On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 18 May 2026, Piney shares his first-hand experience attending the NRL Magic Round in Brisbane - he is now an NZ Warriors convert!
Warriors legend Kevin Campion dissects the teams performance on the field and Newstalk ZB sport journalist and rugby editor Elliott Smith joins to discuss the latest round of Super Rugby Pacific.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News talksed be follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Welcome to Sportsfix, your daily dose of sport.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Geta there, and welcome into a fresh episode of the
Sports Fix podcast at the start of a brand new week.
It is Monday, the eighteenth of May. I'm Jason Pine.
Good to have you listening, and Kevin Campion is our
guest on sports Fix today, the former Warrior, the former Bronco.
So how did he go yesterday watching one of his
former sides pretty much deal to another of his former sides,
(00:44):
and on a widest sense, what did he make of
the Magic Round experience? Kevin Campion is with us on Sportsfix.
I've got a few thoughts on Magic Round as well.
I was lucky enough to be in Brisbane and it
was just absolutely superb. I hope I can find the
words to do it justice. Elliot Smith, Bobson too the
Chamber to kick around a couple of sporting issues and
the latest in sports news as well, so let's get
(01:05):
into it. In other news, let's get just started with
a look at some of the sports stories around today.
A sixty eight foot part of a lifetime for golfer
Aaron Rye on the path three seventeenth in the final
round of the PGA Championship Major excuses one of the
(01:29):
all time great shots at a major, the thirty one
year old Englishman, winning by three strokes at nine under par.
Manchester United football captain Bruno Fernandez has equaled the Premier
League's assist record at twenty for a season with one
game to go as his side beat Nottingham Forest three
two this morning. Interim United boss Michael Carack says the
calm cross for their third goal was typical of his skipper.
(01:52):
It's not easy, but he always puts himself behind the team,
the team first.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
And today was another one of those days, even though
he's going to get the prayers because it is a
fantastic achievement.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
And a day of morning. In Scottish rugby player turned
pundit Scott Hastings has died at the age of sixty
one under underwork, no.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Use me tackle, they start these things.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
That was a.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Vex with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been in Brisbane
over the last three or four days for Magic Round,
and nothing I can tell you prepares you for Magic
Round until you've been to Magic Round. You hear a
lot about it, obviously, you watch it on television. You
see the footage of the fans of all different all
(02:43):
seventeen different NRL clubs coming together and mixing and mingling
and following their sides during Magic Round. But nothing can
prepare you for the the incredible vibe of Magic Round live,
and in particular the vibe of the Warriors at Magic Round.
(03:03):
Yesterday afternoon, at around about one o'clock in the afternoon,
I made my to Caxton Street and it was already
absolutely jam packed with Warriors fans. You could not walk
a meter without seeing Warriors jerseys. They were everywhere. The
Lord Alfred, which is the Warrior's home in Brisbane, the
(03:25):
Lord Alfred part at the top of Caxton Street was
absolutely jam packed and jumping. And then an hour before kickoff,
the Warriors Nation hiccoy down Caxton Street to sun Corp
Stadium began and it was something to behold, just this
swarming mass of Warriors fans marching down the road towards
(03:50):
the venue and showing everybody else in the NRL what
support is actually like. It was unlike anything I have
ever seen before. There is not a sporting team that
I've seen that connects with its fans and galvanizes its
fan base in the way that the Warriors do. It
(04:12):
was generational stuff. I am a convert. I am now
of the opinion that the Warriors fans are the greatest
sports fans in New Zealand. And then once inside the ground,
of course, the Warriors themselves repaid the faith of those
fans with one of the all time great performances of
(04:33):
forty two points to twelve win over the Brisbane Broncos,
second on the table, the best fans in the competition.
Everything looking good? Who knows? Who knows? Maybe, maybe, just
maybe it is our year. Sports fact sense, you're listening
to the Sports Fixed podcast. A statement win by the
(04:53):
Warriors yesterday beating the Broncos forty two to twelve in Brisbane.
