Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

All Blacks coach Ian Foster's more than pleased with the current relationship between the All Blacks and Super Rugby franchises, and excited for what's to come.There's been a perception of conflict between the two camps, which has heightened due to minutes restrictions on All Blacks.Super Rugby coaches have to limit their All Blacks' minutes in the opening rounds.Foster told Martin Devlin that, from what he's seen over the years, the relationship between the two is strong."I'm continually impressed when I go and visit the franchises. We're fortunate we've got some great organisations that are really all striving to be the best they can be, a lot of motivated people."He says that the All Blacks have little influence over how Super Rugby franchises structure their teams and campaigns.Fosters says that having a stronghold on how the teams operate wouldn't benefit the New Zealand game."We can't become an organisation where all the ideas have to flow from the top down, because that's just going to stifle innovation and it's going to cause a lot of coaches to become frustrated and not become the best that they want to be."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Highlanders and Japan assistant coach Tony Brown about his musings from the opening couple of weeks in Super Rugby andSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Matthew Smith, the Nelson boy who made his international debut for the Spanish Men's Rugby team earlier this year against Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport on Saturday's and Sunday's, compacted into a podcast for Saturday February 8th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio Show on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport on Saturday's and Sunday's, compacted into a podcast for Sunday 2nd February.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a while since a Super Bowl has appeared to be such a toss-up. This one between the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and the AFC champ Kansas City Chiefs is a difficult game to judge.The 49ers (15-3) have gone from the No. 2 pick in the draft last April to the verge of another championship. The Chiefs (14-4) were in the AFC title contest last year and fell in overtime.In 2019, both teams were dynamic and won a bunch of big games. Now they meet in the biggest one.Here's how the Chiefs and 49ers match up in the Super Bowl:WHEN THE CHIEFS HAVE THE BALLIt's not difficult to figure out how the Chiefs will approach any game. QB Patrick Mahomes (15) will test defenses with his arm and skill for reading schemes. He has game-breakers in WRs Tyreek Hill (10) and Sammy Watkins (14), which means single coverage on either is a gamble. TE Travis Kelce (87) is a first-down machine and a clutch performer all around.Damien Williams (26) keys the backfield and comes off two exceptional postseason showings, even though Mahomes has often been the leading rusher by creating the way he did in the AFC championship game with a brilliant tap dance down the sideline for a go-ahead score.That puts a huge onus on the Niners to get an effective pass rush, something they have done virtually every week. They will harass Mahomes with a front seven led by rookie Nick Bosa (97), a force on the outside. DT DeForest Buckner (99) has had a strong impact, and LBs Fred Warner (54) and Kwon Alexander (56), who is finally healthy, are formidable. Having edge rusher Dee Ford (55), who was a Chief last season, bolsters the unit.They will challenge a good Kansas City offensive line anchored by RT Mitchell Schwartz (71) and LT Eric Fisher (72). But if the O-line holds true, San Francisco could struggle in coverage against the speedy Chiefs wideouts. CB Richard Sherman (25) remains outstanding, even if the rest of the secondary isn't at his level.WHEN THE 49ERS HAVE THE BALLAfter seeing the star turn by RB Raheem Mostert (31) against Green Bay, the Chiefs must be wary of what usually is a three-pronged rushing attack. Tevin Coleman (26), if healthy, and Matt Breida (22) give QB Jimmy Garoppolo options in the backfield, although Mostert is certain to be the main man. They operate behind a veteran line led by LT Joe Staley (74) and second-year RT Mike McGlinchey, and Kyle Juszczyk (44) is the NFL's top fullback — as a blocker and receiver.If the Niners run the ball effectively, it could open some wide spaces for All-Pro TE George Kittle (85), the most dynamic offensive player they have. Kittle is a difference-maker who will force the Chiefs to use double coverage at times. S Tyrann Mathieu (32) will see a lot of Kittle, and S Daniel Sorensen (49), who has had a monstrous playoffs, will be in the mix.Covering WRs Emmanuel Sanders (17), Kendrick Bourne (84) and emerging rookie Deebo Samuel (19), who is fearless going over the middle, is another chore the Chiefs must handle well. That will require big-time contributions up front from Chris Jones (92) and Frank Clark (55) and LBs Anthony Hitchens (53) and Damien Wilson (54).SPECIAL TEAMSKansas City has a dangerous kick returner in Mecole Hardman (19), one of the NFL's fastest players. The rookie does get antsy to return the ball, though, and that can lead to bad decisions. Harrison Butker (7) is a reliable placekicker with good range. He did miss three extra points, one fewer than his misses on field goals. Veteran punter Dustin Colquitt (2) had a kick blocked by the Texans for a TD, but he's generally reliable.So is San Francisco PK Robbie Gould (9), in his 15th pro season. He kicked in a Super Bowl for the Bears in 2007, so this stage won't unnerve him. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky is a mere pup in comparison, finishing off his first NFL season. Richie James ranked fifth in overall kick and punt returns for the 49ers, but isn't...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was good news for two of the New Zealand teams that kicked off their Super Rugby seasons this week. The Crusaders have cruised to an easy 43-25 bonus point victory in their Super Rugby season opener against the Waratahs in Nelson.The two times defending champions dominated the first half leading 24-6 at the break, thanks to tries to outside backs Will Jordan, Braydon Ennor, and Leicester Fainga'anuku.The Waratahs found hope early in the second half with two tried to wing Mark Nawaqanitawase, but the Crusaders quickly quashed any hope the visitors had with Jordan and Ennor grabbing doubles and Luke Romano also getting on the score sheet.The Blues hoped to emerge victorious in their home game against the Chiefs. The Auckland side appeared completely in control at the break, after Rieko Ioane scored two typically blockbusting tries on the occasion of his 50th game and the Chiefs, expected to be competition front-runners this season, were strangely absent on attack and defence – they missed 20 tackles in the first half alone.But the visitors' comeback was quick and brutal, a turnaround which reaped a total of 32 second-half points. It was helped immensely by the introduction of their returning first-five Cruden who coolly organised their attack, dropped a goal in the final moments to extend his team's margin to seven points and kicked a penalty after the siren to deny the Blues a losing bonus point.The match ended 37-29 to the Blues. The Hurricanes suffered an even more embarrassing defeat, losing 27-0 to the Stormers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Rasheed is one of Australia's best known tennis coaches. While he has coached a number of prominent athletes in his time, the biggest name remains former world number one Lleyton Hewitt. Ahead of the Australian Open Men's Singles Final - of which Hewitt is the most recent Australian to have won - Rasheed joined Martin Devlin to discuss his experience as a coach, and why the drive to succeed is what makes sports players great.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Steve Gordon, the former Waikato lock and radio sport rugby analyst about the opening game of Super Rugby 2020 between the Blues and the Chiefs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Bhurat Sundaresan, a writer for Cricbuzz who is following the Indian tour of New Zealand about the Black Caps struggles at the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio Show Podcast on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, compacted into a podcast for 2nd February 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Adam Bridge out of Talksport in the UK, recounting a famous incident that happened in this week back in 1995 when Manchester United's Eric Cantona famously kung-fu kicked a fan at a game against Crystal Palace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio Show across Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, compacted into a podcast for the 26th January 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio show on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, compacted into a podcast for the 25th of January, 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former tennis player Pat Cash talks with Martin Devlin above about Nick Kyrgios' chances, and whether his 'bad boy' attitude is holding him back. Nick Kyrgios needed four hours and 26 minutes to secure a nail-biting victory against Russia's Karen Khachanov in a fifth-set tiebreak.The Australian sent down 33 aces in what he describes as "one of the best wins of his career".Kyrgios will face World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the fourth round, who he has defeated three times in their last seven encounters.Kyrgios' blunt response to Nadal snubNick Kyrgios has followed Rafael Nadal's lead and baulked at an opportunity to speak kindly about his bitter rival following the Aussie's epic five-set thriller against Russian Karen Khachanov.While Nadal sidestepped having to reveal his true feelings about the Aussie, Kyrgios boldly fielded the same question during his post-match press conference after 1am (AEDT) on Sunday morning at Melbourne Park.Both players were