February 11, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for Wednesday 12 February 2025, Auckland Blues CEO Andrew Hore talks about their new idea of 'pack the park' ahead of the season opener on Saturday night - are fans keen to watch live rugby again? The answer may be YES!
D'Arcy delivers an opinion piece on poor old Warren Gatland.
Plus, NZ Herald online sports editor Alex Powell joins the panel to discuss the influx of injuries at the Crusaders.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
It be welcome on in to the Sports Fixed podcast
for Wednesday, the twelfth of February twenty twenty five. Myna
miss darc Watergrave and up front ahead of us, the
latest and greatest in all the sports news you need
to know about and some of you probably don't. We're
going to talk a bit of Super Rugby Pacific because
of course there's the season to be jolly. Will be
(00:41):
joined by Blues, the reigning champions. Blues CEO Andrew Wore
about expectations on crowd, about tweaks to the system, about
what they learned from last year. We'll talk about of
Super Rugby up shortly. My opinion sits with rugby as well.
It's around what to do now with the Welsh coaching job.
(01:01):
They returned to the well and they drowned. What lessons
exist now for the wr you and in the chamber.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
It is a.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Sports news editor for The New Zealand Herald, mister Alex Powells.
We discussed some of the big sports stories of the
day here.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
On the Sports Fix, in other news.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
And in Sports Today. Any of US sees discussions with
New Zealand Rugby continue despite legal action hitting the table
and their sponsorship row. The Sir Jim ratclib owned petrochemical company,
claims they tried to negotiate a solution. Local player agent
Simon Porter says any of us may have hoped they'd
be easily replaceable, that ended are is doing its due diligence.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
I would have thought to protect their position. They probably
have to being in the proceedings to.
Speaker 5 (01:52):
Say hey, well we're actually serious.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
And you've got a front with the cash. Even if
they are trying to find a replacement, I think you
probably just have to protect your position within the proceedings.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
In the Crusaders have published an endured list of fourteen
hours out from naming their first starting fifteen the Super
rugbyat regular season, Nick Bewley.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
Reports absence up front. George Bell faces an indefinite stint
on the sideline. He heard his big toe last week
against the Highlanders. The three Test All Black joints first
choice hooker Cody Taylor. He's one of four players out
with a hamstring strain. A trio of props have banged up,
the worst of which is Finlay Brewers, who needs shoulder
surgery and will miss the entire campaign. Midfielder Braden ENA's
(02:34):
return to play is unclear after he had an operation
on his wrist.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Auckland DFC defender Dan Hall has given an update on
his recovery from a broken ankle. The center Bank has
been sidelined from a league action since mid December, but
is expected to return in three to four weeks. Says
he'll still need to pass all of the fitness tests,
but he's tracking well.
Speaker 6 (02:57):
I'm onto just basic straight line running, accelerations, decelerations, more
change of the movement hopefully next week and then just
building from their leadings.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
We've got it's the ticket, It's sports X powered by
News Talks Evy.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
And it's warm. Welcome on the sports Vex podcast. The
CEO of the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues.
This is Andrew. Hey, Andrew good A. How are you
very very well and I'm presuming you are as well
on the cusp of a new season. First up, you
want to fill eating part Andrew? How many tickets have
you sold?
Speaker 6 (03:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Well, we're well on the way, rectally ahead of we've
ever been for a first game, so we're at fifty
of our target, which is fantastic. I've got to take
my head off to the Auckland Rugby Union and North
Aberby Union who allowed us to have a direct relationship
through to the clubs, which has been great because I've
been able to do some special things there for the clubs,
(03:54):
which has been brilliant, and really looking forward to welcoming
them and having a big crowd. It sounds like the
Hurricanes Crusader game too is looking good as well, so
definitely some real green shoots here, which is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Strikes me stranger, you don't have the relationship already with
Auckland and North Harbor. How did that materialize and why
isn't it peen there before? Andrew?
Speaker 7 (04:17):
Oh, the pu's have been fine, but we generally operated
through the PUS. But it's been really good being able
to talk directly and I think that's just part of
the evolution of getting more customer focused and fan centric,
which has been a real UPLT for us. It's liberating actually,
(04:38):
So now looking forward to a great kickoff, I think
we've got a great show in store, pre game and
at halftime, so it should be an action pack night.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
You want to fill it out like you got fifty
to fifty to go the twenty ten deal. Talk us
through that one. As far as ticket prices, yeah, no, we.
