August 25, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine for 25th August 2025 - for the first time ever, Argentina have defeated the All Blacks on Argentine soil, with a commanding 29-23 victory in Buenos Aires over the weekend. Argentine Rugby journalist Zuca Conti joined the podcast to discuss how good of a result this is for Argentinian rugby.
Despite the loss, there was still something to celebrate for Codie Taylor, as he brought up his 100th All Blacks test. Piney discusses where he ranks among All Black greats.
Plus, Elijah Fa'afiu joins the peoples chamber to look at the Warriors top 4 chances after finally finding a way to beat the Titans.
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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):
Hi there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast. At
the beginning of another working week, Monday, August twenty five,
We're here in association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's
most trusted home builder. I'm Jason Pine. Good to have
you listening in the fallout continues from the All Blacks
lost to Argentina and Juana series yesterday morning. But I
(00:41):
wanted to get an Argentinian view today on Sportsflex. While
there was a bit of whaling and gnashing of teeth
over this side, the Argentinian rugby fans were luxuriating in
a bit of history. The first time ever they have
watched their team beat the All Blacks on Argentinian soil.
What was that like? ESPN journalist based in Buena s
(01:03):
Airees Zuker Conti is going to join us on the
podcast today. Elijah pops into the chain, but to kick
around some All Blacks topics and the Warriors as well.
I've got some thoughts on the milestone brought up by
Cody Taylor over the weekend and the latest in sports news,
so let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
In other news, let's get underweighted whether a look at
some of the stories making news around the place today.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
The Black Ferns have beaten Spain fifty four to eight
to open their Rugby World Cup title defense in York,
scoring eight ris to one. Captain Alana Bremner says they're
handling still needs a bit of work, though there's definitely
a lot of excitement out there and some of those
passes went sticking, so definitely look to clean those up.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
But first game, we weren't expecting perfection, but you're definitely
looking to tiy up in those areas of be more clinical.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Tommy Fleetwood has won Golf's Tour Championship by three strokes
at eighteen under, and in the process breaking a tour
who doo of six second places, forty four top tens,
and one hundred and sixty three starts without a win
on the PGA Tour.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Tommy Fleetwood dreaks through in the grandest way possible.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
His first career PGA Tour win is good enough to
win the twenty twenty five FedEx cut let it all out.
Sun and Fulham have come from behind to draw one
one with Manchester United and Football's Premier League. They were
down one nill on the hour mark before substitute Emil
smith Row made an instant impact in the seventy third minutes.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
It will be.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Lossiroison, so we close.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
For Philam it might well be his.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
First sixth coming on dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix
with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
History in Buenos Aires yesterday morning, New Zealand time with
Los Pumos beating the All Blacks for the first time
on Argentinian soil. Zuka Conti joins us from ESPN. Whenever
you join us, the Poomas make more history. Zuker. We
spoke before the game. Here we are speaking afterwards. How
is the feeling as you watch the must beat the
(03:08):
All Blacks on home soil for the very first time?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
I made the pleasure Today is for me because it
was an amazing match here in Argentina, A great night
here for our local fans. Finally, finally, the Pumas beat
the All Blacks here in home soil. So we are
delighted with the performance of the team, with the performance
(03:36):
of the fans, so in the in the stands, it
was like a perfect and a dream match for all
the rugby here in Argentina and hopefully hopefully a message
for for the old blocks, for the spring books. This
is the last rugby championship, so and I think that
(03:56):
the Argentinian rugby always speak on the field, and I
hope yesterday it was a strong measure to the spring Box,
to the All Blacks not to cut off the the
tournament and so still playing after twenty twenty six.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Absolutely, I think it's a very very strong message in
one which we all hope is has heard. What were
the main reasons in your eyes, Zuka for the win?
Speaker 4 (04:22):
I think that first of all the contact, the physical battle,
when Argentina it's good in that area. Then the game
expanded differently. I think that in Paramatta was they are
the team in christ so and yesterday I think that
(04:45):
we have a mixed situation. For one side Argentina Argentina
being effective with his game and for the other side
I saw erratic oil Blacks that I never in my
life was really not always with the with the kick
(05:08):
through taking points. I think that in the forty mis tackles.
