Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

In the space of four nights, Eden Park has played host to multiple high-profile events. The White Ferns faced off against the Aussies on Friday - and the Black Caps took on Pakistan. Last night, the Blues played against the Crusaders - and got defeated 42-19. And tomorrow evening, the All Whites will play against New Caledonia. Eden Park turf manager Blair Christiansen joined Piney to discuss the challenges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rugby world is mourning the death of the legendary Alex 'Grizz' Wyllie. The All Black loose forward played 11 tests and a mammoth 210 provincial games for Canterbury before becoming Canterbury and then All Blacks head coach. Rugby commentator John McBeth joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the great second acts in sports, American boxing legend George Foreman, has died at the age of 76. Foreman famously reclaimed the world heavyweight title at 45, after coming out of retirement, and also became a celebrated product pitchman. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn joined Piney to discuss Foreman's athletic legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The penny has dropped for the Crusaders. Last year, the historically strong Super Rugby side were the surprise package of the competition as they won just four of their 14 games to miss the playoffs. On Saturday night at Eden Park, they loudly announced their return to title contention status to the tune of a 42-19 win over the reigning champions, the Blues. Hooker Ioane Moananu joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Formula 1 star Mark Webber led this weekend's annual Porsche parade on Saturday. The Porsche Club of New Zealand is holding its 50th anniversary celebration in Napier over four days concluding this weekend. Webber joined Piney to discuss the weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The name on everyone's lips in athletics circles both here and around the world is Sam Ruthe.  The Tauranga 15-year-old's sent the running world into a spin by becoming the youngest athlete to ever run a sub four-minute mile - clocking 3:58.35 at the Mt Smart track in Auckland.  Nick Willis is one of our very best middle-distance runners, and joined Piney to discuss Sam's achievement and his future in the sport.  “It really sets the stage for a really exciting and promising future ahead.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sail GP hits San Francisco this weekend for event five of season four.  The Black Foils bounced back from double disappointment in Auckland and Sydney to finish second In Los Angeles last weekend. This moved them up to third in the championship standings, three points behind Australia in second, with Great Britain a further two points ahead at the top.  Strategist Liv Mackay joins Piney to preview the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe has made history. The 15-year-old is the youngest person to break the four-minute mile barrier, and the 49th New Zealander to do so. His dad, Ben, is also an accomplished middle-distance runner and he joined Piney to discuss his son's journey “I would have thought that this was not something that was possible for anybody on the planet.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 22nd March 2025, another big win for the Warriors as they triumphed in a hard-fought battle against the Sydney Roosters 14-6. Standout performer was fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and he joined the show to recap the performance.  The All Whites are one win away from qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Defender Tyler Bindon previews their big match on Monday  And Sam Ruthe is the name on everyone's lips after he captured global headlines this week when he became the youngest athlete ever to run a sub-four-minute mile. Kiwi middle-distance legend Nick Willis, and Ben Ruthe, Sam's dad, joined the show to recap Sam's achievement.  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.

