Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Race day in Auckland and New Zealand's Sail GP helmsman Peter Burling has declared his team ready to go.  It's the first event to be held in Auckland and second of the current season, after victory in Dubai.  Burling told Jason Pine that the stage is set.  “There’s big change ups this week with the T4s coming in being a bit more up, the wind range should be a really good equaliser.”  “We're under no illusions we're going to have to perform right at the top of our game if we want to win this weekend.”  Racing starts at 4pm, with three set down for today before finals day tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Kerr is looking back on the moments that led up to his gold medal-winning performance in the men's high jump final at the Paris Olympics. Kerr clinched New Zealand's ninth gold medal of these Games, beating American Shelby McEwan in a jump-off after neither could clear 2.38 metres. He joined Piney to recap the winning leap. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the major highlights on the Tennis calendar is underway in Melbourne - the Australian Open.  Top seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner is a favourite to win and straight into it tomorrow in the first round. 10 time champion Novak Jokic will also have fans abuzz as he goes for his 25th major.  Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is headlining the opening night of the tournament tonight, as she attempts a three-in-a-row win - a record last set in 1999.  Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 12 January 2025, Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner on the squad named for the ICC Champions Trophy. Aussie Rugby journalist Christy Doran on whether Joe Schmidt will extend his contract with Aussie Rugby. And Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel previews the Australian Open. 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.

Regular Correspondent James McOnie joins Piney to talk all things sport.  The Australian Open is underway and bringing with it big names.  The Black Caps Champion Trophy squad has been named and has everyone talking. And it is wild-card weekend in the NFL as the countdown for the Super Bowl is on.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sail GP is bringing huge anticipation as it arrives in Auckland next week.  How are the Kiwi team - the Black Foils - preparing?  New Zealand sailor and Black Foils coach Sam Meech talks to Piney about improvements they have made to their boat, lessons from Dubai, integrating with the team, and new technology that allows him to coach his team during the race. LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gaël Monfils has won a tournament every year of his 19-year long career, and the ASB Classic is now no exception. The Frenchman was in control of the game, the crowd was on his side and he made little errors. What did his opponent Zizou bergs do wrong? Former pro and Sky Sports Commentator Lee Radovanovic talks with Piney about how the match, and what tournament organisers could do better next year. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a challenging year for Rugby Australia last year and coach Joe Schmidt is making it no brighter as he takes his time in revealing his future with the team. The head coach had said he would share his plans in December. December has been and gone and Rugby Australia want him to stay on as head coach, but will he? Christy Doran weighs in with Piney and explains why Schmidt might not be feeling the pressure to reveal his cards. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fast bowler Ben Sears will make his international return after being named in the Black Caps’ squad for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE next month.  Eight months post knee injury, the 26-year-old's comeback performance in the Super Smash this week has impressed selectors enough to see him join the team for the tournament.  New captain Mitchell Santner is the sole specialist spinner for the Tournament and he talks to Piney about the players who did - and didn't - make selection.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 11 January. 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.

Martin Guptill has officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket. The legend of the game reflects on being nervous for his first test debut, the top innings he's played and what retirement means for him.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A massive blow for the Warriors this week as their captain Tohu Harris retires due to injury.  Harris ends his career with 117 appearances since he joined the Warriors in 2018. What will his Warriors legacy be and what does this mean for his team?  Former Warriors player Monty Betham talks to piney about the shock decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Open is finally underway and is bringing with it major names in the tennis arena.  Nick Kyrgios is making headlines, but can his body hold out for the tournament?  Aryna Sabalenka has a strong record down under and is proving to be a favourite. As the ASB Classic wraps up today, Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock talks to Piney about what to expect when getting your tennis fix from across the ditch from tomorrow.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASB Classic singles finals are occupying Auckland today, off the back of Zizou Bergs thrilling three-set win against Nuno Borges yesterday.  Bergs will take on Frenchman Gaël Monfils who got through in straight sets.  Tennis commentator and former tennis pro Lee Radovanovic joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The third and final Black Caps v Sri Lanka ODI will take place at Eden Park at 2pm today.  Where does batsman Mark Chapman feel most at home on the pitch?  He talks to Piney about the upcoming match, the white-ball series and maintaining high standards.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cricket officials from India, Australia, and England were meeting to discuss the possibility of test cricket fragmenting, it has been reported. This would allow for more series between the sport’s big players – positioning New Zealand in the top tier amongst the likes of South Africa and Sri Lanka. What would a two-tiered cricket system do for the future of the game? Veteran Australian cricket broadcaster Jim Maxell joins Piney to weigh in on the conversation. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a new era for the All Blacks with Scott 'Razor' Robertson in charge. He's announced his first squad, Scott Barrett taking over the captaincy from Sam Cane, Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea sharing the role of deputy. What's in store for this new era? What will change? How will the All Blacks evolve? Razor joined Jason Pine for a one hour exclusive, taking calls and answering your burning questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 5 January. 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.

