July 28, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 28 July 2025, rugby editor at The Roar, Christy Doran, joins the podcast to discuss the state of Australian rugby.
It was heartbreak for the Wallabies on Saturday night in Melbourne! A thrilling test match which the British and Irish Lions won 29-26 with a try in the 80th minute to seal the series with a game to spare. But it was certainly a much improved performance from the Wallabies, so might they challenge the All Blacks for the Bledisloe Cup this year?
Plus, Newstalk ZB Sport journalist Elijah Fa'afiu joins to discuss if the Warriors are still a top four side? And were the Wallabies hard done by on Saturday night?
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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 ed B.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Hi there and welcome into a new week and into
a new episode of the Sportsbeks podcast. Bradley BROUGHDKIVE in
association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder.
I'm Jason Pine. On Monday July twenty eighth. We're Australia
hard done by on Saturday nights at the Melbourne Cricket
Ground right at the end. Rather than relitigate that today
(00:42):
on the podcast, I'd actually rather look ahead. Are they
becoming a threat to the All Blacks? Because there's no
denying they were better on Saturday night in Melbourne, much
much better than they were in Brisbane a week ago.
So could they be a bled Uslow Cup proposition? In
twenty twenty five, Christy douran Heed, the rugby writer in
(01:04):
fact rugby editor at the Raw, is going to join
us with his thoughts on that. E feet who pops
into the chamber. We'll talk aboit about the rugby but
also the Warriors. Are they still a top four proposition
after their upset lost to the Titans at home on
Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
And the latest and sports news coming your way as well,
so let's get into it. In other news, let's.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Get you underway with some of the big sports stories
around today. The Tour de France is over three thousand,
two hundred and ninety eight kilometers all done.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hoday Forgatcha wins his fourth Tour de France and he
was involved in every single bit of action right to the.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Ends about that up securing victory on the last stage
before the champion pedled home in fourth to win the
overall tour by well over four minutes. Oscar Piastre's won
a rain delayed Belgian Formula One Grand Prix, boosting his
lead from nine to sixteen points in the championship.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Oster Piastre wins the Belgian Grand Prix and it is
Lando Norris home in sacred place for a six one
two finish of the season free dominance.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
McClaren team Keey Liam Lawson earning four points coming home
in eighth spot, and England have gone back to back
as winners of European Football's Women's Championships.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
Sir Clery kay Cleince England returning to European Championship. Carl
England are crown Queens of European Clip pull.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Again usion It's Sports Fix with Jason.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
Lyne Saturday night, Go Media Stadium. Not at all the
result the Warriors all their fans were after or actually expecting.
First things first, congraft to the Titans, one of their
best performances of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That did not look like a bottom of the table
side to me. They keep playing like that.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
They will avoid the wooden spoon for the Warriors once again,
the focus falls on that right edge. Another couple of
tries down that side. Look, I honestly feel for Dellan.
Why Tenny Zilli's in the act. He is in a
no win situation. As a winger, in situations where the
opposition are coming down, you will side. You got a
couple of options, right, You can come in and force
(03:17):
the tougher pass, but then you get piled on when
that pass is made and your winger scores on an overlap,
or you stay out on your man and then you
look a bit silly when the center comes through on
a line break untouched and scores a try. I think
the answer presumably is that you don't go all in
on either strategy. You make decisions on a case by
case basis, and those decisions have to be made pretty quickly,
(03:40):
split seconds, and they have to be made between players
as well. And the connection between the players currently on
the right edge still very much a work in progress.
Tannah boid brand new halfback Kurt cape Well, who's only
there because of injury and all things being equal, wouldn't
be playing in the senses, and then Dallan who looks
a bit low on confidence. The disconnect between the three
(04:01):
is part of the issue. As I say, they don't
want Kirk Capewell playing in the centers. He's a back rower.
He's only there because of injuries to Rock o'berry and
Ali Laiatawa. They're desperate to get him back in the pack,
but it doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon.
Ali Latahwa left the field injured in the New South
Wales Cup game on Saturday and Rocoberry is still out,
So on Friday night against the Dolphins, it'll likely be
(04:24):
Kurk Capewell in the centers again. But further out, I
think you probably look at a change rightly or wrongly,
Dallan y tennis Lesniak is getting the harsh glare of
the spotlight right now. Every time a try comes down
his side is the first name people pick up on.
