Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Crusaders bringing the horses back and Auckland FC's first clash against Adelaide. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 10 May. 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.

Fribourg-Gottéron has claimed their first ice hockey championship title. One Auckland-based hockey fan made the 40-hour journey to see the team claim the win. Fabian Herzog joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika's future is hanging in the balance, and there's a rugby consortium hoping to save the team. Kanaloa Consortium are trying to buy the licence for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise in order to revitalise it.  John Afoa, Ben Atiga, and Sam Tuitupou joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC aren't fazed by having to win in Adelaide to make the A-League grand final. The Black Knights are deadlocked at one-all after the first leg of the two-leg semi-final. Auckland FC assistant coach Danny Hay joined Piney to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix women are under no illusions how important the second leg of their A-League semifinal against Brisbane Roar is for the entire organisation. They must overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit this afternoon but coach Bev Priestman has underlined her belief that her team can lift. Wellington Phoenix women goalkeeper Vic Esson joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are gearing up for their latest test series. The Kiwi side will face off against England in a three-test series - and it's likely to be challenging endeavour for the team. Black Caps test captain Tom Latham joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sigh of relief from the Chiefs, as they were able to outlast the Reds.  A late try by Wallace Sititi sealed their victory over in Brisbane – taking them to the top of the table alongside the Hurricanes.  Chiefs and All Blacks first five Damian McKenzie told Piney they’re happy with the way their performance is trending.  He says that even when they lost their momentum, they were able to take it back quite quickly.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s finals series in men’s A-League football could be one for the history books.  Auckland FC has made it through to the semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout with Melbourne FC saw them clinch the win.   They’re now set to face off against Adelaide United in a two leg clash – the first of which is taking place tonight at Mt Smart.  Adelaide United legend and former Socceroo Bruce Djite told Piney the intensity will be high, and players will be conscious about not making mistakes since it’s only two legs.  “You’re better off finishing nil-all and going into the second leg.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 9th May 2026, new NZR CEO Steve Lacaster joined for a chat – clarifying the organisations continued stance on overseas eligibility for the All Blacks.  The Crusaders have picked up a much-needed win over the Blues, with Leicester Faiinga'anuku once again starring at openside flanker. Assistant coach Dan Perrin recaps the win.  And there’s plenty of previewing of tonight’s A-League clash, with Auckland FC through to the semifinals.  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.

Auckland FC are through to the A-League semifinals are one of the most dramatic nights in the club’s short history.  Last weekend’s elimination final against Melbourne FC went right through to penalties before goalkeeper Michael Woud’s decisive save and a spot-kick from Dan Hall ticked the Black Knights over into a 7-6 win.  The focus is now shifting to a two-legged semifinal against Adelaide United – the first leg kicking off tonight at Mt Smart.  Woud told Piney that ultimately it comes down to luck a little bit, but there is still an element of strategy.  “And, y’know, lucky enough, we got it right once, which was enough on the weekend to win the game.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders have kept their home ground streak alive, dominating the back half of their match against the Blues to pull a 36-20 victory.  George Bower scored his first try for the team in his 100th match – one of the six tries they scored, four of which were in the second half.   Crusaders assistant coach Dan Perrin told Piney they pulled a couple of moves out of the vault, adjusting them to suit, as they knew how good it would be to get Bower a try.  “He’s got quick feet on him, and to get the ball placement down with the left arm as well, it’s like he’d scored a hundred of them.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster has doubled down on the organisation’s eligibility policy, confirming returning first five-eighth Richie Mo’unga will not be selected for the All Blacks’ initial squads for the July series or the tour to South Africa.  Mo’unga has signed an 18-month contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to return home after spending the past three years with Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo in Japan. The deal begins in July and runs through until the end of next year’s Rugby World Cup.  The timing of the contract means the 31-year-old must first play for Canterbury in the NPC before becoming eligible for All Blacks selection again in October. The NPC season kicks off in late July.  That means Mo’unga would miss the three tests in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland before the team heads to South Africa for a four-test tour, which also features midweek matches against provincial sides.  Lancaster said NZR had discussed Mo’unga’s situation internally but had not asked the board to relax the rules at the recent AGM, which require overseas-based players returning to New Zealand to play domestically before becoming eligible for the All Blacks.  Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine on Weekend Sport, Lancaster reaffirmed the current policy remained the best long-term option for NZR.  “This is something we regularly revisit with the board,” Lancaster said. “It’s a relevant thing for our board as governors of the game to regularly consider and reflect on.  “We haven’t asked the board to relax that policy around Richie. We think the policy works for us. It keeps our best players in New Zealand playing in our competitions.  “We’ve got some world-class players in the same position, and a number of those have committed to stay in New Zealand and play on the basis of the policy. We’ve got to think about the implications of the policy and relaxing the policy at any point in time.”  The same rules also apply to Shannon Frizell, who is currently playing alongside Mo’unga at Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo, but is set to return to New Zealand at the end of the Japan season to link up with Tasman.  Lancaster said All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted Mo’unga available for selection, although he had not formally requested an exemption.  When Rennie was announced as All Blacks coach in March, he was asked about the overseas selection policy and said he would love to have former All Blacks lock and test centurion Brodie Retallick available for his squad.  New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie wanted wanted Mo’unga available for selection. Photo / Dean Purcell  Retallick plays for Rennie’s club in Japan, the Kobe Kobelco Steelers.  “Dave’s very clear, he would like Richie to be available for selection because his job is to ultimately win the World Cup next year and he wants the best talent available to the All Blacks,” Lancaster said.  “That’s a really healthy tension for us to have, where we’ve got a coach who rightly has a focus on winning today and tomorrow, and then we’ve got ourselves as the administrators of the game who have to have a systems lens and a medium to long-term lens on what’s best for the game.”  While the current policy means Mo’unga will miss the initial squads for both campaigns, Lancaster said he could become available for the latter stages of the South Africa tour if injury strikes in the All Blacks squad, similar to what happened with Leicester Fainga’anuku last year.  “Once Richie’s back in New Zealand and playing and if we do have injuries, then potentially he could be eligible,” Lancaster said.  Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Auckland FC's victory and the Warriors' winning streak. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ocean Race will return to New Zealand for the first time since 2018 as part of the next cycle in 2027. The event will see the fleet travel halfway around the world before they are back on land. Ocean Race chair Richard Brisius joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next week marks the start of Asthma Awareness Week 2026, and one All Blacks star has opened up about his experiences with the condition. Julian Savea has been battling asthma for his whole life, but he says the condition's nothing to fear. He joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have extended their winning streak to four after a 36-14 NRL win over Parramatta in Sydney, perched second on the table heading into their bye weekend. Incumbent halves Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita guided the team to victory in this clash. NRL journalist Brad Walter joined Piney to discuss what this win means for the Warriors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 3 May. 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 Harlem Globetrotters are set to bring their historic 100 Year Tour across Australia and New Zealand in mid-2026. This centennial tour will offer basketball fans a chance to witness 100 years of basketball entertainment history. Kaylin 'Sunshine' West and Alex 'Moose' Weekes joined Piney to discuss the tour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of Auckland FC is feeling very proud following the team's performance over the weekend. Auckland FC is set to face off against Adelaide United in a two-leg A-League semi-final following their victory over Melbourne City with a 14-penalty shoot-out win. Nick Becker joined Piney to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC coach Steve Corica's certain he'll have the playing depth to overcome Adelaide United in their two-leg A-League semi-final. The Black Knights qualified after a nerve-wracking 14-penalty shoot-out win over defending champs Melbourne City. Auckland FC coach Steve Corica joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knock-out football has arrived.  Auckland FC is going head-to-head with Melbourne City tonight in a must-win match – the winner moving on to the A-League semi-finals.  There’s weight on the shoulders of Guillermo May, Auckland FC’s all-time leading goal scorer, with Sam Cosgrove and Jesse Randall’s involvement questionable, as they’re both suffering from injuries.  May told Piney since it’s an elimination final, they have to be a lot braver in their play.  “Melbourne City’s been in the last, maybe ten games, they’ve been in a really, really food run, so we have to be on our best to win the game.”  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 2nd May 2026, is an Anzac Day test on the cards for the All Blacks and Wallabies? NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul joins the show to discuss what it means if it does go ahead.  The Hurricanes have fended off the Crusaders, claiming a hard-fought victory. Brayden Iose recaps the team's win.  And there’s drama in the Crucible at the World Snooker Championship.  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.

