Ioane: "We just felt consistency of performance was critical and he's obviously a big part of that."
Otere Black starts at No10 – a nod to his sounder kicking game – with Nonu staying in the midfield along with TJ Faiane, who was excellent last week.
"It was a tight call, a really tough call," said MacDonald after the return of Williams from Christchurch. "I thought Sonny was one of our better players against the Sunwolves, especially with his leadership. And then Ma'a gets an opportunity and his leadership was fantastic and he put in his best performance of the year.
"The most pleasing thing is we're definitely not happy with where we are at," MacDonald added. "We need to keep getting better; those games are won and lost on certain games and you can't get ahead of yourself. There were times when we didn't get it right as well."
The Blues team to play the Stormers at Eden Park on Saturday at 7.35pm is: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Tanielu Tele'a, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru; 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Sione Mafi...
New Zealand Rugby high performance boss Mike Anthony accepts they didn't communicate the All Blacks conditioning plan for Super Rugby as best they could.
Anthony has moved to clarify some of the confusion around the rest weeks required for the All Blacks during the competition.
Brodie Retallick's headed home from the Chiefs tour after playing the opening six games, while other players have been rested after five.
Anthony says the agreement is no more than six consecutive games.
"We initially talked around five and then with some feedback from clubs we revised that and said six."
That is unless that is broken by a bye, in which case it restarts.
Anthony says it wasn't perfectly communicated.
"We could have probably got out there to people so they understood it and our reasons for i, and reinforcing the fact that it's not just about getting our All Blacks performing at the Rugby World Cup, we want them performing at the back end of Super Rugby."
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is quick to admit his side weren't up to their usual standard in last weekend's loss to the Waratahs.
"We were desperate last week but we were pretty inaccurate a lot of times at key moments," Robertson said. "That's our focus, we made sure we were really clear on what we needed to get better at."
With the Crusaders' loss to the Waratahs, which ended their unbeaten start to the season, the Hurricanes were able to draw level on the points table with their southern counterparts at the top of the New Zealand conference.
The Crusaders will take a strengthened side to Wellington in the search for local supremacy on Friday night, welcoming back a host of players including captain Kieran Read and Richie Mo'unga.
The Hurricanes have had the Crusaders' number in Wellington in recent years, and Robertson noted the rivalry was something Super Rugby and New Zealand rugby needed.
"There's always the anticipation around it from the players and the public. They're always pretty brutal and results have gone both ways over the years. It's a great date on the calendar and something to look forward to."
Crusaders: David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Samuel Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Harry Allan
Reserves: Andrew Makalio, George Bower, Michael Alaalatoa, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Mitchell Drummond, Brett Cameron, Will Jordan.
New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew has set the record straight about the proposed Nations League format, saying his organisation hasn't yet agreed to the concept despite reports suggesting otherwise.
RFU interim chief executive Nigel Melville indicated today that England won't be signing up for World Rugby's proposal due to concerns about the prospect of relegation.
Melville's comments is seen as a major roadblock to the development of a global league, with the April 5 deadline to reach an agreement looming.
Speaking to D'Arcy and Goran, Tew said reports suggesting a divide between Southern and Northern hemisphere teams in their support of the Nations League was a "complete exaggeration".
"The concept that's on the table is one we're all working through," he said. "It's been reported since Nigel's comments that the Southern hemisphere wants it and the Northern hemisphere don't.
"Well that's not quite accurate. The reality is we have a great idea, it comes with complications, we need to do a lot of analysis ... and we're all still working through it."
Tew was quick to point out that NZ Rugby and SANZAAR haven't agreed to the concept either, but praised World Rugby for trying something different.
"We haven't said yes or no to anything. We've just said good on World Rugby for coming up with something a bit different. Good on them for bringing a bid to the table that provides us with a reference point. And we're going to work it through.
"To say the south have said yes and we're on to it is a complete exaggeration. There's still a lot of water to run under this bridge."
Tew didn't, however, share the same views that Melville had about the prospect of relegation. The NZR boss said relegation is a fear for any team but is needed if there is to be fair mobility between nations in world rugby.
"I don't think anyone are going to suggest that you are not at some point in time going to have a poor season and might be at the bottom of a competition," Tew said. "If that's a year that relegation is on the table then yeah you would fear that. But obviously you work very hard to mitigate it.
"The reality is if teams don't go down, no other teams can go up and you'll have everybody in place forever. And that's clearly not something that we all want."
All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who returns for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes this week, also added his voice to the issue and expressed the need to do what's best for the world game.
"I think you can understand where they (England) are coming from around certain things but it's got to be good for the world game. So it's important we get to that point."
Emotions are running high around the cricket world after Kings XI Punjab captain Ravi Ashwin executed a Mankad dismissal in his team's IPL win.
The wicket has sparked friction across the international game — but one image shows even legends of the sport have been caught up in the wrong debate.
Spinner Ashwin took the bails off at the non-striker's end while England batsman Jos Buttler was backing up, with the controversial move overshadowing his side's 14-run victory over Rajasthan — and the IPL return of Aussie Steve Smith.
The term "Mankad" — used when a bowler runs out a non-striker before delivery — was coined 70 years ago when Indian allrounder Vinoo Mankad twice ran out Bill Brown at the bowler's end during India's tour of Australia in 1947.
It is considered to be against cricket's spirit of fair play and Buttler, who scored 69 off 43 deliveries, walked dejectedly back to the pavilion after an argument with the India bowler.
While legends, including Shane Warne and England captain Michael Vaughan, have declared publicly they are affronted by Ashwin's failure to act within the so-called "spirit of the game" — the emotion has simply clouded the issue.
The only debate that matters is whether Rajasthan Royals star English batsman Jos Buttler was guilty of leaving his crease at the non-striker's end in violation of the MCC Laws of Cricket Code.
One image that has been circulated around the cricket world suggests Ashwin doesn't have a leg to stand on in regards to the laws that govern the so-called Mankad.
The freeze frame shows that on simple rules alone — completely independent of those screaming for blood over Ashwin's poor form — Buttler should never have been given out when the decision was sent up to the third umpire.
The photograph below captures the moment Ashwin's front foot has landed after launching into his release action. It shows Buttler clearly has his bat behind the crease at the exact point of release.
In accordance with MCC Law 41.16 — which governs the non-striker leaving his or her ground early — Buttler should never have been given out as he is allowed to leave his crease "when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball".
"If the non-striker is out of his/her ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out," the law states.
"Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one in the over.
"If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal dead ball as soon as possible."
Ravi Ashwin went were few bowlers dare to go. Photo / Twitter.
The photo has superimposed an old image of Ashwin bowling for India in blue over the top of him bowling for Kings XI Punjab in red. It's designed to show that when Ashwin's front foot landed last night, he would normally be in his delivery stride preparing to let go of the ball.
Buttler is still in his crease at that point and because he would reasonably expect Ashwin to have delivered the ball, under the laws of the game, he should be safe. However, Ashwin didn't let go of the ball as expected and baulked after planting his front foot, sparking the controversy.
Cricket identities have used the image to nail Ashwin.
Unfortunately, the ambiguity of the rule and bizarre bowling action of Ashwin have further clouded the issue.
The video of the action shows that Ashwin never raised his front arm while launching into his delivery.
International cricket legends, led spiritedly by Aussie great Dean Jones, have declared the image above is made redundant because Ashwin was never truly in the act of bowling — as suggested by his left arm never pointing down the pitch.
Ashwin did launch into the air, but critics are claiming Buttler was correctly given out because Ashwin pulled out of his delivery as Buttler was in the motion of following his routine of l...
Issac Luke has been named at hooker while Karl Lawton has been included on an extended bench for the Warriors ahead of Saturday's clash with the Sea Eagles at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
The Warriors will head into the "away" game looking to bounce back after an awful 34-6 loss to the Wests Tigers last Sunday.
All 17 players who took the field at Campbelltown have been named in this week's line up with Lawton's inclusion in the place of Nate Roache the only change to the squad named by coach Stephen Kearney last Tuesday.
Roache was a late withdrawal from the Tigers game after suffering from calf tightness at the captains' run.
"Last week's performance against the Tigers was disappointing," said Kearney.
"I'm expecting our players to respond accordingly and Saturday's game against Manly gives us a good chance to do that.
"Nate's still got a bit of tightness in his calf so we won't be risking him this week."
Although he has been charged by the NRL judiciary for dangerous contact on Tigers forward Mikaele Thomas, prop Sam Lisone has been included on the Warriors' bench.
He is pleading not guilty and his hearing will take place at NRL headquarters in Sydney at 9pm (NZT) on Tuesday evening.
If he fails to overturn the charge, Lisone will be sidelined for two games.
Likewise, Lawton, who played for the club's Canterbury Cup NSW team last weekend, has been charged with tripping. After also pleading not guilty, his hearing will take place on Wednesday night.
If found guilty, Lawton will miss one game.
Should either player be ruled out, the Warriors will be able to replace them in the 21-man squad for Saturday's game against the Sea Eagles.
Manly, who are officially the home team this weekend, will head into the game having yet to record a win this season after losses to the Tigers and Roosters.
Warriors team to face the Sea Eagles:
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Peta Hiku4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Adam Keighran7 Blake Green8 Agnatius Paasi9 Issac Luke10 Bunty Afoa11 Adam Blair12 Tohu Harris13 Lachlan Burr
Interchange:
14 Jazz Tevaga15 Sam Lisone16 Leeson Ah Mau17 Isaiah Papali'i18 Gerard Beale20 Ligi Sao21 Karl Lawton22 Chanel Harris-Tavita(Four to be omitted)
The Warriors stumbled in their second game of the season, but fans may not need to worry.
The Kiwi NRL side failed against the Tigers, splashing out 34-6.
Commentator Greg Alexander told D'Arcy and Goran that the Warriors just couldn't handle the rain that challenged them throughout the game.
"The Tigers played very good wet weather football last week against Manly in atrocious conditions, and they just replicated that last night."
However, he thinks that the Warriors just didn't give themselves an opportunity to play as they had against the Bulldogs.
Alexander thinks the blueprint for success is there, and still have an opportunity to do well during the season.
It was a reversal of fortunes for many Kiwi teams during the third round of the 2019 Super Rugby tournament.
After both enduring difficult stretches of late, the Blues and Chiefs emerged victorious in their most recent games, putting an end to unfortunate losing streaks.
The Crusaders, however, saw their year-long winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Waratahs.
TVNZ reporter Scotty Stevenson joined D'Arcy and Goran to evaluate a weekend of matches and what the wins and losses mean for the rest of the season.
The Blues will attempt to win their first New Zealand derby since round one in 2016 without Sonny Bill Williams but the key midfielder has travelled to Christchurch to represent his Muslim faith with the blessing of his franchise.
Williams' sadness at the horrific events in the city last Friday was evident in a video message he posted on a social media site later that day and it was agreed by all that Christchurch is where he should be at this time.
His side play the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday but assistant coach Tom Coventry today revealed the Blues' team management were set to approach Williams about a trip south anyway.
"We were going to ask Sonny whether he would like to go so we were all in agreement," Coventry said. "It was a pretty short conversation. We all know how hard he took it – it was a pretty simple decision to make.
"Sonny has gone down to aid and support his faith and the people he represents. It also lines up with an All Black break … it's been a torrid old couple of weeks for everyone and we'll just do what we can to put in a performance on the field, and we've trained accordingly – we've been pretty good this week."
"I think it's admirable, really," Coventry said of All Black Williams' trip to Christchurch to support and raise funds following the attacks on the two mosques which have resulted in the deaths of 50 people.
"His faith is strong. He felt for the people of Christchurch and obviously he had a lot to do with the Crusaders over his long career – he spent a couple of years down there.
"We admire what he's standing for and the fact that he wants to go there and grieve and be part of the support for the region and people of New Zealand. He has our best wishes. It's a sign of Sonny having a real caring side. Rugby is important for everyone but at the end of the day it's just a game and people and our country come first."
A week and a half ago, Williams led the Blues against the Sunwolves in their first win of the season and proved a key influence for a side still mourning the death of their prop Mike Tamoaieta. This time they will captained by loose forward Blake Gibson and all will be aware that the Highlanders will present a tougher assignment.
Their last derby match win was a 33-31 thriller against the southerners at Eden Park in February three years ago. Since then they have lost 20 in a row, including their narrow defeat to the Crusaders at Eden Park in round one several weeks ago.
The Blues will be fresh from their bye, but so too will be the Highlanders after the cancellation of last Saturday's match against the Crusaders due to the events in Christchurch the day before.
"It's stating the obvious but it's been a while since the Blues knocked off a New Zealand franchise so we need to be good," Coventry said.
"I think they [Highlanders] were a bit frustrated last week against the Hurricanes and obviously they've had a bit of a tough week as well when missing out on the Crusaders. I'm sure they'll be fresh for it but maybe have a little of anxiety about losing a week."
First-five Harry Plummer retains his place, with Ma'a Nonu replacing Williams at second-five. Alex Hodgman returns from injury to start at tighthead prop, and with Ofa Tuungafasi, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papalii named on the reserves bench, the Blues have an abundance of quality for the final quarter at least.
And, as New Zealand attempts to come to terms with the shocking events of last week, Coventry suggested sport could play a small part in bringing communities together.
"I'm an ex-school phys-ed teacher so my message to kids would be to get involved in sport," he said. "Sport is a multi-cultural thing in New Zealand. If you look at the Blues, we're made up of a host of nationalities and cultures and we embrace that."
Blues team to play the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm:15. Melani Nanai, 14. Tanielu Tele'a, 13. TJ Faiane, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Harry Plummer...
Highladners veteran Marty Banks has been handed the keys to the attack this weekend, starting at No.10 in their match against the Blues.
Banks will be making his first start with the club since returning from a stint abroad at the beginning of the year, with incumbent first five-eighth Josh Ioane moving to the bench.
The 29-year-old was a key part of the Highlanders' 2015 Super Rugby championship victory and showed his class again in 2017 when he came off the bench to lead the Highlanders to a famous win against the British and Irish Lions.
A cult hero among many New Zealand rugby fans, all three of Banks' appearances for the Highlanders have come from a reserve role this season.
Banks will join a fairly settled Highlanders line up, with Ben Smith and Aaron Smith taking their regular places in the spine. Patelesio Tomkinson continues to hold down the No.13 jersey alongside Thomas Umaga-Jensen in the midfield.
Young hooker Ray Niuia is in line for his first appearance for the club, should he be called upon to replace starting No.2 Liam Coltman in the later stages of the game, while All Blacks utility forward Jackson Hemopo provides cover at lock and flanker.
Both the Highlanders and Blues come into the match fresh having not played last weekend.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Patelesio Tomkinson, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Pari Pari Parkinson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Reserves: Ray Niuia, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Jackson Hemopo, Folau Fakatava, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney wants an overhaul of the NRL's rules regarding mid-air tackles — and is confident that a solution can be found.
In the wake of a potentially nasty incident involving Warriors winger David Fusitu'a on Saturday, which could have resulted in a serious injury, Kearney is agitating for change.
He has been in dialogue with the NRL over the episode, and will ask for a "please explain" from the head of referees Bernard Sutton.
The governing body has confirmed that the official got the call wrong on Saturday, but Kearney hopes more can be done.
"I've emailed the footage and my concerns over the tackle," said Kearney. "I'm looking to talk to Bernard Sutton to get a bit of clarification. They have already emailed me back to say it should have been a penalty ... so it raised a concern and they are addressing it. I'm sure they will make the appropriate changes if need be."
Midway through the first half of the Warrior's 40-6 victory over the Bulldogs, Fusitu'a leapt high to reel in a Blake Green cross field kick.
His opposite number Christian Crichton didn't contest the kick, but took out Fusitu'a legs while he was still in mid-air, flipping the Tongan winger, who only narrowly avoided landing on his head or neck.
Warriors' David Fusitu'a in a mid-air collision against the Bulldogs. Photo / Photosport
The NRL's rules offer protection to defending players jumping to take an opposition bomb — they can't be touched if off the ground — but none for attacking players soaring after their teammate's kicks.
"It's common sense," said Kearney. "Particularly when you are catching you have no real protection when you are looking at the ball the whole time and in the position David was in."
To illustrate his point, Kearney contrasted the punishments handed out to Matthew Lodge (Broncos) and Addin Fonua-Blake (Manly), who have both copped suspensions after taking out kickers.
"There were a couple of guys on the weekend that were [suspended] for attacking the legs of the kickers," said Kearney. "But kickers are often readying for kick pressure but a catcher finds it a lot more challenging.
"But [they] got two weeks each for attacking the legs on the weekend. What's the difference? That's a deterrent.
"What's going to stop them? A penalty. I don't know if that is going to stop someone attacking the legs. It is an issue that is being dealt with now and I'm sure it will be dealt with in the appropriate manner by the NRL."
Kangaroos winger Dane Gagai supported Kearney's sentiments.
"Obviously it's within the rules and we're allowed to do it," Gagai told Australian media. "But as an outside back and going up for those balls it's a bit of a 50-50 thing. It should be looked at before something really bad happens."
Fusitu'a didn't train on Tuesday due to a sore back but is expected to play on Sunday.
Despite the manner of the win — the Warriors' biggest round one victory in their history — Kearney was more concerned with evolving than platitudes, ahead of Sunday's clash with the Tigers.
"[There is] always room for improvement," said Kearney. "We wipe the slate clean and start again. It's not hard to find areas to be better and individually we can find areas we can be better."
The Auckland Council has bailed out Eden Park to the tune of $63 million, and nearly $10m of that is a brand-new, no-strings grant.
Mayor Phil Goff supported a proposal from officials that the extra money, totalling $9.8m, be a no-interest loan, secured against the Eden Park assets. But by a vote of 12-10, councillors preferred the option of a grant.
Goff later told the Herald he believes councillors were wrong to give the Eden Park Trust Board a grant, partly because it is unsecured and partly because he believes it sets a bad precedent for the park.
"You can basically guarantee that Eden Park will be back for more, because why wouldn't they? That's free money we've just given them."
The issue arose because Eden Park has a $40m loan due to ASB Bank, as well as a $7m credit facility. The trust cannot repay the loan, and under the terms of its deed the council was obliged to take it over. In addition, the council has a pre-existing $6.5m loan to the trust.
The council has agreed to consolidate all those monies and create a new loan to the trust, worth $53.5m, that will be interest-bearing.
There was no dispute among councillors over the need to take over the major loan and credit facility. All councillors made a point in their speeches of saying how valuable Eden Park is and how important it was to keep it running, at least for the next 10 years.
But there was a long and extremely fraught debate about the trust's request for an extra $.9.8m, which will be used over three years to pay for basic maintenance and renovations.
Replacing the turf on the main ground will cost nearly $2m, for example, and roof replacement and other work on the north stand will cost nearly $3m.
The Silver Ferns are set to face the New Zealand Invitation Men's Netball team in a World Cup preparation match.
The historic game will be part of the upcoming International Netball Series, with the Silver Ferns also set to face the Fiji Pearls and an All Stars side at Pulman Arena in June.
Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua said that facing the men's team would be a pleasant challenge for her side ahead of the World Cup - one which she wasn't overly confident would result in a win though.
"They're amazing when they play and we've sort of used and abused them in the past and not given them full recognition," Taurua told D'Arcy and Goran. "This is big, not only for the Silver Ferns but for our brand ... no one's ever done it before.
"The only offset to that is losing before the Worlds, possibly. More than likely they could beat us because we don't have the elevation or that same aerial gain.
"But we've gone in the past when we've absolutely smashed opposition going into the World Cup and we over-inflate what we think we are so I'm happy with it, I think it's great ... we're going to get as good quality competition as we can leading into the Worlds and that's what it's all about."
David Pala'amo, head of the New Zealand Men's Netball Association, said it was terrific for men's netball to be recognised.
"The New Zealand Men have often trained and played against the Silver Ferns leading into key events but they will now have the chance to showcase their skills to the whole country during this series which is exciting."
The matches against the New Zealand Invitation Men's team and an All Stars team - largely selected from the 2019 ANZ Premiership franchises - would also give the Silver Ferns a thorough workout in what would be their last public displays before heading to Liverpool in July.
Taurua will name her Netball World Cup side on May 23, leading into the ANZ Premiership Finals Series, while national selectors will announce the All Stars team at halftime of the ANZ Premiership's Grand Final on June 2.
In addition to the June International Series, the Silver Ferns will be back in action in October when they contest the Constellation Cup against the Australian Diamonds.
Two tests will be played in Australia while Christchurch's Horncastle Arena and Auckland's Spark Arena will host the matches on this side of the Tasman.
June SeriesWednesday 26th – Saturday 29th JunePulman Arena, AucklandQuadrangular-style tournament with a round-robin format culminating in a Finals Day on Saturday 29 June, featuring the Silver Ferns, Fiji, NZ Men's team and an All-Stars.
Silver Ferns legend Casey Kopua is set to hang up her black dress once more - and this time it's for good.
Kopua announced on Friday that she will call time on her 17-season netball career at the end of this year's ANZ Premiership season.
And although a retirement in 2015 didn't stop the 33-year-old from making a shock return to both domestic and international netball, Kopua was adamant that this year was her last.
"I know I retired internationally before and at that time it was the right thing to do ... [but] I'm happy with the decision," Kopua said.
"This next six months is the biggest six months for me because after that, that's it. The only difference is this time it's for good. My mind is willing, but my body isn't."
Keen to finish her career on a high, Kopua said her pending retirement from the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic wouldn't affect her commitment to playing in July's Netball World Cup but was yet to decide what the future held for her involvement in the sport.
"In my mind, unless I'm injured I'm going to be at that World Cup and I'll do anything I can during ANZ [Premiership] to put my hand up for that," she said."It's just about getting my engines better, getting stronger, faster and just trying to get that game time under my belt before the World Cup.
"I'd like to take my time, don't go straight back into netball, just enjoy the family time as well and then figure out after that which path or options we might take."
Kopua has only ever played for the Magic, joining the team as a teenager in 2003. She has been the rock of the team's defence since, becoming one of the sport's top defenders.
With Magic, Kopua won two National Bank Cup titles, an ANZ Championship title and two ANZ Championship New Zealand conference titles.
Magic head coach Amigene Metcalfe, who has known Kopua as a team-mate and as a player under her charge, described Kopua as the embodiment of the Magic culture and ethos."Casey is certainly synonymous with Magic Netball and it's with great pride I've been able to watch her growth as a team-mate, coach and friend," Metcalfe said."From early on it was obvious to see her potential but what she has given to netball in the region, nationally and internationally has been huge. She is a true competitor, a loyal team member and I'm sure she'll be determined to make this year her best one yet."Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Rohan West also paid tribute to Kopua."Casey is Magic and Magic is Casey. She's a living legend. It's as simple as that. The history and legacy of this team wouldn't be what it is without her. It's been an absolute pleasure working with her," he said."The phrase Mana Wahine could have been coined for Casey. I strongly urge all Magic supporters, and general sports fans, to come to our home games this season to see Casey in action one last time. I'm not sure we'll see the likes of her again for many years, if ever."
Concussion has impacted the Highlanders side to host the Crusaders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jenson and lock Pari Pari Parkinson have both been ruled out following head knocks.
They've been replaced by Tei Walden and Jack Whetton respectively.
Shannon Frizzell is on the blindside for Jackson Hemopo, while Waisake Naholo returns on the right wing.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Sio Tomkinson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock (cc), 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Jack Whetton, 4 Josh Dickson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ayden Johnstone.
Reserves: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Elliot Dixon, 21 Dillon Hunt, 22 Folau Fakatava, 23 Marty Banks.
A surprise selection in the Crusaders front row for their Super Rugby match with the Highlanders this weekend.
George Bower replaces the injured Joe Moody at loosehead prop, with Harry Allen remaining on the bench.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Bower is a strong, versatile prop forward.
There are eight changes to the Crusaders starting fifteen including a first appearance of the season for captain Sam Whitelock.
"Every team has to go in with confidence," says Whitelock. "They're a good pack and will be trying to build on the success they've had this year. They'll be excited by that. That's our challenge. We have to go down to their home patch."
All Black Whitelock's return could hardly have come at a better time – especially with his Crusaders and national teammate Scott Barrett putting in such a busy start to the year.
Barrett is due for a rest next week when the Crusaders play the Waratahs in Sydney, as is Richie Mo'unga.
"It's good in a couple of ways," Robertson said of Whitelock's return. "We've grown a couple of other leaders while he's been away and he's keen and energetic and as good a nick physically as he's been for a few years.
"When Skip first said he'd be away you think 'well, how are we going to deal with it' because he's been a big part of our success but he's been working behind the scenes and he comes back with great energy."
Whitelock said his priority would be to get through as many minutes as he can, adding that he felt the toll of a busy year while with the All Blacks in November.
"I felt in a pretty good space but lacked a little bit of that last five or 10 per cent especially in those first couple of steps out of a breakdown or getting off the ground," he said. "If you take that away for a player that can be frustrating but it's in the past now and I'm pretty happy."
Crusaders team to play Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: 15 David Havili, 14 Braydon Ennor, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetu Douglas, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Reserves: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Harry Allen, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Quentin Strange, 20 Tom Sanders 21 Ere Enari, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Will Jordan.
The Hurricanes have axed both of their starting props from last week's Super Rugby win over the Highlanders.
Chris Eves and Jeffrey To'omaga-Allen have been dropped from the 23, with Toby Smith and Ben May to start against the Chiefs on Friday night.
Vaea Fifita moves to lock alongside James Blackwell, with Reed Prinsep to start at blindside.
Assistant coach Jason Holland says changes are a combination of form and rotation.
He says they're looking for ways to be better up front with different combinations.
There is just one change to the backline with Wes Goosen starting on the left wing, with Ben Lam being rested.
The MCC's world cricket committee is pushing for a 'shot clock' to be introduced in test cricket.
It's one of a number of moves to speed up over-rates, which have fallen to an 11-year low in the red-ball game.
Under the proposal from the MCC, a 45-second countdown would be shown on the scoreboard as soon as the umpire calls "over".
That would be increased to 60 seconds for a new batsman on strike, and 80 seconds for a change of bowler.
On the first breach, they would receive a warning with further infringement resulting in five penalty runs being awarded to the opposition.
Shane Warne, who is on the committee, says the ideas are aimed at making the sport a better watch.
He says it's better for the public to follow and understand, by keeping it interesting.
The committee has also suggested a standardised ball for test cricket's new championship.
Former Black Cap Kyle Mills told D'Arcy and Goran that these changes are long overdue.
He says a standardised ball is a great idea.
"I've always wondered why this hasn't happened. There are three balls around at the moment, but in one day cricket, it's always just one ball used across all cricket. Why can't that happen with the red ball format?"
Mills says that there could be some division around which of the three balls gets used.
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has denied claims that his dressing room is split after their horror start to the Super Rugby season.
The side has struggled with handling errors and defensive lapses in the early season, finding themselves without a win through the first four rounds.
And while their season appears to be on life support, Cooper has denied claims that the losing streak is affecting the dressing room.
"We work really hard on feedback and we've got good leaders in the group that will keep tapping in with us as coaches and making sure that we're all aligned and in the same waka," he told Radio Sport.
Despite his leadership coming into question, Cooper said the team still had the belief they would be playing in the post-season. Flanker Mitchell Brown echoed that and said the players had to take the blame for their poor start.
"I think he's probably unfairly copping a lot of the blame," Brown said of the criticism Cooper had been receiving.
"At the end of the day it comes down to the players on the field and how we perform so we've just got to go out there and do our jobs."
Looking to upset the high-flying Hurricanes in Hamilton this week, the Chiefs have made several changes to their squad, including moving Damian McKenzie from first five-eighth to fullback.
McKenzie's brother, Marty, will don the No 10 jersey in his first appearance of the season, while young gun winger Etene Nanai-Seturo has been demoted to the bench with Ataata Moeakiola joining the starting side.
The Chiefs had 13 players unavailable for selection for Friday night's match, including three of their five contracted first five-eighths. As a result, they won't be carrying a back-up first five-eighth on the bench so Damian McKenzie could be in line to slot into the role late in the match.
They'll host a strong Hurricanes side who will be looking for an improved performance from the set piece, with experienced props Toby Smith and Ben May given the starting roles in the front row alongside Dane Coles.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ataata Moeakiola, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Tyler Ardron, Mitchell Karpik, Mitchell Brown, Michael Allardice, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Aidan Ross.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ryan Coxon, Angus Ta'avao, Taleni Seu, Luke Jacobson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Alex Nankivell, Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Wes Goosen, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, James Blackwell, Ben May, Dance Coles, Toby Smith.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Liam Mitchell, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Finlay Christie, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Salesi Rayasi
Adam Keighran has been named to make his NRL debut in the No.6 jersey alongside halfback Blake Green in the Warriors' season-opener against his former Canterbury-Bankstown club at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday.
The 21-year-old started at standoff in each of the club's NRL trial wins over Melbourne and the Wests Tigers.
Head coach Stephen Kearney has given him the chance against a club he played for in the former Intrust Super Premiership (now the Canterbury Cup NSW) in 2017 before switching to Penrith last year.
While Keighran will be the only player on first-grade debut for the Warriors on Saturday, another former Bulldog Lachlan Burr will start at loose forward in his first outing for the club and his first NRL appearance in three years after last playing for Gold Coast in 2016.
Keighran becomes Warrior number 231 and Burr number 232, with Burr coming into the side for Isaiah Papali'i who has been stood down for a week for a breach of club standards.
After two games in 2009, he went on to play 177 games for North Queensland and St George Illawarra before being lured home to rejoin his original club.
Ah Mau was a stellar performer for the Dragons last year while Keighran and Burr both excelled in the ISP. Keighran was named in the centres in the ISP team of the year with Burr recognised as the Bulldogs' ISP player of the year.
Also returning to the NRL is hooker Nathaniel Roache, who will make his first appearance since 2017. Veteran Issac Luke, who has been recovering from shoulder surgery, hasn't been included.
In other selection decisions Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney has given different roles to last year's regular centres Peta Hiku and Solomone Kata. Hiku is set to line up on the left edge combining with second rower Tohu Harris and wing Ken Maumalo while the right edge combination sees Kata linked with David Fusitu'a and second rower Adam Blair.
With Dally M interchange player of the year Jazz Tevaga confirmed in his familiar No.14 jersey, Ah Mau and Sam Lisone are named as the bench props with Bunty Afoa handed a starting spot. In jersey No.17 is Blake Ayshford, covering the outside backs and the back row. Also on the extended eight-man bench is Chanael Harris-Tavita, who was competing for the standoff position.
Warriors team to face the Bulldogs - Saturday, 5pm, Mt Smart Stadium:
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c)2 DAVID FUSITU'A3 PETA HIKU4 SOLOMONE KATA5 KEN MAUMALO6 ADAM KEIGHRAN7 BLAKE GREEN8 AGNATIUS PAASI9 NATHANIEL ROACHE10 BUNTY AFOA11 ADAM BLAIR12 TOHU HARRIS13 LACHLAN BURR
Interchange:
14 JAZZ TEVAGA15 SAM LISONE16 LEESON AH MAU17 BLAKE AYSHFORD18 GERARD BEALE20 LIGI SAO21 KARL LAWTON22 CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA
Robbie Manson will be the New Zealand men's single sculler this international rowing season.
Manson was confirmed today for the two World Cups and world championships, following his convincing victory over two-time Olympic gold medallist Mahe Drysdale in the Rowing New Zealand trials at Lake Karapiro earlier this week.
While appreciative of the challenge from Drysdale, the 29-year-old was looking forward to now being able to put his sole focus on the world championships.
"It's been a good summer so it's nice to have that confirmation really just to be able to get on and focus on world champs this year and not have any distractions," Manson told Radio Sport.
"In some ways it (the challenge from Drysdale) has I guess pushed me to be better. But in other ways it's sort of possibly distracted from the bigger picture for myself."
Manson, who finished in a disappointing fifth the previous two times he held the seat at the world championships, said he has learnt a lot from the last couple of years and is excited to improve on those performances.
"I feel like I learnt a lot last year and the year before so every year is a new opportunity to learn. And yeah practice what I've learnt from the year before and put it into practice.
"I think it's just working with my coach Mike [Rodger] who I'm really excited to have and the physiologist. I really trust Mike's eye with the technique and really keeping them going right through.
"I think also staying in Europe the whole time this year will make a significant difference. And yeah it's great to be able to stay there for the whole three months and prepare properly for the world champs."
Manson was also not going to let the quickly approaching 2020 Tokyo Olympics from distracting him from the task ahead.
"We'll see what happens next summer but I'm just really excited about the next six to eight months, however long it is until world champs and really getting that right and enjoying the process."
Emma Twigg, who won gold at the 2014 world championships in Amsterdam, will race the women's single sculls seat.
Sevu Reece is set to make his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders, just five months after having his overseas contract torn up due to a court appearance on an assault charge.
Reece, who had a stellar Mitre 10 Cup season with Waikato, had inked a two-year deal with Irish side Connacht, but it was ripped up in October, after his involvement in a domestic violence incident in July.
Reece was seen grabbing his partner and pulling her down to the ground, after the pair got into an argument. The woman suffered injuries to her face and bruising to her waist and knee. The judge granted Reece a discharge without conviction and fined him $750.
It was enough for Connacht to end their association with the Waikato winger, and initially, Reece was not named in any Super Rugby squads.
However, Reece was called into the Crusaders' camp for pre-season training, and has now been named in the defending champions' starting lineup for their clash against the Chiefs on Saturday. He is also likely to be named a full-time replacement for Manasa Mataele, who is set to miss the entire season after suffering a knee injury against the Hurricanes.
When Reece was called in for their pre-season training, Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar argued that while Reece had made a "serious mistake", he deserved a second chance.
"We can see the genuine remorse and his acceptance that he's done wrong and is working to fix it. And improve as a person.
"He's with his partner and he has great support from her."
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson spoke from a similar songsheet today.
"I've never had any concerns. He's a quality young kid, he's gone through that process with the incident ... and he's come down here. He's a great human - I don't think there's a guy who has worked harder in our group.
"[He's] extremely humble and I'm glad that we can play a part in his life and help him be the best he can."
Reece's talent has never been in question, and he is likely to impress against a Chiefs side who never called him up despite his stellar showings for Waikato.
"He's broken a few ankles at training, he can step, he can create. He asks a lot of questions, he's very diligent," said an enthused Robertson.
Reece and Braydon Ennor will start on the wing this weekend for the Crusaders, with George Bridge on his manadatory All Blacks rest week, as are Owen Franks and Matt Todd.
With Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read also still resting, the Crusaders forward pack looks weaker than their usual high standards, but Codie Taylor is set to make his return off the bench.
Ryan Crotty also returns to the side, as captain, while halfback Ere Enari is set to make his first start.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty (captain), Braydon Ennor, Richie Mo'unga, Ere Enari, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Billy Harmon, Jordan Taufua, Scott Barrett, Mitchell Dunshea, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody
Reserves: Codie Taylor, Harry Allan, Giorgio Bower, Luke Romano, Ethan Blackadder, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, David Havili
It will be a familiar side that runs out for the Hurricanes in Wellington against the Highlanders this weekend, with just two changes made.
A week removed from their 43-13 battering of the Brumbies, the Hurricanes will welcome back utility Jordie Barrett and prop Jeff To'omaga-Allen to the starting side.
Barrett will start on the wing against the Highlanders in place of Vince Aso, who moves back to the bench, with Chase Tiatia holding on to the No 15 jersey after an impressive outing against the Brumbies.
"We were really pleased with most aspects of our game against the Brumbies and we are looking to build on that by making minimal changes," Hurricanes coach John Plumtree said.
"There were obviously some tough calls when it came to selecting the side but we were really impressed with the way Chase handled his debut and he has been rewarded for that.
"The Highlanders are going to be a massive challenge for us, like all New Zealand derbies are, but we are very keen on maintaining our proud record at Westpac Stadium in front of our home fans."
On the bench, hooker Asafo Aumua and prop Fraser Armstrong will be in line of playing time for the first time this season.
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (c), Chris Eves. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Ben May, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Reed Prinsep, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Vince Aso.
Kieran Read will walk away from the All Blacks after this year's World Cup, and take up a short stint in Japan.
The All Blacks captain made the announcement today and will front a press conference in Christchurch.
Read, 33, has played 118 tests in the black jersey and has captained the team in 49 tests.
He was part of the victorious 2011 and 2015 teams and was named World Player of the Year in 2013.
He will join Toyota Verblitz in Japan next year after reported interest from French side Racing 92 and at least one unnamed English club.
That would mark the end of 13th season of professional rugby in New Zealand.
"Every young rugby player in New Zealand dreams of the opportunities I have had to represent the All Blacks and the Crusaders, and I know I'll look back at the end of the year with a great deal of pride to have worn those jerseys for as long as I have," Read said.
"My family and I are looking forward to an overseas experience and Japan presents an awesome opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture as part of the Toyota club.
"I feel the time is right to make this announcement on my playing future, so that I can focus my efforts on the season ahead."
The Herald first reported that Read would quit the All Blacks in November last year.
NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew called Read one of the most influential players in the world and thanked him for his contribution.
"We want to wish Kieran all the very best for his swansong season in New Zealand Rugby," Tew said. "He's been one of the most influential players in the world in his 13 years at the top of the professional game, an outstanding and hugely-respected All Blacks Captain, and an All Blacks centurion.
"We owe 'Reado' and others like him, who have given so much to our teams, a huge debt of gratitude. We wish him, wife Bridget and his family all the best for their adventures next year."
"On behalf of New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks, I'd like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution that Reado has made to our game. His performances on the park speak for themselves: he's played 118 Tests and started 111 of them, which is an outstanding achievement.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen echoed Tew's sentiments and praised Read's leadership.
"However, that is only part of the Kieran Read story," he said. "His contribution off the park has been just as impressive. He's developed into a fantastic leader, who has the utmost respect of all his peers.
"What he has achieved has been remarkable, and its fair to say that he is one of the greats of our game who has enhanced the legacy of not only the All Blacks jersey but also the Crusaders jersey. We wish him, Bridget and the kids all the very best in their next rugby chapter."
The Kiwis will get their long awaited re-match against Mate Ma'a Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium next June and will play the first of two home tests against Great Britain in a triple-header clash at Eden Park in November.
New Zealand will face off against Tonga mid-season in the opening game of the inaugural Oceania Cup tournament on June 22, in the first meeting between the two sides since Tonga's upset quarter-final win over the Kiwis in Hamilton at the 2017 World Cup.
The match will be a double-header with the Kiwi Ferns women's side also set to take on a yet to be confirmed Pacific Island team.
Following the end of the NRL season, the Michael Maguire-coached Kiwis will head across to Australia to play the world champion Kangaroos at Wollongong's WIN Stadium on October 25.
That test will be the first transtasman clash since New Zealand scored a boil-over victory against their green and gold rivals in Auckland last October. The double-header bill will also feature a test between the Kiwi Ferns and Australian Jillaroos.
Kiwi-based Tongan fans will have a second chance to see their team in action when they play Great Britain at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on October 26, in the opening test of the Lions tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The Lions visit will be their first tour down under since 2006, with current England coach Wayne Bennett to also oversee the composite side.
Eden Park will then host a triple-header on November 2, headlined by the Kiwis first encounter with Great Britain, following two Oceania Cup tests between Australia and Tonga - in a re-match of last November's sell-out match in Auckland - and Samoa lining up against Fiji.
The Kiwis will then head to Christchurch Stadium a week later for their second and final test against the Lions, in another double-header that will also see Papua New Guinea face off against Fiji in their Oceania Cup clash.
Confirmation of the Kiwis calendar addresses longstanding complaints from local fans that, outside of the 2017 World Cup, have only had one opportunity per year to see the national side in action on these shores since the 2014 Four Nations.
"Our rugby league community in New Zealand has been hoping for more international and Kiwi fixtures in our backyard for a while now so I'm pleased we'll be able to deliver on this for them," said New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters.
"The Kiwis versus Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium will be a blockbuster occasion to kick off a momentous year for international rugby league fans in New Zealand."
The Lions will not meet the Kangaroos on this tour and instead will head to Papua New Guinea to play a one-off test in Port Moresby on November 16.
"The return of the famous Great Britain jersey is something people have been talking about for a long time so this is an exciting announcement for us," said Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer.
"It's 12 years since Great Britain last played a test, and 13 since they last travelled to the southern hemisphere, for the Tri-Nations series of 2006.
"There is such history and tradition around that Great Britain shirt, it's great to have it back and we'll be committed to respecting and honouring that tradition."
The Oceania Cup will see Pool A sides (New Zealand, Australia, and Tonga) compete for the Oceania Cup trophy, while Pool B teams (Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea) fight for promotion into Pool A in 2020.
2019 international rugby league schedule
June 22: Mt Smart Stadium, AucklandKiwis v Tonga (Oceania Cup Pool A)Kiwi Ferns v TBC
June 22: Campbelltown Stadium, SydneySamoa v PNG (Oceania Cup Pool B)Fiji v Cook Islands
October 25: WIN Stadium, WollongongAustralia v Kiwis (Oceania Cup Pool B)Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns
October 26: Waikato Stadium, HamiltonTonga v Great Britain (Lions tour)
November 2: Eden Park, AucklandKiwis v Great Britain first test (Lions tour)Australia v Tonga (Oceania Cup Pool A)Samoa v Fiji (Oceania Cup Pool B)
November 9: Christchurch StadiumKiwis v Great Bri...
Veteran Football Ferns defender Abby Erceg has opened up on her 'traumatic' time under former coach Andreas Heraf.
Erceg came out of international retirement for the second time in January after taking a stand against the former Ferns coach and NZF Technical Director Heraf, who she labelled a 'bully'.
The 29-year-old retired from international football in May after being left disillusioned with the team environment under Heraf, who resigned in July and was later found to have engaged in bullying behaviour while in charge. "I had really quite an emotional experience when I came back to work under Andreas, it was traumatic to be honest," Erceg told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "I know it's a strong word but that's what it was. I can see how the public sided with the team on that one.
"I think there's been a lot of speculation around retiring twice, but I'd like to clear it up. Rather than retiring, it was more of a refusal to play for a bully."
An independent review into Heraf's tenure found the complaints raised by players were "genuine and largely substantiated" and that Heraf breached New Zealand Football's Code of Conduct, Human Resources policy on harassment, and Worksafe New Zealand bullying guidelines.
"The report has come out and people have seen what the environment was like at that time and at this stage of my career. You get to a point where you've stood up for something for so long, that to come back into an environment like that just wasn't right.
"It was important for me to keep my integrity not just as a player but as a person.
"For someone like that to be in an environment that's so special to us, it's not just special to the team, it's special to the whole of New Zealand. The public were always going to take the teams side. We were in the right and he was in the wrong.
Football Ferns Abby Erceg in action against Colombia. Photo / Photosport
"My relationship with NZ football has been up and down over the past few years, but it's really good now. There was a bit of tension there but now we're both good at talking to each other, we've repaired that relationship and it's really good at the moment.
"I don't have a problem with NZ Football. There were just a few things that we needed to tidy up and I think they've done a really good job of doing that. They're put processes in place to make sure this doesn't happen again."
Erceg is with the Ferns in Melbourne as the side looks to finish the Cup of Nations on a high note.
The World No 19 Ferns defeated Argentina 2-0 in Brisbane – thanks to a stunning goal from CJ Bott – and take on World No 14 the Korea Republic tomorrow afternoon at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
The team travelled south to Melbourne full of confidence – the victory over Argentina was the first over non-Oceania opposition since the Ferns beat Thailand 5-0 in 2017.
"I'd obviously done a lot of talking in the media prior to me coming back the first time and I just wanted to make sure that when I came back it was right," said Erceg. "I needed to step back again and make sure the environment was right, and the bonus from that is that it is now. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes to make sure that there are good solid processes in place to make sure things like that never happen again.
"I love this team and I love playing for my country. As long as I can keep doing that I will."
The USA is becoming a semifinal roadblock for the All Blacks Sevens this season.
New Zealand squandered an early lead to lose to hosts 24-19 at the Las Vegas Sevens this morning, the third time they've been defeated by the USA at the semifinal stage this season.
Sione Molia and Kurt Baker scored first half tries to put New Zealand 12-0 up as they dominated the opening five minutes of the semifinal.
However Clark Laidlaw's side trailed 14-12 at the break when Folau Niua and then Carlin Isles both scored late in the first half.
A second Isles try after halftime extend the USA's lead before New Zealand captain Tim Mikkelson levelled the scores at 19-19 with four minutes remaining following a classy lineout move.
The USA controlled possession for the closing stages as New Zealand were consistently penalised giving away territory. The hosts turned down two penalty chances in the final minute close to the posts before Isles completed a hat-trick after the hooter.
The victory will put USA at the top of the sevens series standings after sitting level with New Zealand going into the Las Vegas tournament.
The USA will face Samoa for the title after they thrashed Argentina 33-19 in the other semi final.
New Zealand will meet Argentina in the third and fourth place playoff.
Listen to the audio above as Black Caps wicket-keeper BJ Watling speaks to D'Arcy and Goran
The Black Caps, newly promoted to second in test cricket's world rankings, don't have to look far to see the perils of their new position.
It's been a summer of upsets in cricket's longest format – starting with the Black Caps toppling Pakistan overseas for the first time since 1969, and followed by the West Indies stunning England. But, the biggest surprise of them all came earlier this month, when Sri Lanka visited South Africa and shocked everyone to claim a 2-0 series win.
At the risk of this becoming one of those bleedingly obvious "the Black Caps won't be taking [Weaker Opposition X] lightly" pieces that get penned far too often, when taking those recent results onboard, there is perhaps more merit than usual to the publicly-stated caution Black Caps captain Kane Williamson likes to administer.
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson. Photo / Getty
Considering how unappealing Sri Lanka looked on these shores, it's a reminder of how quickly things can change in cricket, and the demise of the for-so-long dominant at home South Africans – formerly world number two – could serve as a gentle warning.
Surely though, Bangladesh can't produce the same shock? 34-1 outsiders to win the series, it would be one of the biggest upsets on these shores for years if they were to produce a test triumph, and with Shakib Al-Hasan out injured, and Mushfiqur Rahim likely to join him with a mixture of maladies, their top-heavy lineup is already in danger of toppling over.
Coincidentally, those two are the players who put the Black Caps in trouble the last time these two sides met in a test series, in 2017. Al-Hasan and Rahim added a record 359 for the fifth wicket in Wellington as Bangladesh racked up 595-8, but somehow, all that was good for was to set the record for biggest total scored in a losing effort.
If that pairing were fully fit, Bangladesh would be more of a threat to claim their first test win over New Zealand in 14 attempts. While Monimul Haque (test average of 44) is a classy operator, the visitors' other main weapons – their spin bowlers – are likely to be largely negated by seam-friendly wickets.
The Black Caps will utilise just one spinner, as custom in New Zealand, with Todd Astle making his return to the test side as Matt Henry and Will Young miss out from the 13-man squad. He likely won't see too much time at the bowling crease, but could provide added value with the bat, with the Black Caps looking finely balanced as they attempt to kickstart their quest to win five straight test series with a victory at Hamilton's Seddon Park tomorrow.
Of course – as is also custom – Williamson isn't looking that far ahead, and has taken note of test cricket's recent results.
"Overseas there's been some upsets with some very strong teams, and every team in international cricket is a threat, they're all very talented. Anybody can beat anybody," Williamson warned.
Two weeks ago, there'd be reason to quibble with that argument – and yes, it would still be stunning if Bangladesh won even a match in this series. But after what Sri Lanka managed to prove, a safe approach might also be a sound strategy for the Black Caps to continue their rise through the ranks.
Listen to the audio above as Hurricanes hooker and captain Dane Coles speaks to D'Arcy and Goran
After two unconvincing performances to kick off their season, the Hurricanes have brought reinforcements into the squad.
Beauden Barrett will make his first appearance of the season, taking his regular spot in the No.10 jersey alongside halfback TJ Perenara, while younger brother Jordie has been left out of the squad.
The Hurricanes have made seven changes in total after being humbled at the hands of the Crusaders last weekend, which sees Ngani Laumape and Chase Tiatia move into the starting squad.
It's been a tough start to the year for the Hurricanes, who needed a late charge to beat the Waratahs in their opening fixture before being dealt to in Christchurch last time out.
However, with the return of a number of veterans and All Blacks, the side head to Palmerston North to take on the Brumbies with a more experienced and stronger squad.
Head coach John Plumtree said the squad was desperate to put in a better performance than the one against the Crusaders in what will be their first home match in 2019.
"We want to improve a lot of aspects of our play and hopefully we can do that in front of what will be a great crowd in Palmy," Plumtree said.
"We were really impressed with the performance the Brumbies put out last week so we know the scale of task ahead of us but it's a great challenge for the squad."
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Ben May, Dane Coles (c), Chris Eves. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Reed Prinsep, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen.
Former Lions lock Andries Ferreira could be about to join the Hurricanes for the Super Rugby season.
Ferreira took part in the Lions 2019 pre-season preparations. His contract ended last season and negotiations had stalled because of injury struggles.
The 28-year-old was set to come to a new agreement with the Lions, but Hurricanes coach John Plumtree's inside knowledge of South African players might secure his signature in New Zealand, South African media are reporting.
The Hurricanes locking stocks took a hit with the pre-season injury to Sam Lousi who suffered a pectoral injury.
The 1.97m Ferreira has previously played for the Cheetahs along with brief stints in France, Italy and Japan.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE AS HURRICANES PLAYER GARETH EVANS SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett is back training with the Hurricanes and could be a surprise addition to the team who will face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
Barrett returned to the squad yesterday after an extended break following his wedding in Auckland last month and honeymoon overseas.
As a senior All Black he has had a late start to this season written into his contract but he said it was touch and go as to whether he will play against younger brother Scott, who had a big game for the defending champions in round one against the Blues in Auckland.
"I'm not sure if I'm playing this week – we're still going through that," Barrett told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "I returned to training on Monday so I'm still pretty fresh. It has been a good time off."
Barrett, facing up to a long and important season with the Hurricanes and All Blacks, will make the decision as to whether he is ready to play alongside head coach John Plumtree. Crusaders All Blacks Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor have similar clauses in their contracts and didn't play against the Blues at Eden Park.
If Barrett does play – and an impact role off the bench seems the most likely given his lack of match fitness – he could negotiate another game off later in the season.
The Hurricanes will be determined to continue their winning start to the season after they sneaked home 20-19 against the Waratahs in Sydney last weekend and derby wins are effectively worth double as they deny the opposition valuable points. Conference leaders at the end of the round-robin are guaranteed a place in the play-offs.
Beauden Barrett could make an earlier than expected comeback for the Hurricanes against the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport
Barrett said he was physically and mentally refreshed after his time away and had trained in an attempt to retain his fitness. "I did what I could – [the break] was good for balance," he said. "Obviously the seasons are getting long and I needed to refresh. I had to maintain and keep fit over that period."
He said his side were pleased with their winning start against the Waratahs and had learned some important lessons. Fletcher Smith started at No10 in Barrett's absence, with TJ Perenara having to take over their late in the game following an injury to James Marshall.
"We're pretty happy with the outcome," Barrett said. "Obviously we've learned a bit over these last few days and we're pretty excited about this weekend against the Crusaders. That Waratahs team on their day in Sydney can beat anyone so we'll certainly take that.
Barrett, who said he was impressed with the Blues' performance in their narrow defeat to the Crusaders, said one of his major areas of improvement this season was his tactical awareness. "The Hurricanes have this tag of being a team of flair and X-factor... I'd like to control that and tactically improve. That comes with a lot of analysis and pretty much how you relate to your team."
And he added the World Cup in Japan in September was far from this thoughts. "As players we're solely focused on the Super Rugby season. It's all the media noise that diverts us as players, to be honest."
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEAUDEN BARRETT SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has confirmed his plans to remain in New Zealand, announcing he has re-committed to the Crusaders and New Zealand Rugby for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Robertson is now in his third season as Head Coach of the BNZ Crusaders, with a win-loss record of 35-3 since his first season in charge back in 2017. He secured back-to-back Investec Super Rugby titles in the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
The announcement comes after the defending Super Rugby champions opened the 2019 season with a 24-22 win over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday."I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead a group of incredible players, alongside a coaching staff and management group who are passionate about what we do and the organisation we represent," Robertson said."My family and I are really settled here and when my wife Jane and I talked about it, this is ultimately where we wanted to be. I had already signalled my commitment to New Zealand Rugby and this 2019 campaign with the Crusaders, but this announcement ensures I can now focus on the task at hand and move forward with certainty around my coaching future."It's a huge honour to lead this team and I'm thankful for the support I have been shown by New Zealand Rugby, the Crusaders Board and the team, in extending my time with the club," Robertson said.
Robertson has been tipped as a contender for the All Blacks head coaching role when Steve Hansen stands down following the Rugby World Cup later this year.New Zealand Rugby (NZR) CEO Steve Tew added: "The Crusaders have enjoyed a very successful period under Razor and their success has been good for rugby in New Zealand. Razor's recommitment to stay in New Zealand is one to be celebrated by Crusaders and New Zealand rugby fans. His energy and passion for rugby is relentless and his outstanding sense of humour is infectious. He doesn't miss an opportunity to tell me he is our best ever signing!"The Crusaders made history with their 2017 victory in Johannesburg, becoming the first team to travel to South Africa for a Final and return with the Super Rugby trophy. In guiding the team to that title, Robertson also became the first person to win a Super title as both a player and a coach.
Hurricanes captain Dane Coles is gearing up for a new season underneath a new coach.
Coles returns to the Super Rugby championship with a match against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
It will be the first match with new coach John Plumtree. Plumtree, former assistant coach, succeeded Chris Boyd at the end of the last season.
Coles told D'Arcy and Goran that Boyd was more laid back compared to Plumtree, who is more "intense".
"On that field, he has expectation of us working hard, he's made that known during pre-season."
At the same time, Coles says that Plumtree gives people the time of day and has done a good job of pitching the young and old players together.
Coles is still hopeful to one day return to the All Blacks, describing it as a "good challenge" to prove himself.
He is also looking at potential replacements for Sam Lousi.
The lock has been ruled out of a large part of the Super Rugby season with a pectoral injury.
Coles says Manawatu's Liam Mitchell has impressed him in the pre-season.
"He's just got a big engine, a big kick on him. That old school mentality of running around trying to hurt people. He's been good lately, he's the guy that stood out for me."
The Hurricanes start their campaign against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
After one of the most dramatic runnings of the New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild, Liam Lawson has won both a maiden NZGP crown, the rookie of the year title, and the 2019 Toyota Racing Series championship simultaneously. He's the first Kiwi to win the Grand Prix since Nick Cassidy in 2014, and the first to win the series since Cassidy again in 2013.
It was a chaotic race packed with red-flag periods, and underlined by a critical penalty for Lawson's leading rival Marcus Armstrong. The penalty, a five-second time addition post-race, came after the title rivals made contact with each other while wrestling for first.
Armstrong's penalty scored mixed reactions. It followed similar lines to the penalty Armstrong incurred in race two, but — ironically — Nick Cassidy was among those to think it was a harsh call at the end of the five-week series. Armstrong ended the race second but dejected for a second year running.
After getting a few average race starts, Lawson made a cracking jump off the line to kick off the Grand Prix. Unfortunately for him, title rival Armstrong had an equally impressive start from the second row.
By turn one, Armstrong was somehow alongside Lawson. The pair were millimetres from side contact — Armstrong getting past at turn three before immediately running wide and giving the lead back to Lawson.
It was clear early that Lawson and Armstrong were the quickest drivers on track. Soon they had a gap of over three seconds over Auer, who also had a managable gap over Brendon Leitch in fourth (who himself soon lost his spot to an invigorated Esteban Muth).
Lawson [left] consoles Armstrong at the end of the NZ Grand Prix. Photo / Matthew Hansen
Before the race could get into a rhythm, a crash on lap nine brought out the red flag. The unlucky Petr Ptacek crashed out at the last corner, hopping out of his car under his own steam.
After a few minutes of clean-up, the race was under way again; Lawson leading Armstrong, Auer, Muth, Cameron Das, and Raoul Hyman. But a six-car pile-up on lap 12 would bring out another red flag.
It was triggered by a fierce battle for third between Muth and Auer — Muth making a superb move at turn one and then defending through turns two and three. This opened the door for Leitch to get by before turn four, and in turn Das thought he had a sniff until Auer closed the door at turn four.
The Austrian and American made contact, Auer spun, and the long train of Hyman, Thomas Smith, Artem Petrov, and Calan Williams all piled in nose-to-tail. Petrov almost avoided the melee, but a glancing blow was enough to rip a corner off his M2 Competition FT-50.
Photo / Matthew Hansen
Another red flag ensued, as most of the crashed cars became retirements. Among the few to not simply retire was Hyman, who pulled into pit-lane for repairs. Another track recovery phase came and went, and the race was back under way with 21 laps still to go. And here the race's complexion changed.
Armstrong made a strong restart, culminating in a dive on Lawson at turn one. As they've done numerous times this year they ran side-by-side until Lawson ran wide through turn three. The Turners driver tracked through the grass and dirt; somehow keeping straight and not spinning out. He kept his right foot planted, and rejoined the order fourth in the queue behind Leitch. Away from the coverage, the move was under investigation from officialdom.
Despite the dramatic circumstances, Lawson didn't waste any time in trying to claw his way back. At the beginning of the next lap he launched inside Leitch at turn one, getting the move done without any trouble. He had started catching up to Muth, when another red flag stopped the action.
Photo / Matthew Hansen
This time it was for a frightening clash between Dev Gore and Jackson Walls on the back straight. The pair interlocked wheels at high speed, with both looping into the inside concrete wall. Both drivers luckily were able to get out of their cars — Walls in particular, given th...
Stephen Donald is back from the New Zealand rugby wilderness.
The All Blacks folk hero has signed with the Chiefs as injury cover ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season, returning to the franchise after two years away.
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper confirmed the signing today, with Donald replacing young first-five Tiaan Falcon, who will miss the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
"We had a good look around and he was pretty keen, he was pretty keen last year too," said Cooper.
"We felt with Tiaan going [down injured], one of our young 10s, that we needed a more experienced 10 so he was keen, and we were keen to bring him back.
"He's like another coach. We will be managing [his workload], but with his knowledge, his mana that he has within the group, the passion that he has for the Chiefs, it was a no-brainer to bring him in."
Donald, 35, said he was stoked to be returning.
"There is a great group of lads to work alongside and I hope I can play my part in supporting the team both on and off the field."
The man who struck the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final had been playing in Japan recently, after nine games with Counties Manukau in the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup.
He could add to his 104 games for the franchise, with Damian McKenzie and Jack Debreczeni the current first-five options in the squad, with Marty McKenzie set to miss the start of the season due to injury.
Rising star Shaun Stevenson was pleased to have an experienced teammate back in the fold.
"He's managed to get back on the payroll at New Zealand Rugby, I'm not too sure how," Stevenson told D'Arcy and Goran.
"I thought his movie would have got him a bit more coin, but obviously not, so he's come back for another rodeo. It's good to see him back in the environment."
Stevenson said that Donald's knowledge will add plenty to what is a young Chiefs backline.
"He's as sharp as ever. Maybe he's lost a touch of pace and a bit of muscle, but he's a World Cup champion.
"I think the oldest player on our team was about 29, so he takes the average age up now since he's about 40. It's real good to have him back in the mix - our backline's pretty inexperienced, so he brings that leadership and that voice that we probably needed."
The Chiefs get their campaign under way against the Highlanders on Friday night at Waikato Stadium.
It might not be the series win that New Zealand cricket fans were hoping for when India landed on these shores, but that doesn't make the Black Caps' Twenty20 triumph any less impressive.
A four-run victory at Seddon Park in Hamilton tonight sealed a 2-1 series win, as New Zealand bounced back from their ODI humbling to become the first team to beat India in a Twenty20 series in 11 attempts.
Yes, this was an achievement that no team had managed since 2017, and while India weren't at full strength, the destructive batting on show by some versatile players is something that should provide some confidence as the ODI World Cup looms.
While neither will feature in the first two ODIs against Bangladesh this week, Colin Munro and Tim Seifert both made their cases as potentially devastating squad options to take to the World Cup, once again combining for an innings-defining stand at the top of the order.
Considering the Black Caps can't buy an opening partnership in ODI cricket, it's curious, though likely coincidental, that they have twice now blazed dominant beginnings at the top of the order in Twenty20s.
Seifert proved his innings in Wellington wasn't a fluke with a bold 43 from 25 balls, before he fell, stumped, and potentially victim to another controversial replay decision, with debate over whether his foot was planted behind the line.
Was Tim Seifert out? Photo / SKY
Regardless, it was still a splendid platform set when he departed at 80-1 in the eighth over, and while Kane Williamson's insistence on early strike rotation was completely unnecessary with nine wickets in hand, Munro again showed why he is such an alluring option in short formats, blasting 72 from 40 balls.
Williamson did manage to pick things up, nursing some of his trademark classic fours in his knock of 27 from 21 balls, before handing over to the hitters to finish off the innings.
They, too, did their job. Colin de Grandhomme made it back-to-back contributions with 30 from 16 balls, before Daryl Mitchell (19 from 11) and Ross Taylor (14 from seven) saw the hosts set 213 for victory.
Colin de Grandhomme made another handy contribution. Photo / Photosport
It seemed like enough – only four times had a total higher than 212 been chased down in a Twenty20 international – and when Shikhar Dhawan was caught in the deep off Mitchell Santner's bowling in the first over, India's task was made even tougher.
However, first Vijay Shankar (43 from 28 balls), then Rishabh Pant (28 from 12) took a liking to the bowling of Ish Sodhi, as India rattled along at a fast rate. Crucially though, the required run rate never dropped below 10 an over, and some comparatively restrictive bowling from Mitchell and debutant Blair Tickner ensured the chase remained exceptionally challenging.
The pair claimed a vital wicket apiece in the middle overs, with Rohit Sharma's struggles (38 off 32) ended by Mitchell, while Tickner removed Pant with a slower full toss, ensuring India could never get on top.
Hardik Pandya briefly threatened, blasting 21 from 11 balls, but cameos weren't enough, and as the required run rate got higher, India were left needing 48 from 18 balls for victory.
Three balls later, that equation was a much more manageable 33 from 15, and some further lusty blows from Dinesh Karthik and Krunal Pandya produced a jittery finish, with 16 required from the final over.
However, Tim Southee held his nerve at the death, to kill India's unbeaten run.
