On Sports Fix with Jason Pine and Elliott Smith for 2 July 2026, today, the first All Blacks squad was named for their test against France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Wyatt Crockett is a former All Blacks prop and he joined Elliott to discuss the forward pack named for the contest.
Piney shares his thoughts on England's round of 32 clash against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the World Cup.
And Piney and Newstalk ZB Head of Sport Clay Wilson discuss the All Blacks' first squad named for 2026 and the Senegal v Belgium matchup this morning at the Football World Cup.
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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 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into sports That's your daily fix
of sporting goodness on Jason Pine. On Thursday, July second,
the day of the naming of the first all black
squad match day squad that is in the day for
any era, he has named his squad to take on
France under the RUF and christ Church on Saturday. Elliott
(00:42):
Smith is along with some detailed analysis of this during
the Sports Fox podcast Today, Clay Wilson pops into the
chamber to have a chat with me about it. The
latest of sports news coming your way as well, so
let's get into it. In other news, let's get you underway.
Whether look at some of the big sports stories around today.
England have avoided a major upset at the World Cup,
thanks in large parts of captain Harry Kane that've come
(01:04):
from one nil down to beat the Democratic Republic of
Kong go to one. Cain scored both of England's goals
in the seventy fifth and eighty six minutes. Is their
coach Thomas tookle.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
The cap knocking, we cap knocking. We can't be leaving.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Substitutes came on, put the effort in and we wanted well.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Deserved, but we had to work a lot.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
That's how it is. Brilliant.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Coco Golf has refused to give up in a tense
second round battle at Wimbledon. She's come back from seven
to four down to win a ten point match tiebreak
and beat world number fifty six Solana Sierra in three sets.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
I was just thinking about, Okay, I can definitely turn
this around, and I felt like I was having a
lot of chances in the brief opportunities and I just
wasn't quite converting them.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
And black cap see mola. Jacob Duffy is backing his
fitness despite nearly four months out of international cricket. He's
been named in New Zealand's one day squad for a
five match tour of the West Indies after new father
duties kept him out of the Test series in England.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Got a lot of running, got lots of lifting, so
in terms of body work, all that kind of stuff
was a perfect month for that.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
And then obviously got to play a little bit near
the end too, so I've sort of tried to continue
that on this last month.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
X We've got just the ticket. It's SPORTSFX powered by
News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Well, I'm intriguing All Blacks team named by head coach
Dave Rennie for his first Test in charge and the
All Blacks first Test of twenty twenty six. Plenty of
intrigue around some of those selections. To dive a little
bit deeper, especially in the four pack. Is joining us
on sports X White Crockets seventy one test All Black
had a remarkable strike rate of winning as well, ninety
(02:39):
two percent. He joins us on the program now White,
thanks so much of your time.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Great to be on, Thanks very much for having me.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
What did you make of the twenty three names by
Dave Rennie today?
Speaker 6 (02:51):
Yeah, look, I think it looks like a great team.
There's definitely probably not enough crusaders in the lineup with
only I think there's only three in there. But look,
I think they've rewarded some players that have played exceptionally
well over the last few months super and I can't
really argue. Yeah, it looks like a good, really solid team.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Front row.
Speaker 6 (03:17):
They've gone with the tried and tested versus that that
Hurricanes Hurricanes front row that has done so well over
the last few months. So I actually like the fact
that they've gone towards experience for the first test. When
you know the guys have only been to you for
such a short period of time.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
How important is that when you get that short window
and regardless of having a new coaching setup or whatever
it might be, it's still you had ten days, regardless
of who's coaching. How important to just make sure those
those experienced players are still in the right spots.
Speaker 6 (03:46):
Yeah, I think it's really you know, a smart move
from Dave Rennie. Like you know, becoming an All Black
and coming to that environment for the first time, it's
you know, like it it takes a bit of getting
used to and you know it's a different level international
rugby to super rugby. So selecting a group mainly that
(04:09):
have that have played test match rugby, that have you
know that I've experienced that that won't be overalled by
the occasion and and yes it's a new coaching set
up and all the rest of it, but they've they
know what it's like to come together with a whole
bunch of players from other other Super rugby teams know
how to gel and and they've got those combinations from
(04:32):
previous years.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
I think it's a really good call.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
And you know, I'm sure you would have been tempted
to start a couple of the other guys that have
played incredibly well during Super some of the new guys.
