Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Former All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has revealed he'll be parting ways with Sky TV. After his time in the black jersey came to an end, he pivoted over to a commentator role with Sky - but his time with the broadcaster has come to an end. He joined Piney to discuss this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Women's cricket team have absolutely dominated England in the Women's Ashes.  They claimed the win 3-0 in the T20s, 3-0 in the ODIs, and they're on the verge of a huge test victory.   Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock recaps what has been a fantastic series for Australia.  “These are the type of tours that at the end of it, one team celebrates, and the other one goes home and has an independent review.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. David Edgar is a man of many talents.   He's a Major in the NZ Army and currently Officer Commanding Physical Performance Squadron. He has an extensive background working in Rugby as a S&C Coach with Waikato, Chiefs, Manu Samoa, as well as over in Japan.  He's also an accomplished marathon swimmer and endurance athlete, and will shortly look to complete the NZ marathon swimming Triple Crown by swimming the Foveaux Strait, having already completed the length of Lake Taupo and the Cook Strait.  Plus, he’s also on a mission to conquer the Ocean Seven.  Edgar is doing all of this to help raise awareness for dyslexia and those with learning challenges, and he joined Piney to discuss his achievements.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel Adesanya is returning to the Octagon.  Tomorrow morning will see him clash with Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia.  It'll be his first fight since August, when he submitted in the fourth round against Dricus Du Plessis.   UFC on Sky's Ravinder Hunia joins Piney to look at Israel's chances of returning to the winners circle.  “I think the pressure of not having to be fighting for a title is a pressure that he'll probably welcome.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Otago Sparks are straight into Sunday's final of the women's Super Smash, winning 7 of their 10 games to secure top spot.  They now await the winner of the elimination final between the Wellington Blaze and the Northern Brave.   Otago Sparks spinner Eden Carson was the top wicket-taker across both the men's and women's Super Smash competitions, and joined Piney to discuss her campaign so far.  “To be able to be consistent throughout the season has gotten us to where we are,” she said.  “We would have liked to have a few more wins, but y’know, 7 out of 10, we’re pretty happy with.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Stags have qualified directly for Sunday's Dream 11 Super Smash final.   Jayden Lennox has played a key role in the Stags' run to the final, as he was the side's most economical bowler, while also picking up 9 wickets.  He catches up with Piney to discuss his season as he awaits the results of the elimination final.  “I think we're, we're probably tracking nicely, and we're probably tracking a little bit more confident confidently than we have in the, I suppose, the past couple of years.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 1st February 2025, Auckland FC's success continues. They’re sitting atop the A-League ladder more than halfway through their debut season, Head Coach Steve Corica joining to discuss their success.  Dame Sophie Pascoe has announced her retirement from competitive swimming, and joined Piney to reflect on her golden career.  And Jayden Lennox from the Central Stags and Eden Carson from Otago Sparks preview the Super Smash final.  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.

Dame Sophie Pascoe has called time on her career.  New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian, Pascoe claimed 19 medals, including 11 golds, throughout her career as a competitive swimmer.   She joined Piney to reflect on her career, and discuss how she arrived at this decision.   “I think it was a pretty natural evolution for me,” Pascoe said.  She said that presenting the Paralympic Games last year helped her decision, as she was still part of the team but in a different capacity.  “I was right where I needed to be, which was to be a mother to my son and to be a wife and just be a family unit, but I also have the opportunity to still have a voice for the Paralympic movements and to showcase our incredible athletes.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC has begun their life as a professional football club in the best way possible. More than halfway through the season, the teams its at the top of the A-League table, and talk of going all the way to the end and claiming the win in their first season is getting louder and louder. Head Coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss the team's early success, and whether there's any added pressure from the team's incredible start. “We’re in a good position, still a long way to go, but the aim was still to win a trophy,” he said.  “I think, y’know, the players believe they can do it now – took them a little while to start believing that, but y’know, they’re a good team.”   