Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

The precipitation appears to be in the rear view mirror for this afternoon's Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. It comes after Liam Lawson had to overcome the rain during qualifying, staying composed to start sixth on the grid.  Las Vegas sportswriter Mick Akers joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Storm star Eli Katoa is set to miss the 2026 NRL season, as he continues his recovery from head knocks that forced him to have brain surgery. Katoa suffered some head knocks while on test duty with Tonga during the season-ending Pacific Championships. Kiwis doctor Greg McLeod joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Head has delivered a pristine plate of Baz-ball against its creators to lead Australia to a one-nil Ashes cricket series lead over England. Opening the batting due to Usman Khawaja's injury issues, Head smashed a century in 69 deliveries, smashing 123 off 83 balls to help the hosts to the 205-run target. Australian sports correspondent Adam Peacock joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks finished their 2025 season on a high note, by beating out Wales in Cardiff 52-26. Robertson and his coaching staff have come under increased scrutiny this year, with some questionable performances generating concerns from experts. NZ Herald sports reporter Gregor Paul joined Piney to recap the side's performance for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed emotions from All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland after his final game with the national side - a 52-26 drubbing of Wales in Cardiff. Holland says it's time to move on, but he'll miss the team environment. He joined Piney to look back on his career. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 22nd November 2025, Don Mackinnon, Chair of the NZ20 establishment committee, joins the show to offer clarity on their hopes for the franchise.   The All Blacks are looking to bounce back this week against Wales – former Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert joined Piney to preview the match and discuss what’s led to the demise of Welsh Rugby.  And it was a chaotic start to the Ashes with 19 wickets falling on the first day. English cricket great Lord Ian Botham recaps the action from Perth.  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.

Dan Hooker returns to the Octagon for the first time in over a year.  He’s facing the much-favoured Arman Tsarukyan for a shot at a world title fight.  UFC on Sky host Ravinder Hunia told Piney that Hooker is absolutely the underdog, but that’s nothing new for Kiwi fighters.  Hunia says he’s the underdog for good reasons, as Tsarukyan is on a seven fight win streak, three of them grappling competitions, but Hooker loves to come in and disappoint these wrestlers.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daryl Mitchell’s seemingly endless good form continues.  After leading the Black Caps to an ODI win over the West Indies with a big century, he moved to #1 in the ODI World Batting Rankings.  He’s just the second New Zealander to top the rankings.   Mitchell told Piney it’s not something you aim for, or think you’ll ever achieve, but it’s very special.   He says it’s something that he’ll probably look back on very fondly at the end of his career, rather than when you’re in the middle of it, trying to do your thing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks will be looking to bounce back against a Welsh team who can't seem to catch a break.   They've only won two tests since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, both wins coming against Japan this year, and look a long way away from being the team that won the 6 Nations in 2021.   It’s a task made no simpler by the fact that they’re facing a wounded All Blacks side who are looking to exorcise their loss to England.   Former Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert told Piney that if Wales can get a bit of parity in the lineout and scrum, that’s when they’ll be dangerous.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chaotic opening day of the first Ashes cricket test between Australia and England in Perth has seen 19 wickets fall – the most on the first day of an Ashes test since 1909.  England were bundled out for 172 before Australia were kept to 123 for 9 at stumps – trailing by 49 runs.  The day also saw Australian opener Usman Khawaja forced to bat at number four after being off the field for the end of England's innings with back spasms.  English cricket great Ian Botham told Piney it’s a good day for England, as they have a good lead and could almost wrap it up today.  He says it’s nice to say that England are in charge.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ashes have gotten underway in an explosive fashion.  The opening day saw England bundled out for 172 with Aussie paceman Mitchell Starc notching 7 for 58, the tourists responding by keeping the hosts at 123 for 9 at stumps, as captain Ben Stokes took 5 for 23.  England is heading into day two with the upper hand, and intend to keep the pressure on Australia.   Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock told Piney there was some fairly average shot selection from the batters on both teams.  