But yeah, I think we're rewarding, well sorry looking looking
to have that continuity of guys that have been there
and done it before as a smart move for that
first test.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And I guess you've you know, stuck with the combinations
as well, even with the players that maybe haven't played
that much. You look at onma Numiga and Lomac's poised
to come off the bench or played so much rugby
together for the Hurricanes.
Speaker 6 (05:05):
Yeah, it did right, and you know you see that
in the back line in the nineteen twelve.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
But also that front row combination.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
It's that as important, you know, like understanding you know,
as a as a lucier.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Knowing what the not knowing what your hooker is doing.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
And invice and ex same with the tight head understanding
their combination. Just just subtle things like how the hooker
grips and you know promoting the LuSE head and all those.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Sorts of things. Is it's going to be important.
Speaker 6 (05:34):
If you've done it with a group during the season,
it makes life a lot easier coming to that test
match environment.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
What did you make of the loose for trio LUCKYE
It's sex Luke Jacobson and seven and the captain Nati
Savre at eight.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Was that a surprise?
Speaker 6 (05:50):
Yeah, well, obviously we've seen Lucky at eight quite a bit,
you know, just the way the way it you know,
it looks to me as they've they've selected on having
a group that's that's quick, that's a quick, nimble, loose
wall tree.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Not as much fight as probably what.
Speaker 6 (06:10):
You'd expect, and and what when what we're used to
as an all black loose Ford trio. But I think
that you know, they're probably a clear signal that they're
really going to try and keep this game quick and
and and if if selected accordingly with a with a
loose for trayer, that will big, that will be great
around the park, good dynamic and and good over the.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Ball as well.
Speaker 5 (06:32):
And just finally what what will it's the tit off
the bench as well. You know, he hasn't had a
lot of rugby recently with his with his injury, but
is he the kind of impact that the All Blacks
have been searching for in that last twenty thirty minutes
of a Test match.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
I'm a massive fan of Wallace. I think, you know,
he's just such a dynamic player. But for me, he
stands out as a as a real leader of the future.
And yeah, I think they're selecting on just you know,
just the quality guy that is going to be a
massive part of this team going forward on you know,
I just I think he's such a fantastic player, but
(07:10):
he's also just got that real respect and and call
it be about him that you know, I think, you know,
Dave a little bit and understanding has sort of athos.
I think, you know, someone like Wallace will be, you know,
someone that's really front of mine long term, long term future.
And obviously he's just he's a quality player. Whenever he's
(07:33):
out on the park, he does a great job.
Speaker 5 (07:34):
So yeah, appreciate it's white nice to catch up with
you and get your thoughts on the team. Go well
and have a great weekend to do the Test.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
I can't wait to watch your first Test of the
year's bloody exciting and you know it's a new it's
a new group, new coaching setup, and like all the
rest of New Zealand can't wait to see them go
out there and smash the French.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
This is sports Figs, your daily does of sports news,
towing by News.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Talks England, Good old England, continue and give us storylines
at the Football World Cup, regardless of the year, regardless
of the era it seems, regardless of the opposition. Today
England played their Round of thirty two match, their first
knockout match at the Football World Cup, against the Democratic
(08:25):
Republic of Congo or Doctor Congo as they have become
widely known in the social media space.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Now.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
England was supposed to have absolutely no problems with this game.
They would cruise past the Africans, who are ranked far
far lower than they are on the FEEFA World rankings,
and set themselves up a round of sixteen match, probably
against Mexico. But as per usual with England, things didn't
necessarily go to script. In fact, at the start they
(08:55):
didn't go to script at all, with Brian Sepinga giving
Congo a shock early lead which they held on to
until the seventy fifth minute when things were starting to
get just This is so slightly desperate for the England side, who,
to be fair, had not had a very good game.
In fact, a thirtieth minute header was their first shot
(09:18):
of the game, the longest they've ever waited for an
attempt at goal in a fee for World Cup match
in their history. But Harry Kane scored twice in the
last fifteen minutes to rescue his side, as he has
so often. The first was a header from an Anthony
Gordon cross. The second was an absolute thunderbolt from just
(09:39):
inside the penalty area. He now has thirteen World Cup goals.