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Australian Open, the Chris Wood saga and the Drua v Los Angeles clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC is hoping to turn their luck around and keep up the momentum after their mid-season slump. The Kiwi side is set to head into their third game in nine days against Western Sydney. Auckland FC winger Logan Rogerson joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Insane' is how rising New Zealand snow sports star Luca Harrington describes his 2025 so far. The 20-year-old Wānaka-born freeskier has now won three events, headlined by today's slopestyle gold medal on his X Games debut at Aspen. Harrington joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 26th January 2025, Tim Seifert had a great time in the BBL, he was named in FOX Cricket's team of the season and is now plying his trade at the ILT20 in the UAE. He joined the show to discuss his time on the T20 circuit and his future ambitions to play for the Black Caps. Shock X Games Gold medallist Luca Harrington joins the show to chat about how he rose to the top of the podium in Aspen And Craig Gabriel recaps all the action from the penultimate day of 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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ecuador's Jhonatan Narváez has claimed the leader's orange jersey after the penultimate stage of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide. Narváez secured victory in the 145.7-kilometre stage and holds a nine-second lead over the previous leader, Spain's Javier Romo. Kiwi Finn Fisher-Black, who finished third after stage five, sits third overall, 12 seconds behind the leader.  Cycling commentator Del Woodford joined Piney to recap the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American tennis player Madison Keys feels letting go of the need to be a Grand Slam champion has been the key to her finally becoming one. The 29-year-old's beaten top seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka across three sets in the Australian Open final. The maiden major title comes at the 46th attempt for Keys. Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi wicket-keeper batsman Tim Seifert has gotten his first taste of the Australian 'Big Bash' competition - and he's looking for more. He's looking back on a mixed-bag of a cricket season, and he's got some new ambitions to discuss, He joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theres now less than 500 days until the new Christchurch stadium is scheduled to be completed.  Venues Otautahi is overseeing the build of Te Kaha, and CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare joined the show to give an update on where the construction is at and the plans for when the build is complete.  Harvie-Teare told Piney that they’re designing a programme of events for the first 3-6 months after the stadium’s completion.  She says they want to get as many people in their community through that building as possible, as well as showcase the diversity of the venue, and drive visitation to the area.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial scenes last night at Rod Laver arena as Novak Djokovic retired after just the first set in his semifinal against Alexander Zverev, shocking the crowd.   Meanwhile, in the other semifinal Jannik Sinner had little resistance as he cruised to a straight sets win over American Ben Shelton.  Kiwi tennis journalist Dave Worsley was in the crowd, and joined Piney to discuss exactly what happened and what we can expect from the Men's and Women's final.  Worsley told Piney that in the press conference after the match, Djokovic said that maybe he could’ve kept going, but he wouldn’t have lasted that much longer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High Jumper Hamish Kerr makes his long-awaited return after winning Gold in Paris, slated to compete at the Cooks Classic in Wanganui this weekend.   He headlines the event alongside Para Athlete Anna Grimaldi, middle-distance runner Sam Tanner, and triple jumper Ethan Olivier.   He joins Piney to discuss the beginning of his new season.  “It is a pretty cool opportunity now to compete in New Zealand and, and get out there in front of the New Zealand crowd and give them a good show.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest domestic racing event in New Zealand has returned.  The Karaka Millions kick off today in Auckland, the first of a six race schedule starts at 4:38 this afternoon.   TAB Bookie Thad Taylor joins Piney to offer his thoughts and best bets for the upcoming races.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 25th January 2025, the Richie Mo'unga eligibility saga continues to drag on. He’ll remain in Japan after NZR’s bid to release him from his contract failed. Elliott Smith unpacks what has gone on between NZR and Mo'unga up to this point.  Kiwi Snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott stops in for a chat after picking up another gold medal at X Games Aspen.  And Hamish Kerr makes his long-awaited return after winning Gold in Paris, joining the show ahead of competing at the Cooks Classic in Wanganui.  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.