So maybe you say, hey, come on, Dylan, just come
out of the spotlight for a bit, have a break,
(04:45):
and you give the number two jumper to a guy
who was in stupendous form for the new South Wales
Cup side.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
And that's tained to old Picky. That's where he played.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Remember in the first eight weeks of the season when
Dalan was coming back from injury and the Warrior Is
won six of those eight games. So I think it's
time to make that change on the Warrior's right edge.
You say, Dylan, step out, Tane, you are playing in
the two jumper.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
This week dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
This is the sports podcast Heartbreak for the Wallaby Saturday
night in Melbourne, a thrilling rugby Test which the British
and Irish Lions won twenty nine to twenty six courtesy
of a try in the eightieth minute, but certainly a
much improved performance from the Wallabies. Let's bring in rugby
editor at The Raw, Christy Doran. You can also hear
(05:38):
him on the ESPN Scrum podcast Christy Deflation obviously among
Australian rugby fans after the controversial end to Saturday Night's Test.
But as I say, it was an improvement in which
particular areas did you see the biggest improvements for the
Australian side compared to what we saw in Brisbane a
(05:58):
week ago, Without.
Speaker 5 (05:59):
A shadow of doubt, it's the physicality, it's the sting
that came and they were ready for a fight. You
know we saw on the first half in Brisbane not
only were they totally physically outmuscled and bullied by the Lions,
we saw moments where Tom Curry is hitting a Wallaby
and Tomliner in the air and you know the Wallabies
are just sitting back and you know there's no protection,
(06:20):
there's no fight there, there's no going into fight and
battle for a bloke plant on his starting TESTA. That
was the complete contrast at the MCG that they were
there from the moment from the outset. Even Will Skelton,
I know that he gave had a stern warning delivered
to him when he hit take furlong slightly late when
(06:42):
there was a knock on in the in the build
up to it, But that was a moment there early
in the first half which just said hang on, we're here.
And yes, the lines scored a second later, but you know,
a couple of trials later and the Wallabies just out
muscled them, you know, Rob Valatini, Will Skelton, We saw
Dave Pereki come back, and yes he's not the man
(07:02):
laying on the big shots, but collectively the line the
Wallabies walked taller, I think, and we saw that, and
I think a lot of people were going, was Rob
baalatein come off at halftime? Was he not returned on
the field And a lot more people and respected Wallaby's
have been asking that over the last twenty four hours
or so, thinking that he should have been, even though
(07:24):
he was tightening up in the Calf's the way to
keep the big man going and warm, and that's to
put him on the bike. And people were saying that
you shouldn't be thinking about the spring box and the
Rugby Championship was just a couple of weeks away. They
needed to win that Test, and unfortunately, when he and
Skelton walked off.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
The Wallabies didn't really fire.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
A shot in the last half an hour where they
needed to land one more blow and they simply couldn't.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Does Tom Liner appeal as the long term first five
for Australia to you?
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I think so.
Speaker 5 (07:57):
And the fact that they didn't turn to Ben Donaldson,
a bloke with about twenty tests experience of World Cup
campaign under his belt, The fact he didn't even get
on on Saturday night suggest that the Wallabies aren't necessarily
trust him. The management a twenty five year old, as
I say, with some tests under his belt. You know,
outside of that, Nolla is going to be heading to
(08:18):
Japan later this year. It's very unlikely that he will
come back in twenty seven. And then outside of that,
you know the folies, the James O'Connors, they're thirty five now.
If they were ever going to play a Test again
for the Wallabies, it was during this series. So I
think it is a Tomliner unless they go out there
(08:39):
and sign a big name regular league player, which I
don't think is about to occur. I think they saw
that this was an opportunity to develop Tomliner on the
biggest stage against the Lions side You've got to question
the timing of that. But at the same time, I
think we've seen that he's pretty unflappable. He's got a
very composed head, got a reasonable skill set and I
(09:03):
think he's a reasonable player to build the side around.
Is he ever going to be a rich Hu muwong
an absolutely boss and commanded a game, or an old Farrell?
I'm not sure given his quiet nature, but I think
he's a very competent ten.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
All right, So looking ahead, Christy, Test three against the
British and Irish Line Sydney this coming Saturday. Then it's
two tests, tough tests away in South Africa joe Burg
and Cape Town, back home for Tests against Argentina, and
then home and away against the All.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Blacks for the Bletterslow Cup.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
A big part of me actually wishes this was the
other way around, the first game in Perth and the
second at Eden Park in Auckland. But even given that,
how strongly do you perceive the Wallabies could challenge the
All Blacks for the bleeders Low Cup this year?
