Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The Government recently announced a $5 million investment in a new Centre Court roof for Auckland’s Manuka Doctor Arena. The covered venue will mean an end to rain cancellations and delays and assist in attracting players, with many other short and long-term benefits. Tennis Auckland CEO Rohan West joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hype growing in Sydney as the NRL Grand Final looms. The Storm tackle the Brisbane Broncos in Sydney despite an injury-ravaged back-end to the season. FOX sports commentator Jake Duke joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are celebrating another weekend victory, but some believe the team will carry some scars after a tumultuous Rugby Championship campaign. The Kiwi side took down Australia 28-14in Perth to wrap up the tournament, but ultimately finished second behind the Springboks on points differential. Former NZ rugby union player Wyatt Crockett joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball NZ recently confirmed Dame Noeline Taurua will continue to sit on the sidelines as negotiations continue. The national body and sidelined Silver Ferns coach remain unable to resolve their differences about the team environment - meaning the veteran coach will continue to be on the outer for the looming series against Australia. Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie and NZ Netball Players Association head Steph Bond joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mt Maunganui rain has scuppered the Black Caps chances of reclaiming cricket's Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.  Last night's second T20 against Australia was eventually reduced to a nine-over match, but just 2.1 overs were possible before the wet weather returned and the contest had to be abandoned.  The Bay Oval is again host for tonight's third and final match of the series.  Black Caps coach Rob Walter told Jason Pine that while it’s disappointing they don’t have a shot at winning back the trophy, there’s a lot to learn from the outing.   “We’ll sort of focus this evening on trying to level up the scores.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Warriors have been awarded a high honour in the NRL world.   Erin Clark and Payton Takimoana have made it onto the 2025 Dally M Team of the Year – Clark as the lock for the men’s team and Takimoana as a winger for the women’s.  A consistent player in the season, Clark featured in all 25 of the Warriors’ games, starting in all but one.   He joined Piney to unpack the season and discuss what it’s like to win a Dally M award.  “To be at a function among some of the best players in the game was pretty special,” he said.  “And then to hear my name ... I was like, damn, that was pretty surprising, but yeah, I was pretty proud, and I’m happy.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 4th October 2025, Piney joined by President of Rugby Australia, Nathan Sharpe ahead of the second test between the All Blacks and Wallabies  Partner at leading law firm at Tavendale + Partners and nationally recognised expert in employment related issues and disputes, Anthony Drake provides insight on the mediation process taking place between Netball NZ and Dame Noeline Taurua.  And Dally M's Lock of the Year Erin Clark joined for a catch up.   Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s best-ever basketball players is now one of the world’s foremost sporting executives.   Sean Marks was the first person born in New Zealand to play in the NBA, playing for the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trailblazers.   He also played for our national side, competing in two Olympic Games and was an integral part of the NZ team that finished fourth at the 2002 Fiba World Championship.  In 2016, he took up the role of General Manager for the Brooklyn Nets, which he says he’s been able to get the same buzz from as he did playing when he was younger.  “It comes at different times in your life, and you know, now 50 years old, I would not be getting the same buzz out of playing – I would be getting hurt.”  “But look, I loved, I love the competition.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s still no clarity in the ongoing saga of the Silver Ferns and Dame Noeline Taurua.  Taurua was stoof down as coach on the 10th of September, and despite days of mediation, no decision has been made to whether she’ll be reinstated.  Partner at Tavendale + Partners, employment law expert Anthony Drake joined Piney to give an insight into the mediation process.  Drake told Jason Pine that since it’s such a high-profile game and situation, it would probably be helpful for Netball New Zealand to reveal what the concerns are, and whether they think they can be worked through.  He says we’re talking about a national team and a high-performance environment, and since all parties are in the public eye, it would be helpful to have an insight into what the concerns are.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby Australia’s President has nothing but praise for Coach Joe Schmidt ahead of the final Rugby Championship clash.  The All Blacks are facing off against the Wallabies tonight at a sold-out Optus Stadium in Perth – the Wallabies just three points behind the New Zealand side.  Former Wallabies Captain and current President Nathan Sharpe joined Piney to preview the match, sharing his thoughts on Schmidt’s coaching. “I think the way that Joe approaches things, around his connection, his care, y’know his values, and integrity, he’s brought that into the team and for want of a word, healed that team.”  “Now they’re starting to build something pretty special, and I think you can see that in the way that they approached a lot of the games this year.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss All Blacks beating out Australia, the NRL finals and the Women's Rugby World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 28 September. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A strange environment hasn't stopped Kiwi cyclist Niamh Fisher-Black becoming the first New Zealander to podium at the Road World Championships - finishing second in the elite road race in Rwanda. Cycling expert Del Woodford joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jahrome Hughes has completed a remarkable injury recovery to lead the Storm into another NRL Grand Final.  The Kiwis halfback has scored a try and been instrumental in Melbourne's 22-14 win over the Sharks in their preliminary final - three weeks after breaking his arm.  NRL writer Brad Walter joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infamous bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier III, billed as the Thrilla in Manila, is set to celebrate its 50-year anniversary. The 14-round fight is universally regarded as one of the most brutal clashes in the history of boxing. Boxing journalist Thomas Hauser joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans, coaches and experts alike are celebrating Cam Roigard's match-winning performance against the Wallabies. Roigard was hugely influential in the 33-24 Bledisloe Cup win at Eden Park, scoring two tries - including one to seal the win. Former All Black and rugby analyst Ant Strachan joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bledisloe Cup is safe for another year. The All Blacks' last remaining major trophy remains in their hands after a 33-24 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park, clinched by a late Cam Roigard try. All Blacks assistant coach Tamati Ellison joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s under-20 men’s football team is kicking off their FIFA World Cup campaign this weekend.  Tomorrow will see them face their hosts in Chile, before further pool clashes against Egypt and Japan.  NZ striker Luke Brooke-Smith told Piney the team’s spirit is super high and they’re all buzzing for the first game.   “I think it’ll be a good, almost a surprise to the world, is what we want to do, and show what New Zealand football can do at youth levels.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 27th September 2025, Piney is back at the Kingslander ahead of the Eden Park Bledisloe Test tonight.   NZ and Australian rugby icons join the show, including Nick Farr-Jones, Ian Jones, and Brendan Cannon.  And New Zealand's number one golfer Ryan Fox joins for a chat about his incredible year.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the biggest day in the Australian sporting calendar.  Not only is tonight the AFL Grand Final, but there’s also the NRL preliminary finals, as well as the Bledisloe Cup clash at Eden Park.   Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to brief him on all the goings on.   “It’s a huge weekend overall in Melbourne,” he said of the AFL Grand Final.  “it’s the biggest thing since sliced bread.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Fox has had a stunner of a year so far, with two PGA Tour wins and a Top 20 finish at the US Open under his belt – not to mention a world record.  Fox has said a few times that he knew his best golf across a given weekend was enough to beat the best golfers in the world, which has been proven true.  “I had kind of believed it, and it was nice to actually do it,” he told Piney.  He’s back in town for a bit of a break, as well as to catch the Bledisloe Cup test tonight at Eden Park, and while they were on the subject of rugby, he touched on what it was like growing up as the son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox.  As one might expect, rugby was one of the sports Fox played when he was younger, before he landed on golf.  “Probably had a few too many concussions to carry on, but yeah, I loved it.”  “I didn’t help myself – I played 10 and I kick goals as well, so there was only gonna be one comparison there, and I was never gonna live up to that.”  “The only thing I had on the old man is I wasn’t afraid of tackling.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bledisloe Cup has returned to Eden Park and joining Piney for a chat was one of the country’s greatest ever lock forwards.  Ian Jones toured with the 1989 All Blacks, making his test debut the following year against Scotland at Carisbrook – scoring a try in the match.  Jones played 105 games for the All Blacks, 79 of which were tests, and is now the GM of the All Blacks Experience – an interactive attraction dedicated to New Zealand rugby.  He joined Piney to preview tonight’s clash against the Wallabies and to look back at his incredible career with the national team.   “To think we haven’t lost a game at Eden Park since 1994, 51 test matches ago, is crazy,” Jones says.  “This is why this game tonight, and every game since then, you’ve got to defend that Fortress.”  “It is about mindset, it is about authority, it’s about the first ten minutes of this game, to make it so the Wallabies go, s***, this is hard, there’s no way we can win here.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fans on both sides of the Tasman are raring to go as the All Blacks and Wallabies battle it out for the Bledisloe Cup.   They’re clashing tonight at Eden Park, where the All Blacks have remained undefeated for over thirty years.  Former Wallaby Brendan Cannon just so happened to stop by the Kingslander, hopping on air with Piney to preview the clash.  “We’ve obviously been through a fairly long and protracted period of, of non-success in Australian rugby,” he said.  “So we take a little bit of delight in the fact that there’s uncomfortability in the Kiwi scene at the moment.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time for the Bledisloe Cup, with the Wallabies and All Blacks clashing tonight at Eden Park. The last time the Wallabies were able to claim the victory at the Fortress was in 1986 – David Campese scoring the winning point.   