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Black Ferns lock Maia Roos has full confidence in Blues teammate Ruahei Demant to steer the ship at first-five in this afternoon's Pacific Four opener against Australia in Newcastle. Demant has the ability to play between fly-half and second-five, appearing in the latter position for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki. Roos says the team needs a reliable playmaker to lead a stacked backline. Kick off is at 5pm - LIVE coverage on Gold Sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has unretired and is aiming to play for the Black Ferns in the World Cup this year. So there's that to talk about, and D'Arcy Waldegrave is also keen to find out what the progression path looks like for an up and coming Black Fern now that we have Super Rugby Aupiki. Should they still be playing sevens? NZ Rugby head of women's high performance Hannah Porter spoke to D'Arcy on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Women's rugby is not unlike the cheese TV commercials. Good things take time. Last weekend's Super Rugby Aupiki final between the Blues wāhine and Matatu was a great game to watch. It put an exclamation mark on what was a rollicking tournament. The match reflected the strides the women's game has taken since the inception of Aupiki. The crowd at Eden Park didn't rock any foundations but the TV viewer numbers were impressive. 405,000 folk tuned in to watch the best female footballers in the country duke it out and match worthy of their eyeballs was rolled out. On Thursday night, in atrocious conditions, the Blues laid waste to the Waratahs in the Women's Super Rugby Champions Final. Again, bugger all in the way of people in the stands (the weather was toxic) and I have no TV numbers, but I'd hazard a guess they would be healthy figures for a Thursday night game that sneaked up on people. Still, it was on, and it was worth a look. The women's game is having a growth spurt, and this needs to be appreciated and fostered as the men's game has essentially had a multi-generational head start. The game is played differently to the men's version, not unlike the cricketing gender split. It's not better, nor worse, just different. For those hell bent on direct comparison, I have nothing. A frozen and archaic mindset is not worth fighting against, these people can't or won't accept the turning wheels of time, good luck to them. The top level of domestic women's rugby is still in an embryonic stage, to judge it based on crowd numbers alone is manifestly unfair, not forgetting how few people turn up to the men's Super Rugby exchanges on a regular basis. With further investment the game will exponentially grow. Let's not forget that New Zealand rugby's money, regardless of where it comes from, is not just for the All Blacks. It is for the entire game from the grass roots up. NZR has a responsibility to uphold the development of the game across the board. It's our national game, not just a platform for the men in black. Water the dirt and flowers last for you. Good things take time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues women made history last weekend by beating South Island franchise Matatu in the final at Eden Park to become the first back to back Super Rugby Aupiki champions. However, there is still one job to do for the Auckland based side, who host the Australian champion NSW Waratahs in tonight's inaugural trans-Tasman Super Rugby Women's final at North Harbour Stadium. Former Black Ferns forward Charmaine McMenamin spoke to Corin Dann.
Fresh off winning their second Super Rugby Aupiki championship, the Blues Women have another big match. They're taking on the champions of the Aussie Super Rugby women's competition, the Waratahs, at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night. Blues captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
18 year old Braxton Sorenson McGee is aiming to wear the Silver Fern in three different codes. But it was the rookie fullback's defining play in the Super Rugby Aupiki final on Saturday that has got the rugby world excited. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall Aotearoa Rugby Pod look into Jordie Barrett's man of the match form in Ireland, why he's playing so well and how he can bring Irish knowledge back home. Aotearoa Rugby Pod looks into whether another player in World Rugby has the all-around skills that Jordie Barrett doesThe GOAT Portia Woodman-Wickliffe on whether she's keen on a test return, the Super Rugby Aupiki title and the Trans-Tasman crossover.We break down who could make the Super Rugby top 6 and how to beat rush D. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rory McIlroy gets his induction into the elite of golf after winning the Masters at Augusta. The Blues win Super Rugby Aupiki and in the men's competition, a Hurricanes and Crusaders clash has highlighted the battle for the fullback position for the All Blacks. And in football, can Auckland FC get a piece of silverware in what has been a hugely successful debut season in the A-League?
RNZ's Jamie Wall spoke to Lisa Owen about the clash between the Blues and Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Saturday and the Blues Women becoming the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki champions, after playing in a prime time slot at the biggest stadium in the country.