Speaker 7 (04:59):
Know that some people have done it really tough at
the moment, and there's also some combo deals out there too,
because the.
Speaker 5 (05:06):
Other criticism we had was.
Speaker 7 (05:08):
Was taking the kids was also the food, so the
staff worked really hard was eating Park and the caterer's
eating Park to get those all up and running. And
then yeah, there's the ten and twenty buck deals, which
is pretty good value and actually when we've compared it,
one of the best arounds. So we're really delighted with that,
(05:29):
and it's going and creating this momentum as well. If
we get that Barmie night on top of it, and
people can feed the kids and get in out pretty easily,
then you're halfway there.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
You're just got to put on a hell of a show.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Dare I ask Andrew what's changed between the end of
last season the start of this season as far as
the way you're looking after the Blues, the way Super
Rugby has been approached and not only because it's a
new leaf, but of course you are now the reigning
Super Rugby champions. How much have you benefited from that?
Speaker 5 (06:02):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (06:02):
I think that's been I think it's sort of a
monkey off our back in a way. The thing we
talked about in the off season, Darcy was the fact
that pressure will come in a different way now and
we've got to make sure if we're going to continue
to develop all backs, create a gate game, then we've
(06:23):
got to understand that you're most vulnerable that year after
winning a championship. That's when ultimately you know you're the
full crocodile at the bottom of the river who's just resting,
and we just don't want to be that.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
We've got to be up, vibrant and ready to go.
Speaker 7 (06:40):
So I think that everybody had a view after the
end of the season that we needed to really rip
into this, take on this challenge of attempting to go
back to back and grab it, and that's what we've done,
and alongside that has started this commission is starting to
grow arms and legs now to support some of the
(07:02):
ambitions of the club. I think you've seen with the
evolution of the Fantasy League and a proper launch where
where we're some you know, some pretty high profile players attended,
et cetera, et cetera. There's a there's a momentum and
it'll built and it is early in the year, but
I think there's I think the staff and coaching staff
(07:25):
here have grabbed hold of this year and and.
Speaker 5 (07:28):
Have a point to prove as much as we did
last year.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Andrew Hall, the CEO of the Blues, interesting, sounds like
something out of Sesame Street Cooperation. You're listening to the
fans Super Rugby are listening to you. It sounds like
everybody's aligning and actually are open to ideas and concepts
and constantly improving.
Speaker 7 (07:46):
Yeah, there has been there has been a shift. There
definitely has and I think it all comes down to
the fact that we have a great product, right we have.
We are the only competition in this country that has
the world's best talent playing in a week in, week out.
That that was a given the high performance part. Yes,
there's some rule changes and things that and even there
(08:07):
we had some success last year. We've got a wee
bit of a mojo back because we actually changed some
rules in lin and Beerhole. Some people adopted them not
and and so that's that was sort of the start,
if you like. And as this commission and as the
clubs have realized the importance of the fan and and
(08:27):
actually shifting the pende on a little bit, I think
there's a there's a real energy and I think you're
seeing a revitalization of a lot of people that they're
seeing an evolution to this beyond where we're being, which
is bloody exciting. I've got to say, it's given us
a new lease life here.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
What have you guys done as far as fan and
public engagement and actually getting a message out there, telling
people what's going on, who you are, and what you
need to expect, what they can expect not only quality rugby,
but what actually happens. Because you've got a big opening
ceremony going on, the launch of the championship banners. The
list goes on. But as far as your work with
(09:05):
the Blues, what have you actually done to reach out
and connect.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
Yeah, well, obviously we had the big Blue Bus. We
then come into the start of the year and use
those platforms, but there's some other things going on behind
the scenes as well.
Speaker 5 (09:22):
All of the clubs.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
We've invested together in a new customer database platform which
is coming on, which is partially online.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
It's sort of one of.
Speaker 7 (09:30):
Those I T things, but it's going to make it
more effective to speak to a customer and communicate with them,
which I think is really really important, and getting that
getting that message out there, making it easy for people
to understand what's going on, and and and the big
thing is accessibility making making and I think speaking to
(09:55):
your players about their role in this, and for those
that monitor and follow our players, I think you've seen
this year shifting them too and promoting the game and
being a part.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Of it, which is which I've seen before. So there's
a there's a.
