Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Miles Davis chats to former England and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore about this England side at the 2020 European Championships and his old team mate Gareth Southgate, ahead of England's quarterfinal against Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are hungry to get back to number one in the rugby world.Currently, the New Zealand side are second behind South Africa.Assistant coach Brad Mooar told Elliott Smith Saturday's test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium is the first step to get back to the top spot."We don't get a two or three months pre season before our first game. It's really important we keep things clear and simple and go slow to go fast." Ahead of the test, the All Blacks reconnected and gave back to the South Auckland community, particularly after being hit by Covid-19 last year.Mooar says it was unbelievable to share and learn from different cultures."We had a public who were extremely excited and who were extremely grateful for us being there, when frankly, it's the other way around."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith talks to former Queensland Origin and Australian Rugby League great Wally Lewis ahead of State of Origin 2 in Brisbane, a game which sees young Warriors fullback Reece Walsh ruled out the day before kick off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to former Black Caps cricket captain and now commentator Jeremy Coney, as he reflects on New Zealand's win in the World Test Championship and where that ranks in the list of achievements in the history of New Zealand cricket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

text by Ben Morse, CNNAfter its campaign began in the most horrifying circumstances, Denmark's dream run at Euro 2020 continued on Saturday with a convincing 4-0 victory over Wales in the last 16.Striker Kasper Dolberg scored twice either side of the half time break and late goals from Joakim Mæhle and Martin Braithwaite wrapped up the result as Denmark looked the better side throughout.Wales was limited to half chances by a stout Danish defense, with Gareth Bale coming closest early in the encounter, but his effort just went wide of the post. Harry Wilson received a red card late on for a cynical challenge.Denmark's qualification for the quarterfinals comes two weeks after its star midfielder, Christian Eriksen, suffered a cardiac arrest during its game against Finland in the group stages. Eriksen has since been discharged from hospital after undergoing a "successful operation" and having been fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)."It's completely crazy," Dolberg told DR afterwards. "I actually don't know how I feel. This is total madness. It's surreal. It was here it all started for me, and to play here again in this setting was insane."Dominating throughoutWith Danish fans permitted to travel to Amsterdam, the Johan Cruyff Arena was predominately made up of Denmark supporters.Wales captain Bale offered his country's well wishes to Eriksen ahead of the game, handing over a Wales shirt with Eriksen's No. 10 and with the words "Christian, Get Well Soon."After some passionate national anthems, the game started with fervor and pace, with both teams exchanging chances in the opening minutes.Bale's shot went whizzing past Kasper Schmeichel's post but it was Denmark that broke the deadlock.In the 27th minute, Dolberg received the ball, turned and ran at a static Welsh defense before firing past an outstretched Danny Ward.The goal seemed to spur on Denmark, closing out the first half with heavy pressure chances. But it didn't have to wait long to double the lead, with Dolberg capitalizing on a poor clearance from Neco Williams to score his second goal of the tournament.Needing goals to get itself back in the game, Wales pushed forward, only to the benefit of Denmark.Mæhle and Braithwaite scored from inside the area to make the result more emphatic and qualify Denmark for the quarterfinals.Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosWales midfielder Wilson got a late red card for clipping the heels of a Danish attacker."It's not how we wanted the game to go, from our point of view we started very well and then the game changed." Bale told BBC afterwards."We tried to play in the second half but made a mistake to concede which killed the momentum on our side. To finish how we did is disappointed but the boys are frustrated and angry understandably, I'd prefer us to go out that way."Denmark will face either Netherlands or Czech Republic in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the quarterfinals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Māori All Blacks 35Manu Samoa 10When the Māori All Blacks met Manu Samoa in Wellington on Saturday night, a lack of match fitness proved the defining factor.For Manu Samoa, who were hosting the game at Sky Stadium, it was their first outing since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the physical battle took its toll. Although the Māori All Blacks also hadn't played a test since 2019, they played against Moana Pasifika last year and could call upon a squad of battle-tested players from Super Rugby, and it showed with the Māori side running away in the final 20 minutes to claim a 35-10 win.Impressively, despite the swirling wind, the goal kickers of both sides combined to convert all seven attempts at goal.Manu Samoa were well and truly up for the contest, and made their