Mark Allen and Wu Yize have played out the longest frame in Crucible history as their world championship snooker semi-final sits at a 7-all stalemate.  A bizarre 14th frame, which saw eight reds covering the black in the right corner pocket, lasted an incredible 100 minutes and 21 seconds.  That led to an impasse which saw a ball not potted for 55 minutes and led to a referee warning, but controversially no re-rack.  While there has been some criticism, with people saying the referee should’ve stepped in sooner, Totally Snookered’s Michael Day told Piney it was a difficult situation for the ref.  He said it wasn’t a traditional stalemate, but looking back, the referee could’ve called it maybe 15 or twenty minutes earlier.   LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The table leading Hurricanes have underlined their Super Rugby title credentials with a 38-31 win over the Crusaders in Wellington.  The home side scored two crucial tries before halftime and then kept the visitors at least seven points away despite a tit-for-tat second half.  Hurricanes loose forward Brayden Iose told Piney they always knew it was going to be a good battle – the Crusaders have been a sort of benchmark in Super Rugby for the last few years.  “Very happy to get the win.”  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks and Wallabies are poised to meet in an Anzac Day test match next year.  The New Zealand Herald reports it is now almost certain that the All Blacks will travel to Australia —likely Perth— for the Bledisloe Cup test in April.  It would form part of a three-game series in 2027, while the sides will also square off in pool play at the World Cup next year.  NZ Herald’s Gregor Paul told Piney that for the coaching team, the match would provide a short window during Super Rugby to effectively test out where they will be playing in the World Cup ahead of time.  However, he said, it does put a lot of pressure on the players to train over the summer so they’re ready for Super Rugby, and then maintain their form right through to November.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the opening of the new One New Zealand Stadium and all things football. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have taken their winning ways to Wellington - coming from behind for a 20 to 18 NRL victory over the Dolphins. The visitors led 18-6 after just 22 minutes, but were held scoreless for the remainder of the night as the Warriors retained second on the ladder. Warriors coach Andrew Webster joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new era under the roof is underway in the opening Super Rugby fixture at Christchurch's Te Kaha Stadium. After years of anticipation, the new One New Zealand Stadium opened its doors, and fans packed into the stadium for the Super Round. Former Wallaby and stadium designer with Populous Al Baxter joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 26 April. 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 Chiefs are wary of what the Fijian Drua could be capable of under the roof at Christchurch's new stadium in the final game of Super Rugby's Super Round. The Drua are coming off a shock win over the Brumbies in Canberra last week - their first on the road in three years. Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a strong new start for the Crusaders after their 35-20 Super Rugby win over the Waratahs to christen their new home in Christchurch. The hosts lead 14-13 at the break at One New Zealand Stadium, eventually running in five tries to two with a Dallas McLeod double on the right wing. Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge joined Piney to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crusaders christened their new stadium with a 35-20 triumph over the Waratahs to kickoff Super Rugby's Super Round in Christchurch.  The hosts responded to going down 6-nil early, to lead 14-13 at the break, before running in five tries to two.  Former Crusaders Coach Robbie Deans and current Assistant Coach Matt Todd joined Piney for a chat about the new stadium and what it means for the city, and a few tales of their time coaching and playing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, and Drew Mitchell are icons of Australian rugby.  All former Wallabies, there’s a vast array of experience going head-to-head with the All Blacks between the three of them.  They’re in Christchurch for the Super Round, and joined Piney to chat about not only that, but also what it’s like to go up against New Zealand’s national side.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 25th of April 2026, Super Round is underway – the Crusaders christening their brand-new stadium with a victory over the Waratahs. Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley couldn’t be happier with the weekend’s success.  Current Crusaders coaches Robbie Deans and Matt Todd and former player Adam Whitelock also stopped by to discuss the team’s victory.   Wallabies legends Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, and Matt Giteau are in Christchurch for the NRL, and joined Piney to reflect on their experiences against the All Blacks.  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.