Speaker 5 (09:46):
I just hope that the Wallabies aren't limping into that
series because they need some momentum and all bokes found
out last year just how hard it is to win
a Test in South Africa. You know, there were two
of the great Tests matches and a mini series and
they didn't come away with a win. Now, if the
Wallabies go there and they lose, they come back and
it's almost a must win territory against Argentina, you know,
(10:07):
not so much to win silverware, but for pride and
honor and momentum ahead of the twenty seven World Cup.
It will be tough though, because we will they be
walking wounded off the back of the South African tour.
So I preface talking about the blood slow with that because,
as you've mentioned, very difficult to go to New Zealand
(10:27):
to beat the All Blacks. All we haven't done it
since two thousand and one win across the Ditch. So
I just hope that they're not going in there when
they're down five or six blokes. My understanding is will
Scots not even going to be there given some matches
full outside of the international window. Plus he's just had
such a long year up in the French top fourteen,
(10:48):
so already some of the big games are going to
be missing. You know, is a Langy Gleeson up in
France at that time you know where's Tom Hooper. So
I don't know if they will challenge the All Blacks.
I thought last year was a golden opportunity to do
that and they came within striking distance at the death
in Sydney after a really sleepy start in Sydney. But
(11:11):
this looks like an All Black side second year under
Scott Robinson, which would be a much sterner test. We
already saw even though that the French brought a third
string team. You know that they've got depth just as
much as South Africa, I think in terms of how
big it is, so they'll be match hardened after already
coming up against South African Argentina. It's going to be
(11:32):
an almighty year for the Wallabies. I just hope, as
I say, that they're standing there and that they can
go in there with a glimmer of hope.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Interesting times indeed, Thanks so much for joining us, Christy. Christy,
Dorian rugby editor at the Raw.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
On the SPORTSBX podcast, The Top Inside the Chamber, Monday's Chamber,
The People's Chamber. Elijah joins us for a chat about
a couple of sporting matters from the weekend the Warriors.
Can we start there, Elijah, I don't think many people
expect to defeat to the Titans, particularly not at tendal
Up after just a few minutes. How big a dent
(12:14):
does this put in their top four credentials for you?
Speaker 6 (12:18):
Oh, it's a huge opportunity missed for the Warriors, particularly
against a team who came into that night's contest bottom
of the ladder. The night before, the Broncos had just
lost to the Eels, so it was an opportunity for
the Warriors to build a bigger buffer between themselves and
the teams down in fifth and sixth. Yeah, it's a
(12:39):
huge opportunity missed there. But as we've seen in the NRL,
there are no easy wins, particularly at home at Mount
Smart for the Warriors, who I think I've just read
that they're now four and three at Mount Smart, so
you can't even take those home wins for granted, or
they're not such so much a guarantee this season for
the Warriors. So I think when we looked at their
(13:00):
run home and saw some of the contests against the
teams outside of the top eight, we were probably thinking, oh,
these could be some easy wins for the Warriors, and
they should be one's, given that they're currently a top
four team, but probably not so much after Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
And you're so right about the NRL, and particularly this
stage of the season where teams are starting to feel
the effects of you so many games, injuries, unavailability, that
sort of thing. I mean, the Broncoast couldn't get the
job done against the Eels on Friday night, good day,
and I guess that makes it doubly frustrating that the
Warriors couldn't get a jump on them. But it's the
Panthers for me, Elijah. They are on the charge, aren't they.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
They are.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
They won seven in a row now and they're staying
to look like the team that's won four premierships over
the last well four seasons. Obviously, heading into this season,
they lost a couple of big names Jerome Low, James Fisher, Harris,
and you're coming with younger players and experienced players who
are still coming to grips with playing in the NRAL.
I think now those players have picked things up, and
(13:57):
then now the stars are signing to show up as well,
like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaiao. Those big representative players
are staying to show up. So the timing is they're
peaking at the right time the Panthers, and it's very
dangerous for the Warriors.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
I just feel that the next two games for the
Warriors could very much be seasoned defining. I think they
got to bounce back against the Dolphins at home on
Friday night, and you reading out that stat about the
fortress not really being a fortress is a bit worrying.
And then the following Saturday they go to Sydney to
take on the Bulldogs. I honestly think, Elijah, I think
the Panthers are going to make the top four.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
So are the Storm, so are the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
I think one of the Warriors or Bulldogs drops out
and that game could have a big saying that, how
do you assist that as a scenario.
