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 GORANSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

LISTEN TO COACH KEVIN BRASWELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVENew 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

LISTEN ABOVE AS DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK TALKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEFullback 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

LISTEN TO JOSH KRONFELD TALK ABOUT THE ALL BLACKS WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEArdie 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 fa

LISTEN TO MICHAELA SOKOLICH-BEATSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVESeven-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 t

LISTEN TO MIKE ANGOVE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEIn 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 gett

LISTEN TO SHAUN JOHNSON TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEWarriors 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

LISTEN TO NOELINE TAURUA TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEThe 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

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 Sm

LISTEN TO BRIAN SMITH TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEVeteran 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 mai

LISTEN TO ANDREW PRAGNELL TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEDamning 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

LISTEN TO TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR KARL BUDGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEAnother 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 tim

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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.L

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 playersLISTEN TO COACH KELVIN WRIGHT TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LISTEN TO MICHAEL MAGUIRE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORANFresh 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

LISTEN TO FORMER ALL BLACK SCOTT ROBERTSON OFFER HIS TAKE ON THE UPCOMING MATCHThe 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

LISTEN TO WARRIORS CEO CAMERON GEORGE TALK WITH D'ARCY AND GORAN ABOVEThe 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 reall