Speaker 7 (10:17):
Even I was really pleased with Caleb's comments set down
the paper explaining why he didn't want to do sent No, no,
he just it's not as focus. He doesn't want to
get the broad in that, and that's okay, Like we
reach their own, there's not many, but at least he
is open and honest about it.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Yeah, and we all appreciate it in the media because
without people telling us, we start making up our own stories.
You know how it rolls. And for the record, I've
picked Big Patty two ups to go hard in fantasy rugby.
So tell the big fellow not to let us all
down and on that. Andrew Horse, CEO of the Blues,
thanks so much for your time. You have a wonderful
week ind wishing you the best.
Speaker 7 (10:59):
Yeah, thanks mate, We'll actually see you down there.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
This is sports figs, your daily does of sports news
now and by news talks.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Be a disaster is one thing, but failure to learn
from a disaster is another thing altogether. The disaster I'm
referencing is Warren Gatlin and his latest stint as the
head coach of Welsh rugby. Today he stood down or
was pushed. It was by mutual agreement. Read into that
(11:28):
what you will. But Warren's second stint come to an
end after fourteen consecutive losses with the national side. So
the big lessons out of this for Welsh rugby, in
my opinion, they are this, don't go back to the well.
As great as Warren Gatland was, let's not forget between
seven and nineteen he appeared and won four six Nations titles,
(11:54):
including three Grand slams and two appearances in World Cup
semi finals. That is no mean feat. That is an
extraordinary record. But because it's happened in the past does
not mean it is going to happen in the future.
So to reappoint Warren Gatlan I think was a crazy mistake.
The game moves on, the game moves quickly, and although
(12:17):
Warren was performing at an international level, performing in inverted commas,
I think the game had left them behind. And to
re establish himself as a head coach of Wales an
attempt to regenerate, to reanimate the glory days of years
gone by insanity. I also believe they need to pick youth.
(12:40):
It's a young Welsh team and with a young Welsh coach,
surely this team at the bottom of the world can
move forward and look up. Together. They may well take
some more beatings, but the beatings that they took under
Gatlan I don't believe created anything at all. I don't
think there are any lessons. I don't think there were
any advancement in the way they played rugby or indeed
(13:02):
the connection between the coach and the players. Those losses
very very destructive for that relationship. And finally, go local.
I know that Welsh rugby have had success with foreign coaches,
especially the likes of Henry Anahansen and Gatland back in
the day. But surely the Welsh rugby public are fed
up to the back teeth with what's going on. Now
(13:24):
go back to where it all begins. Employ a Welsh
coach for the Welsh team, for the Welsh people.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
We're in the chamber again. This time we've managed to
lure in the Sports news edits our for New Zealand Herald,
Alex Powell. Alex, how are you? Ma? I'm good?
Speaker 5 (13:45):
How are you? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Nice to hear, I'm better than well, said Jim Radcliffe.
Right now, what's going on with him and the All Blacks?
And well, where do you end? He's not really good?
And he for any sport?
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Is he?
Speaker 7 (13:58):
No?
Speaker 4 (13:58):
I mean it looks nasty, doesn't it what's happening now?
But I think someone's made the very astute point that
any of us do not have a very good track
record and getting involved with sport. You look at not
just the All Blacks, look at their America's Cup outfit.
There is one team Mercedes. They've not won anything really
since he's been on board. You've got cycling, You've got
Man United, which continues to be a train wreck week
(14:18):
after week. So I think if it's you know, the
All Blacks and you don't know, we have to get
out now, it might be a bit of a blessing
in disguise if they can get the money they were promised.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
It's planetary revenge, isn't it. The Earth has spoken? So
no more are you going to steal squash dinosaur bones
of us. We've had enough of this baboonery. Yeah, absolutely,
I say that anyway, But to be slightly more serious
on this does leave New Zealand Rugby in a difficult
and delicate situation. It's not like you can knock on
(14:47):
the door Alex or maybe they're trying this of all
the major multinationals, say you got to spare eight million
for us?
Speaker 4 (14:54):
No, I mean you think back to when the All
Blacks soul or using a Rugby rather sold the front
of Jersey sponsorship, which we thought was just sacred and
you couldn't do. They sold it to AIG remember, and
then that was you know, it's now ultrad But like
it just shows the money that is needed to sort
of keep the game afloat and if that's not there,
if any of us can't afford to put it up
and they can't immediately replace that. We know that they're
(15:16):
going to get a lesser deal from Sky with the
broadcasting rights for Super Rugby and for test matches. So
it really is worrying for the financial state of the game,
which we know at all levels is really struggling.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
So said Jim Radcliff's come out and said, you know,
it's the green movement, it's the taxation, it's the fact
that America on the surge in Europe, and da da da,
da da. We don't want to hear this crime me
a river. You're signed a deal. It's got nothing to
do with what's happening globally. Pay your billmate, Yeah exactly that.