It's something that we've never sort in the Oil Blocks
I think, for example, in the last twenty twenty thirty years,
so probably Robertson and the coaching stuff stuff has lots
(05:29):
of work trying to understand why the team can make
a good performance and then a performance that I think
it's below the standards of the Oil Blocks.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Argentina have now won three of the last eight tast
matches against the All Blacks. Have one in Parameda that
won twice here in New Zealand. Now that one there
in Argentina as well. Zuka is the All Blacks aura
of invincibility disappearing?
Speaker 4 (05:57):
Now, no, no, no, I don't know. I think that
we have to be humble here in Argentina to speak
about the Oil Blocks because we admired the Oil Blacks
all our history. We we we grew up watching New
Zealand rugby that Super Rugby season, so I remember being
(06:20):
a kid and watching lot more. My favorite players always
are from New Zealand. Andrew Martens, Dan Carter. Now, I
had good relationship with body of Barrett Demil McKenzie. I
used to play as number ten, so I named that
that kind of players. But I think that now it's
(06:44):
it's a different moment Argentina, it's growing. That's that's true
and for me that that's the important thing. The Argentina
ten fifteen years ago was out of your rugby championship.
We used to play the Oil Blacks once in ten years.
(07:05):
So for us it was a kind of possible beating
the All Blacks because we we we do. We don't
play against them. So I think that this is the
best example of if you put the the the teams
in the in the way, in the good position you
(07:25):
give you give me, give them tools to play and grow,
the great the game grows. I think that New Zealand
make a bad decision when they cut off the South
African teams for of the Super Rugby. I missed that
Super Rugby of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand hopefully
(07:49):
Howard is two, but of that fri nations. Of course,
I think that it's a bad decision from spring Box
and New Zealand now putting down the Rugby Championship. I
think that the best decision was is not to put
that the rugby Championship. It's about adding more teams. Fear Japan,
(08:10):
we have to work all together to make the rugby bigger.
And the only way that the rugby get bigger is
most teams battling in the same level, no meeting each
other between four years in the World Cup, and of
course the difference is going to be fifty zero because
(08:32):
the lower teams they can improve a lot in the
four years if they can't play. I think that Argentina
is I would example for that. I respect the All
Blacks and it's always my favorite team I admire. I'm
so happy when the All Blacks come here to Argentina,
the rugby of Argentina. It's like a weeks of festival,
(08:55):
having New Zealand here, eating barbecues, going to the stadiums.
It's it's amazing. So hopefully it's not the last time.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I totally agree. I totally agree, and let's hope that
those who make these decisions are listening to the everyday
rugby person like you, like me, and like many others.
Thanks so much for joining us. That is Suker Conti,
Gentinian based journalist with.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
ESPN Sports tax SENSEX.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
It wasn't the result he would have wanted, but Cody
Taylor still brought up a very special milestone in one
of series. Yesterday morning, the Crusader's hooker became the fourteenth
member of a very exclusive club of men who have
played one hundred test matches for the All Blacks. Interestingly,
Cody Taylor has played alongside all but one of the
other thirteen in the Black Jersey, the exception Mills Mulliaina.
(09:46):
He's clearly learned from them and the many others he's
played with, and he's learned the qualities needed for longevity
in the most special jersey in New Zealand sport. The
most constant themes you hear about Cody Taylor when anybody
talks about him are his work, ethic and just how
much playing rugby means to him, whether it's for Canterbury,
(10:07):
for the Crusaders or for the All Blacks. He epitomizes
what it means to be part of something that is
bigger than you. He has never been bigger than the jersey.
