Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

There’s a number of big names backing Auckland’s new football club.  Former All Black Ali Williams is one such name, joining Bill Foley as a member of Auckland FC’s ownership group.   He joined Jason Pine to discuss his hopes for the club, as they prepare to make their A-League debut at Mount Smart Stadium.  “It's about fan engagement, it's about getting a buy in, it's about getting a belief that we're not here for a short term, we're here for a long term.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC's inaugural A-League season kicks off today.   Their CEO Nick Becker joins Piney to discuss the journey of getting the team built as they prepare for their first-ever match in front of a sold-out Mt Smart stadium  “We had to go out and convince people that that we were the real deal. That we actually are a team, we had ambition, and we knew we had a plan to go. But once we got started convincing people that, they bought into it, and they came on board.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have responded to their series defeat to Sri Lanka by putting on a textbook display against India.  They dismissed them for 46 in the first innings, then proceeded to amass a lead of 356.  Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson joined the show to discuss how the team was able to deliver such a strong response.   “New Zealand have been excellent so far, but yeah, there's certainly, there would be no complacency, that's for sure.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 19th October 2024, Auckland FC's long-awaited debut is here, and Piney is at Mount Smart Stadium to take it all in. He's joined by CEO Nick Becker, Minority Owner Ali Williams, and Director of Football Terry McFlynn to chat about the club's journey and the excitement ahead of their first match.  Our cricket teams are finding form again, the Black Caps have India against the ropes and the White Ferns have defied the odds, making it into the T20 World Cup final. Former Black Caps coach Mike Hesson and former White Fern Katey Martin both join the show to discuss the success of the teams.  And Mick Guerin joins the show from across the ditch from The Everest 2024 at Royal Randwick, Australia's richest race  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.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 12th October 2024. Legendary rugby referee Nigel Owens joins the show to discuss World Rugby's controversial 20-minute red card proposal. Mid Canterbury has achieved something no other Heartland Championship team has done since 2019 - a win over South Canterbury. Their coach Matt Winter discusses how they managed to pull off the upset. And it's been a good start to the Americas Cup defence for Emirates Team New Zealand having won their first two races. NZ Herald's Chris Reive joins the show from Barcelona to recap the first day's racing. 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.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss NPC quarter finals, the MLB playoffs, and Auckland FC's upcoming season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 20th season of the A-League is about to get underway - and the Wellington Phoenix are gearing up for the new season. The Phoenix season kicks off on October 20th, with the team going up against Western United FC at home at Sky Stadium. Coach Giancarlo Italiano joined Piney to discuss the upcoming season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid Canterbury's snapped South Canterbury's 39-game winning streak in their Heartland Championship semifinal. The Hammers' 17-16 win in Timaru also ends their southern rival's bid to win four consecutive Meads Cups. Mid Canterbury coach Matt Winter joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming A-League season is set to get underway - with Auckland fans having their own team to support this time round.  In eight days, Auckland FC will make their public debut on the field - and the team's determined to prove themselves in their new role. Auckland FC coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss ahead of kick-off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Team New Zealand feel constant communication and consensus decision-making helped forge a perfect start to their America's Cup defence. The Kiwis hold a 2-nil lead over Ineos Britannia after the first day's racing in tough conditions off Barcelona. NZ Herald sports journalist Chris Reive joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A controversial proposal allowing rugby teams to replace a red-carded player after 20 minutes has moved a step closer to global implementation. World Rugby recently confirmed this potential change is one of several new amendments put forward for global use. Referee Nigel Owens joined Piney to discuss the impact of these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis.   Tennis correspondent Graeme Agars has spent the majority of his career covering Nadal, and he joined Piney to pay tribute to the player’s legendary career.  “He was spectacular and had most guys beaten before they even went out on court.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi driver Matt Payne has claimed provisional pole after the qualifying race for the Bathurst 1000.  Motorsport Journalist Simon Chapman joined Piney to discuss everything that went down during the qualifiers, and who might find themselves on the top of the podium after the Big Race.  “Oh, it's absolute bedlam, really. Craziness at the top of the mountain.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are kicking off their campaign for FIFA World Cup qualification.  Their Captain, and star player, Chris Wood joined Piney to discuss their upcoming matches and dig into his enthusiasm to play for the national team.  “It's the love of the country and the nation. I mean, New Zealand's my home, it’s where I grew up.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby Australia is facing yet another struggle.  The Melbourne Rebels have launched a $30 million lawsuit against RA after being axed by the governing body.   Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to try and make sense of the suit and figure out what they club is trying to achieve.   “It only serves as one thing: the rugby community as a whole look at it and go, ‘What are you guys doing?’”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The length of the NRL season has been the topic of debate lately.  The season runs seven months from the first week of March until the first week of September, and questions have arisen as to how much it impacts players’ ability to play International Rugby League.   Piney caught up with NZRL CEO Greg Peters for a chat about how we go about getting more of the international game.   “If you really want to return out of the international game, you've got to give it clear space with the top players available, and a decent window to really monetize it and make it appeal to the hearts and minds of fans around the world.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 12th October, it's the eve of the America’s Cup and Emirates Team New Zealand is preparing to defend the Auld Mug against the challengers INEOS Britannia. Team NZ Helmsman Ray Davies joins the show to discuss their plan for claiming victory on the waters of Barcelona.  All Whites and Nottingham Forrest striker Chris Wood chats to Piney as they begin their campaign for FIFA World Cup qualification.  Also, we preview Bathurst 1000, reflect on Rafael Nadal's career, and discuss whether the NRL season is too long.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the eve of the America’s Cup and Emirates Team New Zealand is preparing to defend the Auld Mug against challengers INEOS Britannia.   The first two races are scheduled for early Sunday morning, the teams taking to the waters of Barcelona.  Helmsman for Team New Zealand, Ray Davies, joined Piney to discuss the team’s plan to claim victory on the water and keep their grip on the Auld Mug.  “We've got quicker, they've got quicker. We don't really know until we actually come off that start line who's gonna have the advantage.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 10 October 2024, The All Blacks end of year tour squad is set to be named, with questions surrounding a few players. Sir John Kirwan offers his thoughts on who should be on the plane for the northern tour Piney has one of his regular catch ups with NZR CEO Mark Robinson and they discuss the report of France planning on sending a weak team to New Zealand next year And Ryan Girdler and Tawera Nikau preview the NRL Grand 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 ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites start their journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as they face Tahiti this Friday. Piney catches up with striker Ben Waine to discuss his time in the UK and how the All Whites preparations have been going LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penrith Panthers are looking to make it four Premiership wins in a row as they take on the Melbourne Storm tonight. Piney catches up with Panthers legend and 2003 NRL Premiership winner Ryan Girdler to preview the Grand Final LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a hard fought win for Waikato in the Farah Palmer Cup final. James McOnie discusses that game and where are Auckland FC looking to make their home LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL Grand Final is upon us. Melbourne Storm look to stop the Penrith Panthers run of titles. Piney catches up with Storm premiership winner in 1999 and one of New Zealands greatest League players, Tawera Nikau to preview the big match LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent reports from France have suggested that they won't be sending their best players to New Zealand when they tour next year. Piney put this to NZR CEO Mark Robinson in one of their regular catch ups LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks end of year tour squad is set to be announced with question marks surrounding several players including Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. Piney catches up with Sir John Kirwan to discuss who he thinks should be on the plane to the Northern hemisphere. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the point of an “end of season review”?  Our Coaching Guru Wayne Goldsmith joined Piney to explain exactly what happens in an end of season review, and what they’re meant to achieve.  “All I'm doing is pointing out what's right in front of you that you can't see.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The America's Cup challenger has been decided.   Ineos Britannia will race Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug in Barcelona after beating Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the Louis Vuitton Cup.   