Harry Kane and the first England player to score twice
in a knockout match since the legendary Gary Lineken did
that against Cameroon back in nineteen ninety. Let's not beat
around the bush there. The only reason that England are
still in the World Cup, the only reason that coach
(10:01):
Thomas Tukel still has a job is down to one man.
It is down to Harry Kane. He and almost he alone,
has dragged his side into the round of sixteen. He
must be getting a very, very very sore back carrying
his team so very often.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
On the sports podcast Let's pop inside the Chamber, shall
we and discuss a couple of sporting matters, joined by
News Talk Z'B sports editor Clay Wilson. Clay the big
news of the day, but later than we normally get it.
This might be a new thing. We have to sort
of wait till four in the afternoon to get the
all Black team. But it's out to play France christ
Church on Saturday. Anything in particular jump out at you
(10:47):
when it landed.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Well, I guess the big ticket item was that number
ten Jersey, wasn't it but short price favorite or Matt
Maybe not a short price favorite, but you know the
odds on favorite. Ruben Love after his form for the
Hurricanes and how well the Hurricanes play, particularly in that final,
So I don't think that's a huge surprise to see
him get it ahead of Damian McKenzie and Boden Barrett.
But prize comes with mackenzie to see him at fallback
(11:10):
with Will Jordan shuffling to the wing. Now, I certainly
didn't expect that or see that coming, and I don't
think a lot of people would we heard that Will
Jordan earlier in the week was fat. Of course he's
had that calf naggle, but for them to shuffle him
to the wing and bring Damien McKenzie back to fullback.
Of course, Damian McKenzie very accomplished in that position. But
I think most people kind of consider Will Jordan to
(11:31):
be our first choice fallback. But maybe the fact he's
been injured and Mackenzie's experience there is why they've gone
with it. I guess we'll find out in the coming
hours and the next couple of days, but that's certainly
intrigued as well as Luke Jacobson at seven. Wallace a
Titi on the bench, and you know, Luke Jacobson, I
think for a lot of people was someone who was,
you know, a that kind of touch and go to
(11:52):
make the squad full stop, given how stacked the loose
Ford Nicks was. But he's got the NOTO at seven,
Arty Severe at eight. So those are the things that
really kind of jumped out. Definitely a couple of surprises
from Dave Rennie first up.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, and just on the loose Ford trio as well.
Peter Larkeye there at six. I always thought Peter Larkeye
would be in the fifteen, but I never imagine it
will be in the sixth jersey. I know these things
are interchangeable, but Peter Larkey didn't play six at all
for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby season. He played
seven or eight. He came off the bench a couple
of times, and I guess when you shuffle things around,
(12:23):
he might end up on the blind side. But he
never wore the sixth jumper in Super Rugby, which I
thought was interesting. However, I think his form was irresistible.
And Ardie Savia, I think last year said look, actually
it doesn't matter what number we've got on our back.
I thought Larkay and Save would be two of the three.
I'm like you, Clay. I didn't expect Luke Jacobson to
be there. Wallace Satiti off the bench obviously. I feel
(12:44):
like Satiti, savea Larkeye has got a lot to like
about it, maybe a bit little. I'm not calling these
guys small. They're not, but smaller than perhaps some of
the big bodies like a Parker or a Jacobson. And
just back to the fullback one. Do you think this
means that Dave Rennie actually thinks Will Jordan's a wing
or do you think this is just for this test?
