July 2, 2024 • 17 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for Tuesday 2 July 2024 - Rugby League 'Great' Sir Graham Lowe talks about the possibility of Shaun Johnson heading to the bench for the remainder of the season - has Te Maire Martin outplayed him for the number seven jersey?
D'Arcy delivers an opinion piece on why we're finally hyped again for the All Blacks and test rugby.
Plus, New Zealand Herald Online Sports Editor Alex Powell joins the panel to discuss the breakout Kiwi tennis star at Wimbledon.
Get 'Sports Fix' every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks at be
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talk set B.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Why Hello there, Welcome on into the Sports Fix. It's
a Tuesday, second of July twenty twenty four. Coming up.
In this episode, we're going to hit the ground with
Sir Graham Lowe, hugely respected rugby league coach, not only
of course in New Zealand, but right across the globe.
We're going to talk to him about the future of
(00:43):
Sean Johnson. This is uta to Mighty Martin put on
another masterclass in the seven Jersey over the weekend. Where too,
Now for Sewan Johnson. I've got some opinion for you
around the build up to the first test for the
All Blacks taking on England indoned and under the roof
at the end of this week. And I don't know
(01:03):
about you, but I am bursting with excitement about the
start of this brand new era of all Black rugby.
There will be joined in the chamber by Alex Powell,
New Zealand Herald Digital Sport Editor as we look at
a number of subjects, amongst them how big a signing
is Dan Hall for AKFC in the A League. And
(01:24):
we'll take a look at Lulu Soon. Who on Earth
is Lulu Soon? And how did she manage to topple
the eight seed at Wimbledon. All this and more or
less is still to come here on the Sports Fixed.
Strap up, Buckland.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Let's go in other.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
News time for a quick look at some of the
big sports stories today. Starting with a penalty shootout in
the round of sixteen football mass between Portugal and Slovenia.
Thanks TV and Z plus Bernando Silver and Trusted to
get the job done.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Wish it us Portugal advance City quarterfinals.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Relief much? Oh yeah, Portugal has cruise to a three
nil went on penalties after goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all
of Slovenia's three shots. The result came after nil all
an extra time which featured a penalty failure by Cristiano Ronaldo.
A tough home run looms for the competition leading Pulse
(02:25):
in the A and Z Premiership. They faced the second,
third and fourth place teams in the form of The Tactics,
the Magic and the Mystics in their final regular season
games for the three playoff spots. Pulse mid quarter. Whitney
Sooness remains upbeat after they hammered the Steel by a
margin of twenty seven goals.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
We're on the road as are we don't have any
home games coming out too, so it's gonna be tough,
but I think last we're kind of getting that feel
of how fields really grind games through and had that confidence.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
And finally, Kiwi tennis player Lulu Soon has advanced to
the second round of the Winboden singles draw. She's ousted
eighth seed Chin Wein Jang three.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Setst really think about it much like oh I don't
have a chance or something like that. It really was
just like, Oh, I'm just going to play fight and
enjoy myself.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Leading a VIX. We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Vix,
News Talksvy.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
And it's one. Welcome to Sir Graham Lowe as we
take a look at rugby league and after the weekend
with the Wars, Welcome to the program. We're going to
focus on the number seven jump at what a performance
for to mighty Martin. What does this mean for Sean Johnson?
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Oh well, I'm not sure what it means for sure,
And Sewan does But the main thing is what it
means for the coach, for Andrew Webster, because he's shown
the confidence to give to Murray Martin that opportunity and
obviously built him up at Tomorray Martin's a heck of
a player anyhow. I mean, he's already an international player
(04:01):
with a lot of talent. But I think the coach
has pulled the right string and I suppose what what
what happens with Sean now it's just up to Sean
and the coach because Shawn's still a fantastic player, possibly
on his best day, the best player of the club's
got you know, I don't think anyone should forget that.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
And he's had an injury, he's had a cloud hanging
over him, so you could be you could understand why
he's not been at his absolute best. So this is
not a criticism of Sean. It's like, hey, we've got
another guy who can step into your boots. Would be
crazy not to.
