Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Elliott Smith, standing in for Martin Devlin talks Rugby League, and particularly his old mate Todd Payten who's currently the interim coach of the Vodafone Warriors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliott Smith, filling in for Martin Devlin chats football with Liverpool Legend, Australian Craig Johnston on the DRS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bring on more afternoon footy. That's the message from former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry.The back-to-the-future approach from the governing body sees Sunday games of Super Rugby Aotearoa kick-off at 3.35pm.That's earned plaudits from Sir Graham Henry, but he wants the concept extended."I think the times of the games are better. I’d like to see two afternoon games personally. "Sunday afternoon rugby is just superb, it adds to the viewing experience.”Listen above as Sir Graham Henry speaks to Martin DevlinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hooker is ready for his moment.The quiet riser of the UFC's lightweight division, Hooker has gone underestimated, underrated and under the radar in his climb up the rankings.Now ranked at No 5, the Kiwi steps into the octagon at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas today against No 3 ranked Dustin Poirier – with the winner emerging as the next man up in the title picture.As a prize fighter, an opportunity at the UFC title is the ultimate goal for Hooker; and his opportunity to reach that comes in the form of the best possible match-up for the 30-year-old."I don't think it's that big of a setback (if I lose)," Hooker explains. "For me, in this fight especially, it's a win-win situation."Dustin's the one in the hard spot, he's the one in the win-lose situation. With a win he doesn't gain that much from it and with a loss he slides down the rankings."For me, I give myself a great opportunity with a win, but with a loss I don't think I move that far down. I go back, beat up (No 7) Charles Oliveira or someone like that and make my way back into the top five, so it's a win-win opportunity from where I'm sitting."Hooker is the first international-based fighter to feature on a US-based UFC card since the promotion restarted from a Covid-19 enforced hiatus, with US Ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown organising him a visa; and the match-up against Poirier is a dream fight for the fans – particularly given the setting.Both Hooker and Poirier have the tools to win a fight in any facet and at any time, and at the UFC Apex they're locking in a cage about 20 per cent less width than the usual UFC octagon. Hooker is the rangier fighter and likes to utilise that length fighting behind his jab and bringing his knees into play. Poirier is no slouch on the feet, but appears to have the advantage should the fight get to the canvas with a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu."I know he's going to come to fight and I know he's going to bring the exact same thing I am; we both look to finish and we both look to put on a show."We've never been in a boring fight in our lives, so I'm not expecting that to change."For Hooker, his rise in the UFC has come from trusting his team at Auckland's City Kickboxing and knowing his skillset. While many fighters talk a big game ahead of their bouts and try to predict how it will finish, Hooker chooses to acknowledge the possibility that he might lose in any fight he takes. But with just one loss in seven fights in the UFC lightweight division, Hooker has his sights set on reaching new heights – at the expense of Poirier."This is fighting; anything can happen."Dustin Poirier (3) v Dan Hooker (5)Tale of the tape (Poirier | Hooker)Record: 25-6 (1 no contest) | 20-8Wins by knockout: 12 | 10Wins by submission: 7 | 7Height: 175cm | 183cmReach: 183cm | 191cmMost recent resultPoirier: Submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov (September 2019)Hooker: Split decision win over Paul Felder (February 2020)TAB Odds: Poirier $1.42 Hooker $2.70How to watch: Live on ESPN / Sky Sport channel 60 from 10am, or stream the event on Sky Sport Now. Poirier v Hooker will be around 3pm, though times are subject to change.Bout orderLightweight main event: Dustin Poirier v Dan HookerWelterweight: Mike Perry v Mickey GallMiddleweight: Brendan Allen v Kyle DaukausHeavyweight: Gian Villante v Maurice GreeneHeavyweight: Philipe Lins v Tanner BoserCatchweight (150lbs): Sean Woodson v Kyle NelsonLightweight: Luis Pena v Khama WorthyWelterweight: Takashi Sato v Jason WittStrawweight: Kay Hansen v Jinh Yu FreyFeatherweight: Jordan Griffin v Youssef Zalal- text by Christopher ReiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blues 27Highlanders 24The Blues remain unbeaten in Super Rugby Aotearoa - but only just.Nearly everything Leon MacDonald's men touched in the first half turned to gold as the Blues powered to a 22-10 halftime lead after scoring three tries and controlling the game through precise tactical kicking.At that point, the Blues were so dominant it seemed they would canter to victory but they then went to sleep and were pushed to the brink.The second half turned into a dogfight. In the end, the Highlanders will feel desperately unfortunate not to steal an upset victory after an inspired second half performance.Highlanders first five-eighth Mitchell Hunt scored a solo second-half try to bring his team back into the game but he could not nail a 73rd minute penalty to tie the scores.On the back of two ruck penalties from referee Paul Williams, the Highlanders set up camp