October 11, 2025 • 9 mins
James McOnie from The Crowd Goes Wild joined Piney to discuss the ongoing NPC season as the quarter-finals warp up.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks d B Who on texts.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Nothing better than a lazy boxing day at the cricket
with the best packed lunch you'll ever eat, Christmas leftovers,
ham cake, the works. How good James mcconey on a
Sunday is always you'd be a fan of a boxing
day cricket test return, wouldn't you?
Speaker 3 (00:33):
Look, I'm open to anything, Piney really, you know me?
But maybe what about the would you be happy with
the twenty seventh? I mean, do we need to compete
with Australia because I'm just wondering whether if we stagger
it it might be might work. Well, I mean I'm
boxing down. I'm just trying to buy a cheap laptop
from Harvey Norman, you know, like everyone else.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I'm just trying to return my unwanted Christmas gifts exactly.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
There's a lot of admin on boxing days.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
It's a very good point you make actually, and other
events too. I think the Elleslie racers are on boxing now,
aren't there another bit some peace too? So maybe a
bit of clear air, maybe boxing they can be an
admin day and then we have the twenty seventh through
until New Year's Eve instead.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Yeah, how about that we can do this money twenty seventh,
make it happen.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I've written it down, Okay, in PC, I have loved
the NPC this season and I really enjoyed watching both
of the quarterfinals yesterday as well as Otago winning on
Friday night. Have you and you must have enjoyed it
to I know you love your provincial rugby.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
I really do, and I don't mind Otago winning. I
think White cuts will getting the benefit of three all
blacks coming back was a bit of a cheap code
for them and a great game, but good on Otago.
I'm glad they went through just for the storyline really,
because I've got some players who are playing out of
their skin who may even be bolted in the near future.
(01:55):
And I'm talking about Dylan Pledger of course, the little
half back, and Lucas Casey that open so Flanka from
Kenny Kenny who just keeps on scoring VISal tries and
has legit wheels. I mean, it's just a matter of time. Really,
surely you have to.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Think so, right, And that's what the NPC has always
done as thrown up guys who most of us had
never heard of and then they have a terrific season,
they end up in Super Rugby and then you know
they then it is up to them, I guess to
take the next steps. But yeah, I mean part from
the fact that my Wellington was so terrible this year,
I have loved it. Canterbury Counties, Counties any chance. This
(02:35):
afternoon we just had Nick bulling the team on from
christ Church. They're obviously favors, but Counties have been chupid.
They've been pretty prolific in the last few weeks.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Yeah, they're a team with genuine Razzell Poney. I know
you love Razel and so do I I think that
there's that there's more to it than that, Like speaking
of loose forwards, they've really got a great trio with
Dalton Papola. You just shifting over to the blind side.
I think at the behest of the all black selectors
who sort of wanted to see him at number six.
(03:06):
That's allowed others to flourish in those other two positions,
and so the four packs going, well, you know, Jimmy Tippo,
you need that veteran presence, but it's the midfield. I
just wanted to focus on a little bit Gibson Poppa Lee,
who I think leads in terms of yards after contact
or several stats at second five. Just a battleship really
(03:30):
and he's full steam ahead. And then to be the
author who people would have seen play from Winer PACIFICA
or and other other teams. He is a classy center
and I just think that they sort of just open
up for the Champagne rugby that we expect from Counties.
One other player as well, Yowani moor Nanu, the hooker
we saw play for the Crusaders. I mean he's scored
(03:52):
a sixty meter chip in chase in the NPC last
year try that is, and he looks like he's another
one who could be pushing for all black selection in
the very near future.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Well, let's talk about all black selection in the very
very very near future. Tomorrow, in fact, around eleven thirty,
they're going to unveil the touring squad for the Northern
Hemisphere Tour, which of course takes in the Test against
Ireland in Chicago as well. A couple of injuries will
mean that new faces are introduced. Are we going to
see any new all blacks guys who haven't been involved before.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Well, I think Bilimple just seems to me like he's
probably got the best chance of getting a tour at halfback.
But then you know, when you think about those other injuries,
there will be a couple of opportunities. I mean, I
do like the idea of even I noticed in the
loose forwards that people making noises about Devin Flanders and
(04:46):
I like Flanders. You know, Homer Simpson didn't, but I'm
a big fan of them, and I think that you know,
there's there's room for a veteran presence in the Lucy's
someone who is a drafter, So I just sort of
heard his name popping up any that have popped up
on your show, Pony.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Well, I wondered whether Caleb Tunguetowel might be an option
in the back three. I'm not sure if he's fit again.
