Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

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

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

The Blues are looking to continue their winning streak.   They’re taking on the Crusaders tonight in Christchurch, aiming to retake the top spot from the Hurricanes with just one round left to play.   Harry Plummer, Blues Playmaker, joined Jason Pine to preview the match.   He told him that although they’re only two rounds out from the playoffs and there’s really exciting things brewing, they’re f...

The Phoenix's most successful season came to a tough end last week.   Their chances at the Premiers Plate were cut down by the Melbourne Victory, losing 1-2.   Piney caught up with head coach Giancarlo Italiano to reflect on how the season went.   He told him that it’s still hard to come to terms with their loss.   “In a couple of months, I think the players and staff will be thinking back at, you...

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

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

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

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

Seven months, more than 100 hours of interviews and 133 pages. That was what former Port of Tauranga chair David Pilkington undertook when he was appointed panel chair of an independent review of the constitution, governance structure and processes of New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated. That review, dubbed the “New Zealand Rugby Governance Review” or “Pilkington Review” and its recommendations,...

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

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

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

Oleksandr Usyk  has claimed a split decision victory over Tyson Fury in their unification heavyweight title fight in Saudi Arabia. The undefeated Ukrainian was on the brink of victory in round nine - landing a series of big punches that had Fury stumbling against the ropes and back-peddling - before he received a standing eight-count and was saved by the bell. NZ Herald combat sport expert Christo...

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

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

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

As the Phoenix prepare for their biggest game in their history, their supporters club, Yellow Fever, are also in preparations to cheer their team to victory.   Elliott Smith caught up with Dale Warburton of Yellow Fever to discuss the nerves and buzz around the capital.   He told him that they’re making a march to the stadium from down near the Beehive, trying to boost the atmosphere.   Warburton...

A kiwi cyclist is making a solo bid for a new world record.   Joanna Sharp is cycling solo from Darwin to Melbourne via Uluru, on a 4600km journey.   She’s aiming to complete this in the shortest time possible, setting a new world record and becoming the first person to complete this feat, as well as raising funds and awareness for Bowel Cancer NZ.   Sharpe joined Elliott to discuss the massive jo...

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

For the first time since 1999 a World Heavyweight unification fight will be taking place.   Britain's Tyson Fury is squaring off against Ukraine's Oleksander Usyk in Saudi Arabia.   Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker is there to witness the fight, and he joined Elliott Smith to share what he thinks will go down.   He told Elliott that the delay has given each fighter more time to prepare, and it’s mor...

It's been a turbulent 24 hours for the A-League.   Not only were they preparing for the second leg of the semifinals, but they were also hit with a spot-fixing scandal involving three members of Macarthur FC, including current All White Clayton Lewis.   Our Australian correspondent Adam Peacock joined Elliott Smith to dissect the fallout from the scandal and discuss the latest in the NRLs Magic Ro...

The A-League has been hit by a spot fixing scandal.   Three current players from Macarthur FC are involved, including the current All White Clayton Lewis.   Elliott Smith caught up with former All White David Chote to discuss the news and what it means for football in Australia and New Zealand.   Chote told him that the scandal is really challenging for a football fan to digest.   “And particularl...

It's the biggest day in Wellington Phoenix history as they prepare for the second leg of their A-League semifinals.   The Nix are facing the Melbourne Victory tonight at Wellington’s Cake Tin, the stadium set to be packed.   Striker Kosta Barbarouses joined Elliott Smith to discuss how the team has been preparing for the upcoming match, and whether they can take the championship title.   He told h...

Peter Sloane, an  All Blacks  hooker, says he once bawled out his Hikurangi club flanker for allowing Sid Going, Mid-Northern’s halfback, to bump him off in the tackle in a game at Whangārei.   Later in the match Sloane faced Going running round the front of a lineout. “When I was sitting on my butt on the deck,” says Sloane, “I realised why the loosies found it so hard to tackle him.”   Sidney Mi...

The Wellington Phoenix fans are coming together to support the team ahead of their anticipated clash against the Victory in Melbourne. One supporter, Christian, joined Piney ahead of the big event. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.