Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Martin Devlin chats to Team New Zealand grinder Andy Maloney, about where the team is at only a few months out from the start of the Americas Cup pre-regattas in December.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Black Caps opening batsman and coach John Wright, about some of his memories of playing against the late Dean Jones, who passed awaty earlier in the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to NZRU CEO Mark Robinson, about the situation surrounding the Rugby Championship schedule and what NZ Rugby's desired outcome is at the conclusion of this.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 26th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.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 21st September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.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 20th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Athletes hoping to compete at the next summer Olympics still have 10 months of waiting to go. The Games are scheduled for the end of July next year, delayed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For BMX rider Sarah Walker, she was hoping to make her third Olympics after missing out on Rio, while Black Sticks player Rachel McCann had been hoping to make it to her first. Instead, the pair have now gone months without playing. For Walker, she has not ridden competitively since February, while McCann has not played since the Oceania Cup last year, as an injury prevented her from playing earlier this year. The two joined Martin Devlin to discuss how they have coped during the delay, and what the differences between individual and sports team are during a time like this.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taranaki 23Canterbury 22The Ranfurly Shield is heading north.As they did in 2017, Taranaki have snatched the Log o' Wood from Canterbury in Christchurch, with a late Jordie Barrett penalty sealing a 23-22 win.While Barrett's late heroics sealed the win, it was Lachlan Boshier who was the difference-maker. Taranaki's openside flanker lived up to his billing as a menace at the breakdown, winning plenty of extra possessions for the side, none more important than his pilfer inside Taranaki's 22 with just two minutes left on the clock.It was a play that ultimately sealed the win for Taranaki, whose last three Shield reigns have been at the expense of Canterbury.An early penalty off the boot of Barrett put the challengers ahead after three minutes, but it was the following 10 minutes that gave Taranaki fans a reason to believe.A piece of individual skill from young winger Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to toe a loose ball forward, collect the bounce and scoot across for the game's opening try. He was followed over soon after by lock Tupou Vaa'i, who was rewarded for backing up a break from Jordie Barrett.Ahead 13-0 after 15 minutes, Taranaki had gotten off to a superb start, and their defence backed it up.Working hard to attend every breakdown, plug every hole and make every tackle, Taranaki made it tough for Canterbury to get any fluidity in their attack, with Boshier making his presence felt at every breakdown.A vintage play from Beauden Barrett put the stamp on the half for Taranaki. The Taranaki No 10 got the ball dep in his own half, sized up the defence and launched through a gap. Leaving the defence in his wake, Barrett sent Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens away on the inside, who stood up Richie Mo'unga to score his second.With Canterbury only able to post a penalty from Mo'unga's boot in the first half, they had all the work to do in the second.To their credit, they came back strongly.Starting with a try to prop Oli Jager from close range early in the half, the ever-constant possibility of a Canterbury comeback lingered. Taranaki began to show signs of fatigue around the 50-minute mark, with all their tackling and defensive work from the first half catching up with them.Canterbury took advantage and, after tries to Mo'unga and Andrew Knewstubb, they took the lead inside the final 10 minutes.However, they lost it just moments later when Jordie Barrett kicked a penalty from 50m out, and Taranaki were able to close out the win for their first Ranfurly Shield reign since 2018.Taranaki 23 (Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 2, Tupou Vaa'i tries; Jordie Barrett con, 2 pens)Canterbury 22 (Oli Jager, Richie Mo'unga, Andrew Knewstubb tries; Richie Mo'unga 2 cons, pen)HT: 20-3text by Christopher ReiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his four-over par opening round at the US Open, yesterday Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox was hopeful he had just played his worst round of the tournament."Everyone's going to have a bad day around here at some point and hopefully that was me today," he said.It wasn't.He told Martin Devlin it's the hardest golf course he's ever played, and he got a bit spooked by it.“We had some pretty goods shots coming down the stretch Obviously, when the chance to make of making the cut was well gone, but it was sort of nice to walk off the golf course, almost have a bit of a laugh about it."He said you just have to try and put the bad days behind you."US Open is just one of those tests where, if you don't have it, it's your ass and you move on to the next weekend and try to forget about it."Fox carded a disastrous 15-over 85 in his second round at Winged Foot, carding five bogeys and five double bogeys as his 19-over score was the fourth-worst at the major which saw many golfers struggle.Danny Lee, of New Zealand, in action during the second round of the US Open. Photo / APToday, Kiwi golfer Danny Lee pulled out following a shocking finish to his third round at the brutal Winged Foot course.The 30-year-old followed an opening-round 70 with a five-over 75 to make it through to the weekend at the second major of the year, only for his tournament to unravel in dramatic fashion this morning (NZT).Lee experienced a massive meltdown on the 18th hole, six-putting from an initial distance of four feet to record a quintuple bogey nine.Lee was three