On Sports Fix with Elliott Smith and Jason Pine for 26th June 2026, The Māori All Blacks have touched down in Japan, they face Japan XV tomorrow. Head Coach Tamati Ellison joins the podcast to preview their match
Piney offers his thoughts on the biggest game in All Whites history
And the lads are in the chamber discussing the Blackcaps strong start to their third test against England at Trent Bridge
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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 EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Hello there, Welcome to the back end of the week.
Welcome to the front end of a massive sporting weekend.
Welcome into Sports Fix the podcast on Friday, June twenty six.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
I'm Jason Pine and I'm Elligott Smith.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
It's good to have.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
You along, Elliott, and I feel as though this weekend
could be one in which all of our dreams come true.
I want to chat about this with you in the chamber,
but in very broad terms before we even get into it.
How are you feeling about the All Whites Belgium tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I am optimistic because I think is actually quite good
that Belgium have to win as well. I think that
means it's a little bit more open that they'll have
to chase the game, the you all ones will have
to chase the game. I think there could be goals tomorrow,
and look, I think the All Whites can rally themselves
and claim the wind. We'll talk about more in the chamber,
but I'm quietly optimistic.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Jason Pink well, that's good to hear because I share
that that same that same quiet optimism. So yeah, maybe
a bit more on that in the chambers. Some crickets
and netball as well. In terms of another voice on
the pod today, who are you hearing from?
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Thanks Pinney, We're going to hear from Mauldy All Blacks
coach Tumbody Allison hit of their game against the japan
fifteen tomorrow night in naguare looking forward.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
To that and the latest in sports news coming your
way too, So let's get into it.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
In other news, let's wrap up the last twenty four
hours in the world of sport, and as we have
been all week, let's start with the Football World Cup
and let's start with the soccer groups.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Australia are through to the round of thirty two, finishing
second end group.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
D our old friend. Australia are advancing to the knockout
stages after a score of straw with Paraguay in San Francisco.
The USA tompkins the group just despite losing three to
two to Turkey with a gold deep and second half
added sign three more teams earlier in the day secured
their spot. Let's start with the Dutch the Dutch.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Are flying into the knockout stair.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Top of Prove Bath. He's passed Gunisia three one the
other final round group. I fixed your a dog at a.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Fair but it's over as a draw.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
And two really thrilling goals in different.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Ways on TV and Z there Japan and Sweden threw
the other teams through as well. Jiminy Kotevy and Ecuador
to the cricket and Tom Latham and Devon Conway have
combined for New Zealand Hires batting partnership against England of
three hundred and seventeen on day one of the thirteenth
to Noddingham late than the first to get there on
Sky Sports.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Beautifully turned away. It'll get to the boundary and that
is a quite brilliant hundred four. New Zealand's captain his
seventeenth in.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Test match cricket, and Conway followed him to a time
early in the final.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Session leads We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix
powered by News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
The Maori all Blacks in action for the first time
this year and the only match of their tour against Japan.
Tomorrow we take it to Sonigoyan now where the head
coach Tumoty Allison is. Tomothy, thanks so much for your
time on Sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Jodo, thanks having me.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Well, you've named your team for this game against Japan.
What went into I guess narrowing the squad you named
twenty six on Monday down to a squad of twenty three.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
The a combination of things. Form.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
We had a good look at the players that we'd
been watching through the season and making sure that we
also picked players that would be fit had they had
a long season, had they been carrying a Nigel with
the short turning around post the final.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
How many were involved? So the first thing are they
playing well?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
In the second part was are they ready to go
and play a fast and physical style of game? You know,
maybe six days after a Super Rugby final.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Just going back to earlier in the weekend. When you
name the squad, how much communication did you have with
the All Black selectors and I guess players that you
could and couldn't select, and obviously then you go and
do your business of selecting your squad.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Yeah, they were really good.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
Probably helped having been involved in the All Black group
for the last couple of seasons. By my part, but
the coms were clear, and I think.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
There's a genuine care across the group that.
Speaker 5 (04:28):
Players that are selected are selected and they know why
and then what's expected, and the same with players who
missed them.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Talking about both squads that they have the feedback they need.
