Michaela Sokolich-Beatson: Mystics captain ahead of ANZ Premiership final

Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano has been overlooked for the final test against the British and Irish Lions.  Coach Joe Schmidt has revealed Tizzano has been the victim of online abuse following the controversial end to the second test, in which he’s been accused of diving.  Mental skills coach Aaron Walsh joined Piney to discuss what should be done in these situations, and how players can be looked after.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wallabies' Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt has faith his side can deliver a consolation win over the British and Irish Lions, despite a week of frustration.  Schmidt says it's been one of the more challenging weeks of his coaching career, trying to pick his side up off the canvas after the controversial second-test defeat at the MCG.  The fallout from the controversial finish of last week’s match is still continuing, and Piney caught up with our Australian correspondent Adam Peacock to discuss the series as a whole and the final test.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 2nd August 2025, NPC is back! Piney catches up with the provinces, guests including Wellington Rugby CEO Tony Giles out of Porirua Park, Northland’s Simon Parker and Taranaki’s Josh Jacomb ahead of their Shield challenge, and the Muster’s Andy Muir out of Invercargill for Stag Day.  Rob Penney called in for a chat about his decision to return to the Crusaders for another season.  And NZ Herald League writer Michael Burgess recaps the Warriors heartbreaking loss to the Dolphins.  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.

After tasting his first Super Rugby Pacific success this year, Crusaders Coach Rob Penney has made the decision to stick around for another year.  After a tumultuous and underwhelming campaign in his first season in 2024, the Crusaders bounced back to claim their 13th full title, defeating the Chiefs 16-12 in last month’s final.  He joined Jason Pine to discuss his decision to stay with the team.  “I always said, you know, if I wasn’t wanted, I would never stay, but you know, that wasn’t the case, so, rapt to be doing it again.”  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointment for the New Zealand Warriors and their fans at the last-gasp NRL defeat at home to the Dolphins last night.  Leading 18-16 in the 79th minute at Mt Smart, Redcliffe winger Jamayne Isaako then scored the match-winning try to take the points, 20-18.  Michael Burgess was at the game and told Jason Pine some overly safe calls late on to die with the ball on the last tackle, as well as a fateful decision to not take a penalty shot.  He says that the loss of confidence and mojo as well as the injury crisis is happening at the worst possible time, and it’s really stalled the Warriors’ momentum.  To make matters worse, the Broncos then closed to within a win of the fourth-placed Warriors with a 60-14 demolition of the Rabbitohs.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for Sunday 27 July. 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.

James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the Lions v Wallabies match, the Warriors' latest loss and the reveal that there won't be an Auckland FC women's side. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the WNBA All-Star game, NBA offseason, and the MLB. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tactix are hoping for a positive outcome ahead of the ANZ Premiership netball final against the Mystics in Auckland. The Mainland side rallied from a seven goal deficit in the third quarter to beat the Pulse 57-52 in the elimination final. Tactix shooter Ellie Bird joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Mystics are backing themselves to combat a Mainland Tactix outfit flushed with fresh confidence in this afternoon's ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland. The Tactix dominated the second half of the elimination final against the Pulse in Christchurch, fight back from six goals down in the second quarter. Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.