over for his third round when he made his way to the par-four last and left himself a four-footer for par at the 18th, which he knocked so far past the hole that he left himself a longer putt coming back for bogey.His next effort failed to reach the hole and his third putt - his sixth shot - then rattled nearly seven feet past the target, with Lee's following attempt finishing just under four feet from the cup.The world No 108 saw his eighth shot go further past the target than any of his previous efforts, before eventually holing from seven feet seven inches - the longest putt of the lot - to finish his round with a quintuple-bogey nine.The six-putt from four feet saw Lee close out an eight-over 78.According to Golfweek, Lee withdrew due to a wrist injury.Lee last withdrew from a tournament in 2017, when he pulled out of the BMW Championship near Chicago after just two holes citing a lower-back complaint following a birdie and a bogey.Yesterday fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox missed the cut after carding a 15-over 85 in his second round. Just three players are under the card for the tournament heading into the final round.21-year-old Matthew Wolff leads the way with a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeauafter recording a five-under 65 today. Wolff is appearing in just his second major after an impressive tied for fourth at the PGA Championship last month.DeChambeau, three-under, and South African Louis Oosthuizen at one-under, are the only other two players under the card after three rounds. Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and American duo Xander Schauffele and Harris English are all at even-par, five shots back from Wolff.Wolff has only one PGA Tour victory to his name after making his debut on the tour last year. That came at the 3M Open where he beat DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa in a playoff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Black Cap and now cricket commentator Simon Doull, who's in Dubai for this years IPL - which is going ahead under strict Covid protocols.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Wallabies great John Eales, ahead of the final of Super Rugby Australia as well as a Rugby Championship in Australia to look forward to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Saturday's and Sunday's from 12pm until 3pm on Newstalk ZB, compacted into a podcast for Saturday 19th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Elliott Smith standing in for Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Monday nights between 7pm and 8pm, compacted into a podcast for Monday 14th September.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Brian Clark out of US Open Tennis radio, celebrating Naomi Osaka's 3rd Grand Slam win, and her 2nd US, as well as reflecting on the tournament as a whole, the first since Covid 19 struck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Julian Dean, the New Zealand former Tour De France rider who's now part of one of the teams cycling support staff, on what its been like being part of the 2020See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Saturday's and Sunday's on Newstalk ZB from 12pm until 3pm, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 13th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby Championship could be forced to go ahead without the world's best team.Sanzaar revealed earlier this week that Australia will host the tournament, which will begin in early November. However, the announcement soon became the source of fresh doubt over whether or not the Springboks would be ready to compete.Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber recently suggested their players needed at least six weeks of football to get in shape for international rugby, however it appears unlikely they will be able to play in South Africa until late September or early October.Were the Springboks to compete in the proposed November 7 to December 12 Championship, they would have to leave South Africa by October 18.Speaking to Newstalk ZB's Martin Devlin, former Springboks wing Breyton Paulse said he was doubtful the World Cup holders would be ready to compete."I don't think it will benefit the Boks, because of the short amount of time most of those players will have to get them mentally ready and physically," Paulse said."I can tell you now, South Africa at the moment things are really quiet, and I've got a feeling that, unfortunately, I don't think South Africa is not going to take part in that. That's my opinion, but in South Africa at the moment it doesn't look like they're going to play."The boys are not really fit enough; they obviously will need a couple of weeks and they will probably have two or three weeks to get ready for that tournament. It will be high intensity and it's just the nature of the beast."Things are a little bit messy at the moment from a South African perspective so I don't think it sits well with them at the moment. So, while nothing has been confirmed, in my opinion I don't think the Boks will take part in that competition unfortunately."The sense that you're getting when you talk to some of the management, they won't be ready physically or mentally for the tournament. And as the world champion team, you want to go out and be the best you can, you want to be competitive. But the sense I'm getting from the guys is that the Boks probably won't take part."With the competition being held in Australia, there have been suggestions some All Blacks may wish to opt out of travelling to play.After naming his first 35-man squad last Sunday, All Blacks coach Ian Foster will significantly increase that number by up to 11 more players before venturing to Australia. All players will be given the choice to opt out of the Rugby Championship, given the length of time away from family."We want to make sure whoever is representing the All Blacks does so in a safe environment where they feel happy and comfortable. Some of those conversations started earlier today with understanding where players and management line up with their different circumstances," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said."We are hugely supportive of our players we know they have gone through an incredibly tough time this year. This challenge of what they are about to undertake is going to be significant and we will back them and their families in whatever way we need to ensure they are looked after. If that means they are unable to assemble or travel we'll hear that out and support that."