Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The DRS, with Martin Devlin On Newstalk ZB on Saturday's, Sunday's and Monday's - compacted into a podcast for Monday the 24th of May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin of Newstalk ZB chats to former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary, who's now head coach of the Penrith Panthers who are absolutely flying with 10 wins in a row to start the 2021 NRL season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a second Kiwi clean sweep in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman one Australian writer has all but conceded it will be an all New Zealand final, despite three rounds remaining."All five Australian teams now have next to no hope of making a final on June 19," Sydney Morning Herald rugby writer Tom Decent wrote in his wrap of last night's action.It's hard to fault the logic.The New Zealand franchises have won 10 from 10 against their Australian counterparts. The five Aussie teams will be all ruled out of final contention as early as next Saturday if they get swept again.The Blues and Hurricanes sit on 10 points followed by the Crusaders, Highlanders and Chiefs on nine points. As it stands it looks like the two finalists could be decided on crucial bonus points or even points difference, making blow-out wins even more important.There is now a distinct possibility that a New Zealand team or multiple teams would miss out on the final despite being unbeaten.Across the 10 victories, the New Zealand sides have compiled 61 tries. A staggering statistic at more than six tries a game just showing how inept the Australian defences have been.The Force have looked the best of the Australian teams and sit in sixth after just falling short against the Chiefs last weekend followed by a 25-15 loss to the Highlanders on Friday.The problem for the Force is their home games are completed with a difficult road trip ahead against the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues where they need to win all three to have a chance of making the final.The 10-point loss for the Force was the closest an Australian side got to victory this weekend. The Reds, who won the Super Rugby Australia title, have conceded 103 points in their opening two games and that's not the worst defensive record with the Waratahs having let in 112 points.Newstalk ZB commentator Elliott Smith said on Twitter the gulf between the New Zealand and Australian teams was bigger than people probably thought.Former Wallabies coach Michael Chieka told the Sydney Morning Herald the Australian sides have to fight back following the Reds' thrashing at the hands of the Crusaders."We had a saying in the old days: 'Welcome to first grade'," Cheika said. "It was first grade tonight; they were top quality. Yeah we've been pumped ... but you've just got to fight back next week. Mourn, get over it, then get back up on your bike next week and win the next game. That's what footy is all about."The problem is it appears they are riding bikes with two flat tyres at the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday the 23rd of May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 433 days, this was more than worth the wait.Whatever happens over the rest of the A-League season, the Wellington Phoenix aren't going to die wondering, after a rousing 3-0 win over Western United in their homecoming game in the capital.The victory keeps their slim finals hopes alive, ahead of another blockbuster game at Eden Park next Sunday.But this was more than a match – it was a sporting occasion. The fans came in their droves, with the 24,105 crowd the biggest regular season attendance in Phoenix history and the largest A-League crowd this season.That provided a wonderful atmosphere, and the players responded. There is always the danger that such games don't live up to the billing, but not this one.It was a beauty. The Phoenix scored three impressive goals, including a Reno Piscopo stunner, and could have had three more, as the game opened up in the second half.Western United were punch drunk by the end of it all, with the withdrawal of Besart Berisha in the 72nd minute an indication they were done and dusted, after Tomer Hemed's goal nine minutes earlier had all but ended the contest.The result, which stretches their unbeaten streak to eight games, breaks a run of three draws and lifts the Phoenix into seventh equal on 33 points, ahead of Western Sydney and Perth Glory on goal difference, though both Australian sides have a game in hand. Sixth-placed Brisbane are three points away, also having played one fewer match.It means that the Phoenix will need other results to go their way, but they are at least putting pressure on their rivals.Coming off four successive defeats, Western United started the game with a deep low block Jose Mourinho would have enjoyed. At times all 10 players were behind the ball, as they were content to soak up pressure and look for dividends on the break.Such congestion around the area was difficult to break down, and the Phoenix only fashioned a couple of half chances in a frustrating first 30 minutes.But when the breakthrough came, it was a Cinderella story to match the occasion. Hometown boy