asked outright if they like each other.Kyrgios' response has lit the fuse for their fourth round blockbuster, expected to be scheduled for Rod Laver Arena on Monday night."I don't really know Rafa," Kyrgios said."I've never really hung out with him so I don't really know how he is. I don't really dislike him. I never said I dislike him. I don't know him at all."Helluva tennis player. I don't know him as a person. I assume he's OK."When asked if the pair have ever spoken about their famous Mexico Open falling out last year, Kyrgios expanded further on the mutual respect they have for each other – and the undercurrent of hostility between them."At the end of the day we're two different tennis players," he said."We go about it completely different. After Wimbledon, I lost. I got beaten by a better player and I shook his hand I looked him in the eye and I said, 'Too good'."So regardless, if we don't like each other, whatever, I think there's a layer of respect."He's one of the greatest of all time and I also read that he thinks that I'm good for the sport. So there's a layer of respect that we have for each other. That doesn't necessarily mean that we like each other."The pair have traded verbal barbs ever since Kyrgios' famous win over Nadal in Mexico last year, where the Spanish star said the Aussie "lacks respect for the sport".Kyrgios responded by labelling Nadal "salty".Petrol was poured on the simmering rivalry when Kyrgios also mimicked Nadal's service action in his second round win over Gilles Simon.When asked about Kyrgios' salty dig, Nadal replied: "I really don't care, I am here to play tennis."Honestly, I don't care at all. If was funny, good. That's it."Asked straight up if he likes Kyrgios, Nadal earlier replied: "I don't know. I don't know him personally, honestly, to have a clear opinion."It is clear (that) when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don't like (it)."When he plays good tennis and he shows passion for this game, he is a positive player for our tour, and I want my tour bigger, not smaller."So the player who make the tour bigger are important for the tour."When he's ready to play his best tennis and play with passion, (he) is one of those guys."When he's doing the other stuff, of course I don't like (it)."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to the Fijian King of Sevens, Waisale Serevi about his Sevens Rugby memories and what he's up to now, living in Russia of all places.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin is joined in the studio by the voices of New Zealand cricket, Jeremy Coney and Bryan Waddle taking your calls on this current Black Caps side and cricket in general.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport with Martin Devlin, compacted into a Podcast for the 19th January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen above as Martin Tyler talks with Martin Devlin about Liverpool's dominance. Below, AP's Rob Harris previews Sunday's match. A trip to Anfield is a journey into Manchester United's deepest anxieties. Liverpool is the club setting the standards which United tries to emulate while dreading replicating Liverpool's three decades of anguish to reach this point.When United plays the world and European champions on Sunday, the best United coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can hope for is slowing a title charge so relentless it seems a done deal with almost half the season still to play."It can be an intimidating place," Solskjaer said Friday.Especially since Liverpool holds a 14-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League - a largely unfamiliar position for a team which last won the championship in 1990. That title extended England's title record to 18, cementing Liverpool's status at the time as a soccer force with a collapse simply unthinkable. But as the Liverpool dynasty faded, United was resurgent. Once the team's 26-year title drought ended in 1993, Alex Ferguson ruled the Premier League. The trophy was collected by Ferguson for a 13th time before heading into retirement in 2013 and leaving United as the 20-time English champions with Liverpool's mark overhauled.But United has not come close to winning the title since then, with just one runners-up finish while Liverpool is a force again under Juergen Klopp.With Solskjaer the fourth manager in the post-Ferguson era, United is 27 points behind Liverpool going into Sunday's game. For the firth-place team the prospect of a 21st English title seems remote. The drought is seven years and counting, but still far from Liverpool's 30-year barren run."That's what we're working hard to make sure doesn't happen and let that be a lesson for us," Solskjaer said. "They've been close a few times and we can't let ourselves go another 26 years until we win the league and I'm sure we won't, because I believe in this club. I believe that we will rebuild now. We've started something that is going to take a little bit of time, but we'll get there."Even if there is a little sign of that yet