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith is joined by Gold Sport's Crusaders commentator Nick Bewley with Liam on sabbatical to dissect a busy weekend of action. We discuss the Super Rugby Aupiki final, with the Blues defending their title before digging into the weekend of Super Rugby men's action that leaves the Crusaders top of the table and the Blues beginning to find some form. We also discuss whether Joey Manu will land in Super Rugby and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Blues women have created history, becoming the first to win multiple Super Rugby Aupiki titles. Former Black Ferns Captain Farah Palmer spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
On today's episode, the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responds to comments from Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters criticising the PM for calling Trump's tariffs a trade war, the government is proposing changes to driver's licence tests, a 13-year-old girl was trafficked into slavery in New Zealand, the Blues women have created history by winning back to back Super Rugby Aupiki titles, and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.
The coach of the Blues women, Willie Walker, says last night's victory was still a little too close for comfort. An early 12-0 deficit and a late red card weren't enough to prevent the defending champions from topping a strong Matatū side, clinging on to a 26-19 win at Eden Park. Walker joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Saturday April 12th, Super Rugby Aupiki comes to an end tonight with a clash between the Blues Women and Matatu. Former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge previews the grand final. Gary Stead is stepping back as coach of the Black Caps' white-ball team – could a split-coaching model be in New Zealand's future? And the Crusaders claimed the top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific board – Coach Rob Penney joining Piney to break down their performance. 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's come to the end for Super Rugby Aupiki. Tonight is the grand final, the Blues Women hosting Matatu at Eden Park. Former Black Fern Kendra Cocksedge joined Jason Pine to preview the match, giving her thoughts on how it will play out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand Rugby believes the women's Super Rugby Aupiki final's scheduling clash with the Highlanders versus Fijian Drua will have little impact on viewership. The Blues versus Matatū finale at Eden Park on Saturday has been granted a primetime 7.05 pm kickoff, despite the regular season games all being played in the afternoon. NZR head of women's high-performance Hannah Porter is unconcerned about the battle for viewers with the Highlanders playing at the same time in Dunedin. Blues and Black Ferns second five eight Ruahei Demant joined D'Arcy Waldegrave to preview their grand final. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
D'Arcy Waldegrave returned to wrap another day of sports news! Highlights for tonight include: Andrew Hore - Blues CEO - On moving Super Rugby Aupiki final to prime time - but is it really just lip service? Graeme Agars - Masters Golf Correspondent Brodie Kostecki - Supercars Dick Johnson Racing Driver - On Taupo this weekend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand Rugby head of women's high performance Hannah Porter has outlined why a measured approach is needed for expanding Super Rugby Aupiki. The Blues host Matatu in Saturday's final at Eden Park on Saturday - the winner to face the champion of Australia's Super W next Thursday. It comes after Black Ferns winger Katelyn Vaha'akolo's plea for the competition to be better promoted. Porter says the current competition is not the final product. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Liam Lawson has a disappointing return to the Racing Bulls at the Japanese Grand Prix. Joe previews the Super Rugby Aupiki final is this weekend - who is the favourite? In the men's competition, Moana Pasifika make history while mountain biker Sammie Maxwell becomes the first NZ female to win a UCI Cross-Country World Cup.
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier dive into the big topics of the week in rugby, beginning with Liam's quick trip to Suva to experience his first Drua home game and the Crusaders' drought-breaking win there, along with the other games in round 8 that included another win for Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs and Blues picking up victories. We also discuss how the talent in NZ Rugby can be spread more widely, the Super Rugby Aupiki final this weekend and the doomed ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup test concept in Perth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On today's First Up pod: our Middle East correspondent has the latest from Gaza where Israel is seizing 'large areas' of land and ordering residents to leave; in Otago, reporter Tess Brunton tells us about a new report showing significant healthcare service shortfalls, and inequity in accessing care in Wanaka and we catch up with rugby expert Ella Ferguson to look at what's in store for the final two weeks of Super Rugby Aupiki. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
Wherein I sit down with the amazing Alice Soper to talk Super Rugby Aupiki and all things Women's Rugby, while managing to insert tidbits of silliness, as well. If you're enjoying listening, please like and subscribe, and above all, tell a friend! If you'd like the FULL VIDEO pods rather than audio only, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Sound bites commonly used in this show are from the show, “Still Game,” available on Netflix, and “The West Wing,” available on HBO, I highly recommend both. Thanks, cheers and be well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wherein I sit down with the amazing Alice Soper to talk Super Rugby Aupiki and all things Women's Rugby, while managing to insert tidbits of silliness, as well. If you're enjoying listening, please like and subscribe, and above all, tell a friend! If you'd like the FULL VIDEO pods rather than audio only, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Sound bites commonly used in this show are from the show, “Still Game,” available on Netflix, and “The West Wing,” available on HBO, I highly recommend both. Thanks, cheers and be well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On today's First Up pod: rugby analyst Ella Ferguson joins us to look at a great start for Super Rugby Aupiki; in the UK the focus is on welfare reform; in the Middle East, the US has launched more airstrikes on Yemen's Houthi rebels and our reporter Ke-Xin Li looks at the social phenomenon of queueing in New Zealand. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!