Sailing professor Mark Orams joins the show to discuss how INEOS managed to take home the Louis Vuitton Cup.  “While it was certainly a battle all the way through the first part of this Louis Vuitton Challenger finals, once they really got the advantage, they just pressed that home.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns have snapped their 10-match losing streak with an emphatic win over India at the T20 Womens World Cup.   Former White Fern Frankie Mackay joins Piney to discuss the unexpected win for the team.  “They came out with great intent. Openers put on a really good partnership to get things started, India looked rattled, and the really pleasing thing for me with that New Zealand side is they just didn't take the foot off the throat.”  “They just did not give an inch back.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final week of NRL over in Australia, with the Grand Final coming down to two entirely expected parties.  The Penrith Panthers are looking to win their fourth championship in a row as they play the Melbourne Storm Sunday night.  Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock joined Jason Pine to give his thoughts as to who will come out on top.  “Flip of the coin,” he said.  “It’s really tough to cut through it.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ellesse Andrews was one of New Zealand's biggest stars at the Paris Olympics.  She dominated the Velodrome, bringing home two gold medals as well as a silver.  Andrews joined Piney to discuss her performance in this year’s Games.  “I don't know if I can pick one memorable moment, but the whole thing was just crazy.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a string of disappointing results for the National team, Tom Latham has replaced Tim Southee as Test Captain for the Black Caps.   He joined Piney to discuss how he's going to turn the team's fortunes around.  “To me, it’s about trying to empower guys to do, to do their roles as best as they can and let them go out with freedom.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The change in Black Caps test captaincy obviously had to happen.  Whether it was the captaincy that affected his performances or not, and I actually think it played a big part, the fact is Tim Southee wasn't doing enough to guarantee his place in the team.  That becomes a real issue when you're the captain, even more so on the sub-continent.  More often than not, you play just two seamers in tests over there, so you need to pick your quickest bowler and your best bowler.   Tim Southee is neither of these.  The omission of Matt Henry can only be explained by Southee being captain/  The last time Henry bowled in test cricket was against Australia at the end of our home summer. He took 5-70 and 3-36 in the first test, then 7-67 and 2-94 in the second.  17 wickets at 15.71, easily our best bowler, and probably the best across both sides in the series.   Tim Southee took 4 wickets in those two tests at an average of 61.  Henry also contributed some handy runs, averaging over 25 across the series, Southee averaged 8.5.  But Matt Henry was the man left out of these Sri Lankan tests because Tim Southee was captain. Imagine taking 7 for 67 in an innings against Australia, then being dropped for the next test.  Thankfully, that'll be one of the first things put right by the captaincy change – it'll ensure Matt Henry plays against India.  The question now is whether Tim Southee even goes on that tour.  I don't think he should.  He should stay back here, get out of the limelight, freshen up, and get ready to play the three tests against England before Christmas.   He should definitely play those tests, we'll have a seam-heavy attack, and Southee still earns his place in a 4-prong attack with Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, and probably Ben Sears. I don't know the current status of Kyle Jamieson, hopefully we'll see him again this summer.  But Southee plays those tests.  And I think that might be a good way to bring the curtain down on what has been, by every measure, a terrific career. 382 test wickets, only Sir Richard Hadlee has more for us than that.  Wouldn't it be great to see him join the exclusive 400-wicket club?  18 more wickets might be a stretch in three tests, but who knows? Without having to worry about anything other than bowling, and on reasonably seam-friendly wickets at Hagley, the Basin, and Seddon Park, he could do it.  I honestly think relinquishing the captaincy is a good thing for Tim Southee.  He is one of our cricketing greats, he deserves to go out on top.   The longer the captaincy saga played out, the more his legacy was being tainted. Now he's got the chance for a swansong at home and to enjoy a fitting end to a great, great career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most anticipated returns to rugby happens today.  Cam Roigard has missed the last six months after rupturing his left patella tendon, but joins Counties Manukau today as they take on Manawatu.   He joined Piney to discuss his return and give an insight into what it was like to sit on the sideline for so long.  “It's been, yeah, quite a journey.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 5th October 2024, after a string of disappointing results for the National team, Tom Latham has replaced Tim Southee as Test Captain for the Black Caps. He joins the show to discuss how he's going to turn the team's fortune around.  