The White Ferns have caused a massive Indian collapse to claim a superb win in their Twenty20 series opener.
Chasing 160 for victory, India were cruising at 102-1 halfway through the 12th over, but an Amelia Kerr breakthrough and a Lea Tahuhu barrage sparked a meltdown, and they were eventually rolled for 136.
Kerr took the big wicket of Smriti Mandhana, the batswoman who had given New Zealand so many problems in the ODI series. She again was in excellent touch to begin India's chase, blasting ten boundaries in 58 off 34 balls, while fellow young star Jemimah Rodrigues compiled a 33-ball 39 as the pair added a record-tying 98 for the second wicket.
However, just as all looked lost, Kerr had Mandhana caught in the deep; Hannah Rowe holding onto a smart catch, before Tahuhu drew three consecutive loose shots to rip through the middle order. Rodrigues flayed at a ball outside off and got an edge through to Katey Martin behind the stumps, and two overs later, two more wickets fell to the seamer, with Kerr claiming two catches.
From 102-1, India were 111-5, and suddenly their chase looked daunting again, after the White Ferns had set a strong total.
Sophie Devine led the way with 62 from 48 balls, getting support in a third-wicket partnership of 69 with captain Amy Satterthwaite, who made 33 off 27. However, when both departed in quick succession, the Ferns still needed some late firepower, and Martin provided it, smoking 27 off 14 balls to set up a quality chase.
It looked all too easy for India, and even when Tahuhu put them in trouble, they still had Harmanpreet Kaur at the crease, and the White Ferns were well aware of what she could do.
After all, she was the woman who practically doomed New Zealand's chances at the Twenty20 World Cup, cracking a record 103 from 51 balls in a win that left the Ferns eventually short of making the semifinals.
However, Kerr lured her out of the crease, and Martin did the rest, taking off the bails to end India's chances.
It may have been his ninth Twenty20 international, but Tim Seifert truly introduced himself on the world stage on Wednesday night.
Seifert smacked a stellar 84 from 43 balls to lead the Black Caps to an 80-run victory — the largest defeat in India's Twenty20 history, and one that puts them on the precipice of a rare series defeat.
Elevated to the top of the order, Seifert made the most of an opportunity he hadn't received in his international career to date. Of his seven Twenty20 knocks for the Black Caps before tonight, five saw him bat at seven or lower in the order, and he had compiled just 42 runs.
On Wednesday night, he doubled that, in a splendid knock reminiscent of Brendon McCullum. It's somewhat an easy comparison – they're similar in stature, and both wicketkeepers, but Seifert was also just as aggressive, charging down the crease and flat-batting screaming sixes to all corners of Westpac Stadium.
With support from Colin Munro (34 from 20 balls) and Kane Williamson (34 from 22), Seifert set a platform that allowed free reign for the hitters that followed to cash in, and they did, reaching 219-6 – the highest score at Westpac Stadium, and highest by any team against India since 2016.
After New Zealand's opening struggles in ODIs – having not recorded a fifty partnership in over a year – Seifert and Munro came out and bashed 85 from the first eight overs in the first of three T20s. They had some luck – there's always some luck in this format – but Seifert was in fine form, picking up anything that drifted into his pads on his way to seven fours and six sixes.
It was hardly a surprise that Seifert was capable of such destruction – he owns the fastest T20 century in New Zealand – but with the 24-year-old having an outside chance of making the ODI World Cup squad as keeping and batting cover, it was a timely reminder.
So, too, was Tim Southee's bowling, after he sat out the last four one-dayers. With India chasing 220, they needed a fast start, but Southee remarkably went for just two runs from his first two overs, and picked up the key wicket of Rohit Sharma.
Without two of the world's best Twenty20 batsmen – Virat Kohli (average of 49.2 at a strike rate of 136) and KL Rahul (43.4 at 148), India didn't have their usual firepower, and when Mitchell Santner took two wickets in three balls, they needed a miracle.
They didn't get it, Southee finishing with 3-17, with India - who are unbeaten in their last 10 Twenty20 series' – now on the brink of their first series defeat since 2017.
He has been a world endurance champion behind the wheel and now expat Whanganui driver Earl Bamber can add victorious team owner to his resume as Earl Bamber Motorsport won the Bathurst 12 Hour on Sunday evening.
Bamber, 28, led the two-car operation that has given his Porsche factory one of the few endurance crowns the motorsport giant had yet to win.
It was also the final race victory for this generation of Porsche GT3 R car, which the factory will soon replace, as Australian Matt Campbell drove the wheels off it in the last 30 minutes of the race to get up from fifth to first place.
Campbell shared the podium with his EBM co-drivers Dennis Olsen and Dirk Werner, as the 2019 edition of the Bathurst race will go down as one of the most exciting.
The distance record was smashed due to long green flag runs earlier in the day, while the late race restart meant there were seven cars on the lead lap, respresenting six different brands, when the time limit expired and it was time to race for the checkered flag.
Porche's 912 car started from sixth on the grid while the other 911 car was 10th, and ultimately had to retire after 234 laps due to the loss of power steering.
Both cars had been around the lead throughout the race as Bamber looked to employ a different fuel pit strategy from the other teams, while his drivers looked to stay out of trouble to take advantage when other cars pulled out with mechanical issues or after crashes.
The 912 team stuck with their plan to take fresh tyres as well as more fuel on their last pit stop, which the trailing cars did not do as their crews just added fuel quickly to get out ahead of Campbell for the anchor laps.
In the leading Aston Martin, British driver Jake Dennis had a good restart and managed to pull away from the pack briefly.
However, on fresh tyres, Campbell was going gangbusters and made an aggressive push to get past the other Mercedes of pole sitter Raffaele Mariello with 17 minutes left.
The young Australian then caught up with Dennis with 11 minutes remaining, and drove the nose of his Porsche on the inside line at the famous Elbow turn which leads down to The Chase – the long straight heading to the finishline.
Campbell forced his way through and then defended his lead on the dash down The Chase, with Dennis trying to get alongside him but being unable to pull him back.
The Porsche, emblazoned in New Zealand colours with black and the silver fern, went on to claim victory by 3.4 seconds.
Matt Campbell drives the Porsche 912 to claim the checkered flag. Photo / Getty Images
"We wanted it badly. You see the guys celebrating here," said a delighted Bamber in his televised pitlane interview.
"It was a crazy one month to be able to try and pull this off, I have to thank everyone in the team.
"We worked flat out, days and nights. I mean, I think I slept three hours every night this week, prepping everything."
Bamber singled out team manager Greg Wooster and his younger brother Will Bamber, who moved from Whanganui to join him in Kuala Lumpur as they set up this new racing organisation.
"These guys, this team, is just a monster, and this is just the first one for us," Earl Bamber said.
"Matty Campbell, incredible drive. Amazing, didn't put a foot wrong, he was absolutely perfect.
"That was a proper motor race, that was absolutely incredible, nail-biting.
"We're going to celebrate a lot tonight."
There was a mild controversy as EBM had to wait for the result of a post-race investigation which cleared Campbell of any infringement in his 'bump and run' pass of the BMW driven by former Bathurst 1000 winner Chaz Mostert.
The two drivers clashed in The Chase with 30 minutes left as Campbell made contact with Mostert coming into the left-hand part of the corner after he followed the BMW on the slipstream through the right-hander side.
That pass put Campbell into third with enough time left to go chase down the Mercedes cars.
The stewards reviewed the footage and determined that the p...
The Black Caps and White Ferns will wear their 'Te Reo' shirts in their Twenty20 series against India.
Rather than having New Zealand emblazoned across their front, their shirts will instead say Aotearoa.
Both teams will wear them tomorrow on Waitangi Day, as well as the other games in their respective series.
The Black Caps previously wore shirts with Aotearoa across their front in their 2015 ODI series against Zimbabwe.
The Black Ferns Sevens were out for revenge. So were the All Blacks Sevens. Both got what they were looking for.
The Sydney Sevens turned into a New Zealand clean sweep, as both the men's and women's side claimed dominant victories in their respective finals tonight.
The Black Ferns Sevens continued their absolute domination of the Women's World Series, claiming gold with a 34-10 win over Australia. The result was their 48th straight win, with the side having not lost since their 31-0 humbling at the hands of the Australians in Sydney last year.
The All Blacks Sevens, meanwhile, bounced back from a semifinal defeat to the USA in Hamilton last week to defeat the same opponent in the Sydney final, 21-5.
New Zealand now lead the World Sevens standings in both formats, with the women 12 points ahead of the USA, while the men are tied on points with the same foe, but lead on the tiebreaker.
"To beat Australia at home nails it on the head," Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Hirini said.
"We're a very competitive side, we don't like to lose and every time we put on that black jersey you want to keep stepping up and you don't want to let your country and family down. That's why we play."
Stacey Waaka put the first points on the board early in the women's final, but when Australian Emma Sykes went over it looked like the New Zealand side would have a fight on their hands.
However, tries in quick succession to Shakira Baker and Michaela Blyde gave the Ferns a comfortable 12-point lead at halftime.
Blyde bagged her second of the night early in the second half to extend the lead, but the Australians hit back again through Sykes to hold on to a glimmer of hope.
But with two minutes left on the clock, Waaka crossed again to put the match out of reach of the Australians, and Blyde claimed her third of the match to close out an impressive win.
The Ferns took out the win without their strongest possible side on the pitch, after first-choice kicker Tyla Nathan-Wong was forced to miss finals day in Sydney after suffering an ankle injury on Saturday. Nathan-Wong was on crutches yesterday and watched from the sidelines as her side claimed the gold medal.
It was similarly lopsided in the men's final, with tries to Regan Ware and Sam Dickson giving New Zealand a 14-0 halftime lead.
Ware finished off a slick move while a USA error led to a counter-attack which Dickson comfortably finished off to create a comfortable buffer at the break.
Tone Ng Shiu put the game out of reach shortly after halftime, and while the USA got one back, it was only a consolation as the All Blacks Sevens claimed their second title of the season.
The Wellington Phoenix have snared their second defensive signing in the space of 24 hours after agreeing to terms with Antony Golec.[golick]
The 28 year old centre back joins his sixth A-League club after he was released by Central Coast.He played 31 games for the Mariners but only nine this season in his return from a broken leg.
Before that, he played for Sydney FC, Adelaide United, Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory, and has 90 A-League games to his credit.
It comes one day after they signed Team Wellington captain Justin Gulley until the end of the A-League season.
The All Whites defender who brought up 100 appearances for Team Wellington earlier this month, played eight games for the Phoenix in the 2015-16 A-League season.
LISTEN TO COMMENTATOR FRED DE JONG TALK ABOUT THEIR SIGNINGS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Chiefs hope to have injured All Black flanker Sam Cane back on the field by round 10 of Super Rugby.
Cane and lock Brodie Retallick have been named co captains for the season.
Coach Colin Cooper says the two will be sharing the workload.
"So while Sam is not playing, he'll be doing a lot of the captaincy work off the field, and Brodie will be leading the team on the field."
Cooper says Cane is making good progress in his recovery from neck surgery.
"He goes back to professionals early April, and hopefully is given the green flag at the end of April, May."
The Chiefs play their first pre season game against the Blues in Kaikohe this weekend.
LISTEN TO COLIN COOPER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps accept they were well beaten in the first one-day cricket international against India in Napier.
New Zealand batted first and struggled to maintain wickets, eventually being dismissed for just 157.
India made light work of the chase, despite being stopped for dinner and sun glare while they batted, to reach their target with eight wickets and 15 overs to spare.
Black Caps allrounder Doug Bracewell says they were simply outplayed.
"Disappointing loss, obviously. I guess you've got to give India credit, they bowled pretty well. A little bit disappointing with the bat, but it's a big series so we've got a few days to tune a few things and go again at the Mount."
LISTEN TO DOUG BRACEWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps are gearing up for a “cracking series” against India.
The ODI series kicks off in Napier tomorrow, which will be the first time the northern city has hosted an international since February 2017 due to poor drainage which caused embarrassing scenes when an ODI against Australia was called off after hours of sunshine failed to dry the outfield.
Amongst the Indian side is Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the sport’s best batsmen.
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson isn't expecting New Zealand fans to emulate their Aussie contemporaries when Kohli asks for middle and leg in their tour of India.
"Someone like Virat is certainly a player I admire and enjoy to watch and he's pushing the boundaries of the game so that's brilliant," said Williamson in Napier today before the 3pm ODI series opener at McLean Park from 3pm.
He said Kohli was a passionate cricketer and felt that was the gist of what the bolshy batsman and leader was about.
"He's a respectful guy and I've known him for a very long time but as a player, obviously, word class and our focus is more about that and his cricketing ability and how we can combat him as best as we can."
Spinner Mitch Santner told D’Arcy and Goran that they aren’t underestimating their opponents.
He says that India has shown that they can play all over the world and have all aspects covered, as seen by their defeat of Australia.
“They’ll take a lot of confidence coming over here, and I guess we’re playing good cricket as well, beating Sri Lanka, so both teams will come out firing.”
Williamson said the opposition was different from Sri Lanka but the focus remained on what the Kiwis were intending to do.
He felt the collective drive to mould a better template overrode any other desire, including the need to clinch another series at home or, for that matter, the ODI World Cup looming in the northern hemisphere summer.
In mutual admiration, Williamson teed up Kohli for his in-your-face approach to batting that had made him a crowd puller around the world.
"Obviously a world-class player, Virat, and he's always a challenge to come up against and is someone who is most admired in terms of how he goes about his cricket and he's formidable in his run scoring so he's definitely a player of note to try to shut down."
LISTEN TO MITCH SANTNER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEStefanos Tsitsipas has sensationally downed Roberto Bautista Agut in a fourth set triumph, advancing to his first Open semi-final.
"It feels like a fairytale," he said. "I'm living the dream."
Bautista Agut served up a double fault to hand Tsitsipas a match point opportunity late in the fourth set, but the Spaniard scraped his way through with a thundering forehand winner to send it to a tiebreak.
But from there, the Greek youngster ran away with it, blasting Bautista Agut 7-2 in the break before falling to the deck in awe of his achievement.
At 20 years and 168 days, Tsitsipas is the youngest player to reach an Australian Open semi final since Andy Roddick in 2003. He is also the first Greek player in history to reach a grand slam semi.
Tsitsipas was slow out of the blocks in his quarterfinal against Roberto Bautista Agut, dropping serve in the opening game of the match and being forced to really fight not to go behind a double break.
Tsitspas managed to hold his second service game and after breaking back to square the match at 4-4 continued to dominate proceedings to win the opening set 7-5.
The Greek 20-year-old is attempting to become the youngest player to make a grand slam semi since Novak Djokovic more than a decade ago.
Earlier, Aussie juniors talent Rinky Hijikata was sensationally been knocked out of the Australian Open after simply choosing not to play match point.
The No. 5 seed appeared to simply forget the rules for this year's boys singles where let serves that land in are played on as regular points.
In a costly brain snap, Hijikata whacked his opponent Zane Khan's first serve straight into the ground – clearly forgetting that the point was live, despite the ball clipping the net on its way through.
The incredible moment happened on match point when Khan was serving at 5-4 in the second set.
Hijikata's costly error not to return the serve ended the match abruptly and painfully for the Aussie.
Khan was awarded the win 6-4 6-4 and Hijikata simply had to accept his defeat, despite clearly looking bewildered when the match was awarded to the American.
The Aussie teenager may have lost his second round boys singles match, but he will be back in action in the boy's doubles on Tuesday afternoon.
Hijikata had recently payed in the qualifying draw to try and sneak into the main draw of the Australian Open where the controversial let rule does not exist.
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
World No. 4 Alex Zverev completely lost the plot in an extraordinary outburst following his early brain snaps against Milos Raonic.
The rising superstar dropped the first set to Raonic after a weird start to the match saw each player's serve broken within the first 10 minutes.
A particularly silky Raonic pulled away and capitalised on a number of errors from the 21-year-old and stole the set 6-1. Cleary filthy at his series of errors and failures to find his way into the match, Zverev finally snapped when he went down 5-1 in the second set.
The German star smashed his racquet into the ground nine times during a change of ends, an outburst that's already being labelled one of the ugliest in recent years.
"That's crazy. That's like twilight zone stuff," Tennis legend John McEnroe said.
The American champion said Zverev's stroppy demeanor on court would have been a sports psychologists dream.
"Right now he is not exuding positive energy. He's moping a little bit," McEnroe told Channel 9.
"And he's down a set, down a break. Things are not going well. He is also giving positive feedback to a player who doesn't need any more than the scoreboard is giving him. It's a different energy than a lot of other top players would give off. Certainly Rafa wouldn't be doing anything other than coming out of his skin trying to get back into it.
"Just generally speaking the body language, he's got the racquet sort of drooping towards the ground. He's not sticking his chest out at all. He gives himself a sarcastic thumbs up there. A sports psychologist would do a lot with this little clip of Zverev as far as things not to do in this environment."
Fellow Channel 9 commentator Todd Woodbridge said of Zverev's poor performance: "It's all just a little lazy".
Earlier, Naomi Osaka is through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the first time after she had to come from a set down against Anastasija Sevastova.
Both players showed moments of tightening up in a tense final set, but it was Sevastova who let her mental demons overcome her.
The under dog, who is notorious for her stroppy, self-defeated body language, was back to her old tricks after she fell behind in the final set, triggering concern for her emotional state.
Some tennis commentators even said the 28-year-old was "falling apart" on Rod Laver Arena.
In the end she was unable to recover and fell 4-6 6-3 6-4 after taking the first set.
Sevastava found herself down 3-1 in the decisive set before she secure the break back in a marathon sixth service game where the scores were levelled 3-3 when the Latvian converted her sixth break point opportunity.
Sevastova cut a forlorn figure just minutes later when her next service game was broken and the No. 13 seed continued to show her immense frustrations at her own unforced errors at a crucial point in the match.
It was all Osaka needed to go on and serve pout the match un just under two hours.
Meanwhile, Roger Feder has sharply rebuked a comment from John McEnroe, who declared we were "watching the changing of the guard" as Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas eliminated Federer from the Australian Open on Sunday night.
"Yeah, sure," Federer said at his press conference, when asked about McEnroe's assertion during an on-court interview with Tsitsipas.
"He's in front of the mic a lot. He's always going to say stuff. I love John (but) I've heard that story the last 10 years. From that standpoint, nothing new there."
While not ready to agree his time as a grand slam contender is up, Federer was happy to welcome Tsitsipas to the "next level".
"I think he's definitely done a really nice job the last year and a half," Federer said.
"I mean before that, too, obviously. But beating Novak (Djokovic) in Toronto, the likes of (Kevin) Anderson and (Sascha) Zverev, now me here. That's what you need to do to get to the next level. He's doing that. It's really nice for him.
"I see him definite...
Warriors coach Steve Kearney joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss how the Warriors pre-season training is going, what he did in the United States over the break, and who is looking likely to partner Blake Green in the halves.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
LISTEN TO GRAEMA AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Ivo Karlovic miraculously took his match against Kei Nishikori into a decider after losing the first two sets but suffered a heartbreaking blow when he was toppled in a fifth set tiebreak.
The 39-year-old — the oldest man in the draw — produced a vintage serving display and won the fourth set with four consecutive aces to take his total up to 47 for the match.
The game before he iced the set, Karlovic broke No. 8 seed Nishikori to love for the second time as the tennis world reacted with shock to the incredible comeback.
Tennis coach and ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert was among those to express their admiration for Karlovic, tweeting: "Are you kidding?"
Nishikori then staged a remarkable recovery of his down. Serving at 4-4 in the fifth set, the Japanese star was down 0-40 but clawed his way back to win the game before Karlovic held serve to make it 5-5.
Both players held their next service games and the deciding set went to a tiebreak.
Drama struck when Karlovic was down 5-6 in the first-to-10 breaker. A Karlovic ball was called long and Nishikori hit the half volley into the net.
However, the Croatian challenged the call and Hawkeye showed the ball clipped the baseline and was actually in. Instead of replaying the point, it was awarded to Karlovic because the umpire deemed Nishikori would never have kept the ball in play even if he knew it was good.
Nishikori wagged his finger and had a crack at the umpire, but the umpire stood his ground.
That made it 6-6 and then 6-7 when Karlovic won the next point but incredibly, Nishikori won two points on Karlovic's serve and gave himself two match points when he went up 9-7. He thumped a return winner at his first opportunity to clinch a thrilling win.
Elsewhere, Ukranian Elina Svitolina took just 67 minutes to thunder past Viktoria Kuzmova and reach the third round.
But after the match, it was the man sitting in her players box that had tongues wagging of a potential romantic pairing.
French star Gael Monfils, who was knocked out yesterday in a five-setter by American Taylor Fritz, was lending his support to Svitolina.
Asked about Monfils sitting in her players box, Svitolina was put in an awkward spot. "Yeah...," she laughed followed by a long pause.
"Everyone saw him so he's supporting me, and hopefully we'll see him more in the future, not only in my box but on the court as well."
Monfils has previously dated fellow tennis pro Dominika Cibulkova and Australian Chelsea Altman, who is now married to AFL player Tyson Goldsack.
On the court, the sixth seed didn't have it all her own way in the first before demolishing Kuzmova in the second set.
Svitolina, a quarter finalist in last years' open, will play Karolina Pliskova after she recorded a 4-6 6-1 6-0 win over Madison Brengle.
Pliskova broke the American player's serve six times in seven chances after dropping the opening set. She also sent down seven aces and had 14 service winners.
The seventh-seeded Pliskova has now won all three times she has played Brengle. Pliskova has advanced to the quarterfinals each of the last two years at Melbourne Park, including a loss to eventual finalist Simona Halep last year.
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Bernard Tomic's beaming smile as he walked out of his Monday night press conference perfectly summed up the toxic state of Australian tennis.
He delighted in the chaos he'd just unleashed. He relished the scrutiny he'd just put on Lleyton Hewitt's performance as Davis Cup captain with his explosive allegations of preferential treatment.
"Have fun with that guys," he said to reporters as he walked out of the room after dropping his nuclear bomb on Hewitt.
His unprovoked attack shows even when they are out of the spotlight, the Tomic-Hewitt relationship is a sick, twisted, hateful mess.
That mess has now swallowed fellow Aussie stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Here's how it reached breaking point.
TOMIC AND HEWITT GO FROM ALLIES TO ENEMIES
Three years ago Hewitt and Tomic couldn't have spoken more glowingly about each other and their relationship.
As Hewitt made his last outing at Wimbledon, Tomic honoured the retiring great and forecast the role he could play for Australia's next generation.
"He's a true mentor, not just to me, but to a lot of people around the world. He's changed me," Tomic said. "If he can be around us as much as he can, it's going to be huge for us the next 10 years."
Hewitt reciprocated. "I've built a pretty strong relationship with Bernie," he said. "I think I'm probably one of the closer guys that he trusts now."
Bernard Tomic dropped a bombshell after being eliminated in the first round. Photo / Getty
But the Tomic family started backing Hewitt in a corner the following year when they fell out with Tennis Australia over funding for Bernard's younger sister Sara, a fringe professional player.
Despite attempts by Hewitt to save the relationship, Tomic made himself unavailable for Davis Cup selection and split with the management company that also managed Hewitt's affairs.
This time last year Hewitt declared Tomic was "digging a hole for himself that he may not be able to get out of".
It came after the wayward star ventured to South Africa for Channel 10's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here after failing to qualify for the Australian Open.
The cord was essentially cut between him and the rest of Australian tennis — but it's only now we're seeing the damage it can create.
As reported by The Herald Sun this week, Tennis Australia lost control over Tomic when the two camps agreed Tomic would never play Davis Cup or Olympic tennis for Australia again.
Having reached a point where he can gain nothing — neither funding or wildcard boosts — from remaining on speaking terms with Tennis Australia, Tomic is free to speak his mind without fear of reprisal — and that is exactly what makes him dangerous to Aussie tennis officials.
CONTROVERSIAL DAVIS CUP SELECTIONS
Since taking over as captain in 2016, Hewitt has faced the impossible task of balancing the development of younger players while supporting the establishment of Kyrgios, Tomic and Kokkinakis when officials were already losing faith in them behind the scenes.
It has shown in Davis Cup tie selection flashpoints. Most notably, a report last week claimed Kokkinakis has been stroppy towards Hewitt since he was overlooked for lower-ranked player John Millman for a singles rubber against Belgium in Brussels, 2017.
Hewitt also chose to go with Alex de Minaur and Jordan Thompson for Australia's most recent Davis Cup tie against Austria in September.
Millman was rested for that tie after his run at the US Open. Kyrgios made himself unavailable.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia receives medical treatment in his first-round match against Milos Raonic. Photo / Getty
Tomic used those prickly selection issues to advance his war with Hewitt and Tennis Australia.
"He doesn't put the players first, from what I've heard in the past year," Tomic said.
"He doesn't put the players first. He doesn't put Nick first. He doesn't put Kokkinakis first. He always thinks of himself and it's not good.
"He's in Davis Cup...
The New Zealand Cricket and Rugby Players Associations are set to be the big winners of the Black Clash, with the two to get a share of a six-figure donation.
The organisations were guaranteed to receive a minimum of $50,000 each from the event, while Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand will also benefit from an in-ground collection and programme sales.
The event, which pits a team of elite cricketers against a team of top-level rugby players in a game of T20 cricket, has been two years in the making, and Duco Events director David Higgins said the sums donated to the NZCPA and NZRPA would be allocated to various player welfare needs.
The teams will be playing for the Lomu-Crowe trophy, which was unveiled on Wednesday, amed in honour of late Kiwi sporting legends Jonah Lomu and Martin Crowe.
While there had been some media backlash over the trophy, Higgins said he believed it was a fitting tribute to the iconic talents.
"Both Martin and Jonah were men whose achievements transcended the sports field," he said. "So to be able to honour them even in a small way by naming the T20 Black Clash trophy the Lomu-Crowe trophy just feels right."
Among those taking part in the game are former Black Caps captains Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum, current All Blacks Beauden and Jordie Barrett, and current Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge.
Israel Dagg and Grant Elliott will suit up for Team Rugby and Team Cricket respectively. Photo / Supplied
Both NZ Rugby and NZ Cricket have given their blessing for players to be involved.
With the Black Clash being a commercial event, every entity involved is being compensated for their time and effort, including the players taking part in the match.
"From the suppliers, the contractors, we're paying tax to the New Zealand Government, the employees involved," Higgins said, "and the players making themselves available are getting a small amount. It certainly doesn't represent their time.
"The beauty of it is everyone wins."
This month's event will be the first time something like it will be run in New Zealand, with similar styled matches being held across the world in the past. It was the product of some brainstorming between Higgins and Fleming.
"We managed to get the commitment of the players associations and they managed to get commitment from some very big names," Higgins said.
"I think the players are genuinely excited about going toe-to-toe in that format and genuinely competing."
The event will take place at Christchurch's Hagley Oval on January 25.
The teams
Team Rugby:
Kieran Read (c), Richie McCaw, Israel Dagg, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Aaron Smith, Jason Spice, Ali Williams, Kendra Cocksedge, Kaylum Boshier, Ofisa Tunu'u, David Hussey (wildcard). Coach: Sir Graham Henry.
Team Cricket: Stephen Fleming (player coach), Brendon McCullum (c), Grant Elliott, Luke Ronchi, Kyle Mills, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, James Franklin, Hamish Marshall, Liz Perry, Wildcard (TBA). Manager/motivator: Scott Robertson
Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante says the team are finding new ways to win.
The team is on a record-setting unbeaten run, having gone eight games without a loss.
The latest victory was against the Mariners this weekend.
It was a doubly victorious game for Durante, who celebrated his 300th match.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that they were determined to win, despite a bad first half.
"We went in at half time and said, boys, we're going to win this game. And we went out there and steamrollered them."
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Men's tennis could be facing a player revolt, with a war over player power and pay brewing behind the scenes at the Australian Open.
In a dramatic move which could see major changes made to the tour, players council president and world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, on Saturday reportedly voted against extending the tenure of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode at a meeting in Melbourne, AAP reported.
The ATP board will vote on the organisation's new leadership at the conclusion of the Open, starting today.
Tennis Australia and Australian Open boss, Craig Tiley, is widely tipped to take the top job if Kermode is demoted.
Djokovic, however, wouldn't confirm his vote due to the meeting's confidentially.
"The decision hasn't been made on the president," Djokovic said.
"Whether there's a renewal or not, it's going to be decided in the next period."
Although Djokovic hailed Tennis Australia for boosting Open prizemoney by 14 per cent to a whopping $62.5million, he insisted that more needed to be done.
"One of the things from yesterday's general meetings that is kind of echoing in my ear is that there's this conviction of people generally in sport, including us, that only a hundred players can live out of this sport," Djokovic said.
"That's something that ATP is definitely, us as players, part of the council, are trying to change.
"We're trying to increase the number of players that are able to travel around the world, not just cover expenses, have the full team, have a decent living out of the sport that they play."
Novak Djokovic during a practice session ahead of the start of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo / Getty
Meanwhile, Swiss maestro Roger Federer said there was a lot of things happening behind the scenes and said he would take soundings from other players on their views.
"It's definitely interesting times, I'd like to call it, not bad times in our sport. It's maybe also a bit of a transition time. So it will be interesting to see what's going to happen," he said.
According to The Telegraph, a strongly worded email was sent out by player council member Vasek Pospisil to the players ranked between 50 and 100, which calls for the workforce to "start acting and running like a business not like a bunch of scared kids … we need a CEO that first and foremost represents OUR interests".
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Pospisil's argument has much in common with last year's suggestions from Djokovic that tennis should have a player's union that is separate from the ATP.
As Pospisil writes "the governance structure of the ATP favours the interests of the tournaments and its [their] owners … It's time for a change and it can be achieved by staying unified and demanding what we deserve for our hard work".
ATP boss Chris Kermode. Photo / Photosport
There are three tournament representatives on the ATP board and three player representatives: namely Justin Gimelstob (the commentator and ex-player who is facing assault charges in Los Angeles), David Egdes (Gimelstob's close associate from the Tennis Channel, and a temporary board member who came in less than two months ago) and Alex Inglot (formerly director of communications at the betting data firm Sportradar).
Australian coach Darren Cahill, meanwhile, was quick to rail against the potential change on Twitter in support of Kermode, who he said had brought significant increases in prize money and facility upgrades to the tour.
"I'd be stunned if Chris Kermode is removed. ATP needs stability right now," he wrote.
Former Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka told the Telegraph that he cannot understand why Kermode needs to be removed.
"It [the vote] is big for the sport," said Wawrinka.
"The most important will be to keep our president. All the things going on behind [the scenes] to try to put pressure on some people, to try to move the actual person, doesn't feel clean, doesn't feel good.
"If you look what's happened the last few ye...
LISTEN TO MARG FOSTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Once again, not nearly good enough from the Silver Ferns.
Their quest to turn the page in 2019 displayed early signs of promise. At this level, though, meritorious ultimately counts for little.
For the first half of this match at least, the Ferns went toe-to-toe with England in Liverpool to open the northern Quad Series.
As the contest wore on, though, the experienced hosts comfortably pulled away; their dominant 54-41 victory confirming their favouritism to claim this tournament for the first time.
Noeline Taurua used all 12 squad members and handed test debuts to defender Erena Mikaere, who replaced Jane Watson in the third quarter, and 21-year-old midcourter Kimiora Poi, injected just before half time.
But having set a target of two wins from three in this series, which comes six months out from the Netball World Cup at this same venue, much work remains for Taurua over the next six days before facing Australia in London.
That is now a must win scenario to suggest genuine progress is being made.
As it stands, this result equalled New Zealand's worst defeat to England - Taurua's first match at the helm in Auckland last September.
One win from the last six tests is poor by anyone's standards.
But, like anything, context is important.
England have now won the four straight matches against the Ferns – six of the past nine. They are also, of course, Commonwealth Games champions, having stunning Australia on the Gold Coast last year.
And in front of a boisterous home crowd, they started with intent to prove that result was no fluke.
The Ferns, by comparison began poorly, conceding the first three goals.
The experienced Serena Guthrie owned the midcourt, giving Sam Sinclair, starting at centre, a difficult time.
The Ferns regrouped to establish attacking fluidity but England did enough to hold a 13-12 first quarter advantage.
Casey Kopua's return, the former skipper playing her first international since 2015 after coming out of retirement, brought rewards in combination with Watson.
England's reunited shooting duo, Helen Housby and Jo Harten, are one of the best in the world yet the Ferns pair forced England back; applied pressure and extracted several errors.
With Laura Langman driving through court from wing defence, Ameliaranne Ekenasio punching out of the circle and Whitney Souness looping around, the Ferns attack showed patience but frustrating, erratic moments and indecision were still too evident.
Too often Sinclair proved the weak link. Thus she was pulled just before half time, with Poi taking her place.
At half time, England maintained their one goal lead.
There after it seemed every time the Ferns threatened individual errors or missed connections prevailed. The final quarter but one example; defender Karin Burger binned for aggressive contact.
The third quarter also proved costly as the Ferns slipped 10 goals behind.
The shooting end, Maria Folau (32/29) and Ekenasio (12/13), produced high percentages but did not receive enough quality ball.
Plenty, then, for Taurua to ponder.
In the other of this double header, meanwhile, Australia got off to a shaky start with their final 62-45 win over South Africa proving flattering.
Australian coach Lisa Alexander's initial experimental line up was exposed early as Norma Plummer's South Africa applied early pressure and shot out to a surprise five goal lead at the first quarter mark.
That forced Alexander to inject her more experienced figures, allowing Australia to gradually pull away.
South Africa will take heart, though; this performance a vast improvement on the 24 goal defeat the last time these teams met.
For Australia, defending world champions, Bassett's absence was clear and South Africa shooter Lenize Potgieter had ample room to move for much of the match.
D'Arcy and Goran have been on the sporting airwaves for over a dozen years.
Although the drive show is most known for its hard hitting interviews with the big names in sport, sometimes the program can go off the rails and result in some good quality Kiwi banter!
Listen to their highlights package of the funniest moments on Radio Sport throughout the year 2018.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
D'Arcy and Goran have been on the sporting airwaves for over a dozen years.
Although the drive show is most known for its hard hitting interviews with the big names in sport, sometimes the program can go off the rails and result in some good quality Kiwi banter!
Listen to their highlights package of the funniest moments on the show from throughout the year 2018.
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
Listen to the funniest moments from Radio Sport and Newstalk ZB host Martin Devlin throughout the year 2018.
From his famous on air meltdowns, to his excitable and passionate rants, this highlights package created by D'Arcy and Goran will have you in stitches!
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVE
The Black Caps chance at scoring a huge win were scarpered yesterday by rain.
The first test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended in a draw, despite a promising start earlier in the week.
Ross Taylor told D'Arcy and Goran that that's how test cricket goes, and gives credit to Sri Lanka for surviving under the pressure.
LISTEN TO ROSS TAYLOR TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix hope taking a home game to Sydney will boost their important crowd metrics.
Their February 23 A-League game against Sydney FC will be played at Campbelltown Stadium, across town from their opposition's usual home ground.
The Phoenix were told to boost their crowds by A-League bosses if they wanted a licence extension.
General manager David Dome says with consecutive home games being played away, it's a chance to boost their crowd tally.
"We're still yet to see the crowd come back to Wellington in big numbers, so Auckland have become very important in that regard. We're hoping the fans turn out in Sydney."
But Dome insists they will still take games to smaller New Zealand centres.
He says more New Zealand venues were investigated with Westpac Stadium unavailable, but a mix of financial issues and timings couldn't be sorted.
Dome says they will absolutely look at taking games to the likes of Christchurch.
"They are a good outfit to work with down there, it just wasn't good time for them. We'd like to go back to Waikato, that's a fantastic stadium there, but again the timing wasn't quite right and we couldn't get the model to work there."
LISTEN TO DAVID DOME TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps' hopes of reaching unprecedented heights have been washed away.
Only 12 overs of play were possible on the final day of the first test against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with persistent rain seeing the match called a draw at 3.52pm.
A 2-0 series victory would have seen the Black Caps leap to second on the test world rankings – it's understood that would be an all-time high – but Sri Lanka's fightback scuppered that opportunity, and means the two-test series will be decided in Christchurch, starting on Boxing Day.
In the end, the draw was probably a fair result, despite the Black Caps having built a 296-run first innings lead. The pitch proved so docile on the final two days that they probably could have played until 2019 without getting a result, with Kusal Mendis (141 not out) and Angelo Mathews (120 not out) having remarkably few problems in their unbeaten stand of 274, and Sri Lanka finishing at 287-3.
Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal – padded up for over seven hours during the partnership – was ecstatic with his side's fight.
"We've especially shown a lot of character. It's not an easy task when the opposition leads by 300. Angelo and Kusal Mendis have done a really good job and they put up a really good partnership. At the same time they played for the team - that's the most important thing."
Covers lie on the wicket as rain falls on day five. Photo / Getty
While frustrating for the Black Caps, they can take positives from the fact they were never a chance of losing the test, and their strong run at home continues – now six games unbeaten, and having lost just one of their last 12.
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson believed that his side could still win on day five, but credited Sri Lanka for not giving them a sniff.
"We still felt that if we were able to pick up a wicket, get into the lower order, then we were still a chance of a result, but it wasn't to be."We saw some real resilience from the Sri Lankan batters – they denied us for a long period of time. We didn't get the result we were after but that's one of the beauties of test cricket – two guys put their hand up and didn't give us an opportunity for a day."
The 54 minutes of play mustered on day five proved remarkably pointless, with both teams meandering along in the knowledge that rain was about to strike. Just before lunch it arrived, and with the forecast – and hopes of any result bar a draw - becoming increasingly bleak, the two sides shook hands, and sent the series to a decider.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RUGBY LEAGUE CORRESPONDENT PETER LUSTED SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Cronulla's prospects for the 2019 NRL season have taken a massive hit, with the confirmation on Wednesday that coach Shane Flanagan has been deregistered by the governing body.
It means that the Sharks are without a head coach just a few months out from the start of the season, and will throw their plans into disarray.
Though the decision is provisional — and Flanagan has until the end of January to respond to the notice — it seems unlikely that the NRL will backtrack.
It's also a significant blow for Shaun Johnson.
The Kiwis halfback was recruited by Flanagan, but now will have to work under a new mentor.
Shaun Johnson. Photo / Getty
The instability at the southern Sydney club comes at the worst time for Johnson, who has a considerable adjustment to make after almost a decade at the Warriors.
The NRL confirmed Flanagan's sanction on Wednesday, after an investigation into his dealings with the club during the 2014 season, when he was suspended due to his role in the peptides scandal.
One of the conditions of that suspension was that he would have no contact with the club, but an investigation found that numerous emails had been exhanged between Flanagan and club officials, including communication about recruitment of potential players.
Cronulla have also been fined $800,000 ($838,900) for their role in the breach.
The NRL emphasised the findings are preliminary and no final determination will be made until the response that Flanaghan provides has been properly considered, but also confirmed he will not be permitted to coach or act in any official capacity at the club pending a final determination.
Sydney media are speculating that current assistant coaches John Morris and Jim Dymock, as well as former Manly coach Trent Barrett are in the mix to replace Flanagan.
LISTEN TO ANDY BOYENS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Football Ferns could have an unprecedented buildup for next year Women's World Cup, with confirmation they will compete in the inaugural Cup of Nations in Australia next year.
The New Zealand side already have a pre-World Cup fixture against the USA locked in for 2019 and the tournament across the Tasman will offer three more highly competitive fixtures.
The World No. 19 Ferns will take on Australia, Argentina and Korea Republic from 28 February to 6 March, with three matches spread across three cities and seven days.
Ferns coach Tom Sermanni sees the event as ideal preparation for the World Cup in France, where they will face Canada, the Netherlands and Cameroon.
"We are really looking forward to this tournament," said Sermanni. "To be able to play three world-class sides over seven days in three different locations will be great preparation for what we will face in France at the World Cup.
"We only have six months until the tournament begins so to have secured quality opposition, along with playing the USA in May, we are happy with our build-up to the tournament."
The World No. 6 Australia will go into the Cup of Nations as the favourites ahead of the Korea Republic (World No. 14), New Zealand (19) and Argentina (36).
The six-match tournament will kick-off at Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah on Thursday, 28 February with Argentina playing Korea Republic followed by the Matildas against the Football Ferns.
The New Zealand match will take on extra significance as 2019 marks 40 years since the Matildas played their first 'A' international, which was against the Football Ferns, at Sutherland in 1979.
Three days later, New Zealand and Argentina go head to head in Brisbane, before Australia take on Korea Republic in their second match of the tournament.
The final round of fixtures in Melbourne see the Ferns play Korea Republic, followed by Australia against Argentina.
Cup of Nations – Match Schedule
Matchday One - Thursday, 28 February
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah (Sydney), New South WalesMatch One: Argentina v Korea Republic – 4.35pm kick-off (6.35pm NZT)Match Two: Australia v New Zealand – 7.30pm kick-off (9.30pm NZT)
Matchday Two - Sunday, 3 March
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QueenslandMatch One: Argentina v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (AEST) (6.05pm NZT)Match Two: Australia v Korea Republic – 6.00pm kick-off (AEST) (9.00pm NZT)
Matchday Three - Wednesday, 6 March
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne, VictoriaMatch One: Korea Republic v New Zealand – 3.05pm kick-off (5.05pm NZT)Match Two: Australia v Argentina – 6.00pm kick-off (8.00pm NZT)
For two straight days the Black Caps have re-written the record books – but today, they were on the wrong side of history.
For the first time in the history of cricket tests played in New Zealand, a full day went by without a wicket falling, as the Sri Lankan pair of Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews put on a batting masterclass at the Basin Reserve.
It came at a superb time for the visitors - the Black Caps were marching towards victory in the first test, but now, an incredible fightback and a bleak weather forecast looks to have rained on their parade.
After all of the twists, turns and incredible comebacks of the Pakistan series, it looked like the Black Caps' return home would produce far more formulaic tests, but Sri Lanka had other ideas.
A 246-run partnership between Mendis [116] and Mathews [117] lasted the entire day – it was also the first wicketless day in any test since 2008 - allowing Sri Lanka to get to stumps at 259-3, and surely denying New Zealand an expected victory.
Sure, Sri Lanka are still 37 runs behind with a day to go, but weather looks set to have the final say, with the forecast predicting steady rain for the whole day. Besides, even if it cleared – what evidence would there be to suggest the Black Caps could snap their partnership?
Still, rain would be a limp conclusion to a strangely compelling test. A day after Tom Latham sent records tumbling, Mendis and Mathews compiled the biggest partnership of all time for Sri Lanka against New Zealand, barely offering a chance in their marathon stay at the crease.
The pair displayed the type of discipline Latham had displayed in his 264, and after losing three wickets in 12 overs the night before, it was like a new wicket had been inserted overnight, such was the ease they batted with.
Mendis was the early aggressor, pulling with aplomb and negating – and angering – Neil Wagner, whose usual short-ball danger soon turned into monotonous surety as he went for 100 runs in 21 overs.
So long the Black Caps' fail-safe when their first option wasn't working, Wagner couldn't muster any chances, and his combination with a tidy Ajaz Patel couldn't repeat their heroics from the United Arab Emirates.
As Mendis slowed down, showing good discipline, Mathews stepped up. In his second resurrection of the test – having scored 83 after coming in at 9-3 in the first innings –Mathews first battened down the hatches, then also joined in on the short-ball fun – scoring the bulk of his runs via pull or hook shots.
New Zealand's bowlers couldn't even muster appeals, as session by session went by without any hope of breaking the partnership. From starting the day at 20-3, Sri Lanka reached 122-3 at lunch, then 197-3 at tea – constant, steady, easy accumulation.
By then, Mendis had brought up his sixth test hundred from 215 balls – aptly pulling away a short ball to fine leg – and Mathews similarly brought up three figures – from 248 deliveries – with a flick through mid-wicket.
After Sri Lanka had gone 11 test innings without a century, suddenly two had come along at once, and adding to New Zealand's frustration was the fact just one breakthrough could have sparked something – Sri Lanka have a long tail – but they never even got close.
Mathews celebrated his hundred with push-ups – a pointed celebration to critics of his fitness – and rightly so, as it took a powerful and indefatigable effort to deny New Zealand.
Rain would seem a harsh way to decide the test - and both teams would love to settle the back-and-forth battle on the field. But, the Black Caps were in a prime position to end it today, and Sri Lanka weathered the storm.
LISTEN TO D'ARCY AND GORAN'S PODCAST ABOVE
Tom Latham batted his way into the record books against Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve – and then kept going.
A flawless day's batting saw Latham rack up a phenomenal 264 not out - the sixth-highest score in New Zealand test cricket history, as he completely bossed a Sri Lankan bowling attack all over the famous Wellington ground.
It was the largest total by any test batsman in 2018, and Latham remained unbowed at the end of it, recording the highest score of anyone to carry their bat in test cricket. 489 balls and a marathon 694 minutes later, Latham walked off to a standing ovation as New Zealand totalled a mammoth 578, with Latham responsible for 45 per cent of their tremendous tally.
In response, Sri Lanka once again collapsed, slumping to 20-3 before stumps, still trailing by a ridiculous 276 runs. In just 12 overs after Latham walked off, Trent Boult trapped Danushka Gunathilaka lbw for three, Tim Southee bowled Dhananjaya de Silva for a duck, and Dimuth Karunaratne sprayed a wild hook shot down the throat of Boult for Southee's second scalp, and eighth of the match.
While the weather forecast threatens rain on day five, it would be a shock if Sri Lanka even made it that far, requiring a Latham-esque knock of their own for the test to end in anything but an absolute thrashing.
Frankly, Sri Lanka must be sick of the sight of the Basin. The last time they were here, Kane Williamson hit 242 – somehow now the third best score against Sri Lanka in Wellington, after Martin Crowe's 299 and Latham's effort.
Four of New Zealand's top six individual innings have now come against Sri Lanka, and Latham's knock was as good as any of them. Resuming on 121, Latham barely offered the visitors a chance in his second day at the crease in what could be a career-defining knock.
The 26-year-old opener cruised along at a comfortable pace, accumulating with ease, playing some textbook cover drives, and generally compiling a definitive opener's innings.
After struggling on the recent tour of the United Arab Emirates – averaging just 16.5 – Latham talked about still having complete trust in his game, and he displayed all of that confidence as he pummeled the poor Sri Lankan attack.
He was never rash in his shot-making, and was the ever-present in a slew of demoralising partnerships. He added 114 with Henry Nicholls, who continued his strong form with a solid 50, and then combined for 73 with Colin de Grandhomme, who punched a customarily quick 49.
As they plundered, the records started to fall. Latham brought up his 200 in 412 balls, clipping a single through mid-wicket, becoming the 15th Black Cap to notch a test double century.
He had bigger things in his sights though, and started to hit out as the tail was exposed, becoming just the eighth New Zealander to reach 250. A six saw him move past Glenn Turner's 259 on the all-time list, and he surpassed Stephen Fleming's 262 before he eventually ran out of partners, on 264, after 157 overs of brilliance.
The Basin crowd rose to their feet to applaud him off, and the Black Caps bowlers then made sure that the innings he'll remember forever will surely end in the dominant victory it undoubtedly deserves.
Highest test scores for New Zealand
Brendon McCullum – 302 v India, 2014Martin Crowe – 299 v Sri Lanka, 1991Ross Taylor – 290 v Australia, 2015Stephen Fleming – 274 v Sri Lanka, 2003Bryan Young – 267 v Sri Lanka, 1997Tom Latham – 264* v Sri Lanka, 2018
All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen still has time for second thoughts about his decision to step down after the Rugby World Cup.
He's announced next year will be his eighth and final year in the role.
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Tew told Larry Williams that s if Hansen has wanted to press on, they would have seriously considered it given his track record.
"But he's formed the view that it's time to go, and while we've kept the door open for him to change his mind, ultimately that's his decision."
Tew says they will focus on next year, and then organise a huge thank you for Steve Hansen.
While he says coaches and players are loathe to compare eras, Tew says there's no doubt Hansen will go down in history among the legendary All Blacks coaches.
"But someone that coaches nearly a 90 per cent success records has t be considered successful in any sport anywhere in the world."
LISTEN TO STEVE TEW TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO LAURA LANGMAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Former New Zealand captain Katrina Rore (nee Grant) was a shock omission from the Silver Ferns squad to contest next month's Quad Series in England.
Netball New Zealand selectors announced a squad of 12 to head to England next month where the Silver Ferns will play the hosts along with Australia and South Africa from January 13-20.
The latest selection proved one of coach Noeline Taurua's toughest yet during her short reign as head coach, as she put 25 hopefuls through a rigorous training camp in Auckland this week.
The biggest surprise was the omission of Rore, who captained the Silver Ferns during their disastrous Commonwealth Games campaign.
"It was a tough call in that defensive end, we're very clear about the areas that we want to put out on court or each player to be able to do and it just happened to be that others were able to do it better," said Taurua. "She's not included in this squad for Northern Quad but everybody will be available for the Worlds.
"Katrina has had a massive couple of years and even though she's totally disappointed, I know she will be back and this opportunity also gives her the possibility of doing other things outside of netball.
"I need people who can perform and consistently perform and the ones who have been selected performed over this week."
Taurua said with the step up in intensity, her job of selecting had become more difficult particularly through the mid-court and defensive ends which hold plenty of promise.
"I'm liking what I'm seeing," she said. "I liked the quality that was out there and that people certainly weren't taking their position for granted.
"Our strength is the collective. Everybody has contributed to the final 12 and because of that the door will remain open for everybody going into the ANZ Premiership. This is just one stage of the journey of where we need to get to. I'm grateful we have all committed we will do it together."
With Rore out of the mix, Erena Mikaere, who played under Taurua at the Sunshine Coast Lightning, earned Silver Ferns selection for the first time to join recalled Pulse defender Karin Burger and veteran Casey Kopua in the defence circle.
"Erena obviously brings height to our defensive circle and her experience of playing against the Australian style for a number of years," Taurua said.
"And the experience and knowledge that Casey brings to the squad is invaluable."
Young mid-courter Kimiora Poi ends a remarkable year on a high with her selection following a stand-out ANZ Premiership and backed up by her performances with the FAST5 Ferns and during the Silver Ferns camp.
She joins experienced campaigners Laura Langman, Sam Sinclair and Gina Crampton, along with Whitney Souness who has earned a recall.
"This mid-court is an area we are continuing to develop and we felt that we needed to strengthen those combinations," Taurua said.
"We felt that both Kimiora and Whitney bring something different to the centre and wing attack positions – they bring a new set of skills to the role, are extremely fit and also show a confidence for such young athletes."
The shooting end had a more settled look including Maria Folau and Ameliaranne Ekenasio, while the inclusion of Maia Wilson is a chance for the young shooter to impress in what is a big year for the Silver Ferns.
Taurua felt she had enough cover with just three shooters, through the experience of both Folau and Ekenasio while Wilson is well known for her accuracy.
She said it was now crucial for players to step up and take responsibility for their roles on court with a Netball World Cup looming.
"There's nowhere to hide," Taurua said. "If people don't do their own job then it impacts on somebody else, and that shows when we play on court.
"I think there's been improvement overall and a better understanding of what is expected and our ability to put that out on court."
But she also confirmed that the door remained opened for those still pushin...
LISTEN ABOVE AS MARINA ERAKOVIC SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Marina Erakovic, New Zealand's top-ranked tennis player for more than a decade, has retired.
The 30-year-old former world No 39 has pulled the pin on a career that saw her ranked inside the top 100 for most of her career.
Erakovic has spent the past year off the WTA tour with a back injury and despite being close to a possible return, admitted she had lost the motivation to continue.
"The motivation was very low at the start of the year for me, and that's when you know it would be a really hard grind to give it another crack and I just didn't think I had it in me," Erakovic said.
The former junior world No 5 notched up numerous milestones during her career.
"I accumulated nine WTA titles [one singles and eight doubles], made a further 12 WTA finals, won 18 ITF titles, competed in 36 grand slams, two Olympic Games, one Commonwealth Games and eight Fed Cup ties." Erakovic said.
But ultimately injuries hampered Erakovic in recent years.
"In sport, as in life, nothing is ever a smooth ride. Over the last few years, my body struggled to handle the demands of Tour life and it became too difficult to play at a level of which I am normally capable.
"I decided to give my mind and body a break in 2018, and after a lot of recovery and reflection, I have decided to put the racquets away."
Erakovic reached the third round at Wimbledon three times and served for the match against Laura Robson for a place in the fourth round in 2013, losing what would be her most heart-breaking grand slam defeat.
Erakovic credits support from the SEED Foundation who helped fund her when she was transitioning from the junior to pro ranks.
"If it weren't for a select few tennis supporters in New Zealand that formed the SEED Foundation when I was 18 years old, my dreams of becoming a professional tennis player would be non-existent."
The Warriors have started to lay the foundations for who will replace halfback Shaun Johnson.
Youngsters Chanel Harris-Tavita, Hayze Perham and Adam Keighran have all been identified by coach Stephen Kearney as possibilities to join Blake Green in the halves.
But Kearney says they're not going to commit to one of them or another potential recruit just yet.
"We're not going to be rushed into any decisions, and what presents itself over the next month, two months, I'm not too sure when it's going to be. We'll be making a decision that feels best for our footy club long term."
Members of the Warriors are back at Mount Smart Stadium for pre-season training ahead of the 2019 NRL season, including Green.
Green says that there won't be much pressure on Johnson's replacement.
"We're all about team first and working hard for each other, and I just think who ever comes in, the team will put him in a position to do his own thing. I don't think there's not going to be any extra pressure on him to emulate Shaun."
He says it's not unusual for Johnson to not be at pre-season training in December, isn't out of the ordinary anyway.
"I think he doesn't really start until January anyway, so this time of year nothing 's changed too much, but obviously it's going to be a little bit different for us moving forwards to the start of the year."
Green believes Chanel Harris-Tavita will be Johnson's most likely replacement.
LISTEN TO BLAKE GREEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO DAVID DOME TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Sydney FC 1Wellington Phoenix 3
The Phoenix produced one of the best away results of their 12-year history with a 3-1 win in Sydney.
Six days after being denied a deserved victory against unbeaten leaders Perth in a match marred by an unwarranted red card, Wellington improved further in an excellent display across the Tasman.
The Phoenix were sharper, worked harder and played with greater desperation to upset the odds and add to hopes that an unexpected transformation is under way.
A couple of statistics underline the notable nature of this win — the Phoenix had lost seven and drawn one of their last eight games against Sydney; they won just one away game last season and had not even scored an away goal this season before tonight.
The result was particularly sweet for Phoenix coach Mark Rudan, an A-League champion with Sydney FC who played alongside several of tonight's opposition staff, including coach Steve Corica.
On the back of a dire three-match losing run, Rudan successfully instilled confidence into his side last week for the game against Perth. The focus this week was on being brave and wanting the ball, and Wellington delivered again.
After taking six games to score their first goal from open play, the Phoenix were almost unrecognisable from last month's incarnation. Roy Krishna scored a tidy brace and thrived on the service provided by his fellow attackers, with the likes of Sarpreet Singh, Alex Rufer and Mandi a constant threat on the ball.
The Phoenix set the pace from the outset, forcing a corner in the opening minute and taking a first shot in the fourth.
Sydney responded with the best early chance, Adam Le Fondre clipping a good cross over the crossbar from close range. Le Fondre was lively, showing why he has scored nine goals in as many games since arriving in Sydney, and the Phoenix did well to contain him.But for 20 minutes, Wellington completely outplayed Sydney, scoring three goals. The first two exploited Krishna's pace superbly in the 21st and 30th minutes.
For the first, Singh curled an outstanding pass in behind the Sydney defence for the Fijian to run on to, and he produced a composed right-foot finish into the bottom corner.
For the second, Mandi passed from a similar position on the left and Krishna scored with his left foot into the opposite corner.
It's been quite a week for the Fijian. He became the club's record scorer last Sunday, then a New Zealand citizen on Thursday, and added another two goals tonight before being forced off on the hour with a hamstring complaint. Given his form, the club will be hoping any injury is not serious.
Steven Taylor capped a remarkable first half by scoring his first Phoenix goal, guiding a header into the top corner from an excellent Liberato Cacace cross.
A Tom Doyle own goal proved the catalyst for a Wellington collapse against Adelaide two weeks ago, with a 1-0 lead turning into a 3-1 defeat. Andrew Durante put the ball into his own net soon after Taylor's goal tonight but the Phoenix were spared a similar examination of their mental toughness when referee Jonathan Barreiro blew for offside.
Sydney had more of the play in the second half but Wellington proved frustrating opponents and made the hosts work hard for their only goal, scored in the 89th minute by Michael Zullo after Louis Fenton looked to have been fouled in the build-up. But no matter, the goal was a mere consolation and took little gloss off an outstanding Phoenix performance.
Wellington Phoenix 3 (R. Krishna 21, 30, S. Taylor 38)Sydney FC 1 (M. Zullo 89).Halftime: 3-0.
Coach of the NZ Breakers Kevin Braswell joins D'Arcy and Goran to explain what he has been trying to address through the international window with his side following four straight losses.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KEVIN BRASWELL SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
The head of St Kentigern College says his school's rugby programme has been endorsed at the highest levels of New Zealand Rugby.
David Hodge made the extraordinary claim in response to the news today that 10 schools will refuse to play St Kents in Auckland's 1A competition next year due to their aggressive recruitment of talent.
"I got a letter this year from New Zealand Rugby union," Hodge told Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave. "And it says: 'I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by St Kentigern College in providing opportunities to young men that not only develops them as rugby players but also affords them numerous other personal development benefits.
"'Not only does it foster their ambitions in our game, but it also affords them future prospects beyond the game'."
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID HODGE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Roy Krishna has set a record to become the most prolific goal scorer for the Wellington Phoenix.
Krishna has scored 34 goals for the team, beating Paul Eiffel's record.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that it has been a humbling experience, but it has never been his intention.
"I'd say it was always at the back of my mind to score more goals, but it's over, I can focus on my job."
Krishna recently celebrated his 100th game with the team.
LISTEN TO ROY KRISHNA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO CHAD TOWNSEND TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Cronulla NRL halfback Chad Townsend believes Shaun Johnson is in for a culture shock when he moves to Sydney to join the Sharks following his bitter exit from the Warriors.
Johnson is set to reunite in the halves with his former Warriors teammate next season, after he was granted a release from the Auckland-based club last week before signing a three-year contract with Cronulla.
Townsend is looking forward to again teaming up with the Kiwis test star after the pair combined during his two-year stint at the Warriors between 2014 and 2015.
"We're very excited to have him on board and in our team," Townsend told D’Arcy and Goran.
"The biggest thing about Shaun is he's just a great bloke and someone I got on with really well while I had my time at the Warriors.
"We were able to hang out off the field and play a bit of golf, and around the sheds he's really easy going and a good bloke, and at the end of the day that's all you want."You want someone who's going to come in and put the team first and that's the type of player he is, so we're looking forward to having him here."
But while Johnson practically owned the No 7 jersey and Townsend predominantly started at No 6 at the Warriors, the duo are now set for a role reversal, with the Cronulla local junior having settled in at halfback since he returned to the Sharks in 2016.
After installing Matt Moylan at five-eighth this year, Townsend confirmed Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is set to return the former Penrith captain to fullback to allow Johnson to play at No 6.
It won't be a big adjustment however, as Johnson has always tended to play more like a five-eighth regardless of the number on his back, and Townsend, like Warriors playmaker Blake Green this season, was generally the side's main organiser.
"Our coaching staff will have a bit of a plan there and we've already briefly spoken about it, but we haven't gone into too much detail about numbers and things like that," he said.
"But at this stage I think Matt will shift to fullback which he's very familiar with so it's exciting times for our team."
When asked how he felt about Johnson's shock departure from the Warriors, Townsend went into bat for the Sharks' new recruit while questioning the Warriors handling of the saga.
"I was pretty shocked actually [with] how it all unfolded. The timing of the Warriors announcement, in terms of them saying there was no contract for Shaun beyond next season, while he was overseas, I thought was a bit odd."But it's crazy how rugby league works and I never thought that he would've ended up at the Sharks."
Having made the shift across the Tasman earlier in his career, the 27-year-old says Johnson will face a few challenges in his new surrounds.
"Any time you move country and to a different place that's foreign to you and you haven't had any experience of, is difficult. I can attest to that from when I moved to New Zealand.
"A new culture, new country, getting paid in a different currency, these are all things that Shaun's going to have to adapt to."
After enjoying celebrity status throughout eight years at the Warriors, Johnson will initially enjoy relative anonymity in Cronulla, but Townsend predicts that won't last long.
"He'll be able to walk down Cronulla mall and probably no one will notice him at this stage. But as he gets into the community and gets his name out in the [Sutherland] Shire, people will warm to him for sure."
However, he denies Johnson will have a difficult time dealing with the intense media scrutiny in Sydney, where league is the No 1 game in town.
"New Zealand media is pretty full-on, to be honest, but Sydney definitely is a rugby league hub.
"Obviously, a lot of focus is on the NRL here and especially with so many teams in Sydney, so he'll have to be on his best behaviour like the rest of us. But I have no doubt he'll handle the media and everything fine."
The Sharks are known for their uncompromising play...
Football Federation Australia has confirmed the decision to red card Wellington Phoenix defender Ryan Lowry against Perth Glory was wrong.
Phoenix boss David Dome has confirmed he spoke with A-League boss Greg O'Rourke this morning, who has consulted with his head of referees and admitted the call was incorrect.
Football commentator Fred de Jong says that the decision was a mystery.
de Jong told D'Arcy and Goran that it highlights issues with the VAR system.
"VAR's meant to resolve these sort of things, not introduce them, and at the moment it's not doing what it's intending use is."
He says that the issue has overshadowed a good game.
LISTEN TO FRED DE JONG TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO PETER LUSTED TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Brisbane Broncos ended a 25-year partnership with coach Wayne Bennett yesterday by voicemail.
Broncos CEO Paul White confirmed in a press conference yesterday that he couldn't get hold of Bennett after several attempts to call him. Instead he had to make him aware of his axing by a voicemail message.
"I made multiple phone calls and I unfortunately had to communicate that decision via voice message and over email," White said.
"You might ask was that disappointing? Yes it was. But such was the nature of this whole issue that it was important that we had it resolved, particularly before the players returned tomorrow. I wasn't in a position to speak to him directly."
The Broncos confirmed that South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold will replace Bennett, who won six titles with the Broncos, immediately after an initial contract was set to begin in 2020.