This week on Rugby Direct, Elliott Smith and Liam Napier wrap another compelling round of Super Rugby - and ask if it's time to panic at the Blues after another defeat in their title defence. We celebrate Moana Pasifika's stunning win over the Hurricanes, and are the Crusaders here to rescue New Zealand rugby again? Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley checks in for an update on the opening month - we also dig into the Dupont drama in the Six Nations, the Fijian Drua treatment while in New Zealand - and while their men's team may be in trouble, the Blues women are making a compelling case in Super Rugby Aupiki. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Riccardo is joined by rugby commentator Rikki Swannell to preview this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki matches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Chiefs Manawa are looking to bounce back after a shaky start to the Super Rugby Aupiki season. They dropped their opening game to Matatu, losing by 6 points. Chiefs Manwa utility back (and Black Fern and Sevens Black Fern and former Newcastle Knight )Tenika Willison spoke to D'Arcy Waldegrave on Sportstalk about how they're going to beat the Blues Women - and about how she's managed to code hop so successfully. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The fourth Super Rugby Aupiki competition kicks off this weekend, as the Blues look to defend their title. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen.
Super Rugby Aupiki, the professional women's tournament, begins this weekend. Blues player Katelyn Vaha'akolo spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Alice Soper joins Riccardo to preview the opening round of Super Rugby Aupiki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Rugby Direct, with Liam away in Saudi Arabia, Elliott Smith is joined by Nick Bewley standing in to look back at week two of Super Rugby as the Chiefs assert their title favourites tag with a thumping win over the Crusaders and the Highlanders consign the defending champion Blues to another loss - we chat all of that and everything in between in Super Rugby. We also preview Super Rugby Aupiki starting this weekend with Black Ferns legend Kendra Cocksedge, pay tribute to Michaela Brake after she claimed the World Series try-scoring record and run the rule over the Fantasy landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's hope a women's trans-Tasman Super Rugby final is a sign of things to come. The Super Rugby Aupiki champions will face the Australian Super W winners in a crossover finale to be hosted in New Zealand next year. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sports reporter Jamie Walll spoke to Lisa Owen about the All Black side to face Japan hot off the press and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe being back for a new team next year in Super Rugby Aupiki.
It's an exciting week for our very own James Parsons who celebrates his Blues taking out the Super Rugby Aupiki comp. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes beat the Chiefs in a dominant display and the lads talk to an assistant coach of the New Zealand U20 squad that was named last week for the inaugural U20 Rugby Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
RNZ sports journalist Jamie Wall speaks to Lisa Owen about this weekend in sport and the Super Rugby Aupiki final.
The Chiefs Manawa have a chip on their shoulder going into Saturday's Super Rugby Aupiki final against the Blues women at Eden Park after losing last year's final. Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Chiefs and Black Ferns back Mererangi Paul.
Forget switching on the TV, this weekend TikTok will have your rugby fix. The Women's Super Rugby Aupiki Final is kicking off this Saturday and due to a partnership between 2Degrees, Sky, and Tiktok, the social media app will be broadcasting it live. The game between the Blues and Chiefs Manawa will be shot vertically by Sky and have its own presenters and commentary team. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of the commentators for the game, told Mike Hosking that it's set up an amazing opportunity for rugby and women's rugby to be accessible across not only New Zealand, but the entire world. She said that if they can get the big dogs doing this sort of stuff, it will be an amazing development for the sport. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earlier this month, the women's Super Rugby Aupiki team Hurricanes Poua kicked off their season with a new haka calling out the coalition government, raising concerns about its policies on te reo Māori, and acknowledging He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Additionally, last week a school in Palmerston North, Freyberg High School, performed a protest haka to visiting ACT Leader David Seymour over his parties' policies on Te Tiriti, education, and workforce issues. Producer Sofia Roger Williams spoke to haka expert and University of Auckland Professional Teaching Fellow of Māori Studies in contemporary and traditional Māori performing arts and language, Paora Sharples, about the use of haka as political expression, how it's been received, and movements led by rangatahi.