Clayton Lewis had never played for the Phoenix in Wellington but found the perfect moment for his second goal of the season. His 38th minute shot was deflected, but the goal was reward for a sharp turn and positive drive towards the box, finally sparking the expectant crowd.Marquee striker Hemed went close with a stooping header soon afterwards, forcing a good save from Western United keeper Ryan Scott.David Ball probably should have extended the home lead in the 56th minute, denied by Scott, after being set up by a delightful Hemed backheel, but that didn't matter when Piscopo provided the moment of the match in the 57th minute.The young Australian is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in the A-League, and showed his prowess again with a stunning hit that flew past Scott from the edge of the area.That set the Phoenix alight, and they had their best period of the match as Western United had to push forward.Ben Waine and Piscopo had chances, before Hemed nailed the third, a well-timed header from a Louis Fenton cross.That was the signal for party time, and the Phoenix had further opportunities, but couldn't inflict any further damage on the scoreboard.Wellington Phoenix 3 (Clayton Lewis, Reno Piscopo, Tomer Hemed)Western United 0Halftime: 1-0text by Michael Burgess, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin of Newstalk ZB chats to former Warriors coach Tony Kemp, reviewing the Warriors close fought win over the Tigers in the NRL where new sensation Reece Walsh was the star of the show with 1 try and 3 try assists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to 9 time Major winner Gary Player, the former South African professional golfer ahead of the 103rd PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin's "To the Mountain Top" editorial for Saturday the 22nd of May, where he believes we are seeing an attempted coup from David Kirk and the Players Association towards the NZ Rugby Union and the Current Chief Executive Mark Robinson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Saturday 22nd of May. Brough to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark Sport and NZ Cricket have released the figures for their first summer as joint broadcast partners for NZ Cricket, which saw nearly 240,000 people watch the cricket over the summer on Spark Sport's digital platform. Jeff Latch, the CEO of Spark Sport, joined Elliott Smith to discuss the success of their debut season as the broadcast partners.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has invited Forsyth Barr to discuss its proposal for a public flotation of part of its commercial revenues, after US private equity giant Silver Lake waived its right to block talks.However the union has sent David Kirk - who is chairman of both Forsyth Barr and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association - a lengthy explanation of why it does not believe its proposal met the objectives of its proposed sale.On Friday the Herald revealed that Forsyth Barr had made an alternative capital raising proposal at the request of the NZRPA, which would involve selling 5 per cent stake by way of an initial public offering on the NZX.The proposal suggested the stake could be sold to investors for $170m-$190m valued NZ Rugby between $3.4 billion and $3.8b, above the $3.1b valuation implied by NZ Rugby's proposed deal with Silver Lake, which is seeking to buy a 12.5 per cent stake in its commercial revenues for $387.5m.On Monday evening NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson sent a lengthy response to Kirk, and later to provincial rugby unions, responding to the proposal."Silver Lake have consented to waive their exclusivity agreement to the effect of enabling NZR to examine and understand the NZRPA/Forsyth Barr proposal," Robinson wrote, inviting Kirk for a meeting with its project steering group on Friday."Despite our concerns and questions ... our initial view is that it is unlikely to meet all of our strategic objectives, we would welcome the good-faith exploration of this NZRPA / Forsyth Barr IPO alternative, as part of considering all of our stakeholders' interests."Robinson has also shared the response with the provincial rugby unions, saying that NZRPA had, with NZ Rugby, entered into an exclusivity arrangement with Silver Lake to work on the deal."Therefore, it's fair to say this new proposal with a new party came as a surprise and [it] was disappointing to have it sent directly to media in the first instance," Robinson said."That said, whilst we believe we have robustly and diligently looked at this option (as well as a wide range of others) and established that it won't meet all our objectives in creating our future, we are happy to talk through their proposal in case there is something new that we have missed and hopefully we can do this, this week."NZ Rugby's concernsRobinson's letter explained that not only did it view Silver Lake as an ideal investment partner to help it grow internationally, a public float had a number of drawbacks."NZR is focused on raising capital from a strategically aligned investor to assist NZR in driving growth and fully realising our global potential," Robinson wrote, with Silver Lake having deep