Speaker 4 (13:05):
I don't know. I guess we're only going to find
out where time.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I in my personal opinion, Will Jordan is a world
class wing as well as fullback, but I think a
lot of people feel that his best position is fullback. Now,
you know, Damien McKenzie has done a lot at fifteen,
both starting and you know, coming on and playing in
that role as a test match footballer. But it is
going to be an intriguing one to see how that
(13:31):
pans out. I think, you know, Will Jordan at his best,
you want him in the team, right if that means
he's on the wing or at fallback probably, you know,
for a lot of people won't won't really matter. But
when it comes to the pointing end of a world couple,
you know, the big test since at Africa this year,
you know, you do you do want your best players
in their absolute best positions. So that's going to be
(13:51):
a really really interesting one to see how that pans
out of the course of these July tests. But then
moving forward to South Africa and beyond.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Yeah, a couple of potential debutantes off the bench too, Zaga,
Noumea and fa Heir Finianng and all four could debut
for the All Blacks should deboo. Really, it's a twenty
three man game these days on Saturday night under the
roof in Hurricanes fan of course, Yeah, I'm just I'm
just a bit disappointed Billy Proctors on the bench and
not starting. But I think when two pires had a
pretty good season, so he's probably got a he's probably
(14:19):
got a case and Josh Morby's the other one.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Look, we can't have all Hurricanes. Can we play or
can we Well some people were calling for it before that,
before the squad was announced. They had a superb season,
didn't they. But no, look a pretty good team, a
couple of surprises, so plenty of intriguer ahead of Saturday's test.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Just a word on the World Cup. I've already had
my say on England. What about Senegal and Belgium. Senegal
was well, they were basically there. They were tune up,
eighty five minutes gone against Belgium. They'd taken Docu and
de Bruyner off Belgium. So it's almost like the wave
the white flag and said okay, we're not going to
get back into this game. Let's just try and limit
the damage. All of a sudden, bang bang, it's too all.
(14:55):
Then a very controversial penalty and Senegala out. They'll be
wondering what on earth happened?
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Yeah, I mean I was. I was thinking if this
was the All Whites, if we had somehow managed to
get ourselves into the round of thirty two, and that
had and to ask, especially after what happened in the
group stages, you know, giving up a lead like that,
how you would feel as players, how you would feel
as fans supporters like you say, you've got one foot there,
you tune it up, and those games three goals in
that in that space of time just don't tend to happen.
(15:23):
I suppose they got two to fource extra time. What
I'm intrigued about, Pineying, because you're the football expert here,
is was the penalty a penalty, like you say, very
controversial and there was a lot of debate up here
in the Auckland office about that decision. What's your call
is that? Is that is that a penalty? Did did
he did?
Speaker 3 (15:40):
He?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Was?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
He left with no choice?
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Yeah? For me, it's not a penalty and the longer
it takes looking at a VR screen, the less sure
you are. For me, you know, you're looking at it,
and if it takes four minutes, which it did, to
make up your mind, then there's no clear and obvious
answer here, so you stick with your on field decision,
which was no pen. So I just thought the longer
(16:02):
it went, I'm not sure what I thought actually, because
it's very rare that a referee gets caught over to
the VAR screen and doesn't change his mind, And so
I thought, well, and so he's looking, and he's looking,
and he's looking. I didn't think it was a pen.
I think they were hard done by, but Senegal go
home and Belgium go through. I do like the fact
(16:24):
we've got our three host nations through to the round
of sixteen. The USA Bossney again didn't have much to
recommend it, but the US went through, Canada through, Mexico
are through. I feel like tournaments always work better whatever
they are, when the host are still there.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, absolutely it does. It creates a sense of a
bit of a buzz to keep the hosts in it
as long as possible, doesn't it. And you know, when
you look at these hosts, I don't think the three
co hosts, you know, none of them are you know,
red hot favorites are in the top contenders group. But
to see teams, and that's the beauty of the World Cup,
isn't it. Everyone has their kind of expected ceiling. How
far can you push beyond that? You know? I think
(16:59):
you know the US and Canada especially the Round of
sixteen a pretty good result for those teams. Can they
go further?
Speaker 3 (17:05):
You know?
Speaker 4 (17:05):
It keeps that kind of dream dream alive. And for
Neutrals there's there's some intrigues, some interest, and that isn't
there to keep them them in there. And I'll tell
you what that that England Mexico clash and I'm sure
you've you've mentioned it at the Asteca. Man, you couldn't
write a better script. That's going to make a lot
of England fans very very nervous.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
I would have thought if I had had so much
trouble with Dr Congo, imagine going to altitude to play Mexico.
You're being on clay. They are always good chatting sport
in the chamber, Mate, thanks for stopping in pleasure, Piney.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Thanks leading a vex.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
We've got just the ticket it's Sports Fix powered by News.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
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(18:02):
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Speaker 1 (18:04):
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Hello there and welcome into sports That's your daily fix
of sporting goodness on Jason Pine. On Thursday, July second,
the day of the naming of the first all black
squad match day squad that is in the day for
any era, he has named his squad to take on
France under the RUF and christ Church on Saturday. Elliott
(00:42):
Smith is along with some detailed analysis of this during
the Sports Fox podcast Today, Clay Wilson pops into the
chamber to have a chat with me about it. The
latest of sports news coming your way as well, so
let's get into it. In other news, let's get you underway.