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Fred De Jong, the former All White who was part of the last side that played England in an international match, back in 1991 when they came here on a two match tour.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 12th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tense negotiations to bring the Rugby Championship to New Zealand were harpooned by the Government's unwillingness to negotiate — with officials making only one concession in almost three months.This, and not "Sanzaar politics" as suggested by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, led to Australia being awarded the hosting rights to the tournament, says New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey."This came down to the quarantine regulations being too restrictive for the championship," Impey told the Weekend Herald."The situation in New South Wales is that all teams have to undertake the 14 days quarantine period, during which they can train at full capacity while in quarantine."They'll need to have testing during and after the quarantine period, as well as having daily wellness examinations to make sure there are no signs of illness."If they do seem ill, they're isolated and tested, and once a negative result is returned, they can join the group."New Zealand Rugby Chairman Brent Impey. Photo / PhotosportAccording to Impey, in all the weeks since July, there was just one Government concession over quarantine conditions.Originally Government officials demanded that throughout the 14 days of lockdown after squads from South Africa, Australia and Argentina arrived in New Zealand, they would never train in groups bigger than 15 players.After several meetings and phone calls, it was finally agreed that in the last six days of the 14 days in quarantine, the size of the training group could be increased from 15 to 25, Impey revealed."The New Zealand situation was that on days one to three there had to be individual isolation. Then, following a negative test, from days four to seven, they could form bubbles of 15 that can train inside the bubble. Then, after a second negative test, they could expand the bubble to 25 from days eight to 14. If there was a negative test, then it was all over."That's what the decision to go to Australia came down. The difference in quarantine regulations."The trickledown effect of losing the Rugby Championship will rob venues throughout the country of the chance to host sold out crowds, while New Zealand's hospitality businesses can appreciate exactly why federal and state Governments threw financial support behind Australia's pitch to largely stage the six-week, 12-match tournament in Sydney.Asked if New Zealand would lose millions from not hosting the Rugby Championship, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said: "The economic impact is a bit higher than that for a tournament of this kind. There's a lot of business owners we certainly feel for at the moment."It was one way we felt rugby could put a whole lot of smiles on faces and improve the mood of the country but also for bars, cafes, hotels to be full, for people to be travelling into centres to watch these games."All that stuff we were hopeful we could see happen but it's not to be."NZR would still receive revenue from ticket sales, Rugby Australia's interim chief executive Rob Clarke confirmed last night."The way Sanzaar has approached this is very much a 'all hands in the middle' where all expenses will be pooled and all revenue will be pooled," Clarke said."The profit share will be split among the Sanzaar partners equally. It's a very fair approach. I think it incentivises everybody to make it more successful."- Additional reporting Liam NapierSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Dragons and NSW Origin half Jamie Soward ahead of the Warriors do or die game against the Parramatta Eels in the 2020 NRL season.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 6th September. Brought to you by Access SolutionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Ian Foster and his selectors named their first All Blacks squad for 2020 this morning.The 35-man squad featured seven new faces. Here's all you need to know about the rookie All Blacks.Alex HodgmanBorn and raised in Auckland, Alex Hodgman travelled south to begin his professional career, making his debut for Canterbury in 2014. The 27-year-old prop won three Mitre 10 Cup titles with the red and blacks and notched up nine Super Rugby caps for the Crusaders before returning home to Auckland. Hodgman is a now a regular feature for the Blues and Auckland and is a powerful scrummager with a high workrate around the field.Blues prop Alex Hodgman during a clash against the Hurricanes. PhotosportQuinten StrangeA former Nelson College First XV captain, Quinten Strange is an athletic lineout forward that has been earmarked for a big future. After an impressive campaign with the New Zealand Under 20 team in 2016, Strange debuted for Tasman later that same year, playing in 11 matches and securing an Investec Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders. It looked as though his 2020 season would be cruelly ripped away with a pre-season injury, but Strange returned to make five appearances in Super Rugby Aotearoa.Quinten Strange of the Crusaders. PhotosportTupou Vaa'iA former Wesley College Head Prefect and First XV captain, Tupou Vaa'i is the latest player to etch their mark in the school's proud history of producing All Blacks. Vaa'i made his provincial debut for Taranaki as an 18 year old in 2018 and the following year made six appearances for the New Zealand Under 20 side. In 2020 Vaa'i stepped up to Super Rugby, playing all seven matches in Super Rugby Aotearoa and emerging as bright prospect which the Chiefs recognised in extending his contract through to 2023.Tupou Vaa'i in action