Kevin Campion is one of the rare players to have
worn both jerseys. He joins us now, Kevin was that
one of the more complete Warriors performances you've seen in
recent years, particularly against the Broncos in Brisbane.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Get how are you mate? Yeah? Look I I was
at the game and it was such a great atmosphere,
and but look, I predicted the boys to win, but
I didn't. I thought it was going to be a
lot closer to you the truth, the great sign is that,
you know, we lost in a turning board very early,
and we were able to cover his position. And yeah,
(05:32):
Jerry Martin who came on, did a wonderful job for us.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Yeah that was that was I guess the big talking
point apart from the result, was the loss so early
of Tanner Boyd. And of course we've got the Luke
Metcalf situation playing out of the background, which we can
kind of leave off to one side. But somebody Martin
as so came on hardly we hear some play it
is he's is breaking his leg and you know in
the you know, earlier in the season. So in the
All Star Game, what did you make it the way
(05:56):
he just came in and just ran the cutter.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Yeah. Look, and it's a great, great sign for the team.
And obviously it's you know, the coach is doing a
wonderful job. Of the players. They all know their job.
And Joey, you know, he came on, he didn't do
he was outstanding, don't get me wrong, but he just
did the simple things right and just blended straight into
that team and it's just great signs for us.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
What else imprecied you apart from that in terms of
the overall performance of you picking out one or two
things that the Warriors did really, really well, what would
they be made?
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Look, I'm a big forwards man, so look, you can't
win Grand Vinyls without a great thought back, and I
think we've got the best fought back in the competition,
you know, you know, I know there's a long way
to go, and I don't want to make too many predictions,
but look where I think. I believe we're a top
four side, and you know, you know it's going to
be a tough, tough final series no matter what. But
(06:50):
I know we're going to be there and the hardest
thing is getting to that Grand Final, and once we're there,
I know we can win it. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Look, I mean it's some everyone's starting to believe now,
aren't they. And just even the occasion let's talk about
magic round in a moment, but the occasion of going
to Brisbane and beating the Broncos in Brisbane, regardless of
when it is. Does that any have a bit of
extra white to this from the Warriors winning so convincingly
against the Broncos in Brisbane.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, it's funny. Look the Bronx have got a lot
of players out and you know they just they're just
not simplifying their game too, you know, to cover those
those great players that are out. So you know, Reynolds
coming back in the side would have you know, I
thought he may have made been the difference for them,
you know, to compete a bit better. But look, we look,
(07:40):
we are such a great team and you know, obviously
tenor a big love loss yesterday, but we can cover
positions and and I you know, I went to the
the after match. They don't presented Dellen the Men of
the Match award and it's just it's so easy being
(08:01):
around those boys that you know, they all get on
and it's just such a calm atmosphere. Yeah, I think
the I think that's a I think Webbe should take
full credit for that, because that.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Must be difficult. A when you're when you're going so
well and everybody is talking about you, and at Magic
Round where there's such a lot of hype. Anyway to
stay calm. It's it's almost an unusual word to use
for a team, but but yeah, but you do seems
real composure within that playing unit.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Yeah, I don't, you know, I think Webby's just got
that team believing in themselves first and foremost. But everyone
knows their job and as I said, you know when
tomorrow come on, you know, knowing that Tennant was out
for the for the game, he just did, just did
a fabulous job. And our thought back were just ruthless
(08:54):
last night, and you know, our wingersdal and in particular,
you know, just he had one of the best nights
of his career.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I don't think he was going to get there for
that second try. I'm not going to lie. He was started,
was the running tria a little bit towards the end.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Look, you know, I think as Man was making some
ground on him, but he was very, very happy to
put that ball over the line. That was funny. That
was a funny moment.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
There really was a magnificent moment. And with the crowd
roaring and his is what about the crowd, Kevin, I mean,
we're at Suncourt Stadium and honestly, I don't know what
you thought. It felt like a Warrior's home game.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Yeah, and I think the Warriors fans have made it
a home game outside of Auckland for this particular. And
I know we have been going to the Lord Alfred
Hotel up the top of Caston Street for a number
of years now and when I drove, when I drove,
(09:54):
you know, I went past and I had to go
and park. There would have been there would have been
five thousand people hanging out on the balcony out the
windows downstairs and full of Warriors jerseys and then we
had the war He has walked down to Caxton, down
Caxton Street to sun Corp at three pm yesterday and
it was unbelievable. Yeah, so much support for the Wires.