Bennett, also the current England coach, meanwhile replaces Seibold in South Sydney bringing forward the swap a year early.
Bennett will return to Brisbane in round eight next season as coach of the Rabbitohs.
"We were certainly disappointed with the way that played out," White said.
"Today's decision has certainly not been easy. It's a very tough decision, one we never saw coming. We no longer had faith that we could give ourselves the best chance of performing if we continued on the path we were continuing on."
Bennett first became Broncos coach for the club's inaugural season in 1988 as part of a 20-year stint which saw the club win six titles.
He then left to coach the Dragons in 2009, winning the NRL title in 2010, where he coached for three seasons before taking over the Knights for three seasons.
In 2015 he returned to Brisbane as the club made the grand final before losing a thriller to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Bennett had already signed a deal to join the Rabbitohs in 2020 on a two-year contract, which is now extended to a three-year deal, the club announced last night.
"I'm really pleased it's all resolved and that I can join this great club with a free mind, knowing I did the right thing by the fans, staff and players," Bennett said.
"It's a wonderful club, South Sydney, and I feel privileged to have the chance to coach this team."
The Wellington Firebirds have booked their spot in the final domestic cricket's Ford Trophy.
120 not out from James Neesham has seen the former Black Cap guide the Firebirds past their target of 237 set by Auckland, with three wickets and two point one overs to spare.
They will now play Otago in the final on Saturday.
LISTEN TO CAPTAIN HAMISH BENNETT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO PHIL ROTHFIELD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
One of Australia's leading rugby league commentators expects fireworks when - not if - discarded Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson joins the Cronulla Sharks today.
Veteran Daily Telegraph journalist Phil Rothfield says Johnson's greatest challenge could be to adapt to the Sharks' structured game plan while also warning that the 28-year-old won't be allowed to use the Cronulla-based club as a "transit lounge".
Rothfield told D'Arcy and Goran that Johnson is set to sign a three-year deal "before the end of the day [Thursday)" after an earlier request for a short-term deal was knocked back by the club.
"He's heading to Cronulla, a great signing for the club. I know him and his agent were originally keen on only doing a one-year deal to see how he settles in but there's a feeling at Cronulla that the club is not going to be used as a transit lounge that would open the door for a club like the Sydney Roosters to grab him in 2020 [when they lose superstar Cooper Cronk]," Rothfield said.
"They're in talks now just to ink the deal and I think by the end of the day Shaun Johnson will have signed a three-year contract with the Sharks."
This, despite the fact that the club recently laid off ten employees due to financial constraints, Rothfield revealed.
The Warriors' decision to cut ties with Johnson after an eight-year relationship, didn't come as a surprise.
"It's a bit of a shame for the game. He is the most popular rugby league player in New Zealand beyond doubt with that enormous social media following. I think Shaun Johnson plays five or six 9/10 games every year but I don't think he turns up every week," said Rothfield.
"You saw that in the semifinal against Penrith at ANZ Stadium when the Warriors bombed out so poorly after a great year. He does need to find more consistency to become a truly great player."
Rothfield had heard rumours of discontent prior to Johnson's sudden departure from across the ditch.
"I don't know how he fitted in with the rest of the players. I'm not saying it was a split dressing room but what I can tell you is [that he was] always last to arrive and first to leave and he wasn't a great team player.
"I don't think he got on particularly well with Stephen Kearney because the attitude he had was probably more about him than the team. That's why there was the breakdown and why the CEO [Cameron George] didn't give him the departure comments that he deserved."
Johnson would be a smart buy and could succeed at the Sharks, Rothfield says - provided he can adapt to Sharks coach Shane Flanagan's game plan.
"From a marketing point of view, to get bums on seats, to sell jerseys I think it's a fantastic signing for the club. I think he [Johnson] could be a better player with a stronger, more experienced forward pack which he'll have at the Sharks next season. Shaun is just a brilliant individualist," Rothfield said.
"[Flanagan] is very much into structured rugby league. He likes to stick to the game plan but I don't think you can put the shackles on Johnson. He needs freedom. He needs a license to roam."\
Warriors CEO Cameron George joins D'Arcy and Goran to explain the decision to grant Shaun Johnson an immediate release from his million dollar contract for 2019.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors CEO Cameron George joins D'Arcy and Goran to explain the decision to grant Shaun Johnson an immediate release from his million dollar contract for 2019.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
The fairytale that turned into a nightmare.
Brendon Hartley's Formula 1 career came to an end this morning after it was announced Toro Rosso had replaced him on their team.
Analyst Mike Clark says that it has been a tumultuous year for the Kiwi, with the end of his career having been discussed for much of the last year.
Clark told D'Arcy and Goran that he hopes Hartley remembers the year for what it was rather than the downside of it.
"If he never drives a Formula 1 car again, I hope he can look back and look with pride at how he was there for an entire season."
Clark says Hartley should be pleased he got there on his own merits.
LISTEN TO MIKE CLARK TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The New Zealand Breakers' losing run has continued in the Australian Basketball league.
They've fallen to the Perth Wildcats 91-86, their fourth straight defeat of the season.
Forward Tai Wesley managed a team-high 16 points, while it was an off-night for guard Corey Webster who accounted for 10 points in 31 minutes of play.
Their next game is against the Sydney Kings in a fortnight.
Coach Kevin Braswell told D'Arcy and Goran that the Wildcats found a way to get the win, similar to the Breakers own 2011 season.
LISTEN TO KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Scott McLaughlin's taking time to reflect on how great of a year it's been for New Zealand in the Supercars.
The championship-winning Kiwi went toe-to-toe with compatriot Shane van Gisbergen for this year's title, with a second placed finish in Newcastle enough to see him win.
McLaughlin says people think they don't get on as a pair.
"Shane is an aggressive racer, but when we need to we can be aggressive as well and it's a great rivalry and it's great for New Zealand."
McLaughlin says he's feeling a bit worse for wear, and has shared he managed to fit over 40 chicken nuggets in the trophy.
He says it was amazing to get support from the country.
"Thank you to everyone from New Zealand. It's unreal to be supported like this."
LISTEN TO SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The consortium behind a bid to bring Formula E to Auckland believe it's a no brainer for Central and local government to back them.
E Prix races are currently staged in cities like New York, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Berlin, Mexico City and Santiago.
The proposal would see fully electric cars compete on a street race around the Auckland waterfront next November or December.
Bid CEO Craig Cotton says it would bring in at least $150 million to the economy and they need a fraction of that to make it happen.
"We ened about $14 million from central and local government to get this across the line annually. We've got the rest covered in terms of corporate engagement. It's about a 10-1 investment. The GST take alone covers that."
LISTEN TO CRAIG COTTON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix are viewing their recent break as timely in the context of their A-League season.
The seventh placed 'Nix had an extra week off following their loss to Melbourne City to reflect and prepare for this weekend's match against Adelaide United.
The Phoenix have one win to their name after four games.
They haven't scored a goal for three games.
Midfielder Alex Rufer told D'Arcy and Goran that it's down to the team to get the season back on track
LISTEN TO ALEX RUFER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO BUCK SHELFORD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Eleven starting changes and, yet, there is more continuity to the All Blacks in Rome than many may have expected as they attempt to rebuild self-confidence after a challenging two weeks.
The need to continually fix key parts of their attack and kicking game, and the close nature of next year's World Cup, has seen All Blacks coach Steve Hansen resist the urge to get overly experimental for the final test of the season.
Hansen said last week's loss to Ireland in Dublin did not influence selection, except that of Brodie Retallick reverting to the bench after signs of fatigue.
Captain Kieran Read is again joined by Ardie Savea in the loose forwards, with Dalton Papalii listed to come off the bench.
But the most topical selection is the retention of both Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
While many fringe players are set for a run, Italy appeared the ideal arena to hand Richie Mo'unga his third test start to continue his development.
Mo'unga will instead again come off the bench, with Barrett paired alongside Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara and second five-eighth Ngani Laumape, who teams up with Anton Lienert-Brown in a well-balanced midfield.
McKenzie at fullback has not been a roaring success on this tour.
In his first start at 15 this season he was solid against the Wallabies in Yokohama, and then had some telling touches at Twickenham. But with Ireland's Johnny Sexton peppering the air all night last week, McKenzie endured a difficult evening.
For now, the All Blacks are wedded to the belief they need two playmakers - one on either side of the park. They view Barrett and McKenzie best placed to perform these duties and will, therefore, give them every opportunity to improving decision-making under pressure.
"You've got to add Richie to that combination - they're the three guys that we see at the moment that would most likely go to the World Cup so getting those three combining at the beginning or during the course of the game is important," Hansen said. "We haven't got too many games left so the more we play them together the better it'll be."
The other intriguing element of this team is that of Jordie Barrett on the right wing – a nod, perhaps, to a role he may be asked to fill more next year after struggling to take his chances at fullback.
In the Israel Dagg mould, Jordie Barrett certainly has the size and aerial skills to succeeded at No 14. His long-range goal kicking is another asset.
Other talking points include Waisake Naholo's return from the wilderness after disappointing in his last starts against Japan and Argentina.
Vaea Fifita also gets first crack at delivering the required physical presence when replacing the injured Liam Squire at six.
Dane Coles, in just the second test start of his frustrating year blighted by injuries, headlines a new front row and locking combination which will be keen to make their mark after Ireland exerted rare dominance on the All Blacks scrum last week.
Nepo Laulala made a big impression off the bench in stabilising this area and now gets a chance to replicate those efforts from the outset.
While Italy won't be expected to cause a major boilover and should, in theory, offer a chance to regain attacking fluidity, Hansen outlined why finishing the year strongly is imperative after two humbling weeks in London and Dublin.
"It's important for the self-belief of the team. They're still hurting a lot from last week and it's important because there'll be a lot of people making a lot of noises externally and whilst everyone is strong enough not to get affected by that, if it goes on and on and on eventually somebody will and you don't need that either.
"Italy are a team that can hurt you if you don't get it right. They put Australia under a lot of pressure. Their last three or four games they've had an intercept try. They're trying to do things that are out of the ordinary so we'll have to turn up and make sure we dictate the...
New Zealand have delivered a cricketing miracle in Abu Dhabi.
The Black Caps have taken the final six Pakistan wickets for 24 runs to dismiss their opponents for 171 and win the opening test of the three-match series by four runs.
Left-arm orthodox spinner Ajaz Patel was man-of-the-match on debut, taking five for 59 in the second innings, including the final wicket of Azhar Ali lbw for 65.
Patel says they never gave up, even with the score 130 for four at lunch.
He's told Sky Sport it's a special feeling and the New Zealand way to believe anything's possible.
Neil Wagner and Ish Sodhi also took two wickets apiece.
LISTEN TO SHANE JURGENSEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Coach Steve Hansen admits the All Blacks have not adapted quickly to the new attacking structure being implemented this season.
The rugby World Cup holders squandered several attacking chances during their loss to Ireland in Dublin, and have now scored just one try in their last two matches.
Hansen says they have tried to change the way they've played this season.
"And we're stills tuck between the old way and the new way, and we haven't got it right yet. Did we think we were going to have it right by now? Probably not, but we've got a little bit of work to do over summer."
Former All Blacks coach John Hart has his own take on the team's latest loss.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that it wasn't a complete surprise.
Hart says they will be concerned by their lack of discipline.
"Nine penalties to two at half time - that's a lot of ball you're giving to the other team."
The All Blacks have arrived in Rome ahead of Sunday's test against Italy.
LISTEN TO JOHN HART TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABVE
Football Ferns defensive midfielder Katie Bowen joins D'Arcy and Goran as the team leaves for New Caledonia tomorrow, attempting to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup out of Oceania.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KATIE BOWEN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Listen above as Karl Budge joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the signing of Denis Shapovalov for the ASB Men's Classic next year.
ASB Classic organisers have confirmed they've secured one of the hottest signatures on the ATP tour, teen tennis prodigy Denis Shapovalov.
The 19-year old Canadian sensation is continuing to make an impression on the ATP tour, his explosive style of play propelling him up the rankings, seeing him reach a high of world number 23 in June, becoming the youngest player to be ranked in the Top 25 since Richard Gasquet in 2005.
It's this form that saw him named the 2017 ATP Star of Tomorrow, being the youngest player to finish in the Top 100 after a season which saw him beating world number 1 Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro to reach the semi-final of the Montreal Masters.
During his maiden year on the ATP tour, Shapovalov became the youngest quarter-finalist and semi-finalist ever an ATP Masters 1000 event, eclipsing the likes of Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.
Known as one of the most energetic and exciting players on the Tour, Shapovalov is excited to be returning to Auckland after enjoying his first visit to the ASB Classic earlier this year.
"It's is a great tournament and I'm looking forward to being back. The fans were incredible last year and it's so much fun - I can't wait to get back on to centre court."
"Auckland is awesome. I jumped off the Sky Tower when I was there last time. I'm not sure what I'll do on this visit but I'm sure I'll find something fun."
ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge is thrilled to have Shapovalov return to the ASB Classic for a second year in a row.
"We got a taste of what Shapovalov can deliver this year and we can't wait to see more. There is no question he is a star of the future, and he's delivering some big matches right now. He's so athletic and dynamic, just so exciting to watch on court."
"The ASB Classic has a reputation for showcasing the next generation of talent – Nadal, Federer, Wozniacki and Murray have all played here early in their careers. We gave Naomi Osaka a wild card in 2017, and Jelena Ostapenko made her name in Auckland before winning Roland Garros. We're certain that Shapovalov is going to be another name to add to this list" continued Budge.
And some big names in tennis agree with tennis legend Pete Sampras believing Shapovalov will become a top two player, whilst seven-time Grand Slam Champion Mats Wilander compared him to two of the games greats.
"He is a serious talent. To be 100 per cent honest, you cannot compare Shapovalov to any other youngster. He is a completely different level. It's like watching a combination of [Rafael] Nadal and [Roger] Federer at 18 years old. He has the fire of Nadal and the speed around the court of Nadal and he has the grace of Federer. It's unbelievable" said Wilander.
Listen above as White Ferns player Sophie Devine speaks to D'Arcy and Goran following their 33 run loss to Australia in the World T20.
The White Ferns are dreaming of a World Cup miracle, but they're about to be woken up.
A 33-run defeat to Australia in their second game of the Twenty20 Women's Cricket World Cup has dropped the White Ferns to 0-2, and left them requiring a series of outcomes ranging from "Plausible" to "Preposterous" to have any hope of qualifying for the semifinals.
What needs to happen for the Ferns to make the semifinals? Well, a lot:
• Ireland need to beat India on Friday morning
• Australia need to beat India on Sunday morning
• The Ferns need to beat both Pakistan and Ireland
• The Ferns need to end up with a higher net run rate than India
In reality though, you could stop hypothesising after the first proviso.
Remember Ireland? They were the team who the Ferns beat by 305, 306, and 347 runs in three ODIs earlier this year, and have been swatted by Australia (by nine wickets) and Pakistan (by 38 runs) so far in the World T20.
So, yeah, the White Ferns are out of the World Cup, and worse than that - set for their worst result in the history of the tournament.
Only once before have the Ferns not made the semifinals, and in that year – 2014 – they won three of four games, only to miss out on the semis due to net run rate.
This time, they'll go no better than 2-2, and they can't have any complaints, after Australia proved why they are the prohibitive favourites to win the whole shebang.
Batting first, Australia's target of 154 didn't seem overwhelming; in fact it appeared moderately hopeful for the White Ferns, after they had pegged their rivals back from a dominant position at 71-0 through eight overs.
The spin of Leigh Kasperek (3-25) did most of the damage, but while some elements of a moral victory had been accomplished, an actual victory was still going to prove difficult on the Guyana wicket against a classy Australian attack.
So it proved as the Ferns' hopes and dreams dissipated within three overs. Back to the pavilion went Anna Peterson, Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite, and at 13-3, their World Cup was realistically over.
Suzie Bates, as she has so many times before, gave the Ferns some hope, hitting 44 from 41 balls and putting on 62 for the fourth wicket with Katey Martin, but the required run rate was always rising, and once Martin fell, so did the rest of the Ferns.
From 75-3, the Ferns were bowled out for 120; what will be a limp end to a tournament which had the potential to springboard the White Ferns to greater relevancy in the New Zealand sporting landscape.
Admittedly, their chance of creating mass interest back home wasn't helped by a front-loaded schedule. Had their upcoming games – and likely victories - against Pakistan and Ireland appeared earlier in the schedule, the White Ferns could have slowly built up support and interest, culminating in plenty of intrigue for their decisive showdowns against India and Australia.
Instead, the reverse happened. With the Ferns 0-2 and likely eliminated from the tournament before their clash with Pakistan on Friday morning, the remaining two games are set to go by without fanfare – denying a rising group of players a superb chance to hit the spotlight.
Still, there's an easy solution to that – win games. The White Ferns haven't, and instead of hitting the spotlight, their Cup campaign faces a gloomy conclusion.
Football Ferns captain Ali Riley joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the face-to-face apology the squad received from NZ Football for the poor treatment under former coach Andreas Heraf.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ALI RILEY SPEAKS TO RADIO SPORT BREAKFAST
The Tall Blacks will be without two of their best players for the upcoming FIBA world cup qualifying games.
Europe based Isaac Fotu and Tai Webster won't be making the journey back to New Zealand, due to the arduousness of the travel.
However coach Paul Henare has been able to call upon the Tom Abercrombie and Alex Pledger after the pair missed the last international window in September.
The Tall Blacks play Jordan in Christchurch on November 29, before facing Syria in Wellington on December 2.
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Goals were always going to be a problem for the Wellington Phoenix this season, especially early in the campaign, and so it proved on Saturday night.
The Wanderers were good value for their 3-0 win — it perhaps could have been more — as the Phoenix had little of quality in the final third.
A second half penalty, unfortunately conceded by milestone man Andrew Durante, sealed the result for the visitors, after they had opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a neatly constructed move.
New coach Mark Rudan has built a stronger defensive base, but creating attacking combinations always takes much longer, and the Phoenix have a modest roster.
The Phoenix relied on building pressure through frustration in their previous two games, and then exploiting space as the game opened up. But the Wanderers' early goal, and assured display in possession made that difficult.
In trying conditions, the home side huffed and puffed, but the only fireworks on display were the early Guy Fawkes celebrations around the Wellington isthmus. The Phoenix couldn't string much together in possession, and only really looked dangerous from set pieces, especially inswinging corners in the blustery conditions. Spanish import Mandi still looks short of match fitness, and fellow midfielders Mitch Nichols and Alex Rufer struggled to impose themselves on the game.
It was always going to be a tough assignment; the Wanderers were unbeaten in their last seven games against Wellington (five wins and two draws) and have a roster stacked full of talent.
It was Durante's 250th game for the club, and a haka welcomed him and his family onto the pitch. Rudan rolled the dice for the match, with starts for Nichols and Max Burgess for the first time this season.
Conditions were awful. The rain, which started as a drizzle, got progressively heavier as the match progressed. It wasn't quite Germany versus Poland in 1974 — the famed 'Water Battle of Frankfurt' — but precise passing was difficult as the ball slowed on the waterlogged surface. Accompanying the rain was the notorious Wellington wind, a savage gale blowing straight up the park.
Somewhat surprisingly, the visitors adapted better.
Roly Bonevacia, who played 80 games across three seasons across for the Phoenix, initiated the opening goal against his former club. His slide rule pass sliced the Wellington defence wide open, and German import Alex Baumjohann finished the subsequent cross with aplomb in the 11th minute.
Baumjohann was a class above. The attacking midfielder has had spells at several Bundesliga clubs — including Schalke 04, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich — and it showed, with his touch and vision standing out.
The Sydney team dominated the rest of the half, with their neat passing in the trying conditions, though the Phoenix created half chances for Roy Krishna and Liberato Cacace.
Oriol Riera extended the Wanderers lead in the 55th minute from the spot, when a shot struck Durante's elbow as he blocked a shot. It was a 50-50 call, but probably fair enough.
Nathan Burns and Sarpreet Singh were summoned for the last half hour, with the Australian heading against a post in injury time, before Jordan O'Doherty profited from a last minute break away.
Western Sydney Wanderers 3 (A Baumjohann, O Riera pen, J O'Doherty)Wellington Phoenix 0Halftime: 1-0
A couple of Cantabrians are expected to add strength to the New Zealand cricket batting spine when the three-match one-day international series starts against Pakistan tonight in Abu Dhabi.
Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan expects Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls to make a difference in the middle, after a lack of experience in the 3-nil Twenty20 series defeat.
He says batsmen need to give themselves time to settle in against the slowness of the pitches and the turn, and they can do that better in ODIs than T20s.
Play is scheduled to start from midnight.
LISTEN TO CRICKET COMMENTATOR CRAIG CUMMING TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Supercars organisers are focused on keeping Pukekohe successful, rather than a second round in New Zealand.
110-thousand people showed up to watch the Supercars race around Pukekohe at the weekend, prompting calls for a second New Zealand event to be added to the calendar.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer told D'Arcy and Goran another NZ round is not a priority, but is being considered.
"We're going through a process of looking at 2020. Our priority for now is making sure we do a better job next year at Pukekohe."
LISTEN TO SEAN SEAMER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps are looking ahead to their ODI series against Pakistan.
The cricket team lost their Twenty20 series against the international side, making a grim start for their 2018 series.
However, the team is now in the United Arab Emirates and gearing up for the next part of their tour.
Bowler Matt Henry says that the head space amongst the team is quite good.
"As a whole, it's always tough coming out here and playing them in their own conditions, and that's a good challenge for us moving forward."
LISTEN TO MATT HENRY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Australian Baseball League is a week away from getting underway, with a Kiwi team to join the mix,
The Auckland Tuatara are preparing for their first matches as part of the league.
Hitting and third base coach Darren Bragg is one of the key parts of the coaching season.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that they are putting together a team.
The Tuatara will play some pre-season games in Brisbane ahead of the league officially starting.
LISTEN TO DARREN BRAGG TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A successful weekend for the contending Kiwis was an entree for what's to come in the final round of the Supercars championship.
Shane Van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin won both races at the Auckland Supersprint in Pukekohe over the weekend, and are separated by a mere 14 points at the top of the championship table.
Unlike Van Gisbergen, McLaughlin was contending for the title a season ago but finished second to seven time champion Jamie Whincup.
McLaughlin says he's more prepared this time around.
He credits his team in getting the win.
LISTEN TO SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO TONY IRO TALK ABOUT THE MATCH WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
With one test remaining and England series already lost, the Kiwis must now prove they are no false dawn.
Increasingly, that's exactly how this looks; their one-off result over the Kangaroos creating a misleading impression of where this team is really at.
Michael Maguire's youthful squad is attempting to carve a new era for New Zealand rugby league following last year's World Cup horror show.
To this point they've won back some respect and, by all accounts, everyone has bought into Maguire's new vision by adopting professional attitudes.
That's all well and good, but results and actions speak loudest.
For the public, nothing else really matters.
Winning in England has never been easy but after stunning the Kangaroos, prior this tour, the Kiwis arrived with confidence; sights firmly set on becoming the first team since 1998 to capture a three test series here.
With a touch more composure, discipline and ball control, they could, should, be celebrating that stated goal.
It is that simple.
Instead, Maguire held his senior leaders - Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jesse Bromwich, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - in the sheds hours after the final whistle at Anfield, outlining how the next week will define this group.
"I hate losing, personally, and I know these boys hate losing," impressive young captain Watene-Zelezniak said once he finally emerged. "Just the way we've lost the last two weeks has been frustrating because we know we can play better.
"It's back on us again. Obviously, we've lost the series but we've got another game next week to try leave with at least one win. We can either make it a good or bad trip home.
"It's been a good challenge for myself but I've loved every moment besides the losses. It's been a really good learning curve for me as captain. You've got to lead through your actions not just talking."
England are a good team but not a great one. There's nothing flash about the way they go about business under Wayne Bennett. They complete sets, defend, and hang around to make you earn points.
Several times these past two weeks the Kiwis have opened them up like scorching sun through snow, only to turnaround and twice clock off to concede tries on half time, and then make seven second half errors in Liverpool.
It's this immaturity they need to shake. And fast.
Maguire has been at pains to push aside their inexperience, never using it as an excuse.
Yet this lingers in their inability to close out matches and perform under duress.
Small margins – two and six points – decided these encounters and in all likelihood will again the final dead rubber in Leeds.
The Kiwis have promising, proven, even, in regards to the NRL, talent across the park.
But until they take the next step on the international stage, stand up and prove they can stop making the same costly mistakes, they will continue to be viewed as an inconsistent, underperforming outfit.
From chasing a series win to attempting to avoid a whitewash, it sure has been a comedown.
"The boys have had to learn some pretty harsh lessons about what test football is all about," Maguire said.
"It hurts to see a playing group like I have at the moment that's putting a lot of work in to continually be better not get a reward tonight.
"It's tough to take when we're in the position we're in but it will define us as a group as well. It's all about the journey of this group and what can we do together. It's about how we turn that around."
LISTEN TO NIGEL YALDEN TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMINGS ABOVE
Starting centre Matt Proctor and flanker Dalton Papalii will make their All Black test debuts against Japan in Tokyo, with six of the eight reserves also in line to win their first caps.
They will inevitably be tagged as All Black second-stringers, but not all of the match-day 23 fall into that category and it will be a memorable occasion for all the newcomers, who include prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forwards Dillon Hunt and Gareth Evans, and backs Mitchell Drummond, Brett Cameron and George Bridge, all of whom have been named on the bench, but also starting hooker Dane Coles, who will make a welcome return from injury.
It will be Coles' first test since November last year and, after limited minutes over two games for Wellington recently, he will wear the No 2 jersey with the hope of lasting up to 50 minutes before giving way to Liam Coltman. Coles' return after his nightmare 18 months of concussion problems and a knee injury will be welcomed by the All Blacks coaches and also Codie Taylor, the incumbent who has borne the brunt of the workload in his absence.
No 8 Luke Whitelock has been named skipper.
There are returns too for outside backs Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo, with Richie Mo'unga directing operations in the No 10 jersey, a clear sign that Damian McKenzie will start at fullback against England at Twickenham a week later.
The top-line All Blacks have already left for London in preparation for that highly-anticipated test but Mo'unga is a good chance to be named on the bench to play back-up to Beauden Barrett.
Auckland loose forward Papalii wasn't available for his triumphant team's Mitre 10 Cup semifinal or final and will hope to make the most of his opportunity against the Cherry Blossoms who are coached by former All Black blindside flanker Jamie Joseph.
Papalii, tall for a New Zealand No 7 at 1.93m, has been a standout this season with his powerful defending and ball-carrying and the All Blacks coaches will expect more of the same from him and the rest of the team which has a mobile look about it.
They will seek to play a high-impact but also high-tempo game, with Jackson Hemopo drafted into the second row alongside Patrick Tuipulotu due to the injury suffered by lock Luke Romano in last weekend's Mitre 10 Cup premiership final at Eden Park.
There is no lock cover on the bench, with Hunt and Evans likely to up the tempo in the second half if and when they get the opportunity. There is potential for blindside flanker Vaea Fifita to move to lock if necessary.
There should be as much interest in the performances of those more senior players who have slipped slightly in terms of their positions in Steve Hansen's top line-up, and they include right wing Milner-Skudder and left wing Naholo.
With Hansen showing a preference for McKenzie at fullback and Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane on the wings in big tests, the pair have a bit of ground to make up. Milner-Skudder has played only one test this year – against Argentina in Nelson – after his return from a shoulder problem, while Naholo has been injury free and hasn't done too much wrong.
Proctor will form a potentially high-impact unit in the midfield with fellow Hurricane Ngani Laumape. For Jordie Barrett, another Hurricane, the test is his first opportunity to put his high-profile quick throw-in mistake against the Boks in Wellington behind him.
Apart from the injured Romano, the other unlucky All Blacks are hooker Asafo Aumua, prop Reuben O'Neill, halfback Bryn Hall and fullback David Havili, a quartet who made the trip to Japan and trained but will not play.
All Blacks team to play Japan at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, kick-off 6.45pm is:
(New caps in bold)
Jordie Barrett 14. Nehe Milner-Skudder 13. Matt Proctor 12. Ngani Laumape 11. Waisake Naholo 10. Richie Mo'unga 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 8. Luke Whitelock © 7. Dalton Papalii 6. Vaea Fifita 5. Jackson Hemopo 4. Patrick Tuipul...
As far as introductions to international cricket go, spare a thought for new Black Caps coach Gary Stead.
Hired as Mike Hesson's successor in August, Stead gets his first chance to showcase his imprint on the national side as they return from a seven-month hiatus tomorrow morning with a Twenty20 against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
While Pakistan may not have the name recognition or fear factor possessed by the likes of India or South Africa, it's impossible to find a more dominant stretch than that produced by Mickey Arthur's men in the shortest format over the past two years.
General consensus would insist that Twenty20 is easily cricket's most unpredictable format, but Pakistan are coming close to completely quashing that theory. In their last 30 T20 outings, Pakistan have remarkably only suffered four losses; in the process reeling off 10 consecutive series victories.
It's no surprise they are ranked the world's best T20 side - having taken over from the Black Caps in January - and just last week swatted aside Australia in a crushing 3-0 series sweep.
At the heart of their success has been the ability to deftly use the conditions of their makeshift home base. The UAE pitches favour slow bowlers, with scores in the 150s usually a competitive total.
Australia found that out the hard way. Set 156, 148 and 151 to win, they could muster only 89, 136-8 and 117, as Pakistan's wily bowlers tied them down.
In Imad Wasim and 20-year-old legspinner Shadab Khan, Pakistan have two of the world's best T20 bowlers, and lest you think they don't have batting firepower, Babar Azam has risen to the top of the T20 batting world rankings, averaging an absurd 56.6 at a strike rate of 126.
All up, it presents a serious challenge for a Black Caps side relying on some inexperienced faces.
Martin Guptill, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner are all missing, leaving opportunities for the likes of young trio Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Tim Seifert to step up.
A lot will also depend on whether Colin Munro can deliver at the top of the order, and the destructive hitter is aware of the daunting task lying in wait tomorrow morning.
"It's a big challenge - especially in these conditions and with a few guys coming straight out of winter and not having played a lot of cricket," said Munro.
"They're usually lower wickets here and a little bit slower - we saw in the Aussie series that it's a little bit lower than back home.
"But even in these conditions, if we play to our potential, we can beat anyone on the day."
Considering Pakistan's recent dominance, there's little doubt that to win the series, the Black Caps will have to fully deliver on that potential.
LISTEN TOM DOYLE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
It's not quite unchartered territory, but reasons for cautious optimism are emerging at the Wellington Phoenix.
A 0-0 draw away from home against the Brisbane Roar is hardly a result to get the pulse racing, but considering the efforts of previous Phoenix iterations, perhaps it can be viewed as a step in the right direction.
Not since the 2012-2013 season have the Phoenix accumulated four points through their first two games – a scenario new coach Mark Rudan would surely have accepted if offered in pre-season.
For a team who only banked 21 points last season, it's a reasonably significant starting marker, and after only managing five points away from home in that campaign, an early away point can't hurt the confidence amongst the squad.
Now, for the large dose of reality. Neither of the Phoenix's two opponents to date – the Newcastle Jets and the Roar – are tipped to make the playoffs, and the depth and top-tier talent within the Phoenix's squad still looks to be some way below the standard of the competition frontrunners.
The bulk of the skepticism surrounding the Phoenix's playoff prospects comes at the attacking end, and while there were some promising moments, they ultimately couldn't find a winning goal.
Unfortunately for the Phoenix, their one clearcut chance fell to the wrong man. A ball across goal from Tom Doyle was palmed away by Roar keeper Jamie Young, but straight to the feet of defender Steven Taylor, nestled perfectly at the back post.
Somehow, with the goal at his mercy, he put the ball onto the post – and that was the closest the Phoenix would get.
It wasn't necessarily for lack of creative inspiration – their first 20 minutes were highly promising, and Roy Krishna ran down the channels all night, but despite the visitors managing to get 12 shots away, Young was rarely troubled.
The same could be said for Phoenix custodian Filip Kurto, though. A 90th minute save from a rasping Alex Lopez strike was the first time he was truly stretched, and although the Roar had moments of potency, the Phoenix's defence largely held steady, to record their first clean sheet since December.
It's those type of statistics that put the result in perspective for the Phoenix. For many teams, a scratchy point away from home wouldn't be something to praise, but considering the Phoenix's recent plight, clasping to cautious optimism is at least better than having none at all.
Michael Vink is the latest rider to don the yellow jersey on cycling's Tour of Southland.
The Christchurch rider has won the138 kilometre third stage from Mossburn to Coronet Peak.
The stage win has seen Vink nab the overall tour lead off form leader Matt Zenovich.
Vink says it feels like the result's been a long time coming.
"I've been close on the stage before, but to get the win today after all the hard work that's been put in, it's really special."
LISTEN TO MICHAEL VINK TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Local rider Matt Zenovich has won the opening stage of cycling's Tour of Southland.
He's beaten home Australian Oliver Martin on the 170 kilometre stage from Invercargill to Lumsden to take the leader's yellow jersey.
The stage is the longest of the tour, but Zenovich says he couldn't help but give it a good crack.
"Our plan today was really to relax because it is the longest day, but but me being me, I went for a breakway 50k in and that's sort of how it finished."
LISTEN TO MATT ZENOVICH TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
LISTEN TO RICHIE BARNETT TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
One by one the Kiwis slunk through Hull's KCOM Stadium tunnels and onto the team bus, knowing a long, frustrating trip of contemplation awaited to Liverpool.
Each player is different. Some hobbled. Some kept headphones on. Some munched wedges. Others bemoaned media duties.
Nearly all heads bowed, though. Those who didn't wore solemn expressions.
To a man they knew they blew this match, making it that much more difficult to take.
Michael Maguire had just let rip, leaving his men with no illusions about what went wrong in the 18-16 loss which puts the Kiwis in an immediate hole in this three match series.
Straight after the game, Maguire went stick over carrot to begin the process of evoking the necessary reaction.
"Madge let us know about it," forlorn Kiwis prop Jesse Bromwich, who complied an impressive 158 metres through the middle, said. "We wanted to stick to our systems but we went away from that for about 10-15 minutes, and it cost us. We just weren't ruthless for 80 minutes.
"He was fairly stern which was warranted. We weren't there. We had the game right there by the scruff of the neck but let it go. The feeling in camp is they stole it off us. We thought we came here with a great attitude and put in a lot of effort.
"They scored a couple of lucky tries if you ask me but you've got to defend those; good teams do that."
Maguire's tenure, to date, reads this way:
One development test in Denver.
One inspiring victory over the Kangaroos.
One deflating defeat to England.
One more chance to get it right at Liverpool FC's Anfield arena.
"It's a lesson. All good teams go through this," Bromwich said. "The challenge is how you bounce back. If we lose that the series is over and we don't want that. We came here to win the series and that's still on."
Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak offered similar sentiments.
"There's two more games left," he said. "We can take confidence out of this game knowing if we get things right we can win. We keep saying we're young and inexperienced but we can't use that as an excuse. We're all professional athletes, we all play in the NRL, so we've just got to get better and turn up next week."
There were, of course, bright patches for the Kiwis; platforms they can build from. They constructed two quality first half tries but, then, didn't create enough chances to do likewise in the second spell and ultimately folded on defence.
This week's focus will centre on being much more clinical. As Bromwich mentioned, the biggest failing in Hull was straying from the plan of completion.
Too often, Shaun Johnson and others opted to run the ball on the last, allowing England an easy out.
The likely return of Adam Blair, who missed this match with a knee complaint, will also add vital experience to the pack.
But if the opening match taught the Kiwis anything, it's why two decades have past since New Zealand last won a three test series in England.
Passionate, vocal locals; dodgy refereeing, challenging conditions and dogged opposition make this a brutally tough tour. A true test of character, too.
There is no room for error. No time to clock off. And, now, England have confidence.
Two points decided this first test, and the next two could well be similar margins.
"It was important for both teams to play like we did today to show it is a full on test series," England coach Wayne Bennett said. "It's the best of three games and next week I have no doubts it will be tougher than it was today because New Zealand will desperately want to win.
"They will realise the importance of that, and we don't want to go into the third game with a 1-1 scoreboard."
From here, the Kiwis have it all to do.
LISTEN TO AUSTRALIAN CORRESPONDENT PETER LUSTED TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE'
Disturbing, systematic arrogance has been revealed as rife throughout Cricket Australia in key findings from independent cultural reviews following the ball tampering scandal in South Africa.
The reviews paint a damning picture of the Cricket Australia culture and the impact it had on the way the Australian cricket team conducted itself on the field.
Australian cricket captain Tim Paine opened a Cricket Australia press conference on Monday by announcing a new-formed players' pact, a document that was created as a product of the player-led review chaired by former Test opener Rick McCosker.
The final details of the pact were drawn up last month after an informal meeting of the nation's most influential cricketers, male and female, and stresses the importance of fair play on and off the field.
Paine said "not a hell of a lot" has to change about how his team has conducted itself in recent tours.
Paine's media conference came at the same time as Cricket Australia's independent review into the wider culture of Australian cricket's governing body was released.
The review, conducted by Simon Longstaff, found the Cricket Australia culture is "arrogant", "bullying" and "dictatorial" in a 145-page document released on Monday.
Longstaff concluded there is a direct link between the actions of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft during the Sandpaper cheating episode in Cape Town and the competitive, bullish culture created at executive level in Cricket Australia.
Smith and Warner are the central characters of the review — and their behaviour is seen as symptomatic of the troubled culture of professional cricket in Australia.
The review found the promotions and accolades given to Warner and Smith, despite their record number of ICC Code of Conduct strikes, reinforced a win-at-all-cost culture with no second thought to player behaviour.
"Over recent years, David Warner and Steve Smith have attracted the highest number of Code of Conduct breaches for international matches," the review said.
"However, in the last two years, both men have been honoured — suggesting that poor behaviour is not considered to be linked to the concept of poor performance.
The review also accuses Australia of failing to take accountability for its own failings that contributed to the ball tampering scandal.
"The severe punishments handed out to Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and David Warner in the wake of Newlands is cited as an example of this — where CA is seen to have failed to accept its share of the blame for what transpired," the review found.
The report highlights concerns about the "commericalisation of cricket", a win-at-all costs mentality, "multiple instances of disrespect running through CA", the "normalisation of verbal abuse in Australian men's cricket" and that the "incidence of verbal abuse extends beyond player behaviour".
The executive summary notes that "CA is perceived to say one thing and do another".
"The most common description of CA is as "arrogant" and "controlling". The core complaint is that the organisation does not respect anyone other than its own. Players feel that they are treated as commodities.
"The ball-tampering incident ... can be seen as an aberration. It can be dismissed as the failure of a handful of players.
"However, to think this would be mistaken. We have spoken with players who are reluctant to challenge the errant behaviour of their teammates - just in case it puts them off their game and leads to a loss."
Every measure suggested by The Ethics Centre has either been accepted by CA's board or is under consideration, with the exception of a request that Test and ODI players are excused from playing Twenty20 Internationals to ensure they are available for at least two Sheffield Shield games and one grade game per summer.
LISTEN TO JAMES PARSONS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Far from naming a predictable team for the third Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Yokohama on Saturday, the All Blacks selectors have thrown a few surprises into the mix, the biggest one the naming of Damian McKenzie at fullback.
It will be a welcome return to the game for the little 23-year-old, who hasn't played since coming off the reserves bench to fullback for the final, frantic, minutes of the defeat to the Springboks in Wellington six weeks ago.
He was included in the extended squad to play Argentina in Buenos Aires but flew back to New Zealand following a family bereavement, and while he travelled to South Africa for the return test against the Boks it was decided that due to the travel he had undertaken it wouldn't be appropriate to play him.
The best way to use McKenzie's pace and counterattacking talents has clearly evolved in the minds of the selectors in relation to the development of first-five Richie Mo'unga. Until Mo'unga's rise at the Crusaders and, latterly the All Blacks, McKenzie was seen as a No10 who could play at fullback (a bit like Beauden Barrett, in fact).
McKenzie played a whole season at the Chiefs in the No10 jersey following the departure of Aaron Cruden and that was where he seemed set, but such has been Mo'unga's impact – and he has again been named as Barrett's back-up in Yokohama – that clearly the selectors have modified their thinking.
It will now be up to the Chiefs player to work his way into a big test from the first whistle rather than exploit tiring defences off the bench in the second half. Should he do so then he will quickly become a genuine option for the No15 jersey because it's clear that Jordie Barrett, still only 21, has a bit of developing to do yet in terms of his test career.
The major casualty here is probably right wing Waisake Naholo – not included in the squad after a couple of quiet tests against the Springboks in Pretoria and Argentina in Buenos Aires.
Ben Smith will wear the No14 jersey, with Rieko Ioane predictably named on the left wing, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield, and Barrett at first-five.
There is another minor surprise at halfback, with TJ Perenara to wear the No9 jersey and Aaron Smith playing back-up on the reserves bench; another recognition, probably, of the former's better form.
Hooker Dane Coles will have to wait another week at least for his test return; clearly the selectors have decided it's too early for him at this level after limited minutes on his return to Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup over the past fortnight following a horror injury run which extends back to November last year.
There is, however, a return for lock Brodie Retallick, named on the bench as cover for Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett. Prop Nepo Laulala, back from a broken arm which has ruled him out of test rugby since November last year, has also been named on the bench.
Ardie Savea has been named at openside flanker in Sam Cane's injury-forced absence, with Matt Todd, currently playing club rugby in Japan for Panasonic but given a dispensation by the New Zealand Rugby board, named as his back-up.
LISTEN TO GENERAL MANAGER RYAN FLYNN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Zealand's newest professional sports team has found its long-term home.
The Auckland Tuatara have inked a nine-year deal with Auckland Stadiums to call North Harbour's QBE Stadium home for their Australian Baseball League campaigns.
The deal commences in November 2019, in time for the Tuatara's second season, and runs through to the end of February 2028.
To facilitate the needs of the baseball franchise, Auckland Stadiums announced it will reconfigure the open west stand to accommodate a full-sized baseball diamond, with a baseball overlay being installed prior to each summer season. The Tuatara will bring 15 games to the stadium each season, including a number of Saturday double-headers. The alterations will cost $2million, which is being paid for by Regional Facilities Auckland.
Baseball New Zealand chief executive and Tuatara general manager Ryan Flynn said the agreement was the most significant milestone in the history of the sport in New Zealand.
"Could there be a bigger moment for the sport, for the Tuatara and Baseball New Zealand, to have a hub in the country that it's never had; to have a facility that arguably will be the number one facility overall in this part of the world when it's all said and done?
"We need that edge and those advantages from a development and commercial side because we've had so little in terms of infrastructure compare to the Australians and in Asia."
This summer, the side will play their inaugural season in the ABL based out of McLeod Park in Te Atatu, with three home series' in a row scheduled from November 23 through to December 9.
Baseball New Zealand and the Auckland Tuatara already have their administration base at QBE Stadium and were expected to be cornerstone users of the QBE Stadium High Performance Centre, due to open within the next 18 months.
Flynn said discussions had been underway between Baseball New Zealand and Regional Facilities Auckland about basing the sport at QBE Stadium, which ramped up recently as the idea of the New Zealand-based ABL franchise becoming a realistic goal.
A lot of negotiating went on over the length of the deal, Flynn said, but he was happy with what the parties had achieved.
"They've had to look at it in terms of filling the stadium for taxpayers and dollars and cents so there was a lot of back and forth on numbers - what made sense for them and what we could afford as still a relatively smaller organisation compared to Rugby New Zealand or New Zealand Cricket.
"We had to be smart and wise financially on our side as well. Baseball New Zealand is a big stakeholder in the Tuatara and the NSO's board directors are on the hook for everything we do, so they had to be wise in how we handled the negotiations over the past year or two."
Acting director at Auckland Stadiums James Parkinson said the partnership with the Tuatara was a great example of "leveraging the significant assets at QBE Stadium to allow us to meet the sporting demands of a growing and diversifying Auckland population, and continuing our support of sport in New Zealand in general."
"Attending an Auckland Tuatara event will be unlike any other sporting event in New Zealand with the franchise set to bring the best of America's minor league game day experience to QBE Stadium.
"We believe this will bring a new demographic to QBE Stadium, with baseball becoming an increasingly popular sport in NZ, both in terms of television viewership and grass roots participation."
Tickets and memberships for the Tuatara's inaugural season are on sale now.
LISTEN TO GREGOR PAUL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The selection poser for the All Blacks this week in Japan will be trying to work out how much game time their newly returned contingent of formerly wounded warriors will be able to handle.
The All Blacks have welcomed back Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick, Liam Squire and Joe Moody and when all are game fit and seasoned, they would be definite starters.
And that's the question the selectors have been trying to answer in the last couple of days – how ready are these four and the newly returned Nepo Laulala to take on the Wallabies?
The answer in the case of Retallick and Squire is easy enough. The former hasn't had a huge amount of rugby in the last four months having been out for six weeks with a broken bone in his chest and then another with six with a damaged shoulder.
But he's proven he's in possession of a huge engine and the coaches will be prepared to back him to start and hope to get a solid 60 minutes to 65 minutes out of him alongside Sam Whitelock.
Squire has missed only the last two tests and should be restored to the number six jersey, with the in-form Ardie Savea surely winning a rare start at No 7 after two impressive performances against Argentina and South Africa.
Moody, who missed nearly all of the Rugby Championship with a broken thumb, will most likely also start at loose-head with the plan to run him for a half to 45 minutes before bringing on Karl Tu'inukuafe.
Coles is a trickier question to answer. He only returned to action two weeks ago after last playing against France in November 2017.
He's made two appearances for Wellington in the last 12 months. The coaches are eager to get him into action and that probably means they will start with him in Yokohama.
The danger of putting him on the bench is that if there is an injury in the first minute, then they would be asking him to go for 79.
That's too much of a risk and like Moody, they will probably see if they can get 45 minutes out of Coles or maybe more before they inject Codie Taylor.
"They have only been with us a couple of days but they have had quite a few minutes in the last couple of weeks with Wellington and Counties respectively and they came through that well," All Blacks coach Ian Foster said in specific respect to Coles and Laulala.
"That is the ultimate test isn't it – whether they can come through a game and come out the other side with that particular injury they have been rehabbing and not feel any effects. They are travelling well."
Foster also went on to be clear that the All Blacks intent is to start their tour with a convincing performance – and from that it is a fair assumption that they will throw most or all of their heavy artillery at the Wallabies in Yokohama.
There's a further clue that we can expect a full force All Blacks selection which is that 22 players are heading to London mid-way through next week to get a jump on preparing for England.
Probably the All Blacks will be looking for selection consistency in the tests against Australia, England and Ireland – with the odd tweak to cater for form, fatigue and strategy – with significant changes coming in the Japan and Italy tests.
The most important thing, though, is to start the tour well said Foster. "A lot of it is really about our mindset it is an All Black-Australian test isn't it and if you focus on the trophy well the trophy is already in the cabinet.
"But if we focus on this being a typical test against Australia and we all saw how much it meant to them in Brisbane last year and they obviously played really well and we didn't play as well as we wanted to.
"The beauty of this one is that it is test one of a tour and it is really important for us that we start well because we have got some more games coming up and you really don't want to be having to try to rebound from a poor performance in game one."
One former Black Cap says that he didn't see the story coming about alleged match fixing allegations.
New Zealand Cricket is demanding answers from Al Jazeera over a documentary that claims that 15 cricket matches were influenced by spot-fixing.
One such game includes the Black Caps 2011 win in Hobart.
Kyle Mills, who was part of the side at the time, told D'Arcy and Goran that the headlines don't look good for the game.
However, he says that the claims remain unsubstantiated.
Mills says that providing proof of a money trail will stop any investigation in its tracks.
LISTEN TO KYLE MILLS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Silver Ferns did better than they had recently during the Constellation Cup, but still not good enough.
Coach Noeline Taurua joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about how the side fared during the recent tournament.
They won their first match against Australia in several months, but lost the other three to lose the tournament.
Taurua says that certain players need to improve their fitness, as they were lacking during the tournament.
LISTEN TO NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO ASSISTANT COACH CHRIS GREENACRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix are on the march.
It's been long time since anyone could say that, but a 2-1 win over Newcastle is a promising start to this campaign.
It's just the second time the Phoenix have won their opening game in 12 attempts, and was the perfect start to coach Mark Rudan's reign.
The Australian has been reluctant to make any big predictions ahead of this campaign, but he has regularly promised "100 per cent commitment" from his team.
That was what they delivered, and the intensity of effort, a generous slice of luck, plus the conditioning and organisation honed in pre-season, achieved this outcome.
Unfortunately this victory will be overshadowed by more VAR controversy, as technology driven decisions ruled out a Phoenix goal, then gifted the Wellington side a penalty.
Both were highly debatable, at best.
The Phoenix's intentions were clear from the start. Mark Rudan set up a five man defence, though wing backs Liberato Cacace and Louis Fenton had licence to get forward in possession. In front of them sat Alex Rufer and Spanish import Mandi Sosa, an extra shield in front of the central defenders.
It meant the Phoenix struggled to get a flow in possession, especially in the first half, as the hopeful ball forward was often the only option.
It wasn't always pretty to watch, but given what the Phoenix have been through in recent seasons, that probably doesn't really matter.
All the fan base want, as a starting point, is a team that will work hard for each other, and not fall apart at the slightest hint of pressure. That's what they got.
The first Phoenix goal in the 33rd minute was against the run of play, but also a reward for their effort. The ball skimmed off Jets' defender Daniel Georgievski's head and past Glen Moss, after Steven Taylor had directed a Sarpreet Singh free kick back across goal. Before that the best chances had fallen to the visitors, with Jets forward Jair wasting one and Matt Ridenton missing a good opportunity on his return to the capital.
Roy Krishna went close off a Fenton cross in the second half, as the Phoenix started to get more possession in the final third, while the Jets pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The Phoenix were unlucky not to extend their lead just after the hour mark, after Singh bundled the ball into the net from a close range rebound after a misdirected David Williams shot. It was initially ruled a goal, but after VAR intervention the referee judged the ball had touched Singh's arm, as well as his torso. It was a marginal, though probably forensically correct call. It hurt though, especially as Williams should have done better with his original effort, but directed his shot well wide of the target.
Phoenix goalkeeper Filip Kurto tipped a Nigel Boogaard header spectacularly onto the crossbar to keep their lead intact, before a foul on substitute Mitch Nichols allowed the referee to find a penalty, via VAR. It was dispatched by Krishna at the second attempt, before a consolation strike from Dimitri Petratos seconds before the final whistle.
Wellington Phoenix 2 (Daniel Georgievski own goal, Roy Krishna) Newcastle Jets 1 (Dimitri Petratos) Halftime: 1-0
Remaining as head coach of the Tall Blacks was a priority for Paul Henare when job offers flowed in.
Henare will join Dean Vickerman's Melbourne United as an assistant coach, returning to the Australian basketball league after leaving the Breakers.
He says it was vital he could do both.
"This is a really good opportunity to be in a high performance environment for five months, and it will be really beneficial not just for me personally as a coach, but for the Tall Blacks as well."
He says he doesn't view it as a step down.
"For me, I'm just fulfilling a role and really respecting as a person and a coach, and I just see I have a responsibility to help them and help the team succeed."
Henare flies out to Melbourne tonight.
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
With two games under their belts this season, how are the Breakers viewing their prospects?
Tom Abercrombie and Tai Webster joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about their upcoming match against the Sydney Kings and how they feel about their 1-1 score.
LISTEN AS TOM ABERCROMBIE AND TAI WEBSTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
They might not have the same depth as Australia, but Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua is content her top side can compete with the Diamonds.
Taurua's confirmed she will roll out the same starting seven for the third test in a row in tomorrow night's Constellation Cup finale in Wellington.
She says there's an air of confidence in the squad after the 11 goal win in Hamilton on Sunday.
Taurua says it's time to buckle down and they are on a wave and it's time to ride the wave through with out making chances or being forced to make those changes.
Assistant coach Reinga Bloxham told D'Arcy and Goran it's a momentum of speed trying to bring the team together.
She says that Taurua bringing in the regional coaches has helped bring the team together.
The Silver Ferns need to win by at least 14 goals to secure the Constellation Cup on aggregate.
LISTEN TO REINGA BLOXHAM TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Wellington Phoenix have completed their roster for the upcoming A-League football season.
28 year old Australian Reuben Way joins the club from Victorian Premier League side Heidelberg and young Kiwi Callan Elliott fills the final spot on the roster.
Coach Mark Rudan says Way has been in a successful club environment for a number of years.
Scottish-born Kiwi age-group international Elliot is a protege of former Phoenix great Paul Ifill. He fills the club's third and final youth spot and is thrilled.
The Phoenix kick off their season against the Newcastle Jets in Wellington on Sunday.
Five players part of the All Blacks end of year tour squad will be released to play for the Maori.
Bryn Hall, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Tyrell Lomax and Jackson Hemopo, who have been named for the test against Japan, will all link up with the Maori All Blacks for matches against Chile and Brazil.
But it means they'll miss the first test of the Maori tour, against the USA in Chicago.
Coach Clayton McMillan says that presents some challenges.
He says with them out, they'll look to add some other players in who press their chances in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Meanwhile Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore's called in the uncapped trio of Ayesha Leti-I'iga [leti-la-inga], Kilisitina [ki-lis-ah-teen-ah] Moata'ane and Natahlia Moors from outside of the wider group for their end of year tour.
The Black Ferns will play the USA and two tests against France next month.
LISTEN TO BRYN HALL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO KARL BUDGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The ASB Classic defending champions are returning to Auckland.
2018 Women's champion and current world number nine Julia Goerges and Men's champion Roberto Bautista Agut will be returning to defend their titles next year.
Goerges carried on her sublime form after her win in Auckland, beating two top 20 players (Daria Kasatkina & Anastasija Sevastova) as well as US Open Champion Naomi Osaka, on route to the final of the Charleston Open in April.
The German powerhouse also added another three quarter-final (Moscow, Birmingham, Doha) and two semi-final appearances (New Haven, St Petersburg) to round out her career best year.
Her standout performance came on the grass courts of Wimbledon, where she reached her first Grand Slam semi-final, fighting through a number of three set matches before falling to 7-time Wimbledon Champion Serena Williams.
Goerges is looking forward to be returning to the City of Sails to kick off her 2019 season.
"I love playing in Auckland. It is one of my favourite tournaments and the best peroration for the Australian Open. I have had some great results there and I am very happy to be back as ASB Classic defending champion" said Goerges.
Like Goerges, Roberto Bautista Agut continued his winning form throughout 2018, capturing his biggest title of his career in Dubai, an ATP World Tour 500 event. The gutsy Spaniard made it to the final of Gstaad, another two semi-finals (St Petersburg & Halle) and two more quarter-finals (Munich & Barcelona) to round out his best results for the year.
ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge says, clearly these two champions play some of their best tennis in Auckland and that's why they're crowd favourites.
"Everyone will remember Roberto's epic semi-final battle against Robin Haase, and then to back that up the next day in the final against Juan Martin del Potro, it was extraordinary! In the women's final, both Julia and Caroline were fighting for their maiden ASB Classic title with Julia coming out on top. It's just so great to have both of our champs back to defend their titles."
The ever-consistent Bautista Agut has been as high as 13 on the ATP world rankings, he's won eight ATP titles in his career, two of which came in Auckland (2016 & 2018) and is looking to finish off the year strongly with a solid showing in Shanghai. The clay court specialist is currently ranked 25 in the world.
After 13 years on the WTA tour, Goerges has won five singles titles and another five doubles titles. 2018 has been her best year to date, she's broken inside the top ten, currently sitting at her career best ranking of 9 in the world, and is in the running to be named the WTA most improved player of the year.
ASB head of community and sponsorship Mark Graham says the return of the 2018 ASB Classic winners adds to an already impressive player field. "We are thrilled that both champions from the 2018 ASB Classic are returning to defend their titles. Both players have been to Auckland numerous times, bring a lot of passion and quality to the tournament and have been very supportive off the court helping ASB engage with local charities. It will be great to have them back again for 2019."
All Blacks selector Grant Fox joins D'Arcy and Goran to speak about the 51-strong squad named for the northern tour.
"Players have missed out, they will play for the Maori on their end of year tour or if they don't play for them, there is still time before next year's World Cup to impress in Super Rugby"
LISTEN ABOVE AS GRANT FOX SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
All Blacks selector Grant Fox joins D'Arcy and Goran to speak about the 51-strong squad named for the northern tour.
"Players have missed out, they will play for the Maori on their end of year tour or if they don't play for them, there is still time before next year's World Cup to impress in Super Rugby"
LISTEN ABOVE AS GRANT FOX SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Australian attacking midfielder Max Burgess has joined the Wellington Phoenix on a one-year deal.
Burgess spent last season with semi-professional outfit Sydney Olympic.
"It's an exciting opportunity for me as a player to work under Mark and to join this squad of players is really exciting for me. There's a lot of experience in that squad that I want to learn off."
The Wellington Phoenix will make another player announcement tomorrow.
LISTEN TO MAX BURGESS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO MARG FOSTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
From making uncountable changes to making none.
Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua took a different approach to Wednesday night's Constellation Cup loss against the Australian Diamonds – and at times, it appeared to work.
The new coach was criticised for making too many alterations during the Silver Ferns' 15-goal loss to the Diamonds on Sunday after selecting a rather inexperienced starting line-up including young goal shoot Aliyah Dunn.
Taurua urged for patience after she revealed that she still hadn't found her ideal starting seven nor her perfect shooting combination and needed to expose the younger players to the international stage.
But in what appeared an attempt to settle things and gun for a win, Taurua took a step back last night.
The Ferns did go down for the ninth consecutive time against their rivals, however, performed much more consistently across the court and showed exciting improvements.
Although admitting that there were moments she was tempted to make changes, Taurua said she was pleased by how her selected seven performed.
"I'm rapt that we've been able to keep the seven out there, it does highlight areas that we need to improve on and work on as individuals but we'll get a lot of mileage out of that and a lot of confidence."
"We're still looking for combinations, looking for units but I thought there was a better balance out there in regards to the personal ... I thought they fought really well."
Maria Folau was given her second start in the goal shoot bib – a position the veteran goal attack has rarely played in recent history.
Playing alongside Te-Paea Selby-Rickit in the shooting circle, Folau showed great potential in the position and will likely be handed the start again with Taurua pleased with the performance of the duo.
"I was rapt with what she did in the goal shoot position, I thought she provided us with stability there and obviously as we all know she can shoot so getting the ball to her increased in volume and that's very pleasing," she said.
"I thought she was smart ... she led from the back and I was pleased by that."
Skipper Laura Langman, who made history last night becoming the most capped Silver Fern with 146 tests now to her name, wasn't concerned about her side's second loss in the cup series.
Modest about her achievement, Langman said she was concentrating on the long-term plan and said she was confident in the Ferns' progress.
"For me, it's always the bigger picture," Langman said, "I was really pleased that we were recognising the moments and I think that was a really big step forward from where we had been.
"I think that's a real positive and I felt too we did run with, them now it's just that next step about really punching through."
The Ferns will be desperate to avoid another Constellation Cup whitewash with just two tests left to claim a win over their biggest rivals.
The two sides will meet again in four days time at Hamilton's Claudelands area for the third test of the annual series.
Kiwis assistant coach Nathan Cayless joins D'Arcy and Goran to preview the trans-Tasman showdown this Saturday night at Mt Smart Stadium.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NATHAN CAYLESS SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Greg Murphy joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about last weekend's thrilling Bathurst action, and confirms that he is pulling the plug on his rally career.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GREG MURPHY SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka is the latest big name signing for Auckland's ASB women's tennis classic this summer.
The Belarussian was due to come to Auckland last year but pulled out due to the long running custody battle with her son's father.
However that's now resolved and the two time Grand Slam champion joins the already announced Caroline Wozniacki (currently world number 2) and Venus Williams as Grand Slam Champions and former World Number Ones that have committed to starting their year in Auckland.
Together the three have enjoyed an incredible 133 weeks at world number one, have won 99 WTA titles, 10 Grand Slam titles and 5 Olympic medals.
"This field is certainly shaping up to be our strongest yet. There is still the chance of another Grand Slam Champion and we know we have two more big names that will confirm in the coming weeks. With the first round now split over two sessions rather than four, we are going to have what will probably be our strongest ever Monday and Tuesday of the Women's event" said Tournament Director Karl Budge.
Azarenka has been a mainstay at the top of the Women's game since breaking in to the top ten in 2009. She rose to number one in the world for 51 consecutive weeks in 2012 having captured her first of back to back Australian Open titles. She became just the third women of all time to achieve the 'Sunshine Double', winning both Indian Wells and Miami in 2016.
In 2018 the Belarusian has risen an incredible 154 spots on the WTA rankings as she strives to return to the top ten following the birth of her first child, Leo.
Whilst it may have been Serena that has grabbed the headlines, Azarenka too is flying the flag for sporting mums balancing life as a mother and as a professional athlete.
"Vika has been incredible since coming back on Tour. She performed incredibly well at Wimbledon last year in her second tournament back and this year alone she made the Semi-Final's in Miami, one of the biggest events of the year and recorded wins over top ten players. What she is doing is incredible and we look forward to welcoming her and Leo to Auckland in January".
LISTEN TO COACH KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Zealand Breakers CEO Matt Walsh is defending a decision to have a controversial website as a sponsor on the club's team singlet.
Barstool Sports, a sports and pop culture blog based in the US, has been criticised in the past for offensive content. The site's founder Dave Portnoy has landed himself in hot water regularly, including for a comment on the site suggesting size six women who wear skinny jeans deserve to be raped.
Portnoy was recently accused of allegedly promoting social-media harassment towards female sports writers.
The Breakers featured a Barstool Sports logo on the team's uniform when they faced NBA side the Phoenix Suns last week and it will remain on the singlet for the Australian National Basketball League season which starts on Thursday.
Breakers CEO Matt Walsh says there are no regrets with the Barstool Sports partnership. Walsh says Barstool Sports employees may say things he doesn't agree with, but he's proud to be associated with the company.
"Barstool Sports is a comedy site that produces content 24/7, 365 days a year, based on satire. Do I agree with everything that they produce and all the content they produce? Absolutely not," Walsh told Newstalk ZB.
"I understand that they produce content and employees of their company may say things that I don't agree with but I don't believe that's what the partnership is about. At the core of them I know who those people are and I'm proud to be associated with a brand like Barstool because I know those guys and I know what they stand for."