Speaker 6 (14:42):
Well, I'll say this about the Panthers run home because
I had a look at at what their Romainian schedule
looks like. They've actually got games against the other three
teams in the top four. So they play the Bulldogs,
the Raiders, and the Storm. I guess given the way
the Panthers are playing, I can see them toppling a
couple of those teams currently in the top four and
then sneaking their way in. But yeah, it's really all
(15:03):
on the Warriors. And I think the Warriors themselves they're
in a bit of a well, I'd say they're in
a bit of a slump because if you take away
that the heroics of Lecquahalaesima against the Knights, the Warriors
would actually be one and four in their last five games.
So that's very interesting to hear, given what they have
coming up in their schedule against well, the Bulldogs and
(15:24):
also some of these teams outside of the top eight,
So very concerning if I'm more Warriors fan. And yeah,
the Panthers there there just lurking behind him on the ladder.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
All right, So two big weeks coming up, in fact,
six big games to come for the Warriors if they
are to hold on to that spot in the top four.
We all know how important it is to finish that
high up. Let's go to rugby. See Phil warre CEO
of the Australian Rugby Union, has asked for a please
explain from the referees after Saturday night in Melbourne.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Do they have anything to explain? Did you think it
was a penalty at the end.
Speaker 6 (15:56):
I've gone sort of back and forth with this. Ultimately,
I don't think the Wallabies were robbed only because I
think if you take away that particular situation, yep, there
probably is some high contact there. But I do feel
like we see those sort of situations and majority of
rucks during games. It's just unfortunate that this was under
the microscope in the situation that.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
It was in.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
It was an Allion's game winning score, So personally, I
don't think the Wallabies were robbed, but it is a
shame that it did come down to that particular moment.
Given how much of an amazing spectacle that game was
in front of ninety thousand fans, Australia probably should have
had that game wrapped up by halftime and didn't seal
the deal. We should be heading towards a decider, but
(16:38):
we're not. And yeah, I don't think it should come
down to that one moment. So personally, I don't think
actually think the Wallabies were robbed.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
No, I don't think they were robbed either, And you're right,
they were twenty three to five ahead after half an hour.
Some of the best rugby they've played in recent times,
they were really, really good and when you leave it
in the hands of the referee at the end, you
know that is always what comes back to you, is
that you know, games are very really absolutely decided on
(17:05):
a decision. But the fact remains. I guess that if
the ref had given a penalty there, the Wallabies would
in all likelihood have won the game because time was
just about up and we'd be heating for a real
blockbuster in Sydney on Saturday night. That's not now what
is going to happen. I still reckon, though, Elijah, that
we might be in for a bit of a humdinger
Saturday night, even though it's going to be a dead
(17:26):
rubber in terms of the series. A wounded Wallabies will
have a pretty deep motivation, won't they to show that
that actually they are, if not the equal of the line,
certainly competitive against them.
Speaker 6 (17:38):
Yeah, and the last thing the Wallabies want is to
be whitewashed on their own home turf. They Yes, they
should have won that second game, as you mentioned, that
little period of play where they squored about three tries
in about eight to ten minutes, when those probably some
of the best rugby that they've played the season or
even in the last few seasons, and they definitely should
have won the second game. Unfortunately that came down to
(18:01):
that ruck. I will say, given Jack Morgan is the
only Welshman left in the Lions team, it's great to
see a Welshman have some impact on this Lions series
somehow somewhere. But yeah, I'm very excited for this. Well,
not so much a dead rubber, or it is a
dead rubber, but for the Wallabies, they're going to be
extremely motivated to pick up a win against the Lions.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
As well the Lions because I think the last time
a Lion's side won or went unbeaten on one of
their tours, and we don't count the Argentina game before
they arrived in Australia, the last time a Lions team
unbeaten on foreign soil was nineteen seventy four in South Africa.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
It's a long time. It shows just.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
How hard it is to go unbeaten and they'll, I guess,
be motivated by that. Having said that, I get the
feeling they would have had a wee celebration in Melbourne
on Saturday night and maybe in the back of their
minds they're thinking, well, it doesn't really matter. We're on
the plane home and we can enjoy a bit of
a summer break. But I guess we'll wait see what
Maybe we can discuss that in the people's chamber next Monday.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
If you're around Elijah, what are you reading? Sounds good?
Thanks so much? Paining all right mate, see you. Then
This is Sports.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Ticks those of Sports News how and by News Talks AB.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
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Speaker 1 (19:40):
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Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix howard By News Talks ed B.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Hi there and welcome into a new week and into
a new episode of the Sportsbeks podcast. Bradley BROUGHDKIVE in
association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's most trusted homebuilder.