Australian halfback Nick Farr-Jones was the one to pass Campese the ball, and he later became the captain of the side, leading to victory in the 1991 Rugby World Cup.  Farr-Jones told Piney that until 1992, the All Blacks were the biggest test matches for Australia, and he remembers each match almost like it was yesterday.   He says that it was until 1987 that any international team actually stood up for the haka, and it was done as a sign of respect.  “As an opponent, you want to send a second message: that we’re not going to roll over and die.”  “If you’re going to beat us today, you’re gonna have to play bloody well.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Beamish and Kerr's recent accolades, the ongoing NPC season, and the Black Ferns' World Cup loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 21 September. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the Clippers scandal and the MLB playoffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is currently a staggering 5th on the medal table at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Shot-putter Maddi Wesche has earned bronze to ensure New Zealand's biggest-ever haul at the event. Former track and field athlete Sarah Cowley-Ross joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury's reign with the Ranfurly Shield has lasted a fortnight. They've been edged 38-36 by Otago in their NPC contest in Christchurch - their maiden NPC loss of the season. The red-and-blacks led 36-21 in the 53rd minute, before the visitors scored three tries to snatch the Log O' Wood. Otago head coach Mark Brown joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has brushed off bad weather and skirted six separate crashes to deliver his best qualifying effort at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Only Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc pipped Lawson, who says his goal was to stay on track as much as possible. NZ Herald motorsport journalist Alex Powell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shooter Grace Nweke is adamant the Silver Ferns are keeping a united front heading into tonight's first netball test against South Africa. The clash on Auckland's North Shore comes amid the turmoil of head coach Dame Noeline Taurua being stood down. Grace Nweke joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are staring down the barrel of two high-pressure tests against the Wallabies. The Kiwi side took a record thrashing against the Springboks at Sky Stadium earlier this months and the pressure's on for Razor. Stan Sport commentator Sean Maloney joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport events is hitting the ground this weekend.  The Ashley Forest Rally Sprint has attracted many of both the country’s top drivers and international names over the years, with a fast and challenging 1.7 kilometre gravel hillclimb.  Having first competed at age 14, Ashley Forest has played a big part in the career of Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon, setting multiple records and claiming many victories.  He told Piney it's a different format to a normal rally – even if you’re in the fastest car, you still need to get through each round with no problems.  “That’s what adds to the excitement for the fans and for ourselves.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are coming to terms with their eight year reign as world champions being over.  They've been stunned by Canada 34-19 in their World Cup semi-final in Bristol.  Canada raced out the gates with three tries in the opening 25 minutes and led 24-7 at half-time.  Former Black Ferns Captain and Sky Sport Commentator Les Elder told Piney Canada not only outplayed us, but we were also outcoached.  “Everything that you’d expect from the Black Ferns, they cancelled it out, and then they executed on their side of the ball.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 20th September 2025, the Black Ferns have been defeated by Canada, ending their 8-year run as world champions. Head Coach Head Coach Allan Bunting and former captain Les Elder reflect on the loss.  Its 10 years to the day since one of the biggest upsets in sports history, when Japan beat South Africa 34-32 at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Japan First Five that day was Kosei Ono, who joined the show to reflect on that historic day.  And the Breakers new owner Marc Mitchell is in to discuss his hopes for the future of the club.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks 10 years since one of the biggest upsets in sporting history.  On this day in 2015, Japan defeated South Africa 34-32 at the Rugby World Cup in what became known as the Brighton Miracle.  Japan First Five that day was Kosei Ono, who told Piney that it really was a miracle.  “If I had a spare $10, I probably wouldn’t have put it on Japan to win that game myself.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Jamieson is returning to the Black Caps after an unfortunate run of injuries.  He’s been named in the squad set to face Australia in the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series, and has hopes of returning to test cricket down the line.  Jamieson told Piney it’s certainly on the table, and his odds are higher having taken the path he has, making sure his return to the game as a whole is safe.  “On the table for sure, and it’s something that I’m definitely working towards.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BNZ Breakers are under new ownership.  Kiwi-American attorney and businessman Marc Mitchell has taken majority ownership from Matt Walsh.  The ownership group includes Kiwi businessmen Leon and Stephen Grice, their business partner Sean Colgan, along with former owners Liz and Paul Blackwell, and former Breaker and Tall Black Tom Abercrombie.  