So players that we might have had come.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
To our group that were involved in the All Blacks
last year, Yeah, making sure that we can help support
the All Blacks selectors around what that player might need.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
And also getting really excited for this weekend's game.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
Not many days together and you've had a flight in
between across to Japan. How do you as a squad
make sure you hit the ground running and ready to
go Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yeah, the group's been really good. Look, the first thing
is making sure we're giving them enough but not too much.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
I think too much information slows us down and we
want to play a fast brand. So Mardy Burke and
Greg Figure done a good job there making sure we
check back with the players around the load, what players
do they want to scrap, what ones do they want
to keep, so they've got some accountability and some skin
there around what they want to drive. Sean Curry medical
(05:33):
done a good job also just the loads and how
quick we go or don't go as you say, you know,
ten or twelve hours traveling yesterday, and then how quick
you can actually run the day after that being your
main training day for the week. So it's not so
much there's cency, medical and the rugby, but what the
players are used to on a normal working week and
(05:54):
when they feel like they should go fast, probably just
having to tweak some of the habits of a normal
super rugby week.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Obviously you've got combinations as well, and you're thinking nine
and ten that probably haven't played together, you know before,
and in other ones as well. You know upfront potentially
you know that that all takes time to come together,
but I guess you just don't have the time. But
you've got a trust, I suppose in these players to
go out and play their natural game.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
That's correct. Then I said, with form as well comes confidence.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
So you know, one of the selection criterias are people
that are playing well. You often don't need to tell
them they're playing well because they just keep playing well.
And that's you know, one of our frames we used
around selection, and you can tell the ones who spend
a couple of days up at the All Blacks camp.
The non finalists, they came in with a bounce, and
obviously the ones that came out of the final and
(06:45):
been involved with the Hurricanes and the Chiefs, they both
felt like they had good seasons and with that comes confidence. So,
as I said, give them a clear plan, and the
majority of that plan is reinforcing what they do well
and trusting them to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
You mentioned obviously a fast running style of game. How
will that do you think go against Japan ten to
play in a relatively similar way.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
Yeah, I guess it depends what side of the ball
you're on. If you've got the ball and you're playing fast,
you're you're the one controlling and dictating how the game's going.
So it's important you know, there's the difference between speed
and speed at the right time.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
We're going fast at the right time.
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Will be will be key because as you say, yes,
we're agree and you've seen in the recent years, well
we're seeing a very long time the way the Japanese
play the game, and but I think that's the way
we play the game as well.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
So it'd be exciting what stort out as Balin to
make him the captain of this team.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, I've been a fan for a while. He's physical.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
He's a big body, which you know I see that
named Dylan Riley at thirteen, so you know, another great midfielder.
But what he does on the field, he's physical. So
in a week where captain may not be able to
grab the group as fast, he's going to be able
to demonstrate his leadership on the field.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
And I guess, just with one game, how do you
It's not starting a campaign, there's nothing like that. So
is it just an all out sort of like give
everything you've got this weekend. You don't have to build
a longer game plan or a campaign. How do you
focus just having one game to look at?
Speaker 5 (08:33):
Yeah, I think it's easier for the coaches in it
as the players because, as you mentioned, when you're in
a season, they're thinking there's a number of things that
are involved as opposed to a one shot.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
But there's also a legacy that.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
We need to protect and a style of game that
a lot of these boys play naturally. So there are
those considerations around the how we want to play the game,
and sometimes it does require a wee bit of structure.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Well, we look forward to seeing what you've got for
us on Saturday nights. Tubbody, appreciate your time and and
go well.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Thank you very much. Supports fact sense sexcess.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It is win or go home for the All Whites
tomorrow at BC Place in Vancouver, without a doubt, the
biggest game of football our national men's side have ever played. Yes,
there were big games at the nineteen eighty two World
Cup when this was all New Scotland, the Soviet Union
as they were then, and Brazil gave us history making
matches for the Pioneers, the Trailblazers of nineteen eighty two.
(09:38):
Fast forward to twenty ten and games against Slovakia, Italy
and Paraguay, all finishing in draws, all credible results, and
all celebrated and rightly so through the filter of what
this team was all about in twenty ten. But the
twenty twenty six or Whites are very very different in
terms of their optimism, in terms of their aspiration, and
(10:01):
in terms of their ability. Anyone who's watched the first
two Paul games for the All Whites of this World
Cup against Iran and the against Egypt would have seen
the difference from sides wearing a white shirt in years
gone By having said all of that, the table doesn't lie.
