Weekend Sport with Jason Pine
Weekend Sport with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB brings you all the action and reaction to the sporting weekend.
Nick Roberts: TAB NZ CEO on the law banning offshore betting

New Zealand punters will no longer be able to bet with overseas bookmaker under new laws that will come into effect next week.
TAB NZ will become the sole legal provider of online sports and racing betting, with a number of politicians saying it could provide a major boost to the nation’s betting industry.
The law change has made it illegal for offshore operators to accept bets, and have introduced stronger powers to prevent gambling harm.
TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts joined Piney to discuss the changes.
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Full Show Podcast: 28 June 2025

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 28th June 2025, we talk referee abuse, starting with Mike Hester, NZR’s Participation Development Manager, and grassroots ref Rob Harman.
We also talk the new betting laws with TAB NZ CEO Nick Roberts and football with All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and Auckland City CEO Gordon Watson following their historic 1-1 draw with Boca Juniors.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Darren Bazeley: All Whites Coach on the Soccer Ashes, World Cup

Australia and New Zealand are set to clash again later this year, this time on the football pitch.
The All Whites will be playing the Socceroos in a two-match series for the Soccer Ashes trophy in September.
Coach Darren Bazeley joined Piney to discuss the upcoming battle, as well as look ahead to next year's World Cup – an event the All Whites have qualified for.
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Alexandra Corry: SailGP Head of Event for New Zealand on Auckland being confirmed as a venue for 2026

SailGP will be making waves in Auckland again in 2026.
After being omitted from the first announcement of venues for next season, the league has confirmed it will return to the City of Sails on the weekend of February 14-15 next year.
The event will be the second of 12 on the calendar and is the last on the global foiling league’s initial four-year agreement with New Zealand Major Events to host regattas in New Zealand.
The league is now expected to go through a process to explore what is possible in terms of a lon...
Mike Hester: Participation Development Manager at NZR on referee abuse, Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union cancelling fixtures

A call for New Zealand Rugby to protect referees more.
The Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union has postponed fixtures this weekend after a referee was so seriously abused he had to be escorted to his car over safety fears.
Last month, the union said in response to escalating abuse towards match officials – highlighted by a person threatening to stab a referee – that they would cancel all senior club games if behaviour didn’t improve.
Mike Hester, Participation Development Manager at NZ Rugby Union, joined Jason Pine to unpack the situation.
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Full Show Podcast: 22 June 2025

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 22 June.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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James McOnie: The Crowd Goes Wild host on the Super Rugby final, possible All Blacks squad picks and the State of Origin

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to recap the Super Rugby final, the action from the State of Origin - and offered speculation about possible All Blacks squad picks.
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Kent Summerfield: Te Kaha project manager on the progress with the stadium

Construction of Christchurch’s long-awaited stadium is entering its final stretch, with the venue on track for a 2026 opening.
The stadium is set to have capacity for a crowd of 30,000 for sports matches and room for over 37,000 for concerts.
Te Kaha project manager Kent Summerfield joined Piney to discuss.
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Paul Gallen: Former NRL player ahead of Sonny Bill Williams boxing bout

The most anticipated trans-Tasman boxing event of the year is set to take place in the coming weeks.
Paul Gallen and Sonny Bill Williams are set to meet in the headline bout of the Mānuka Phuel SBW v Gallen card, looking to put their long feud to rest over the course of eight two-minute rounds.
Paul Gallen joined Piney to discuss.
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Mark Orams: AUT Professor of Sport and Recreation on Peter Burling's new role with Luna Rossa

Sailing expert Mark Orams believes three-time America's Cup winner Peter Burling will be a huge asset for Luna Rossa, despite being unable to race on the water.
Burling has joined the Italian syndicate ahead of the 38th America's Cup, but will be restricted to a shoreline role.
Orams joined Piney to discuss further.
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Jason Pine: Rob Penney won't call this redemption, but that's exactly what it was

You forget how much Crusaders fans love the Crusaders until you watch them play live in Christchurch. That place was absolutely jumping last night
Crusaders fans may not turn up every week - but my goodness, when they do - they enhance the home advantage significantly.
I said yesterday the man in the no. 10 jersey could be the most influential player on the par. I was right about the jersey, I just had the wrong team.
Rivez Reihana was superb for the Crusaders last night. On the biggest night of his life, he pl...
Liam Napier: NZ Herald sports writer ahead of the All Blacks 2025 squad reveal

Several players will be hoping to score a spot on the 35-man All Blacks squad, set to be named on Monday at the Coastal Rugby Club in Taranaki.
There's speculation brewing, with plenty of experts outlining their predictions for who will make Scott Robertson's cut.
NZ Herald sports writer Liam Napier joined Piney to discuss.
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Reuben Thorne: Former Crusader ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Final between the Crusaders and Chiefs

The Crusaders are no strangers to playing on the biggest stage.
One of the icons of the Crusaders is 7-time champion and captain of the undefeated 2002 champion team, Reuben Thorne.
He joined Piney to discuss what’s behind the club’s prolonged success.
“There was obviously a lot of talented players, there’s some outstanding players, but it was the way that we were able to be a team, y’know, true team players.”
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Super Rugby CEO Panel: Jack Mesley, Colin Mansbridge, and Simon Graafhuis ahead of the Grand Final