He says that the greatest thing you can have in test cricket is patience, and the batters who are used to playing T20 just can’t help but try hit every ball.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The time is right for New Zealand to join the rest of the world with a privately-backed, franchise Twenty20 league.  That’s the message from Don Mackinnon, the man standing at the front of the group looking to achieve just that.  Some 22 years on from cricket introducing the shortest format, T20 has become the vehicle in which the sport is growing around the world. And, as is the case with sports like football and basketball, strong club-based franchise competitions have proven to be the main driver of that.  Led by the Indian Premier League, established in 2008, the franchise game has slowly but surely expanded to all corners of the cricket-playing world. First to India, then England, Australia, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa and so on.  Even non-cricketing strongholds such as the US, Canada and even Nepal have franchise domestic leagues. The only exception to that is New Zealand.  Since the inception of T20 cricket, New Zealand has maintained a domestic competition made up of the six major associations – Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago – known as the Super Smash.  However, the lack of any franchise-style model has left the Super Smash outdated.  Instead of operating as NZ Cricket’s (NZC) main driver of revenue, the Super Smash instead operates as a breeding ground for local talent, allowing Kiwi players to develop and step into the Black Caps and White Ferns respectively.  And while that might be beneficial for New Zealand’s national sides, the Super Smash being left off Sky’s new cricket broadcast deal from the start of next summer shows the model, as it stands, is broken.  But, led by Mackinnon, a consortium that includes former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming and NZ Cricket Players’ Association boss Heath Mills wants to take New Zealand into the franchise world.  The proposed “NZ20″ would involve teams created by the major associations being sold to private owners, and establish a league to be played at the height of the Kiwi summer in January, as early as the start of 2027. It would also provide parity to what has been shown to work around the world.  While the format is still to be finalised, the NZ20 would theoretically be a Kiwi-based league providing New Zealand’s players the opportunity to play a franchise competition at home.  As and when a format is decided, and agreed to by NZ Cricket, the major associations and the players’ association, the NZ20 would revolutionise the sport in Aotearoa.  Speaking to Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, Mackinnon – the chairman of the NZ20 Establishing Committee – explained that while similar attempts to implement a franchise league in New Zealand haven’t materialised, the state of the sport in 2025 has changed that equation.  “If we go back a decade, I was on the board of NZ Cricket,” he said. “We looked at setting up a franchise league back in 2013-14.  “At the time we didn’t think it was viable. But as one highly respected figure put to me, there’s never been more money in the international game of cricket at the moment.  “So many people around the world are excited by it and investing in it, but New Zealand is not part of that.  “I just think the time is right to tweak that model and create something in our domestic league that fans are excited by. The money is there, the interest is there. The timing is perfect.”  Naturally, with this kind of expansion, falsehoods have materialised. For a start, Mackinnon dismisses any notion the NZ20 is a “rebel league”, as suggested when first reported.  Mackinnon concedes “it would be crazy to do this without the support of NZC”.  Earlier this year, the NZ20 Establishing Committee presented the concept to NZC. In turn, two members of the NZC board are also part of the Establishing Committee, at a time when the governing body assesses multiple options as to how to revolutionise the shortest format here.  Mackinnon also points out that what the NZ20 intends to do isn’t new.  Cricketing nations across the globe have implemented the same models, where privately-backed franchises co-exist with national boards to allow T20 to operate as the centrepiece of the domestic season.  Those models have provided the blueprint for the NZ20 Establishing Committee to take on board.  “What we’re looking to do here is not novel,” Mackinnon said. “In actual fact, it’s done all around the world.  “The better question might be ‘why aren’t we?’ The South African league, for example, has gone from loss-making to extraordinarily successful. The Caribbean league has done exactly the same.  “The Caribbean league is probably the model we’ve mostly looked at as replicating, in part. It’s a relatively small economy, a relatively small talent pool. And yet it is reinvigorating the game in the Caribbean.  “Will it be here in 30 years’ time? I don’t know. But the

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the All Blacks' loss to England and the Black Caps' prowess at Hagley Oval. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 16 November. 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.