(10:18):
But it's such a great weekend and it's great support
for every club, but especially the Wise.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
But now haven't they I was likely enough to be
there as well, And on that walk, I just my
jaw was hitting the floor. keV. You know, I couldn't
believe the numbers, the sheer numbers. I mean, there's no
other team in the comp that's got.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
There is there, no, no, not at the moment made
I know, you know Donks probably they've got the biggest
membership in the competition. But yeah, look it is a
special walk down there, five thousand and six thousand odd people.
But it's a great atmosphere, you know, and no one's
We're just there to enjoy it and to support our team,
(10:56):
and that's what we did yesterday. It was great. And
you could see behind both ends of the goalposts, you know,
when we were we were scoring trials and kicking goals,
you could see the Warriors nations there.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
They've just done nailed, haven't they In terms of just
the integration of everybody. I didn't see a single a
single incident of any any rg barget A lot of
banter obviously, and that's what you want.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
I think I've been to every Magic Ground and I've
never seen an older case or you never seen anyone
arguing in the in the stands or anything like that.
So it's just a wonderful weekend and you know that's
the atmosphere is unbelievable, and I'm glad they extended a
contract for another I think six or seven years, and.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Rightly so too, because that is exactly where it belongs.
A wonderful weekend. Wonderful to chat to you too, Kevin.
Thanks indeed, Kevin Campion joining us on the Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix on.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
The Sports Fix podcast. Let's pop inside the Chamber. What
a delight to be joined in here by news Talks.
Here be rugby editor and lead commentator Elliott Smith. Elliott,
thanks for taking the time in the Chamber today. In fact,
we might as well start with rugby, because is there
any scenario under which we're not looking at a Chief's
Hurricanes Super Rugby final in four or five weeks from now.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
It's a very good question, Piney.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
I can foresee potentially the Crusaders maybe being able to
tip up one of those sides on the day, But
it's very very hard to make the argument, isn't it
that it feels like they're on a collision cause to
meet each other. They're the two form teams in the competition,
no doubt about that. And when you've got seed number
one in the Hurricanes beating seed number three the Blues
(12:41):
by or putting forty points on them twice in one season,
it underlines the kind of film therein. The Chiefs didn't
really have to break a sweat on Friday night either. Look,
I do think there's a chance that the Crusaders on
their day could potentially tip them up. They've got that
playoff experience. But you know, there's no doubt about it
in my mind that barring something unusual happening, it's going
(13:04):
to be the Hurricanes and Chiefs fighting out for the
title in mid June.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Well, you mentioned the cruise, and of course they will
have the opportunity to play both of the other two
in their final two regular season games, both at home
under the roof of the new stadium at Tech Kaha.
They've got the Chiefs first up this Friday night, then the
Hurricanes to follow the following Friday night, so they may
yet have a say. I mean, no one else can
make the top two, but the Crusaders could certainly have
(13:27):
a say in which of the other two does.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
They could And look, it's perhaps hard to see them
winning both of those games at home to round out
the regular season. Although you know the Chiefs don't have
Damien McKenzie this week, you to the head knock he
took against the Highlanders. The Hurricanes may choose to rest
a few players. Potentially, if they have top seed wrapped
up this week, they may not take as many to
christ Jute or as many of their big names to
(13:50):
christ Church potentially, so they could yet have a say.