Walsh leads a consortium that took over the Breakers from long-time club owners and directors Paul and Liz Blackwell in March, with Dan Katz, Eric Sollenberger and Henry Lockwood of Barstool Sports part of the new ownership group.
"We still stand for the same family values that we've had for the last 15 years," Walsh said.
Walsh has had a long-running relationship with the Barstool website, including Portnoy, who remains the public face of the company despite an endless archive of objectionable behaviour.
In 2010, Portnoy made the comment "[E]ven though I never condone rape if you're a size 6 and you're wearing skinny jeans you kind of deserve to be raped right?".
"We partnered with Barstool because I have a relationship with them and I believe that they're good people in their heart. If you look at the charity work they've done it's incredible.
"I don't agree with all of the comedy angles that they take. But at the end of the day Barstool Sports produces comedic content. And it's satirical in nature. It would be very easy to take quotes from any comedian in the world or a lot of different people and take stuff out of context, put it up and say 'Hey, aren't these people really bad people'. And I think that's what's happening here," Walsh said.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has today become one of the youngest captains in New Zealand rugby league history after being named to lead the Kiwis in Saturday's transtasman test against the Kangaroos at Mount Smart Stadium.
The ascension to the captaincy is a triple celebration for the Hamilton-born Penrith Panthers star, who turned 23 in August.
His appointment coincides with he and his wife Purdy's third wedding anniversary while Watene-Zelezniak emulates the achievement of his great grandfather Tipene (Steve) Watene, one of New Zealand rugby league's most revered figures. He was the first Maori to captain the Kiwis in 1936-1937 and the only person who has represented the New Zealand rugby league side and become a Member of Parliament.
"I was really humbled when Madge (Michael Maguire) offered me the chance to captain my country. It's a huge honour, especially following in my great grandfather's steps," said Watene-Zelezniak.
His first test as captain will be the eighth of his career since debuting against the Kangaroos in Newcastle in 2016.
"Dallin lives the values we're looking for and embodies the new direction we're heading in with the Kiwis," said Kiwi head coach Michael Maguire.
Of Maori heritage through his mother, Watene-Zelezniak is of Tongan and Polish extraction on his father's side. With 96 NRL appearances across five seasons, he retains the fullback role he filled in the one-off Test against England in Denver in June.
The 17-man squad includes two debutants in grand final-winning Sydney Roosters centre Joseph Manu and Melbourne's Brandon Smith at hooker.
Tokoroa-raised 22-year-old Manu, 192cm and close to 100kg, made 26 NRL appearances this year, lifting his career tally to 45 with a try-scoring contribution in the Roosters' 21-6 premiership victory over the Storm.
Smith (22), born on Waiheke Island near Auckland, was used off the bench in the grand final, his 18th NRL outing in 2018 and the 21st of a first-grade career which started last year. Another of the squad's new faces Melbourne utility back Jahrome Hughes is named in jersey No 19.
The Kiwis' starting pack includes four players who appeared in the grand final with another two also in the 17, Manu in the centres and Kenny Bromwich, reunited in a Kiwi test side with his elder brother Jesse, on the interchange.
Kiwis team named to play Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium, Saturday, 7.45pmKiwis: 1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (c), 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Isaac Liu, 13. James Fisher-HarrisInterchange: 14. Kenny Bromwich, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Martin Taupau, 17. Adam Blair, 18 Peta Hiku, 19. Jahrome Hughes
LISTEN TO JOSH KRONFELD TALK ABOUT THE ALL BLACKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Ardie Savea's constant legs pumping, high energy hunger will finally get a prolonged crack at the All Blacks starting side.
Savea has been around the block in 31 tests but, such has been the quality of New Zealand's opensides, he's only enjoyed seven starts since 2016.
Invariably those have been one offs, coming at the same time as other selection changes.
Starting regularly in the first-choice loose trio is another prospect.
Sam Cane's neck fracture opens the door for Savea's first extended period in the seven jersey. And while circumstances are unfortunate, no-one could say he doesn't deserve it.
Cane's defensive strengths and leadership will be a major loss during his at least three month recovery from surgery in South Africa.
But in his last two outings, Savea proved he is more ready than ever to take this chance.
With Matt Todd in Japan, Savea is the clear, almost unchallenged, incumbent for the northern tour. That alone signals how far he has come with Todd applying pressure for back-up duties this time last year.
Blake Gibson, Dillon Hunt and James Lentjes are among those staking claims to be included to replace Cane.
But, undoubtedly, this is Savea's time.
That it comes in career-best form, and with Pau thought to be attempting to lure Savea and Ben Smith to France after the World Cup, only adds to intrigue.
The All Blacks will be desperate to retain Savea, only 24, well beyond 2019.
But as we've seen from older brother Julian and many others, offshore riches can be difficult to ignore.
Pau are coached by New Zealanders Simon Mannix and Savea's old Hurricanes skipper Conrad Smith. Colin Slade, Benson Stanley, Peter Saili, Frank Halai and Jamie Mackintosh are other Kiwis already on the ambitious club's books.
Spending time in the All Blacks starting side will only increase Savea's bargaining power and, when Cane returns, ultimately test his patience.
In the past two weeks, Savea starred as a late inclusion for Luke Whitelock at No 8 in Buenos Aires and did so again after replacing Cane 35 minutes into the miraculous comeback victory over the Springboks in Pretoria.
Switching between those two roles seamlessly is a feat in itself but as the All Blacks mounted their late charge against the Boks, Savea snaffled two turnovers and his body position to crash over and hand Richie Mo'unga the chance to kick the match-winning conversion was exemplary.
"This season he has made a mark," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. "He is starting to believe he can be a test player of real quality."
Many have long believed Savea possessed attributes to become just that but at times quality performances for the Hurricanes and All Blacks have been sporadic.
Savea has always been a phenomenal attacking talent – his speed, offloads and work-rate causing many teams problems.
In this regard he could add another dimension to the All Blacks.
His challenge, particularly in successive tests against England and Ireland next month, will be to bring that same impact to repeat defensive and breakdown work, and do it from the outset when opposition forward packs are fresh.
European tests present different challenges to those in the Rugby Championship with northern nations scrumming for penalties and often contesting the breakdown in greater numbers.
These battlegrounds frequently put the squeeze on to limit open movement where Savea's range of skills thrive.
With that stage now set to make the step up, Savea's immediate and long term future will be of great interest.
LISTEN TO MICHAELA SOKOLICH-BEATSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Seven-game losing streak? Make it eight to Australia.
Failing to improve on last month's promising Quad Series five-goal loss to the Australian Diamonds, the Silver Ferns fell to a 57-42 defeat in Brisbane this afternoon.
Tipping off the Constellation Cup in style, however, the Ferns were level 10-10 with the Diamonds after what looked a promising performance from the New Zealand side in the opening quarter.
But that's when things fell apart.
Falling off the pace in dramatic fashion, the Ferns responded with their lowest quarter score (six) against the Aussie side in almost a decade and struggled to make back lost ground after falling behind by a massive 17 goals.
An optimistic Noeline Taurua, who was desperate to claim her first win over the Australians as head coach of the New Zealand side, said she still saw improvements on the court but ultimately labelled the Ferns as too inconsistent.
"There are clear areas when we are under the pressure as to what we need to do, we do it sporadically," she said after the match.
"In reality when you look at the scoreboard like that, it's definitely an uppercut but also there's some really positive stuff and we've just got to keep the faith in what we're doing."
"The positives are we can only keep getting slapped and when are we going to learn? That's what it's all about."
Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman didn't hesitate to put her hand up for leading a weak midcourt performance which left the New Zealand shooters little opportunity to score, assuring it would be an area of focus ahead of their second test.
"We all identified those soft errors that we were doing, I was guilty of a number today and it's just not good enough and not international standard so we need to sort that out and that'll put us in the fight," Langman said.
"If everyone's doing four, or five [mistakes], and I was doing a lot, it's costly."
Young goal shoot Aliyah Dunn performed well in her first starting seven appearance before her opportunities to score became limited and was replaced by Maia Wilson during the second quarter.
The Silver Ferns then struggled to keep up with the pace as their rivals took control of the clash.
Veteran Maria Folau remained consistent, leading her shooters with a decent 90 per cent performance but it wasn't until Taurua called Te Paea Selby-Rickit on at goal attack in the final quarter that things started to shift.
Defensively, the Silver Ferns provided plenty of impetus with none better than the defensive pairing of Katrina Grant and Jane Watson to put the heat on Australia's shooters.
The defending duo grabbed a game-high four intercepts before Sulu Fitzpatrick courageously took to the court for her first Silver Ferns appearance in seven years.
Connections began to flow again in the final quarter as the Ferns' midcourt settled and Selby-Rickit's combination with Folau shifted into gear. But it was too little too late to make back the hefty amount of lost ground.
The Ferns will face the Diamonds again on Wednesday night in Townsville before heading home for the third test in Hamilton.
LISTEN TO MIKE ANGOVE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
In the lead up to Khabib Nurmagomedov's lightweight title defence against Conor McGregor at UFC229, McGregor insulted the Russian's family, country, and religion – going beyond promoting the fight to get under Nurmagomedov's skin.
Before the fight had even been announced, McGregor and his team attacked a coach carrying Nurmagomedov and other UFC fighters which led to an injury to fellow lightweight Michael Chiesa.
Kiwi lightweight Dan Hooker said he felt like McGregor crossed the line, so when Nurmagomedov launched himself out of the octagon at the Irishman's team after making McGregor tap out, it shouldn't be blown out of proportion.
"It's a physical game, you can't expect that physicality and mentality to be, in an instant, flicked over. It's very hard to draw a line," Hooker said.
"A lot of things were said. I feel like McGregor crossed the line beyond just promoting the fight. Things were said, he's not mad about what happened. I think people are just getting a bit carried away."
After mauling McGregor and claiming a fourth-round win to remain unbeaten in 27 bouts, Nurmagomedov appeared to react to something said in McGregor's corner. When he jumped over the octagon, McGregor chased him but was stopped by security. Footage showed McGregor taking a few shots at one of the Russian's team members on the cage, before a number of men jumped in and started taking shots at McGregor. Three men were detained for attacking McGregor, but he refused to press charges.
"It's not the same as what McGregor did. McGregor was using objects and throwing weapons and he hurt people outside of it, whereas I feel like Khabib and his mates, they just threw a couple punches. I don't think it's as serious as what Conor did."
It's hardly the first time feelings have led to a scuffle breaking out at or during a sporting event. UFC No 9 ranked middleweight Israel Adesanya said you don't have to look too hard to find cases of exactly that.
"You see it in baseball, American football, even soccer – you look in the stands and there are often fights," Adesanya said. "Just because it's MMA, there's all these f***ing puritans who are like 'what's the deal with this blood sport?'"
Hooker believed in getting involved in a scuffle with McGregor's team outside of the octagon, Nurmagomedov robbed himself of the greatest moment of his fighting career.
"Khabib didn't get the belt strapped on him in the cage, and he's not going to have that moment."
Matters could get worse for the Russian, with UFC boss Dana White indicating Nurmagomedov could be stripped of his lightweight title if the Nevada State Athletic Commission decide to hand the champion a length suspension for his role in the melee. However, Hooker said he felt that would be an unnecessary punishment.
"Give him a bit of a slap on the wrist, maybe stand him down. I'm sure the Nevada State Athletic Commission is going to cut themselves a healthy little cheque. That should be punishment enough."
LISTEN TO SHAUN JOHNSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has dismissed stinging criticism of his form in the NRL finals and says he feels no added pressure to perform for the understrength Kiwis in next Saturday's trans-Tasman test against the Kangaroos.
The 28-year-old enjoyed his best season since 2015 in helping the Warriors through to their first playoff appearance in seven years, but wore the brunt of the blame for the side's 27-12 qualifying final defeat to Penrith last month.
The pressure will again be on him to spark the Kiwis' attack when they face the World Champions at Mt Smart Stadium, and on their end of year tour of England, but Johnson is relaxed ahead of his first test outing since last year's failed World Cup campaign.
"I don't feel any added pressure. I feel like that's something I want to do," said Johnson.
"It's not like 'oh, you're going to have to do it now'. I want to do that.
"It's important that not just myself but every player has that same intention and I'm sure that will be the case. So it's not [something I] need to [do], it's definitely [something I] want to [do]."
With the side going through a changing of the guard following the international retirement of several players including Simon Mannering, and the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Kieran Foran unavailable through injury, Johnson is among the Kiwis' most experienced campaigners with 25 tests to his name.
Together with former captains Adam Blair (45 tests) and Jesse Bromwich (24), and Sydney Roosters front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (24), he is a frontrunner to lead the Kiwis, with coach Michael Maguire due to appoint his skipper in the coming days.
"It's not something that I've even thought about," he said.
"I'll get in there and play my usual role. I'll lead with my actions and voice and make sure that boys are feeling comfortable.
"It would be a massive honour for anyone to captain their country but at this stage it's not in my mind at all."
The upcoming tests present another opportunity for Johnson to silence his doubters, who grew louder in voice following the Warriors' limp playoff exit.
He admits to being below his best against the Panthers but believes it is wrong to single out individuals for praise or blame in victory or defeat.
"It was people who have no idea rambling on again," he said of the criticism. "I'm not saying I had the best game of my career, no doubt about it [I didn't].
"I know if we win, it's a team sport. People try to pin good performances on me, it's never that case when we win.
"We're all responsible for what happened that night and people are going to say what they want but ultimately it's in the past now."
Wearing the No 7 on his back and being the club's highest paid player means he will always be a target, but Johnson says the only opinions that hold weight are those of his teammates.
"When you're the halfback of a team and the team doesn't perform you're always going to be in the firing line. So it's nothing new.
"If I'm getting blamed by my teammates, that's a bit different. But if it's just Joe Bloggs in the public who has never laced up a pair of boots, it is what it is. I'm here for the Kiwis now and really excited."
Maguire insists he won't be relying on Johnson to carry the side and says it's up to the other players around him to help make his job easier.
"I don't think there is [more pressure]. It's about [Shaun] just doing his role," said Maguire.
"We'll have a very basic style of play that we're trying to build and Shaun's going to be a big part of that but everyone else needs to play their part as well."
New Kiwis assistant coach Stacey Jones sympathises with Johnson's predicament but believes he needs to rise to the challenge of being the side's main playmaker and lead the way for young halves Kodi Nikorima and Jahrome Hughes.
As an assistant to Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney, Jones says there will be...
LISTEN TO NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Silver Ferns have made changes in all areas of the court as they prepare for the Constellation Cup.
Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua has introduced three new players to the New Zealand side which went down by just five goals to the Australian Diamonds last month.
Maia Wilson, Sulu Fitzpatrick, and Erikana Pedersen - who were all initially named in the Silver Ferns Development Squad - have been rewarded for their performances in both this week's training camp and the recent ANZ Premiership season.
The trio have been included for the four test series against the Australian Diamonds which tips off in Brisbane this Sunday.
Taurua said although the Ferns were focused on delivering quality netball during the Constellation Cup, she wanted to look at various combinations as they continue their build-up to next year's Netball World Cup in England.
"There are limited opportunities to see how our players perform against the best in the world, but we also have to be mindful that we want to build on the performances that the Silver Ferns have produced so far," Taurua said.
"We want to have a look at combinations and what those players bring to the mix."
Wilson, who has been in and out of the squad since her debut in 2016, replaces Ameliaranne Ekenasio in the shooting circle.
Well known for her accuracy and court craft in the circle, Wilson said she we relishing the opportunity to prove her worth again against the world's best defenders.
"I'm a strong target, I think that's the main thing for why I've been picked in here ... my job out there is to get out on the court, put the ball in the hoop and always be available," she said.
"[Australia] are a very physical bunch and I think that's part of what the game's turning into now and I think we've been prepping a lot in training to be able to hack it and take those balls with whatever pressure we've got on us."
Fitzpatrick, who gained her one test cap as a teenager back in 2011, will join Central Pulse team-mate and Ferns' vice-captain Katrina Grant in the defensive circle.
Taurua said she hoped that the duo's formidable style will better combat the towering Australian shooters.
"With Sulu coming in we definitely have presence there now in the circle defence," Taurua said.
"She's a bigger-bodied person and she's got a lot of presence in the circle ... but she provides us something else in our defensive unit, and we're looking for someone to explore that a bit more against Australia."
Taurua has had her entire squad in camp this week, including defenders Kelly Jury and Casey Kopua who were both ruled out of the series as they continue their injury rehabilitation.
The two defenders are expected to return to the court for January's Quad Series.
The Constellation Cup moves to Townsville this week before heading to Hamilton on October 14 and Wellington on October 18.
Silver Ferns side to play in Constellation Cup: Gina Crampton, Aliyah Dunn, Sulu Fitzpatrick, Maria Folau, Katrina Grant, Laura Langman (captain), Erikana Pedersen, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Sam Sinclair, Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Jane Watson, Maia Wilson.
For the last year or so, Jack Goodhue has been the future for the All Blacks in terms of their midfield and now he's their present as well after being selected alongside Sonny Bill Williams in a strong side to play South Africa.
If the 23-year-old centre does the basics well at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday morning, and trusts himself and the players around him, it will probably see him cement his position in the No 13 jersey ahead of Ryan Crotty (named on the reserves bench) and Anton Lienert-Brown (left out altogether).
"He's playing well; not to say that Ryan's not, but he's playing very well and we want to see that combination of him and Sonny," coach Steve Hansen said. "We last saw it in the French series. We know a lot about Ryan and Jack but we don't know a lot about Sonny and Jack. All year we've been trying to work out what's our best combination in that area for the future and this is an opportunity to do that."
Predictably, Owen Franks is back at tighthead prop, with No 8 Kieran Read and halfback Aaron Smith also returning as the All Blacks seek to overturn their defeat by the Springboks in Wellington three weeks ago.
It's Goodhue's selection which stands out, though, for his youth and relative inexperience and what it represents in terms of the selectors' thinking.
The 30-year-old Crotty has been a dependable player and unlucky too given his terrible run of injuries and in particular concussions. Crotty is also a more dangerous attacker than many give him credit for, but there is a sense of a changing of the guard in Goodhue's selection and it's up to him to make the most of it.
Goodhue's last test was off the bench against the Boks in Wellington and he brought a directness and calmness to the attack which was probably missing elsewhere from Hansen's men. Such is his level-headedness, he's unlikely to be fazed by the potential enormity of his selection even allowing for the fact he has played only five tests and started only one alongside Williams.
"For a young guy he's got an old head on him," Hansen said. "He plays really maturely. He's a traditional centre, I think, in that he's got the ability to put people into space. He's a good reader on defence and he's got a bit of gas as well."
"It was a pretty straightforward team to pick, really, to be honest, even in talking about what we want to do with Jack and that was a pretty easy one too."
Another talking point is the backline cover on the bench, where Richie Mo'unga will be given another chance to repeat his impact from that position last weekend against Argentina in Buenos Aires, with Crotty being given a relatively unfamiliar role there and TJ Perenara resuming his back-up role to Aaron Smith.
Hansen said it was probably too much to ask from Damian McKenzie, now with the team in Johannesburg after he flew home from Buenos Aires due to a family bereavement, to back it up with a playing role on Sunday.
"Damian had to fly home from Argentina and then back so he's had an extra flight. To throw another game in as well, he probably doesn't need that," Hansen said.
Likewise, Lienert-Brown had relatively high recent playing minutes, albeit off the bench mainly, and was due for a rest.
Lock Brodie Retallick remains a conspicuous absentee due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Pumas in Nelson last month but there is an experience and solidity to the match-day squad that the All Blacks will need for what has become a highly-anticipated test despite the fact they've already won the Rugby Championship.
"It brings a lot of experience and firepower and I think we're going to need it," Hansen said regarding the return of his heavy artillery. "They're a pretty confident side at the moment, the Boks.
"They've grown another arm and a leg since they knocked us over in Wellington. I thought they played really well against Aussie and they'll be looking forward to fronting up again on Saturday."
All Blacks team to play South Africa at Loftus Versfeld at 4.05am on Sunday:...
LISTEN TO BRIAN SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Veteran hooker Issac Luke will stay with the Warriors but a potential shoulder reconstruction could delay his start to next season.
The 31-year-old has signed new one-year deal for next year, while young second-rower Isaiah Papali'i has penned a one-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
It's understood Luke accepted a heavily reduced offer to remain in Auckland after talks to join Newcastle broke down following news he requires shoulder surgery which could keep him sidelined until March next year.
"It's good to have the contract all sorted out," said Luke.
"We always wanted to stay in New Zealand, my wife and the kids. I'm really happy here at the club and I'm pleased I have another season with the boys."
Luke's new deal follows lengthy negotiations with the Warriors first tabling their offer for him to consider back in July.
The 254-game veteran was hoping for a longer contract but will now hope to maintain his strong form next season to inspire either the Warriors or another rival club to sign him for 2020 and beyond.
However, Luke is in doubt to be fit for the early rounds of next season with the club fearing he could require a full shoulder reconstruction and face a lengthy recovery of up to four to six months.
The former South Sydney Rabbitoh visited a specialist on Wednesday to have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage and is expected to go under the knife in the next week.
Luke has a history of shoulder issues and missed the round 10 loss to the Sydney Roosters after suffering a dislocation in the previous week's win over Wests Tigers.
"It's probably likely to be some kind of reconstruction," Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith told Radio Sport.
"The decision for anyone to have an operation at any time is always with the individual, in sport as well as out in the public.
"So no one's telling Issac what he has to do, but if he wants to play football he's got to get that shoulder tidied up so that he and we can get a lot more of the contact training in that he wasn't able to do for much of 2018.
"The operation will be in the next few days and it will be a few months, I would say, in a full recovery, depending on exactly what they find in the MRI."
Meanwhile, Papali'i's extension comes after 20-year-old was named on Monday in the Kiwis squad for next week's transtasman test against Australia in Auckland and the end of year tour of the UK.
The Warriors NRL Rookie of the Year was also selected for the Junior Kiwis and may drop out of the senior squad to captain the Under 20s team in their curtain-raiser clash against the Junior Kangaroos, before re-joining the senior side for the three-test series against England.
His re-signing comes after the club also recently locked in fellow Warriors junior products David Fusitu'a, Ken Maumalo, Jazz Tevaga and Bunty Afoa.
"Isaiah is a great young prospect who has quickly established himself at NRL level," said Warriors coach Stephen Kearney.
"He's a wonderful example to players aiming to make it into the NRL coming through our system. He really impresses with his attitude and resilience."
LISTEN TO ANDREW PRAGNELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Damning findings have been released after a review into New Zealand Football, upholding complaints made by members of the Football Ferns about the organisation's conduct and culture.
An independent review, undertaken by employment lawyer Pip Muir, included interviews with around 80 people including 12 players who made complaints into the conduct and culture of NZF, as well as Heraf and former NZF chief executive Andy Martin.
Muir found the complaints raised by players were "genuine and largely substantiated" and that former Football Ferns coach and NZF Technical Director Andreas Heraf breached New Zealand Football's Code of Conduct, Human Resources policy on harassment, and Worksafe New Zealand bullying guidelines.
"The harassment was not sexual in any form and it wasn't assault. But it was raised voices, it was yelling, it was intimidation, it was repeated," Muir said.
"He offended and humiliated the players and a number of staff."
Heraf was appointed head coach for the Football Ferns in December 2017, with no recruitment process undertaken, after taking the reins on an interim basis the month prior. Complaints arose about him in early 2018 following two losses against Scotland.
More Ferns complained about Heraf's conduct following a 3-1 loss to Japan in June, after which the coach was placed on 'special leave' by NZF. He resigned with a confidential settlement in late July.
NZF were found to share the responsibility having not investigated concerns raised by staff and not sufficiently supporting Heraf when he made the move to New Zealand.
"The organisation has not had a dedicated HR role and is suffering from not having that."
"While grassroots football and the relevant programmes delivered by New Zealand Football appear to be in great shape, I have significant concerns around the High Performance environment and some of NZ Football's structure, processes and resourcing, in particular in Human Resources and recruitment," Muir said.
"There has not been sufficient focus by the organisation on player welfare, particularly forits High Performance teams, in recent years."
In her findings, Muir outlined a lack of diversity in the organisation, which had no diversity and inclusion policy for staff.
"There is a perception both internally and externally by some that NZF is a boys club," she said.
There are no women on the senior leadership team and only 21 per cent of the organisation's employees are female.
Muir put forward 22 recommendations in the areas of the Football Ferns, player welfare, NZF structure and process, culture/diversity and relationships with key stakeholders. 11 of the 22 recommendations were based around structure and process, indicating the need for a large overhaul of the governance of the game in New Zealand.
In receiving the report, NZF President Deryck Shaw extended an apology to theindividual players who had complained, and undertook to meet with them personally assoon as possible to work through the review findings and recommendations.
"On behalf of the Executive Committee (ExCo) of New Zealand Football we apologise to our players for the conduct of the former Head Coach of the Football Ferns and failings in the organisation that led to this review. We are deeply sorry that these events occurred and for the distress caused," Shaw said.
"We are committed to working with players and staff to improve player welfare, and torebuild trust and engagement among players, staff and key football stakeholders."\
LISTEN TO TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR KARL BUDGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Another coup for Auckland's ASB women's tennis Classic with Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki letting slip on social media that's she's returning for a sixth crack at the title this summer.
Wozniacki who is in Beijing at the China Open made the announcement on Facebook.
"I cant wait to start my 2019 year in one of my favourite cities for the ASB Classic. Such a fun place to play. Going one better in 2019! See my kiwi fans soon," she said.
The 28-year-old Dane was always a target for tournament director Karl Budge, but the fact she's now a Grand Slam champion had her in even more demand and tournament director Karl Budge is relieved to get her over the line.
"It's nice that's she's excited about coming back and wanting to talk about it and nice to have a Grand Slam champion and former world number one coming back to Auckland," Budge said.
The tournament now has two of the most recognisable faces in tennis with Wozniacki and seven times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams also confirmed.
The duo have spent a combined 88 weeks at world number one. Wozniacki is a superstar of the sport having amassed more than $31 million USD in prize money and capturing 29 WTA titles. She has featured on the cover of dozens of international publications such as Elle, Sports Illustrated and Cosmopolitan.
One senses Wozniacki's return was never really in doubt. She has formed a close friendship with Budge over the years, dating back to his time working for the WTA Tour.
But more than that, the 28 year old is a real competitor who is desperate to claim the title in Auckland having lost two finals, this year to German Julia Goerges and in 2015 to Venus Williams.
"She definitely wants to lift this trophy and when we look back at the superstars we have had here Caroline has been the most consistent performer. When you are weighing up who to go after , having someone who you know is going to be hitting balls in anger on Thursday or Friday is an attractive proposition for us," Budge said.
It's testament to the pulling power of the Auckland tournament which relies more on the good old fashioned Kiwi hospitality, proximity to the tournament hotel and attractions to lure players, plus the desire of those involved to ensure no stone is left unturned in making sure the players needs are looked after.
"It's a great statement as to how the ASB Classic is viewed among the players. It's like test driving a car and once we have them in the car they tend to purchase it and we have had that with Caroline and is a great position to have one of the top two or three female athletes in sport deciding she wants to come back to the ASB Classic every year," Budge said.
The rival Brisbane International is a WTA Premier series tournament carries four times the prize money of Auckland and considerably more ranking points while the Shenzhen tournament in China also in the same week has double the prize money.
Wozniacki captured her maiden Grand Slam title in January's Australian Open final against world number Simona Halep, in a match that has gone down as one of the best in the Open era. She went on to reach the semi finals at the WTA Premier tournament in Doha in February and won the traditional Wimbledon warm up at Eastbourne.
Budge is targeting more big name players with last year's French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko another possibility while he is also chasing the signature of former world number one Victoria Azarenka who signed last year as a wildcard but pulled out due to child custody issues.
Defending champion Goerges is currently ranked 10 and under tour rules allowing only one top ten ranked player into the Auckland field, won't be able to return unless she slips out of the top ten. The German has a lot of ranking points to defend between now and the end of the season and that scenario is likely.
Budge believes the field to be finalised late next month will be stronger tha...
Two days out from a meeting to remember, the Breakers are wanting to make the most of their time in Phoenix.
Thursday afternoon's pre-season game against the NBA's Suns is their final hit-out before their season opener next week.
Import guard Patrick Richard told D'Arcy and Goran that after playing last week's Blitz with an under-manned lineup, time is against them.
"We definitely don't take it for granted. You just got to take it how it is, no excuses. We have less time to get a lot of things down, but it is what it is."
LISTEN TO PATRICK RICHARD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A 77-run knock from Suzie Bates wasn't enough to steer the White Ferns to victory in the second of three Twenty20s against Australia in Brisbane.
Australia claimed a six-wicket win, reaching the 146-run target set by the White Ferns with nine balls to spare.
Opening the batting for the New Zealand side, Bates hit 11 fours and sent two over the ropes on her way to a game high score, however she got little support from her teammates. Of the 10 White Ferns to have a stint at the crease, only Bates, captain Amy Satterthwaite (27) and Maddy Green (15) were able to score in double figures.
"She produced an innings we'd want her to play every day if she could," Satterthwaite said of Bates' knock. "The disappointing thing is that we weren't able to support her enough from the other end.
"Moving forward, I think we've got to keep looking at ways the new bats coming in can look to create a strike rate from ball one and look to find the boundaries early."
Chasing 146 for victory, Australian opener Alyssa Healy led the charge with the bat, scoring 57 from 41 deliveries to set her side's innings up, and Elyse Villani's unbeaten 46 steered the hosts home.
The sides will meet again on Friday night in Canberra for the third and final match of the series.
LISTEN TO SUZIE BATES TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The end is nigh for Issac Luke's protracted contract negotiations.
It's understood Luke has accepted a heavily reduced offer to remain in Auckland after talks to join Newcastle broke down following news he requires shoulder surgery which could keep him sidelined until March next year.
Warriors boss Cameron George told D’Arcy and Goran the deal is not quite done, but a meeting tomorrow between Luke and the club will sort it once and for all.
George responded last week to being asked about the deal with "how long is a piece of string", but now is confident the matter will be settled.
"That's why we catch up tomorrow when I'm in Auckland and we can go from there."
The new contract comes after lengthy negotiations between the two parties with the Warriors first tabling their offer for Luke to consider back in July.
The 31-year-old was hoping for a longer two or three year deal but will now hope to maintain his strong form next season to inspire either the Warriors or another rival club to sign him for 2020 and beyond.
Luke enjoyed a standout season in helping the Warriors to their first finals appearance in seven years before their campaign ended in the qualifying final loss to Penrith in week one of the playoffs.
His dynamic running and creativity out of dummy-half saw him rediscover his best form after his play suffered during his first two years at the Warriors (2016-17) as he battled weight and fitness issues.
His resurgence was rewarded when he reclaimed his Kiwis jersey for the June test against England in Denver before he finished the season among the nominees for the Dally M Hooker of the Year award.
The Warriors will be expecting more of the same from him next year as the club's first-choice hooker while looking to further blood young No 9 Nathaniel Roach who missed the entire season recovering from back surgery.
Luke's pending signing comes after the Warriors last week announced versatile forward Jazz Tevaga had re-signed for next season with an option for 2020, while the club has further depth in the position through back-up hookers Karl Lawton and Sam Cook.
Tevaga last week celebrated winning the Dally M Interchange Player of the Year after an impressive campaign that saw him come off the bench to play loose-forward while he also filled in at dummy-half in Luke's absence.
However, the extent of Luke's shoulder injury is still to be confirmed after he carried the problem throughout the season while also managing an Achilles strain.
Luke has a history of shoulder issues and missed the round 10 loss to the Sydney Roosters after suffering a dislocation in the previous week's win over Wests Tigers. The injury has ruled him out of next week's transtasman clash against the Kangaroos in Auckland and the Kiwis' end of year tour of the UK.
Meanwhile, the Warriors on Monday confirmed former Kiwis World Cup winning captain Nathan Cayless has signed a two-year deal to coach the club's Intrust Super Premiership side.
The Warriors have also announced they will play a home game at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in each of the next two seasons. The date of next year's game will be confirmed when the 2019 premiership draw is released in November.
- with content from NZ Herald
LISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Kiwi Ferns have also added a number of debutants for their upcoming match against the Jillaroos, which will be played before the Kiwis take on the Kangaroos in October.
Onjeurlina Leiataua, Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa (Warriors) and Lavinia Gould (Broncos) have been included in the squad after impressing during the NRL Women's competition this year.
Kiwi Ferns: Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Apii Nicholls, Langi Veainu, Amber Kani, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Laura Mariu, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa, Ngatokotoru Arakua, Karley Te Kawa, Kimiora Nati, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Maitua Feterika, Lavinia Gould, Lilieta Maumau, Honey Hireme, Raecene McGregor, Nita Maynard.
- uncapped players
LISTEN TO COACH KELVIN WRIGHT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO MICHAEL MAGUIRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Fresh off winning the NRL premiership with the Sydney Rooster, young centre Joseph Manu is in line for a taste of the international stage.
The 22-year-old from Tokoroa was one of five debutants named in Michael Maguire's Kiwis side of this month's match against the Kangaroos in Auckland and a three-match series against England at the end of the year. Second-rowers Corey Harawira-Naera (Penrith) and Isaiah Papali'i (Warriors), and Storm duo Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes are also in line to make their debuts.
The squad gives a clear indication that Maguire has decided to look to the future, with 16 of the 23-man squad having fewer than 10 international caps, while only 11 of the team who played in the Denver Test against England earlier this year remain in the squad.
The were some notable absences from the squad. Destructive Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona suffered an ankle injury in Sunday night's Grand Final and was expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. Roosters forward Zane Tetevano also missed out on the squad after being injured in the Grand Final. A player will be added later to take the remaining spot left by their injuries.
Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Dally M medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are also not with the team.
"This is a new era for the Kiwis and that's again reflected in the make-up of this squad as it was for the Denver Test," Maguire said.
"A lot of experienced players have moved on in recent years in the shape of Simon Mannering, Thomas Leuluai, Manu Vatuvei, Jason Nightingale, Ben Matulino, Kieran Foran, Russell Packer and others.
"For us it's really exciting bringing in these new players as we strive to take the national side to the place we want it to be. That starts with the Test against the Kangaroos."
Kiwis: Gerard Beale, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Jahrome Hughes, Jamayne Isaako, Jesse Bromwich, Shaun Johnson, Joseph Manu, Esan Marsters, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Jordan Rapana, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Kenneath Bromwich, James Fisher-Harris, Isaac Liu, Isaiah Papali'i, Kevin Proctor, Brandon Smith, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
* - uncapped players.
LISTEN TO FORMER ALL BLACK SCOTT ROBERTSON OFFER HIS TAKE ON THE UPCOMING MATCH
The All Blacks don't lose often. Losing two in a row? It's rarer than an attempted dropped kick.
Following the Wellington defeat to the Springboks two weeks ago, the All Blacks are looking to avoid something in Sunday's clash against Argentina that has never happened under the reign of coach Steve Hansen - back-to-back losses.
It's a remarkable statistic. The last time it happened was on the eve of the 2011 Rugby World Cup when the Sir Graham Henry-coached All Blacks were defeated in Port Elizabeth and Brisbane.
Sam Whitelock, who will captain the All Blacks on Sunday, started in both those losses.
It's a run of 97 tests since that 2011 loss to the Springboks was backed up by another defeat to Australia. Over that time the All Blacks have suffered just eight defeats but none back-to-back.
In the same seven-year time frame world number two ranked Ireland have suffered consecutive defeats on 10 occasions, England 12 times, South Africa 13 and Australia a staggering 20 times.
And that's just back-to-back. When you look at extended streaks it shows an even bigger gap between the All Blacks and the rest of the rugby world.
While New Zealand haven't even had a 'losing streak' of two - South Africa have had a four-game losing streak twice, Ireland a five-game losing streak while England have had two separate five-game losing streaks.
The last time the All Blacks had a losing streak of more than two games? 20 years ago.
Also working in the All Blacks' favour is that they've never lost to Argentina and were convincing 46-24 winners when they last met in Nelson on September 8. However they were equally highly-rated favourites against the Springboks.
This morning, veteran second five-eighth Sonny Bill Williams shared his experience of being in the environment following a New Zealand defeat.
"The times I have been involved in a loss, we delve deeper into the solutions and we have those tough conversations that need to be had. And we've done that this week," Williams said this morning after being named in the starting side for Sunday's test.
Number of consecutive defeats since August 27, 2011All Blacks - 0Ireland - 11England - 12South Africa - 13Wales - 19Australia - 20Scotland - 23
LISTEN TO WARRIORS CEO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have re-signed versatile forward Jazz Tevaga and front-rower Bunty Afoa.
Fresh from collecting the Interchange Player of the Year trophy at the Dally M Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night, Tevaga has re-committed to the club on a one-year deal for next season with an option for 2020.
The club has also moved to secure Afoa on a new contract that will keep him in Auckland at least until the end of 2021.
Tevaga's re-signing comes as Warriors fans continue to await news on off-contract hooker Issac Luke's playing future with the Kiwi international still in talks to re-sign for next season.
After missing the opening two matches of the season, Tevaga went on to appear in 20 of the next 23 games to complete his strongest NRL campaign since his debut in 2016.
The Christchurch-born, Papakura-raised forward extended his career tally to 35 appearances this season, averaging 56 minutes, 10 runs, 85 metres and 37 tackles a game.
"We've been really pleased with the way Jazz has developed his game this year and were thrilled when he won the Dally M interchange award this week," said Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney.
"He was important to our success, the way he came off the bench to bring energy and toughness playing big minutes."
Afoa's contract extension comes after an impressive season in which the 22-year-old Samoan international made 23 appearances to establish himself as one of the club's first-choice forwards.
The Pt Chevalier junior and St Paul's College product missed just two games and has appeared in 40 of a possible 49 matches in the last two years following his NRL debut in 2016.
Afoa started seven games and was used 16 times off the interchange bench and now sits just six games short of the 50-game milestone.
"Bunty has been terrific for us, even more so when you consider he was only 21 for almost the entire season," said Kearney.
"What he gives us is real consistency in effort and performance which makes him one of the most impressive young forwards in the game. He also brings a wonderful attitude in all he does as well and will improve even more."
Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith said the pair's re-signing was vital as the club sought to retain the best talent to have emerged from their junior development system.
"We have a really good crop of young players making their way in the NRL," said Smith.
"Jazz is another one of them who now joins David (Fusitu'a), Ken (Maumalo) and Bunty from that group who have re-signed.
"What Bunty has done in such a short time in the NRL is inspirational, a fine example for all young kids in this country who have dreams of making it. He's a pleasure to have at our club in the way he conducts himself as a footballer and in the community.
"The beauty with him is that he causes no fuss. He's always helpful, low maintenance and very coachable."
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's returned to New Zealand with his special silverware in tow.
The Warriors captain has arrived back in Auckland with his Dally M Medal and trophy for fullback of the year from last night's awards dinner in Sydney.
Tuivasa-Sheck says it's still sinking in.
"I'm just glad to be the player that can bring it back here."
LISTEN TO ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABVOVE
Jordie Barrett will probably have to wait a while to make good on his big mistake in Wellington against the Springboks.
The fullback's quick throw-in to Rieko Ioane, which went to ground and bounced perfectly for Willie le Roux to score in the famous South African victory, will be a difficult one to live down and while he won't play for the All Blacks against the Pumas on Sunday and is unlikely to play in the test the following week in Pretoria, the 21-year-old is still very much in the frame.
Unfortunately for Barrett, who scored an excellent try in combination with brother Beauden to open the scoring at Westpac Stadium, his learning curve in terms of game management came in the All Blacks' first defeat at home to the Boks since 2009.
Steve Hansen's determination to name a strong side for the next two weeks in preparation for the World Cup means Barrett will have to do the rest of his learning on the training paddock but such has been the young Hurricane's quick rise since he made his test debut last year (his first start was against the British & Irish Lions), that may not be a bad thing.
Ben Smith, clearly the All Blacks' top fullback, has been named in the No15 jersey for Sunday's test at Estadio Jose Amalfitani alongside wings Waisake Naholo and Rieko Ioane. If all three come through unscathed they are likely to start against the Boks at Loftus Versfeld too, with Damian McKenzie probably on the reserves bench after he left Buenos Aires due to a family bereavement.
McKenzie has become such an exciting player off the bench in the closing stages of tests he is beginning to carve out a niche for himself there and the 23-year-old Chiefs player could be a source of inspiration for Barrett.
McKenzie's habit of throwing intercepted passes, which received a training ground rebuke from Hansen as broadcast on Amazon Prime's documentary on the team this year, has been curtailed. He has learned to control his impetuosity and Barrett can too.
"He's 20 or 21, so he's not a very old rugby player but he's a very talented one," Hansen said of Barrett. "Sometimes you've just got to give them a bit of a go and it comes off. You've still got to get them to learn and sometimes you give them a go and it doesn't come off. That's when you put your arm around him and make sure he doesn't lose his confidence from the whole thing.
"Jordie is a project; he's got the potential to be very, very special. His game understanding for his age is understandably not that good at times. He can make the odd mistake but do some really great things too. It's a bit like when we first got Damian. He was all over the place. I described him quite often as a fly in a bottle. He's now settled down and has become very fluid in the game. He understands when to take risks versus the rewards that come with them.
"Jordie is still learning that. You don't want to knock the good stuff out of him, you just want him to learn when to push the button."
All Blacks team to play Argentina at Estadio Jose Amalfitani on Sunday at 11.40am, is:
Ben Smith14. Waisake Naholo13. Ryan Crotty12. Sonny Bill Williams11. Rieko Ioane10. Beauden Barrett9. TJ Perenara8. Luke Whitelock7. Sam Cane6. Shannon Frizell5. Scott Barrett4. Sam Whitelock ©3. Ofa Tuungafasi2. Codie Taylor1. Karl Tu'inukuafe
Reserves: Nathan Harris, Tim Perry, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert-Brown.
LISTEN TO RICHIE BARNETT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The NRL has been accused of using its "third-string" legal counsel against Billy Slater's expertly-prepared and high-powered defence of a shoulder charge.
The Melbourne champion will play in Sunday's NRL grand final after successfully defending his shoulder charge citing in a near-three hour judiciary hearing.
Slater was given an inside line to slip out of the charges against him, according to Fox League's NRL 360 host Paul Kent.
The veteran rugby league commentator tore strips off the NRL administration after it was revealed on Monday the game's foremost legal counsel was unavailable to represent the NRL Match Review Committee at Tuesday night's hearing.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday the game's top judiciary prosecutor Peter McGrath SC was overseas and unavailable for the trial.
His back-up NRL judiciary counsel Anthony Lo Surdo SC was also unavailable on Monday night — forcing the NRL to delay the trial until Tuesday night — reportedly angering the Storm, who wanted the case sorted as soon as possible.
Lo Surdo has featured as the NRL's judiciary counsel on several occasions in the past 12 months — and famously presented the NRL's case when Raiders enforcer Sia Soliola was suspended for five weeks for a high shot on Slater last year.
Soliola's legal defence for that case was Nick Ghabar — who defended Slater on Tuesday night.
Kent on Tuesday described Lo Surdo as the "third string" legal counsel available to the NRL.
He described the NRL's preparation for the case as similar to iconic bumbling lawyer Dennis Denuto, played by actor Tiriel Mora, in the 1997 Aussie classic The Castle.
"What does it say about the game, though, that there's Dennis Denuto prosecuting the case," Kent told NRL 360.
"We've had to do it on Tuesday night because they couldn't get anyone to do it on the Monday night. Here we've got grand final week. It's one of the biggest players in the game. It's his final NRL game after 300-odd NRL games. The greatest fullback to ever play the game. The fairytale finish is on the line and we've had to go to a third-stringer."
Co-host Ben Ikin responded by saying the Storm's possible grand final win will always be linked salaciously with Slater's ability to beat the grade one charge.
Kent said the mistakes made in preparing for Slater's case on Tuesday were symptomatic of the current NRL administration.
"I'll tell you something. When this commission got going five or six years ago now, we all said we need business people with a business brain in rugby league," he said.
"And, I tell you now, we went and got that. We sat through $1 billion spent and nothing to show for it. The game's got smaller. The other thing is we sit here now and I can tell you that the most professional people in that room tonight are the Melbourne Storm. The rugby league people."
Meanwhile, Slater's defence under Ghabar — where the star No. 1 actually stood up and took the tribunal through his thought process as he closed in on Feki — has been described as "unprecedented" by Fox League senior reporter James Hooper.
Slater twice stood up to demonstrate for the panel over course of the hearing, basing most of his defence on Feki's step initiating the collision. He said during the week-long preparation for the final, he had watched vision of all the tries scored by both Sharks wingers across the season — including eight by Feki.
"[If] the Melbourne Storm wins and he gets the Clive Churchill medal, it will come back to the point that choices No. 1 and No. 2 in the list of NRL prosecutors were not available in the most important week of the season," Ikin said.
The Daily Telegraph's Paul Crawley then told the show: "It's embarrassing. It's embarrassing.
"At the end of the day, no matter how you look at it, it is a shoulder charge."
He believed the Sharks winger, as he had done all year, was headed straight for the corner post.
But he claimed he was thrown by Feki's left-foot ste...
Hockey New Zealand have enlisted an employment lawyer to lead their review.
Maria Dew, of Bankside Chambers, will head the investigation into the women's Black Sticks and its team culture.
Dew has worked in several complex and sensitive employment investigations.
Hockey NZ last month announced it would undergo a review into the team, following claims that coach Mark Hager created a negative environment within the side.
The controversy started when Hager sent out an email that was meant to be sent to a support staff person but instead went to all players in the squad just before a key match at the World Cup, which they unexpectedly lost.
Three players were specifically criticised for aspects of their game, and Hager felt the general attitude towards training was wrong.
Former goalkeeper Amelia Gibson is the only player to have spoken out against the Hager regime but others in the current group are understood to be unhappy.
However, several former players have also shown their public support for Hager in a letter signed by seven former Black Sticks in support of the under-fire coach.
The review will be completed by the end of November.
LISTEN TO RADIO SPORT REPORTER ALEX CHAPMAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
This year's end of year tour could be the last the All Blacks play in its current form.
French newspaper Midi Olympique reports from 2020, World Rugby wants to introduce a 'League of Nations' format involving the top 12 teams in the world.
The idea of World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot reportedly sees an international competition dividing into four groups of three, with three pool games followed by a semi-final and final.
The report says the World League would be played alternately in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere each November, with the North to hold the proposed first edition in 2020.
NZ Rugby Playera Association Rob Nichol told D'Arcy and Goran that is way too premature to debate the idea.
"What Gus has probably done is put this out there... he wants to see some conversation."
He says that is worth considering how they could improve the standards of the smaller teams around the world, and how they can fill the international window better.
The groups would also be held in different countries.
World Rugby's top brass are meeting in Sydney this week.
LISTEN TO NZ RUGBY PLAYERS ASSOCIATION ROB NICHOL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO MARG FOSTER DISCUSS THE PERFORMANCE WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Silver Ferns defenders could be on the chopping block as coach Noeline Taurua looks to change things up ahead of next month's Constellation Cup.
Concluding their first international campaign since the Commonwealth Games with a 5-goal loss to the Australian Diamonds yesterday, the Ferns looked to be in promising form with evident improvements across the court.
However, one win from three games wasn't good enough for Taurua.
Earlier today she said the Series closer had exposed the Ferns' lack of fight on the court as she urged her side to toughen up before facing the Diamonds again next month.
Taurua suggested that the new-look side could be switched up again, with the possibility of calling up players from the wider squad not used in the Quad Series, and potentially from the New Zealand A squad, ahead of the team naming next week.
"There were areas where we were exposed and probably never had enough firepower to look at changing up ... so we need to look at what we have at home," Taurua said after the Ferns went down 60-55 to Australia.
"I don't know if I'd call it experimenting, I would like to think I'm going to be quite strategic in what I need to do ... we'll look at some of the others that are at home and the level underneath."
Particularly concerned with her defensive unit's performance, Taurua said it was evident the squad needed an injection of height and speed in the circle in order to combat the tenacious nature of Australian shooters Caitlin Bassett and Gretel Tippett.
Bassett dominated the shooting circle with her 1.93m frame towering over the 1.87m Katrina Grant and 1.81m Jane Watson.
Meanwhile, Tippett, who isn't far off her skipper standing at 1.91m, caught the Ferns off guard when she pulled out her dangerously accurate basketball-inspired layup shot to soar over the Kiwi defenders with relative ease.
"When we got caught one-on-one, especially in the circle, we were exposed because of height deficit," she said.
"Defensively there were moments where we scrapped and we fought really hard but I also didn't think we had purpose in some respect.
"We need more in regard to our in circle defence, maybe a bit of height, maybe a bit of presence in there, but also people who are quite fast … I'm going to look at all areas and see how we can be better."
The tallest current Silver Ferns defender, Kelly Jury, stands at 1.92m but has been ruled out of the 2018 international season after dislocating her shoulder in the ANZ Premiership. However, Casey Kopua, who has been recovering from a plantar fascia tear, could be available for the Constellation Cup.
Although not bringing significantly more height to the shooting circle, the seasoned-veteran would add valuable experience to the Ferns' side.
Taurua will have just over a week to make her decisions with the Ferns' second training camp set to tip off next Tuesday in Auckland.
The Silver Ferns will play their first Constellation Cup match on October 7 in Brisbane.
LISTEN TO CAT TUIVAITI TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Silver Ferns may have decisively snapped their four-game losing streak but head coach Noeline Taurua has urged her side not to get ahead of themselves.
"There were some beautiful signs out there but we've got to be realistic," Taurua told Radio Sport.
"We aren't going to build Rome in a day and can't get too carried away with ourselves."
The Ferns dominated South Africa's Proteas 61-37 last night at Tauranga's Baypark Arena with a vastly improved performance just three days after suffering a historic loss to England in Auckland.
With world-class shooting statistics and a defence unit that played with confidence, Taurua was pleased with the Ferns' performance as she claimed her first win as head coach of the national side.
However, Taurua was realistic about her approach ahead of Sunday's final Quad Series game when the Ferns play the Australian Diamonds and warned that it would be a truer test of the Kiwi side's skill.
"Massive step up against South Africa, but it's only one game. We've spoken about consistency ... and for that to happen you've got to consistently perform," Taurua said.
"No disrespect to South Africa at all, or Norma [Plummer], but once we get to England and Australia, all the class acts and they are beasts in their own rights, we'll know how good or how far we are from the opposition.
"There's no reason why we can't win but it will be up to how much discipline we have and whether we're prepared to feel uncomfortable out there when they put the pressure on us."
Maria Folau, who received criticism for not taking more responsibility after a poor shooting performance on Saturday, was back in action last night and played a key role in the Ferns' impressive score margin.
Netting 35 goals at 95 per cent accuracy, the seasoned veteran was clearly out to make a statement and Taurua will be hoping that her star shooter can continue that momentum.
"She played brilliantly, I've never seen her turn to the post as much as she did ... shooting was amazing and I've never seen her shoot to that high percentage for a very long time," Taurua said.
"She knew that after the first game it wasn't what was required or what she expected of herself ... these top players always come out firing the next game so fantastic game for her individually.
"If we can put some of those things that we put out against South Africa in regards to the connections and in regards to our shooting percentage ... I'll be absolutely rapt."
The Ferns will depart to Melbourne this afternoon ahead of Sunday's clash at Hisense Arena.
LISTEN TO JOHN HART TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Former All Blacks coach John Hart was happy to step on to the board of the Blues, but insists New Zealand Rugby's presence on it will be temporary.
Hart, along with Richard Dellabarca and Sam Lotu-Iiga, was appointed to the board for the Super Rugby club by NZR, after an independent review of the club's governance structure.
"My understanding is it's an interim move," Hart told D'Arcy and Goran of his appointment.
"NZR have stepped in as an interim move and ultimately they'll want to bring back some private equity interest. That will take time. All the other franchises have that structure and I'm sure that's where the New Zealand Union see the Blues of the future."
Hart, who coached the All Blacks from 1996-1999, has strong ties to the game in the Auckland region. A former coach of the province, Hart is a life member of the Auckland union.
"I'm a passionate rugby man, I'm a passionate Aucklander and we'd all like to see the Blues do well.
"I guess they're hoping I might be able to help the board in terms of governance and decision-making around the football team, but I'm just a board member – one of six or seven.
"I'm going on as a board member to meet with the board and come up with strategies to support the management team. I don't see it going beyond that at the moment."
Current NZR board member Dellabarca and NZR committee member Lotu-Iiga join Hart on the Blues' board, with the appointments being made as part of the NZR's 40 per cent partnership interest in the club.
The trio all have a proven background in the sport which NZR chief executive Steve Tew said was an important part of the selection.
"We are pleased that John, Richard and Sam are available to represent New Zealand Rugby's partnership interest in the Blues Super Rugby club.
"Their collective skills will extend the existing depth of experience of the Blues Board and in combination with other recent changes to the coaching team and re-signing and recruitment of key players, this is one of many steps to help rebuild the success of the club."
The Warriors appear to be at long odds to retain one of their best players for the 2019 NRL season.
Veteran hooker Isaac Luke has been offered a heavily reduced one-year deal to stay at the Mount Smart club, with the Newcastle Knights among the contenders to sign him.
A shift to Newcastle would be a snug fit for Luke, and would likely see him competing with compatriot Danny Levi for the hooking role.
The move would be a blow for the Warriors and would require young hookers Nathaniel Rozche and Jazz Tevaga to potentially fill the void, while 2018 Karl Laughton could also be in the mix unless the club looks elsewhere.
Todd Lowrie, part of the Newcastle Knights coaching system, told D'Arcy and Goran that he could not confirm or deny if Luke would be heading across the ditch.
Luke's decision should be known within the next week.
LISTEN TO TODD LOWRIE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO KARL BUDGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Big John is back.
The ASB Classic has secured the signature of popular American John Isner, and tournament director Karl Budge is confident of attracting at least one more top 10 player for the 2019 event.
Budge is aiming for Juan Martin del Potro, who was a big hit this year in his first appearance on Stanley Street since 2009.
Del Potro would be a tough get. He's always a marquee player, not far below the 'big four' but has stormed back into prominence this year after reaching the last eight at Wimbledon and the semifinals at Roland Garros (only stopped by Rafa Nadal on both occasions) then finishing runner up to Novak Djokovic in New York.
So, is Budge actually confident of landing the Argentine?
"Yes, we are," Budge told Radio Sport. "We spoke again on Monday. He is a guy that doesn't make decisions at this time of year. Every year when I have been tournament director he has said no to me at this time. [But] in that November period once he is off tour, stopped playing and started to think about what [he] should do before Melbourne his views seem to change."
Isner's confirmation today was no surprise, as the 33-year-old always enjoys starting his year in Auckland, usually surrounded by several compatriots in the locker room. But's it still a decent coup, as Isner is enjoying a brilliant year, where he peaked at number eight in the world and also captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title.
That week in Miami was the best in Isner's career, as he beat three top ten players (Marin Cilic, three, Alexander Zverev, five and Juan Martin del Potro, six) as well as 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung on the way to lifting the trophy.
Isner followed up that breakthrough victory by reaching the last four at Wimbledon, where he lost a six hour marathon to Kevin Anderson, and then making the quarter-finals in New York.
The 2.08m Isner is still the king of aces – only one player in ATP history has served more than his 10,757 bombs – but he has an underrated all round game.
Isner has an impressive record in the Queen City. He's played here on seven previous occasions, winning in 2010 and 2014 and reaching the quarter-finals on four other visits.
"I love playing in Auckland," said Isner. "It's such a great place to play, the crowds are awesome and it's one of the best stops on the tour. It's where I won my first ATP title, and I'm looking forward to playing there again in 2019."
"When you have guys like Isner coming back year on year, particularly off the back of the season that he has had…he is a man in demand now," added Budge. "For him to show his loyalty again to the ASB Classic shows just how well regarded the tournament is."
Isner's signature is added to Venus Williams, who last month was confirmed for the women's tournament.
LISTEN TO HAIDEE TIFFEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Amy Satterthwaite won't be short on spin bowling options as she embarks on her first assignment as new White Ferns captain this month.
New Zealand has named a 13-strong squad for three T20s in Australia, starting at the end of this month, and 15 players for the women's world T20 in the West Indies in November.
There are five spin options in Australia, with a sixth, Anna Peterson added for the world tournament.
''We are blessed with a group of versatile cricketers and know that spin should play a large part in the Caribbean, especially with the slower nature of the pitches over there,'' White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen said.
Peterson and Hannah Rowe are the additions for the world tournament, while the Australian games will be played in Sydney on September 29, Brisbane on October 1 and Canberra on October 5.
Tiffen liked the good mix of youth and experience in the groups.
Satterthwaite has replaced Suzie Bates as skipper, Bates standing down last week.
''Amy is a highly experienced cricketer and she has taken the captaincy in her stride,'' Tiffen said.
The women's world T20 starts on November 9.
New Zealand squad for world T20: Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Sophie Devine, Kate Ebrahim, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Anna Peterson, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Watkin.
New Zealand squad to play Australia in three T20 internationals at the end of this month:Amy Satterthwaite (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Sophie Devine, Kate Ebrahim, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Watkin.
The Wellington Phoenix appear unlikely to introduce music during corners and general play this upcoming A-League season.
The idea has been floated by competition organisers to try and attract crowds back to games.
Phoenix general manager David Dome told D'Arcy and Goran he's keen to investigate the idea of having controlled flares at games, but he's not convinced by the idea of additional music.
"I can't see how that is going to lend itself to the spectacle anymore than our fans do where they are singing and chanting at those times."
LISTEN TO DAVID DOME TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Rowing New Zeland is promising a full review into its disappointing World Championship campaign but insists its funding isn't under threat.
New Zealand's returning with its worst world championship haul since 2001, three medals.
Rowing receives for than $5 million a year in high performance funding and CEO Simon Peterson says that's locked in until the Tokyo Olympics.
"We're a tier one sport which gives us that guaranteed funding for a four year cycle through to Tokyo. We'll be asking serious questions around these results as they are not trending in the right direction, but in terms of overall finance for Tokyo, it's not affected."
LISTEN TO SIMON PETERSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Silver Ferns have found an extra benefit from their new 'vote for their captain' system.
Laura Langman was today unveiled as New Zealand's captain, with former captain Katrina Grant the vice captain.
The pair were selected after other players, and management voted by choosing a three, two, one points system.
Coach Noeline Taurua told D'Arcy and Goran it was a successful system for a number of reasons.
"This whole process has identified other players within the Silver Ferns squad that have potential for leadership roles in the future, and I think that's fantastic."
Langman says she'll be drawing on all the experience within the side for their first match against England.
"To be out collectively what fits best for this group going forwards, and we want to put a stake in the ground on Saturday."
LISTEN TO LAURA LANGMAN AND NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Nearly a week after crashing out of the finals in the NRL League, coach Stephen Kearney has opened up about the Warriors loss.
Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran that it was disappointing and that it left an empty taste in the mouth.
"I just don't think we did that, in terms of gave our best performance."
He says that the team worked really hard to get themselves into that position.
He looked across the season as a whole, and discussed what happens next with player signings.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Suzie Bates is relinquishing the leadership reins at the White Ferns to focus on her game.
She's stood down as captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team, after almost seven years in the role.
Bates says the captaincy initially helped her perform, but in the last 12 to 18 months with the extra cricket she's played, it's weighed heavily.
"I think it has affected my performances in the long run, especially at the end of season when perhaps I've been more fatigued."
Bates says she believed her side was capable of winning each world cup she attended as captain.
"The 2013 World Cup India, where were playing so well but lost to the West Indies in the finals hit a few of us pretty hard, and then to not even make the semi finals at the World Cup in England."
Bates told D'Arcy and Goran that, despite not always agreeing with coach Haidee Tiffen, that wasn't why she stood down.
Amy Satterthwaite has been appointed the new White Ferns captain, having been part of the leadership team for several years.
"Even just captaining at the Canterbury level, and fortunate enough last year to captain the Melbourne Renegades at the Women's Big Bash, so I've had some leadership opportunities outside of this, and hopefully that will help me."
Satterthwaite's first assignment in charge will be the three match Twenty20 international series against Australia, starting in Sydney at the end of the month.
LISTEN TO SUZIE BATES TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Temalisi Fakahokotau will miss the remainder of the netball season and potentially next year's world cup.
The influential Silver Ferns defender has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in training for the Quad Series.
New coach Noeline Taurua told D'Arcy and Goran if Fakahokotau has surgery, it's likely to be a year before she can manage full impact on court.
"Usually it's between nine to 12 months , but also you don't want to push it as there's always the worry that you could do it again if you move too fast too soon.."
Noeline Taurua has called in Northern Mystics defender Michaela Sokolich-Beatson as defensive cover for the Quad Series.
Taurua says Sokolich-Beatson has fitted in seamlessly.
"The good thing I suppose is that she, and the New Zealand squad members were also involved in camps, so she has as much as up to play as everybody else."
The Silver Ferns face England in their Quad Series opener in Auckland on Saturday, while the 2019 Netball World Cup starts in Liverpool in exactly 10 months.
LISTEN TO NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Australian Open tournament director has urged world tennis chiefs to lock in a position on in-match coaching in light of the stormy US Open women's final.
Craig Tiley says the rise of Japanese winner Naomi Osaka is only good news for his tournament.
But Tiley is refusing to be critical of Serena Williams' behaviour in the final, instead referring to the first judgment that started the spiral.
He says the whole thing centered around coaching and the sport has to get itself sorted out as to whether it does or doesn't allow it during matches.
ASB Classic Tournament director Karl Budge has waded into the debate as well.
He told Craig Cummings that it comes down to human nature the differences between umpires and in the different tournaments.
LISTEN TO KARL BUDGE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMINGS
Noeline Taurua will have only a small say in deciding who'll captain the Silver Ferns.
The new coach, Netball New Zealand CEO Jennie Wyllie, a High Performance Sport representative, and all of the players will vote on who should lead the Ferns.
Taurua says they're taking a collective approach.
"We'll look hopefully by tomorrow afternoon to know, one, what is our structure, is it a leadership structure, or are we going captain-vice captain, and then who those people are."
Noeline Taurua says the Silver Ferns captain will be unveiled on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Quad Series opener against England in Auckland.
Former Australian coach Kath Harby-Williams told Craig Cummings that her pick for skipper would be Laura Langman.