Speaker 6 (04:36):
Use them, absolutely, And I mean playing with the injuries
that he has done just shows the character and the
courage of the man and the willingness of what he's
prepared to put himself through for the club and for
his team. So you know, while he we made not
have seen the sparkle in recent times. He's been prepared
(04:58):
to put his body through a lot, a lot. But
many who criticize and would probably windin have to go
to the doctor if they've got a drinking paper clubs
stuck under the I've got no idea what it's like
playing with the injuries some of these players play with.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
He attracts so much, doesn't he Is it because he's
just been so good and when he doesn't hit those levels,
people get a bit their noses out of joint grame.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
I think I think that is a bit of a
do's He is just an exceptional player, one that a
generational type player that you just see come along every
now and then. And so when you're going good, it's
easy for he's easy for people to point out and
say it's because he's gone, you know, he's a fantastic player.
And then if the team doesn't perform for whatever reason,
(05:45):
he seems to attract the criticism, and unfortunately that's just
the nature of sport.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Wouldn't too Mighty Martin, who is young ish in his career,
what is he is in late twenties? He looks like
he is possibly the future once Sewn Johnson hangs up
his boots. But that transfer of position, I from the
older guy to a newer guy. How important is it
that Shawn Johnson has fully engaged in that process because
(06:10):
I've heard and I know that Sewan still spends a
lot of time at practice. He's not hiding in the rehab.
He's really involved with this team. So the handover, the
transfer of power should be good.
Speaker 6 (06:22):
No player of any sport worth his salt is going
to happily hand over his position to someone else coming through.
You know, players hide broken limbs, so they they hide
all sorts of injuries so they don't get isolated out
and maybe lose the spot to a younger player coming through.
(06:43):
So Sean, Sean is a hardened He's now a hardened
professional player. And I think anybody would underestimate Sean Johnson
at their own peril. I think because he's still got
plenty to offer. And while to Murray Martin's I'm a
fan of his, he's always have been. He's been a
really good player. When he first came on the scene
as an international for the Kiwis just as a young kid. Really,
(07:04):
I mean, he stood out and he just showed he
had that class. And as he's a bit more older
and experience now he's not out of position, you know.
In the number seven jersey for the Warriors, he looks
fantastic in fact. But the thing is the coach will
the coach Andrew Webster will be having long conversations with
Sean and really it's what's in Sewan's mind and what's
(07:27):
what the coach has got in his plans for the future,
and that's that's how the decision will be made.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
How do players hide broken bones? Graham Low, that's a
still stunning statement. They do.
Speaker 6 (07:39):
Don't worry about that. They'll they'll hide any sort of
if they see someone on the horizon it's going to
try and take their place. They'll they'll put them through themselves,
through all sorts of ang and he just to try
and hide pain that would hold most people forack of
a long time.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Wouldn't call to mighty Martin a young player, but he's
what five six years younger than Sean Johnson, so young
compared to him.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
In his headspace.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Having a guy like Sean Johnson round that may well
find himself back in that seven Jersey. How does that
work for a player like that, knowing there's someone breathing
down his shoulder, good, bad and different.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
I think it all depends what the philosophy of the
club is. And it seems to me that Andrew Webster
would have set a philosophy in that club where where
he is the boss, he will make a decision on
who is no one's got a mortgage on the Jersey
anywhere at all, and he will make a decision on
who he thinks is right for the job at that
(08:40):
particular time. And some players can cope with that philosophy
and some can't. But that's how I think that, That's
how it seems to me that that Andrew Webster has
set that philosophy in the club, which I think is
a fantastic philosophy. And so then if a player gets
stood down or not played a particular week or sat
(09:00):
on the bench or whatever it might be, they can
cope with it emotionally, okay. Andean Sewan is a tough,
experienced player as is tomorrow. Is that he is. He's
not a youngster. He's an experienced hardpack, you know, experience
NRL players, So he will be able to cope, But
the whole thing, in my mind depends on the philosophy
(09:20):
that the coach Andrew Webbs, that has laid in place
and that the whole club will be operating on.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Sir Graham Low will let you get on with you
with your day. Thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
You go well got as, Thanks very much mate.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news powered
by News Talks V.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I really don't think I've experienced more positive energy around
the start of an All Black season than what I've
experienced over the last week. The countdown is on until
the English become, hopefully for Razor Robertson's men, the first
team the All Blacks put to the sword in a
huge season, and that is an understatement. Fourteen games, only
(10:03):
five at home, nine of those games away, including two
test matches up against the old enemy South Africa in
their backyard. Remember we haven't got Aaron Smith. How strange
is that going to be for the first time? And
I don't know how long we've lost the locking legends
of Retallic and Whitelock. There is no Richie Muwanga ordering
(10:24):
the troops around. We've got no heavy man in Frazell
administering punishments to the great big men from South Africa,
and Sam Caine won't be there either. There are so
many obstacles for this team to overcome, but so many
fresh starts ahead of us, for the new players coming in,
and of course for the coach, Raisor Robertson, the pressure
(10:46):
on him to succeed must be immense, especially considering the
unfortunate way that he managed to secure the reins of
the All Black job Offian Foster. I think we all
know that Raisor Robertson is a coach who thrives under pressure.