for a side that has lost six of its 22 games and is so lacking leaders in the dressing room that it had to appoint a player who has been at the club five months — Harry Maguire — as captain on Friday as Ashley Young departs.A plus for Solskjaer is that he is the only manager to take points off Klopp this season in the Premier League in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October. But Liverpool is enjoying a 38-game unbeaten run stretching into last season when it was beaten to the title by one point by Man City.Whereas Liverpool's recruitment under American owner John Henry has been canny, United's Glazer family have appeared wasteful in signing costly established players in a misguided attempt to collect superstars. From the return of problematic playmaker Paul Pogba to locking sullen striker Alexis Sanchez into a costly contract, United has showed just how badly it lacks a clear figure leading recruitment. Ed Woodward has led the club as executive vice chairman for seven years and the former banker has faced dissenting fan chants.Liverpool, though, has sporting director Mike Edwards playing a key role in establishing a strategy for building a team. Selling Philippe Coutinho two years ago to Barcelona for 160 million euros (then $192 million) provided the funds to reinvest in the squad — signing goalkeeper Alisson and center back Virgil van Dijk — and turn Liverpool into title contenders again while collecting a sixth European Cup.Klopp is still surprised at United's lack of ambition in the October draw, seeing the team as too defensive."It's strange when you play against a high, high-quality team what United still is, and they play the way they play," Klopp said Friday. "That makes life...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As messages on video boards cautioned Australian Open spectators to "be aware we are expecting a reduction in air quality" Saturday, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal seemed satisfied that all will be fine at the year's first Grand Slam tournament despite recent days of smoke arriving from wildfires burning 100 or so miles away.The haze hanging over Melbourne Park lately lightened as Monday's start of main-draw action approaches, but even if things worsen, the owners of a combined 39 major championships were among the players saying they're confident tennis officials will make sure conditions are safe before allowing competition.Federer and Nadal both said they marched themselves down to the tournament referee's office to understand what was going on when local news reports were saying people should stay indoors, yet qualifying rounds were taking place outdoors at Melbourne Park.On Tuesday, one player collapsed in a coughing fit; another sought medical attention for breathing problems. "I said, 'I think we're all confused. Is it super unsafe or is it totally safe to play?'" Federer said. "I told them, 'Look, I just think communication is key for all of us, for everybody. We just need to do more.' Because I feel like I hadn't gotten enough information."Two weeks ago, as the fires in eastern Australia raged, leading to the deaths of more than two dozen people and millions of animals, defending champion Novak Djokovic wondered aloud whether the event might need to be delayed until the air improved. Tournament director Craig Tiley pointed out a week ago there are three stadiums with retractable roofs, plus eight indoor courts, which could be used if need be. The hope, of course, is none of that will be necessary. Rain is in the forecast for four of the next five days, which could help matters.The top-ranked Nadal said he was told air measurements were being taken every four minutes and the standard for how clean samples need to be is more stringent than that used by the International Olympic Committee."I really cannot believe that the most important committee in the world wants bad health for the competitors," Nadal said. "So that answer convinced me. I am here to play."Others were not quite so ready to adopt that mindset -- or agree with Federer's stance on the issue, which he summed up as, "I don't worry." Particularly outspoken was Denis Shapovalov, a 20-year-old from Canada who said he didn't understand the air quality policy issued by the tournament."You get an email from the tournament saying that it's playable, and 'you guys have to go out and put your life in jeopardy, put your health in jeopardy.'"You see the effects on players it has right now, the last couple of days," the 13th-seeded Shapovalov said. "But also you don't know what it's going to do later in our lives and how it could affect us if we're breathing this air in for two weeks."He said he wouldn't play a match if he felt the conditions weren't safe."Obviously, it's a Grand Slam, a big opportunity, but I'm 20 years old," Shapovalov said. "I don't want to risk my life, risk my health, being out there playing in this condition, when I can for the next 10-15 years."Stefanos Tsitsipas, a 21-year-old from Greece who upset Federer a year ago in Australia en route to his first Grand Slam semifinal, said he had trouble breathing after an indoor practice session when he first arrived in Melbourne. "I'm feeling OK now, but I was a bit concerned," the sixth-seeded Tsitsipas said. "I was coughing a lot."Like Nadal and Federer, three-time major semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov took the view that tournament and tour officials have "been looking after us.""I never think they're going to jeopardize our health over anything," Dimitrov said.Two players who have asthma, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and 2019 U.S. Open semifinalist Matteo Berrettini, said...