presence felt immediately. Kicking off, the Manu Samoa side were strong in defence and forced the Māori All Blacks to kick for territory.It was a tactic that wasn't executed well by the Māori side, with Bryn Hall's box kick being carried by the wind and pushed over the dead-ball line from inside his own territory. While that gifted Manu Samoa an early opportunity, they weren't able to capitalise on it.Instead, it was a Chiefs connection that saw the scoreboard start to tick over. After being awarded a penalty and winning the subsequent lineout deep in Manu Samoa's half, the ball was spread to midfielder Alex Nankivell, who found fullback Kaleb Trask lurking out the back in plenty of space.With winger Shaun Stevenson on his outside and playing under advantage, Trask put in a deft little grubber and Stevenson was the first to get there.While the Māori All Blacks opened the scoring, Manu Samoa were taking the physicality to them in the contact areas. Early in the match, the Samoan side were causing plenty of problems at the scrum for the Māori All Blacks' front row and were able to stop the Māori All Blacks' rolling maul close to the line on several occasions.It looked as though Manu Samoa had hit back on the scoreboard, but a try was ruled out due to foul play off the ball. However, they did score soon after, when winger Neria Formai swooped on a loose ball and finished of a chip and chase to level the score while the defence seemed to stand and watch.The Māori All Blacks had the final say of the half, though. Winger Sean Wainui was put over by a Nankivell offload after a suspect pass from hooker Ash Dixon in the lead-up, before Trask linked up with Stevenson to push the margin to 14 at the break.Manu Samoa scored the first points of the second half with a penalty from the boot of Rodney Iona, but from that point the Māori All Blacks controlled proceedings. With tries to Dixon and flanker Whetukamokamo Douglas, the margin stretched out to show a comfortable win for the Māori All Blacks.The sides will meet again next Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, playing prior to the All Blacks' test against Tonga at the same venue.Māori All Blacks 35 (Shaun Stevenson 2, Sean Wainui, Ash Dixon, Whetukamokamo Douglas tries; Otere Black 4 cons, Josh Ioane con)Manu Samoa 10 (Neria Formai try; Rodney Iona con, pen)HT: 21-7text by Christopher Reive, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miles Davis chats to former US Open winner and now BBC Tennis commentator Tracy Austin on the DRS ahead of the 2021 Wimbledon, which starts this Monday the 28th of June - the first in two years after last years event was cancelled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miles Davis chats to former Warriors and Kiwis coach Brian McClennan on the DRS, on the back of the news Shaun Johnson is returning to the Warriors in 2022. Brian is excited to see what he can brings to the side after 3 years away from Mount Smart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Football rivalries don't come much bigger than England versus Germany.The tie, steeped in decades of history, has thrown up memorable moments, tears, and more penalty shootouts for English fans to care for over the years.The two nations are set to write another chapter in this classic fixture on Tuesday as they compete for a place in the quarterfinals of Euro 2020.With Germany -- a World Cup winner in 2014 -- very much holding the upper hand over its old enemy in recent times, the rivalry remains very strong in England and it's not lost on German fans either.Stuart Dykes is a dual national having moved from England to Germany in 1987. As a football fan, who has worked in the offices of two Bundesliga clubs, he has seen the rivalry from both perspectives."I think it's probably the biggest game for them [Germany] as well," he tells CNN."Germany against England, it stands out above the rest. There will be bigger games for Germany in the football sense, but not from all the background, the history, the meaning."England is the home of football, if you like. Wembley is the home of football. So it's a special game for the Germans."Although having said that, I think most of them would be quietly confident that they can win as usual."The game that changed footballEngland fans won't want to remember the last time their team played Germany in a competitive fixture -- at the 2010 World Cup.That match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, ended in a 4-1 Germany win, but, regardless of the result, events on that day would go on to change football forever.The game will always be remembered for Frank Lampard's "ghost goal" which contributed to the introduction of goal-line technology in the modern game.With the match poised at 2-1, the English midfielder thought he had equalized with a delightful chip over Manuel Neuer. Despite the ball quite clearly bouncing off the crossbar and over the line, the officials on the day did not see it and did not award the goal.It caused outrage in England, forcing the game's governing bodies to apologize and paving the way for technology in the sport.By the next World Cup in 2014, FIFA had introduced goal-line technology. By the 2018 edition, VAR was in full flow."It changed the game for the better," Lampard previously said about his "goal," per Sports Illustrated."So I'm pleased about that. It's a positive move for the game as a whole with the introduction of goal-line technology."Penalty miseryIt hasn't always been doom and gloom for England in this