Don't sign a contract if you don't mean to honor it.
(15:48):
I'm sure he meant to. But now I'm run out
of money. But last time I checked it was a billionaire.
I like, you know, eight sixteen twenty four million. It's
chump change. Just pay for it and stop dragging your
company and your name through the mud or the crude
oil if you will.
Speaker 5 (16:03):
I couldn't have said a bit it myself.
Speaker 6 (16:04):
Mate.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Well, thank you very much for that one. Let's move
on to our next subject, Warren Gatlin. What do we
need to say about Warren Gatlin? Now he's fallen on
his sword. He fell a long way and it's a
big sword. He's well and truly skewed, now, isn't he?
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Alex Oh, you just feel for Warren. He is a
good man first and foremost. But you do almost get
the sense Rugby has moved on from what brought him success.
You know what feels like a long time ago now
with Wales the first time around.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
Your way, as I see the notatorial piece, I don't
know why you'd go back to well again. Things advanced,
things change, and you've got to stay ahead of the
curve by bringing fresh ideas to the paddock and looking
back to the future and trying to replicate that in
the past. That is madness.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
I don't know. Would you not bring back Steve Hanson
now if something went wrong with Scott Robertson, right, Henry,
it's that sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Yeah, you're making those decisions based on feelings not facts,
you know, and if you bring back your most successful
coach of all time, I think that is a very
good short term solution, Except in Wales's case, that hasn't
really turned out to be because he was probably there
for too long.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
Yeah, and we probably shouldn't dwell on warrant. You said
he's good man, you really feel from the situation he's said, Hey,
at least I didn't walk off with a pocket full
of pounds stealing. You've got to give them that credit, right.
Speaker 5 (17:18):
No, remember he offered to resign.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
I think it was last year in the worst rugby
Union said no, So you look, it does just look
like a bit of a mess.
Speaker 5 (17:25):
Continuing the theme of any us. It's all a bit
of a mess.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
And let's carry on with a mess because the Crusaders
have found themselves in a right state. Fourteen players on
the injured list and not a ball has being kicked
in anger in Super Rugby Pacific.
Speaker 5 (17:37):
Whoa tough, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (17:38):
I mean you think, you know, you meant to have
a squad of players that you can cope with these
sorts of injuries.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
I can hear you laughing. It's tough, isn't it. You
don't care. I don't think the rest of the country
here they were going.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Ah hah, yeah, no, exactly right.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
I mean, how good was last year, the seven year
dynasty was over, and long that continued.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
But the injury told no one really deserves that. You've
really got a wonder if they've got a curse sitting
over them all. Their preseason was horrific.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
Maybe, but I mean, you look at this, and I
think this is what Rob Penny will be saying, is
this is just opportunity for someone else. You know, in
professional sport, opportunity is so much more important, or just
as important, even as ability. And you're giving you guys
the chance to come through and show what they can do.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
And you've got an opportunity to embarrass everybody in Super
Rugby Fantasy. You have you brought into that.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
I mean to give it a pick behind the curtain.
Today is the day where all the teams get named.
So yes, I have brought into that. And now I'm
anxiously waiting for when we figure out who we can
actually put in our teams and who we need to
take out.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
But I look forward to being ritually humiliated by you.
Alex Powell, Digital Sports of New Zealand here, thanks for
your time and opinion.
Speaker 5 (18:43):
Thanks mate.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
And you have it, another episode of Sports Fix. Thanks
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(19:13):
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weekend Piney's Got it All between twelve and three on
Saturday and Sunday. It is weekend sport. Look after yourself,
go easy on yourself and we'll catch you all tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
For more from News Talk zed B, listen live on
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You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
It be welcome on in to the Sports Fixed podcast
for Wednesday, the twelfth of February twenty twenty five. Myna
miss darc Watergrave and up front ahead of us, the
latest and greatest in all the sports news you need
to know about and some of you probably don't. We're
going to talk a bit of Super Rugby Pacific because
of course there's the season to be jolly. Will be
(00:41):
joined by Blues, the reigning champions. Blues CEO Andrew Wore
about expectations on crowd, about tweaks to the system, about
what they learned from last year. We'll talk about of
Super Rugby up shortly. My opinion sits with rugby as well.
