Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

A historic defeat to Afghanistan for the Black Caps. They've lost to the Asian nation for the first time in a Twenty20 international, dropping their World Cup opener by 84 runs in Guyana. Cricket commentator Dylan Cleaver joined Piney to unpack the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a big year for sports, with the Olympics falling among the other competitions. The OFC Men’s Nations Cup has reached the group stage, and Darren Bazely has named his squad. Piney caught up with him to discuss the selections he’s made and the challenges of it falling in the same year as the Olympics. He told Piney that despite the troubles with scheduling players, he’s wound up with a strong squad that’s really blended. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders are heading into their Super Rugby quarter final as clear underdogs. They’re facing off against the Brumbies tonight at their oponents’ home ground. Piney caught up with their co-captain Ethan de Groot to discuss how they're going to go about upsetting the team from Canberra. De Groot told Piney that the set piece is going to be massive and reckons whoever wins that will win the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big sports week in Australia. The week was headlined by State of Origin, which was dominated by Queensland after Joseph Sua'ali'i was sent off for a high shot on Reece Walsh. Adam Peacock discussed the fallout from that tackle and all the other headlines from across the Tasman. Peacock told Piney that he doesn’t have an issue with the ban itself, but with the fact that the Roosters have to cop the fallout when they had no part in it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues impressive Super Rugby season is entering the playoffs. They’re playing the Fijian Drua in their quarter final tonight from 7pm. Piney caught up with assistant coach Greg Feek to find out what's made the team so successful this season. He told him that they’ve brought in the whole team, and the whole squad is really excited about the brand of rugby and style they have. “We’ve built our game really nicely.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Super Rugby quarter finals continue tonight. The Hurricanes are facing off against the Rebels at their home stadium in Wellington. Piney caught up with Number 8 Brayden Iose to preview tonight’s match. He said that he’s been really grateful to see the amount of support the Hurricanes have had from their fans, and the stadium is probably the fullest he’s seen it in recent years. “Our support has been overwhelming from the community.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are the first team through to the Super Rugby semifinals. They claimed their spot in last night’s match against the Reds, with more than double the points of the opposite team. Piney caught up with their assistant coach Marty Bourke to recap their impressive win. Bourke said that they put a previewed the Reds ahead of the game, and knew they were going to put a lot of pressure on them. He told Piney that whatever they touched during the first half of the game turned to gold and gave them some real good momentum. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Phoenix’s star goalkeeper is off to the Premier League. Alex Paulsen has been signed by English Premier club Bournemouth FC for four years. Piney caught up with him as the news broke to chat about his achievements. He told him that most aspiring young footballers have a dream to play in the Premier league, and it’s fantastic for him to get the opportunity to one day play in the league. Paulsen said that he’s very fortunate that Bournemouth has decided to invest in him. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have returned from their much-needed bye week. They’re now preparing to take on the North Queensland Cowboys this evening in round 14 of the NRL. Piney caught up with assistant coach Stacey Jones to discuss how they spent their week off, and how they’ll continue the form they found beforehand. He told him that picking up two wins before the bye week set them up well, and they were able to get some players well rested, and get some of their more experienced players back in action. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Piney had one of his regular catchups with NZ Rugby’s CEO Mark Robinson. Today they dug into the fallout and divisive struggles the game’s governing bodies have gone through of late, as well as the increase in viewership, and the state of the game. He told him that now the vote has passed, they’re taking some time to refresh some of the strategic work they’re doing, with a view to the next three or four years. Robinson said that now is their chance to step forward, and lead, and really get people excited about the possibilities in the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss he Super Rugby season, Auckland FC's new signings, Alex Paulsen's move to Bournemouth and the NBA finals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith joined Piney to talk about his Ashes performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand teams will feature in every Super Rugby quarter-final, with the Hurricanes pipping the Blues to finish in top spot heading into the playoffs. The Hurricanes will face the Rebels at home in Wellington while the Blues will host the Fijian Drua and the Chiefs will clash with the Reds in Hamilton. Rugby experts Bryn Hall and Ant Strachan joined Piney to share their expectations for next weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Foils have overcome shifty winds and chilly temperatures to sit second overall behind Great Britain after day one of Canada's inaugural SailGP event in Halifax. New Zealand placed fifth, second and fourth across the opening three fleet races. Driver Peter Burling discussed the challenging circumstances with Piney. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, former gold medal-winning hockey player Tony Ineson joined Piney to discuss his athletic success. Ineson captained the New Zealand national team at 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders' Super Rugby Pacific title defence is over, after the Fijian Drua beat the Melbourne Rebels 40-19 in Lautoka, to book their own finals spot. The Drua finish the regular season seventh, one spot above the Rebels, who still make the post-season. Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge joined Piney to discuss the team's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ipswich Town FC is Premier bound, and Henry Gray is a Kiwi goalkeeper on the team. He joined Piney to discuss his journey to Ipswich and his hopes for playing Premier League Football next season. He told him that they've just got to wait and see for next season, and while there’s talk about slotting him into the number three slot, he just has to wait and see what the club wants to do. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month the Lord’s Cricket Ground hosted Armed Forces T20 Day and the MCC’s official Women’s Day. For the first time in the ground’s 210-year history, both those games were played on the first pitches to be prepared entirely by women. Kiwi Meg Lay was one of the team and is the first full-time female grounds person at Lord’s. She told Jason Pine that every day is a “pinch me moment”. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The T20 World Cup kicks off tomorrow and our Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock took a look at the chances of Australia and the unpredictability of the format. He also dug into the struggles of the Matildas, and what ways the State of Origin 1 could go. He told Piney that there’s no certainty around the WT20 as every one of the eight teams can win it. “Whether or not that falls Australia’s way remains to be seen.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs are coming up against the Blues in tonight’s Super Rugby Clash. The Blues are tied for the top spot, slightly ahead of the Hurricanes due to a points differential. Finlay Christie from the Blues side and Jimmy Tupou from the Chiefs joined Piney as they prepare for their blockbuster match to wrap up their regular seasons. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes and Highlanders are battling it out this evening. The Hurricanes are tied with the Blues at the top of the table, the Blues just ahead on a points differential. Salesi Rayasi of the Hurricanes and Kenny Lynn of the Highlanders joined Piney to preview their much-anticipated clash to end the Super Rugby regular season. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Significant changes are coming to New Zealand’s rugby game. NZ Rugby’s governance vote took place on Thursday, and the Provincial Union's Proposal Two has won out. Peter Winchester is the chair of Canterbury Rugby and spokesperson for the Provincial Unions, and joined Piney to discuss what this vote means for rugby going forward. He told him that they believe that provincial involvement on a governance level is needed to keep the community game strong. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buller rugby legend James Lash joins Piney to talk about being called up as an emergency fill-in for Suburbs rugby. This move took them from a 27-0 deficit to a 27-28 win to win the Best of the West Cup in Auckland premier rugby. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oxford United have managed to snag themselves a spot in the EFL Championship, after beating out the Bolton Wanderers. Coach Des Buckingham joined Piney to discuss the team's progress. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie of The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss this weekend's Super Rugby, the A-League grand final, Luka Doncic in the NBA playoffs and James Preston's new record. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Monday's highly-anticipated IndyCar event, one motorsport reporter joined Piney to speculate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hesson, former Black Caps coach and newly appointed Te Korowai board member, joins Piney to discuss how the organisation aims to provide support for coaches. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Olympic boardsailor Barbara Kendall has managed to maintain a solid athletic legacy. Kendall was the first New Zealand woman to win an Olympic boardsailing medal, at Barcelona in 1992. She followed it up with silver and bronze medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics - and was later inducted into the International Sailing Hall of Fame in 2007. She joined Piney to discuss her accomplishments ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a banner day for Kiwi athletics. The late Sir Peter Snell's 62-year-old 800m national record has been broken by James Preston at a meet in Germany - by point two six (0.26) of a second. It's an Olympic qualifying mark - pending selection by the national committee. Preston says he's incredibly proud. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have kept their Super Rugby playoff hopes alive with the upset of the season, beating the Blues 29-27 in Christchurch.If the Highlanders beat the Drua and deny the Fijians a bonus point in Dunedin this afternoon, the Crusaders will be just two points off the top-eight playoff zone, going into the last round. Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall joined Piney to discuss the good news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our number one Timbersport athlete Jack Jordan is in Italy as he attempts a three-peat in the World Timbersport Trophy. He caught up with Piney before the event gets underway. Jordan told him that you can’t take anyone lightly in this competition because you never know when you might slip up. “You’ve just got to go flat out.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are looking to continue their winning streak. They’re taking on the Crusaders tonight in Christchurch, aiming to retake the top spot from the Hurricanes with just one round left to play. Harry Plummer, Blues Playmaker, joined Jason Pine to preview the match. He told him that although they’re only two rounds out from the playoffs and there’s really exciting things brewing, they’re focused on making sure they get things right in the next two weeks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Phoenix's most successful season came to a tough end last week. Their chances at the Premiers Plate were cut down by the Melbourne Victory, losing 1-2. Piney caught up with head coach Giancarlo Italiano to reflect on how the season went. He told him that it’s still hard to come to terms with their loss. “In a couple of months, I think the players and staff will be thinking back at, you know, we we’re that close. Even though we created history for the club, I think we, you know, we had the ability to go that one step further.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the Warriors star players has been put in timeout. Addin Fonua-Blake has been stood down for this week's game by Coach Andrew Webster. Our Australian correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to discuss what the reaction to that news has been like across the ditch. He told him that Webster has done the right thing, as if to say well no, I’m bigger than this, so have a spell. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a historic loss to Canada last week, the Black Ferns are looking to bounce back against Australia. Piney caught up with fullback Renee Holmes ahead of that match to see how their preparations are going. She told him that when they have these losses, they just have to make sure they learn from them. "I can't wait for this Black Ferns group to unleash themselves on Saturday." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After spending 4 years away from the Australian Test team, Mitchell Marsh was recalled ahead of last year's Ashes. He became an indispensable performer for the baggy greens during the series. He joined Piney to discuss his return, the upcoming T20 World Cup, and season three of The Test- available now on Prime Video. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes and Chiefs were vying for a top of the table spot Friday night, the Canes walking away with the coveted position. Brett Cameron, Hurricanes first five, became a hero for his side after kicking the match-winning penalty. He caught up with Jason Pine to review the match. Cameron told him that although it's a pressure filled situation, you have to treat it like it’s just another kick. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven months, more than 100 hours of interviews and 133 pages. That was what former Port of Tauranga chair David Pilkington undertook when he was appointed panel chair of an independent review of the constitution, governance structure and processes of New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated. That review, dubbed the “New Zealand Rugby Governance Review” or “Pilkington Review” and its recommendations, published in August of last year, found that the current governance structure was “not fit for purpose” and that changes must be made for the good of rugby in this country. It has since had a counter-proposal put forward by a group of provincial union boards, in conjunction with other key stakeholders, known as Proposal Two. A Special General Meeting has been called for May 30 for those with voting power to decide between adopting the Pilkington Review’s recommendations or Proposal Two. Pilkington told Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine that he and his other panel members always knew there would be pushback on their recommendations. “Any significant change was going to be challenging to the provincial unions, but we made it very clear to the two commissioning parties, the [New Zealand] Players Association and the New Zealand Rugby board, that we would come forward with what we considered to be what the game needed and what represented best practice and not something that would pass by way of vote.” The fact that the recommendations he and the panel had put forward had not been adopted, 10 months later, only justified the conclusions they came to, Pilkington said. “That is the inability of the current structure to provide single, clear leadership to rugby across the wider ecosystem [which] is evidence of the chaos over the last 10 months,” he said. Pilkington made it clear to Pine that he disagreed with the notion that Proposal Two differed only slightly from the review’s recommendations. “That I think is totally wrong because the PU [provincial unions] proposal will in our view simply reinforce the status quo.” He said that after speaking with every major stakeholder within rugby in New Zealand over the course of the review process, there were no assertions made that the current structure was working in the best interests of rugby. “There was widespread recognition that significant change was needed.