He has never been bigger than the team. He has
never been bigger than the game. But he has enhanced
the jersey, enhanced his teams, and done the game of
(10:28):
rugby proud. He models the way for anyone who joins
the teams that he is a part of. They must
look at Cody Taylor and go right now, I understand
what it means to be an All Black, a crusader
or a Canterbury player. He is a leader in the
sides he is a part of. He hasn't often been
the captain as such, but he's living proof that you
do not need an armband to lead. And when you
(10:51):
think of the great All Blacks hookers, it is a
pretty crowded field. Fellow Tess centurion, Kevin mere Lummel, Sean Fitzpatrick,
Dane Coles who revolutionized the role, Andy Dalton, and others
as well. Cody Taylor absolutely belongs in that conversation.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
This is the Sports Fix podcast, and into the Chamber
we go, the People's Chamber on Monday with Elijah Field,
who has joined me fresh off all weekend of actually
working and covering a lot of the sport that I
want to talk about, which is handy. Elijah. We've heard
today from Zuker Conti in Argentina about the delight over there,
the opposite emotion happening over here, of course, with the
(11:34):
All Blacks rather mediocre performance can we look ahead. What
sort of changes personnel wise do you think Scott Robertson
and co. Might be considering for the first Test against
South Africa.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Well, you talked about the light over in Argentina. It
was probably the most depressing shift I've had over the
weekend following the All Backs performance. But in terms of changes,
I think immediately what comes to mind is that back
three and what needs to be sourceed there, because I
think i'd keep Will Jordan. Yes, well, he doesn't have
a great game, particularly under the H ball, and that
(12:09):
was one of the key areas that the All Blacks
need to work on. But for me, it's the wingers
Riko Yuani and Severye. I'm not the answer for me,
and I'd probably ideally if Caleb Clark is fit, I'd
bring him back on board for the Springbox game, and
I'd give someone like Leroy Carter a run or even
a Morning Nadawa because I don't think Sevu and Rico
(12:29):
are the options right there. And then just I guess
with a couple of the players who have returned from
injury at the weekend, to Mighty Williams and Wallason Citi,
they both came off the bench provide a little bit
of impact when they were on. So hopefully we see
those two guys get the start up against the spring
box and then obviously half back as well, especially with
(12:49):
Cortez Ratima suffering that chest injury, We're not sure how
severe that is. Hopefully fingers crossed cam roy Guard is okay.
I'm sure that will be top of the mind for
Scott Robertson as he returns to the country, just to
see where cam Roy Guard is and his recovery. If
not cam Roy Guard, then it's looking like Finlay Christie
could start with Kyle Preston deputizing. So those are probably
(13:10):
the main changes for me.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Yeah, and look at they're all the ones I've got
written down as well. I want to go back to
that back three because I was a complete disciple of
Will Jordan at fullback, have been ever since. He's basically
played in that fifteen Jersey since Scott Robertson took over
with that. I think he had a couple of tests
on the wing, didn't he. But I was of the
view that if Will Jordan was playing for the All Blacks,
they would be playing at fullback. I've kind of softened
(13:33):
on that view now, given not because of the way
he played, but because of what we need now to
get rid of a vulnerability that people are picking up,
and that's the high ball in our back three. I'd
be bringing Ruben Lovin. That probably sounds like Hurricanes bias,
but he is a very very strong defender under the
high ball, He's fearless, he can run. I would be
(13:54):
putting Will Jordan onto the wing. I'd be bringing Ruben
Loven to fullback, and I'd be finding another answer on
the other wing, and whether that's Nadowa or Carter who's
outside the squad. So that would certainly be a big,
a big move to make. But I think you're right, Elijah,
I just don't see how that back three, or in
particular Ricco Yuwani and Seva Reese can back up what
(14:17):
have really now been a couple of test matches over
there where they haven't really haven't really shown us what
we need to see as all Blacks fans.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
No, And I think in Will Jordan's case, yes he
had a bad game, you say, but that's that's one game.
With Sevu and Rico, it is a pattern that we're
seeing that I guess a pattern of I'd say mediocracy
from those two or at least from what we need
from our wingers. And we talk about all backswingers. Over
the years, we've always had a dynamic winger who's you know,
(14:46):
been a trailblazer in this game. But Joan Olomu, Joe Rokothoko,
Doug Hawleett Rico at one point was that guy Julian Savea.