It's around what to do now with the Welsh coaching job.
(01:01):
They returned to the well and they drowned. What lessons
exist now for the wr you and in the chamber.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
It is a.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Sports news editor for The New Zealand Herald, mister Alex Powells.
We discussed some of the big sports stories of the
day here.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
On the Sports Fix, in other news.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
And in Sports Today. Any of US sees discussions with
New Zealand Rugby continue despite legal action hitting the table
and their sponsorship row. The Sir Jim ratclib owned petrochemical company,
claims they tried to negotiate a solution. Local player agent
Simon Porter says any of us may have hoped they'd
be easily replaceable, that ended are is doing its due diligence.
Speaker 4 (01:47):
I would have thought to protect their position. They probably
have to being in the proceedings to.
Speaker 5 (01:52):
Say hey, well we're actually serious.
Speaker 4 (01:53):
And you've got a front with the cash. Even if
they are trying to find a replacement, I think you
probably just have to protect your position within the proceedings.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
In the Crusaders have published an endured list of fourteen
hours out from naming their first starting fifteen the Super
rugbyat regular season, Nick Bewley.
Speaker 6 (02:11):
Reports absence up front. George Bell faces an indefinite stint
on the sideline. He heard his big toe last week
against the Highlanders. The three Test All Black joints first
choice hooker Cody Taylor. He's one of four players out
with a hamstring strain. A trio of props have banged up,
the worst of which is Finlay Brewers, who needs shoulder
surgery and will miss the entire campaign. Midfielder Braden ENA's
(02:34):
return to play is unclear after he had an operation
on his wrist.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Auckland DFC defender Dan Hall has given an update on
his recovery from a broken ankle. The center Bank has
been sidelined from a league action since mid December, but
is expected to return in three to four weeks. Says
he'll still need to pass all of the fitness tests,
but he's tracking well.
Speaker 6 (02:57):
I'm onto just basic straight line running, accelerations, decelerations, more
change of the movement hopefully next week and then just
building from their leadings.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
We've got it's the ticket, It's sports X powered by
News Talks Evy.
Speaker 3 (03:13):
And it's warm. Welcome on the sports Vex podcast. The
CEO of the reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Blues.
This is Andrew. Hey, Andrew good A. How are you
very very well and I'm presuming you are as well
on the cusp of a new season. First up, you
want to fill eating part Andrew? How many tickets have
you sold?
Speaker 6 (03:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (03:33):
Well, we're well on the way, rectally ahead of we've
ever been for a first game, so we're at fifty
of our target, which is fantastic. I've got to take
my head off to the Auckland Rugby Union and North
Aberby Union who allowed us to have a direct relationship
through to the clubs, which has been great because I've
been able to do some special things there for the clubs,
(03:54):
which has been brilliant, and really looking forward to welcoming
them and having a big crowd. It sounds like the
Hurricanes Crusader game too is looking good as well, so
definitely some real green shoots here, which is fantastic.
Speaker 3 (04:09):
Strikes me stranger, you don't have the relationship already with
Auckland and North Harbor. How did that materialize and why
isn't it peen there before? Andrew?
Speaker 7 (04:17):
Oh, the pu's have been fine, but we generally operated
through the PUS. But it's been really good being able
to talk directly and I think that's just part of
the evolution of getting more customer focused and fan centric,
which has been a real UPLT for us. It's liberating actually,
(04:38):
So now looking forward to a great kickoff, I think
we've got a great show in store, pre game and
at halftime, so it should be an action pack night.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
You want to fill it out like you got fifty
to fifty to go the twenty ten deal. Talk us
through that one. As far as ticket prices, yeah, no, we.
Speaker 7 (04:59):
Know that some people have done it really tough at
the moment, and there's also some combo deals out there too,
because the.
Speaker 5 (05:06):
Other criticism we had was.