Black Sticks defensive stalwart Blair Tarrant is retiring from international hockey after a career spanning 15 years. He began his career in Dunedin, and walked away having competed in three Olympic Games campaigns,  three World Cups and three Commonwealth Games. He joined Piney to discuss this latest development.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has emerged victorious following their morning clash against the All Blacks. The hosts rallied from a 12-nil deficit to deny New Zealand an unbeaten Northern Tour - and walked away with a 33-19 win. BBC rugby commentator Chris Jones joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2028 Olympic schedule has been unveiled and it's inspired debate about what it could mean for New Zealand. Some notable changes include athletics moving to the opening week of competition in Los Angeles and swimming shifting back to the second week. Former Olympian Ryan Archibald joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier is in touch with a packed leaderboard at the season-ending DP World Championship in Dubai. An even-par third round 72 has the Kiwi sitting at nine-under-par, four shots behind joint leaders including Rory McIlroy. Golf NZ national coach Jay Carter joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment among Kiwi fans after the All Blacks got knocked out of the Grand Slam. England has beaten New Zealand 33-19 at Twickenham, dashing hopes of a first Grand Slam since 2010. All Blacks assistant coach Tamati Ellison joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 15th November 2025, former Black Cap and vastly experienced white ball cricketer Anton Devcich joined Piney to discuss what NZ Cricket needs to do to breathe life back into our domestic T20 scene.  The All Blacks’ Grand Slam hopes remain alive, but they face their biggest test match of the Northern Tour this weekend against England. Former England international Thomas Waldrom offers his thoughts on how important this test is for both nations.  And Chris Lendrum joins to discuss what's next for the Black Ferns after parting ways with Head Coach Allan Bunting.  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 was a whirlwind weekend for Jesse Randall.   On the Saturday the Auckland FC winger was the star of the Kiwi derby, tormenting the Wellington Phoenix with his pace, as he made one goal for Sam Cosgrove then scored the second himself, which was decisive in the 2-1 win.  Then, on Sunday morning, he got a phone call from national coach Darren Bazeley, telling him to get ready for a flight to Houston the following day, as a late call-up for the All Whites.  Randall told Piney it came as a bit of a surprise, but a nice one.  “I’m always ready to pick up the phone if it’s being rung by [Bazeley].”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Twigg is on track for her sixth Olympic Games.   She’s shifted her attention from flat water rowing to coastal rowing, which makes its debut at the 2028 LA Olympic Games.  Last week saw her claim the women’s title at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Turkey, setting her up for a shot at the 2028 Games.  She told Piney her aim of starting in the sport was to reinvigorate and do something a bit different and challenging.  “If it’s still me winning in LA, then I’d love to be there, and equally, if someone has surpassed me by that stage, then that would be a real win for the sport as well.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allan Bunting is departing as Black Ferns coach.  New Zealand Rugby has undertaken a review of the side's programme after their third at the World Cup.  Bunting —who's carried the "Director of Performance" title since 2023— has confirmed he won't apply for the new role.  An appointment is expected by Christmas.  NZ Rugby GM of High Performance, Chris Lendrum told Piney that they’re looking for someone who will take the game forward.  “We didn’t achieve our performance goal at the Rugby World Cup, but everybody could see that the team has flashed it’s brilliance.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow's mouthwatering England-All Blacks test at Twickenham could decide the visitors' Grand Slam hopes.  After two decisive victories over Ireland and Scotland, the All Blacks are facing England at their home ground.   Former England international Thomas Waldrom told Piney the All Blacks have been trying to do a lot, but it hasn’t been coming off as much.  He says this test is going to be a key one for the team to see what they’re trying to do and whether it will work.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moves are underway to investigate how domestic T20 cricket might be revamped here in New Zealand.  Among the suggestions being put forward are a franchise based T20 league, similar to those of many other Tier 1 cricket nations, a New Zealand team entering the Australian Big Bash competition, and a refresh and reinvigoration of our current Super Smash competition.  Former Black Cap and vastly experienced white ball cricketer, Anton Devcich joined Piney to discuss the measures NZ Cricket needs to take to breathe life back into our domestic T20 scene.  In regards to a franchise based league, Devcich 's not entirely sure how well it would work, but he knows that a significant chunk of change would need to be forked out to any team involved.