fixture.The side, spearheaded by the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen, secured a famous 5-1 win against Germany in a World Cup qualifier in 2001.There is also World Cup final win against West Germany in 1966 -- the last time England won a major tournament.That game also featured a controversial goal.Running onto a cross from Alan Ball, England's Geoff Hurst controlled the ball and shot high, beating the keeper but hitting the crossbar. The ball bounced straight down, making it virtually impossible to tell if it had crossed the line.Hands from both sides shot up and a tense few minutes ensued, with the Soviet linesman, Tofik Bakhramov of Azerbaijan, first denying the goal and then, following consultation with the referee, allowing it. That made the score 3-2 with England winning 4-2.But, in truth, successes have been few and far between and a lot of England's heartbreak against Germany has centered around penalties.At both the 1990 World Cup against West Germany and Euro 1996, England was knocked out of the semifinals after losing penalty shootouts.The match in 1990 is also remembered for England's talisman Paul Gascoigne shedding a tear after being shown a yellow card which would have ruled him out of the final -- should his team had got there.As the saying goes: "22 men chase...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to Indian cricket writer Bharat Sundaresan on the back of Day 2 of the World Test Championship, in which he thinks India are just in front at this point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long drought is over for the Blues.They're Super Rugby Transtasman champions after toppling the Highlanders 23-15 in the final at Eden Park - their first title in 18 years. Three penalties after halftime put the visitors up by two, before a penalty and a 77th minute try to loose forward Blake Gibson got the Blues over the line.Blues coach Leon MacDonald says it wasn't easy on the heart."It's not easy on the heart. It was a real final, it was real combative, it was physical, with ebbs and flows and a bit of drama. We were thrilled to get there in the end." Broadcaster Tony Kemp joined Elliott Smith to dissect the match, and the competition as a whole - including why he doesn't want it to happen again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors' finals hopes continue to dive, after a costly 10-6 loss in Newcastle.Just like the earlier clash with the Knights this season, the Warriors were sunk by a late try, with Brodie Jones crossing in the corner in the 75th minute.This defeat will be extremely tough to take. They had plenty of chances, but couldn't make anything count, with their only try coming from a Knights fumble.It's the Warriors' third straight loss, and they have only won one of their last six matches.As has happened so many times in 2021, the margins were fine, but the game was lost in the first half. The Warriors couldn't take advantage of a gale behind them, nor the Knights being down to 12 men, and the 6-4 margin was never going to be enough.The halves struggled to provide direction, amid a general lack of fluidity. The powerful charges of Ken Maumalo were also missed, in conditions that would have been perfect for him. Reece Walsh had a mixed game, though never stopped trying and provided a lot of bright moments.Conditions were awful. A blustery wind roared down the field, and the rain was near horizontal for most of the game.All eyes were on Walsh early. The fullback had a tricky take from the kickoff, as the ball blew back towards the Knights, then dropped the ball cold from an attacking scrum.But the 18-year-old soon provided an early highlight reel. He made a gutsy catch, then beat four defenders on a 70-metre run, before being caught just short of the try line.The Warriors opened the scoring in the 24th minute, probably against the run of play, after Euan Aitken scooped up a loose ball from a Knights error, sprinting from inside his own 22.But as has happened many times this season, they couldn't build on it. The team made a mess of the kickoff, conceding a line drop out in a classic coach-killer moment. The Knights forced a repeat set, before Lachlan Fitzgibbon powered past Eli Katoa from close range.But the home team lost their try scorer in the 33rd minute, binned after he caught Kodi Nikorima high. That opened the door for some late opportunities, but the Warriors couldn't profit. The final two minutes of the half were particularly painful to watch, as they couldn't engineer anything from consecutive sets on the Newcastle line.The first half was messy, punctuated by errors and cheap penalties. Nikorima was caught on the fifth tackle, while Sean O'Sullivan was pinged for a needless shepherd. While they were competing well in the ruck, they lacked structure and organisation and couldn't make the most of the tailwind, hampered by a 67 per cent completion rate.A Jake Clifford penalty levelled the scores, after Walsh spilled a towering Mitchell Pearce bomb. The Warriors were still guilty of not playing to the conditions – with low percentage plays in their own half and flat passes – and only a delightful Walsh goal line drop out prevented a repeat set.In a tight match, there was a strange lack of urgency at times, epitomised when the Warriors forced a goal line drop out, then didn't prepare for the kick, which left Ben Murdoch-Masila tracking back over his halfway line to retrieve it.There were further opportunities, without the last-tackle polish, and Walsh shanked a field