A hat-trick of goals from Chris Wood has guided the All Whites to a 7-nil thrashing of Fiji in Wellington to go within one win of qualification for next year's Football World Cup.  The team will go on to face New Caledonia at Eden Park on Monday to try claim their spot in the Cup.   All Whites centre-back Tyler Bindon joined Piney to discuss the performance and what it's like to play alongside Chris Wood.  He told Piney that going to the World Cup is not an easy feat.  “So hopefully we can do it.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have survived a second-half fightback from Moana Pasifika, prevailing 50-35 in their Super Rugby Pacific contest in Pukekohe.   The table-toppers conceded 28 unanswered points after leading 43-7 at the break.  Chiefs assistant coach David Hill joined Piney to recap the chaotic match.  “They're a hard team to stop once they get going." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are drawing confidence from their gritty 14-6 grind over the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart.  The New Zealand side didn't take the lead until the 66th minute and kept their visitors scoreless in the second half.  The win snapped a run of eight straight losses to the Roosters, dating back to March 2018.  Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad played his 50th NRL game for the Warriors last night and the fullback told Jason Pine that going toe-to-toe with some heavyweights like the Roosters shows what they're doing is working.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Super Rugby highlights, the Six Nations and Liam Lawson's upcoming race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to recap a full week out of the NBA. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2002, Kiwi golfer Craig Perks produced one of golf's most memorable triumphs when he won the Players Championship. He joined Piney to discuss the historic accomplishment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs remain top of the Super Rugby ladder after recording their fourth victory of the season with a 32-31 win over the Blues in Hamilton. Commentator Graeme Mead joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macca Springer might have his work cut out for him at Crusaders training on Monday, despite scoring a record-equalling five tries in their Super Rugby win over the Force in Christchurch. The winger says he'll be held to account for his accomplishment. Springer joined Piney to recap the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson will make his Red Bull Formula One debut from 18th on the grid, after being eliminated in the opening qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.  Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon joined Piney ahead of the race to discuss Lawson's journey. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 16h March 2025, an F1 journo and a Kiwi rally driver joined Piney ahead of Liam Lawson's Melbourne race. Later, Macca Springer discussed his winning performance against the Western Force. Craig Perks recapped his 2002 Players Championship win Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief that Liam Lawson's tough couple of days in the Formula 1 Grand Prix could be turned around in Melbourne in the race proper this afternoon. F1 journalist Chris Medland says wet weather could be a leveller as Lawson prepares to start 18th. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 15th March 2025, the Warriors have bounced back from their loss in Vegas with a big win over the Manly Sea Eagles. Assistant coach Slade Griffin joined the show to recap the performance.  Liam Lawson is in Melbourne for his first drive as a full-time Red Bull Driver. Bob McMurray and Greg Murphy offer their thoughts on how Lawson will go.  And Sir Russell Coutts joins the show ahead of the Los Angeles Sail GP event to discuss the season, Kylian Mbappe's partnership with the French team, and future events for Auckland.  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.

Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay has been given the Gloves for the Black Caps’ T20 series against Pakistan.   Piney catches up with him to discuss his role in the team and his rise to be one of the team’s main options in the wicketkeeping department.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi basketballer Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones has made history.  He became the first New Zealander to win Big West Player of the Year in NCAA division one basketball.  He joined Piney to discuss this achievement and his aspirations to lead his US San Diego team to March Madness.   “I couldn’t ask for a better year, and we’re not done yet.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final Formula 1 practice session is under way.  Liam Lawson had a bit of a rough start to his first day as a fulltime driver, finishing 16th and 17th in his first two practices at Albert Park.  As we count down to Lawson’s official full-time debut for Red Bull, Piney catches up with other Kiwi motorsport icons for a chat about his achievement.   Former Supercars driver Greg Murphy offers his thoughts on Lawson and his hopes for the young star.   “Liam's had some amazing support to get there, but he's delivered and repaid all that support,” he told Piney.  “Now he's there at the top.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland could become one of the cornerstones of the SailGP calendar, with the league discussing a six-year agreement to run events in the City of Sails.  The global foiling league made its debut in Auckland in January, with bumper crowds turning out to enjoy the action on the Waitematā Harbour.  It’s a sight Sir Russell Coutts hopes to see more of in years to come.  “One of the things we’re trying to do with SailGP is make it an annual event, and I know the authorities in New Zealand are interested as well, so we’re discussing something like a six-year, or six-season, term, because there are huge benefits in coming back year after year,” he told the Herald.  “Like many of the iconic events around the world, whether it be the Melbourne Cup or the Australian Open tennis, people get to know when they’re on at a certain time of the year and that has its distinct advantages.  “We’re looking to do the same as we build out our calendar to 20-plus events a year. We’re looking to grow those events in the various continents around the world.  “So in Australasia, of course, we’re looking to expand that calendar of events and no doubt you’ll see some announcements on that in the coming weeks.”  