Whether look at some of the big sports stories around today.
England have avoided a major upset at the World Cup,
thanks in large parts of captain Harry Kane that've come
(01:04):
from one nil down to beat the Democratic Republic of
Kong go to one. Cain scored both of England's goals
in the seventy fifth and eighty six minutes. Is their
coach Thomas tookle.
Speaker 3 (01:16):
The cap knocking, we cap knocking. We can't be leaving.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Substitutes came on, put the effort in and we wanted well.
Speaker 4 (01:24):
Deserved, but we had to work a lot.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
That's how it is. Brilliant.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Coco Golf has refused to give up in a tense
second round battle at Wimbledon. She's come back from seven
to four down to win a ten point match tiebreak
and beat world number fifty six Solana Sierra in three sets.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
I was just thinking about, Okay, I can definitely turn
this around, and I felt like I was having a
lot of chances in the brief opportunities and I just
wasn't quite converting them.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
And black cap see mola. Jacob Duffy is backing his
fitness despite nearly four months out of international cricket. He's
been named in New Zealand's one day squad for a
five match tour of the West Indies after new father
duties kept him out of the Test series in England.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
Got a lot of running, got lots of lifting, so
in terms of body work, all that kind of stuff
was a perfect month for that.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
And then obviously got to play a little bit near
the end too, so I've sort of tried to continue
that on this last month.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
X We've got just the ticket. It's SPORTSFX powered by
News Talks Ivy.
Speaker 5 (02:18):
Well, I'm intriguing All Blacks team named by head coach
Dave Rennie for his first Test in charge and the
All Blacks first Test of twenty twenty six. Plenty of
intrigue around some of those selections. To dive a little
bit deeper, especially in the four pack. Is joining us
on sports X White Crockets seventy one test All Black
had a remarkable strike rate of winning as well, ninety
(02:39):
two percent. He joins us on the program now White,
thanks so much of your time.
Speaker 3 (02:44):
Great to be on, Thanks very much for having me.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
What did you make of the twenty three names by
Dave Rennie today?
Speaker 6 (02:51):
Yeah, look, I think it looks like a great team.
There's definitely probably not enough crusaders in the lineup with
only I think there's only three in there. But look,
I think they've rewarded some players that have played exceptionally
well over the last few months super and I can't
really argue. Yeah, it looks like a good, really solid team.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Front row.
Speaker 6 (03:17):
They've gone with the tried and tested versus that that
Hurricanes Hurricanes front row that has done so well over
the last few months. So I actually like the fact
that they've gone towards experience for the first test. When
you know the guys have only been to you for
such a short period of time.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
How important is that when you get that short window
and regardless of having a new coaching setup or whatever
it might be, it's still you had ten days, regardless
of who's coaching. How important to just make sure those
those experienced players are still in the right spots.
Speaker 6 (03:46):
Yeah, I think it's really you know, a smart move
from Dave Rennie. Like you know, becoming an All Black
and coming to that environment for the first time, it's
you know, like it it takes a bit of getting
used to and you know it's a different level international
rugby to super rugby. So selecting a group mainly that
(04:09):
have that have played test match rugby, that have you
know that I've experienced that that won't be overalled by
the occasion and and yes it's a new coaching set
up and all the rest of it, but they've they
know what it's like to come together with a whole
bunch of players from other other Super rugby teams know
how to gel and and they've got those combinations from
(04:32):
previous years.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
I think it's a really good call.
Speaker 6 (04:34):
And you know, I'm sure you would have been tempted
to start a couple of the other guys that have
played incredibly well during Super some of the new guys.
But yeah, I think we're rewarding, well sorry looking looking
to have that continuity of guys that have been there
and done it before as a smart move for that
first test.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And I guess you've you know, stuck with the combinations
as well, even with the players that maybe haven't played
that much. You look at onma Numiga and Lomac's poised
to come off the bench or played so much rugby
together for the Hurricanes.