The more you pile on him, the better he becomes.
And we have seen that in the seven consecutive titles
(11:07):
that the Crusaders have won. He's picked the team that
he knows is going to operate the best on his watch.
He's picked the captain that he knows is going to
give the best on the field. There is so much
to like, there is so much to look forward to.
I can't wait roll on the English.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
And it's a big hello and a gentle embrace to
Alex Paley's that he zel Inhrald Digital sport editor. As
we fall into the chamber and talk some big sports
stories of the day, tell me about this bloke, Dan
Hall akafka AKFC, Auckland Football Club, whatever you want to
call them, This is there, well one of their marquee signings.
(11:51):
How good, Alex, How good.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Afternoon to your first after ars? Are very good. You know,
we're waiting to see how AUCKLANDFC fills out their roster
and what players are going to be able to get
from abroad. They're allowed four spots four overseas byers. I
don't think all counts as an overseas player being Australian,
but I mean it sounds like it's going to be
a very big week for signings over in Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
So he was part of Central Coast Marinism, what they achieved.
So when it comes to information around winning, that energy
that he got, this is huge from Dan Hall. What
is the center back, isn't he but he knows what
victory tastes like.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Well, not only that, but it's not like he was
a part player in that side and he's chosen to
come to Auckland FC. So they've clearly thrown thrown some
cash at him. To make him want to uproot from
the Central Coast and come over.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Well, that's one thing we know they've got. They're not
sure that money, are they. It's how you spend your money.
You can only buy titles in the EPL, right, and
you need like kind of oil money to do that,
don't you. Maybe not the case over.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
Here, No, I mean, thank God for the salary gap.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Right, so they can't flood it with overseas internationals. Supposed
to be a few flooding around after the end of
year as well, that might be looking for another job.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I mean, I'm sure there will be, whether or it'll
getting down airs to be saying.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Right, let's move away from that and take a look
look at the Sean Johnson situation. I don't know about you,
but the guy's not gone. I really don't think he is.
I think this is premature and people are getting all
very excited because to Mighty Martin had yet another great game.
There's no denying what a quality half he is, and
he appears to be better by himself, does he not?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
No, I mean, I'm so glad you've brought this up, Dus,
because to Mighty Martin is playing so well. I think
he's got twelve tryce this this season. Ten of them
have come in Sean Johnson's absence. You know, the two
guys want to be doing the same thing. We've spoken
about this on this podcast before. How do you fit
them both in wanting to do that job. But at
the same time, if you look at the best half backs,
and then if you look at the top five, Johnson's
(13:49):
probably in there along with Daily, Cherry Evans, Adam Reynolds,
those three are all in their mid to late sorry,
early to mid thirties. You know, it's not a young
man's game. You need that experience, you need that know
how to be a half back in the NRL, and
Shan Johnson has that. I think he has struggled with
fitness this season. I don't think this is the form thing.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
This is fitness and there's nothing wrong with that. If
he can have a bit of a break. And when
you look at succession plans for any team rugby league regardless,
there is one in place here because we've got a
guy to Mighty Martin who knows what he's doing and
as you mentioned, he's still got a number of years
before he really hits the ground. I mean if this
is him inexperienced or young ash, what's he going to
(14:30):
be like in his late twenties early thirties. It could
be an absolute freak show.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
And then we're living out you know, Chanelle Harris Theveta
and look, Mattcarbu could be as good as both Johnson
and Martin. So the Warriors are really well stopped in
the halves.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
What about the decision when he does recover from his
injury to put him back into the side again. It's
going to be an interesting one for Andrew Webster because
we know he's a big fan of Johnson. But if
Tomighty carries on like this, that becomes a tricky situation.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Well, there's no reason they can't play together, you know,
Martin at sex and Johnson at seven or even perhaps
the other way around, but they do need to work
on that combination together. We've seen right throughout, you know
the preseason this year that it was Johnson and Metcalf