An Auckland City Hospital doctor completed a self-supported ultramarathon on all seven continents in just one year.  In 2024, Dr Inia Raumati completed eight races in eight countries across all seven continents. Each ultramarathon was around 250km and took 5-6 days to complete.  He joins Jason Pine to discuss the incredible feat of physical resilience and what sparked the initial idea behind the massive achievement. LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early January is the time for resolutions, and many sport teams will be planning ahead at how they can make 2025 their best year yet.  Coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith joins Jason Pine to discuss how coaches can reflect on how a team has performed, focus on the achievements implemented change can create, and implement change going forward.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular Correspondent James McOnie re-joins Weekend Sport for 2025.  James and Piney discuss the Black Caps v Sri Lanka test at Wellington's Basin Reserve, Naomi Osaka making the ASB Classic women's final, top contenders in the English Premier League, and 2025's rugby talent to look out for.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Littler has claimed his maiden darts world championship.  At just 17 years of age, and in a sport where age is not a barrier, Littler is expected to charge ahead in trying for a record 17 titles in his career.  Littler has experienced one of the most remarkable full debut seasons ever seen in darts professional era, securing the titles of Premier League champion, Grand Slam champion, and a slew of victories in the Pro Tour, the European Tour and the World Series.  Host of the Kiwi Darts podcast Ben Francis joins Weekend Sport to discuss the phenomenal achievement.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An undoubted success story of 2024 was the emergence of Auckland FC.  In their debut season, Auckland FC won their first six matches, didn't concede a goal until their sixth match, went unbeaten for their first seven matches and enter the new year four points clear at the top of the A-League ladder.  Their fan base grew rapidly, with sell-out crowds, or crowds reaching numbers above 13,000, fast becoming a regular occurrence at Go Media Stadium.  Auckland FC's Director of Football Terry McFlynn joins Jason Pine to reflect on the team's cracking start.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Blaze have gone two from two at the start of their defence of the domestic women's Super Smash competition.  The Blaze beat the Central Hinds by 25 runs in Nelson.  Player of the match, Wellington all-rounder Jess Kerr made 59 of 45 balls, in a game where no other batter made 25. This was Kerr's second 50 in two matches. She joins Jason Pine to discuss the match, and the all-rounder role within the women's game. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former world Number 1 Naomi Osaka booked her slot in the final showdown of the women's ASB Classic, and will be coming up against Clara Tauson. Osaka eased through her semi-final against Alycia Parks, securing her first WTA final since 2022.  Tauson is the highest remaining seed at the tournament after knocking out top seed Madison Keys in her quarter-final. Though Osaka is seeded seventh, she will likely be favoured against Tauson. Sports commentator Rikki Swannell joins Weekend Sport to discuss Osaka's comeback and how each players form has been looking throughout the competition. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Blaze have gone two from two at the start of their defence of the domestic women's Super Smash competition.  The Blaze beat the Central Hinds by 25 runs in Nelson.  Player of the match, Wellington all-rounder Jess Kerr made 59 of 45 balls, in a game where no other batter made 25. This was Kerr's second 50 in two matches. She joins Jason Pine to discuss the match, and the all-rounder role within the women's game. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 4 January. 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.