Richie Mo'unga will remain in Japan after New Zealand Rugby’s bid to get him out of his Toshiba contract failed.  It comes after months of speculation as to whether the star first five will return to the All Blacks in 2025.  Piney caught up with Newstalk ZB’s voice of rugby Elliott Smith to find out what's been going on between NZR, Scott Robertson, and Richie Mo'unga up to this point.  “They don't want to let him go particularly easily.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott once again is celebrating Gold at the X Games in Aspen.   She was victorious in the women's slopestyle, recording a 94.66 score, which featured a backside triple cork 1440 - the first-ever triple-cork in women's competition. It’s her 5th Gold in the Women's Slopestyle and 6th overall at X Games.  Piney caught up with her to celebrate yet another success on the slopes of Aspen.  “I put down a run that I didn’t even think was possible,” Sadowski-Synnott told him.   “To come back after an injury that put me out last year and to come back to do that run and win gold... it means everything to me.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the second day of SailGP, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap day one - and discuss what Kiwi sailing fans can expect this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A win in the last race of day one has turned around a poor start by New Zealand to their home SailGP regatta in Auckland. After a fourth, eighth and sixth, the Peter Burling-helmed crew rebounded to take the fourth and final race of the day. Australia leads the regatta standings on 34 points from Great Britain and Spain, with New Zealand fourth. Sailing commentator Steve Morrison joined Piney to unpack what we can expect from day two. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Phoenix have parted ways with club centurion David Ball, freeing up a spot ahead of the A-League's transfer window. The club and English striker Ball said in a statement they'd 'mutually agreed' to terminate the remaining six months of his playing contract, ending five and a half years at the Phoenix. Ball joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19-year-old Mattias Coutts is looking back on achieving a personal goal and making sailing history after winning the Moth World Championships. The son of Kiwi sailing legend Russell Coutts claimed the title at Manly Sailing Club last Thursday. Coutts joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 19 January 2025, Piney is looking ahead to the second day of SailGP for more racing action. SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts confirmed a long term hosting agreement is on the cards, as conversations have started up regarding the event's future. Italian SailGP CEO Jimmy Spithill joined Piney to discuss the team's outlook ahead of the second day of sailing. Black Foils team strategist Liv Mackay unpacked a less-than-ideal start for the Kiwi crew - and revealed how the team could turn their luck around. And Sir Russell's son, Mattias Coutts, celebrated a significant victory - having recently claimed the Moth World Championships title. 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 Black Foils are adamant bad starts can be remedied ahead of day two of the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix on Auckland's harbour. The Kiwi crew are fourth overall after winning the final fleet race of day one. They had three miscued starts but still recovered to finish fourth and sixth in two of the races. Team strategist Liv Mackay joined Piney to explain how the team can overtake their opposition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former two-time world champion in the Women's 470 sailing class, Hannah Mills, has been quick to offer positive feedback regarding yesterday's SailGP regatta in Auckland. The current Emirates Great Britain strategist said yesterday's race had some tough moments - but noted yesterday was an 'amazing' day for the team overall. Mills joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Italian SailGP CEO Jimmy Spithill is pleasantly surprised at how competitive the newcomers are. Despite having a new team and limited time to get to grips with the SailGP yachts, the Italians are 5th heading into this afternoon's final stanza of the season's second regatta in Auckland. Spithill was rapt with their two 3rds and two 7ths on Day One- and told Piney being competitive so early in the season is a major first step. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Maloney is relishing the chance to hit the Waitemata Harbour in different colours this weekend. The Kiwi sailor is the flight controller for the new Brazilian SailGP team, after leaving the New Zealand team in the off-season. Maloney joined Piney to unpack the challenges that came with the move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland could become a fixture of the SailGP calendar for years to come, with Sir Russell Coutts confirming the global foiling league is in conversations regarding a long-term hosting deal in the City of Sails. This year’s event in Auckland is the third of a four-year hosting agreement in New Zealand, with Christchurch hosting the first two editions on Lyttelton Harbour. The event has followed suit in terms of quality of racing and crowd support, with the Waitematā Harbour racecourse providing plenty of action and entertainment, while the waterfront stadium on Wynyard Point has been packed with fans. Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine, Coutts said he was pleased with the support of the event among the SailGP stadium and in surrounding areas. “There’s a great crowd there, great vibe in the viaduct; I think local businesses were doing well out of it, which is what we want to see,” Coutts said. “We’ve already started the talk about coming back here long-term, which I think is the real benefit for a venue. “If we can put together a five-year – for example – term, and you come back every year; it’s all very well to have a great one-off event, but if you can come back year after year and build the brand equity and build the awareness, then you will get more people travelling from Australia and so forth, and even the US, coming down here for the event and then holidaying in New Zealand. Which is, of course, what it’s all about. “We’re certainly keen to do that. We wanted to try Auckland to see if it worked. It clearly has, so we’re talking about a long-term arrangement.” A long-term deal could see Auckland become a cornerstone of the SailGP calendar should the league’s schedule follow a similar timeline in the future, with season five running from December 2024 to December 2025. Sir Russell Coutts speaks to Newstalk ZB's Jason Pine during the Auckland SailGP event. Photo / Jason Ludlow, SailGP The Auckland stop is the second event of the current season, with around 25,000 fans expected to attend across the weekend, and conditions have been so good the league has been able to shoehorn an extra race into both days, with four fleet races on Saturday and three fleet races scheduled before the podium race this afternoon. The league has also used the Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf as a testing ground for new developments this week. It’s the first time the fleet has rolled out its high-speed T-foils, allowing for potentially faster racing, while a split-fleet format was also trialled during practice sessions in Auckland with a look to implementing that for proper racing in the future. That comes as the league looks to expand further in season six, with Coutts confirming SailGP was looking to add another two teams for the next campaign – among a number of other developments in the works. “We will go to a split fleet format then, so we’ll go to seven-and-seven and then probably two more teams the following year, so eight-and-eight,” he said. “We’ll add more venues, we want to continue to grow our audience. We’re up around 20 million-plus dedicated viewership per event now, distributing to 212 countries and territories worldwide, so that’s fantastic. The future looks really, really bright. “Of course, we want to keep developing the technology. We’ve got the light-air foils coming on stream. We’ve got a really cool propulsion system developed in conjunction with Hamilton Jet here in New Zealand that will, a little bit like the driver assistance in Formula 1, in super-light wind conditions ... help get the boats up on to the foils. “Obviously there will be rules around that. It’s a very controversial move in terms of the sailing world, just like allowing the coaches to communicate during racing – that’s not allowed in any other form of the sport. “We’re not afraid of a bit of controversy. So I think that’s going to really move the sport forward.” Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's maiden SailGP event this weekend could provide some extra thrills – and even spills.  Not only are the fleet competing with the new high-speed foils, they'll be split into two six-boat heats, meaning more races – and possibly more close shaves on the tight Waitematā Harbour course.  Dylan Fletcher, the driver for Team Great Britain, told Piney that there’s been plenty of differences between the teams as they adapt to the boats.  “I’d say that there’s been a little bit more looseness out there, some more crashing, so I think it’ll be a great weekend for the fans.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV appears to be in the box seat to secure top-level rugby rights, including the All Blacks, for another five years – at a drastically reduced rate – but fans could yet find some games on a free-to-air channel such as TVNZ or New Zealand Rugby’s own digital platform.  The deal is reportedly worth $85 million a year, well below the existing $111 million annual deal expiring at the end of the year.   Hamish McLennan, chair of REA Group, told Jason Pine that broadcasting deals are the central pillar in terms of driving the game beyond pathways and grassroots.  The challenge, he says, is the balance between free-to-air content and what you keep behind a paywall.  “You know, do you take the money or do you try and ensure that you reach the maximum amount of viewers?”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team USA is ready to take on the waters at Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. The first Sail GP races get under way today, with 11 teams competing for the win. Taylor Canfield joined Team USA halfway through the Season 4 of the Sail GP, and in his word’s, it’s been full on. “There’s no words to really explain it,” he told Jason Pine. “To hop into a new class and competiting against the best boats in the, you know, the best sailors in the world, and the fastest boats in the world... yeah it’s full on.” “The progress we’ve made as a team is awesome so far, but you know, I know there’s a lot more to come as well.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team Brazil’s CEO is hoping for a surprising result in Auckland.  The new team came second to last in Dubai, but reports show that they’ve been sailing very well in the training leading up to this weekend’s regatta.   Alan Adler told Jason Pine that they learnt a lot from their run in Dubai, and were able to improve on their mistakes.  “The guys are good, you know, we have a great team and I think it’s all about human resources.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 18 January 2025, Jason Pine is broadcasting live from the Sail GP village ahead of this weekend’s racing action.  Black Foils Helmsman Peter Burling and Team Australia’s flight coordinator Jason Waterhouse joined him in Auckland to preview today’s regatta.  Team Brazil CEO Alan Adler revealed his motivations for entering the world of Sail GP.  And Hamish McClennan discussed the importance of broadcasting for the health of sports organisations such as New Zealand Rugby.  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.

Some high-octane racing is expected on Auckland’s waters today, as the Sail GP kicks off in Waitemata Harbour.   Australia’s flight controller Jason Waterhouse has been involved with Sail GP right from the start, and he told Jason Pine that the league’s growth has been “incredible”.  “But this has been a big change this week, with the new foils coming online,” Waterhouse said.  “It’s just really exciting – it's something a bit different, I think, for the athletes and for the spectators to enjoy.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.