She talked about what a good captain needs, and what the Silver Ferns need to do to support their pick.
LISTEN TO KATH HARBY-WILLIAMS TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMINGS ABOVE
The Ranfurly Shield has changed hands once again.
Waikato defeated Taranaki over the weekend, taking the shield back for the 12th time.
Assistant coach Roger Randle talked with Nigel Yalden about how they prepared for the match and what the win means for the team, the coaches and the region.
LISTEN TO ROGER RANDLE TALK WITH NIGEL YALDEN ABOVE
LISTEN TO BEAUDEN BARRETT TALK WITH NIGEL YALDEN ABOVE
There are no false memories in the collective Barrett family treasury and both Beauden and Scott are aware that a ferocious battle with the Springboks looms this week in Wellington.
Both of the brothers were instrumental in the 57-0 drubbing the All Blacks handed the South Africans the last time they played in New Zealand, but both are just as aware what it took to win that game.
It was a record score and one that plunged South African rugby into a deep state of gloom and ultimately led to coaching change later that year, but for all that it may have seemed a walk in the park, it really wasn't.
The All Blacks were in fact second best in most aspects of the contest for the entire first half.
They were not on the front foot physically by any means, were dominated in the territory and possession stakes, yet reached the break 31-0 ahead in Albany.
What separated the two teams were their respective clinical instincts. The All Blacks had four half chances in the first half and nailed each one in a finishing master class that broke the spirit and resistance of the Boks.
The second half was more of a genuine rout as the Boks lost their shape, but the point both Barrett boys were keen to enforce in Wellington, is that the old enemy won't fall apart and the All Blacks will have to earn everything they get.
"They were positive memories," said Beauden of last year's record victory."I remember the excitement of big Brodie's try and how we felt after that to see him go the way. But I remember that week itself was probably the best week's prep we have had for a long time.
"And there was that genuine edge around because we knew we were in for a big battle and it was a big battle. I remember the first half although we were up heaps on the scoreboard it felt like we'd had to work hard for everything and it hadn't come easily.
"It was just about taking our opportunities. Simple as that. We know we have to turn up with the right mentality. We know they will be coming hard every time we play them so we have to be ready to take our opportunities because in test matches you don't get many.
We know how desperate they will be this week so we know we have to not just match them but be hungrier than them."
That hunger will need to be there as the one certainty about the Boks is that they won't shirk from the confrontation.
They looked a side low in confidence when they lost to Australia in Brisbane last weekend and they played with little imagination or flare.
However, that shouldn't serve as any indication of what they will bring to the capital as so much of their game flows from their ability to get on the front foot.
And in that regard, as they did in Albany last year, they will almost certainly deliver as they have the athletes and mind-set to do so.
The Boks, even at their lowest ebb, have rarely failed to put up a long and prolonged fight at the coalface and while their performance in Wellington may end up lacking finesse and polish, it is unlikely to lack brutality and crunch.
"I think you just need to go back to last year's test in Cape Town and that was one of the most physical tests I have been involved in," says Scott, who will almost certainly be starting at lock in the injury absence of Brodie Retallick.
"Any game against the Springboks is going to be physical. They want to dominate you physically up front and some of the backs are big ball carriers so we have to prepare for a huge physical battle.
"They are pretty direct. They ran hard and straight and have some big men who want to get over the gainline and deliver quick ball for the drivers such as Elton Jantjies and Handre Pollard."
Tomorrow night, the Warriors face the Panthers in an elimination final.
It is the first time the Warriors have made it this far in seven years - but how far will they go?
There's no better judge than Matt Elliott, a former coach of both teams.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that it should be an exciting match.
LISTEN TO MATT ELLIOTT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
LISTEN TO GREG ALEXANDER PREVIEW THE MATCH WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is yet to run on his injured ankle and will need to prove his fitness tomorrow before being cleared to play in Saturday's sudden death NRL finals clash against Penrith.
The Kiwi international fullback walked freely through the departure gates at Auckland airport today ahead of the Warriors flight to Sydney and showed no signs of the limp that he carried after suffering the injury in last week's win over Canberra.
Assistant coach Andrew McFadden is confident the club's Player of the Year will be right for their biggest game of the season but said a decision on Tuivasa-Sheck's availability would be made after tomorrow's captains run at ANZ Stadium.
Retiring back-rower Simon Mannering completed light duties at training yesterday and is expected to be fit for his 301st appearance despite carrying a sternum injury.
"We're hopeful. Roger hasn't run yet but that's just to give him the best chance physically," said McFadden.
"He's obviously played the majority of our games this year so he should be right and Simon had a good run yesterday so we're hopeful.
"He'll definitely have to have a run and that's when we'll get a real indication but he looks pretty good."
However, with Tuivasa-Sheck yet to test how his ankle holds up, McFadden admitted there was a chance he could miss the Warriors first finals appearance in seven years.
The Stephen Kearney coached side are prepared for the worst however, with centre Peta Hiku ready to switch to the No 1 role and bench utility Gerard Beale providing cover for the right edge.
"There is a chance [he might not play]. Obviously he's got to be fit but we're very hopeful," he said.
"He's worked around the clock and he's very professional and the medical staff seem to think he'll be fine.
"We've got Gerard Beale on the bench at the moment and Peta Hiku can just slot straight into that position if need be.
"We've got a bit of depth to us so if worst comes to worst we'll be fine."
The side was given a warm send-off by a number of the club's front office staff who surprised the players as they made their way through the departure lounge.
"It's a nice touch," said McFadden. "No one knew that this was happening so it's great the whole club has come out. It is very exciting. We're all looking forward to getting to Sydney and having a red hot crack.
LISTEN TO ANT STRACHAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEThe All Blacks selectors have chosen to give a trio of players an extra week off to get right.
Midfielder Ryan Crotty, flanker Sam Cane and winger Rieko Ioane weren't considered for Saturday's Rugby Championship test against Argentina in Nelson.
Crotty and Cane are returning from concussions, while Ioane suffered a grade one hamstring tear in the Bledisloe Cup opener in Sydney.
Coach Steve Hansen says another week will be good for the trio, especially Ioane who they don't want to push too hard too soon.
"I've been calling him the 80 Percenter the last couple weeks cause I don't want him running any faster than that. He ran in the training season barely 100 and it's just a matter of making sure we don't over extend him too early."
Richie Mo'unga is trying to keep a clear head following confirmation of his first test start for the All Blacks.
The Canterbury first five has been tasked with guiding the World Champions around Trafalgar Park against Argentina on Saturday.
Mo'unga says he now accepts that he can only control certain things, conceding he was guilty of over-thinking early in his career.
"The weather, if should moulds or sprigs, what socks I should put on first, but if you really have the genuine prep, and if that prep is genuine every week, there is no doubt in my mind of my abilities and what I can do."
Mo'unga says he hasn't read, heard or seen any of the discussion about him starting ahead of Beauden Barrett, who he is rooming with this week in Nelson.
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Rafael Nadal began his U.S. Open quarter-final as poorly as possible, shut out in a set by a 6-0 score for only the fourth time in 282 career Grand Slam matches.
On the previous three such occasions, he'd lost. On this one, he managed to come back to win, although it took 4 hours, 49 minutes and never did get easy for him.
The defending champion and No. 1 seed at Flushing Meadows recovered from his disastrous start and other stumbles along the way to beat No. 9 Dominic Thiem 0-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5) for a semifinal berth at a third consecutive Grand Slam tournament, winning a physical, back-and-forth tussle that stretched across and concluded after 2 a.m.
How tense and tight was this one? Not only was Nadal two points from losing at 5-all in the closing tiebreaker, but he finished with fewer total points, 171-166.
When it ended, on an overhead by Thiem that sailed long, Nadal walked around the net to hug his opponent and whisper words of encouragement.
When Nadal makes it this far in New York, he usually doesn't stumble. He has now won seven U.S. Open quarter-finals in a row when he's made it that far; his only loss in that round came back in 2006.
He is bidding for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows and 18th Grand Slam trophy overall.
On Saturday, Nadal will take on a familiar foe with a berth in the final on the line: 2009 champion and No. 3 seed Juan Martin del Potro, who defeated No. 11 John Isner 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Blake Green and James Gavet both return from injury to start in the Warriors' first NRL finals match in seven years when they face the Penrith Panthers in Saturday's sudden-death play-off at ANZ Stadium (7.30pm NZT).
Green missed the back-to-back wins over Penrith and Canberra while Gavet was ruled out last week.
Veteran Blake replaces Mason Lino providing the Warriors with extensive big-game experience from eight NRL finals appearances since 2008 for Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly as well as title success with Wigan in the English Super League.
Gavet, a finals rookie, replaces Bunty Afoa in a side showing a number of players set to play finals football for the first time this week.
While Green and Gavet return, captain and just-crowned Simon Mannering Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as well as the 300-game man Mannering have been included as they look to recover from injuries picked up in the 20-16 win over the Raiders.
Apart from prop Gavet, others named to line up in the finals for the first time are the David Fusitu'a, fellow winger Ken Maumalo and centre Solomone Kata plus interchange forwards Jazz Tevaga, Isaiah Papali'i and Afoa. On the extended bench, Lino, Chris Satae and Karl Lawton also have no finals experience.
At the same time the selected 17 includes several players who have appeared in multiple finals including premiership winners Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Blair, Tohu Harris and Gerard Beale.
Mannering has played 10 finals matches including the 2011 grand final while Issac Luke also has vast finals experience although he missed South Sydney's 2014 grand final win through suspension.
The Warriors head into the play-offs after a seven-year absence to start the club's eighth finals campaign following previous appearances in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
They finished level on 32 points with four teams in the most congested top eight finish in history with the leading four teams just one win ahead on 34 points.
The Panthers clinched fifth place on points for and against while the Warriors were eighth after a season in which they were inside the top eight every week of the regular season en route to a 15-9 win-loss record.
In their two encounters in the regular rounds, Penrith beat the Warriors 36-4 at its home ground in July but the Warriors avenged the loss with a compelling 36-16 victory to clinch their finals berth at Mount Smart Stadium on August 24.
The rivals have met in the play-offs only once before, the Panthers prevailing 28-20 in the preliminary final in 2003 before claiming the premiership against the Roosters.
In 17 previous finals matches, the Warriors have won eight and lost nine while the Panthers have a 13-14 record including two grand final victories in 1991 and 2003.
WARRIORS v PENRITH PANTHERS5.30pm, Saturday, September 8, 2018ANZ Stadium, Sydney
VODAFONE WARRIORS
1 ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK (c)2 DAVID FUSITU'A3 PETA HIKU4 SOLOMONE KATA5 KEN MAUMALO6 BLAKE GREEN7 SHAUN JOHNSON8 JAMES GAVET9 ISSAC LUKE10 AGNATIUS PAASI11 ADAM BLAIR12 TOHU HARRIS13 SIMON MANNERINGInterchange:14 JAZZ TEVAGA15 ISAIAH PAPALI'I16 BUNTY AFOA17 GERARD BEALE18 LEIVAHA PULU20 MASON LINO21 CHRIS SATAE22 KARL LAWTON
HEAD COACH | STEPHEN KEARNEY
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Roger Federer has been sent spiralling out of the US Open in the fourth round after a stunning charge from Aussie John Millman took their match 3-6 7-5 7-6 7-6.
The 29-year-old fought hard to bring the World No. 2 to a tiebreak in the third and fourth sets after a tense tug of war kept locals out of bed late into the night.
The victory was Millman's first against a top 10 player. He was also the first Australian to defeat Federer in a grand slam match since Pat Rafter in 1999.
The tiebreak went back and forth until Millman found a chink in Federer's armour at 8-7 and forced the Swiss great into an error down the line. Federer was forced to sweat as the humid New York conditions and an unusually inconsistent serve took their toll.
The two stars continued to trade games into the third set until Federer broke away and finally sealed a break at 4-2. But Millman was made of tougher stuff than that.
After looking to have dropped the set into the 37-year-old's hands, the Aussie blasted back with a break of his own to even the fourth out at 4-4.
Federer served his way through a comfortable game to make it 6-5 but a strong ace from Millman in the following game sealed another tiebreaker.
The Swiss maestro was caught off guard in the very first game of the match as Australia's last man standing squeezed his way to break point. But a searing ace allowed Federer to survive as he ran away with the first set 6-3.
Millman found some gas in the second set, pinning Federer to the wall in a marathon second game. The 20-time grand slam champion missed 19 of 22 first serve attempts and was forced to defend seven break point opportunities in a 14-minute epic.
Fans noted the amount of sweat on Federer's shirt after the colossal game, with some labelling it is his worst service display in years.
Millman missed the opportunity at an early break and Federer looked to make him pay.
But despite leading 5-3 and then 5-4 40-15, he couldn't put the Aussie away and Millman reeled off three consecutive games to pinch the second set 7-5 and square the match.
The fighting performance continued early in the third as Millman defended a break point to hold serve in the opening game. He worked his way to a 2-1 lead but a love service game from Federer evened out the equation.
Millman hit back and won his seventh of the past nine games to bring it to 3-2. The tug-of-war continued as each player dominated their respective service games to bring the third set to a tense tiebreak.
Before the match, Federer had a word of encouragement for Millman, who has practised with him in Switzefland.
"He's just come to Switzerland to train with me before the grass-court season so we know each other quite well. (He's) a super friendly guy, and I'm very happy for him that he's gotten so far.
"But now I'll try to stop him, so we'll see how it goes."
Millman said the Swiss star was "always someone he looked up to" before their fourth round clash.
Federer could have been forgiven for looking ahead to the quarterfinals, where nemesis Novak Djokovic awaits.
It would be their earliest meeting in a Grand Slam since 2007, when Federer defeated Djokovic to reach the Australian Open quarters.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has skipped the NRL's traditional captains call to launch the upcoming finals.
While the skippers or co-captains from the seven other playoff teams have gathered in Sydney, the Warriors captain has remained in Auckland to look after his ankle ahead of Saturday's elimination playoff against the Panthers.
Second-rower Tohu Harris has represented the Warriors in Tuivasa-Sheck's absence.
"He stayed home to make sure he's doing everything he can to be right for this weekend, so had to cover him there."
LISTEN TO TOHU HARRIS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breakers have released import player Jerrelle Benimon from his contract, three weeks after confirming the American as a squad member for the upcoming season.
Benimon, signed as starting centre, was due to start with the club last week.
However personal issues have kept him in the USA. General Manager Dillon Boucher has been working with Benimon's agent around the delay.
"Family plays a huge part in the culture here at the Breakers and when we heard from Jerrelle that he was dealing with some family issues we had no hesitation in supporting his request to postpone coming to New Zealand," said Boucher.
"After further talks we have mutually agreed to release Jerrelle and move forward with a replacement to complete our 2018/19 roster." Boucher is already in talks with contacts in the USA and is confident the team will have a full roster in time for the Breakers pre-season NBA game on October 3 in Phoenix.
He says they'd like to replace Benimon before the pre-season tournament in Australia in two and a half weeks, but need to find the right man.
"We really want to have someone for the blitz. If we think there's a better player out there that we need to wait until after the blitz to get the right player, then we will do that as well."
LISTEN TO DILLON BOUCHER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO GRAEME AGARS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Caroline Wozniacki has crashed out of the US tennis Open.
The Australian Open champion has been beaten in straight sets by Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko.
Wozniacki says things just didn't go her way.
"I did my best and it just wasn't good enough today. She did really well and I was trying to find everything that I could today, but it just wasn't going that way."
Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer all made it safely through to the third round.
Simon Mannering's Warriors teammates have nothing but praise for him as he plans to play his 300th NRL game against the Raiders tonight.
Warriors hooker Issac Luke has known the backrower since they played together for Wellington in 2004.
He says nothing about Mannering has changed in that time - except his hairline.
"He's always been a competitor, selfless, he's always put the team first, and just the ultimate club man."
Former Australian team mate Brent Tate says he is not surprised that Mannering has made it to 30..
"So reliable, a great fella, such a great team man."
He says it's wonderful that it's fallen on the last home game of the year.
LISTEN TO BRENT TATE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Noeline Taurua has been officially confirmed as the new Silver Ferns coach.
Netball New Zealand made the announcement at a press conference at their Auckland offices today, with Taurua replacing Janine Southby who resigned from the role last month.
The former Silver Fern will be in charge when the Silver Ferns head to England next year for the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, and will be the first coach to lead the national side while being contracted to an Australian franchise.
Last week, Taurua coached the Sunshine Coast Lightning to a second straight Super Netball title, and will continue that role for the final year on her contract with the Lightning.
Netball NZ Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie believes the unprecedented move is justified to get the right person into the job as Silver Ferns coach.
"We have joined with Sunshine Coast Lightning to make this unique position work," Wyllie said.
"It is a first for Netball New Zealand and we're delighted to be moving forward with someone of Noeline's calibre.
"Noeline has been a head coach of franchise teams both here and in Australia and tasted success on both sides of the Tasman.
"Her knowledge of the game is immense, and Noeline is well respected by the athletes and netball community, which is hugely important building towards next year's Netball World Cup.
"The international game has never been so competitive and we are confident Noeline is the right person to guide the Silver Ferns back to the top."
Taurua, who was assistant coach for the Silver Ferns from 2012-2013 and a former head coach of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic, said she considered it a privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and looked forward to stepping into the role and taking the team back to their best.
"I am very fortunate that most major international netball events are scheduled outside the Suncorp Super Netball season, enabling me to dedicate adequate time and attention to both roles," Taurua said.
"Netball New Zealand and Sunshine Coast Lightning have given significant consideration to my coaching schedule and reached an agreement that will see me share my time between both teams.
"I am very appreciative of the opportunity to take this step forward in my career and want to acknowledge the extraordinary level of support and encouragement I have received from my family, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Netball New Zealand and the general netball community."
Taurua's first job as Silver Ferns coach will be at the 2018 Netball Quad Series, with the Silver Ferns' first game coming up against England on September 15.
Radio Sport Tennis correspondent Graeme Agars joins D'Arcy and Goran with the latest action from the US Open.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GRAEME AGARS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Radio Sport Tennis correspondent Graeme Agars joins D'Arcy and Goran with the latest action from the US Open.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GRAEME AGARS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
LISTEN TO BASEBALL NZ CEO RYAN FLYNN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
When Steve Mintz joins the Auckland Tuatara as manager for their inaugural season in the Australian Baseball League, he won't be coming alone.
Currently coaching within the Texas Rangers organisation, Mintz told the Herald one of the Rangers' top young outfielders Eric Jenkins would be joining him in Auckland.
"We have one, maybe two other ones that we don't have definites on just yet, but Eric Jenkins is 100 per cent coming over from the Texas Rangers," Mintz said.
Jenkins, a 21-year-old speedster who plays in the outfield, was ranked among the top 30 prospects within the Rangers organisation this year and was likely to feature as a 'table-setter' in the batting line up.
"He can fly," Mintz said. "We like to get him on base, let him steal bases. He can bunt, he can run in the balls and hit them out of the ball park.
"He can be an exciting player to watch with some of the stuff he can do on the baseball field."
Mintz said playing for the Tuatara would play an important part in Jenkins' development on his own journey to the majors.
The ABL has been part of the path to Major League Baseball for a number of players of the years. In recent years, New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has played for the Canberra Cavalry, and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins has played for the Sydney Blue Sox.
Mintz, a former MLB pitcher, was unveiled as the Auckland club's manager at an open day on Monday, where Baseball New Zealand also confirmed the name of the team. The ABL is not a foreign landscape to the 49-year-old, who managed the Adelaide Bite in the 2015/16 season - leading them to a 30-26 record and a spot in the playoffs.
He said after seeing how the game had grown in Australia, he was excited about the opportunity to be a part of helping the game develop in New Zealand. However, he said the club were not going to simply go in to participate in their debut season.
While Mintz confirmed Jenkins would be playing in the inaugural season, six players have been officially announced by the club, headlined by seven-year MLB pitcher Josh Collmenter. He'll be joined by Kiwi quintet Daniel Lamb-Hunt (infield), Jimmy Boyce (pitcher), Scott Cone (pitcher), Max Brown (outfielder) and Te Wera Bishop (catcher).
"Everybody likes winners, man - ain't no doubt about it. I don't care what sport you're playing, people get behind people who are winning.
"We want to compete right off the bat. We don't want to use the first year as an excuse or anything like that. We want to get players over there that are going to help us win ball games and bring excitement to New Zealand about this new baseball team."
Mintz will be joined in the coaching staff by fellow former MLB players D.J. Carrasco and Darren Bragg. The duo remain active in the league, with Carrasco working as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Bragg working in a coaching role in the Cincinnati Reds organisation.
LISTEN TO SIMON MANNERING TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It's a week of milestones for retiring club legend Simon Mannering who will celebrate his birthday tomorrow ahead of his 300th game in Friday's NRL clash against Canberra.
The former club captain will turn 32 before bringing up the triple century of appearances in what could be his final match at Mt Smart Stadium in the final round of the regular season against the Raiders.
With the Warriors spot in the upcoming playoffs already secured following Friday's impressive win over Penrith, the club is pulling out all the stops this week to ensure a packed house is in attendance to give the champion back-rower a hero's farewell.
Artist Emily Gardner is putting the finishing touches on a huge mural of Mannering inside the ground and the club is set to roll out several initiatives to involve his legion of fans in the lead-up to game day.
The tributes began today with the Mt Smart groundskeepers painting 'Mannering 300' across the ingoals on their training field, while players and club staff will continue to grow beards in honour of his ever-present facial hair through until the end of the season.
Mannering was quick to downplay the significance of his birthday and admitted he was humbled by all the interest, attention and tremendous support coming his way from fans and media and those within the club.
A quiet dinner with his partner Anna Bensemann and the couple's two children Zeke and Jack is on the cards tomorrow evening, while he is looking forward to catching up with the rest of his Nelson-based family on the weekend.
"I forget about birthday's these days. Ever since I turned 21 I've tried to forget about them," laughed Mannering.
"[There'll be] no cake, its game week. We'll do something quiet with the kids.
"My family is pretty low-key. They're all coming up [from Nelson] this weekend so I'll see them then."
Ticket pre-sales for Friday's match have already passed 14000 and the club has been inundated with orders from supporters travelling from all over the country and across the Tasman to show their support for Mannering.
The club's five-time Player of Year typically tried to deflect attention from his own achievements but expressed his appreciation to all the well-wishers who have backed him throughout his stellar 13-year career.
"That's really humbling and I just don't know if I deserve all of this fanfare," he said.
"I've met a lot of people along the way and they're fans of the club but they genuinely go out of their way to say 'thanks for what you've done' and I'm just doing my job. "It means a lot to some people and it's cool if you can give people a bit of buzz in their life and they really enjoy it. So for them to come out and travel all that way just to see a game of footy – I'm sure it's not just for me, the boys are playing well - it's really humbling."
As part of the club-wide pact to grow beards, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is sporting a decent amount of facial growth while some members of the team are clearly struggling in the stubble-stakes.
As the side rallies behind Mannering and the club's push into their first finals appearance since 2011, opposition sides would be well advised to 'fear the beard'.
"I got put on the spot there and made a commitment so I've got to follow it through," said Kearney.
"I'm in uncomfortable territory too. We've got to see how long it all goes for, that's the commitment."
Nick Farr-Jones, former Wallabies World Cup winner, joins D'Arcy and Goran to preview the All Blacks test against Australia this weekend. Jones was part of the last Australian team to win at Eden Park in 1986.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NICK FARR JONES SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Recently appointed Kiwis Coach Michael McGuire joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss tonight's incredibly important match for the Warriors, as they take on the Penrith Panthers from Mt Smart Stadium.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MICHAEL MCGUIRE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Wallabies player Matt Dunning joins D'Arcy and Goran to discuss the 2nd Bledisloe test on Saturday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT DUNNING SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Southland coach and former All Black Dave Hewett joins D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the season ahead and their next match against Tasman. Hewett also acknowledges Owen Franks, who brings up 100th test for the All Blacks this Saturday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVE HEWITT SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney joins D'arcy and Goran to explain the rationale behind his team named to face the Panthers this weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEPHEN KEARNEY SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick speaks to D'arcy and Goran following his man of the match efforts in the first Bledisloe test last Saturday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BRODIE RETALLICK SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Australian Wayne Gardner is a motorcycling road racing legend, and now his prestigious career has been immortalised in a new documentary.
Wayne tells of how Gardner went from owning a five-dollar dirt bike to becoming an international champion and winning the Grand Prix.
He talks with the Driven Hour about his astonishing career and the new movie.
LISTEN ABOVE
Rugby league commentator Allen McLaughlin joins D'arcy and Goran to give his thoughts on the Warriors and their prospects in the playoffs in a few weeks.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ALLEN MCLAUGHLIN SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps batting coach Craig McMillan joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the appointment of Gary Stead to the head coach position.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CRAIG MCMILLAN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Ben Maller from Fox Sports Radio joins D'arcy and Goran with his take on American sport including the NBA and NFL.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEN MALLER SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Steve Kearney joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the announcement of the team today, and previews Sundays match against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
LISTEN ABOVE AS D'ARCY AND GORAN
NZ Herald cricket writer Andrew Alderson joins D'arcy and Goran to provide details on the impending announcement regarding Gary Stead being named as Black Caps coach.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GARY STEAD SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Peter Lusted is a journalist with the ABC News team and he joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the state of Australian sport, including Adam Scott at the PGA Championship, all the action from the NRL and the upcoming Rugby Championship.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER LUSTED SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Graeme Agars, who was at the PGA Championship watching Brooks Koepka win ahead of Tiger Woods, joins D'arcy and Goran to describe the buzz around Tiger, and how the crowd preferred watching him play compared to Koepka and Adam Scott.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GRAEME AGARS SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Negotiations between Issac Luke and the Warriors are at a stalemate.
The hooker wants to extend his stay at Mount Smart Stadium, but he's yet to be offered a deal for the 2019 NRL season and beyond.
Warriors general manager Brian Smith told D'arcy and Goran they're struggling to reach a resolution.
Luke will play his 250th NRL game tonight when the Warriors host the Newcastle Knights at Mount Smart Stadium.
Smith also says that it's unlikely that the same situation that is affecting the Panthers will happen here, insisting Stephen Kearney is in charge of the coaching.
The Penrith's caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo has said he is glad club boss Phil Gould was able to talk him out of leaving.
Ciraldo tried to resign from his role as assistant coach for the NRL side twice, while now sacked coach Anthony Griffin was still in charge.
He says he wanted to leave for himself and his development as a coach, but is happy he has remained at the club.
Gould sacked Griffin this week, saying he was too controlling and old school to help the team win a premiership.
LISTEN TO BRIAN SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Ryan Fox is hoping the presence of his coach Marcus Wheelhouse this week will help him break new ground at the PGA Championship in Missouri.
Fox is in the first group underway on the Bellerive course late tonight in the year's final major.
He tied for 39th at the British Open last month but relied on video clips and Skype calls to Wheelhouse in the lead up.
Fox says he's been able to tidy up a few things with his coach this week.
"Have eyes on you, you get a much better idea of how things are at on a golf course, and actually having him down on the range and seeing rhythm and seeing all of that rather than sending him a video through Facebook or whatever."
LISTEN TO MARCUS WHEELHOUSE TALK ABOUT FOX WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO JASON NIGHTINGALE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
St George Illawarra winger Jason Nightingale has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The former Kiwi international will hang up the boots after an illustrious 12-year career that has included 265 NRL games to date, 33 tests for New Zealand, the 2012 NRL All Stars as well as the Dragons' 2011 World Club Challenge win.
The 31-year-old is also the last remaining player from the Dragons' 2010 grand final victory over the Sydney Roosters – where he scored two second half tries.
Nightingale's longevity at the Dragons and in the NRL will also see him challenge for equal billing as the most-capped Dragon, Steeler or St George Illawarra player ever in the coming weeks, alongside fellow club legend Ben Hornby (273 games).
The local Renown United junior was just 15 when he first donned the Dragons jumper, playing in the Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions in 2002-04. The man affectionately known as 'Gypsy' made his NRL debut in Round 8, 2007 against the Penrith Panthers at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Scoring a try in the 28-16 win, Nightingale has since added a further 109 tries to his NRL career tally to sit equal-sixth for most tries in the history of the Dragons, Steelers and St George Illawarra.
"It's a very proud and solemn day for me to be announcing the end of the career," said Nightingale.
"I am extremely grateful for everything that the Dragons and the game has done for myself, and what I've been able to achieve.
"There are so many people to thank for what's been a special journey. From Renown United through to the junior reps to now, through the highs and lows and great successes I've had, I'm just so thankful for this incredible journey."
Nightingale has remarkably won every single accolade awarded at the Dragons' end-of-year presentation.
Winning the prestigious Dragons Medal for player of the year in 2011, Nightingale also won the Immortals Trophy (2011), the Geoff Selby Memorial Trophy (2010, 2016), the Community Involvement Award (2012) and the Red V Members Player of the Year (2011, 2013).
Nightingale also won the Mark Coyne Trophy for career development in 2014, which has been reflected in his establishment of the Elite Athlete Business School.
"There have been so many great seasons personally," he said.
"To be recognised for so many different reasons that are celebrated at the Dragons, they all still sit on my mantelpiece very nicely.
"The 2010 grand final win was the highlight for me and my family. There are so many fond memories from that day and the season as a whole. Although now is great time to reflect, there are still plenty of memories to be made this season yet.
"However I'm also look forward to more family time with my second child on the way. My wife Bianka has sacrificed a lot for my career. She's been selfless by supporting me throughout my career, while also building one of her own.
"It'll be good to rearrange my priorities now and put her career first as well as continue to build the Elite Athlete Business School and help fulfil its potential alongside my business partner and the EABS family."
Dragons CEO Peter Doust congratulated the one-club player on his stellar career.
"Jason has always represented himself, his family and the Dragons with distinction and has always been committed to supporting the club's visions both off and on the field," said Doust.
"He is an outstanding role model who typifies the club's values and we have been privileged that he has remained loyal to the Dragons for so long. He signed eight contracts to remain at the Dragons.
"We are a development club who have always invested and provided opportunities for players in the local area and he epitomises everything we stand for. We couldn't be prouder of what Jason has achieved throughout his career."
Dragons coach Paul McGregor paid tribute to Nightingale's contribution and commitment to the club.
"It's hard to beat a person who...
LISTEN TO TODD PAYTEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have signed highly-regarded Todd Payten as an NRL assistant coach from next season.
Payten is currently serving as an assistant coach at North Queensland but will join the Warriors on a three-year contract as a replacement for Andrew McFadden who will to return to Australia with his family at the end of the season after six years with the Warriors.
The 39-year-old has also previously worked as an assistant coach at Wests Tigers and will continue his development under Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney and alongside fellow assistants Stacey Jones and Tony Iro.
"Todd's a young coach who has made a great impression and we're really excited about having him on board from next season," said Kearney.
"While replacing Cappy wasn't going to be easy after the wonderful contribution he has made to our club, we've been extremely fortunate to secure Todd.
"After a long playing career, he moved straight into coaching and has quickly established himself at NRL level."
Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith is confident Payten's experience on both sides of the clipboard will make him a welcome addition to the club's coaching staff.
"Todd has served a great apprenticeship as a player and coach at very good clubs and has experienced grand final success as both a player and a coach," said Smith.
"He'll provide great support to Stephen alongside Stacey and Tony."
Payten's playing career began in 1996 with the Raiders, before stints with the Roosters and Wests Tigers, prior to his retirement after 259 appearances in 2011.
The following season he enjoyed immediate success as a head coach after steering the joint venture club's under 20s team to a NYC title win.
He coached the side again in 2013 before being promoted to an assistant role under former Tigers NRL head coach Michael Potter in 2014, and both seasons also coached the New South Wales under-18s to victory over Queensland.
Payten was previously linked to a move to the Warriors coaching staff in 2014, before he accepted a job as coach of the Cowboys NYC side and assistant to NRL head coach Paul Green. He was a member of the coaching staff for the Cowboys' 2015 NRL grand final win over Brisbane.
LISTEN TO JOSEPH PARKER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Joseph Parker's "thumping" headaches, a consequence of the headbutt received during his recent loss to Dillian Whyte, have only just stopped, but he has already started training again to get back in the ring.
Parker revealed to the Herald today the extent of the concussion injury in the second round caused by the illegal blow from Whyte which put him on the canvas at London's O2 Arena.
The 26-year-old New Zealander didn't look himself in the ring as he struggled to recover from the dream-like state he found himself in, and, incredibly, was knocked down again in the ninth round by a left hook before he floored Whyte in the 12th round as he launched his comeback.
"Yesterday was the first day I haven't had thumping headaches but I had an MRI scan and the doctor said there were no blood clots or any injuries," Parker said.
"He said 'don't worry about it'."
Just over a week has passed since the toughest and most dramatic fight of Parker's life, one during which he sustained more punishment than ever before. He has a sore right ear from the headbutt but there are no longer any bruises on the south Aucklander's face, and no mental scars either apparently.
"There was one part of the fight when I said to myself to throw the right and the left hook which I did, but I felt like I was punching in slow motion and I thought 'what the hell's happening here'?"
Parker's admissions will probably lead to more calls for him to give it away – especially given he has understood to have banked in the region of $10million from his last two fights – points defeats by Anthony Joshua and Whyte.
He lost his WBO heavyweight world title in his loss to Joshua in Cardiff in April and the Whyte fight was supposed to be his redemption-type comeback. Instead, it finished very differently, and that is the professional fighter's lot; there are no guarantees in this brutal sport other than pain.
"A lot of people say I should give up and retire," Parker said. "I'm only 26 and I've only lost twice – It's not the end of the world. I'm still learning. You look at the champions – I'm not trying to compare – but they were great fighters and [Wladimir] Klitschko lost three times, Lennox [Lewis] lost three times, and were knocked out in their fights. No one told them to retire.
"Everyone's entitled their opinion but I think everyone should get behind us and support us. They're even saying change teams; if it wasn't for David [Higgins] I wouldn't be fighting Joshua or Whyte, if it wasn't for Kevin [Barry] I wouldn't be in good shape."
Parker said he came home from London and arrived at his south Auckland house to find daughter Elizabeth, who will turn two in November, waiting for him outside the front door. He said after his absence in camp in Las Vegas for a couple of months that she was shy, but "I grabbed her and held her".
It was also the first time he met his other daughter, Shiloh, born in July. It was an emotional time and the three have spent a lot of time in each other's company since.
"Father life is a bit different to camp life; camp life you wake up at 5 o'clock, as a father of a newborn you're up at 1, you're up at 3… Elizabeth is close to her mum, so when one's crying the other one's crying," Parker said.
He has begun running again and said he is happy to fight "anyone, anywhere". He said he was committed to his plan of fighting until he was 30 or 31.
"David is looking at options at the moment. He's getting calls from matchmakers around the world. If they want a re-match I'll fight him [Whyte] again, but I know I have to work my way up again now that I've lost to Joshua and Whyte."
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Veteran hooker Issac Luke is set to bring up his 250th career appearance when he lines up in an unchanged starting side for the Warriors' clash against Newcastle at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday night (8.00pm kick-off).
The 31-year-old Luke, who has been in outstanding form this season, was on target to achieve the 250-game milestone against St George Illawarra last weekend until a calf injury side-lined him for the Gold Coast defeat on July 29.
Returning for his 249th game last weekend, Luke produced another stellar performance in the memorable 18-12 win over the Dragons. He scored a try – his fifth of the season – made five dummy half runs and came up with 49 tackles.
The 43-Test Kiwi plays his 62nd game for the Warriors on Friday after moving to Mount Smart Stadium in 2016 following 188 games for South Sydney since his debut in 2007.
Luke will take his place in a starting line-up unchanged from the one used in the club's first win over the Dragons in 11 attempts at Wollongong's WIN Stadium.
Adam Blair will again be on the right edge this week with Simon Mannering at loose forward for his 297th NRL appearance.
Bunty Afoa has been included on the bench with the club hoping to overturn a one-match suspension he's facing for a dangerous contact charge from Saturday's match.
Also listed in the four frontline choices on the bench are utility Jazz Tevaga – coming off an exceptional 56 tackles on Saturday – plus Leivaha Pulu and utility back Peta Hiku.
The other four players completing the extended bench are centre Anthony Gelling, back rower Joseph Vuna, prop Chris Satae and hooker Karl Lawton.
Friday's night encounter is the only meeting between the Warriors and the 11th-placed Knights this season.
Having achieved the best away record in the club's history last week – 8-3 with one game to go – the Warriors go into the match in eighth spot on 26 points. A win in this match would give them their 13th victory of the year, their best regular-season return since 2011.
In 38 matches so far, the Warriors have a 19-18 edge over Newcastle with one match drawn.
The Knights won the last time the teams met in Newcastle last year following four wins on end by the Warriors. The Warriors have won 11 of the last 12 matches against the Knights in Auckland, their last loss coming in 2012.
Warriors v Newcastle Knights8.00pm, Friday, August 10, 2018Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Adam Blair13 Simon Mannering Interchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Leivaha Pulu16 Bunty Afoa17 Peta Hiku18 Anthony Gelling20 Joseph Vuna21 Chris Satae22 Karl LawtonHead coach | Stephen Kearney
Steve Hansen reckons every time he watches the Crusaders play at home he's told to pick Richie Mo'unga as his first-five ahead of Beauden Barrett.
"I walk away thinking 'we've already put him in team'," All Blacks coach Hansen said today as he announced his 33-player All Black squad for the Rugby Championship. "He's in the squad. He's 24 years old and he's played one test match.
"He's got competition from the specialist first-five in Beauden Barrett who's played 64 tests, I think it is. He's been world player of the year twice. Both of them are very good rugby players. Our job is to maximise the talent they've got and over time you'll see Richie get more tests, I'm sure."
It's fair to say, then, that Hansen has heard it all before. The latest clamour over Mo'unga has come after the Crusaders No10 put in a man of the match performance for his team in their Super Rugby grand final victory over the Lions. A week before that he outplayed Barrett in the semifinal, also in Christchurch.
That performance against the Hurricanes led to Hansen defending Barrett by saying Mo'unga was playing behind a "Rolls Royce" forward pack, a comment picked up by Crusaders coach Scott Robertson in the aftermath of their final win, but the fact remains test rugby is an altogether different beast.
The stakes are far higher and the spotlight unremitting, especially for a first-five, which means experience is crucial. It's clear too in the demotion of Ngani Laumape that Mo'unga has had a big advantage while playing alongside Ryan Crotty.
Barrett, too, hasn't had the luxury of playing behind a pack like that possessed by the Crusaders. But as an All Black No10, the 27-year-old's ability to set a test match agenda and navigate his team around the pitch with precision and occasional X-factor marks him out as a special player and one, rightly, who has Hansen's full backing.
"I think about a bloke before a World Cup we went to and everyone wanted us to drop Dan Carter," Hansen said with reference to the last tournament in 2015. "But he had one ingredient that the other blokes didn't have and that was experience. You saw that experience come out in the big moments.
"We have to build slowly with Richie and build his experience but in the meantime we have got a player in Beauden who has been the best player in the world for the last two years. We won't be in any rush to shift him."
It's also probable that Mo'unga won't make the match day 23 for the All Blacks first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia in Sydney a week on Saturday. Damian McKenzie's versatility and ability to cover first-five and fullback means he is likely to keep Mo'unga off the reserves bench, but Hansen noted that Mo'unga, who made his test debut as a replacement against France in Dunedin in June, was playing at an extremely high level.
"Richie couldn't have done any more than he's done this year with the Crusaders. He's been outstanding," Hansen said.
"Anybody in the Canterbury [Crusaders] team could have been in the side. That's how good a team they are. That's why I said they have a Rolls Royce forward pack and they have a Rolls Royce team. That's why they won the competition. They're well coached and have some great players."
The Wellington Phoenix have re-signed a young All White.
Midfielder Alex Rufer has agreed to a new one-year contract, having appeared 11 times during the 2017/18 campaign for the Wellington outfit.
Rufer told Darcy and Goran the impact new head coach Mark Rudan has had since he arrived at the club during the off season, was a big influencer in his decision.
"Really has got a great vibe going on in the club now and there's really high standards and I really wanted to be a part of that."
LISTEN TO ALEX RUFER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO ALEX PLEDGER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
They were injured, they were underdogs and they stood in the way of history, but the Southland Sharks smelled blood.
Their opponents, the Wellington Saints, had been the rulers of the NBL the last two seasons, and were primed for a three-peat. Yet, they had one last obstacle in their way – A Sharks team who knew they had what it took to dethrone the kings.
After all, they had already done it twice this year, so why not one more time on the Saints' home court?
It took a gargantuan effort, but the Sharks pulled it off. They ambushed the Saints, holding off a ferocious comeback to claim their third NBL title, and deny the hosts a storybook send-off for departing coach Kevin Braswell.
His counterpart, Judd Flavell, was a picture of relief at the final whistle, having clung on after the Saints came roaring back from a 17-point deficit.
"The Saints made one hell of a comeback. The wheels got a bit wobbly there but credit to the guys. You get down to those last few possessions and we talked about it being a grind-out game. Such a different game, the first half to the second but I'm immensely proud of the guys. We've had some adversity this week so to deal with that and come away with the championship is fantastic."
There's just something about Wellington for the Sharks, having defeated the Saints in the capital three years ago for their second title. Today, they repeated the dose for number three.
Good things weren't coming in threes for the Saints, who came up short of what would have been their first three-peat; once again being usurped by their greatest rivals.
The Sharks have been their only consistent challenger over the past few seasons, and even more so recently; in their last 45 games, the Saints have lost just five times – but four of them at the hands of the Sharks.
The two sides, through no fault of their own, have turned the league into somewhat of a procession, combining to win all of the past six titles. However, as Flavell notes, "the Saints and the Sharks will continue the rivalry for the next few years at least," and if they deliver incredible displays like they did in the finale, it will be a delight to look forward to.
That the Sharks managed to set the final alight despite largely being without star guard Jarrad Weeks underlines the impressiveness of their accomplishment. Hobbled by a hamstring injury, Weeks missed their semifinal win over the Nelson Giants, and mustered six valiant minutes in the finale before ceding way.
When he left the court, the Sharks led 23-15. It was a lead they would never relinquish, after an incredible display of shot making evolved into a desperate defensive stand at the end.
To call it a game worthy of a final would be an understatement. The Sharks shot out to a substantial lead behind an offensive masterclass – they could barely miss in the first half, with Conor Morgan and Reuben Te Rangi leading the way.
Te Rangi picked the perfect time for his best game of the season, dropping 26 points on his way to the Finals MVP award, while Derone Raukawa stepped into the void left by Weeks, operating as the offensive fulcrum for large periods and battling manfully on defence.
Their lead stretched to 17, but you can't keep a champion team down, and the Saints stormed back as the Sharks cooled off. Slowly but surely the Saints chipped away at the deficit, with Shea Ili – awarded the 2018 league MVP at night's end – leading the charge with 27 points.
Suddenly, the deficit was just one, and the Sharks were having to call upon their bench as semifinal standout Conor Morgan fouled out. However, the Sharks' depth has been their calling card all year long, and they clung desperately to their evaporating advantage as the home crowd roared.
Down by two with 13 seconds to go, the Saints had one final possession, and in fitting style, had three shots to keep their season alive.
Three times they missed, and the third time wa...
LISTEN TO FORMER SPRINGBOK KEVIN PUTT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
In pointing out apparent faults in Joe Moody's scrummaging in the build-up to the Super Rugby final, Lions coach Swys de Bruin may have handed the Crusaders an extra few rounds of ammunition as the two best packs in the competition prepare to go at it.
Before leaving Johannesburg, de Bruin raised concerns about how the All Black and Crusaders' loosehead prop, considered the best in the world, went about his business in the set piece, but Crusaders' forwards coach Jason Ryan has hit back, pointing out that Lions tighthead Ruan Dreyer is one of the most penalised in the competition.
It could provide an extra edge to the match at AMI Stadium tomorrow night as the Lions seek revenge for their grand final defeat at the hands of the Crusaders at Ellis Park 12 months ago, and while de Bruin probably raised it to get the attention of referee Angus Gardner, it may backfire on him and his team.
"I've heard it all before and it usually comes up when we name Joe Moody because he's the best in the world coming up against one of the most penalised tightheads in Super Rugby for two years running," Ryan said today before his team's captain's run held in bright sunshine.
"We've got our plan. We know what we want to do; we want to hit square and play channel one, it's what we've done all year – to get the ball to the backs."
Ryan added off the attention his loosehead prop was getting from the Lions: "We've had it for the last three weeks in a row. Maybe with Joe we have to look at a few things there but all I know is when Joe is at his best there are not many, if any, tighthead props that can hold him down. It's more than just Joe. We have to back that our strength as an eight will be good enough.
"They're scrummaging well," he said of the Lions. "They scrum differently to us; they have a mindset to be destructive, clearly, and they back their scrum to get a penalty. That's not what we do often."
Asked about the Crusaders' willingness to be positive scrummagers, Ryan added: "We're positive. We hit square and stay square and we want to have a crack as well. It's probably fair to say we've got the two packs out there that are the two strongest scrummaging packs, or packs generally, in the competition."
Discipline will be key for both teams in Christchurch. Dreyer conceded three penalties to the Crusaders in last year's final – all potential coach killers. He conceded two against the Waratahs in last weekend's semifinal victory over the Waratahs and will be asked some serious questions by what is virtually an All Black pack.
The Crusaders will expect the Lions to come with a bullying-type attitude; one which, if isn't successful, can quickly backfire. There has always been a feeling in Christchurch that if South African teams can't make in-roads with their physicality they don't have much else to fall back on.
That could apply too to the Lions' lineout drive; a weapon if used properly, but one which can be a liability if used too often without reward.
"We've put a lot of work into it this week – more than we would any other week, because obviously it is their strength," Ryan said. "It's their plan A, plan B and often their plan C as well. The key is not to let it start and we've got a couple of plans around that which we back ourselves to execute."
The Crusaders appeared in excellent spirits in their final training run of the year. Reserve Hooker Andrew Makalio appeared to come through well following his quick recovery from a calf injury, with skipper Sam Whitelock particularly vocal as the forwards went through their lineout drills.
"There are a few butterflies, but that's just your body telling you you're ready," Ryan said as his side prepared for their first home final in 10 years. "We treat pressure as a privilege. This is when you want to be playing and this is when you want to be coaching."
LISTEN TO FORMER SPRINGBOK KEVIN PUTT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
In pointing out apparent faults in Joe Moody's scrummaging in the build-up to the Super Rugby final, Lions coach Swys de Bruin may have handed the Crusaders an extra few rounds of ammunition as the two best packs in the competition prepare to go at it.
Before leaving Johannesburg, de Bruin raised concerns about how the All Black and Crusaders' loosehead prop, considered the best in the world, went about his business in the set piece, but Crusaders' forwards coach Jason Ryan has hit back, pointing out that Lions tighthead Ruan Dreyer is one of the most penalised in the competition.
It could provide an extra edge to the match at AMI Stadium tomorrow night as the Lions seek revenge for their grand final defeat at the hands of the Crusaders at Ellis Park 12 months ago, and while de Bruin probably raised it to get the attention of referee Angus Gardner, it may backfire on him and his team.
"I've heard it all before and it usually comes up when we name Joe Moody because he's the best in the world coming up against one of the most penalised tightheads in Super Rugby for two years running," Ryan said today before his team's captain's run held in bright sunshine.
"We've got our plan. We know what we want to do; we want to hit square and play channel one, it's what we've done all year – to get the ball to the backs."
Ryan added off the attention his loosehead prop was getting from the Lions: "We've had it for the last three weeks in a row. Maybe with Joe we have to look at a few things there but all I know is when Joe is at his best there are not many, if any, tighthead props that can hold him down. It's more than just Joe. We have to back that our strength as an eight will be good enough.
"They're scrummaging well," he said of the Lions. "They scrum differently to us; they have a mindset to be destructive, clearly, and they back their scrum to get a penalty. That's not what we do often."
Asked about the Crusaders' willingness to be positive scrummagers, Ryan added: "We're positive. We hit square and stay square and we want to have a crack as well. It's probably fair to say we've got the two packs out there that are the two strongest scrummaging packs, or packs generally, in the competition."
Discipline will be key for both teams in Christchurch. Dreyer conceded three penalties to the Crusaders in last year's final – all potential coach killers. He conceded two against the Waratahs in last weekend's semifinal victory over the Waratahs and will be asked some serious questions by what is virtually an All Black pack.
The Crusaders will expect the Lions to come with a bullying-type attitude; one which, if isn't successful, can quickly backfire. There has always been a feeling in Christchurch that if South African teams can't make in-roads with their physicality they don't have much else to fall back on.
That could apply too to the Lions' lineout drive; a weapon if used properly, but one which can be a liability if used too often without reward.
"We've put a lot of work into it this week – more than we would any other week, because obviously it is their strength," Ryan said. "It's their plan A, plan B and often their plan C as well. The key is not to let it start and we've got a couple of plans around that which we back ourselves to execute."
The Crusaders appeared in excellent spirits in their final training run of the year. Reserve Hooker Andrew Makalio appeared to come through well following his quick recovery from a calf injury, with skipper Sam Whitelock particularly vocal as the forwards went through their lineout drills.
"There are a few butterflies, but that's just your body telling you you're ready," Ryan said as his side prepared for their first home final in 10 years. "We treat pressure as a privilege. This is when you want to be playing and this is when you want to be coaching."
Don't expect Tohu Harris to stay away from the Warriors for too long.
The forward underway surgery on his knee today and is expected to make a full recovery.
Speaking with D'Arcy and Goran, assistant coach Tony Iro says the injury was not as bad as first thought.
They expect Harris to be back in three weeks.
LISTEN TO TONY IRO TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Don't expect Tohu Harris to stay away from the Warriors for too long.
The forward underway surgery on his knee today and is expected to make a full recovery.
Speaking with D'Arcy and Goran, assistant coach Tony Iro says the injury was not as bad as first thought.
They expect Harris to be back in three weeks.
LISTEN TO TONY IRO TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Wyatt Crockett's decorated Super Rugby career has come to an end.
There's again no room for the former All Blacks prop in the Crusaders' match-day squad for Saturday's final against the Lions in Christchurch.
Crockett announced in February that this will be his last Super Rugby season and he finishes with a record 202 caps.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says it wasn't easy talking to Crockett to tell him he wasn't going to be in the 23.
"It was the hardest decision that I've had to make as a coach I'll be honest with you. Great man, great Crusader, highest cap, has given more to this team than anyone else."
Robertson has made just one change to his starting 15, with Heiden Bedwell-Curtis named to replace the injured Jordan Taufua at blindside flanker.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Wyatt Crockett's decorated Super Rugby career has come to an end.
There's again no room for the former All Blacks prop in the Crusaders' match-day squad for Saturday's final against the Lions in Christchurch.
Crockett announced in February that this will be his last Super Rugby season and he finishes with a record 202 caps.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says it wasn't easy talking to Crockett to tell him he wasn't going to be in the 23.
"It was the hardest decision that I've had to make as a coach I'll be honest with you. Great man, great Crusader, highest cap, has given more to this team than anyone else."
Robertson has made just one change to his starting 15, with Heiden Bedwell-Curtis named to replace the injured Jordan Taufua at blindside flanker.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Chiefs assistant coach, and former Crusader, Tabai Matson looking at the Super Rugby final this weekend.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that the Crusaders will be far too strong for the Lions.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Chiefs assistant coach, and former Crusader, Tabai Matson looks ahead to the Super Rugby final this weekend.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that the Crusaders will be far too strong for the Lions.
LISTEN TO TABAI MATSON SPEAK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki is trumpeting the significance of the inaugural women's NRL competition.
The club has named a strong 22 player squad for next month's event, 18 of which have Kiwi Ferns experience.
Avaiki says the competition won't just be great for the players involved, but for any woman wanting to get involved in Rugby League
"It's an opportunity that our girls, not just our young girls but also our women, who come into the game, who want to play the game, who have been a part of the game for a long time can aspire to."
The four-team competition starts next month.
LISTEN TO LUISA AVAIKI TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki is trumpeting the significance of the inaugural women's NRL competition.
The club has named a strong 22 player squad for next month's event, 18 of which have Kiwi Ferns experience.
Avaiki says the competition won't just be great for the players involved, but for any woman wanting to get involved in Rugby League
"It's an opportunity that our girls, not just our young girls but also our women, who come into the game, who want to play the game, who have been a part of the game for a long time can aspire to."
The four-team competition starts next month.
LISTEN TO LUISA AVAIKI TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The New Zealand Professional Footballers Association is expecting further changes at New Zealand Football.
NZF technical director and Football Ferns coach Andreas Heraf has resigned from his roles, in the midst of a review into the organisation's culture.
CEO Andy Martin has already departed the NZF, with both men leaving after a dozen Football Ferns players allegedly complained about Heraf.
NZPFA's Harry Ngata told D'arcy and Goran they had expected changes from the review.
"Not just within his role but obviously other things outside purely a high-performance piece around the Ferns, but also the general governance of New Zealand football."
LISTEN TO HARRY NGATA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The New Zealand Professional Footballers Association is expecting further changes at New Zealand Football.
NZF technical director and Football Ferns coach Andreas Heraf has resigned from his roles, in the midst of a review into the organisation's culture.
CEO Andy Martin has already departed the NZF, with both men leaving after a dozen Football Ferns players allegedly complained about Heraf.
NZPFA's Harry Ngata told D'arcy and Goran they had expected changes from the review.
"Not just within his role but obviously other things outside purely a high-performance piece around the Ferns, but also the general governance of New Zealand football."
LISTEN TO HARRY NGATA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Fred de Jong believes there was no way Andreas Heraf was going to remain at New Zealand Football.
Heraf has resigned from his roles as Football Ferns coach and NZF technical director, with a review into the organisation's culture still ongoing.
de Jong, a former high performance director at NZ Football, believes Heraf jumped, before he was pushed.
"The thought being that there's going to be a fair amount of negativity in those findings, so he would have been down the road at that point anyway."
LISTEN TO FRED DE JONG TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Fred de Jong believes there was no way Andreas Heraf was going to remain at New Zealand Football.
Heraf has resigned from his roles as Football Ferns coach and NZF technical director, with a review into the organisation's culture still ongoing.
de Jong, a former high performance director at NZ Football, believes Heraf jumped, before he was pushed.
"The thought being that there's going to be a fair amount of negativity in those findings, so he would have been down the road at that point anyway."
LISTEN TO FRED DE JONG TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors are welcoming back a trio of experienced forwards for their crucial NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair have all been named in the side that has eight players named on the interchange bench.
Blair returns from suspension, while Harris and Luke have overcome injuries.
The side comes after a bad loss against in the Gold Coast last weekend.
Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran he's confident the recovering pair won't be late withdrawals, like they were against the Titans.
"They had an extra week's preparation now, and they got through that really well, so I'm pretty confident that they'll be good to go."
Leivaha Pulu, who has been named on the bench, has avoided suspension for a hit on Titans halfback Ash Taylor thanks to an early guilty plea.
Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Adam BlairInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Simon Mannering16 Leivaha Pulu17 Bunty Afoa18 Peta Hiku20 Mason Lino21 Sam Lisone22 Joseph Vuna
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors are welcoming back a trio of experienced forwards for their crucial NRL match against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Issac Luke, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair have all been named in the side that has eight players named on the interchange bench.
Blair returns from suspension, while Harris and Luke have overcome injuries.
The side comes after a bad loss against in the Gold Coast last weekend.
Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran he's confident the recovering pair won't be late withdrawals, like they were against the Titans.
"They had an extra week's preparation now, and they got through that really well, so I'm pretty confident that they'll be good to go."
Leivaha Pulu, who has been named on the bench, has avoided suspension for a hit on Titans halfback Ash Taylor thanks to an early guilty plea.
Warriors1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)2 David Fusitu'a3 Gerard Beale4 Solomone Kata5 Ken Maumalo6 Blake Green7 Shaun Johnson8 James Gavet9 Issac Luke10 Agnatius Paasi11 Isaiah Papali'i12 Tohu Harris13 Adam BlairInterchange:14 Jazz Tevaga15 Simon Mannering16 Leivaha Pulu17 Bunty Afoa18 Peta Hiku20 Mason Lino21 Sam Lisone22 Joseph Vuna
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Tall Blacks basketball coach Paul Henare, who has been announced as the coach of the Wellington Saints in next year’s NZ NBL. It means he’s effectively swapped jobs with Kevin Braswell, who has his head coach role at the Breakers.
He's signed on as coach of the Wellington Saints in the National Basketball League, which falls in between New Zealand's final qualifiers in February and the world cup itself in August.
Henare says it's important for coaches to be on the sidelines as much as possible.
"Just to be able to fine tune your craft and work on things systematically and monitor the players really closely."
LISTEN AS PAUL HENARE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
Tall Blacks basketball coach Paul Henare, who has been announced as the coach of the Wellington Saints in next year’s NZ NBL. It means he’s effectively swapped jobs with Kevin Braswell, who has his head coach role at the Breakers.
He's signed on as coach of the Wellington Saints in the National Basketball League, which falls in between New Zealand's final qualifiers in February and the world cup itself in August.
Henare says it's important for coaches to be on the sidelines as much as possible.
"Just to be able to fine tune your craft and work on things systematically and monitor the players really closely."
LISTEN AS PAUL HENARE SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE.
Boxing pundit Sir Robert Jones on Joseph Parker’s defeat at the hands -and head - of Dillian Whyte. While Bob believed the 2nd round head-butt did very little to derail Joe, he couldn’t understand why Parker held his hands so low throughout the bout. Jones says all is not lost for Parker and his camp, and he will be a force despite his recent defeats.
A bruised and battered Joseph Parker has insisted nothing changes – he wants to keep boxing and will do so for another four or five years despite his defeat to Dillian Whyte which will force him to dig deep in much less lucrative paydays for the immediate future.
The unanimous points decision after 12 rounds came as he put Whyte down but it wasn't enough, but he was satisfied with the attacking nature of his performance, even if he wore more punches than in any other fight of his career. The former WBO world heavyweight champion is also sticking with trainer Kevin Barry and promoter David Higgins as they plan a potentially difficult way back to the top.
"I've got a goal and I stand by that," Parker, 26, said. "It would be great to be a two-time world champion or a unified champion. At 30 or 31 I'm out but for now I'll go hard and give it everything I had."
LISTEN ABOVE AS SIR ROBERT JONES SPEAK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Boxing pundit Sir Robert Jones on Joseph Parker’s defeat at the hands -and head - of Dillian Whyte. While Bob believed the 2nd round head-butt did very little to derail Joe, he couldn’t understand why Parker held his hands so low throughout the bout. Jones says all is not lost for Parker and his camp, and he will be a force despite his recent defeats.
A bruised and battered Joseph Parker has insisted nothing changes – he wants to keep boxing and will do so for another four or five years despite his defeat to Dillian Whyte which will force him to dig deep in much less lucrative paydays for the immediate future.
The unanimous points decision after 12 rounds came as he put Whyte down but it wasn't enough, but he was satisfied with the attacking nature of his performance, even if he wore more punches than in any other fight of his career. The former WBO world heavyweight champion is also sticking with trainer Kevin Barry and promoter David Higgins as they plan a potentially difficult way back to the top.
"I've got a goal and I stand by that," Parker, 26, said. "It would be great to be a two-time world champion or a unified champion. At 30 or 31 I'm out but for now I'll go hard and give it everything I had."
LISTEN ABOVE AS SIR ROBERT JONES SPEAK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Nathan Friend, former Warriors and Gold Coast Titans player, joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss his two former sides battling it out this weekend, and also the refereeing drama this week.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NATHAN FRIEND SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Nathan Friend, former Warriors and Gold Coast Titans player, joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss his two former sides battling it out this weekend, and also the refereeing drama this week.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NATHAN FRIEND SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss this weekend's match against the Titans, and the outrage over the NRL referees.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROGER TUIVASA SHECK SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss this weekend's match against the Titans, and the outrage over the NRL referees.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROGER TUIVASA SHECK SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors Simon Mannering and Chanel Harris-Tavita join D'arcy and Goran live in studio to discuss the weekend's loss to the Storm, and the refereeing blunders punctuating the action over the weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SIMON MANNERING AND CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors Simon Mannering and Chanel Harris-Tavita join D'arcy and Goran live in studio to discuss the weekend's loss to the Storm, and the refereeing blunders punctuating the action over the weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SIMON MANNERING AND CHANEL HARRIS-TAVITA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
NZ Cricket selector Gavin Larsen joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the naming of four different squads for their series against Pakistan in October.
Mike Hesson has had input into the makeup of the squads, even though he will not be the coach by that stage.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GAVIN LARSEN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
NZ Cricket selector Gavin Larsen joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the naming of four different squads for their series against Pakistan in October.
Mike Hesson has had input into the makeup of the squads, even though he will not be the coach by that stage.
LISTEN ABOVE AS GAVIN LARSEN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
LISTEN TO SHANE VAN GISBERGEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEExcellent pit strategy paved the way for Shane van Gisbergen to better rival and fellow New Zealander Scott McLaughlin in race 20 of the Supercars Championship in Ipswich this weekend.
The result reversed their one-two finish in favour of McLaughlin from Saturday and means the Ford driver retains his 131-point advantage over van Gisbergen in the championship, after 20 of 31 races.
It has been a New Zealand championship to date with Kiwi drivers winning 13 of the 20 races this season.
While McLaughlin managed to grab his 10th pole of the season, it was his Kiwi rival van Gisbergen who got the better of the start. However, McLaughlin was able to close in after his early first pit stop and led the middle stages of the race.
The key was that van Gisbergen stayed out for a longer first stint in the 200km race, and with the hotter conditions not yielding the same advantage for new tyres, it meant the Red Bull driver took full advantage after a shorter second stop.
He pushed back into the lead and while McLaughlin threatened with 10 laps remaining, van Gisbergen had more than enough to hold his rival at bay.
"It was a good battle, he got back to me at the end but what a day," Van Gisbergen said.
"Scotty is consistent and their team is on top of their game but I am enjoying the fight.
"Battling these guys every week up front, I am just loving it."
McLaughlin had no quals about coming up just short.
"Congratulations to Shane, he was too good," he said.
"We had a good battle in the middle but they were just too fast."
Chaz Mostert held off a charging Jamie Whincup for third, with Kiwi Fabian Coulthard claiming fifth in another consistent performance.
