All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has defended the lack of fresh faces in the 36-strong squad for the upcoming Grand Slam tour.

There's just one new cap in prop Tevita Mafileo and only one player - hooker George Bell - didn't appear in the Rugby Championship squad.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further.

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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has defended the lack of fresh faces in the 36-strong squad for the upcoming Grand Slam tour.
There's just one new cap in prop Tevita Mafileo and only one player - hooker George Bell - didn't appear in the Rugby Championship squad.
Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on Scott Robertson revealing All Blacks picks ahead of Grand Slam tour

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7336bd16-ccd8-4882-966e-b37500464625/transcript

In November China's economy showed clear signs of strain as investment, consumption, and industrial output all weakened more than anticipated. 

"I think the most worrying thing is fixed asset investment actually, which has now declined for the 3rd month in a row," Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis told Andrew Dickens

"We've never seen that before."

LISTEN ABOVE

In November China's economy showed clear signs of strain as investment, consumption, and industrial output all weakened more than anticipated.&nbsp;
"I think the most worrying thing is fixed asset investment actually, which has now declined for the 3rd month in a row," Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis told Andrew Dickens
"We've never seen that before."
LISTEN ABOVE

Peter Lewis: Asia business correspondent says China's economy shows signs of strain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d17e720d-5d13-4ef5-8a0a-b3b80150f49d/transcript

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 19 December.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 19 December. 
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 19 December 2025 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6ad6c7a2-3ebf-4540-aab5-b3b800662fb1/transcript

France has sentenced a doctor to death after he poisoned 30 patients, killing 12.

The EU has agreed to provide Ukraine more money after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged leaders to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv.

But, the money may not be enough.

"Bit by bit it's getting worse and worse for Ukraine, no matter what support they've got," Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens.

LISTEN ABOVE

France has sentenced a doctor to death after he poisoned 30 patients, killing 12.
The EU has agreed to provide Ukraine more money after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged leaders to use frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv.
But, the money may not be enough.
"Bit by bit it's getting worse and worse for Ukraine, no matter what support they've got," Gavin Grey told Andrew Dickens.
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent says things are getting worse for Ukraine despite support

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5da835e0-d351-44d6-94e8-b3b800674c6e/transcript

Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on Scott Robertson revealing All Blacks picks ahead of Grand Slam tour

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