for the Chiefs. PhotosportCullen GraceBorn in Hawera and raised in Timaru, Grace made his Super Rugby debut in 2020 and immediately caught the attention of national selectors as a hard-nosed, dynamic loose forward, with 87 tackles and 45 carries in his debut season. A thumb injury sidelined Grace for much of Super Rugby Aotearoa but he made a successful return to the field for Canterbury in their Ranfurly Shield defence against North Otago in August. Grace captained the Canterbury Under 19 side in 2018 and last year was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 side.Cullen Grace of the Crusaders. PhotosportHoskins Sotutu22-year-old loose forward Hoskins Sotutu spent most of his rugby growing up playing in the backline, emulating his father Waisake who also played for Auckland and the Blues. It was only in the later stages of his schooling that Sotutu moved to the forward pack and he has since gone on to play for the New Zealand Under 20s, Auckland in the Mitre 10 Cup and made his Super Rugby debut off the bench in 2019. This season Sotutu turned heads as a powerful ball carrier and relentless defender. He was among the competition's best with more than 100 carries and 80 tackles.Hoskins Sotutu during a Blues training session.PhotosportCaleb ClarkeCaleb Clarke was in scintillating form during Super Rugby Aotearoa and was one of the best performers for the Blues in his six appearances in 2020. The son of 1992-1998 All Black Eroni, Clarke is an explosive winger who has a knack of claiming silverware, leading Mt Albert Grammar to the National 1st XV title in 2016 and as a member of the New Zealand Under 20 team that claimed the World Championship in 2017, the Auckland Mitre 10 Cup-winning side in 2018 and this year's World Series winning All Blacks Sevens team.Caleb Clarke of the Blues on a run against the Highlanders. PhotosportWill JordanWill Jordan was one of the most talked about players in 2020, with his natural flair and x-factor a key feature in the championship-winning Crusaders backline. A...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serena Williams' quest for a 24th Grand Slam title continued Saturday but she had to rally against a rejuvenated Sloane Stephens at the US Open.Williams lost the first set before prevailing 2-6 6-2 6-2 to reach the fourth round, her serve -- and legendary desire to win -- playing a big factor at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.Fans are being kept away this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the tournament operating a bubble similar to other sports. But there watching Williams was her daughter, Olympia, and husband Alexis Ohanian.The 38-year-old Williams faces another stern test on Monday when she meets Greece's Maria Sakkari -- who beat her last week.The turnaround for Williams against Stephens came at 2-2 in the second, when she saved a break point before breaking for 4-2 against the 2017 champion.Through the first five games of the second set, Stephens -- who wore a Black Lives Matter mask entering the court -- had been getting much the better of the baseline exchanges.She hit 13 winners and only five unforced errors in ground stroke exchanges while Williams tallied 14 unforced errors and just seven winners.After the key two-game swing, though, Williams raised her game. She didn't face another break point and finished with 12 aces.When Williams broke for 3-1 in the third, Stephens' chances all but evaporated.Confidence boostThe victory is sure to be a confidence booster for Williams after suffering upset quarterfinal losses at two warmup events when she held commanding leads. That included against Sakkari at the Western & Southern Open, when Williams led by a set and 5-3.If she goes all the way in New York, Williams would tie Margaret Court for the all-time lead in Grand Slam titles.Even in defeat, it's the type of outing that could kick-start Stephens' career. No one has ever questioned her talent but Stephens has struggled since reaching the French Open final in 2018.She entered the US Open with a 1-7 record in 2020 and only got a seeding of 26th when other players pulled out of the draw.Besides Williams' family, fellow players Naomi Osaka, Dominic Thiem, Sofia Kenin and Petra Kvitova took in the action from their luxury suites on Arthur Ashe that would otherwise go to corporate sponsors and guests.Saturday's most dramatic contest saw Karolina Muchova -- who beat Venus Williams in the first round -- save three match points to defeat Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-2 2-6 7-6 (7).The Czech became the latest player to save match points en route to victory this week, following Andy Murray, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Cameron Norrie and Varvara Gracheva.In a sizable upset in the men's draw, Canada's unseeded Vasek Pospisil beat Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut 7-5 2-6 4-6 6-3 6-2. The eighth-seeded Spaniard came close to ending Novak Djokovic's unblemished 2020 record last week at the Western & Southern Open in New York.text by Ravi Ubha, for CNNSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Foster will know by the end of next week when he gets to unleash his new All Blacks era.Through the near-constant postponements and schedule alternations Foster has been forced to patiently wait, and then wait some more, but Sunday marked the official start of his All Blacks tenure, with the naming of a 35-man squad at New Zealand Rugby headquarters that included seven new caps and an abundance of attacking flair.The Herald understands a Sanzaar meeting next Thursday will finally set in place the test schedule for the remainder of the year, with an official announcement due on Friday.The All Blacks are expected to begin with two Bledisloe Cup matches against Dave Rennie's Wallabies but where and when those fixtures are staged is yet to be determined.While Foster awaits confirmation, the All Blacks will disperse to their provincial unions for the first two rounds of that competition which starts next Friday when North Harbour host Canterbury in Albany."We're in a great position now, and hopefully we don't have to wait too long while we sort out some dates, but we've got the chance to put