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild host joined ZB's Elliott Smith to discuss the Wellington Phoenix loss, the ongoing Super Rugby season, the Warriors, the Auckland stadium debate and Scottie Scheffler. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Sautner, Jim Doyle and Richard Dellabarca join ZB's Elliott Smith to outline their pitches for Auckland's new national stadium. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns expect a massive challenge in set piece and up front when they tackle unbeaten Canada in rugby's Pacific Four Series this afternoon in Christchurch. Black Ferns assistant coach Dan Cron joined Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oleksandr Usyk has claimed a split decision victory over Tyson Fury in their unification heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia. The undefeated Ukrainian was on the brink of victory in round nine - landing a series of big punches that had Fury stumbling against the ropes and back-peddling - before he received a standing eight-count and was saved by the bell. NZ Herald combat sport expert Christopher Reive joined Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Ferns sevens star Michaela Blyde is hyping herself up for the Paris Olympics - but she aims to focus on her upcoming tournaments first. The team are gearing up for their Grand Final event in Madrid from May 31. Listen to Michaela Blyde discuss the topic further with ZB's Elliott Smith here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on Brisbane, where the Warriors are expected to go up against the Panthers in this afternoon's NRL magic round. Fox Sports commentator James Graham joined ZB's Elliott Smith to discuss the hype around the event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Phoenix's season has drawn to a close after last night's defeat. Wellington's dream season is over after a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Melbourne Victory in last night's second leg match in the capital. Former Phoenix forward Paul Ifill joined ZB's Elliott Smith to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Phoenix prepare for their biggest game in their history, their supporters club, Yellow Fever, are also in preparations to cheer their team to victory. Elliott Smith caught up with Dale Warburton of Yellow Fever to discuss the nerves and buzz around the capital. He told him that they’re making a march to the stadium from down near the Beehive, trying to boost the atmosphere. Warburton said there will be singing, chanting, and music, along with a few other secrets he’s got tucked away. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A kiwi cyclist is making a solo bid for a new world record. Joanna Sharp is cycling solo from Darwin to Melbourne via Uluru, on a 4600km journey. She’s aiming to complete this in the shortest time possible, setting a new world record and becoming the first person to complete this feat, as well as raising funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer NZ. Sharpe joined Elliott to discuss the massive journey she’s undertaking, telling him that the current unofficial record is around three or four weeks, but she’s aiming to make it to Melbourne within 13 to 16 days. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are flying high in Super Rugby as they prepare for their match against the Highlanders. The two teams are facing off, both aiming to take the Gordon Hunter Memorial trophy. Elliott Smith caught up Blues Lock Sam Darry whose family knew Gordon Hunter well. He told him that on a personal note, it’s quite awesome to be able to be a part of this and hopefully get out there and do Hunter justice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time since 1999 a World Heavyweight unification fight will be taking place. Britain's Tyson Fury is squaring off against Ukraine's Oleksander Usyk in Saudi Arabia. Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker is there to witness the fight, and he joined Elliott Smith to share what he thinks will go down. He told Elliott that the delay has given each fighter more time to prepare, and it’s more time for the buzz and excitement surrounding the event to grow. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a turbulent 24 hours for the A-League. Not only were they preparing for the second leg of the semifinals, but they were also hit with a spot-fixing scandal involving three members of Macarthur FC, including current All White Clayton Lewis. Our Australian correspondent Adam Peacock joined Elliott Smith to dissect the fallout from the scandal and discuss the latest in the NRLs Magic Round. Peacock told Smith that it’s almost overshadowed the two semifinals coming up, which isn’t a great look for the A-League. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.