New Zealand go into their final match against Belgium tomorrow
(10:21):
on one point. If they were to lose to Belgium tomorrow,
they would exit the tournament with a drawer and two defeats.
That wouldn't necessarily tell the story of their World Cup campaign.
But as I say, the table doesn't lie and their
tournament will end. There is a quiet optimism within the
or Whites that that will not be the case. Yes,
they are huge underdogs against the Belgian side that sits
(10:44):
inside the world's top ten, but funny things happen when
the pressure goes on, and all the pressure tomorrow will
be on Belgium. Their fans are baying for blood New
Zealand blood. But New Zealand have shan enough at this
tournament to say that they may well have a say
before that final whistle is blown. Sports Vex Elliot Smith
(11:05):
popping into the chamber after this.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
That is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
We're in the chain bed Jason Pine. Let's get into
some of the thorny sporting topics. We touched on it
briefly before, but the all White So what gives you
that quiet optimism that they can claim the victory.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
I think the fact, as you mentioned right at the
top of the podcast, Elliott, that that Belgium have to
win it as well is actually a good thing as
far as New Zealander concerned, because this won't be a
Belgium side there's just happy to know, happy to sit
and take a draw. A draw may well not be
enough for them, and they're under major pressure back home.
Chatting to a couple of Belgian journalists here today just
ahead of the Belgian media conference with a coach and
(11:46):
one of the players, and yeah, there's a high degree
of displeasure I can tell you back in Belgium as
reported by these journos, that that you know, this is
the number ten side in the world. This is a
team that you know, before their third Paul game at
a World Cup should have secured their passage already. They
should already be in the round of thirty two and
be thinking about who they face and the out stages.
(12:09):
As it stands at the moment, they are not. So
how much prescient does that put on them and how
much might the game open up? You mentioned a quiet
optimism as you settle in tomorrow afternoon mid afternoon. What
are you sort of hoping to see from Darren Baizley's
mean look.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
I want to see them take the game to Belgium.
I think there's the best way. Belgium have looked Cage
and the play that I've seen from them at this tournament.
They haven't looked themselves. They'll look like maybe there's a
couple of players in that group that have maybe gone
on a cycle too long. Ian it was a cycle,
you know, twenty two and eighteen. They were considered one
of the favorites for the tournament with the kind of
players that they had, but some of them, dare I
say it, are looking a little bit old in the tooth.
(12:44):
And I think the All Whites have the kind of
players that they can push the Belgians and just create
a little bit of trouble. I'd love to see Chris
Wood get that World Cup goal. And I think you
look at some of the players they've got that they
do have the ability just create some surprises. So I
think that's key for the All Whites tomorrow is take
(13:05):
the game to the Belgians, and I think there's a
real nothing to lose mentellity. I think that's what they
need to keep front of mine.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
Absolutely, and just on Chris Wood as well. At the
Belgian media conference, Chris Wood, unprompted, was mentioned twice. That
might have even been three times by the Belgian coach.
They're really worried about Chris Wood. They're they're talking about him.
You know, when New Zealand did their media conference, yes,
they talked about Luke Khaku and De Bruyner and Docu
and I thought, well, that's that's obvious. These are big stars.
(13:32):
But for the Belgians to name check Chris Wood in
their pregame media conference not once or twice, but three times,
I thought was really interesting. So yeah, like you, I
feel like, you know, it would just it would just
be a cherry on the top of Chris Wood's career.
Not that he's done yet, but that World Cup goal
feels like it belongs on a CV. To me, I
don't know what you think.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
No, absolutely, I completely agree. And Elijah just has been
the trivia question of the highest World Cup goal scorer
from New Zealand. I know my friend works for the
Believer in or Not quiz company. I believe they've had
it in the quiz already, so look, it'll be great
to see someone join alongside him and created a little
bit of history in the World Cup. Let's move on.
The A and Z Premiership under scrutiny once again, with
(14:14):
the Northern Mystics conceding and admitting they have looked at
potentially taking a sun Corpse Super Neeple license from twenty
twenty eight. The story in the New Zealand Herald, Piney,
what do you think about this? Would betther? This be
the right move for the Mystics and what does it
say about the dear old am Z Premiership?