Right now, we're sort of in a bit of a
period where we don't have that dynamic winger. And maybe
it's someone like a leicesterifyinger Anuku, who's who's playing NPC
at the moment. Maybe it is a le Roy Carter
with his change of speed to change the game, who
(15:07):
can change the games. So right now, Rica and Sevu,
I'm not the answers, and I'm sure Scott Robinson is
hoping to find the answers with the spring box looming.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
I just hope Cam Roygard's fit. Elijah, honestly, I just
think of all of them, I'm just crossing my fingers
he's going to be fit. Yes, there are problems elsewhere,
but look, if we go into the biggest test match,
you know, outside of World Cups for quite some time,
with a half back pairing of Finlay Christi and Cole Preston,
(15:37):
then I think we're certainly not where we need to be.
Look nothing against those two guys, but when the first
Test squad of of the year was picked, they weren't
among the top three halfbacks. Cam royguard I just whatever
you have to do, send him off to Fiji and
put some herbal plants on them, whatever you need.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
To do to get them fit.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Just get them fit and hopefully Cortez rubs aren't as
bad as first fear. Can we go to the NRL.
The Warriors continue to have their top four destiny in
their own hands after they went over the Titans on
the Gold Coast over the weekend. Can we put them
into the top four now? Or are you still? Are
you still going to wait and see?
Speaker 3 (16:14):
No? I think I feel like I've changed my opinion
over the last few weeks. But I think they found
life at the right time of the season. And yes,
they're been fortunate with the way the Panthers have gone
down back to back and golden points actually golden point tries,
which is pretty rare when you think about it. But
the Warriors have taken advantage of that they've done what
they needed to do to get the wins. I don't
(16:35):
want to say that they're secure in the top four,
just with the Broncos and the Sharks lurking behind them.
The two points behind those two teams and they both
have superior points different differentials compared to the Warriors. So
if the Warriors slip up at any point and the
Broncos and Sharks went out, then that could be a
tricky situation for the Warriors. But they did well to
(16:56):
overcome that. Who do against the Titans, So that's a
step in the right direction as well.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
You look at the three teams and you think, on
the face of it, the Warriors have got the friendlier
running of the three, haven't they, Paramatta, even though they
were very good against the Roosters over the weekend in
Auckland on Friday night, they should win that and then
the Sea Eagles. I guess it will still be maybe
scrapping for a place in that top eight, potentially in
the last week, but they're currently down in tenth place.
(17:23):
I look at the Sharks and the Broncos, both of
them have games against some top four sides still to come.
Look at the Broncos. They've got the Cowboys, but then
they welcome the Storm, and we all know how good
the storm are come this time of the season, in fact,
any time of the season. And as far as the
Shark's concerned, they've got the Knights, but in their final
(17:43):
game they've got to visit the Bulldogs or in third place.
So I don't know, I feel like it's definitely in
the Warrior's hands and I just don't see the Broncos
and the Sharks, you know, winning out from here. I
could be very wrong, but it just so, it feels
to me as though the chips are all falling in
place for the Warriors to be in that top four,
which off the back of finishing what thirteenth last year,
(18:05):
most Warriors fans would have bitten your hand off.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
For that for sure. And I guess if we want
to be even more optimistic about the Warriors playoff positioning,
they could easily move into third.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
Well.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I mean, the Bulldogs have been in a bit of
the slump as of late. They've lost three of their
last four. They have a couple more games against the
Panthers and the Sharks, who are both in that top
eight range. So if the Bulldogs lop up and the
Warriors do what they need to do, they could easily
move into the third as well. So yeah, the Warriors
that they're trying to they're finding their stride at the
right point of the season. But yeah, tough game, tricky
(18:36):
games against the Eels and the Seagules, because we know
how harder there's two win in the n I don't.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Know if I want to finish third if it means
playing the Storm and the first week of the playoffs,
although going to camera to play the Raiders is certainly
not an easy task either. Lots lots of excitement to
come over the next couple of weeks before our top
four and our top eight are sorted out.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Well.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
I hope the week's better than the weekend, Elijah, after
you have to read sport all day yesterday with downcast
all Blacks coaches and players. It can only get better
from here. We'll get into the chamber again next Monday,
for sure.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
Thank you, Bony.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, how
and by News Talks AB.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
And that blows the final whistle on the Sports Fix
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And for more from News Talks EDB, Sport and perhaps
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(19:38):
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Speaker 1 (19:44):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Irradio
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):
Hi there and welcome into the Sports Fix podcast. At
the beginning of another working week, Monday, August twenty five,
We're here in association with GJ. Gardner Holmes, New Zealand's
most trusted home builder. I'm Jason Pine. Good to have
you listening in the fallout continues from the All Blacks
lost to Argentina and Juana series yesterday morning. But I
(00:41):
wanted to get an Argentinian view today on Sportsflex. While
there was a bit of whaling and gnashing of teeth
over this side, the Argentinian rugby fans were luxuriating in
a bit of history. The first time ever they have
watched their team beat the All Blacks on Argentinian soil.