Coutts said the make-up of those six years was still being discussed, with the potential of a four-year commitment with a two-year right of renewal an option alongside a straight six-year deal.  It comes after the success of its first time in Auckland, with the event having a 46% audience increase between that and the season opener in Dubai late in 2024.  The economic impact report for the event is expected to be made public soon, however, Coutts told the Herald it revealed a US$36 million ($63m) return.  That number is a 73% increase on the 2024 New Zealand SailGP event, held in Christchurch, which amassed a total economic impact of US$20.7m for the host region.  In a statement to the Herald, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said it was positive about the potential to host SailGP again.  “As with any major event investment, there is a process to follow including post-event analysis and a new business case. We are working constructively with the SailGP team to ensure we have all the information to take this forward and are working to a mid-April timeline,” Hill said.  “We face significant funding challenges for attracting and delivering major events in Auckland. At present, we do not have a sustainable long-term funding model and this remains a critical issue.”  While Coutts has previously spoken about the potential for other host cities in New Zealand, he said at this stage the organisation was not looking anywhere but Auckland.  “It was a great event in Auckland, wasn’t it? I think it was hugely successful from SailGP’s perspective, but also from the city’s perspective and New Zealand’s perspective for that matter  “We are not looking, at this stage, at other events in New Zealand, but that’s not to say we wouldn’t do at some time in the future.”  While season five has its fourth of 13 confirmed events on the calendar in Los Angeles this weekend, plans are already in place for further expansion in season six.  This season brought the addition of two new teams and another two are expected to be added for the next campaign as well as more stops on the calendar.  The expanded lineup is also expected to see racing move to split-fleet racing, with seven boats on the water at a time opposed to the current structure in which all 12 teams compete against one another in fleet racing.  “We’re going to run a process with the next two teams that we put on sale, which are teams 13 and 14, that’ll be more of a structured assessment of the various buyers,” Coutts said.  “We know that there’s buyer interest out there, and obviously we evaluate which country they’re going to be representing as well and the where they could host an event, because we like to pair teams with events in their own countries as well.  “All of those things come into it as well as the offer on the economics behind the team. We’ll be going through a process for that for teams 13 and 14 over the coming months and that process will be announced in due course.”  - Christopher Reive  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson’s first day as a fulltime Formula 1 driver was a bit of a mixed bag.   The practice drives got under way at the Melbourne Grand Prix earlier today.  The 23-year-old's first practice sessions on the Albert Park track saw him set poor times, finishing 16th and 17th in the two outings.  Bob McMurray joins Piney to discuss Lawson's practice rounds.  “Give the bloke a chance – he’s never been to Melbourne as a racing driver before, he’s never been in a session as intense as this before.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have earned a well-fought win over the Highlanders.  They claimed the win 20-18 at Forsyth Barr Stadium on the back of an immense performance from loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi.  Head Coach Clark Laidlaw joined Jason Pine to recap the win.  “[Kirifi] should be really proud of his performance last night, and yeah, we’re really enjoying the way he’s leading the team.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few might have predicted the big Warriors bounce back that saw the Auckland NRL side thrash Manly 36-16 last night at Mt Smart.  The Warriors were humiliated by the Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas in round one by 22 points, while the Sea Eagles won by 30 over the Cowboys.  Assistant Warriors coach Slade Griffin told Jason Pine that they found their game back home.  He says they’re not the first team in rugby league to have a bad game in round one, but there was a lot hype around it.  “We got back to ourselves, and we played our type of game last night.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for March 9th, Black Caps coach Gary Stead joined Piney to discuss the team's mood ahead of their clash against India. Could the America's Cup make a grand return to the City of Sails? Minister for Sport Mark Mitchell unpacked the logistics of hosting the event. And Moana Pasifika beat out the Hurricanes 40-31 in Albany. Fly half Patrick Pellegrini joined Piney to recap the win. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the ongoing Super Rugby Season, the Six Nations, and the Black Caps' performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central District Stags came ahead of Auckland at the four-day Plunket Shield cricket match on Eden Park's outer oval. Central Districts batsman Tom Bruce joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika's 40-31 win over the Hurricanes in Albany has broken a 20-match Super Rugby losing streak against New Zealand sides. Fly half Patrick Pellegrini joined Piney to discuss what the win means for the team. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No nerves from the Black Caps in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy final against India in the UAE. New Zealand is second only to India in winning ICC knockout matches over the past 14 years. Black Caps coach Gary Stead joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Sport has expressed enthusiasm at bringing the America's Cup back to Auckland - but he's still voiced concerns over the logistics.  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited this week confirmed it was in discussions with America’s Cup Event and Emirates Team New Zealand about hosting the 38th edition of the Cup, expected to be held in 2027. Mark Mitchell joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 8 March. 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.