And you know, funny things happened to the Crusaders in
the month of June. They tend to grow an extra
arm in a league. And you know, Will Jordan potentially
coming back this week. Scott Barrett might be an option
as well. You know, they if they get to tilt
in the Plooves, would be a team that neither the
(14:11):
Hurricanes or Chiefs, So I suspect would want to play
too early in the playoffs. I suspect they want to
leave that till the last moments. But yeah, as I say, look,
I think the Hurricanes and Chiefs would have to be
the odds on favorites to be fighting out for the
title at Henry Stadium in a few weeks time.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
All right.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Of course, the other advantage of finishing top is that
if you happened to lose in the first week of
the playoffs, you'd take the lucky loser tag. Unlike last year,
it does drop you down to the bottom so you
don't host again. But I just want to ask you
quickly about the Chiefs because here we are with the
team that's made the last three Grand finals, haven't won
any of them again, look odds on to go deep
(14:48):
into the playoffs again. At what stage does something that
I guess could serve as motivation for you, a deep
motivation to put things right, actually become a bit of
a monkey on your back.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
It's funny, isn't it.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
We were actually discussing this on Rugby Direct today around
the Chiefs and whether they've hit their straps yet, and
it feels like they kind of haven't this season. I know,
they had a very good win over the Hurry a
few weeks back on their home turf and in a
super point game, but it feels like they've still kept
something in the tank. They've got a new coach this year,
of course, and John o'gibbson. Maybe they're determined just not
(15:19):
to peak too early, which they perhaps have in other seasons,
and maybe leave a little bit more in reserve for
the closing weeks of the season when by the time
they get to the plaoffs, they haven't hit the straps
that maybe many teams many thought they might have. This season,
the Hurricanes have been allowed to go out in front
and be the pace setters for most of the competition.
(15:39):
But look be wary of the Chiefs because they've shown
they can do it against the Hurricanes this season. You
know they've got some more players coming back in time
for the playoffs, so like Sinnadawa, Leroy Carter perhaps at
any Attenny Nano so Tuto to bolster their back three.
And we saw Damien McKenzie when he gets in the
mood like he did on Friday night, very very dangerous
to stop. But it does feel like they haven't shown
(16:01):
their full hand yet this season and maybe they've taken
some of those lessons of finals that you do need
a little bit more in the tank to roll out
on a cold night in June.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Indeed, indeed, so which I'm sure we'll have intriguing the
last couple of rounds of regular season Super Rugby and
then into the three week finals series just before we
exit the chamber. Does there have to be some sort
of investigation about the o mission of Jackson Ford from
the New South Wales origin side. He is what second
in the delim standings for goodness sake.
Speaker 5 (16:34):
Yeah, he's playing incredible rugby league at the moment and
for a coach like Laurie Daily, under pressure after losing
the series last year and still.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
Some question marks over his coaching.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
I would have thought that a player with the hot
hand like Jackson Ford would be exactly the kind of
player that he needs. It feels like Queensland's a lot
more comfortable, it seems, with going with those players that
are informed that you know, maybe don't have that sort
of pedigree behind them of multiple seasons under their belt
of quarter. You know, jackson Ford has been a solid
play for a few years now in the Inneral, but
(17:07):
he's taken his game to another stratosphere so far this season.
So I was perplexed by that call. And you know,
in New South Wales that may come back to bite
them if they lose Game one next week. It feels like,
you know, they're probably missing a little bit of, you know,
something like a Jackson Ford in their pack. You've got
a feel for him and to an extent, Wade Egan
as well.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
Though.
Speaker 5 (17:27):
I told to pack a few extra clothes, few pairs
of mondays and their ket as they went over to
Magic Round just in case they were called in. But
unfortunately they're coming back over the Tasman with that extra
luggage still in tow and I think it's a great
shame for jackson Ford. But the good news for the
Warriors that they do have a couple of representatives in there,
and then from a Warrior perspective, you look on the
bright side, they've got them for a Saturday night's game
(17:49):
against US and Georgia La Warre.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Indeed, which I shouldn't be too much of an issue.
I wouldn't imagine, but you just never ever know. It's
Marneed and Kirk Cape well of the two of course,
receiving the nod for the Blues and the Maroons respectively.
Great chatting sport with you in the chamber, Elliott, thanks
for stopping by.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Absolute please youre Piney Sports Tax senxx.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And that'll do it for Sports Fixed for today. Thank
you for downloading, subscribing and listening in. A fresh episode
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(18:28):
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Speaker 1 (18:30):
Leading a vix We've gone just the ticket. It's Sports
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You're listening to a podcast from News talksed be follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
Welcome to Sportsfix, your daily dose of sport.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Geta there, and welcome into a fresh episode of the
Sports Fix podcast at the start of a brand new week.