Speaker 7 (05:08):
Was taking the kids was also the food, so the
staff worked really hard was eating Park and the caterer's
eating Park to get those all up and running. And
then yeah, there's the ten and twenty buck deals, which
is pretty good value and actually when we've compared it,
one of the best arounds. So we're really delighted with that,
(05:29):
and it's going and creating this momentum as well. If
we get that Barmie night on top of it, and
people can feed the kids and get in out pretty easily,
then you're halfway there.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
You're just got to put on a hell of a show.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
Dare I ask Andrew what's changed between the end of
last season the start of this season as far as
the way you're looking after the Blues, the way Super
Rugby has been approached and not only because it's a
new leaf, but of course you are now the reigning
Super Rugby champions. How much have you benefited from that?
Speaker 5 (06:02):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (06:02):
I think that's been I think it's sort of a
monkey off our back in a way. The thing we
talked about in the off season, Darcy was the fact
that pressure will come in a different way now and
we've got to make sure if we're going to continue
to develop all backs, create a gate game, then we've
(06:23):
got to understand that you're most vulnerable that year after
winning a championship. That's when ultimately you know you're the
full crocodile at the bottom of the river who's just resting,
and we just don't want to be that.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
We've got to be up, vibrant and ready to go.
Speaker 7 (06:40):
So I think that everybody had a view after the
end of the season that we needed to really rip
into this, take on this challenge of attempting to go
back to back and grab it, and that's what we've done,
and alongside that has started this commission is starting to
grow arms and legs now to support some of the
(07:02):
ambitions of the club. I think you've seen with the
evolution of the Fantasy League and a proper launch where
where we're some you know, some pretty high profile players attended,
et cetera, et cetera. There's a there's a momentum and
it'll built and it is early in the year, but
I think there's I think the staff and coaching staff
(07:25):
here have grabbed hold of this year and and.
Speaker 5 (07:28):
Have a point to prove as much as we did
last year.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
Andrew Hall, the CEO of the Blues, interesting, sounds like
something out of Sesame Street Cooperation. You're listening to the
fans Super Rugby are listening to you. It sounds like
everybody's aligning and actually are open to ideas and concepts
and constantly improving.
Speaker 7 (07:46):
Yeah, there has been there has been a shift. There
definitely has and I think it all comes down to
the fact that we have a great product, right we have.
We are the only competition in this country that has
the world's best talent playing in a week in, week out.
That that was a given the high performance part. Yes,
there's some rule changes and things that and even there
(08:07):
we had some success last year. We've got a wee
bit of a mojo back because we actually changed some
rules in lin and Beerhole. Some people adopted them not
and and so that's that was sort of the start,
if you like. And as this commission and as the
clubs have realized the importance of the fan and and
(08:27):
actually shifting the pende on a little bit, I think
there's a there's a real energy and I think you're
seeing a revitalization of a lot of people that they're
seeing an evolution to this beyond where we're being, which
is bloody exciting. I've got to say, it's given us
a new lease life here.
Speaker 3 (08:44):
What have you guys done as far as fan and
public engagement and actually getting a message out there, telling
people what's going on, who you are, and what you
need to expect, what they can expect not only quality rugby,
but what actually happens. Because you've got a big opening
ceremony going on, the launch of the championship banners. The
list goes on. But as far as your work with
(09:05):
the Blues, what have you actually done to reach out
and connect.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
Yeah, well, obviously we had the big Blue Bus. We
then come into the start of the year and use
those platforms, but there's some other things going on behind
the scenes as well.
Speaker 5 (09:22):
All of the clubs.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
We've invested together in a new customer database platform which
is coming on, which is partially online.
Speaker 5 (09:29):
It's sort of one of.
Speaker 7 (09:30):
Those I T things, but it's going to make it
more effective to speak to a customer and communicate with them,
which I think is really really important, and getting that
getting that message out there, making it easy for people
to understand what's going on, and and and the big
thing is accessibility making making and I think speaking to
(09:55):
your players about their role in this, and for those
that monitor and follow our players, I think you've seen
this year shifting them too and promoting the game and
being a part.
Speaker 5 (10:11):
Of it, which is which I've seen before. So there's
a there's a.
Speaker 7 (10:17):
Even I was really pleased with Caleb's comments set down
the paper explaining why he didn't want to do sent No, no,
he just it's not as focus. He doesn't want to
get the broad in that, and that's okay, Like we
reach their own, there's not many, but at least he
is open and honest about it.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
Yeah, and we all appreciate it in the media because
without people telling us, we start making up our own stories.
You know how it rolls. And for the record, I've
picked Big Patty two ups to go hard in fantasy rugby.