The Crusaders and Chiefs meet in Christchurch tonight to decide the Super Rugby Pacific final.
It’s set to be a tough match, with the Chiefs having defeated the Crusaders in both of the games they’ve played this season.
Piney was joined by Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, as well as Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis and Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge ahead of the fated clash.
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Noah Hotham: Crusaders Halfback previews the Super Rugby Pacific Finals clash against the Chiefs

The Crusaders have bounced back in a strong way from their disappointing 2024 season.
They've made it all the way back to the Super Rugby grand final, where they host the Chiefs in a clash to claim the title.
Halfback Noah Hotham joined Piney ahead of the Grand Final.
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Full Show Podcast: 21 June 2025

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 21st June 2025, it's all about the Super Rugby Final as Piney brings you the show from the Rockpool Gastropub in Christchurch.
Among the names that feature are Chiefs stars Shaun Stevenson and Wallace Sititi. And from the Crusaders side, halfback Noah Hotham, and former title winning captain, Reuben Thorne.
And Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, along with Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis and Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge, join the show for a super panel of CEO's ahead of the final.
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Shaun Stevenson: Chiefs Fullback previews the Super Rugby Pacific Final against the Crusaders

The Chiefs have made it to their third Super Rugby final in as many years, but have failed to win on the biggest stage in their previous two attempts.
They look to right those two wrongs tonight as the face the Crusaders in Christchurch to determine the champions of the 2025 Super Rugby Season.
Chiefs Fullback Shaun Stevenson joined Piney for a chat ahead of what is his last Chiefs game.
He told Piney that the team’s taking great confidence in their regular season wins, with the last one being down at the Crusa...
James McOnie: The Crowd Goes Wild host on improving NPC rugby, the Super Rugby semifinals and Ryan Fox's prowess

This week, James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss how NPC ruby can be improved, the ongoing Super Rugby season and Ryan Fox's golf prowess.
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Full Show Podcast: 15 June 2025

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 15 June.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Leon Busby: US correspondent on the NHL finals, the NBA finals and the NCAA players pay ruling

This week, US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to recap the action from the States, including the NHL finals, the NBA finals and the NCAA players pay ruling.
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Daryl Gibson: former All Black on new role with New Zealand Cricket

Former All Black Daryl Gibson has jumped the fence and taken up a new role - within a different sport.
Gibson is set to become the new Chief High Performance Officer for New Zealand Cricket, effective from next month.
He joined Piney to discuss what drew him to the role.
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The Panel: How can we fix NPC Rugby?

This week on Piney's rugby panel, Northland rugby commentator Steve Harris and Tasman Mako longtime backer Shane Drummond joined in on a discussion about whether NPC rugby can be fixed - and how to go about doing that.
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Daniel Rona: Chiefs midfielder on the team beating the Brumbies and making it to the final

The Chiefs' man with the golden boot is finding his feet at the right time as another Super Rugby final looms.
First-five Damian McKenzie was instrumental in the Chiefs semi-final win over the Brumbies, scoring 22 points to set up a final with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona joined Piney to recap the action.
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Graeme Agars: Golf Correspondent recaps day 2 of the US Golf Open at Oakmont

Play has officially been suspended for the day at the US golf Open major, due to dangerous weather and darkness.
Thirteen players did not complete their second rounds, among them currently sixth-placed South African Thriston Lawrence, who's on his last hole.
Sam Burns leads by one shot on three-under-par after firing the low round of the championship, a brilliant five-under 65.
Our golf correspondent Graeme Agars joined Piney to recap all the carnage that's occurred over the first two days.
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Alex Powell: NZ Herald Sports Journalist on Liam Lawson's practice times for the Canadian Grand Prix

Kiwi Formula One driver Liam Lawson's hoping his form in practice can translate into qualifying overnight at the Canadian Grand Prix.
He's logged two top 10 finishes in practice, finishing 8th and 10th respectively on the first day of the race weekend.
Qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix is tomorrow morning.
NZ Herald Sports Journalist Alex Powell joined Piney to recap Lawson’s impressive day.
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Sonny Bill Williams: Kiwi boxer on his animosity with Paul Gallen ahead of their fight

Sonny Bill Williams’ focus is remaining on the much-anticipated bout against Paul Gallen.
Animosity has been building between the two former rugby players turned boxers, with Williams even claiming Gallen thinks he’s above Polynesians.
He joined Piney in studio to discuss his preparations for the fight, and the tensions between him and his opponent.
“I think the reason this grudge match is so big is because of, y’know, the animosity that’s been brewing for the last ten years,” Williams said.
“Every opportunity he has, he’s taking digs at me.”
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Full Show Podcast: 14 June 2025