What was that like? ESPN journalist based in Buena s
(01:03):
Airees Zuker Conti is going to join us on the
podcast today. Elijah pops into the chain, but to kick
around some All Blacks topics and the Warriors as well.
I've got some thoughts on the milestone brought up by
Cody Taylor over the weekend and the latest in sports news,
so let's get into it.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
In other news, let's get underweighted whether a look at
some of the stories making news around the place today.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
The Black Ferns have beaten Spain fifty four to eight
to open their Rugby World Cup title defense in York,
scoring eight ris to one. Captain Alana Bremner says they're
handling still needs a bit of work, though there's definitely
a lot of excitement out there and some of those
passes went sticking, so definitely look to clean those up.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
But first game, we weren't expecting perfection, but you're definitely
looking to tiy up in those areas of be more clinical.
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Tommy Fleetwood has won Golf's Tour Championship by three strokes
at eighteen under, and in the process breaking a tour
who doo of six second places, forty four top tens,
and one hundred and sixty three starts without a win
on the PGA Tour.
Speaker 1 (02:04):
Tommy Fleetwood dreaks through in the grandest way possible.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
His first career PGA Tour win is good enough to
win the twenty twenty five FedEx cut let it all out.
Sun and Fulham have come from behind to draw one
one with Manchester United and Football's Premier League. They were
down one nill on the hour mark before substitute Emil
smith Row made an instant impact in the seventy third minutes.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
It will be.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Lossiroison, so we close.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
For Philam it might well be his.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
First sixth coming on dissecting the sporting agenda, it's Sportsfix
with Jason Vine.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
History in Buenos Aires yesterday morning, New Zealand time with
Los Pumos beating the All Blacks for the first time
on Argentinian soil. Zuka Conti joins us from ESPN. Whenever
you join us, the Poomas make more history. Zuker. We
spoke before the game. Here we are speaking afterwards. How
is the feeling as you watch the must beat the
(03:08):
All Blacks on home soil for the very first time?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
I made the pleasure Today is for me because it
was an amazing match here in Argentina, A great night
here for our local fans. Finally, finally, the Pumas beat
the All Blacks here in home soil. So we are
delighted with the performance of the team, with the performance
(03:36):
of the fans, so in the in the stands, it
was like a perfect and a dream match for all
the rugby here in Argentina and hopefully hopefully a message
for for the old blocks, for the spring books. This
is the last rugby championship, so and I think that
(03:56):
the Argentinian rugby always speak on the field, and I
hope yesterday it was a strong measure to the spring Box,
to the All Blacks not to cut off the the
tournament and so still playing after twenty twenty six.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Absolutely, I think it's a very very strong message in
one which we all hope is has heard. What were
the main reasons in your eyes, Zuka for the win?
Speaker 4 (04:22):
I think that first of all the contact, the physical battle,
when Argentina it's good in that area. Then the game
expanded differently. I think that in Paramatta was they are
the team in christ so and yesterday I think that
(04:45):
we have a mixed situation. For one side Argentina Argentina
being effective with his game and for the other side
I saw erratic oil Blacks that I never in my
life was really not always with the with the kick
(05:08):
through taking points. I think that in the forty mis tackles.
It's something that we've never sort in the Oil Blocks
I think, for example, in the last twenty twenty thirty years,
so probably Robertson and the coaching stuff stuff has lots
(05:29):
of work trying to understand why the team can make
a good performance and then a performance that I think
it's below the standards of the Oil Blocks.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Argentina have now won three of the last eight tast
matches against the All Blacks. Have one in Parameda that
won twice here in New Zealand. Now that one there
in Argentina as well. Zuka is the All Blacks aura
of invincibility disappearing?