I'm Jason Pine. On Monday July twenty eighth. We're Australia
hard done by on Saturday nights at the Melbourne Cricket
Ground right at the end. Rather than relitigate that today
(00:42):
on the podcast, I'd actually rather look ahead. Are they
becoming a threat to the All Blacks? Because there's no
denying they were better on Saturday night in Melbourne, much
much better than they were in Brisbane a week ago.
So could they be a bled Uslow Cup proposition? In
twenty twenty five, Christy douran Heed, the rugby writer in
(01:04):
fact rugby editor at the Raw, is going to join
us with his thoughts on that. E feet who pops
into the chamber. We'll talk aboit about the rugby but
also the Warriors. Are they still a top four proposition
after their upset lost to the Titans at home on
Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
And the latest and sports news coming your way as well,
so let's get into it. In other news, let's.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Get you underway with some of the big sports stories
around today. The Tour de France is over three thousand,
two hundred and ninety eight kilometers all done.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Hoday Forgatcha wins his fourth Tour de France and he
was involved in every single bit of action right to the.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Ends about that up securing victory on the last stage
before the champion pedled home in fourth to win the
overall tour by well over four minutes. Oscar Piastre's won
a rain delayed Belgian Formula One Grand Prix, boosting his
lead from nine to sixteen points in the championship.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Oster Piastre wins the Belgian Grand Prix and it is
Lando Norris home in sacred place for a six one
two finish of the season free dominance.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
McClaren team Keey Liam Lawson earning four points coming home
in eighth spot, and England have gone back to back
as winners of European Football's Women's Championships.
Speaker 4 (02:24):
Sir Clery kay Cleince England returning to European Championship. Carl
England are crown Queens of European Clip pull.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Again usion It's Sports Fix with Jason.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
Lyne Saturday night, Go Media Stadium. Not at all the
result the Warriors all their fans were after or actually expecting.
First things first, congraft to the Titans, one of their
best performances of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
That did not look like a bottom of the table
side to me. They keep playing like that.
Speaker 3 (02:54):
They will avoid the wooden spoon for the Warriors once again,
the focus falls on that right edge. Another couple of
tries down that side. Look, I honestly feel for Dellan.
Why Tenny Zilli's in the act. He is in a
no win situation. As a winger, in situations where the
opposition are coming down, you will side. You got a
couple of options, right, You can come in and force
(03:17):
the tougher pass, but then you get piled on when
that pass is made and your winger scores on an overlap,
or you stay out on your man and then you
look a bit silly when the center comes through on
a line break untouched and scores a try. I think
the answer presumably is that you don't go all in
on either strategy. You make decisions on a case by
case basis, and those decisions have to be made pretty quickly,
(03:40):
split seconds, and they have to be made between players
as well. And the connection between the players currently on
the right edge still very much a work in progress.
Tannah boid brand new halfback Kurt cape Well, who's only
there because of injury and all things being equal, wouldn't
be playing in the senses, and then Dallan who looks
a bit low on confidence. The disconnect between the three
(04:01):
is part of the issue. As I say, they don't
want Kirk Capewell playing in the centers. He's a back rower.
He's only there because of injuries to Rock o'berry and
Ali Laiatawa. They're desperate to get him back in the pack,
but it doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon.
Ali Latahwa left the field injured in the New South
Wales Cup game on Saturday and Rocoberry is still out,
So on Friday night against the Dolphins, it'll likely be
(04:24):
Kurk Capewell in the centers again. But further out, I
think you probably look at a change rightly or wrongly,
Dallan y tennis Lesniak is getting the harsh glare of
the spotlight right now. Every time a try comes down
his side is the first name people pick up on.
So maybe you say, hey, come on, Dylan, just come
out of the spotlight for a bit, have a break,
(04:45):
and you give the number two jumper to a guy
who was in stupendous form for the new South Wales
Cup side.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
And that's tained to old Picky. That's where he played.
Speaker 3 (04:53):
Remember in the first eight weeks of the season when
Dalan was coming back from injury and the Warrior Is
won six of those eight games. So I think it's
time to make that change on the Warrior's right edge.