So tell the big fellow not to let us all
down and on that. Andrew Horse, CEO of the Blues,
thanks so much for your time. You have a wonderful
week ind wishing you the best.
Speaker 7 (10:59):
Yeah, thanks mate, We'll actually see you down there.
Speaker 1 (11:02):
This is sports figs, your daily does of sports news
now and by news talks.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
Be a disaster is one thing, but failure to learn
from a disaster is another thing altogether. The disaster I'm
referencing is Warren Gatlin and his latest stint as the
head coach of Welsh rugby. Today he stood down or
was pushed. It was by mutual agreement. Read into that
(11:28):
what you will. But Warren's second stint come to an
end after fourteen consecutive losses with the national side. So
the big lessons out of this for Welsh rugby, in
my opinion, they are this, don't go back to the well.
As great as Warren Gatland was, let's not forget between
seven and nineteen he appeared and won four six Nations titles,
(11:54):
including three Grand slams and two appearances in World Cup
semi finals. That is no mean feat. That is an
extraordinary record. But because it's happened in the past does
not mean it is going to happen in the future.
So to reappoint Warren Gatlan I think was a crazy mistake.
The game moves on, the game moves quickly, and although
(12:17):
Warren was performing at an international level, performing in inverted commas,
I think the game had left them behind. And to
re establish himself as a head coach of Wales an
attempt to regenerate, to reanimate the glory days of years
gone by insanity. I also believe they need to pick youth.
(12:40):
It's a young Welsh team and with a young Welsh coach,
surely this team at the bottom of the world can
move forward and look up. Together. They may well take
some more beatings, but the beatings that they took under
Gatlan I don't believe created anything at all. I don't
think there are any lessons. I don't think there were
any advancement in the way they played rugby or indeed
(13:02):
the connection between the coach and the players. Those losses
very very destructive for that relationship. And finally, go local.
I know that Welsh rugby have had success with foreign coaches,
especially the likes of Henry Anahansen and Gatland back in
the day. But surely the Welsh rugby public are fed
up to the back teeth with what's going on. Now
(13:24):
go back to where it all begins. Employ a Welsh
coach for the Welsh team, for the Welsh people.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
We're in the chamber again. This time we've managed to
lure in the Sports news edits our for New Zealand Herald,
Alex Powell. Alex, how are you? Ma? I'm good?
Speaker 5 (13:45):
How are you? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (13:46):
Nice to hear, I'm better than well, said Jim Radcliffe.
Right now, what's going on with him and the All Blacks?
And well, where do you end? He's not really good?
And he for any sport?
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Is he?
Speaker 7 (13:58):
No?
Speaker 4 (13:58):
I mean it looks nasty, doesn't it what's happening now?
But I think someone's made the very astute point that
any of us do not have a very good track
record and getting involved with sport. You look at not
just the All Blacks, look at their America's Cup outfit.
There is one team Mercedes. They've not won anything really
since he's been on board. You've got cycling, You've got
Man United, which continues to be a train wreck week
(14:18):
after week. So I think if it's you know, the
All Blacks and you don't know, we have to get
out now, it might be a bit of a blessing
in disguise if they can get the money they were promised.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
It's planetary revenge, isn't it. The Earth has spoken? So
no more are you going to steal squash dinosaur bones
of us. We've had enough of this baboonery. Yeah, absolutely,
I say that anyway, But to be slightly more serious
on this does leave New Zealand Rugby in a difficult
and delicate situation. It's not like you can knock on
(14:47):
the door Alex or maybe they're trying this of all
the major multinationals, say you got to spare eight million
for us?
Speaker 4 (14:54):
No, I mean you think back to when the All
Blacks soul or using a Rugby rather sold the front
of Jersey sponsorship, which we thought was just sacred and
you couldn't do. They sold it to AIG remember, and
then that was you know, it's now ultrad But like
it just shows the money that is needed to sort
of keep the game afloat and if that's not there,
if any of us can't afford to put it up
and they can't immediately replace that. We know that they're
(15:16):
going to get a lesser deal from Sky with the
broadcasting rights for Super Rugby and for test matches. So
it really is worrying for the financial state of the game,
which we know at all levels is really struggling.
Speaker 3 (15:28):
So said Jim Radcliff's come out and said, you know,
it's the green movement, it's the taxation, it's the fact
that America on the surge in Europe, and da da da,
da da. We don't want to hear this crime me
a river. You're signed a deal. It's got nothing to
do with what's happening globally. Pay your billmate, Yeah exactly that.