goal attempt. A bust through the middle of the ruck – as Kane Evans failed to cover – set the Knights for their last raid. A magnificent Roger Tuivasa-Sheck tackle saved a certain try, but Jones crossed on the next play.Knights 10 (Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Brodie Jones try; Jake Clifford goal)Warriors 6 (Euan Aitken try; Reece Walsh goal)Halftime: 6-4text by Michael Burgess, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps paceman Kyle Jamieson says the New Zealand bowling unit will take a lot of confidence after an even start to the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton.Bad light ended play early while rain stoppages saw the sides leave the field a number of times on day two following a full opening day due to rain.At stumps, India were 146 for three with skipper Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinka Rahane (29) steering the innings back on track after the side lost three wickets for 18 runs following a strong start.After winning the toss and bowling first, New Zealand failed to get an immediate breakthrough as Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill survived the overcast conditions.Jamieson eventually got the breakthrough after the openers put on 62, when Sharma edged to Tim Southee at third slip for 34. Neil Wagner then had Gill caught behind for 28 before Trent Boult trapped Cheteshwar Pujara for eight which left India 88 for three."I think it's pretty even at the moment. A pretty good day of test cricket really," Jamieson said. "The disruptions didn't help the momentum we were trying to get that we had at periods of time. They played really well. They put away the bad balls when they were there and they were really patient outside off."Our plan was to stick around there and credit to them they were able to play pretty well. We were able to keep things relatively restricted and grabbed three important wickets as well."Jamieson ended the day with 1-14 from 14 overs as he kept the Indians at bay from one end."It was obviously pretty crucial to try and keep the ball in reasonable areas for a long period…it was good to halt their momentum a little bit. How we did that has a bowling unit throughout the day after they started off pretty well was pleasing and it kept things in the balance very nicely."Obviously we know they are a quality lineup from 1 to 11. There's a reason why they've been one of the top teams in the world for a long period of time. For us, as a unit it was about trying to keep the ball in the right areas for long periods and I think we were able to do that or the most part today and we'll certainly take a lot of confidence out of that moving into tomorrow."Just 64.4 overs were bowled on day two and rain is also expected to cause possible delays tomorrow at Southampton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to Bharat Sundaresan of Cricbuzz, about what to expect from this Indian side in the upcoming World Test Championship, which saw day 1 washed out in Southampton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to Talksport football correspondent Tom Rennie, as he reflects on England's frustrating 0 0 draw against Scotland in the European Championships. It was the first time the two sides had played each other in a competitive match since 1996.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand cricket team's bid to win the World Test Championship looks set to get under way under the threat of some grim spring weather in Southampton.The one-off, five-day test match against India starts on Friday evening NZ time and the UK's Met Office is currently predicting light rain and moderate breeze around Southampton's Ageas Bowl for the duration of the event.However, the weather in the days leading up to Friday could have an even greater impact on the contest than any stretches of disruption to play during the match itself.The Met Office has issued a "Yellow warning" for the wider Southampton region which lists a number of ominous weather possibilities such as "a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds".This weather warning has been issued for the two days leading up to the match, as well as the opening day, a period traditionally crucial within the process of pitch preparation.Simon Lee, the groundsman tasked with preparing the 20m of clay and soil that will help decide which team is the best-of-the-best in test cricket, is hoping to unveil a fast, lively pitch but this current forecast may affect that plan.On Monday, Lee told Cricinfo.com that the weather was looking good, but he may not have looked further on from Wednesday when sunny skies give way to storms."For me personally I just want to get something out that has some pace, bounce and carry in the pitch. It can be a hard thing to do in England as the weather doesn't help us most of the time, but the forecast in the build-up is good with a lot of sun, so we are hopeful that we'll get some pace and a hard pitch without over-rolling it and killing it," Lee said.With covers now expected to take their place over the pitch throughout the day before the match, there is now the potential for moisture to make its way into the surface, creating conditions that will most likely make batting a much harder proposition. However, Lee says there is hope in the fact the pitch itself has the capability to dry out fast, even if rain is a continuous threat."The pitches dry out very quickly here as we do have some sand mixed into our cricket loam, which helped it hold together