It is Monday, the eighteenth of May. I'm Jason Pine.
Good to have you listening, and Kevin Campion is our
guest on sports Fix today, the former Warrior, the former Bronco.
So how did he go yesterday watching one of his
former sides pretty much deal to another of his former sides,
(00:44):
and on a widest sense, what did he make of
the Magic Round experience? Kevin Campion is with us on Sportsfix.
I've got a few thoughts on Magic Round as well.
I was lucky enough to be in Brisbane and it
was just absolutely superb. I hope I can find the
words to do it justice. Elliot Smith, Bobson too the
Chamber to kick around a couple of sporting issues and
the latest in sports news as well, so let's get
(01:05):
into it. In other news, let's get just started with
a look at some of the sports stories around today.
A sixty eight foot part of a lifetime for golfer
Aaron Rye on the path three seventeenth in the final
round of the PGA Championship Major excuses one of the
(01:29):
all time great shots at a major, the thirty one
year old Englishman, winning by three strokes at nine under par.
Manchester United football captain Bruno Fernandez has equaled the Premier
League's assist record at twenty for a season with one
game to go as his side beat Nottingham Forest three
two this morning. Interim United boss Michael Carack says the
calm cross for their third goal was typical of his skipper.
(01:52):
It's not easy, but he always puts himself behind the team,
the team first.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
And today was another one of those days, even though
he's going to get the prayers because it is a
fantastic achievement.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
And a day of morning. In Scottish rugby player turned
pundit Scott Hastings has died at the age of sixty
one under underwork, no.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
Use me tackle, they start these things.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
That was a.
Speaker 1 (02:17):
Dissecting the sporting agenda. It's Sports Vex with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been in Brisbane
over the last three or four days for Magic Round,
and nothing I can tell you prepares you for Magic
Round until you've been to Magic Round. You hear a
lot about it, obviously, you watch it on television. You
see the footage of the fans of all different all
(02:43):
seventeen different NRL clubs coming together and mixing and mingling
and following their sides during Magic Round. But nothing can
prepare you for the the incredible vibe of Magic Round live,
and in particular the vibe of the Warriors at Magic Round.
(03:03):
Yesterday afternoon, at around about one o'clock in the afternoon,
I made my to Caxton Street and it was already
absolutely jam packed with Warriors fans. You could not walk
a meter without seeing Warriors jerseys. They were everywhere. The
Lord Alfred, which is the Warrior's home in Brisbane, the
(03:25):
Lord Alfred part at the top of Caxton Street was
absolutely jam packed and jumping. And then an hour before kickoff,
the Warriors Nation hiccoy down Caxton Street to sun Corp
Stadium began and it was something to behold, just this
swarming mass of Warriors fans marching down the road towards
(03:50):
the venue and showing everybody else in the NRL what
support is actually like. It was unlike anything I have
ever seen before. There is not a sporting team that
I've seen that connects with its fans and galvanizes its
fan base in the way that the Warriors do. It
(04:12):
was generational stuff. I am a convert. I am now
of the opinion that the Warriors fans are the greatest
sports fans in New Zealand. And then once inside the ground,
of course, the Warriors themselves repaid the faith of those
fans with one of the all time great performances of
(04:33):
forty two points to twelve win over the Brisbane Broncos,
second on the table, the best fans in the competition.
Everything looking good? Who knows? Who knows? Maybe, maybe, just
maybe it is our year. Sports fact sense, you're listening
to the Sports Fixed podcast. A statement win by the
(04:53):
Warriors yesterday beating the Broncos forty two to twelve in Brisbane.
Kevin Campion is one of the rare players to have
worn both jerseys. He joins us now, Kevin was that
one of the more complete Warriors performances you've seen in
recent years, particularly against the Broncos in Brisbane.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
Get how are you mate? Yeah? Look I I was
at the game and it was such a great atmosphere,
and but look, I predicted the boys to win, but
I didn't. I thought it was going to be a
lot closer to you the truth, the great sign is that,
you know, we lost in a turning board very early,
and we were able to cover his position. And yeah,
(05:32):
Jerry Martin who came on, did a wonderful job for us.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Yeah that was that was I guess the big talking
point apart from the result, was the loss so early
of Tanner Boyd. And of course we've got the Luke
Metcalf situation playing out of the background, which we can
kind of leave off to one side. But somebody Martin
as so came on hardly we hear some play it
is he's is breaking his leg and you know in
the you know, earlier in the season. So in the
All Star Game, what did you make it the way
(05:56):
he just came in and just ran the cutter.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Yeah. Look, and it's a great, great sign for the team.