Of the other New Zealanders, Andre Heimgartner was 14th and Richie Stanaway, who qualified in the top 10 for the first time this season, finished 18th.
McLaughlin retains his 131-point buffer over van Gisbergen with Coulthard sixth, Heimgartner 18th and Stanaway 23rd.
The next round will see the first ever night race take place, with Sydney Motorsport Park playing host to the event next month
LISTEN TO SHANE VAN GISBERGEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEExcellent pit strategy paved the way for Shane van Gisbergen to better rival and fellow New Zealander Scott McLaughlin in race 20 of the Supercars Championship in Ipswich this weekend.
The result reversed their one-two finish in favour of McLaughlin from Saturday and means the Ford driver retains his 131-point advantage over van Gisbergen in the championship, after 20 of 31 races.
It has been a New Zealand championship to date with Kiwi drivers winning 13 of the 20 races this season.
While McLaughlin managed to grab his 10th pole of the season, it was his Kiwi rival van Gisbergen who got the better of the start. However, McLaughlin was able to close in after his early first pit stop and led the middle stages of the race.
The key was that van Gisbergen stayed out for a longer first stint in the 200km race, and with the hotter conditions not yielding the same advantage for new tyres, it meant the Red Bull driver took full advantage after a shorter second stop.
He pushed back into the lead and while McLaughlin threatened with 10 laps remaining, van Gisbergen had more than enough to hold his rival at bay.
"It was a good battle, he got back to me at the end but what a day," Van Gisbergen said.
"Scotty is consistent and their team is on top of their game but I am enjoying the fight.
"Battling these guys every week up front, I am just loving it."
McLaughlin had no quals about coming up just short.
"Congratulations to Shane, he was too good," he said.
"We had a good battle in the middle but they were just too fast."
Chaz Mostert held off a charging Jamie Whincup for third, with Kiwi Fabian Coulthard claiming fifth in another consistent performance.
Of the other New Zealanders, Andre Heimgartner was 14th and Richie Stanaway, who qualified in the top 10 for the first time this season, finished 18th.
McLaughlin retains his 131-point buffer over van Gisbergen with Coulthard sixth, Heimgartner 18th and Stanaway 23rd.
The next round will see the first ever night race take place, with Sydney Motorsport Park playing host to the event next month
A host of changes to the Warriors side, headlined by the return of Tohu Harris, for Sunday's NRL match against the Gold Coast Titans.
Harris returns to start after four weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury suffered against Cronulla.Coach Stephen Kearney told D'arcy and Goran he's cautiously pleased to have Harris back.
"He needs to get through a couple of hoops before we give him the all clear, but we want to try and give him every opportunity as soon as possible to play this week."
Blake Green returns at five-eighth after missing the loss to the Storm with a rib cartilage injury.
Sam Lisone is on the interchange after being dropped two months ago while Leivaha Pulu has been named on the extended bench after 14 weeks out with a foot injury.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A host of changes to the Warriors side, headlined by the return of Tohu Harris, for Sunday's NRL match against the Gold Coast Titans.
Harris returns to start after four weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury suffered against Cronulla.Coach Stephen Kearney told D'arcy and Goran he's cautiously pleased to have Harris back.
"He needs to get through a couple of hoops before we give him the all clear, but we want to try and give him every opportunity as soon as possible to play this week."
Blake Green returns at five-eighth after missing the loss to the Storm with a rib cartilage injury.
Sam Lisone is on the interchange after being dropped two months ago while Leivaha Pulu has been named on the extended bench after 14 weeks out with a foot injury.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The All Blacks Sevens have joined the Black Ferns winning the World Cup against England in the final 33-12 in San Francisco.
ALL BLACKS SEVENS COACH CLARKE LAIDLAW TALKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
The All Blacks Sevens have joined the Black Ferns winning the World Cup against England in the final 33-12 in San Francisco.
ALL BLACKS SEVENS COACH CLARKE LAIDLAW TALKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Former Melbourne Storm player Tawera Nikau joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss Sunday’s big clash between the Warriors and Storm at Mount Smart Stadium.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TAWERA NIKAU SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Melbourne Storm player Tawera Nikau joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss Sunday’s big clash between the Warriors and Storm at Mount Smart Stadium.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TAWERA NIKAU SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Hurricanes player, and former assistant coach Alama Ieremia joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the Super Rugby quarter final between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ALAMA IEREMIA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Hurricanes player, and former assistant coach Alama Ieremia joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the Super Rugby quarter final between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ALAMA IEREMIA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand professional racing driver, joins D'arcy and Goran to update his progress (he is currently the series leader) and previews the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship stays in Queensland this weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Scott McLaughlin, New Zealand professional racing driver, joins D'arcy and Goran to update his progress (he is currently the series leader) and previews the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship stays in Queensland this weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the side he has named to face the Sharks this Saturday night in the Super Rugby quarter final. Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty have been named, despite injury concerns.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss the side he has named to face the Sharks this Saturday night in the Super Rugby quarter final. Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty have been named, despite injury concerns.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors players Nathaniel Roache and Leivaha Pulu join D'arcy and Goran in studio to chat about Simon Mannering’s announcement and what he means to the club. They also looked to this weekend’s clash with the Storm, where they are hoping to show the rest of the competition that they are the real deal this year.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NATHANIEL ROACHE AND LEIVAHA SPEAK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors players Nathaniel Roache and Leivaha Pulu join D'arcy and Goran in studio to chat about Simon Mannering’s announcement and what he means to the club. They also looked to this weekend’s clash with the Storm, where they are hoping to show the rest of the competition that they are the real deal this year.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NATHANIEL ROACHE AND LEIVAHA SPEAK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Sharks. He says Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty will be good to go.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JASON RYAN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan joins D'arcy and Goran to discuss their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Sharks. He says Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty should be good to go for the big clash.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JASON RYAN SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Richie Barnett joins Darcy and Goran to review the performance of the Warriors in defeating the Broncos yesterday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHIE BARNETT SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Richie Barnett joins Darcy and Goran to review the performance of the Warriors in defeating the Broncos yesterday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHIE BARNETT SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Former All Whites footballer Ivan Vicelich joins Darcy and Goran to review the FIFA World Cup Final, won by France 4-2 over Croatia. He says the Croatian side didn’t get much luck on game day, and the French were clinical in taking their very few chances.
LISTEN ABOVE AS IVAN VICELICH SPEAKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
Former All Whites footballer Ivan Vicelich joins Darcy and Goran to review the FIFA World Cup Final, won by France 4-2 over Croatia. He says the Croatian side didn’t get much luck on game day, and the French were clinical in taking their very few chances.
LISTEN ABOVE AS IVAN VICELICH SPEAKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
It's the final round of the Super Rugby regular season this weekend, before the quarter finals start next weekend.
Which Kiwi teams will make it there, and how will they fare in the lead up to the finals?
Former All Black and Sky Sport contributor Richard Turner talk with Cirag Cumming about how this final weekend will unfold.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
It's the final round of the Super Rugby regular season this weekend, before the quarter finals start next weekend.
Which Kiwi teams will make it there, and how will they fare in the lead up to the finals?
Former All Black and Sky Sport contributor Richard Turner talk with Cirag Cumming about how this final weekend will unfold.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
LISTEN TO ED WRIGHT TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Kiwi cyclist Dion Smith has fallen just short of regaining the polka dot jersey on stage six of the Tour de France.
Smith became the first New Zealander to wear a distinctive jersey at the Tour after stage two, but lost the jersey worn by the King of the Mountains leader to Latvia's Toms Skujins on stage five.
However, this morning Smith managed to get in the breakaway, and was the first rider over the first two categorised climbs of the day, temporarily moving back into a share of the lead.
To take back the jersey, Smith needed to be one of the first two riders to reach the top of the first Mur-de-Bretagne climb, but with just under a kilometre left of the testing 6.9 per cent gradient, he was mopped up by the peloton, with Skujins popping out of the bunch to claim the points and remain two points ahead of Smith in the classification.
"Tough day in the break today for me," said Smith. "I went chasing the KOM points again but came up short."
Smith, who claimed a superb ninth place on stage four, believes there are more chances ahead for him, with two flat stages upcoming before the race heads first to the cobbles of Roubaix, and then into the mountains.
'It's all good, [I'll] live to fight another day. It's a long tour ahead so more opportunities, we'll see how it goes."
New Zealand riders were in the thick of things throughout stage six, with Jack Bauer attacking after Smith was caught. Bauer snuck away from the peloton with 15 kilometres to go, and briefly held a 30 second lead, but he was eventually reeled in with just under four kilometres remaining as the second and final ascent of the Mur-de-Bretagne loomed.
At that point, the general classification contenders took over, with Ireland's Dan Martin attacking with a kilometre to go, and riding away for his second Tour de France stage win.
"I saw the moment. I had really good legs and when I went my legs kept coming and coming," Martin said. "I knew if I could get a gap it would be difficult to close from behind."
So it proved, with Pierre Latour finishing second after a desperate chase, and the majority of the GC contenders crossing three seconds behind Martin.
Four-time champion Chris Froome finished eight seconds after Martin in 18th, but the biggest losses were suffered by Romain Bardet and Tom Dumoulin. Dumoulin suffered a horrendously timed puncture with five kilometres to go, losing 53 seconds, while he was also penalised 20 seconds for drafting behind his team's car. Bardet had a mechanical issue, and while he re-joined the peloton, he paid for his effort and lost 31 seconds on the final climb.
"I had to chase and that effort was fatal. It's never good to lose time," said Bardet, who has finished second and third overall in the last two Tours. "There are a lot of twists on the Tour and this time luck was not on our side."
Greg Van Avermaet finished alongside the favourites to retain the yellow jersey by three seconds, and is now favoured to keep it as the Tour returns to flat sprint stages for the next two days.
LISTEN TO ED WRIGHT TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Kiwi cyclist Dion Smith has fallen just short of regaining the polka dot jersey on stage six of the Tour de France.
Smith became the first New Zealander to wear a distinctive jersey at the Tour after stage two, but lost the jersey worn by the King of the Mountains leader to Latvia's Toms Skujins on stage five.
However, this morning Smith managed to get in the breakaway, and was the first rider over the first two categorised climbs of the day, temporarily moving back into a share of the lead.
To take back the jersey, Smith needed to be one of the first two riders to reach the top of the first Mur-de-Bretagne climb, but with just under a kilometre left of the testing 6.9 per cent gradient, he was mopped up by the peloton, with Skujins popping out of the bunch to claim the points and remain two points ahead of Smith in the classification.
"Tough day in the break today for me," said Smith. "I went chasing the KOM points again but came up short."
Smith, who claimed a superb ninth place on stage four, believes there are more chances ahead for him, with two flat stages upcoming before the race heads first to the cobbles of Roubaix, and then into the mountains.
'It's all good, [I'll] live to fight another day. It's a long tour ahead so more opportunities, we'll see how it goes."
New Zealand riders were in the thick of things throughout stage six, with Jack Bauer attacking after Smith was caught. Bauer snuck away from the peloton with 15 kilometres to go, and briefly held a 30 second lead, but he was eventually reeled in with just under four kilometres remaining as the second and final ascent of the Mur-de-Bretagne loomed.
At that point, the general classification contenders took over, with Ireland's Dan Martin attacking with a kilometre to go, and riding away for his second Tour de France stage win.
"I saw the moment. I had really good legs and when I went my legs kept coming and coming," Martin said. "I knew if I could get a gap it would be difficult to close from behind."
So it proved, with Pierre Latour finishing second after a desperate chase, and the majority of the GC contenders crossing three seconds behind Martin.
Four-time champion Chris Froome finished eight seconds after Martin in 18th, but the biggest losses were suffered by Romain Bardet and Tom Dumoulin. Dumoulin suffered a horrendously timed puncture with five kilometres to go, losing 53 seconds, while he was also penalised 20 seconds for drafting behind his team's car. Bardet had a mechanical issue, and while he re-joined the peloton, he paid for his effort and lost 31 seconds on the final climb.
"I had to chase and that effort was fatal. It's never good to lose time," said Bardet, who has finished second and third overall in the last two Tours. "There are a lot of twists on the Tour and this time luck was not on our side."
Greg Van Avermaet finished alongside the favourites to retain the yellow jersey by three seconds, and is now favoured to keep it as the Tour returns to flat sprint stages for the next two days.
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has given a trio of All Blacks the week off for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Dunedin.
Loose forward Luke Whitelock, captain Ben Smith and halfback Aaron Smith will all sit out the game, though wing Waisake Naholo has still been named despite having only sat out one of his All Blacks rest weeks.
Liam Squire replaces Whitelock at number eight as part of a loose forward reshuffle, while Josh Ioane is in for Ben Smith at fullback.
Kayne Hammington has been given the nod to start at halfback, while Thomas Umaga-Jensen is in for Rob Thompson who's also being rested.
In other changes from the side that lost to the Crusaders, Aki Seiuli replaces Daniel Lienert-Brown at loosehead prop, while Tom Franklin is relegated to the bench for Alex Ainley.
Tevita Li is in at left wing for the injured Richard Buckman.
James Lentjes will captain the side.
Highlanders team to play the Rebels in Dunedin on Saturday, kick-off 5.15pm is: Josh Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Liam Squire, James Lentjes (c), Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Aki Seuili.
Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Tom Franklin, Dillon Hunt, Josh Renton, Matt Faddes, Josh McKay.
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has given a trio of All Blacks the week off for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Rebels in Dunedin.
Loose forward Luke Whitelock, captain Ben Smith and halfback Aaron Smith will all sit out the game, though wing Waisake Naholo has still been named despite having only sat out one of his All Blacks rest weeks.
Liam Squire replaces Whitelock at number eight as part of a loose forward reshuffle, while Josh Ioane is in for Ben Smith at fullback.
Kayne Hammington has been given the nod to start at halfback, while Thomas Umaga-Jensen is in for Rob Thompson who's also being rested.
In other changes from the side that lost to the Crusaders, Aki Seiuli replaces Daniel Lienert-Brown at loosehead prop, while Tom Franklin is relegated to the bench for Alex Ainley.
Tevita Li is in at left wing for the injured Richard Buckman.
James Lentjes will captain the side.
Highlanders team to play the Rebels in Dunedin on Saturday, kick-off 5.15pm is: Josh Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Liam Squire, James Lentjes (c), Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Aki Seuili.
Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Tom Franklin, Dillon Hunt, Josh Renton, Matt Faddes, Josh McKay.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Crusaders will be without All Blacks front rowers Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor for their match against the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.
Moody injured a knee and an ankle in the win over the Highlanders last weekend and was never a chance to play, but prop Franks and hooker Taylor have been rested before next weekend's quarter-final at their fortress.
All Blacks lock Scott Barrett is also rested, but skipper Sam Whitelock will play, as will No8 Kieran Read, who made his return to the Crusaders from back surgery in their big win over the Highlanders last weekend.
Fullback David Havili has also been rested, with Israel Dagg - not considered last weekend despite being fit - making his long-awaited return. In total, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made six changes to the starting team who beat the Highlanders 45-22.
The Crusaders still feature a strong backline, including first-five Richie Mo'unga, sound midfield pairing Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodue, and wings George Bridge and Seta Tamanivalu.
Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather has been named on the reserves bench and could make his Crusaders debut.
Further south, the Highlanders will also be without a host of All Blacks, with Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock being rested, as per the agreement between the All Blacks and the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises
Loose forward Elliot Dixon, midfielder Rob Thompson and hooker Ash Dixon have been left out of the squad as well.
Crusaders team to play the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Quinten Strange, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry.
Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Wyatt Crockett, Donald Brighouse, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Crusaders will be without All Blacks front rowers Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Codie Taylor for their match against the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.
Moody injured a knee and an ankle in the win over the Highlanders last weekend and was never a chance to play, but prop Franks and hooker Taylor have been rested before next weekend's quarter-final at their fortress.
All Blacks lock Scott Barrett is also rested, but skipper Sam Whitelock will play, as will No8 Kieran Read, who made his return to the Crusaders from back surgery in their big win over the Highlanders last weekend.
Fullback David Havili has also been rested, with Israel Dagg - not considered last weekend despite being fit - making his long-awaited return. In total, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has made six changes to the starting team who beat the Highlanders 45-22.
The Crusaders still feature a strong backline, including first-five Richie Mo'unga, sound midfield pairing Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodue, and wings George Bridge and Seta Tamanivalu.
Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather has been named on the reserves bench and could make his Crusaders debut.
Further south, the Highlanders will also be without a host of All Blacks, with Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock being rested, as per the agreement between the All Blacks and the New Zealand Super Rugby franchises
Loose forward Elliot Dixon, midfielder Rob Thompson and hooker Ash Dixon have been left out of the squad as well.
Crusaders team to play the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Quinten Strange, Michael Alaalatoa, Andrew Makalio, Tim Perry.
Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Wyatt Crockett, Donald Brighouse, Luke Romano, Pete Samu, Bryn Hall, Mitchell Hunt, Manasa Mataele.
Dillon Boucher's body has finally told him to stop.
The former Tall Black will retire after this year's National Basketball League campaign with the Super City Rangers, aged 42.
Boucher has continued to take to the court since stepping aside from Australian basketball league side the Breakers in 2013.
But he says even that has become too much.
"I'll always continue playing the game because I love it and I will continue as long as my body allows me to but the body is just telling me that it's time."
Boucher is currently the general manager of the Breakers.
LISTEN TO DILLON BOUCHER TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Dillon Boucher's body has finally told him to stop.
The former Tall Black will retire after this year's National Basketball League campaign with the Super City Rangers, aged 42.
Boucher has continued to take to the court since stepping aside from Australian basketball league side the Breakers in 2013.
But he says even that has become too much.
"I'll always continue playing the game because I love it and I will continue as long as my body allows me to but the body is just telling me that it's time."
Boucher is currently the general manager of the Breakers.
LISTEN TO DILLON BOUCHER TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
LISTEN TO TABAI MATSON TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Chiefs will take no risks with key players in their final match of the Super Rugby regular season.
After picking up knocks in last week's win over the Brumbies, Sam Cane (head) and Nathan Harris (leg) have been left out of Colin Cooper's 23-man squad to face the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.
The Chiefs' decision to rest some key players comes as no real surprise after Cooper said earlier in the week Cane would be rested and players under injury concerns wouldn't be risked.
Assistant coach Tabai Matson said that was the case for Harris.
"He just got dinged up in the last encounter and didn't bounce back very well on Monday. We're kind of just looking after his wellbeing," Matson said.
"We've clearly got two more games left so when we can look after players at this time of the year we definitely will."
Damian McKenzie has also been left out of the squad to observe his final All Blacks stand-down week and will be replaced in the No10 jersey by his brother, Marty.
"Marty's been one of the key drivers of our game plan," Matson said. "We're really comfortable with what he's going to do on Friday night, and he's really confident."
It was one of eight changes made to the starting XV, with a number of players being rewarded for solid cameos with larger roles.
Sam Prattley replaces Karl Tu'inukuafe at tighthead prop with the All Black named on the bench; Liam Polwart starts at hooker; Brodie Retallick returns at lock, pushing Michael Allardice back to the bench; while Lachlan Boshier, Mitch Karpik and Jesse Parete make up the loose forwards trio.
On the bench, Tiaan Falcon returns in the back-up first five-eighth role.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Shaun Stevenson, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Sam Prattley.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Michael Allardice, Liam Messam, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tiaan Falcon, Johnny Fa'auli.
LISTEN TO TABAI MATSON TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Chiefs will take no risks with key players in their final match of the Super Rugby regular season.
After picking up knocks in last week's win over the Brumbies, Sam Cane (head) and Nathan Harris (leg) have been left out of Colin Cooper's 23-man squad to face the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.
The Chiefs' decision to rest some key players comes as no real surprise after Cooper said earlier in the week Cane would be rested and players under injury concerns wouldn't be risked.
Assistant coach Tabai Matson said that was the case for Harris.
"He just got dinged up in the last encounter and didn't bounce back very well on Monday. We're kind of just looking after his wellbeing," Matson said.
"We've clearly got two more games left so when we can look after players at this time of the year we definitely will."
Damian McKenzie has also been left out of the squad to observe his final All Blacks stand-down week and will be replaced in the No10 jersey by his brother, Marty.
"Marty's been one of the key drivers of our game plan," Matson said. "We're really comfortable with what he's going to do on Friday night, and he's really confident."
It was one of eight changes made to the starting XV, with a number of players being rewarded for solid cameos with larger roles.
Sam Prattley replaces Karl Tu'inukuafe at tighthead prop with the All Black named on the bench; Liam Polwart starts at hooker; Brodie Retallick returns at lock, pushing Michael Allardice back to the bench; while Lachlan Boshier, Mitch Karpik and Jesse Parete make up the loose forwards trio.
On the bench, Tiaan Falcon returns in the back-up first five-eighth role.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Shaun Stevenson, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Sam Prattley.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Michael Allardice, Liam Messam, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tiaan Falcon, Johnny Fa'auli.
The Hurricanes will bring their stars to Hamilton as they look to secure a home quarter-final.
Coach Chris Boyd has made just three changes to his run-on squad. Ben Lam returns to the starting side on the wing, with Julian Savea heading to the bench, while prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen and lock Michael Fatialofa also return. Chris Eves, Reed Prinsep and Finlay Christie all return after a week away.
To secure a home quarter-final, the Hurricanes only need to secure a bonus point, or avoid losing by 23 points or more.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields, Sam Lousi, Michael Fatialofa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith.
Reserves: James O'Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Gareth Evans, Reed Prinsep, Finlay Christie, Ihaia West, Julian Savea.
LISTEN TO JOHN PLUMTREE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Hurricanes will bring their stars to Hamilton as they look to secure a home quarter-final.
Coach Chris Boyd has made just three changes to his run-on squad. Ben Lam returns to the starting side on the wing, with Julian Savea heading to the bench, while prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen and lock Michael Fatialofa also return. Chris Eves, Reed Prinsep and Finlay Christie all return after a week away.
To secure a home quarter-final, the Hurricanes only need to secure a bonus point, or avoid losing by 23 points or more.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields, Sam Lousi, Michael Fatialofa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith.
Reserves: James O'Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Gareth Evans, Reed Prinsep, Finlay Christie, Ihaia West, Julian Savea.
LISTEN TO JOHN PLUMTREE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
The Black Ferns Sevens have named their squad to defend New Zealand's double titles at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in the USA alongside the All Blacks Sevens
Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting said this was the most challenging squad he has ever had to name.
"It was definitely hard but that's exactly where we want to be. In our trials there was so much motivation, excitement and skill set; we know we have selected the right team.
"We have had a good year, but this group is strict on themselves, we think we have room to improve and those last bits we need to get right are the toughest.
"Our players are incredibly motivated, playing in an amazing stadium and having the chance to leave mana there, to inspire other women, this is another great opportunity for our team," said Bunting.
The Black Ferns Sevens face Mexico in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday 20 July (kick off 6.50am Saturday 21 July NZT).
The Black Ferns Sevens team is:Shakira BakerMichaela BlydeKelly BrazierGayle BroughtonTheresa FitzpatrickSarah Goss - captainTyla Nathan-WongRuby TuiStacey WaakaNiall WilliamsTenika WillisonPortia Woodman
The Black Ferns Sevens have named their squad to defend New Zealand's double titles at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in the USA alongside the All Blacks Sevens
Black Ferns Sevens coach Allan Bunting said this was the most challenging squad he has ever had to name.
"It was definitely hard but that's exactly where we want to be. In our trials there was so much motivation, excitement and skill set; we know we have selected the right team.
"We have had a good year, but this group is strict on themselves, we think we have room to improve and those last bits we need to get right are the toughest.
"Our players are incredibly motivated, playing in an amazing stadium and having the chance to leave mana there, to inspire other women, this is another great opportunity for our team," said Bunting.
The Black Ferns Sevens face Mexico in their opening match of the World Cup on Friday 20 July (kick off 6.50am Saturday 21 July NZT).
The Black Ferns Sevens team is:Shakira BakerMichaela BlydeKelly BrazierGayle BroughtonTheresa FitzpatrickSarah Goss - captainTyla Nathan-WongRuby TuiStacey WaakaNiall WilliamsTenika WillisonPortia Woodman
The All Blacks Sevens has named their squad to defend New Zealand's double titles at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in the USA alongside the Black Ferns Sevens
Both teams travel to USA this weekend as defending World Cup champions for the new knock-out format.
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw said the unique nature of the knock out competition contributed to it being a difficult squad to select.
"Getting the balance of the squad right was the main thing. It's a different tournament in that its four games instead of six and we can only take 12 players, so we were looking to have flexibility in the 12 in terms of the positions they cover.
"No team has ever won back to back World Cup titles since it's started so we have certainly talked about that and about being the first team to change that. We know there are massive challenges to come, all the teams will be really well prepared," said Laidlaw.
The All Blacks Sevens will play the winner of Russia v Hong Kong in their first match on Saturday 21 July (kick off 3.31pm NZT) The All Blacks Sevens team is:Kurt BakerDylan CollierScott Curry - captainTrael JoassAndrew KnewstubbJona NarekiTim Mikkelson - captainSione MoliaSalesi RayasiJoe RavouvouAkuila RokolisoaRegan Ware
The All Blacks Sevens has named their squad to defend New Zealand's double titles at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in the USA alongside the Black Ferns Sevens
Both teams travel to USA this weekend as defending World Cup champions for the new knock-out format.
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw said the unique nature of the knock out competition contributed to it being a difficult squad to select.
"Getting the balance of the squad right was the main thing. It's a different tournament in that its four games instead of six and we can only take 12 players, so we were looking to have flexibility in the 12 in terms of the positions they cover.
"No team has ever won back to back World Cup titles since it's started so we have certainly talked about that and about being the first team to change that. We know there are massive challenges to come, all the teams will be really well prepared," said Laidlaw.
The All Blacks Sevens will play the winner of Russia v Hong Kong in their first match on Saturday 21 July (kick off 3.31pm NZT) The All Blacks Sevens team is:Kurt BakerDylan CollierScott Curry - captainTrael JoassAndrew KnewstubbJona NarekiTim Mikkelson - captainSione MoliaSalesi RayasiJoe RavouvouAkuila RokolisoaRegan Ware
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has resisted the urge to wield the selection axe after his side's disappointing loss to Penrith last week.
Kearney has made three changes to his side for Sunday's round 18 encounter with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Winger Ken Maumalo has been forced out with a knee injury and has been replaced by Gerard Beale while Joseph Vuna and Anthony Gelling have been brought onto the bench.
Despite a horror showing on defense last week Peta Hiku has been retained in the centres. The former Manly and Penrith player was targeted by the Panthers and came up with nine missed tackles.
Kearney is renowned for showing faith in his players and has backed the Kiwi international to bounce back this week.
"I think the important part is to look at the immediate and that is the Broncos this week especially after a poor performance last week," Kearney told Radio Sport.
"We just weren't good enough when we needed to be. We weren't prepared to stay in the fight long enough. That has happed a couple of times to us this year.
"For the first time this season we have put back to back losses together.
"It is really important to own our performance."
Beale will make his third start of the season having come off the bench last week. Gelling comes back onto the bench having played against the Sharks a fortnight ago. The 20-year-old Vuna makes his second appearance of the season having made his first grade debut against the Melbourne Storm on Anzac Day.
Ligi Sao and Karl Lawton are included on an extended bench along with Blake Ayshford and Mason Lino.
The Broncos and Warriors have identical 10-6 win-loss records after 17 rounds. They're among four teams on 22 points with seventh-placed Brisbane (-6) just ahead of the Warriors (-10) on points for and against differential.
The Sydney Roosters and Cronulla are also on 22 points with Melbourne (third) and Penrith (fourth) just two points ahead and South Sydney (first) and St George Illawarra (second) two points further away on 26. Canberra (ninth) and Wests Tigers (10th) are six points back on 16.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has resisted the urge to wield the selection axe after his side's disappointing loss to Penrith last week.
Kearney has made three changes to his side for Sunday's round 18 encounter with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Winger Ken Maumalo has been forced out with a knee injury and has been replaced by Gerard Beale while Joseph Vuna and Anthony Gelling have been brought onto the bench.
Despite a horror showing on defense last week Peta Hiku has been retained in the centres. The former Manly and Penrith player was targeted by the Panthers and came up with nine missed tackles.
Kearney is renowned for showing faith in his players and has backed the Kiwi international to bounce back this week.
"I think the important part is to look at the immediate and that is the Broncos this week especially after a poor performance last week," Kearney told Radio Sport.
"We just weren't good enough when we needed to be. We weren't prepared to stay in the fight long enough. That has happed a couple of times to us this year.
"For the first time this season we have put back to back losses together.
"It is really important to own our performance."
Beale will make his third start of the season having come off the bench last week. Gelling comes back onto the bench having played against the Sharks a fortnight ago. The 20-year-old Vuna makes his second appearance of the season having made his first grade debut against the Melbourne Storm on Anzac Day.
Ligi Sao and Karl Lawton are included on an extended bench along with Blake Ayshford and Mason Lino.
The Broncos and Warriors have identical 10-6 win-loss records after 17 rounds. They're among four teams on 22 points with seventh-placed Brisbane (-6) just ahead of the Warriors (-10) on points for and against differential.
The Sydney Roosters and Cronulla are also on 22 points with Melbourne (third) and Penrith (fourth) just two points ahead and South Sydney (first) and St George Illawarra (second) two points further away on 26. Canberra (ninth) and Wests Tigers (10th) are six points back on 16.
LISTEN TO STEVEN TAYLOR TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Mark Rudan has made his first signing as Wellington Phoenix coach, securing former Premier League defender Steven Taylor.
The 32-year old Englishman spent 13 seasons at Newcastle United between 2003/04 and 2015/16, making over 200 appearances, mostly in the Premier League.
He was part of the Newcastle side that visited New Zealand and played against the Phoenix in 2014.
He has also represented England at under-21 level as well as being called into senior England squads without ever taking the field in a full international.
Taylor had a short spell in the MLS with the Portland Timbers and was briefly at Ipswich Town before a move to Peterborough United last July.
He appeared 44 times for the League One side in the 2017/18 season, helping them to a ninth-place finish in English football's third tier.
Taylor is the 13th player on Rudan's roster for the 2018/19 A-League season which is underway in mid-October.
He fills one of the five allowed import spots, with hopes that Fijian-born striker Roy Krishna will soon qualify as a naturalised kiwi.
"Steven is a significant signing for the football club in what we are trying to create," said Rudan.
"He brings a huge amount of experience and strong leadership.
"We expect Steven to be a success on and off the park."
Taylor said he was excited by the prospect of playing in New Zealand and Australia.
"As soon as I was aware of the interest, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up," said Taylor.
"I was here in 2014 as part of the Football United Tour when we played in Dunedin and Wellington and loved the country then.
"I know that I am joining an exciting project under Mark as well as playing in one of the best leagues in the world in the A-League."
Phoenix roster for 2018/19: Nathan Burns, Liberato Cacace, Tom Doyle, Andrew Durante, Louis Fenton, Dylan Fox, Roy Krishna, Ryan Lowry, Adam Parkhouse, Oli Sail, Sarpreet Singh, Keegan Smith, Steven Taylor.
LISTEN TO STEVEN TAYLOR TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Mark Rudan has made his first signing as Wellington Phoenix coach, securing former Premier League defender Steven Taylor.
The 32-year old Englishman spent 13 seasons at Newcastle United between 2003/04 and 2015/16, making over 200 appearances, mostly in the Premier League.
He was part of the Newcastle side that visited New Zealand and played against the Phoenix in 2014.
He has also represented England at under-21 level as well as being called into senior England squads without ever taking the field in a full international.
Taylor had a short spell in the MLS with the Portland Timbers and was briefly at Ipswich Town before a move to Peterborough United last July.
He appeared 44 times for the League One side in the 2017/18 season, helping them to a ninth-place finish in English football's third tier.
Taylor is the 13th player on Rudan's roster for the 2018/19 A-League season which is underway in mid-October.
He fills one of the five allowed import spots, with hopes that Fijian-born striker Roy Krishna will soon qualify as a naturalised kiwi.
"Steven is a significant signing for the football club in what we are trying to create," said Rudan.
"He brings a huge amount of experience and strong leadership.
"We expect Steven to be a success on and off the park."
Taylor said he was excited by the prospect of playing in New Zealand and Australia.
"As soon as I was aware of the interest, I knew it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up," said Taylor.
"I was here in 2014 as part of the Football United Tour when we played in Dunedin and Wellington and loved the country then.
"I know that I am joining an exciting project under Mark as well as playing in one of the best leagues in the world in the A-League."
Phoenix roster for 2018/19: Nathan Burns, Liberato Cacace, Tom Doyle, Andrew Durante, Louis Fenton, Dylan Fox, Roy Krishna, Ryan Lowry, Adam Parkhouse, Oli Sail, Sarpreet Singh, Keegan Smith, Steven Taylor.
LISTEN TO PETER LUSTED TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Philippines coach Chot Reyes has conceded he didn't hear any Australian Boomers racially abuse his players during last week's ugly brawl in Manila.
In an interview on SportsCenter Philippines, Reyes was asked if Australia's players used derogatory terms to describe the Philippines players.
"No, I can say honestly that's fake news," Reyes said.
"I didn't hear or didn't have any notion that they were calling our players those terms at halftime, so I didn't see it."
This Reyes' statement occurred before racism claims were made by freelance photojournalist, Winston Baltasar.
In an interview with Australia's ABC Radio program The Ticket, Baltasar said Australian players called Gilas Pilipinas players "monkey" during the game and before the fight.
Baltasar, however, could not identify which Australian players he heard using the racial slur.
The Australian Basketballers' Association (ABA) and Basketball Australia released a joint statement on Sunday slamming the claims Baltasar alleged were made during the fight-marred game between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia at the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on July 2.
"We take these allegations against our players extremely seriously and are deeply disappointed the ABC should choose to publish them, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Anthony Moore said in the statement.
The fight resulted in 13 ejections. The Philippine and Australian basketball federations are awaiting further disciplinary action from FIBA.
"We did hear the word 'monkey' being thrown around ... I couldn't hear exactly who said it, but I did hear it, and like I said when the Boomers were up by 30 points I don't think words like that should be thrown around," he said on the ABC.
The Australian Basketballers' Association CEO and former Australian Boomer, Jacob Holmes, categorically refuted the claims made by Baltasar.
"The allegations made by Mr Baltasar are unsubstantiated and highly defamatory and we are reviewing our legal avenues to address them,'' Holmes said.
"The Boomers pride themselves on their inclusive and diverse composition, just like the country they represent and the comments made by Mr Baltasar and republished by the ABC have caused immense distress to our players.
"At no stage was Basketball Australia or the ABA contacted for comment before the allegations were published, in a clear breach of the ABC's own editorial standards."
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Anthony Moore said: "Australian basketball prides itself on being a diverse sport that embraces all sections of the community. We take these allegations against our players extremely seriously and are deeply disappointed the ABC should choose to publish them."
The Boomers squad for the game in Manila included Milwaukee Bucks NBA player Thon Maker who came to Australia after fleeing the war-torn South Sudan.
World governing body FIBA has put together a disciplinary panel to handle the charges that will come out of the brawl which resulted in 13 players being ejected.
Australian guard Chris Goulding was punched, kicked and hit with a chair. His teammate Nathan Sobey was also struck with a chair and coward punched.
A fake tweet trying to falsely paint Goulding as a racist was widely condemned in the aftermath of the incident.
The Philippines team accused Boomers forward Daniel Kickert of kicking Filipino players in the pre-game warm-up the game but vision clearly shows the home side instigated the incident by trying to trip Kickert.
LISTEN TO PETER LUSTED TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMING ABOVE
Philippines coach Chot Reyes has conceded he didn't hear any Australian Boomers racially abuse his players during last week's ugly brawl in Manila.
In an interview on SportsCenter Philippines, Reyes was asked if Australia's players used derogatory terms to describe the Philippines players.
"No, I can say honestly that's fake news," Reyes said.
"I didn't hear or didn't have any notion that they were calling our players those terms at halftime, so I didn't see it."
This Reyes' statement occurred before racism claims were made by freelance photojournalist, Winston Baltasar.
In an interview with Australia's ABC Radio program The Ticket, Baltasar said Australian players called Gilas Pilipinas players "monkey" during the game and before the fight.
Baltasar, however, could not identify which Australian players he heard using the racial slur.
The Australian Basketballers' Association (ABA) and Basketball Australia released a joint statement on Sunday slamming the claims Baltasar alleged were made during the fight-marred game between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia at the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on July 2.
"We take these allegations against our players extremely seriously and are deeply disappointed the ABC should choose to publish them, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Anthony Moore said in the statement.
The fight resulted in 13 ejections. The Philippine and Australian basketball federations are awaiting further disciplinary action from FIBA.
"We did hear the word 'monkey' being thrown around ... I couldn't hear exactly who said it, but I did hear it, and like I said when the Boomers were up by 30 points I don't think words like that should be thrown around," he said on the ABC.
The Australian Basketballers' Association CEO and former Australian Boomer, Jacob Holmes, categorically refuted the claims made by Baltasar.
"The allegations made by Mr Baltasar are unsubstantiated and highly defamatory and we are reviewing our legal avenues to address them,'' Holmes said.
"The Boomers pride themselves on their inclusive and diverse composition, just like the country they represent and the comments made by Mr Baltasar and republished by the ABC have caused immense distress to our players.
"At no stage was Basketball Australia or the ABA contacted for comment before the allegations were published, in a clear breach of the ABC's own editorial standards."
Basketball Australia Chief Executive Anthony Moore said: "Australian basketball prides itself on being a diverse sport that embraces all sections of the community. We take these allegations against our players extremely seriously and are deeply disappointed the ABC should choose to publish them."
The Boomers squad for the game in Manila included Milwaukee Bucks NBA player Thon Maker who came to Australia after fleeing the war-torn South Sudan.
World governing body FIBA has put together a disciplinary panel to handle the charges that will come out of the brawl which resulted in 13 players being ejected.
Australian guard Chris Goulding was punched, kicked and hit with a chair. His teammate Nathan Sobey was also struck with a chair and coward punched.
A fake tweet trying to falsely paint Goulding as a racist was widely condemned in the aftermath of the incident.
The Philippines team accused Boomers forward Daniel Kickert of kicking Filipino players in the pre-game warm-up the game but vision clearly shows the home side instigated the incident by trying to trip Kickert.
LISTEN TO WARRIORS CEO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMINGS ABOVE
Kiwis front rower Leeson Ah Mau will return to the club where his NRL career began, signing a three-year deal with the Warriors.
As reported by the Herald in May, the 28-year-old will link up with the club from the 2019 season, after spending seven year with the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
The Warriors today confirmed the signing, and said Ah Mau would provide some real size in the middle of the park.
"He's a big forward who is consistently one of the Dragons' best week in, week out," coach Stephen Kearney said. "He fits the mould of the type of player we're building our squad around – tough, durable and with a tremendous attitude in all he does on and off the field.
"We've always had an interest in him as did a number of clubs, so we're really excited he was keen to come back home and join the club he started with."
Ah Mau made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2009 and has played 166 matches across three teams in the league - the Warriors (two matches in 2009), North Queensland Cowboys (33 matches between 2010-11) and the Dragons (134 appearances since 2012).
LISTEN TO WARRIORS CEO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH CRAIG CUMMINGS ABOVE
Kiwis front rower Leeson Ah Mau will return to the club where his NRL career began, signing a three-year deal with the Warriors.
As reported by the Herald in May, the 28-year-old will link up with the club from the 2019 season, after spending seven year with the St. George Illawarra Dragons.
The Warriors today confirmed the signing, and said Ah Mau would provide some real size in the middle of the park.
"He's a big forward who is consistently one of the Dragons' best week in, week out," coach Stephen Kearney said. "He fits the mould of the type of player we're building our squad around – tough, durable and with a tremendous attitude in all he does on and off the field.
"We've always had an interest in him as did a number of clubs, so we're really excited he was keen to come back home and join the club he started with."
Ah Mau made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2009 and has played 166 matches across three teams in the league - the Warriors (two matches in 2009), North Queensland Cowboys (33 matches between 2010-11) and the Dragons (134 appearances since 2012).
Former Crusaders player and former assistant coach of the side Dave Hewett joins Darcy and Goran to talk about Wyatt Crockett’s amazing achievement – becoming the first Super Rugby player to play 200 matches.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVE HEWETT SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Former Crusaders player and former assistant coach of the side Dave Hewett joins Darcy and Goran to talk about Wyatt Crockett’s amazing achievement – becoming the first Super Rugby player to play 200 matches.
Matt Brown joins Darcy and Goran with an update on the tennis action at Wimbledon, including wearing the wrong underpants, and flying ants.
Matt Brown joins Darcy and Goran with an update on the tennis action at Wimbledon, including wearing the wrong underpants, and flying ants.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd is looking to turn around an ordinary run in form, which has seen his side lose their last 3 matches.
Boyd has made plenty of changes for the Blues this Saturday, including bringing back Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields and Vaea Fifita.
He joins Darcy and Goran to discuss the changes and this weekend's big match.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS BOYD SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd is looking to turn around an ordinary run in form, which has seen his side lose their last 3 matches.
Boyd has made plenty of changes for the Blues this Saturday, including bringing back Beauden Barrett, Brad Shields and Vaea Fifita.
He joins Darcy and Goran to discuss the changes and this weekend's big match.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS BOYD SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix assistant coach, and proud Englishman, Chris Greenacre joins Darcy and Goran to discuss England's performance in their win against Colombia at the FIFA World Cup.
Wellington Phoenix assistant coach, and proud Englishman, Chris Greenacre joins Darcy and Goran to discuss England's performance in their win against Colombia at the FIFA World Cup.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson joins Darcy and Goran to discuss the return of Kieran Read this Friday night – he will start against the Highlanders, and why Israel Dagg was not considered good enough for selection.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson joins Darcy and Goran to discuss the return of Kieran Read this Friday night – he will start against the Highlanders, and why Israel Dagg was not considered good enough for selection.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Hurricanes first five Beauden Barrett is on track to return to the field this weekend against the Blues.
Barret joined Darcy and Goran to explain how he has been feeling watching the Hurricanes poor performances over the last few weeks from the couch, along with what the Hurricanes need to achieve to get out of their three match losing streak.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEAUDEN BARRET SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Hurricanes first five Beauden Barrett is on track to return to the field this weekend against the Blues.
Barret joined Darcy and Goran to explain how he has been feeling watching the Hurricanes poor performances over the last few weeks from the couch, along with what the Hurricanes need to achieve to get out of their three match losing streak.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEAUDEN BARRET SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
NZ Warriors players Agnatius Paasi and Junior Pauga join Darcy and Goran in studio to talk about the disappointing end to the match against the Cronulla Sharks on Friday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS AGNATIUS PAASI AND JUNIOR PAUGA SPEAK WITH DARCY AND GORAN
NZ Warriors players Agnatius Paasi and Junior Pauga join Darcy and Goran in studio to talk about the disappointing end to the match against the Cronulla Sharks on Friday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS AGNATIUS PAASI AND JUNIOR PAUGA SPEAK WITH DARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi football coach Chris Milicich looks at the latest results coming out of Russia at the FIFA World Cup.
Milicich says Spain got what they deserved in losing to the host nation, because they refused to change their tactics.
He also believes the winner of the France v Uruguay quarter-final will be hard to beat.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS MILICICH SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi football coach Chris Milicich looks at the latest results coming out of Russia at the FIFA World Cup.
Milicich says Spain got what they deserved in losing to the host nation, because they refused to change their tactics.
He also believes the winner of the France v Uruguay quarter-final will be hard to beat.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS MILICICH SPEAKS TO DARCY AND GORAN
Eric Murray and Hamish Bond will return to the scene of some of their many triumphs to receive rowing's most prestigious award.
New Zealand's unbeaten men's pair has been named the 2018 recipients of the Thomas Keller Medal for their outstanding careers in rowing.
They'll receive the award at next month's world cup regatta in Lucerne.
Murray told D'Arcy and Goran it'll be strange to return to what he regards the mecca of the sport.
"We won't be there in a racing sense, the last time we were there we were racing, so now we are going back as spectators more than anything."
LISTEN TO ERIC MURRAY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Eric Murray and Hamish Bond will return to the scene of some of their many triumphs to receive rowing's most prestigious award.
New Zealand's unbeaten men's pair has been named the 2018 recipients of the Thomas Keller Medal for their outstanding careers in rowing.
They'll receive the award at next month's world cup regatta in Lucerne.
Murray told D'Arcy and Goran it'll be strange to return to what he regards the mecca of the sport.
"We won't be there in a racing sense, the last time we were there we were racing, so now we are going back as spectators more than anything."
LISTEN TO ERIC MURRAY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Zealand Football President Deryck Shaw has been caught off guard by Andy Martin's retirement.
The NZF CEO announced he'll leave New Zealand Football, despite just last week insisting he's staying.
Martin's come under overwhelming pressure following his handling of allegations of a toxic environment being created by Football Ferns coach and NZF technical director Andreas Heraf.
Shaw says it was a shock as he also thought Martin would be sticking around.
"I was surprised but at the same time the board has accepted his resignation and retirement and we wish him all the best."
Shaw says the use of the word retire rather than resign has been at Martin's request.
He is adamant Martin made his own call and that he was not pushed out.
"It's his decision. And we respect his decision as any employee at any organisation has a right to, and he has made that decision."
LISTEN TO DERYCK SHAW TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Zealand Football President Deryck Shaw has been caught off guard by Andy Martin's retirement.
The NZF CEO announced he'll leave New Zealand Football, despite just last week insisting he's staying.
Martin's come under overwhelming pressure following his handling of allegations of a toxic environment being created by Football Ferns coach and NZF technical director Andreas Heraf.
Shaw says it was a shock as he also thought Martin would be sticking around.
"I was surprised but at the same time the board has accepted his resignation and retirement and we wish him all the best."
Shaw says the use of the word retire rather than resign has been at Martin's request.
He is adamant Martin made his own call and that he was not pushed out.
"It's his decision. And we respect his decision as any employee at any organisation has a right to, and he has made that decision."
LISTEN TO DERYCK SHAW TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund hopes England defeat Belgium tomorrow morning.
He also takes a look at Germany's exit from the cup, which follows a trend of recent World Cup winners.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEN SIGMUND SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Former All Whites defender Ben Sigmund hopes England defeat Belgium tomorrow morning.
He also takes a look at Germany's exit from the cup, which follows a trend of recent World Cup winners.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEN SIGMUND SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Breakers GM Dillon Boucher on news that his side will face the Phoenix Suns in October in a cross over match between the Aussie NBL and the NBA.
Boucher also looks at the upcoming matches for the Tall Blacks in World Cup qualification.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Breakers GM Dillon Boucher on news that his side will face the Phoenix Suns in October in a cross over match between the Aussie NBL and the NBA.
Boucher also looks at the upcoming matches for the Tall Blacks in World Cup qualification.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Former All Whites player Noah Hickey looks at the FIFA World Cup, with Argentina squeaking into the Round of 16 with a win over Nigeria, and the Socceroos exiting at the group phase.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Former All Whites player Noah Hickey looks at the FIFA World Cup, with Argentina squeaking into the Round of 16 with a win over Nigeria, and the Socceroos exiting at the group phase.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
The Tall Blacks have kept the majority of their experienced heads around for their basketball world cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China.
Captain Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie, Jarrod Kenny, Isaac Fotu, Rob Loe and Reuben Te Rangi are among the seasoned core included in the 14-strong squad.
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare says it's important to have that experience
"We've got some guys who have played in some big games and represented their country and we've got some guys that are a bit raw but are chomping at the bit to kick off their international careers."
The first match of their qualifying window is against Hong Kong on Thursday
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Tall Blacks have kept the majority of their experienced heads around for their basketball world cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China.
Captain Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie, Jarrod Kenny, Isaac Fotu, Rob Loe and Reuben Te Rangi are among the seasoned core included in the 14-strong squad.
Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare says it's important to have that experience
"We've got some guys who have played in some big games and represented their country and we've got some guys that are a bit raw but are chomping at the bit to kick off their international careers."
The first match of their qualifying window is against Hong Kong on Thursday
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has named an extended 23-man squad for Friday night's NRL match against the Sharks, including his three Kiwis internationals amongst the reserves.
Hooker Issac Luke, centre Peta Hiku and wing Ken Maumalo flew out of Denver today and are due to arrive home early tomorrow morning.
Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a have been named in the Warriors' starting line-up, despite injuries.
Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he's had to name the Kiwis trio because of their injury concerns.
"Those guys that have gone to Denver, we've had to name them 21, 22, 23, because we're still not 100 per cent certain on the squad yet."
Kearney will reduce his squad to 19 on Thursday night, as per NRL rules.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney has named an extended 23-man squad for Friday night's NRL match against the Sharks, including his three Kiwis internationals amongst the reserves.
Hooker Issac Luke, centre Peta Hiku and wing Ken Maumalo flew out of Denver today and are due to arrive home early tomorrow morning.
Solomone Kata and David Fusitu'a have been named in the Warriors' starting line-up, despite injuries.
Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he's had to name the Kiwis trio because of their injury concerns.
"Those guys that have gone to Denver, we've had to name them 21, 22, 23, because we're still not 100 per cent certain on the squad yet."
Kearney will reduce his squad to 19 on Thursday night, as per NRL rules.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Hurricanes are nursing a few sore bodies after the June test series against France.
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland says Beauden Barrett and Vaea Fifita are both still going through to the concussion protocols, and it remains to be seen if they'll be available for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Holland says the news is worse for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea.
"Ardie has a high ankle sprain which has ruled him out this week and he is likely to be out for two to three weeks before we get him out on the park."
Jason Holland also said they have to see how Brad Shields is when he returns home tonight after missing England's third test win over South Africa due to illness.
Centre Matt Proctor has been ruled out of the rest of the Hurricanes' campaign with a chest injury.
LISTEN ABOVE TO JASON HOLLAND TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Hurricanes are nursing a few sore bodies after the June test series against France.
Hurricanes assistant coach Jason Holland says Beauden Barrett and Vaea Fifita are both still going through to the concussion protocols, and it remains to be seen if they'll be available for Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Holland says the news is worse for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea.
"Ardie has a high ankle sprain which has ruled him out this week and he is likely to be out for two to three weeks before we get him out on the park."
Jason Holland also said they have to see how Brad Shields is when he returns home tonight after missing England's third test win over South Africa due to illness.
Centre Matt Proctor has been ruled out of the rest of the Hurricanes' campaign with a chest injury.
LISTEN ABOVE TO JASON HOLLAND TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Te Maire Martin joined the show from Denver before the Kiwis play England at Mile High Stadium.
Te Maire Martin joined the show from Denver before the Kiwis play England at Mile High Stadium.
Former All White Ivan Vicelich looks at the FIFA World Cup and Croatia's win over Argentina.
Former All White Ivan Vicelich looks at the FIFA World Cup and Croatia's win over Argentina.
Blues hooker and 2-time All Black James Parsons talks with D'Arcy and Goran on all things international rugby
LISTEN TO JAMES PARSONS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Blues hooker and 2-time All Black James Parsons talks with D'Arcy and Goran on all things international rugby
LISTEN TO JAMES PARSONS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Kiwi Football Coach Chris Milicich talks with D'Arcy and Goran about the Football Ferns and the drama that has unfolded around Head Coach Andreas Heraf.
LISTEN TO CHRIS MILICICH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Kiwi Football Coach Chris Milicich talks with D'Arcy Waldegrave about the Football Ferns and the drama that has unfolded around Head Coach Andreas Heraf.
LISTEN TO CHRIS MILICICH TALK WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE ABOVE
It's the first time in nearly 40 years that Timaru is part of the National Rally Championship, and Hayden Paddon told D'Arcy and Goran he is looking forward to driving in his own backyard.
"It's where I learned to drive, it's where I had my first crash and my first class win, so I'm really looking forward to it."
LISTEN ABOVE AS HAYDEN PADDON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
It's the first time in nearly 40 years that Timaru is part of the National Rally Championship and Hayden Paddon is looking forward to driving in his own backyard.
"It's where I learned to drive, it's where I had my first crash and my first class win, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Ben Maller from Fox Sports Radio with his take on American sports stories.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEN MALLER SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TODAY.
Ben Maller from Fox Sports Radio with his take on American sports stories.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BEN MALLER SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TODAY.
Lee Stensness, who believes the All Blacks’ selectors should stick with Damian McKenzie for the 3rd Test against the French this Saturday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LEE STENSNESS TALKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ON THE SHOW.
Lee Stensness, who believes the All Blacks’ selectors should stick with Damian McKenzie for the 3rd Test against the French this Saturday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LEE STENSNESS TALKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ON THE SHOW.
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee on the departure of Julian Savea, who has signed a two year deal with Toulon in France.
LISTEN AS AVAN LEE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ON THE SHOW.
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee on the departure of Julian Savea, who has signed a two year deal with Toulon in France.
LISTEN AS AVAN LEE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ON THE SHOW.
Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Joe Vuna in studio. RTS says he couldn’t go to Denver to play for the Kiwis as he has a newborn baby only 19 days old.
LISTEN ABOVE AS D'ARCY AND GORAN SPEAK TO THE WARRIORS ABOVE.
Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Joe Vuna in studio. RTS says he couldn’t go to Denver to play for the Kiwis as he has a newborn baby only 19 days old.
LISTEN ABOVE AS D'ARCY AND GORAN SPEAK TO THE WARRIORS ABOVE.
Representative from the NZFPA Harry Ngata who speaks about the NZF/Andreas Heraf saga. He confirms that a letter from the Player’s Association has been sent to NZF, outlining the Ferns’ issues with Heraf, Ngata has asked for an independent investigation to be undertaken.
LISTEN ABOVE AS HARRY NGATA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TODAY.
Representative from the NZFPA Harry Ngata who speaks about the NZF/Andreas Heraf saga. He confirms that a letter from the Player’s Association has been sent to NZF, outlining the Ferns’ issues with Heraf, Ngata has asked for an independent investigation to be undertaken.
LISTEN ABOVE AS HARRY NGATA SPEAKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TODAY.
Former All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss looks to the FIFA World Cup, starting overnight with Russia hosting Saudi Arabia.
Former All Whites goalkeeper Glen Moss looks to the FIFA World Cup, starting overnight with Russia hosting Saudi Arabia.
James Parsons of the Blues in studio talking about the unchanged All Blacks squad named to face France, and a review of the other international fixtures last weekend.
James Parsons of the Blues in studio talking about the unchanged All Blacks squad named to face France, and a review of the other international fixtures last weekend.
Simon Mannering, who has officially retired from international rugby league, talks to D'Arcy and Goran. He still hasn’t made a decision regarding his playing career with the Warriors.
Simon Mannering, who has officially retired from international rugby league, talks to D'Arcy and Goran. He still hasn’t made a decision regarding his playing career with the Warriors.
Football Ferns coach and NZF Technical Director Andreas Heraf talks to D'Arcy and Goran about the defensive style he employed in Sunday’s loss to Japan, and the comments he made in the post-match conference. He wrote it off as ‘lost in translation’, and that English isn’t his mother tongue.
Football Ferns coach and NZF Technical Director Andreas Heraf talks to D'arcy and Goran about the defensive style he employed in Sunday’s loss to Japan, and the comments he made in the post-match conference. He wrote it off as ‘lost in translation’, and that English isn’t his mother tongue.
Former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd on the victory at Eden Park over the French in the 1st Test. He’s of the belief that Sam Cane and Ofa Tuungafasi should’ve been yellow-carded at the very least for their high shots on Remy Grosso.
LISTEN: D'Arcy and Goran speak to Craig Dowd
Former All Blacks prop Craig Dowd on the victory at Eden Park over the French in the 1st Test. He’s of the belief that Sam Cane and Ofa Tuungafasi should’ve been yellow-carded at the very least for their high shots on Remy Grosso.
LISTEN: D'Arcy and Goran speak to Craig Dowd
The All Blacks face France tomorrow night in their first test of the year and the first of the three part series.
With multiple injuries removing key players from the lineup, the result is anyone's guess.
For an idea of how it could go, former coach John Hart joined D'Arcy and Goran to analysis the match up.
LISTEN TO JOHN HART TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The All Blacks face France tomorrow night in their first test of the year and the first of the three part series.
With multiple injuries removing key players from the lineup, the result is anyone's guess.
For an idea of how it could go, former coach John Hart joined D'Arcy and Goran to analysis the match up.
LISTEN TO JOHN HART TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has made his first signing.
Chris Greenacre has been confirmed as the A-League club's assistant coach, having been the interim at the end of last season.
Greenacre told D'Arcy and Goran he's delighted.
"It's finally good to get it out there and now everyone can focus on what's important and that's building a squad. I'm looking forward to what will be an exciting season coming up."
He says he hoped he was always going to be in the running for the job.
"I've been in the game long enough to know that when new coaches come in, often they bring their own staff, but I'm reall delighted to be part of Matt's back room staff now."
Greenacre will no longer continue as assistant coach of the New Zealander under-20's side due to time commitments.
LISTEN TO CHRIS GREENACRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New Wellington Phoenix coach Mark Rudan has made his first signing.
Chris Greenacre has been confirmed as the A-League club's assistant coach, having been the interim at the end of last season.
Greenacre told D'Arcy and Goran he's delighted.
"It's finally good to get it out there and now everyone can focus on what's important and that's building a squad. I'm looking forward to what will be an exciting season coming up."
He says he hoped he was always going to be in the running for the job.
"I've been in the game long enough to know that when new coaches come in, often they bring their own staff, but I'm reall delighted to be part of Matt's back room staff now."
Greenacre will no longer continue as assistant coach of the New Zealander under-20's side due to time commitments.
LISTEN TO CHRIS GREENACRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Longstanding relationships will be the hardest thing for Mike Hesson to walk away from.
Hesson is pulling stumps after six years as Black Caps coach, in order to take a break and spend more time with his wife and children.
Hesson says while it was nice to win a lot of games and series, it's the other stuff that means the most.
"Going into a changing room and knowing that you've got everybody heading in the same direction. That's not one game or one series, that's the result of an accumulation of a lot of things and a lot of people, and that's probably the highlight for me."
New Zealand Cricket are in no immediate rush to replace Hesson, despite it being less than a year out from the 2019 cricket World Cup.
NZC CEO David White says they have time up their sleeves, with their next series against Pakistan not until October.
Hesson has some parting words of wisdom for his pending successor.
"I'd just say observe the group for a while, make your own assessment, give yourself a bit of time with the group and get to know the people."
LISTEN TO MIKE HESSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Longstanding relationships will be the hardest thing for Mike Hesson to walk away from.
Hesson is pulling stumps after six years as Black Caps coach, in order to take a break and spend more time with his wife and children.
Hesson says while it was nice to win a lot of games and series, it's the other stuff that means the most.
"Going into a changing room and knowing that you've got everybody heading in the same direction. That's not one game or one series, that's the result of an accumulation of a lot of things and a lot of people, and that's probably the highlight for me."
New Zealand Cricket are in no immediate rush to replace Hesson, despite it being less than a year out from the 2019 cricket World Cup.
NZC CEO David White says they have time up their sleeves, with their next series against Pakistan not until October.
Hesson has some parting words of wisdom for his pending successor.
"I'd just say observe the group for a while, make your own assessment, give yourself a bit of time with the group and get to know the people."
LISTEN TO MIKE HESSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
LISTEN TO BEAUDEN BARRETT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Another barrier broken: It has taken 567 tests, played since 1903, but the All Blacks have finally done it.Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett will be the first trio of brothers to start a test match, when they run on to Eden Park against France on Saturday night.The Brownlie, Nicholls and Whitelock families have had three brothers who wore the black jersey, and they are amongst 46 sets of All Black brothers.This is new territory tough, although Eden Park has already been a memorable place for the Barretts of Taranaki.It is a bittersweet moment for Taranaki — New Plymouth will celebrate this history making achievement in a week when their rugby stadium has been condemned for safety issues.Lock Scott and utility back Jordie came off the bench to join No. 10 Beauden when the All Blacks smashed Samoa early last year. Scott also joined his brothers on the field as a 78th minute replacement against the British and Irish Lions in the third test in Auckland.Before the Lions series, Beauden talked of how farm life and typical sibling rivalry has a hardened their resolve. Backyard sport often went into extra time, with youngest brother Jordie particularly keen to get the final say."Mum would call for dinner and it (the game) would always go 10 minutes extra," Beauden said."It would be most likely him (Jordie) flying at you, getting up crying and he would come back that little bit harder next time."The Whitelocks, Sam, George and Luke, are the only recent-era trio of All Black brothers.The Brownlies (Cyril, Maurice, Laurie) and Nicholls (Mark, Ginger, Harold) played nearly a century ago.
LISTEN TO BEAUDEN BARRETT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Another barrier broken: It has taken 567 tests, played since 1903, but the All Blacks have finally done it.Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett will be the first trio of brothers to start a test match, when they run on to Eden Park against France on Saturday night.The Brownlie, Nicholls and Whitelock families have had three brothers who wore the black jersey, and they are amongst 46 sets of All Black brothers.This is new territory tough, although Eden Park has already been a memorable place for the Barretts of Taranaki.It is a bittersweet moment for Taranaki — New Plymouth will celebrate this history making achievement in a week when their rugby stadium has been condemned for safety issues.Lock Scott and utility back Jordie came off the bench to join No. 10 Beauden when the All Blacks smashed Samoa early last year. Scott also joined his brothers on the field as a 78th minute replacement against the British and Irish Lions in the third test in Auckland.Before the Lions series, Beauden talked of how farm life and typical sibling rivalry has a hardened their resolve. Backyard sport often went into extra time, with youngest brother Jordie particularly keen to get the final say."Mum would call for dinner and it (the game) would always go 10 minutes extra," Beauden said."It would be most likely him (Jordie) flying at you, getting up crying and he would come back that little bit harder next time."The Whitelocks, Sam, George and Luke, are the only recent-era trio of All Black brothers.The Brownlies (Cyril, Maurice, Laurie) and Nicholls (Mark, Ginger, Harold) played nearly a century ago.
Retirement or carry on with the Warriors?
It's the question facing Simon Mannering at the moment, and he's not sure what step to take.
The Warriors star joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his plans for the future.
It comes a few weeks after it was suggested the Warriors want him to leave on his own terms rather than being forced to drop him.
LISTEN TO SIMON MANNERING TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Retirement or carry on with the Warriors?
It's the question facing Simon Mannering at the moment, and he's not sure what step to take.
