D'arcy And Goran

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 droppedIf 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 tha

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." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 ag

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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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'

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 b

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 metaphorica

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."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Bask

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

It took 17 years to make, on Goran's Final Day he brings you  - Goran Paladin's Ultimate Boxed Set Extravaganza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He's spent 17 years impersonating them on Radio Sport - on Goran's final day they had the last say!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 estab

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 wro

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