them back into Mitre 10 Cup and keep in touch with the players and they can inject a lot of enthusiasm about playing in that competition," Foster said after including rookie prospects Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Alex Hodgman, Quinten Strange, Tupou Vaa'i, Cullen Grace and Hoskins Sotutu to a core of established All Blacks."Rather than keeping this group in a camp we thought it was better for them to go back there until we have a clear idea about our programme."We're extremely hopeful of some tests with Aussie and after that we're not too sure but we'll wait and see. In the meantime we're fortunate we can put them back in Mitre 10 Cup."Watching 10 tries and a raft of classy skill in the North against South inter-island game on Saturday night in Wellington fuelled Foster's enthusiasm to get his first test match in charge underway."There's some guys there that just want to play. We're seeing guys who have a breath of enthusiasm and love for the game. We're seeing players trying to push things a little bit and that's going to have its flaws and we've got to make sure we harness that but it is an exciting group."Other than 20-year-old Taranaki and Chiefs lock Vaa'i, the North-South match did little to alter the selectors' minds."We didn't change our 35 based on last night. We certainly got some pleasant reminders from people who didn't make it about how much they want to be here. There was probably one player in our 35 that we needed to see a couple of things to make sure we were 100 per cent sure and we got that confirmation so we felt pretty good last night."What we saw was a game the players put a lot of meaning into. I said let's assess it after the fact and it's after the fact and it looked pretty good so I'd love to see it [again], where it fits I don't know."Injuries could yet alter Foster's squad.Crusaders centre Braydon Ennor will have scans once he returns to Christchurch to determine the extent of a knee injury he suffered 13 minutes into the South's victory. If he is ruled out, Hurricanes midfielder Peter Umaga-Jensen may be the next rookie in line for a maiden call up."Hopefully it's not too bad and we'll rehab him, and if it is bad we'll have to add someone in."The outlook for Dane Coles, Sam Cane and Strange is more positive.Scott Barrett (toe) and Ngani Laumape (forearm) are not due back until early November at the earliest but Foster indicated they would be brought straight into the squad when fit.Coles is back running after his niggly calf injury and will return for Wellington in the next two-to-three weeks.All Blacks captain Cane will play his first match for Bay of Plenty in five years this weekend after almost one month out with concussion. And after a frustrating year of injury set-backs, Crusaders lock...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Newstalk ZB's regular Tennis and Golf correspondent Graeme Agars, at the halfway point of the US Open - one in which saw Andy Murray bow out while Serena Williams fights on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Jamie Joseph, the Japanese head coach on the back of the disappointment of not being able to compete in a potential 8 Nations Championship in the Northern Hemisphere while reflecting on his thought processes when he was approached last year to be part of Ian Foster's coaching set up.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 5th September. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Highlanders co-captain Ash Dixon, who's selected in the North squad for this weekend's North v South game on what they're expecting in the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Phil Murphy out ESPN Australasia about the historic NBA boycott earlier on in the week, which saw the NBA postpone its playoff matches for 48 hours in protest of the shooting of Jacob Blake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Wimbledon was cancelled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it became the first of tennis' grand slams to be scrapped since World War II in 1945.There was uncertainty, too, surrounding the next major, the US Open, but the event is going ahead in New York with no fans, no mixed doubles and limited fields in men's and women's doubles. This despite tournament revenue -- which hit $399.6 million in 2019 -- expected to drop by as much as 80%.Tennis' bubbleBe it in the NBA, NHL or Champions League, bubbles are the new norm in sports, accompanied by coronavirus tests and temperature checks.The US Open is also operating a bubble, with players and their limited entourages being shuttled to and from the tournament's hotels to the tennis site in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Instead of the usual accommodation in swanky, high-rent Manhattan, all but a few are staying in Long Island at the Long Island Marriott and Garden City hotel.Players got used to the new setup this week -- since a warm-up tournament normally held in Cincinnati, Ohio, is being staged at the US Open site -- and so far there have been virtually no complaints."It's nice," 2012 US Open champion Andy Murray told reporters. "They've done a really good job at the hotel. They've got games and arcades and things like that, which I enjoy."They're putting on different food in the evenings for the players. We can get delivery. Room is absolutely fine. You have a gym there. So, yeah, it's absolutely fine."Private housing was an option given to players but Murray declined because he said costs were "astronomical."But Serena Williams -- making a ninth attempt at landing a record 24th grand slam title -- and Novak Djokovic preferred their own digs.For Williams, past health scares including pulmonary embolisms swayed her decision."I didn't want to be in the hotel because I have lung issues, so I felt like it was actually a big risk for me personally," the American told reporters. "At my house, I can control more. There is no housekeeping, there is none of that type of stuff."And so as much as I want to be here, it's great, but I have genuine health issues that I just really needed to put my mind at rest to even be able to perform in New York."Djokovic, who tested positive for the coronavirus after his ill fated Adria Tour was