Cam Roigard is set to make his return to the rugby field after his long recovery from a ruptured patella tendon. He discusses his journey back and the difficulty in spending so long on the sidelines.  And 2-time Olympic gold medallist Ellesse Andrews stops in to chat about her heroics in Paris.  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.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 29th September 2024, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen recaps their impressive win against the Wallabies. Liam Lawson is off to F1 after securing a full time seat to the end of the season at RB. Eric Thompson discusses what this means for Liam and how successful he thinks Liam could be. And Kelly Jackson from the Silver Ferns previews the Taini Jamison Trophy, which gets underway tonight. 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  All Blacks' victory, Liam Lawson's next challenge, the NRL season, the Black Caps' progress and the AFL. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are in a renewed state of mind ahead of their next challenge. The team is set to face off against Ireland on Monday morning in Vancouver to kick off the WXV-1 tournament.  Black Ferns assistant coach Mike Delaney joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day two of the America's Cup challenger series between Ineos Britannia and Luna Rossa has been timed out. Neither boat could finish the opening race after coming off their foils, with the start having been delayed two hours due to light winds. Sailing commentator Chris Steele joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Breakers are hoping for a strong start in Sunday's home opener against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Last week's clash was a success for the team - the Breakers walked away with a 91-87 victory over the Brisbane Bullets. Breakers guard Mitch McCarron joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a good performance from the All Blacks to wrap the Rugby Championship. A performance that reassured us this All Blacks team has the raw materials to consistently challenge the top sides in the world. There are some tough test matches to come in November - England, Ireland and France in consecutive weeks - and we'll learn more about them when those matches roll around. But for now, it feels like things are trending in the right direction, There was more than enough there last night, on both sides of the ball, to feel better about the progress of this side than perhaps we have at other times during 2024. Wallace Sititi - exceptional last night from a bloke playing out of position in just his third test start. There was plenty of debate when he was chosen ahead of Hoskins Sotutu at the start of the All Blacks season, and I think we can safely say they got that one right. Will Jordan at fullback - he played there often for Razor's all-conquering Crusaders. Last night was his third straight start there for the All Blacks. The extra space he's got back there, the way he assesses the game in front of him, the way he runs and his elusiveness in broken play, which led to another try last night - there's no doubt he'll become our all-time leading test try-scorer. He's got 35 in 37 tests now, the record is Doug Howlett's 49. But his defensive work under the high ball was good too - the 15 jersey is his to lose now. I'm loving seeing Caleb Clarke get back to the form he showed when he first became an All Black in 2020. He's drifted in and out a bit in the time since, he had that brief dalliance with sevens of course - and he played just 5 test matches last year and only 2 starts, he played just 2 of the 7 games at the Rugby World Cup, and they were against Namibia and Uruguay. But in 2024, he's become the first-choice left wing. 2 more tries last night and a good all-round showing despite that slightly mysterious late yellow card. And to Tupou Vaa'i - who's played every game this year -7 of the 9 from the start. When Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick left, lock was a position where there didn't appear to be as much depth as we would have liked. Tupou Vaa'i has stepped up well and truly - and there's a very real contest between he and Patrick Tuipulotu to partner Scott Barrett in the second row. And just a word on the crowd - Wellington has been rightly criticised in recent times for not turning up for test matches. Well last night, they turned up to a sold-out Sky Stadium. And right across the weekend, there was a different kind of buzz around the city. It's what test rugby used to feel like here in the Capital, it's what it should feel like. May there be many more nights like that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Silver Ferns are gearing up for their next competition. The three-test Taini Jamison series is set to kick off at the Trusts Arena in West Auckland this evening, with the Ferns playing against the England Roses. Defender Kelly Jackson joined Piney to discuss the team's mood ahead of the series. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson's been given the chance of a lifetime - and the pressure is on for him to prove himself in Formula One. The Kiwi driver's been promoted to the Racing Bulls team for the rest of the season. Motorsport expert Eric Thompson joined Piney to discuss what this means for Lawson. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have bounced back again and beaten out the Wallabies at Wellington's Sky Stadium. The team walked away with a 33-13 win - setting a record for coach Scott Robertson's first year. Despite the victory, assistant coach Scott Hansen says there's room for improvement ahead of the team's end of year tour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melbourne Storm are through to yet another NRL Grand Final.  They dispatched the Sydney Roosters in the Preliminary Final, beating them 48-18.  Fox Sports’ Jake Duke joins the show to discuss their success over the season and who they might expect to play in the final.  “I think Melbourne have just been the better side all year,” he told Piney.  “This is a team that was effectively six points clear of everyone else.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Ricciardo's F1 career is, for the meantime at least, now over, with Kiwi Liam Lawson taking over his seat at RB.   Our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock discusses the fallout across the ditch and the angst at Red Bull with how they've handled the situation.  “It was really, really average human behaviour, I thought, from the people at Red Bull about not fronting up and not owning their decision.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wallabies gave the All Blacks an almighty scare last week.   They look to build on that performance to pull off an upset against the All Blacks in Wellington. One of the Wallabies' greatest ever players was John Eales, and he joins the show to discuss how the team can keep improving  “What I hope to see is consistency and just building on, building on the performance of last week,” he told Piney.  “And just less of those bad moments where, where they let the All Blacks in.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the biggest day on the Australian Sporting calendar.  Both the NRL and AFL Grand Finals are today, the AFL set to kick off first this afternoon.  Eddie McGuire is synonymous with the sport, and he joined Piney to discuss the big day.  “It is, you know, I go to the Super Bowl every year. You know, the Kiwis know what it's like when the All Blacks are playing and it's a big game or a Bledisloe Cup or, or a World Cup in these days. That's what it's like.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are up against a mammoth task in their second test in Sri Lanka.  They’ll have to match a colossal total if they hope to even salvage a draw at Galle, not to mention the continuing struggles of opening batsman Devon Conway.  Former Black Cap Ronnie Hira joined Piney to discuss why the team has struggled so much in Sri Lanka so far.  “I think they obviously blew a lot of missed opportunities with the ball on the first day and in the field,” he told Piney.  “It becomes difficult for bowlers to maintain, I guess energy and morale when you see missed chances happening like that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 28th September 2024, Former All Black Carlos Spencer analyses why Damian McKenzie has been struggling in No. 10 for the All Blacks.  Wallabies Legend John Eales discusses how the Wallabies could build on their impressive performance from last week.  And it's the biggest day on the Australian sporting calendar, with the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions meeting in the AFL Grand Final. Eddie McGuire stops in to offer his thoughts on the match.  Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks start a test match on Saturday under coach Scott Robertson with someone other than Damian McKenzie at first-five for the first time. Beauden Barrett will instead run the cutter against the Wallabies at Sky Stadium, his first start at No. 10 since 2022, with a former All Black playmaker saying that should remain the case as he doesn’t see McKenzie as being at the level of an international first-five. Carlos Spencer made 35 test appearances in black and only five players have scored more points for the All Blacks than him. A player of similar style to McKenzie with a prized ability to unlock defences through innovative plays, he tells Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine he sees the 29-year-old as better suited to fullback. “I almost feel a little bit sorry for him to be honest. It’s been a tough little road for him, obviously on the back of a team that probably hasn’t performed to its potential and unfortunately it’s usually the No. 10 that takes most of the stick. “I’ve always considered Damian as a better fullback than a No.10.”Spencer says McKenzie’s Super Rugby form in the position is evident but does not see him as a test-level first-five. “Personally, no. I don’t think he is. I think he’s great at Super level but when it comes to test matches I just don’t think he’s got what it takes to be a really assertive No. 10 unfortunately. “I like Damian McKenzie, I think he’s a great player but I just find that he’s better suited at fullback than 10.”More time and space on the ball that is found when playing with 15 on his back, rather than 10, is what Spencer says makes McKenzie more suited to fullback. “He’s got more time to make decisions, there’s a bit more space, he enters the line well. I think he can see more from at the back. “That doesn’t stop him from jumping into first receiver occasionally from fullback, but I think those are the biggest points. I think he just lacks that direction at test match level where it’s really important.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.