Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

Hurricanes returnee Josh Moorby has celebrated his first game back in Super Rugby in style.  The utility back bagged a hat-trick in their campaign-opening 52-10 win over Moana Pasifika in Wellington.  Moorby told Piney it was awesome to get a result like that after a good preseason.  “Yeah, just, happy with how we performed last night.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netball NZ has had a turbulent time of late, with leadership failures resulting in CEO Jennie Wyllie and a number of board members leaving their roles.  As the fallout settles, the question is now being asked what damage this has done to netball in the wider New Zealand sporting landscape – especially now that there’s other options for young girls looking to enter sport.  Women in Sport Aotearoa CEO Susan Sawbridge told Piney that despite the turbulence, she doesn’t think netball’s importance, especially at a grassroots level, is diminishing to a point of concern.   She says it continues to be one of the most accessible sports for girls and young women across the country, and there’s a huge strength in the sport.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are looking to flip the script on Auckland FC.  Tonight is the sixth derby between the two New Zealand teams, but the ‘Nix are yet to pick up a win over their rivals.  Wellington Phoenix winger Carlo Armiento told Piney they can’t hide from the score, but they just have to put it behind them, go out, and win the game.  He says the more you dwell on it, the more you start to feel that you’ll lose the game, so they just need to treat it as another game of football.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are aiming to continue their derby dominance.  They’re heading south to face the Wellington Phoenix in their sixth clash – the scoreboard weighted entirely their way. Auckland FC scored very early in the earlier derbies this season, and midfielder Louis Verstraete told Piney you can’t underestimate the blow it does to the other team if you score early. He says it puts them on the back foot and you on the front, which is especially important for derbies.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 15 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.

Another Super Rugby season has begun for 2026. The Chiefs beat the Blues 19-15 in Auckland and the Brumbies have trampled the Force 56-24 in Perth. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another SailGP event has come to Auckland, drawing the crowds over to the city's waterfront to catch al the action. Last year's SailGP event generated over $5 million in GDP for the city, and the organisers are hoping for a similar result this time round. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CEO Nick Hill joined Piney to discuss the benefits of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New coach Jono Gibbes is rapt with the resilience the Chiefs displayed in the 19 -15 Super Rugby win over the Blues at Eden Park. Gibbes was pleased his side scored a last-gasp try and found a way to win, despite being on the back foot for much of the contest. Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia have tasted victory on the waters off Auckland for a second straight SailGP season. They've won the three-boat final over Great Britain and Spain after the fleet was split into two for the day two qualifying races. Former Team New Zealand sailor Glenn Ashby - filling in on the Australian boat - says it's a great win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Foils sailor Louis Sinclair has had surgery on his right leg following injuries suffered during yesterday’s collision with France.  A statement from his team say the medical team are pleased with the results of the surgery and are positive about his ongoing recovery.  A comprehensive review of the incident is underway - which will be conducted in coordination with SailGP. Former America's Cup sailor David 'Freddie' Carr says it's lucky there wasn't a fatality. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SailGP's seen some noticeable growth and CEO Sir Russell Coutts is hoping to boost the sport even further. The event's been drawing in the crowds all through Auckland, and Coutts joined Piney to discuss the kind of reach the sport has. "We're getting the racing fans, we're getting the general sports fans and we're also getting, I think, the lifestyle sector that's coming along to our events just to have fun." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday 14 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.