cut short, is based at a home described by the New York Times as "nestled amid trees.""With the trees and serenity, being in this kind of environment is a blessing," Djokovic told the newspaper. "And I'm grateful, because I've seen the hotel where the majority of players are staying."I don't want to sound arrogant or anything like that, and I know the (United States Tennis Association) did their best in order to provide accommodation and organize everything and organize these bubbles so the players can actually compete and come here, but it's tough for most of the players, not being able to open their window and being in a hotel in a small room."Notable no-showsPlayers have said they felt safe in the new environment. But due to the pandemic, several stars bypassed the US Open.The highest-profile absentee is defending men's champion Rafael Nadal, who could have tied Roger Federer for the all-time men's grand slam lead.Practicing on clay rather than hard courts -- the surface of the US Open -- the Spaniard was always leaning against making the trip and officially withdrew in early August."The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it," the 19-time grand slam winner said.Other notable no-shows include Stan Wawrinka, Simona Halep, Ashleigh Barty, Kiki Bertens, Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, 2004 winner Svetlana Kuznetsova, Gael Monfils, Nick Kyrgios and defending women's champion Bianca Andreescu.Andreescu, however, hasn't played since last year...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 30th August. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Todd Payten is taking his foot off the brake as his side continues its unlikely bid to make the NRL playoffs.Optimism is sky high around the Warriors after they crushed the Knights 36-6, even though they remain 9-1 outsiders to make the top eight because their winning run may have come too late.The club's immediate task will be to retain the services of wing George Jennings and prop Daniel Alvaro, who are on loan from Parramatta, when they play the Eels on Sunday. And the third-placed Eels are unlikely to be in a generous mood, after being crushed 38-0 by the Rabbitohs.Jennings has been in terrific form for the Warriors, and provided a match highlight on Saturday when he smashed through Newcastle playmaker Mitchell Pearce. Pearce was pivotal to the hopes of the injury-hit Knights, and while he carried on the battered captain did not exert any influence on the game in the second half.Alvaro has been part of a Warriors pack which, ironically, appears to have been strengthened by the addition of loan players this year.Roger Tuivasa-Sheck celebrates with teammates after scoring. Photo / Photosport.co.nzThe Warriors may have to win all four of their remaining games to have a chance of overhauling the eighth-placed Sharks but interim coach Payten said he did not want pressure to shackle his side."We're a good team, we're building, I think the belief is definitely growing, and they are enjoying themselves," he said."It's possible (making the finals) but we play a Parramatta team who are going to be desperate, they are physical, they're big, I reckon that will be our biggest test coming up this week. We'll see where we're at."We haven't had a conversation (about the finals) although it's probably going to start in the media. But for us it's pretty simple - my message is about everyone getting their job done. When it does, you get results like this, or at the very least come away with the win."We're pretty inexperienced (in dealing with hype) and it's my job to keep a lid on it. But in the same sentence our group enjoys freedom, and if I come down on them and try to rein them in it can hurt their footy."At the moment I'm letting them go and will run with what we're doing, see where it takes us."Payten said Jennings and Alvaro want to stay with the Warriors. Warriors chief executive Cameron George will work on resolving the issue today.One of the many impressive features in the latest win was the way the Warriors patiently kept a foot on the Knights' throat until they cracked.Inexperienced halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita played a huge part in that, an encouraging sign after veteran playmaker Blake Green left mid-season for the Knights.Payten said one moment in the Tamworth game showed that Harris-Tavita is making huge strides."I've said a few times how much I admire him as a person and a footballer," Payten said."He handled this year very well, didn't drop his head or kick stones when he was left out. He was very professional, worked on his game, he soaks up information."He followed Greenie around, picked up a lot of stuff in terms of talk and direction and I've seen that unfold."What I did like about Chanel today came when there was an opportunity to shift through the midfield and Tohu Harris didn't pass him the ball."I actually saw him give Tohu a rocket and a mouthful which is the development we needed from him."It's a tough gig for young halves to tell those senior players where to go and what to do and I'm starting to see that."- text by Chris Rattue, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former England spinner Monty Panesar, about his old team mate Jimmy Anderson taking his 600th Test scalp earlier in the week and his memories of helping Matt Prior save a test at Eden Park back in 2008.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to the now-former Silver Fern Laura Langman on the back of the announcement earlier on in the week that she's retiring from International Netball, reflecting on all she's achieved in the game and where to from now.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 29th August. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin talks to former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, about his career in cricket and the challenges he sees facing the young generation when it comes to playing sport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Martin Devlin chats to Don Tricker, the Director of Player Health and Performance for the San Diego Padres on what it's like trying to coordinate a professional baseball side in the MLB while adhering to all the Covid 19 protocols put in front of them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are growing concerns about plans to commercialise and stream youth sport.Earlier this year, Sky TV signed up to a deal that sees the blanket broadcasting and live-streaming of school sport on their platforms under the guise of the New Zealand Sports Collective.Now, a NZ Herald report has highlighted further concerns about the way the deal was done. Heath Mills, who formerly worked in secondary school sports before starting the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association and, latterly, the New Zealand Athletes' Federation, told Martin Devlin that there "What does concern me is the commodification of youth. Who owns the right? What rights do people have to exploit and make money off of 15, 16, 17-year-olds who are playing school sport?"He says that it opens the doors for other commercial entities, such as advertisers and sponsors, to get involved. Mills is concerned about the involvement of the Government through the state-owned entity Sport NZ. "The fact the Government has been so heavily supporting this is a disgrace." While most of Mills' ire is directed at Sport NZ leadership, he believes people in positions of responsibility at Sky TV also need a reality check."There are people involved there that should know better. They need to stop being captivated by the stardust and start to recognise some of the unintended consequences of their good intentions in supporting youth sport."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix's A-League season has come to a disappointing end, going down 1-0 to Perth Glory in their elimination final at Bankwest Stadium.A first-half strike from Joel Chianese was enough to settle the contest and despite intense pressure and firing off 32 shots to Perth's 15, the Phoenix were unable to find an equaliser and have exited the finals series at the first time of asking.On another day, one of Wellington's plethora of chances would have found its way into Glory's net, but a combination of well-organised defending, excellent goalkeeping and a fair amount of fortune saw Perth hold their lead and advance at the Phoenix's expense.The Phoenix will be left to rue their inability to finish their opportunities and nine weeks after jetting out of New Zealand's capital to continue the A-League season in New South Wales, their Australian adventure ended in anything but the fashion they had hoped for."Football's a cruel game sometimes," said coach Ufuk Talay."You dominate a game, create enough opportunities to win and it's a recurring theme from the last game against Newcastle. If we're not clinical in front of goal, we can't win games. We create, but we're just not clinical."We gave them one opportunity where they scored and then I think we totally dominated the game but we didn't score a goal to get ourselves back into it."The game's only goal came after 18 minutes when Chianese, who had scored twice for Sydney FC in a finals match against Wellington eight years ago, latched onto a neat through ball from Jake Brimmer, sped between two defenders and produced a tidy left-footed finish to beat Phoenix goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic from 15 yards.Going behind was the catalyst for an increased first-half intensity from the Phoenix who won a raft of set pieces and eventually attempted 17 shots before the break without opening their account. In particular, two goal-bound efforts from Ulises Davila were brilliantly saved by Liam Reddy, who ten years ago was the penalty shootout hero as the Phoenix beat the Glory in their first finals match. A decade on, and now with Glory, he was a formidable final barrier in the path of his former side.As the second half wore on, Wellington's attack became more and more desperate. Reno Piscopo flashed a right-footed effort just wide of the post, Steven Taylor was unable to direct a volley on target from a narrow angle and the outstanding Libby Cacace – in what will be his last game for the club – becoming increasingly more prominent, driving deep into enemy territory time and again to set up chances which went unconverted.As the game entered its final quarter, Jaushua Sotirio spurned a chance from a handy position after a run and cross from fullback Callan Elliot. There was also a suggestion of a Phoenix penalty when Tomislav Mrcela's high foot seemed to make contact with substitute Callum McCowatt, but referee Alex King saw nothing untoward. As time ticked down, David Ball's swivel-volley cannoned off the crossbar."I'm still very proud of the boys," said Talay."I think this is a great experience for our younger players playing these games. The more they play in these finals series, the more accustomed they get to it and the better experience they get from it."The win sees Glory advance to face Sydney FC in the second semifinal on Wednesday night. Melbourne City will meet the winner of tomorrow night's second elimination final between Brisbane Roar and Western United.Despite his first season as a head coach ending in this fashion, Talay said he still regarded the campaign as a success."I've thoroughly enjoyed it.""We've got a great bunch of boys. We started off on the back foot but the belief and the process was there and it got us to third on the table."That's our template and we'll build on that hopefully for next season."Perth Glory 1 (Chianese 18')Wellington Phoenix 0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Phil Murphy out of ESPN Australasia, about what he's seen from the opening few games of the NBA playoffs and who he likes to go and challenge for the Championship ring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Black Caps spinner Mitchell Santner, who's in Trinidad and Tobago playing the Caribbean Premier League, the first International T20 competition to get up and running around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to All Blacks coach Ian Foster, reflecting on a magnificent Super Rugby Aotearoa competition and looking ahead to the complications surrounding the North v South game in a couple of weeks.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 22nd August. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell, on what an Australian has made of our Super Rugby Aotearoa as well as what sort of format he's keen to see if the two competitions merge in 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaching 250 matches is irrelevant - Martin Devlin says there is no denying what Kevin Proctor did. The New Zealand international yesterday became the first player in the NRL's 112-year history to be sent off for biting, after the bunker ruled the Gold Coast captain sunk his teeth into Shaun Johnson's arm in the Titans' loss to Cronulla.With the base penalty for grade three dangerous contact being 500 demerit points, which equates to a five-match suspension, Proctor's facing a longer ban as the match review committee considers the incident to be of a higher grading than detailed in the NRL judiciary code.Many believe he'll be marched for the season.While Johnson is trying to brush it aside, Devlin says there is no excuses for what happened.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlanders 38Hurricanes 21The Highlanders celebrated their co-captains' milestones with victory over the Hurricanes to bring the premature curtain down on Super Rugby Aotearoa in bizarre circumstances.Aaron Smith's 150th match for the Highlanders, and Ash Dixon's 100th Super Rugby game, deserved to be recognised by a full house in Dunedin.While the latest Covid-19 outbreak ruined that prospect, the Highlanders turned on a second-half clinic by scoring 24 unanswered points to finish their spirited season on a memorable note.The Crusaders claiming the title last weekend, coupled with cancelling the scheduled finale at Eden Park on Sunday, effectively made this an exhibition game.With fans, other than family members of the Highlanders, locked out due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the reality is this match was largely staged to retain broadcast revenue. It certainly made for an eerie feel for the players involved.Both teams approached it in that exhibition style to turn on another breathless, and somewhat scrappy, spectacle.As you would expect from a Barbarians-type fixture, scripts largely went out the window in favour of embracing the rare freedom that comes with such a match.Offloads, turnovers, line breaks were frequent and the pace of the game regularly left tight forwards gasping for air.Clinical finishing was absent as the Hurricanes had three tries ruled out. Vince Aso stepped out; Scott Scrafton's inside pass to Reed Prinsep was ruled forward and Chase Tiatia scored after obstruction.The Hurricanes had the better of the first half, claiming two tries through rapid halfback Jamie Booth and Aso but after being denied two tries the visitors should've enjoyed a comfortable halftime buffer rather than being locked up 14-14.The Highlanders initially kept in touch through tries to Dixon and replacement Ngatungane Punivai but they were at their best when playmakers Josh Ioane and Mitchell Hunt held the ball in two hands and challenged the line or Jona Nareki came off his wing to expose tiring defenders.The locals took control by scoring three second-half tries – the result effectively sealed when referee Ben O'Keeffe awarded a penalty try and yellow carded Ardie Savea for collapsing a Highlanders lineout maul destined to hand Dixon his double.Given the landscape which forced the Hurricanes to fly in and out on the same day it's difficult to read too much into the result but after notching a five-match winning streak, a run which included defeating the Crusaders in Christchurch, they will be disappointed to end their season in this fashion.In many ways, however, this final match sums up the intensely competitive derby league in which any side can knock the other over on their day.Last week the Highlanders pushed the Crusaders through to the final quarter and finishing their season with a third victory from eight games will offer confidence that changes they made during lockdown have them on the right path for next year.A bonus-point victory is not enough to lift the Highlanders above the third-placed Hurricanes which leaves the Blues to finish second, six points behind the Crusaders after their final match was declared a draw.Highlanders 38 (Ngatungane Punivai, Ash Dixon, Michael Collins, penalty try, Mitchell Hunt tries; Josh Ioane 4 cons, pen)Hurricanes 21 (Vince Aso, Jamie Booth, Peter Umaga-Jensen tries; Jordie Barrett 3 cons)HT: 14-14See 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 16th August. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ANZ Premiership grand final will go ahead next Sunday – but without fans in attendance.Netball New Zealand has confirmed the Central Pulse and Mainland Tactix will meet in the final in Invercargill, but the consolation matches will not be held, with the third-place playoff between the Northern Mystics and Northern Stars, and the fifth-place playoff between the Southern Steel and Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic both cancelled.Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said the decision to continue with the grand final was determined by the Government's announcement on Friday with the country's alert levels remaining the same, with Auckland currently at Level 3 and the rest of the country at Level 2."Our team has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to give us the opportunity to play the grand final in an environment that safely meets the guidelines from the Ministry," she said."We're pleased that we are still able to showcase the pinnacle match of the ANZ Premiership during a season that has tossed up so many challenges for players, management, fans and officials."Netball NZ are hopeful that the Steel can play a curtain-raiser ahead of the grand final, but with no local fans allowed to attend, the planned bumper finals series may instead be set for an eerie conclusion.Wyllie says they will continue to monitor the guidance from the Ministry of Health and Government to ensure the match remains safe to go ahead."We feel confident in moving forward with the grand final but will be closely following the advice from officials," she said.The grand final is set to begin at 6.45pm next Sunday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.