And obviously it's you know, the coach is doing a
wonderful job. Of the players. They all know their job.
And Joey, you know, he came on, he didn't do
he was outstanding, don't get me wrong, but he just
did the simple things right and just blended straight into
that team and it's just great signs for us.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
What else imprecied you apart from that in terms of
the overall performance of you picking out one or two
things that the Warriors did really, really well, what would
they be made?
Speaker 3 (06:27):
Look, I'm a big forwards man, so look, you can't
win Grand Vinyls without a great thought back, and I
think we've got the best fought back in the competition,
you know, you know, I know there's a long way
to go, and I don't want to make too many predictions,
but look where I think. I believe we're a top
four side, and you know, you know it's going to
be a tough, tough final series no matter what. But
(06:50):
I know we're going to be there and the hardest
thing is getting to that Grand Final, and once we're there,
I know we can win it. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Look, I mean it's some everyone's starting to believe now,
aren't they. And just even the occasion let's talk about
magic round in a moment, but the occasion of going
to Brisbane and beating the Broncos in Brisbane, regardless of
when it is. Does that any have a bit of
extra white to this from the Warriors winning so convincingly
against the Broncos in Brisbane.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
Yeah, it's funny. Look the Bronx have got a lot
of players out and you know they just they're just
not simplifying their game too, you know, to cover those
those great players that are out. So you know, Reynolds
coming back in the side would have you know, I
thought he may have made been the difference for them,
you know, to compete a bit better. But look, we look,
(07:40):
we are such a great team and you know, obviously
tenor a big love loss yesterday, but we can cover
positions and and I you know, I went to the
the after match. They don't presented Dellen the Men of
the Match award and it's just it's so easy being
(08:01):
around those boys that you know, they all get on
and it's just such a calm atmosphere. Yeah, I think
the I think that's a I think Webbe should take
full credit for that, because that.
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Must be difficult. A when you're when you're going so
well and everybody is talking about you, and at Magic
Round where there's such a lot of hype. Anyway to
stay calm. It's it's almost an unusual word to use
for a team, but but yeah, but you do seems
real composure within that playing unit.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Yeah, I don't, you know, I think Webby's just got
that team believing in themselves first and foremost. But everyone
knows their job and as I said, you know when
tomorrow come on, you know, knowing that Tennant was out
for the for the game, he just did, just did
a fabulous job. And our thought back were just ruthless
(08:54):
last night, and you know, our wingersdal and in particular,
you know, just he had one of the best nights
of his career.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I don't think he was going to get there for
that second try. I'm not going to lie. He was started,
was the running tria a little bit towards the end.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Look, you know, I think as Man was making some
ground on him, but he was very, very happy to
put that ball over the line. That was funny. That
was a funny moment.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
There really was a magnificent moment. And with the crowd
roaring and his is what about the crowd, Kevin, I mean,
we're at Suncourt Stadium and honestly, I don't know what
you thought. It felt like a Warrior's home game.
Speaker 3 (09:34):
Yeah, and I think the Warriors fans have made it
a home game outside of Auckland for this particular. And
I know we have been going to the Lord Alfred
Hotel up the top of Caston Street for a number
of years now and when I drove, when I drove,
(09:54):
you know, I went past and I had to go
and park. There would have been there would have been
five thousand people hanging out on the balcony out the
windows downstairs and full of Warriors jerseys and then we
had the war He has walked down to Caxton, down
Caxton Street to sun Corp at three pm yesterday and
it was unbelievable. Yeah, so much support for the Wires.