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former Black Caps captain and one of the voices of New Zealand cricket, Jeremy Coney reflecting on the Black Caps disastrous tour of Australia and where it all went so horribly wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS Radio Show on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, compacted into a podcast for Saturday 18th January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to former All Black Adam Thomson, who's signed with the Chiefs as a temporary injury replacement for this year's Super Rugby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, hosting the DRS in place of Martin Devlin has a chat to returning former All Black Aaron Cruden ahead of his return to New Zealand rugby with the Chiefs, which gets underway in a couple of weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, hosting the DRS in place of Martin Devlin and Thomas dissect 5 separate sporting topics, 60 seconds on each. When the buzzer goes, so do they on to the next one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge says the future of the Auckland women's event is assured, even if a mooted WTA teams tournament held in the same week comes to fruition.After the success of the ATP Cup this week, there has been support from several leading players for an equivalent event on the female side — something that would have significant implications for the Auckland tournament.ASB Classic tournament director Karl Budge. Photo / GettyBudge has been included in initial discussions about the concept with the WTA and Tennis Australia, but says there are a lot of hurdles to overcome, and even if it does happen, it won't be for at least three years."There have been initial conversations with [WTA CEO] Steve Simon and Tennis Australia."There is a lot of water to go under the bridge. Obviously it gets attention when it is in the media, but it definitely won't happen next year, and I can't see it the year after either. It took a long time for the ATP Cup to get anywhere near the position it is in now."Budge points out there are a lot of things to work through."For a start there would need to be equal prizemoney; so can they [Tennis Australia] make a [combined] $25 million tournament work?," he asked."And if it gets any traction, what is our preference? Would we want to be the other alternative [tournament] that week? Would we want to be part of it as a host city? Are we wanting to swap weeks? There is a heap of different options that we could explore and I want to make sure that we are part of the discussion."The ATP Cup has involved 24 national teams, playing in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, with the final played today in Sydney. Although there has been some teething issues, it has been well received by players and fans. It has meant changes to the calendar, with the men's draw in Brisbane and the Hopman Cup and ATP 250 event in Pune no longer staged, although Doha has continued in the same week.It has also caused some controversy, as the women's matches at the Brisbane International were relegated to outside courts until Thursday, to accommodate the men playing at the same venue, prompting Maria Sharapova to say their tournament felt like a "second-tier" event.However there are significant roadblocks for the proposed WTA Cup, not least financially. The ATP Cup is a US$15 million commitment, which would need to be matched for a female event. It would also require co-operation from the two tours which is not necessarily a given, and the make-up of teams would be more difficult, given the differing concentration of talent on the women's tour. Any plans would have to be ratified by player and tournament councils, and find agreement over the mechanics of entry, ranking points and prizemoney."We all understand it would be an amazing thing to have a teams event in guys and girls, but if that is reality, I'm not sure," said Budge. "I'm not sure it is something that is on the ATP's radar at the moment. But we are open-minded."I've heard of a lot of proposals come and go over the years. Whatever happens, our event will continue. We own the licence, we own the sanction. It's what we do with it that's up to us. We are part of the conversation."