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Ye know, I think that's my main thought when I
read Nathan's piece and the Herald, I thought, what will
that mean for a domestic competition that is already the
question or under question about a broadcast deal the quality
of the players. Funnily enough, Elliott, you know you go
along to an A Z Premiership game and it's actually
a very good experience. I think the end game experience
(14:52):
is actually really good. But is it preparing us to
be dominant on the world stage? Look, a lot of
our best players are playing in Supernepal, aren't they, And
many of the ones who will represent us in Glasgow
in a couple of months time at the Commonwealth Games
have been playing their raid over there. Look, I mean,
you know Australian competitions welcoming New Zealand teams, doesn't you
(15:14):
The Breakers, the Warriors, Aukland, the FC and the Wellington Phoenix.
So this wouldn't be you know, I just worry what
it would do to the strength of our domestic comp
what say you.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Yeah, I'm with you. I would worry that the Mystics
would leaving. Potentially they wouldn't be replaced, so you'd be
down to a five team competition. Again, I don't think
that's particularly healthy. Obviously something needs to change there, But
I don't think Australia wants more than one New Zealand
team to join at this point in time. From what
I've heard so nible, New Zealand suck between a rock
(15:46):
and a hard place. They can't quite make the full
leap across to Australia. But they've also had to look
at the North Mystics now go, we don't think this
is a good enough competition for us to be and
so they're going to have to be created. They're gonna
have to find a way to keep everyone happy, and
ultimately I do think that the mystics are right to
be exploring other options and maybe it just puts the
(16:08):
He's on Netborn New Zealand a little bit to try
and find some alternative options, because I don't think this year,
given the broadcast deal, card and everything like that, is
sustainable for the sport in the long term. And it's
a great sport and it's important to New Zealand and
they need to get it right. Speaking of getting it right,
the black Caps largely apart from the last two balls
of the day, got it very right at trent Bridge.
(16:29):
What a start, biny, incredible look.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
I sort of woke up. I don't know what time
it was over here in Canada, but I woke up
and I thought I'll check my phone and we were
three hundred and two without loss, and I I was
looking at my phone thinking, have I is there a
glitch in the matrix? What's happening? Because Tom Lathaman and
Devin Conway haven't been prolific really in the first two
test matches, but for both of them to score one
hundred and fifty and it put on three hundred and
(16:53):
seventeen eventually for the first week at what a base
to build upon. So watch I hope when they come
back out. I guess Daryl Mitchell will come out to
join Willow Rourkey might not hang around for very long.
Isn't it funny that were night Watchman win and it
didn't even face.
Speaker 4 (17:05):
It's just a great star. And look, you hope maybe
they can push towards five hundred or you know, even
further than that and really bat England out of the Test.
That would be the ideal scenario. It's hot there at
the moment, the track maybe looks like a little bit
of a road. So ideally get your bank the first
innings and back your boulders to do the job there.
(17:26):
But ideally give bat England out of the Test. That
means it's drawn series at the very least, and then
you go for the juggler and go for the win.
So great start for the black Caps. And having said that,
at about ten past nine last night, New Zealand time,
when I opened my emails and saw one from Callum Kurno,
the New Zealand Cricket pr man, and saw that Matt
Henry and Glenn Phillips are both rolling.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Out of the Test.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
I was not feeling overly optimistic at that point.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Piney, No, I wasn't either when I saw that as well,
But as I say, I was much more. I was
much happier when I woke from my Canadian slumber to
see what had played out. And you know, there's still
some batting to come. Mitchell Blundell, Santona, Nathan Smith can
hold a bat. So yeah, let's hope that they can
push on and then then get the wickets they need
to put England under pressure. I reckon that'll do us
(18:09):
in the chamber today.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, how
and by News Talks VB.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Thanks for listening to another edition of Sports Fix. Will
be back in your podcast feeds on Monday. And Piney,
we can still find you in Vancouver, but where else
can we find.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
You on the radio as well?
Speaker 3 (18:29):
Elliott. Weekend Sport Middata three tomorrow comes from BC Place,
the three hours of the show very happily leading to
kick off tomorrow. So we've got Weekend Sport Tomorrow midday
to three from the venue and then mid day to
three Sunday of course, as we wrap everything up, and
don't forget Sports Talk Tonight featuring Elliot Smith seven through
eight pm, and every weeknight between seven and eight o'clock
(18:51):
here on News Talks EDB.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
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.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Hello there, Welcome to the back end of the week.
Welcome to the front end of a massive sporting weekend.