one to sit back and manage, which was Johnson and
metcalf to take the game on. But Timone Martin all
needs to be the one that manages it. So if
that role is to change, you can't expect to happen overnight.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
And let's remember that players get injured and we always
need someone to climb on and after they go down,
because it is a vicious it's an aggressive, it's a
physical game, and people break. Let's finish things off. Alex
Powell with ken we Jeen, the eighth seed at Wimbledon,
a finalist at the Australian Open, and I dare to
say that most people wouldn't recognize that name, such as
(15:41):
the nature of women's tennis in the way we revolve
through the players, but we know it now because Lulu Soon,
the Swiss kiwi, has climbed it and beaten her in
the first round, and the tennis world is still going a.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
I mean, let's get Reswiss off that. Surely she's a keywig. No,
how good? You know, we've not seen a kiwi at
One Wooden since what twenty seventeen when Marina Rakovic made
her last tournament there. So to see Lulu up there
doing what she's doing, I can't get enough of it.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
What about Cameron although he's actually a British Kiwi, isn't
he If I'm going to be attaching chill nationalities to everybody.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
He's South African as well, who's born over there by
two English parents raised here. I mean he's a different
kettle of first but you know we've got more of
an outright claim to lud Luson.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Yeah, and that is a name now that people are
all going to listen to and we're very interested to see.
And thank you very much TV and Z for securing
the Wimbledon see how she goes in a second round.
Alex Powell, digital editor for The New Zealand Herol. We
thank you very much for your time, for your expertise
and for your wonderful voice.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Thanks both san you dissecting the sporting agenda.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine and Darcy Waltergrave.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
And John and there it is Sports Fix for the
second of July twenty twenty four. I'm Darcy Watergrave and
if you want more sport in your ears, don't forget
Sports Thought between seven and eight Monday to Friday, and
for weekends sport Jason Pine has got everything you need.
Between twelve midday and three pm Saturday and Sunday. You
(17:14):
look after yourself.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
For more from News Talk set B listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you Wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio,
You're listening to a podcast from news Talks at be
Follow this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talk set B.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Why Hello there, Welcome on into the Sports Fix. It's
a Tuesday, second of July twenty twenty four. Coming up.
In this episode, we're going to hit the ground with
Sir Graham Lowe, hugely respected rugby league coach, not only
of course in New Zealand, but right across the globe.
We're going to talk to him about the future of
(00:43):
Sean Johnson. This is uta to Mighty Martin put on
another masterclass in the seven Jersey over the weekend. Where too,
Now for Sewan Johnson. I've got some opinion for you
around the build up to the first test for the
All Blacks taking on England indoned and under the roof
at the end of this week. And I don't know
(01:03):
about you, but I am bursting with excitement about the
start of this brand new era of all Black rugby.
There will be joined in the chamber by Alex Powell,
New Zealand Herald Digital Sport Editor as we look at
a number of subjects, amongst them how big a signing
is Dan Hall for AKFC in the A League. And
(01:24):
we'll take a look at Lulu Soon. Who on Earth
is Lulu Soon? And how did she manage to topple
the eight seed at Wimbledon. All this and more or
less is still to come here on the Sports Fixed.
Strap up, Buckland.
Speaker 1 (01:37):
Let's go in other.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
News time for a quick look at some of the
big sports stories today. Starting with a penalty shootout in
the round of sixteen football mass between Portugal and Slovenia.
Thanks TV and Z plus Bernando Silver and Trusted to
get the job done.
Speaker 3 (01:59):
Wish it us Portugal advance City quarterfinals.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Relief much? Oh yeah, Portugal has cruise to a three
nil went on penalties after goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved all
of Slovenia's three shots. The result came after nil all
an extra time which featured a penalty failure by Cristiano Ronaldo.
A tough home run looms for the competition leading Pulse
(02:25):
in the A and Z Premiership. They faced the second,
third and fourth place teams in the form of The Tactics,
the Magic and the Mystics in their final regular season
games for the three playoff spots. Pulse mid quarter. Whitney
Sooness remains upbeat after they hammered the Steel by a
margin of twenty seven goals.