The Warriors star joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his plans for the future.
It comes a few weeks after it was suggested the Warriors want him to leave on his own terms rather than being forced to drop him.
LISTEN TO SIMON MANNERING TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Taranaki will not play at their home ground of Yarrow Stadium this Mitre 10 Cup season due to safety reasons.
Stadium owners Taranaki Stadium Trust say a safety-first approach is behind the reason to make the stadium unavailable in 2018, after geotechnical testing on the stadium's West Stand showed that it was a significant earthquake risk.
Reports into the West Stand were commissioned after a November report found the stadium's East Stand was earthquake-prone.
"It's a real blow and we apologise to everyone involved. The Trust informed key partners, including the TRFU, of the report's findings yesterday," says TST trustee Mike Nield.
Nield said it was too early to speculate on the future of the stadium but the TST would continue investigating the next steps.
"This is a blow but we remain committed to having a facility in Taranaki capable of hosting top-flight sporting events.
"We'll be looking at our options and while the loss of Yarrow for 2018 is a setback, it gives us opportunities to look at some of the different choices available to us."
New Plymouth Disctrict Council COO Kelvin Wright said safety of the public was the primary concern.
"This is hugely disappointing for players and fans who will be inconvenienced but safety comes first.
"We take public and staff safety very seriously and have taken a proactive approach ever since issues were first discovered."
LISTEN TO MIKE NIELD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Taranaki will not play at their home ground of Yarrow Stadium this Mitre 10 Cup season due to safety reasons.
Stadium owners Taranaki Stadium Trust say a safety-first approach is behind the reason to make the stadium unavailable in 2018, after geotechnical testing on the stadium's West Stand showed that it was a significant earthquake risk.
Reports into the West Stand were commissioned after a November report found the stadium's East Stand was earthquake-prone.
"It's a real blow and we apologise to everyone involved. The Trust informed key partners, including the TRFU, of the report's findings yesterday," says TST trustee Mike Nield.
Nield said it was too early to speculate on the future of the stadium but the TST would continue investigating the next steps.
"This is a blow but we remain committed to having a facility in Taranaki capable of hosting top-flight sporting events.
"We'll be looking at our options and while the loss of Yarrow for 2018 is a setback, it gives us opportunities to look at some of the different choices available to us."
New Plymouth Disctrict Council COO Kelvin Wright said safety of the public was the primary concern.
"This is hugely disappointing for players and fans who will be inconvenienced but safety comes first.
"We take public and staff safety very seriously and have taken a proactive approach ever since issues were first discovered."
LISTEN TO MIKE NIELD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The New Zealand Breakers have filled their first import slot for the next Australian basketball league season by contracting American small forward Armani Moore.
Moore is a former University of Tennessee player who is expected to fill a utility role with the team.
Moore shot at just 26 per cent from deep in college and struggles at the free throw line, however the Breakers are trumpeting his defensive skill-set.
The Breakers have contracted nine players for 2018-19, with two import spots still available.
LISTEN TO COACH KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The New Zealand Breakers have filled their first import slot for the next Australian basketball league season by contracting American small forward Armani Moore.
Moore is a former University of Tennessee player who is expected to fill a utility role with the team.
Moore shot at just 26 per cent from deep in college and struggles at the free throw line, however the Breakers are trumpeting his defensive skill-set.
The Breakers have contracted nine players for 2018-19, with two import spots still available.
LISTEN TO COACH KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Some good signs at All Blacks training in Auckland today.
Radio Sport rugby editor Nigel Yalden went along, and says all of the injured All Blacks took part in the open portion of this morning's session at Mt Smart Stadium.
Sam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty and Sam Cane looked comfortable, though there was nothing overly strenuous to start.
Kieran Read was also actively involved in the warm up as he builds to a return to rugby, and he was very vocal as well.
Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala was another training with the group while a couple of handshakes for loosehead prop Karl Tu'inukuafe suggests that he could be in line for test debut off the bench this weekend.
One big name out is Sonny Bill Williams will miss the series after having surgery on his knee, leaving the door open for a new-look midfield.
Williams started 13 of the All Blacks 14 tests in 2017, missing the third British and Irish Lions match due to suspension.
Williams will link back up with the All Blacks later this week, and regular midfield partner Ryan Crotty says he'll be crucial to how they prepare.
Crotty says when Williams has been in the 12 jumper those around him have helped him prepare for his tests, so it's his turn to return the favour.
The All Blacks midfield combination will be revealed when the team to face France is named on Thursday.
LISTEN TO NIGEL YALDEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Some good signs at All Blacks training in Auckland today.
Radio Sport rugby editor Nigel Yalden went along, and says all of the injured All Blacks took part in the open portion of this morning's session at Mt Smart Stadium.
Sam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty and Sam Cane looked comfortable, though there was nothing overly strenuous to start.
Kieran Read was also actively involved in the warm up as he builds to a return to rugby, and he was very vocal as well.
Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala was another training with the group while a couple of handshakes for loosehead prop Karl Tu'inukuafe suggests that he could be in line for test debut off the bench this weekend.
One big name out is Sonny Bill Williams will miss the series after having surgery on his knee, leaving the door open for a new-look midfield.
Williams started 13 of the All Blacks 14 tests in 2017, missing the third British and Irish Lions match due to suspension.
Williams will link back up with the All Blacks later this week, and regular midfield partner Ryan Crotty says he'll be crucial to how they prepare.
Crotty says when Williams has been in the 12 jumper those around him have helped him prepare for his tests, so it's his turn to return the favour.
The All Blacks midfield combination will be revealed when the team to face France is named on Thursday.
LISTEN TO NIGEL YALDEN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Shaun Johnson is back for the Warriors.
The star halfback has been named to make his 150th NRL appearance in Saturday's away match against Manly in Christchurch.
Johnson has been out for a month with an ankle injury suffered against the Wests Tigers in early May.
Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran it's a major fillip to have him back.
"He's obviously had three weeks, and he's worked pretty hard during that time, so he's fit and ready to go."
Isaiah Papali'i comes into the second row for Simon Mannering who drops back to the bench, while Karl Lawton remains on the interchange.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Shaun Johnson is back for the Warriors.
The star halfback has been named to make his 150th NRL appearance in Saturday's away match against Manly in Christchurch.
Johnson has been out for a month with an ankle injury suffered against the Wests Tigers in early May.
Coach Stephen Kearney told Darcy and Goran it's a major fillip to have him back.
"He's obviously had three weeks, and he's worked pretty hard during that time, so he's fit and ready to go."
Isaiah Papali'i comes into the second row for Simon Mannering who drops back to the bench, while Karl Lawton remains on the interchange.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson on his side named to face the Chiefs on Saturday. He’s left out Crotty and Whitelock who are both battling concussion symptoms and wonders what that will mean for their chances of playing for the All Blacks Saturday week.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson on his side named to face the Chiefs on Saturday. He’s left out Crotty and Whitelock who are both battling concussion symptoms and wonders what that will mean for their chances of playing for the All Blacks Saturday week.
LISTEN ABOVE AS SCOTT ROBERTSON TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Was Jared Donaldson's underarm serve to opponent Grigor Dimitrov at the French Open, due to cramping fair enough? Or just like cricket is the underarm tactic considered underhanded bad form?
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT BROWN TALKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Was Jared Donaldson's underarm serve to opponent Grigor Dimitrov at the French Open, due to cramping fair enough? Or just like cricket is the underarm tactic considered underhanded bad form?
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT BROWN TALKS TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
Fritz Schmid has named what can definitely be called a 'young side' for the Intercontinental Cup.
Explaining his choices, Schmid told D'Arcy and Goran that contract windows meant that New Zealand players are not available to participate.
"We are looking at the tournament and a playing opportunity which is not a FIFA window," he explained.
He also says the injuries have limited some of their options, as well as family planning for certain players.
LISTEN TO FRITZ SCHMID TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Fritz Schmid has named what can definitely be called a 'young side' for the Intercontinental Cup.
Explaining his choices, Schmid told D'Arcy and Goran that contract windows meant that New Zealand players are not available to participate.
"We are looking at the tournament and a playing opportunity which is not a FIFA window," he explained.
He also says the injuries have limited some of their options, as well as family planning for certain players.
LISTEN TO FRITZ SCHMID TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breakers believe they've signed a new and improved Corey Webster.
The Tall Blacks guard has recommitted to the Breakers for the next three Australian basketball league seasons, after missing the 2017/18 campaign to play in Israel.
Breakers coach Kevin Braswell told D'Arcy and Goran Webster wants to rebuild his image, after a number of disciplinary issues during his last stint at the club.
"He has a chance to just come back and show people what we've always known about him and how good of a basketball player he is. It actually shows how much growth he's had in the last couple of years."
Braswell says Webster will also have a role with the younger players in the squad.
He says Webster is the kind of player they need as he makes plays in big situations.
"He played well in Israel, had some really big numbers against big teams over there. He's going as a n elevated ball player. He's the guy who helps you win championships."
LISTEN TO KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breakers believe they've signed a new and improved Corey Webster.
The Tall Blacks guard has recommitted to the Breakers for the next three Australian basketball league seasons, after missing the 2017/18 campaign to play in Israel.
Breakers coach Kevin Braswell told D'Arcy and Goran Webster wants to rebuild his image, after a number of disciplinary issues during his last stint at the club.
"He has a chance to just come back and show people what we've always known about him and how good of a basketball player he is. It actually shows how much growth he's had in the last couple of years."
Braswell says Webster will also have a role with the younger players in the squad.
He says Webster is the kind of player they need as he makes plays in big situations.
"He played well in Israel, had some really big numbers against big teams over there. He's going as a n elevated ball player. He's the guy who helps you win championships."
LISTEN TO KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Scott Dixon's trying to shut out his Indy500 history.
This weekend will be the Kiwi driver's 16th at the historic Indy Car event, though he's only ever been able to drink the milk once.
Dixon says, despite being an old hand at the event, having struggled this season he's unsure how this year's edition will play out.
"Sometimes it's almost better to be a rookie as you don't know what to expect. You don't set too many thing sin stone or get stuck in your ways. You've always got to go into the 500 with an open mind."
Dixon says with it expected to be around 33 degrees during the race, the biggest hurdle could be the weather.
"The heat, unfortunately, makes everything worse. You have less power, you grade quicker so plenty of accidents too. Hopefully we can stay out of that, get to the end of the race, and be in a good position."
The two practice sessions are on Saturday New Zealand time.
LISTEN TO SCOTT DIXON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Scott Dixon's trying to shut out his Indy500 history.
This weekend will be the Kiwi driver's 16th at the historic Indy Car event, though he's only ever been able to drink the milk once.
Dixon says, despite being an old hand at the event, having struggled this season he's unsure how this year's edition will play out.
"Sometimes it's almost better to be a rookie as you don't know what to expect. You don't set too many thing sin stone or get stuck in your ways. You've always got to go into the 500 with an open mind."
Dixon says with it expected to be around 33 degrees during the race, the biggest hurdle could be the weather.
"The heat, unfortunately, makes everything worse. You have less power, you grade quicker so plenty of accidents too. Hopefully we can stay out of that, get to the end of the race, and be in a good position."
The two practice sessions are on Saturday New Zealand time.
LISTEN TO SCOTT DIXON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
James Parsons of the Blues in studio looking at Super Rugby and the ABs squad.
James also talks about the incident with Owen Franks in last weeks clash with the Crusaders and reveals he never received an apology from Owen Franks.
Skipper Fiao'o Faamausili has put her retirement on hold with the naming of 28 of New Zealand's top female rugby players becoming the first-ever 15s players to be offered Black Ferns contracts.
The 28 contracted players include 17 Black Ferns from the 2017 World Cup winning side.
Black Ferns Head Coach Glenn Moore said Faamausili was encouraged to lace up her boots and put herself in a position to be considered for the Black Ferns again to bolster the experience among what is likely to be a mixed squad of familiar and new players.
"We are thrilled to offer Fi a contract. She is as fit as she's ever been and is super passionate about being inolved. There are a number of new faces among those named and to have Fi's skills and experience to call on will be invaluable. She also brings fantastic skills in her position and it's an area we need to develop with newer players. She can help us with that.
"Among this squad are a number of very talented young players who have been working hard in their clubs and Provincial Unions. Our talent identification programme has helped us develop depth in our wider player pool and the Black Ferns performance at the World Cup has given players something to aspire to."
Moore said the 28 players announced today weren't necessarily guaranteed a spot in the 2018 Black Ferns team and they would need to continue to work hard in their club teams and provinces to be considered for the black jersey.
"We have a Black Ferns training camp in mid-June when we'll get a much better idea of how everyone is tracking. There's also the possibility we'll offer a contract to players outside of the initial contracted squad."
Moore said there were two more contracted positions to be filled.
NZR recently announced the Black Ferns would play two Test matches against Australia for the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy. Both August Tests will be double-header fixtures with the All Blacks Bledisloe Cup matches versus Australia.
On November 3, the Black Ferns will face USA Eagles women in a triple header with the Maori All Blacks v USA Eagles and Ireland v Italy at Soldier Field in Chicago.
NZR Head of Women's Rugby Cate Sexton said the signing of contracts, under the newly introduced Black Ferns Performance Programme, marked a significant moment in rugby and reflected the growing interest in women's rugby in New Zealand as well as globally.
"We have a very talented pool of female players to select from and the pool is increasing every year. We want to make sure we nurture our talent and provide our best players with the training and support they need to achieve at the highest level.
"These contracted players will receive a guaranteed retainer to train, assembly fees when they come together for Black Ferns camps and the medical and technical services they need as elite athletes."
The 2018 Black Ferns contracted squad is:
Backs:
Chelsea Alley (Waikato)
Ariana Bayler (Waikato)
Grace Brooker (Canterbury)
Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)
Krysten Cottrell (Hawke's Bay)
Ruahei Demant (Auckland)
Kilistina Moata'ane (Otago)
Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties Manukau)
Kristina Sue (Manawatu)
Renee Wickliffe (Bay of Plenty)
Selica Winiata (Manawatu)
Forwards:Eloise Blackwell (Auckland)Les Elder (nee Ketu) (Bay of Plenty)Fiao'o Faamausili (Auckland)Dhys Faleafaga(Wellington)Harono Iringa (Counties Manukau)Aldora Itunu (Auckland)Linda Itunu (Auckland)Pip Love (Canterbury)Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland)Toka Natua (Waikato)Joanah Ngan Woo (Wellington)Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau)Aleisha Nelson (Auckland)Marcelle Parkes (Wellington)Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau)Aroha Savage (Counties Manukau)Charmaine Smith (Auckland)
LISTEN TO CHARMINE SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Skipper Fiao'o Faamausili has put her retirement on hold with the naming of 28 of New Zealand's top female rugby players becoming the first-ever 15s players to be offered Black Ferns contracts.
The 28 contracted players include 17 Black Ferns from the 2017 World Cup winning side.
Black Ferns Head Coach Glenn Moore said Faamausili was encouraged to lace up her boots and put herself in a position to be considered for the Black Ferns again to bolster the experience among what is likely to be a mixed squad of familiar and new players.
"We are thrilled to offer Fi a contract. She is as fit as she's ever been and is super passionate about being inolved. There are a number of new faces among those named and to have Fi's skills and experience to call on will be invaluable. She also brings fantastic skills in her position and it's an area we need to develop with newer players. She can help us with that.
"Among this squad are a number of very talented young players who have been working hard in their clubs and Provincial Unions. Our talent identification programme has helped us develop depth in our wider player pool and the Black Ferns performance at the World Cup has given players something to aspire to."
Moore said the 28 players announced today weren't necessarily guaranteed a spot in the 2018 Black Ferns team and they would need to continue to work hard in their club teams and provinces to be considered for the black jersey.
"We have a Black Ferns training camp in mid-June when we'll get a much better idea of how everyone is tracking. There's also the possibility we'll offer a contract to players outside of the initial contracted squad."
Moore said there were two more contracted positions to be filled.
NZR recently announced the Black Ferns would play two Test matches against Australia for the Laurie O'Reilly Memorial Trophy. Both August Tests will be double-header fixtures with the All Blacks Bledisloe Cup matches versus Australia.
On November 3, the Black Ferns will face USA Eagles women in a triple header with the Maori All Blacks v USA Eagles and Ireland v Italy at Soldier Field in Chicago.
NZR Head of Women's Rugby Cate Sexton said the signing of contracts, under the newly introduced Black Ferns Performance Programme, marked a significant moment in rugby and reflected the growing interest in women's rugby in New Zealand as well as globally.
"We have a very talented pool of female players to select from and the pool is increasing every year. We want to make sure we nurture our talent and provide our best players with the training and support they need to achieve at the highest level.
"These contracted players will receive a guaranteed retainer to train, assembly fees when they come together for Black Ferns camps and the medical and technical services they need as elite athletes."
The 2018 Black Ferns contracted squad is:
Backs:
Chelsea Alley (Waikato)
Ariana Bayler (Waikato)
Grace Brooker (Canterbury)
Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)
Krysten Cottrell (Hawke's Bay)
Ruahei Demant (Auckland)
Kilistina Moata'ane (Otago)
Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (Counties Manukau)
Kristina Sue (Manawatu)
Renee Wickliffe (Bay of Plenty)
Selica Winiata (Manawatu)
Forwards:Eloise Blackwell (Auckland)Les Elder (nee Ketu) (Bay of Plenty)Fiao'o Faamausili (Auckland)Dhys Faleafaga(Wellington)Harono Iringa (Counties Manukau)Aldora Itunu (Auckland)Linda Itunu (Auckland)Pip Love (Canterbury)Charmaine McMenamin (Auckland)Toka Natua (Waikato)Joanah Ngan Woo (Wellington)Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate (Counties Manukau)Aleisha Nelson (Auckland)Marcelle Parkes (Wellington)Leilani Perese (Counties Manukau)Aroha Savage (Counties Manukau)Charmaine Smith (Auckland)
LISTEN TO CHARMINE SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders are in an apologetic mood over their recent track of earning yellow cards.
Coach Scott Robertson says the team is remorseful over their actions, though says it isn't always cut and dry.
"It's really easy for other people to come in and say it's not tiddlewinks," he told D'Arcy and Goran.
"We have to be better, and we'll discuss the individual ownership around it."
He's hoping things will be a little different when the team faces the Hurricanes.
Wyatt Crockett and Michael Alaalatoa get their opportunity to start for the team, with both starters Owen Franks and Joe Moody suspended.
Lock Luke Romano will make his return from an ankle injury via the bench, with props Donald Brighouse and Chris King joining him.
All Blacks Ryan Crotty and Sam Whitelock will miss the match, both through concussion.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders are in an apologetic mood over their recent track of earning yellow cards.
Coach Scott Robertson says the team is remorseful over their actions, though says it isn't always cut and dry.
"It's really easy for other people to come in and say it's not tiddlewinks," he told D'Arcy and Goran.
"We have to be better, and we'll discuss the individual ownership around it."
He's hoping things will be a little different when the team faces the Hurricanes.
Wyatt Crockett and Michael Alaalatoa get their opportunity to start for the team, with both starters Owen Franks and Joe Moody suspended.
Lock Luke Romano will make his return from an ankle injury via the bench, with props Donald Brighouse and Chris King joining him.
All Blacks Ryan Crotty and Sam Whitelock will miss the match, both through concussion.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A raft of changes to the Hurricanes ahead of their crunch Super Rugby derby against the Crusaders.
Captain Brad Shields will resume his starting spot in the number six jersey, with Reed Prinsep moving to the bench.
Julian Savea's return on the right wing sees Nehe Milner-Skudder move to fullback, with Jordie Barrett replacing the injured Matt Proctor at centre.
Ngani Laumape's back in the 12 jersey for Peter Umaga-Jensen, while Vaea [vye-ah] Fifita will miss the match with a shoulder injury.
Coach Chris Boyd says he's named his strongest possible side.
"As it sits right now, you'd say it's a one versus two battle, but you can't predict that's going to be the case in two weeks time."
LISTEN TO CHRIS BOYD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN TONIGHT
A raft of changes to the Hurricanes ahead of their crunch Super Rugby derby against the Crusaders.
Captain Brad Shields will resume his starting spot in the number six jersey, with Reed Prinsep moving to the bench.
Julian Savea's return on the right wing sees Nehe Milner-Skudder move to fullback, with Jordie Barrett replacing the injured Matt Proctor at centre.
Ngani Laumape's back in the 12 jersey for Peter Umaga-Jensen, while Vaea [vye-ah] Fifita will miss the match with a shoulder injury.
Coach Chris Boyd says he's named his strongest possible side.
"As it sits right now, you'd say it's a one versus two battle, but you can't predict that's going to be the case in two weeks time."
LISTEN TO CHRIS BOYD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN TONIGHT
New stadium options are being debated in Auckland at the moment.
Paul Nisbet is the director of Venue Development Strategy for Auckland Stadiums, and has released a report calling for urgent investment into the city's stadiums.
He says he has been working on the stadium strategy since 2012, and has released some interesting findings.
LISTEN TO PAUL NISBET TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
New stadium options are being debated in Auckland at the moment.
Paul Nisbet is the director of Venue Development Strategy for Auckland Stadiums, and has released a report calling for urgent investment into the city's stadiums.
He says he has been working on the stadium strategy since 2012, and has released some interesting findings.
LISTEN TO PAUL NISBET TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
His baby is yet to be born, but captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been named for his return to the Warriors.
The fullback missed the win over the Parramatta Eels with his fiance due give birth to their first child.
While they're still awaiting the baby, Tuivasa-Sheck has still been included in the 21-man squad for Saturday's game against the Rabbitohs.
Coach Stephen Kearney told D'Arcy and Goranit's a good chance his skipper will play.
"Not unless it comes at 7:30 on Saturday night, we've got all bases covered."
Kearney says if that changes, centre Pita Hiku is capable of slotting in there again.
"He's played international footy. He's a pretty solid performer there."
In other changes, Gerard Beale shifts back to the extended bench to accommodate Hiku at centre, while Simon Mannering moves from the bench to start at second row.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
His baby is yet to be born, but captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been named for his return to the Warriors.
The fullback missed the win over the Parramatta Eels with his fiance due give birth to their first child.
While they're still awaiting the baby, Tuivasa-Sheck has still been included in the 21-man squad for Saturday's game against the Rabbitohs.
Coach Stephen Kearney told D'Arcy and Goranit's a good chance his skipper will play.
"Not unless it comes at 7:30 on Saturday night, we've got all bases covered."
Kearney says if that changes, centre Pita Hiku is capable of slotting in there again.
"He's played international footy. He's a pretty solid performer there."
In other changes, Gerard Beale shifts back to the extended bench to accommodate Hiku at centre, while Simon Mannering moves from the bench to start at second row.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders will be without their captain to face the Blues on Saturday.
Sam Whitelock has been ruled out and is replaced by Quinten Strange in the run-on side for the Super Rugby match Eden Park.
Coach Scott Robertson says Whitelock hasn't been feeling himself.
"He wasn't feeling great earlier in the week, so we just made a call, said look, give you a chance to freshen up."
Flanker Matt Todd assumes the captaincy in a side that sees All Blacks props Tim Perry and Owen Franks back in the front row.
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis comes into the run-on side for Pete Samu at blindside, while George Bridge replaces Manasa Mataele on the left wing while David Havili returns at fullback.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders will be without their captain to face the Blues on Saturday.
Sam Whitelock has been ruled out and is replaced by Quinten Strange in the run-on side for the Super Rugby match Eden Park.
Coach Scott Robertson says Whitelock hasn't been feeling himself.
"He wasn't feeling great earlier in the week, so we just made a call, said look, give you a chance to freshen up."
Flanker Matt Todd assumes the captaincy in a side that sees All Blacks props Tim Perry and Owen Franks back in the front row.
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis comes into the run-on side for Pete Samu at blindside, while George Bridge replaces Manasa Mataele on the left wing while David Havili returns at fullback.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors Shaun Johnson and Anthony Gelling in studio talking the huge loss to the Roosters on Saturday at home. They also give us grief about losing at the Radio Awards, and formulate a plan to win next year.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors Shaun Johnson and Anthony Gelling in studio talking the huge loss to the Roosters on Saturday at home. They also give us grief about losing at the Radio Awards, and formulate a plan to win next year.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors reserve hooker Karl Lawton made his debut for the team last weekend in their win against the Tigers.
He spoke with D'Arcy and Goran about his time with the team, and how he is relishing the chance to play under Isaac Luke.
LISTEN TO KARL LAWTON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Warriors reserve hooker Karl Lawton made his debut for the team last weekend in their win against the Tigers.
He spoke with D'Arcy and Goran about his time with the team, and how he is relishing the chance to play under Isaac Luke.
LISTEN TO KARL LAWTON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Hurricanes will inject their returning All Blacks halfback from the bench for Friday's Super Rugby match against the Blues.
Vice-captain TJ Perenara emerges from a month sidelined with a knee injury suffered against the Sharks.
Finlay Christie retains his starting spot for the match at Eden Park, with coach Chris Boyd deciding to keep him there for another week.
"According to TJ, it's about a month late, initially they thought the Reds game, but like you'd probably imagine, his attention to detail on his rehab and stuff is just phenomenal."
Midfielder Vince Aso has been sidelined with a wrist injury, while Jordie Barrett comes back on the bench from a rolled ankle.
Sam Lousi gets the nod at lock for Michael Fatialofa who drops to the bench.
The match will see Hurrican's strike weapon Ben Lamb face off against Rieko Ioane, which Boyd told D'arcy and Goran should be an explosive battle.
LISTEN TO CHRIS BOYD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Hurricanes will inject their returning All Blacks halfback from the bench for Friday's Super Rugby match against the Blues.
Vice-captain TJ Perenara emerges from a month sidelined with a knee injury suffered against the Sharks.
Finlay Christie retains his starting spot for the match at Eden Park, with coach Chris Boyd deciding to keep him there for another week.
"According to TJ, it's about a month late, initially they thought the Reds game, but like you'd probably imagine, his attention to detail on his rehab and stuff is just phenomenal."
Midfielder Vince Aso has been sidelined with a wrist injury, while Jordie Barrett comes back on the bench from a rolled ankle.
Sam Lousi gets the nod at lock for Michael Fatialofa who drops to the bench.
The match will see Hurrican's strike weapon Ben Lamb face off against Rieko Ioane, which Boyd told D'arcy and Goran should be an explosive battle.
LISTEN TO CHRIS BOYD TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
An ankle injury will keep Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson out of this weekend's NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.
Johnson suffered the knock during last weekend's win over the Wests Tigers, meaning Mason Lino will take his spot in the halves in the only change to the 17.
Hooker Issac Luke and back rower Adam Blair have recovered from respective shoulder and ankle niggles to take their places in the 13.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran Johnson's injury is just a sprain.
"He'd potentially be maybe a couple of weeks or so."
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
An ankle injury will keep Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson out of this weekend's NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.
Johnson suffered the knock during last weekend's win over the Wests Tigers, meaning Mason Lino will take his spot in the halves in the only change to the 17.
Hooker Issac Luke and back rower Adam Blair have recovered from respective shoulder and ankle niggles to take their places in the 13.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran Johnson's injury is just a sprain.
"He'd potentially be maybe a couple of weeks or so."
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Sarah Gregorius is ecstatic to see progression in the sport she loves.
The Football Ferns forward came out of retirement in February, and has been a key member in negotiations around New Zealand Football's new collective bargaining agreement.
Under the historic CBA, there will be pay and travel parity, equal prize money and same rights for image use for both the All Whites and Football Ferns.
Gregorius says it's fantastic to be able to achieve all of that.
"Hugely proud to have the opportunity to represent my country again but also to be part of a process that the country can be proud of away from the football field as well."
Gregorius told D'arcy and Goran the agreement could see other sports make changes.
"Even just starting the conversation and starting to normalise the fact that whether you are an elite athlete, whether you are male or female, you should be reflected and treated the same as your counterparts who are doing the exact same thing for their country."
LISTEN TO SARAH GREGARIOUS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Sarah Gregorius is ecstatic to see progression in the sport she loves.
The Football Ferns forward came out of retirement in February, and has been a key member in negotiations around New Zealand Football's new collective bargaining agreement.
Under the historic CBA, there will be pay and travel parity, equal prize money and same rights for image use for both the All Whites and Football Ferns.
Gregorius says it's fantastic to be able to achieve all of that.
"Hugely proud to have the opportunity to represent my country again but also to be part of a process that the country can be proud of away from the football field as well."
Gregorius told D'arcy and Goran the agreement could see other sports make changes.
"Even just starting the conversation and starting to normalise the fact that whether you are an elite athlete, whether you are male or female, you should be reflected and treated the same as your counterparts who are doing the exact same thing for their country."
LISTEN TO SARAH GREGARIOUS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan is happy with his team's win against the Rebels this week, but he is not happy with the ill-discipline his side has shown recently.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he is imploring his players to change their way, or it'll catch them out at some stage.
He says they seem to be leading the season in yellow cards.
LISTEN TO JASON RYAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan is happy with his team's win against the Rebels this week, but he is not happy with the ill-discipline his side has shown recently.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he is imploring his players to change their way, or it'll catch them out at some stage.
He says they seem to be leading the season in yellow cards.
LISTEN TO JASON RYAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The man who led Team New Zealand's review into its failed 2013 America's Cup campaign is lending his expertise to netball.
Team NZ chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge has been named on a three-person panel to review the Silver Ferns' dismal Commonwealth Games campaign.
Panel chair Don Mackinnon told D'Arcy and Goran Shoebridge is perfect for this job.
"I think it's great for New Zealand sport that Team New Zealand is opening up in this way. I think there is huge learning for other sports from their experience."
Former Silver Fern Linda Vagana is also on the review panel, which will report back to the Netball New Zealand board next month.
LISTEN TO DON MACKINNON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The man who led Team New Zealand's review into its failed 2013 America's Cup campaign is lending his expertise to netball.
Team NZ chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge has been named on a three-person panel to review the Silver Ferns' dismal Commonwealth Games campaign.
Panel chair Don Mackinnon told D'Arcy and Goran Shoebridge is perfect for this job.
"I think it's great for New Zealand sport that Team New Zealand is opening up in this way. I think there is huge learning for other sports from their experience."
Former Silver Fern Linda Vagana is also on the review panel, which will report back to the Netball New Zealand board next month.
LISTEN TO DON MACKINNON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The All Whites will look to develop their lesser-known players at next month's Intercontinental Cup.
Following years of constant club and country commitments, it's unlikely New Zealand's bigger names will be part of the four team tournament in Mumbai.
But assistant coach Des Buckingham insists they aren't returning to the Anthony Hudson era, where anyone and everyone got a crack.
“We’re happy with the players at the top end in terms of the rockstars, but we’re not got more players playing overseas than we’ve ever had. I support those guys to get those opportunities, it puts us in a strong position come the next World Cup cycle.”
Buckingham says they'll use a lot of the players who were part of the friendly against Canada in March.
LISTEN TO DES BUCKINGHAM TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The All Whites will look to develop their lesser-known players at next month's Intercontinental Cup.
Following years of constant club and country commitments, it's unlikely New Zealand's bigger names will be part of the four team tournament in Mumbai.
But assistant coach Des Buckingham insists they aren't returning to the Anthony Hudson era, where anyone and everyone got a crack.
“We’re happy with the players at the top end in terms of the rockstars, but we’re not got more players playing overseas than we’ve ever had. I support those guys to get those opportunities, it puts us in a strong position come the next World Cup cycle.”
Buckingham says they'll use a lot of the players who were part of the friendly against Canada in March.
LISTEN TO DES BUCKINGHAM TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Paul Henare's more than happy to be a one-team man for now.
The former Breakers coach will be at the helm of the Tall Blacks for their upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China, and is currently in Tauranga overlooking the domestic women's competition.
Henare used to juggle both Breakers and Tall Blacks commitments, but says he's enjoying focusing solely on his role with Basketball New Zealand.
“I’m going to be out here getting a little bit more involved in some of the talent ID’s and experiences we have going on throughout the year, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the programme and what that looks like and how that’s being coached.”
The Tall Blacks' next qualifier is against Hong Kong in Rotorua late next month.
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Paul Henare's more than happy to be a one-team man for now.
The former Breakers coach will be at the helm of the Tall Blacks for their upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and China, and is currently in Tauranga overlooking the domestic women's competition.
Henare used to juggle both Breakers and Tall Blacks commitments, but says he's enjoying focusing solely on his role with Basketball New Zealand.
“I’m going to be out here getting a little bit more involved in some of the talent ID’s and experiences we have going on throughout the year, and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in the programme and what that looks like and how that’s being coached.”
The Tall Blacks' next qualifier is against Hong Kong in Rotorua late next month.
LISTEN TO PAUL HENARE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Hurricanes winger Julian Savea, who survived “outside back idol” and made the cut for the side named to face the Lions in Super Rugby.
The Canes have almost all of their outside backs available for selection, which made the selection process a tad difficult.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Hurricanes winger Julian Savea, who survived “outside back idol” and made the cut for the side named to face the Lions in Super Rugby.
The Canes have almost all of their outside backs available for selection, which made the selection process a tad difficult.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Hayden Paddon, ahead of Rally Whangarei this weekend, and leaving for Portugal on Monday to race in the WRC.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Hayden Paddon, ahead of Rally Whangarei this weekend, and leaving for Portugal on Monday to race in the WRC.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Eric Pincus, NBA writer and commentator on the current playoffs series. He believes that the Golden State Warriors will waltz to the title.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Eric Pincus, NBA writer and commentator on the current playoffs series. He believes that the Golden State Warriors will waltz to the title.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors backrower Tohu Harris, who returns from his head knock this weekend against the Tigers.
He missed the ANZAC Day match against his old side, the Melbourne Storm.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors backrower Tohu Harris, who returns from his head knock this weekend against the Tigers.
He missed the ANZAC Day match against his old side, the Melbourne Storm.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors coach Steve Kearney with news that Issac Luke has been named to start at hooker this weekend against the Tigers.
Just yesterday, Luke was rubbed out for up to a month.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors coach Steve Kearney with news that Issac Luke has been named to start at hooker this weekend against the Tigers.
Just yesterday, Luke was rubbed out for up to a month.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
UFC/MMA fighter Israel Adesanya on his upcoming fight, headlining an event in July. It was easily the most foul-mouthed interview in Radio Sport history, complete with 8 F-bombs and even 1 C-bomb… luckily it was pre-recorded!
LISTEN TO THE WITH INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
UFC/MMA fighter Israel Adesanya on his upcoming fight, headlining an event in July. It was easily the most foul-mouthed interview in Radio Sport history, complete with 8 F-bombs and even 1 C-bomb… luckily it was pre-recorded!
LISTEN TO THE WITH INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors players Blake Ayshford and Jazz Tevaga in the studio. They talk about the Anzac Day loss to the Storm, the success they’ve had this season (before the loss in Melbourne) and the ‘honesty session’ that changed
attitudes within the club.
Warriors players Blake Ayshford and Jazz Tevaga in the studio. They talk about the Anzac Day loss to the Storm, the success they’ve had this season (before the loss in Melbourne) and the ‘honesty session’ that changed
attitudes within the club.
The Warriors have felt the loss of Tohu Harris during their 50-10 thrashing by the Melbourne Storm.
Harris was sidelined for the ANZAC Day match after suffering a head knock against the Dragons.
Warriors Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck says they really missed his presence on the right-edge.
"It was tough not having him here. I know we have a few players out, but Harris, his leadership to hold the boys together and it's tough to be missing him."
LISTEN TO ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK TALK WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
The Warriors have felt the loss of Tohu Harris during their 50-10 thrashing by the Melbourne Storm.
Harris was sidelined for the ANZAC Day match after suffering a head knock against the Dragons.
Warriors Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck says they really missed his presence on the right-edge.
"It was tough not having him here. I know we have a few players out, but Harris, his leadership to hold the boys together and it's tough to be missing him."
LISTEN TO ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK TALK WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
Laurie Daley has confirmed he has met with New Zealand Rugby League officials to discuss taking over the Kiwis coaching role.
Daley is the fourth high-profile coach to meet with New Zealand officials after David Kidwell was axed in February following last year's World Cup quarter- finals exit.
Daley confirmed on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast on Thursday he had flown to New Zealand to discuss his own future this week after he was axed as NSW State of Origin mentor last year.
"I did go across to NZ and speak to them about the NZ coaching position," Daley said.
"It was an informal discussion, just where I'm at and where they are at.
"I've always said I would like to get back into coaching if it is the right circumstances."
The Kiwis next play in June's Denver Test against England, meaning a new coach is likely to be announced in the next two months.
Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey revealed earlier this month he'd also thrown his hat into the ring for the role, while the Seven Network reported Des Hasler had also flown over to meet with officials.
Michael Maguire is another to be linked to the role, having taken on a position with the NRL's referees ranks this year.
But after having endured four series losses in five years as NSW coach, Daley said he had a desire to fill the role being offered on a part-time basis.
"Most people were disappointed with how they performed at last year's World Cup," Daley said.
"And for international football to be strong we need a strong England and a strong New Zealand to be challenging Australia.
"The Warriors going well indicates New Zealand Rugby League will go well."
If Daley was to be awarded the job, it would pit him against former Canberra teammate Mal Meninga again after clashing as Origin coaches between 2013 and 2015.
LISTEN TO GRAHAM LOWE TALK ABOUT DALY'S CHANCES WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
Laurie Daley has confirmed he has met with New Zealand Rugby League officials to discuss taking over the Kiwis coaching role.
Daley is the fourth high-profile coach to meet with New Zealand officials after David Kidwell was axed in February following last year's World Cup quarter- finals exit.
Daley confirmed on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast on Thursday he had flown to New Zealand to discuss his own future this week after he was axed as NSW State of Origin mentor last year.
"I did go across to NZ and speak to them about the NZ coaching position," Daley said.
"It was an informal discussion, just where I'm at and where they are at.
"I've always said I would like to get back into coaching if it is the right circumstances."
The Kiwis next play in June's Denver Test against England, meaning a new coach is likely to be announced in the next two months.
Former Manly coach Geoff Toovey revealed earlier this month he'd also thrown his hat into the ring for the role, while the Seven Network reported Des Hasler had also flown over to meet with officials.
Michael Maguire is another to be linked to the role, having taken on a position with the NRL's referees ranks this year.
But after having endured four series losses in five years as NSW coach, Daley said he had a desire to fill the role being offered on a part-time basis.
"Most people were disappointed with how they performed at last year's World Cup," Daley said.
"And for international football to be strong we need a strong England and a strong New Zealand to be challenging Australia.
"The Warriors going well indicates New Zealand Rugby League will go well."
If Daley was to be awarded the job, it would pit him against former Canberra teammate Mal Meninga again after clashing as Origin coaches between 2013 and 2015.
LISTEN TO GRAHAM LOWE TALK ABOUT DALY'S CHANCES WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
As the Warriors continue one of their best seasons in years, the furore around it is having a positive impact.
CEO Cameron George talk Mark Watson that the time is now averaging 18,500 tickets per home game, and season memberships are increasing.
LISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
As the Warriors continue one of their best seasons in years, the furore around it is having a positive impact.
CEO Cameron George talk Mark Watson that the time is now averaging 18,500 tickets per home game, and season memberships are increasing.
LISTEN TO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH MARK WATSON ABOVE
Adam Blair of the Warriors, looking to Friday night’s clash with the unbeaten Dragons.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Adam Blair of the Warriors, looking to Friday night’s clash with the unbeaten Dragons.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Michael Papps, who after 20 seasons, is retiring from cricket. He joined D'Arcy to look back on a remarkable career including his time in the Blackcaps.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Michael Papps, who after 20 seasons, is retiring from cricket. He joined D'Arcy to look back on a remarkable career including his time in the Blackcaps.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Aaron Mauger has opted to bench Aaron Smith for the match but is very wary of the threat the Blues pose.
LISTEN ABOVE AS AARON MAUGER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Aaron Mauger has opted to bench Aaron Smith for the match but is very wary of the threat the Blues pose.
LISTEN ABOVE AS AARON MAUGER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY WALDEGRAVE
Listen above to D'arcy speaking to Kevin Braswell about how he got the job, and how there is no animosity between he and outgoing coach Paul Henare, because they are like brothers.He led the Southland Sharks to titles in two of his five seasons in charge before coaching the Wellington Saints to successive crowns in 2016 and 2017.The Baltimore native will be a natural fit at the Breakers, according to chief executive Matt Walsh."He's someone who knows the club and has a strong association with the NBL," he said.Read more: Kevin Braswell named new Breakers coach
LISTEN ABOVE AS D'ARCY SPEAKS WITH NEW BREAKERS COACH KEVIN BRASWELL
Listen above to D'arcy speaking to Kevin Braswell about how he got the job, and how there is no animosity between he and outgoing coach Paul Henare, because they are like brothers.He led the Southland Sharks to titles in two of his five seasons in charge before coaching the Wellington Saints to successive crowns in 2016 and 2017.The Baltimore native will be a natural fit at the Breakers, according to chief executive Matt Walsh."He's someone who knows the club and has a strong association with the NBL," he said.Read more: Kevin Braswell named new Breakers coach
LISTEN ABOVE AS D'ARCY SPEAKS WITH NEW BREAKERS COACH KEVIN BRASWELL
Andrew Durante plans to do one more year at the Wellington Phoenix.
The club captain had thought this year might be his last at the A-League club, which has battled this year.
Durante says he's had really good talks and more than likely he'll stick around for another season.
He says in the next week or two something should be decided.
The Phoenix wrap up their season tomorrow night at home against Melbourne City.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE AND DYLAN FOX TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Andrew Durante plans to do one more year at the Wellington Phoenix.
The club captain had thought this year might be his last at the A-League club, which has battled this year.
Durante says he's had really good talks and more than likely he'll stick around for another season.
He says in the next week or two something should be decided.
The Phoenix wrap up their season tomorrow night at home against Melbourne City.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE AND DYLAN FOX TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Some magic treatment from the Highlanders medical staff has helped Lima Sopoaga recover in time for this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Dunedin.
Sopoaga will start at first five in Saturday night's match, a fortnight after suffering a leg injury against the Chiefs.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger says the injury wasn't as serious as first thought and Sopoaga's been very diligent in his rehab.
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Some magic treatment from the Highlanders medical staff has helped Lima Sopoaga recover in time for this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Brumbies in Dunedin.
Sopoaga will start at first five in Saturday night's match, a fortnight after suffering a leg injury against the Chiefs.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger says the injury wasn't as serious as first thought and Sopoaga's been very diligent in his rehab.
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Tom Walsh added another medal to his many victories over the last few years this week when he won Gold in the Commonwealth Games Men's Shotput.
He talked with D'Arcy and Goran about his career, his victory, and why he didn't look very pleased that he had won.
LISTEN TO TOM WALSH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Tom Walsh added another medal to his many victories over the last few years this week when he won Gold in the Commonwealth Games Men's Shotput.
He talked with D'Arcy and Goran about his career, his victory, and why he didn't look very pleased that he had won.
LISTEN TO TOM WALSH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Former Silver Ferns player Bernice Mene is one of many voices speaking out about the horror year that the netball team has had.
The New Zealand side have slumped to a record 54-45 defeat to England in their final pool game, and have only just slipped in to the semi-finals for the Commonealth Game.
It comes after a shock loss to Malawi last week.
Mene says that the writing has been on the wall for the team.
"I've had this sick feeling all week."
She says she can imagine how tough it is for the current players.
She says there has been a lot of "chopping and changing" and this has led to a lack of consistency.
LISTEN TO BERNICE MENE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Silver Ferns player Bernice Mene is one of many voices speaking out about the horror year that the netball team has had.
The New Zealand side have slumped to a record 54-45 defeat to England in their final pool game, and have only just slipped in to the semi-finals for the Commonealth Game.
It comes after a shock loss to Malawi last week.
Mene says that the writing has been on the wall for the team.
"I've had this sick feeling all week."
She says she can imagine how tough it is for the current players.
She says there has been a lot of "chopping and changing" and this has led to a lack of consistency.
LISTEN TO BERNICE MENE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Highlanders may welcome back first-five Lima Sopoaga sooner than expected.
Sopoaga went down injured in the 'Landers game against the Chiefs, and initially wasn't expected back until they play the Sharks on May 6th.
Back-up first-five Fletcher Smith has been told to prepare to start in this weekend's game against the Brumbies, but told Darcy and Goran that's no certainty.
"He's in contention for this week. I'm not really too sure how it's going, but have done a little bit of training this week."
LISTEN TO FLETCHER SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Highlanders may welcome back first-five Lima Sopoaga sooner than expected.
Sopoaga went down injured in the 'Landers game against the Chiefs, and initially wasn't expected back until they play the Sharks on May 6th.
Back-up first-five Fletcher Smith has been told to prepare to start in this weekend's game against the Brumbies, but told Darcy and Goran that's no certainty.
"He's in contention for this week. I'm not really too sure how it's going, but have done a little bit of training this week."
LISTEN TO FLETCHER SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It's a case of why fix what isn't broken for Warriors coach Steve Kearney as they chase six consecutive NRL victories.
Kearney has named an unchanged 17 from the side who beat the North Queensland Cowboys for this weekend's match against the Brisbane Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium.
He says all players pulled through last weekend's game well, so consistency of selection was always expected.
"We'll sort of see how everyone pans out over the next couple of days, once again have a really close look at Brisbane, and what we feel is going to be the best for the team on Saturday."
Meanwhile, Isaiah Papali'i and Sam Cook are the new inclusions on the extended bench. The match kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium at 5pm. Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Simon Mannering, Anthony Gelling, Isaiah Papali'i, Mason Lino, Chris Satae, Sam Cook.
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It's a case of why fix what isn't broken for Warriors coach Steve Kearney as they chase six consecutive NRL victories.
Kearney has named an unchanged 17 from the side who beat the North Queensland Cowboys for this weekend's match against the Brisbane Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium.
He says all players pulled through last weekend's game well, so consistency of selection was always expected.
"We'll sort of see how everyone pans out over the next couple of days, once again have a really close look at Brisbane, and what we feel is going to be the best for the team on Saturday."
Meanwhile, Isaiah Papali'i and Sam Cook are the new inclusions on the extended bench. The match kicks off at Mt Smart Stadium at 5pm. Warriors: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (captain), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Bunty Afoa, Issac Luke, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Tohu Harris, Adam Blair. Interchange: Jazz Tevaga, Sam Lisone, Simon Mannering, Anthony Gelling, Isaiah Papali'i, Mason Lino, Chris Satae, Sam Cook.
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Stop messing around with combinations and pick the best possible lineup.
That's the blunt message for former Silver Ferns player and netball coach Marg Foster following their capitulation at the hands of Malawi at the Commonwealth Games.
Foster says coach Janine Southby should have stopped tinkering with her combination, especially during such a significant event.
She says that the loss is "rock bottom" for the Ferns, who face Scotland tonight.
LISTEN TO MARG FOSTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Stop messing around with combinations and pick the best possible lineup.
That's the blunt message for former Silver Ferns player and netball coach Marg Foster following their capitulation at the hands of Malawi at the Commonwealth Games.
Foster says coach Janine Southby should have stopped tinkering with her combination, especially during such a significant event.
She says that the loss is "rock bottom" for the Ferns, who face Scotland tonight.
LISTEN TO MARG FOSTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Australian correspondent Peter Lusted looks at the Aussie cricket team’s failure in the 4th test against South Africa, and the continuing fallout from the ball tampering.
David Warner is in the sights of cricket fans for his press conference, where he failed to detail the events which unfolded.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Australian correspondent Peter Lusted looks at the Aussie cricket team’s failure in the 4th test against South Africa, and the continuing fallout from the ball tampering.
David Warner is in the sights of cricket fans for his press conference, where he failed to detail the events which unfolded.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Black Caps leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, whose heroics with the bat at Hagley Oval yesterday saved the test match, and helped NZ to a 1-0 series win over England. He’s a bit battered and bruised, but over the moon with his efforts.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Black Caps leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, whose heroics with the bat at Hagley Oval yesterday saved the test match, and helped NZ to a 1-0 series win over England. He’s a bit battered and bruised, but over the moon with his efforts.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Boxer Junior Fa has a good insight into the heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
Over the years he has had plenty to do with each fighter, sparring with them on numerous occasions.
Fa is the only person to have beaten Joseph Parker, back when they were both in the amateur leagues.
He explained the technique of both boxers and how Parker could secure a win.
LISTEN TO JUNIOR FA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Boxer Junior Fa has a good insight into the heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.
Over the years he has had plenty to do with each fighter, sparring with them on numerous occasions.
Fa is the only person to have beaten Joseph Parker, back when they were both in the amateur leagues.
He explained the technique of both boxers and how Parker could secure a win.
LISTEN TO JUNIOR FA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner has addressed the ball-tampering debacle that has seen him and captain Steve Smith stood down from the game for 12 months.
Warner and Smith took responsibility for masterminding a plan to alter the condition of the ball in a test against South Africa.
On his way back to Sydney from South Africa, Warner posted his statement on the situation on Instagram.
"Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.
He said it was a stain on the game "we all love and I have loved since I was a boy."
"I need to take a deep breath and spend time with family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days."
A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) on Mar 28, 2018 at 9:37pm PDT
About 10,000 people had commented on the post within 10 minutes of it going live. Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who was the one to actually tamper with the ball, are set to make statements once they arrive in Australia.
Former Australian cricketer Kim Hughes had a sombre message for his countrymen after the cheating debacle.
They were all handed bans by Cricket Australia, but Hughes told D'Arcy and Goran it was hard to shake the cheat label once you had it.
"Til the day they die, they'll always be known as 'oh, you're the cheat'," Hughes said. "It will be very, very lonely for them for a very long while."
Cricket Australia suspended Smith and Warner for 12 months and Bancroft for nine months for their part in the ball tampering plan. It was a punishment that Hughes said needed to be handed down after the International Cricket Council stood Smith down for one match and fined Bancroft.
"Cricket Australia had no other option. They had to do something, and something concrete. Maybe it's a good example for the rest of the world.
"It's not just been a tragedy for cricket; it's a tragedy for our country. I don't think we've had a darker experience as far as sport is concerned, but certainly from our country's reputation.
"We've always been very proud of that Aussie spirit – have a go but be fair.
"Comments like 'it's just not cricket', 'accept the umpire's decision', those sorts of things are almost part of our culture, so it has been a dark day."
LISTEN TO KIM HUGHES TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Former Australian Cricket captain Steve Smith has broken down in tears during a media conference in Sydney, his first since arriving home from South Africa after the ball-tampering scandal.
"To all of my teammates, fans of cricket all over the world and all Australians who are disappointed ... I'm sorry," Smith said.
"I take full responsibility.
"It was a failure of leadership, of my leadership."
"I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused.
"If any good can come from this, if it can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change.
It comes after both David Warner and Cameron Bancroft fronted up over the incident.
Warner and Smith took responsibility for masterminding a plan to alter the condition of the ball in a test against South Africa.
On his way back to Sydney from South Africa, Warner posted his statement on the situation on Instagram.
"Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans.
He said it was a stain on the game "we all love and I have loved since I was a boy."
"I need to take a deep breath and spend time with family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days."
A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31) on Mar 28, 2018 at 9:37pm PDT
Bancroft landed back in Australia few hours later. After landing at 4:55pm (AEDT), Bancroft was ushered out of a back entry from Perth airport into an awaiting car with Western Australia coach Justin Langer riding alongside.
Bancroft addressed the ball tampering scandal, which has consumed the cricketing world, in a brief press conference.
"Thank you very much for coming along everyone, I've had time to reflect on the events in Cape Town and on the punishments handed down to me by the ICC and CA," Bancroft said.
"I want to say that I'm also very sorry.
"I love the game of cricket and playing for my nation and my state. There's no greater pride for me.
"I'm extremely disappointed and regret my actions, I'm sorry to to those people who have looked up to me in the cricket world and especially the kids.
"I know I'm a role model but haven't acted like one in this instance. I understand I have let many people down and I understand the disappointment in the community.
The 25-year-old has shown immense character since the scandal broke despite his nine-month suspension ruling him out of playing for Australia or in Australian first class cricket until December, an exact date of his return has not been officially released.
After earning his place in the Test side prior to the recent Ashes series, Bancroft has played only a total of eight Tests in his short Australian career.
The findings of Cricket Australia's report pinned the incident on former vice-captain Warner as the architect of the plan to cheat, alleging he advised Bancroft how to alter the ball with sandpaper.
CA alleges Warner was solely responsible for the "development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball", instructing "a junior player to carry out a plan", and providing "advice to a junior player regarding how a ball could be artificially altered, including demonstrating how it could be done".
CA also claims Warner failed to "voluntarily report his knowledge of the plan after the match", whereas Smith and Bancroft came clean.
Former Australian cricketer Kim Hughes had a sombre message for his countrymen after the cheating debacle.
They were all handed bans by Cricket Australia, but Hughes told D'Arcy and Goran it was hard to shake the cheat label once you had it.
"Til the day they die, they'll always be known as 'oh, you're the cheat'," Hughes said. "It will be very, very lonely for them for a very long while."
Cricket Australia suspended Smith and Warner for 12 months and Bancroft for nine months for their part in the ball tamp...
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby's throwing plenty of faith behind her latest addition.
Claire Kersten's been called into next month's Commonwealth Games squad, after defender Kayla Cullen was ruled out with an ongoing knee injury.
Southby says while Cullen's a big loss, Kersten brings a lot to the table
"Claire's a really level-headed, down to earth person. She's a real grafter. She works hard. People would have seen her playk consistently well over the last few seasons with the Pulse in the ANZ. We know that when we put her out there, she's going to give us everything shes got."
LISTEN TO JANINE SOUTHBY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby's throwing plenty of faith behind her latest addition.
Claire Kersten's been called into next month's Commonwealth Games squad, after defender Kayla Cullen was ruled out with an ongoing knee injury.
Southby says while Cullen's a big loss, Kersten brings a lot to the table
"Claire's a really level-headed, down to earth person. She's a real grafter. She works hard. People would have seen her playk consistently well over the last few seasons with the Pulse in the ANZ. We know that when we put her out there, she's going to give us everything shes got."
LISTEN TO JANINE SOUTHBY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Ish Sodhi's taken plenty of confidence into his return to the Black Caps.
The legspinner's linked up with the New Zealand squad ahead of the second test against England in Christchurch, replacing Todd Astle who has a side strain.
Fresh off taking 12 wickets in a domestic match for Northern Districts, Sodhi says he's feeling good.
"It was good to get a chance to bowl some overs out in the middle, so you go into the test, if I get a chance to play, with a bit of momentum and some overss under my belt, so it was the ideal scenario for me."
Sodhi's last test was in September 2016.
LISTEN TO ISH SODHI TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Ish Sodhi's taken plenty of confidence into his return to the Black Caps.
The legspinner's linked up with the New Zealand squad ahead of the second test against England in Christchurch, replacing Todd Astle who has a side strain.
Fresh off taking 12 wickets in a domestic match for Northern Districts, Sodhi says he's feeling good.
"It was good to get a chance to bowl some overs out in the middle, so you go into the test, if I get a chance to play, with a bit of momentum and some overss under my belt, so it was the ideal scenario for me."
Sodhi's last test was in September 2016.
LISTEN TO ISH SODHI TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Highlanders midfielder Matt Faddes is holding his tongue around where he fits into this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.
Faddes has been used off the bench so far this season, with Teihorangi Walden and Rob Thompson the preferred midfield combination.
Faddes told D'Arcy and Goran he's hopeful of getting more game time than the 15 minutes he played against the Hurricanes last weekend.
"The boys have been playing bloody well in the midfields there, and if I get an opportunity hopefully I can do well.'
The Highlanders name their side for Friday's match tomorrow.
LISTEN TO MATT FADDES TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Highlanders midfielder Matt Faddes is holding his tongue around where he fits into this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Chiefs.
Faddes has been used off the bench so far this season, with Teihorangi Walden and Rob Thompson the preferred midfield combination.
Faddes told D'Arcy and Goran he's hopeful of getting more game time than the 15 minutes he played against the Hurricanes last weekend.
"The boys have been playing bloody well in the midfields there, and if I get an opportunity hopefully I can do well.'
The Highlanders name their side for Friday's match tomorrow.
LISTEN TO MATT FADDES TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have made a forward back reshuffle for this weekend's NRL match against the Roosters in Sydney.
Adam Blair has been named to start at loose forward, with Agnatius Paasi moving to prop in the only changes to the starting 13.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney says the pair actually started in the positions during last weekend's win over the Raiders.
"Recalling the middle forwards, so they are in the middle of the field and they are much of a muchness is what I'm saying, so that's really his best position, so he is 13."
In the sole forced change, Chris Satae is promoted to the bench, with prop Sam Lisone suspended for one game.
Simon Mannering remains sidelined with a shoulder injury which has hampered him since the pre-season trial against the Gold Coast.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have made a forward back reshuffle for this weekend's NRL match against the Roosters in Sydney.
Adam Blair has been named to start at loose forward, with Agnatius Paasi moving to prop in the only changes to the starting 13.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney says the pair actually started in the positions during last weekend's win over the Raiders.
"Recalling the middle forwards, so they are in the middle of the field and they are much of a muchness is what I'm saying, so that's really his best position, so he is 13."
In the sole forced change, Chris Satae is promoted to the bench, with prop Sam Lisone suspended for one game.
Simon Mannering remains sidelined with a shoulder injury which has hampered him since the pre-season trial against the Gold Coast.
LISTEN TO STEPHEN KEARNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Chiefs prop, Angus Ta’avao on the amazing comeback against the Bulls last week, and their match against the Sunwolves this weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANGUS TA'AVAO SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Chiefs prop, Angus Ta’avao on the amazing comeback against the Bulls last week, and their match against the Sunwolves this weekend.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANGUS TA'AVAO SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps middle-order batsman, Henry Nicholls before the 1st Test against England, starting at Eden Park tomorrow.
LISTEN ABOVE AS HENRY NICHOLLS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps middle-order batsman, Henry Nicholls before the 1st Test against England, starting at Eden Park tomorrow.
LISTEN ABOVE AS HENRY NICHOLLS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps spinner Todd Astle two days out from the historic day/night test at Eden Park. He talks about his expectations, where he’ll bat in the order, and the friendship (not rivalry) he has with Ish Sodhi – both leg-spinners, but happy to talk shop because they understand the fine art of their skill.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TODD ASTLE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps spinner Todd Astle two days out from the historic day/night test at Eden Park. He talks about his expectations, where he’ll bat in the order, and the friendship (not rivalry) he has with Ish Sodhi – both leg-spinners, but happy to talk shop because they understand the fine art of their skill.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TODD ASTLE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi Formula One driver Brendon Hartley ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. He spoke about the changes to his car, what he expects this weekend, whether or not he’ll claim his first Championship point, and the addition of the Halo to the cars to further protect the drivers.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BRENDON HARTLEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi Formula One driver Brendon Hartley ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. He spoke about the changes to his car, what he expects this weekend, whether or not he’ll claim his first Championship point, and the addition of the Halo to the cars to further protect the drivers.
LISTEN ABOVE AS BRENDON HARTLEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Steve Kearney, who tells us about the changes to his side for this weekend’s match against the Raiders in Canberra. He says, unlike Mike Hosking, he’s not getting ahead of himself and is realistic about the year ahead, taking it one game at a time.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE KEARNEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Steve Kearney, who tells us about the changes to his side for this weekend’s match against the Raiders in Canberra. He says, unlike Mike Hosking, he’s not getting ahead of himself and is realistic about the year ahead, taking it one game at a time.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE KEARNEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors centre Peta Hiku joins the show, after back to back wins to start the NRL season. He refused to say that it was “the year of the Warriors”, preferring to say that it has been a satisfactory start to the year.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Warriors centre Peta Hiku joins the show, after back to back wins to start the NRL season. He refused to say that it was “the year of the Warriors”, preferring to say that it has been a satisfactory start to the year.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
NZRL Chair Reon Edwards talks about the damning World Cup report that came out today, which slammed coach David Kidwell along with other senior leaders in the organisation.
The Kiwi's were humiliated at the World Cup by Tonga, and the report released examines where the campaign went wrong and how the NZRL were doomed from the beginning.
LISTEN ABOVE AS REON EDWARDS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
NZRL Chair Reon Edwards talks about the damning World Cup report that came out today, which slammed coach David Kidwell along with other senior leaders in the organisation.
The Kiwi's were humiliated at the World Cup by Tonga, and the report released examines where the campaign went wrong and how the NZRL were doomed from the beginning.
LISTEN ABOVE AS REON EDWARDS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson on his side to face the Highlanders, and what happened last week when they lost to the Hurricanes. Ryan Crotty is unavailable after suffering a head knock last week, although Sam Whitelock returns.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson on his side to face the Highlanders, and what happened last week when they lost to the Hurricanes. Ryan Crotty is unavailable after suffering a head knock last week, although Sam Whitelock returns.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
New All Whites squad member Sarpreet Singh talks about his elevation to the national side for the match against Canada in Spain. He also makes mention of the turmoil at the Wellington Phoenix this season.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
New All Whites squad member Sarpreet Singh talks about his elevation to the national side for the match against Canada in Spain. He also makes mention of the turmoil at the Wellington Phoenix this season.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen following their win today in the 1st T20 against the Windies Women.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
White Ferns coach Haidee Tiffen following their win today in the 1st T20 against the Windies Women.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Wellington Phoenix striker Nathan Burns talks about his ordinary form since coming back to the club and the lack of intensity at training under the old coach Darije Kalezic.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Wellington Phoenix striker Nathan Burns talks about his ordinary form since coming back to the club and the lack of intensity at training under the old coach Darije Kalezic.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Highlanders midfield back Rob Thompson talks Super Rugby – the win against the Stormers, the clash this weekend with the Crusaders, and higher honours, will he hang out for ABs selection, or bugger off overseas at the end of his current contract?
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROB THOMPSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Highlanders midfield back Rob Thompson talks Super Rugby – the win against the Stormers, the clash this weekend with the Crusaders, and higher honours, will he hang out for ABs selection, or bugger off overseas at the end of his current contract?
