Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

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.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for March 2nd, the Warriors faced off against the Raiders in Vegas, with several important people making the trip over to catch the action. One couple even renewed their wedding vows in a Warriors-themed ceremony. Later, former coach Mike Hesson joined Piney to preview the Black Caps v India cricket clash. 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.

Warriors CEO Cameron George is feeling the excitement as the team's 2025 NRL campaign begins in Las Vegas this afternoon. The Kiwi side is set to face off against the Canberra Raiders at 1pm - with the Panthers facing the Sharks from 5.30pm. George says it's been amazing seeing all the support ahead of the big day - but he reminded Piney the team has a job to do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 1 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.

A number of New Zealand Golf Open ambassadors have been taking part in the Pro-Am.  Double World Cup winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is one of them! "My golf is certainly nothing to write home about, but, it's a pretty cool event and, yeah very, very privileged to be involved."  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inaugural 4.5 million NZB Kiwi is on at Ellery Racecourse next Saturday. Described as the people's horse, three year old Pivotal Ten has been selected to run in the race, almost coming from nowhere to become the surprise star of the South. Pivotal Ten was purchased for just $15,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National weanling sale. Three years on, she'll race for a share of $4.5 million. Trainer and Jockey Samantha Wynn talks to Jason Pine about the event.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend are the last few days of the New Zealand Golf Open.  Included amongst the pros, are a number of amateurs. Also a part of the event are New Zealand Golf Open ambassadors.  Former Australian cricket captain, and Golf Open ambassador Ricky Ponting talks to Jason Pine.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL season opener in Las Vegas is all anyone's talking about.  What are the Warriors chances of success looking like? In cricket Australia played their final pool match against Afghanistan overnight … almost.  The game was abandoned due to rain in the 13th over.  Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock talks to Piney about both events, the football Socceroos making it to the final of the Asian Cup, Auckland FC's game against Adelaide United today, and the New Zealand Golf Open.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rugby League season is under 24-hours away, kicking off in Las Vegas.  Hundreds of fans have descended on the American city as the Warriors are up against the Raiders at 1pm NZT tomorrow. Rugby League writer Buzz Rothfield is live from Las Vegas and talks to Jason Pine.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have confirmed that head coach Clayton McMillan will join Irish club, Munster.  McMillian is being released from his contract one year early, leaving the Waikato team at the end of this current season.  His departure brings an end to his 5 seasons in charge at the Chiefs, during which he has lead them to the last two Super Rugby finals.  New Zealand Rugby's general manager of professional rugby Chris Landrum joins the show to discuss McMillan's move. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap Super Rugby season, Joe Parker's victory, Auckland FC's victory and the USA v Canada hockey series. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There'll be plenty of golf talent on show next weekend as the NZ Golf Open gets underway at both the Millbrook and Hills courses in the Queenstown Lakes region. One of the big names confirmed to appear is Ben Campbell - currently ranked 146th in the world. He joined Piney to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand continues their progress in the Champions Trophy series this week - with their clash against Bangladesh set to take place tomorrow night. This comes off the back of their first victory over Pakistan last week.  Black Caps captain Mitch Santner joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 23rd of February, Piney chats to the CEO of NZ cricket about Sky's new broadcasting deal. It's another winning performance from Auckland FC - coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss. Finn Hurley from the Highlanders recaps the team's surprise victory over the Blues. And Black Caps captain Mitch Santner previews the team's upcoming clash against Bangladesh. 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.

The Highlanders have dug deep to secure a famous 29-21 win over reigning Super Rugby champions the Blues in Dunedin. Down to 13 players following injuries in the front row and a red card for prop Daniel Lienert-Brown - the team managed to turn their luck around. Highlanders fullback Finn Hurley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tall Blacks are bracing for a physical clash against the Philippines in their Asia Cup basketball qualifying game in Auckland.  Both teams have already qualified for the tournament later this year, but the winner will take top spot in their group. New Zealand will look to avenge a four-point loss to the Philippines last November. Assistant head coach Mike Fitchett joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boxer Joseph Parker has put the heavyweight division's champions on notice after a second-round knockout of Martin Bakole in Riyadh. The Kiwi was set to challenge IBF champion Daniel Dubois but the Brit withdrew from the bout due to being sick, leading to Bakole to step in at short notice. NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier joined Piney to recap the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica believes there's now no doubt who is the best team in New Zealand after a third straight A-League win over the Wellington Phoenix - a 6-1 demolition at Mt Smart.  The Black Knights lead the A-League by a staggering eight points, while the Phoenix have fallen to 11th in the 13th-strong league. Auckland FC coach Steve Corica joined Piney to recap the victory.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV has reclaimed the rights to screen international cricket matches played in New Zealand in a six-year deal starting in late 2026. The pay-TV operator, which lost domestic rights to Spark Sport in 2020, has clinched a new deal which gives it the rights to screen Black Caps matches again.   New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink joined Piney to discuss the deal - and explain why the certainty is better for Kiwi cricket. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 22 February. 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 Football Ferns have their first games of 2025 in the next few days. They'll come up against Costa Rica tomorrow and again on Wednesday. Interim head coach Michael May has appointed an all-new coaching staff for this tour, including former Football Ferns goalkeeper Jenny Binden as his assistant coach. Bindon appeared at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007, again in 2011, and she talks to Piney about the upcoming games.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's leading triathletes are coming together tomorrow with the 2nd annual Napier Triathlon Festival, including men's and women's elite races. 15 nations are represented across the elite men's and women's fields, with 20 New Zealanders. The Kiwi's leading the way are 2024 Paris Olympians Ainsley Thorpe and Nicole Vander Kay, and 2018 Commonwealth Games medallist Taylor Reid.  Ried talks to Piney about the festival.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.