WRP 178 - Squads everywhere. Just days away from the 6 Nations the last four squads have been announced. Sarah Bern, the injured Red Roses star gives her views on who has been selected not only for the squad but potentially for the first few games. She speaks of the experienced heads returning, like Zoe Harrison, Zoe Aldcroft and Emily Scarratt and gives her unique insight to them. Where will John Mitchell, the head coach, will have his biggest headaches, the back five of the scrum, the midfield? The newly announced Wales squad is looked at, Berner looks at the pack in particular - her area of expertise the front but also the back row and the fierce competition in the back row. The depth that is growing in the Welsh squad, bolstered by some returning players and those who impressed in the Celtic Challenge. France and Italy both with some changes, Berner picks out the player to look out for and what she expects from each of the sides in this tournament. The PWR results, from England, are looked at especially a "statement win" for Bristol over Saracens. Rori has all the news including results from the 7s Challenger series, Super Rugby Aupiki and details on the Netherlands versus Colombia match for a place in wXV, happening this weekend. #WRP womensrugbypod@gmail.com Coming soon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The usual crew of James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl are back to unpack Super Round in Melbourne's big results, including a hefty loss for the Crusaders and big win for the Chiefs. Referee Ben O'Keeffe is in studio unpacking World Rugby's Shape of the Game forum and Super Rugby Aupiki kicked off in style. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A big weekend for rugby, but a lot of the talk has been about a haka performed by the Hurricanes Poua team in the opening round of Super Rugby Aupiki. Jamie Wall speaks to Lisa Owen.
The Hurricanes will apologise to government over a haka calling it "redneck." The Hurricanes Poua altered haka in Saturday's Super Rugby Aupiki game, caught the franchise off-guard and the organisation's boss Avan Lee says media reports were the first time he knew what had happened. Sports reporter Felicity Reid speaks to Lisa Owen.
The Hurricanes' chief executive says he is prepared to apologise to the government about a controversial haka performed by the women's side the Poua on Saturday. Before their Super Rugby Aupiki season opener against the Chiefs Manawa, the Wellington-based team used an altered haka, which included the words "karetao o te Kāwana kakiwhero" or "puppets of this redneck government". Avan Lee says he was not consulted about the move ahead of time. Lee spoke to Corin Dann.
Hurricanes management may apologise to the government over a haka performed on Saturday. The Wellington-based Super Rugby Aupiki team, the Poua, altered a haka to include the words "karetao o te Kāwana kakiwhero", which translates to "puppets of this redneck government". Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee says he was not adequately consulted about the change. RNZ Māori News Journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Corin Dann.
This weekend marks the start of the third edition of Super Rugby Aupiki and the elite level women's competition has been doubled in length. Sports journalist Jamie Wall speaks to Lisa Owen.
Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off its third season this weekend with the four women's sides preparing for their longest competition yet. And, like the men, the Chiefs are looking to atone after falling just short of winning last year's title. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.
Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off its third season this weekend with the four women's sides preparing for their longest competition yet. And, like the men, the Chiefs are looking to atone after falling just short of winning last year's title. Rugby reporter Joe Porter has more.
The lads are back and reacting to round one of Super Rugby Pacific, with key takeaways from each of the big matchups. We also dive into Six Nations chat, preview Super Rugby Aupiki and interview Moana Pasifika captain James Lay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This year's Super Rugby Aupiki final is set to be flipped on its edge, literally, and virtually, with the entire match to be filmed in a vertical format and streamed live and free on TikTok. The match takes place on Saturday April the 13th, and the initiative is supported by 2Degrees, Sky and TikTok, hoping it will help build momentum and interest in women's sport. 2Degrees chief corporate affairs officer Emma-Kate Greer spoke to Corin Dann.
The Invercargill City Council will hold its first meeting of the year today led by Acting Mayor Tom Campbell.