Speaker 6 (05:05):
Yeah, it did right, and you know you see that
in the back line in the nineteen twelve.
Speaker 3 (05:10):
But also that front row combination.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
It's that as important, you know, like understanding you know,
as a as a lucier.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
Knowing what the not knowing what your hooker is doing.
Speaker 6 (05:19):
And invice and ex same with the tight head understanding
their combination. Just just subtle things like how the hooker
grips and you know promoting the LuSE head and all those.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Sorts of things. Is it's going to be important.
Speaker 6 (05:34):
If you've done it with a group during the season,
it makes life a lot easier coming to that test
match environment.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
What did you make of the loose for trio LUCKYE
It's sex Luke Jacobson and seven and the captain Nati
Savre at eight.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Was that a surprise?
Speaker 6 (05:50):
Yeah, well, obviously we've seen Lucky at eight quite a bit,
you know, just the way the way it you know,
it looks to me as they've they've selected on having
a group that's that's quick, that's a quick, nimble, loose
wall tree.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Not as much fight as probably what.
Speaker 6 (06:10):
You'd expect, and and what when what we're used to
as an all black loose Ford trio. But I think
that you know, they're probably a clear signal that they're
really going to try and keep this game quick and
and and if if selected accordingly with a with a
loose for trayer, that will big, that will be great
around the park, good dynamic and and good over the.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Ball as well.
Speaker 5 (06:32):
And just finally what what will it's the tit off
the bench as well. You know, he hasn't had a
lot of rugby recently with his with his injury, but
is he the kind of impact that the All Blacks
have been searching for in that last twenty thirty minutes
of a Test match.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
I'm a massive fan of Wallace. I think, you know,
he's just such a dynamic player. But for me, he
stands out as a as a real leader of the future.
And yeah, I think they're selecting on just you know,
just the quality guy that is going to be a
massive part of this team going forward on you know,
I just I think he's such a fantastic player, but
(07:10):
he's also just got that real respect and and call
it be about him that you know, I think, you know,
Dave a little bit and understanding has sort of athos.
I think, you know, someone like Wallace will be, you know,
someone that's really front of mine long term, long term future.
And obviously he's just he's a quality player. Whenever he's
(07:33):
out on the park, he does a great job.
Speaker 5 (07:34):
So yeah, appreciate it's white nice to catch up with
you and get your thoughts on the team. Go well
and have a great weekend to do the Test.
Speaker 3 (07:43):
Thanks very much.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
I can't wait to watch your first Test of the
year's bloody exciting and you know it's a new it's
a new group, new coaching setup, and like all the
rest of New Zealand can't wait to see them go
out there and smash the French.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
This is sports Figs, your daily does of sports news,
towing by News.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
Talks England, Good old England, continue and give us storylines
at the Football World Cup, regardless of the year, regardless
of the era it seems, regardless of the opposition. Today
England played their Round of thirty two match, their first
knockout match at the Football World Cup, against the Democratic
(08:25):
Republic of Congo or Doctor Congo as they have become
widely known in the social media space.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Now.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
England was supposed to have absolutely no problems with this game.
They would cruise past the Africans, who are ranked far
far lower than they are on the FEEFA World rankings,
and set themselves up a round of sixteen match, probably
against Mexico. But as per usual with England, things didn't
necessarily go to script. In fact, at the start they
(08:55):
didn't go to script at all, with Brian Sepinga giving
Congo a shock early lead which they held on to
until the seventy fifth minute when things were starting to
get just This is so slightly desperate for the England side, who,
to be fair, had not had a very good game.
In fact, a thirtieth minute header was their first shot
(09:18):
of the game, the longest they've ever waited for an
attempt at goal in a fee for World Cup match
in their history. But Harry Kane scored twice in the
last fifteen minutes to rescue his side, as he has
so often. The first was a header from an Anthony
Gordon cross. The second was an absolute thunderbolt from just
(09:39):
inside the penalty area. He now has thirteen World Cup goals.
Harry Kane and the first England player to score twice
in a knockout match since the legendary Gary Lineken did
that against Cameroon back in nineteen ninety. Let's not beat
around the bush there. The only reason that England are
still in the World Cup, the only reason that coach
(10:01):
Thomas Tukel still has a job is down to one man.