Speaker 4 (05:57):
Now, no, no, no, I don't know. I think that
we have to be humble here in Argentina to speak
about the Oil Blocks because we admired the Oil Blacks
all our history. We we we grew up watching New
Zealand rugby that Super Rugby season, so I remember being
(06:20):
a kid and watching lot more. My favorite players always
are from New Zealand. Andrew Martens, Dan Carter. Now, I
had good relationship with body of Barrett Demil McKenzie. I
used to play as number ten, so I named that
that kind of players. But I think that now it's
(06:44):
it's a different moment Argentina, it's growing. That's that's true
and for me that that's the important thing. The Argentina
ten fifteen years ago was out of your rugby championship.
We used to play the Oil Blacks once in ten years.
(07:05):
So for us it was a kind of possible beating
the All Blacks because we we we do. We don't
play against them. So I think that this is the
best example of if you put the the the teams
in the in the way, in the good position you
(07:25):
give you give me, give them tools to play and grow,
the great the game grows. I think that New Zealand
make a bad decision when they cut off the South
African teams for of the Super Rugby. I missed that
Super Rugby of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand hopefully
(07:49):
Howard is two, but of that fri nations. Of course,
I think that it's a bad decision from spring Box
and New Zealand now putting down the Rugby Championship. I
think that the best decision was is not to put
that the rugby Championship. It's about adding more teams. Fear Japan,
(08:10):
we have to work all together to make the rugby bigger.
And the only way that the rugby get bigger is
most teams battling in the same level, no meeting each
other between four years in the World Cup, and of
course the difference is going to be fifty zero because
(08:32):
the lower teams they can improve a lot in the
four years if they can't play. I think that Argentina
is I would example for that. I respect the All
Blacks and it's always my favorite team I admire. I'm
so happy when the All Blacks come here to Argentina,
the rugby of Argentina. It's like a weeks of festival,
(08:55):
having New Zealand here, eating barbecues, going to the stadiums.
It's it's amazing. So hopefully it's not the last time.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I totally agree. I totally agree, and let's hope that
those who make these decisions are listening to the everyday
rugby person like you, like me, and like many others.
Thanks so much for joining us. That is Suker Conti,
Gentinian based journalist with.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
ESPN Sports tax SENSEX.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
It wasn't the result he would have wanted, but Cody
Taylor still brought up a very special milestone in one
of series. Yesterday morning, the Crusader's hooker became the fourteenth
member of a very exclusive club of men who have
played one hundred test matches for the All Blacks. Interestingly,
Cody Taylor has played alongside all but one of the
other thirteen in the Black Jersey, the exception Mills Mulliaina.
(09:46):
He's clearly learned from them and the many others he's
played with, and he's learned the qualities needed for longevity
in the most special jersey in New Zealand sport. The
most constant themes you hear about Cody Taylor when anybody
talks about him are his work, ethic and just how
much playing rugby means to him, whether it's for Canterbury,
(10:07):
for the Crusaders or for the All Blacks. He epitomizes
what it means to be part of something that is
bigger than you. He has never been bigger than the jersey.