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the All Blacks' victory over Scotland, the A-League derby and the Pacific Championships final. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 9 November. 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 first Tairāwhiti rugby stars to grace the world stage emerged with the 1924 Invincibles. It's been over 100 years since the 1924-1925 All Blacks, including fullback Geoge Nepia and halfback Jimmy Mill, were feted as all-conquering warriors after the team sailed into Wellington. Performance coach Owen Eastwood is looking back on this piece of history as part of a new podcast - and he joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica's voicing his disagreement with the first of two red cards they copped - despite prevailing in the opening New Zealand derby of the new season in football's A-League. The visitors were 2-1 victors over the Phoenix in Wellington, but had to survive the sending offs of Dan Hall in the 49th minute and Logan Rogerson in the 79th. Coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scotland cut it close, but they were ultimately defeated by the All Blacks in Murrayfield. The Kiwi side left with a 25-17 win victory, despite allowing the Scots back into the game after halftime and get back to 17-all. Scottish rugby journalist David Barnes joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In spite of a second half collapse at Murrayfield, the All Blacks will head for London tomorrow with their Grand Slam hopes alive. The 25-17 win against Scotland sees the All Blacks go two from two - despite having a 17-nil halftime lead whittled down in the second spell for the Scots to draw level. All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen joined Piney to explain the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sail GP is returning to Auckland in less than 100 days.  But ahead of that, the Black Foils are looking to finish off their 2025 season by securing their first ever Sail GP Championship title.  Flight Controller Leo Takahashi joined Piney to discuss their preparations for the final and season so far.   “It’s definitely had its ups and downs, but you know, definitely more ups for sure.”  “This back half, it’s just been trying to perform, and you know, the team has gelled, and we’re just trying to find the little bits to eke out.”   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps escaped a late West Indies charge to win the second T20 cricket international of the five-match series by three runs in Auckland.  The hosts made 207 for five – Mark Chapman excelled with 78 off 28 balls and three catches.  The visitors were struggling at 93 for six in the 13th over, but a flurry saw them require 16 off the last.  Chapman joined Piney to discuss his performance.   “It was just one of those days where the ball seemed to find the middle of the bat and you're just enjoying yourselves.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight’s NZ derby has sparked some memories for a former Wellington Phoenix player.   Former attacker David Williams only spent one season in Wellington, but he quickly became a fan favourite in the 2018-2019 season.   He most recently played for Perth Glory and now is looking for his next opportunity.  He joined Piney on the show to chat about where his career has taken him since his Wellington days and to reflect on his time in the capital.  “It’s one of those journeys that I’ve really, really enjoyed. And to this day, my wife and I still speak about my time in Wellington.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 8th November 2025, with the All Blacks set to face Scotland at Murrayfield, former All Blacks and Scotland assistant coach Brad Mooar and former Scottish player Brendan Laney joined to preview the test.  The A-League's NZ derby returns to Wellington tonight, so Auckland FC's Francis De Vries and Wellington Phoenix's Lukas Kelly-Heald joined Piney ahead of the big match.  And Mark Chapman reflects on his match winning know against the West Indies.  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 Wellington Phoenix are aiming to break their NZ derby duck this weekend as Auckland FC comes to town.   The Phoenix lost all three derby games last year, culminating in a 6-1 humiliation at the hands of their opponents at Mt Smart.  Defender Lukas Kelly-Heald joined Piney to discuss the importance of the Phoenix claiming their first win over the Auckland team.   “We’re really looking forward to an unbeaten start to the season.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the first NZ football derby of the new A-League season tonight, Auckland FC traveling down to meet the Wellington Phoenix on their home turf.  They’re looking to maintain their undefeated streak against their counterparts, with injury lay-offs on both sides.  Defender Francis De Vries is a key component for Auckland FC, his plays providing ample goal scoring opportunities for the team’s attackers.  He joined Piney for a chat about their plans to nullify the Phoenix’s threat, and delved into how big of a deal a derby is.  “I think it's a fantastic thing for all of New Zealand to have two teams in the competition and two opportunities for Kiwi players to step up and, and show the capabilities that we have in this country.