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, hosting the DRS in place of Martin Devlin chats to Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen around the tour of Australia, and in particular the selection process involved in picking the best 15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden and Thomas Harris dissect 5 separate sporting topics, 60 seconds on each. When the buzzer goes, so do they on to the next one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, hosting the DRS in place of Martin Devlin chats to Glen Jackson, the recently retired Rugby referee as he reflewcts on his time in the game and why he's stepping away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio Show (DRS) Best Bits of 2019. Back again in 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, in place of Martin Devlin chats to Ben Sandford- who's the new Chair of the WADA Athlete Committee from January 2020.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, in place of Martin Devlin discuss 5 separate sporting topics. 60 seconds on each. When the buzzer goes, so do they on to the next one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, in place of Martin Devlin chats to Peter Lalor, the Chief Cricket Writer of the Australian who was full of praise for the Kiwi fans that brought so much atmosphere and entertainment to the first few days of the Boxing Day test.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Yalden, in place of Martin Devlin for the summer chats to Kiwi tactician Mike Sanderson, who was on board Comanche who won the 2019 Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin and the Devlin Radio Show on Newstalk ZB, compacted in to a podcast for December 22nd, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin has a chat to the now former All Blacks and Warriors doctor as he reflects on the 30 years in the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to the best in the business when it comes to Cricket Commentary, our own Ian Smith. Talking his decision to sign on again with SKY TV, a reflection on that World Cup game 6 months on and a look ahead to the Boxing Day test and what he thinks our chances will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin and the Devlin Radio Show on Newstalk ZB, compacted into a podcast for the 21st December, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to 4 New Zealand cricket fans ahead of what will be a trip of a lifetime, when they go to Melbourne and the MCG on Boxing Day. Enjoy it people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to Boxing expert out of the United States, James Smiddy Smith. Talking the state of Heavyweight boxing heading in to 2020 and who are the top fighters in the world, in his opinion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Devlin Radio Show DRS on Newstalk ZB as a podcast for the 15th December, 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin talks to Steve Hansen about the 2019 Rugby World Cup and his tenure as the All Blacks coach. LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin has a good long elongated chat with new All Blacks coach Ian Foster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to New Zealand Middle Distance Olympian Nick Willis, reflecting on the incredible life and achievements of one of his heroes - Sir Peter Snell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DRS Devlin Radio Show on Newstalk ZB as a podcast, for the 14th December.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin chats to ASB Classic Tournament Director Karl Budge about how he goes about trying to lure some of the best tennis players in the world to Auckland year in year out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin and the DRS on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, compacted into a podcast for the 8th December. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears surrounding the Black Caps' Boxing Day test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after a Sheffield Shield match at the venue was called off due to safety issues today.The first day's play of the four-day clash between Victoria and Western Australia was called off after several Western Australian batsmen were hit on a dangerous MCG pitch.Western Australian batsman Shaun Marsh was hit several times and later went for a concussion test, and was quoted by news.com as saying the pitch was "unplayable"."We saw guys getting hit on the head and it was disappointing. When Marcus [Stoinis] got hit on that last occasion it was pretty realistic that the pitch was unplayable."I probably got hit four or five times, and we saw after lunch when the wicket got a little bit harder and there was a lot of divots out there it became unplayable."The pitch will be inspected again tomorrow ahead of a potential re-start but Western Australia coach Adam Voges was unimpressed."It's about player safety," Voges said."We won't put our players on a wicket that we feel is not safe. We'll make that decision in the morning. But how can they prove to us it's all of a sudden safeThe drama occurred just 19 days out before one of the Black