experience with international sports teams and technology investment."We see this capability enhancement to the game in New Zealand, through revenue growth flowing back into the game and by way of improved expertise that would support improved engagement with our fans and the over 150,000 participants we have here at home."Even if NZ Rugby was to seek investment from passive investors "then an IPO would likely be evaluated as an inferior option to other forms of passive, private capital investment in common equity".Other forms of investment would reduce compliance costs, reporting obligations, enable direct control of its shareholder register and who was commercially involved and retain flexibility."A public IPO may be potentially attractive at a point in time, however while NZR is in a growth investment phase of our strategy, we are not interested in simply raising capital from passive public market investors."Growth companies were "typically better able to execute their strategic growth agendas in a non-public environment" Robinson wrote as flexibility and capital and risk management "typically favour a private status".Robinson said it saw risks to Forsyth Barr's valuation of the...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin chats to Dillon Boucher, the former Breaker and Tall Blacks basketball player reflecting on the NZ Breakers season thus far, as they return from Australia having been away for 153 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB chats to former Warriors commentator Jason Costigan about the latest round in the NRL, in which there were 13 sin bins in 5 matches, as the NRL looks to get on top of concussion and head injuries by coming down hard on contact to the head.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin chats to Andrew Swain out of Stan Sports in Australia reflecting on the opening round of Super Rugby Transtasman, which saw the New Zealand sides win all their respective games against their Australian counterparts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB chats to Oliver Peterson of 6PR in Perth, ahead of the Chiefs game against the Force, the first time a New Zealand side has played the Western Force since 2017.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB chats to Clive Tyldesley, one of the voices of English football in the UK about everything happening in the world of football, as well as some of his fondest memories commentating it for ITV over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Black Conrad Smith can relate to the passionate behaviour shown by New Zealand Rugby and the Players Association over a possible private equity deal.Forsyth Barr has tabled a new offer at the request of the NZRPA, that would see NZR sell a five per cent stake in future commercial revenue through an NZX listing.NZR CEO Mark Robinson described the new offer as shocking and disappointing, believing the relationship with the NZRPA is at a new low.Smith told Elliott Smith he has a lot of respect for both parties."When you have a big issue like this that is concerning New Zealand Rugby, the direction we're heading, the potential of 12.5 percent of our national game, then people get very emotional, and that's all we're seeing."Smith wants to see the Silver Lake and Forsyth Barr offers, as well as any other presented, to be discussed fairly.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to 3 minutes of exchanges between Bruce Russell and Martin Devlin on the DRS on Newstalk ZB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to swimmer Liana Smith, who's swimming 3 long distance swims in the name of charity, specifically the mental health charity I Am Hope. Liana has done the length of Lake Taupo, with the Cook Strait and Foveaux Strait to go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Wallaby Simon Poidevin, as he reviews the Australian Super Rugby final between the Reds and the Brumbies, in which former All Black Brad Thorn and his Reds came out on top in front of a packed crowd at Suncorp Stadium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to new Warriors sensation Reece Walsh, ahead of his 3rd game in the NRL, when the Warriors take on the Sea Eagles in Round 9 of the NRL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 9th of May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former All Blacks and Crusaders first five Andrew Mehrtens, ahead of a Super Rugby final double header, firstly in his hometown of Christchurch when the Crusaders take on the Chiefs, followed by the Australian final between the Reds and the Brumbies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to All Blacks and Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick, ahead of the Chiefs first appearance in a Super Rugby final for the first time since 2013 under Dave Rennie, when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Saturday the 8th of May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask the Question, a new segment on the DRS whereby listeners send audio messages on Whats App to the Devlin Radio Show phone number which will play on Saturday's and Sunday's - 0274843377. 