Speaker 4 (02:44):
We're on the road as are we don't have any
home games coming out too, so it's gonna be tough,
but I think last we're kind of getting that feel
of how fields really grind games through and had that confidence.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
And finally, Kiwi tennis player Lulu Soon has advanced to
the second round of the Winboden singles draw. She's ousted
eighth seed Chin Wein Jang three.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
Setst really think about it much like oh I don't
have a chance or something like that. It really was
just like, Oh, I'm just going to play fight and
enjoy myself.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Leading a VIX. We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Vix,
News Talksvy.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
And it's one. Welcome to Sir Graham Lowe as we
take a look at rugby league and after the weekend
with the Wars, Welcome to the program. We're going to
focus on the number seven jump at what a performance
for to mighty Martin. What does this mean for Sean Johnson?
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Oh well, I'm not sure what it means for sure,
And Sewan does But the main thing is what it
means for the coach, for Andrew Webster, because he's shown
the confidence to give to Murray Martin that opportunity and
obviously built him up at Tomorray Martin's a heck of
a player anyhow. I mean, he's already an international player
(04:01):
with a lot of talent. But I think the coach
has pulled the right string and I suppose what what
what happens with Sean now it's just up to Sean
and the coach because Shawn's still a fantastic player, possibly
on his best day, the best player of the club's
got you know, I don't think anyone should forget that.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
And he's had an injury, he's had a cloud hanging
over him, so you could be you could understand why
he's not been at his absolute best. So this is
not a criticism of Sean. It's like, hey, we've got
another guy who can step into your boots. Would be
crazy not to.
Speaker 6 (04:36):
Use them, absolutely, And I mean playing with the injuries
that he has done just shows the character and the
courage of the man and the willingness of what he's
prepared to put himself through for the club and for
his team. So you know, while he we made not
have seen the sparkle in recent times. He's been prepared
(04:58):
to put his body through a lot, a lot. But
many who criticize and would probably windin have to go
to the doctor if they've got a drinking paper clubs
stuck under the I've got no idea what it's like
playing with the injuries some of these players play with.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
He attracts so much, doesn't he Is it because he's
just been so good and when he doesn't hit those levels,
people get a bit their noses out of joint grame.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
I think I think that is a bit of a
do's He is just an exceptional player, one that a
generational type player that you just see come along every
now and then. And so when you're going good, it's
easy for he's easy for people to point out and
say it's because he's gone, you know, he's a fantastic player.
And then if the team doesn't perform for whatever reason,
(05:45):
he seems to attract the criticism, and unfortunately that's just
the nature of sport.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Wouldn't too Mighty Martin, who is young ish in his career,
what is he is in late twenties? He looks like
he is possibly the future once Sewn Johnson hangs up
his boots. But that transfer of position, I from the
older guy to a newer guy. How important is it
that Shawn Johnson has fully engaged in that process because
(06:10):
I've heard and I know that Sewan still spends a
lot of time at practice. He's not hiding in the rehab.
He's really involved with this team. So the handover, the
transfer of power should be good.
Speaker 6 (06:22):
No player of any sport worth his salt is going
to happily hand over his position to someone else coming through.
You know, players hide broken limbs, so they they hide
all sorts of injuries so they don't get isolated out
and maybe lose the spot to a younger player coming through.
(06:43):
So Sean, Sean is a hardened He's now a hardened
professional player. And I think anybody would underestimate Sean Johnson
at their own peril. I think because he's still got
plenty to offer. And while to Murray Martin's I'm a
fan of his, he's always have been. He's been a
really good player. When he first came on the scene
as an international for the Kiwis just as a young kid. Really,
(07:04):
I mean, he stood out and he just showed he
had that class. And as he's a bit more older
and experience now he's not out of position, you know.
In the number seven jersey for the Warriors, he looks
fantastic in fact. But the thing is the coach will
the coach Andrew Webster will be having long conversations with
Sean and really it's what's in Sewan's mind and what's
(07:27):
what the coach has got in his plans for the future,
and that's that's how the decision will be made.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
How do players hide broken bones? Graham Low, that's a
still stunning statement. They do.
Speaker 6 (07:39):
Don't worry about that. They'll they'll hide any sort of
if they see someone on the horizon it's going to
try and take their place. They'll they'll put them through themselves,
through all sorts of ang and he just to try
and hide pain that would hold most people forack of
a long time.
Speaker 2 (07:56):
Wouldn't call to mighty Martin a young player, but he's
what five six years younger than Sean Johnson, so young
compared to him.