Caps' biggest test matches in years – and their first Boxing Day test in 32 years.However, Cricket Australia pledged to get that particular pitch – which will be a different one to the strip used today - right come Boxing Day."We will seek to better understand the issues that resulted in variable bounce at the MCG. We will also work closely with MCG groundstaff in the lead up to the Test match," said Cricket Australia head of operations Peter Roach."But we also acknowledge that there have been two previous Shield matches at the MCG this season without incident."Matt Page and the MCG groundstaff have more than two weeks to ensure the test surface, which is a different pitch strip to the one being used in this match, is of international standard."The Boxing Day test is the second of three tests the Black Caps will play in Australia, with the team having flown out today to Perth for the first test, a day-night pink-ball encounter, which starts on Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Joshua jumped up and down in the ring with his massive entourage, celebrating being around US$70 million richer and having three world heavyweight belts back in his possession.For the British boxing superstar, it was well worth this controversial trip to Saudi Arabia.In the first heavyweight title fight to be held in the Middle East, Joshua toyed with an out-of-shape Andy Ruiz Jr. over 12 unspectacular rounds to win a unanimous points decision, reclaim the WBA, WBO and IBF belts, and avenge a stunning upset by his Mexican-American opponent six months ago.Joshua got his game plan spot on, using his lighter frame to outmaneuver Ruiz, relying on his longer reach to stay clear of trouble, and selecting his moments to go on the attack.In the final seconds of a bout fought in the early hours of Sunday in a relatively cool 19 Celsius (66 F) for this part of the world, Joshua was almost running around the ring and Ruiz — exhausted and outfought — was planted in the middle, urging him to come closer."Sometimes simplicity is genius. I was outclassing the champion," Joshua said."I am used to knocking people out, but last time I got hurt so I gave the man his credit. I said I would correct myself again."Two judges gave the fight to the Briton 119-110, and the other awarded it to him 119-109.Ruiz put on 15 pounds since the first fight to weigh in at 283 pounds (128 kilograms), making him the second heaviest boxer to fight for a world heavyweight title. He said he hadn't prepared hard enough for the rematch and got "boxed around.""The partying got the best of me," Ruiz said of his brief time as champion, during which he also went on talk shows, had an audience with the Mexican president and bought new cars for himself and his parents."I didn't prepare how I should have. I gained too much weight. I don't want to give excuses, he won ... If we do a third fight, you best believe I'm going to get in shape. I'll be in the best shape of my life."Whether Joshua agrees to that remains to be seen. There is no rematch clause this time round and Ruiz, short with quick hands, is an awkward opponent.Joshua proved he had another side to his boxing skills other than a big punch. His career is back on track, for sure, but his reputation might be sullied for other reasons.The fight was played out to a backdrop of concerns that Saudi Arabia was using this and other big sporting events to divert attention from its human-rights violations. They include the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.Joshua has shrugged off concerns that he was being used in what some, like human rights organization Amnesty International, called a "sportswashing" exercise, and he thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the fight afterward.Women who attended the fight at the outdoor, purpose-built, 15,000-capacity Diriyah Arena did not appear to be segregated, as they have been in sports stadiums in Saudi Arabia since being allowed into them for the first time last year.Indeed, it felt just like any other venue once the action got underway, with a pro-Joshua crowd chanting the usual repertoire of songs about their fighter and jeering Ruiz. To make Joshua feel even more at home, there was a rare downpour of rain in the desert just before the fight and at times during the afternoon.Ruiz knocked down Joshua four times on the way to a seventh-round win in New York in June that was regarded as one of the biggest upsets in the history of heavyweight boxing.There was none of that drama in the rematch, with Ruiz rarely connecting cleanly with Joshua. When he did, it was with punches to the back of the head that earned him a ticking-off from the referee.Ruiz finished the fight with blood across his face, having been caught with a right hook by Joshua in the first round.There were straight lefts from Joshua in the fourth and...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin Devlin and the DRS show on Newstalk ZB, compacted into a podcast form. December 7th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.