After finishing at the foot of the table in 2025, the United States sail GP team pushing to climb back towards the front of the fleet in 2026. Leading that charge is one of the most respected tacticians in world sailing, a world match racing champion, and a sailor known for his sharp instincts, Taylor Canfield.  Canfield told Jason Pine that the team is ready for a fresh start and keen to brush off the disastrous 2025 season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The British Sail GP team says it is unfazed by it's status as defending champions as they head in to the 2026 season. Their driver, Dylan Fletcher, is an Olympic gold medallist, winning in Tokyo in the 49er class alongside Stuart Bithe, who joins Fletcher in the Emirates Great Britain Sail GP team. He told Jason Pine that the win at the season's opener in Perth is positive, but he knows there are some teams yet to show their strength. "Obviously the Spanish and the Blacks weren't sailing, so we know we're missing two top teams." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Spithill is a name any sailing fan will recognise. He's won Multiple America's Cup winner, driven for the United States Sail GP team, and is the founder and CEO of the Italy Sail GP team who are into their second season. Jimmy Spithill joined Piney to discuss the new team's goals for their second season in Sail GP. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders defeated the Crusaders last night in a 25-23 nail-biter, thanks to a late penalty from Cam Miller.  Now, the team looks to continue their momentum as they face the Chiefs next Saturday. Highlanders Assistant Coach David Kidwell told Jason Pine that the team is looking to continue their momentum and secure a positive start to the season. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Foils' tech team were given a major task after a crash in Perth in the opening round of Sail GP.  A roughly 2-meter structural segment was sheared off in the impact, and had to be fabricated from scratch in the UK before being shipped to Auckland for final assembly. Black Foils driver Peter Burling joins Piney to praise the tech teams efforts, and preview the race this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand's most accomplished sailors is taking on the seas with Sweden this afternoon for the Sail GP.  Andy Maloney has won America's cups, competed in the Olympics and recently switched from the Brazilian team to his current position with Sweden. He sat down with Piney to discuss his career leading up to this moment, and what it means for him to be sailing on home turf. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anne-Marie Rindom is Denmark's most successful female sailor of all time, but now she's facing a new challenge.  She's been to four Olympic Games, London 2012, then she won bronze in the laser at Rio 2016, Olympic champion in Tokyo, and then a silver at Paris 2024, where she was also the Danish flag bearer. Now after entering motherhood, she joins Piney to discuss the balance between her passion and her family.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the start of the Winter Olympics, the Super Rugby season and the upcoming Super Bowl. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New England Patriots are set to face off against the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow as part of Super Bowl LX. The match, which is a repeat of Super Bowl XLIX in 2014, takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Marc Peard from The Morning Shift podcast joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13-year-old Elise Barber is set to be facing off against some of New Zealand's best women amateur golfers next week. Barber got a late call-up to Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific championship at Royal Wellington, to begin this Thursday.  Her coach, Dean Kingsbear, joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 8 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 2026 NRL All Stars fixtures are set to take place next weekend. Both the men's and women's fixtures will  be played at FMG Stadium Waikato, beginning next Sunday. Parramatta Eel Kennedy Cherrington is set to appear and she joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Highlanders expect to know more early this week on Fabian Holland's shoulder injury suffered in Super Rugby pre-season. Last year's World Rugby breakthrough player of the year limped off with the injury in their Waitangi Day pre-season fixture against Moana Pasifika. Forwards coach Clarke Dermody says they're awaiting word in the next couple of days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jono Gibbes is set to make his debut as the new coach of the Chiefs for the 2026 Super Rugby season. Former coach Clayton McMillan confirmed he was set to leave New Zealand for Irish club Munster at the end of last year's season. Gibbes joined Piney to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes are hoping for a strong start as the Super Rugby season gets underway. The Chiefs recently pumped the Hurricanes 29-nil in their Super Rugby preseason contest in Porirua. Head coach Clark Laidlaw joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England's demolished Wales 48-7 at Twickenham to extend their winning run to 12 games and launch their Six Nations rugby title bid in style. Scotland has fallen at the first hurdle, losing to Italy for just the 10th time in their history. Former UK rugby star Will Greenwood joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific is set to return for another year, but things will look different this time round. The new law changes are designed to  reduce stoppages, inspire positive play and - most importantly - simplify the viewing experience. Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to reports, New Zealand is set to host a State of Origin game next year.   Code Sports is reporting that the second game of the 2027 series will be held at Auckland’s Eden Park, with a kickoff time of 9:30pm to suit NSW and Queensland viewers.   However, logistical issues are sure to come thanks to the time zone difference and the impact it’ll have on broadcast deals.   Adam Peacock joined Piney to discuss how it could potentially work out.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 7th February 2026, more details are being revealed on the fallout of Scott Robertsons All Blacks coaching tenure.  Neil McGregor is a Leadership and Organisational Culture Consultant from Human Synergistics NZ, and joined Piney to discuss why Razor's Crusaders success might not have translated to the role of All Blacks coach.  Rob Penney, Jason O'Halloran, and Tana Umaga all join the show to preview the upcoming Super Rugby season.  And Piney previews the Winter Olympics with former Olympian Anna Willcox.  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.