Don't sign a contract if you don't mean to honor it.
(15:48):
I'm sure he meant to. But now I'm run out
of money. But last time I checked it was a billionaire.
I like, you know, eight sixteen twenty four million. It's
chump change. Just pay for it and stop dragging your
company and your name through the mud or the crude
oil if you will.
Speaker 5 (16:03):
I couldn't have said a bit it myself.
Speaker 6 (16:04):
Mate.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
Well, thank you very much for that one. Let's move
on to our next subject, Warren Gatlin. What do we
need to say about Warren Gatlin? Now he's fallen on
his sword. He fell a long way and it's a
big sword. He's well and truly skewed, now, isn't he?
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Alex Oh, you just feel for Warren. He is a
good man first and foremost. But you do almost get
the sense Rugby has moved on from what brought him success.
You know what feels like a long time ago now
with Wales the first time around.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
Your way, as I see the notatorial piece, I don't
know why you'd go back to well again. Things advanced,
things change, and you've got to stay ahead of the
curve by bringing fresh ideas to the paddock and looking
back to the future and trying to replicate that in
the past. That is madness.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
I don't know. Would you not bring back Steve Hanson
now if something went wrong with Scott Robertson, right, Henry,
it's that sort of thing.
Speaker 4 (16:52):
Yeah, you're making those decisions based on feelings not facts,
you know, and if you bring back your most successful
coach of all time, I think that is a very
good short term solution, Except in Wales's case, that hasn't
really turned out to be because he was probably there
for too long.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
Yeah, and we probably shouldn't dwell on warrant. You said
he's good man, you really feel from the situation he's said, Hey,
at least I didn't walk off with a pocket full
of pounds stealing. You've got to give them that credit, right.
Speaker 5 (17:18):
No, remember he offered to resign.
Speaker 4 (17:19):
I think it was last year in the worst rugby
Union said no, So you look, it does just look
like a bit of a mess.
Speaker 5 (17:25):
Continuing the theme of any us. It's all a bit
of a mess.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
And let's carry on with a mess because the Crusaders
have found themselves in a right state. Fourteen players on
the injured list and not a ball has being kicked
in anger in Super Rugby Pacific.
Speaker 5 (17:37):
Whoa tough, isn't it?
Speaker 4 (17:38):
I mean you think, you know, you meant to have
a squad of players that you can cope with these
sorts of injuries.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
I can hear you laughing. It's tough, isn't it. You
don't care. I don't think the rest of the country
here they were going.
Speaker 5 (17:51):
Ah hah, yeah, no, exactly right.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
I mean, how good was last year, the seven year
dynasty was over, and long that continued.
Speaker 3 (17:58):
But the injury told no one really deserves that. You've
really got a wonder if they've got a curse sitting
over them all. Their preseason was horrific.
Speaker 4 (18:06):
Maybe, but I mean, you look at this, and I
think this is what Rob Penny will be saying, is
this is just opportunity for someone else. You know, in
professional sport, opportunity is so much more important, or just
as important, even as ability. And you're giving you guys
the chance to come through and show what they can do.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
And you've got an opportunity to embarrass everybody in Super
Rugby Fantasy. You have you brought into that.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
I mean to give it a pick behind the curtain.
Today is the day where all the teams get named.
So yes, I have brought into that. And now I'm
anxiously waiting for when we figure out who we can
actually put in our teams and who we need to
take out.
Speaker 3 (18:37):
But I look forward to being ritually humiliated by you.
Alex Powell, Digital Sports of New Zealand here, thanks for
your time and opinion.
Speaker 5 (18:43):
Thanks mate.
Speaker 1 (18:46):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine
and Darcy Waldgrave.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
And you have it, another episode of Sports Fix. Thanks
very much for listing, for downloading, and if you want
it happening automatically, just subscribe and this will turn up
and your inbox Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Better still,
tell you friends, tell your fans, tell anybody on the
street to subscribe as well, and get the Sports Fixed
(19:13):
word out there. If you want live radio by all means,
we've got that for you as well. News Talk ZIRB
with Sports Talk between at seven and eight pm Monday
to Friday with Jason Piney or myself and over the
weekend Piney's Got it All between twelve and three on
Saturday and Sunday. It is weekend sport. Look after yourself,
go easy on yourself and we'll catch you all tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
For more from News Talk zed B, listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio
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