Welcome into Sports Fix the podcast on Friday, June twenty six.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
I'm Jason Pine and I'm Elligott Smith.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
It's good to have.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
You along, Elliott, and I feel as though this weekend
could be one in which all of our dreams come true.
I want to chat about this with you in the chamber,
but in very broad terms before we even get into it.
How are you feeling about the All Whites Belgium tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I am optimistic because I think is actually quite good
that Belgium have to win as well. I think that
means it's a little bit more open that they'll have
to chase the game, the you all ones will have
to chase the game. I think there could be goals tomorrow,
and look, I think the All Whites can rally themselves
and claim the wind. We'll talk about more in the chamber,
but I'm quietly optimistic.
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Jason Pink well, that's good to hear because I share
that that same that same quiet optimism. So yeah, maybe
a bit more on that in the chambers. Some crickets
and netball as well. In terms of another voice on
the pod today, who are you hearing from?
Speaker 4 (01:16):
Thanks Pinney, We're going to hear from Mauldy All Blacks
coach Tumbody Allison hit of their game against the japan
fifteen tomorrow night in naguare looking forward.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
To that and the latest in sports news coming your
way too, So let's get into it.
Speaker 4 (01:27):
In other news, let's wrap up the last twenty four
hours in the world of sport, and as we have
been all week, let's start with the Football World Cup
and let's start with the soccer groups.
Speaker 3 (01:43):
Australia are through to the round of thirty two, finishing
second end group.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
D our old friend. Australia are advancing to the knockout
stages after a score of straw with Paraguay in San Francisco.
The USA tompkins the group just despite losing three to
two to Turkey with a gold deep and second half
added sign three more teams earlier in the day secured
their spot. Let's start with the Dutch the Dutch.
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Are flying into the knockout stair.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Top of Prove Bath. He's passed Gunisia three one the
other final round group. I fixed your a dog at a.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Fair but it's over as a draw.
Speaker 1 (02:19):
And two really thrilling goals in different.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
Ways on TV and Z there Japan and Sweden threw
the other teams through as well. Jiminy Kotevy and Ecuador
to the cricket and Tom Latham and Devon Conway have
combined for New Zealand Hires batting partnership against England of
three hundred and seventeen on day one of the thirteenth
to Noddingham late than the first to get there on
Sky Sports.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Beautifully turned away. It'll get to the boundary and that
is a quite brilliant hundred four. New Zealand's captain his
seventeenth in.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Test match cricket, and Conway followed him to a time
early in the final.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Session leads We've got just the ticket. It's Sports Fix
powered by News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
The Maori all Blacks in action for the first time
this year and the only match of their tour against Japan.
Tomorrow we take it to Sonigoyan now where the head
coach Tumoty Allison is. Tomothy, thanks so much for your
time on Sports Fix.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
Jodo, thanks having me.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Well, you've named your team for this game against Japan.
What went into I guess narrowing the squad you named
twenty six on Monday down to a squad of twenty three.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
The a combination of things. Form.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
We had a good look at the players that we'd
been watching through the season and making sure that we
also picked players that would be fit had they had
a long season, had they been carrying a Nigel with
the short turning around post the final.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
How many were involved? So the first thing are they
playing well?
Speaker 5 (03:51):
In the second part was are they ready to go
and play a fast and physical style of game? You know,
maybe six days after a Super Rugby final.
Speaker 4 (04:02):
Just going back to earlier in the weekend. When you
name the squad, how much communication did you have with
the All Black selectors and I guess players that you
could and couldn't select, and obviously then you go and
do your business of selecting your squad.
Speaker 2 (04:14):
Yeah, they were really good.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
Probably helped having been involved in the All Black group
for the last couple of seasons. By my part, but
the coms were clear, and I think.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
There's a genuine care across the group that.
Speaker 5 (04:28):
Players that are selected are selected and they know why
and then what's expected, and the same with players who
missed them.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Talking about both squads that they have the feedback they need.
So players that we might have had come.
Speaker 5 (04:41):
To our group that were involved in the All Blacks
last year, Yeah, making sure that we can help support
the All Blacks selectors around what that player might need.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
And also getting really excited for this weekend's game.
