Auckland FC defender Nando Pijnaker is ready to weather a hostile environment when his side visit the Wellington Phoenix in this afternoon's A-League football clash.

The All White is coming off his heroic 97th-minute game-winner in last week's 1-nil win over Sydney FC at home.

Pijnaker is expecting plenty of racket from both fanbases, but will channel his energy into his performance.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has created quite the storm since arriving for his second shot at Formula One.

He’s managed to upset all in sundry in the paddock, rubbing veterans up the wrong way with his aggressive attitude, reckless middle finger, and evidence that he has speed to burn. This is the concern for the field, they know he’s quick and he’s not afraid to show it.

Sure, he apologised to Perez after flipping the bird at the Mexican, but he is in no way, shape, or form sorry for what he does on the track. As I’ve been at pains to point out all week, and he confirmed, he’s not in F1 to make friends, he’s there to win races.

Like most sports, F1’s currency is victory. Nothing more, nothing less.

Liam has given everything over the years to get this shot at the world's biggest, fastest, richest, and most storied motorsport category. Now he’s within touching distance of securing an extremely rare seat in F1, he’s not going to back off, he’s not going to meekly acquiesce to the wants of his apparent seniors, he’s going to try and leave them in his exhaust fumes.

Talk of his lack of respect is insane. Respect in motorsport is not earned through reverence, it’s earned through results.

It is not a popularity competition. The greatest drivers in Formula 1 are not feted for their likeability and charm, by and large they’ve not been nice people. They win by any means necessary.

Some may see his digit gesture as a blot on his copybook, but really it was an exclamation mark added to the statement of intent around his season so far.

Liam is his own man, solely focused on the prize, he won’t make way for anyone.

Rage against the Machine’s signature tune, ‘Killing in the Name’, sums him up perfectly, “F**k you I won’t do what you tell me”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest edition of 'The All-Star Panel' features Rugby Writer Phil Gifford and Rugby Commentator Paul Allison.

On this weekend's agenda: What is this All Blacks v Japan test all about? The Comm Games have been chopped in half, and how good have the Silver Ferns been?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 Weightlifting NZ National Championships will see all of Aotearoa's best Weightlifters come and battle for the national title in their given weight category.

From debut performances on a national stage to Olympians defending their titles, the WNZ National Champs never ceases to provide inspiration and entertainment for all as we watch some of the strongest athletes do what they do best.

D'Arcy Waldegrave catches up with Olympian David Liti to preview the event.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks loose forward Samipeni Finau can't wait to be part of a monster forward pack in this evening's test against Japan in Yokohama.

The front eight weighs in at a daunting 950 kilograms, just 21kgs short of the French test record.

Finau is particularly keen to be reunited with Chiefs teammate and number eight Wallace Sititi, who he says has been a revelation at the international level.

D'Arcy Waldegrave catches up with Samipeni Finau ahead of the test.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian Correspondent Jim Dolan gives us the latest from the wonderful wide world of Aussie sport. On today’s agenda:

• Interesting times for Cricket Australia this week
• A bombshell for the Rugby League expansion bids
• A big test match that no one's talking about

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a chance for Bay of Plenty to reclaim provincial rugby's top honours for the first time in almost half a century.

The Steamers are one game away from winning their first NPC title since its inception in 1976, but have to get past minor premiers Wellington in the capital this afternoon.

BOP Head Coach Richard Watt joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the season finale.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC is after more cohesion in this afternoon's showdown with Sydney FC at Mt Smart.

Both teams won their opening matches of the A-League season, although the Sky Blues have been hampered by a midweek AFC Champions League game in Japan.

Co-Captain Jake Brimmer joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview their second home game of the season.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.