(10:18):
But it's such a great weekend and it's great support
for every club, but especially the Wise.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
But now haven't they I was likely enough to be
there as well, And on that walk, I just my
jaw was hitting the floor. keV. You know, I couldn't
believe the numbers, the sheer numbers. I mean, there's no
other team in the comp that's got.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
There is there, no, no, not at the moment made
I know, you know Donks probably they've got the biggest
membership in the competition. But yeah, look it is a
special walk down there, five thousand and six thousand odd people.
But it's a great atmosphere, you know, and no one's
We're just there to enjoy it and to support our team,
(10:56):
and that's what we did yesterday. It was great. And
you could see behind both ends of the goalposts, you know,
when we were we were scoring trials and kicking goals,
you could see the Warriors nations there.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
They've just done nailed, haven't they In terms of just
the integration of everybody. I didn't see a single a
single incident of any any rg barget A lot of
banter obviously, and that's what you want.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
I think I've been to every Magic Ground and I've
never seen an older case or you never seen anyone
arguing in the in the stands or anything like that.
So it's just a wonderful weekend and you know that's
the atmosphere is unbelievable, and I'm glad they extended a
contract for another I think six or seven years, and.
Speaker 2 (11:41):
Rightly so too, because that is exactly where it belongs.
A wonderful weekend. Wonderful to chat to you too, Kevin.
Thanks indeed, Kevin Campion joining us on the Sports Fix podcast.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
The Chamber is now in session on sports Fix on.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
The Sports Fix podcast. Let's pop inside the Chamber. What
a delight to be joined in here by news Talks.
Here be rugby editor and lead commentator Elliott Smith. Elliott,
thanks for taking the time in the Chamber today. In fact,
we might as well start with rugby, because is there
any scenario under which we're not looking at a Chief's
Hurricanes Super Rugby final in four or five weeks from now.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
It's a very good question, Piney.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
I can foresee potentially the Crusaders maybe being able to
tip up one of those sides on the day, But
it's very very hard to make the argument, isn't it
that it feels like they're on a collision cause to
meet each other. They're the two form teams in the competition,
no doubt about that. And when you've got seed number
one in the Hurricanes beating seed number three the Blues
(12:41):
by or putting forty points on them twice in one season,
it underlines the kind of film therein. The Chiefs didn't
really have to break a sweat on Friday night either. Look,
I do think there's a chance that the Crusaders on
their day could potentially tip them up. They've got that
playoff experience. But you know, there's no doubt about it
in my mind that barring something unusual happening, it's going
(13:04):
to be the Hurricanes and Chiefs fighting out for the
title in mid June.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Well, you mentioned the cruise, and of course they will
have the opportunity to play both of the other two
in their final two regular season games, both at home
under the roof of the new stadium at Tech Kaha.
They've got the Chiefs first up this Friday night, then the
Hurricanes to follow the following Friday night, so they may
yet have a say. I mean, no one else can
make the top two, but the Crusaders could certainly have
(13:27):
a say in which of the other two does.
Speaker 5 (13:30):
They could And look, it's perhaps hard to see them
winning both of those games at home to round out
the regular season. Although you know the Chiefs don't have
Damien McKenzie this week, you to the head knock he
took against the Highlanders. The Hurricanes may choose to rest
a few players. Potentially, if they have top seed wrapped
up this week, they may not take as many to
christ Jute or as many of their big names to
(13:50):
christ Church potentially, so they could yet have a say.
And you know, funny things happened to the Crusaders in
the month of June. They tend to grow an extra
arm in a league. And you know, Will Jordan potentially
coming back this week. Scott Barrett might be an option
as well. You know, they if they get to tilt
in the Plooves, would be a team that neither the
(14:11):
Hurricanes or Chiefs, So I suspect would want to play
too early in the playoffs. I suspect they want to
leave that till the last moments. But yeah, as I say, look,
I think the Hurricanes and Chiefs would have to be
the odds on favorites to be fighting out for the
title at Henry Stadium in a few weeks time.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
All right.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Of course, the other advantage of finishing top is that
if you happened to lose in the first week of
the playoffs, you'd take the lucky loser tag. Unlike last year,
it does drop you down to the bottom so you
don't host again. But I just want to ask you
quickly about the Chiefs because here we are with the
team that's made the last three Grand finals, haven't won
any of them again, look odds on to go deep
(14:48):
into the playoffs again. At what stage does something that
I guess could serve as motivation for you, a deep
motivation to put things right, actually become a bit of
a monkey on your back.