Speaker 4 (04:55):
Not many days together and you've had a flight in
between across to Japan. How do you as a squad
make sure you hit the ground running and ready to
go Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (05:05):
Yeah, the group's been really good. Look, the first thing
is making sure we're giving them enough but not too much.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
I think too much information slows us down and we
want to play a fast brand. So Mardy Burke and
Greg Figure done a good job there making sure we
check back with the players around the load, what players
do they want to scrap, what ones do they want
to keep, so they've got some accountability and some skin
there around what they want to drive. Sean Curry medical
(05:33):
done a good job also just the loads and how
quick we go or don't go as you say, you know,
ten or twelve hours traveling yesterday, and then how quick
you can actually run the day after that being your
main training day for the week. So it's not so
much there's cency, medical and the rugby, but what the
players are used to on a normal working week and
(05:54):
when they feel like they should go fast, probably just
having to tweak some of the habits of a normal
super rugby week.
Speaker 4 (06:00):
Obviously you've got combinations as well, and you're thinking nine
and ten that probably haven't played together, you know before,
and in other ones as well. You know upfront potentially
you know that that all takes time to come together,
but I guess you just don't have the time. But
you've got a trust, I suppose in these players to
go out and play their natural game.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
That's correct. Then I said, with form as well comes confidence.
Speaker 5 (06:23):
So you know, one of the selection criterias are people
that are playing well. You often don't need to tell
them they're playing well because they just keep playing well.
And that's you know, one of our frames we used
around selection, and you can tell the ones who spend
a couple of days up at the All Blacks camp.
The non finalists, they came in with a bounce, and
obviously the ones that came out of the final and
(06:45):
been involved with the Hurricanes and the Chiefs, they both
felt like they had good seasons and with that comes confidence. So,
as I said, give them a clear plan, and the
majority of that plan is reinforcing what they do well
and trusting them to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
You mentioned obviously a fast running style of game. How
will that do you think go against Japan ten to
play in a relatively similar way.
Speaker 5 (07:11):
Yeah, I guess it depends what side of the ball
you're on. If you've got the ball and you're playing fast,
you're you're the one controlling and dictating how the game's going.
So it's important you know, there's the difference between speed
and speed at the right time.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
We're going fast at the right time.
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Will be will be key because as you say, yes,
we're agree and you've seen in the recent years, well
we're seeing a very long time the way the Japanese
play the game, and but I think that's the way
we play the game as well.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
So it'd be exciting what stort out as Balin to
make him the captain of this team.
Speaker 2 (07:50):
Yeah, I've been a fan for a while. He's physical.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
He's a big body, which you know I see that
named Dylan Riley at thirteen, so you know, another great midfielder.
But what he does on the field, he's physical. So
in a week where captain may not be able to
grab the group as fast, he's going to be able
to demonstrate his leadership on the field.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
And I guess, just with one game, how do you
It's not starting a campaign, there's nothing like that. So
is it just an all out sort of like give
everything you've got this weekend. You don't have to build
a longer game plan or a campaign. How do you
focus just having one game to look at?
Speaker 5 (08:33):
Yeah, I think it's easier for the coaches in it
as the players because, as you mentioned, when you're in
a season, they're thinking there's a number of things that
are involved as opposed to a one shot.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
But there's also a legacy that.
Speaker 5 (08:48):
We need to protect and a style of game that
a lot of these boys play naturally. So there are
those considerations around the how we want to play the game,
and sometimes it does require a wee bit of structure.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Well, we look forward to seeing what you've got for
us on Saturday nights. Tubbody, appreciate your time and and
go well.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Thank you very much. Supports fact sense sexcess.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It is win or go home for the All Whites
tomorrow at BC Place in Vancouver, without a doubt, the
biggest game of football our national men's side have ever played. Yes,
there were big games at the nineteen eighty two World
Cup when this was all New Scotland, the Soviet Union
as they were then, and Brazil gave us history making
matches for the Pioneers, the Trailblazers of nineteen eighty two.
(09:38):
Fast forward to twenty ten and games against Slovakia, Italy
and Paraguay, all finishing in draws, all credible results, and
all celebrated and rightly so through the filter of what
this team was all about in twenty ten. But the
twenty twenty six or Whites are very very different in
terms of their optimism, in terms of their aspiration, and
(10:01):
in terms of their ability. Anyone who's watched the first
two Paul games for the All Whites of this World
Cup against Iran and the against Egypt would have seen
the difference from sides wearing a white shirt in years
gone By having said all of that, the table doesn't lie.
New Zealand go into their final match against Belgium tomorrow
(10:21):
on one point. If they were to lose to Belgium tomorrow,
they would exit the tournament with a drawer and two defeats.