It is down to Harry Kane. He and almost he alone,
has dragged his side into the round of sixteen. He
must be getting a very, very very sore back carrying
his team so very often.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
On the sports podcast Let's pop inside the Chamber, shall
we and discuss a couple of sporting matters, joined by
News Talk Z'B sports editor Clay Wilson. Clay the big
news of the day, but later than we normally get it.
This might be a new thing. We have to sort
of wait till four in the afternoon to get the
all Black team. But it's out to play France christ
Church on Saturday. Anything in particular jump out at you
(10:47):
when it landed.
Speaker 4 (10:48):
Well, I guess the big ticket item was that number
ten Jersey, wasn't it but short price favorite or Matt
Maybe not a short price favorite, but you know the
odds on favorite. Ruben Love after his form for the
Hurricanes and how well the Hurricanes play, particularly in that final,
So I don't think that's a huge surprise to see
him get it ahead of Damian McKenzie and Boden Barrett.
But prize comes with mackenzie to see him at fallback
(11:10):
with Will Jordan shuffling to the wing. Now, I certainly
didn't expect that or see that coming, and I don't
think a lot of people would we heard that Will
Jordan earlier in the week was fat. Of course he's
had that calf naggle, but for them to shuffle him
to the wing and bring Damien McKenzie back to fullback.
Of course, Damian McKenzie very accomplished in that position. But
I think most people kind of consider Will Jordan to
(11:31):
be our first choice fallback. But maybe the fact he's
been injured and Mackenzie's experience there is why they've gone
with it. I guess we'll find out in the coming
hours and the next couple of days, but that's certainly
intrigued as well as Luke Jacobson at seven. Wallace a
Titi on the bench, and you know, Luke Jacobson, I
think for a lot of people was someone who was,
you know, a that kind of touch and go to
(11:52):
make the squad full stop, given how stacked the loose
Ford Nicks was. But he's got the NOTO at seven,
Arty Severe at eight. So those are the things that
really kind of jumped out. Definitely a couple of surprises
from Dave Rennie first up.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Yeah, and just on the loose Ford trio as well.
Peter Larkeye there at six. I always thought Peter Larkeye
would be in the fifteen, but I never imagine it
will be in the sixth jersey. I know these things
are interchangeable, but Peter Larkey didn't play six at all
for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby season. He played
seven or eight. He came off the bench a couple
of times, and I guess when you shuffle things around,
(12:23):
he might end up on the blind side. But he
never wore the sixth jumper in Super Rugby, which I
thought was interesting. However, I think his form was irresistible.
And Ardie Savia, I think last year said look, actually
it doesn't matter what number we've got on our back.
I thought Larkay and Save would be two of the three.
I'm like you, Clay. I didn't expect Luke Jacobson to
be there. Wallace Satiti off the bench obviously. I feel
(12:44):
like Satiti, savea Larkeye has got a lot to like
about it, maybe a bit little. I'm not calling these
guys small. They're not, but smaller than perhaps some of
the big bodies like a Parker or a Jacobson. And
just back to the fullback one. Do you think this
means that Dave Rennie actually thinks Will Jordan's a wing
or do you think this is just for this test?
Speaker 4 (13:05):
I don't know. I guess we're only going to find
out where time.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:10):
I in my personal opinion, Will Jordan is a world
class wing as well as fullback, but I think a
lot of people feel that his best position is fullback. Now,
you know, Damien McKenzie has done a lot at fifteen,
both starting and you know, coming on and playing in
that role as a test match footballer. But it is
going to be an intriguing one to see how that
(13:31):
pans out. I think, you know, Will Jordan at his best,
you want him in the team, right if that means
he's on the wing or at fallback probably, you know,
for a lot of people won't won't really matter. But
when it comes to the pointing end of a world couple,
you know, the big test since at Africa this year,
you know, you do you do want your best players
in their absolute best positions. So that's going to be
(13:51):
a really really interesting one to see how that pans
out of the course of these July tests. But then
moving forward to South Africa and beyond.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Yeah, a couple of potential debutantes off the bench too, Zaga,
Noumea and fa Heir Finianng and all four could debut
for the All Blacks should deboo. Really, it's a twenty
three man game these days on Saturday night under the
roof in Hurricanes fan of course, Yeah, I'm just I'm
just a bit disappointed Billy Proctors on the bench and
not starting. But I think when two pires had a
pretty good season, so he's probably got a he's probably
(14:19):
got a case and Josh Morby's the other one.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Look, we can't have all Hurricanes. Can we play or
can we Well some people were calling for it before that,
before the squad was announced. They had a superb season,
didn't they. But no, look a pretty good team, a
couple of surprises, so plenty of intriguer ahead of Saturday's test.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
Just a word on the World Cup. I've already had
my say on England. What about Senegal and Belgium. Senegal
was well, they were basically there. They were tune up,
eighty five minutes gone against Belgium. They'd taken Docu and
de Bruyner off Belgium. So it's almost like the wave
the white flag and said okay, we're not going to
get back into this game. Let's just try and limit
the damage. All of a sudden, bang bang, it's too all.
(14:55):
Then a very controversial penalty and Senegala out. They'll be
wondering what on earth happened?
Speaker 4 (15:01):
Yeah, I mean I was. I was thinking if this
was the All Whites, if we had somehow managed to
get ourselves into the round of thirty two, and that
had and to ask, especially after what happened in the
group stages, you know, giving up a lead like that,
how you would feel as players, how you would feel
as fans supporters like you say, you've got one foot there,
you tune it up, and those games three goals in
that in that space of time just don't tend to happen.
(15:23):
I suppose they got two to fource extra time. What
I'm intrigued about, Pineying, because you're the football expert here,
is was the penalty a penalty, like you say, very
controversial and there was a lot of debate up here
in the Auckland office about that decision. What's your call
is that? Is that is that a penalty? Did did
he did?
Speaker 3 (15:40):
He?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Was?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
He left with no choice?
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Yeah? For me, it's not a penalty and the longer
it takes looking at a VR screen, the less sure
you are. For me, you know, you're looking at it,
and if it takes four minutes, which it did, to
make up your mind, then there's no clear and obvious
answer here, so you stick with your on field decision,
which was no pen. So I just thought the longer
(16:02):
it went, I'm not sure what I thought actually, because
it's very rare that a referee gets caught over to
the VAR screen and doesn't change his mind, And so
I thought, well, and so he's looking, and he's looking,
and he's looking. I didn't think it was a pen.
I think they were hard done by, but Senegal go
home and Belgium go through. I do like the fact
(16:24):
we've got our three host nations through to the round
of sixteen. The USA Bossney again didn't have much to
recommend it, but the US went through, Canada through, Mexico
are through. I feel like tournaments always work better whatever
they are, when the host are still there.
Speaker 4 (16:36):
Yeah, absolutely it does. It creates a sense of a
bit of a buzz to keep the hosts in it
as long as possible, doesn't it. And you know, when
you look at these hosts, I don't think the three
co hosts, you know, none of them are you know,
red hot favorites are in the top contenders group. But
to see teams, and that's the beauty of the World Cup,
isn't it. Everyone has their kind of expected ceiling. How
far can you push beyond that? You know? I think
(16:59):
you know the US and Canada especially the Round of
sixteen a pretty good result for those teams. Can they
go further?
Speaker 3 (17:05):
You know?
Speaker 4 (17:05):
It keeps that kind of dream dream alive. And for
Neutrals there's there's some intrigues, some interest, and that isn't
there to keep them them in there. And I'll tell
you what that that England Mexico clash and I'm sure
you've you've mentioned it at the Asteca. Man, you couldn't
write a better script. That's going to make a lot
of England fans very very nervous.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
I would have thought if I had had so much
trouble with Dr Congo, imagine going to altitude to play Mexico.
You're being on clay. They are always good chatting sport
in the chamber, Mate, thanks for stopping in pleasure, Piney.
Speaker 3 (17:34):
Thanks leading a vex.
Speaker 1 (17:35):
We've got just the ticket it's Sports Fix powered by News.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Talks V and that'll do it for Sports Fix for today.
Thank you for downloading, subscribing, and listening. Subscribers to Sports
Fix will find a fresh episode in your podcast feed
at around but at the same time tomorrow and every weekday.
And for more from News Talks AB Sport, check out
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(18:02):
time on Sunday.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
For more from News Talks EDB, listen live on air
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