Wellington Phoenix women's team were denied their first ever win in Victoria last week, with a two-goal burst from Melbourne City ending the sides four match unbeaten run.  In the game, forward Olivia Fergusson scored her first goal for the Phoenix by putting away a rebound from Grace Jale.  Fergusson joins Jason Pine to discuss why that first club goal is important and why she moved halfway across the world to link up with the Wellington Phoenix.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Aces batter Bevon Jacobs took a stunning boundary catch against Canterbury King's in the men's Super Smash.  Canterbury were cruising towards Auckland's total of 185-8, but suffered a remarkable collapse against the competition's defending champions.  Jacobs' boundary catch was a highlight of the game, diving full stretch to catch Henry Shipley just before the ball it the turf. He joins Jason Pine to discuss his mindset on the field.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The national bowls championship is on in Auckland, with men's pairs and women's singles into post-selection play today, with finals tomorrow.  Men's singles and women's pairs will follow.  The defending champions in the men's pairs, Mt Albert duo Gary Lawson and Tony Grantham, are looking for a three-peat. While women's singles defending champion Leanne Poulson is looking to be the first women to successfully defend the title.  As one of the most well-known voices in bowls, Kevin Hickland joins Piney to discuss the championship.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day one of Australia v India at the SCG saw the Aussies get one step closer to reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar trophy, bagging four wickets to bowl out India for 185.  Fiery scenes followed Jasprit Bumrah's last-ball strike on day one and set the tone heading into day two.  Plus, Novak Djokovic has crashed out in the quarter finals of the Brisbane International in a surprise defeat to Reilly Opelka.  Regular Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock discusses the latest with Piney.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites continue their Oceania World Cup qualifying.  The team face two more matches in their efforts to gain direct entry into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Oceania gaining a direct qualification slot for the first time.  All Whites Head Coach Darren Bazeley joins Piney to discuss the excitement of what lies ahead in the first few months of 2025.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former New Zealand Davis Cup representative Sebastian Lavie joins Weekend Sport to discuss the ASB Classic women's tournament so far.  Lavie provides expert analysis of the tournament for Sky Sport and offers his assessment of the performances that have seen some of the top names and high seeds drop from the competition.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps failed in their bid to make it 3 from 3 against Sri Lanka, falling short by just 7 runs at Saxton Oval. Jacob Duffy was named Player of the Series and was the only New Zealand bowler to avoid damage in Sri Lanka's batting onslaught. The Otago veteran will now compete for the new ball alongside O'Rourke and Matt Henry.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Warriors are flying high in the NRL – coming within one game of the Grand Final in 2023. They’ve continued their form this season sitting firmly in the top eight – and getting plaudits on both sides of the Tasman. So, what’s behind their recent success? How far can this club go? Will this be the Warriors' golden era? The club’s CEO Cameron George joined Weekend Sport’s Jason Pine in studio on Sunday to answer all these questions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 29 December. 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 World Darts Championships are well underway through till next week.  Host of the Kiwi Darts podcast Ben Francis joins the show.  "Oh jeez, Jason, where to start, it's just been absolutely incredible..." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh face Corban Piper made his starting debut for the Men's Wellington Phoenix last week.  The 22-year-old combative midfielder joined the Phoenix from Birkenhead United.  The Wellington Phoenix will host the Newcastle Jets at Sky Stadium in Wellington at 5pm this afternoon as they hope to snap a three game loosing streak.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Phoenix take on A-League Women leaders Melbourne City today.  The team look to maintain a winning streak after beating two-time defending A-League Women champions Sydney FC last week.  Phoenix Captain Annalie Longo  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock gives an update on all things Aussie sport.  The mood is sombre in Hobart after the Sydney to Hobart race has come to an end off the back of two shocking fatalities yesterday.  Adam shares what has come to light over the past 12 hours.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1999 Boxing Day test against the West Indies at the Basin Reserve, Matthew Sinclair scored 214 on test debut. Still the highest score by a New Zealande batter on their test debut, it helped New Zealand to an innings victory over the West Indies.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 28 December. 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.

Stand-in captain Max Chu lead his team to a 10-run win against the Canterbury Kings yesterday at Molyneux Park. The Otago Volts made 165-9 from their 20 overs.  Chu joins the show to discuss the teams win.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASB Classic is back on our shores bringing back major names in tennis.  Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Emma Raducanu and kiwi Lulu Sun are among the women returning to the court.  Qualifying for the women's tournament has begun today and will continue tomorrow. ASB Classic Tournament Director Nicolas Lamperin joins the show to discuss how the event is shaping up ahead of its first day on Monday.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 The Black Caps face Sri Lanka tonight in the first of 3 T20 internationals, then 3 one-day internationals. Will home conditions favour New Zealand when they meet Sri Lanka again in Mt Maunganui?  Home conditions are not always the advantage they used to be, Michael Bracewell said, making for a "tightly contested" series.   What is Bracewell's T20 bowling strategy?  All this and more ahead of tonight's test at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A promise to protect rugby's match officials from online abuse. It comes after a World Rugby report found referees were the fourth most targeted group at last year's Rugby World Cup. Prominent official Wayne Barnes picked up a third of vitriol aimed at individuals by the end of the 2023 event. World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin says protecting match officials from online abuse is crucial towards keeping and maintaining top talent. "We need to reassure them that the sport's taking their own protection seriously, so that's absolutely important." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 22 December. 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.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joins Jason Pine to announce the winners of the 'Piney' awards - wrapping a fantastic year of sport for 2024. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oleksandr Usyk won his heavyweight championship rematch against Tyson Fury by unanimous decision to stay unbeaten across two divisions and cement his place among the greats.  NZ Herald combat sports expert Christopher Reive tells Jason Pine Usyk was the favourite going into the rematch.  The fight went the distance, with all 12 rounds being played and Reive says Usyk was never in danger of being knocked out.  "Fury wasn't stringing enough combinations together. He was looking for one shot at a time."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns have lost a rain-hit second women’s one-day international against Australia.  Despite the loss, bowler Molly Penfold was a star with career-best figures of four for 42.  Molly tells Jason Pine the team knew they were coming up against the world’s best and unfortunately couldn’t get across the line.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.