Super Round has set Christchurch alight.  It kicked off in Christchurch’s brand new One NZ Stadium last night, the Crusaders claiming a comprehensive win over the Waratahs.   Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley told Piney he couldn’t be happier with the results.  “I knew it was gonna be a success, you could see the ticket sales data and things like that, but I probably underestimated the level of emotion that it meant for, you know, everyone from this part of the world.”  “It just turned into a party really.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 19 April. 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.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Chiefs winning, the Crusaders losing the horses and the demise of Moana Pasifika. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crunch time for Auckland FC's hopes of clinching back-to-back Premiers' Plates in the A-League. The Black Knights are just kicking off against ninth-placed Central Coast at Mount Smart Stadium. Auckland are four points off leaders Newcastle Jets, with a game in hand and needing a win or a draw sending the minor premiership title race to the final week of the regular season next week. Auckland FC winger Lachlan Brook joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guy Harrison's doctors said that he needed to prepare for life in a wheelchair at a young age - but he's gone on to secure a national golf championship. He went on to win the NZ All Abilities golf championship nearly 20 years after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He joined Piney to discuss his journey.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors have gone second in the NRL for now with a home win over the Gold Coast Titans. The 28-20 victory saw most of the Warriors points coming from former Titans, with A.K.P, Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd all adding to the scoreboard. Warriors player Alofiana Khan-Pereira joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chiefs have praised the Hurricanes for bringing the best out of them. A fortunate bounce from a charge-down in extra time propelled the new Super Rugby leaders to a 22-17 win over the 'Canes in Hamilton. Chiefs winger Dan Sinkinson joined Piney to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Cricket is officially on the move.  The organisation is set to depart its long-time home at Eden Park and set up shop at Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes.  It follows the signing of an agreement by Auckland Council, the Crown, Eden Park, Auckland Cricket, and Auckland Rugby that outlines a pathway for modern, permanent, for-purpose facilities for cricket and rugby.  Auckland Cricket Chair Brendon Gibson told Piney that while there are people with differing views, the general concensus is the move is in the organisation’s best interests.  “We’re happy with where we’ve ended up.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Super Rugby club is going under.  In a blow to Pasifika rugby, Moana Pasifika has announced that it will disband at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.  The league’s owners, Pasifika Medical Group, has decided to withdraw its financial support.  To find out just how big a blow this is, and what it means for Super Rugby going forward, Brett McKay and Liam Napier joined Piney to delve into what went wrong for the club.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 18th April 2026, Moana Pasifika's days are now numbered, disbanding at the end of the Super Rugby season. Brett McKay and Liam Napier discuss the club's demise.   Auckland Cricket is off to a new home at Colin Maiden Park, their Chair, Brendon Gibson, joins to chat about it.   And the Crusaders are losing their horses in the move to their new stadium – a tradition that lasted thirty years.   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.

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Super Rugby season, the Masters and the Warriors beating the Storm. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The  Northern Stars are set to begin their 2026 campaign, with their upcoming season-opening ANZ Premiership game against Auckland rivals the Mystics this afternoon. Centre-pass is set for 4pm. Northern Stars captain Mila Reuelu-Buchanan joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 12 April. 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.

There's growing debate over whether we need to keep score in youth-focused sports. Countries like Norway are rethinking their youth competitions - with no official score keeping and less focus on winning. Coaching guru Wayne Goldsmith joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes have continued to keep their form alive, and beat out the Blues 42-19 in Wellington. It was a match that many had circled on the calendar as the two teams came into the contest in the top spots on the ladder. Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.