Speaker 4 (14:58):
It's funny, isn't it.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
We were actually discussing this on Rugby Direct today around
the Chiefs and whether they've hit their straps yet, and
it feels like they kind of haven't this season. I know,
they had a very good win over the Hurry a
few weeks back on their home turf and in a
super point game, but it feels like they've still kept
something in the tank. They've got a new coach this year,
of course, and John o'gibbson. Maybe they're determined just not
(15:19):
to peak too early, which they perhaps have in other seasons,
and maybe leave a little bit more in reserve for
the closing weeks of the season when by the time
they get to the plaoffs, they haven't hit the straps
that maybe many teams many thought they might have. This season,
the Hurricanes have been allowed to go out in front
and be the pace setters for most of the competition.
(15:39):
But look be wary of the Chiefs because they've shown
they can do it against the Hurricanes this season. You
know they've got some more players coming back in time
for the playoffs, so like Sinnadawa, Leroy Carter perhaps at
any Attenny Nano so Tuto to bolster their back three.
And we saw Damien McKenzie when he gets in the
mood like he did on Friday night, very very dangerous
to stop. But it does feel like they haven't shown
(16:01):
their full hand yet this season and maybe they've taken
some of those lessons of finals that you do need
a little bit more in the tank to roll out
on a cold night in June.
Speaker 2 (16:12):
Indeed, indeed, so which I'm sure we'll have intriguing the
last couple of rounds of regular season Super Rugby and
then into the three week finals series just before we
exit the chamber. Does there have to be some sort
of investigation about the o mission of Jackson Ford from
the New South Wales origin side. He is what second
in the delim standings for goodness sake.
Speaker 5 (16:34):
Yeah, he's playing incredible rugby league at the moment and
for a coach like Laurie Daily, under pressure after losing
the series last year and still.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
Some question marks over his coaching.
Speaker 5 (16:45):
I would have thought that a player with the hot
hand like Jackson Ford would be exactly the kind of
player that he needs. It feels like Queensland's a lot
more comfortable, it seems, with going with those players that
are informed that you know, maybe don't have that sort
of pedigree behind them of multiple seasons under their belt
of quarter. You know, jackson Ford has been a solid
play for a few years now in the Inneral, but
(17:07):
he's taken his game to another stratosphere so far this season.
So I was perplexed by that call. And you know,
in New South Wales that may come back to bite
them if they lose Game one next week. It feels like,
you know, they're probably missing a little bit of, you know,
something like a Jackson Ford in their pack. You've got
a feel for him and to an extent, Wade Egan
as well.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
Though.
Speaker 5 (17:27):
I told to pack a few extra clothes, few pairs
of mondays and their ket as they went over to
Magic Round just in case they were called in. But
unfortunately they're coming back over the Tasman with that extra
luggage still in tow and I think it's a great
shame for jackson Ford. But the good news for the
Warriors that they do have a couple of representatives in there,
and then from a Warrior perspective, you look on the
bright side, they've got them for a Saturday night's game
(17:49):
against US and Georgia La Warre.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Indeed, which I shouldn't be too much of an issue.
I wouldn't imagine, but you just never ever know. It's
Marneed and Kirk Cape well of the two of course,
receiving the nod for the Blues and the Maroons respectively.
Great chatting sport with you in the chamber, Elliott, thanks
for stopping by.
Speaker 4 (18:03):
Absolute please youre Piney Sports Tax senxx.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And that'll do it for Sports Fixed for today. Thank
you for downloading, subscribing and listening in. A fresh episode
will pop into the podcast feed of any Sports Fix
subscribers that around about the same time tomorrow and every
day Monday through Friday. And for more from news talks,
EDB Sport, check out Sports Talk weeknights between seven and
eight and on the weekends weekend Sport midday to three
(18:28):
on Saturday, same time again on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
Leading a vix We've gone just the ticket. It's Sports
Fix powered by News Talks IVV. For more from News
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