That wouldn't necessarily tell the story of their World Cup campaign.
But as I say, the table doesn't lie and their
tournament will end. There is a quiet optimism within the
or Whites that that will not be the case. Yes,
they are huge underdogs against the Belgian side that sits
(10:44):
inside the world's top ten, but funny things happen when
the pressure goes on, and all the pressure tomorrow will
be on Belgium. Their fans are baying for blood New
Zealand blood. But New Zealand have shan enough at this
tournament to say that they may well have a say
before that final whistle is blown. Sports Vex Elliot Smith
(11:05):
popping into the chamber after this.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
That is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 4 (11:12):
We're in the chain bed Jason Pine. Let's get into
some of the thorny sporting topics. We touched on it
briefly before, but the all White So what gives you
that quiet optimism that they can claim the victory.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
I think the fact, as you mentioned right at the
top of the podcast, Elliott, that that Belgium have to
win it as well is actually a good thing as
far as New Zealander concerned, because this won't be a
Belgium side there's just happy to know, happy to sit
and take a draw. A draw may well not be
enough for them, and they're under major pressure back home.
Chatting to a couple of Belgian journalists here today just
ahead of the Belgian media conference with a coach and
(11:46):
one of the players, and yeah, there's a high degree
of displeasure I can tell you back in Belgium as
reported by these journos, that that you know, this is
the number ten side in the world. This is a
team that you know, before their third Paul game at
a World Cup should have secured their passage already. They
should already be in the round of thirty two and
be thinking about who they face and the out stages.
(12:09):
As it stands at the moment, they are not. So
how much prescient does that put on them and how
much might the game open up? You mentioned a quiet
optimism as you settle in tomorrow afternoon mid afternoon. What
are you sort of hoping to see from Darren Baizley's
mean look.
Speaker 4 (12:23):
I want to see them take the game to Belgium.
I think there's the best way. Belgium have looked Cage
and the play that I've seen from them at this tournament.
They haven't looked themselves. They'll look like maybe there's a
couple of players in that group that have maybe gone
on a cycle too long. Ian it was a cycle,
you know, twenty two and eighteen. They were considered one
of the favorites for the tournament with the kind of
players that they had, but some of them, dare I
say it, are looking a little bit old in the tooth.
(12:44):
And I think the All Whites have the kind of
players that they can push the Belgians and just create
a little bit of trouble. I'd love to see Chris
Wood get that World Cup goal. And I think you
look at some of the players they've got that they
do have the ability just create some surprises. So I
think that's key for the All Whites tomorrow is take
(13:05):
the game to the Belgians, and I think there's a
real nothing to lose mentellity. I think that's what they
need to keep front of mine.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
Absolutely, and just on Chris Wood as well. At the
Belgian media conference, Chris Wood, unprompted, was mentioned twice. That
might have even been three times by the Belgian coach.
They're really worried about Chris Wood. They're they're talking about him.
You know, when New Zealand did their media conference, yes,
they talked about Luke Khaku and De Bruyner and Docu
and I thought, well, that's that's obvious. These are big stars.
(13:32):
But for the Belgians to name check Chris Wood in
their pregame media conference not once or twice, but three times,
I thought was really interesting. So yeah, like you, I
feel like, you know, it would just it would just
be a cherry on the top of Chris Wood's career.
Not that he's done yet, but that World Cup goal
feels like it belongs on a CV. To me, I
don't know what you think.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
No, absolutely, I completely agree. And Elijah just has been
the trivia question of the highest World Cup goal scorer
from New Zealand. I know my friend works for the
Believer in or Not quiz company. I believe they've had
it in the quiz already, so look, it'll be great
to see someone join alongside him and created a little
bit of history in the World Cup. Let's move on.
The A and Z Premiership under scrutiny once again, with
(14:14):
the Northern Mystics conceding and admitting they have looked at
potentially taking a sun Corpse Super Neeple license from twenty
twenty eight. The story in the New Zealand Herald, Piney,
what do you think about this? Would betther? This be
the right move for the Mystics and what does it
say about the dear old am Z Premiership?