in the Blues 22 during the closing stages but they could not find the killer punch.The Blues defended one rolling maul that finished metres out from their line – this effort ultimately the difference between maintaining their seven game unbeaten run and suffering their first defeat in the New Zealand derby competition.Caleb Clarke can claim much of the praise for the Blues victory, having channelled an emotional evening at Eden Park.As the 27,000 strong Eden Park crowd paused pre-kickoff to honour slain Constable Matthew Hunt, who died in the line of duty in Auckland last week, Clarke was in tears.The highly-promising wing lost his grandfather earlier in the day and was clearly a swarm of emotions as he prepared to take on a spirited Highlanders side rejuvenated since lockdown.Clarke is a man of deep faith, and after scoring the opening try he pointed to the sky in tribute. After another memorable performance in which he laid on another try and showcased his talents in the air by snaffling a restart, Clarke should be comforted, somewhat, in the knowledge that his grandfather and family will be immensely proud of his efforts.Despite those efforts, the Highlanders never stopped coming.While their backline wasn't as slick, the visitors' their forward pack competed well all night – No 8 Marino Mikaele Tu'u snaffling turnovers and enjoying a quality battle with opposite Hoskins Sotutu.Blues playmakers Otere Black and Beauden Barrett orchestrated a tactical kicking masterclass, particularly in the first half, as they regularly nudged the ball in behind the inexperienced Highlanders wingers and into the corners to control much of the territory battle in wet conditions.With the Blues applying pressure through the boot, Highlanders fullback Scott Gregory had a night to forget as he shelled several kicks and gifted Dalton Papalii the first of his double after a Sotutu charge down.Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu and Papalii, who scored two tries, often put their men on the front foot but MacDonald's men far from had it all their own way.Defensively the Blues will rue their sloppy start to the second half when they dropped off several tackles and lost two lineouts which allowed the Highlanders back into the match.The Highlanders did not need a second invitation to exploit big holes in the Blues defence. First Hunt sold a dummy and waltzed through. The Highlanders then had Ngane Punivai's try scrubbed out after a Hunt error at the breakdown was belatedly spotted. From the resulting penalty Rieko Ioane was sent to the bin and Shannon Frizell crashed over to give the Highlanders the lead.The Blues, however, again found the composure to hang on when it mattered most - just as they did in previous wins over the Hurricanes and Chiefs.While they head into the bye unbeaten, the Blues received another reminder of the level they must maintain.Blues 27 (Dalton Papalii 2, Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane tries, Otere Black 2 cons, pen)Highlanders 24 (Ash Dixon, Mitchell...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chiefs and British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland joins Martin Devlin on the DRS.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 Sunday 27th June. Brought to you by Access SolutionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Bryan Williams recalls to Martin Devlin the moment he first pulled on the All Blacks jersey 50 years on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fox League analyst Corey Parker talks to Newstalk ZB's Martin Devlin following the Warriors massive loss to the Strom in the NRL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has defended the selection criteria that will be used for the North against South Island rugby derby.Players will be chosen based on the first province they played for professionally.Foster is aware of the popular high school method of selection, but told Martin Devlin it is more or less the same.The match is set for August 29 with a venue yet to be determined.Foster is also keen to incorporate the Pacific Islands in their hopeful return to action in 2020.While the international calendar has been thrown into chaos due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been extensive talks between NZ Rugby and Rugby Australia around a Bledisloe Cup series.Foster confirms they've also been in discussions with Pacific nations, but it's proving a tougher schedule to sort.Listen to the audio above as All Blacks coach Ian Foster speaks to Martin Devlin and takes calls from listeners.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 Sunday 21st June. Brought to you by Access SolutionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby commentator Keith Quinn joins Martin Devlin as he recalls his famous line as Jonah Lomu scored in the corner against England 25 years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NZ Warriors star Sione Faumuina has labelled the Auckland club's decision to sack Stephen Kearney as the worst decision in the history of the team.Faumuina broadcast his fiery tirade on Facebook last night after Kearney was fired by the Warriors after a little more than three years at the helm, on the back of the side's 40-12 thumping at the hands of the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night.The decision was met with criticism from pundits and former players, including Faumuina, who believes Kearney should've been given until the end of the season, given the team's current circumstance.Faumuina, who played 88 games for the Warriors between 2002-06, said if he was still playing