I think he is, but he was the other one
whose name I heard mentioned. He feels like he's going
to be an All Black at some stage. Could it
be tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah? I think Tangy Tail is the one who Raiser
was very excited by during Super Rugby. Then he got
injured and even though I think Raiser himself proclaimed that
Lero Ocado was the fastest man in New Zealand rugby.
I spoke to Leroy himself and he did confirm that
Tangy Taw was quicker than him and was indeed there
(05:39):
in the sevens. Again, so they know. And I think
having that elite pace makes a really big difference. And
so it's probably a good segue, actually elite pace, Pony,
because we could move on to the Warrior his new signing,
Paeda from the Titans.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, well it's a great segue. So why don't you
pick up that seguey and run with it as fast
as he might.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
This is the one thing that we have been missing
for the wise. Let's be honest, we just don't have
elite gas. I mean, yeah, Roger is still a supreme athlete,
but in terms of out and outpaced, Potata has scored
so many try fastest to fifty tries in the NRL.
That's a record. So we've got someone who's an absolute flyer.
(06:24):
I think it makes a really big difference. You look
at that NRL Grand Final, what stood out for you?
I mean, Reese Walsh, just that elite pace makes all
the difference, doesn't it. So at the moment, I'd say
our fastest player might be Leka Halathima, certainly over twenty meters.
But this is big and probably a bit of a
bummer for Dallan Yteni's a lesniak because I guess that's
(06:46):
where he might slode in on the wing.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Now, the other person I've seen linked with a move
to the Warriors is and this isn't on your list,
so my apologies for dropping this on you. As one
of New Zealand's brightest and most recognizable young talents, and
that's Harry Inch out of Tasman. He's long been regarded
as a guy from his time at Nelson College who
could go a long way in the thing fifteen man game.
But apparently he signed or has certainly expressed interest in
(07:10):
going to Rugby League.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Have you heard these stories, Yeah, I heard that quite
a while ago. Actually, Harry Inch, Yeah, out of Nelson College.
He was you know that he's a really good show
and go first five, loves to run, take on the line.
I think that the Warriors courted him, you know, kind
of like they went all out. I mean they helicopped
him up from Nelson to to Anie Hunger. They I
(07:34):
think Monty Betha met him at the Halliport. They showed
him around the Warriors and you know, pretty much wind
him and dined him and then send him down to
back down to Nelson. But he always had aspirations of
playing for the All Blacks, so I thought that might
have been off the table. But maybe it's back on.
Maybe he's just sort of reading the tea leaves and things.
(07:56):
It's worth a nudge because I mean, why not. I
think the Warriors really want him and he could probably
see himself playing first grade sooner than later.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
To finish today, when I ask about the New York Giants,
who've been terrible for a wee while, but they have
found some new hope.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Yeah, this is for fans of teams they who are
kind of in the doll drums. Really, I'm talking about
West Tiger's fan in the NRL. Maybe there's an Everton
fan out there from English football, you know those they
just can't see any hope. But this is a team
that was similarly struggling, got rid of their best player,
Sae Kwon Barclay, a running back, but instead now they've drafted, well,
(08:39):
got a quarterback called Jackson Dart great name for a quarterback,
wouldn't you agree? I do Dart yes. And then Cam
Scatterboo even better name for the running back who sends
people scattering. And he scored three touchdowns I think in
their last game and might have been Forore I was three,
I believe. But anyway, these guys have come together the
(09:01):
great mates are very gen z that kind of like
this new generation coming through and just have transformed that team.
I know it's only one when, but it was against
the Philadelphia Eagles who won the Super Bowls. So watch
this space. I mean, that's the thing. If you've got
a team that kind of sucks, two players can make
all the difference.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
It's always great chatting to you, James. Thanks for joining
us this afternoon, mate, enjoy the rest of your weekend
and we will catch up again next Sunday if that
fits with.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
You, mate, anytime we'll talk Rugby three sixty. I'm keen
to represent them and I think they're going to save
on sand as well from the fields. That's work. That's
the one saving well, mate.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
James McConney big part of our Sundays around this time
every weekend on weekend sport follow him via his socials
and also as part of the Alternative Commentary Collective and
the Craig Goes Well.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk z B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks d B Who on texts.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Nothing better than a lazy boxing day at the cricket
with the best packed lunch you'll ever eat, Christmas leftovers,
ham cake, the works. How good James mcconey on a
Sunday is always you'd be a fan of a boxing
day cricket test return, wouldn't you?