0274THEDRS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's, Sunday's and Monday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Monday 3rd of May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Warriors and Queensland centre Brent Tate, looking ahead to the Warriors round 8 clash against the Cowboys in the NRL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Duco Events promoter and Joseph Parker's manager, David Higgins, reflecting on the back of Joseph Parker's close fought victory against Brit Derek Chisora in Manchester and where to from here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 2nd of May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi drivers Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin have finished one-two in the latest Indycar series race in Texas.For Dixon it was his 51st career victory and fifth in Texas while McLaughlin earned his first podium in his fourth race.McLaughlin, racing in his first Indycar oval race, began in 15th place and worked his way through the pack to put pressure on Dixon in the closing stages. 21-year-old Pato O'Ward was third.Dixon, in the Chip Ganassi Racing car, said he was so excited when McLaughlin moved into second in the closing stages of the race."I had this thing on the dash that tells me the gaps of the cars. I had to take it off because it was stressing me out more than anything. I kept looking down and in the mirror as he was fast," Dixon said.Scott McLaughlin drives out of Turn 4 during the IndyCar Series auto race at Texas Motor Speedway. Photo / APDixon moved with one of matching Mario Andretti's 52 victories for the second-most on the career list that A.J. Foyt tops with 67. Dixon has now won a race in 19 different seasons, breaking a tie with Foyt for the most. Dixon last year won his sixth season title, one short of Foyt's record seven."I never dreamed of that. I feel so lucky and so privileged to do what I get to do," he said.For rookie McLaughlin, the podium result could be considered a bigger achievement than Dixon's race win.The Team Penske driver, who moved to Indycar after securing three straight Supercars titles, said he has never felt so happy after finishing a race in second."I've never been this bloody happy with second. I'm really stoked…just couldn't quite get Scotty at the end there. It was bloody cool to battle with my all-time favourite hero in Scotty Dixon. Two Kiwis one and two is fantastic," he said."During the last caution period, I was thinking 'holy crap'. I was looking at the crowd and getting all excited. I'm just so proud. I've worked so hard behind the scenes to make it feel good. We had some good strategy there from my team. They put me in the position and I'm just happy to bring it home for them."The win sees Dixon move from third to first in the standings after three races with Alex Palou 18 points behind him in second. McLaughlin jumps up to seventh place, 43 points back.There is a second race at the Texas Motor Speedway tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey about the Rugby Union's reasoning for wanting to push ahead with the Silver Lake Private Investment deal, in the face of resistance from the Players Association and Rob Nichol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol, discussing the merits of the proposed private investment in NZ Rugby from the Silver Lake group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Black Caps bowler and now IPL commentator Simon Doull, discussing what its like within the confines of the IPL bubble while Covid 19 causes chaos amongst the rest of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Martin Devlin chats to Talksport football correspondent Tom Rennie, reflecting on a hugely dramatic week in world football with the collapse of a European Super League proposal before it even got off the ground, as well some more VAR controversy in Premier League games overnight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, ahead of their final round robin game of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Blues in Christchurch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 25th of April. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin of Newstalk ZB pays tribute to those from another time, that sacrificed so much so that we can live like we do today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Team New Zealand and Alinghi helmsman Sir Russell Coutts, now the CEO of Sail GP which gets into its 2nd season overnight in Bermuda, as he talks about what he liked from the 36th Americas Cup as well as what they might try and do slightly differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Premier League commentator Peter Drury, reflecting on a crazy week in world football in which saw 12 clubs announce a new European Super League, before back tracking on the proposal in the matter of days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Saturday the 24th of April. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask the Question, a new segment on the DRS whereby listeners send audio messages on Whats App to the Devlin Radio Show phone number which will play on Saturday's and Sunday's - 0274843377. 