he'd want to walk out on the team."It's the stupidest, most ridiculous decision than any Warriors management in their history has made," said Faumuina."That was the dumbest decision to do considering what's going on right now. It's selfish, it lacks empathy… the worst decisions I've ever seen made in the NRL."I'm calling out the owner - if it was you, it was the worst thing you could have done. If I was playing and this happened, I'd want to come home now. I'd be like 'F this, send me home'."I don't know how anyone could pull the trigger on this decision during this time.""I'm guessing before they left for Australia they made a pact that they were going to ride this out to the end, and to have this happen right now after this loss," Faumuina added. "It baffles me."Do you not understand what's going on? What these people have sacrificed to play a game. They won't see their families until the end of the season, so whoever decided to sack Stephen right now made the dumbest move ever."Surely common sense would've said 'let's give him till the end of the season, let's back them regardless because they've sacrificed so much', but no."To add this onto everything else, I hope you all come together. I know it'll be tough. I feel for all the players and the staff.Newstalk ZB journalist and commentator Jason Pine called the decision "heartless and cold".Heartless and cold from the Warriors. I know sport is a results business but 2020 isn’t normal in any sense and needs adjusted thinking. They’ve sacked a coach in a bubble. Not particularly classy for mine. https://t.co/c2eNJ35DQQ— Jason Pine (@pineyzb) June 20, 2020Warriors CEO Cameron George said he felt a change of leadership was needed."Stephen is extremely professional and has put in a huge amount of effort in the role but, along with the owners, we feel we need to make a change now in the best interests of the club.If I was stranded across the other side of the Tasman for the entire NRL season and away from home and family, with the results of this year not really mattering in a real context, I would simply sack the coach.— Elliott Smith (@elliottnz) June 20, 2020"We're so grateful to Stephen for the dedication he has shown to us in what have been difficult circumstances. His commitment, work ethic and concern for the wellbeing of the club, players and their families through this challenging year is testament to his character and we wish him and his family all the best for the future."Given the Warriors' circumstances have seen them having to loan in a player to ensure they had a large-enough squad, there were joking suggestions on Twitter that they could also be loaned a coach.Genuinely dumbfounded that the Warriors have sacked Stephen Kearney at this point in this particular season. The side is struggling, for sure, but don’t see how getting rid of him helps right now. #NRL— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) June 20, 2020Kearney signed with the Warriors as head coach for the 2017 season, guiding the club to the finals in 2018.Payten (41) joined the Warriors' coaching staff last season after...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky commentator Tony Johnson joined the DRS reviewing the Blues victory over the Chiefs in Super Rugby Aotearoa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors CEO Cameron George explains to Martin Devlin why they decided to sack Stephen Kearney as head coach of the NRL franchise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin talks to Wellington Phoenix captain Steven Taylor ahead of the resumption of football's A-League.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin reviews the Warriors loss to the Rabbitohs with rugby league analyst Tony Kemp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin talks to Blues first-five Daniel Carter about his return to New Zealand rugby and why he's selling his 70th All Black jersey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports has returned to New Zealand, but leave the politics at home, asks Martin Devlin. Yesterday marked the launch of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, with the first match played between the Chiefs and the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.Sports Minister Grant Robertson delivered a speech before the game began highlighting the country's efforts against Covid-19 that have allowed live sport to return.Robertson also used the speech to thank essential workers for their efforts over lockdown. The speech was met with cheers - but Martin Devlin says that New Zealand should not adopt the US practice of merging sports and politics together. LISTEN ABOVESee 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 15th June.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 Sunday 14th June. 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 Sunday 14th June. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Todd Lewis, a reporter and presenter for the Golf Channel in the United States about the experience of a PGA Tour event without fans. Todd was at Fort Worth for the Charles Schwab challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former All Black captain Murray Mexted on the back of the opening game of Super Rugby Aotearoa between the Highlanders and the Chiefs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner on the back of the news that Eden Park is a sell out for the Blues opening game of Super Rugby against the Hurricanes.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 13th June. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin has a good long chat to England Head Rugby coach Eddie Jones, ahead of the re-start of Super Rugby Aotearoa. His book is called Eddie Jones, My life and Rugby and is available from all book stores.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Monday evenings from 7pm until 8pm, compacted into a podcast for Monday 8th June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Dean Jones, the former Australian cricketing great from the 80's and 90's about the prospect of the T20 Cricket World Cup going ahead later on in 2020, as well as some memories from his time in the game which saw him known as Sir Richard Hadlee's bunny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB from 12pm until 3pm on Saturday's and Sunday's, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 7th June. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder is a stalwart of Canterbury rugby, spending his entire 11-year professional New Zealand rugby career with the red and blacks in the NPC and Super Rugby.Mr Blackadder played 126 times for Canterbury and 71 times for the Crusaders.He also gained 12 test caps in the All Blacks jersey.But unlike Blackadder, Dan Carter will not be a one-club, or one-province man after joining the Blues for Super Rugby Aotearoa.Mr Blackadder told Martin Devlin he is a big fan of Carter's decision to play north.He said he does not believe Dan Carter's move to the Blues makes him a traitor to Canterbury rugby fans."I think his time was up and the Crusaders have great 10s coming through."Mr Blackadder believes the Crusaders are still the team to beat when Super Rugby returns in just under a week."The Crusades have to be favourites of course, but the Chiefs know that they can beat the Crusaders, the Blues lost to the Crusaders early so they'll be ready. I think this competition is absolutely wide open."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Warriors assistant coach Tony Iro, on the back of a disappointing loss to the Penrith Panthers in Campbelltown last night.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Cindy Boren, a sports and political reporter from the Washington Post discussing the issue of the Black Lives Matter protests and why athletes have been raised their voice on the issue more than in previous years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, now defence coach at the Blues about the vibe of the Blues squad on the back of the announcement that Daniel Carter has signed on as an injury replacement for the rest of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB on Saturday's and Sundays compacted into a podcast for Saturday 6th June. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Black Caps all rounder James Franklin, who's now living in Durham, England as the Head coach of Durham in the County Championship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Warriors centre Gerard Beale, on the back of their impressive win against the Dragons in Gosford in their first game back since Covid 19.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 31st May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former NSW Origin hooker and now Fox League analyst Michael Ennis, about what he's made of the new rules in regards to the way the game of Rugby League has been refereed, as well as his thoughts about the Warriors and how they might fare this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Fallon Sherrock, a Woman's Professional Darts player from the UK who made history when she became the first woman to beat a male opponent in a Professional Darts match, when she beat Ted Evetts at a PDC event at Alexandra Palace, England in December, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS, with Martin Devlin on Newstalk ZB from 12pm until 3pm Saturday's and Sunday's, compacted into a podcast for Saturday 30th May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Warriors Recruitment Manager Peter O'Sullivan, ahead of the Warriors opening round of the revised NRL season against the Dragons this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Japanese Strength and Conditioning coach Simon Jones, who now does the same role for the Highlanders discussing the players fitness levels 3 weeks out from the start of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former United and England player Paul Parker, about the latest situation in the English Premier League and how likely a June re-start is. Parker is frustrated by certain players refusing to play which are making plans of a re-start difficult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Martin Devlin chats to former Kiwis great Olsen Filipaina about his Rugby League career, that included some special memories with the Kiwis and some particularly difficult moments that he experienced while playing in the Winfield Cup in Sydney in the 1980's.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Kangaroo and Brisbane Broncos great Darren Lockyer. With a week to go til the restart of the competition, they look ahead to next week's games as well as reflect on his time in the game.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 23rd May. Brought to you by Access Solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Curtis Polk, one of the producers of The Last Dance sports documentary and part of his management team, about the success of the Netflix series and all the production elements and issues that were considered before releasing it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We Need To Talk, with Martin Devlin on Monday Nights from 7pm until 8pm, compacted into a podcast for Monday 18th May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.