He has never been bigger than the team. He has
never been bigger than the game. But he has enhanced
the jersey, enhanced his teams, and done the game of
(10:28):
rugby proud. He models the way for anyone who joins
the teams that he is a part of. They must
look at Cody Taylor and go right now, I understand
what it means to be an All Black, a crusader
or a Canterbury player. He is a leader in the
sides he is a part of. He hasn't often been
the captain as such, but he's living proof that you
do not need an armband to lead. And when you
(10:51):
think of the great All Blacks hookers, it is a
pretty crowded field. Fellow Tess centurion, Kevin mere Lummel, Sean Fitzpatrick,
Dane Coles who revolutionized the role, Andy Dalton, and others
as well. Cody Taylor absolutely belongs in that conversation.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
Is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
This is the Sports Fix podcast, and into the Chamber
we go, the People's Chamber on Monday with Elijah Field,
who has joined me fresh off all weekend of actually
working and covering a lot of the sport that I
want to talk about, which is handy. Elijah. We've heard
today from Zuker Conti in Argentina about the delight over there,
the opposite emotion happening over here, of course, with the
(11:34):
All Blacks rather mediocre performance can we look ahead. What
sort of changes personnel wise do you think Scott Robertson
and co. Might be considering for the first Test against
South Africa.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
Well, you talked about the light over in Argentina. It
was probably the most depressing shift I've had over the
weekend following the All Backs performance. But in terms of changes,
I think immediately what comes to mind is that back
three and what needs to be sourceed there, because I
think i'd keep Will Jordan. Yes, well, he doesn't have
a great game, particularly under the H ball, and that
(12:09):
was one of the key areas that the All Blacks
need to work on. But for me, it's the wingers
Riko Yuani and Severye. I'm not the answer for me,
and I'd probably ideally if Caleb Clark is fit, I'd
bring him back on board for the Springbox game, and
I'd give someone like Leroy Carter a run or even
a Morning Nadawa because I don't think Sevu and Rico
(12:29):
are the options right there. And then just I guess
with a couple of the players who have returned from
injury at the weekend, to Mighty Williams and Wallason Citi,
they both came off the bench provide a little bit
of impact when they were on. So hopefully we see
those two guys get the start up against the spring
box and then obviously half back as well, especially with
(12:49):
Cortez Ratima suffering that chest injury, We're not sure how
severe that is. Hopefully fingers crossed cam roy Guard is okay.
I'm sure that will be top of the mind for
Scott Robertson as he returns to the country, just to
see where cam Roy Guard is and his recovery. If
not cam Roy Guard, then it's looking like Finlay Christie
could start with Kyle Preston deputizing. So those are probably
(13:10):
the main changes for me.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Yeah, and look at they're all the ones I've got
written down as well. I want to go back to
that back three because I was a complete disciple of
Will Jordan at fullback, have been ever since. He's basically
played in that fifteen Jersey since Scott Robertson took over
with that. I think he had a couple of tests
on the wing, didn't he. But I was of the
view that if Will Jordan was playing for the All Blacks,
they would be playing at fullback. I've kind of softened
(13:33):
on that view now, given not because of the way
he played, but because of what we need now to
get rid of a vulnerability that people are picking up,
and that's the high ball in our back three. I'd
be bringing Ruben Lovin. That probably sounds like Hurricanes bias,
but he is a very very strong defender under the
high ball, He's fearless, he can run. I would be
(13:54):
putting Will Jordan onto the wing. I'd be bringing Ruben
Loven to fullback, and I'd be finding another answer on
the other wing, and whether that's Nadowa or Carter who's
outside the squad. So that would certainly be a big,
a big move to make. But I think you're right, Elijah,
I just don't see how that back three, or in
particular Ricco Yuwani and Seva Reese can back up what
(14:17):
have really now been a couple of test matches over
there where they haven't really haven't really shown us what
we need to see as all Blacks fans.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
No, And I think in Will Jordan's case, yes he
had a bad game, you say, but that's that's one game.
With Sevu and Rico, it is a pattern that we're
seeing that I guess a pattern of I'd say mediocracy
from those two or at least from what we need
from our wingers. And we talk about all backswingers. Over
the years, we've always had a dynamic winger who's you know,
(14:46):
been a trailblazer in this game. But Joan Olomu, Joe Rokothoko,
Doug Hawleett Rico at one point was that guy Julian Savea.
Right now, we're sort of in a bit of a
period where we don't have that dynamic winger. And maybe
it's someone like a leicesterifyinger Anuku, who's who's playing NPC
at the moment. Maybe it is a le Roy Carter
with his change of speed to change the game, who
(15:07):
can change the games. So right now, Rica and Sevu,
I'm not the answers, and I'm sure Scott Robinson is
hoping to find the answers with the spring box looming.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
I just hope Cam Roygard's fit. Elijah, honestly, I just
think of all of them, I'm just crossing my fingers
he's going to be fit. Yes, there are problems elsewhere,
but look, if we go into the biggest test match,
you know, outside of World Cups for quite some time,
with a half back pairing of Finlay Christi and Cole Preston,
(15:37):
then I think we're certainly not where we need to be.
Look nothing against those two guys, but when the first
Test squad of of the year was picked, they weren't
among the top three halfbacks. Cam royguard I just whatever
you have to do, send him off to Fiji and
put some herbal plants on them, whatever you need.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
To do to get them fit.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Just get them fit and hopefully Cortez rubs aren't as
bad as first fear. Can we go to the NRL.
The Warriors continue to have their top four destiny in
their own hands after they went over the Titans on
the Gold Coast over the weekend. Can we put them
into the top four now? Or are you still? Are
you still going to wait and see?
Speaker 3 (16:14):
No? I think I feel like I've changed my opinion
over the last few weeks. But I think they found
life at the right time of the season. And yes,
they're been fortunate with the way the Panthers have gone
down back to back and golden points actually golden point tries,
which is pretty rare when you think about it. But
the Warriors have taken advantage of that they've done what
they needed to do to get the wins. I don't
(16:35):
want to say that they're secure in the top four,
just with the Broncos and the Sharks lurking behind them.
The two points behind those two teams and they both
have superior points different differentials compared to the Warriors. So
if the Warriors slip up at any point and the
Broncos and Sharks went out, then that could be a
tricky situation for the Warriors. But they did well to
(16:56):
overcome that. Who do against the Titans, So that's a
step in the right direction as well.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
You look at the three teams and you think, on
the face of it, the Warriors have got the friendlier
running of the three, haven't they, Paramatta, even though they
were very good against the Roosters over the weekend in
Auckland on Friday night, they should win that and then
the Sea Eagles. I guess it will still be maybe
scrapping for a place in that top eight, potentially in
the last week, but they're currently down in tenth place.
(17:23):
I look at the Sharks and the Broncos, both of
them have games against some top four sides still to come.
Look at the Broncos. They've got the Cowboys, but then
they welcome the Storm, and we all know how good
the storm are come this time of the season, in fact,
any time of the season. And as far as the
Shark's concerned, they've got the Knights, but in their final
(17:43):
game they've got to visit the Bulldogs or in third place.
So I don't know, I feel like it's definitely in
the Warrior's hands and I just don't see the Broncos
and the Sharks, you know, winning out from here. I
could be very wrong, but it just so, it feels
to me as though the chips are all falling in
place for the Warriors to be in that top four,
which off the back of finishing what thirteenth last year,
(18:05):
most Warriors fans would have bitten your hand off.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
For that for sure. And I guess if we want
to be even more optimistic about the Warriors playoff positioning,
they could easily move into third.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
Well.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I mean, the Bulldogs have been in a bit of
the slump as of late. They've lost three of their
last four. They have a couple more games against the
Panthers and the Sharks, who are both in that top
eight range. So if the Bulldogs lop up and the
Warriors do what they need to do, they could easily
move into the third as well. So yeah, the Warriors
that they're trying to they're finding their stride at the
right point of the season. But yeah, tough game, tricky
(18:36):
games against the Eels and the Seagules, because we know
how harder there's two win in the n I don't.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
Know if I want to finish third if it means
playing the Storm and the first week of the playoffs,
although going to camera to play the Raiders is certainly
not an easy task either. Lots lots of excitement to
come over the next couple of weeks before our top
four and our top eight are sorted out.
Speaker 4 (18:55):
Well.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
I hope the week's better than the weekend, Elijah, after
you have to read sport all day yesterday with downcast
all Blacks coaches and players. It can only get better
from here. We'll get into the chamber again next Monday,
for sure.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
Thank you, Bony.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news, how
and by News Talks AB.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
And that blows the final whistle on the Sports Fix
podcast for today. Thank you so much for downloading and
listening and in particular thanks to you if you are
a subscriber to Sports Fix. If you are, you'll know
by now that a fresh episode will appear in your
feed at around the same time tomorrow afternoon and every weekday.
And for more from News Talks EDB, Sport and perhaps
a more interactive fashion, check out Sports Talk weeknights between
(19:38):
seven and eight and on the weekends weekend Sport midday
till three Saturday and Sunday.
Speaker 1 (19:44):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
or online, and keep our shows with you wherever you
go with our podcasts on Irradio
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