Speaker 3 (00:33):
Look, I'm open to anything, Piney really, you know me?
But maybe what about the would you be happy with
the twenty seventh? I mean, do we need to compete
with Australia because I'm just wondering whether if we stagger
it it might be might work. Well, I mean I'm
boxing down. I'm just trying to buy a cheap laptop
from Harvey Norman, you know, like everyone else.
Speaker 2 (00:52):
I'm just trying to return my unwanted Christmas gifts exactly.
Speaker 3 (00:57):
There's a lot of admin on boxing days.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
It's a very good point you make actually, and other
events too. I think the Elleslie racers are on boxing now,
aren't there another bit some peace too? So maybe a
bit of clear air, maybe boxing they can be an
admin day and then we have the twenty seventh through
until New Year's Eve instead.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Yeah, how about that we can do this money twenty seventh,
make it happen.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I've written it down, Okay, in PC, I have loved
the NPC this season and I really enjoyed watching both
of the quarterfinals yesterday as well as Otago winning on
Friday night. Have you and you must have enjoyed it
to I know you love your provincial rugby.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
I really do, and I don't mind Otago winning. I
think White cuts will getting the benefit of three all
blacks coming back was a bit of a cheap code
for them and a great game, but good on Otago.
I'm glad they went through just for the storyline really,
because I've got some players who are playing out of
their skin who may even be bolted in the near future.
(01:55):
And I'm talking about Dylan Pledger of course, the little
half back, and Lucas Casey that open so Flanka from
Kenny Kenny who just keeps on scoring VISal tries and
has legit wheels. I mean, it's just a matter of time. Really,
surely you have to.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Think so, right, And that's what the NPC has always
done as thrown up guys who most of us had
never heard of and then they have a terrific season,
they end up in Super Rugby and then you know
they then it is up to them, I guess to
take the next steps. But yeah, I mean part from
the fact that my Wellington was so terrible this year,
I have loved it. Canterbury Counties, Counties any chance. This
(02:35):
afternoon we just had Nick bulling the team on from
christ Church. They're obviously favors, but Counties have been chupid.
They've been pretty prolific in the last few weeks.
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Yeah, they're a team with genuine Razzell Poney. I know
you love Razel and so do I I think that
there's that there's more to it than that, Like speaking
of loose forwards, they've really got a great trio with
Dalton Papola. You just shifting over to the blind side.
I think at the behest of the all black selectors
who sort of wanted to see him at number six.
(03:06):
That's allowed others to flourish in those other two positions,
and so the four packs going, well, you know, Jimmy Tippo,
you need that veteran presence, but it's the midfield. I
just wanted to focus on a little bit Gibson Poppa Lee,
who I think leads in terms of yards after contact
or several stats at second five. Just a battleship really
(03:30):
and he's full steam ahead. And then to be the
author who people would have seen play from Winer PACIFICA
or and other other teams. He is a classy center
and I just think that they sort of just open
up for the Champagne rugby that we expect from Counties.
One other player as well, Yowani moor Nanu, the hooker
we saw play for the Crusaders. I mean he's scored
(03:52):
a sixty meter chip in chase in the NPC last
year try that is, and he looks like he's another
one who could be pushing for all black selection in
the very near future.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Well, let's talk about all black selection in the very
very very near future. Tomorrow, in fact, around eleven thirty,
they're going to unveil the touring squad for the Northern
Hemisphere Tour, which of course takes in the Test against
Ireland in Chicago as well. A couple of injuries will
mean that new faces are introduced. Are we going to
see any new all blacks guys who haven't been involved before.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Well, I think Bilimple just seems to me like he's
probably got the best chance of getting a tour at halfback.
But then you know, when you think about those other injuries,
there will be a couple of opportunities. I mean, I
do like the idea of even I noticed in the
loose forwards that people making noises about Devin Flanders and
(04:46):
I like Flanders. You know, Homer Simpson didn't, but I'm
a big fan of them, and I think that you know,
there's there's room for a veteran presence in the Lucy's
someone who is a drafter, So I just sort of
heard his name popping up any that have popped up
on your show, Pony.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Well, I wondered whether Caleb Tunguetowel might be an option
in the back three. I'm not sure if he's fit again.