This week's New Zealand Squash Open has seen a huge upset.  It was a Wellington teenager and world number 255 who stole the show, taking on both world number 54, and 3rd seed, world number 12.  Ollie Dunbar talks to Piney about his journey to Squash, and how he became a wildcard in the squash open.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Champion's Day at Ellerslie Racecourse today, featuring the NZB Kiwi, 4 Group One races and the Auckland. The races are the richest sporting event in New Zealand for 3 year olds to be raced over 1500 metres, with more than $9 million in prize money is up for grabs across the day. Favourite of the event is Evaporate, who was New Zealand bred but trained in Australia, and considered one of the highest credential horses ever to race on our side of the ditch.  One of Evaporate's trainers JD Hayes talks to Piney about the big day.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Track & Field Championships on this weekend in Dunedin, with a main event being the women's pole vault this afternoon.  Paris Olympic Games finalists Eliza McCartney and Olivia McTaggart are in the field after unique pole vault finals at the Olympics last year. Olivia McTaggart joins Piney to talk about her Olympic experience, how she has adapted her approach, and how high she thinks she can go this afternoon.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred has bought a swift halt to sporting events in Queensland as it rips through parts of the state.  AFL games on the Gold Coast and Brisbane have been called off due to the weather.  Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock discusses where that leaves the games, the beginning of the AFL season, how the NRL is going and Australia's exit from the Champions Trophy.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time, Oceania has an entryway into a 48-team football World Cup.  The FIFA World Cup is taking place in the states, Canada and Mexico next year. If New Zealand beats Fiji at the end of this month, they will be one match away from fighting for a place in the World Cup on March 24th. The last time the All Whites went to the World Cup was 2010 in South Africa, and former All White Rory Fallon talks to Piney about his experience on the world stage.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another huge week for Super Rugby Pacific as scandal has broken around travel issues with the Fijian Drua, while the Blues were beaten at home for the first time in 12 years.  Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific opened last night, with the Brumbies taking home a win against the Blues.  2025 Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joins Jason Pine live in studio to address the Fijian Drua scandal, the newly introduced fan-based initiatives, and delving into the state of the competition.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the ongoing Super Rugby season, the Warriors' clash in Las Vegas, and Auckland FC's draw. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a disappointing day for Auckland FC - as the team was forced to settle for a four-all draw with Adelaide United after some very late drama at Mt Smart Stadium. The hosts thought they'd scored the match-winner in the 92nd minute through Auckland captain Hiroki Sakai. Former All White Noel Barkley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ICC Champions Trophy series is still underway, with New Zealand and India set to face off this evening.  The Black Caps and India are both through to the semi-finals - but it's still unclear who they can expect to see in the matches ahead. Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have their first win of the Super Rugby Pacific season. The defending champions have prevailed 33-29 after a back-and-forth tussle with the Hurricanes in Wellington. Blues assistant coach Paul Tito joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trip to Las Vegas to watch the Warriors became al the more special for one pair of Kiwi superfans - who took the opportunity to renew their vows in the lead-up to the match.  Ben and Ann Rzoska were among the estimated 9000 fans who travelled from Aotearoa to mark the occasion, and they celebrated with a themed ceremony. The pair joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have struggled under the bright lights on Sin City, going down 30-8 to the Raiders in their NRL season-opener in Las Vegas. Canberra scored five tries to two, including doubles to winger Xavier Savage and centre Sebastian Kris. NZ Herald sports writer Michael Burgess explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors fans are out in full force, with the ACC's Mike Lane spotting team jerseys everywhere in Vegas. He joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors' high-profile clash in Vegas wouldn't have been possible without the support of one of their biggest sponsors. One NZ CEO Jason Paris flew in to catch the action from Invercargill. He joined Piney to discuss the action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors assistant coach Slade Griffin is hopeful the team can maintain their focus ahead of today's clash. The Warriors are set to go up against the Raiders - in front of a crowd of 40,000 at the Allegiant Stadium. Griffin joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.