A significant match for Auckland FC this afternoon.  It was a rough start to the year for the club, with three losses and only one win in January – including a last-minute defeat at the hands of Perth Glory.  They’re taking on Sydney FC today, the two sides currently tied at 25 points on the A-League ladder – two points behind Newcastle.   Auckland FC Defender Dan Hall told Piney they’re obviously experiencing a rather challenging time right now, but they have the talent and determination in the team to get out of the rut.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a breakthrough season for Moana Pasifika in 2025.  With six victories, including wins over the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Blues, and Crusaders, the team ended up finishing 7th – just shy of the playoffs.  They’re kicking off their 2026 season next Saturday, with a clash against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.  Coach Tana Umaga joined Piney ahead of the season to discuss their plans to keep momentum rolling, and the difficulty of losing their players during the offseason.  He told Piney that no one person can fill the gap left by Ardie Savea, but the leaders within the team are stepping up to the plate.  “It’s still a big shadow to have hanging over us, but our boys, they embrace that.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are looking down the barrel of an interesting start to the Super Rugby season.  They were the 2024 Champions, but a rough season saw them slip down the ranks, before they were felled by the Crusaders in the semi-finals.  Now they’re having to replace several key players ahead of their season kicking off next Saturday with a clash against the Chiefs.  Assistant Coach Jason O’Halloran told Piney that you don’t replace someone like Reiko Ioane overnight, but they have good cover and are comfortable with their ranks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The defending champions, the Crusaders are kicking off their Super Rugby title defence on Friday with a clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.   It’s a contrast to this time last year, as they were entering the season having missed the playoffs.  Head Coach Rob Penney joined Piney ahead of the season to discuss the emotional shift from last season to now, and why it took him so long to commit to another season.  “I took time because I just wanted to make sure that it was the right thing for everybody,” he told Piney.  “I hoped it would be an opportunity to do another year with this great group of young men, and the wonderful coaching and management group I’ve got.   “It’s a real privilege and honour to turn up every day and I’m fortunate to be given another year.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New details have been revealed in the tale of Scott Robertson’s sudden departure from the All Blacks.   NZ Herald Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie has delved into the story in an article called ‘From Twickenham flashpoint to ‘hit job’ claims: The untold story and new details of Scott Robertson's All Blacks exit’, with first-hand accounts and sources giving shape to the saga.  Sources claimed as All Blacks coach, Robertson was unrecognisable to players he coached in Super Rugby, as he was always on edge and tense, and the fun stuff was gone.   Neil McGregor is a Leadership and Organisational Culture Consultant from Human Synergistics NZ, and he joined Piney to discuss how common is it for someone who is very well credentialed for a job to struggle once they start that role.  “There's an old saying, I think they call it the Peter Principle, where someone gets promoted to the level of incompetence,” he said.  “I’ve always thought that was not quite right, I always thought that actually it’s where people get promoted to the level of in-confidence.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss on the Australian Open, the upcoming Super Rugby season and the T20 World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship is set to get underway at the Royal Wellington Golf Club later this month. Amateur golfer Caitlin Maurice joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BYD Auckland Hyrox competition has kicked off for another year. The race combines eight 1km bouts of running and eight workout stations, with more Kiwis getting into the race, Hyrox ambassador Abbas Nazari joined Piney to explain further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Captain Robbie O'Donnell is relieved the Northern Brave men's cricket team didn't fall at the final hurdle. The Braves have beaten the Canterbury Kings by five wickets in their Super Smash T20 final in Christchurch. O'Donnell joined Piney to discuss yesterday's win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Blaze skipper Jess Kerr has revealed the secret of the side's winning culture after claiming a third-straight women's Super Smash T20 title in Christchurch. Beating the Auckland Hearts by five wickets with a ball to spare provided a seventh title in the past nine seasons. Kerr joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In-form Auckland FC forward Jesse Randall is on the move after the current season in football's A-League. Scottish Premiership side Dundee United have announced the signing of the 23-year-old on a pre-contract agreement. Former footballer Paul Ifill joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History is on the line for both the men's singles finalists at the Australian Open tonight. The match between 38-year-old Novak Djokovic and 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz. Tennis correspondent Dave Worsley joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tenth edition of the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is set to kick off next week. The event will run from February 7 to March 8, kicking off with Pakistan taking on the Netherlands. Former NZ Cricket CEO Martin Snedden joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenage running star Sam Ruthe says he was racing to win, not break any records at Boston University - but he did just that. The 16-year-old has broken Sir John Walker's 1982 outdoor mile record of 3 minutes and 49 point 8 seconds by two-tenths of a second - running 3 minutes 48 point 88 seconds at the indoor meet. It's the fastest-ever indoor mile by a high school student, and an under 18 World Record for the Mile. He joined Piney to discuss after the fact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Blaze have made it into the Super Smash Finals.  They’re facing off against the Auckland Hearts tomorrow at Hagley Oval, both teams vying for the crown.  All Rounder Xara Jetley told Piney it’s just another game of cricket, and ultimately, they know how to win.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 31st January 2026, an incredible night of tennis was served up at Rod Laver Arena last night, with both men’s semi-finals going the distance. Robbie Koenig and Craig Gabriel relived the action from Melbourne Park.  Brad Thorn has released a book on his legendary oval ball career, ‘Champions Do Extra’.   And Piney previews the Super Smash finals, set for later today.  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.

One of the most enduring two-code careers in Australasian sport belongs to Brad Thorn.  An All Black, Crusader, Highlander, Bronco, Queenslander, and Kangaroo, Thorn has nearly done it all over the span of his 40 year career.  ‘Champions Do Extra’, is Thorn’s memoir, and it delves into his legendary rugby career and the lessons he’s learnt along the way.   He began working on it after he finished up with the Reds.  “I thought, if I’m going to write something, surely I’ve learned something over the last 30 years, y’know, now is the time.”  He was a part of three champion Brisbane Broncos sides and a World Cup winning All Blacks side – an achievement he maintains is the greatest of his career.  “The Grand Final of Grand Finals,” he told Piney.  “Everything was on the line.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top four men's seeds have played out a pair of epic semifinals at the Australian Tennis Open.  10-time champion Novak Djokovic will meet number one seed Carlos Alcaraz in the decider after both prevailed in five sets.  Djokovic wrapped up his win over second seed and two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner at 1.30am local time, while earlier on, Alcaraz needed five hours and 27 minutes to outlast third seed Alexander Zverev.  Tennis Correspondent Craig Gabriel told Piney it was incredible to see.  After the match Alcaraz says he never gives up, and Gabriel says that was certainly telling in that match.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.