when the pitches were re-laid some 10 years ago."There is no doubt that damp, gloomy conditions - the kind commonly faced in New Zealand - favours the Black Caps.On New Zealand soil the Black Caps have lost only five of 25 test matches against India, winning 10 of those. While in the more hot and humid conditions of India, the Black Caps have won just two of 34 tests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to Warriors Recruitment Manager Peter O'Sullivan about where the Warriors are at with their recruitment going in to 2022, and how he has had to adopt his recruitment style to suit a quicker game of Rugby League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Henry, Neil Wagner and Ajaz Patel have bowled New Zealand to the brink of a stunning test series win over England.The trio combined for eight wickets in a remarkable spell on day three of the second test, with Trent Boult adding one for good measure as England finished the day a miserable 122-9, leading by just 37 runs as victory looms for the Black Caps.While a test series victory – which would be their first in England this century – was always possible, plausible even, the dominance this Black Caps team produced on day three, especially without some frontline stars, was extraordinary.Yes, this is a under-strength English side, but New Zealand are missing Kane Williamson, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee - a rather significant 292 tests of experience.You could barely notice they were missing based on the performance of their replacements on day three, with three wickets apiece to Henry and Wagner being complemented by two from Patel as a simple path emerged to a test win in England – just their sixth in history.To make it more remarkable, this was a day that could have ended poorly for New Zealand, after a middle-order collapse.Resuming at 229-3, New Zealand had eased to 292-3, before losing their last seven wickets for 96 runs to go into the second innings with a lead of 85.Having struggled at the start of his innings, Ross Taylor looked more like his old self to begin day three, bringing up his second 50 in his last 15 test innings with some more assured, yet still aggressive strokeplay.He offered a chance on 68 before departing on 80, caught behind flashing outside off, and that sparked a tumble of wickets.Henry Nicholls (21) gloved one down legside to the keeper, while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell missed their final opportunity to put their hand up for the World Test Championship final.Mitchell departed for six, pulling a long-hop straight to short midwicket, and while Blundell made 34, he was dropped third ball and has put in a mixed display behind the stumps, making the selection of Watling, if fit, an easy choice for the selectors next week.Patel, however, strengthened his case for selection, following up his two first-innings wickets with a pleasant 20 at No 10 that showed the tail would not necessarily be dramatically lengthened by his inclusion.He and Boult added 27 for the last wicket which gave the bowlers a better buffer – one that became increasingly daunting for England as the Kiwi bowlers tore them to shreds.Henry did the most damage, removing Rory Burns second ball to an excellent Tom Latham catch at second slip, before Mitchell showed safe hands to pocket the wicket of Dom Sibley at third slip.Zak Crawley followed, trapped lbw, and England were in dire straits at 30-3.Just as thoughts turned to how Henry could be crammed in to a jam-packed bowling equation for next week's final against India – in place of Wagner, perhaps? – Wagner showed just how difficult the next few days will be for the New Zealand selectors.Brought on in the 14th over, by the end of the 18th Wagner had two scalps to remind everyone of his value, trapping Ollie Pope lbw with his familiar inswinger, before having Dan Lawrence caught behind.And then, as if there weren't enough (welcome) selection headaches for Gary Stead and Williamson, the impressive Patel got in the action, bowling James Bracey before removing England's last hope, skipper Joe Root, caught behind.A quick 44-run stand between Olly Stone and Mark Wood ensured New Zealand will have to bat again, but with just one England wicket remaining, and a fourth-innings target unlikely to surpass 50, a special victory awaits for the Black Caps.text by Niall Anderson, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christian Eriksen lay unconscious on the field, his pulse slipping away, Denmark team doctor Morten Boesen quickly realized there wasn't a second to lose."He was breathing, and I could feel his pulse. But suddenly that changed," Boesen said Saturday. "And as everyone saw, we started giving him CPR."The next 10 minutes were among the scariest to ever unfold during a match at soccer's European Championship. Several medics worked frenetically to give Eriksen chest compressions while his teammates choked away tears and formed a circle around the midfielder to shield the scene from public view.And finally, the eerie silence that had descended around Parken Stadium was replaced with massive cheers."We managed to get Christian back," Boesen said. "And he spoke to me before he was taken to the hospital."Eriksen was awake and in stable condition Saturday night after being taken to a Copenhagen hospital, the Danish soccer federation said.His collapse, which came in the 43rd minute of the match against Finland, led to the game being suspended for about 90 minutes before both teams made