Speaker 3 (08:04):
In his headspace.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Having a guy like Sean Johnson round that may well
find himself back in that seven Jersey. How does that
work for a player like that, knowing there's someone breathing
down his shoulder, good, bad and different.
Speaker 6 (08:19):
I think it all depends what the philosophy of the
club is. And it seems to me that Andrew Webster
would have set a philosophy in that club where where
he is the boss, he will make a decision on
who is no one's got a mortgage on the Jersey
anywhere at all, and he will make a decision on
who he thinks is right for the job at that
(08:40):
particular time. And some players can cope with that philosophy
and some can't. But that's how I think that, That's
how it seems to me that that Andrew Webster has
set that philosophy in the club, which I think is
a fantastic philosophy. And so then if a player gets
stood down or not played a particular week or sat
(09:00):
on the bench or whatever it might be, they can
cope with it emotionally, okay. Andean Sewan is a tough,
experienced player as is tomorrow. Is that he is. He's
not a youngster. He's an experienced hardpack, you know, experience
NRL players, So he will be able to cope, But
the whole thing, in my mind depends on the philosophy
(09:20):
that the coach Andrew Webbs, that has laid in place
and that the whole club will be operating on.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
Sir Graham Low will let you get on with you
with your day. Thanks so much for your time.
Speaker 6 (09:30):
You go well got as, Thanks very much mate.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news powered
by News Talks V.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
I really don't think I've experienced more positive energy around
the start of an All Black season than what I've
experienced over the last week. The countdown is on until
the English become, hopefully for Razor Robertson's men, the first
team the All Blacks put to the sword in a
huge season, and that is an understatement. Fourteen games, only
(10:03):
five at home, nine of those games away, including two
test matches up against the old enemy South Africa in
their backyard. Remember we haven't got Aaron Smith. How strange
is that going to be for the first time? And
I don't know how long we've lost the locking legends
of Retallic and Whitelock. There is no Richie Muwanga ordering
(10:24):
the troops around. We've got no heavy man in Frazell
administering punishments to the great big men from South Africa,
and Sam Caine won't be there either. There are so
many obstacles for this team to overcome, but so many
fresh starts ahead of us, for the new players coming in,
and of course for the coach, Raisor Robertson, the pressure
(10:46):
on him to succeed must be immense, especially considering the
unfortunate way that he managed to secure the reins of
the All Black job Offian Foster. I think we all
know that Raisor Robertson is a coach who thrives under pressure.
The more you pile on him, the better he becomes.
And we have seen that in the seven consecutive titles
(11:07):
that the Crusaders have won. He's picked the team that
he knows is going to operate the best on his watch.
He's picked the captain that he knows is going to
give the best on the field. There is so much
to like, there is so much to look forward to.
I can't wait roll on the English.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfix.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
And it's a big hello and a gentle embrace to
Alex Paley's that he zel Inhrald Digital sport editor. As
we fall into the chamber and talk some big sports
stories of the day, tell me about this bloke, Dan
Hall akafka AKFC, Auckland Football Club, whatever you want to
call them, This is there, well one of their marquee signings.
(11:51):
How good, Alex, How good.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Afternoon to your first after ars? Are very good. You know,
we're waiting to see how AUCKLANDFC fills out their roster
and what players are going to be able to get
from abroad. They're allowed four spots four overseas byers. I
don't think all counts as an overseas player being Australian,
but I mean it sounds like it's going to be
a very big week for signings over in Auckland FC.
Speaker 2 (12:13):
So he was part of Central Coast Marinism, what they achieved.
So when it comes to information around winning, that energy
that he got, this is huge from Dan Hall. What
is the center back, isn't he but he knows what
victory tastes like.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Well, not only that, but it's not like he was
a part player in that side and he's chosen to
come to Auckland FC. So they've clearly thrown thrown some
cash at him. To make him want to uproot from
the Central Coast and come over.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Well, that's one thing we know they've got. They're not
sure that money, are they. It's how you spend your money.
You can only buy titles in the EPL, right, and
you need like kind of oil money to do that,
don't you. Maybe not the case over.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
Here, No, I mean, thank God for the salary gap.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Right, so they can't flood it with overseas internationals. Supposed
to be a few flooding around after the end of
year as well, that might be looking for another job.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
I mean, I'm sure there will be, whether or it'll
getting down airs to be saying.