I think he is, but he was the other one
whose name I heard mentioned. He feels like he's going
to be an All Black at some stage. Could it
be tomorrow?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
Yeah? I think Tangy Tail is the one who Raiser
was very excited by during Super Rugby. Then he got
injured and even though I think Raiser himself proclaimed that
Lero Ocado was the fastest man in New Zealand rugby.
I spoke to Leroy himself and he did confirm that
Tangy Taw was quicker than him and was indeed there
(05:39):
in the sevens. Again, so they know. And I think
having that elite pace makes a really big difference. And
so it's probably a good segue, actually elite pace, Pony,
because we could move on to the Warrior his new signing,
Paeda from the Titans.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Yeah, well it's a great segue. So why don't you
pick up that seguey and run with it as fast
as he might.
Speaker 3 (06:01):
This is the one thing that we have been missing
for the wise. Let's be honest, we just don't have
elite gas. I mean, yeah, Roger is still a supreme athlete,
but in terms of out and outpaced, Potata has scored
so many try fastest to fifty tries in the NRL.
That's a record. So we've got someone who's an absolute flyer.
(06:24):
I think it makes a really big difference. You look
at that NRL Grand Final, what stood out for you?
I mean, Reese Walsh, just that elite pace makes all
the difference, doesn't it. So at the moment, I'd say
our fastest player might be Leka Halathima, certainly over twenty meters.
But this is big and probably a bit of a
bummer for Dallan Yteni's a lesniak because I guess that's
(06:46):
where he might slode in on the wing.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Now, the other person I've seen linked with a move
to the Warriors is and this isn't on your list,
so my apologies for dropping this on you. As one
of New Zealand's brightest and most recognizable young talents, and
that's Harry Inch out of Tasman. He's long been regarded
as a guy from his time at Nelson College who
could go a long way in the thing fifteen man game.
But apparently he signed or has certainly expressed interest in
(07:10):
going to Rugby League.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Have you heard these stories, Yeah, I heard that quite
a while ago. Actually, Harry Inch, Yeah, out of Nelson College.
He was you know that he's a really good show
and go first five, loves to run, take on the line.
I think that the Warriors courted him, you know, kind
of like they went all out. I mean they helicopped
him up from Nelson to to Anie Hunger. They I
(07:34):
think Monty Betha met him at the Halliport. They showed
him around the Warriors and you know, pretty much wind
him and dined him and then send him down to
back down to Nelson. But he always had aspirations of
playing for the All Blacks, so I thought that might
have been off the table. But maybe it's back on.
Maybe he's just sort of reading the tea leaves and things.
(07:56):
It's worth a nudge because I mean, why not. I
think the Warriors really want him and he could probably
see himself playing first grade sooner than later.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
To finish today, when I ask about the New York Giants,
who've been terrible for a wee while, but they have
found some new hope.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Yeah, this is for fans of teams they who are
kind of in the doll drums. Really, I'm talking about
West Tiger's fan in the NRL. Maybe there's an Everton
fan out there from English football, you know those they
just can't see any hope. But this is a team
that was similarly struggling, got rid of their best player,
Sae Kwon Barclay, a running back, but instead now they've drafted, well,
(08:39):
got a quarterback called Jackson Dart great name for a quarterback,
wouldn't you agree? I do Dart yes. And then Cam
Scatterboo even better name for the running back who sends
people scattering. And he scored three touchdowns I think in
their last game and might have been Forore I was three,
I believe. But anyway, these guys have come together the
(09:01):
great mates are very gen z that kind of like
this new generation coming through and just have transformed that team.
I know it's only one when, but it was against
the Philadelphia Eagles who won the Super Bowls. So watch
this space. I mean, that's the thing. If you've got
a team that kind of sucks, two players can make
all the difference.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
It's always great chatting to you, James. Thanks for joining
us this afternoon, mate, enjoy the rest of your weekend
and we will catch up again next Sunday if that
fits with.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
You, mate, anytime we'll talk Rugby three sixty. I'm keen
to represent them and I think they're going to save
on sand as well from the fields. That's work. That's
the one saving well, mate.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
James McConney big part of our Sundays around this time
every weekend on weekend sport follow him via his socials
and also as part of the Alternative Commentary Collective and
the Craig Goes Well.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk z B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!