the decision to play on. Finland went on to win 1-0 after Joel Pohjanpalo scored in the 60th minute and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky later saved a penalty.But in the end, the result seemed merely an afterthought."Of course you can't play a game with such feelings," Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said. "What we tried to do was incredible. It's incredible that the players managed to go out and try to play the second half."UEFA said both teams had held an emergency meeting before deciding to continue playing. The players came back out onto the field to a huge ovation as they started warming up for a second time.Hjulmand said the teams were given the option of finishing the game on Saturday or resuming on Sunday."The players couldn't imagine not being able to sleep tonight and then having to get in tomorrow, get on the bus and play a game," Hjulmand said. "Honestly, it was best to get it over with."Eriksen had just played a short pass when he fell face-forward onto the ground. His teammates immediately gestured for help and medics rushed onto the field.Eriksen's partner, Sabrina Kvist Jensen, went onto the field and was comforted by Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.The Finland players huddled by their bench and eventually walked off the field while the Inter Milan midfielder was still getting treatment, as did the referees.Eriksen was eventually carried off to a loud ovation, with his teammates walking next to the stretcher.Inter Milan team physician Piero Volpi told The Associated Press that the Italian club was in contact with the Danish soccer federation."We're in contact with the Danish federation, the team manager, the team physician. But we still don't know anything yet," Volpi said. "We heard what UEFA said and we're all happy that he's been stabilized. But that's all we know."Volpi added that Eriksen never contracted COVID-19, has no medical conditions that he's aware of and has passed every medical exam without problem since joining Inter in January 2020 from Tottenham."But we'll talk about that when the time is right," Volpi added of Eriksen's medical history. "Right now, the important thing is that he recovers."Eriksen is one of Denmark's biggest stars and the incident brought an instant sense of shock to the Parken Stadium, where about 15,000 fans fell into hushed silence. Some supporters could be seen crying and hugging in the stands.The game was broadcast widely, including on ESPN in the United States, which later responded to online criticism that its telecast lingered too long on the scene before cutting away. ESPN said it didn't have its cameras on the scene and was using a worldwide feed supplied by the Union of European Football Associations."Once it was clear the world feed was...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues 31Force 21For the first time since 2003, the Blues will contest a Super Rugby final, and after their strong trans-Tasman campaign, they have earned the right to host it.The Blues have ensured they finish the regular season at the top of the table, beating the Western Force 31-21 in Auckland on Saturday.After the Highlanders and Crusaders both won earlier in the weekend, the equation was simple for the Blues. As long as they won, they would be hosting the final as, even without the bonus point that would separate them from their rivals, their points differential would be superior with a win.It wasn't their best performance of the season, all but three of their points coming in the first half, but it was enough to get the job done."40 minutes is never good enough," Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said after the match. "You're always striving for the perfect 80, or 80 plus."It was a hard-fought game and you've got to be happy with the result that we get a home final, so we're looking forward to that."We'd love to have a full Eden Park for a final that we haven't had for a while. I know a lot of us are striving for success here, and this is a step in the right direction."The Blues took some time to find their way in the match. Both sides needed a feeling out period, with neither able to control the possession for long periods in the early exchanges.It took a barnstorming run from Hoskins Sotutu to bring life to the Blues, with the No 8 making a strong charge to find clear space, before sprinting away from the chasing defenders to score the game's opening try.It was the only opportunity to Blues took inside the opening 25 minutes, and it seemed as though the Auckland faithful would be in for a rather nervous watch.However, a 28th minute try to winger Mark Telea seemed to spark the Blues. They ran in two more tries before the end of the half through Sotutu and flanker Dalton Papalii to lead 28-0 at the break.While it was an impressive period, it wasn't without issue as flanker Tom Robinson was forced from the field due to a head knock. He failed to pass his head injury assessment and was forced out for the rest of the match.From the way the first half ended, it seemed the Blues were well poised to go on with the job. Instead, it was the Force who were firing on all cylinders in the second half.Scoring tries through hooker Feleti Kaitu'u, midfielder Tevita Kuridrani and fullback Rob Kearney, the Force outscored the Blues 21-3 in the second period.The Blues did look to have another try through Telea late in the piece, but instead it was ruled out due to foul play in the build-up, and reserve hooker Ray Niuia was sent to the