You say, Dylan, step out, Tane, you are playing in
the two jumper.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
This week dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix with Jason Vine.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
This is the sports podcast Heartbreak for the Wallaby Saturday
night in Melbourne, a thrilling rugby Test which the British
and Irish Lions won twenty nine to twenty six courtesy
of a try in the eightieth minute, but certainly a
much improved performance from the Wallabies. Let's bring in rugby
editor at The Raw, Christy Doran. You can also hear
(05:38):
him on the ESPN Scrum podcast Christy Deflation obviously among
Australian rugby fans after the controversial end to Saturday Night's Test.
But as I say, it was an improvement in which
particular areas did you see the biggest improvements for the
Australian side compared to what we saw in Brisbane a
(05:58):
week ago, Without.
Speaker 5 (05:59):
A shadow of doubt, it's the physicality, it's the sting
that came and they were ready for a fight. You
know we saw on the first half in Brisbane not
only were they totally physically outmuscled and bullied by the Lions,
we saw moments where Tom Curry is hitting a Wallaby
and Tomliner in the air and you know the Wallabies
are just sitting back and you know there's no protection,
(06:20):
there's no fight there, there's no going into fight and
battle for a bloke plant on his starting TESTA. That
was the complete contrast at the MCG that they were
there from the moment from the outset. Even Will Skelton,
I know that he gave had a stern warning delivered
to him when he hit take furlong slightly late when
(06:42):
there was a knock on in the in the build
up to it, But that was a moment there early
in the first half which just said hang on, we're here.
And yes, the lines scored a second later, but you know,
a couple of trials later and the Wallabies just out
muscled them, you know, Rob Valatini, Will Skelton, We saw
Dave Pereki come back, and yes he's not the man
(07:02):
laying on the big shots, but collectively the line the
Wallabies walked taller, I think, and we saw that, and
I think a lot of people were going, was Rob
baalatein come off at halftime? Was he not returned on
the field And a lot more people and respected Wallaby's
have been asking that over the last twenty four hours
or so, thinking that he should have been, even though
(07:24):
he was tightening up in the Calf's the way to
keep the big man going and warm, and that's to
put him on the bike. And people were saying that
you shouldn't be thinking about the spring box and the
Rugby Championship was just a couple of weeks away. They
needed to win that Test, and unfortunately, when he and
Skelton walked off.
Speaker 2 (07:42):
The Wallabies didn't really fire.
Speaker 5 (07:43):
A shot in the last half an hour where they
needed to land one more blow and they simply couldn't.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Does Tom Liner appeal as the long term first five
for Australia to you?
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I think so.
Speaker 5 (07:57):
And the fact that they didn't turn to Ben Donaldson,
a bloke with about twenty tests experience of World Cup
campaign under his belt, The fact he didn't even get
on on Saturday night suggest that the Wallabies aren't necessarily
trust him. The management a twenty five year old, as
I say, with some tests under his belt. You know,
outside of that, Nolla is going to be heading to
(08:18):
Japan later this year. It's very unlikely that he will
come back in twenty seven. And then outside of that,
you know the folies, the James O'Connors, they're thirty five now.
If they were ever going to play a Test again
for the Wallabies, it was during this series. So I
think it is a Tomliner unless they go out there
(08:39):
and sign a big name regular league player, which I
don't think is about to occur. I think they saw
that this was an opportunity to develop Tomliner on the
biggest stage against the Lions side You've got to question
the timing of that. But at the same time, I
think we've seen that he's pretty unflappable. He's got a
very composed head, got a reasonable skill set and I
(09:03):
think he's a reasonable player to build the side around.
Is he ever going to be a rich Hu muwong
an absolutely boss and commanded a game, or an old Farrell?
I'm not sure given his quiet nature, but I think
he's a very competent ten.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
All right, So looking ahead, Christy, Test three against the
British and Irish Line Sydney this coming Saturday. Then it's
two tests, tough tests away in South Africa joe Burg
and Cape Town, back home for Tests against Argentina, and
then home and away against the All.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Blacks for the Bletterslow Cup.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
A big part of me actually wishes this was the
other way around, the first game in Perth and the
second at Eden Park in Auckland. But even given that,
how strongly do you perceive the Wallabies could challenge the
All Blacks for the bleeders Low Cup this year?
Speaker 5 (09:46):
I just hope that the Wallabies aren't limping into that
series because they need some momentum and all bokes found
out last year just how hard it is to win
a Test in South Africa. You know, there were two
of the great Tests matches and a mini series and
they didn't come away with a win. Now, if the
Wallabies go there and they lose, they come back and
it's almost a must win territory against Argentina, you know,
(10:07):
not so much to win silverware, but for pride and
honor and momentum ahead of the twenty seven World Cup.
It will be tough though, because we will they be
walking wounded off the back of the South African tour.
So I preface talking about the blood slow with that because,
as you've mentioned, very difficult to go to New Zealand
(10:27):
to beat the All Blacks. All we haven't done it
since two thousand and one win across the Ditch. So
I just hope that they're not going in there when
they're down five or six blokes. My understanding is will
Scots not even going to be there given some matches
full outside of the international window. Plus he's just had
such a long year up in the French top fourteen,
(10:48):
so already some of the big games are going to
be missing. You know, is a Langy Gleeson up in
France at that time you know where's Tom Hooper. So
I don't know if they will challenge the All Blacks.
I thought last year was a golden opportunity to do
that and they came within striking distance at the death
in Sydney after a really sleepy start in Sydney. But
(11:11):
this looks like an All Black side second year under
Scott Robinson, which would be a much sterner test. We
already saw even though that the French brought a third
string team. You know that they've got depth just as
much as South Africa, I think in terms of how
big it is, so they'll be match hardened after already
coming up against South African Argentina. It's going to be
(11:32):
an almighty year for the Wallabies. I just hope, as
I say, that they're standing there and that they can
go in there with a glimmer of hope.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
Interesting times indeed, Thanks so much for joining us, Christy. Christy,
Dorian rugby editor at the Raw.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
The Chamber is now in session on Sports Fix.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
On the SPORTSBX podcast, The Top Inside the Chamber, Monday's Chamber,
The People's Chamber. Elijah joins us for a chat about
a couple of sporting matters from the weekend the Warriors.
Can we start there, Elijah, I don't think many people
expect to defeat to the Titans, particularly not at tendal
Up after just a few minutes. How big a dent
(12:14):
does this put in their top four credentials for you?
Speaker 6 (12:18):
Oh, it's a huge opportunity missed for the Warriors, particularly
against a team who came into that night's contest bottom
of the ladder. The night before, the Broncos had just
lost to the Eels, so it was an opportunity for
the Warriors to build a bigger buffer between themselves and
the teams down in fifth and sixth. Yeah, it's a
(12:39):
huge opportunity missed there. But as we've seen in the NRL,
there are no easy wins, particularly at home at Mount
Smart for the Warriors, who I think I've just read
that they're now four and three at Mount Smart, so
you can't even take those home wins for granted, or
they're not such so much a guarantee this season for
the Warriors. So I think when we looked at their
(13:00):
run home and saw some of the contests against the
teams outside of the top eight, we were probably thinking, oh,
these could be some easy wins for the Warriors, and
they should be one's, given that they're currently a top
four team, but probably not so much after Saturday night.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
And you're so right about the NRL, and particularly this
stage of the season where teams are starting to feel
the effects of you so many games, injuries, unavailability, that
sort of thing. I mean, the Broncoast couldn't get the
job done against the Eels on Friday night, good day,
and I guess that makes it doubly frustrating that the
Warriors couldn't get a jump on them. But it's the
Panthers for me, Elijah. They are on the charge, aren't they.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
They are.
Speaker 6 (13:34):
They won seven in a row now and they're staying
to look like the team that's won four premierships over
the last well four seasons. Obviously, heading into this season,
they lost a couple of big names Jerome Low, James Fisher, Harris,
and you're coming with younger players and experienced players who
are still coming to grips with playing in the NRAL.
I think now those players have picked things up, and
(13:57):
then now the stars are signing to show up as well,
like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Isaiao. Those big representative players
are staying to show up. So the timing is they're
peaking at the right time the Panthers, and it's very
dangerous for the Warriors.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
I just feel that the next two games for the
Warriors could very much be seasoned defining. I think they
got to bounce back against the Dolphins at home on
Friday night, and you reading out that stat about the
fortress not really being a fortress is a bit worrying.
And then the following Saturday they go to Sydney to
take on the Bulldogs. I honestly think, Elijah, I think
the Panthers are going to make the top four.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
So are the Storm, so are the Raiders.
Speaker 3 (14:34):
I think one of the Warriors or Bulldogs drops out
and that game could have a big saying that, how
do you assist that as a scenario.
Speaker 6 (14:42):
Well, I'll say this about the Panthers run home because
I had a look at at what their Romainian schedule
looks like. They've actually got games against the other three
teams in the top four. So they play the Bulldogs,
the Raiders, and the Storm. I guess given the way
the Panthers are playing, I can see them toppling a
couple of those teams currently in the top four and
then sneaking their way in. But yeah, it's really all
(15:03):
on the Warriors. And I think the Warriors themselves they're
in a bit of a well, I'd say they're in
a bit of a slump because if you take away
that the heroics of Lecquahalaesima against the Knights, the Warriors
would actually be one and four in their last five games.
So that's very interesting to hear, given what they have
coming up in their schedule against well, the Bulldogs and
(15:24):
also some of these teams outside of the top eight,
So very concerning if I'm more Warriors fan. And yeah,
the Panthers there there just lurking behind him on the ladder.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
All right, So two big weeks coming up, in fact,
six big games to come for the Warriors if they
are to hold on to that spot in the top four.
We all know how important it is to finish that
high up. Let's go to rugby. See Phil warre CEO
of the Australian Rugby Union, has asked for a please
explain from the referees after Saturday night in Melbourne.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
Do they have anything to explain? Did you think it
was a penalty at the end.
Speaker 6 (15:56):
I've gone sort of back and forth with this. Ultimately,
I don't think the Wallabies were robbed only because I
think if you take away that particular situation, yep, there
probably is some high contact there. But I do feel
like we see those sort of situations and majority of
rucks during games. It's just unfortunate that this was under
the microscope in the situation that.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
It was in.
Speaker 6 (16:18):
It was an Allion's game winning score, So personally, I
don't think the Wallabies were robbed, but it is a
shame that it did come down to that particular moment.
Given how much of an amazing spectacle that game was
in front of ninety thousand fans, Australia probably should have
had that game wrapped up by halftime and didn't seal
the deal. We should be heading towards a decider, but
(16:38):
we're not. And yeah, I don't think it should come
down to that one moment. So personally, I don't think
actually think the Wallabies were robbed.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
No, I don't think they were robbed either, And you're right,
they were twenty three to five ahead after half an hour.
Some of the best rugby they've played in recent times,
they were really, really good and when you leave it
in the hands of the referee at the end, you
know that is always what comes back to you, is
that you know, games are very really absolutely decided on
(17:05):
a decision. But the fact remains. I guess that if
the ref had given a penalty there, the Wallabies would
in all likelihood have won the game because time was
just about up and we'd be heating for a real
blockbuster in Sydney on Saturday night. That's not now what
is going to happen. I still reckon, though, Elijah, that
we might be in for a bit of a humdinger
Saturday night, even though it's going to be a dead
(17:26):
rubber in terms of the series. A wounded Wallabies will
have a pretty deep motivation, won't they to show that
that actually they are, if not the equal of the line,
certainly competitive against them.
Speaker 6 (17:38):
Yeah, and the last thing the Wallabies want is to
be whitewashed on their own home turf. They Yes, they
should have won that second game, as you mentioned, that
little period of play where they squored about three tries
in about eight to ten minutes, when those probably some
of the best rugby that they've played the season or
even in the last few seasons, and they definitely should
have won the second game. Unfortunately that came down to
(18:01):
that ruck. I will say, given Jack Morgan is the
only Welshman left in the Lions team, it's great to
see a Welshman have some impact on this Lions series
somehow somewhere. But yeah, I'm very excited for this. Well,
not so much a dead rubber, or it is a
dead rubber, but for the Wallabies, they're going to be
extremely motivated to pick up a win against the Lions.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
As well the Lions because I think the last time
a Lion's side won or went unbeaten on one of
their tours, and we don't count the Argentina game before
they arrived in Australia, the last time a Lions team
unbeaten on foreign soil was nineteen seventy four in South Africa.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
It's a long time. It shows just.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
How hard it is to go unbeaten and they'll, I guess,
be motivated by that. Having said that, I get the
feeling they would have had a wee celebration in Melbourne
on Saturday night and maybe in the back of their
minds they're thinking, well, it doesn't really matter. We're on
the plane home and we can enjoy a bit of
a summer break. But I guess we'll wait see what
Maybe we can discuss that in the people's chamber next Monday.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
If you're around Elijah, what are you reading? Sounds good?
Thanks so much? Paining all right mate, see you. Then
This is Sports.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Ticks those of Sports News how and by News Talks AB.
Speaker 3 (19:13):
And that is us for another edition of the Sports
Fixed podcast. Really appreciate you downloading and listening in, and
particularly so if you're a subscriber.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
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Speaker 3 (19:22):
Fresh episode lands in your podcast feed at around about
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Speaker 2 (19:36):
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Speaker 1 (19:40):
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