Weekend Sport with Jason Pine

A belief the Kiwi Ferns' shared leadership model is perfectly suited going into their Rugby League World Cup opener. Hooker Georgia Hale and halfback Raecene McGregor are co-captains for New Zealand's campaign - which starts against Fiji in Newcastle this afternoon Fullback Apii Nicholls joined D'Arcy ahead of the big clash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Phoenix women have given up a 1-nil lead to suffer a 2-1 defeat to Melbourne City in their campaign opener. In what was a rematch of City's win over Wellington in last season's grand final, the hosts took the lead early in the second half . But the defending champs equalised from the penalty spot with around 20 minutes left - before a thumping Momo Hayashi free-kick clinched victory in the 87th minute. Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome joined D'Arcy to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One rugby expert says the All Blacks' latest win is a sign of the team coming together under coach Dave Rennie's leadership. The All Blacks defeated the Wallabies again and dashed their hopes of getting the Bledisloe Cup back - this time 43-21 in Sydney. NZ Herald sports journalist Liam Napier joined D'Arcy to recap all the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns are gearing up for their first major series of the summer – three T20s and three ODIs against Australia.  The first T20 kicks off tomorrow evening in Sydney.  Brooke Halliday is an all rounder for the White Ferns, she joined D'Arcy to discuss the series.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC are embracing a new era as they begin their A-League title defence against Melbourne City tonight at Mt Smart Stadium.  The club is without five players who featured in their grand final victory, as well as key forward Guillermo May.  Coach Steve Corica is also gone, with Pedro Moreira at the helm instead.  Lachie Bayliss and Logan Rogerson, midfielder and winger for the side, joined D'Arcy to preview their first clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wallabies will be eager to turn the tables after last week's loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park.  A competitive first half to the Bledisloe opener saw them enter halftime only three points behind, before a dynamic performance from the All Blacks saw their chances at the Cup slip away once again.  The Australian side will be out for revenge tonight as they go up against the boys in black on their own turf in Sydney.  Former Wallaby Phil Kearns joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview the clash.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 Supercars champion Will Brown has grabbed the lead in the early stages of the Bathurst 1000. Co-driver Scott Pye started the race from sixth on the grid, with Brown now out in front through 40 laps. Brodie Kostecki's running second - with pole position winner Zach Bates falling to third. Motorsport expert Eric Thompson joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are gearing up for their next Twenty20 cricket series against India. The squad has recently been named, and the series is set to kick off in November.  Black Cap Nick Kelly joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket has revealed the logic behind choosing to pursue the NZ20 league and go against the recommendations of another analysis.  A Deloitte report released last week favoured a New Zealand team being added to Australia's Big Bash League, but NZ Cricket's board voted not to pursue this choice.    NZ Cricket CEO Geoff Allott joined Piney to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have squirreled away the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year with a 50 - 19 win over the Wallabies in Auckland. The team's gearing up for next weekend's rematch in Sydney, where they're hoping to keep up the momentum. All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The countdown is on to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.  The Kiwis have assembled a star-studded squad with the hopes of bringing the trophy back to New Zealand for the first time since 2008, with names like Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes on the list.  It'll be a major undertaking, with Australia, England, Tonga and Samoa all boasting the firepower to go deep into the tournament.  Head Coach Stacey Jones joined Piney to discuss whether the team has what it takes to claim rugby league's ultimate prize.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buck Shelford is an All Blacks legend.  He was a dominant force at the 1987 Rugby World Cup, and when David Kirk retired, he became captain and led the team through a golden age of success over the next three years.  And with the first Bledisloe Cup clash coming up this evening, Shelford joined Piney at the Kinglander to discuss the test and look back on his impressive career.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.