sin bin.With the 10-point win, the Blues finish the season on equal points with the Highlanders and Crusaders, but end the campaign at the top of the table due to their superior points differential.The Blues will now host the Highlanders in the final next weekend, with the Highlanders having a better points differential than the Crusaders.Blues 31 (Hoskins Sotutu 2, Mark Telea, Dalton Papalii tries; Otere Black 4 cons, pen)Force 21 (Feleti Kaitu'u, Tevita Kuridrani, Rob Kearney tries; Ian Prior 3 cons)HT: 28-0text by Christopher Reive, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to French Open tennis commentator Gigi Salmon, as she reflects on an incredible performance from Novak Djokovic who beat Rafael Nadal to book a place in the French Open finals, which was Nadal's first loss at Roland Garros in 35 games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to former England fast bowler and now Talksport pundit Steve Harmison on the back of the 2nd day of the 2nd test between the Black Caps and England from Edgebaston, which see's the New Zealand side in a good position heading in to Day 3.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith speaks to Euro 2020 football commentator Jim Proudfoot on the back of the opening game of Euro 2020 between Italy and Turkey, which saw Italy play impressively in winning 3 nil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary rugby league commentator Ray Warren joined Miles Davis to give a preview of State of Origin game one that kicks off on Wednesday night.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis aficionado Craig Gabriel gives Miles Davis the run down on the latest round of the French Open.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former kickboxing world champion and City Kickboxing striking coach Mike Angove gives Miles Davis his take on the bout between Floyd Mayweather and YouTuber Logan Paul.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland speaks with Miles Davis following his side's 12-10 loss to the Brumbies last night.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Brown takes us through all the stars chances at the French Open at Roland Garros progresses, as well as looking ahead to Wimbledon.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graeme Agars took Miles Davis through the scorecard at the Women's US Open and rates Lydia Ko's chances of putting pressure on the leaders.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Kirwan gives his take on the Blues and Hurricanes game and his thoughts on the closing gap between Australian and New Zealand sides.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Devon Conway's club cricket coach, Gary Fowler, joined Miles Davis to have a chat about Conway's historic debut at Lord's.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Waddle gives his thoughts on the Blackcaps first test against England and Devon Conways superb 200 on debut.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith speaks to former All Blacks and Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis, who's now plying his trade for Rugby United New York in the Major League Rugby in the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time Sunday beating Manchester City 1-0 thanks to Kai Havertz's first-half goal as Pep Guardiola's overthinking proved costly again in the all-English final.Havertz ran onto Mason Mount's perfectly weighted through-ball and skipped by City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes before slotting the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute.Chelsea added to the first European Cup it won in 2012 and become the 13th multiple winner of world soccer's biggest club competition. Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel got his hands on the trophy a year after losing in the 2020 final with Paris Saint Germain.City's long, often-painful and lavishly funded journey to the summit of European soccer remains incomplete and Guardiola might regret tinkering with his settled team that had swept City to its first Champions League final and to the verge of another trophy treble.The innovative Spanish coach, seeking to win the Champions League for the third time and first since 2011, has been guilty in recent years of overthinking his tactics in the big games and he might have done it again here.Starting without a striker was expected - Guardiola has preferred that in the Champions League knockout matches - but going without a specialist holding midfielder in Fernandinho or Rodri was a major surprise and seemed to destabilize City.It meant Ilkay Gundogan, City's top scorer this season and a revelation in his attacking-midfield role, dropped in as the anchorman in midfield and he struggled to protect City's defense.Indeed, for Chelsea's goal, Mount had time and space to thread a superb pass from inside his own half through the center of City's defense - which was opened up by Timo Werner's decoy run - for Havertz to run onto. Ederson came flying out of his area and got the slightest of touches to the ball with his hand, but Havertz regained his balance and applied the easy finish.City never had the control Guardiola so craves and, in that respect, Tuchel - another tactically astute manager - was the winner in his coaching duel with a rival he describes as "the benchmark."Werner, who worked the channels well behind City's full backs, had already squandered two great chances before the goal, first miskicking from Havertz's cut-back and then shooting tamely