0274THEDRSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Tom Rennie out of Talksport in the UK about the latest move by some of Europe's biggest football clubs to form their own breakway European Super League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former NZ PGA golfer Phil Tataurangi about Lydia Ko's performance at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii where she won the event, her first on the tour since 2018.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Roosters, Storm and Parramatta half Brett Finch, ahead of the Warriors game against the DragonsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Chiefs assistant coach Neil Barnes, reflecting on their impressive win against the Crusaders in Hamilton last night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday the 18th of April. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pukekohe Park Raceway has been confirmed as the venue for this year's Supercars SuperSprint round to be held in Auckland.The historic track along with Hampton Downs were the two leading candidates to secure hosting rights.The event is scheduled for November six and seven.It will be the first time New Zealand has hosted a Supercars round since September 2019.Destination Auckland general manager Steve Armitage joined Martin Devlin to discuss the news.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hideki Matsuyama almost turned down his first chance to play the Masters. It was a month after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, disasters that killed thousands and destroyed much of the region he called home in March 2011.He decided to play a month later, only because he thought it would lift spirits.A decade later, he lifted his country again — becoming Japan's first man to win a golf major. Matsuyama's one-shot victory over Will Zalatoris at Augusta National made him the Masters champion, easily the biggest moment for the sport in his golf-crazed homeland."I can't say I'm the greatest," Matsuyama said. "However, I'm the first to win a major, and if that's the bar, then I've set it."He was the greatest this week at the Masters, bar none.History will say he won the tournament on Sunday with a final-round 73, but really, he won it on Saturday with a blistering finish that put him atop the leaderboard for good. He went 6-under on a seven-hole stretch of the back nine in the third round, the decisive spurt that nobody could match. Even the final margin on Sunday was perhaps a bit misleading; it only tightened up when Matsuyama made three bogeys in his final four holes, though the lead never seemed threatened.Matsuyama finished at 10-under, 278. Zalatoris was at 9 under, Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele were tied for third at 7 under, and Jon Rahm and Marc Leishman tied for fifth at 6 under. Justin Rose, who jumped out in front Thursday with a 65, finished seventh, five shots back."It's thrilling to think that there are a lot of youngsters in Japan watching today," Matsuyama said. "Hopefully in five, 10 years, when they get a little older, hopefully some of them will be competing on the world stage. But I still have a lot of years left, so they are going to have to compete against me still."Message to those kids: Good luck. Matsuyama is only 29.He moved from No. 25 to No. 14 in the world rankings, and will be welcomed back to Augusta National for Masters week for the rest of his life — one of the many perks that come once someone claims a green jacket."I think it's really good for the game of golf globally," Spieth said. "He's a great young player who inevitably was going to win major championships, in my opinion."It turned out to be a Masters finish like none other, capping a week that was memorable for who was there, who wasn't there for long and who couldn't be there at all.Lee Elder — the first Black player in the Masters when he broke the tournament's color barrier in 1975 — joined Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player for the ceremonial tournament-opening tee shots on Thursday morning. By the time nightfall arrived Friday, defending champion Dustin Johnson was done after missing the cut by two strokes. And five-time Masters winner Tiger Woods wasn't at Augusta National to play or even take part in the Champions dinner, his recovery from a car crash in Los Angeles ongoing at his Florida home.Woods wasn't seen. Not long after Matsuyama won, he was heard, or at least read."Making Japan proud Hideki," Woods wrote on Twitter. "Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country. This historical (at)TheMasters win will impact the entire golf world."He's not wrong.Japan is already set to play host to the Olympics this summer, delayed a year because of the coronavirus and still a thorny subject for many in that country who wonder if the Tokyo Games should be held at all.The golf event at those Olympics is scheduled for the Kasumigaseki Country Club, the place where Matsuyama won as an amateur to secure that first trip to Augusta National in 2011 — where he visited Butler Cabin to receive the prize as the low amateur that week. A decade later, he returned to Butler Cabin, this time for Johnson to slip the green jacket over his shoulders."I'm really looking forward to the Olympic Games in Tokyo,"...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.