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scotland will be motivated by 100 years of history at Murrayfield as they look to upset the All Blacks this weekend.   They have yet to defeat the All Blacks at Murrayfield, 19 failed attempts making the stadium one of the New Zealand side’s most successful hunting grounds.   Brendan Laney played 20 tests for Scotland from 2001-04. He joined Piney to discuss how special Murrayfield is, and what Scotland will need to do to rewrite the history books.  “I’ve been lucky enough to play at Carisbrook, I’ve been lucky enough to play in the Stade de France, I’ve been lucky enough to play in Wales in the Millennium Stadium, but there’s just something about Murrayfield.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s set to be an intense match as the All Blacks face Scotland at Murrayfield.  The Scottish side is celebrating 100 years at their home ground, and are aiming to cap it off with their first victory over the All Blacks.  Both teams have named strong sides, Scotland being led by their world-class first five Finn Russell.  Former All Blacks and Scotland assistant coach Brad Mooar told Jason Pine that when he first went to Scotland, he expected to see a mercurial talent in Russell, where things just sort of happened to him.  Instead, he says, Russell’s a massive student of the game, who does a lot of homework on his game, his team’s game, the opposition, and the game in general.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the All Blacks's victory over Ireland - and whether there's more global demand for rugby than expected.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 2 November. 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.

Excitement's brewing ahead of another A-League season for the Wellington Phoenix women's side. Some new names have been signed on, including current Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson - as well as some new overseas talent. Tessel Middag is one of these new overseas players, and she joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi axeman Jack Jordan made history last weekend. He won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in Milan, Italy, for the first time - a departure from last year's second-place finish. He joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pacific Championships are set to continue, with Tonga facing off against the Kiwis this afternoon. The Auckland clash in the penultimate weekend of the Pacific Championships will determine who meets Samoa next weekend. Kiwis player Isaiah Papali'i joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Irish side came up short against the All Blacks in the long-awaited clash at Soldier Field in Chicago. Ireland held the lead in the first half, but a last-minute comeback saw the Kiwi side emerge victorious. Irish rugby journalist Murray Kinsella joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A second half blitz has powered the All Blacks to a 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago. Down 10-7 at halftime, three tries in the last 20 minutes helped the ABs start their Grand Slam tour with an emphatic win. All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland 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 Saturday 1 November. On the show with Piney today we had... Justin Marshall - Former All Black - ABs v Ireland Brent Pope - Rugby Analyst - ABs v Ireland Liam Sceats - New Zealand Grand Prix champion - His motorsport journey, competing in Indy NXT Michael Bracewell - Blackcap - 3rd ODI this arvo Adam Peacock - Aussie Corri Kieran Read - Former All Black - 10 years since 2015 World Cup win Jack Mesley - Super Rugby CEO - Tickets on sale for Super Round Lachie Brook - Auckland FC Winger - Auckland FC v Adelaide United 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.

Auckland FC picked up their first win of the season last weekend, beating Western Sydney Wanderers 1-0. Up next: Adelaide United. Last time the teams faced in March of this year, it ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw following late goals from both sides.  Auckland FC Winger Lachie Brook joined Jason Pine to discuss his mindset as he heads in to the match against his former club. 'Like I said, I am a fan of the club - not that it's going to make me play any less hard.'  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tickets are now on sale for the Super Round due to take place in April of next year in Christchurch. 10 teams will play 5 high-stakes matches at Christchurch's new One NZ Stadium, all within two days. Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley told Jason Pine that the ticket sales are already looking positive.  'The take-up's been, Excellent. Yeah, we're really pleased, really pleased with the response so far.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been 10 years since the All Blacks won the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, after they beat Australia in the final 34-17.  Kieran Read was on the field for all seven matches of the campaign, captained the side when Richie McCaw was rested, and played the full 80 minutes in both the semi-final and the final.  He told Jason Pine that, 'I certainly remember the night very fondly, like it was yesterday.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.