Sport Nation

Studs Up!

Sports EN ↓ 170 episodes

Football is all about rivalries and we have a big one right on our doorstep - Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix – and Sport Nation wants to plug you right into it! Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son Daniel McHardy. They’ll be going head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A Leagues and more. And if the Auckland v Wellington connection wasn’t enough, did we mention their English club allegiances? That’s right, it’s Manchester United against Liverpool. There will be tears, beers, and lost bets,...

Author

Sport Nation

Episodes

Wellington Phoenix women bound for first A-League grand final, plus the EPL title race drama continues | Studs Up! Podcast | 13/5/26 13.05.2026 44:37

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by recapping Arsenal's controversial 1-0 win against West Ham to swing the title race back their way, plus the Wellington P...

Auckland FC's dramatic penalty shootout victory sets up semifinal tie against Adelaide United | Studs Up! Podcast | 6/5/26 06.05.2026 44:33

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by recapping Auckland FC's dramatic penalty shootout against Melbourne City. We then look ahead to the A-League finals, whi...

Chris Greenacre appointed Phoenix coach, plus Kiwi teams raring to go for A-League finals series' | Studs Up! Podcast | 29/4/26 29.04.2026 54:08

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by giving you their highlights of the weekend, before getting into the news that Chris Greenacre will be head coach of the...

The Premier League title race heats up while Spurs' relegation battle continues | Studs Up! Podcast | 22/4/26 22.04.2026 45:16

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by chatting the latest weekend of EPL action, with a massive game in the title race. We then look at the latest round of A-...

The boys predict their All Whites World Cup Squads and Steve Corica's Red Card against Melbourne Victory | Studs Up! Podcast | 15/4/26 15.04.2026 42:05

Wellington Phoenix break Melbourne curse and Auckland FC's card-fest in Adelaide | Studs Up! Podcast | 8/4/26 08.04.2026 43:30

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by chatting some EPL, with the moves and headlines that captured their attention this week. The lads then review the Wellin...

All Whites put Chile to the sword, plus Spurs legend Ledley King in studio! | Studs Up! Podcast | 31/3/26 31.03.2026 45:37

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by chatting to Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King, to look ahead to Spurs facing Auckland FC at Eden Park, as well as tou...

Auckland FC don't show up at home in loss to Macarthur FC | Studs Up! Podcast | 24/3/26 24.03.2026 44:22

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking ahead to the All Whites' first international window of the year, with them looking to build towards the FIFA Wor...

Chelsea's karma for financial breaches, plus the All Whites name squad for FIFA series | Studs Up! Podcast | 18/3/26 18.03.2026 45:03

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by discussing the AFCON trophy being handed to Morocco, as well as Chelsea's transfer ban and fine saga. They then recap to...

Ben Waine steals headlines in magic FA Cup run with Port Vale | Studs Up! Podcast | 12/3/26 12.03.2026 43:42

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by discussing Ben Waine's remarkable achievements in the FA Cup. We then look back at the latest round of A-League action,...

Jesse Randall's impressive form continues, plus the Phoenix denied yet another penalty | Studs Up! Podcast | 5/3/26 05.03.2026 44:25

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking back at the latest round of A-League action, with the Wellington Phoenix going down 1-0 at home with another con...

Auckland FC's derby demolition leads to Chiefy resignation from Phoenix | Studs Up! Podcast | 25/2/26 25.02.2026 44:38

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking back at the latest round of A-League action, with Auckland FC embarrassing the Wellington Phoenix at home, leadi...

Can the Nix finally win a Kiwi Derby? Plus, a football quiz! | Studs Up! Podcast | 18/2/26 18.02.2026 44:25

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking back at the latest round of A-League action, with Auckland FC dramatically drawing with Sydney FC 1-1 away, and...

All Whites announce England clash ahead of World Cup, and Sarpreet Singh signs for the Phoenix | Studs Up! Podcast | 12/2/26 12.02.2026 45:00

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by recapping a crazy Premier League match, and then look back at the latest round of A-League action, with Auckland FC beat...

Pia Vlok's historic Phoenix hat trick, and which footballer would you not want to pick a fight with? | Studs Up! Podcast | 4/2/26 04.02.2026 44:30

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking at the latest round of A-League action, with the Wellington Phoenix drawing at home 2-2 to Melbourne City, and A...

How many teams are in the hunt for the Premier League title? | Studs Up! Podcast | 28/1/26 28.01.2026 44:08

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking at another big win for Manchester United against Arsenal, and who might be in the fight for the Premier League t...

Manchester is red, and a crazy end to the Africa Cup of Nations final | Studs Up! Podcast | 21/1/26 21.01.2026 44:21

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by recapping the crazy AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, before looking at the latest round of A-League results with...

Carrick appointed Man United manager, and where will Bill Tuiloma play for the Phoenix? | Studs Up! Podcast | 14/1/25 14.01.2026 44:21

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel are back with a recap of the latest A-League action, discussing the Wellington Phoenix women's 2-1 loss to Melbourne City, the men's teams...

Phoenix bounce back against Roar and manager musical chairs in the EPL | Studs Up! Podcast | 7/1/25 07.01.2026 1:08:24

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel are back in the New Year to kick off 2026 and start by looking at the Wellington Phoenix's surprise 3-0 win against the Brisbane Roar, bef...

The Nix ship five and can we crown the Gunners EPL Champs yet? | Studs Up! Podcast | 31/12/25 31.12.2025 43:44

Auckland FC's top of the table clash postponed due to unsafe pitch conditions | Studs Up! Podcast | 24/12/25 24.12.2025 44:36

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric is sick on Christmas Eve so Daniel has relied on Producer Brayden to step in this week. The lads start the show by reacting to the news of Auckland F...

Chiefy under pressure at the Phoenix after loss to Jets | Studs Up! Podcast | 17/12/25 17.12.2025 44:51

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by looking at the A-League men's as the Wellington Phoenix went down 3-1 to the Newcastle Jets, and then discuss Auckland F...

The lads are fired up after another Auckland FC Kiwi Derby win | Studs Up! Podcast | 11/12/25 10.12.2025 44:29

Studs Up is a podcast hosted by Auckland-born and bred Riccardo Ball and Wellington’s loudest son, Daniel McHardy. They go head-to-head on all the big football issues from the EPL, Champions League, the A-League, and more. On this week's episode: Ric and Daniel start the show by recapping the Kiwi Derby with Auckland FC winning 3-1 over the Wellington Phoenix at Go Media Stadium. We then recap the...

All Whites goalkeeper coach Paul Gothard following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw | Studs Up LIVE at Full Time (6/12/25) 05.12.2025 10:14

While Daniel McHardy was in Christchurch to call what would be an excellent match of Test cricket between the Blackcaps and West Indies, Riccardo Ball was in Auckland for the FIFA World Cup Draw as a live Studs Up! Podcast special at Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery. Here he catches up with All Whites goalkeeper coach Paul Gothard to gauge his immediate reaction to New Zealand being drawn into Group...

Meet the man known as 'Yorkshire Zlatan' | Studs Up LIVE at Full Time (6/12/25) 05.12.2025 4:31

While Daniel McHardy was in Christchurch to call what would be an excellent match of Test cricket between the Blackcaps and West Indies, Riccardo Ball was in Auckland for the FIFA World Cup Draw as a live Studs Up! Podcast special at Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery. Here he catches up with Tall Paul Wright, better known on Instagram as YorkshireZlatan9. Why? Because he honestly looks A LOT like Zlat...