Mitchell told Piney he saw the opportunity to continue to grow the sport, not only on the court, but also within the community.  He says they’re trying to get back to their roots.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heartbreak for the Black Ferns in their Rugby World Cup semi-final with Canada in Bristol.  The defending champions have been outplayed 34-19, after trailing 24-7 at the break.  Their defeat has been chalked up to poor discipline, the team unable to win a penalty of their own until the 61st minute.  Coach Allan Bunting told Piney they can’t fault the players, who kept trying and certainly didn’t give in.   “Once we got down on the half and got our game going, we were pretty hard to stop, but in the start we didn’t get down there enough.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the All Blacks and Warriors' latest losses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 14 September. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Purchas Cup 2025 is one of the most important events on the gay and inclusive rugby calendar, and it's taking place this weekend. The Purchas Cup 2025 had its opening ceremony on Thursday night at the All Blacks Experience, with the event attracting over 300 players and supporters. Andrew Purchas joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This won't be the Warriors season after all, as the team's been bundled out of the NRL playoffs by Penrith after a 24-8 loss at Mt Smart. Another promising season has drawn to a close, and fans will likely be disappointed.  Warriors assistant coach Slade Griffin joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have taken a giant step backwards in a 43-10 crushing at the hands of South Africa in Wellington. It’s their worst ever defeat shipping six tries to one after leading 10-7 at halftime on the back of debutant Leroy Carter’s try.  All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First things first, congratulations to South Africa. What a performance - and in particular, the second half was as good a 40 minutes as I can remember from any team on our shores, maybe ever. They were on another level, and the All Blacks simply had no answers. We all know that sometimes you just get beaten by a better team. That happens. And no team in the world would have lived with the Springboks last night. But the major concern was the manner of the defeat, it was a second half capitulation and there's no other way to describe it. 36 unanswered points. The word capitulation doesn't belong in the same sentence as the All Blacks. Sometimes, another team just has a worldie, and that's what the Springboks did after half-time - but the base level required by the black jersey is that you play until the end. And as the points mounted, it looked very much from the sideline as though some of the men in black gave up. Like they just wanted to get down the tunnel and out of there. We're constantly told by those in the All Blacks environment that the black jersey demands excellence, and that's what the legacy of this team is built on. Care for the jersey, awareness of its history, a desire to enhance it while you're in possession of it. Very few players enhanced the jersey last night. If we're looking for a shred of consolation from this, we can perhaps get it from what happened at Albany in 2017. The All Blacks beat South Africa 57-0 that night. Two years later, South Africa were world champions, and four years after that they were world champions again The All Blacks simply must use last night as fuel. Those guys have to remember what last night felt like and allow that to drive them on and to make sure they never, ever, ever have that feeling again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Springboks are desperate to leave New Zealand’s shores with a win.  They failed to breach the Fortress last week, the All Blacks continuing their undefeated streak at Eden Park.  Former Springbok Hanyani Shimange joined Piney to discuss the importance of the Wellington test for the South African side.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 13th September 2025, Piney is back at Shed 22 for the All Blacks second test against the Springboks. He's joined by former All Blacks Nehe Milner-Skudder and Cory Jane, along with former Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer to preview the clash.  Springbok and All Blacks fans alike join him at the pub for a yarn and to plead their cases as to why their teams are superior.  And Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar stops in ahead of their elimination final against the Panthers this afternoon.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are through to the knockout stage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup after an impressive 40-0 victory over Ireland.  They now face a powerful South African side at midnight in the quarterfinals.  Black Ferns centre Stacey Waaka joined Piney ahead of the match to discuss the Ferns’ plans to overcome that challenge.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have limped their way into the NRL finals following back-to-back losses.  However, their 6th place standing has given them a home final, the team hosting the Penrith Panthers tonight at Mount Smart Stadium, where they aim to end the Panther’s bid at claiming a fifth consecutive title.  Warriors Assistant Coach Richard Agar joined Piney to discuss their plans and preparations in overcoming the odds and continuing their NRL season.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Springboks are looking to bounce back after failing to breach the Fortress last week.  They’ll be looking to keep the All Blacks from a home sweep as they face off at Wellington’s Sky Stadium tonight.  Former Springboks coach Heyneke Meye joined Piney for a chat about the key areas the ‘Boks will need to perform in to flip the script and level the series.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.