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Ye know, I think that's my main thought when I
read Nathan's piece and the Herald, I thought, what will
that mean for a domestic competition that is already the
question or under question about a broadcast deal the quality
of the players. Funnily enough, Elliott, you know you go
along to an A Z Premiership game and it's actually
a very good experience. I think the end game experience
(14:52):
is actually really good. But is it preparing us to
be dominant on the world stage? Look, a lot of
our best players are playing in Supernepal, aren't they, And
many of the ones who will represent us in Glasgow
in a couple of months time at the Commonwealth Games
have been playing their raid over there. Look, I mean,
you know Australian competitions welcoming New Zealand teams, doesn't you
(15:14):
The Breakers, the Warriors, Aukland, the FC and the Wellington Phoenix.
So this wouldn't be you know, I just worry what
it would do to the strength of our domestic comp
what say you.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
Yeah, I'm with you. I would worry that the Mystics
would leaving. Potentially they wouldn't be replaced, so you'd be
down to a five team competition. Again, I don't think
that's particularly healthy. Obviously something needs to change there, But
I don't think Australia wants more than one New Zealand
team to join at this point in time. From what
I've heard so nible, New Zealand suck between a rock
(15:46):
and a hard place. They can't quite make the full
leap across to Australia. But they've also had to look
at the North Mystics now go, we don't think this
is a good enough competition for us to be and
so they're going to have to be created. They're gonna
have to find a way to keep everyone happy, and
ultimately I do think that the mystics are right to
be exploring other options and maybe it just puts the
(16:08):
He's on Netborn New Zealand a little bit to try
and find some alternative options, because I don't think this year,
given the broadcast deal, card and everything like that, is
sustainable for the sport in the long term. And it's
a great sport and it's important to New Zealand and
they need to get it right. Speaking of getting it right,
the black Caps largely apart from the last two balls
of the day, got it very right at trent Bridge.
(16:29):
What a start, biny, incredible look.
Speaker 3 (16:31):
I sort of woke up. I don't know what time
it was over here in Canada, but I woke up
and I thought I'll check my phone and we were
three hundred and two without loss, and I I was
looking at my phone thinking, have I is there a
glitch in the matrix? What's happening? Because Tom Lathaman and
Devin Conway haven't been prolific really in the first two
test matches, but for both of them to score one
hundred and fifty and it put on three hundred and
(16:53):
seventeen eventually for the first week at what a base
to build upon. So watch I hope when they come
back out. I guess Daryl Mitchell will come out to
join Willow Rourkey might not hang around for very long.
Isn't it funny that were night Watchman win and it
didn't even face.
Speaker 4 (17:05):
It's just a great star. And look, you hope maybe
they can push towards five hundred or you know, even
further than that and really bat England out of the Test.
That would be the ideal scenario. It's hot there at
the moment, the track maybe looks like a little bit
of a road. So ideally get your bank the first
innings and back your boulders to do the job there.
(17:26):
But ideally give bat England out of the Test. That
means it's drawn series at the very least, and then
you go for the juggler and go for the win.
So great start for the black Caps. And having said that,
at about ten past nine last night, New Zealand time,
when I opened my emails and saw one from Callum Kurno,
the New Zealand Cricket pr man, and saw that Matt
Henry and Glenn Phillips are both rolling.
Speaker 2 (17:43):
Out of the Test.
Speaker 4 (17:44):
I was not feeling overly optimistic at that point.
Speaker 3 (17:47):
Piney, No, I wasn't either when I saw that as well,
But as I say, I was much more. I was
much happier when I woke from my Canadian slumber to
see what had played out. And you know, there's still
some batting to come. Mitchell Blundell, Santona, Nathan Smith can
hold a bat. So yeah, let's hope that they can
push on and then then get the wickets they need
to put England under pressure. I reckon that'll do us
(18:09):
in the chamber today.
Speaker 1 (18:11):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, how
and by News Talks VB.
Speaker 4 (18:18):
Thanks for listening to another edition of Sports Fix. Will
be back in your podcast feeds on Monday. And Piney,
we can still find you in Vancouver, but where else
can we find.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
You on the radio as well?
Speaker 3 (18:29):
Elliott. Weekend Sport Middata three tomorrow comes from BC Place,
the three hours of the show very happily leading to
kick off tomorrow. So we've got Weekend Sport Tomorrow midday
to three from the venue and then mid day to
three Sunday of course, as we wrap everything up, and
don't forget Sports Talk Tonight featuring Elliot Smith seven through
eight pm, and every weeknight between seven and eight o'clock
(18:51):
here on News Talks EDB.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
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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