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 14th June 2025, the Crusaders are heading back to the Super Rugby Finals. David Havili reflects on their semifinal victory over the Blues.
Principal of Rongotai College, Kevin Carter is on to discuss if students are returning for year 14 just to play sport.
And Sonny Bill Williams is in studio as he prepares for his fight against Paul Gallen.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Kevin Carter: Rongotai College Principal on year 14s playing on school sports teams

Marlborough Boy’s College has made headlines once more, this time for the number of “year 14s” in its First XV team.
One of the top rugby schools in the South Island, the team has five year 14 students playing this season.
It’s led to debates around eligibility for school sports, and raised questions about the integrity of the Miles Totora Premiership.
Rongotai College Principal Kevin Carter joined Piney to discuss what schools are doing to try keep a level playing field.
“[Returning for year 14] has to be about the academics,” he told Piney. <...
Nick Bewley: Crusaders Commentator recaps the semifinal clash against the Blues

The Crusaders are into another Super Rugby final after defeating the Blues 21-14.
Will Jordan scored the deciding try in the 70th minute of the semi-final in Christchurch after scores were locked at 14-all at halftime.
Crusaders Commentator joined Piney to recap the clash.
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David Havili: Crusaders Captain on the team hosting the Super Rugby Pacific final

The Crusaders feel last season's pain has been this season's gain.
And for seasons to come.
The perennial Super Rugby contenders have shrugged off the agony of missing the finals in 2024, to now be hosting this year's final.
Crusaders captain David Havili says last year's suffering was worth it.
He told Piney it wasn’t ideal at the time, but there were huge learnings to come of it, which has set them up for this year and the years to come.
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James McOnie: The Crowd Goes Wild host on the Super Rugby finals, the Warriors, the All Whites and the NBA

James McOnie from the Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss Super Rugby finals, the Warriors, the All Whites and the NBA.
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Full Show Podcast: 08 June 2025

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 8 June.
Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Liv Mackay: Black Foils strategist on the team's 'mixed' weekend performance

A mixed opening day for the Black Foils at the latest SailGP event in New York.
New Zealand finished second, 11th and first in the opening three regattas, to sit fourth in the event standings ahead of tomorrow's second race day.
Black Foils strategist Liv Mackay joined Piney to discuss.
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Ian Francis: Auckland Cricket CEO on the new changes set to impact Colin Maiden Park

Auckland Cricket is looking to make some changes and take the first steps towards leaving Eden Park.
The cricket association will seek permission from the Ōrākei Local Board to get Colin Maiden Park in St Johns redeveloped - and if approved, they'll leave Eden Park.
Auckland Cricket CEO Ian Francis joined Piney to discuss.
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Cory Jane: Hurricanes assistant coach on the team's loss to the Brumbies

Heartbreak for the Hurricanes after being knocked out of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs by the Brumbies in Canberra.
The team led midway through the first half, before the Brumbies took control and kept their noses in front for the rest of the contest, holding on to win 35-28.
Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane joined Piney to discuss.
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Greg Feek: Blues assistant coach on the team's victory over the Chiefs

The Blues have flipped the Super Rugby title race on its head with a stunning 20-19 win over the Chiefs in their playoff in Hamilton.
The sixth seed have stolen victory after replacement lock Josh Beehre stretched out to score with time up on the clock.
The result means the Blues face the Crusaders in Christchurch in next weekend's semi-final, while the Chiefs host the Brumbies, after the Australian side held off the Hurricanes 35-28 in Canberra.
Blues assistant coach Greg Feek joined Piney to discuss.
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Andrew Webster: Warriors coach on the team's 40-10 thumping of the Sharks

The Warriors have consolidated their place in the NRL's top four with a 40-10 thumping of the Sharks in Sydney.
They scored seven tries, including five in a second half blitz where the Sharks were held scoreless.
The Warriors were only ahead 12-10 at the break - and coach Andrew Webster joined Piney to discuss the action.
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James Marshall: Crusaders Assistant Coach on their victory over the Queensland Reds

The Crusaders have recorded their 30th consecutive home playoff win, beating the Queensland Reds 32-12 to advance to next week's Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals.
The hosts led from the jump and out-classed the Reds five tries to two – Ethan Blackadder's 69th minute yellow card for a high tackle rendered meaningless.
Assistant Coach James Marshall joined Piney to unpack their victory.
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Full Show Podcast: 07 June 2025

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 7th June 2025, Rob Walter has been announced as the new Black Caps coach, taking over from Gary Stead, and he joined Piney to discuss what he hopes to achieve in the job.
The Crusaders have advanced to the Super Rugby semifinals with a win over the Reds in Christchurch. Assistant Coach James Marshall unpacked the victory.
And the All Whites are shaping up for a big week of internationals. They play Cote d'Ivoire tomorrow and Ukraine on Wednesday – defender Michael Boxall joined to preview thei...
Jack Mesley: Super Rugby Pacific CEO on the finals format, season's progression

With the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs upon us, questions have once again been raised about the format.
This year saw the introduction of the ‘lucky loser’ format, in which the three winners from the Qualifying Finals will be joined in the Semi-Finals by the highest-seeded losing team.
CEO Jack Mesley joined Piney to discuss the format, and how the regular season went from his perspective.
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