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROB THOMPSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi shot put master Tom Walsh ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and the meet at Timaru’s Super Shot tomorrow inside Caroline Bay’s soundshell.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM WALSH SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kiwi shot put master Tom Walsh ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and the meet at Timaru’s Super Shot tomorrow inside Caroline Bay’s soundshell.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM WALSH SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Steve Kearney, who has named an unchanged team for Saturday’s meeting with Gold Coast Titans. He wouldn’t be drawn on the ‘breathing technique’ acquired from ABs captain Kieran Read, saying if you want to find out more, ask the players.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE KEARNEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors coach Steve Kearney, who has named an unchanged team for Saturday’s meeting with Gold Coast Titans. He wouldn’t be drawn on the ‘breathing technique’ acquired from ABs captain Kieran Read, saying if you want to find out more, ask the players.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE KEARNEY SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Cate Sexton the head of women’s rugby at NZR. A memorandum of understanding has been confirmed for the Black Ferns, where a minimum of 30 women will be contracted on retainers. She outlines how it all works.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CATE SEXTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Cate Sexton the head of women’s rugby at NZR. A memorandum of understanding has been confirmed for the Black Ferns, where a minimum of 30 women will be contracted on retainers. She outlines how it all works.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CATE SEXTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors CEO Cameron George following the first up win for his club against the Rabbitohs in Perth. He’s not getting ahead of himself with the victory, and says he’s just desperate to get the fans back onside after a poor end to their 2017 season.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors CEO Cameron George following the first up win for his club against the Rabbitohs in Perth. He’s not getting ahead of himself with the victory, and says he’s just desperate to get the fans back onside after a poor end to their 2017 season.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Mitchell Santner, reflecting on the ODI series against England where they lost heavily in the final match with the series on the line. From a personal point of view though, his batting was wonderful, and he averaged 108 across four knocks.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MITCH SANTNER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Mitchell Santner, reflecting on the ODI series against England where they lost heavily in the final match with the series on the line. From a personal point of view though, his batting was wonderful, and he averaged 108 across four knocks.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MITCH SANTNER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Indycar series is set to get underway for 2018.
The Grand Prix of St Petersburg kicks off on Monday New Zealand time, and will once again feature a familiar Kiwi.
Scott Dixon told D'Arcy and Goran he is looking forward to what he believes is his 18th season.
"There's been a lot of changes across the board, and a lot of anticipation as always, and a little bit of nerves."
He says the smaller team, down to two from four, was an attempt to get back to basics.
He also spoke about all the new faces that will be part of the competition this year, including on his own team.
LISTEN TO SCOTT DIXON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Indycar series is set to get underway for 2018.
The Grand Prix of St Petersburg kicks off on Monday New Zealand time, and will once again feature a familiar Kiwi.
Scott Dixon told D'Arcy and Goran he is looking forward to what he believes is his 18th season.
"There's been a lot of changes across the board, and a lot of anticipation as always, and a little bit of nerves."
He says the smaller team, down to two from four, was an attempt to get back to basics.
He also spoke about all the new faces that will be part of the competition this year, including on his own team.
LISTEN TO SCOTT DIXON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante understands why it didn't work out with Darije Kalezic
The Phoenix are on the hunt for a new coach, following Kalezic's departure earlier this week.
Reserve-grade coach Chris Greenacre will fill the role on an interim-basis, but won't be considered for the job fulltime as he doesn't have his pro-licence.
Durante says coaches in the A-League more often than not need to be from within Australasia.
"It's a completely different beast to Europe. You can transfer players in and out at will in Europe. Here, your stuck with a salary cap, your stuck with international windows. There are so many different factor in the A-League."
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he hasn't experienced a season quite like this one, with the side bottom of the table and the coach and assistant coach departin.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante understands why it didn't work out with Darije Kalezic
The Phoenix are on the hunt for a new coach, following Kalezic's departure earlier this week.
Reserve-grade coach Chris Greenacre will fill the role on an interim-basis, but won't be considered for the job fulltime as he doesn't have his pro-licence.
Durante says coaches in the A-League more often than not need to be from within Australasia.
"It's a completely different beast to Europe. You can transfer players in and out at will in Europe. Here, your stuck with a salary cap, your stuck with international windows. There are so many different factor in the A-League."
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he hasn't experienced a season quite like this one, with the side bottom of the table and the coach and assistant coach departin.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders will have the services of Matt Todd for this weekend's Super Rugby derby match against the Hurricanes.
The openside flanker, who fractured his thumb in the side's opening round match against the Chiefs, wasn't expected back until at least next week.
Coach Scott Robertson said it's great to have him back, even if he will be wearing a brace.
"He trained really well on Tuesday, and he's functioning well, and the surgeon's happy to give him the clearance, and more importantly, Matt Todd's keen
The Crusaders have made two other changes to their starting XV, Mitchell Hunt will start at first-five for the injured Richie Mo'unga, while Heiden Bedwell-Curtis will start in the six jersey in place of Peter Samu.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Crusaders will have the services of Matt Todd for this weekend's Super Rugby derby match against the Hurricanes.
The openside flanker, who fractured his thumb in the side's opening round match against the Chiefs, wasn't expected back until at least next week.
Coach Scott Robertson said it's great to have him back, even if he will be wearing a brace.
"He trained really well on Tuesday, and he's functioning well, and the surgeon's happy to give him the clearance, and more importantly, Matt Todd's keen
The Crusaders have made two other changes to their starting XV, Mitchell Hunt will start at first-five for the injured Richie Mo'unga, while Heiden Bedwell-Curtis will start in the six jersey in place of Peter Samu.
LISTEN TO SCOTT ROBERTSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It is a rather tumultuous time for the Wellington Phoenix, with Darije Kalezic out as head coach and Chris Greenacre to take over as caretaker.
It marks the third time that Greenacre has served in that position.
David Dome, General Manager for the team, told D'Arcy and Goran that they got it wrong appointing Kalezic.
The team is looking within Australasia for their new coach. Dome says they want a coach that really understands the unique challenges of the A-League.
"That understand the travel implications for a Wellington based team, that underatand the Australian nature of the competition and Australian players, and just genuinely get the Australasian approach to football."
However, he is refusing to comment on who they might hire.
He says that they are confident in Greenacre in the role.
LISTEN TO DAVID DOME TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It is a rather tumultuous time for the Wellington Phoenix, with Darije Kalezic out as head coach and Chris Greenacre to take over as caretaker.
It marks the third time that Greenacre has served in that position.
David Dome, General Manager for the team, told D'Arcy and Goran that they got it wrong appointing Kalezic.
The team is looking within Australasia for their new coach. Dome says they want a coach that really understands the unique challenges of the A-League.
"That understand the travel implications for a Wellington based team, that underatand the Australian nature of the competition and Australian players, and just genuinely get the Australasian approach to football."
However, he is refusing to comment on who they might hire.
He says that they are confident in Greenacre in the role.
LISTEN TO DAVID DOME TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breaker's season is over after an epic final game.
The basketball team lost their game against the Melbourne United last night.
Lossing just 88-86, it saw the team lose the semi-final series 88-86.
Assistant coach Judd Flavell told D'Arcy and Goran that, despite the loss, it was still an edge of your seat match.
"One or two seconds is an eternity in the game of basketball, and as it turned out last night, it was Melbourne getting that last position on us."
He says that it shows that there is not a lot of difference between the two teams.
LISTEN TO JUDD FLAVELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breaker's season is over after an epic final game.
The basketball team lost their game against the Melbourne United last night.
Lossing just 88-86, it saw the team lose the semi-final series 88-86.
Assistant coach Judd Flavell told D'Arcy and Goran that, despite the loss, it was still an edge of your seat match.
"One or two seconds is an eternity in the game of basketball, and as it turned out last night, it was Melbourne getting that last position on us."
He says that it shows that there is not a lot of difference between the two teams.
LISTEN TO JUDD FLAVELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have named a fresh faced 21 man squad for this weekend's NRL season opener against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.
New recruits Blake Green, Peta Hiku and Tohu Harris have been included in the run on 13, while Ligi Sao will start at loose forward in place of the injured Simon Mannering.
Fellow new faces Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi and Anthony Gelling have been named on an extended bench.
Issac Luke starts at hooker, with Sam Cook in line for his NRL debut off the bench.
Coach Steve Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he thinks the side has come together pretty well.
"They've had a tough pre-season. We've had a couple of pretty OK performances in the trials, so it's put us in a good position to have a real crack on Sunday against the south Sydney side."
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have named a fresh faced 21 man squad for this weekend's NRL season opener against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Perth.
New recruits Blake Green, Peta Hiku and Tohu Harris have been included in the run on 13, while Ligi Sao will start at loose forward in place of the injured Simon Mannering.
Fellow new faces Leivaha Pulu, Agnatius Paasi and Anthony Gelling have been named on an extended bench.
Issac Luke starts at hooker, with Sam Cook in line for his NRL debut off the bench.
Coach Steve Kearney told D'Arcy and Goran he thinks the side has come together pretty well.
"They've had a tough pre-season. We've had a couple of pretty OK performances in the trials, so it's put us in a good position to have a real crack on Sunday against the south Sydney side."
LISTEN TO STEVE KEARNEY WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell ahead of their do or die clash with Melbourne United tonight at Spark Arena. It’s the ANBL Semi-Finals.
The Breakers lost Game 1 to the tune of 88-77, and a loss this evening would see their season end.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JUDD FLAVELL SPEAKS WITH NIGEL YALDEN
Breakers assistant coach Judd Flavell ahead of their do or die clash with Melbourne United tonight at Spark Arena. It’s the ANBL Semi-Finals.
The Breakers lost Game 1 to the tune of 88-77, and a loss this evening would see their season end.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JUDD FLAVELL SPEAKS WITH NIGEL YALDEN
Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham joins the show from Wellington ahead of the 3rd ODI against England. This was recorded before the news around Kane Williamson’s availability and Ross Taylor’s ongoing injury was revealed.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM LATHAM SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham joins the show from Wellington ahead of the 3rd ODI against England. This was recorded before the news around Kane Williamson’s availability and Ross Taylor’s ongoing injury was revealed.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM LATHAM SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Sailor Peter Burling joined us in studio, in the country after completing the most recent leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER BURLING SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Sailor Peter Burling joined us in studio, in the country after completing the most recent leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER BURLING SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix General Manager, David Dome talks about the club parting ways with coach Darije Kalezic. He says Kalezic’s “coaching philosophies” were not marrying up to what the club wanted.
Aurelio Vidmar has been mentioned in certain media reports as a possibility to replace Kalezic, but Dome says it is way too early to throw around names.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID DOME SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix General Manager, David Dome talks about the club parting ways with coach Darije Kalezic. He says Kalezic’s “coaching philosophies” were not marrying up to what the club wanted.
Aurelio Vidmar has been mentioned in certain media reports as a possibility to replace Kalezic, but Dome says it is way too early to throw around names.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID DOME SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wyatt Crockett, who announced his retirement from international rugby, effective immediately, and that this Super Rugby season is his last for the Crusaders. He’s not heading offshore, choosing instead to sign a two year deal with Tasman!
LISTEN ABOVE AS WYATT CROCKETT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wyatt Crockett, who announced his retirement from international rugby, effective immediately, and that this Super Rugby season is his last for the Crusaders. He’s not heading offshore, choosing instead to sign a two year deal with Tasman!
LISTEN ABOVE AS WYATT CROCKETT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Winter Olympics bronze medalists Nico Porteous and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in studio, after arriving back home this morning. They spoke about their goals for the short and long-term, and the reaction to their success in NZ, which is overwhelming.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NICO POTEOUS AND ZOI SADOWSKI-SYNNOTT SPEAK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Winter Olympics bronze medalists Nico Porteous and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in studio, after arriving back home this morning. They spoke about their goals for the short and long-term, and the reaction to their success in NZ, which is overwhelming.
LISTEN ABOVE AS NICO POTEOUS AND ZOI SADOWSKI-SYNNOTT SPEAK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Manaia Cherrington of the Warriors joined D'Arcy and Goran, in studio, to talk about some positive results in pre-season, and where he sees himself fitting into the mix. He is a hooker, and would sit behind Issac Luke and Nate Roache (when injury-free).
LISTEN ABOVE AS MANAIA CHERRINGTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Manaia Cherrington of the Warriors joined D'Arcy and Goran, in studio, to talk about some positive results in pre-season, and where he sees himself fitting into the mix. He is a hooker, and would sit behind Issac Luke and Nate Roache (when injury-free).
LISTEN ABOVE AS MANAIA CHERRINGTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Matt Walsh, who heads the consortium which now owns the Breakers. Matt, who lives in the States, will move to Auckland to oversee the operation. His consortium had been looking at entering the Australian basketball scene for a while.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT WALSH SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Matt Walsh, who heads the consortium which now owns the Breakers. Matt, who lives in the States, will move to Auckland to oversee the operation. His consortium had been looking at entering the Australian basketball scene for a while.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT WALSH SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Man of the Match Ross Taylor, who scored his 18th ODI century in the first match of the One Day series against England. He told D'Arcy and Goran he gave Mitch Santner the advice to take a few balls to find the pace of the pitch, and then launch from there. It worked a treat!
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROSS TAYLOR SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Man of the Match Ross Taylor, who scored his 18th ODI century in the first match of the One Day series against England. He told D'Arcy and Goran he gave Mitch Santner the advice to take a few balls to find the pace of the pitch, and then launch from there. It worked a treat!
LISTEN ABOVE AS ROSS TAYLOR SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Highly regarded Black Ferns and former All Blacks team doctor Deb Robinson has been appointed as New Zealand's first female representative on the World Rugby Council.
She will be one of 17 new council members, all of whom are women.
Dr Robinson told D'Arcy and Goran it is like a tidal wave seeing all the women getting represented.
She says that it is about more than just representing women and ensuring that the entire sport is given focus.
She says the game is changing rapidly and the council is extremely important in how it can influence that.
LISTEN TO DEB ROBINSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Highly regarded Black Ferns and former All Blacks team doctor Deb Robinson has been appointed as New Zealand's first female representative on the World Rugby Council.
She will be one of 17 new council members, all of whom are women.
Dr Robinson told D'Arcy and Goran it is like a tidal wave seeing all the women getting represented.
She says that it is about more than just representing women and ensuring that the entire sport is given focus.
She says the game is changing rapidly and the council is extremely important in how it can influence that.
LISTEN TO DEB ROBINSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A lengthy career at the top is about to come to a close for one of New Zealand's basketball greats.
Breakers guard Kirk Penney will bring the curtain down on his career at the end of the current Australian Basketball League season.
Penney debuted for the North Shore club in 2007 and has since made 158 appearances in between various stints overseas.
Penney told D'Arcy and Goran that he wasn't ready to retire at the start of the year, but feels like he has had enough now.
"It feels like I've run my race."
He says that the passing of his dad had a big impact on him and was a factor in his decision.
"His passing felt like something has changed in my life."
LISTEN TO KIRK PENNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A lengthy career at the top is about to come to a close for one of New Zealand's basketball greats.
Breakers guard Kirk Penney will bring the curtain down on his career at the end of the current Australian Basketball League season.
Penney debuted for the North Shore club in 2007 and has since made 158 appearances in between various stints overseas.
Penney told D'Arcy and Goran that he wasn't ready to retire at the start of the year, but feels like he has had enough now.
"It feels like I've run my race."
He says that the passing of his dad had a big impact on him and was a factor in his decision.
"His passing felt like something has changed in my life."
LISTEN TO KIRK PENNEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A landmark day for New Zealand snow sports.
Teenagers Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in the snowboard big air and Nico Porteous in the freeski halfpipe have claimed bronze at the Winter Olympics.
Sadowski-Synnott's coach Mitch Brown says he's elated for them both.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he erupted with pride with his charge won.
"I gave her a massive hug and just said congratulations for all the hard work she's put in over the years, and she's definitely a student of the shred so it's all paid off."
LISTEN TO MITCH BROWN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A landmark day for New Zealand snow sports.
Teenagers Zoi Sadowski-Synnott in the snowboard big air and Nico Porteous in the freeski halfpipe have claimed bronze at the Winter Olympics.
Sadowski-Synnott's coach Mitch Brown says he's elated for them both.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that he erupted with pride with his charge won.
"I gave her a massive hug and just said congratulations for all the hard work she's put in over the years, and she's definitely a student of the shred so it's all paid off."
LISTEN TO MITCH BROWN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Highlanders have named a settled side for Friday night's Super Rugby season opener against the Blues in Dunedin.
Coach Aaron Mauger has included Teihorangi Walden at second five in his run-on side in the one change from the final pre-season outing against the Crusaders.
Matt Faddes drops to the bench, which also features prop Tyrel Lomax who is in line to make his debut for the franchise if called on.
The Blues have given North Harbour's Glenn Preston the start at blindside for the match, with Jerome Kaino given a further week to recover from a calf injury suffered in pre-season.
Mauger told D'Arcy and Goran that they looked at the importance of having experience on the field.
"We wanted to make sure, especially against the Blues side, we've gone for an experienced group and we've got some really good impact coming off the benches as well."
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Highlanders have named a settled side for Friday night's Super Rugby season opener against the Blues in Dunedin.
Coach Aaron Mauger has included Teihorangi Walden at second five in his run-on side in the one change from the final pre-season outing against the Crusaders.
Matt Faddes drops to the bench, which also features prop Tyrel Lomax who is in line to make his debut for the franchise if called on.
The Blues have given North Harbour's Glenn Preston the start at blindside for the match, with Jerome Kaino given a further week to recover from a calf injury suffered in pre-season.
Mauger told D'Arcy and Goran that they looked at the importance of having experience on the field.
"We wanted to make sure, especially against the Blues side, we've gone for an experienced group and we've got some really good impact coming off the benches as well."
LISTEN TO AARON MAUGER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
There are three Kiwi's in the skiing halfpipe final at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, including two members of the Wells family.
Beau-James, one of three Wells family members at the Olympics, told D'Arcy and Goran that he is wrapped about the upcoming event.
"It's pretty big for New Zealand. We're going in to tomorrow in a good position and I can't wait."
He says that he is very comfortable about going into this final, saying that he feels more at home in this Olympics.
LISTEN TO BEAU-JAMES WELLS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
There are three Kiwi's in the skiing halfpipe final at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, including two members of the Wells family.
Beau-James, one of three Wells family members at the Olympics, told D'Arcy and Goran that he is wrapped about the upcoming event.
"It's pretty big for New Zealand. We're going in to tomorrow in a good position and I can't wait."
He says that he is very comfortable about going into this final, saying that he feels more at home in this Olympics.
LISTEN TO BEAU-JAMES WELLS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have hauled out their big guns for Saturday's pre-season trial against Gold Coast Titans on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Having deployed a mostly second-string squad for the side's 20-14 trial win over Melbourne last week, Warriors boss Stephen Kearney has named a near-full strength squad for the clash, including Shaun Johnson. The star Kiwis halfback will play, as will fullback and captain Roger Tuivasa- Sheck and recruits Adam Blair, Blake Green and Tohu Harris. Simon Mannering, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke have been named on the bench, as have Tonga halfback Ata Hingano and prodigy Hayze Perham.
Leivaha Pulu will also play, and the match will see him facing his old side in the Titans.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that the opposition may be at threat from some elbowing and kneeing - joking, of course. WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Sam Cook, James Gavet, Tohu Harris, Leivaha Pulu, Bunty Afoa.
INTERCHANGE: Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Sam Lisone, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Simon Mannering, Joseph Vuna, Anthony Gelling, Hayze Perham, Ata Hingano, Issac Luke.
- with content from NZ Newswire
LISTEN TO LEIVAHA PULU AND PAT SIPLEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Warriors have hauled out their big guns for Saturday's pre-season trial against Gold Coast Titans on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Having deployed a mostly second-string squad for the side's 20-14 trial win over Melbourne last week, Warriors boss Stephen Kearney has named a near-full strength squad for the clash, including Shaun Johnson. The star Kiwis halfback will play, as will fullback and captain Roger Tuivasa- Sheck and recruits Adam Blair, Blake Green and Tohu Harris. Simon Mannering, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke have been named on the bench, as have Tonga halfback Ata Hingano and prodigy Hayze Perham.
Leivaha Pulu will also play, and the match will see him facing his old side in the Titans.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that the opposition may be at threat from some elbowing and kneeing - joking, of course. WARRIORS: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), David Fusitu'a, Peta Hiku, Solomone Kata, Ken Maumalo, Blake Green, Shaun Johnson, Adam Blair, Sam Cook, James Gavet, Tohu Harris, Leivaha Pulu, Bunty Afoa.
INTERCHANGE: Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Sam Lisone, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Simon Mannering, Joseph Vuna, Anthony Gelling, Hayze Perham, Ata Hingano, Issac Luke.
- with content from NZ Newswire
LISTEN TO LEIVAHA PULU AND PAT SIPLEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor joined D'Arcy and Goran ahead of the T20 Tri-Series Final at Eden Park tomorrow night. New Zealand smashed their way to the final against Australia... with one win.
That's one reason why Taylor says that it has been a strange campaign so far.
"Maybe we'll just go in not playing as well as we should and scrap through and win the final."
He’d like to face a few more deliveries than he has, but admits that that is the way T20 cricket goes, and that batting line-ups aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
LISTEN TO ROSS TAYLOR TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor joined D'Arcy and Goran ahead of the T20 Tri-Series Final at Eden Park tomorrow night. New Zealand smashed their way to the final against Australia... with one win.
That's one reason why Taylor says that it has been a strange campaign so far.
"Maybe we'll just go in not playing as well as we should and scrap through and win the final."
He’d like to face a few more deliveries than he has, but admits that that is the way T20 cricket goes, and that batting line-ups aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.
LISTEN TO ROSS TAYLOR TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
NZ speed skater Peter Michael talks through his efforts at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, and how he's going about campaign at the games.
As well as talking about his efforts on the track, D’Arcy compares mullet treatment tips and advice, as they both wear the disgusting mullet hairstyle.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER MICHAEL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
NZ speed skater Peter Michael talks through his efforts at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, and how he's going about campaign at the games.
As well as talking about his efforts on the track, D’Arcy compares mullet treatment tips and advice, as they both wear the disgusting mullet hairstyle.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER MICHAEL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Peter Lusted chats about the T20 final at eden Park on Wednesday, and the controversial boundary size the ground offers.
Also, the upcoming NRL season is set to get underway, with a host of players to watch out for in this years competition.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER LUSTED TALKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
Peter Lusted chats about the T20 final at eden Park on Wednesday, and the controversial boundary size the ground offers.
Also, the upcoming NRL season is set to get underway, with a host of players to watch out for in this years competition.
LISTEN ABOVE AS PETER LUSTED TALKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
Warriors boss Cameron George on the news of Andrew McFadden’s departure from the club at the end of the season.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Warriors boss Cameron George on the news of Andrew McFadden’s departure from the club at the end of the season.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CAMERON GEORGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps T20 wicketkeeper Tim Seifert on his debut against England in a winning effort, and what to expect against the Australians tomorrow at Eden Park.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TIM SEIFERT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps T20 wicketkeeper Tim Seifert on his debut against England in a winning effort, and what to expect against the Australians tomorrow at Eden Park.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TIM SEIFERT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome on the surprise news of Roy Krishna’s re-signing with the club – it was thought that he would leave after interest from Colorado Rapids, and his bizarre injury situation.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID DOME SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome on the surprise news of Roy Krishna’s re-signing with the club – it was thought that he would leave after interest from Colorado Rapids, and his bizarre injury situation.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DAVID DOME SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Scotty Stevenson, who sounded like a sick, sweet, dope snowboarder from the Winter Olympics. He’s definitely picked up some of the lingo.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Scotty Stevenson, who sounded like a sick, sweet, dope snowboarder from the Winter Olympics. He’s definitely picked up some of the lingo.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Blacks Caps T20 opener Colin Munro chats following the victory over England in Wellington last night. Asked if he would swap positions in the batting order with Kane Williamson, he said he’d be happy to… however, it’s not what Black Caps management wants.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Blacks Caps T20 opener Colin Munro chats following the victory over England in Wellington last night. Asked if he would swap positions in the batting order with Kane Williamson, he said he’d be happy to… however, it’s not what Black Caps management wants.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'ARCY ABOVE
Hurricanes technical coach Richard Watt says he was sad to see Reggie Goodes call time on his career but thought it's the right move for him with his history of concussion.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHARD WATT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY GORAN
Hurricanes technical coach Richard Watt says he was sad to see Reggie Goodes call time on his career but thought it's the right move for him with his history of concussion.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHARD WATT SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY GORAN
Lauren Down, new White Fern. She was stoked to finally crack it in the side.
Jeetan Patel, former Blackcap. Previewed the Blackcaps taking on England in the 4th match of the Tri-Series.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LAUREN DOWN SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Lauren Down, new White Fern. She was stoked to finally crack it in the side.
Jeetan Patel, former Blackcap. Previewed the Blackcaps taking on England in the 4th match of the Tri-Series.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LAUREN DOWN SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Blues assistant coach Steve Jackson says they're not getting ahead of themselves with the Tens victory, but it does give them confidence and things to build on with their season starting next week against the Highlanders.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE JACKSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Blues assistant coach Steve Jackson says they're not getting ahead of themselves with the Tens victory, but it does give them confidence and things to build on with their season starting next week against the Highlanders.
LISTEN ABOVE AS STEVE JACKSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Blackcaps spinner Ish Sodhi says despite no cricket for a week, it's been good to rest and he feels the boys will step up in tomorrow's big match against England in Wellington.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ISH SODHI SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Blackcaps spinner Ish Sodhi says despite no cricket for a week, it's been good to rest and he feels the boys will step up in tomorrow's big match against England in Wellington.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ISH SODHI SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The world starts watching now. At least, when it comes to sport. After two failed bids, billions of dollars in preparation and a nagging national debate about whether it's all worth it, the Winter Olympics open on Friday in Pyeongchang with a gala ceremony meant to showcase South Korea's rise from poverty and war into one of Asia's most modern nations.
Sky Sports commentator Scotty Stevenson is in Pyeongchang, and he spoke with D'Arcy and Goran about the ceremony.
He says that it is highly efficient
"The venues themselves, the athletes have said they like what's been done."
"Everything so far has been enjoyable so far."
He says that the security has not been obstructive though the presence is felt due to the tensions with North Korea.
A contingent from the isolationist state is attending the games, with Kim Jong-Un's sister attending tonight's opening ceremony.
Stevenson also discusses the likelihood of New Zealand winning medals.
LISTEN TO SCOTTY STEVENSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The world starts watching now. At least, when it comes to sport. After two failed bids, billions of dollars in preparation and a nagging national debate about whether it's all worth it, the Winter Olympics open on Friday in Pyeongchang with a gala ceremony meant to showcase South Korea's rise from poverty and war into one of Asia's most modern nations.
Sky Sports commentator Scotty Stevenson is in Pyeongchang, and he spoke with D'Arcy and Goran about the ceremony.
He says that it is highly efficient
"The venues themselves, the athletes have said they like what's been done."
"Everything so far has been enjoyable so far."
He says that the security has not been obstructive though the presence is felt due to the tensions with North Korea.
A contingent from the isolationist state is attending the games, with Kim Jong-Un's sister attending tonight's opening ceremony.
Stevenson also discusses the likelihood of New Zealand winning medals.
LISTEN TO SCOTTY STEVENSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Sarah Gregorius, along with Abby Erceg, has been named in the squad to face Scotland in two matches next month.
The news has come as a surprise, given both players had left the team last year.
Gregarious told D'Arcy and Goran that she was approached by the new coach Andreas Hearf
"I think when somebody gives you an opportunity like that, you have to give it the very serious thought that it deserves.
She says that after talking about it with people close to her, it was agreed it was a good opportunity.
"And I think from the point of view of Andreas, he believed I still have something to contribute."
She said her return has nothing to do with the previous coach Tony Readings leaving.
Her return possibly represents a change in approach from NZF when it comes to remuneration and treatment of the women, comparable to that of their male counterparts, which was one of the sore points for her and Erceg.
LISTEN TO SARAH GREGORIUS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Sarah Gregorius, along with Abby Erceg, has been named in the squad to face Scotland in two matches next month.
The news has come as a surprise, given both players had left the team last year.
Gregarious told D'Arcy and Goran that she was approached by the new coach Andreas Hearf
"I think when somebody gives you an opportunity like that, you have to give it the very serious thought that it deserves.
She says that after talking about it with people close to her, it was agreed it was a good opportunity.
"And I think from the point of view of Andreas, he believed I still have something to contribute."
She said her return has nothing to do with the previous coach Tony Readings leaving.
Her return possibly represents a change in approach from NZF when it comes to remuneration and treatment of the women, comparable to that of their male counterparts, which was one of the sore points for her and Erceg.
LISTEN TO SARAH GREGORIUS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Conrad Smith is best known to rugby fans for his time with the All Blacks, but for the last few years he has been playing with the French club Pau.
Now Smith is back in the southern hemisphere as the team takes part in the Brisbane 10s - something Smith told D'Arcy and Goran he never expected to be doing.
"I never thought I'd be back here playing rugby when I left for France, but funny how things work out."
He said it is good for the club to be invited to a tournament like this.
He’s still unsure about when he will retire from the game completely.
"I haven't signed on to play again. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm aware the guys who transition the best call it quits themselves."
LISTEN TO CONRAD SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Conrad Smith is best known to rugby fans for his time with the All Blacks, but for the last few years he has been playing with the French club Pau.
Now Smith is back in the southern hemisphere as the team takes part in the Brisbane 10s - something Smith told D'Arcy and Goran he never expected to be doing.
"I never thought I'd be back here playing rugby when I left for France, but funny how things work out."
He said it is good for the club to be invited to a tournament like this.
He’s still unsure about when he will retire from the game completely.
"I haven't signed on to play again. I'm still enjoying it, but I'm aware the guys who transition the best call it quits themselves."
LISTEN TO CONRAD SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson has declared herself fit and ready to play for the Silver Ferns.
The young defender is the one new cap in the New Zealand netball squad for April's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
A back injury prevented Sokolich-Beatson from being called-up to the squad last year, but she says she's been given the all-clear.
She told D'Arcy and Goran she cannot put her excitement into words.
She said that she will not be ruffled by the experience.
"I'm someone who goes out and tries to get the job done, and I really don't care who is my opposition, I try to focus more on me than them."
She also revealed she found out the news while she was in a teaching placement.
LISTEN TO MICHAELA SOKOLICH-BEATSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson has declared herself fit and ready to play for the Silver Ferns.
The young defender is the one new cap in the New Zealand netball squad for April's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
A back injury prevented Sokolich-Beatson from being called-up to the squad last year, but she says she's been given the all-clear.
She told D'Arcy and Goran she cannot put her excitement into words.
She said that she will not be ruffled by the experience.
"I'm someone who goes out and tries to get the job done, and I really don't care who is my opposition, I try to focus more on me than them."
She also revealed she found out the news while she was in a teaching placement.
LISTEN TO MICHAELA SOKOLICH-BEATSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Breakers have inserted themselves in the Top Four for the Australia National Basketball League, meaning they are in play off contention.
Spiritual leader Mika Vukona told D'Arcy and Goran that it's a great achievement after their earlier rocky patch.
"We did our hard yards in the middle of the season. I think we've come out of it pretty well."
He said that the perfect game can be hard to achieve but they do stry.
"I think you try and peak when it really counts. When we needed to win those two games against the Illawara, the guys stepped up. It might have been ugly, but it's something we've talked about."
LISTEN TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TALK WITH MIKA VUKONA ABOVE
The Breakers have inserted themselves in the Top Four for the Australia National Basketball League, meaning they are in play off contention.
Spiritual leader Mika Vukona told D'Arcy and Goran that it's a great achievement after their earlier rocky patch.
"We did our hard yards in the middle of the season. I think we've come out of it pretty well."
He said that the perfect game can be hard to achieve but they do stry.
"I think you try and peak when it really counts. When we needed to win those two games against the Illawara, the guys stepped up. It might have been ugly, but it's something we've talked about."
LISTEN TO D'ARCY AND GORAN TALK WITH MIKA VUKONA ABOVE
There has been significant reaction to the comments made this morning by Simon Doull.
Doull called for new staff and new players to rejuvenate the team, calling out captain Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson specifically.
READ MORE:Williamson and Hesson need axing in T20 side - DoullCall to axe Williamson, Hesson from T20s 'a little knee-jerk'
Bob Carter, the New Zealand Cricket High Performance manager, told D'Arcy and Goran it may be a knee jerk reaction.
"I think Simon makes some very good comments. I suppose you have to look at the slightly bigger picture in the sense that is he looking at the last three games that we've played, or has he thought this for some time."
He asserted that Mike Hesson is not overworked, but said that there is the depth to the country's players that Doull referred to.
LISTEN TO BOB CARTER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
There has been significant reaction to the comments made this morning by Simon Doull.
Doull called for new staff and new players to rejuvenate the team, calling out captain Kane Williamson and coach Mike Hesson specifically.
READ MORE:Williamson and Hesson need axing in T20 side - DoullCall to axe Williamson, Hesson from T20s 'a little knee-jerk'
Bob Carter, the New Zealand Cricket High Performance manager, told D'Arcy and Goran it may be a knee jerk reaction.
"I think Simon makes some very good comments. I suppose you have to look at the slightly bigger picture in the sense that is he looking at the last three games that we've played, or has he thought this for some time."
He asserted that Mike Hesson is not overworked, but said that there is the depth to the country's players that Doull referred to.
LISTEN TO SIMON DOULL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Philadelphia Eagles have soared to victory while Tom Brady's magic has run out.
Those are the big takeaways from Super Bowl 52 today, which saw the Eagles claim their first ever victory.
Ben Maller, from Fox Sports Radio, told D'Arcy and Goran that the Eagles are normally a sorrowful team, but managed to claim victory.
"They got a couple of things that went their way. I didn't think the Eagles were going to win the game. It didn't look that complicated [going into] this game."
Maller said he is worried what the “hoodlums of Philly” will get up to as they celebrate their first win!
LISTEN TO BEN MALLER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Hamilton Sevens took the tron by storm this weekend, with a stellar seires that saw Fiji claim the title.
New Zealand got knocked out by Fiji, but in turn, potentially should have been knocked out by Samoa. Some controversial referring saw what many see as a forward pass being allowed.
Sir Gordon Tietjins, coach of the Samoan side, spoke to D'Arcy and Goran about the loss.
"It comes down to inches, really, and defining moments, and it was one of those moments.
"It was shattering at the time but you get over it and you move on."
He said the players got a lot of self-belief out of the match despite the lost.
LISTEN TO GORDON TIETJINS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Hamilton Sevens took the tron by storm this weekend, with a stellar seires that saw Fiji claim the title.
New Zealand got knocked out by Fiji, but in turn, potentially should have been knocked out by Samoa. Some controversial referring saw what many see as a forward pass being allowed.
Sir Gordon Tietjins, coach of the Samoan side, spoke to D'Arcy and Goran about the loss.
"It comes down to inches, really, and defining moments, and it was one of those moments.
"It was shattering at the time but you get over it and you move on."
He said the players got a lot of self-belief out of the match despite the lost.
LISTEN TO GORDON TIETJINS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Philadelphia Eagles have soared to victory while Tom Brady's magic has run out.
Those are the big takeaways from Super Bowl 52 today, which saw the Eagles claim their first ever victory.
Ben Maller, from Fox Sports Radio, told D'Arcy and Goran that the Eagles are normally a sorrowful team, but managed to claim victory.
"They got a couple of things that went their way. I didn't think the Eagles were going to win the game. It didn't look that complicated [going into] this game."
Maller said he is worried what the “hoodlums of Philly” will get up to as they celebrate their first win!
LISTEN TO BEN MALLER TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Sevens legend DJ Forbes previews the action at the Hamilton Sevens – he’s turning up as a fan for the first time in a long time, having debuted back in 2006.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DJ FORBES SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Andreas Heraf of New Zealand Football talks about the All Whites v Canada in Spain next month. He says we will have a coach for the fixture – which will be played behind closed doors.
LISTEN ABOVE S ANDREAS HERAF SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Sevens legend DJ Forbes previews the action at the Hamilton Sevens – he’s turning up as a fan for the first time in a long time, having debuted back in 2006.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DJ FORBES SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Andreas Heraf of New Zealand Football talks about the All Whites v Canada in Spain next month. He says we will have a coach for the fixture – which will be played behind closed doors.
LISTEN ABOVE S ANDREAS HERAF SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kyle Mills, former Black Caps fast bowler, shares his thoughts on what to expect from the T20 Tri-Series which starts tomorrow. He says the Big Bash in Aussie is on a par with our own Super Smash, so we should feel pretty confident about what our Black Caps can achieve against a side largely bereft of its superstars.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KYLE MILLS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Kyle Mills, former Black Caps fast bowler, shares his thoughts on what to expect from the T20 Tri-Series which starts tomorrow. He says the Big Bash in Aussie is on a par with our own Super Smash, so we should feel pretty confident about what our Black Caps can achieve against a side largely bereft of its superstars.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KYLE MILLS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Aussie pace bowler Mike Whitney looks to the T20 Tri-Series, and who is the favourite.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'Arcy ABOVE
Silver Fern Sam Sinclair says they can’t be afraid of having difficult conversations and need to stop being so nice.
Listen to the full interview with D'Arcy above
Silver Fern Sam Sinclair says they can’t be afraid of having difficult conversations and need to stop being so nice.
Listen to the full interview with D'Arcy above
Former Aussie pace bowler Mike Whitney looks to the T20 Tri-Series, and who is the favourite.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH D'Arcy ABOVE
Blackcaps batsman Ross Taylor reflects on the recent series against Pakistan and looking ahead to the Tri-Series opener this Saturday.
Listen to the full interview above with D'Arcy
Blackcaps batsman Ross Taylor reflects on the recent series against Pakistan and looking ahead to the Tri-Series opener this Saturday.
Listen to the full interview above with D'Arcy
ASB Classic tournament organizer Karl Budge says he will look to get Jack Sock back to next year’s event, even after his antics in the 2018 edition. He’s hopeful that new Grand Slam winner Caroline Wozniacki will return, given the Classic was part of her early season preparation before her success at the Australian Open.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KARL BUDGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
ASB Classic tournament organizer Karl Budge says he will look to get Jack Sock back to next year’s event, even after his antics in the 2018 edition. He’s hopeful that new Grand Slam winner Caroline Wozniacki will return, given the Classic was part of her early season preparation before her success at the Australian Open.
LISTEN ABOVE AS KARL BUDGE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Black Caps wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi talks about the IPL Auction – is it degrading like Heath Mills of the NZCPA says it is? Luke also has a word about the wicketkeeping situation.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LUKE RONCHI SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Black Caps wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi talks about the IPL Auction – is it degrading like Heath Mills of the NZCPA says it is? Luke also has a word about the wicketkeeping situation.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LUKE RONCHI SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw addresses the tug of war for the services of Etene Nanai-Seturo – he’s a Sevens player for the moment, but contracted to the Warriors. As far as Clark is concerned, he’s free to be selected for this weekend’s tournament in Hamilton.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CLARK LAIDLAW SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, reviewing his efforts in the 3rd T20 against Pakistan, and looking forward to the series against England and Australia which begins on Saturday in Sydney.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM BLUNDELL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, reviewing his efforts in the 3rd T20 against Pakistan, and looking forward to the series against England and Australia which begins on Saturday in Sydney.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TOM BLUNDELL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw addresses the tug of war for the services of Etene Nanai-Seturo – he’s a Sevens player for the moment, but contracted to the Warriors. As far as Clark is concerned, he’s free to be selected for this weekend’s tournament in Hamilton.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CLARK LAIDLAW SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan has earned praise after going viral with a powerful tweet.
The former Black Cap and T20 player hit back at Twitter trolls this week who fired abusive messages his way after his expensive final over in the Big Bash League in Australia.
He told D'Arcy and Goran he will still use social media to connect with fans, but wants users to be more mindful of what they say.
"It's been quite noticeable over here but something that really does need to be identified and doesn't get touched on enough.
"It's amazing how many athletes liked and retweeted it from all around the world. It's not just something that's happening in cricket."
For all those who feel the need to be abusive to any player on social media understand that it’s a tough game and your hate will only fuel our desire to get better and won’t break us. It’s More a reflection on who you are as a human being and definitely nothing to be proud of.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 24, 2018
NZ T20 cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan on the Twitter abuse he received for his expensive final over in the Big Bash League in Australia. His side, the Sydney Thunder, is now out of the competition. He’ll continue to use social media to connect with his fans, but wants users to be more mindful of what they say.
LISTEN TO MITCHELL MCCLENAGHAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOV
New Zealand cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan has earned praise after going viral with a powerful tweet.
The former Black Cap and T20 player hit back at Twitter trolls this week who fired abusive messages his way after his expensive final over in the Big Bash League in Australia.
He told D'Arcy and Goran he will still use social media to connect with fans, but wants users to be more mindful of what they say.
"It's been quite noticeable over here but something that really does need to be identified and doesn't get touched on enough.
"It's amazing how many athletes liked and retweeted it from all around the world. It's not just something that's happening in cricket."
For all those who feel the need to be abusive to any player on social media understand that it’s a tough game and your hate will only fuel our desire to get better and won’t break us. It’s More a reflection on who you are as a human being and definitely nothing to be proud of.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 24, 2018
NZ T20 cricketer Mitchell McClenaghan on the Twitter abuse he received for his expensive final over in the Big Bash League in Australia. His side, the Sydney Thunder, is now out of the competition. He’ll continue to use social media to connect with his fans, but wants users to be more mindful of what they say.
LISTEN TO MITCHELL MCCLENAGHAN TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOV
A Black Ferns Sevens team has been named ahead of the Sydney Sevens this weekend.
Captain Sarah Goss talked to D'Arcy and Goran about what to expect from the team's first game of the year.
"We want to go out there and perform really well and we want to get back to that top."
The team finished fifth in Dubai, an unexpected disappointment after the teams successes in 2017.
"It was a bit of a shock, but it's been awesome, we've gone back and stripped a few things back. The girls have been working really hard."
LISTEN TO SARAH GOSS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
A Black Ferns Sevens team has been named ahead of the Sydney Sevens this weekend.
Captain Sarah Goss talked to D'Arcy and Goran about what to expect from the team's first game of the year.
"We want to go out there and perform really well and we want to get back to that top."
The team finished fifth in Dubai, an unexpected disappointment after the teams successes in 2017.
"It was a bit of a shock, but it's been awesome, we've gone back and stripped a few things back. The girls have been working really hard."
LISTEN TO SARAH GOSS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps are playing the house down right now. The team looks set to continue their record streak tomorrow night as they face Pakistan in the second T20 at Eden Park.
Former Black Cap Jacob Oram told D'Arcy and Goran that there may be a bit of apathy growing in the team and the public.
"I do in a way. We used to be over the moon with winning in a way, not just the team but the public and the supporters. Now we're winning and it's almost like we're winning because the other sides aren't very good."
He compared the reaction to being akin to the All Blacks, where everyone expects a win.
"I think we should just stop and take a deep breath."
Oram also talked about missing the first game and rated the performances of the West Indies and Pakistan teams.
LISTEN TO JACOB ORAM TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps are playing the house down right now. The team looks set to continue their record streak tomorrow night as they face Pakistan in the second T20 at Eden Park.
Former Black Cap Jacob Oram told D'Arcy and Goran that there may be a bit of apathy growing in the team and the public.
"I do in a way. We used to be over the moon with winning in a way, not just the team but the public and the supporters. Now we're winning and it's almost like we're winning because the other sides aren't very good."
He compared the reaction to being akin to the All Blacks, where everyone expects a win.
"I think we should just stop and take a deep breath."
Oram also talked about missing the first game and rated the performances of the West Indies and Pakistan teams.
LISTEN TO JACOB ORAM TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Black Caps scored another win yesterday after the Kiwi side crushed Pakistan in their latest T20 face-off.
Black Caps batsman Tom Bruce joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the Wellington match.
He said that the series as a whole has been a case of Pakistan being below par, as well as NZ playing extremely well - a combination of the two, as opposed to one or the other.
He also spoke about his career as a Black Cap.
"There's a lot of talent coming through. I don't think you can ever feel too comfortable with your position. Your still wanting to strive to better and to put in a good performance."
LISTEN TO TOM BRUCE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
The Black Caps scored another win yesterday after the Kiwi side crushed Pakistan in their latest T20 face-off.
Black Caps batsman Tom Bruce joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the Wellington match.
He said that the series as a whole has been a case of Pakistan being below par, as well as NZ playing extremely well - a combination of the two, as opposed to one or the other.
He also spoke about his career as a Black Cap.
"There's a lot of talent coming through. I don't think you can ever feel too comfortable with your position. Your still wanting to strive to better and to put in a good performance."
LISTEN TO TOM BRUCE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Chris Donaldson the strength and conditioning coach of the Black Caps, who talks about how he prepares the team to be match fit.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS DONALDSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Chris Donaldson the strength and conditioning coach of the Black Caps, who talks about how he prepares the team to be match fit.
LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS DONALDSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Tony Palmer, boxing expert, with his take on the Joe Parker/Anthony Joshua fight, set for April 1st in Cardiff. He said the Parker comments made on RSB today were the result of jetlag, not because Parker believes Joshua is a drugs cheat.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TONY PALMER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps pace bowler Lockie Ferguson, ahead of tomorrow’s 4th ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton. He’s really enjoying his time with Trent Boult and Tim Southee doing so well with the new ball. He wouldn’t be drawn on the impending IPL auction which occurs later this month – he’s focused on Pakistan for now.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LOCKIE FERGUSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps pace bowler Lockie Ferguson, ahead of tomorrow’s 4th ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton. He’s really enjoying his time with Trent Boult and Tim Southee doing so well with the new ball. He wouldn’t be drawn on the impending IPL auction which occurs later this month – he’s focused on Pakistan for now.
LISTEN ABOVE AS LOCKIE FERGUSON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Tony Palmer, boxing expert, with his take on the Joe Parker/Anthony Joshua fight, set for April 1st in Cardiff. He said the Parker comments made on RSB today were the result of jetlag, not because Parker believes Joshua is a drugs cheat.
LISTEN ABOVE AS TONY PALMER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Hits, misses and sporting radio bloopers from around the world, D'Arcy and Goran look back over the year that was 2017.
Hits, misses and sporting radio bloopers from around the world, D'Arcy and Goran look back over the year that was 2017.
ODI action tomorrow from Whangarei, the first of three as the Black Caps face the Windies.
The captain of the Radio Sport commentary team, Bryan Waddle, is already in Whangarei, and updateD D'Arcy and Goran on the weather forecast for the game and what sort of crowd people are expecting.
He also analyses the team, including the straight swap of Colin de Grandhomme for Doug Bracewell.
LISTEN TO BRYAN WADDLE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
SkyCity Breakers have got their wobble on. The team faced another loss on Friday night, after the Adelaide 36ers beat them 90-75 following a horrific fourth quarter for the local team.
To analyse what happened, Finn Delaney joined D'Arcy and Goran and promised there would be a return to form this Thursday when the team faces the Sydney Kings.
LISTEN TO FINN DELANEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
SkyCity Breakers have got their wobble on. The team faced another loss on Friday night, after the Adelaide 36ers beat them 90-75 following a horrific fourth quarter for the local team.
To analyse what happened, Finn Delaney joined D'Arcy and Goran and promised there would be a return to form this Thursday when the team faces the Sydney Kings.
LISTEN TO FINN DELANEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
ODI action tomorrow from Whangarei, the first of three as the Black Caps face the Windies.
The captain of the Radio Sport commentary team, Bryan Waddle, is already in Whangarei, and updateD D'Arcy and Goran on the weather forecast for the game and what sort of crowd people are expecting.
He also analyses the team, including the straight swap of Colin de Grandhomme for Doug Bracewell.
LISTEN TO BRYAN WADDLE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Over the weekend, Tim Seifert of the Northern Knights blasted T20 century from just 40 deliveries as the team faced off against Auckland in the super smash.
He joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his stunning performance.
LISTEN TO TIM SEIFERT TALK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby has named her 14 strong squad for the Netball Quad Series in January.
The competition will see them play games in England and South Africa in what will ultimately be a test for the Commonwealth Games.
Southby joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the squad and the tournament.
LISTEN TO JANINE SOUTHBY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Silver Ferns coach Janine Southby has named her 14 strong squad for the Netball Quad Series in January.
The competition will see them play games in England and South Africa in what will ultimately be a test for the Commonwealth Games.
Southby joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the squad and the tournament.
LISTEN TO JANINE SOUTHBY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Over the weekend, Tim Seifert of the Northern Knights blasted T20 century from just 40 deliveries as the team faced off against Auckland in the super smash.
He joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about his stunning performance.
LISTEN TO TIM SEIFERT TALK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Canterbury Kings captain Andrew Ellis on their record-breaking win against Otago yesterday in the Super Smash. They won by 134 runs, after Ben Stokes made 93 from 47 deliveries.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANDREW ELLIS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps Test opening batsman Jeet Raval reviews his series against the West Indies, and looks ahead to a rare opportunity tomorrow, playing white-ball cricket against the Windies XI.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JEET RAVAL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Canterbury Kings captain Andrew Ellis on their record-breaking win against Otago yesterday in the Super Smash. They won by 134 runs, after Ben Stokes made 93 from 47 deliveries.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANDREW ELLIS SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Black Caps Test opening batsman Jeet Raval reviews his series against the West Indies, and looks ahead to a rare opportunity tomorrow, playing white-ball cricket against the Windies XI.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JEET RAVAL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Doctor Mark Fulcher, who talks about the use of Salbutamol and how professional athletes might look to use and abuse it, after the case of cyclist Chris Froome saw him produce samples at 2 times the limit
LISTEN ABOVE AS MARK FULCHER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic, who is in Perth to play the Glory on Saturday night. He was positive about what this team might be able to achieve, and said it’ll be a slow process in getting the team where it needs to be, but is dedicated to making it happen.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DARIJE KALEZIC SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Doctor Mark Fulcher, who talks about the use of Salbutamol and how professional athletes might look to use and abuse it, after the case of cyclist Chris Froome saw him produce samples at 2 times the limit
LISTEN ABOVE AS MARK FULCHER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Wellington Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic, who is in Perth to play the Glory on Saturday night. He was positive about what this team might be able to achieve, and said it’ll be a slow process in getting the team where it needs to be, but is dedicated to making it happen.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DARIJE KALEZIC SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Mitch Evans, Formula E driver, talks about the season in Formula E, how the car works and how he’s happy to finally be back home and enjoy the sun.
Mitch Evans, Formula E driver, talks about the season in Formula E, how the car works and how he’s happy to finally be back home and enjoy the sun.
Bob Parker, New Zealand Cricket high performance coach, reflects on a dominant test series victory over the West Indies. He isn’t too worried about changing formats and the long wait between tests.
Gary Stead, Canterbury Kings coach, looked ahead to their Burger King Super Smash match against the Otago Volts. They haven’t had a great start to the summer results wise but he’s looking to blood new players and he’s been impressed with how Ben Stokes has fitted in the team and how the players really respect him.
Gary Stead, Canterbury Kings coach, looked ahead to their Burger King Super Smash match against the Otago Volts. They haven’t had a great start to the summer results wise but he’s looking to blood new players and he’s been impressed with how Ben Stokes has fitted in the team and how the players really respect him.
Bob Parker, New Zealand Cricket high performance coach, reflects on a dominant test series victory over the West Indies. He isn’t too worried about changing formats and the long wait between tests.
New Zealander Raelene Castle has been confirmed as Rugby Australia's new boss in another piece of sports administration history.
The former Canterbury NRL chief executive, and head of Netball New Zealand, will be the first woman to head any of the national governing bodies of the four major football codes in Australia.
She succeeds Bill Pulver, taking up the post on January 15.
Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne declared her the stand-out applicant among more than 200 candidates.
Raelene spoke with D'Arcy about the new job.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RAELENE CASTLE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY
New Zealander Raelene Castle has been confirmed as Rugby Australia's new boss in another piece of sports administration history.
The former Canterbury NRL chief executive, and head of Netball New Zealand, will be the first woman to head any of the national governing bodies of the four major football codes in Australia.
She succeeds Bill Pulver, taking up the post on January 15.
Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne declared her the stand-out applicant among more than 200 candidates.
Raelene spoke with D'Arcy about the new job.
LISTEN ABOVE AS RAELENE CASTLE SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY
Gui's gone: Brazilian playmaker Gui Finkler has parted ways with the Wellington Phoenix Football Club.
Two weeks after he was substituted and then left Westpac Stadium before the end of his side's A-League loss to the Mariners, Finkler has left the football club altogether.
Jason Pine joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the matter and analyzed what they meant by "mutual consent", saying it doesn't come as a massive surprise.
He also talks about one time when Frinkler left the stadium before the end of the match, which the boys suspect would have annoyed his team mates.
The Brazilian, who played 28 games for the club, scoring seven goals, never held down a spot in coach Darije Kalezic's starting XI and struggled to produce his best under the new coach.
Phoenix General Manager David Dome expressed his disappointment that it hadn't worked out for the talented Brazilian but also his gratitude.
"Gui is the type of player every club loves to have, both on and off the field," said Dome. "As our marquee signing, we had very high expectations with Gui.
"We've been blessed with a wealth of quality attacking midfielders in recent seasons but the club has to focus on balance across the whole playing roster.
"We've had some big conversations internally at the club in recent weeks and as disappointed as we are to see Gui go, it provides an opportunity to strengthen in areas we're less well-resourced."
For Finkler it's a bittersweet moment, but the Brazilian is looking forward to the next chapter of a distinguished sixteen-year professional career.
"I've really enjoyed my time in Wellington," said Finkler, "when I arrived I felt really welcomed by the playing group, they're a great bunch of boys with good culture – it's not always easy to find this at clubs.
LISTEN TO JASON PINE TALK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
- with content from NZ Herald
The Skycity Breakers have turned around their brief slump after a triumphant victory over the Brisbane Bullets.
The 96-89 win over would have been a sweet relief for the Australian National Basketball League front-runners, after what had been a lacklustre week.
Following nine straight victories, the Breakers had slumped to two consecutive defeats, scoring just 73 and 76 points in the process.
Player Finn Delaney joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what they did differently to save the game.
LISTEN TO FINN DELANEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The Skycity Breakers have turned around their brief slump after a triumphant victory over the Brisbane Bullets.
The 96-89 win over would have been a sweet relief for the Australian National Basketball League front-runners, after what had been a lacklustre week.
Following nine straight victories, the Breakers had slumped to two consecutive defeats, scoring just 73 and 76 points in the process.
Player Finn Delaney joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what they did differently to save the game.
LISTEN TO FINN DELANEY TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Gui's gone: Brazilian playmaker Gui Finkler has parted ways with the Wellington Phoenix Football Club.
Two weeks after he was substituted and then left Westpac Stadium before the end of his side's A-League loss to the Mariners, Finkler has left the football club altogether.
Jason Pine joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the matter and analyzed what they meant by "mutual consent", saying it doesn't come as a massive surprise.
He also talks about one time when Frinkler left the stadium before the end of the match, which the boys suspect would have annoyed his team mates.
The Brazilian, who played 28 games for the club, scoring seven goals, never held down a spot in coach Darije Kalezic's starting XI and struggled to produce his best under the new coach.
Phoenix General Manager David Dome expressed his disappointment that it hadn't worked out for the talented Brazilian but also his gratitude.
"Gui is the type of player every club loves to have, both on and off the field," said Dome. "As our marquee signing, we had very high expectations with Gui.
"We've been blessed with a wealth of quality attacking midfielders in recent seasons but the club has to focus on balance across the whole playing roster.
"We've had some big conversations internally at the club in recent weeks and as disappointed as we are to see Gui go, it provides an opportunity to strengthen in areas we're less well-resourced."
For Finkler it's a bittersweet moment, but the Brazilian is looking forward to the next chapter of a distinguished sixteen-year professional career.
"I've really enjoyed my time in Wellington," said Finkler, "when I arrived I felt really welcomed by the playing group, they're a great bunch of boys with good culture – it's not always easy to find this at clubs.
LISTEN TO JASON PINE TALK TO D'ARCY AND GORAN
- with content from NZ Herald
Auckland Aces and Black Caps batsman Colin Munro joined D'Arcvy and Goran to talk about his scintillating 174 not out against Canterbury yesterday. He also touched on his Test cricket aspirations, which he appears to have given up on, despite some simply magnificent statistics to warrant selection.
LISTEN TO COLIN MUNRO TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Auckland Aces and Black Caps batsman Colin Munro joined D'Arcvy and Goran to talk about his scintillating 174 not out against Canterbury yesterday. He also touched on his Test cricket aspirations, which he appears to have given up on, despite some simply magnificent statistics to warrant selection.
LISTEN TO COLIN MUNRO TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The problems continue for the Phoenix. The team has slipped down to the bottom of the League and are struggling to move out of that place.
Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the issues with the team and why there are at the bottom.
"There's no way we should be at the bottom of the table."
He commented on the professional nature of their coaches and suggests there may be issues of inflexibility – as in it’s their way or no way at all.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The problems continue for the Phoenix. The team has slipped down to the bottom of the League and are struggling to move out of that place.
Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the issues with the team and why there are at the bottom.
"There's no way we should be at the bottom of the table."
He commented on the professional nature of their coaches and suggests there may be issues of inflexibility – as in it’s their way or no way at all.
LISTEN TO ANDREW DURANTE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
She has become a controversial figure in New Zealand sports, but that hasn't stopped Laurel Hubbard from continuing her weightlifting domination. Today she won two medals in the 90kgs and over category at the World Champs in California, a first for New Zealand.
High Performance Manager of Olympic Weightlifting NZ Simon Kent joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about her success.
LISTEN TO SIMON KENT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
She has become a controversial figure in New Zealand sports, but that hasn't stopped Laurel Hubbard from continuing her weightlifting domination. Today she won two medals in the 90kgs and over category at the World Champs in California, a first for New Zealand.
High Performance Manager of Olympic Weightlifting NZ Simon Kent joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about her success.
LISTEN TO SIMON KENT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It has not been a happy year for the Wellington Phoenix. Despite a lot of promise at the start of the season, it has eventuated to stone cold motherless last.
Former defender for the football club Ben Sigmund joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what's gone wrong with the current team.
He said they have a good squad and suggests it is a mental issue with the team, and suggests the All Blacks mental skills coach shoudl get involved.
LISTEN TO BEN SIGMUND TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The NZ Breakers won nine games in a row, an amazing winning streak, but that all ended this weekend with two losses.
Dan Fotu, Rob Loe and Edgar Sosa joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what went wrong and how they can turn things around, as well as getting into their respective love of shoes.
LISTEN TO THE BREAKERS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The NZ Breakers won nine games in a row, an amazing winning streak, but that all ended this weekend with two losses.
Dan Fotu, Rob Loe and Edgar Sosa joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what went wrong and how they can turn things around, as well as getting into their respective love of shoes.
LISTEN TO THE BREAKERS TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
It has not been a happy year for the Wellington Phoenix. Despite a lot of promise at the start of the season, it has eventuated to stone cold motherless last.
Former defender for the football club Ben Sigmund joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about what's gone wrong with the current team.
He said they have a good squad and suggests it is a mental issue with the team, and suggests the All Blacks mental skills coach shoudl get involved.
LISTEN TO BEN SIGMUND TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Tom Blundell made headlines over the weekend for his stellar debut playing for the Black Caps against the West Indies, where he became the eleventh Black Cap to score a century on his debut - and at his home grounds of the Basin Reserve.
Now the rising cricket start has made headlines for entirely different reasons today after he was caught walking home in his full cricket gear.
He joked about the incident with D'Arcy and Goran, but on a more serious note, Blundell made he clear he knows he has to continue working of his keeping and batting if he wants a permanent spot in the side.
Blundell's retained his spot for the second test against the West Indies starting on Saturday - after BJ Watling was ruled out due to an ongoing hip injury.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that BJ Watling has left a massive hole, that he's determined to fill.
"For him to be out of the time, but it gave me a great opportunity to go out there and prove myself, I guess."
LISTEN TO TOM BLUNDELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Tom Blundell made headlines over the weekend for his stellar debut playing for the Black Caps against the West Indies, where he became the eleventh Black Cap to score a century on his debut - and at his home grounds of the Basin Reserve.
Now the rising cricket start has made headlines for entirely different reasons today after he was caught walking home in his full cricket gear.
He joked about the incident with D'Arcy and Goran, but on a more serious note, Blundell made he clear he knows he has to continue working of his keeping and batting if he wants a permanent spot in the side.
Blundell's retained his spot for the second test against the West Indies starting on Saturday - after BJ Watling was ruled out due to an ongoing hip injury.
He told D'Arcy and Goran that BJ Watling has left a massive hole, that he's determined to fill.
"For him to be out of the time, but it gave me a great opportunity to go out there and prove myself, I guess."
LISTEN TO TOM BLUNDELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Cricket writer Andrew Alderson joined the show and wrapped up the Black Caps' huge win over the West Indies.
He believes the emphatic victory highlights some real progress in the New Zealand game, and it's shame there's only three more tests this summer.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANDREW ALDERSON SPEAKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
Cricket writer Andrew Alderson joined the show and wrapped up the Black Caps' huge win over the West Indies.
He believes the emphatic victory highlights some real progress in the New Zealand game, and it's shame there's only three more tests this summer.
LISTEN ABOVE AS ANDREW ALDERSON SPEAKS WITH DARCY AND GORAN
The first test of the summer saw the Black Caps polish off the West Indies quite easily in the fourth day of the test.
Former Black Caps all-rounder Grant Elliott joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the match and how the young West Indies team could improve in future tests.
LISTEN TO GRANT ELLIOTT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
The first test of the summer saw the Black Caps polish off the West Indies quite easily in the fourth day of the test.
Former Black Caps all-rounder Grant Elliott joined D'Arcy and Goran to talk about the match and how the young West Indies team could improve in future tests.
LISTEN TO GRANT ELLIOTT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVE
Matt Ridenton from the Wellington Phoenix about losing at home to the Mariners 4-1, and have the Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT RIDENTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Former Black Caps spinner Jeetan Patel looks ahead to the First Test against the Windies and said the pitch at the Basin Reserve might not be fit for 5 days.
LISTEN ABOVE AS JEETAN PATEL SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Alex Pledger of the Breakers, as he looks to get back to ANBL action against the Wildcats on Friday night after the international break
LISTEN ABOVE AS ALEX PLEDGER SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN
Matt Ridenton from the Wellington Phoenix about losing at home to the Mariners 4-1, and have the Melbourne Victory on Sunday.
LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT RIDENTON SPEAKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN