On Sports Fix with Elliott Smith for 19th June 2026, Liam Lawson's improvement on the F1 circuit hasn't gone unnoticed, 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill joins the podcast to discuss the current season and what he's seen from Liam Lawson.
Elliott offers his thoughts on the Super Rugby Grand Final
And Clay Wilson joins Elliott in the chamber discussing Steve Corica's departure from Auckland FC
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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.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to Sports FX for Friday, the nineteenth of June
twenty twenty six. On today's episode, we talked to nineteen
ninety six Formula One champion Damon Hill. He's coming down
Under for a series of talks later in the year.
We get his sports on William Lawson and in fact
it's been thirty years since he won his World championship.
Sports news director at News Talk ZB Clay Wilson joins
(00:43):
us as well in the chamber. But before we do
all that, let's wrap up the last twenty four hours
in news. In other news, let's take a squeeze around
the Sporting Globe. Now in a major, real milestone and
a poignant week for black hat Glenn Phillips. During the
second cricketest against England at the Oval, Phillips brought up
as made in Tier Century Guide in New Zealand to
(01:05):
a first innings total of three hundred and nine one.
On day two. He's been asked about his glance to
disguise during his celebration.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
It's the anniversary of my dad's passing tomorrow, so hopefully
with our boys do and I think maybe I'm not
going to be needed tomorrow, but for today is close
enough for the moment the matter, and you know he's
been a big role in my life.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
England two hundred and twenty two for six heading into
Day three tonight, trailing by one hundred and sixty nine
Max the motions for Awalkland sebo's Nick deck As an
allgall manager. Steve Croker departs the club in the wake
of their championship winning season. He's understood to be heading
to Yokohama in the Japanese League.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Him leaving a year only early, is it a little
bit disappointing?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Will he will be sorely missed by the players, the fans,
the club and everyone in Auckland.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
However, you know, when you get a chance at this,
you take it. He lives with our best.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Wishes and it's a big day out of the Football
World Cup co hosts in Vancouver on TV and z Edge,
So tempting.
Speaker 5 (01:58):
To pull the trigger, he does clutch days down.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's a World Cup part trick on home style for
Jonathan David, Canada, romping to a six nil victory over
a nine nine cutter. The are On TV INSI in Switzerland,
sweat Pass Bosnia and Hudzegovina for one. South Africa's homes
remain alive after a one old draw with the Czech Republic.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Leading a VIX We've got just the ticket. It's Sports
Fix powered by News Talks Ivy he.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Chok the lead. He stayed there and Damon Hill exits
the Chicane and whensay Japanese gral Tree and I've got
to stop because I got a love it by French.
That was the moment that Damon Hill became the world
champion of Formula one some thirty years ago in nineteen
ninety six. And he'll come to New Zealand later in
(02:45):
the year as part of his Evening with Damon Hill
in Conversation with Tom Clarkson series that will head to
Auckland on October the second. In Damon Hill joins us
now on Sports Fixed, Dame and how excited are you too?
She your experiences here in New Zealand.
Speaker 5 (03:01):
Oh of course it's brilliant.
Speaker 4 (03:03):
I mean New Zealand's got a fantastic most sport heritage
as you as we all know, and I was there
last with my son who was racing in the Toyota
Series quite a few years back now. But I did
quite a big tour of New Zealand, so I have
actually been and had a little look around, although mostly
racetracks are out there.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
But yeah, it's going to be good.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Did you race here at all during your career?
Speaker 5 (03:28):
No, I didn't know.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
No. I my dad obviously came down for the Tasman
Series all those years ago, and so there's quite a
lot of people I bumped into who came up to
me with programs and so forth, so saying that they
were there when he was there.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
But this will be no, So I know I never
raced in New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Can you birth?
Speaker 5 (03:48):
But I'm not really.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Can you believe it's been thirty years since you were
crowned Formula one World Champion?
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So yeah, can I believe it's thirty years? It's it's unbelievable.
I mean, thirty is an awfully long time. I mean,
if you said someone who's thirty that I remember thirty
years ago, I was, I think forma of one.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
So yeah, that's that's the fast and anything.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
Thing about getting older is you you just can't believe
the time scales. And if anybody out there is this
and they're younger than then about you know, younger than
about forty, then you know, I would say, don't lots
of tree or do something that you can look back
on in twenty five years. It's amazing how things change.
I mean, as you know, things are being very quickly now.
(04:29):
But the thing is that something's never changed. So the
sport never changes and what we do never really changes.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
How do you think the sport has changed since you
were driving?
Speaker 4 (04:41):
It's simply well, the technology has become overwhelming, I think,
you know, so that we had very little. We thought
we were at cutting into technology, in which we were
at the time, but now you've got the computing technology
and the ability for computers to aid the engineering has
(05:01):
as we know, gone through the roof, so that the
processing power as I don't know how what the multipli
i is from when I was doing it, but when
we started, you know, we had the computing power of
are they you know that your phone has got one
hundred times more computing power than the best computers we
had back then. And so it's the speed of processing
(05:23):
as well. So these things are tools which enable engineers
now to get closer and closer to the things that
make minute differences. So from that side, the technology has
become insane. The number of people in the teams has
grown by probably ten times.
Speaker 5 (05:41):
So when I was.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Racing with Williams, I had one hundred and fifty people.
Now they have fifteen hundred people and so, and the
exposure has been phenomenal. Meets social media and the ability
for people to communicate across the globe, and also with
Netflix's coverage of the behind the scenes goings on in
Formula one has and maybe it's because Netflix are kind
(06:03):
of an ununderstood channel, if you want to call it
that distributor, I don't know what the word is, but
they you know, once it was formul one was on
a platform that people in America understood, then they could
access it, and Netflix promoted it, and suddenly we've got
a whole new awakening going on to Formula one in America,
(06:25):
and not just not just.
Speaker 5 (06:26):
America young people.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
It's the truth, it's it's the next generation who look
at you know, they look at Charles Lecler and they
fall in love with him or whatever, and you know,
or they want to know who's going out with who,
and there's this kind of reality TV angle to it all.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
There is, indeed, and that's the big thing, isn't it
that these drivers are so accessible visually compared to where
they you know, there might have been otherwise, especially with
driver to survive and it's become almost a soap opera.
Do you think that has been good for the sport
that these personalities are now being displayed in a different
way rather than just on race days in the race
(07:03):
cars and perhaps a post race interview.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Well, how do you relate to person who's who's encased
in a carbon fiber shell with a crash on on?
Then you can't even see his eyes, you know, it's
very difficult, and quite often when they're interviewed, they're exhausted
or there.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
They've done about thousand interviews, you know.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
So seeing them away from I use the term natural habitat,
but I'm not sure what their natural habitat is, but
anyway in their home environment or doing other things, then
you see a little bit more of their personality in that,
and that I think is we learn more about them
that way than if we keep bombarding them with Darlf
questions after a race.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
How would you assie this year's Formula One season? Today?
Another twister earlier in the week, what are you making
of the twenty twenty sixth season.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I think it's been very, very interesting and very I
found it exciting. I know that the drivers were unhappy
with the cars and that kind of had a knock
on effect and people fans thought that it was all wrong.
But I've thing it's classic f one if you ask me,
I mean it's people are people are angry, people are happy.
It's you get the whole spectrum of reactions and it
(08:19):
will sort itself out.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
And it is sorting itself out.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
And who would have put in the script Lewis Hamilton
is in contention or at least as we speak now,
after having one of the last race, you know, to
win an eighth title.
Speaker 5 (08:34):
That's now going to be part of the storyline. Can
it happen?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Do you see it becoming Kimi Anentinelli versus George the
season in terms of the race or is they got
a twisty with Hamilton's result in the first victory at
Ferrari at the start of the week.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
I think everyone is watching each other with eagle eyes
because they know that the development pace is so rapid.
The potential for finding stuff at this stage of the
new regulations and making a significant difference is quite big.
I mean, so they can suddenly leap forward three tenths
a second or even half a second, you know, and
(09:12):
that would suddenly change the storyline.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Obviously a lot of interest here about Liam Lawson and
the changes he went through last year, starting as a
red bulls driver, then going to racing balls. The second
season with racing balls back, how would you see how
he's going? I think he said three straight rounds with points.
What are we made of the way Liam Lawson's driving
at the moment.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
Well, if I listened to the pundits who know the
hardcore journalists, their assessment of Liam is that he's done
a sterling job in this season. You know, he's had
to cope with the rival of Arvid Lindblad, who was
phenomenal on his arrival, and so and he's had he's
already had quite a lot of testy teammates. So, but
(09:59):
he's growing inexperience and confidence. It seems to me he's
able to he's providing the team with what they want
is which is someone that they can lean So I
think he's getting better and better all the time.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Sports.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
The Hurricanes and Chiefs have easily been the best two
teams this Super Rugby season. Let's hope the final tomorrow
night lives up to that. The Super Rugby playoffs have
been a flop so far. And you can say that
while also admiring the ruthlessness of the Hurricanes and Chiefs
last week and the week before in blasting their opponents
off the park. But the closest game in the finals
so far has been twenty one points. That was in
(10:36):
Week one between the Crusaders and Blues. In that game
was not close. So Super Rugby needs this match, needs
this final to be titanic, to be tip for tad
and to be box offers and ideally, big attacking teams
traditionally go into their shelves and Super Rugby finals. Last
year's was an arm wrestle, but these two teams have
run right with ball in hand this year. The Canes
(10:57):
have scored one hundred and four tries for goodness sake.
Let's hope it's a close, attack field, tense, momentum swinging
game between two quality teams. That's not too much time
because it both teams have claims to win this title.
The Chiefs three finals in a row, defeated their last
one and twenty thirteen. The Hurricanes have won one title
(11:18):
one in their existence. Think of the players that have
been through their doors over their time. Ten years ago
they won their only title. Whoever wins will be deserving.
I just hope the match lives up to it and
I hope the weather plays ball as well. Enjoy your
finals rugby.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
Let's go to the chamber now. Clay Wilson, sports news
director for News Talk zeb joins us Clay. We'll get
onto the Super Rugby Final in a moment. But some
bombshell news this morning. Steve Coriker out as Auckland f
C coach. He's heading to Yokohama in the Japanese League.
How much of a blow do you think this is
for Auckland f C.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Well, I think it's a reasonable size hole that it's
going to leave. Been pretty clear to most people that
have followed Auckland FC's entry into the league and their
two seasons that he has been an integral part of
what they have done here, someone who came with you know,
quite a bit of hype behind him in terms of
his pedigree as a player and a coach in the
A League. And it's clearly someone who's commanded massive respect
(12:20):
within that squad, has been able to pull that squad
together largely and you know, someone who's been quite outspoken
but has clearly been some of those players wanted to
play for. So you know they've got a great platform
to work from as defending champions. But you know, I
think it's for most people that have, like I say,
have followed the team. Steve Coriker has has been really
(12:44):
a huge part of what they've done.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
He's filled the brief, hasn't. He's come over, He's got
the fan base pumping a lot of new fans. Obviously
over the last couple of years won a title in
terms of the minor premiership first, she won the big
stuff in year too, so really couldn't have done much more.
And when you win, people come knocking and I know
a voice spooking to Nick Becker, the CEO of Walkland.
They've seen today would have been hard pressed to try
and keep him. Still got a year on his contract,
(13:06):
but you can't really argue when some of those big
overseas clubs, like in Japan, I'm calling on the back
of success.
Speaker 6 (13:13):
Yeah, and who can Like you said, who can argue
with him? It is a job for him after all.
Obviously he's really enjoyed his time here. But I think
you know, Nick even said that he kind of expressed
when he came into the job, Look, I'm here. I
want to help this team do well, but if it
does do well, then you know, I am looking to
further my career abroad as well. So he's sounds like
(13:35):
he's always been quite open with them, although this particular
move has happened quite quickly, not a not a huge surprising.
You know, we've seen some of the players start to
drop more. Yeah, but hey, you know, they reached the
mountain top. They made it, They've got the silverware. So
it might be, you know, the next couple of years,
maybe they might. You know, it's hard to.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Be a different feeling around the club exactly exactly.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
You know, they might might not be quite the heights
I've reached in the previous two seasons, but they've got
that title. New Zealand has a has an A League
title to its name, so cut people can't be too disappointed.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
I don't think job done. Teams have been winning for
long times the titles in Super Rugby. The Chiefs haven't
won since twenty thirteen. The Hurricanes haven't won since twenty sixteen.
They planned the final on Saturday night. Of course, have
we got two best teams in the final?
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (14:21):
I think since probably what a third of the way
halfway through the competition, it was kind of clear that
these two teams, I mean, the Crusaders were always lurking
back preps weren't quite as consistent, didn't, you know. I
think the main thing you look at is the firepower
of these two teams. The Crusaders have really found a
way to win in recent in the week's leading up
to the playoffs and in the playoffs. But the firepower,
(14:43):
you know, on paper look of these two teams has
always kind of stood out. The Blues of course, fell away.
So I think, you know, undisputably, you don't always get
the best two teams in the final.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
Do you.
Speaker 6 (14:53):
But these two two teams, I think, you know, have
have shown that they are the best two teams. And
to me, yes, the Hurricanes have home advantage preps that
gives them the slide edge. But it's really a coin
toss when you look at the two teams on paper,
isn't it.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
There is in there's so many good matchups across the
and we talked a bit last night on Sports Talk
about the McKenzie versus Love matchup and maybe whoever wins
tomorrow night might have a decent shot at being the
first choice All Blacks ten. Did you subscribe to that?
As well as as simple as if Reuben Love can
guide the Hurricanes the title, then he's the All Blacks
ten for that first Test against France on July fourth.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Wow.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
I mean, I don't think perhaps Dave Rennie will be
looking at it that simplistically if you will, but clearly,
you know, if you can as a first five have
a big role in a winning performance in a final,
and you know, I think the public kind of opinion
anyway seems to kind of fit along the lines of
it's a fairly even match up between these two teams.
Ruben Love has really come along quite significantly in that
(15:48):
ten role since he's been handed it on a more
permanent basis this season. But of course you have all
the experience of Damian McKenzie what he can do and
has had a pretty good season as well, you know
when he's featured. So yeah, maybe, I mean, we won't
know until what midday on Monday, when Dave Renie announces
his team, but it is, you know, almost perhaps the
most intriguing kind of matchup in terms of that all
(16:11):
black selection. Who's going to take control of this game,
steer their team around the park the best? And is
that going to translate to what we see on Monday
with Dave in his first cord.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
You're Akanes fan, what does your gut tell you about
Tomorrow night?
Speaker 6 (16:23):
Well, I think as a Hurricanes fan you learn to
not get your expectations too high. There have been, of
course seasons in the past where the team has looked good,
made it all the way and then not quite got
the chocolates. But I don't think there's been a season
where you could be as confident as you are tomorrow night.
And I think most Hurricanes fans are realistic that this
is a very good Chiefs team, and in a way,
(16:44):
that's a better way to go into it. You're not
a hot favorite. You're not going in against the team
that you absolutely should be and that maybe there will
take a bit of pressure off the Hurricanes as well,
knowing this is a great team, we have to go
out there and play well and we might lose rather
than we shouldn't lose this game. Perhaps that might help them,
but we'll find out on Saurday night we will indeed.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Clay Wilson, thanks very much for your time in the chamber,
No problem.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
This is sports your daily dose of sports news powered
by News Talks AB.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Thanks for listening. We'll be back on Monday with another
episode of Sports Fix and your podcast feed. In the meantime,
you can catch Sports Talk weeknights seven to light on
News Talk ZIB, Big Weekend Sport with Jason Pine midday
or three Saturday and Sunday, and the commentary of the
Super Rugby Final on news Talk ZIB Sport and iHeartRadio
The Hurricanes and Chiefs on Saturday night.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
or online and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to Sports FX for Friday, the nineteenth of June
twenty twenty six. On today's episode, we talked to nineteen
ninety six Formula One champion Damon Hill. He's coming down
Under for a series of talks later in the year.
We get his sports on William Lawson and in fact
it's been thirty years since he won his World championship.
Sports news director at News Talk ZB Clay Wilson joins
(00:43):
us as well in the chamber. But before we do
all that, let's wrap up the last twenty four hours
in news. In other news, let's take a squeeze around
the Sporting Globe. Now in a major, real milestone and
a poignant week for black hat Glenn Phillips. During the
second cricketest against England at the Oval, Phillips brought up
as made in Tier Century Guide in New Zealand to
(01:05):
a first innings total of three hundred and nine one.
On day two. He's been asked about his glance to
disguise during his celebration.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
It's the anniversary of my dad's passing tomorrow, so hopefully
with our boys do and I think maybe I'm not
going to be needed tomorrow, but for today is close
enough for the moment the matter, and you know he's
been a big role in my life.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
England two hundred and twenty two for six heading into
Day three tonight, trailing by one hundred and sixty nine
Max the motions for Awalkland sebo's Nick deck As an
allgall manager. Steve Croker departs the club in the wake
of their championship winning season. He's understood to be heading
to Yokohama in the Japanese League.
Speaker 4 (01:42):
Him leaving a year only early, is it a little
bit disappointing?
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Will he will be sorely missed by the players, the fans,
the club and everyone in Auckland.
Speaker 5 (01:49):
However, you know, when you get a chance at this,
you take it. He lives with our best.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Wishes and it's a big day out of the Football
World Cup co hosts in Vancouver on TV and z Edge,
So tempting.
Speaker 5 (01:58):
To pull the trigger, he does clutch days down.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's a World Cup part trick on home style for
Jonathan David, Canada, romping to a six nil victory over
a nine nine cutter. The are On TV INSI in Switzerland,
sweat Pass Bosnia and Hudzegovina for one. South Africa's homes
remain alive after a one old draw with the Czech Republic.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Leading a VIX We've got just the ticket. It's Sports
Fix powered by News Talks Ivy he.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Chok the lead. He stayed there and Damon Hill exits
the Chicane and whensay Japanese gral Tree and I've got
to stop because I got a love it by French.
That was the moment that Damon Hill became the world
champion of Formula one some thirty years ago in nineteen
ninety six. And he'll come to New Zealand later in
(02:45):
the year as part of his Evening with Damon Hill
in Conversation with Tom Clarkson series that will head to
Auckland on October the second. In Damon Hill joins us
now on Sports Fixed, Dame and how excited are you too?
She your experiences here in New Zealand.
Speaker 5 (03:01):
Oh of course it's brilliant.
Speaker 4 (03:03):
I mean New Zealand's got a fantastic most sport heritage
as you as we all know, and I was there
last with my son who was racing in the Toyota
Series quite a few years back now. But I did
quite a big tour of New Zealand, so I have
actually been and had a little look around, although mostly
racetracks are out there.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
But yeah, it's going to be good.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
Did you race here at all during your career?
Speaker 5 (03:28):
No, I didn't know.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
No. I my dad obviously came down for the Tasman
Series all those years ago, and so there's quite a
lot of people I bumped into who came up to
me with programs and so forth, so saying that they
were there when he was there.
Speaker 5 (03:42):
But this will be no, So I know I never
raced in New Zealand.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
Can you birth?
Speaker 5 (03:48):
But I'm not really.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Can you believe it's been thirty years since you were
crowned Formula one World Champion?
Speaker 4 (03:53):
So yeah, can I believe it's thirty years? It's it's unbelievable.
I mean, thirty is an awfully long time. I mean,
if you said someone who's thirty that I remember thirty
years ago, I was, I think forma of one.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
So yeah, that's that's the fast and anything.
Speaker 4 (04:08):
Thing about getting older is you you just can't believe
the time scales. And if anybody out there is this
and they're younger than then about you know, younger than
about forty, then you know, I would say, don't lots
of tree or do something that you can look back
on in twenty five years. It's amazing how things change.
I mean, as you know, things are being very quickly now.
(04:29):
But the thing is that something's never changed. So the
sport never changes and what we do never really changes.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
How do you think the sport has changed since you
were driving?
Speaker 4 (04:41):
It's simply well, the technology has become overwhelming, I think,
you know, so that we had very little. We thought
we were at cutting into technology, in which we were
at the time, but now you've got the computing technology
and the ability for computers to aid the engineering has
(05:01):
as we know, gone through the roof, so that the
processing power as I don't know how what the multipli
i is from when I was doing it, but when
we started, you know, we had the computing power of
are they you know that your phone has got one
hundred times more computing power than the best computers we
had back then. And so it's the speed of processing
(05:23):
as well. So these things are tools which enable engineers
now to get closer and closer to the things that
make minute differences. So from that side, the technology has
become insane. The number of people in the teams has
grown by probably ten times.
Speaker 5 (05:41):
So when I was.
Speaker 4 (05:41):
Racing with Williams, I had one hundred and fifty people.
Now they have fifteen hundred people and so, and the
exposure has been phenomenal. Meets social media and the ability
for people to communicate across the globe, and also with
Netflix's coverage of the behind the scenes goings on in
Formula one has and maybe it's because Netflix are kind
(06:03):
of an ununderstood channel, if you want to call it
that distributor, I don't know what the word is, but
they you know, once it was formul one was on
a platform that people in America understood, then they could
access it, and Netflix promoted it, and suddenly we've got
a whole new awakening going on to Formula one in America,
(06:25):
and not just not just.
Speaker 5 (06:26):
America young people.
Speaker 4 (06:28):
It's the truth, it's it's the next generation who look
at you know, they look at Charles Lecler and they
fall in love with him or whatever, and you know,
or they want to know who's going out with who,
and there's this kind of reality TV angle to it all.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
There is, indeed, and that's the big thing, isn't it
that these drivers are so accessible visually compared to where
they you know, there might have been otherwise, especially with
driver to survive and it's become almost a soap opera.
Do you think that has been good for the sport
that these personalities are now being displayed in a different
way rather than just on race days in the race
(07:03):
cars and perhaps a post race interview.
Speaker 4 (07:06):
Well, how do you relate to person who's who's encased
in a carbon fiber shell with a crash on on?
Then you can't even see his eyes, you know, it's
very difficult, and quite often when they're interviewed, they're exhausted
or there.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
They've done about thousand interviews, you know.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
So seeing them away from I use the term natural habitat,
but I'm not sure what their natural habitat is, but
anyway in their home environment or doing other things, then
you see a little bit more of their personality in that,
and that I think is we learn more about them
that way than if we keep bombarding them with Darlf
questions after a race.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
How would you assie this year's Formula One season? Today?
Another twister earlier in the week, what are you making
of the twenty twenty sixth season.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
I think it's been very, very interesting and very I
found it exciting. I know that the drivers were unhappy
with the cars and that kind of had a knock
on effect and people fans thought that it was all wrong.
But I've thing it's classic f one if you ask me,
I mean it's people are people are angry, people are happy.
It's you get the whole spectrum of reactions and it
(08:19):
will sort itself out.
Speaker 5 (08:20):
And it is sorting itself out.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
And who would have put in the script Lewis Hamilton
is in contention or at least as we speak now,
after having one of the last race, you know, to
win an eighth title.
Speaker 5 (08:34):
That's now going to be part of the storyline. Can
it happen?
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Do you see it becoming Kimi Anentinelli versus George the
season in terms of the race or is they got
a twisty with Hamilton's result in the first victory at
Ferrari at the start of the week.
Speaker 4 (08:50):
I think everyone is watching each other with eagle eyes
because they know that the development pace is so rapid.
The potential for finding stuff at this stage of the
new regulations and making a significant difference is quite big.
I mean, so they can suddenly leap forward three tenths
a second or even half a second, you know, and
(09:12):
that would suddenly change the storyline.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
Obviously a lot of interest here about Liam Lawson and
the changes he went through last year, starting as a
red bulls driver, then going to racing balls. The second
season with racing balls back, how would you see how
he's going? I think he said three straight rounds with points.
What are we made of the way Liam Lawson's driving
at the moment.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
Well, if I listened to the pundits who know the
hardcore journalists, their assessment of Liam is that he's done
a sterling job in this season. You know, he's had
to cope with the rival of Arvid Lindblad, who was
phenomenal on his arrival, and so and he's had he's
already had quite a lot of testy teammates. So, but
(09:59):
he's growing inexperience and confidence. It seems to me he's
able to he's providing the team with what they want
is which is someone that they can lean So I
think he's getting better and better all the time.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Sports.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
The Hurricanes and Chiefs have easily been the best two
teams this Super Rugby season. Let's hope the final tomorrow
night lives up to that. The Super Rugby playoffs have
been a flop so far. And you can say that
while also admiring the ruthlessness of the Hurricanes and Chiefs
last week and the week before in blasting their opponents
off the park. But the closest game in the finals
so far has been twenty one points. That was in
(10:36):
Week one between the Crusaders and Blues. In that game
was not close. So Super Rugby needs this match, needs
this final to be titanic, to be tip for tad
and to be box offers and ideally, big attacking teams
traditionally go into their shelves and Super Rugby finals. Last
year's was an arm wrestle, but these two teams have
run right with ball in hand this year. The Canes
(10:57):
have scored one hundred and four tries for goodness sake.
Let's hope it's a close, attack field, tense, momentum swinging
game between two quality teams. That's not too much time
because it both teams have claims to win this title.
The Chiefs three finals in a row, defeated their last
one and twenty thirteen. The Hurricanes have won one title
(11:18):
one in their existence. Think of the players that have
been through their doors over their time. Ten years ago
they won their only title. Whoever wins will be deserving.
I just hope the match lives up to it and
I hope the weather plays ball as well. Enjoy your
finals rugby.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
Let's go to the chamber now. Clay Wilson, sports news
director for News Talk zeb joins us Clay. We'll get
onto the Super Rugby Final in a moment. But some
bombshell news this morning. Steve Coriker out as Auckland f
C coach. He's heading to Yokohama in the Japanese League.
How much of a blow do you think this is
for Auckland f C.
Speaker 6 (11:59):
Well, I think it's a reasonable size hole that it's
going to leave. Been pretty clear to most people that
have followed Auckland FC's entry into the league and their
two seasons that he has been an integral part of
what they have done here, someone who came with you know,
quite a bit of hype behind him in terms of
his pedigree as a player and a coach in the
A League. And it's clearly someone who's commanded massive respect
(12:20):
within that squad, has been able to pull that squad
together largely and you know, someone who's been quite outspoken
but has clearly been some of those players wanted to
play for. So you know they've got a great platform
to work from as defending champions. But you know, I
think it's for most people that have, like I say,
have followed the team. Steve Coriker has has been really
(12:44):
a huge part of what they've done.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
He's filled the brief, hasn't. He's come over, He's got
the fan base pumping a lot of new fans. Obviously
over the last couple of years won a title in
terms of the minor premiership first, she won the big
stuff in year too, so really couldn't have done much more.
And when you win, people come knocking and I know
a voice spooking to Nick Becker, the CEO of Walkland.
They've seen today would have been hard pressed to try
and keep him. Still got a year on his contract,
(13:06):
but you can't really argue when some of those big
overseas clubs, like in Japan, I'm calling on the back
of success.
Speaker 6 (13:13):
Yeah, and who can Like you said, who can argue
with him? It is a job for him after all.
Obviously he's really enjoyed his time here. But I think
you know, Nick even said that he kind of expressed
when he came into the job, Look, I'm here. I
want to help this team do well, but if it
does do well, then you know, I am looking to
further my career abroad as well. So he's sounds like
(13:35):
he's always been quite open with them, although this particular
move has happened quite quickly, not a not a huge surprising.
You know, we've seen some of the players start to
drop more. Yeah, but hey, you know, they reached the
mountain top. They made it, They've got the silverware. So
it might be, you know, the next couple of years,
maybe they might. You know, it's hard to.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Be a different feeling around the club exactly exactly.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
You know, they might might not be quite the heights
I've reached in the previous two seasons, but they've got
that title. New Zealand has a has an A League
title to its name, so cut people can't be too disappointed.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
I don't think job done. Teams have been winning for
long times the titles in Super Rugby. The Chiefs haven't
won since twenty thirteen. The Hurricanes haven't won since twenty sixteen.
They planned the final on Saturday night. Of course, have
we got two best teams in the final?
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Oh?
Speaker 6 (14:21):
I think since probably what a third of the way
halfway through the competition, it was kind of clear that
these two teams, I mean, the Crusaders were always lurking
back preps weren't quite as consistent, didn't, you know. I
think the main thing you look at is the firepower
of these two teams. The Crusaders have really found a
way to win in recent in the week's leading up
to the playoffs and in the playoffs. But the firepower,
(14:43):
you know, on paper look of these two teams has
always kind of stood out. The Blues of course, fell away.
So I think, you know, undisputably, you don't always get
the best two teams in the final.
Speaker 4 (14:52):
Do you.
Speaker 6 (14:53):
But these two two teams, I think, you know, have
have shown that they are the best two teams. And
to me, yes, the Hurricanes have home advantage preps that
gives them the slide edge. But it's really a coin
toss when you look at the two teams on paper,
isn't it.
Speaker 2 (15:06):
There is in there's so many good matchups across the
and we talked a bit last night on Sports Talk
about the McKenzie versus Love matchup and maybe whoever wins
tomorrow night might have a decent shot at being the
first choice All Blacks ten. Did you subscribe to that?
As well as as simple as if Reuben Love can
guide the Hurricanes the title, then he's the All Blacks
ten for that first Test against France on July fourth.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Wow.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
I mean, I don't think perhaps Dave Rennie will be
looking at it that simplistically if you will, but clearly,
you know, if you can as a first five have
a big role in a winning performance in a final,
and you know, I think the public kind of opinion
anyway seems to kind of fit along the lines of
it's a fairly even match up between these two teams.
Ruben Love has really come along quite significantly in that
(15:48):
ten role since he's been handed it on a more
permanent basis this season. But of course you have all
the experience of Damian McKenzie what he can do and
has had a pretty good season as well, you know
when he's featured. So yeah, maybe, I mean, we won't
know until what midday on Monday, when Dave Renie announces
his team, but it is, you know, almost perhaps the
most intriguing kind of matchup in terms of that all
(16:11):
black selection. Who's going to take control of this game,
steer their team around the park the best? And is
that going to translate to what we see on Monday
with Dave in his first cord.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
You're Akanes fan, what does your gut tell you about
Tomorrow night?
Speaker 6 (16:23):
Well, I think as a Hurricanes fan you learn to
not get your expectations too high. There have been, of
course seasons in the past where the team has looked good,
made it all the way and then not quite got
the chocolates. But I don't think there's been a season
where you could be as confident as you are tomorrow night.
And I think most Hurricanes fans are realistic that this
is a very good Chiefs team, and in a way,
(16:44):
that's a better way to go into it. You're not
a hot favorite. You're not going in against the team
that you absolutely should be and that maybe there will
take a bit of pressure off the Hurricanes as well,
knowing this is a great team, we have to go
out there and play well and we might lose rather
than we shouldn't lose this game. Perhaps that might help them,
but we'll find out on Saurday night we will indeed.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
Clay Wilson, thanks very much for your time in the chamber,
No problem.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
This is sports your daily dose of sports news powered
by News Talks AB.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
Thanks for listening. We'll be back on Monday with another
episode of Sports Fix and your podcast feed. In the meantime,
you can catch Sports Talk weeknights seven to light on
News Talk ZIB, Big Weekend Sport with Jason Pine midday
or three Saturday and Sunday, and the commentary of the
Super Rugby Final on news Talk ZIB Sport and iHeartRadio
The Hurricanes and Chiefs on Saturday night.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
or online and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcast on iHeartRadio.
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