at Ederson from close range.City faced the colossal task of breaching Chelsea's well-drilled defense twice in the second half — one that became much tougher when City's star player Kevin De Bruyne, who had little impact in the false nine role, was forced off in the 60th after a clash of heads with Antonio Rudiger.Fernandinho finally came on in the 64th, by which time Chelsea had retreated and was looking to hit on the counterattack. From one, substitute Christian Pulisic — the first American player to feature in a Champions League final — ran onto Havertz's pass but slipped a shot just wide.Not even a 15-minute cameo from Sergio Aguero in the last match of his 10-year career at City could salvage anything for the Premier League champions, whose players slumped to the ground at the final whistle.Meanwhile, Chelsea's players raced to their fans who made up an attendance of 14,110 at the Estádio do Dragão, the replacement venue for the final at the end of a pandemic-affected season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chiefs first five-eighth Damian McKenzie is in danger of missing the opening All Blacks test of the year.McKenzie will face the Sanzaar judiciary after receiving a red card for a dangerous tackle in the 22nd minute of the Chiefs' 40-34 Sky Super Rugby Transtasman defeat to the Reds in Townsville last night.McKenzie committed an armless high tackle on halfback Tate McDermott which resulted in a sending off.He faces up to six weeks on the sidelines which should be reduced to three weeks, due to no previous incidents.McKenzie will at least miss the rest of the Super Rugby Transtasman season with the Chiefs having two games remaining against the Rebels and Waratahs.If the Chiefs fail to make the Super Rugby Transtasman final then that means McKenzie could be in line to miss the opening test against Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium on July 3.The All Blacks could get around that if McKenzie misses a club rugby game in the week on the Super Rugby Transtasman final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan extended a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas for 20 more days on Friday, with infections still not slowing as it prepares to host the Olympics in just over 50 days.Cases remain high and medical systems in Osaka, the hardest-hit area in western Japan, are still overburdened, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said in announcing the decision."I am aware that many people are voicing concern about holding the Olympics and Paralympics," he said. "I take them seriously, and I will proceed with preparations for a safe and secure games."He said the next three weeks are "an extremely important time for us to achieve results" in a two-pronged battle to control infections while expanding vaccinations.The current state of emergency in the capital and eight other metropolitan areas was to end next Monday, but hospitals in some areas are still overflowing with COVID-19 patients and serious cases have recently hit new highs.The 20-day extension covers nine areas ranging from Hokkaido in the north to Fukuoka in the south. A 10th area, the southern island prefecture of Okinawa, is already under emergency status through June 20.Olympic organizers must decide at about that time whether to allow any fans at all, after overseas spectators were banned months ago. A plan to prioritize vaccinations for Japanese athletes is expected to begin around then, according to media reports.The Olympics are scheduled to start July 23 after a one-year postponement due to the pandemic, and worries about new variants and Japan's slow vaccination rollout have triggered calls from the public, medical experts and even a sponsor to cancel the games.Suga's public support ratings have plunged to about 30% from around 70% when he took office in September.Experts have warned that the variants are infecting more people, leaving them seriously ill and flooding hospitals in some areas.Japan has lagged on vaccinations due to bureaucratic and planning missteps and shortages of medical staff. Only 2.3% of the population has been fully vaccinated, and the current phase targeting older adults is not scheduled to finish before the games start.Still, Suga and his government are determined to host the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has also said the games will go ahead even if host city Tokyo is under emergency measures.The government has been pushing to speed up inoculations and aims to administer up to 1 million a day, but some experts say that's an overly optimistic target.Japan has reported about 730,000 coronavirus cases and more than 12,700 deaths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith chats to Blues captain and blindside flanker Tom Robinson ahead of their home game against the Brumbies in Super Rugby Trans Tasman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith speaks to Rugby League commentator out of the ABC, Andrew Moore as they discuss the Warriors 1 point loss to the Cowboys in Townsville. NZ listeners will now be able to hear more from Andrew and the ABC league commentary team this year after Gold Am secured the rights to selected Warriors games in the NRL in for the rest of 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith speaks to former England Test captain and stylish left hand batsman David Gower, ahead of the Test series starting between New Zealand and England starting next week at Lords.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.