Speaker 2 (13:05):
Right, let's move away from that and take a look
look at the Sean Johnson situation. I don't know about you,
but the guy's not gone. I really don't think he is.
I think this is premature and people are getting all
very excited because to Mighty Martin had yet another great game.
There's no denying what a quality half he is, and
he appears to be better by himself, does he not?
Speaker 3 (13:27):
No, I mean, I'm so glad you've brought this up, Dus,
because to Mighty Martin is playing so well. I think
he's got twelve tryce this this season. Ten of them
have come in Sean Johnson's absence. You know, the two
guys want to be doing the same thing. We've spoken
about this on this podcast before. How do you fit
them both in wanting to do that job. But at
the same time, if you look at the best half backs,
and then if you look at the top five, Johnson's
(13:49):
probably in there along with Daily, Cherry Evans, Adam Reynolds,
those three are all in their mid to late sorry,
early to mid thirties. You know, it's not a young
man's game. You need that experience, you need that know
how to be a half back in the NRL, and
Shan Johnson has that. I think he has struggled with
fitness this season. I don't think this is the form thing.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
This is fitness and there's nothing wrong with that. If
he can have a bit of a break. And when
you look at succession plans for any team rugby league regardless,
there is one in place here because we've got a
guy to Mighty Martin who knows what he's doing and
as you mentioned, he's still got a number of years
before he really hits the ground. I mean if this
is him inexperienced or young ash, what's he going to
(14:30):
be like in his late twenties early thirties. It could
be an absolute freak show.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
And then we're living out you know, Chanelle Harris Theveta
and look, Mattcarbu could be as good as both Johnson
and Martin. So the Warriors are really well stopped in
the halves.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
What about the decision when he does recover from his
injury to put him back into the side again. It's
going to be an interesting one for Andrew Webster because
we know he's a big fan of Johnson. But if
Tomighty carries on like this, that becomes a tricky situation.
Speaker 3 (14:57):
Well, there's no reason they can't play together, you know,
Martin at sex and Johnson at seven or even perhaps
the other way around, but they do need to work
on that combination together. We've seen right throughout, you know
the preseason this year that it was Johnson and Metcalf
one to sit back and manage, which was Johnson and
metcalf to take the game on. But Timone Martin all
needs to be the one that manages it. So if
that role is to change, you can't expect to happen overnight.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
And let's remember that players get injured and we always
need someone to climb on and after they go down,
because it is a vicious it's an aggressive, it's a
physical game, and people break. Let's finish things off. Alex
Powell with ken we Jeen, the eighth seed at Wimbledon,
a finalist at the Australian Open, and I dare to
say that most people wouldn't recognize that name, such as
(15:41):
the nature of women's tennis in the way we revolve
through the players, but we know it now because Lulu Soon,
the Swiss kiwi, has climbed it and beaten her in
the first round, and the tennis world is still going a.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
I mean, let's get Reswiss off that. Surely she's a keywig. No,
how good? You know, we've not seen a kiwi at
One Wooden since what twenty seventeen when Marina Rakovic made
her last tournament there. So to see Lulu up there
doing what she's doing, I can't get enough of it.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
What about Cameron although he's actually a British Kiwi, isn't
he If I'm going to be attaching chill nationalities to everybody.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
He's South African as well, who's born over there by
two English parents raised here. I mean he's a different
kettle of first but you know we've got more of
an outright claim to lud Luson.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Yeah, and that is a name now that people are
all going to listen to and we're very interested to see.
And thank you very much TV and Z for securing
the Wimbledon see how she goes in a second round.
Alex Powell, digital editor for The New Zealand Herol. We
thank you very much for your time, for your expertise
and for your wonderful voice.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
Thanks both san you dissecting the sporting agenda.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
It's Sports Fix with Jason Vine and Darcy Waltergrave.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
And John and there it is Sports Fix for the
second of July twenty twenty four. I'm Darcy Watergrave and
if you want more sport in your ears, don't forget
Sports Thought between seven and eight Monday to Friday, and
for weekends sport Jason Pine has got everything you need.
Between twelve midday and three pm Saturday and Sunday. You
(17:14):
look after yourself.
Speaker 1 (17:16):
For more from News Talk set B listen live on
air or online and keep our shows with you Wherever
you go with our podcasts on iHeartRadio,
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
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.